ame (雨) “rain”
The following morning, Itachi, Kisame, and Shizuka prepared to leave the confines of the shrine. Tamafune had provided them with supplies for their journey, including food and water.
As they stood at the shrine's entrance, Shizuka felt a mix of emotions. She had grown attached to this place and to Tamafune who had shown her kindness. But she also understood that Itachi and Kisame could not stay in one place for too long.
Tamafune approached them one last time, her eyes filled with warmth and wisdom. "Remember, Shizuka, you are never alone. This shrine will always be a sanctuary for you, should you need it."
Shizuka nodded, tears glistening in her eyes as she embraced Tamafune.
With that, they set off into the forest, leaving the shrine behind. Itachi and Kisame moved with their usual grace, while Shizuka followed closely.
Their first major mission led them to the scorching dessert of Suna. Itachi and Kisame had been tasked with gathering intelligence on a group of rogue ninja who were causing unrest in the region. Shizuka was sitting on Kisames shoulders, as they navigated the unforgiving desert terrain.
The relentless sun beat down on them as they trekked through the vast desert of Suna. Itachi and Kisame's experience as seasoned shinobi helped them endure the harsh conditions while Shizuka, at the tender age of four, was perched on Kisame's broad shoulders, her small hands gripping his cloak tightly. The scorching heat proved to be a too much for the young girl. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and her cheeks flushed with exertion. Itachi and Kisame exchanged worried glances as they noticed her struggling.
Kisame looked up slightly to check on Shizuka. "Are you okay, kid?" he asked, concern lacing his gruff voice. Shizuka nodded, but her face bore a look of discomfort. The sweltering desert was taking its toll on her, and the intensity of the sun made her tiny body feel even smaller in comparison.
Itachi took a moment to assess the situation and came to a decision. "Kisame, we need to find shelter. The desert heat is too much for her."
Kisame agreed, and they altered their course, heading toward a nearby rock formation that offered some relief from the blazing sun. He carefully lowered Shizuka to the ground, and she gratefully accepted a sip of water from his canteen. Itachi and Kisame worked together to create a makeshift shelter from their cloaks, providing shade for Shizuka. As the hours passed, Shizuka's strength gradually returned, and her discomfort eased. Itachi and Kisame watched over her with unwavering vigilance, ensuring she had enough water and was protected from the harsh elements.
Eventually, when the sun began to dip below the horizon and the desert cooled, they resumed their journey, this time with Shizuka walking alongside them.
In the days that followed, they successfully gathered intelligence on the rogue ninja group to report back to their leader.
Her bond with Itachi grew stronger with each passing day, as he not only trained her in the ways of a shinobi but also nurtured her. Somewhere along their travels, Itachi had decided to show the little girl how to handle one of his Kunai, which led to him teaching Shizuka to defend herself with them. Under the moonlit skies of a quiet training ground, Itachi demonstrated the fundamentals of kunai usage to Shizuka. With the utmost precision, he explained, "Shizuka, a kunai can be a versatile tool. It's not just for throwing. It can be a close-range weapon too." He held the kunai firmly, demonstrating various stances and strikes. "You need to understand both offense and defense when using one."
Shizuka watched with rapt attention, her eyes fixed on Itachi's every move. She mimicked his actions as best as her small hands could manage. Itachi's guidance was patient and attentive, allowing her to grasp the basics step by step.
Days turned into weeks, and Shizuka's proficiency with kunai steadily improved as she practiced diligently, perfecting her aim, and refining her technique.
The call came suddenly, an urgent summons from their leader, Pain, back to Ame Gakure, the Hidden Rain Village. Itachi and Kisame were well-acquainted with the unpredictability of their missions, and this one was no exception. They immediately began preparations for the journey back to the Land of Rain.
Shizuka, now a growing five-year-old, was a constant presence at their side. They knew that Ame Gakure could be a dangerous place, and this meeting required their undivided attention. As they gathered their gear, Kisame turned to Itachi with a thoughtful expression.
"Itachi, while we meet with Pain, what do you think about leaving Shizuka at the okiya I usually visit in Ame Gakure?" Kisame suggested. "It's a safe place, and the Okaa-san who runs it is trustworthy."
Itachi considered the idea for a moment, thinking of Shizuka's safety and well-being. "It's a reasonable plan," he replied, his voice calm and measured. "But I'll need to speak with the Okaa-san."
With their decision made, they set out on their journey to the Land of Rain, their destination hidden beneath a canopy of dark clouds. Itachi and Kisame moved swiftly while carrying Shizuka on their backs. As they approached the outskirts of Ame Gakure, Kisame led the way to the okiya he frequented. The traditional wooden building stood among the other structures, its paper lanterns softly glowing in the evening light. Itachi and Kisame entered, and Shizuka trailed behind them. Inside, they were met by the Okaa-san, a middle-aged woman with a warm smile and eyes that held a depth of understanding. She recognized Kisame immediately.
"Ah, Kisame-san, it's been a while," she greeted him with genuine affection. "And who do we have here?"
Kisame introduced Shizuka with a nod. "This is Shizuka. She'll be staying with you temporarily while we attend to some business in the village."
