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Chapter Text

Code gasped when she laid her eyes upon Eida for the first time. 

She had never encountered someone so incredibly good-looking in her entire life. 

It was as if she had experienced love at first sight.

A swarm of butterflies fluttered in her stomach, and an overwhelming desire consumed her every fiber--she longed to capture his heart.

Despite spending some time frozen, Eida still looked incredibly attractive.

Code yearned to run her fingers through his long blue hair, which featured pink streaks. His mesmerizing turquoise eyes were so beautiful that Code felt as if she could lose herself in them.

Eida possessed an undeniable charisma that captured every aspect of Code.

She found herself blushing profusely, completely entranced by his presence. Her eyes refused to leave him, as if he had cast a spell over her.

Speaking with him proved to be quite a challenge for Code, but she had a plan in mind and needed Eida's assistance. 

Despite her nerves, Code managed to speak up to Eida, her face still flushed. "G-Good morning, Eida. I'm Code. Sorry for waking you up so suddenly."

Code felt her heart sink as Eida completely ignored her and walked right past her, as if she didn't even exist. 

Her mind raced with disappointment and confusion, trying to make sense of Eida's behavior.

"H-Hold it right there. You can't even bother with a simple 'hello'?"

Eida's nonchalant attitude fueled her frustration.

He didn't even bother to turn around or acknowledge her presence. 

Code's eyes narrowed, her tone becoming sharp as she threatened, “I came here to talk to you. However, if you can't be bothered to give me the time of day, fine. I'll deal with you as per Jigen's orders.”

Eida scoffed at Code's threats, not even bothering to turn completely towards her.

With a dismissive glance over his shoulder, he challenged her, saying, "Go ahead and try." 

Frustration consumed Code as she clenched her teeth tightly.

She refused to let anyone look down on her.

She was about to unleash her ability to put this handsome guy in his place.

However.. something felt off. 

Her body refused to comply with her commands.

Eida, taking note of Code's struggle, remarked, "You can't, can you?"

Code's frustration turned to confusion. Why was her body betraying her? refusing to comply with her commands? 

She had never experienced anything like this before. 

Was it perhaps one of Eida's abilities? 

From the very start, there was something undeniably unique about this guy. His presence had effortlessly stolen her heart, captivating her beyond mere attraction.

Eida's voice suddenly cut through Code's confused thoughts, as he apologized and explained, "I'm sorry, Code. I wasn't ignoring you. You see, I've been asleep for a long time, so... I'm worried I have bad breath." 

Code was still confused, but for some reason, his apology made her feel so much better.

Code found herself seated at the bar, as Eida requested her to wait there while he went to "organize himself." 

Okay?

Usually, boys wouldn't prioritize things like bad breath or personal appearance.

However, Eida was different.

In a really good way. 

There was nothing wrong with prioritizing self-care. So, Code patiently waited for his return at the bar.

Code wasn't alone at the bar. Bug, a facility member, was present nearby. 

She looked at him and spoke with a hint of a smirk, "Hey, Bug. Whaddaya think? Is he interested in me?"

Bug appeared nervous while mumbling about being caught in Eida's spell. 

Surprisingly, Code didn't dismiss his words. Instead, she voiced her own thoughts, her eyes glimmering with affection. "Yeah... My heart's pounding faster as I wait. Could this be another tactic of his?"

While Eida was preoccupied with grooming himself, Bug took the opportunity to share details with Code about Eida's ability.

Unlike Bug, who expressed concern over Eida's powers, Code found them fascinating. She found the notion amazing, rather than alarming. 

With perfect timing, Eida made his entrance and downplayed the glamour surrounding his abilities. He shared that his abilities weren't as great as they seemed, often leaving him feeling bored.

As they talked about Eida's abilities, the conversation took a more direct turn when he questioned Code about her feelings for him. 

It was a rather obvious answer for Code. 

Yes. Of course, she liked him. 

She was crazy about him from the moment she saw him. 

Although Code was hopelessly drawn to him, a nagging doubt lingered in her mind. "These emotions of mine, which seem so authenticity real... are they phony, manufactured by your ability?"

Eida chose to address it openly. 

"It's not limited to you. Everyone becomes captivated by me. Both men and women. Now do you get it? How absolutely boring and tedious it is?"

Eida expressed that the one who should question the authenticity of their feelings was himself, considering that his abilities made it challenging for him to differentiate genuine feelings from the effects of his power.

Eida then expressed his hatred for Amado, holding him responsible for stripping him of the chance to experience an ordinary, genuine love.

The conversation continued, and Eida shared an interesting detail about his abilities: they didn't work on blood relatives or individuals of the Otsutsuki clan.

Eida then brought up a topic that had been on his mind for some time. 

