Indeed, as Fukasaku left, he kept reassuring himself:
No one saw what happened. As long as I don't say anything, no one will know. For the sake of my dignity, I absolutely cannot let this get out…
Back at home, Ranmo turned around and headed inside. After a bath and a change of clothes, he was just about to organize the Mirror System data in his mind when—
Knock knock.
The sound of knocking came from the courtyard gate.
Ranmo adjusted his collar, walked over, and groped around to open the door.
"Ranmo, I was just heading to the shop. Do you want ramen today? I can bring some over—or would you rather come with me?"
Standing at the gate was Ayame, the cheerful daughter from Ichiraku Ramen. Dressed in a pink outfit, she smiled brightly, her big eyes blinking as she looked at him.
Ranmo's parents had been shinobi of the Hyuga clan. They had died in action three years ago during a mission. Since then, he had lived as an orphan under the care of Konoha's orphanage. It wasn't until earlier this year that he had formally requested to live independently in his family's old home.
Though Konoha didn't offer much in the way of personal guidance, they did provide a reasonable stipend for children of fallen heroes. So Ranmo had no trouble supporting himself—especially when it came to food.
Ichiraku Ramen was one of his regular spots.
"I'll go eat at your shop," Ranmo said with a polite smile. "No need to trouble you with deliveries—I can find my way back myself."
Ever since the Mirror System had awakened, even though he was blind during the day, as long as he focused, he could use mirror perception to "see" the surrounding environment in his mind.
Like right now, for instance—he could clearly picture Ayame with her beaming smile, her twin ponytails bouncing as she stood before him, practically glowing with joy.
"Great! Let's go together." Ayame reached out and gently took his hand, leading him forward.
The two of them strolled leisurely down the street, passing through a few alleys and walking past two of the Hyuga clan's residential compounds. Soon, they arrived at the main road near Konoha's east gate.
"Hey, look, it's Hyuga Ranmo…"
Standing at the side of the street, Hyuga Hikaru tugged on the sleeve of Hayate Gekkō and called out mockingly.
Among the kids in the Hyuga clan of his generation, Hikaru wasn't the strongest—but in front of Ranmo, he could boast all day long. He was absolutely better than that so-called "blind failure."
But last night, in the shelter, he'd watched in disbelief as Ranmo landed a clean kick to Hayate's underarm, knocking him aside. A five-year-old overpowering a ten-year-old trained genin? That had shaken him.
Now, seeing Ranmo blindly navigating the street again, Hikaru's heart filled with resentment. The humiliation still stung, and he was determined to take it back.
So he nudged Hayate with a sneer and said:
"Hayate-nii, have you already forgotten what happened last night? The way he humiliated you at the shelter? Who knows what trick he pulled off to land that kick—but it's seriously infuriating!"
Hikaru egged him on relentlessly, practically pushing him to strike. His voice wasn't quiet either—he was trying to draw a crowd.
Now, normally a little scuffle between kids wouldn't be a big deal. But Hikaru's taunting had drawn attention. Ten-year-old Hayate, already ashamed from last night, saw the eyes turning toward him and felt his pride take another hit.
He clenched his fists, then moved with three other boys toward Ranmo.
To avoid attracting interference from adults, Hayate quickly grabbed Ranmo by the collar and dragged him into a narrow alley off the main road.
This alley was damp, dark, and rarely used. It was the perfect place for payback.
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