Chapter 17- Falling For You, Only For You
Shanan's confidence soared after her and Sasuke's heartfelt confession. As she prepared to master her new jutsu, she invited Sasuke to join her, seeking his input and craving quality time together. Lately, his jealousy had simmered beneath the surface, and she wanted to reassure him.
Sasuke's eyes sparkled with delight at her invitation. "I'd love to," he said, his voice warm.
Hand in hand, they arrived at the training field and saw Kakashi leaning against a tree, book in hand, as usual. Normally, he'd lower his mask as soon as she came into his peripheral vision, but she noticed his mask remained firmly in place, today.
She sighed, shaking her head. She hadn't really spent much time with Kakashi around anyone else, so was a bit surprised that he still didn't lower it for anyone else.
"What's wrong?" Sasuke asked.
She casually covered, remembering that Kakashi had asked her not to mention the mask thing to the boys, "Oh, nothing... just thinking about Kakashi's smutty romance novels. It's kinda funny how he reads them so openly."
"Oh, yeah… He does get lost in them. Sometimes we have to repeat exercises because he's too engrossed," he said, chuckling.
"Why am I not surprised?" She laughed, shaking her head again.
Kakashi finally looked up as the pair approached, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Oh, Sasuke, what brings you here today?"
Sasuke raised an eyebrow. "Shanan invited me."
"I asked him to join us," Shanan chimed in, nudging Sasuke playfully. "Is that okay?"
"Actually," Kakashi said, looking up thoughtfully. "It's a great idea. Having an extra Sharingan may prove useful."
Shanan smiled, feeling relieved, while Sasuke remained subtly standoffish.
"Alright," Kakashi continued. "I've put a lot of thought into what we need to do. Safety is our first priority, Shanan, so let's not be too reckless." He watched her, awaiting confirmation.
"Oh! I completely agree, Kakashi. I'll be careful. I promise." She fully understood his apprehension, but she was confident she could do this without any issues.
He nodded, satisfied with her reassurance. "Great. Let's review the plan. First, we'll focus on cloud creation. After that, water formation skills. Can you transform into different forms? For instance, from a puddle into rain?"
"Ooh!" Her face lit up. "I've never tried being rain before."
"I thought that might be the case." He smiled thoughtfully. "Well, once you master rain, becoming a fine mist and then a cloud should follow easily."
"Oh my gosh…" she said. "We're really gonna do this! Okay, then what?"
He chuckled, appreciating her enthusiasm. "Well, after formation, we'll work on directional control in rain form. You don't want gravity limiting your cloud potential... or… well then you'd just be fog."
Shanan snorted, chuckling.
Sasuke looked at her, puzzled. "What was funny?"
"His stupid joke was pretty funny." Shanan grinned at Kakashi, understanding his humor a bit better than most.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, still confused. "That was a joke?"
"Yeah… It was. Don't let the mask fool you. He's an idiot," she teased, smiling. Though Sasuke was clearly concerned about her gentle tone.
"Anyway," Kakashi cleared his throat, slightly embarrassed. "After mastering those steps, we'll combine them for your storm cloud."
"Yes!" she said. "Once I master the cloud, I'll charge it with Chidori and unleash chaos!" Her exaggerated evil laugh echoed.
Sasuke chuckled, his mood lifting. But when Kakashi smiled and affectionately patted Shanan's head, Sasuke's smile faltered. He clenched his jaw, his mind racing with an unspoken warning: Don't touch her… Don't touch her… Don't touch her! He looked away, trying to compose himself.
"Calm down. We haven't even started yet," Kakashi said, walking toward the open field. "Let's get going."
Shanan grabbed Sasuke's hand, pulling him along to follow Kakashi.
"Now," Kakashi said, spinning around to look at her. "At our first training session, you filled your hand with water. Do you remember that?"
"Mmhmm!" she said, nodding enthusiastically.
"Good. I'm assuming you did that by pulling water from the air, is that correct?"
She thought for a moment and then nodded. "Yes! Though, I can pull it from my body… I think. But I definitely pulled that water out of the air."
"Wait," Sasuke interjected, "How can you not be sure?"
Her brow furrowed a bit as she looked at him. "I mean, I think that's right…"
"Actually, Sasuke," Kakashi intervened. "Instinctive actions don't always require clear explanations. Shanan's consistently accurate in identifying her process." He offered a soft, reassuring smile. "You haven't been wrong so far."
Shanan beamed, her confidence evident.
