Chapter 37 - A Busy Day
After a hearty breakfast, I reminded Akane to stay at home and take it easy. I knew she needed rest to manage her condition, and I wanted her to feel comfortable.
10:00 a.m.
I created a shadow clone and instructed it to attend to Akane's needs. "Make sure she gets whatever she wants," I said to the clone. "Keep her company and ensure she's comfortable."
With that settled, I headed out for my training session. The drills were intense and left me drenched in sweat. I pushed myself hard, feeling the burn in my muscles. There was satisfaction in the exertion, knowing that every drop of sweat was contributing to my growth.
After finishing my training, I made my way to Konoha. My primary goal was to check in with my mom. I wanted to make sure she knew about my temporary departure and reassure her of my safety.
"Hey, Mom," I greeted her as I arrived. "I'm heading out for a bit. Just wanted to let you know I'll be gone for a while. Everything's okay, though."
She looked at me with a mix of concern and affection. "Be careful out there. I know you're strong, but it's always good to stay safe. And don't forget to come back and visit."
"I will," I promised. "I'll make sure to check in when I can. And I'll be back before you know it."
With that reassurance, I headed out and spent some time with Juri. Our interactions were light-hearted, filled with playful banter. As we chatted, I couldn't help but notice the way her eyes sparkled with mischief.
"So, how's the training going?" Juri asked, leaning against a wall with a smirk.
"Pretty intense," I replied. "But it's paying off. You should come watch sometime."
"Oh, really? I'd love to see you in action," she teased. "Just don't go getting too strong and leaving me in the dust."
I laughed. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to stay on your level."
Next, I created another shadow clone to assist Juri's mom with her chores. My mental strength had increased significantly over the past few months, and managing multiple tasks was now easier than ever.
While my clone worked with Juri's mom, I wandered through the streets. I saw Kakashi and Obito engaged in a lively conversation. I stopped to greet them.
"Hey, Kakashi, Obito!" I called out. "What's up?"
Obito's face lit up with his usual enthusiasm. "Ruki! We were just talking about the latest missions. Have you been on any interesting ones lately?"
"Yeah, just the usual stuff," I said with a shrug. "Training and missions. Nothing too out of the ordinary."
Kakashi, ever the reserved one, nodded. "I'm sure you're handling it well. Keep it up."
As I continued my walk, I spotted a familiar figure—my Nami sensei. I approached her with a friendly wave.
"Nami-sensei, it's good to see you," I greeted her. "How have you been?"
She smiled warmly. "Ruki, it's nice to see you too. I've been well. Just keeping busy with my own training and tasks. How about you?"
"I've been keeping busy as well," I replied. "Training, missions, and a bit of downtime. It's been a productive few months."
We spent a little while catching up. I asked her about her recent activities, and she shared a few anecdotes from her own training. It was a pleasant conversation, and it felt good to reconnect.
After our chat, I took Nami-sensei out for a small date. We enjoyed a simple meal together, and while it wasn't anything extravagant, it was a nice way to spend some quality time. The date was uneventful but enjoyable, and it felt good to reconnect on a personal level.
As the day continued, I headed to meet Uzuki Yūgao. I hoped to avoid any awkwardness and make a good impression.
3:00 p.m.
Our kenjutsu training session was intense. Uzuki and I pushed each other, refining our techniques and sharing knowledge.
"Nice move there," Uzuki commented, observing my technique. "You've improved a lot."
"Thanks," I replied, wiping sweat from my brow. "I've been working hard. Your guidance has been invaluable."
We practiced various forms and stances, exchanging tips and corrections. The session was productive, and I felt that both of us grew stronger from the experience.
After training, I met with Kara. Her usual tough demeanor was intact as we chatted, but I could sense her softer side when we were alone.
"Hey, Kara," I said, smiling. "How's everything going?"
"Same old, same old," she replied, crossing her arms defensively. "Just training and keeping busy."
But as soon as we were alone, she clung to me, seeking comfort. "I missed you," she murmured, her tough exterior melting away.
"I missed you too," I said softly, wrapping an arm around her. "It's nice to have these moments together."
5:00 p.m.
As the evening approached, I headed back to the city. I stopped by a local shop and picked up some sweets for Akane. I wanted to bring her a little joy and comfort during her difficult time.
Returning home, I made my way to Akane's place. I presented her with the sweets, a small gesture to brighten her evening.
"I brought these for you," I said with a smile. "I hope they bring you some comfort."
Akane's eyes softened as she accepted the treats. "Thank you, Ruki. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it."
[Favourity increased to 87]
We shared a quiet moment together, enjoying the sweets and talking about lighter topics. It was a small but meaningful way to show my support and care.
As I prepared for bed, I reflected on the day's events and the people I had interacted with. Each moment, whether it was training, personal time with friends, or helping those in need, had contributed to a sense of fulfillment.
With these thoughts in mind, I drifted off to sleep, ready to tackle another day of training, missions, and personal connections.