Calm Before the Storm?

The crisp morning air of Seoul filled Itachi's lungs as he stood on the balcony of his apartment, his dark eyes scanning the cityscape. The sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange. The past few days had been a whirlwind of activity, with his party clearing A-rank dungeons back in Japan. Now, they found themselves in Korea, preparing for the upcoming Jeju Island raid. The weight of their mission hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

Itachi's thoughts were interrupted by Ryuji's boisterous voice from inside. "Oi, Itachi! We're all set to go!" The sound of shuffling gear and muted conversations filtered through the open balcony door.

With a slight nod, Itachi turned and entered the apartment. The interior was a stark contrast to the serene morning outside - a flurry of activity as his companions made their final preparations. Haruto was meticulously checking his sword, running a whetstone along its edge with practiced precision. Yuki adjusted her robes, her fingers dancing over the intricate patterns woven into the fabric, each one a seal for her illusionary magic. The atmosphere was tense, yet there was an underlying current of excitement, a buzz of anticipation for the challenges ahead.

"Remember," Itachi said, his voice low and steady, cutting through the noise, "we're working alongside the Draw Swords guild. Stay alert and focused." His dark eyes met each of his companions in turn, conveying the seriousness of his words. They nodded in acknowledgment, understanding the gravity of the situation.

The journey to the private jet was uneventful, the streets of Seoul still quiet in the early morning hours. As they boarded, Itachi's keen eyes noticed the other S-rank hunters from Draw Swords. Their formal greetings were polite but distant, a barely perceptible nod or a curt "hello" exchanged. It was clear they were following orders to maintain a professional distance.

Once settled in the luxurious cabin, its plush leather seats and polished wood paneling a stark contrast to their usual mode of travel, Itachi's party fell into casual conversation. Ryuji's loud laughter punctuated the air as he recounted a particularly challenging dungeon they had cleared. Haruto chimed in with strategic observations, while Yuki listened intently, occasionally adding her own insights. The familiar banter was a welcome distraction from the weight of their impending mission.

Suddenly, a hulking figure approached their section, his footsteps heavy on the carpeted floor. "Nice to meet you. I am Kenzo Tanaka," the man said, his voice deep and resonant, matching his imposing physique.

"Uchiha Itachi," Itachi replied simply, his onyx eyes meeting Tanaka's without wavering.

Haruto chimed in, a hint of recognition in his voice, "Oh, I thought you would greet us first." His eyes narrowed slightly, recalling information about the man before them.

Yuki glanced between them, curiosity piqued. "You guys know each other?" Her gaze flicked from Haruto to Tanaka, trying to piece together their connection.

"We were sparring partners at a time," Ryuji explained, a grin spreading across his face. His eyes lit up with the memory of past duels. "Tanaka, we're both S-ranks now. Let's see who's stronger."

Tanaka's eyes lit up with excitement, a competitive fire igniting within them. He raised his fists, muscles rippling under his shirt, ready to accept the challenge. "Let's do it."

Before things could escalate, a female voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Hey! We're inside a plane. Decide your duel after reaching Korea." A young woman with flowing hair approached, her expression a mix of exasperation and amusement. Her steps were light and graceful, a stark contrast to Tanaka's heavy footfalls.

Tanaka lowered his fists, but the excitement didn't leave his eyes. "Don't forget about our duel," he said to Ryuji before retreating to his seat, the promise of a future battle hanging in the air between them.

The woman turned to Itachi's group, her demeanor softening. "Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Akari Shimizu. I look forward to fighting alongside you." With a quick bow, she hurried back to her seat beside Tanaka, her long hair swaying with each step.

The rest of the flight passed without incident, the hum of the engines a constant backdrop to the occasional murmur of conversation. As they touched down in Korea, the reality of their mission began to set in. The familiar skyline of Seoul came into view through the small airplane windows, a reminder of the weight of their responsibility.

Upon arrival, they were escorted to a five-star hotel, its gleaming façade and uniformed staff a testament to its luxury. Each member of the party was assigned their own room, but Itachi, ever the lone wolf, opted to stay in his own apartment. His decision raised a few eyebrows among the hotel staff and his companions, but went unchallenged.

As they prepared to leave the hotel, a man approached them in the lobby. His suit was impeccably pressed, his posture rigid with formality. "I am Woo Jinchul from the Korean Hunter's Association. I will accompany you," he said, his tone professional and crisp.

