I Ayumi had been in love with him for as long as she could remember, her feelings blossoming when they were just innocent children. He held a special place in her heart, one that made her heart race whenever he reached out to gently touch the top of her head or flashed her that charming smile. Their paths intertwined during their early years in kindergarten, where they first forged their friendship, which only deepened as they continued together through the academy. They even found themselves in the same genin group, a fortunate twist of fate that Ayumi couldn't help but orchestrate in her favor.She often thought about how she would love to attribute their closeness to mere chance, but deep down, she knew the truth: she had been intentionally pulling every string to ensure she was always by his side. It amused her to think of the lengths she would go to for a moment of his attention. Surprisingly, he didn't seem to mind her efforts; in fact, he appeared to appreciate her presence. While he may not have openly admitted it, Ayumi could sense that he enjoyed their time together, even if he struggled to articulate his feelings. Each shared laugh and lingering glance only fueled her affection, making her heart swell with hope for what the future might hold between them.Ayumi was a direct descendant of the Tobirama Senju, the famous 2nd Hokage, being his great-granddaughter. Despite her prestigious lineage, she had a rather peculiar personality that set her apart from the others. Ayumi possessed an extraordinary and rare ability—the power to control water in all its forms. This power was not just a mere trick; she could transform herself into water, allowing her to blend seamlessly with her surroundings. To anyone observing her, it was as if she was made entirely of water, enabling her to manipulate it at will. The origin of this remarkable ability was a mystery, and no one could explain how she had come to possess such a unique talent. It seemed to be a gift she was born with, setting her apart from everyone else in her community.Personality-wise, Ayumi was somewhat simple-minded, preferring the quiet comfort of solitude over the chaos of social interactions. She rarely offered a helping hand to others, choosing instead to avoid unnecessary trouble or conflict. People generally had little to say about her; her presence was like a shadow—constant yet unremarkable. Her life, however, revolved primarily around Shisui, her closest companion, and nothing else mattered to her outside of that bond.In the early days of their friendship, many people underestimated her. While her water-manipulating abilities were indeed intriguing, they were more of a novelty than a source of fear; most regarded her talents with mild curiosity rather than as threats.As her attachment to Shisui deepened, Ayumi boldly declared herself part of the Uchiha clan. This assertion raised eyebrows within the clan and stirred a sense of tension among its members. Living in Shisui's home, nestled among his loving family, intensified her feelings of belonging and excitement. She relished the warmth of their household, particularly the way Shisui's mother spoiled her with affection and treats, making her feel cherished and valued.To the onlookers, Ayumi resembled a playful kitten that followed Shisui everywhere, embodying a sense of loyalty that was almost palpable. It was as though they were a pack, inseparable and comfortable in each other's company. She would often hold his hand and pass the time in his home, giggling and sharing moments that seemed to reinforce their bond. Whenever Shisui found himself among his friends or teammates, Ayumi was never far behind. Interestingly, she never engaged in more than polite conversation with anyone except Shisui. Itachi Uchiha, who had been Shisui's best friend for many years, had never managed to have a conversation with her that lasted longer than a minute. Though Ayumi was not unpleasant, possessing a natural charm and allure, she seemed utterly indifferent to the opinions of those around her. It was a quality Shisui found endearing; he would smile softly every time she displayed this carefree attitude."I want to marry you," she announced one day, plopping her head onto his lap while he absentmindedly combed his fingers through her hair. Her bold declaration left him momentarily speechless, and after a pause, he chuckled gently. "Is that so?" he replied with a teasing tone. Rather than answering him directly, she merely smiled and rested her hand on his, as if the simplicity of the moment spoke volumes. They were only 14 at the time, so many viewed her proclamation as a harmless childlike fantasy. Shisui, being considerably more mature, allowed her these whimsical thoughts, a perception that most people had. II Despite her persistent declarations that she deserved to join him on every mission, Ayumi was never permitted to participate. Shisui would glare at her, his expression firm and resolute as he asserted, "This isn't a children's playground, Ayumi. I can't take care of you there!""I don't care! I want to take care of you!" she retorted, her determination shining through."Of course you will. When I return, I promise to spend all day with you, okay?" Shisui reassured her, his tone softening.Despite his kind words, Ayumi was far from satisfied with this arrangement. But realizing she had lost this battle, she begrudgingly accepted his decision, her