Sasuke looked away, self-reproach flickering in his eyes.
"Now, cloud formation," Kakashi said. "A similar process, but different application. Disperse water into tiny droplets, suspending them in air."
"Ooh! Like Kiryū's descriptions of kasumi clouds?" Shanan asked, eyes sparkling.
"Exactly!" Kakashi's face lit up. "You've read 'Tenrai no Sho'?"
She nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! His theories on atmospheric conditions fascinate me."
Sasuke's brow furrowed, lost in the conversation.
"Kiryū's work is... foundational," Kakashi said. "His concepts on vapor density and temperature fluctuations will be really helpful today."
"And his 'Kaze no Kaito' theory!" Shanan added. "How wind currents influence precipitation!"
Kakashi chuckled. "I see you've delved deep into his research."
Sasuke's confusion deepened, but he listened intently looking back and forth between the two.
She laughed nervously. "I get bored sometimes and pick a topic. Then as I'm reading, I make a list of where I wanna branch off to next. So, weather and weather based techniques took up at least half a week."
"I remember your weather obsession..." Sasuke said, regretting not listening more closely.
Kakashi nodded thoughtfully, noting the similarity between Shanan's curiosity and his own. "So you're already familiar with the process. Manipulate water vapor, creating visible clouds. Focus on releasing water molecules, letting them condense."
Sasuke's gaze remained fixed on Kakashi.
"Consider humidity, temperature, and air currents," Kakashi instructed.
"Yeah, I think I can do that!" she said, eagerly.
Kakashi smiled. "Alright, give it a try."
She closed her eyes, her brow furrowing in concentration. Her chakra flowed, sensing the humidity in the air. Water began to collect around her, pooling at her feet.
"A bit too much, too fast," Kakashi cautioned gently. "Release it slowly, disperse evenly. Remember, Kiryū's kasumi clouds are formed by delicate droplets."
"Right." She adjusted her chakra, but the droplets merged, forming streams instead of clouds. "Dammit!" she exclaimed, irritation flashing across her face.
"It's alright," Kakashi said. "We've only just begun. You need to separate the water molecules, which takes precision, so don't be too hard on yourself, Shanan. Tiny droplets, suspended in air."
Sasuke observed intently, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Did you say cloud formation is temperature-dependent?" he asked.
Kakashi nodded thoughtfully. "Temperature fluctuations affect condensation. Kiryū's research highlights this."
"Oh, duh! Cooler temperatures..." Her brow furrowed as she focused, recalling that specific chapter from 'Tenrai no Sho'.
"Exactly," Kakashi confirmed. "Lower temperatures help condense water vapor."
She focused anew, adjusting her chakra again. The water vapor condensed now, but still clumped together and spilled forth like a waterfall. "Ugh! Why?!"
"Do you need a break?" Kakashi asked, meeting her gaze.
"No. I'm ok," he assured him. "It's just annoying because I know how it should be done based on theory..."
"Ah," Kakashi said. "Well, you understand the theory, and now you're practicing. Imagine dispersing the droplets evenly."
She took a deep breath, re-centering. Her chakra flowed slower, more controlled.
Water vapor dispersed, a small delicate cloud forming in front of her.
Her eyes snapped open, surprise and exhilaration sparkling. "Oh! I did it?"
"Wow!" Sasuke's eyes widened in surprise. "That's really impressive, Shanan."
"You did it..." Kakashi nodded proudly, his smile evident beneath his mask. "Excellent control, Shanan! Now that we've mastered cloud formation, let's move to the next step: transforming yourself into small droplets."
Her eyes widened, trepidation creeping in, her hands fluttering nervously at her sides. "That sounds... difficult."
"Indeed, that was the easy part," Kakashi confirmed. "This process requires precise chakra control and patience. But I have faith in you. Are you ready?"
She steeled herself. "Let's do it."
Hours passed, Shanan focusing intensely, her energy devoted to mastering the jutsu. Sweat dripped from her brow, her face scrunched in concentration.
"Still a bit too much," Kakashi said softly, eyeing the splashes that formed and dissolved around her. "Let's aim for delicate droplets, not waves."
She sighed, frustration simmering beneath her calm surface. "I'm trying, Kakashi..." Her voice held a hint of playful exasperation. "Don't be mean to me..."
"Mean?" He chuckled softly. "Me? Come on, you can handle a little tough love," he teased.
She rolled her eyes, taking a deep breath to recharge. "You're right. I'll focus!"