Itachi acknowledged him with a nod, his face impassive. They set off, the sleek black car provided by the association gliding smoothly through the streets of Seoul. The drive to Itachi's apartment was quiet, the streets passing by in a blur of neon signs and towering skyscrapers. The energy of the city seemed to hum around them, oblivious to the significant mission that lay ahead for the hunters.

Upon reaching the apartment complex, Woo Jinchul parked the car and turned to them. "Please ask for me if you need anything," he said, his eyes lingering on Itachi for a moment longer than necessary. There was a hint of curiosity in his gaze, mixed with a touch of wariness.

As they made their way inside, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed in the hallway, followed by a familiar voice calling out, "Itachi!"

Turning, Itachi found himself face to face with Soohyun. Her eyes widened in surprise "You are here?", then quickly narrowed as her initial shock morphed into anger. "Forget it. Why didn't you pick up my calls?" she demanded, her eyes flashing with a mix of concern and frustration.

"I've been busy," Itachi replied calmly, his face impassive as ever. His tone was neither apologetic nor dismissive, simply stating a fact.

Soohyun's gaze shifted to the others, her demeanor changing instantly as she noticed Itachi's companions. "Nice to meet you. I'm Yoo Soo-hyun," she said, her tone polite and warm, the anger from moments ago expertly masked behind a professional smile.

Ryuji, ever the friendly one, replied with a grin, "Nice to meet you. We're Itachi's friends." His eyes sparkled with curiosity, clearly intrigued by this unexpected encounter.

Itachi, sensing the need to cut the conversation short, said to Soohyun, "We just came from Japan for some business. I will talk to you later." His tone was gentle but firm, brooking no argument.

Soohyun nodded, her expression a mix of curiosity and concern as she watched them enter the apartment. Her eyes lingered on Itachi's back as the door closed behind them.

Inside, the spacious living area welcomed them, its minimalist design a reflection of Itachi's austere tastes. As everyone settled in, dropping their bags and stretching after the long journey, Itachi moved to a quiet corner. With a subtle gesture, he summoned his 'Eye', the air shimmering slightly as the mystical construct appeared. Information flooded his mind, images and sensations washing over him in a torrent. The news it brought was grave – Jinwoo was currently engaged in battle with the Demon Monarch.

As the day wore on, the four gathered on the plush sofa, the weight of their upcoming mission temporarily lifted by casual conversation. The late afternoon sun filtered through the large windows, casting long shadows across the room.

"Can't believe you lived in this apartment alone," Ryuji remarked, looking around the expansive space. His eyes widened as he took in the high ceilings and modern furnishings.

"Your house was bigger than this," Itachi countered, a rare hint of humor in his voice. The corner of his mouth twitched slightly, almost imperceptibly.

Yuki, seizing the opportunity, said in a teasing tone, "Itachi-san, tell us about your friend." Her eyes sparkled with mischief, clearly enjoying this rare moment of casualness from their stoic leader.

Itachi briefly recounted his encounters with Soohyun, his stoic demeanor never faltering despite the playful jabs from his companions. He spoke of their first meeting, and their subsequent encounters, each word measured and precise.

For a moment, they were just friends, the weight of their responsibilities temporarily forgotten. Laughter filled the room as Ryuji and Yuki traded jokes, while Haruto offered dry comments that only added to the mirth. Even Itachi, usually so reserved, seemed to relax slightly, the tension in his shoulders easing as the afternoon wore on.

As dusk settled over Seoul, painting the sky in deep purples and blues, a soft knock on the door interrupted their conversation. Itachi rose smoothly, crossing the room in a few long strides. He opened it to find Soohyun standing there, a bright smile on her face. The hallway light haloed her hair, giving her an almost ethereal appearance.

"Hey, Itachi," she said casually, leaning against the doorframe. Her eyes sparkled with warmth and a hint of mischief. "Can I come inside?"

Itachi invited her in with a slight nod. Soohyun invited Itachi and his friends to a dinner. She wanted to know about Itachi's friends from Japan. She knew that she would not be able to spend time with Itachi who came for a business along with his friends. But at least she can invite all of them to a dinner. Itachi accepted the invitation as it would rude to refuse it and there was no reason for him to refuse the invitation.