disappointment evident in her lowered gaze.One day, Ayumi strode purposefully into the Third Lord's office, determination evident in her eyes. "I demand to be part of the next mission with Shisui," she declared firmly. "I want to be there with him. I'll go by myself if necessary." Her unwavering resolve made dealing with her quite a challenging task. She was not only headstrong but also possessed a remarkable ability to filter out anything that contradicted her desires.The Third Lord sighed, recalling the legacy of the Senju clan. "Ayumi, have you ever considered what your great-grandfather would say if he saw his own descendant acting like a spoiled brat instead of dedicating herself to the training required to become a proper Shinobi?" His voice was calm, yet firm. "You carry the Senju name, and it's time you start honoring it."Ayumi's expression darkened, a clear sign of her growing frustration. She stood with her arms crossed, her eyes locked onto Lord Third's with a fierce intensity. "Unfortunately, Lord Third," she began, her voice steady despite the tension in the air, "since my great-grandfather passed away so many years ago, we cannot know what his thoughts on this matter truly were, can we?" Her challenge hung in the air, a mix of defiance and determination as she sensed a flicker of uncertainty in his gaze.The Third Lord, taken aback by her audacity, pondered her request. Despite his initial reluctance, he ultimately agreed to allow her to accompany them on the mission, believing it might serve as a valuable lesson. He thought that perhaps seeing the harsh realities of the Shinobi world would give her a taste of the challenges that awaited her and help her understand the weight of her abilities.Yet, despite his decision, he found it difficult to wrap his mind around her apparent shamelessness and her infatuation with that Uchiha clan boy. What perplexed him the most was Shisui's willingness to tolerate her childish antics. He was an exceptionally talented shinobi, renowned for his skills and regarded as a crucial asset for the future of the village. His combat prowess and strategic thinking made him a leader among his peers. However, despite his impressive abilities and dedication, he often found himself grappling with the immature demeanor of a grown woman who had been excessively pampered by him. IIIHe couldn't believe she was following him all the way to the mission site, her small frame trailing behind him with an unwavering determination that both amazed and frustrated him. What baffled him the most was that she was somehow allowed to accompany him on such a dangerous task. Ayumi was petite, almost delicate, like a porcelain doll, her fragile appearance accentuated by her soft and ethereal features that mirrored the gentle flow of river waters. Her dark, expressive eyes held a depth that seemed to conceal untold stories, while her long, soft red hair cascaded around her shoulders, glimmering in the light.Shisui had known Ayumi for as long as he could remember, their lives intertwined in a way that felt both comforting and complicated. What stood out the most about her was her floral-like behavior—graceful, vibrant, and full of life—along with her unique style that set her apart from others. She moved through the world with an ease that was almost astonishing; it was as if her spirit floated effortlessly above the worries and troubles that surrounded them. Yet, when it came to him, she seemed unable to contain her affectionate nature.Shisui grappled with his feelings, uncertain about what role Ayumi played in his life. Deep down, he found comfort in the fact that someone cared for him so deeply. Despite her persistent following, which drew puzzled glances from those around them, he cherished it. There was something profoundly satisfying in knowing that he was someone's most precious person, someone she felt compelled to be close to. Ayumi's visits to his home only heightened this ; seeing his mother light up in her presence brought warmth to his heart, reinforcing the bond they shared.But beyond those moments of connection, he also discovered an unexpected emotional comfort in the simple pleasure of sleeping with someone he cared for, feeling her warmth envelop him as they drifted off. However, as they embarked on this mission together, he found himself engulfed in a tumult of anger and despair. How could he focus on the task at hand when his mind was consumed with thoughts of her safety? Each time she seemed to disregard his concerns, he felt frustration bubble up within him—an intense urge to protect her from harm that clashed with the reality of their situation. No amount of logic could quell the overwhelming need to ensure she stayed out of danger. As he contemplated the idea of marrying her, a sense of pleasure washed over him instead of any hesitation. He could vividly imagine a future filled with warmth and happiness, where they would create a loving family together, one that he vowed to protect with all his strength. The thought felt entirely natural as if it were meant to be. She brought joy into his life, constantly supporting him. He could feel her delicate hand grasping his, a comforting presence that anchored him in moments of doubt.Ayumi offered him a gentle smile that seemed to say everything was alright and that she was managing just fine. Deep down, she understood the concern that often surrounded her; after