Six hours into their training, her smallest achievement remained a palm-sized splash on the ground.
"Excellent progress," Kakashi said softly. "Maintain your focus. You're close."
She rubbed her tired eyes. "Yeah, but I still can't get smaller... No matter how hard I try."
"Progress over perfection, Shanan." His voice remained gentle. "You're on the right path."
The sun's warm rays cast a gentle glow over the training field as Shanan collapsed onto the grass, exhausted. Her chest heaved with each labored breath.
Kakashi squatted beside her, concern etched on his face. "How about we call it a day? The sun's setting, and honestly, you need to rest."
She lay there, catching her breath. "No... I really think I'm about to get it."
Kakashi's expression softened further as he sat down beside her. "And you'll be just as close tomorrow after you get some rest. Come on, sit up." He offered his hand, helping her up.
Her face fell. "I really wanted to get it figured out today," she admitted.
"It's just like when you're reading about a new subject," He said gently. "You wanna know everything, so you devour as many books as you can. And like you said, you make lists of related topics to branch into next."
She stared at the ground as she listened intently.
"But eventually, your eyes won't stay open," he continued. "Even though you still have plenty of chapters left to read. And you know that if you don't go to bed, you'll have to read it again anyway."
She nodded slowly, having been in that exact situation many times.
"So that's where you are now," he said. "You're not a failure because you didn't finish the book today. You'll place your bookmark and pick it back up in the morning with fresh eyes and a clear head." A warm smile spread across his face. "And I'll be here to help read to you when you need me to."
"Yeah…" Her face lit up. "You're right, Kakashi," she admitted. "I don't even think I can walk anymore, to be honest."
He chuckled softly. "Sasuke can carry you home. I'm sure he won't mind." He stood, holding out his hand to help her up. Looking at Sasuke, he asked, "Will you, Sasuke?"
Sasuke stepped forward, his eyes narrowing slightly. For an instant, his gaze lingered on Kakashi's hand, still grasping Shanan's. Then, his face relaxed, and his voice softened to a gentle tone for her. "You did a lot today, I've got you, Shanan."
Kakashi gently guided her toward Sasuke as he crouched before her, and she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, inhaling his scent – earthy and calming.
Sasuke's eyes fluttered closed for a moment as her arms enveloped him, his heart skipping a beat as a tingling warmth spread through him. But upon meeting Kakashi's gaze, coldness crept in, shielding his emotions.
"Thanks, Kakashi," Shanan said, smiling.
He smiled warmly. "Get plenty of rest, Shanan."
"See you tomorrow, Sensei," Sasuke added a bit detached.
"See ya, Sasuke," Kakashi replied. "Get some rest as well."
As he walked, Shanan rested her head against his shoulder, feeling safe and comforted, and she was asleep by the time they arrived home.
He gently lifted her off his back and tucked her into bed, ensuring she was comfortable. His fingers lingered softly on her cheek as he brushed the hair from her peaceful face.
As he settled her in, a mix of emotions stirred. His affection for Shanan had been his driving force for years now, and he hated that he felt so threatened by anyone, least of all his own sensei. The feeling wasn't something he was accustomed to. But try as he might, he couldn't shake it off.
He replayed the day's events, Kakashi's gentle smiles at Shanan lingering in his mind. A knot formed in his stomach, his chest constricting as though he couldn't take a deep breath. Why did he treat her so differently? Sakura, though younger, didn't command the same level of mentorship. Even though she was actually his student.
Kakashi's demeanor toward Shanan was distinctly softer, respecting her opinions and listening attentively. Sasuke thought Kakashi was an exceptional teacher, harshly critical and always pushing limits. And protective as well, like his father Fugaku.
But this was different.
Sasuke hesitated, his mind racing: Could Kakashi truly care deeply for Shanan?
Naruto's voice broke the silence, shattering Sasuke's introspection. "Hey, Sasuke! Wanna help me with dinner?"
Sasuke nodded, and together they prepared a simple, comforting meal. As they ate, Naruto rambled on about his day, but Sasuke's thoughts drifted back to Shanan and Kakashi's interactions, his mind going over every detail.
Naruto noticed Sasuke's quiet contemplation. "Are you tired or something? You've been really quiet all night."
"Yeah." Sasuke brushed it off. "It was a long day."
After dinner, they settled beside Shanan's bed, bedrolls laid out.
Naruto yawned, his eyes heavy with sleep. "Night, Sasuke."
"Night," Sasuke replied softly.
