Chapter 90: Being Honest with Each Other
The warm, moist breath made Haruko's ears itch, and the feeling of the soft, warm body pressed against him made his heart race.
"...Kin and Tayuya are still at home."
Kaede blinked, then smiled even more radiantly.
"It seems you really have changed."
"What do you mean?"
"The old you would either not respond or change the subject." Kaede extended a finger and lightly tapped her lower lip. "Now, you're actually considering the 'timing' and 'location'."
Haruko fell silent.
Indeed, his mindset had changed.
Without the pressure of the Uchiha Clan Massacre Night and having gained the strength to establish a foothold in the Ninja World, his long-tensed spirit had finally relaxed.
More importantly, Haruko's body had reached an age of peak vitality.
He had been under pressure before, with reason suppressing instinct, but now...
"So, what do you want?" Haruko asked.
Kaede suddenly grew quiet, leaning against Haruko's shoulder. "Speaking of which... it seems we've never gone out alone together."
"There's always Kin, Tayuya, the Ramen Shop, or missions."
She looked up, her eyes gentle. "Just tonight, only the two of us, okay?"
Haruko looked at her outstretched hand, and the last trace of hesitation in his heart dissipated.
"Then let's go."
...
Konoha's Hot Spring Street was exceptionally lively tonight.
Various stalls lined the street, and the air was filled with the aroma of different snacks.
Most of the passersby were couples or friends, all wearing relaxed smiles.
Haruko and Kaede walked side by side on the stone-paved road.
Kaede had specially changed her clothes—a deep blue Yukata with a pale pink sash around her waist. Her black hair was pinned up with a simple hairpin, revealing her slender neck.
"You look very beautiful today," Haruko said.
"Only today?" Kaede tilted her head, a smile in her eyes.
"You're always beautiful, but today you're especially beautiful."
Kaede nodded with satisfaction. "I'll give you a passing grade."
The two stopped in front of a takoyaki stall. Haruko bought two servings and handed one to Kaede.
"Careful, it's hot."
Kaede took the takoyaki and took a small bite, steam rising from her mouth.
She extended her tongue to lightly lick her lips, with a hint of seduction.
"Delicious," she said, then suddenly leaned close to Haruko. "Do you want to try some?"
Before Haruko could answer, she stood on her tiptoes and gave him a light kiss on the corner of his mouth.
"Sweet," she winked. "The taste of takoyaki."
Haruko felt his cheeks heat up.
This woman...
Haruko grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. "You're playing with fire."
"What's wrong?" Kaede crossed her arms and looked at him, a challenge in her eyes. "Do you want to do something to me?"
Haruko leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Be careful, or I might actually deal with you right here."
Kaede's body trembled slightly, and a blush flashed across her face.
But she quickly regained her composure. "Then why don't you try?"
Haruko straightened up, released her wrist, and continued walking. "Then let's go to the hot springs."
Kaede was stunned for a moment, then quickly caught up. "Hey, you're just leaving like that?"
"What else?" Haruko didn't look back. "Didn't you say I should try? Then let's find a Hot Spring Inn."
Kaede's face turned even redder.
...
The Hot Spring House was an old, established establishment with simple and elegant decor.
Haruko and Kaede requested a private bath.
Having changed quickly, Haruko soaked in the hot spring, finding his heart beating faster than usual.
Having lived two lives made him appear mature in many matters, but he still felt nervous and expectant about this.
After changing into his Yukata, Haruko arrived at the private bath. Kaede had not come out yet.
The bath wasn't large, but it was elegantly arranged.
The air was filled with a faint scent of sulfur and flowers. The slightly blue water was deep, with a few petals floating on the surface.
Beside it was a small table with a tea set and some snacks.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
Kaede's voice came from behind him.
Haruko turned around, and although he was mentally prepared, he still couldn't help but catch his breath.
Kaede was wrapped in a bath towel, her model-like figure being something he had only seen in short videos in his previous life.
"What's wrong?" Kaede walked up to him. "Stunned?"
Haruko nodded. "I really am stunned."
A hint of pride flashed across Kaede's face as she slowly stepped into the water.
She sat opposite Haruko, revealing only her shoulders and above.
"Phew..."
"Hah..."
The warm water surrounded their bodies, relaxing every muscle.
"Haruko..." Kaede called out softly.
"Hmm?"
"I have something to tell you."
Haruko looked at her, waiting for her to continue.
Kaede took a deep breath. "In the beginning, I approached you because of a family mission. Besides wanting to continue the bloodline, I was also responsible for monitoring you and finding your weaknesses..."
"I know."
"But later..." Kaede's voice trembled slightly. "Later, I realized that I truly fell in love with you. Not because of the mission, not because of the bloodline, but simply because I like you as a person."
She looked up, her eyes filled with unease. "I know saying this might be selfish, but I want to be with you. Not for the family, but for myself."
Haruko was silent for a while.
As a transmigrator, he might never be able to fully trust anyone besides Teuchi and Ayame in this lifetime.
This was the caution and detachment brought by having lived two lives.
But Kaede had already proven her value through her actions.
In daily life, she protected this home in her own way.
During the Uchiha Clan Massacre Night, she had also helped him without hesitation, even risking being discovered.
More importantly, for whatever reason, Kaede had already earned a place in his heart.
As for the potential trouble... it's only trouble if you don't have the strength to solve it.
Now, for him, it was called a'spice of life'.
"Kaede," he spoke.
"I'm here..."
"I like you too."
Kaede's eyes instantly lit up.
"Although I'm a selfish and cold person," Haruko continued, "I will protect you. In this Ninja World, I will give you a stable home."
"As for family missions or bloodline revival..." Haruko sneered, pride flashing in his eyes. "If those old fogies from the Kaguya Clan dare to come looking for you with that nonsense, I'll go dismantle their bones and use them as firewood."
Tears welled up in Kaede's eyes.
It had been so many years.
Since she was old enough to understand, she had been told she carried the future of the family.
The family's original plan was for her to go to the Hidden Mist and obtain the bloodline from the Radical Faction of the Kaguya Clan.
Her body, her beauty, her everything was for that illusory 'bloodline revival', and she had prepared for it day after day.
Until today.
She stood up, walked to Haruko, and hugged him tightly.
"Haruko... thank you..."
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