"Hey, Code... That girl, Brooke. She's an Otsutsuki too, right?" 

A flicker of something crossed Code's eyes, perhaps a hint of jealousy?

Whatever it was, she answered simply, "Yeah, she's an Otsutsuki, though she's incomplete. She has a Karma."

There was a noticeable change in Eida's expression as he spoke about Brooke Uzumaki. 

His eyes softened, and his voice held a hint of fondness. "I've been observing her for a while now. She's incredible. She makes my heart race. It's thrilling. I haven't felt like this in a long time."

Code studied Eida and commented, "I see... so that's how it is. Your ability may not affect Brooke Uzumaki, which means you could have a normal romance with her. She could be your little princess."

"Exactly. You're starting to get it, Code." 

"In that case, the same holds true for Kawaki as well. But perhaps he's not your type, am I correct?" 

Eida smirked lightly in response. "I almost forgot about him. Don't you need ten tails fodder to cultivate that tree of yours? By all means, take Kawaki. Just keep your hands off Brooke."

Code forced a smile, she playfully mused, "Ha, It seems like she already managed to capture your heart."

Eida blushed, unable to contain himself as he shyly admitted, "Yeah... It certainly feels like it."

Eida then shared some crucial information with Code about the current situation. He revealed that the Kage were currently in discussion, specifically searching for her with the intent to thwart her plans.

Eida smirked confidently, asserting, "But you don't need to worry. I can see and hear everything. You'll never be caught."

Code replied with a smirk of her own, expressing her trust in him. "Nice. You're the best. I was right to trust you." 

With a sense of camaraderie, she raised her drink to him and added, "Well then, in salute to each other goals... shall we have a toast? Once again, nice to meet you, Eida."

Eida reciprocated the gesture, raising his own drink in response. 

A smirk tugging at his lips, he replied with a hint of playfulness, "Likewise, Code. I'm counting on you."

X

Chapter Text

Shikamaru wanted to believe that he had seen all types of villains - from Akatsuki, who had destroyed his village to the Uchiha, who had dragged them into the Fourth Great Ninja War. 

And of course, the Otsutsuki clan. 

Seriously, they were like mosquitoes. 

You kill one, and the next second, another one appears.

And, usually, those big types of villains had one of two motives: either revenge, which is easy to guess, or a desire for a peaceful world, but achieved in their twisted way. 

But right now, the enemy in front of Shikamaru was making it difficult for him to guess which type they were. 

That person was doing something to his mind; he felt all out of whack, and he was even sure he was starting to get a weird fever out of the blue. 

His mind was all messed up. 

Shikamaru felt like this enemy was trying to manipulate him in a way he had never experienced before.

And things weren't looking any better for Delta. 

His whole plan was falling apart.

Shikamaru had lured Code into a trap, and just moments earlier, things had unfolded as he had expected.

As soon as Code thought she had gotten Amado, BOOM, Shikamaru revealed that he knew about Code's Claw Mark and quickly commanded a cyborg in Amado's lab to awake revealing a new Delta model, reprogrammed to protect Konoha. 

Code was trapped in a corner, and things were looking good for Konoha. 

But then, that damn Code pulled out from her Claw Mark a young man who had such a stunning beauty and aura that he could make women fall to their knees and men question their sexuality.

And no, Shikamaru was not exaggerating. 

That young man was just that pretty. 

His presence seemed to stop time, and attention was drawn only to him.

And it wasn't just his beauty that was drawing attention; there was something mesmerizing about him. 

Delta was no longer useful; she was completely in love with Eida, her usual menacing demeanor replaced by a state of absolute awe. 

Meanwhile, while Shikamaru was able to use his Shadow Possession Technique on Eida, he was also starting to feel his mind wanting to surrender to him.

Shikamaru was certainly not fangirling over Eida like Delta was. Perhaps it was because he believed the only truly beautiful person in the world was his dear wife, Temari. 

Shikamaru was used to thinking under pressure. 

Lately, it seemed like all he did was come up with last-minute plans. 

So, he figured out a way to handle this opponent.

Shikamaru realized that Eida couldn't read minds, so communicating with Amado through Ino's telepathic abilities was the best way to go.

That bastard then explained a bit more about Eida's abilities. 

First, the reason why everyone would think that Eida was the most pretty boy ever was because of his ability, which was described as the ability to beguile others and captivate them regardless of gender.

And, the reason why Shikamaru was feeling headaches and a strange fever, unlike Delta, who was acting like a crazy person in love, was because Eida's ability brought about various symptoms depending on the person.

For those with weaker willpower, like Delta and Code, they became obsessed with him. 

In Shikamaru's case, someone with a strong willpower, he suffered from headaches and fever instead. 

