Taking Her Home

Hello, my lovely readers! What's up? About this arc, "The Academy Exchange Student Ryomaru Part", it'll conclude in the next 10 chapters. Afterward, we'll dive into a concise arc, "Genin Ryomaru Part", which shouldn't span more than 15 chapters. And here's a teaser: by the end of the Genin Ryomaru arc, there's going to be a massive twist, and the story will really take flight! Stay with me on this journey, and I genuinely believe you'll enjoy what's to come. Thank you for all your support thus far, and I hope you continue to revel in my novel.

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Hinata lunged again, her arms extended for another series of Gentle Fist strikes. Ryomaru managed to dodge most, but then he felt a hit landing near his waist, disrupting his chakra flow momentarily.

"Got you," Hinata said, momentarily breaking her usually stoic demeanor to show a glimpse of satisfaction.

"But not for long," Ryomaru replied, using his superior chakra control to quickly restore his flow. "Nice hit, though."

Seeing an opening, Ryomaru surged chakra through his legs and went for a sweeping kick, aimed low. Hinata jumped, her chakra-infused legs making the feat look effortless. However, Ryomaru had already anticipated this. He quickly rechanneled his chakra to his arms and lunged upwards, his fingertips aimed squarely at Hinata's torso.

Hinata twisted in the air, avoiding a direct hit, but Ryomaru's fingers brushed against her arm. The mere touch was enough to slightly disrupt her chakra.

As Hinata landed, she was slightly off-balance, which Ryomaru took as his cue. He rushed forward, grabbing her wrist and using his chakra to lock her arm into place.

"Match," Ryomaru announced, his voice carrying a note of finality.

Hinata sighed but gave him a respectful nod. "Well done, Ryomaru."

Ryomaru released his grip and stepped back, offering a nod in return. "You're stronger than the last time we sparred, Hinata. Your chakra control has definitely improved."

"And finally, Temari!" Ryomaru called out, his eyes meeting hers.

Temari stepped into the sparring ring, twirling her hands briefly as if to indicate the absence of her fan, her usual weapon. She focused her energy, channeling her chakra into her arms and legs, preparing for a fight where she'd have to rely on more basic forms of combat.

Ryomaru took his stance, his chakra flowing smoothly as he readied himself. Despite the previous matches, he showed no signs of fatigue.

"Begin!" shouted the instructor overseeing the practice.

The two shinobi closed the distance in an instant. Ryomaru threw the first punch, his chakra-infused fist aiming for Temari's chest. She parried, using her forearm to deflect his strike while simultaneously sending a sidekick his way.

Ryomaru dodged the kick, noting how Temari had channeled chakra to her foot to add more impact. "Nice kick," he said, resetting his stance.

"You too. Your chakra control is evident," she retorted, not taking her eyes off him.

Ryomaru lunged forward, throwing a combination of punches and kicks. Temari dodged and parried as best as she could, but Ryomaru's precise chakra control gave each strike more speed and power than she'd anticipated.

Temari countered, aiming a palm strike at Ryomaru's midsection. He quickly sidestepped, but she had already redirected her chakra flow, her other hand lunging toward him in a hook punch.

He ducked, avoiding the punch by a hair's width. "You're quick on your feet," Ryomaru acknowledged.

"I could say the same," Temari shot back.

Using his chakra-enhanced speed, Ryomaru closed the gap between them in an instant, aiming for a grappling move. But Temari had expected this; she channeled chakra into her hands and gripped his wrist, attempting to reverse the move.

For a moment, their chakras clashed, each trying to gain the upper hand. Ryomaru's superior chakra control became apparent as he began to overpower her grip, ready to force her into a lock. But Temari was stubborn; she channeled more chakra to her feet, twisting her body and breaking free from his grasp.

Both stepped back to reset. "You're stronger than you look," Ryomaru admitted.

"Your chakra control might be superior, but don't underestimate me," Temari warned, her eyes narrowing.

Determined to end the match, Ryomaru focused a burst of chakra into his legs and lunged at Temari with incredible speed, his arm extended, fingers poised for a finishing grab. He could see her eyes widen, but she was quick to react, channeling her remaining chakra to her arms in a desperate counter.

Their palms met, and for a split second, it looked like a stalemate. But the superior chakra control Ryomaru had developed over the years in the Cloud Village began to manifest. Slowly but surely, his chakra overpowered hers, his fingers locking onto her wrist and forcing her into submission.

"Match," Ryomaru declared, releasing her wrist.

Temari shook her head in disbelief but then offered a slight smile. "Well fought, Ryomaru. Your chakra control is truly something to be reckoned with."

Ryomaru nodded in acknowledgement. "You put up a great fight, Temari. I think we both learned something today."

After their sparring session, Temari returned to her lodging and Hinata decided to spend time with her mother. Hanabi and Ryomaru were left alone, the tension from their fight replaced by playful banter.

"So, you won this time," Hanabi conceded, her voice tinged with feigned annoyance. "Guess I'll be doing your chores for a week."

Ryomaru grinned. "Looks like you will. How about I show you around my house, so you'll know where everything is?"

Hanabi raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Fine, let's go."

As they walked, Mabui and Samui followed a short distance behind, sharing quiet giggles. They knew Ryomaru's real intention wasn't just to show Hanabi where the broom was kept.

Arriving at his house, Ryomaru opened the door to reveal an elegantly decorated living area, filled with a warm ambiance that made the space feel like home. His mother, Miori, was reading in a corner, her ice-blue eyes peeking over the rim of her book.

"Mum, we have a guest," Ryomaru announced, delight evident in his voice.

Miori's eyes beamed upon seeing Hanabi, and she quickly set her book aside. "Ah, Hanabi! So good to see you again. Do come in."

"Hello, Miori-san," Hanabi greeted, stepping inside.

Miori turned her gaze towards her son and then back to Hanabi, her eyes shining with unspoken questions. "Hanabi, would you like some tea?"

"That would be lovely, thank you," Hanabi replied, still unaware of the mental gymnastics taking place.

As Miori moved toward the kitchen, her eyes met Ryomaru's for just a second, as if seeking confirmation for her hunch. Ryomaru's lips twitched upward, ever so slightly.

Samui and Mabui, who had followed them into the house, exchanged knowing glances but maintained their composure, positioning themselves in a corner of the living room.

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