Escape From Konoha

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The origin of this ominous atmosphere emanated from Ruri.

In this moment, Ruri had regained her composure, taking a deep breath and directing a gaze at him, a look Shiraishi struggled to fully comprehend.

Shiraishi felt a weight pressing upon him, an oppressive aura unlike anything he had experienced before.

Indeed, the offer to buy her a kimono just moments ago must have compounded her feelings, making her mood even more elusive than usual.

Of course, one would know, even without anyone saying it aloud, that such a statement would undoubtedly leave a girl infuriated and embarrassed.

"Um... well, it's a series of coincidences and misunderstandings. If the kimono carries a particular significance, then..."

An illusionary sensation swept over Shiraishi—an intensification of the murderous aura emanating from Ruri.

Though she had turned her gaze away, feigning nonchalance, Shiraishi knew that the sensation was real.

At such a juncture, remedies were moot. The question now was whether they could exit the clothing store without any complications.

Shiraishi looked to his teacher, Fujimura, seeking assistance.

Fujimura chimed in with an air of authority, "Chiba-san, you mustn't always rely on adults to bail you out of difficulties. As a qualified ninja, you should learn to fend for yourself, including securing your basic needs."

Certainly not out of fear, and certainly not an expression of reluctance on his part. After all, no matter what Fujimura said, he remained a distinguished chunin, repeatedly chosen as an elite instructor by the ninja academy. It was inconceivable for such a competent individual to risk his life for the sake of his students.

Rather, this was an exercise in fostering self-reliance, yes, precisely an exercise.

"I like the color and the fit of this dress. What do you think?"

Unexpectedly, Ruri interjected, her demeanor now calm and focused, her gaze fixed on the clothing—a seemingly ordinary consultation.

"Indeed, I concur. It suits you very well, Ruri."

"..."

"..."

Uh? How peculiar. This silence resembled an integral clue in a game's plot.

Unless triggered, the plot would not progress smoothly to its next phase.

Consequently, bluffing wouldn't suffice. Was this really appropriate?

Capturing the unknown sensation that now swelled within him was a challenge in itself.

A marriage proposal, perhaps?

No, attributing such implications to attire seemed far-fetched. Maintaining composure was key.

This was a mere testament of friendship. Yet, there lingered an unsettling pang of guilt. Had he known, he would have refrained. He had unwittingly boxed himself into a corner.

Clearing his throat, Shiraishi indicated the kimono, stating, "Fujimura-sensei, please bring that kimono. I intend to buy it."

Fujimura offered a smile, took the kimono Ruri had taken a liking to, and packaged it per Shiraishi's request.

"Chiba-san, it's when a boy presents such clothing to a girl that it holds special meaning."

'Oh, how vexing. Anymore commentary from you would be too much! 'Shiraishi grumbled inwardly.

Ruri's gaze toward Fujimura-sensei softened somewhat, infused with an air of contentment.

Ultimately, Shiraishi and Ruri left the clothing store, clutching the chosen kimono.

"Young people these days are truly exceptional. But, Chiba-san, if you're planning on getting married, might you be considering joining the Uchiha clan?"

Fujimura sighed contemplatively. Ruri was an Uchiha prodigy, a member of a clan rumored to possess immense wealth. In the event of a union, it was likelier that the groom would join the bride's family.

But that was still a distant prospect. Marriage wasn't exactly imminent.

◎

The following day arrived.

Shiraishi emerged from a state of half-consciousness.

Yesterday's events had kept him tossing and turning throughout the night, depriving him of restful sleep and fueling his embarrassment.

Recalling the special kimono he had intended to buy for Ruri, a sense of guilt washed over him.

Despite his self-assurances, insisting that it held no significant meaning, that it was merely a gesture of friendship, Shiraishi couldn't shake off the doubt.

Could it really be so simple?

Placing the item in Ruri's hands without even glimpsing her reaction, he had only registered her hasty retreat to the laboratory as she fled.

His subsequent experiments had suffered, marred by lapses and errors.

This inexplicable sentiment was confounding.

