Chapitre 65: Actually...
After a pause, Mabui spoke up again, her tone more serious. "There's another reason, Ryo. When you left Cloud, a part of the village's heart went with you. I know it sounds cheesy, but it's true. For me, you're more than just the Raikage's son or the heir to the clan. You're Ryomaru, the boy with ice-blue eyes and a heart of gold. The one who, despite his lineage, still has the innocence of childhood. I didn't want to stay behind, thinking about how you were adjusting or if you were okay. I wanted to be there, with you."
Ryomaru was silent for a moment, absorbing her words. Then, with a smirk, he remarked, "So, you're saying you couldn't resist my charm?"
She groaned, playfully swatting at him. "You're impossible!"
They both laughed, the mood lightening. The sun had almost set, and the first stars were making their appearance in the sky. The atmosphere was serene, filled with the gentle sounds of nature and the distant murmur of Konoha's nightlife.
"Thank you, Mabui-nee," Ryomaru whispered, sincerity in his voice. "For being here, for sharing this moment, and for always looking out for me."
She smiled, her eyes glistening slightly. "Always, Ryo. Always."
Walking back home hand in hand, Ryomaru tilted his head, casting Mabui a sly grin. "You know, Mabui-nee, I think you secretly enjoyed our 'date' more than you'd like to admit."
Mabui raised an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "Oh? And what makes you think that?"
Ryomaru smirked. "Well, the way your eyes sparkle when you look at the village. Or how you couldn't stop smiling when you were showing me around. It's almost as if... you wanted to impress me."
Mabui laughed, her musical laughter filling the air. "Impress you? Oh, you've got a big head, Ryomaru."
He chuckled, "Well, can you blame me? After all, it's not every day that a beautiful lady like you takes me out on a 'date.'"
She paused, feigning deep thought. "Hmm, beautiful, you say? I could get used to such compliments."
Ryomaru grinned, squeezing her hand lightly. "It's the truth. Plus, with that dango you treated me to, you've earned major points."
She laughed, playfully nudging him with her elbow. "You and your sweet tooth! But don't get too used to it. Dango treats are special occasions only."
He winked. "Guess we'll have to go on more 'dates' then."
The playful back-and-forth continued as they walked through the winding streets of Konoha. The village was alive with nighttime activity, lanterns illuminating the pathways and casting a soft glow over the stone streets. The tantalizing aroma of food wafted from various eateries, making Ryomaru's stomach growl in protest.
Noticing this, Mabui remarked with a smirk, "Hungry again? You just had dango!"
Ryomaru shrugged, feigning innocence. "Can't help it! Konoha's food is just too tempting."
She chuckled, "True. But we have dinner waiting at home. Miori-san must've prepared something delicious."
His face lit up at the mention of Miori's cooking. "Oh, I can't wait! Mum's cooking is the best."
When they reached home, the soft glow of garden lanterns illuminated the path leading to the main entrance. Samui was engaged in a quiet conversation with Miori, who sat gracefully on a stone bench surrounded by vibrant flowers. The gentle rustle of leaves and distant hum of Konoha's nightlife provided a serene backdrop.
Upon catching sight of her son, Miori's face instantly brightened. Rising from her seat, she moved towards Ryomaru with a grace that seemed almost ethereal. Her white hair flowed behind her like a silvery cascade, reflecting the moonlight.
"I missed you, Ryo," she said tenderly, drawing him into a gentle embrace, pressing his head against her chest. Her ice-blue eyes radiated warmth, contrasting with the coolness of their hue.
Drawing back slightly but still holding him close, she questioned, "What took you so long?"
With a mischievous glint in his eye, Ryomaru replied, "Mabui-nee took me on a date."
For a moment, the garden was still. Then, Miori's face slowly morphed from a loving smile to a look of mock indignation. "A date, you say?" Her voice held a playful, teasing tone.
Mabui gulped audibly, her skin breaking into a light sheen of sweat. As Miori's gaze shifted to her, it felt like the weight of the entire Cloud Village was pressing down on the young guard. The usually composed Mabui looked as if she'd been caught red-handed.
In the dim light, Samui could barely conceal her smirk. Enjoying the sudden turn of events, she chimed in, "Oh? A date? Now that's interesting."
Mabui stammered, her poise momentarily gone. "It was...uh, not really a date, Miori-san. Just...just a fun day out, you know, like siblings spending time together."
Ryomaru, relishing the playful tension, shot Mabui a sly grin. "Oh, come on, Mabui-nee. Don't downplay our adventure. And the dango! Don't forget the dango."
Miori's playful demeanor heightened as she leaned close to Mabui, her eyes narrowing comically. "So, you're taking my precious Ryo on dates and feeding him dango, huh?"
Mabui nodded vigorously, trying her best to play along, "Yes, but only the best dango for Ryomaru. It was all very... innocent."
Samui couldn't hold back any longer and burst into laughter. Mabui shot her a pleading look, silently asking for some form of backup.
"Come now, Miori-san," Samui managed between chuckles, "It's not like they went off to some secluded spot."
A teasing grin split Ryomaru's face. "Actually..." He started, but before he could say more, Mabui, in a swift move, pressed his head to Miori's bosom from the back of his head, muffling his words.
"Ah, I just remembered. Ryo is quite hungry," Mabui interjected quickly, trying to divert the topic and save herself from any further embarrassment.
Miori's ice-blue eyes twinkled with amusement as she patted her son's head gently, a smirk playing on her lips. "Is that so? And here I was, all interested in your 'secluded spot.' But fine, let's get you fed first."
Ryomaru emerged from Miori's embrace, a muffled "Thanks a lot, Mabui-nee," escaping him, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Samui chuckled, her usually stoic demeanor cracking. "Well, it's not every day that we get to see Mabui flustered."
Mabui shot a glare at Samui, her cheeks burning. "I swear, Samui, you're enjoying this way too much."
Miori, her playful demeanor still intact, led the way into the house. "Enough teasing, everyone. Let's get inside and have some dinner. And then, after dinner, Mabui can regale us with tales of their 'date.'"
The atmosphere in the dining area was light and filled with laughter. Miori had prepared a sumptuous feast, showcasing the best of Cloud and Konoha culinary traditions. The tantalizing aroma of the dishes filled the room, making everyone's mouths water in anticipation.
As they ate, Ryomaru narrated some of their adventures, with Mabui occasionally jumping in to clarify or add details. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and familial warmth.
After dinner, as promised, Mabui shared some stories from their day out, much to everyone's amusement. Ryomaru occasionally teased her, but it was evident that the bond they shared was deep and genuine.
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État de l’alimentation hebdomadaire
-- Classement
Power Stone 
-- Power
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