okiya (置屋) the lodging house of a geisha
As Itachi and Kisame embarked on their mission to capture the Nine-Tails jinchuuriki in Konoha, Shizuka remained behind in Ame Gakure, living at the okiya, the geisha house.
It was a place of tradition, grace, and beauty, where she had been welcomed with open arms. The Okaa-san, the matron of the house, a woman of grace and wisdom, was kind but possessed a stern demeanour that commanded respect from everyone under her roof, providing the guidance and structure that Shizuka needed in her life.
As she adjusted to her life in the Okiya, Shizuka couldn't help but marvel at the elegant world that surrounded her. The geishas, graceful and refined, were like enchanting butterflies, their intricate kimonos and delicate makeup capturing the attention of all who saw them. Shizuka often watched in fascination as they performed traditional dances, played musical instruments, and engaged in captivating conversations.
To Shizuka, the geishas were more than just performers; they were her role models and big sisters. Their presence brought a sense of warmth and camaraderie to her life. They would often include her in their activities, allowing her to observe and learn the skills and customs of their world.
The Okaa-san, though strict at times, was a pillar of strength in Shizuka's life. She provided not only for Shizuka's physical needs but also for her emotional and educational ones. The lessons were a mix of discipline and encouragement, and Shizuka soaked up knowledge like a parched plant receiving rain.
In the mornings, Shizuka's day began early, just as the first rays of dawn painted the sky. She would rise from her futon and join the geishas in their daily routines. The Okaa-san believed in the importance of discipline and education, and so, Shizuka's days were structured around a strict regimen. Under the watchful guidance of the Okaa-san, Shizuka began to learn the delicate art of calligraphy. Her small fingers traced characters on rice paper, forming words and symbols that held a beauty all their own. The Okaa-san's patient instruction was accompanied by a lesson in discipline, as she taught Shizuka the importance of focus and precision in everything she did.
One of her favorite parts of the day was when she gathered with the geishas and the Okaa-san for breakfast, where she would sit with the geishas at a low, lacquered table. They would share stories and laughter, their voices filling the room like a harmonious melody. Shizuka was a silent observer during these gatherings, but she cherished every moment. She felt a sense of belonging and acceptance among these women, who had become her extended family. The Okaa-san's teachings extended beyond the written word. She imparted wisdom and life lessons to Shizuka, shaping her into a young girl of grace and dignity. Shizuka admired the Okaa-san's strength.
Despite the nurturing environment of the Okiya, Shizuka couldn't help but miss Itachi and Kisame deeply. She understood the gravity of their work and the dangers they faced, she knew that their mission was of importance, but the absence of their presence weighed heavily on her heart. On those occasions, the Okaa-san would gather Shizuka close, her stern expression softening with maternal concern. "Your guardians will return, child," she would assure Shizuka in a gentle voice. "They have left you in our care, and we will protect and nurture you in their absence." Shizuka found solace in the Okaa-san's words, knowing that her silent prayers for Itachi and Kisame's safety were echoed in the Okiya. She would light incense in their honour and quietly hope for their swift return. During these times, the geishas became Shizuka's confidantes. They would comfort her with soothing melodies and dances, their performances a balm for her soul.
Itachi communicated with Shizuka through discreet letters delivered by his trusted crows. He assured her of their safety and reaffirmed their promise to return for her once the mission was completed. In the quiet of her small sleeping quarters, Shizuka would eagerly await the arrival of those letters. Each time, a sense of anticipation would grip her, and she would carefully unroll the parchment to reveal the words written in Itachi's elegant script.
*"Dear Shizuka,"* the letters would always begin, and the simple greeting was enough to bring a smile to her face. Itachi's words were like a lifeline, connecting her to the world of shadows and secrets that he and Kisame navigated.