Shelving his chaotic thoughts, he reminded himself of his paramount task—work. Dwelling on the unrelated was unproductive.

Nevertheless, the preceding day's events continued to gnaw at him.

What might Ruri think? Could she be interpreting it as a proposal?

How strange, both were barely twelve in terms of biological age...

Was he coming across as frivolous?

Would it breed resentment? Or perhaps an affectionate response? Could it be indifference?

He sighed heavily, endeavoring to quell his racing thoughts.

Thus, the morning elapsed in this state of bewilderment.

Utterly exasperating. Just as Shiraishi wrestled with his thoughts—

In the courtyard beyond, a maid approached Ruri, who was feeding the fish by the pond, murmuring something in her ear.

Nodding in response, Ruri dismissed the maid.

Not long after, the maid returned, accompanied by a girl clad in white.

This girl possessed pristine white irises, her expression a mix of curiosity and awe as she beheld the sprawling mansion. It was Ayane.

"You may leave."

Ruri addressed the maid tersely.

"Yes."

The maid departed, leaving Ruri and Ayane alone.

"Is this where you live, Ruri? I heard about it from Shiraishi-kun, but seeing it in person is quite the spectacle."

Ayane remarked with a smile as she approached.

"It's nothing remarkable, just a standard residence. I doubt it's as impressive as you imagine."

Ruri continued to sprinkle fish food into the pond, observing the aquatic madness that ensued.

"Moreover, spare me the fake smiles. I don't respond well to that."

With blunt directness, Ruri leveled a pointed gaze at Ayane.

"Ruri, I'm not sure I understand..."

As she was in the midst of speaking, Ruri vanished from her sight, her words abruptly truncated.

Ruri maintained a stance as if she were gripping Ayane's throat, yet she couldn't carry through with her next move.

Ayane's middle and index fingers lightly grazed Ruri's heart area.

"Is this your reliance, the Gentle Fist enhanced with natural energy?"

Ruri inquired of Ayane with keen interest.

Over this past month in Konoha, Ayane had exhibited signs of growth.

Though it remained impossible to specifically gauge the extent of enhancement to her Gentle Fist through the integration of natural energy, the prior Ayane wouldn't have been able to react with such speed, even if her eyes were open and able to capture the moment.

"As I thought, you're the type I'd rather not tangle with. Not just in terms of strength, but also in temperament. We simply don't get along."

Ayane's smile faded entirely, her tone carrying a note of resignation.

"Mutual sentiment."

Ruri withdrew her hand from Ayane's throat.

Ayane retracted her fingers as well.

While this skirmish seemed close, Ayane wasn't about to underestimate the situation. After all, her adversary was a person who had been outpacing her in terms of growth.

Complacency based on this success would be an invitation for future trouble.

"On another note..."

Observing Ruri's lack of interest in further engagement, Ayane relaxed and regarded Ruri with an odd expression.

"What's the matter? Is there something wrong with me?"

"No, it's just that I'm curious. Is today a special day for the Uchiha clan?"

As the sole affluent ninja family , with the Byakugan flowing through their bloodlines, Ayane wasn't claiming an intimate understanding of the Uchiha, but if it were a special occasion, she'd have some inkling.

Yet she couldn't recall any particular Uchiha related occasion for today.

"Why do you ask?"

In response to Ruri's question, Ayane gestured to the light blue kimono she was wearing. Though her hair was down, her countenance seemed particularly solemn.

"Your attire..."

"This? What's the matter?"

"Typically, don't you wear garments like this for significant ceremonies or festivals?"

Ayane voiced her curiosity.

However one looked at it, the sudden appearance of a kimono on this day seemed incongruent.

"It's none of your concern. Mind your own business. Besides, why should I explain anything to you?"

Ruri sat beside the pond, furrowing her brow and ceasing to feed the fish.

"You really are an ill-fit match for me."

Ayane displayed no surprise at Ruri's notably frosty response. She seemed to consider this the genuine Ruri.

During missions, the semblance of camaraderie was only upheld out of a sense of team responsibility.

Now, amidst vacation, underlying conflicts emerged.