Regardless of the symptoms, the bottom line was that even if someone wanted to kill Eida, (like Shikamaru right now) their body wouldn’t allow them to do so. 

So here they were now.

Shikamaru was stuck, unable to harm Eida while his Shadow Possession Technique was approaching its limits.

So, in the end, the Shadow Possession was released. Code grabbed Amado by the throat once again, demanding that he lift her power limiters.  

So, what could Shikamaru do in those moments? 

Answering the important question.

Just what kind of villains was that Eida guy?

Shikamaru, who was clearly struggling to keep his mind in his control, looked up at Eida and asked, "What's your motive? Why are you helping Code? Do you have some kind of grudge against Konoha?" 

Eida gave Shikamaru his full attention, looking down at him with a calm, almost bored expression. 

"Not really. Code's motive is personal to her. I don't care about it at all."

Shikamaru's frown deepened, his eyes filled with intensity as he asked, "Then why?? Why are you cooperating with her?!"

Eida smiled lightly and responded calmly, "Well... I have no reason to hide it, so... I don't mind telling you, Shika... since you're so easy to talk to." 

Shikamaru could feel sweat dripping down his forehead with every passing second.

His mind raced with all sorts of scenarios as he waited for Eida's response.

He had already considered various possibilities, thinking he had thought of everything.

However, nothing could have prepared Shikamaru for Eida's actual reply.

The guy's demeanor suddenly did a complete 180 degrees shift. He was acting all shy and awkward, like a child.

Eida then said, his face turning red, "You see... I... like... Brooke." 

Shikamaru's expression was one of pure disbelief. 

"HUH?!"

Shikamaru knew he had a stupid expression on his face, but he couldn't help it. 

He was just that shocked.

He couldn't believe the reason that guy was cooperating with a criminal was because of a girl. 

And it wasn't just any girl!

It was the daughter of his best friend!!

Shikamaru was speechless.

While Shikamaru was still struggling to process the situation, Eida covered his face in embarrassment, and you could practically see the smoke rising from his face. 

"Oh, myyy... I said it!" Eida was mumbling to himself, completely embarrassed.

Shikamaru was not the only one surprised by this sudden change in events. 

Amado, who was still being held by Code, had questions of his own. 'Eida... likes Brooke?'

Eida, his face still partially covered by his hands, confessed, "I'm simply getting assistance from Code on that matter. I'm helping her regain her power. In return...." 

His voice trailed off, unable to finish the sentence due to the embarrassment.

Shikamaru got the idea, and he started replying cautiously, "....Is that so? Thank you for telling me."

Shikamaru's mind was racing with countless thoughts. 

Honestly, he was still not entirely over Eida's confession about liking Brooke. Nevertheless, he knew he had to act quickly. 

He had already requested backup, but he now realized that Sasuke and Naruto would also struggle against Eida's ability. 

So, he hurriedly asked Ino to prevent them from dropping in to help.

"...You just thought, 'how foolish,' didn't you?"

Eida's voice broke Shikamaru's train of thought.

Shikamaru was actually too busy preventing Naruto and Sasuke from interfering to think about it at the moment. 

However, if he had taken a moment, the answer would be a resounding YES!

There were literally millions of other ways to get close to your crush than cooperating with a criminal!!

Of course, Shikamaru couldn't afford to be completely honest about what he was thinking.

Shikamaru played along, putting on a nonchalant facade. "No... I was just surprised. I almost want to support your feelings. It's great. Wonderful."

While he still thought the entire situation was utterly ridiculous, he knew he had to make sure Eida thought he was on his side.

Shikamaru continued to play along, saying, "Eida, I have a proposition for you."

His words piqued Eida's interest, as he repeated, "A proposition?"

"Won't you... come over to Konoha? Think about it. I believe we.. can mutually aid each other."

Eida was silent as Shikamaru continued. 

"And afterward, you can tell Brooke how you feel..."

Code, who was occupied holding Amado by the throat, turned to them with a look of surprise on her face. "What?!" 

Eida looked at Shikamaru, questioning his proposal. "Me? Come over to Konoha?"

Shikamaru sweat dropped, knowing he was walking a fine line here. "That's right. Don't you think that'd be best... if you wanna get closer to Brooke?"

It was definitely uncomfortable for Shikamaru to talk about Brooke in that way. She was the daughter of his best friend, and he viewed her as family.

But he didn't have a choice. From a strategic standpoint, for the sake of the village, Brooke was their best chance at weakening Code by taking her strongest ally to their side.

Shikamaru could already imagine Naruto’s disapproval, knowing how protective he was over his daughter. 

However, He knew that Brooke would go along with whatever plan they came up with, as she always wanted to prove that she was no longer a child and that she was more than just the Hokage's daughter.

