The first day at the Ninja Academy drew to a close, ending as calmly and mundanely as it had begun. The students in the classroom gathered their belongings, preparing to head home.
Yūhi Kurenai, packing away the textbooks she had been given, glanced over at Nohara Rin and asked, "Rin, shall we walk home together?"
"Do we live in the same direction?" Rin inquired.
"I think so. I live in the east."
"Then our paths diverge," Rin replied with a gentle smile.
At that moment, Inuzuka Ryōto returned to the classroom, his head held high and a radiant expression on his face, having just been summoned to the teacher's office for a scolding. Rin's gaze involuntarily settled upon him. There's definitely something unusual about that boy, she thought with curiosity.
"My, my, you can't take your eyes off him..." Kurenai teased, waving a hand in front of Rin's face.
"Kurenai!" Rin blushed, flustered. "It's not like that at all."
Following Ryōto, Uchiha Obito shuffled into the classroom, looking utterly dejected.
"Compared to Obito, Ryōto doesn't seem upset in the slightest. It looks like he wasn't scared one bit," Rin observed, watching them closely.
"Well, boys are all different," Kurenai replied. "Some are brave, and some... not so much."
"That's true..." Rin's gaze shifted thoughtfully to Obito. "Maybe I should try to cheer him up?"
"Cheer him up?" Kurenai asked.
"Obito, of course. He looks so downcast," said Rin.
"Rin, you're so kind..." Kurenai glanced at Obito and added, "But I don't think that's a good idea. You might be misunderstood."
"Misunderstood?" Rin looked at her friend. "In what way?"
Kurenai raised her eyebrows and, with a playful smile, pinched Rin's cheek. "You're just so adorable... Hehe, if you want to, go ahead. I'll support you."
"Stop pinching my cheeks," Rin said, turning away. "We're classmates; we should get along and help each other. I think he needs some help..."
"Yes, yes, of course," Kurenai said, slinging her backpack over her shoulder. "I'm heading out then. My father is waiting to celebrate my enrollment today. And if someone doesn't want to join us, well, that's a shame."
"I want to celebrate with my mom and dad too," Rin said.
"With your mom, you say..." Kurenai paused for a moment, then looked at Obito and asked, "Why do you think that boy was late?"
"Overslept?" Rin guessed.
"Perhaps," Kurenai chuckled. "But if his mom or dad were around, he probably wouldn't have. My father told me that many from the Uchiha Clan have perished."
"Oh..." Rin stared at Kurenai, taken aback. "Then you..."
"Don't worry, I'm alright now," Kurenai said, patting Rin's head. "When you want to help someone, find out everything you can first. Don't just rush in, or you might end up being hated."
"Kurenai, you know so much," Rin remarked.
"My father taught me everything. He's a very powerful ninja," Kurenai said with a smile. "Alright, I'm off. See you tomorrow."
"Okay, see you tomorrow."
After Kurenai left, Rin looked at Obito again. An orphan, then... she thought. Obito seemed in no hurry to leave and ran out to the playground to play with the other boys. It seemed to Rin that he was simply trying to escape reality, afraid to return to an empty home. After a moment's thought, she saw Ryōto leaving and decided to follow him. A certain thought just wouldn't leave her mind... Who in their right mind would eat something like that? If he really does eat it, then it's an illness that needs to be treated. He needs help. After all, he's so handsome; it would be a terrible shame if something were wrong with him.
Stepping outside the school gates and seeing parents waiting for their children, Rin couldn't help but glance back at Obito. At that moment, their eyes met. A flicker of envy crossed Obito's eyes, and he quickly looked away. So that's what it is? Rin realized. She ran up to Obito with a warm, bright smile on her face.
"Obito..."
Obito was flustered. The girl he had only met today had approached him on her own. He didn't know where to look and ended up scratching the back of his head with a goofy grin.
"Here, I thought you might need this."
With these words, Rin handed him a stack of papers. Taking them in bewilderment, Obito looked at her, confused.
"What's this?"
"It's the enrollment forms; they need to be filled out. You were late and didn't get them, right?" Rin said, flashing her cheerful and confident smile.
"Ah..." Obito stared at Rin, at a loss for words. He smiled foolishly and mumbled, "That's great, you've really helped me out."
In truth, he had already filled them out under the teacher's supervision.
"Well, that's wonderful. I'll be going now. See you tomorrow, Obito," Rin said with a smile and a wave, quickly departing.
Obito watched her go for a long time, and then that same goofy smile reappeared on his face. She's worried about me.
…
On her way home, Rin felt she was beginning to understand Obito's situation. But right now, she was following Inuzuka Ryōto. It was the first time in her life she had ever tailed someone, and it made her uneasy, her heart pounding with excitement. First, I just need to observe. Don't rush in; figure everything out before I act, she resolved.
