Chapter 21- You're the Glitter in the Darkness of My World
Shanan's eyes fluttered open, and she was met with the concerned faces of Kakashi and Guy. Kakashi was kneeling in front of her, his hands grasping her shoulders as if to steady her.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
Beside her, Lee was also stirring, Guy kneeling in front of him with a similar expression of concern.
Shanan's gaze drifted to Lee, and she saw her own confusion reflected back at her. What were they doing in the arena? She tried to remember, but her mind felt foggy and disjointed. Lee looked just as bewildered, his eyes scanning their surroundings as if searching for clues. And then, like a door creaking open, memories began to flood back.
"Oh yeah, the genjutsu!" Shanan exclaimed. "What the hell happened?"
Kakashi's expression turned somber. Guy's face mirrored his, their usual calm and collected demeanor giving way to a sense of gravity.
Shanan's brow furrowed, her eyes darting between Kakashi and Guy as a sense of unease settled in. Lee's face reflected her concern, his eyes narrowing slightly as he leaned forward.
"Well…" Guy said. "There was an attack."
Shanan's eyes snapped back to his, her mind racing with worst-case scenarios. "Where's Naruto and Sasuke?" she asked.
"It's alright, Shanan." Kakashi's expression softened slightly. "They went after Gaara and his siblings, but they're fine." The tension in her shoulders eased, but Kakashi's next words wiped away any sense of relief. He and Guy exchanged a weighted glance before turning back to Shanan and Lee. "But Lord Third has fallen to Orochimaru."
Lee's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with connections. "Orochimaru is the one who cursed Sasuke, right?"
Shanan and Kakashi both nodded in unison, their faces grave.
Kakashi stood up, his movements swift and decisive. "We should go."
"Lee, I'll help you back to the hospital," Guy said following Kakashi's lead.
"I'll help you home, Shanan," Kakashi said, offering Shanan his hand and helping her to her feet. "Naruto and Sasuke should be joining you soon."
She nodded, still looking a bit dazed, and Kakashi kept a supportive arm around her shoulders.
With Guy supporting Lee on the other side, the group began to make their way out of the arena, leaving the tragic news and its implications to be processed in the days to come…
The somber funeral procession wound its way through the village, the sound of rustling leaves, muffled sobs, and raindrops hitting the umbrellas filling the air. Shanan's feet sank into the damp earth as she walked, the chill of the summer rain seeping into her bones.
The scent of wet soil and incense hung heavy over the mourners, a poignant reminder of the life they had lost. As she gazed out at the sea of black-clad figures, Shanan felt the weight of Lord Hokage's impact on their lives.
She and the boys stood alongside Guy, Neji, and Lee, amidst the crowd of mourners. Kakashi's absence worried her, but he appeared just as the ceremony began, his eyes red-rimmed from unshed tears. He stood behind them, a silent presence, his gaze fixed on some point beyond the ceremony. The rain poured down, mirroring the sorrow that filled the air, as if the heavens themselves were mourning the loss of a great leader.
Tears flowed freely as friends and comrades bid farewell to Lord Hokage. Sasuke wrapped a comforting arm around Shanan, holding her close as she squeezed his hand. Naruto stood on her other side, his eyes brimming with tears, his face a picture of sorrow. Together, they endured the heart-wrenching ceremony until it was time to lay their flowers on the casket. Shanan placed a white chrysanthemum, its petals delicate and pure, on the casket, her eyes welling up with tears. Sasuke and Naruto followed suit, their faces somber as they paid their respects.
This was the harsh reality of a shinobi's life – a life Lord Third Hokage had lived longer than most. His passing left a void that would be deeply felt by all who knew him.
The next day, the village began the arduous process of rebuilding and recovery. The destruction wrought by the attack was evident everywhere, and the villagers worked tirelessly to restore their home.
