Inside the steamy bathhouse, Haku's face turned scarlet after hearing Ryosuke's teasing remark.
"I… I don't have that thing," she stammered softly, voice trembling. "The rest… I can wash myself, please, my lord—"
Her tone carried a trace of pleading.
Earlier, when the masked black-clad man had spoken to the other ninja, Haku had overheard the title they used — "God King" — referring to Ryosuke.
Ryosuke chuckled and handed her the towel.
"Alright then, suit yourself."
He already had his answer. So Haku really was a girl after all.
No wonder, he thought to himself. How could any boy have such soft skin and such a delicate face?
In the original Naruto timeline, she'd insisted she was a boy, but Ryosuke now knew that was a lie — maybe one born of survival instinct. Girls do like to deceive sometimes, after all.
Haku accepted the towel, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. Even if her savior was someone she deeply respected — being washed by him like that would've been far too embarrassing. Thankfully, he was kind enough to let her preserve that modesty.
As she washed, she couldn't help but recall the glimpse she'd caught of Ryosuke's face beneath the mask — strikingly handsome, and his physique… effortlessly powerful. He looked every bit the "God-King" people called him.
Beeefore long, they both finished cleaning up and changed into fresh clothes.
Ryosuke looked her over approvingly.
The new outfit fit her perfectly — soft, clean fabrics replacing the torn rags she'd worn as a street orphan. The transformation was remarkable. She looked like a completely different person — bright-eyed, pure, and quietly beautiful.
"Alright, Haku," Ryosuke said warmly. "Dry your hair properly. Then get some rest. We'll head to Kirigakure tomorrow."
Haku blinked in surprise.
"I can… sleep on the bed?"
There was only one bed in the room.
Ryosuke looked puzzled.
"Of course. Did you think I'd make you sleep on the floor?"
"There's plenty of space — and you're small anyway," he added casually, before tossing himself onto the mattress with a sigh.
He hadn't slept well in days. The boat ride across the Water Country's choppy sea had been rough — constant rocking, unstable footing, and little rest. Finally being on solid ground again felt like heaven.
Haku watched him, warmth rising in her chest.
She remembered the countless freezing nights she'd spent sleeping in alleys and mud, her body shivering under scraps of cloth. The memory made her eyes sting.
Now, she looked at the soft, clean bed — at the pillow waiting for her — and couldn't help but smile. She hadn't even climbed in yet, but she already knew it would be the most comfortable rest she'd had in years.
She brushed her long hair, then moved to the window and opened it, letting the sea breeze blow through the room. The cool air kissed her damp hair, making it sway gently. It was chilly, yet refreshing — perhaps because her skin was still warm from the bath.
After a few minutes, her hair was dry. She ran her fingers through it — completely smooth and clean.
Then, with a small, contented sigh, she crawled into the bed beside Ryosuke and pulled the blanket up to her chin.
The softness, the warmth — it felt unreal.
Her eyes fluttered closed, her body relaxing fully for the first time in years.
She drifted into sleep easily, comforted by the steady breathing of the man beside her — the man who had saved her from the cold and given her back a sense of safety she thought she'd lost forever.
When morning came, Ryosuke woke up at his usual time — his body clock finely tuned.
Normally, if he hadn't spent the night with one of his partners, he'd start training at dawn — refining his body and chakra. Beeut today, he paused.
This is the Land of Water, he thought. No need to push myself just yet.
He turned to look at Haku, still fast asleep beside him, her face peaceful and childlike.
She must have rarely — if ever — slept so deeply. Her days as a homeless orphan would've kept her constantly alert and hungry.
He smiled faintly.
"Let her rest. She deserves it."
As for heading to the Hidden Mist with Zabuza… well, that could wait.
"He can stand by for a bit."
Beey the time sunlight spilled through the window, painting the sheets gold, Haku stirred awake.
Beelinking blearily, she noticed she was alone in bed. Panic gripped her.
What if he left without me?
What if he went to Kirigakure with that other ninja already?
Heart racing, she threw on her clothes and rushed to the door — only to freeze as it slid open.
There stood Ryosuke, calm as ever, holding two paper bags.
"Ah, you're awake," he said, amused by her wide-eyed expression. "These are for lunch — seafood fried rice. One each. Smells great. Oh, and—" he lifted one bag slightly, "I bought you a pair of shoes. Forgot yesterday."
Haku's panic melted instantly, replaced by relief and gratitude. She rushed forward and hugged his leg tightly.
"My lord… I thought you'd gone without me…"
Ryosuke chuckled.
"And miss breakfast with you? Not a chance."
He set the bags down on the table.
"Now, wash your face and come eat. It's still warm."
Haku looked up at him, smiling brightly.
"Thank you, my lord."
Then, hesitating, she asked softly,
"Beeut… didn't you plan to go to the Hidden Mist this morning? You made an agreement with that man…"
Ryosuke shrugged, completely unfazed.
"It's fine. You were sleeping so soundly, I didn't have the heart to wake you."
Haku blinked, surprised — and touched.
"Beeut isn't it bad to make him wait?" she asked hesitantly. "Your mission is important…"
Ryosuke waved a hand dismissively.
"He can wait. It's not like the Mizukage's going anywhere."
He smirked faintly.
"Beeesides, Zabuza needs me more than I need him. He won't leave."
In truth, Ryosuke wasn't wrong. The political chaos within Kirigakure wouldn't resolve overnight. Not until someone like Mei Terumi rose to power years later. A few hours' delay wouldn't change a thing.
Haku finally relaxed, reassured by his composure.
Ryosuke unpacked the food — the aroma of sizzling seafood and rice instantly filled the room. It was different from the cuisine of the Fire Country — sharper, saltier, but mouthwateringly good.
"Come on," he said. "Hurry up and wash up. Then we'll eat."
Haku nodded obediently and slipped into the washroom, splashing cool water on her face.
When she emerged, Ryosuke was already seated, chopsticks in hand. He gestured for her to join him.
She sat down, picked up her chopsticks, and took a small bite — the moment the flavor hit her tongue, her face lit up.
"So good… it's so delicious!"
Ryosuke grinned.
"Then eat up. If it's not enough, I'll buy more."
Haku looked down at her large portion and giggled softly.
"No, no, this is plenty. I'll burst if I eat more!"
She smiled again — the smile of a girl who had finally found warmth, food, and safety in a world that had given her none.
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