Chapter 7: The Boy Next Door, Shisui
In the early morning, a radiant dawn appeared in the east, with wisps of smoke rising from the village rooftops, and a light mist hanging in the air.
"Time to get up, Nana." Uchiha Itachi gently patted the sleeping girl beside the futon on the floor.
He and Nana had agreed to visit the bustling commercial street today and buy some new clothes for her.
"Didn't you promise to practice shuriken with me? Now you're taking her shopping instead? Does that mean you don't like me anymore, Brother?" Uchiha Sasuke leaned against the door, arms crossed, pouting slightly with a hint of jealousy.
Itachi's hand paused on Nana as he turned and smiled at Sasuke, gesturing him over. Sasuke, still pouting with a red face, quickly ran to Itachi and crouched to meet his gaze.
"Don't say that, Sasuke. Forgive me. Next time, I'll practice with you." Itachi gently tapped Sasuke's forehead with his fingers.
Sasuke's face reddened, and he nodded. This gesture was their unique way of expressing love; every time Itachi tapped his forehead, Sasuke knew his brother still cared deeply for him.
Finally, Matsumoto Nana opened her sleepy eyes, squinting at Itachi. She cutely raised her hand to rub her eyes, finally fully awake.
"Didn't we say we'd go shopping today? Let's go after breakfast." Itachi gently patted Nana's slightly messy hair, which was soft and fluffy.
"Okay, Itachi-nii... Oh? Sasuke, are you coming too?" Nana asked, noticing Sasuke squatting nearby and naturally extending the invitation.
"I... I won't go! I need to practice my shuriken," Sasuke said, avoiding eye contact with the girl.
He bit his lip, frustration bubbling up. He actually wanted to go shopping with the pretty girl, but instead, he mentioned practicing shuriken. He rubbed his head in regret.
"Alright, Itachi-nii, let's go." Nana shrugged nonchalantly, taking Itachi's hand and standing up.
Sasuke watched their retreating figures, feeling teary-eyed. His brother left with the girl without asking his opinion again. How annoying! Hmph!
The bustling crowds, the lively market, and the atmosphere filled with vitality greeted them.
Itachi carried three bags of dresses in one hand and two bags of jewelry in the other, his eyes full of gentle affection as he quietly followed the lively girl ahead.
Today, Nana wore a white dress, her beige hair dancing in the breeze. The sunlight made her look even more radiant.
Nana was about to buy more dresses when she spotted a dango shop. Remembering Itachi's love for three-colored dango, she smiled and turned, grabbing his hand.
"Itachi-nii, there's a dango shop! Let's go get some." Nana tugged his arm, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Alright." Itachi agreed without hesitation. As he looked up, he realized it was his favorite dango shop, a smile spreading on his face.
"Do you like sweets too, Nana?" Itachi asked, watching her.
"Yes, I love them!" Nana's voice was sweet and sincere.
The shop was crowded, but they found seats. They ordered two sets of three-colored dango, two soy sauce dango, and received two cups of tea as a bonus.
Nana's heart raced. Finally, she'd get to taste authentic dango. Watching Itachi eat them on TV had always made her drool.
"Mmm! So good!" She exclaimed after one bite, her voice loud with surprise. The dango was sweet and sticky, the tea slightly bitter, a perfect combination.
Itachi, seeing her exaggerated reaction, felt a pang of sadness. He assumed she hadn't eaten much while wandering alone, and quietly offered his remaining dango to her.
Nana tilted her head in confusion, but before Itachi could explain, a cheerful voice interrupted.
"Itachi! You're here too."
Nana looked up, seeing a boy about thirteen or fourteen, bathed in sunlight with a golden glow. He walked over, waving at Itachi.
"Shisui!" Itachi exclaimed joyfully, his gentle eyes lighting up. He stood and gestured for Shisui to sit beside him.
So this was Shisui of the Body Flicker, Nana thought, understanding Itachi's excitement. Geniuses recognized each other, and they were already close friends by this time.
"Who's this pretty girl?" Shisui had noticed the charming girl beside Itachi but hadn't dared to speak to her.
"I'm his sister, temporarily staying at Itachi-nii's house as a medical ninja," Nana said sweetly before Itachi could respond.
Itachi glanced at her, feeling a tinge of bitterness despite her truthfulness.
"I see. I'm Uchiha Shisui, Itachi's friend." Shisui's voice was warm and steady as he extended his hand to Nana.
"I'm Matsumoto Nana. Nice to meet you!" Nana shook his hand, her smile bright and cheerful.
Shisui was a tragic hero, caught in the tides of his time despite his brilliance, sacrificing himself for the village's future.
Feeling a deep emotional connection, Nana stared at Shisui, her mind flashing to his tragic end, jumping off a cliff in despair.
Shisui blushed slightly, noticing she wouldn't let go of his hand, and tried to pull away, flustered.
Itachi watched their hands intently, noting the affection in Nana's eyes, just as it had been when they first met. It felt like she had known him forever.
"Nana, it's getting late. Let's go," Itachi said, his voice slightly hoarse, calling the daydreaming girl.
"Oh, okay..." Nana snapped out of it, reluctantly letting go of Shisui's hand, wishing she could say more.
"Sorry, Shisui, we have to go." Itachi quickly grabbed Nana's hand, leading her away.
Shisui stood stunned, staring at his slightly warm hand. By the time he reacted and ran to the door, Itachi and Nana were already some distance away.
"Nana!" he called, but his voice was drowned out by the crowd. His eyes dimmed with a touch of sadness.
As he turned to leave, he saw Nana look back with a sweet smile, a smile that stayed with him deeply.
Shisui stood, watching the bustling street, lost in thought until the sunset's golden hues bathed the village.