The Hokage's office doors clicked shut.
"Ramen! I'm gonna eat until I explode, dattebayo!" Naruto cheered, already sprinting down the stone hallway.
Sasuke didn't even look back. He shot one dark, focused glance at Kenji before turning on his heel. The brooding edge-lord routine was gone. The crushing reality of the Snow Armor had evolved into a raw, burning drive. He needed to get faster.
Sakura lingered.
She gripped her travel bag, her green eyes darting toward Kenji. She wanted to yell at him for groping her on the docks. She wanted to be independent.
But looking at his broad shoulders and that effortless, arrogant smirk, her body betrayed her. A heavy, humiliating warmth pooled between her thighs. She bit her lip, her face flushing pink, and scurried after Sasuke without a word.
Kenji didn't follow them.
He leaned back against the cool stone wall just outside the office, sliding his hands into his pockets.
I brought the Fifth Hokage a technological goldmine, Kenji thought. That definitely entitles me to a small administrative tax.
He closed his eyes.
[Observation Haki: Active]
The physical walls of the Hokage Tower melted away. He "saw" Tsunade sitting behind her massive desk, rubbing her temples and radiating frustrated heat. Beside her, Shizune was standing rigidly, her chakra fluttering wildly from Kenji's parting wink.
Kenji focused his Haki dead-center on the Fifth Hokage. He bypassed her grey jacket, bypassed the dark sash, and locked entirely onto the thin fabric hugging her hips.
"System," Kenji whispered. "[Steal: Targeted Component]."
Space warped for a fraction of a millisecond.
No flash. No sound.
Inside the office, Tsunade suddenly gasped. She sat up bolt straight, her hands flying to her lap.
A distinct phantom breeze had just brushed her bare skin. The snug, supportive friction of her silk underwear had instantly vanished.
"Tsunade-sama?" Shizune asked, dropping her stamp in panic. "What is it?"
"I... nothing," Tsunade choked out. Her face flushed a deep, embarrassed crimson. She quickly crossed her thighs tight together under the desk. "Just... a draft."
Out in the hallway, Kenji opened his right hand.
Resting perfectly in his palm was a delicate piece of crimson silk. Tsunade's 'Good Luck' thong.
He brought it up to his face and breathed in. Premium sake, expensive perfume, and the distinct, musky heat of a high-level kunoichi.
"The perfect trophy," Kenji smirked.
He slid the warm silk into his inner pocket and pushed off the wall. "Now, let's go see a girl who actually appreciates my business."
The late afternoon sun baked the bustling streets of Konoha.
Kenji pushed through the faded blue flaps of Ichiraku Ramen. The small stall was empty of customers. Teuchi was in the back, his heavy cleaver rhythmically chopping vegetables.
Ayame was wiping down the counter.
She looked up. Her dark eyes instantly widened, a brilliant smile lighting up her face.
"Kenji-kun! You're back!" Ayame gasped.
"In the flesh, Ayame-chan," Kenji said, sliding onto his usual stool. "And starving. Give me the usual. Extra pork."
"Coming right up!"
Minutes later, Ayame returned with a massive, steaming bowl of miso pork ramen. She leaned over the wooden counter to set it down in front of him.
Kenji didn't reach for his chopsticks. Instead, as she went to pull her hands away, he casually reached out and caught her fingers.
Ayame froze.
His hand was warm, heavy, and calloused from combat. He didn't grip her tightly; he just held her hand against the edge of the bowl, his thumb gently stroking her knuckles.
"K-Kenji-kun?" Ayame asked, a bright pink flush instantly dusting her cheeks.
"You're working too hard, Ayame," Kenji said softly, looking directly into her eyes. He didn't need system skills to lay on the charm. "Your hands are going to get rough if you keep scrubbing these counters all day."
"I-It's just my job," she stammered, completely unable to look away from his dark, intense gaze. Her heart did a rapid little flutter in her chest.
"It's a tragedy is what it is," Kenji smirked, leaning in just an inch closer. "A beautiful girl like you shouldn't be trapped behind a noodle stand. When are you going to let me take you out?"
Ayame's face turned the color of a tomato. She instinctively glanced toward the kitchen curtain to make sure her dad wasn't watching.
"Y-You're such a tease," Ayame giggled nervously, though she didn't try to pull her hand away. "Where would a big, rich ninja like you even take a ramen waitress?"
"Anywhere you want," Kenji winked. "But I promise the food will be better, and you won't have to serve a single dish."
He gave her knuckles a final, gentle squeeze and let go, finally picking up his chopsticks.
Ayame quickly pulled her hands back, clutching her apron. Her mind was racing, a swarm of butterflies erupting in her stomach. He always knew exactly how to fluster her.
Kenji finished his ramen in record time. He stood up, dropping a small stack of Ryo bills onto the counter—way more than the cost of the meal.
"Keep the change, Ayame-chan," Kenji said, adjusting his jacket. "Buy yourself a nice dress with it. I'll be cashing in on that date very soon."
Ayame's eyes widened at the pile of cash, but before she could argue, he was already heading for the exit.
"I'll... I'll hold you to that!" Ayame called out after him, a massive, infatuated smile spreading across her face.
Kenji pushed through the fabric flaps and stepped back into the street.
Hook, line, and sinker, Kenji chuckled to himself, walking toward his riverside villa. Now, it's time to hit the system shop. Daddy needs some new toys.
Enjoying the story? 🔥
You can find advanced chapters, image references, bonus scenes, polls, and extra updates on my Patreon:
👉 https://www.patreon.com/evilUchiha
Thanks for reading and supporting the journey! ❤️