Shanan and Sasuke, however, spent the day recuperating at home, their bodies and minds still reeling from the events of the previous days. And Shanan, in particular, was scheduled for a thorough examination and potential procedure to address her persistent headaches, which continued to plague her with uncertainty.
Though her health concerns still lingered, she relegated them to the backburner as she worried about her friends and teammates. She was determined to support those around her, even if it meant neglecting her own well-being. With everything that was happening, she couldn't afford to be selfish.
Though Sasuke had been eager to spend the day with her, his gaze now drifted blankly into space, his mind consumed by the dark currents of frustration and self-doubt.
Despite being proud of Naruto's growth, he couldn't shake the feeling of being outdone by him during their fight with Gaara, which had unfolded while the others slept under the genjutsu's grasp. He'd tried to take the lead and protect his teammates, but Gaara's strange abilities and unhinged demeanor proved too much for him. Even when he'd inadvertently unleashed the curse mark by pushing himself beyond his limits, he couldn't gain the upper hand.
In the end it was Naruto's toad summon, his determination, and his strength that had saved the day. Naruto was continuously surpassing him, leaving him feeling helpless and inadequate.
At this rate, he'd never be able to protect anyone from the Itachis of the world…
Shanan had tried to reassure him, but she knew Sasuke's tendency to be overly critical of himself. Both boys were their own worst critics, and she worried about the toll it took on their mental well-being.
"Would you like me to run my fingers through your hair?" she asked, her voice gentle. "Come lie next to me. We can talk or just be quiet, whichever you prefer." She smiled softly, inviting him to join her.
He didn't realize how tense his expression had been until she spoke and his face relaxed. He met her gaze as he rose and settled beside her.
Their eyes met again and it took all he had not to burst into tears and sob into her. Even if she was the first person to understand and the best person to help him feel better. He couldn't keep doing that to her and making her worry. So instead, he closed his eyes, easily picturing her face in front of him and shielding his feelings from her. Which was much easier with her constant headaches. And as she stroked his hair, he felt his tension melt away.
His mind had been a jumble of emotions lately, the curse mark amplifying his darker, self-deprecating thoughts. But in her presence, his worries dissipated. Her calming touch and energy enveloped him, and he felt at peace.
As the comforting wave washed over him, easing his mind and soothing his soul, he opened his eyes to find her gentle gaze locked on his. Her eyes, though tired and pain-etched, shone with a deep concern that made his heart swell. In that moment, something shifted inside him. He felt the weight of his unspoken feelings, the longing he'd harbored for so long. What was holding him back, really? The fear of being too young? It seemed laughable now. His love for her eclipsed all doubts, all fears. He knew, with a certainty that shook him to his core, that he wanted to spend his life making her happy.
With a newfound sense of resolve, he leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. "Shanan, I don't wanna waste another moment without you by my side. I love you. I wanna be your best friend and do everything together with you for the rest of my life. Is that alright?"
Her hands stilled in his hair as she beamed back at him, her eyes shining with happiness. "You want me to be your girlfriend?" she whispered.
"Yeah," he said. "I just wanna be with you already."
She smiled and nodded gently, her face radiant with joy, and placed her hand on his face, caressing his cheek.
In that moment, she knew she just wanted to make him happy, to see him smile and be the one he turned to for comfort. She wanted to be the one he could always count on to make his life a little brighter.
Sasuke's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, clearly pleased with her response. He turned his head, his lips brushing against the palm of her hand in a gentle, tender kiss. "I know I haven't been myself lately..." His voice trailed off, but his eyes spoke volumes. "But just knowing you're really mine now makes everything better." He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth of her touch, his chest rising and falling with a deep, contented sigh.
He'd known within days of meeting her that he loved her, and despite the attention he'd received from other girls, he'd waited patiently for Shanan to reveal her feelings. But the more he thought about it, the more he realized she'd always shown him her love in her own way - through her kindness, her compassion, and her unwavering support.
