WUM 215

Chapter 215: A Breakthrough Step

Yashida’s old residence.

Mariko was studying a new Chinese recipe. She wasn’t quite sure why — even though the Uchiha clan’s eating habits were mostly similar to those of the people of Sakura Country — Uchiha Akira’s food preferences were noticeably different.

He liked meat and leaned heavily toward Chinese-style cuisine.

So Mariko had decided to learn how to cook Chinese food.
These days, the Yashida Group was already being managed by professional executives. Other than major decisions that required her approval, Mariko didn’t have to deal with daily affairs anymore.

Especially after obtaining the exclusive regional rights to distribute the Limb Regeneration Serum in Sakura Country, Yashida Medical branches had sprung up across the nation like mushrooms after rain.

Even in the traditionally closed-off medical field, Yashida Group had established a firm foothold thanks to that miraculous serum.

“Shredded Beef with Green Peppers, Mapo Tofu, Steamed Bass, Garlic Scallops — all very authentic, and they smell amazing.”

A familiar voice came from behind her. Mariko’s calm face instantly bloomed into a smile. Before she could turn around, she was already being embraced.

“Missed me, Mariko?”

Uchiha Akira boldly wrapped his arms around her from behind.

“I missed you so much.” Mariko turned and held him tightly.

“You’ve gotten braver. You used to always wait for me to make the first move. Don’t tell me you’ve been… sneaking around behind my back?”

Mariko teased with a laugh — Akira was being far more forward than usual.

“I came straight here the moment I got back.”

“Liar. With your teleportation powers, I bet I’m the second person you came to see.”

“You really don’t trust me, huh? I swear I haven’t cheated — listen, my stomach’s even growling.”

“Then let’s eat first!”

Seeing the table full of dishes, Akira’s appetite immediately kicked in.

The two of them, though still young, carried the warmth of an old married couple. They sat face-to-face and began to eat.

Since the food was all classic Chinese dishes, Akira ate heartily — the flavors reminded him of his previous life, matching his memories perfectly.

“How long can you stay this time?” Mariko had grown used to Akira’s comings and goings without warning. Knowing what she did about his background, she couldn’t bring herself to resent it.

Having grown up starved for affection, Mariko was already deeply content — especially because Akira’s feelings for her were genuine… even if she wasn’t the only one he cared for.

The most dangerous kind of conquest is self-conquest — and Mariko had already surrendered to her own heart.

“I’m not sure how long, but I’ll try to come back and see you more often. Don’t worry — someday, I’ll take you to see a very different kind of world.”

Akira knew Mariko wasn’t ready for the ninja world yet — she was too fragile, too human, and that world was far too dangerous.

“Do you have any plans tonight?”

“Nothing at all — I just wanted to see you.”

They sat beneath the cherry trees under the moonlight. It wasn’t cherry blossom season, though; the trees were full of green leaves — an unlucky time for flowers, perhaps.

“Do you want to see fireworks?”

“I’d love to — but you’re not planning to set something on fire again, are you? This is our house, you know.”

“Relax. This time the fireworks will be… special.”

“Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!”

A blazing dragon of fire roared into the sky, swirling and dancing in midair before gradually fading away as his chakra ran dry.

This was a display of Fire-nature chakra shape transformation. It didn’t really increase destructive power — but it certainly made the technique look spectacular.

“Amazing!” Mariko’s eyes sparkled like a girl who’d just been given candy. “Do you have more?”

One after another, Akira performed Fire Release techniques purely for show — elegant in form, utterly impractical in combat, but dazzling nonetheless.

Watching Mariko laugh and cheer with delight, Akira felt his effort was well worth it. Fire techniques might not always be useful, but they did look beautiful.

Beneath the moonlight, the mood was perfect. As the last flame faded, Akira looked at Mariko’s red lips and felt his heartbeat quicken.

Before she could react, he gently kissed her.

When they finally broke apart, Mariko’s eyes were shimmering with emotion.

“Hold me, Akira.”

The rain didn’t stop until late the next evening.

“I’m sorry, Mariko.” Akira’s tone held genuine guilt — he was a ninja, and she was just an ordinary woman; their physical differences were… substantial.

“It’s okay. I know my boyfriend loves me. But… could my boyfriend make me dinner tonight?”

“No problem. But first, how about I heal you a bit?”

Akira remembered he could use Mystical Palm Technique.

After a round of careful treatment, Mariko recovered well enough to move around again.

To make up for everything, Akira cooked a complex fried rice dish — though it was just ordinary food, Mariko ate with pure happiness.

After all, it was made by the man she loved.

Then came a gentle knock.

“Mariko, Lord Akira — would you like me to help tidy up?”

“Come in,” Akira answered without thinking.

The door opened to reveal a red-haired woman.

“Lord Akira, it’s been a long time.”

“Long time no see, Kikyo.”

It was none other than Uzumaki Kikyo, the mother of Karin, whom Akira had once rescued from the Grass ninja.

After a long period of recovery, she no longer resembled the withered “living corpse” she once was. Back then, Akira had barely managed to save her life.

Now, she looked nearly indistinguishable from a normal person — though faint bite marks were still visible along her collar and sleeves.

Her sudden appearance made Mariko blush deeply — her hair was a mess, and her clothes were disheveled.

Anyone with experience would immediately understand the situation.

But Kikyo didn’t comment. She had been through similar things herself and wasn’t about to make a scene.

Besides, Mariko had always been kind to her, and Akira had once saved her life — so if something was happening between the two of them, she could only approve.

Without a word, Kikyo opened the window to let in some air and quietly began to tidy the room.