Compared to everything else, what Uchiha Izumi felt more intensely was the powerful masculine aura Ryosuke gave off as he stood near her. It was rich, overwhelming, and strangely attractive. She couldn't help but take a few more deep breaths—it was the scent of a mature man, and it made her feel light-headed and comforted.
Almost unconsciously, she leaned toward him.
And that was where it all started to go awry.
The moment Izumi leaned closer, the soft fragrance from her petite frame overwhelmed Ryosuke's senses. On instinct, he pounced, pinning Izumi beneath him, taking deep breaths of her youthful scent, his body moving before his mind could catch up.
Izumi's eyes widened in shock, but the wild rush of his masculine energy rushing at her made her heart flutter and her thoughts scatter. Somehow… it didn't feel wrong.
After all, Ryosuke had taken in both her and her mother, offering them safety and dignity within the Uchiha clan. Not to mention, he was good-looking, well-built, and always reliable.
And now… she didn't think she could escape. Maybe… maybe it wouldn't be so bad to try that kind of thing with him?
So she shut her eyes, her heart pounding, and waited for it to happen.
But Ryosuke froze.
As he stared down at the girl beneath him—her eyes closed, waiting, her small body trembling with anticipation—his rational mind finally took over. Izumi was adorable. Her figure had matured noticeably over the past few months. And her scent, her skin, her everything… it was incredibly tempting.
But…
Now wasn't the time.
With his rapidly increasing strength had come increased… appetites. Ever since Kurenai had become pregnant and unavailable for that kind of release, his urges had built up without an outlet. That was why his body had responded this way.
Still, Izumi… was different.
Ryosuke gently released her and stood up, helping her back to her feet. "Not now," he told himself firmly. "Not yet."
Izumi lay on the ground a moment longer, confused. Nothing was happening. No pain, no sudden pressure, no tearing of clothes. Slowly, she peeked through a slit in one eye.
Ryosuke had returned to normal—calm, composed, his expression blank as if nothing had happened. Her heart sank just a little. She'd… been ready. Even curious. She'd heard that kind of thing hurt at first but then became pleasurable. What would it have felt like?
But Ryosuke didn't say anything. He helped her to her feet, then began teaching her a few basic taijutsu techniques, correcting her stances and guiding her movements. After a while, he shooed her away.
He couldn't be around her too long. She was too cute—too tempting. If she stayed, he might actually give in next time.
Besides, she was still growing. Once she matured fully, she'd probably be dangerously beautiful.
He couldn't allow a girl like her to die in the Uchiha Massacre.
If he could help it, he would absolutely ensure she survived.
Later that afternoon, Ryosuke finished resting and began packing for a journey outside the village. He stored his basic necessities in a sealing scroll—some supplies, a black cloak with a hood, and a white mask.
The black cloak and mask were crucial. He couldn't afford for people to know what he was about to do. His strength was still not invincible, and exposure would bring danger.
The Eighth Gate of Death was close to being unlocked, but even the final sliver was difficult to break through. Still, with his enhanced physical attributes, his progress had been swift. A bit more time and the gate would open.
But that could wait.
First, revenge.
The Cloud ninja who had tried to kidnap Hinata had left Konoha two days ago. Ryosuke was confident that if he moved fast enough, he could catch them.
This wasn't just about the Hyuga clan anymore. They were enemies of his clan—and the indirect cause of his mother's death.
He didn't care what "peace" the Third Hokage or others spoke of. That kind of peace was nonsense.
In this world, only the strong survive.
He set off under the cover of night, slipping past Konoha's borders undetected. He raced through forests, mountains, and valleys—his body trained to endure, his pace relentless.
Even if the Cloud ninja had a two-day head start, they were likely traveling at a civilian pace, taking breaks, resting, maybe even moving with a caravan or guards.
He didn't rest. Didn't stop.
After a full day and night, as he passed into another dense forest, Ryosuke sensed them.
Several figures in the distance—just as he'd expected.
He approached silently, masking his presence perfectly, blending into the shadows and trees like a ghost.
The Cloud ninja were resting on stones, chatting, unaware of the danger creeping toward them.
One of them frowned. "We'll reach the border soon. But… how the hell do we report this to Lord Raikage?"
"Jōnin Dodoi was killed, our reputation took a hit, the peace talks failed, and the… pairing plan didn't go through."
"It's a complete failure."
Another shinobi nodded solemnly. "Konoha's response was way too aggressive. Not only did they kill our ninja, they mocked us for even trying."
They understood they were in the wrong—after all, they had tried to kidnap Hinata for the Cloud's breeding program—but still, they'd failed and suffered losses. From their perspective, they had lost everything while Konoha remained untouched.
"Shouldn't they owe us an explanation?" one asked.
Their complaints were weak and hollow. In truth, they were just trying to make themselves feel better before facing the Raikage's inevitable wrath.
Unbeknownst to them, their deaths were already closing in.
Ryosuke's eyes gleamed with killing intent from the shadows.
He didn't care for excuses or peace.
He only wanted blood.
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