all, it was something everyone noticed. Though Ayumi was earnest and dedicated, she didn't possess the typical skills expected of a shinobi. Her chakra reserves were modest at best, and her taijutsu skills left much to be desired. Yet, she felt no need to conform to those standards. Ayumi recognized that her true strength lay elsewhere. She was fluid like water—an element with great potential and power, though few acknowledged it. In a world where brute force often took precedence, her subtlety and resilience went unrecognized, allowing her to carry a quiet strength that could surprise those who underestimated her.The mission was centered around stopping a rogue group from the Bloody Mist, and as Ayumi thought about it, she couldn't help but chuckle at the irony of the situation in the village of Bloody Water. The Mist village had become increasingly problematic, provoking the Hidden Leaf with their relentless attacks. Yet, for Ayumi, the ongoing conflict seemed far less important than the well-being of her beloved, who was once again preparing to put himself in danger.He was hailed as the best shinobi of his generation, a title she believed he deserved wholeheartedly, but that didn't ease her anxiety. Every time he prepared to embark on a mission, a wave of fear washed over her. Watching him leave, his back turned toward her, served as a painful reminder of the fact that he could be taken from her at any moment. The thought of losing him was a dark cloud that hung over her heart—a burden she found unbearable.Though the other shinobi didn't often include her in the details of the mission, she didn't mind. She took solace in observing him solve problems and navigate the chaos with confidence. His tall frame was incredibly attractive, igniting feelings she couldn't quite suppress. Her heart raced at the mere sight of him, captivated by his striking eyes and tousled hair. She often envisioned a future where they could be together forever, cherishing every moment they shared. This deep affection had taken root the very first time she saw him, years ago. It felt as though that initial spark had continuously followed her, growing stronger with each passing day.Ayumi loved every aspect of him. His strength made her feel protected, while his handsomeness left her breathless. His natural leadership drew others to follow him, and his kindness was evident to all who knew him. Yet, what she treasured the most was his gentle, vulnerable side that he often concealed from the world—a side that made him feel relatable and human. There was truly no part of him that she didn't adore.She often reflected on his dreams and aspirations, wishing above all else that he could remain true to himself and never stray from the path he had chosen. However, she still vividly recalled the pain and sorrow that he carried when his close friend died in the chaos of war. He had been consumed by guilt, blaming his envious thoughts for the tragedy, convinced that he could have changed the outcome. The emotional toll it took on him was evident, but eventually, he found a way to heal. She felt a profound sense of relief knowing that he had emerged from that darkness.As everything seemed to be going well, she found herself deep in thought, completely absorbed in her surroundings. Suddenly, a cold hand wrapped around her wrist, yanking her backward with a surprising force. Startled, her heart raced as she felt the grip tighten around her neck, and she stumbled, crashing against the hard surface behind her. In that moment of shock, she realized her mistake—she had let her guard down."Shisui, the teleporter of the Leaf," she gasped, struggling to regain her composure. "Stop your attack, or this chick is gonna lose her head.'' The guy who talked put a blade on her neck and she was startled.Unfortunately, the unspeakable occurred: she had become a burden to him, the very thing she had always feared. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air, creating a tense silence that enveloped them. She shifted uncomfortably, his thoughts racing as he struggled to process the reality of their situation. The guy became restless, he reached out, grabbed her hand, and broke it in one snap. As the unexpected movement startled her, a piercing scream escaped her lips, echoing through the tense air. Just then, Shisui darted toward the scene, determination blazing in his eyes. "Let her go now!" he demanded, his voice steady but laced with urgency. The figure holding her smirked, clearly amused by the confrontation. "Of course," they replied with a mocking tone, "You can always exchange yourself for her. Be my guest, Shisui of the Leaf."Ayumi's heart raced as panic washed over her when she saw Shisui enduring blow after blow meant for her. Each hit landed like a thunderclap, echoing her helplessness and igniting a fire of rage within her. Suddenly, an ominous undertow surged around them, yanking The Hiden Mist Shinobi into a deep abyss where his limbs felt like they were encased in iron chains. "What's happening?!" he shouted, his voice strained, desperation etched across his face. Ayumi's fury exploded like a tidal wave; with her left hand fractured, she clenched her right fist and summoned the waters around her, conjuring a whirlpool that swallowed the assailant whole, twisting his form into a watery prison. "Those cocky bastards!" she spat, her eyes white-hot with fury as she controlled the currents