The source of this killing intent came from Ruri.
At this moment, Ruri had already recovered from her blushing state. After taking a deep breath, she looked over with a gaze that Hakushi couldn't fully comprehend.
Even though this gaze was utterly indecipherable, Hakushi could feel an unprecedented sense of oppression weighing him down.
Indeed, it must be because he intended to buy a kimono for her earlier, making her emotions more unpredictable than usual.
Rightly so, even if he were to put himself in her shoes, he would understand that such a comment would surely make any girl angry and embarrassed.
"Uh, well... how should I put it, it was really full of coincidences and surprises. If giving a kimono has such special meaning, then just..."
For a moment, it was an illusion—Ruri's killing intent seemed even stronger.
Though she had already shifted her gaze away from Hakushi, standing there calmly as if nothing had happened, looking elsewhere.
But Hakushi knew it was definitely not an illusion.
At this time, it's not about patching things up; just getting out of this clothing store smoothly was a matter worth considering.
Hakushi turned his eyes to Teacher Fujimura, seeking help.
Fujimura spoke righteously, "Chiba, when you encounter difficulties, don't always think about seeking help from adults. You're already a qualified ninja; you need to find ways to be self-sufficient."
Of course, this was not because he was afraid, leading him to not dare extend a helping hand.
After all, he was an excellent Chunin, several times selected as an elite teacher at Ninja School. How could such an outstanding person like himself possibly stand by idly by his student?
This was purely because he wanted to train his student's ability to save themselves independently.
That's right, it's training.
"I like the color of this dress, and the size fits well. What do you think?"
Just then, Ruri suddenly said, her expression completely normal, her eyes still on the dress, as if just seeking a casual opinion.
"Yes, yes… I think so too, it suits you, Ruri."
"..."
"..."
...Uh? What?
This silence, how should I put it, was like an important hidden hint in a game plot.
If it's not triggered, the story cannot proceed to the next step smoothly.
Therefore, trying to muddle through is impossible.
But is this really okay?
Not knowing how to explain the peculiar feeling born in his heart at this moment.
A proposal or something?
No, he didn't know clothes could have such implications, so he just needed to stay calm.
This was merely a witness among friends.
Yet there was still… a sense of guilt for something profane.
If he had known earlier, he wouldn't have spoken unnecessarily.
It was himself who was making things difficult for himself.
Hakushi cleared his throat and pointed at the dress, saying, "Teacher Fujimura, please bring that kimono over, I'd like to buy it."
Fujimura smiled, taking down the kimono Ruri was eyeing as per Hakushi's request and packaged it up.
"Chiba, it's only when a boy personally hands this kind of dress to a girl that it becomes exceptionally meaningful."
Annoying, mind your own business! Hakushi retorted inwardly with dissatisfaction.
Ruri's gaze towards Chunin Fujimura softened slightly, with a hint of satisfaction.
Finally, he watched as Hakushi and Ruri, holding the kimono, left the clothing store.
"Young people nowadays are truly remarkable, but if it comes to marriage, is Chiba planning to marry into the Uchiha family in the future?"
Fujimura remarked, as Ruri was not only a genius of the Uchiha Race but was also rumored to be from an extremely wealthy family. If it came to marriage, the possibility of the man marrying into her family was greater.
But it's still early, isn't it, to be talking about marriage.
◎
The time came to the next day.
Hakushi woke up in a hazy state.
Because of yesterday's events, he tossed and turned under his blanket all night, unable to sleep well, feeling extremely embarrassed.
Thinking about how he had handed over the specially significant kimono to Ruri upon returning yesterday, the sense of guilt was overwhelming.
Even though he kept hypnotizing himself, saying it didn't have that special implication, it was merely pure friendship.
But was that really the case?
Because after placing the item in Ruri's hand, he didn't even look at her expression, only remembering how he fled back to the lab in a panicked manner, which was quite embarrassing.
Even last night's experiment became absent-minded, with mistakes continuously being made.
This peculiar feeling was truly complex and indescribable.
Shaking off the chaotic thoughts in his mind, what was most important now was work, not pointless musings.
However, the more he tried, the more he dwelled on yesterday's events.
How would Ruri think?
Would she think it was a proposal?
Too strange, they were only twelve years old physiologically…
Would she think he was frivolous?
Would she dislike him? Or like him? Or feel nothing at all?
"Ah..."
One thought after another surged into his mind, making his head nearly explode.
Hakushi opened his mouth, exhaled heavily, trying to calm himself down.
Just like that, the entire morning passed almost in a daze.
So frustrating.
Just as Hakushi was troubled——
In the courtyard outside.
A maid walked up to Ruri, who was leisurely feeding fish at the edge of the pond, and whispered a few words in her ear.