Ryōto walked very quickly. He was nothing like the cold, aloof boy from school. Now, he seemed to have let his feelings run free; his silhouette radiated joy, and he even skipped as he walked. How to put it... he resembled a carefree stray animal, just as indifferent to his surroundings and completely oblivious to the stares of others. Hiding behind a telephone pole, Rin thought he was actually a little cute.
Does Ryōto have a split personality? Rin didn't know much about it, but she had occasionally heard her mother, who worked as a nurse, talk about such things. The symptoms seemed similar. And because of that, she felt a little sorry for him.
After walking a bit further, Rin noticed the neighborhood aunties and mothers staring at her. She realized she wasn't as strong as Ryōto and couldn't ignore the gazes of others. Rin's cheeks burned: a little girl secretly following a boy—it didn't look very proper. Hearing the whispers of the street gossips, Rin was ready to retreat. But how could she ever become a strong ninja capable of helping everyone if she gave up? No, she couldn't back down! Go for it, Rin! she mentally cheered herself on and quietly resumed her pursuit.
When they reached a shopping street, Rin saw Ryōto pressed against a shop window, drooling over the food inside. She carefully analyzed the situation. Ryōto likes chicken legs? Does he not have any money with him? Do his parents not give him an allowance? Or does he not have parents?
Seeing the shopkeeper shoo Ryōto away and watching him reluctantly leave, Rin thought for a moment, then went over and bought a box of chicken legs. Watching Ryōto drool had made her hungry too. They must be delicious. Taking a bite, Rin thought, Since he likes normal food, he definitely wouldn't eat poop. I must have misunderstood and judged him unfairly. But she had to continue her observation to avoid making another mistake.
Approaching a courtyard, Ryōto stopped and suddenly barked loudly at the house. The sound—"woof-woof-woof"—startled Rin considerably. Immediately, a large dog burst out from the yard and, running up to the iron gate, began to bark back furiously and loudly.
"Huh?" Rin, chewing on a chicken leg, hid around the corner and watched the scene intently. It was obvious...
"Ryōto must be saying some very nasty things..."
The large dog in the yard was jumping with impatience, trying to break free and bite him. Still, Ryōto is so kind, he even talks to doggies. Look how well they're getting along. Anyone who loves little animals, like dogs and cats, must be a good person, Rin mused, munching on her chicken. A moment later, she saw Ryōto, pleased with himself, walk on. Rin hurried after him and witnessed him greet the large dogs in every yard. The sound of barking was incessant.
"He's so well-connected, so many friends..." The scene was boisterous and lively. Following him, Rin saw many cute, large dogs and noted with surprise how many dog owners lived in the village. Being particularly observant, Rin noticed that Ryōto seemed not to bother the smaller dogs. She didn't know how they had become friends. But, in a way, being able to get along with them so easily was truly amazing.
After passing through the residential area, they reached the outskirts, where it grew quieter and there were fewer people. Ryōto glanced around and, making sure no one was there, squatted down by a telephone pole. What is he going to do? Rin wondered with curiosity. And then she saw Ryōto quickly pull down his pants and urinate against the pole with a look of clear relief.
In that instant, Rin was in shock. She wanted to close her eyes, but instead, they flew wide open and wouldn't shut. She instinctively brought her hands to her face, covering it, and watched Ryōto through her fingers. A moment later, her face flushed crimson. She had seen everything, and at the same time, she had seen nothing.
"He... he... he... he..." Rin was stunned, clamping a hand tightly over her mouth.
"Ah!!!?"
"Ah-ah-ah!!!?"
"Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah-ah?!?!"
Why is he peeing on a telephone pole?! No, that's not it!!! Why is he doing it squatting?! Boys are supposed to do it standing up!!! No, that's not it either!!! Why is he peeing right on the street with such a nonchalant expression?! Has he no shame?!
Soon, Ryōto, having finished his business, pulled up his pants, stood up, and merrily skipped away. Rin was too stunned to move. In that moment, she realized: Ryōto definitely has a serious illness! Absolutely!!!
Seeing that he had gone far, she finally snapped out of it and rushed after him. She hadn't gone a short distance before Ryōto stopped. Rin froze abruptly and, without thinking, instinctively ducked into a narrow alley, curling up behind a trash can, still clutching the box of chicken legs. Her heart was pounding wildly. I was too hasty, did he see me? Rin's mind went blank. It can't be, he didn't notice me before.
Calming herself, Rin cautiously peeked around the corner and saw that the street was empty. A cool spring breeze blew past, brushing against the pile of trash and carrying an unpleasant smell to Rin's nose. Her hands and feet turned cold... Did he see me? But why did he run away? I should be the one running! No! I have to explain everything to him! Otherwise, this will be a misunderstanding I can never clear up!
Rin took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and a single tear rolled from the corner of her eye. Leaping to her feet, she broke into a chase!
"Wait!!! Ryōto!!! I'm not some stalker freak!!! I was just on my way home!!! I didn't see you peeing on the street!!! And I didn't see you arguing with the dogs!!! Wait for me!!! Let me explain!!!! Don't worry! I won't tell anyone!"
