The Forgotten Tale Of Shisui Uchiha

__I__

She was in a rage, her hands trembling uncontrollably as she looked around the room. Consumed by anger, she swept her belongings off the table, crashing them to the floor. The shattering glass echoed in her ears as the vases erupted into fragments, and her heart sank at the sight of the painting she had poured her soul into, now ruined and torn apart. How could he do this to her? The thought consumed her, and she felt as though the air had thickened around her, making it hard to breathe. Tears welled in her eyes.

She knew she was being melodramatic, that her feelings were perhaps more intense than the situation warranted. But the agonizing truth remained: if Shisui had only told her he would choose her, she would have willingly left everything behind to go to Konoha with him. She longed to be the center of his universe, just as he had become the center of hers. It was a selfish desire, that she struggled to admit even to herself, but it was a longing that consumed her thoughts day and night. The need to feel cherished and prioritized above all else was the most desperate wish she could imagine. 

To her, her family was the center of her universe, the most precious treasure she could ever hope for, and he was fully aware of that devotion. So why didn't he feel the same way? Why was he so eager to leave? The questions spiraled in her mind, each sharper than the last, echoing her pain and confusion. The stark disparity between her feelings and his choices left her feeling lost and heartbroken. As she sat quietly, a wave of realization washed over her. If he truly wanted to leave, then she would let him go. The burden of their never-ending drama had become too much to bear. In Konoha, tranquility felt like a distant dream; a series of unfulfilled promises that echoed in her mind—each 'never' more suffocating than the last.

Determined to reclaim her serenity, she decided that if he longed for the simplicity of a shinobi's life, he could have it—free from her presence. A bittersweet sense of liberation washed over her. She imagined a future brightened by her passion for painting and sculpture, where she could lose herself in vibrant colors and forms, unencumbered by the chaos he brought into her life. Perhaps one day, she would meet a gentle soul, a quiet family man who would cherish her for who she was, not despite it.

She was exhausted from feeling unloved, from the village's indifferent gaze that treated them not as people with hearts and souls, but as mere tools to be wielded and discarded. This exploitation mirrored the fate of the Uchiha clan—it was a bitter inheritance. Itachi had felt the sting of it, Shisui had borne its weight, and now, as she watched her children, she recognized the same ominous shadow creeping closer. She was determined to shield them from their father's ideals, to prevent them from becoming pawns in a game dictated by the village's ambitions.

The thought of her children being reduced to mere soldiers sent to serve a village that valued its interests over their well-being was unbearable. No, the cycle of disregard and betrayal would not claim them—not while she was their mother. If he wished to chase that life, he could do so without her. This was her choice, her path forward, and she would not be a part of the storm he sought to embrace.

 __II__

As he sat there, nervously awaiting a moment of calm amidst the storm of emotions, he could not shake the worry gnawing at him. He had anticipated that Ayumi would be angry, but he never expected her reaction to be so intense and volatile. In their seven years of marriage, divorce had never even entered the conversation, and yet here they were, standing on the precipice of something he couldn't quite grasp. 

Ayumi's fury was palpable; it felt like a physical force in the room. He glanced down at her wedding ring. But now, he could feel the weight of her grief and unending anger pressing down on them both. He was at a loss, struggling to comprehend how she could perceive him as indifferent to her feelings and desires. It pained him deeply; he had been trying so hard to be a good husband, yet it seemed all his efforts had fallen short in her eyes.

In his heart, he longed to envelop her in his arms, to kiss her tenderly and whisper words of reassurance, that despite all, everything would indeed be alright. He loved her more than words could express; she was his partner, his confidante. Yet, at this moment, that love felt overshadowed by her distress.

What about their children? The thought of a fractured family sent a shiver down his spine. Did she want to tear apart the life they had built together over what felt like a petty quarrel? He couldn't bring himself to believe that. He would do everything in his power to find common ground, to remind her of the joys they had shared, the laughter that once filled their home. After all, her happiness was his own. He would fight for them, for their family, hoping that in time, they could overcome this hurdle together.

__III__

She stepped out of the room, clutching a pile of his belongings. 

"I told you to leave; here you go," she said tersely. 