to ensnare anyone still standing. "Don't kill them, Ayumi!" Shisui's voice cut through her rage like a knife, a reminder of her temper's destructive potential. With a resigned huff, she encased their captors in a shimmering water cage, bubbles swirling ominously around their confined forms. "Are you okay?" she said, rushing to him, her hands cradling his face gently, concern flooding her heart. Shisui's body was battered, but a flicker of warmth ignited in his eyes at her touch. "I'll be fine," he replied, a brave attempt at reassurance. As she was knitting together his wounds as she pulled him into a fierce embrace. Her lips brushed his with urgency, a mixture of desperation and passion, as she bit her lip and pressed her mouth against his, forcing him to drink her blood. Shisui was acutely aware of Ayumi's extraordinary abilities, which was precisely why he hesitated to involve her in their missions. The implications of her powers were overwhelming. What if it became common knowledge that her blood possessed the miraculous ability to cure any ailment? The thought of her capabilities being exposed to the world sent a shiver down his spine. Could he truly shield her from such dangers? The mere contemplation of that possibility made his heart race with anxiety."You can't do that again!" he shouted at her his tone firm but laced with concern. "We've already discussed this, Ayumi!""I don't care!" she shouted back, her voice breaking under the weight of her emotions. "If something happened to you, I—I don't think I could live with myself!" Ayumi's eyes were with tears.In an instant, Shisui closed the distance between them, wrapping her in a tight embrace to offer comfort and reassurance. He could feel her trembling against him, her fragility pulling at his heartstrings. "I feel the same way," he whispered softly, his voice low and sincere."I love you, Shisui," she murmured into his chest.In response, he placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, a silent promise to protect her. They lingered in each other's presence for a moment, before he slowly pulled away. ___IV__Shusui held a profound belief in the importance of peace and harmony within the village. His strategy to safeguard Konoha revolved around preventing a coup d'état orchestrated by his own clan, the Uchiha. This clan had been growing increasingly discontent due to what they perceived as unfair treatment by the village leadership. Following the devastating Nine-Tails attack on Konoha, suspicions had fallen heavily on the Uchiha, leading to a sense of marginalization and isolation within the community. Many members of the clan believed that they were unjustly blamed for the tragedy, which only deepened their grievances and feelings of alienation.This simmering discontent posed a significant risk of escalating into a full-scale rebellion, creating potential for internal strife that could undermine the stability of the village. A conflict of this magnitude would not only tear at the fabric of the community but could also leave Konoha exposed to outside threats, making the village susceptible to attacks from enemy nations or rogue ninja. Shusui understood the gravity of the situation and was determined to defuse the tensions between the Uchiha and the rest of Konoha to maintain peace and protect his home. Recognizing the brewing tensions between the Uchiha Clan and the village leadership, he was determined to take action to prevent any bloodshed that might arise from a potential coup. After much contemplation, Shisui devised a thoughtful and strategic plan that leveraged his extraordinary abilities.At the center of his strategy was his unique Mangekyō Sharingan ability known as Kotoamatsukami. This powerful genjutsu allowed him to enter the mind of his target and subtly manipulate their thoughts and perceptions without their conscious awareness. Shisui understood that using such a technique carried immense responsibility and risks, but he believed it was a necessary measure to preserve peace. His primary target was Fugaku Uchiha, the respected leader of the Uchiha Clan. Shisui aimed to implant a compelling thought in Fugaku's mind: the idea of abandoning the planned coup and instead reconciling with the village leadership. He hoped that by influencing Fugaku's mindset this way, he could effectively diffuse the rising tensions and pave the way for a peaceful resolution. Shisui's ultimate goal was to foster a sense of unity and understanding between the Uchiha and Konoha, ensuring that both sides could coexist without resorting to violence. He believed that through compassion and strategic action, he could help avert a devastating conflict and create a lasting peace for the village he loved.He tried acting on it but it wasn't that easy to make this plan come true. However, his scheme was ultimately thwarted by Danzo Shimura, a high-ranking and often ruthless member of the village council. Danzo, who was known for his calculating nature and deep-seated fears of losing control, perceived Shisui's approach as overly perilous, doubting that it would yield the definitive outcomes necessary to maintain the village's stability. In a calculated move to eliminate the threat he believed Shisui posed, Danzo orchestrated a treacherous ambush. During this confrontation, he managed to steal one of Shisui's prized Mangekyō Sharingan eyes, a potent weapon that greatly enhanced the Uchiha's power and