Chapter 24: Quiet NightAwakening
Lying in Hinata's arms, Ryuzen had drifted into unconscious sleep without realizing it.
When he woke, he found himself properly arranged on the futon—no longer sitting on the stool, but lying comfortably on the bedding. His shoulders felt slightly cool, and a pleasant weight rested against his chest.
A smile touched his lips.
He raised a hand, gently stroking Hinata's long hair where she lay atop him.
The fact that they shared a bed didn't concern him in the slightest.
Over six years, this scene had played out countless times. Familiarity had long since replaced awkwardness—it was precisely because she was so accustomed to him that Hinata could relax enough to sleep beside him. Her naturally shy personality would never allow it otherwise.
He didn't push her off. After caressing her hair gently, he let his hand rest on her back. The other pillowed his head as he stared at the ceiling, thoughts drifting.
But part of his mind was elsewhere—checking system records.
[You have defeated 'Demon' Momochi Zabuza. Experience gained: 1.00%]
[Your 'Hawk-Eye' Inheritance Template progress: 50.2%]
A full one percent from killing Zabuza alone.
Combined with the Demon Brothers' 0.12%, today had yielded 1.12% total experience—equivalent to fifty-six days of daily tasks in a single day.
And he hadn't even completed today's daily training yet.
Three kills had shortened his path by nearly two months of effort.
The realization left him with complicated feelings. But he pushed the thoughts aside, closed his eyes again, and slipped into the spiritual world to immerse himself in Mihawk's swordsmanship.
Ever since witnessing that legendary duel with Red-Haired Shanks, every battle Mihawk fought afterward—except for occasional crushing victories and cat-and-mouse games to pass boredom—shook heaven and earth.
The sixteen or seventeen-meter sword energy that had seemed so exaggerated to Zabuza and Kurenai?
In the world of One Piece, countless swordsmen in the New World could match that feat.
In the clash between Mihawk and Shanks, flying slashes capable of severing mountain peaks, destroying forests, and splitting boulders appeared regularly. Compared to the original Mihawk who casually bisected an iceberg with a single swing, Ryuzen's current abilities felt unremarkable.
1.12% experience represented barely one percent of Mihawk's lifetime of swordsmanship.
This time, his immersion lasted longer than usual.
When he finally returned to reality and opened his eyes—
Hinata was gone.
Outside the window, the sky had darkened to deep ink.
SHHH—
The room lay silent except for the sound of water from the bathroom.
Ryuzen sat up, noting the emptiness in his stomach. He waited quietly for Hinata to emerge.
CLICK.
The water sounds faded, then stopped entirely. The bathroom door opened, lamplight from within silhouetting a graceful figure.
"Ryuzen-kun! You're awake!"
Hinata sensed his gaze immediately—those crimson eyes still bright even in darkness, regarding her with their usual quiet warmth. Pleasure flickered across her features, followed instantly by a blush that spread at visible speed. Her arms rose reflexively to cover herself.
"Ryu... Ryuzen-kun... could you lie back down first? I forgot to bring my clothes."
Ryuzen didn't respond verbally.
Instead, he walked toward her barefoot.
His body loomed like a wall before her, forcing her to retreat step by step until her back pressed against the cool wall.
The cold against her shoulders did nothing to stop her rising temperature.
Crimson eyes met lavender-tinted Byakugan—ruby crystal gazing into pools of pure white. Hinata felt as if electricity coursed through her. The familiar dizziness surged, making her tremble.
"Hinata."
His voice—low, magnetic—pierced through her spiraling thoughts.
Fighting the vertigo, she looked up at him with questioning eyes.
He leaned closer.
His lips brushed against her ear, forming words too soft to hear.
THUMP.
Hinata fainted.
Ryuzen caught her easily, smiling as he lifted her and carried her back to the futon. He pulled the covers up gently, tucking her in with care.
Then he located his pack in the room, retrieved his cleaning supplies, and tended to basic washing in the bathroom. After eating some preserved food to quiet his complaining stomach, he slipped out through the window onto the roof.
There, under the stars, he sat in sword meditation and waited for dawn.
✨Enjoying the story? You can support me on Patreon —
Patreon.com/MizuSan
✨ Patreon members get early chapter access, bonus content! 🥰
🎉 Plus, I'll release 1 extra chapter for every 5 reviews!💎 Or grab 1 bonus chapter for every 50 Power Stones you send my way! 🥳
🌊 Let's reach 20 Patreon members to unlock 5 extra chapters together