"Ayumi, don't be like this. Come on, I'm just trying to reach some understanding," he pleaded, his tone softening as he attempted to bridge the chasm that had opened between them. 

"And I don't want to listen! I don't want to be understanding! No matter what you say or do, it won't change my mind," she snapped back, her patience at an end. "So yes, leave right now." 

He moved to embrace her, seeking comfort, but she recoiled from his touch, feeling as though the last thread of their connection was unraveling. This charade had gone on long enough.

"So you're saying our marriage and love is just a joke?" He stared at her incredulously, a mix of hurt and disbelief on his face as he processed her words. How could she say such a thing after everything they had endured together?

"I know you didn't want this, but you were forced into it," she replied coldly, her voice devoid of warmth. "I wish for you to go back to where you truly belong." 

"I belong with you!" he insisted, desperately grasping her hand.

"No, you belong with the village," she responded sharply, wrenching her hand free from his grasp as if his touch burned her. 

"My kids and I will stay here; you should just go back." 

"Ayumi Uchiha!" he shouted, the weight of frustration elevating his voice to a level he had never used with her before. The sound echoed in the tension-filled air, leaving both of them stunned.

"I want to go with Dad!" Shino suddenly interjected, his young voice breaking into the heated exchange. 

"What??" Ayumi exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock. She couldn't believe her ears; even her son seemed betraying her. 

"Shino, everybody is leaving together. There's no dad and no mum in this situation!" 

"You know what? If you want to go with your dad, take your things and disappear from my sight!" Her voice was sharp and icy. "All of you, disappear from my sight this instant! And you, Mr. Uchiha, leave this place right now. No matter what you say, I won't change my mind. We are over. Our marriage is over, and I don't love you anymore." 

The words struck him like a physical blow, leaving him stunned and reeling with pain. How could she say such hurtful things to him? Deep down, he knew she was lying; he could feel it in his bones. The love they once shared was still there, perhaps even stronger. But anger began to swell within him. No matter how dire the situation, she shouldn't speak to him in such a way, especially not in front of their children.

"Fine, have it your way," he replied. Shisui turned away, gathering his belongings with a heavy heart. 

"You," she pointed at their son, her voice leaving no room for argument. "I want you to leave with your dad this instant. Grab your things and go!" 

Her coldness pierced Shino like a knife. This was not the mother he knew—the kind, nurturing woman who had always been his biggest supporter. Watching her transform into someone so distant was painful. He longed to understand her feelings and wished she could see how much he loved her and the path he wanted to take. 

Shino felt sad but determined. He wanted to be a good shinobi and represent Konoha, just like his father. He had listened to countless tales about the place, each a vivid glimpse into its enchantment. He longed to make them both proud. But why couldn't his mother see that? 

Feeling frustrated and hurt, he reached for his twin's hand. "Rin, let's go," he urged, hoping to find comfort in their bond. 

But Rin stood his ground. "I don't care what you and dad do. I am staying with Mother. I'm not leaving!" 

Rin rushed toward their mother, grabbing her hand tightly. For Rin, being with their mother was of utmost importance. She was his whole world, the most incredible person he had ever known. In his heart, there was no dream greater than being by her side, for to him, she was nothing short of miraculous.

__IV__

As time passed, Ayumi devoted herself wholeheartedly to her art and raising her beloved son, Rin. With unwavering determination, she trained him to become a skilled shinobi, pushing him to hone his abilities to perfection. Rin admired his mother.; not only was she a gifted and beautiful woman, but she was also a formidable shinobi, possessing strength and skill that left him in awe. In the heat of battle, his mother showcased her prowess with remarkable precision, unmatched speed, and lethal efficiency.

Her favorite pastime was her charming little shop, tucked away on a bustling street corner. The moment she stepped inside, the scents of fresh lavender and aged wood enveloped her, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Every corner of the shop served as a profound reflection of her personality, showcasing her passion for creativity and her eye for beauty. It was not just a place of business for her; it was a sanctuary where she could share her love for art. Her shop, a cozy yet vibrant space filled with her creations, achieved widespread acclaim worldwide. People would travel from far and wide, often needing to book months in advance just to acquire one of her exquisite sculptures. Each piece she crafted was a testament to her talent—simple yet captivating, bursting with life and emotion, capable of drawing the viewer into a deeper connection with the art.

