Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

In an instant, Shikai found himself in a completely different world. The sky was black, streaked with red lightning, and a withered tree stood before him. He was bound to the trunk, unable to move, at the mercy of Fugaku.

Fugaku appeared in front of him, his expression impassive but his piercing eyes fixed on his prey.

"You will answer all my questions with obedience," he declared in an unwavering voice.

Shikai remained silent. He knew he was trapped in a powerful genjutsu and that he had been foolish to let his guard down. He understood that Fugaku intended to torture or manipulate him for his own purposes.

He wasn't sure if his Genjutsu was on the level of Shisui's, but it was extremely dangerous to remain in it.

'A double agent... that's what he wants to make of me,' Shikai thought.

Although he hesitated to use such a risky technique, he knew he had no choice. Time was ticking, and he had to act before his mind gave in.

*"Kage no Sasayaki."*

A dark aura enveloped the genjutsu, and Fugaku furrowed his eyebrows as he sensed a change. Mumbled whispers began to resonate in the air, indistinct and oppressive voices.

Suddenly, shadowy hands emerged from the ground around Shikai, undulating and extending like snakes. They grabbed the chains that held him and broke them with brute force.

"Impossible," Fugaku murmured, feeling the shadows closing in on him.

The hands drew closer, seemingly reaching for him. The whispers intensified, as if hundreds of voices spoke at once, creating a terrifying cacophony. Instead of strengthening his genjutsu, Fugaku let it break apart in a burst of darkness. After all, it was also a kind of test to see the extent of his abilities.

Shikai, back in the office, caught his breath, his face pale. He placed a hand on his forehead to calm the dizziness that overwhelmed him. The technique had taken a heavy toll on his mind and body, but he was free.

Fugaku, on the other hand, had deactivated his Mangekyō, wiping away a thin trail of blood that flowed from his eyes.

"You've become stronger," he said in an almost admiring tone. "What was that technique? It's as if you've mastered the Nara techniques in a... rather unique way."

Shikai, still slightly breathless, sketched a weak smile.

"I couldn't tell you, Fugaku-san..."

Fugaku nodded, as if nothing had happened, and opened his mouth to continue when a door suddenly opened.

"Shikai! It's really you!"

Izumi Uchiha rushed in, her eyes slightly red, as if she had been crying. She seemed unable to believe what she was seeing, staring at Shikai with an intense and emotional gaze.

"Izumi," Shikai murmured, slowly standing up.

Before he could say anything else, she quickly moved forward and hugged him tightly.

"I thought you would never return..." she said in a trembling voice.

Shikai froze for a moment, surprised by the embrace, but he eventually placed a comforting hand on her back.

"I'm here now," he said softly.

Izumi Uchiha, now sixteen years old, was a young woman with a gentle and discreet beauty. Her long hair fell in cascades around her delicate face, and her dark eyes, typical of the Uchiha clan, shone with a rare warmth in this often austere clan. She wore a fitted black tunic adorned with the clan's emblem on her back and a ninja headband tied around her waist. She was neither particularly strong nor influential within the clan, but her sincere smile and natural kindness made her endearing. Even the cynical Itachi had been moved in the manga, but Shikai didn't give a damn about people without potential.

Wrapping her arms around his neck, an emotion shone in her eyes.

Fugaku, seated at his desk, observed the scene with cold neutrality.

"Fugaku-san," Shikai said, turning towards the clan leader, "I'll take my leave. It would be good for you to rest after... our exchange."

His slightly sarcastic tone did not escape Fugaku, who slightly narrowed his eyes before nodding.

"Do so. Izumi, accompany him," he said in a calm but authoritative tone.

Shikai inclined his head slightly in respect before leaving the room, with Izumi clinging to his arm.

As they walked down the corridor, looks inevitably turned towards them. Some recognized Shikai, the heir of the Yondaime, and whispered about him. Others, however, fixed their gaze on Izumi with a mix of surprise and curiosity. She was neither an exceptional fighter nor an influential figure, and her appearance on Shikai's arm seemed intriguing.

Izumi, however, paid no attention to the stares. She was too happy to see Shikai after all this time.

"You've changed so much," she said, laughing lightly, her cheeks rosy. "Your hair is even longer than before, and..."

She reached out and touched Shikai's soft, blond locks, playing with them gently.

"And?" he replied, raising an eyebrow with amusement.

"You've become so handsome," she admitted, her eyes sparkling.

Shikai, true to himself, remained calm and cool, sketching a slight smile.

"And you've grown. You're even more beautiful than before."

Izumi blushed even more and slightly averted her gaze, but she couldn't help but smile.

As they walked through the bustling streets of Konoha, they arrived near the park, a peaceful place with wooden benches and trees lining the paths. Shikai suddenly stopped, turning towards Izumi.

"Let's sit down?" he said, pointing to a shaded bench.

She obeyed, intrigued, and watched him sit down next to her.

"So, tell me about yourself," he said, crossing his arms. "What have you been up to all this time?"

Izumi, delighted that he was interested in her, began to speak enthusiastically.

"I've continued my training, of course. I've also helped in the clan, but..." She lowered her voice slightly, visibly embarrassed. "I'm not as skilled as the others. I've only just obtained my second tomoe."

Shikai, who listened attentively, briefly lost his smile. His eyes darkened for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure and displayed a relaxed expression once again.

[Izumi Uchiha: Level 19 (Chūnin)]

'What the hell is this! She really stinks,' Shikai thought.