Itachi's internal conflict gnawed at him, a relentless voice in his mind questioning every action, every emotion stirred by Aiha. Despite his usual composure, he felt a strange sense of unease. Was it weakness? Or had he genuinely found someone who understood him in a way no one else ever had?
Aiha, on the other hand, was feeling triumphant. She knew Itachi was slipping into her grasp, but she also knew this was only the beginning. The Uchiha clan was full of strong-willed individuals, and if she wanted to secure her influence, she couldn't afford to stop with just one.
Tonight, her focus would shift to another—Shisui.
Shisui was different from Itachi. While Itachi's stoic demeanor masked his insecurities, Shisui's kindness and innocence made him an easier target. Aiha didn't plan to break him the same way. No, with Shisui, she'd use a different method. One that would leave him questioning his own morals, unsure of where his loyalty should lie.
---
The moon hung low in the sky as Aiha wandered through the Uchiha compound, her steps light, her gaze sharp. She knew where to find him. Shisui often spent his evenings by the riverbank, staring at the water as if searching for answers to questions he never voiced aloud.
When she arrived, there he was, sitting on a flat stone, his back to her. The gentle rush of the river filled the air, masking her approach. For a moment, Aiha simply watched him, studying his relaxed posture, the way his hands rested loosely on his knees. He exuded an aura of calm that Aiha found almost unnerving.
"Shisui," she called softly, her voice carrying just enough warmth to catch his attention.
He turned, his expression lighting up with a smile. "Aiha! What brings you out here so late?"
She approached him, her movements deliberate, her smile demure. "I couldn't sleep. I needed someone to talk to, and I thought of you."
Shisui's smile widened, and he gestured for her to sit beside him. "You've come to the right person. I'm all ears."
Aiha lowered herself onto the stone, close enough that their shoulders almost touched. She gazed at the water, feigning a thoughtful expression. "Do you ever feel... out of place, Shisui? Like you're meant for something more, but you're trapped by expectations?"
Shisui tilted his head, his brow furrowing slightly. "I think everyone feels that way sometimes. Why? Is something bothering you?"
Aiha let out a soft sigh, her hands clasped in her lap. "It's just… being here, among such strong, talented people like you and Itachi, I feel so... insignificant. Like I'll never be able to truly belong."
Shisui frowned, his kind nature immediately surfacing. "That's not true, Aiha. You're incredible. You have this way of... I don't know, brightening up the room whenever you're around."
Aiha turned to him, her eyes wide with what appeared to be genuine surprise. "You really think so?"
"Of course," Shisui said, his tone earnest. "Don't let anyone make you feel otherwise."
Aiha allowed a small smile to grace her lips, her gaze softening. "Thank you, Shisui. You don't know how much that means to me." She reached out, her fingers brushing his arm lightly. It was a fleeting touch, but she saw the slight flush that crept into his cheeks.
Shisui rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous laugh escaping him. "Well, it's the truth. You're... special, Aiha."
Aiha lowered her gaze, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "You're special too, Shisui. More than you realize. I just wish... I wish I could be more like you."
Shisui blinked, clearly caught off guard. "Me? Why?"
"You're kind, selfless, and you always seem to know the right thing to do," Aiha said, her tone filled with admiration. "I don't think I've ever met anyone as pure-hearted as you."
Shisui looked away, his expression turning uncharacteristically serious. "Sometimes, being kind isn't enough. The world isn't always kind in return."
Aiha tilted her head, her gaze locking onto his. "But that's what makes you different. Even in a cruel world, you haven't let it change you. You're a light, Shisui. And people like me... we're drawn to that."
Her words hung in the air, and Shisui seemed to struggle with how to respond. Aiha leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a softer, more intimate tone. "You make people feel safe, Shisui. That's a rare gift."
Shisui's face turned a deeper shade of red, and he looked down at his hands. "I... I don't know what to say, Aiha."
"You don't have to say anything," Aiha murmured, her fingers brushing his once more. "Just... stay the way you are. Don't let anyone take away your light."
Shisui glanced at her, his eyes filled with a mixture of gratitude and confusion. He was clearly moved by her words, but Aiha could see the flicker of doubt beginning to take root. Doubt about his own choices, about the people around him, and most importantly, about her.
She smiled inwardly, knowing she had planted the first seed. Shisui's innocence made him vulnerable, and Aiha was prepared to nurture that vulnerability until he was completely under her spell.
---