Masahiko's smile didn't fade until he reached his apartment door. The boost from the Konoha-Style Taijutsu reward far exceeded his expectations. He felt that with his current level, he could easily pass a Tokubetsu Jonin evaluation focusing on close-quarters combat.
As for Mizuki Masahiko's favorability toward the man had shifted from "indifferent" to "useful." If Mizuki challenged him a few more times, he might even consider him a "friend."
"It looks like you're in a good mood today, smiling so happily." A slightly raspy, mature female voice rang in his ears.
Masahiko turned his head, his smile widening. Leaning against the doorframe was a purple-haired beauty in casual clothes. She had just showered; her damp hair clung to her shoulders, and her loose robes couldn't hide the soft curves of her figure. She stood there quietly, looking like a masterpiece of art.
"Yugao-nee, you're back."
Uzuki Yugao's voice was low and gentle. Masahiko had always loved the sound of it. She smiled softly. "Mhm. I have a mission outside the village tomorrow, so the captain gave us the night off. Don't go back to your place; I just finished making dinner and I can't finish it all by myself."
"Sure, sure," Masahiko agreed instantly.
The two entered the house together. The table was set with four dishes and a soup all of Masahiko's favorites. This was no coincidence. They were classic childhood friends. Yugao was three years older and had always looked after him, especially after both their parents died during the Nine-Tails incident.
Since she joined the Anbu due to her elite Kenjutsu talent, their meetings had become rarer.
[Latest Mission: The Uchiha bloodline must not end!]
[Quickly 'spread the branches and leaves' and include Uzuki Yugao in the Uchiha Clan registry.]
[Phase 1 Reward: Konoha-Style Kenjutsu]
[Phase 2 Reward: Yang Release Chakra Enhancement]
A translucent panel popped up in front of him. Masahiko, busy eating, paused for a split second. This mission is looking down on me too much, he sneered inwardly, though he put on a "troubled" expression for her to see.
"What's wrong? Is it not to your taste?" Yugao asked with concern, putting down her chopsticks.
"The soup seems a bit salty," Masahiko made up an excuse.
"Is it?" Yugao walked over, picked up a spoon, and took a sip. "I thought I paid attention this time..."
As she drew close, her body heat radiated through the fabric of her robe. The steam from the kitchen mingled with the faint citrus scent of her soap. Masahiko's gaze fell on her moist lips. Without hesitation, he pulled her onto his lap and leaned in.
Yugao froze for a moment, then slowly closed her eyes, her hands clutching his collar. The kiss seemed to stop time until they both broke away, breathless.
[First stage mission completed: Konoha-Style Kenjutsu distributed.]
"Yugao-nee, the soup tastes just right now," Masahiko whispered.
"You... you just love finding ways to tease me," Yugao chided, leaning into his arms. Though she was a lethal Anbu operative, she had long grown accustomed to his "sudden frivolity."
It wasn't until the moon reached its zenith that Masahiko emerged from Yugao's room. He claimed the reward, and a vast tide of Kenjutsu experience flooded his brain. Muscle memory, neural reactions, power techniques he was now a master of the blade.
He hadn't completed Phase 2 yet. It wasn't that they weren't ready, but Yugao was a Suiton (Water Release) master. Just the "intimate contact" had caused her to "lose too much water." Since she had a mission tomorrow, Masahiko reluctantly decided to let her rest.
The next morning, Masahiko woke at eight. Yugao had already left, leaving a warm breakfast waiting for him. After eating, he sauntered toward the Hokage Building to clock in for work.
He worked in the Agricultural Machinery Research Class. His current project? A Futon (Wind Release) harvester.
It sounded like a joke, but it was his daily life. The technology in the Ninja World was absurd monitors and trains existed, but they were held exclusively by the elite. Commoners lived like they were in the middle ages.
Masahiko had gained the favor of his superior, Inuzuka Akita, by researching "Ninjutsu for agriculture." He knew she would eventually lead the Scientific Ninja Weapons Team in the future, so he had "unintentionally" let her see his manuscripts.
He sat at his desk, calculating his next move. The harvester was in the verification stage, giving him plenty of leisure time. I need to request more funding for 'Chakra Metal loss,' he thought. Melting down 'scraps' to forge my own sword is perfectly logical.
He picked up his teacup, preparing some health tea, when two massive waves of pressure descended from behind. Masahiko paused, slowly turning around.
What met his eyes was the dark, grim face of Inuzuka Akita.
"Masahiko, your secret is out. Come with me."
Masahiko froze. Wait... I haven't even submitted the funding application yet!