Over plates of sizzling bulgogi and steaming bowls of kimchi jjigae, conversation flowed freely. Soo-hyun's infectious energy and Ryuji's easygoing nature kept the mood light, while Itachi and Haruto observed quietly, occasionally offering brief comments.

"What's it like working as an actress and a model in Korea?" Ryuji asked between bites, his chopsticks poised over his bowl.

Soo-hyun smiled, her eyes twinkling in the soft lighting of the restaurant. "It's exciting but tiring sometimes. You always have to keep up appearances, but I've found a way to balance it out." Her gaze flicked to Itachi, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Especially when you've got good neighbors to keep you grounded."

As the evening progressed, the conversation grew more relaxed. Soo-hyun's charm and wit drew even Itachi into brief exchanges, his usual stoicism softening ever so slightly. The clinking of glasses and the sizzle of meat on the grill provided a comforting backdrop to their lively discussion.

The walk back to the apartment complex was pleasant, the cool night air a refreshing change from the warm restaurant. The streets of Seoul were alive with the glow of neon signs and the chatter of nighttime crowds. As they reached the building, Soo-hyun paused, turning to face Itachi. The others tactfully moved ahead, giving them a moment of privacy.

"Thanks for coming out tonight," she said softly, her voice barely audible above the city's nighttime symphony. "It was nice spending time with you... and your friends."

"It was a pleasant evening," Itachi replied, his tone steady but sincere. For a moment, the mask of the stoic hunter slipped, revealing a hint of the man beneath.

Soo-hyun's smile widened, a hopeful light dancing in her eyes. "Maybe next time, just the two of us?"

Itachi met her gaze, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes. For a heartbeat, he seemed to consider her words carefully. "Maybe," he finally said, his voice low and thoughtful.

As Soo-hyun bid them goodnight and headed to her apartment, her steps light and almost dance-like, Itachi found himself watching her go. A strange sense of anticipation settled in his chest, an unfamiliar feeling that he couldn't quite place.

The moment was broken by Ryuji and Yuki's teasing. "Are you just friends?" Ryuji asked, a knowing grin spreading across his face as he nudged Itachi with his elbow.

"Yes," Itachi replied simply, his face once again an impassive mask.

Yuki chimed in, her voice lilting with amusement, "Really?" She raised an eyebrow, clearly not believing Itachi's curt response.

Before the teasing could continue, Haruto intervened. With a swift motion, he grabbed both Ryuji and Yuki by the back of their collars, dragging them inside with a stern, "Mind your own business." His actions, while rough, held a note of fondness for his overly curious teammates.

Just as Itachi was about to follow them inside, he paused, his hand on the doorknob. Without turning, he said, "Mr. Woo Jinchul."

The Korean Hunter's Association representative stepped out from the shadows, surprise evident on his face. He had clearly thought his presence went unnoticed.

"We know you were sent to keep an eye on us," Itachi said calmly, his voice carrying easily in the quiet hallway. "But I hope you understand about our personal space."

Jinchul felt a light tap on his shoulder and turned to find Haruto standing behind him, having moved with silent efficiency. "We will act as if nothing happened," Haruto said, his tone leaving no room for argument. His eyes, usually warm, had taken on a steely glint.

"You can leave now," Itachi added, before entering the apartment with Haruto. The door closed behind them with a soft click, leaving Jinchul alone in the hallway, his mission compromised.

Inside the apartment, the mood had shifted. The levity of dinner and the brief moment of normalcy had faded, replaced by the weight of their impending mission. Itachi moved to the window, gazing out at the Seoul skyline. The city lights twinkled like stars, oblivious to the dangers that lurked in the shadows.

As the others prepared for bed, each lost in their own thoughts about the challenges that lay ahead, Itachi couldn't shake the feeling that this moment of peace was merely the calm before a storm.

But for now, in the quiet of his apartment surrounded by his companions, Itachi allowed himself a moment of tranquility. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, centering himself. When he opened them again, his resolve was set. Whatever came their way, they would face it together.

As he finally retired to his room, Itachi knew full well that this might be their last peaceful moment for a long time. The raid on Jeju Island awaited, and with it, challenges that would test them all to their limits. But as he drifted off to sleep, a small part of him held onto the warmth of the evening - the laughter, the camaraderie, and the promise of connections yet to be fully explored. It was these moments, he realized, that made the battles worth fighting.

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Working from shadows after Jeju island.