I, who had been busy with my thoughts, jolted and almost fell from my chair. My eyes widened in shock, unable to hide my surprise. "What?" I murmured, almost in disbelief, my gaze quickly shifting to Aoki, feeling as if the world had paused for a moment. How could Aoki ask for something so significant without any hesitation?
Misuki slowly set down her teacup, her voice low and calm as she looked at Aoki, like a wise woman who knows what is right. "It's no problem," Misuki replied with a slight nod, "you can stay here for as long as you want." Misuki's voice was so firm, without a hint of doubt, as if she already knew what was best.
I turned my body, looking at Misuki with clear frustration on my face. "But I can't stay here too long!" I exclaimed louder, as if I didn't want this conversation to go any further. The sound felt louder than I intended, and I immediately regretted it. However, it all felt like too much for me to bear.
Aoki let out a long sigh, yet his face showed no signs of fatigue. He looked at me patiently, full of understanding. "Mei, you are injured. Your left shoulder is still in recovery and needs at least one or two weeks to heal completely. What good does it do you to push yourself if it will only worsen your condition?"
I bit my lip, my hands clenched tightly on my thigh, my eyes flashing with anxiety. "I... I just can't stay too long," I said firmly, even though doubts continued to plague my heart. I had to return to Kirigakure. I had to report everything to the Mizukage. We were ambushed; our enemies knew more than they should. There was a traitor among us, and I couldn't remain silent.
Misuki let out a soft huff, leaning back with an expression of indifference, though there was a hint of annoyance in her eyes. "Stubborn as always," Misuki muttered, then raised an eyebrow. "What that kid said is true. If you push yourself, your wounds will only get worse. Do you want to die foolishly on the way?"
I unconsciously bit my lip, trying to suppress my deepening confusion. My face felt hot, and my heartbeat raced faster than usual.
I felt as if there was a heavy stone trapped in my chest, pressing down mercilessly. My face seemed to flush even more, despite my efforts to remain calm.
I could feel Aoki's focused gaze, observing my every move with great attention. I couldn't help but grip the fabric of my clothes anxiously, my fingers clutching so tightly that it almost tore the fabric. It felt as if the world around us was closing in.
However, before I could find the right words to express myself, Aoki opened his mouth again. This time, Aoki's voice sounded different—deeper, heavier, and more resolute. The voice enveloped the space around us, replacing my confusion with unspoken tension.
"Mei Terumi."
The tone of Aoki's voice, filled with emphasis, made me turn instinctively. My gaze met Aoki's eyes, and in that moment, something touched my soul.
Aoki's eyes, always sharp and vigilant, now showed a depth that was hard to explain. It was as if many secrets were hidden behind that gaze, and I couldn't look away from Aoki's eyes.
There was a tremor of steadfastness, but also an unexpected softness. I felt as if I were looking at someone who was not only strong but also sincere.
Something in Aoki's eyes silenced me, and for the first time, I felt as if there was something greater than just my personal goals.
"I know we just met last night," Aoki continued, his voice sounding softer yet still full of determination.
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[Announcement: A New Novel Has Been Added!
The Puppet Maker in the World of Naruto
A man who is a scientist, researcher, and expert mechanic in robotics dies in a massive explosion that occurs in his laboratory while developing an advanced robot project. However, instead of experiencing death as he thought, the man awakens in another world—a strange place with vast stretches of desert.
There, the man is surrounded by people who can jump high, calling themselves ninjas. The confusion he initially felt grows as he realizes that this world is not unfamiliar to him. This is the world of Naruto! However, there is one thing that surprises him.
"Isn't this Sunagakure? Why am I not in Konoha? This poorest village... Oh my God, this is serious!"
Now, in the midst of a new life filled with danger and uncertainty, the scientist must find a way to survive in Sunagakure, a harsh place full of limitations. With his robotic knowledge, can the man change his fate in this ninja world, or will he fall along with the village?]
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