And even now, when he felt like the worst version of himself, she still wanted him - not in spite of his flaws, but because of who he truly was. She accepted him unconditionally, without judgment or expectation. That knowledge filled him with a sense of contentment, a feeling that he was home, that he was exactly where he was meant to be.
Shanan's heart overflowed with emotion as she watched him relax, reminiscent of the first time she'd pulled him from the depths of his darkness. She felt grateful to be the one he loved, the one he trusted. She gently stroked his hair, her touch soothing and calming. He certainly hadn't been himself lately, but she trusted that they'd get through this together and come out stronger on the other side.
Meanwhile, in the village, a menacing presence emerged. Itachi and his Akatsuki partner, Kisame, arrived in search of Naruto.
In response, Kakashi, Asuma, and Lady Kurenai sprang into action to confront them. Kakashi, aware of Itachi's exceptional strength, warned his teammates to be cautious.
As the battle intensified, Kakashi advised Asuma and Kurenai to close their eyes, knowing that Itachi's genjutsu was a powerful tool. However, despite his own experience with the Sharingan, Kakashi found himself caught in Itachi's Tsukuyomi genjutsu. The genjutsu took effect in the blink of an eye, manipulating Kakashi's perception of time. One moment, he was standing tall, his eyes locked on Itachi's; the next, he was crumpling to the ground, his body exhausted and his mind reeling.
The transition was so seamless, so instantaneous, that it caught his teammates off guard. Asuma and Kurenai, their eyes still closed, didn't even realize what had happened until they heard Kakashi's body hit the surface of the water they were standing on.
Just as the situation seemed dire, Guy Sensei appeared, his timely arrival turning the tide. With his characteristic enthusiasm, Guy took charge, instructing Asuma and Kurenai to focus on the opponents' feet to anticipate their moves.
As the Akatsuki duo retreated, the Jonin quickly rallied to carry their fallen comrade, Kakashi, to safety. Though the village was safe for the moment, the encounter had left its mark, particularly on Kakashi.
In a quiet corner of the village, Naruto enjoyed a peaceful lunch when Jiraiya appeared, his eyes twinkling with a hint of seriousness. "Naruto, I'm taking on a new role - your Sensei," he announced. Naruto's eyes widened with excitement as he listened intently to Jiraiya's words. Though shrouded in mystery, Jiraiya's statement hinted at a new chapter in Naruto's life, one filled with challenges and opportunities.
Their first mission together was to find an old friend of Jiraiya's, a potential candidate to fill the vacant Hokage position. The recent attack had left the village reeling, but Jiraiya's presence brought a sense of hope. Perhaps, with time, things would return to normal, and the village would once again be at peace.
Naruto returned home to share news of his mission with Jiraiya, but found Shanan and Sasuke fast asleep. Her head rested on his chest, while his face was buried in her hair, savoring her closeness. Normally, Naruto would tease them mercilessly, but considering their recent health struggles, he let them be. Instead, he opted to write a note, knowing he wouldn't be away for long.
At his apartment, he packed his belongings and penned a heartfelt message. His excitement about his recent learning journey and the promise of a new, powerful jutsu overshadowed any sadness about leaving. He couldn't wait to master something amazing.
Returning to Shanan's, he left his note on the night stand and slipped out, eager to begin his adventure with Jiraiya.
The next morning, Sasuke woke up feeling rejuvenated, the restful sleep having worked wonders on his weary body. As he lay there, he couldn't help but gaze at Shanan, who slept peacefully against him. A soft smile spread across his face as he thought about how she was finally his girlfriend. Despite the curse mark that just yesterday had seemed like an insurmountable obstacle, everything felt right, and his heart swelled with happiness. The girl he had loved for so long was finally his.
As he watched her, his eyes began to prickle with tears, and he felt a lump form in his throat. He reached out a hand, gently caressing her cheek. The soft touch stirred her from her slumber, and she opened her eyes to find him gazing at her with a tender expression.
"Good morning, Shanan," he whispered. "Did you sleep alright?"
