Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

The evening enveloped Konoha in a veil of tranquility. Stars, like sparks of light on an ink-black ocean, began to dot the sky, offering a silent yet majestic spectacle. In the quiet alleys, the murmur of nocturnal conversations mingled with the discreet song of crickets. In a house with closed shutters, a warm scene unfolded: Shikai and Izumi were buried under the sheets, making love for hours. The soft light of the oil lamp bathed the room, casting dancing shadows on the walls. Occasional laughter escaped from their exchanges, creating an atmosphere of complicity and tenderness. Izumi, with her raven hair and intelligent eyes, let out a sigh of satisfaction.

Izumi blushed slightly, her smile blossoming into a radiant beam. "I love you so much, Shikai."

Shikai, on the other hand, simply smiled and nibbled her ear.

As these two souls shared their nocturnal intimacy, an invisible tension brewed in the imposing office of the Hokage. Hiruzen, seated behind his massive wooden desk, observed with a serene and profound gaze. His eyes had witnessed countless wars and political dealings. The scent of his pipe, a blend of herbs and tobacco, hung in the air, adding another layer to the charged atmosphere.

Mikoto was perplexed. She had been summoned without a clear explanation, and her mind raced with thoughts. Was it about Fugaku? Her role within the clan? Or something more serious?

"Thank you for coming, Mikoto-san," Hiruzen said, his voice grave and steady, its sound mingling with the crackling of the fire. He took a slow puff on his pipe, the smoke rising in blue curls before dispersing into the air. "I assure you, this discussion has nothing to do with your husband or your obligations to the Uchiha clan." He set down his pipe, the delicate sound of wood against ceramic cutting through the silence.

A slight sigh of relief escaped Mikoto, but a hint of suspicion remained in her eyes. "I understand, Hokage-sama," she replied, her voice slightly strained. "May I ask why you've summoned me?"

Hiruzen joined his hands on the desk, his fingers intertwining. "I'll be direct, Mikoto-san," he continued, his piercing gaze meeting hers. "It's about your relationship with Shikai."

An electric shock ran through Mikoto, her breath catching in her throat. Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself, adopting a neutral expression, a mask of control. Surprise gave way to perplexity, then a hint of worry. She wondered why her friendly relationship with Shikai would catch the attention of a man like Hiruzen.

"Our relationship?" she repeated, as if to confirm she had heard correctly, her voice slightly hesitant. She bit her lip lightly.

"Yes," Hiruzen replied, "I'm not accusing you of anything, but... certain things have caught my attention."

Mikoto clenched her hands on her knees, trying to maintain her calm as a wave of conflicting emotions washed over her. 'What does he mean? What behaviors have been misinterpreted?' she wondered.

"Hokage-sama, Shikai is simply a member of the Nara clan and a talented medic. He's one of the few friends my son Itachi has, nothing more," she stated, her voice firm despite the growing anxiety within her. She sought to clarify the situation.

Hiruzen observed her with his penetrating gaze, the same gaze that had disarmed so many political opponents.

"Mikoto-san, I don't doubt your good faith... However, I must ask you: are you aware? Or is it something else?"

Mikoto blushed slightly, trying to hide it by lowering her eyes.

"I... I don't understand where you're going with this, Hokage-sama."

Hiruzen sketched a smile.

"I don't want to make you uncomfortable, but it's clear to me, at least, that there's a certain... complicity between you and Shikai. A complicity that goes beyond that of mere acquaintances."

Mikoto opened her mouth, but no words came out. Her mind raced. 'Even the Sandaime has noticed? Could Fugaku know as well? Does Shikai think we're together?'

'How did he find out?'

Since he returned from the village, he had only seen Shikai once, and they had minimal interaction when he was still in training.

She bit her lip, searching for the right words.

"Hokage-sama, I assure you that there's nothing reprehensible between Shikai and me. Perhaps our interactions have been misinterpreted..." She thought Hiruzen might have seen Shikai's letters.

Hiruzen sat up slightly, his expression becoming a bit more severe.

"Mikoto-san, I have no intention of judging your actions or reporting anything to Fugaku. That's not my role, and it's no one's business. However, I must protect Shikai."

Mikoto raised her head, surprised.

"Protect him? But why would you say that?"

Hiruzen took a deep breath, picking up his pipe again.

"Shikai is like a grandson to me. He's a brilliant young man, but he's also very observant. And, as you know, his feelings can be complex. I just want to make sure he doesn't get emotionally hurt by ambiguous situations, especially with the Uchiha clan trying to manipulate him."

Hiruzen's words hit Mikoto hard. She felt a mix of guilt and confusion overwhelm her. Had she been too careless? Too close to Shikai? Was she manipulating him without realizing it?

"I never meant to hurt him," she murmured, almost to herself.

Hiruzen nodded.

"If you don't have clear intentions towards Shikai, it might be best to maintain some distance."