The tenderness of the body.
Body warmth.
Scent.
"Idiot…"
Releasing, Ruri softly cursed.
But for some reason, though she felt satisfied from the prior kiss, this state seemed more like an empty fulfillment.
Perhaps she hadn't truly been satisfied yet.
This bastard!
"Sorry, I didn't mean to force you."
"I know, anyway, if you did force me, I couldn't resist, could I?"
Hakushi heard Ruri's awkward words and chuckled lightly.
"That's right, it's me forcing you."
Hakushi confirmed this point once more.
Taking all the blame upon himself.
This was a mistake he made, to be faced with courage.
Knowing the daytime Ruri was simply restraining her impulses, which is why she didn't erupt.
Something like this had never happened before.
The Ruri of the past would have already unleashed a Fire Style attack, turning him and Ayane into ash.
It was all because Ruri cared about his feelings.
Otherwise, she wouldn't become someone who would suffer grievances alone.
She was never one to conform and tolerate.
That's where Hakushi felt guilt and remorse.
"Still angry?"
"A little…"
"Should we continue?"
"Don't ask me such things, no matter what I say, you wouldn't do as I ask, would you?"
Ruri felt incredibly complex emotions at this moment, clearly wanting to resist, yet her body always made its own decisions, leaving everything to this man adept at deception.
Wondering what will happen next.
Wondering what will become after today.
Wondering if the future will always be like this.
It's truly strange. Ruri felt her heartbeat become intense.
Even more intense than when activating the Sharingan.
It felt like she was no longer herself.
Is this... love?
Do those who have been in love compromise in this way?
Both sides seeking perfect harmony.
Or is this just a possessiveness in the guise of 'power'?
Whatever it is, it seems enjoyable to embrace it all.
Even knowing the man beneath her is full of lies, she can't help but harbor a fantasy that he is only this way with her.
Because thinking in this way, whether it's called 'love' or 'possessiveness', brings forth a happiness that's inexhaustible from within.
...
Both have had something important taken.
As proof of being dominated by each other.
The so-called 'love' is about becoming each other's possession, and at this moment, Hakushi and Ruri both deeply realized this.
An hour later—
Ruri sat alone on the grass, touching her lips with her fingers, her mouth curving into a faintly sweet smile.
The taste, and the feeling, were so satisfying and full.
A previously unknown magical feeling, a determination to never want to lose and to protect this 'love'.
Therefore, she still needed to pursue greater strength to guard it.
This unprecedented will was as determined as her desire to protect her parents.
Anyone, no matter what they are, if they dare to hurt this, let them all die!
Hakushi had already gone back alone; she still wanted to stay here a little longer.
Not merely because she had confirmed her relationship further with Hakushi, but also due to the sense of achievement akin to defeating a rival.
She needed to first savor alone the sense of accomplishment from defeating a rival.
And this sense of accomplishment, only she could truly understand.
Because all of Hakushi's actions were within her expectations, she just didn't anticipate that 'love' would be much more wonderful and sweet than she had imagined.
Allowing her to lose herself in it.
"Hyuga Ayane, this time's battle, you lost…"
The Three-Tomoe Sharingan began to blossom, against the full moon in the night sky, emanating a gentle light as pure and beautiful as a ruby.
All evil and coldness vanished.