The Okaa-san's eyes softened as she looked at Shizuka. "You could at least ask, you know? Welcome, little one. You're in good hands here. We'll make sure you're comfortable."
Shizuka, though feeling a bit nervous, managed a small smile in response. Itachi knelt beside her, his sharingan eyes filled with reassurance. "You'll be safe here, Shizuka. We won't be gone long."
After ensuring that Shizuka was settled and comfortable, Itachi and Kisame took their leave from the okiya. They knew that leaving her behind was the right decision.
Itachi and Kisame made their way through the shadowy alleys of Ame Gakure, ther destination clear in mind - the imposing tower that served as Pains headquarters. The village bore the scars of past conflicts and its residents moved with a sense of caution. Upon reaching the tower, they were met by Pains right hand, Konan, who escorted them inside. The dimly lit interior held an air of quiet intensity, and Itachi and Kisame were led to a chamber where Pain awaited them. Pain, the enigmatic leader of their organization, sat on a high-backed chair at the head of a long table. His piercing, violet eyes bore into them as they approached. He acknowledged their presence with a nod, and Itachi and Kisame stood at attention.
"Pain-sama," Itachi began respectfully, "we have gathered the information you requested on the rogue ninja group in Suna."
Pain nodded. "Excellent. Your efforts are appreciated. However, I have a new mission for the two of you." His voice was calm and measured as he spoke.
"Your target is in the Land of Fire," Pain continued. "You are to gather intelligence on the jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails, who resides in Konoha Gakure."
Itachi and Kisame exchanged a knowing glance. The mission was no small feat, as the nine-tailed fox's power was legendary, and Konoha was a formidable village.
Pain continued, "Capture him if possible and bring him back alive."
Itachi nodded in acknowledgment, his sharingan eyes focused on Pain. "Understood."
Kisame's sharp-toothed grin spoke of his enthusiasm for the mission. "Consider it done."
"We will leave immediately," Itachi replied, his voice steady.
Pain inclined his head in approval. "Good.”
Before they could take their leave, Pain requested that they remain for a moment longer. His violet eyes held a curiosity that was rare for the stoic leader, and it was clear that he had something on his mind.
"Tell me about the child you brought with you," he said, his tone measured.
Itachi knew that Pain was an astute leader who questioned everything. He also knew that Pain's intentions were often shrouded in mystery, and he couldn't predict how the leader would react to Shizuka's presence.
"She is... an orphan," Itachi replied carefully. "I found her in the woods, running for her life. I couldn't leave her to fend for herself, so I brought her with us. She has no affiliations with any village or organization. " Itachi's heart skipped a beat. He had anticipated this moment and knew that Pain might view Shizuka as a liability, a potential weakness.Pain leaned forward. "And what is her purpose here, Itachi? Why have you brought her into our organization?"
Itachi knew that this moment could determine Shizuka's fate. He considered his words carefully, choosing them with precision. "She has no specific purpose, Pain-sama. She's a child who needed protection. I couldn't turn my back on her. She is not a liability to our mission."
Pain regarded him silently, his eyes bore into Itachi's as if trying to discern the truth. . For a long moment, the room was filled with a heavy silence. Itachi's Sharingan remained vigilant, sensing that this moment could determine Shizuka's fate.
Finally, Pain spoke, his voice as measured as ever. "Very well, Itachi. I will trust your judgment in this matter. But remember, she is your responsibility. Should she ever become a liability or a hindrance to our mission, you will deal with it accordingly."
"I understand, Pain-sama," Itachi replied, his voice steady and respectful.
With that, Pain dismissed them, and Itachi and Kisame left the chamber. They made their way through the dimly lit corridors of the tower, the tension of the meeting slowly dissipating.
Once outside the tower, Kisame couldn't help but let out a low whistle. "Well, I thought he'd be more stubborn about it. Good thing he didn't insist on parting ways with your kid."
As they walked through the dimly lit streets of Ame Gakure, Itachi couldn't help but feel a weight lift from his shoulders. He had feared that Pain might see Shizuka as a liability and attempt to get rid of her. But then again, it wasnt Pain he was worried about.
Kisame noticed the tension in Itachi's shoulders and spoke in a low voice, "Itachi, you think we can trust Pain not to double-cross us on this?"
Itachi's eyes remained focused on the path ahead as he replied, "I believe he trusts my judgment. But we must remain cautious, its not Pain we should be worried about. Our mission to capture the Nine-Tails jinchuriki is of paramount importance."
They made their way back to the okiya where Shizuka had been left, relieved to find her safe and well-cared-for. With the new mission in mind, they couldn't afford any distractions, and they hoped that Shizuka would understand the importance of their upcoming task.
Shizuka greeted them with a mixture of relief and anticipation when they returned to the house. She had spent her time there under the watchful care of the Okaa-san, learning about life in the village.
Itachi knelt beside her once more, his Sharingan eyes soft with reassurance. "Shizuka, we're going on a mission, but we'll be back for you." he said gently. Shizuka nodded. She had come to trust Itachi implicitly, and his promise carried weight. She couldn't speak, but her actions conveyed her trust.
The next morning, Itachi and Kisame set out for Konoha. Shizuka clung to Kisame's back as they moved leave, her heart heavy with anticipation.