The characters in Naruto do not belong to me, only the plot of this story is mine.
English is not my first language.
The night air was thick with the scent of incense and veiled promises as Shisui and Kakashi approached the brothel's ornate façade. Paper lanterns swayed gently in the breeze, casting dancing shadows on the dark wooden walls carved with intricate patterns of flowers and dragons.
Uchiha Shisui couldn't help but notice the contrast between the establishment's lush appearance and the palpable tension emanating from his silver-haired companion. Kakashi-dono, normally so laid-back, now stood rigid, his eyes constantly scanning his surroundings.
"A brothel?" Shisui murmured, his voice a mix of disbelief and resignation. "Indeed, Kakashi-dono, you do not disappoint."
The older alpha gave the prince a puzzled look before responding with a barely perceptible shrug. "Sometimes, Shisui-denka, the most valuable secrets are whispered between silk sheets."
As they approached the entrance, the guard came into view. The alpha was dressed in a simple kimono, half of his face covered in bandages, and his calloused hand rested casually on the hilt of a katana that looked as if it had tasted blood more times than anyone cared to count.
Kakashi approached with a familiarity that made Shisui wonder how many times the heir of Sakumo-kakka had frequented this establishment. "Good evening, Zabuza-san," he greeted the guard. "I hope your evening is... profitable."
The man named Zabuza grunted in response, his piercing eyes scrutinizing Shisui with barely concealed interest. "Kakashi-dono," he replied, his voice rough as crushed stone. "I did not know you were bringing royalty into our humble home today."
How did this man know who he was? The prince was dressed like a simple merchant, with no hint of his royal lineage.
Kakashi laughed softly, the sound oddly strained. "The eyes see what they want to see, my prince. Is Hoshigaki-san expecting us?"
Hearing the name of his uncle Madara's informant, Shisui felt the weight of the situation fall upon his shoulders.
Zabuza nodded slowly, his eyes never leaving Shisui's face. "Third floor."
With a final nod, Kakashi led Shisui into the brothel. The interior was a maze of vibrant colors, muffled laughter, and furtive glances. Silk curtains separated small alcoves where shadowy figures whispered secrets and promises.
A beta approached them; she would guide them to the floor Zabuza had mentioned. He hadn't been surprised to see the familiarity with which Kakashi-dono treated her, for Shisui knew that he was a regular customer of the brothel when he came to the Fire Capital.
Reaching the third floor, the hallway stretched out before them, lit by red lanterns that cast an alluring glow over the dark wood paneling. There were also obscene Ukiyo-e paintings that would make a maiden faint with shame.
"Hoshigaki-san awaits you," she said upon reaching their destination, then bowed and stepped aside to give them the privacy they desired.
The door slid silently open, revealing a spacious room. The scent of incense mingled with the beautiful melody of the koto, which an omega Oiran played to entertain the guest.
In the center of the room, reclining on luxurious cushions on the tatami floor, was Kisame Hoshigaki—his uncle Madara's informant.
The sight of Kisame was disturbing, to say the least. His bluish skin glowed in the soft light of the paper lanterns, giving him an almost otherworldly appearance. When he smiled, revealing rows of razor-sharp teeth, Shisui had to suppress the urge to flinch.
"Your Highness," Kisame's voice was a mix of feigned respect and barely concealed mockery.
The prince chose to ignore the tone, keeping his expression carefully neutral.
"Kenshi-san," Shisui replied coolly, before turning his attention to the Oiran. His voice softened slightly as he addressed the musician. "Leave."
The omega rose gracefully, her koto cradled in her delicate arms. She bowed awkwardly, her eyes lowered in respect. As she left, Kisame reached out, giving her a cheeky slap that echoed through the room.
Disgust twisted Shisui's aristocratic features. "Rude," he muttered, barely containing his revulsion.
Kisame's laughter reverberated off the walls, a disturbing cacophony that made the prince shudder inwardly. "My prince looks like he's never slept with a whore," the swordsman teased, his eyes glinting with mischief.
Before Shisui could retort, Kakashi intervened, his voice calm but charged with authority. "Hoshigaki-san, we have important matters to discuss."
Kisame's smile didn't waver, but something in his eyes changed, a shadow of seriousness passing through them. "I've ordered the best wine in the house for Your Highness," he said, turning to Shisui. "I don't need to tell you to feel at ease, do I, my prince?"
Shisui fought the urge to roll his eyes. Instead, he settled gracefully onto the tatami floor, his movements fluid and controlled, a silent display of his noble lineage. Kakashi took his place beside the prince, his presence a comforting anchor amidst the rising tension.
"How have you not died with that personality yet?" the question escaped Shisui's lips before he could stop it, a rare flash of his frustration breaking through his composed facade.
"So, Your Highness offends me," Kisame replied, feigning hurt, though his smile only widened.
"Honestly, I'd rather not know," Shisui sighed, feeling the weight of his decision to come in his cousin's place.
The prince couldn't help but think of Itachi. His cousin had a gift for dealing with difficult personalities like Kisame's. In fact, there was even a reluctant friendship between the two—something Shisui found hard to comprehend.
The silence fell over the room like a heavy blanket, broken only by the soft sound of sake being poured. Shisui watched the amber liquid flow into the porcelain cup, reflecting the light from the lanterns like liquid jewels.
Shisui picked up his own cup, but did not drink. His eyes, dark and piercing, fixed on Kisame. "Let's get down to business, Hoshigaki-san. Time is precious, and I fear your… hospitality… may distract us from more pressing matters."
A flicker of something—respect, perhaps?—passed through Kisame's eyes. "As you wish, my prince. But let me tell you, you are much more… direct than your cousin. Itachi-denka has always appreciated a good play on words before we delve into the turbulent waters of politics."
Shisui allowed himself a small smile, though his eyes remained cold. "Itachi and I have our differences. Now, about the information my uncle requested..."
Kakashi-dono took a sip of sake, "So, what did you find out?"