And in the end, Shikamaru was confident that Naruto would understand that they had no choice.

Eida was a force to be reckoned with, and Konoha could not afford to have him as an enemy; they already had far too many problems to deal with.

And besides, Naruto was the one who always urged everyone to try and resolve problems in a peaceful way when possible.

So, using Brooke to deal with Eida was the best course of action.

Suddenly, something strange happened. Eida's left eye was changing?! 

Shikamaru was alarmed, and Code turned to address Eida.

"Hey, hey! What do you think you're doing?! You better not be leaving me behind and--"

She was cut off by Eida, who calmly replied,

"Shush, Code. I have every right to consider this."

Just as Shikamaru wondered what Eida was doing with his eye, Naruto arrived at the door but was unable to open it.

Shikamaru contacted him through Ino's justu, explaining that it was a precaution against the enemy's jutsu, and asked him not to interfere or force his way through the door.

Eida suddenly asked Shikamaru if he locked the Hokage outside to protect him from his ability, catching him off guard with his knowledge.

Shikamaru began to overthink if it was about his eye, and Amado then chimed in, filling him in on the Senrigan's abilities.

Just as Shikamaru was grateful for Ino's jutsu, as Eida couldn't overhear those conversation, Eida spoke up, confessing that he was surprised by his offer, having assumed they'd see him as an enemy simply because he was part of Kara.

Eida then conceded: There was no cause for hostility between him and Konoha.

Shikamaru responded, "Originally, no. But now.. if you continue helping Code... you will be considered Konoha’s foe. Konoha or Code. Think long and hard... which side's the better pick."

Eida remained silent.

Code snapped up, torturing Amado and blaming his stalling for the turn of events. She demanded the command code.

In thoughts, Amado warned Shikamaru that he won't last long. Shikamaru, however, pointed out that Code couldn't kill him before getting the code. Otherwise, she would never get rid of the limiters. Amado was sure he would die of shock first.

Just when Shikamaru thought they were screwed, Eida suddenly turned to Code and urgently yelled, "Oh, no, Code! We need to retreat, now! Hurry!!"

Code was puzzled and asked, "What's wrong all of a sudden?!"

Eida urgently said, "Brooke's coming!! She'll be here soon!! And it seems like she and Kawaki are in good terms again, as he is right beside her." 

Everyone seemed to be surprised by that.

Shikamaru realized that Kawaki could shrink himself and enter the room through an air vent. Code was frustrated by it, and Shikamaru attributed it to Kawaki being able to nullify her Claw Marks. 

Amado added that Eida's enchantment doesn't work on blood relatives or Ōtsutsuki.

Shikamaru was angry he didn't share that before.

Amado was sure Shikamaru would have called Kawaki to fight, but he almost died before when it was just Code without Eida. He couldn't risk Kawaki dying.

He was sure that Shikamaru would find an advantageous situation if either Code or Kawaki—or even both—died fighting each other.

Ino cut in, reminding them it was not the time to argue. Just when Amado attempted to convince them to let Eida and Code retreat, as they would have another chance, and in the meantime, both Brooke and Kawaki could get stronger, Code pushed Amado through a Claw Mark, alarming Shikamaru.

Eida urged Code, saying, "Hurry, Code. Brooke's almost here." 

Shikamaru couldn't just let them leave with Amado. He quickly paralyzed Code with his shadow and urged Ino to find out where Kawaki was.

Shikamaru tried his best to stall, saying to Eida, "C'mon, what's wrong with meeting Brooke? Why are you so bashful?"

Eida looked down at Shikamaru with a not-quite-readable expression before turning to Delta and asking sweetly, "Delta dear, could you help me here?"

Delta was all blushing and accepted to do whatever Eida wanted.

Not a moment later, she went kicking Shikamaru, who dodged in time, but in doing so, he lost focus on his jutsu. 

And now Code was escaping with Amado, Eida right with her.

As Eida was getting away through a claw Mark, he said his goodbyes. "I’m sorry, Shika, we’ll be parting ways here. But… thank you so much for your enticing offer. Let's meet again. Thank you too, Delta dear, I love you."

Delta went all blushing again, yelling, "I love you too, Eida!! Please come visit again!!"

When Brooke arrived, she saw her dad and Sasuke standing outside the door. She hurried and questioned why they were just standing there outside.

“Dad! Sasuke-sensei! Is Code really here?! Why are you just standing there?”

Moments ago, Brooke was just heading to visit Kawaki, having decided they should have a talk after what had happened. (He killed her. She survived. Yeah... they had a lot to talk about.)

When she saw him, he looked all alarmed, saying that Code was here. When they got to the place, they split up, with her heading to her dad, while Kawaki had a plan to get inside.

But now it seemed like she had arrived too late.

X