"Why are you here?"

Ruri questioned Ayane's presence.

Naturally, there was no way Ayane had come here to seek her out.

Consequently, her intent was evident.

"I'm just here to check on a fellow classmate and catch up a bit."

"Boring. He's in the lab. If you need him, find him yourself."

"Can i use my Byakugan?"

Ayane posed the question with a smile.

"You can give it a shot."

Ayane's hesitation wasn't alleviated by Ruri's calm expression.

Meanwhile, Ruri savored Ayane's helpless appearance as she was turned away. A sense of satisfaction welled up within her.

"Alright, there's nothing more here for you. Go on. My family's been a bit tight on food lately, so I'm afraid I can't offer you lunch."

Ruri began shooing Ayane away, her tone far from polite.

"..."

Ayane scratched her head, offering a wry smile.

"Aren't you going yet? I already mentioned that I won't be providing you with lunch."

"No, Shiraishi-kun entrusted me with some crucial observational data. He requested to meet at the usual spot at 2 p.m. I'm to deliver the important findings personally."

"Give it to me. I'll pass it on for you. No need to meet elsewhere."

"I stored the document elsewhere and it's not with me now. Furthermore, I must hand it over to Shiraishi-kun in person for my own peace of mind."

Ayane's tone remained unhurried.

Ruri's dissatisfaction grew.

"You understand how vital my Byakugan is to Shiraishi-kun's research. Therefore, I ask you, Ruri, to relay this message on my behalf."

Ayane offered a faint smile, then turned and departed without hesitation.

Observing Ayane's exit, Ruri's gaze remained fixed on her until she completely vanished from view. She let out a sigh of relief.

There was no need to get worked up over such a minor incident.

Indeed, it was a trifling matter, wholly unworthy of dwelling upon...

Yet, why did an unexpected surge of frustration pierce her heart?

It seemed evident. It was that guy's fault.

—Noon.

While Shiraishi and Ruri shared a meal, Ayane had earlier informed Shiraishi of her intent to hand over significant observational materials.

"I see. I did inquire earlier, but I didn't anticipate such prompt results. Truly the mark of the Byakugan's exceptional insight."

Shiraishi sighed.

However, sensing Ruri's intensifying, ominous gaze, her demeanor resembling an enveloping darkness, Shiraishi hastily switched gears.

"Actually, the most vital issue isn't that. What truly matters are the research funds and materials you've supplied, Ruri. That is of utmost importance. The impact of the Byakugan's enhancement isn't as substantial as initially speculated."

In his rushed explanation, Shiraishi's tone underwent a dramatic shift, causing Ruri's piercing glare to soften slightly.

Later on, Shiraishi caught sight of the light blue kimono adorning Ruri—a garment he had bought for her the previous day.

He intentionally or unintentionally steered clear of discussing it during the meal, feigning ignorance.

"It's not for you."

Ruri, noticing Shiraishi's attention on her attire, felt compelled to clarify, wary of potential misconceptions.

"What?"

Setting down his utensils, Shiraishi regarded her with surprise.

"Don't read too much into it. I simply appreciate the style and color of this dress."

"..."

"Moreover, I'm wearing it only now. I won't have it on for the New Year. My apologies for shattering your hopes."

"..."

No further words were exchanged.

However, upon learning the kimono would not feature on New Year's Day, an inexplicable sense of emptiness settled within Shiraishi.

As Ruri turned her gaze slightly away at this juncture, avoiding direct eye contact, could it be... she was embarrassed?

Initially, he believed his embarrassment stemmed from gifting her the kimono yesterday, but perhaps Ruri was experiencing similar emotions?

This perspective offered a modicum of solace, diminishing his vexation from last night and this morning.

"Alright, I understand."

"It's good that you do. I'm full."

Under Shiraishi's baffled scrutiny, Ruri placed her bowl and chopsticks aside, departing the room with a measured stride.

As she closed the door behind her, Ruri leaned against it, lowering her head. Her hair partly concealed her facial expressions, yet not entirely.

Her ears were tinged with a blush.

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