Naruto: The Ninja World's Life Buyer

Chapter 220 A Midsummer Date

midsummer.

The chirping of cicadas drowned out the noise from the street, and a lazy heat emanated from the air.

On the shopping street, the most upscale clothing store, "Nishiki-ya," put up a sign today saying it was temporarily closed.

Because the owner of Takaya Shokai booked the entire venue.

The store was cool, with an ice basin in the corner emitting a slight chill.

"How about this one?"

Kaori stood somewhat awkwardly in front of the dressing mirror.

She was wearing a light purple sleeveless dress. She would never have dared to wear this style of clothing before.

Her previous clothes were usually tight-fitting, long-sleeved, allowing for easy movement and concealing hidden weapons. But this dress revealed her entire arm.

That used to be the area with the most scars on her body: knife wounds, burns, cuts from the sword in her hand—

But now, the skin in the mirror is smooth as jade, so fair it's almost dazzling.

The effects of "Flawless Cream" are amazing.

"Isn't it... too revealing?"

Kaori awkwardly covered her arm with her hand.

Even though the scars are gone, her long-standing habit makes her very uncomfortable with this kind of "exposure".

"Don't show it."

Sosuke put down his cup, stood up, and walked behind her.

The two figures were reflected in the mirror.

Sosuke reached out and gently grasped her arms. The warmth of his palms relaxed Kaori's tense muscles.

"It's summer, Kaori."

Sosuke's voice was very soft.

"Summer is for wearing short sleeves. You're no longer a member of the Anbu; now you're the mistress of the Takaya Manor."

"hostess----"

Kaori looked at herself in the mirror; the lines at the corners of her eyes had softened considerably.

She lowered her hand that was covering her face.

That arm had smooth lines, firm yet plump muscles, and skin with a healthy glow.

really beautiful.

"I like this one."

Sosuke made the decision for her.

"Boss, wrap it up. And those short-sleeved shirts I tried on earlier, I'll take them all."

The shop owner was a shrewd, plump woman. She immediately came over with a beaming smile.

"Lord Takaya has excellent taste! This is cloud silk imported from the Land of Lightning, with the best breathability—"

"Check out."

Sosuke ignored her nonsense and pulled out a wad of banknotes.

Step out of the shop.

The sunlight was blinding. Kaori opened a parasol, shielding the two of them.

She was wearing a newly bought sleeveless dress, and although she was still a little unaccustomed to it, her steps were much lighter.

"How are you feeling?" Sosuke asked.

"It's very cool."

Kaori smiled, feeling the gentle breeze caress her arm.

"It feels like I've really been reborn."

"That's good."

Sosuke took her hand and walked down the bustling street.

"It's so hot."

He tugged at his collar and complained.

Sosuke stopped in his tracks as he passed a small shop with a flag bearing the word "ice".

"Let's have some ice cream."

"But—we're going to the photo studio soon, and the appointment time is—"

"No rush, we can always reschedule."

Sosuke pulled her inside.

The shop was cramped, with only a few tables, and the fans were whirring.

Sosuke ordered a bowl of Uji Kintoki (matcha red bean), and Kaori ordered a bowl of lemon smoothie.

Sosuke scooped up a large spoonful of matcha ice and stuffed it into his mouth.

"hiss"

A chill ran straight to the top of my head.

"Cool."

Sosuke finally got rid of the heat.

Kaori sipped her lemon ice cream, enjoying it just as much.

Sosuke stared at her rosy lips.

"What's wrong?" Kaori asked.

"No—it's just that you don't think the lemon ice is too sour—"

Kaori put down her spoon and pushed her own bowl over.

"It's not sour, it's very refreshing. Please try it."

Sosuke took a bite and frowned.

"It's too sour."

Kaori smiled when she saw him frowning.

"Then please continue eating sweets."

Muye Photo Studio.

This is an old shop. The owner is an old man who wears thick-rimmed glasses.

The shop had a musty smell of developer chemicals.

"Lord Takaya, you've arrived."

The old man was adjusting the bulky camera.

"What kind of backdrop should I use? Something warm and inviting? Or—"

Keep it simple.

Sosuke took off his coat and threw it on the chair.

He was only wearing a white shirt, with the top two buttons undone.

"Kaori, come quick."

Kaori walked stiffly to the curtain.

Facing the camera, all the muscles in her body tensed up instantly.

"Madam, please relax a little."

The old man peeked out from behind the black cloth and smiled.

"Your expression is too stiff."

Kaori was taken aback and quickly apologized.

"I'm sorry, I—"

"fine."