Naruto's soft snores quickly filled the room, Sasuke carefully rose from his bedroll. With a gentle motion, he lay down beside Shanan, wrapping his arms around her slender form. She stirred slightly, nestling deeper into his embrace.
His heart swelled with love and adoration as he held her close, his fingers tracing the contours of her face. His jealousy still simmered, a low-burning flame that fueled his need to keep her near, but it was tempered by the depth of his emotions.
In this peaceful moment, Sasuke felt his anxiety ease, replaced by a sense of reverence and awe. He was humbled by the intensity of his feelings, and he knew that he would do anything to ensure her happiness and well-being.
She was his everything, his reason for existing, and he was determined to love and protect her with every fiber of his soul.
Morning sunlight warmed the training field as Shanan and Sasuke arrived. Kakashi leaned against a tree, relaxed, as he read.
Shanan sprinted toward him, grinning playfully. "Dammit, Kakashi! I thought we'd beat you this time! How early do you leave?"
"Well, if I tell you that, then you will beat me."
Sasuke stepped forward, voice measured. "What happened to your 'the path of life' excuse you give us every time you're late?"
Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, unfazed. "My navigation skills have improved greatly since our last training session, Sasuke."
Sasuke's gaze lingered, suspicion flickering.
"I can tell you're rested," Kakashi said, strolling beside Shanan. "You seem anxious to start."
"Yes! And yes!" she exclaimed.
Sasuke trailed behind, his eyes narrowing as he watched the pair chat comfortably, their easy camaraderie unsettling him.
"The path of life, Kakashi?" she teased. "What nonsense is that?"
He shrugged, a smile spreading beneath his mask. "To be honest, I rarely get a good night's rest. It's easier to ignore the alarm sometimes."
"Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke are at each other's throats. Poor Sakura suffers through your laziness," she said, her gaze landing on his. Her expression was a blend of dry amusement and mock exasperation.
Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess you've figured me out."
"Oh, I figured you out a long time ago, Kakashi!"
With a burst of laughter, she jogged toward the center of the field, awaiting the guys.
Kakashi chuckled, shaking his head as she jogged away.
Sasuke continued trailing behind, narrowing his eyes at Kakashi.
As they reached the training area, Kakashi began explaining the day's exercises, but Sasuke's attention drifted, fixated on the effortless rapport between them. Shanan's laughter and Kakashi's warm smiles fueled his growing unease. A pang of helplessness settled in his chest, his heart heavy, weighed down by insecurity. He felt like such an outsider, struggling to keep up with their timeless connection.
The sunlight danced across her smiling face as his attention re-focused on her. "Actually," she said. "I dreamed about training all night, and I think I know what I was doing wrong."
"Oh?" Kakashi's interest piqued. "Well, do tell."
"Yeah…" she pointed to the ground, her eyebrow raised playfully. "I think I just need to lay in puddle form for a few days and let nature run its course."
Kakashi tilted his head, amused. "Well... that might work... but let's save that as a last resort, hmm?"
"Yeah, you're right. I actually couldn't wait to wake up from that one."
They shared a gentle laugh and Sasuke sighed, looking away, his gaze clouded by a mix of frustration and longing.
Shanan bounded over, her smile radiant. "Maybe it'll help me if you stand closer today."
"Yeah?" His expression softened as her warmth washed over him. "Alright," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
Her hand wrapped around his, and the world seemed to slow down, leaving only the sensation of dancing on air as she pulled him along with her.
For the next few hours, Shanan focused on transforming into small water droplets.
Sasuke stepped up his encouragement, often interrupting Kakashi. "You're doing great, Shanan!" he called out. Kakashi began to offer guidance, but Sasuke continuously spoke over him. "Try relaxing your chakra!"
Her water droplets glistened, reflecting Sasuke's excitement.
Kakashi's brow furrowed slightly as another attempt at feedback was cut short. He let out a sharp breath, his shoulders sagging slightly, before he stepped away, letting Sasuke take the lead. Sitting in the grass, he murmured, "Hopefully, the kid's competitive nature doesn't hinder her progress." A hint of intrigue crossed his face. "Though, I wonder if there might be something to that dream of hers…"
Sasuke continued urging Shanan on, his fervor unwavering. "Keep going! You've got this!" And whenever she grew frustrated with herself, he'd envelope her in a warm hug.
Her progress did slow a bit, but Sasuke's support kept her going.
