Shiranui Riku held the key in his hand and looked at his future new home. It was old and apartment-style, with only one room assigned to him. He hadn't expected Sarutobi Hiruzen to be so efficient. What was just mentioned last night had already been arranged.
The building seemed uninhabited, likely arranged specifically for him by Hiruzen, considering how much the villagers of Konoha hated him.
At the same time, Riku almost laughed.
Sarutobi had clearly said last night that there was no rush about the ninjutsu—yet now he'd sent a ninja to remind him to visit the Hokage Building as soon as his injury healed. Not urgent? The man practically had "I'm in a rush" written across his face.
Riku opened the door and stepped inside.
The layout was decent, and everything seemed fully furnished. He sank into the sofa. Not bad.
Glancing at the wall clock, he saw it was already 9 a.m.
He had no intention of visiting the Hokage Building today—maybe in a few days. If they said to come when healed, why rush?
His mind was still full of the words Uzumaki Kushina had said to him last night. Riku could hardly wait to see her again.
But first, he needed a shower—he hadn't bathed in days and smelled of sweat. He returned to his old shack to pack up his belongings, including the standard katana he'd exchanged. It had held up well despite the abuse.
Riku brought everything to his new place, showered, and then headed toward the Ninja Academy.
It was lunch break when he arrived.
He entered the classroom just in time to see Uzumaki Kushina beating someone up with her fists. When she saw him, her expression turned to pure surprise.
"Riku! You're out of the hospital?!"
Everyone looked his way.
No one knew he had been in the hospital. They just assumed he had disappeared. The reactions weren't sympathetic—more like gloating.
Kushina let go of the person she was pummeling and trotted up to him. "When did you wake up?"
Riku smiled gently. "Right after you left last night."
Her eyes widened, and her face flushed crimson. "Y-You were unconscious, weren't you? How do you know I visited?"
Riku glanced around. He didn't want to be stared at like an exhibit.
He gently grabbed Kushina's hand. "Not the place to talk. Let's go somewhere else."
Her already red face deepened to scarlet as he pulled her from the classroom, dazed.
They arrived at the grove behind the school. When he let go of her hand, he saw her face was flushed and her eyes looked vacant.
"Kushina? Hello?" Riku waved his hand in front of her.
She blinked back to reality and stumbled a step backward. "You-you-you..."
"I was unconscious, yes, but I could still hear things," he explained.
She looked down, murmuring so softly Riku had to strain to hear. "Is that so..."
A war of emotions was clearly raging inside her. She had resolved to be his friend, but now couldn't speak a word.
Beads of sweat dotted her forehead, and little white puffs of steam rose from her head.
Seeing how flustered she was, Riku exhaled and said with conviction, "Kushina, I'm ready too."
She looked up, puzzled.
"I want to be your friend. A lifelong friend. So... will you be mine?"
He extended a hand.
Kushina's mind was blank. Her ears buzzed. She didn't move.
Riku didn't waver. He held his hand out, waiting.
After a few minutes, her brain finally rebooted. She slowly reached out, grasped his hand, and whispered, "Alright. We'll be friends for life."
His smile was radiant. Hers was just as bright.
They were both overjoyed. For the first time, they had a real friend.
Riku silently promised to protect that smile.
As she relaxed, Kushina began to chatter about the past few days.
All the kids who had bullied her were now thoroughly beaten. She even had a new nickname: Blood Red Pepper.
Riku chuckled.
She pouted. "You think it suits me too?"
"No way. I just think you're awesome. You beat them all by yourself."
Hands on hips, she grinned. "Of course! I've never lost a fight!"
Then she wilted.
"What's wrong?" he asked.
She picked at her hair. "Do you think my hair is ugly?"
He placed both hands on her shoulders and looked into her eyes. "Your hair is beautiful, Kushina. You're adorable. You're going to be even more beautiful one day. Don't ever doubt yourself because of others. You're not just good—you're the best."
Her face turned crimson. She gave him a half-hearted punch and turned away, clutching her cheeks. "You exaggerate..."
Riku winced. That punch had real power. He rubbed his chest.
Then the bell rang. Afternoon classes were about to begin.
This time, it was Kushina who grabbed Riku's hand and flashed a mischievous smile.
"Let's go! Time for class!"