Sosuke put his hand on her shoulder.

"Smile."

Sosuke whispered in her ear.

"Think about how Xi Yan was scared to tears by Bai Su yesterday."

Kaori couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Yesterday, the little white snake, trying to please its owner, brought a live mouse from somewhere, which startled Xiyan.

The moment she laughed.

"Snap!"

The spotlights came on.

A puff of white smoke rose up.

The image freezes.

For a moment, Kaori wasn't looking at the camera. She was tilting her head, looking at Sousuke, the smile in her eyes still lingering, gentle as water.

Sosuke was looking ahead, a smile on his lips, with his arm around her shoulder.

This photo has a slightly off-center composition. But it comes alive.

The photos will be ready to pick up in three days.

The two walked out of the photo studio.

The light suddenly became abundant.

Kaori opened the umbrella. Her arms were dazzlingly white.

Sosuke stared at her intently.

Very beautiful.

"Kaori".

"Um?"

"You really suit this outfit."

He said it from the bottom of his heart.

"I'll buy more later."

Kaori blushed. She lowered her head in the shadows under the umbrella, but couldn't help but smile.

"Let's go."

Sosuke put his arm around her waist.

"Let's go on a date."

They wandered aimlessly through the streets of Konoha.

I don't have my own place, so I just go into whichever shop looks good to me.

A small shop selling general merchandise.

A row of glass wind chimes hanging at the entrance caught Kaori's attention.

"Ding-a-ling, ding-a-ling."

A gentle breeze blew by, and the crisp sound seemed especially refreshing in the sweltering air.

Kaori stopped and reached out a finger to fiddle with one of the wind chimes, which had a goldfish pattern on it.

"Do you like it?" Sosuke asked.

"Hmm—your voice is very nice."

Kaori's eyes were somewhat vacant.

"When I was little, my family had one too. Later—it broke."

Then came war, the destruction of families, and the bloodshed that followed her becoming a ninja. Those little objects that represented a peaceful life had long since vanished from her life.

"Boss, how much is this?" Sosuke turned to ask the shopkeeper.

"Two hundred taels each."

"wrap up."

Sosuke took out his money.

"No need to wrap it up."

Kaori stopped the shop owner.

"I want to hang it up right now."

She was carrying that wind chime.

The two continued walking.

The wind chimes swayed in Kaori's hands with her steps, making a crisp, tinkling sound.

I passed by a small river.

The shade here is dense, much cooler than on the street. The river water is clear, and several children are catching fish in it, their laughter carrying far.

Sosuke and Kaori found a clean, large rock and sat down side by side.

Sosuke took off his shoes and socks and soaked his feet in the water.

"Hiss—it feels so cool."

He let out a long sigh and leaned back.

Kaori hesitated for a moment, then followed his example, taking off her sandals to reveal her toes; her pale pink toenails were quite cute.

She dipped her feet into the water.

The cool river water enveloped my ankles.

"ah----"

She let out a comfortable sigh and relaxed.

She turned her head and looked at Sosuke.

Sosuke was squinting, looking at the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above.

Kaori subtly shifted her position, moving closer to the spot.

Her shoulder touched his shoulder.

Sosuke took her hand in return.

Their hands were clasped together on the cool rocks.

A gentle breeze stirred, lifting her long purple hair. A few strands brushed against Sosuke's cheek, and a faint fragrance wafted into his nose.

Sosuke reached out and tucked her messy hair behind her ear.

He lowered his head and kissed her earlobe.

Kaori's body trembled slightly.

"It's so itchy—"

Sosuke spared her earlobe, then moved to kiss her cheek, and then her lips.

It carries the lingering sweet and sour taste of lemon sorbet, along with the unique warmth of summer.

The river flows, and the cicadas chirp incessantly.

Until the sun set, it dyed the river surface orange-red.

The two put on their shoes and socks and got up to leave.

"Let's go back."

Sosuke held Kaori's hand and walked slowly home.

The shops lining the street began to light up. The sound of clinking glasses drifted from the izakayas, and the aroma of grilled meat wafted through the air.

Sosuke stopped as he passed a fireworks stall.

"Boss, a bunch of incense sticks and fireworks, please."

"Okay!"

Sosuke paid the money and handed the incense sticks and fireworks to Kaori.

"This is?"

"For Xiyan."

Sousuke said with a smile.

Back at Takao Estate.

Xi Yan was lying on the steps by the door, teasing the little white snake Bai Su.

When she saw the two return, her eyes lit up and she jumped up.

"Dad! Mom! You're finally back!"

"Where did you guys go? You didn't even take me with you!"