Her face lit up with a bright smile as she wrapped her arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. "I slept amazing!" she exclaimed.
Sasuke's arms enveloped her, holding her close as he pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head. "Good," he whispered. "Me too." His eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "Do you remember our dream last night?"
Her smile was immediate, and she nodded. "Yeah..."
"Your dress was beautiful," he said smiling, "but not as beautiful as you."
Her cheeks flushed with a delicate blush, and she looked up at him with sparkling eyes. "Oh, well..." she teased, "Grown-up you looks really handsome in a suit!" She reached out, poking his nose with a gentle finger.
He rolled his eyes good-naturedly, a smile still playing on his lips. "Hopefully not too grown-up. I wanna marry you as soon as I'm old enough."
"That sounds perfect to me," she whispered. Her smile softened, and she gazed at Sasuke with eyes full of love and adoration.
"Good. Then we agree," he whispered. "I'm really looking forward to spending the rest of my life with you, Shanan." As they basked in the warmth of their newfound commitment, Sasuke's thoughts turned to more mundane but no less enjoyable matters. "I wanna make you breakfast," he said. "Are you hungry?"
"We fell asleep so early yesterday," she said. "I'm starving!"
Sasuke chuckled, tossing off the covers and getting out of bed. He padded over to the kitchen, Shanan watching him with a happy smile. As he expertly cracked eggs and sizzled bacon, he chatted away with her, asking her about her favorite foods and what kind of ring she thought she'd like. "Do you think you'd prefer something simple and elegant, or something more elaborate?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Hmm…" She thought for a moment before responding, "I think something simple and elegant would be beautiful."
He nodded, making a mental note as he flipped the pancakes. "I thought that's what you'd say." As they waited for the food to cook, he asked her about her dream dress. "Do you think you made up the dress in your dream, or was it just random?"
"I think I must have made it," she said, "because it seemed like something I'd wear. Damn, I wish I could draw or something!"
Sasuke chuckled softly. "That would be helpful… I loved the navy flowers in your bouquet," he said. "They really brought out the color in your eyes."
As the food finished cooking, he presented her with a veritable feast: fluffy pancakes, crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, and toast. Shanan's eyes widened in amazement as he sat down beside her, a warm smile on his face. "So what kind of houses do you like?"
"What?" she asked, a hint of a smile on her lips. "What kinda question is that?"
"Well, I really liked those houses we saw that time in the old quarters…" he said.
"Oh. Hmm… I guess I've never really thought about it... I've only ever lived here."
His brow lifted as he looked at her. "You've never looked at a house and thought you'd like to live there?"
"Eh…" she said with a shrug. "I'm easy to please."
"I guess I'll get to pick out our house then," he said, smiling. "I wonder how long Naruto will end up living with us."
Shanan's face lit up with a mischievous grin. "Well, with any luck, he and Hinata will get married sooner rather than later."
Sasuke laughed. "I'll be surprised if he ever marries anyone. He's so clueless and oblivious."
"He is not!" she said. "Well, he won't be when he's older."
They both burst out laughing, the warm, joyful sound filling the room.
As they continued eating, Shanan started to feel full and pushed her plate away, looking at Sasuke with a contented sigh. "Do you want the rest of my food?" she asked.
"You're already full?"
She nodded, laughing. "Sasuke, you made so much... it was really good, but I just can't eat any more!"
He chuckled, happily taking her plate and digging in.
As he ate, he asked her, "So how's your head today?"
"It's alright…" she said, "the pain comes and goes. Well, it doesn't really go, but… It could be worse."
Sasuke's eyes filled with concern. "On a scale of one to ten?"
"Mmm…" she thought aloud. "Four?"
His gaze narrowed slightly, his eyes searching hers. He had a feeling she was downplaying it, that the pain was worse than she was letting on. It was the subtle things that gave her away – the slightly subdued volume, the lack of sparkle in her eyes, as if she was keeping them half-closed instead of smiling with them. She was good at putting on a show, but he had no reason to ignore the signs this time.
