Originally, the bathroom in the Yukinoshita Residence wasn't much different from an ordinary family's, aside from being a bit larger.
But after Makoto moved in, especially during the later period after returning from the Naruto World, Mrs. Yukinoshita made a series of bold modifications based on his habits.
For example, she installed a massage bathtub in the bathroom that could comfortably fit four or five people without feeling cramped, and embedded a hundred-inch anti-fog LCD TV into the wall.
At this moment, Makoto was lounging lazily against the edge of the bubble-filled tub, watching television.
A news channel was broadcasting footage of him and the corn-haired man exchanging the truce agreement.
As he watched, Makoto clicked his tongue in slight regret.
'Too bad I couldn't get the other party to perform the classic bow from my past life.'
'Oh well, there'll be another chance.'
Makoto thought as he prepared to change the channel.
Just then, a soft knock came at the door.
Without turning his head, Makoto replied casually, "No need. I'll have the main meal later."
He assumed it was the maid bringing snacks and drinks.
Previously, when he took baths, Mrs. Yukinoshita would have the maids bring him refreshments. Japanese people often enjoyed having some sake while soaking in hot springs.
And when Makoto took baths, it was usually when he was most exhausted after training, and he often got hungry, so he would occasionally have a snack while bathing.
However, the voice that came from outside the door wasn't the usual maid's voice, but...
"Makoto, the kitchen didn't have any ingredients today. I've sent someone to Totsuki Academy to get supplies. Have some snacks to tide you over first."
Mrs. Yukinoshita's voice came through the door.
For a financial conglomerate like the Yukinoshita Family, the daily ingredients were purchased fresh directly from farms.
But because of what Makoto had done early this morning, the Yukinoshita Family hadn't had time to restock their ingredients.
Now that Makoto was back, she was busy sending people to procure them.
Hearing the words [Totsuki Academy], Makoto paused for a moment, then replied:
"Alright, thank you for the trouble."
The doorknob turned gently, and Mrs. Yukinoshita entered carrying a tray.
On the tray were the Chinese-style desserts Makoto preferred… fermented glutinous rice balls and brown sugar glutinous rice cakes.
Clearly, these weren't store-bought and Mrs. Yukinoshita had made them herself.
Back in the Naruto World, whenever Makoto visited her dessert shop, these were the items he usually ordered.
"I, I'll just leave this here."
Mrs. Yukinoshita placed the tray gently on the marble surface beside the tub, her gaze darting away, not daring to look at Makoto.
Still, she couldn't help stealing glances from the corner of her eye.
The scent of body wash mixed with the unique fragrance of a man made her eyes glaze over slightly.
Just then, Makoto switched channels from news to a financial program.
A short, wrinkled old man in a kimono appeared on screen, his face covered in creases.
He sat in a studio, spittle flying as he spoke animatedly into the camera.
The caption below identified him: Tokugawa Mitsunari.
Facing the camera, this short old man named Tokugawa Mitsunari shouted excitedly, "I've been saying it all along! That Ooka guy is no good! I could see it from the moment he took office! Today, his words offended Nishikawa-sama. He deserved it! Good riddance!"
Makoto, who had just stuffed a large spoonful of fermented glutinous rice balls into his mouth, couldn't help it and spat them all out.
'Scholars will naturally argue on my behalf, huh?'
"Who's he?"
Makoto wiped his mouth and turned to look at Mrs. Yukinoshita, who was so flustered she looked ready to bolt.
Mrs. Yukinoshita kept her head down, not daring to meet his gaze. She glanced at the TV screen and explained in a low voice, "The head of the Tokugawa Family, one of the Four Zaibatsu. Tokugawa Mitsunari."
Makoto blinked. He couldn't immediately place who this person was.
Mainly because, although he used to watch a lot of anime in his past life, his otaku nature wasn't that intense… certainly not reaching the level of devotion of some people.
On the TV, Tokugawa Mitsunari grew even more impassioned: "I will not speculate on Nishikawa-sama's thoughts or next moves. I will only execute unconditionally. Because the weak obeying the strong… that is only natural and proper. Afterwards, I will personally visit Nishikawa-sama. If he has any needs, the Tokugawa Family will not hesitate, dedicating the full strength of our clan to assist!"
Makoto blinked, unable to resist a remark: "...That's a bit nauseatingly flattering."
Mrs. Yukinoshita lowered her head and said softly, "With the power you possess now, Nishikawa-sama, this kind of reaction... is only normal."
Hearing Mrs. Yukinoshita's address, Makoto glanced sideways at her with a slight smile. "You can just call me by my name, Mrs. Yukinoshita."
"I-is that alright?"
Mrs. Yukinoshita's head snapped up, a mix of surprise and joy on her face.
Of course, she wanted to address him familiarly by name, as before. It would feel closer.
But thinking about how even the heads of the Four Zaibatsu treated Makoto with such profound respect, how could she overstep so casually?
Without realizing it, she had switched to the honorific.
The moment she looked up, meeting Makoto's gaze, Mrs. Yukinoshita noticed his eyes were different from usual.
There was a hint of aggression she had never seen before.
It made her heart skip a beat. She quickly lowered her head again, the tips of her ears turning bright red.
What Mrs. Yukinoshita didn't notice, however, was that she had been in there for a while.
The steam from the bathroom had dampened her clothes, causing her thin kimono to cling tightly to her skin, outlining a breathtakingly perfect figure.
Damp strands of hair stuck to her cheeks, adding a touch of languid charm.
Suddenly, Makoto reached out and pulled Mrs. Yukinoshita around the slender waist.
The distance between them closed instantly, close enough to feel each other's breath.
Instantly, the blush on Mrs. Yukinoshita's face spread to the roots of her ears, then down her neck, disappearing into the collar of her kimono.
Because Makoto's movement was sudden, a few strands of her usually pinned-up hair came loose, falling messily over her shoulders, which only added to her allure.
Observing up close, Makoto noticed that while Mrs. Yukinoshita's skin appeared as smooth as her eldest daughter, Haruno's at first glance, under such close scrutiny, faint lines appeared at the corners of her eyes when she made larger expressions.
But this didn't diminish her charm… instead, it created a perfectly balanced accent.
Makoto didn't know how long he stared. Mrs. Yukinoshita, probably unable to bear the intensity of his gaze any longer, mumbled weakly, "C-can you let me go...?"
Makoto said nothing. He just lowered his head, leaning in.