Ayumi's artistic talent was not the only thing that captivated those around her; her distinctive fashion sense also became a frequent topic of conversation among girls. Her style was a remarkable fusion of elegance and individuality, characterized by flowing dresses adorned with intricate patterns, bold accessories, and carefully chosen color palettes that reflected her vibrant personality. 

She had an innate ability to blend classic and contemporary elements, often adding her unique twist to mainstream trends. As a result, many young girls looked up to her, for her fashion choices but for the grace and confidence she radiated in everything she wore. They admired how she carried herself with ease. 

__v__

He felt a warmth in his heart seeing his mother genuinely happy and thriving after everything they had been through. He understood that the separation from his dad had left a significant emotional scar on her, and it made him feel a surge of anger toward his father for abandoning them. Above all else, he wanted to protect his mother, and he devoted himself to being by her side as much as possible. 

He inspired her with his artistic endeavors, often bringing laughter to their home through playful interactions. Sometimes, they would train together. She taught him practical and powerful techniques, each designed to enhance his strength and adaptability in any challenge he faced. Her lessons were not just about physical prowess but also mental resilience and strategy. She was not merely an artist; her talents went far beyond creativity. His mother was also a formidable warrior. Her dedication to art and combat made her an exceptional mentor, inspiring him to become stronger, and a well-rounded individual capable of facing the complexities of life. However, his mother laid low claiming he lacked any remarkable capabilities. 

He cherished his identity as a shinobi and often daydreamed about honing his abilities further, diving deeper into the ways of the ninja. He felt the strength within him and he was confident. Yet, he knew that physical strength was not his primary objective; just like his mother, who longed for peace and serenity in their lives, he sought that same tranquility. They shared a special bond over this mutual aspiration.

Though he carried a heavy heart from missing his brother and father, he struggled with the thought of ever seeing them again. The pain of abandonment lingered, and he found it almost impossible to forgive them for their choices, which had shattered their family into fragments. The wounds ran deep. For now, he was determined to protect his mother and maintain the peaceful life they had carved out together. At times, he found himself longing for the days when they could all be together. Yet, he came to realize that if that reality wasn't destined to happen, he was at peace with it. He had learned to appreciate the beauty in his current situation. The tranquility of this life filled him with a sense of contentment, and he often thought that he could happily embrace this existence, cherishing it, for as long as it lasted.

__VI__

Shisui felt a surge of happiness wash over him as he stepped back into the familiar surroundings of the Hidden Leaf Village, a place that held a treasure trove of memories. His return was met with astonishment and whispers that rippled through the crowd; many were shocked to see him alive, having assumed he was dead long ago. Some residents expressed disdain at his unexpected revival, while others welcomed him with open arms, relieved to see him. 

Rumors swirled around him like leaves caught in a gust of wind. Some believed that Shisui's return was somehow linked to the recent death of Danzo, while others speculated whether he had played a role in the tragic massacre of the Uchiha clan. The Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, welcomed him back to the village and promptly assigned him various missions. Although Shisui relished being home, a nagging sense of loneliness lingered like a shadow. His other half, the person who completed him, was absent, and no matter how much he tried to push it aside, the ache of loss clawed at his heart.

Meanwhile, Shino, who had been gradually acclimating to life in the village, had made significant strides of his own. He had enrolled in the academy and worked diligently to become a genin, now preparing to participate in the Chunin Exams set to take place in the Hidden Sand. Shisui marveled at the exceptional talent of his youngest. However, despite his progress, thoughts of his other son, Rin, invaded his mind. He couldn't shake the concern that tugged at him—How was Rin doing? What was his health like? What were they doing in his absence?

"Master, I checked on them, and everything seems fine," Jin reported.

A smile broke across Shisui's face at the news. "That is a relief," he replied gratefully.

"Why don't you go visit them yourself, Master?" Jin suggested.

Shisui fell silent. "Why, huh?" he eventually replied. "Because I don't think I will ever be able to return here if I see them again," Shisui admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. The thought of reuniting with his family filled him with longing, yet also paralyzed him with fear. He missed them deeply, his heart shattered into countless pieces, but he understood that this was not the right time for a reunion—especially not until he put an end to the looming threat of Akatsuki.