Naruto : The ultimate Troublemaker

Shikai was walking calmly out of the bustling streets of Konoha, his hands in his pockets, his mind occupied by long-term strategies and plans. His newly acquired home was located on the outskirts of the city, not far from the Uchiha clan's lands. The location was carefully chosen, calculated to keep him away from the center while still being close to the major events to come, especially the massacre he knew was inevitable.

"All good things come to those who wait," he murmured, a half-smile on his face. For now, influencing the key figures of the village served no purpose. Every action had to be weighed and measured.

Ino, for instance, was just a vain child, obsessed with being the center of attention. Sasuke had not yet developed his vengeance, Naruto had not stolen the forbidden scroll, and as for Sakura... "Unnecessary to even mention her," he thought with disdain.

Shikai's days were well-regulated. Between his role as a kind-hearted doctor at the hospital and his discreet surveillance of Kushina, he skillfully blended into village life without raising suspicions. Kushina, in particular, had caught his attention. Her fusion seemed to be accelerating strangely, reaching 75% in just three days, a pace much faster than expected.

"Interesting," Shikai thought, mentally noting to observe this phenomenon more closely.

That day, he had lunch with his uncle Shikaku, his aunt Yoshino, and their son Shikamaru. The meal was pleasant, punctuated by Shikamaru's casual comments and Yoshino's stern looks, which tolerated no laxity.

It was around four o'clock when he teleported near his front door, taking advantage of his mastery of space-time techniques. But as soon as he arrived, he was surprised to see a familiar figure waiting for him.

It was Izumi, his girlfriend. She held a basket in her hand, a sign that she had come with a specific intention.

"Izumi?" Shikai asked, feigning surprise. "What are you doing here?"

She looked up at him, a shy smile on her lips.

"I wanted to see you. I came to the hospital earlier, but they told me you had left."

Shikai observed the young woman attentively. He knew she often came to see him for lunch at the hospital, a habit he found both touching and annoying. But today, her presence in front of his house piqued his curiosity.

"And you decided to come all the way here?" he said with a half-smile.

Izumi blushed slightly and averted her gaze.

"I wanted to surprise you." She lifted the basket. "I prepared something for you."

Shikai raised an eyebrow, impressed despite himself.

"Really? Well, come in."

They entered the house, which was still almost empty, except for a few essential pieces of furniture. Shikai motioned for Izumi to sit down while he went to fetch some cups for tea.

Upon his return, he found her carefully arranging what she had brought: meticulously handmade onigiri, marinated vegetables, and even a small cake.

"You've gone all out," Shikai commented, placing the cups on the table.

Izumi smiled softly.

"I wanted to thank you... for everything you do, not just for me but for others. At the hospital, everyone talks about you."

Shikai smiled slightly, but deep down, he knew that this image of the compassionate doctor was just a facade. He was not only talented but had become the true heir of Tsunade, with skills of the highest caliber.

"That's kind of you. But you know, I'm just doing my job." He added with a slight smile, "Shall we go for a walk?"

Izumi nodded with a smile.

Their first stop on their date was Konoha Park. The leaves of the trees rustled softly in the evening breeze, and the lanterns began to light up, casting a warm glow.

Izumi seemed enchanted.

"It's so beautiful here," she murmured.

Shikai nodded, his hands in his pockets.

"It's one of the few calm places in Konoha at this hour. Perfect for relaxing."

They sat for a moment near a small pond where fish glided beneath the water's surface. Izumi looked at Shikai, her eyes shining.

"You always seem to know what's best. How do you do it?"

He shrugged with a smile.

"Let's just say I observe a lot. And you, Izumi? You seem... different tonight. What's on your mind?"

She blushed even more, averting her gaze.

"I'm just happy to be with you, that's all."

...

After leaving the park, they headed towards a traditional restaurant nestled in a quiet alley. The soft lighting and intimate ambiance of the place made it perfect for a tête-à-tête dinner.

"It's a place few people know about," Shikai explained as he held the door for Izumi.

They took their seats in a quiet corner, and Shikai let Izumi choose what she wanted. She opted for a selection of light dishes, while he chose something more substantial. The reason, Izumi's dishes were not bad. They were good but his culinary tastes were quite refined since he had regained his memories.

The conversation flowed naturally during the meal.

"So, are you enjoying it here? Your work?" Izumi asked, breaking a piece of bread.

"Yes, but I like it," he replied, cutting his fish. "It allows me to stay useful and... keep an eye on certain important things."

She tilted her head, curious.

"Like what?"

Shikai hesitated, searching for the right words.

"Let's just say I make sure everything stays in balance."

Izumi seemed to ponder his cryptic answer, but she didn't press further. Instead, she smiled softly.

"You're always so mysterious."

Shikai shrugged with an amused smile.

"That's why you love me, isn't it?"

Izumi blushed deeply, unable to respond, which made Shikai laugh.

After dinner, they resumed their walk. The moon was high in the sky, casting a silvery glow on the deserted streets. They walked side by side, their footsteps echoing softly in the silence of the night.

Shikai glanced at Izumi, who seemed lost in her thoughts.

"You're awfully quiet," he remarked. "Everything okay?"

She nodded, but he could tell there was something on her mind.

"You can talk, you know. I won't bite," he added with a half-smile.

Izumi took a deep breath before answering.

"I was just thinking... about us."

Shikai slowed down slightly, surprised by her frankness.

"And what do you think?"

She stopped and looked him straight in the eyes, her expression serious.

"I think I really care about you, Shikai. But you..."

He remained silent for a moment, evaluating his words. Finally, he placed a gentle hand on her cheek.

"Izumi, you're important to me. Maybe more than I show... But never doubt me."

She opened her eyes wide, visibly moved.

"Really?" she murmured.

Shikai nodded, his expression softened.

"Yes. But I'm also aware that my life is not simple. I can't tell you everything, so... I prefer not to put you in danger."

Izumi seemed to think for a moment before responding.

"It doesn't matter. As long as I'm with you, that's enough."

They eventually arrived in front of Shikai's house. The moonlight gently illuminated the facade, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Shikai turned to Izumi,

She blushed, nervously playing with a lock of her hair. Then he suddenly moved closer...