Rize, who was speechless the moment she heard that he wanted to protect her, said:
"You… want to protect me?"
"Of course," Kanzaki said casually.
"But that's ridiculous."
Rize sighed and folded her arms.
"You have no idea what you're saying. You don't know what I'm up against."
Her voice carried a rare hint of seriousness.
"The ones after me aren't just some small-time ghouls."
Her gaze darkened.
"Their power is far beyond yours."
She wasn't underestimating him.
She just knew the truth.
The Washuu Clan, the Clowns, and the Aogiri Tree—
Even normal S-rank ghouls were terrifying enough.
And the ones after her?
They were far worse.
"You can't protect me."
Kanzaki stepped forward.
He leaned slightly—
And placed a hand on the wall behind Rize, caging her in.
Rize's eyes widened.
"No matter what," Kanzaki said, voice steady,
"I'm stronger than you."
Rize froze.
It was true.
Even with her high regenerative ability, even with her insane strength,
She couldn't win against him.
Kanzaki's confidence wasn't baseless.
With his system, with Madara Uchiha's abilities,
He was already beyond human limits.
He would only get stronger.
No matter who the enemy was, he was confident he could handle them.
Rize recovered quickly.
Her lips curled up.
"I didn't expect you to be so bold."
She smirked, brushing a finger along his chest.
"Since you're so confident… I'll hold you to that."
Her voice was teasing—
But her eyes had a different emotion.
For the first time, someone wasn't running away.
For the first time, someone was standing beside her.
She didn't believe Kanzaki could take on the Washuu—
But a part of her wanted to believe.
And that?
That was new.
Suddenly, the system activated again.
[Ding! The host has activated a new task! Opening God-Tier Choice!]
▶ [Choice 1:] Regret your words and avoid further trouble. Reward: 10 Fusion Points.
▶ [Choice 2:] Ask Rize to stay over—it's safer than going home. Reward: 10 Fusion Points.
Kanzaki didn't hesitate.
He had already decided what he wants to do.
"It's late," Kanzaki said.
"You should stay over."
Rize's eyebrows lifted.
"My, my~"
She leaned in, tilting her head playfully.
"Are you hitting on me?"
Kanzaki sighed.
"I mean, it's safer."
Rize chuckled.
"But sure."
She agreed instantly.
[Ding! The host has completed Choice 2. Reward: 10 Fusion Points!]
Then, she paused.
"Wait."
She looked down at her outfit.
"I didn't bring a change of clothes."
"Then let's go to the mall." Kanzaki shrugged.
"It's close by."
Rize's eyes gleamed.
"Great! I love shopping."
---
After cleaning up the dishes, Kanzaki grabbed his coat.
But the moment they stepped outside—
Rize grabbed his arm.
Kanzaki raised an eyebrow.
"Didn't you say you'd protect me?"
Rize smiled sweetly.
"This way, you can protect me better~."
Kanzaki said nothing.
But he could tell—
That wasn't the real reason.
She just wanted to be close enough to smell him properly.
To breathe in that unique scent.
To her, he smelled delicious.
Kanzaki let it go.
From the outside, they looked like a couple walking down the street.
---
At the Mall
They arrived at a popular shopping center.
No RC gates here—
Which meant no problems for Rize.
She pulled Kanzaki along, heading straight for a women's clothing store.
She was clearly familiar with the place.
But at the entrance—
A store employee stopped them.
"Excuse me," she said politely.
"Our store only allows boyfriends to accompany their partners."
It was a privacy rule for female shoppers.
The staff didn't want random guys in the fitting areas.
The rule was simple:
If a boyfriend came with their girlfriend, it was fine.
But siblings? Friends? Not allowed.
The store worker glanced between Kanzaki and Rize.
"You two are…?"
Before Kanzaki could speak—
Rize grinned.
"Of course, we're a couple~."
She leaned closer, resting her head against his shoulder.
Kanzaki felt all eyes on him.
And then—
Rize smirked up at him.
"Right, dear?"
Kanzaki paused.
Then sighed.
"…Yeah."
---
Inside the Store
The employee smiled.
"Thank you for your cooperation! Please, come in."
They stepped inside—
And Kanzaki immediately realized.
He was the only guy here.
The store was filled with women shopping for clothes.
And the moment Rize walked in?
Every single girl turned to look.
Because no one else could ever compare to the beauty next to him.
Even among beautiful women, Rize was on another level.
And then—
Rize turned to Kanzaki, grinning.
"Careful~."
Her eyes gleamed mischievously.
"If you stare at another girl, I might just… poke your eyes out."
She giggled.
Kanzaki?
He was speechless.
What is she even trying to do at this point?
///////
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