Kakashi lay back in the grass, arms behind his head, observing the duo with an impassive gaze. Though he appreciated Sasuke's intentions, and sensed the underlying tension that drove him to assert himself, he couldn't shake the feeling that unchecked praise would only stifle Shanan's growth.
Sasuke's confidence grew, his hugs and encouragement flowing freely. And Shanan smiled warmly at him every time, her trust and affection apparent.
After about an hour Kakashi stood casually beside Sasuke, eyes on Shanan. "How's she doing?"
Sasuke glanced at his sensei. "She's making progress."
"About that," Kakashi said. "I have an idea, but in your excitement, you haven't let me get a word in edgewise. Mind if I speak to her alone for a minute?"
Sasuke's gaze narrowed, jaw tightening. "Fine." He stepped back, watching from a short distance, his eyes never leaving Shanan.
She quickly joined them, her chest heaving slightly. "Kakashi, did you see? Still looks like bubbles or whatever, but... I'm getting the hang of those at least."
He smiled warmly, his expression proud. "Firstly, Shanan, you're doing fantastically well."
Her face lit up, despite the beads of sweat dripping into her eyes.
"Second," he continued, "I think your dream may have actually hinted at something."
"Uh-oh… I'm doing that badly, huh?" she joked. "Time for the last resort?"
Kakashi chuckled. "Not quite." His expression turned serious. "Sense the air and water around you. You easily pull water from the air, but what process is already occurring when you pull it?"
"Oh..." she said thoughtfully.
"It's likely already in the process of evaporating, on its way up," Kakashi explained, pointing to the sky. "Maybe you can mimic that natural process."
Her eyes sparkled with understanding. "Oh my god! That's brilliant!" She glanced over at Sasuke. "Did you hear that?"
He rejoined them, his expression softening. "Yeah... I guess it's not a bad idea."
"Okay, everyone shut up now," she said "I have to concentrate."
With renewed focus, she closed her eyes, sensing the air's moisture and the current cycle of evaporation. Moments passed, and suddenly, she dissolved into tiny water droplets.
The droplets descended gently onto the ground.
She re-solidified, beaming. "I did it, right? Did I do it?"
Kakashi's smile signaled approval, his eyes shining with satisfaction at her rapid progress. "Yes, you nailed it."
"Brilliant again!" Sasuke enveloped her in a warm, tight hug, heartfelt pride radiating from his embrace. "Guess we should've listened to your dream sooner."
She leaned back, her face glowing triumphantly. "No way! That was all Kakashi. I refuse to take credit because of my ridiculous dream." She crossed her arms, meeting Kakashi's gaze. "And don't give me that look. We both know you would've gotten there eventually…" Her eyes shone with admiration as she turned to Sasuke. "He's an actual genius."
Sasuke's eyes darkened momentarily, his jaw tightening once more.
"Well, either way…" Kakashi said as he rubbed the back of his neck. "Let's move on to the next step."
Shanan's determination reignited as she gazed at Kakashi and Sasuke. "Changing direction in water droplet form, right?"
"Yep!" Kakashi nodded. "You're ready."
"I think I can pull this off," she said confidently. "I can move around fine in my normal water form."
With a deep breath, she dissolved into tiny droplets again. However, instead of soaring upward, the droplets faltered and descended to the ground.
Re-solidifying, she scrunched her face in contemplation. "Hmm... I didn't expect that."
"It'll likely be tougher since your chakra is more spread out and there are more individual moving parts in this form," Kakashi said.
She nodded thoughtfully. "Okay, yeah... I don't really have a basis for comparison here."
"That's often the case when creating new jutsus." Kakashi's reassuring smile appeared. "But I believe in you, and I'm here to help."
"Me too," Sasuke chimed in, his voice slightly hesitant. "Maybe… you can… try focusing on moving one drop first? Then add more once you get that down?"
His lack of confidence was palpable, but Kakashi's endorsement quickly followed. "That's an excellent suggestion, Sasuke. Do you think you can do that, Shanan?"
Her face lit up. "Absolutely!" She smiled warmly at Sasuke, whose eyes sparkled with delight. He smiled back, relief and happiness flickering across his features, his gaze tenderly holding hers.
With renewed resolve, she refocused, attempting to manipulate just a single droplet. It wavered as it broke away and rose slightly before falling back into place. Refusing to give up, she tried again. This time, the drop floated in place before rising, more controlled.
Encouraged, she tried to manipulate another droplet. It took a few moments, but eventually, a second droplet of her water form separated, joining the first.
As she gained confidence, more and more droplets broke away, each one rising and dancing around more easily than the previous.
