Chapter- 20 treeting

Chapter 20 - Treating

Knock, knock. After a brief wait, the door creaked open.

A woman in her late twenties appeared, looking surprised but quickly breaking into a warm smile.

"Mom!" I exclaimed, my heart swelling at the sight of her.

"Ennh? Ruki, is that really you?" she asked, her voice a mix of disbelief and joy. She stepped closer, her eyes shining with tears.

"Good evening, sister," Nami greeted, her tone both polite and affectionate.

"Good evening, aunty," Kara and Juri chimed in unison.

"Good evening," she replied, her smile widening.

She reached out to gently touch my face, her fingers brushing my hair back. Her touch was tender, but there was a hint of concern as she noticed the faint wrinkles on my face that would take time to fade.

"It's all okay, Mom. Let's go inside," I said softly, choosing not to mention my recent trials.

"Alright, I'll start preparing dinner," she said, turning towards the kitchen.

Before she could move too far, I gently took her hand. "Mom, we're going out to eat tonight," I said with a reassuring smile.

I hurried to my room, changed clothes, and took off my mask. I was momentarily taken aback by my own reflection. My face was strikingly handsome—sharp, thin jawline, medium-sized eyes glowing a vivid red like a blood moon, a sharp nose, and silver hair that shimmered like moonlight.

"Let's wash up," I murmured to myself, trying to shake off the daze.

The clock showed it was already 8 p.m. Time to go. I slipped my mask back on and called out to my mom, "Let's go."

We made our way to a yakiniku restaurant, excited for a feast. The food was delicious, but I struggled to hide my face while eating.

"Ruki, why don't you take off your mask and eat?" Mom asked, her tone casual but curious.

I glanced around nervously before removing my mask. Instantly, everyone around us froze, their eyes widening in surprise. I knew immediately that I shouldn't have taken it off.

When I removed my mask, my appearance was striking:

Hair: Silver, shimmering like moonlight.

Eyes: Vivid red, reminiscent of a blood moon.

Face: Sharp, thin jawline, with a sharp nose and glowing eyes.

Expression: A mix of youthful charm and otherworldly intensity.

The immediate reaction from those around us—freezing in shock and awe—showed just how striking and unusual my appearance was.

"Ruki, put your mask back on," Kara said, her voice tinged with jealousy.

I quickly complied, covering my face once more. I noticed the glances and blushes from everyone, including my mom.

I was halfway through my meal when I decided it was time to head home. Kara lived in the Nara clan compound, Nami's apartment was nearby, and Juri was our neighbor.

When we arrived home, Juri's mom was there, looking around the same age as my mother.

"Mom," Juri called out, "where have you been? I was looking for you."

"I was working part-time," her mom replied, her voice a mix of exhaustion and affection.

"Mom, why are you working so hard? Your daughter can make money now," Juri said with a hint of pride.

Her mom sighed, "Okay, okay. Now that you're grown up, I suppose it's time for me to rest a bit."

"Aunty," I called to Juri's mom.

"Ruki-kun, is that you?" She looked as surprised as my mother had.

I smiled and turned to Juri's mom. "Aunty, since the restaurants are closing, let me treat you to some ramen."

Her eyes lit up with gratitude, and she accepted. Since Kara, Nami, and Juri had already eaten, they didn't protest.

We headed to Ichiraku Ramen. As we walked in, I spotted Kakashi and Obito at a nearby table. Kakashi was adamant about not paying, while Obito was trying to persuade him to cover the bill.

I ordered ramen and then approached Kakashi and Obito. "Hey, Kakashi, Obito," I called out, waving.

Obito glanced at Kakashi, then back at me. "Kakashi, do you have an older brother?" he asked, puzzled.

"No, I don't have any siblings," Kakashi replied, crossing his arms.

"I'm Ruki Oguchi," I said as I walked up to them.

"Ruki, how did your hair turn white?" Kakashi asked, his curiosity piqued.

"It's a long story," I replied with a chuckle.

"Let's eat together. My treat," I offered.

Obito's face brightened. "Yeah!" he exclaimed.

Kakashi nodded his thanks.

Ayame, who was about our age, came over to serve us. I thanked her warmly, and she blushed slightly.

Ding!!

New target found: [Ayame]

Ding!!

New target found: [Miyu Sato] - Juri's mom

I clicked for [More Information] and began reviewing the details, ready to learn more about these new targets.