The Mask of Shadows: A Silent Bond

After receiving my mission rewards, I felt a power surge within me. I began to clean Hana's body with a wet sponge, then dried her off with Wind Style: Wind Blast. The technique was set at zero attack and defense, simply providing support to dry her body. Once done, I dressed her in a nightgown as she peacefully slept.

As I gazed at the mask I had obtained from the system, I examined its description. It was a special item, one that only high-level individuals, like Kage or those of similar stature, could see through. Curious, I put it on and stepped outside, heading toward the Uchiha clan compound.

As I approached, I noticed the guards stationed around the perimeter. I kept my distance and searched for Sasuke, his twin sister, Satsuki, and their mother, Mikoto. After the Uchiha clan massacre, only Sasuke and Satsuki survived. Sasuke, with his cold and distant personality, contrasted with Satsuki's calm nature. Despite their differences, both were introverts, preferring each other's company over that of others.

I stayed hidden from the guards as I made my way to the main household of the Uchiha clan. There, I found Satsuki's room. She lay asleep, unaware of my presence. Her kind and charming personality, which made her so approachable, seemed so different from the usual calm exterior she portrayed.

I stood quietly in the doorway, watching her sleep. My small hands clutched the Phantom Mirage mask, its dark eyes offering a cold gaze as I observed the scene. The moonlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a pale glow over her smooth black hair that spilled across the pillow like a waterfall. Her face, sweet and innocent, seemed untouched by the world's cruelties. Her flawless white skin and the gentle rise and fall of her chest created an illusion of vulnerability.

She was the same age as me, yet she appeared older, more mature. People believed she was fragile, delicate even. But I knew better. Everyone had weaknesses, and tonight, I would reveal mine.

Moving quietly, I took out the note I had prepared. It was simple enough for her to read, but with an underlying message designed to make her question, wonder, and eventually seek answers.

"I want to be your friend and have lots of fun with you, but… I'm a shy person. Still, I really want to play with you. Will you be my first friend? I promise I'll tell you more about myself later."

The words seemed innocent, but there was something more dangerous beneath them. A calculated move to make her feel special, wanted. And once she felt that, she'd never be able to walk away.

I carefully placed the note on her bedside table, just within reach when she woke. It wasn't too obvious, allowing her the illusion of choice, the power to decide whether or not to open it. People, especially women, always had a tendency to wonder about the sender, and once curiosity was piqued, resistance was impossible.

For a moment, I simply watched her sleep, my mask hiding my true intentions. My fingers twitched with anticipation. She had no idea what was coming. No idea that this seemingly innocent gesture was the first step into something much darker.

With one last glance, I turned and left. A small, hidden smile curled beneath my mask. The game had begun, and soon, no one would know what I truly sought—least of all her—until it was far too late.

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I returned to my house and fell asleep until morning. When I woke, I gently nudged Hana to wake her as well. We brushed our teeth and washed our faces, then changed into fresh clothes. Afterward, we made our way to the dining table, where the warm scent of miso soup filled the air.

Kushina carefully placed three small bowls of steaming rice in front of her children. Her son, Naruto, squirmed in his seat, eager to dive into the meal, while his twin sister, Hana, sat quietly, her hands folded neatly in her lap.

"Eat up, you two," Kushina said with a gentle smile, as she set a bowl of miso soup between them. The broth, rich with the earthy flavor of miso, floated tiny cubes of tofu and delicate seaweed—perfect comfort for a chilly morning.

Naruto eagerly scooped some rice into his bowl, glancing up at the grilled salmon Kushina had prepared. The fish was lightly salted, tender, and flaky. Kushina had cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. "Mmm, yummy!" Naruto exclaimed, his eyes lighting up as he took his first bite.

Kushina placed a plate of tamago—soft, sweet Japanese omelette—on the table. Hana reached for it first, her fingers trembling slightly as she picked up a piece with the chopsticks Kushina had taught her to use so carefully.

Next, a small dish of pickled cucumbers and radishes sat at the center of the table, the vibrant colors contrasting with the rest of the meal. Hana picked up a slice, nibbling at it with curiosity, while Naruto poked at the vegetables with his chopsticks, making a face but eventually taking a bite.

Kushina smiled softly, watching her children enjoy the meal she had prepared. Small touches of fruit—bright slices of orange and strawberries—sat in small bowls at the edge of the table, adding a refreshing sweetness to the otherwise savory meal.

After they finished, Kushina poured herself a cup of green tea, letting the warmth seep into her tired bones as Naruto and Hana chattered excitedly about their plans for the day.

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Author's Note

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