In those letters, Itachi would share tales of their mission, always omitting the most dangerous details to spare Shizuka from worry. He spoke of the landscapes they traversed, the people they encountered, and the challenges they faced. Shizuka would read those words with wide eyes, her imagination conjuring vivid images of their adventures.
*"Kisame and I encountered a small village today,"* Itachi wrote in one letter. *"But my thoughts often drift to you, and I hope that you are well. The Okaa-san and the geishas have been taking good care of you, I trust?"*
Itachi's concern for her well-being was evident in every letter, and it warmed Shizuka's heart. She would pen her responses in return, her letters filled with the lessons she had learned, her admiration for the geishas, and her yearning for their return.
*"Dear Itachi-san and Kisame-san,"* she would write in her careful script, *"I miss you both deeply, but I understand the importance of your mission. The Okaa-san and the geishas have become my family, and I am learning so much. Please stay safe, and know that I am always thinking of you."*
The Okaa-san's lessons in calligraphy had blossomed into a skill that Shizuka took great pride in. Her small hands moved with increasing precision, the brush strokes flowing elegantly across rice paper. Each character she formed carried a sense of beauty and meaning, a testament to the patient teachings of the Okaa-san.
She also began to build deeper connections with Kimaya Keiko and Yuki Hime, who were now part of her life within the Okiya.
Keiko's ever-evolving and curious nature resonated with Shizuka. Her adventurous spirit often brought a spark of excitement and novelty to the Okiya. As Shizuka watched Keiko experiment with new foods, fashion, and experiences, she found herself both intrigued and entertained. Their interactions became a source of shared laughter and occasional bemusement. Shizuka admired Keiko's pursuit of understanding people, recognizing the sincerity behind her ever-changing personas. While Keiko's indecisiveness might puzzle others, Shizuka appreciated her authenticity.
Shizuka and Keiko often spent their free time together, embarking on small adventures in the village. Keiko's keen interest in trying new things inspired Shizuka to step out of her comfort zone and explore the world around them.
Hime's presence in the Okiya was a reminder of the world's complexity and the challenges those with kekkei genkai faced. As Yuki Hime pursued chakra control and honed her Ice Release abilities, Shizuka admired her determination and persistence.
Shizuka trained diligently in the art of kunai usage, a skill Itachi had introduced her to during their travels. Under the watchful eyes of the Okaa-san, she honed her abilities and became proficient in various tricks.
One day, as Shizuka practised her kunai techniques, she felt a strange sensation, a faint tugging at her senses. It was as if an invisible thread connected her to something or someone far away. She paused in her training, trying to make sense of the sensation.
Unbeknownst to Shizuka, Itachi and Kisame had successfully completed their mission in Konoha and were making their way back to Ame Gakure. Their return was imminent an as the hours passed, Shizuka's intuition grew stronger, and she became increasingly aware of their approaching presence. She couldn't explain the phenomenon, but she felt a deep sense of anticipation and hope. In the evening, as the clouded sky over Ame Gakure began to darken, Shizuka stood in the garden of the okiya, her heart filled with a mixture of longing and excitement. She knew that Itachi and Kisame were drawing closer. And then, a familiar presence appeared on the outskirts of the village. Shizuka's heart skipped a beat, and she turned in the direction of the approaching figures. There, standing beneath the darkening sky, were Itachi and Kisame, their cloaks billowing in the breeze.
Tears welled up in Shizuka's eyes as she rushed toward them, her heart overflowing with joy. She had waited patiently, and her unwavering trust had been rewarded. Itachi and Kisame had returned, just as they had promised.
Itachi and Kisame embraced the young girl. Shizuka clung to them, her silent presence speaking volumes. The bond they shared transcended words, and in that moment, they were reunited as a family.
Itachi's Sharingan eyes glistened with emotion as he looked down at Shizuka. "We're back, Shizuka," he whispered softly.
Kisame ruffled her hair with a grin. "Missed us, kid?"
Shizuka's response was a radiant smile, her eyes reflecting the love she felt.