Finally, with a soft, flowing motion, each droplet moved effortlessly as it swirled around both guys.
Triumphant, she rained down around Sasuke, re-solidifying.
She threw her arms around him, her gratitude radiating. "That was really helpful!"
His expression softened further, his voice filled with emotion. "I'm glad, Shanan." His arms enveloped her warmly.
"I'd even say that suggestion cut down your training time significantly," Kakashi observed.
Sasuke's unease lingered, but he accepted the compliment graciously. "Alright, what's next?"
"Now," Kakashi said. "Combine the first two steps: turn yourself into water droplets and create clouds simultaneously. Sense the air, mimic the natural process, pull water, control temperature –"
"Oh, okay," Shanan interrupted, sarcasm dripping from her voice, "No problem…"
Kakashi chuckled softly. "Would you prefer to revisit training tomorrow?"
"No! I'm gonna figure this out today."
"Suit yourself..."
With a resolute nod, she refocused, ready to tackle the challenging combination.
The next several days blurred together, Shanan's dedication unwavering, hiding her crushing exhaustion behind determined eyes that blazed with defiant resolve.
Water droplets swirled around, merging seamlessly with the air as she mastered temperature and humidity control. But each breath was a controlled struggle, her body screaming in protest.
Kakashi observed attentively, his brow furrowed, sensing the depth of her fatigue.
Sasuke lingered, offering gentle reassurance through his soft, encouraging smile, unaware of her growing frailty.
Her progress was remarkable, but the final step tantalizingly eluded her.
Just as she mastered ninety percent of the technique, Naruto, Neji and Lee arrived.
"Hey, sis! Heard you're making awesome progress!" Naruto called.
Neji's curious gaze scanned the area.
Lee nodded enthusiastically. "We came to watch!"
Kakashi's concern intensified as he watched Shanan's determination ignite, fueled by the newcomers' presence. His eyes narrowed, anticipating her relentless push. Finally, his protective instincts stirred, urging him to intervene. "Shanan, take a break for a few days."
"You're not being serious, are you?" Sasuke said. "She's so close! You think she should stop now?" Defiance flashed in his gaze. "I thought you believed in her abilities."
Shanan's eyelids drooped as her mind wandered, fatigue overwhelming her.
Sasuke grasped her hand, smiling reassuringly. "I know you can do it, Shanan."
"Sasuke," Kakashi said, his eyebrow raised. "Your devotion is very admirable, but don't let your determination to spite me cloud your judgment. She's clearly exhausted; ascending now is unsafe."
"Is that what you think, Kakashi?" Sasuke asked, eyes wide at the accusation. "I just happen to know her better than you do, that's all, and she can do anything she puts her mind to."
The blatant lack of honorifics hadn't gone unnoticed by Kakashi. "Safety is our top priority, Sasuke. We can't afford to be reckless when it could result in severe injury or even death. Is a potential win in your made-up competition really all that important to you?"
"Please stop, guys," Shanan intervened, rubbing her temple. "Just... let me try it once since everyone's here, Kakashi. Then I promise, I'll go home and take a few days off. No matter what."
"Only if that's what you want, Shanan," Sasuke said as he smiled softly, squeezing her hand gently.
"In all seriousness, Shanan," Kakashi's expression turned grave, his eyes filled with genuine concern. "I highly suggest waiting. If things go awry, my ability to help will be severely limited at the height you're going. Please, just try again in a couple of days."
Her gaze shifted from Sasuke's encouraging smile to Kakashi's worried face. "I promise I'll be okay, Kakashi," she said.
Kakashi took a deep breath. He stepped closer, his hand grasping her shoulder firmly, his eyes intense. "I don't like this. Please… just," he considered pulling his mask down, to show the depths of his concern to her, but Sasuke's narrowed eyes were fixed on him, unmoving. "Be extremely careful. Stop immediately and come down if you're unsure about anything, no matter how small."
Shanan sighed and nodded solemnly. Sasuke squeezed her hand again, offering his support.
Kakashi walked away, his disapproval and worry obvious, leaving her with a pang of guilt.
But Sasuke's triumphant smile swiftly erased her doubts, infusing her with confidence.
"Hey, you got this," he reassured. "Start low and slow. Don't aim too high for now. Just go for the top of the trees this time, alright?"
She gazed upward, the trees' height manageable, even in failure. "Okay," she agreed.