Dashing around the corner, Rin saw Ryōto's figure. He stood at the end of the alley, as if having made a decision, glanced at her—their eyes met—and then, without looking back, he bolted. Rin watched as he disappeared around a bend, her hand outstretched. Should I give up, Rin? And live with the stigma of being a stalker... No! Now is not the time to give up!!! Rin!!!
"I said, wait!!!" Rin, her face red with exertion, sprinted after him with all her might.
Ryōto ran desperately ahead, and Rin chased desperately from behind. They tore through several streets, both running with their heads down, too breathless to even speak. The aunties on the street watched the scene, clucking their tongues in amazement.
"Ah, youth..."
Seeing that he couldn't shake the persistent Rin, Ryōto grew a little scared, but also bewildered. Why is she even chasing me? She was chasing after her youth and her reputation. Rin was suffering, but she couldn't say a word. This guy runs so fast!
A look of determination flashed in Ryōto's eyes. He had a plan. He veered off in another direction. If I can't lose her, then I'll have to deal with her.
Soon, one after the other, they ran out onto a deserted sandy beach. Ryōto stopped and turned to face Rin. Seeing him stop, Rin also skidded to a halt and, breathing heavily, slowly approached him on trembling legs. She was on the verge of collapse. Her head was drenched in sweat, and her face was crimson. But this guy—he wasn't even red in the face or out of breath.
Rin, gasping for air, leaned on her knees.
"You... cough... you! You! You little brat!"
She was angry, but immediately realized she shouldn't speak like that; she needed to be gentle and feminine.
"Ryōto... you... listen to my explanation... I wanted..."
Ryōto was confused. Why couldn't he lose her? Hadn't he run fast enough? Seeing the young girl continue to approach, Ryōto's expression darkened, and baring his teeth, he let out a warning growl. Don't come any closer. Or I'll bite you!!!
Seeing this, Rin froze for a moment, sensing danger. But then she thought, A living person can't just go crazy and bite me, right? Can't we just talk this out? With that thought, Rin took another step forward.
And in that instant, Ryōto lunged at her like a lightning bolt, tackling her to the ground in a single motion. He lowered his head, pressing his mouth against her neck, and emitted a series of threatening, guttural sounds. And Rin... she was simply petrified. Her vacant gaze was fixed on the crimson, sunset-drenched sky. She could feel the hot breath on her neck and wanted to struggle, but she was pinned to the ground, her arms and legs skillfully immobilized, unable to move.
Why is he so skilled at this? Is this not the first time he's pinned a girl down? Rin's mind was in a daze. Seeing no further action from Ryōto, she began to cry.
"Don't... Ryōto..."
Hmph, the female is scared! Ryōto, pressed against her neck, let out a low growl.
"Let me go..." Rin whispered weakly, helplessly. She was truly terrified. Ryōto seemed to have gone mad. She had lost all hope. Dad, Mom, I'm sorry, I'm about to be eaten alive.
"Ryōto, I'm scared..."
And then, strangely, Ryōto let her go. Rin, covered in tears, got up. Her face looked like a kitten's that had just been washed. She hugged herself and looked at Ryōto with a mixture of fear and confusion. He, on the other hand, seemed very pleased with his work. Seeing how frightened she was, he turned to leave. Now she definitely won't chase me anymore.
After taking a few steps, Ryōto stopped. His nose twitched, and his gaze fell upon the chicken legs in Rin's hands. Noticing his stare, Rin, still in shock, took out the remaining leg and held it out to him.
"Do you want it?" she asked timidly.
"Woof!" Ryōto replied. Seeing how perceptive she was, he grew happy, wagged his rear, took the leg, and impatiently opened the box, beginning to devour it.
Rin watched as he finished the leg in three bites, not even leaving the bones—he crunched them up and swallowed them. And for some reason, Rin let out a strange laugh. Was he just trying to scare me? It seems he didn't mean to hurt me. It's a good thing Ryōto hasn't gone crazy.
Meanwhile, Ryōto licked his greasy fingers and looked at Rin. He was starting to like this girl. She even shares her food, so kind. If it weren't for... Alright, as a token of my gratitude... Ryōto suddenly leaned in, bringing his face close to Rin's.
"Huh?"
Rin froze, staring into his shining golden eyes, pure, without a single impurity, full of innocence and... While she was pondering, a wet, soft, and warm sensation touched her cheek, gently gliding across her skin. Rin stared at Ryōto, dumbfounded.
Ryōto grinned at her, then, with a happy bounce, ran away. Watching his retreating figure, Rin sat there, lost, unable to come to her senses for a long time. After a while, she ran a hand over her cheek and looked at the glistening liquid on her fingers.
"I was... licked... I was licked by a boy..."
Rin's pupils constricted sharply, and then she burst into loud sobs.
"Mom! I'm no longer pure!!! Ryōto has gone mad!!! The beast within him has awakened!!!"
Crying, Rin stumbled to her feet and ran away.