In Naruto, I Have an Affair with Mikoto and Kushina

As if weighing his words carefully. Then, after a pause, a small, knowing smile touched her lips. "Perhaps I will."

Souta simply smiled back.

Souta finally stood, offering her a small nod. "I should get back before Daichi thinks I've moved in."

She let out a quiet chuckle, her smile lingering just a little longer than before. "Of course. Thank you for the tea. And for the conversation."

He inclined his head slightly. "My pleasure. Perhaps next time, you'll visit the shop like you said."

Her smile remained as she watched him turn to leave, his back to her as he stepped toward the door. It was then, in that moment of curiosity, that she made her move.

With a subtle shift, she activated her Byakugan.

For a brief second, her vision expanded, the world around her becoming a sea of chakra networks, each person appearing as a vibrant display of energy pathways.

But then, her eyes caught something—something very different.

His left eye.

Her breath hitched.

'...What is that in his eye?' she muttered under her breath, leaning in slightly as if trying to get a clearer view.

No matter how much she looked, she couldn't understand it. The chakra was faint—barely there—yet it carried an unfamiliar presence, something unknown to her. It wasn't just a normal flow of energy. It was... different.

"...Was it chakra?" she murmured again, confusion flickering across her usually composed features.

As if sensing her scrutiny, Souta suddenly paused at the threshold.

Her breath stilled.

Slowly, he turned his head, just enough to glance at her over his shoulder.

Lady Hyuga immediately deactivated her Byakugan, masking her reaction as she straightened herself, her expression schooled into serene neutrality.

Souta held her gaze for another second before offering a small, knowing smile. "Take care, Lady Hyuga."

With that, he stepped out, leaving her alone in the quiet of the room.

She exhaled slowly, her fingers tightening around her teacup.

Souta was not a shinobi. That much was clear. Yet... what she saw in his left eye was no ordinary anomaly. It was something else.

Lady Hyuga remained seated long after he left, staring at the empty space he had occupied.

The image of his chakra pathways remained burned into her mind, the oddity in his left eye refusing to leave her thoughts. It wasn't something she had ever seen before—not in any shinobi, not even among the Hyuga themselves.

A slow exhale left her lips as she straightened her posture, carefully tucking away any lingering emotions. This was unusual. He was unusual. And for the first time in a long while, she felt genuinely intrigued.

Perhaps visiting the shop wasn't such a bad idea after all.

Souta walked through the village streets with an easy stride, but the smirk playing at his lips betrayed his amusement.

He knew she had used her Byakugan on him the moment he turned his back. Of course she would. He had practically dangled the bait in front of her, and like any Hyuga, her curiosity had been too strong to resist.

He chuckled to himself. She saw it, didn't she?

Or at least, she saw something. Enough to make her wonder. Enough to make her come looking for more.

Good.

His fingers brushed against the side of his left eye as he stepped into the tea shop. The Hyuga woman—Lady Hyuga—was bound to return. He was sure of it. And when she did, he'd be ready.

Now, he just had to wait.

Souta adjusted the collar of his shirt as he made his way toward the tea shop. The streets were bustling with their usual midday activity—merchants calling out deals, shinobi moving about their duties, and the general hum of Konoha life carrying on as it always did.

But just as he turned a corner, his shoulder suddenly bumped into something—no, someone.

"Oi!" A familiar voice rang out.

Souta barely had time to react before he found himself face-to-face with a pair of striking eyes, narrowed in clear irritation.

Kushina Uzumaki.

She placed her hands on her hips, her fiery red hair swaying slightly as she glared at him. "So you do exist!"

Souta blinked. "Uh…"

"Don't 'uh' me, you bastard!" she huffed, jabbing a finger at his chest. "I've been coming to the tea shop, and every time I ask for you, you're not there!"

A drop of sweat rolled down the back of his neck. Oh… right. He had been out a lot lately. Between dealing with Lady Hyuga and… other personal matters, the shop had taken a bit of a backseat.

Kushina crossed her arms, still fuming. "So? Got an excuse? Or were you just avoiding me?"

Souta let out a small chuckle, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I wouldn't dare avoid you, Kushina. That'd be dangerous for my health."

"Damn right it would be!" she shot back before sighing. "You owe me. Big time."

Souta arched an eyebrow. "Oh? And what exactly do I owe you?"

Kushina smirked. "You can start by telling me where you live or maybe show me your house."

For a brief moment, his entire body stiffened.

His house?

A single bead of sweat formed on his forehead as his mind raced. Shit.

I can't tell her.

Not when Pakura was there.

No matter what, he could not let Kushina anywhere near his place right now.

She was watching him carefully now, clearly noticing his hesitation. "What? Got something to hide?"

Souta forced a casual laugh. "Nah, just didn't expect that request. My house isn't anything special."

"Yeah? Then it shouldn't be a problem to tell me about it," she countered, leaning in slightly.

This woman was too damn sharp for her own good.

Think, Souta. Think.

As his brain scrambled for an excuse, his gaze flickered to the small mental "progress meter" he had on her.

Kushina Uzumaki Affection Progress: 20%

…Still way too low.