Sasuke enveloped her in a tight, affectionate embrace. "Don't worry about Kakashi," he whispered. "I know you'll be fine."
She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly. "Thank you, Sasuke."
Their embrace ignited the familiar chakra absorption sensation, sending exhilaration surging through Shanan's veins. But this time, its potency overwhelmed her, suddenly leaving her breathless and disoriented.
Sasuke released her, his intense gaze holding hers. "Are you ready?" he asked.
"Yeah..." Her eyes drifted upward again, her mind racing to rehearse the steps. But her thoughts tangled and her vision blurred. Slowing her breaths, she acknowledged her exhaustion. Calmness gradually seeped in, focusing her gaze.
She turned to Kakashi, who stood with his hands casually tucked into his pockets, a stark contrast to the deep concern etched on his face. "I'll be on standby," he said gently, "right underneath where you'll be. Try not to drift too far to either side." Apprehension lingered in his voice, his eyes locked onto hers, silently pleading for her to reconsider. "On my mark…" His expression turned somber, his eyes searching hers for any sign of doubt. "Are you sure you won't just wait, Shanan?"
Her eyes fluttered closed, her head spinning. "Please, I know I can do this," she asserted, aiming for confidence.
Kakashi sighed, exasperation evident, before assuming position. "Alright then. Five... Four..."
She stood motionless, focusing on Kakashi's gentle voice.
"Three... Two..."
She took another deep breath, trying to clear her mind.
"One."
As Kakashi's countdown ended, Shanan transformed into tiny water droplets and soared into the air, striving to gather enough water to form a large cloud. But by thirty feet, she still hadn't accumulated enough, so she continued to ascend, her droplets scattering wildly.
The air rushed past her, sending her stomach into a gentle flip. She tried to focus on pulling water from the air to merge with her form, but her mind kept drifting, as if she were slipping in and out of consciousness. The world around her dissolved, leaving only the thrum of her heartbeat and the whoosh of the wind in her ears.
She rose higher still, the thrill of weightlessness giving way to growing disorientation. She struggled to recall the steps or her goal, her vision blurring as her grip on reality faltered completely. Unaware of where she was or what she was doing, her thoughts dissolved into a dreamlike state.
Naruto, Neji, and Lee rushed to join Sasuke and Kakashi, their faces etched with concern as they watched her uncontrolled ascent.
"Why isn't she stopping?" Sasuke asked, panic creeping into his voice.
Kakashi's expression turned grave, internal alarm bells blaring. "Something is… very wrong," he said, his eyes fixed on Shanan's rising form. "Naruto, create as many shadow clones as possible!" Kakashi directed.
Naruto nodded and swiftly generated hundreds of shadow clones, which dispersed across the grass. "Will she be okay?" he asked, fighting back tears.
Kakashi's jaw clenched, hiding his escalating concern.
Sasuke's response was a tense whisper, spoken to no one in particular: "She better be…"
"Unfortunately, I can't read her chakra in water droplet form," Neji informed the group, his Byakugan attempting to scan her.
Meanwhile, she struggled to even maintain consciousness. She was beset by sudden, shooting pains in her head, burning just behind her eyes. Her chakra control faltered, and in an instant, she solidified. Her chaotic ascent transformed into a perilous plunge, sending her plummeting freely toward the ground.
Instinctually, she managed to transform back into water droplets, slowing her descent into a slow rain shower.
Watching helplessly from below, Kakashi's eyes widened in alarm, his heart beating rapidly. Naruto's clones were on standby, but he was unsure how helpful they'd really be.
Suddenly, another searing pain struck, making her feel as though her eyes might burst. Blinded by agony and confusion, she solidified once more, taking slow, deep breaths as she tried to clear the haze. Instead, inky black darkness closed in, its heavy folds wrapping around her like the bottom of the ocean, suffocating and endless.
The group looked on as her now limp form continued hurtling toward the earth, her unconscious body vulnerable to gravity's merciless forces.
Naruto's clones rushed beneath her, forming an impromptu stair formation.
Kakashi swiftly made his way to the top of the clones, elevating himself and meeting her descent. He grunted as their bodies collided with a sickening crunch, his chakra-enhanced strength absorbing as much of the impact as possible. Though his arms and back protested the force, he carefully cradled her head and shoulders, wrapping his arms protectively around her fragile form. Several clones dissipated as he collapsed through them, landing on his knees. However, the cushion they provided assisted his efforts in distributing her weight evenly.
