Autumn deepened, and the air grew crisp and clear. Footsteps echoed softly as they made their way through the winding streets, gradually approaching the familiar courtyard.
Suddenly, Hayashi felt a peculiar sensation, as if he were observing the village from a great height. The soft glow from the clan grounds, coupled with the towering Hokage Rock, made his mind drift into thought.
Moonlight bathed the courtyard as the two walked side by side. The girl tilted her head, a gentle invitation in her voice.
"Want to come in?"
She added with a smile, "We can have a late-night snack together."
Hayashi rubbed his stomach. Though he had eaten earlier, he found himself nodding, willing to indulge a little more.
The house was modest but impeccably clean. Upon closer inspection, the layout mirrored Hayashi's own home in several ways, though here there was a distinctly feminine touch.
He took a seat in the living room. A delicate flower arrangement sat on the table, filling the air with a subtle, calming fragrance.
Soon, Mikoto returned with a tray holding two cups of flower tea.
"Drink," she said, setting the cups before him.
He picked up his cup, inhaled the aroma, and took a small sip. The warmth, flavor, and careful preparation reflected her gentle, meticulous nature.
"You mentioned your bedroom light was broken yesterday?" Hayashi asked, curiosity laced in his tone.
"Yes… at night I could only see with my Sharingan," Mikoto replied softly.
"I'll fix it for you," Hayashi said.
"Is that okay?"
"Of course, I'm a professional."
While he changed the bulb, Mikoto donned an apron and moved to the kitchen. Soon, the air filled with the inviting scent of cooking.
Half an hour later, the two sat opposite one another at a small wooden table.
"It smells amazing! I love fried rice the most," Hayashi said eagerly.
"Is that a compliment to my cooking?" Mikoto asked, smiling as she served the meal.
"By the way, there might be a few eggshells. Be careful."
Hayashi's face reddened. "Hey, hey! You're still holding a grudge about that fried egg I made? It was just a few eggshells!"
Mikoto laughed. "I really can't forget that fried egg… but it did taste okay."
"Honestly, it was almost inedible." she teased, amused.
"You're too harsh!" Hayashi protested, knocking lightly on the table. His animated reaction made Mikoto laugh again.
After finishing their meal, the house settled into a warm quiet, filled with the aroma of tea. Soft green curtains framed the windows, and the room glowed with a light, comforting hue.
They sat near the window, moonlight spilling across their faces. Mikoto, usually reserved, spoke freely, recounting amusing and interesting stories from her day. Hayashi listened attentively, occasionally offering small responses, his focus on her smile rather than her words.
The soft thud of Mikoto's bare feet against the floor was like a gentle melody, soothing Hayashi's mind. Perhaps this was the feeling of family.
As she spoke of missions, Hayashi hesitated. "Mikoto, do you prefer going on missions with clan members, or being with friends like today?"
Mikoto considered for a moment. "Jiraiya-sensei and Minato are close friends; we get along well. But the clan… their attitude isn't pleasant. I don't really enjoy being with them."
"I feel the same," Hayashi admitted.
"And I fear the clan will suffer a major loss this time."
"Why?" Mikoto asked, puzzled.
"Think about it. We cut off the Sand Village's food supply by eliminating their jonin. To maintain their battle readiness, the Third Kazekage will do everything to reopen the route. Meanwhile, the clan leader is protecting the Daimyo, and the two forces may clash. Merchants will leak information to the Sand Village for their own gain. Even with numbers and strength, a premeditated attack can cause heavy losses."
"Then why did the clan leader request the mission from Hokage-sama?"
Hayashi shook his head. "He didn't. That's just how it sounded. If you ask for something, it appears voluntary, but someone forced it on you, it feels different. Orochimaru told me Danzo Shimura actually proposed the Uchiha take on the Daimyo's protection. The Third Hokage reluctantly agreed."
"Danzo Shimura?"
"Yes. Leader of Root, high-ranking Konoha official. Extremely dangerous. Be cautious if you encounter him."
"I'll protect you then," Mikoto said softly, resting her head on his shoulder.
"Wait, Mikoto?" Hayashi whispered, surprised.
"Nothing… I just want to lean on you," she murmured.
"Tatsumi… Tatsumi… it's okay if I call you by your third name, right?"
Her voice was soft, close to a whisper.
"Yes."
The silence hung low.
"I like you."
Hayashi's heart skipped a beat.
"How much do you like me?" he asked gently.
"Like a spring bear," she replied with a shy smile.
"Huh… but I've always been the spring bear before. Bears are big and clumsy."
Mikoto shifted slightly, seeking comfort. "Then, Mr. Bear, do you like me?"
Hayashi looked at her expectant eye, then he reached out, stroking her hair.
"The moonlight tonight… it's really beautiful."
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