Chapter 22 - A Late-Night Walk and Training
After finishing dinner, I bid farewell to Kakashi, Obito, and Rin.
"Good night," I said, giving them a warm smile as they left after our meal and a bit of conversation.
"Good night, Ramen Guy, and Ayame! See you later!" Rin called out.
[Ayame's favorability increased to 35]
I turned back to Aunty, who was finishing her meal. "Aunty, how's life treating you?"
She sighed. "It's been tough, Ruki-kun. But we manage."
"Would you like to go for a walk?" I suggested, hoping it might lift her spirits.
"At this time?" she questioned, surprised.
"A late-night walk can be refreshing," I said with a shrug.
"Alright, let's go," she agreed with a nod.
As we walked, the familiar houses and the full moon casting its light created a serene atmosphere. The cold wind brushed against our faces, adding to the calmness of the night.
[Favorability increased to 55]
After a while, I suggested we head back home. "Let's go home, Aunty. Good night."
"Good night, Ruki-kun," she replied, her voice soft as we parted ways.
Once home, I called out, "Mom, I'm home!"
I found my mother washing the dishes in the kitchen. Her life, like Aunty's, hadn't been easy. Forced into marriage due to my grandfather's promise, she had endured much—mocked for her scar, bullied when she moved to Konoha, and dealing with the aftermath of her family's massacre.
[New Target Found: Nia Oguchi]
I took a deep breath and retired to my room, collapsing onto the bed.
Next Afternoon
I woke up at 11 a.m., washed up, and joined my mother for breakfast.
"Mom, you should take a rest and not go to work this month," I urged her.
She hesitated but eventually agreed. "Alright, I'll rest for a while."
I went to the system shop and bought a card.
[Card of Massage]: Grants expert-level mastery in massage and exceptional talent with hands.
I approached her, who was still washing dishes, and gently pulled her towards the sofa.
"Let me give you a massage," I said, as I began to work on her shoulders and neck.
[Favorability: 35]
[Favorability: 39]
After an hour of massage, I felt she was more relaxed. I then left the house to begin my training.
Training Tasks:
100 push-ups
100 sit-ups
100 pull-ups
10 kilometers run
1000 punches on trees
1000 kicks on trees
Jump down from 3 meters
Jump up to 2 meters
As I did push-ups, I noticed a figure in the distance—Might Guy, practicing his own intense training routine. Time flew by as I pushed through my tasks.
Two hours later, sweat was pouring, my breathing was heavy, and the cold wind bit at my skin. I still had four tasks left.
1000 punches on trees
1000 kicks on trees
Jump down from 3 meters
Jump up to 2 meters
Might Guy had long since left. I completed the remaining tasks, finally jumping down from 3 meters with a puff of dust.
Ding!
[Mission Completed]
[+1 Level, +2 Unused Points, +2 Strength, +3 Stamina, +2 Speed, +300 Shop Points, +1 Charm, +1 Roulette]
Ding!
[Congratulations!!!]
[Bonus Rewards: 0.1 System Upgrade Chip and A-Rank Cooking Skills]
I collapsed to my knees, exhausted but satisfied. "Finally."
A voice startled me. "Didn't expect you to train this hard. I can see how you could defeat 100 shinobi."
Ding!
[Favorability increased to 50]
I looked up and saw Yūgao standing nearby. "Haah, you came at the wrong time. I need to rest a bit," I said, catching my breath.
Yūgao walked over, "You can rest, but I'm not very good at theoretical lessons."
"Can I take a nap? Wake me up in 20 minutes," I asked, already feeling the fatigue setting in.
"Okay, I will," she replied.
I closed my eyes, hearing the faint sound of Yūgao practicing with her sword in the background.
When I opened my eyes again, I felt someone playing with my silver hair. I touched my face, realizing my mask was gone. I looked up to see Yūgao with a curious expression.
"Can I ask why you removed my mask, Yūgao?" I inquired, slightly annoyed.
She quickly made up an excuse, "I thought you might have trouble breathing behind the mask."
"Let me guess," I said with a smirk, "You were practicing swordsmanship, took a break, and got curious about why I always wear a mask. Maybe you wondered if I'm ugly or have a scar, and then you were captivated by my beauty."
Yūgao blushed slightly and stammered, "I—I was just curious."
I laughed softly. "Well, now you know. Thanks for the break."