The snow fell softly that morning, like powdered sugar drifting from a gray sky. Hanekawa didn't spare it a second glance as he headed toward Tsunade's house to make breakfast.
"Hey, pervert!"
He'd barely made it a block when the familiar voice stopped him cold.
Mei Terumi stood ahead with her arms crossed, her expression caught somewhere between disdain and challenge. Even at her age, she was already striking—tall and lean, with legs that seemed to go on forever. Hanekawa took his time looking her over.
"Should I live up to the title?" he asked, stepping closer with a deliberate smile.
Mei's body tensed. For a moment she looked ready to back away, then pride won out. She held her ground, glaring at him without flinching.
Hanekawa leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "What do you think?"
Her whole frame shuddered. She stumbled backward, hand flying to her ear. "Pervert!"
He closed the distance in an instant—Body Flicker—and his hand found her backside before she could react.
"What are you—?!" Her face flushed crimson.
"Feels nice," he said simply.
"Asshole!"
She swung at him, and he caught her ankle easily. The motion pulled her skirt up, revealing black fishnet stockings stretched taut against her thighs.
"Next time, try solid black," he suggested, taking a leisurely look.
"Go to hell!"
Her fist came at his face. He blocked it, released her leg, and spun her around in one smooth motion. His hand rose and fell.
Smack.
Mei froze, stunned by the impact. Numbness radiated across her backside.
"With your current strength, who exactly are you planning to beat?" Hanekawa asked, amusement clear in his voice.
"You pervert!" She scrambled away, putting distance between them. Her anger was real, but so was her recognition that continuing this would only end worse for her. "If you keep this up, next time will be worse."
Hanekawa's eyes narrowed as he watched her blush deepen. "So? Did you come looking for me just to get spanked?"
Mei bit her lip, forcing herself to focus. "Why does Konoha want the Lava Release and Boiling Release techniques?"
"I want them," he said simply.
"You?" Her eyes widened. "Why?"
"To learn them."
"Impossible!" The word came out before she could stop it. "Bloodline limits aren't just about talent. You can't just—"
"What if I did?" He met her gaze steadily. "If you can learn it, why can't I?"
Mei opened her mouth, then closed it. She had no answer for that.
"How about a wager?" Hanekawa's smile turned calculating. "The negotiations between our villages will take time. Let's bet on whether I can master a Lava Release technique before they conclude."
"You don't understand how difficult—"
"What are the stakes?" she interrupted, eyes narrowing.
"If I lose, I'll return Mangetsu Hozuki to you. Free of charge."
Mei's eyes lit up. That alone was worth the gamble. "Deal."
"You didn't ask what happens if you lose."
"What?" She braced herself.
"A maid outfit. For a full day."
"You are a pervert!" But even as she said it, she was already nodding. "Fine. You won't learn it anyway."
She's confident, Hanekawa thought. Good. That means she'll actually teach me.
---
Two days of negotiations passed in a blur of circular arguments between Konoha, the Hidden Sand, and the Mist Village. Three parties meant three times the complications. Hanekawa estimated they'd be lucky to reach any real conclusions within a month.
On the morning of the third day, he made his way to the Mist Village's compound—a luxurious courtyard reserved for their delegation.
"I'm looking for Mei Terumi," he told the guard at the gate.
The ninja nodded respectfully and disappeared inside. Mei emerged moments later, her expression carefully neutral. With her people around, she couldn't afford to curse him out.
"Follow me," she said curtly.
Her room was modest but well-appointed. She gestured for him to remove his shoes at the entrance.
"You're being polite today," he observed.
"Don't dirty my floor," she snapped, some of her usual fire returning.
He stepped inside. "Eager to get started?"
"Of course not!" She crossed her arms defensively. "I'm just—"
"Scared I'll actually learn it?"
"Why would I be scared?" Her chin lifted stubbornly. "You can't possibly master Lava Release. It's impossible."
Hanekawa settled onto the sofa. "Got any tea?"
"I'm not your maid!"
"Not yet," he said calmly. "Consider this practice for when you lose."
Mei's eyes flashed. "I won't lose."
"Then teach me," he said. "What technique are you starting with?"
She sat across from him, her expression grim. "Lava Release: Monster Dissolution. It's my strongest technique and the most difficult to master."
Of course she'd pick the hardest one, Hanekawa thought. Typical.
But he wasn't worried. He'd already obtained the Hozuki clan's secret water techniques from Mangetsu. Combined with his understanding of earth and water ninjutsu—and the talent entry he'd acquired—this was manageable.
"Lava Release combines earth and water chakra properties," Mei began, her tone shifting to something more professional. "It manifests as a highly corrosive viscous liquid. The difficulty lies in maintaining the balance between the two elements while controlling the dissolution rate..."
She continued explaining, and Hanekawa listened intently, occasionally asking clarifying questions. She didn't hold back—she couldn't afford to. His strength and status made it clear that deception would be costly.
Hours passed. By noon, Hanekawa glanced at the clock. "Lunch?"
Mei's legs were crossed again, the black mesh stockings creating an intricate pattern against her skin. She didn't move. "Walk slowly. Don't let the door hit you on the way out."
"Who said I was leaving?" He stood. "Surely the Mist Village knows how to treat guests properly. You should cook for me."
"I can't cook."
"You're a ninja. Cooking isn't a requirement?"
"Exactly," she said defensively.
"Then I'll help." He headed toward the kitchen before she could protest.
Mei watched him go, suspicious. Is he trying to poison me?
But when the aroma of his cooking filled the room, her stomach betrayed her. She could smell chicken, vegetables, perfectly seasoned broth. Her mouth watered despite herself.
When he set the plate in front of her, she hesitated.
"I don't need poison to deal with you," he said, reading her expression perfectly. "I'm going home to eat. Be back at two."
After he left, Mei stared at the food for a long moment. Then, cautiously, she picked up her chopsticks.
One bite.
Her eyes widened. How is this so delicious?
She didn't know about the B-Rank Talent Entry he'd acquired—the one that made everything he cooked taste absolutely perfect. All she knew was that she'd just eaten the best meal of her life, and she was already looking forward to tomorrow's lesson.
Damn pervert, she thought, taking another bite. Playing dirty.
But she was smiling.
---
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