Chapter 15

She ignored him, stepping toward the window. The night air was cool against her skin as she prepared to leave. But just before she did, she glanced back.

For a brief moment, their eyes met.

Then, without another word, she vanished into the night.

As she disappeared, he looked at himself in the mirror.

"Well… System, I have to admit, you're really good at giving charm. I even won over Pakura's heart in what… just three days?" he muttered.

Now wasn't the time for that—he needed to focus on the mission.

----

[Hidden System Quest: The Bonds That Bind]

Objective: Within two years, create a bond so strong with Mikoto Uchiha, Kushina Uzumaki, and the mother of Hinata Hyūga that they would willingly leave their lives behind for you.

----

The easiest might actually be Mikoto. Her marriage was political, with no love involved.

It was something he had noticed early on. While Fugaku played the part of a dutiful husband, there was no warmth between them. No tender moments, no words spoken beyond necessity. It was a union of duty, not affection.

If he could show her even a fraction of genuine care…

A smirk tugged at his lips.

Yes. Mikoto would be the easiest to sway.

But the most dangerous? That was Kushina. She was fiery, passionate, and deeply loyal. If she fell for him, she wouldn't just walk away—she'd burn everything behind her to be with him.

And Hinata's mother… well, she was still a mystery.

The Next Day 

Souta wiped down the counter, the scent of fresh tea leaves filling the air. The shop wasn't too busy today, which meant he had time to think.

Mikoto would be here soon. She always came around this time. Not because of the tea—he knew that much.

True to habit, the door slid open, and she stepped inside, her usual composed expression in place. But he noticed the subtle things—the way her shoulders relaxed slightly once she was inside, the way her eyes searched the room before landing on him.

"Welcome," Souta said, pouring hot water into a cup. "The usual?"

Mikoto sat at her regular spot by the window, nodding. "You already know the answer."

He smirked, setting the tea down in front of her. "I like to pretend I don't. Keeps things interesting."

She exhaled, shaking her head lightly before taking a sip. "Still as irritating as ever."

Her fingers paused on the cup for a second before she spoke. "The tea is good."

"Right. It's the tea." Souta leaned on the counter, watching her. "Nothing else?"

Mikoto didn't answer immediately. Instead, she sipped her tea, gaze drifting outside. The village was alive with its usual noise, but in here, it was quiet—just the two of them.

Souta leaned on the counter, smirking. "You know, this reminds me of a story."

Mikoto raised an eyebrow. "A story?"

"Yeah. A fairy tale."

She scoffed, setting her cup down. "I'm not a child."

"Never said you were." Souta grabbed a cloth, casually wiping a stray tea stain off the counter. "But even grown-ups need stories sometimes."

Mikoto gave him a look, but he could see the slight intrigue behind it.

"Alright," she sighed, humoring him. "Let's hear it then."

Souta leaned in slightly. "Ever heard the tale of the Caged Queen?"

Mikoto narrowed her eyes. "…No."

"Figured." He took a breath and began.

"Once upon a time, there was a queen—beautiful, wise, and strong. She ruled alongside a king who cared more for power than for her. To the world, she was perfect, untouchable. But inside the palace walls, she was alone."

Mikoto's fingers twitched slightly against the porcelain cup. Souta didn't miss it.

"She spent years playing her role—loyal wife, devoted mother. She convinced herself that was enough. That duty was all there was."

Souta paused, watching her reaction. Mikoto wasn't looking at him anymore. She was staring into her tea, unreadable.

"But then," he continued, voice softer, "she met someone. A traveler. A man with no titles, no wealth—just stories and sharp words that made her laugh. He saw her not as a queen, but as a woman."

Mikoto finally looked at him. "And?"

Souta shrugged. "And nothing. She stayed in her cage, because that's what queens do."

A silence stretched between them. Mikoto's expression was calm, but he could tell she was thinking.

"Tch." She clicked her tongue, shaking her head. "What kind of story is that? No adventure? No battle? Just some woman wasting her time with a drifter?"

Souta chuckled. "Not all stories are about heroes and wars. Some are just about choices."

Mikoto held his gaze for a moment before looking away. "…It's a foolish story."

"Maybe." Souta smirked. "Or maybe it's just unfinished."

She didn't respond right away. Instead, she took another slow sip of her tea.

Souta wiped the counter, glancing at Mikoto as she took a slow sip of her tea.

"You know," he said, "we should play a game."

Mikoto gave him a look. "A game?"

"Yeah. I say something about you, and you tell me if I'm right. Then you do the same to me."

She sighed. "That's childish."

"Sounds like you're scared," Souta teased.

She narrowed her eyes. "…Fine. One round."

He smirked. "Alright. You always sit by the window because you like the view, but mostly because you want an easy escape."

Mikoto paused, then exhaled. "Correct."

"My turn," she said. "You don't actually care about tea."

Souta blinked. "What?"

"You make great tea, but you don't drink it much. You just like watching people enjoy it."

He stared at her. She wasn't wrong.

"…Huh." He smirked. "Didn't expect you to get that."

Mikoto shook her head, finishing the last sip of her tea before standing. "I should get going."

He leaned back against the counter, casual as ever. "See you tomorrow, then?"

She paused for half a second before glancing at him. "We'll see."

With that, she turned and walked out. Souta just waved lazily in farewell, watching her leave.

A small smirk tugged at his lips.