**Chapter 10: Shadows Within**

The mysterious message on the paper seemed to sear itself into Aisha's mind, the words echoing in her thoughts like a mantra. Trust no one. The shadows are closer than you think. She felt a chill run down her spine as she wondered who could have written it and why. The handwriting seemed familiar, yet she couldn't quite place it. Aisha's thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. It was Sakura, her face concerned. "Aisha, I've been looking all over for you. Kakashi told me about the... encounter you had. Are you okay?" Aisha hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. But something about Sakura's kind eyes put her at ease. "I'm fine, Sakura. Just a little on edge, that's all." Sakura nodded sympathetically. "I understand. I've been thinking, though. Maybe we should stick together for a while, just in case. Tsunade is busy with some Hokage business, but I can keep an eye on you." Aisha appreciated the offer, but a part of her was wary. Could she really trust Sakura? The message on the paper kept echoing in her mind. Trust no one. As they walked through the corridors, Aisha noticed that the shadows seemed to be growing longer, as if they were moving of their own accord. She shivered, despite the warmth of the day. Sakura noticed her reaction. "Aisha, what's wrong? You're starting to scare me." Aisha forced a smile. "I'm just a little spooked, that's all. This whole thing with the prophecy and the shadowy figure... it's just a lot to take in." Sakura nodded understandingly. "I get it. But we're in this together, okay? We'll face it as a team." As they turned a corner, Aisha caught a glimpse of a figure lurking in the shadows. Her heart skipped a beat as she realized it was the same figure she had seen before. This time, however, it seemed closer, its eyes fixed intently on her. "Sakura, look," Aisha whispered, her hand on the kunai at her waist. But when Sakura turned to look, the figure was gone. The corridor was empty, except for a small piece of paper on the ground. Aisha's heart sank as she picked it up, recognizing the same handwriting as before. "What's it say?" Sakura asked, her voice low. Aisha's eyes scanned the message, her heart racing. "It says, 'You're not who you think you are.'" Sakura's eyes widened. "What does it mean?" Aisha's mind was reeling. Was it a threat, or a warning? And who was behind these mysterious messages? She looked at Sakura, wondering if her friend was hiding something from her. As they stood there, frozen in uncertainty, Aisha realized that the shadows were indeed closing in around her. And she wasn't sure if she could trust anyone, not even her closest friends.