Neji sat cross-legged on the bed, his arms crossed and his eyes closed. Despite his stoic appearance, his muscles, taut from the intense night, craved rest. That's when a voice resonated in his mind, a familiar voice, deep and imposing.
"Neji, I'm back."
It was Shikai. Neji slowly opened his eyes, a golden flash crossing his Byakugan.
"Sensei..." he murmured to himself.
He immediately stood up and left the room, heading towards the main hall where he knew his master would be waiting for him.
...
Shikai, seated on a black throne adorned with intricate patterns, was surrounded by an overwhelming aura. His appearance had changed radically. His eyes, once human, were now completely black, devoid of pupils, and emitted an unsettling glow. Three sinister horns emerged from his skull, accentuating his already imposing two-meter stature.
Mikoto Uchiha, present in the room, fixed her gaze on Shikai with an expression mingled with fear and fascination. Although she had known him in the past, this transformation unsettled her.
"Are you... Shikai?" she asked, skeptical, her voice betraying a slight nervousness.
A half-smile formed on Shikai's face.
"After all this time, don't you recognize me, Mikoto-san?" he replied, his voice soft yet charged with authority.
Before she could react, he disappeared from his seat and reappeared behind her, silent as a shadow. His powerful arms embraced her with unexpected delicacy, and she felt an intense heat invade her, emanating from his chakra.
"Even if my appearance and power have changed, I'm sure you remember this sensation," he murmured, placing a kiss on her neck.
Mikoto shuddered, a mix of emotions overwhelming her. She was still wounded, physically and mentally, after her battle against Kaguya. Yet, the mere proximity of Shikai seemed to soothe her pains. She felt her wounds heal and her exhaustion dissipate under the influence of his chakra.
She slowly turned around, her eyes meeting Shikai's. Despite his terrifying appearance, she recognized the man she had once loved, and he was even more beautiful.
"Shikai..." she murmured, tears in her eyes.
Shikai placed a finger on her lips.
"Shh... rest. I'm here now."
He caressed her hair tenderly, and Mikoto, overwhelmed with emotion, rested her head against his chest. She heard the steady beat of his heart and felt her own breaths calm down. Gradually, she fell asleep in his arms, a sense of peace enveloping her.
Shikai watched her, a barely perceptible smile on his face. He murmured to himself:
"You've suffered so much, Mikoto... but now, you can rest."
He gently teleported her to her personal chamber, ensuring she was comfortably settled before disappearing once again.
Neji arrived in the main hall and bowed respectfully before Shikai.
"Sensei Shikai. What should I do?"
Shikai fixed his gaze on Neji, a glint of amusement in his black eyes.
"Neji, you've made impressive progress. But there's still a long way to go. For now, I have a mission for you."
Neji remained silent, awaiting instructions.
"Release the prisoners. All of them."
Neji slightly furrowed his eyebrows, surprised by this order.
"Release them? Directly to their respective villages?"
"Exactly. Kakashi will return to Konoha, Temari to Suna. As for the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, they will return to Kirigakure. Their loyalty now belongs to Mei Terumi, thanks to our... intensive Sharingan brainwashing."
Neji nodded, although he couldn't help but question the decision internally.
"Very well, Master. But may I ask why?"
Shikai crossed his arms, a mysterious smile on his lips.
"The pieces of the game must be properly placed before the game begins, Neji. Everything in its own time."
Neji acquiesced, although he didn't fully understand Shikai's intentions.
"Consider it done."
"Good. One last thing," Shikai added. "Monitor their reactions. I want to know what they'll do once released. And the real-time situation in the villages."
Neji bowed deeply before leaving the room, leaving Shikai alone.
"And you can take Karin with you."
"Ah... Very well, Sensei."
After settling the fate of the prisoners, Shikai teleported directly in front of Samui's chamber. He stood in the shadows, his massive and intimidating silhouette contrasting with the silence of the corridor.
He knocked softly on the door, but his presence alone was enough to alert Samui.
"Come in," she said in a calm voice.
Shikai opened the door and entered, his imposing stride filling the space. Samui stood there, her arms crossed, her expression as stoic as ever.
"Shikai," she said simply, her eyes scrutinizing him intently.
"Samui," he replied, a light but enigmatic smile on his face.
They stared at each other in silence for a moment, a palpable tension floating in the air.
"I've come for your reward."
"I'd say it's our reward." She said with a slight smile before unfastening her coat.