"Let's sit on the bed," he suggested, his voice soft and soothing. "I'll read to you."
Her face lit up with a warm smile. "Are you sure? I thought you hated reading..."
A faint blush rose to his cheeks as he looked away, his voice barely above a whisper. "Well, it's only for you, Shanan."
Her eyes met his, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Thank you, Sasuke," she said softly. She got up from the table, her eyes scanning the bookshelf as she searched for the perfect story. Sasuke, meanwhile, finished his meal, his eyes never leaving her as he watched her move with a quiet grace.
As she settled on a book, he pushed his chair back from the table and stood up, his movements fluid and relaxed. He walked over to the bed, his eyes still fixed on Shanan, and sat down, his back against the wall.
She climbed onto the bed, snuggling into the space between Sasuke's legs. She leaned back against his chest, feeling the warmth of his body envelop her. He wrapped an arm around her, holding the book in one hand as he began to read.
The sound of his voice was soothing, calming her mind and body. As he read, his fingers gently stroked her hair, the tender touch sending shivers of delight down her spine. Her eyelids grew heavy, her breathing slowed, and before long, she drifted off into a peaceful slumber, lulled by the gentle cadence of his voice.
He, too, felt a deep sense of contentment. He loved being able to hold her close, to feel her relax and let her guard down. As he read, he couldn't help but envision their future together – 50 years from now, sitting together just like this, surrounded by the love and laughter they'd built together. The thought filled him with a warm, happy glow, and he smiled, his voice growing even softer as he continued to read. He smiled, watching her sleep, but eventually, he gently nudged her awake.
Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him with a sleepy smile. "Oh, sorry… I didn't mean to fall asleep again," she whispered, her voice husky with sleep.
His smile was warm and understanding. "That's alright," he said, his voice soft. "I'm sure your headaches make you feel more tired than normal."
She nodded solemnly, her eyes still heavy with sleep.
His expression turned gentle, and he leaned in to kiss her forehead softly. His fingers brushed the hair out of her face, his fingers tracing the contours of her cheekbone. Then, he pulled her into a warm hug, holding her close as they sat together on the bed.
As they hugged, his gaze fell upon a piece of paper on the nightstand. "What's that?" he asked, his curiosity piqued.
Shanan turned, following his gaze, and replied, "I'm not sure..."
His eyes narrowed slightly, his protective instincts kicking in. He leaned over to grab the paper, his movements careful as he began to read. His eyes scanned the contents, his expression intent, making sure there was nothing in it that might upset her.
Sasuke's eyes scanned the paper, his expression unreadable. "Naruto stopped by while we were sleeping," he said. Shanan's curiosity was piqued, and she waited for him to continue. After a moment, he spoke up again. "He left with Master Jiraiya to find a new Hokage."
Her face fell, a look of disappointment crossing her features. "He left without saying goodbye?" she asked, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "What a little brat..." Her expression quickly turned to one of concern, and she asked, "You don't think it'll be dangerous, do you? I don't really know Master Jiraiya... it's kinda rude of him to just take Naruto without speaking to me first."
His expression turned reassuring, and he said, "He'll be alright, Shanan. He's with a legendary Sannin." However, as he looked at her face, he saw the worry and uncertainty etched on her features. His expression softened, and he added, "But you're right, he should've consulted with you first before taking Naruto."
Her irritation grew with each passing second. She sat seething, her anger simmering just below the surface.
Sasuke watched her, his eyes filled with understanding, and asked, "You're really mad about this, aren't you?"
"Yes! That's so inconsiderate of my feelings." She paused, her eyes welling up with tears as she continued, "I know I'm not his mom, and I'm just his fake sister or whatever... but..." Her voice cracked, and she took a deep breath before finishing, "I feel like his mommy, and if I really was, he wouldn't just take him without talking to me first."
