Phew!
A kunai shot through the air, embedding itself in Pakura's chest. She gasped, her body frozen as blood seeped from the wound. Her vision blurred, a kaleidoscope of images flashing before her eyes—memories of her past, moments she never thought she would reflect on in her final moments.
Her mind drifted back to her encounters with Uchiha Shin. They had never been particularly close, yet he always seemed to see right through her, as if he had already foreseen her fate.
"Uchiha… Shin," she murmured weakly, her voice barely above a whisper.
The hatred she once harbored for him now felt meaningless. The fire of vengeance that once burned in her heart had been extinguished. Perhaps she had been blinded by her own emotions, failing to see the truth. Karura… she must have followed him willingly. It was never about being taken. Pakura had been a fool, fighting for a village that had betrayed her.
She didn't want to die for the Sand Village.
She wanted to live for herself.
She wanted revenge.
"Stop."
A commanding voice sliced through the battlefield, freezing the Mist-nin in their tracks. In an instant, Uchiha Shin materialized in the clearing, his presence sending a shiver down their spines.
"L-Lord Shin!" one of the Mist-nin stammered, his voice filled with fear. Others instinctively dropped to their knees.
The Hidden Mist was no longer the village it once was. Now, it was the "Blood Mist Village," a place where death and terror reigned. Uchiha Shin had massacred so many that the mist itself seemed to be dyed red with blood. Those who remained had sworn unwavering loyalty, but their reverence was born of fear. They knew the price of disobedience.
"You're dismissed. Leave her to me."
Shin's tone was casual, but there was no room for argument. With a flick of his hand, gravity shifted, lifting Pakura's weakened body from the ground. He turned and took off towards the Mist Village, leaving the bewildered Mist-nin staring in silence. They dared not question his motives.
Shin placed a hand on Pakura's abdomen, channeling his chakra. A fiery crimson seal formed, a unique pattern resembling flickering flames. It was the Sage's Curse Mark, a brand that would tether her to him.
Her ragged breathing evened out as the mark's power stabilized her.
Shin studied her silently, his gaze flickering over her form.
"This isn't the battle outfit I remember," he mused. "Not surprising. Who wears revealing clothes on a mission?"
Though her back wasn't exposed, her sleeveless attire still caught his eye. Her fair skin was unblemished, smooth, and untouched by the grime of war. His fingers brushed against her arm absentmindedly. A barely noticeable shudder ran through her body.
His brow arched.
"A weakness?"
Interesting.
Pakura had been unconscious, yet her body reacted instinctively. Shin made a mental note of it. Weaknesses were useful things to know.
Carrying her with ease, he arrived at Terumi Mei's residence. It was now his home as well. Mei had been occupied with Mizukage affairs, leaving the place empty for now. That was fine—better, even. Less interference.
He clicked his tongue in mild frustration.
"I should've come sooner. I let myself get distracted."
It was Mei's fault. And Yuki's. One was too ambitious, the other too tempting.
Pakura had nearly died because of his delay. He would've been forced to revive her—a process that, while manageable, was still an inconvenience. Fortunately, he had arrived in time.
Now that she was here, there was no way he was letting her go.
Shin traced his finger along her cheek, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Looks like you're mine now, Pakura."
A quick glance at the hot springs gave him an idea.
He had barely escaped Mei's… 'affectionate' advances earlier. A soak sounded perfect. But why go alone when he had Pakura right here?
"Tsk. I did save her life," he mused. "I should get some compensation."
With a flick of his wrist, he tugged at the sash tied around Pakura's waist.
Swish.
The fabric slipped free, loosening her already relaxed attire. As the cloth parted slightly, Shin let out an appreciative hum.
"…So that's why she wears sleeveless gear. Ventilation."
Tsunade had once complained about the same issue, favoring loose outerwear for breathability. It made sense now.
Just as he was about to continue his 'assessment,' Pakura stirred. Her eyelids fluttered open, her gaze hazy with confusion.
For a long moment, neither of them moved.
Pakura's dazed eyes focused on his face. She hesitated before slowly reaching out, tracing his jawline with her fingers.
"…Why?" she whispered. "Why is my final illusion… you?"
Shin narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing.
Pakura continued in a soft, broken murmur. "Am I jealous? Jealous of Karura… that she had someone to rely on? I spent my life serving the village… I never had time for myself. Never even had the chance to… find someone."
She gave a weak chuckle, her fingers trembling as they rested against his cheek.
"Even if you were my enemy… you were always the most handsome man I knew."
Shin raised a brow. That was an interesting confession.
"If this is just an illusion… then why shouldn't I indulge?"
Her fingers curled around his collar, pulling him closer.
Shin barely had time to react before she pressed her lips to his. Well—'pressed' was a generous term. She was inexperienced, clumsy. More like an eager kitten than a skilled seductress.
Shin let out an amused breath.
"…Who taught you this?"
Pakura gave him a questioning look.
"Tch. This is how it's done."
Without giving her time to protest, he flipped their positions, taking control of the situation. The heat from the nearby springs seemed to intensify as he deepened the kiss.
Their entangled forms shifted towards the steaming water, and soon, they were lost in the warmth.
Meanwhile, back in the Sand Village, Rasa waited impatiently.
News from the Mist Village should arrive soon. The plan had been set in motion. By sending that suspicious woman away, he had secured an alliance. It was worth losing an elite jōnin.
With this new partnership, they could finally begin serious discussions with other villages. The upcoming Kage Summit would determine their next course of action. Plans had already been drafted to unite against Uchiha Shin and push back against the Fire Country's growing dominance.
A wicked smile crept onto Rasa's face.
"This is the beginning," he muttered. "Once we bring down the Fire Country, the Sand will rise. And I…" His fingers curled into a fist. "…I will be the one to lead the Shinobi Alliance. I will be the one to carve our place in history."
Laughter bubbled in his throat.
Yes. Everything was falling into place.
He had no idea just how wrong he was.
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