Ghostly Figure

Chapter 5: Shadows

-3rd Person-

The quiet hum of Konoha's late afternoon is pierced by the soft echo of footsteps as Kakashi and Yui make their way to the ANBU headquarters. The village is beginning to settle into its evening routine, with shops closing and the last rays of sunlight casting long shadows. Yet, the anticipation of the meeting with Danzo looms over Kakashi, his concern for Yui weighing heavily on his mind.

Yui walks close behind him, her ghostly white hair and crimson eyes partially obscured by her protective eyewear. The anxiety in her posture is evident—her hands are tightly clutching the edges of her coat, her footsteps hesitant and uncertain. Kakashi glances back at her, offering a reassuring nod.

"Almost there, Yui," Kakashi says softly. "Just a few more steps."

The hidden entrance to the ANBU headquarters looms before them, a dark, unassuming door set into the side of a building. Kakashi performs the necessary seal, and the door opens with a low creak, revealing a narrow staircase that descends into the depths of the headquarters. The flickering torchlight casts eerie shadows on the walls as they make their way down.

The atmosphere in the headquarters is stark and cold, a world of steel and secrecy. The artificial lighting adds to the oppressive feeling as they reach the bottom. 

Danzo is waiting in a stark, dimly lit room that feels more like a vault than an office. His presence is imposing, and his one visible eye, sharp and calculating, turns towards Yui as they enter.

"Danzo," Kakashi greets, his voice steady despite the tension. "I've brought Yui as requested."

Danzo's gaze shifts to Yui, his expression inscrutable. He gestures for them to sit, his movements deliberate and controlled. "Please, have a seat."

Kakashi and Yui take their places at a long, metal table. Yui's eyes dart around the room, her anxiety palpable as she clutches her coat. Kakashi can feel the weight of her fear and tries to provide a sense of calm through his presence.

Danzo leans forward, the shadows around him deepening. "Yui," he begins, his voice deceptively warm, "it's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard a great deal about your abilities. I'd like to understand them better. Could you tell me more about how they work?"

Yui's eyes widen behind her eyewear, her fingers tightening around the edge of the table. Her gaze drops to her lap, her breathing becoming shallow. Danzo's questions begin, his tone probing and invasive.

"How do you perceive the effects of your ability?" Danzo presses.

 "When you look into someone's eyes, what exactly happens? Are there specific triggers that cause these effects?"

Yui's breath catches in her throat, and she struggles to find her voice. The intensity of Danzo's questioning is overwhelming. Her gaze drops to her lap, her shoulders hunching in fear.

"I—I don't know..." Yui stammers, her voice barely audible. "I can't control it."

Danzo's gaze hardens, his patience wearing thin. 

"You don't know? This is critical information, Yui"

"How can we trust you if you can't even explain your own abilities? What if you cause harm unintentionally?"

"Do you have any idea how much of a threat you are?"

Yui's eyes well up with tears, and she clutches her coat tighter. Her body starts to tremble uncontrollably. Kakashi's concern deepens as he watches her distress intensify. He knows that staying any longer will only worsen her condition.

"Danzo, I think we've reached the limit of what Yui can handle right now," Kakashi says, his tone firm but controlled. "She's already under a lot of stress."