Shanan's broken form now lay motionless in his grasp. He carefully cradled her head, his fingers probing for her pulse with a cautious touch, his gaze filled with anguish. The group surrounded them, faces etched with worry.
Naruto's clones dissipated, his eyes brimming with tears. Lee's face paled, frozen in shock.
After a quick scan, Neji's voice cut through the tension. "Oh no..." He looked up at the rest of the group. His brow furrowed in distress. "Her- her back's broken."
Sasuke's voice shattered, trembling violently as he struggled to form words. "What?" he whispered, his eyes wide with horror, locked onto Neji's grim expression. Then, his gaze shifted to Shanan, fragile and motionless in Kakashi's arms. "No..." The whispered word escaped his lips, heavy with despair. His knees buckled, weakened by the weight of his emotions, collapsing him to the ground before Shanan. Pain and anguish twisted his features as he struggled to comprehend the last few minutes.
Kakashi attempted to maintain his signature composure, but his eyes betrayed a flicker of desperation. "Neji..." His voice, usually calm and authoritative, cracked slightly as he spoke, the words feeling foreign on his lips. "Can you guide me? How do I carry her without causing further damage?"
Despite his valiant efforts, her spine had buckled upon impact, multiple vertebrae shattering like fragile glass. Her spinal cord suffered partial damage and internal bleeding now threatened her vital organs.
Neji's eyes narrowed, his Byakugan-activated gaze intensifying as he assessed Shanan's injuries. "Support her neck and lower back, Kakashi-sensei. Keep her spine aligned." His voice held a hint of urgency.
Kakashi's brow furrowed, his eyes clouding with concern as he adjusted his hold. His hands shook faintly, betraying his composed facade.
Sasuke's tears flowed freely, his hand reaching out instinctively to touch Shanan's cheek.
"Haven't you done enough?"
Sasuke's hand halted mid-air at Kakashi's words. His sorrowful gaze drifted to his Sensei's face, but Kakashi's eyes never wavered from Shanan's fragile features, even as he addressed Sasuke.
His grip on her tightened protectively.
"Don't touch her…"
With Neji's guidance, Kakashi lifted Shanan, his movements deliberate and gentle.
Sasuke's broken expression clung to Kakashi's averted face like a desperate plea, his shame and guilt suffocating him beneath their crushing weight. Helpless sobs ravaged his body, each convulsive gasp echoing through the heavy silence.
Tears streamed down Naruto's cheeks as he watched Shanan being carried, her limp form haunting. "What the hell just happened..." The words tumbled from his lips, laced with anguish and dismay.
Her injured body seemed pale and lifeless in Kakashi's arms, her stillness unnerving, a stark contrast to her vibrant spirit.
Kakashi's breathing slowed, a deliberate attempt to calm his racing heart. But each steady inhale only amplified the raggedness of Shanan's shallow breaths, her fragile life force hanging precariously.
Sasuke lay crumpled, his forehead pressed against the ground, fists clenched beside his head. His anguished cries echoed agonizingly through the deserted training fields, the eerie silence amplifying his torment.
Lee trailed behind the group, his body wracked with sobs, shoulders shaking violently as he desperately tried to stem the constant flow of tears streaming down his cheeks.
Neji walked alongside his teammate, his eyes welling up with unshed tears, but his expression remained steadfast. He placed a reassuring hand on Lee's shoulder, offering a silent pillar of strength.
"Please be okay, Shanan, please…" Naruto whispered repeatedly, his voice trembling and cracking beneath the weight of his tears.
Residents watched with concern, their faces filled with empathy and worry, as the group passed, their sorrowful procession a heartbreaking scene.
On the surface, Kakashi exuded stoicism. Yet, his eyes told a different story – deep, unrelenting worry simmered, threatening to spill over. The usually calm, collected sensei now struggled to maintain his composure.
Shanan's fragile body, once soaring through the skies, now lay shattered and still against him. The weight of her injury bore down on him like a crushing boulder.
As they rushed to the hospital, urgent footsteps echoed through the oppressive silence, amplifying the anxiety that gripped them all. Each pounding step seemed to reverberate through Kakashi's very being.
Guilt seeped into his conscience, tempering anxiety with regret. His leadership failures had led to this tragedy. His hasty words to Sasuke had unjustly placed blame, weighing heavily on his mind.
His gaze fell on Shanan's face once more, his eyes clouded with self-reproach and unbearable sorrow. His shoulders sagged under the crushing weight of responsibility, remorse, and unspoken apologies, threatening to drag him into the depths of darkness.