Chapter 75: Tenten in the Hot Spring
Akiyama Makoto arrived at Tenten's house and happened to run into her just as she was returning from her morning training.
"Huh? Are you moving?"
When he told her the reason he had come, Tenten immediately grew excited.
"Living in a hot spring hotel for over a month, that sounds amazing! Wait for me, I'll be right out!"
A few moments later, Tenten emerged carrying a large stack of sealing scrolls and returned with him to his home. Only then did she realize that he didn't actually have that much to move. The main items were just his bed, desk, clothes, and writing materials.
"You live so simply," she said. "Haven't you earned a lot of money now? Is it not enough to spend?"
"Want me to sponsor you a bit? Buy some new home appliances?" Tenten proudly patted her flat chest. She was getting closer and closer to earning the title of Konoha's little rich girl.
"Okay," Makoto said, not refusing her kind offer. A relationship of give-and-take was the fastest way to increase mutual affection.
"Then just help me buy whatever you think I'm missing. Just tell me how much it costs."
Hearing this, not only did Tenten not feel dissatisfied at being given a task that would also cost her money, but she was filled with motivation. Her eyes shone as she surveyed everything in his house, calculating how she could satisfy both her own and his tastes. As for what this all meant, she hadn't thought about it too much, but she was already enjoying herself.
With her help, everything in his house was quickly packed into scrolls. He then called over the person in charge of the construction project and had him renovate the entire house as well. In any case, Sasuke had saved him a large sum of money, so he was currently very well-off.
"Let's go."
The two of them, carrying a large stack of scrolls, walked towards the Kazematsuri Bathhouse, talking and laughing.
By the time they had gotten his room at the bathhouse all set up, it was already ten in the morning.
"Ah, I'm exhausted."
Tenten stretched, then lay down on the tatami mat in a star shape, muttering, "This is the life, living in a hot spring hotel. You can soak in the hot spring every day when you wake up and before you go to sleep. It's practically the life of a god."
This was the second time she had said something like this. With her financial means, it wouldn't be a big problem for her to live here, but as someone who trained in taijutsu under Guy, she would never allow herself to be so indulgent.
However, Makoto couldn't pretend he hadn't heard. "Well, do you want to try the hot spring here?"
"Eh!"
Tenten leaped to her feet, looking at him with suspicion. She only relaxed when she saw that he was still organizing his materials and had just said it casually.
She timidly reached for her ninja tool pouch, took out a small scroll, but said, "That wouldn't be right. This is your room, after all. You haven't even tried it yet, have you?"
"Why don't you go first, and I'll go later?"
Makoto turned his head to look at her. Startled, she quickly hid her hand behind her back, clutching the small scroll, and pretended to admire the scenery in the room.
If their affection level were higher, he probably would have suggested they go together. For now, he could only say in a slightly teasing tone, "Don't worry, I don't mind if you're dirty."
"I'm not dirty! I'll wash up properly before getting in!" Tenten retorted with a pout. She then seemed to realize something, and with a blush, she walked up and lightly punched him. Then, with a cheerful gait, she rushed into the bathroom and locked the door from the inside.
The sound of running water was pleasant to the ear. He didn't need to stop what he was doing to hear it clearly.
An hour later, Tenten walked out wearing a yukata.
With her hair down, she had a soft beauty that was different from her usual energetic self. The steam rising from her body further accentuated her healthy, rosy-white skin.
"Ah, that was so refreshing. I'm so satisfied." Tenten was very happy. She had brought a full set of hot spring gear with her from the start, but had been worried about how to bring it up. She hadn't expected him to so easily let her enjoy the bath first. In her happiness, she blurted out, "Your turn! After you've had a soak, let's play table tennis!"
Only then did Makoto turn around. He crossed his arms and looked at the post-bath Tenten. "I'll pass," he said.
Tenten raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you really think I'm dirty? I rinsed myself carefully three times before getting in!"
He shook his head. "What I mean is, if you're seen bathing alone, it's easy to explain. If we're both seen dressed like this, there will be basically no need for an explanation."
"Listen carefully."
After he spoke, he and Tenten both tilted their heads to listen. The sound of a little girl's laughter and shouting could be heard from outside the door.
Tenten blinked her clear eyes, and then her face flushed a deep red. If, as she had suggested, he had also worn a yukata and left the room with her to play table tennis, and they had been seen by someone, it wouldn't take long for the news to spread throughout all of Konoha. Konoha was, after all, just a small place with a small population.
Although she wasn't opposed to people saying she was close with him, it was clearly a little too soon for that.
"Then... then I'll go change my clothes now."
Tenten feigned composure. Makoto reassured her, "You don't have to be in such a hurry. You can just change before we go for lunch. Besides, you look very cute like this. I want to look a little longer."
Such a direct compliment left Tenten at a complete loss, not knowing what to say. Fortunately, he didn't continue to tease her and instead went back to his own business. Only then did she relax. She began to tidy her hair and prepare the clothes she was going to change into, just as if she were in her own home. Her mood gradually brightened. It was just that every now and then, when she realized she was doing these things on his bed, her heart would skip a beat.
Time passed, minute by minute. Seeing that it was almost noon, Tenten couldn't help but speak first. "I'm going to go change."
Without turning his head, Makoto said, "Do you need my help to change?"
Tenten threw a pillow at his back. He still didn't turn around, which made her puff out her cheeks in frustration.
She took a deep breath and said, "Didn't you just say you liked looking at me? If you don't look now, the limited edition Yukata Tenten is going to disappear!"
Only then did he turn around. She generously spread her arms and did a little twirl, then picked up her clothes and rushed into the changing room. Before entering, she didn't forget to huff at him, though even he couldn't understand what she was trying to express. Perhaps it was just a simple way of venting her shyness.
A short while later, Tenten came out and walked boldly over to his side, patting his shoulder. "You treated me to a hot spring, so I'll treat you to lunch. What do you want to eat?"
"Alright. But before that, I have something to give you. I'm just not sure if you'll accept it."
"What is it? Let's have it!"
Tenten held out her hand.
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