His expression softened, and he reached out to gently wipe away the tears streaming down her face.
"Let's go talk to Kakashi," he suggested. "Maybe he knows something we don't. And if anything, you can tell him to make sure everyone knows to at least talk to you first. It's not like you'd object; you just want to make sure he's gonna be alright. And that's not too much to ask, just because you're not related by blood."
She nodded gently, feeling a sense of gratitude toward him for understanding her concerns.
Sasuke stood up, helping Shanan to her feet. "If that doesn't work, the note mentioned the outpost town nearby, so they're probably still there," he said, his eyes locked on hers as he offered her a reassuring smile.
Hand in hand, they walked through the village, still wearing their pajamas. The streets were littered with debris, and the sound of hammers ringing out filled the air as people worked to make repairs. Some areas were worse than others, with destroyed buildings and uprooted trees. The devastation was a stark reminder of the attack that had occurred.
Shanan's eyes widened as she took in the destruction. She couldn't help but feel frustrated and sad at having been too helpless to do anything but sleep through all of it.
Sasuke squeezed her hand. "In the end, I didn't do anything to prevent this either, and I wasn't asleep... so don't feel bad, Shanan."
She looked at him, a hint of surprise on her face.
His eyes met hers, and he smiled softly. "It's not hard to know what you're thinking when I know you so well," he said, his voice filled with affection and understanding.
They finally arrived at Kakashi's apartment, noticing that the door was cracked open a bit. Sasuke pushed it open and walked in, Shanan following closely behind. Inside, they found Guy, Asuma, and Kurenai seated around the room, engaged in a heated discussion. Kakashi lay unconscious on his bed, his face pale and drawn.
Shanan's eyes widened in alarm as she rushed over to Kakashi's bedside. She placed her hands gently on his face, and her eyes welled up with tears. "Guy-sensei, what happened? Is he okay?" Her voice trembled with worry, and she looked up at Guy with pleading eyes.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed, his gaze sweeping the room. "What the hell is going on here?" he demanded, his voice low and even.
Guy's expression turned somber, and he replied, "He's been through a lot, Shanan..."
"Why isn't he in the hospital?" she asked.
"There's not a lot of space there at the moment…" he told her. "We're keeping an eye on him here, but he might need a specialist."
Her tears flowed freely, and she whispered, "But what happened?"
Before anyone could answer, a fourth Jonin walked into the room.
"Is it true that Itachi Uchiha was here, and he's after Naruto? Is that what happened to Kakashi?"
Sasuke's eyes widened as he froze in place. The mention of his brother's name hung like a challenge, drawing his attention inexorably to the speaker. He turned slowly, his gaze fixed intently on the newcomer. "Did you just say Itachi Uchiha?"
The Jonin realized his mistake, and everyone fell silent. Sasuke's eyes scanned the room, his impatience growing with each passing moment. "What would he want with Naruto?" he pressed.
Asuma stepped forward, his hands raised in a placating gesture. "Look, kid–" But before he could continue, Sasuke's gaze shifted to Shanan, his eyes locking onto hers with an apologetic glance.
Her eyes darted from Sasuke to Kakashi and back to Sasuke again, her face set in determination. "I'm coming with you!" she exclaimed, jumping up from Kakashi's bedside.
Guy's voice rose in protest, "Shanan..." but she cut him off, apologizing hastily,
"I'm sorry, Sensei!"
Sasuke's hand closed around hers, and he pulled her toward the door. Together, they sprinted out of the room, leaving Guy, Asuma, Kurenai, and the fourth Jonin staring after them. As they disappeared into the hallway, the sound of their footsteps echoed through the building, leaving behind a sense of urgency and foreboding.
Sasuke knew that if Itachi captured Naruto, his life would be forfeit. He couldn't let that happen. The memory of his clan's fate at Itachi's hands fueled his resolve and he wouldn't let his old brother harm his new one.