abilities. This loss rendered Shisui unable to carry out his carefully laid plans, leaving him vulnerable and desperate.Faced with the reality that he could no longer realize his vision for the village's future and deeply concerned that his remaining eye might also fall into Danzo's hands, Shisui made the heart-wrenching decision to entrust his last eye to his closest friend, Itachi Uchiha ,who shared Shisui's ideals and unwavering commitment to protect the village at all costsHe was uncertain whether everything he was doing was right. Standing at the edge of the waterfall, he took a deep breath, feeling the weight of his decision press heavy on his heart. "I have to go," he began, his voice steady yet tinged with sorrow. "But besides my powers, there's one more thing I must entrust to you." He paused, searching his mind for the right words. After a moment of contemplation, a desperate smile broke across his face as he continued, "My future.Don't let her lose her mind over the fact that I'm no longer able to be by her side. Help her grow into a remarkable person someday. And when you see her, tell her 'Thank you' and 'I love you too.'"Then he plunged into the icy depths of the waterfall, embracing the fierce chill that surrounded him. This was his ultimate sacrifice—a farewell to this world for the greater good of the people he cherished.As he descended , Itachi's voice echoed in desperation, calling out his name, it seemed to slip further and further into the distance, fading away like a whisper carried by the wind. A profound sense of regret washed over him for all those he was leaving behind—his people, his parents, his friends, and most of all, her. He couldn't help but smile, thinking of her joyous laughter and the warmth he felt when she was in his arms. She had brought light into his life, and he hoped that in her heart, she would always carry a piece of him with her. __V__There was nothing but water and an enveloping darkness. He felt the cool water cascading over his face, a sensation both foreign and familiar, as if it were an entity in itself. In the midst of this murky depth, a voice called out to him—a voice that resonated deep within his soul, beckoning him to escape the heavy shroud of shadows that surrounded him. Yet, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't find his way to the light."Shisui," she pleaded, her voice quivering with emotion. "Wake up!"He blinked slowly, trying to orient himself in the thick haze of confusion. "I am awake. What's wrong, dear? Why are you crying again?" he replied, his voice filled with concern. The sudden intensity of her emotions made him wonder if perhaps the afterlife was merely a series of dreams, woven together with threads of regret and worry."I hate you!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her cheeks, echoing her deep anguish. "How could you do this to me? Trying to throw your life away and give your eye to Itachi? You sent me on a perilous mission while you risked everything! Are you out of your mind? Did you think I wouldn't notice?''"I am water," she continued, her strength rising like a wave. "Water is part of me. I know everything that happens. The moment I sensed that Danzo was plotting something, I returned without hesitation, and I was fortunate to find you barely clinging to life. I pulled you from the brink of death! What if you had perished? All those conversations with Itachi? Seriously? You expect him to care for me? Me a great shinobi? If you had died, I would have turned the entire Land of Fire to ash in my grief and taken my own life along with it. How dare you put me through this!" "But it seems that I didn't die; I'm here with you, so could you please take a moment to calm down?" he implored. She shook her head vehemently, her eyes wide with distress. "I will not calm down! Why would you put yourself in danger like that? What would I have done if something had happened to you?" She paused, her breath hitching as raw fear gripped her heart. "I'm terrified! What if I leave this room for even a second, and you—what if I lose you?" The vulnerability in her voice echoed the depth of her concern, filling the space between them with a palpable tension.''Of course, you won't. I don't know how I survived, I don't know why I am here but now that I am I will only think of you." ''Is it real?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of hope and vulnerability."What do you mean?" he replied, a hint of confusion in his tone as he tried to gauge her feelings."That you love me?"He felt a smile spread across his lips, even though he couldn't see her at that moment. He imagined the expression on her face: her wide, glistening eyes, filled with emotion, and the tears that began to stream down her cheeks. He could almost picture the way her lips would tremble, how her heart would race because he knew her better than he knew himself. It baffled him that for even a fleeting second, he had thought he could do anything behind her back.She had always been there for him, a steadfast beacon of support and strength. If it came to it, he did not doubt that she would lay down her life for him without a second thought—that was the nature of her love."I love you," he finally said, his voice steady and full of sincerity. At his words, she gave him a kiss full of unrestrained passion. Her tears mingled with his skin, and all that remained was the devotion to one another.