In Naruto, I Have an Affair with Mikoto and Kushina

by Trinity_189

Summary:

Souta Kiryuu, an ordinary yet ridiculously handsome guy, was binge-watching Naruto when he suddenly blacked out—only to wake up in the world of shinobi! But unlike the usual overpowered reincarnators, Souta has no godly strength, no Sharingan, no legendary bloodline… just his sharp tongue and an undeniable charm that makes women weak in the knees.

Why do all the kunoichi seem strangely interested in him? Why does Mikoto Uchiha keep sneaking glances at him? And why is Kushina Uzumaki—wife of the Fourth Hokage—getting way too comfortable around him?!

With no monstrous strength to rely on, Souta must talk, scheme, and seduce his way through this dangerous world. But as he finds himself entangled with the most beautiful and powerful women, he realizes… maybe being weak isn’t so bad after all?

At the Five Kage Summit, Souta leaned back with a smirk. "I'm not saying I'm better than you guys... but your wives definitely think so

Chapter 1

The city lights flickered outside the window, the soft hum of an anime playing in the background. Souta Kiryuu stretched his arms, cracking his stiff joints, as he leaned back into his chair. A massive bowl of instant ramen sat half-eaten beside him, steam still rising lazily into the air.

"Man… classic Naruto never gets old," he muttered to himself, watching as the screen displayed an intense battle scene. "But seriously, why is Minato so lucky? Kushina is a ten out of ten!"

Souta let out a sigh of admiration before stuffing another bite of ramen into his mouth. His room was messy, filled with manga, gaming consoles, and a stack of empty energy drink cans. His phone buzzed with a new notification, but he ignored it, too immersed in the anime.

Then, suddenly—

Darkness.

A strange dizziness overtook him, as if gravity itself had twisted. The world around him spun violently, and his body felt like it was being pulled into a void. His vision blurred, a deep pressure building in his chest.

"W-What the hell?!" Souta barely had time to curse before everything faded into nothingness.

—

The stench of damp wood and rotting straw filled Souta Kiryuu's nose as he groggily opened his eyes. His head throbbed, and his body ached like he had been hit by a truck. The cold seeped into his bones, and the rough texture of a thin, ragged futon barely cushioned him from the hard wooden floor beneath.

"Ugh… where the hell am I?" Souta muttered, his voice hoarse.

He blinked, his vision adjusting to the dim light filtering through the cracks of an old, worn-out door. The room was small, almost claustrophobic, with walls made of aged wood that looked like they could crumble at any moment. A weak breeze slipped through the gaps, carrying the distant sounds of a bustling village.

Then it hit him—this wasn't his room.

Panic surged through him as he forced himself upright, ignoring the dizziness that threatened to pull him back down. He looked down at his hands, rough and calloused, not his own. His clothes were different too—faded, patched-up fabric wrapped around his lean frame, barely offering any warmth.

A cracked mirror sat in the corner of the room. Dragging himself toward it, he peered into the reflection, his breath hitching.

This wasn't his face.

The man staring back at him was average. Not ugly, but not remarkable either. Dark brown hair, slightly messy. Brown eyes that looked tired and lifeless. He was just… a guy.

"What the hell is going on?"

Before he could spiral into panic, a cold, robotic voice echoed in his mind.

[Transmigration Complete.]

[Welcome to the System.]

[Primary Function: Enhanced Handsomeness.]

Souta froze. "...What?"

The system didn't respond.

He waited. Nothing. No second message. No overpowered abilities. No cheat skills. Just… enhanced handsomeness?

"What kind of dumbass ability is that?" he muttered, rubbing his temples. "I don't need to be handsome, I need chakra! Strength! Something useful!"

But the system remained silent.

A loud knock on the door nearly made him jump.

"Oi! Rent's due, you lazy bum!" an angry voice shouted from the other side. "If you don't have the money by tomorrow, you're out!"

Souta swallowed hard.

It wasn't just that he had transmigrated into some random nobody—he was broke too.

As the footsteps faded away.

Souta rubbed his temples, trying to make sense of what had just happened. Transmigration? A system? This had to be a dream. It had to be.

His stomach churned as he scanned the small, run-down room again. The cracked walls, the stiff, uncomfortable futon, the old wooden dresser—everything screamed poverty. But it wasn't just the setting that unsettled him. It was the way the air felt. Something about it was… off.

Dragging himself to his feet, he stumbled toward the window and pushed open the flimsy shutters.

The sight outside nearly made his heart stop.

People walked along the streets below, dressed in traditional-style clothing, with the occasional flak jacket mixed in. The buildings were a blend of wood and stone, their curved rooftops giving the village a distinct, old-world aesthetic. In the distance, past the tightly packed buildings, he spotted something unmistakable—

A massive mountain, with enormous faces carved into its surface.

Souta's breath hitched. His hands gripped the window frame as he stared, wide-eyed, at the monument looming over the village.

"…No way."

There was no mistaking it. He had seen those faces a thousand times before—Hokage Rock.

That meant…

He wasn't just in some random fantasy world. He was in Naruto.

His knees nearly gave out.

"Holy shit."

Memories of the series flooded his mind. Shinobi, bloodline limits, the Akatsuki, tailed beasts—this world was dangerous beyond belief. And he wasn't some protagonist with a golden finger. He wasn't a Uchiha, a Senju, or even some forgotten genius.

He was just… some guy.

Then, as if mocking him, the system finally spoke again.

[Enhanced Handsomeness Activated.]

Souta barely had time to process that before a strange sensation washed over him. It was subtle—his skin tingled, his body felt… lighter? As he turned back to the cracked mirror, his reflection seemed to shift ever so slightly. His hair looked neater, his features more refined. His eyes, once dull, now had a sharper, almost magnetic quality to them.

It wasn't anything dramatic—he hadn't transformed into some impossibly perfect supermodel. But there was a definite change. He looked… better.

"…Are you serious?" he muttered.

No chakra. No insane abilities. Just… this?

Souta exhaled, rubbing his face. Alright, think. He was in Konoha. He had no money. No strength. No connections.

But he had a system.

And right now, that system was telling him that the only thing he had going for him… was his face.

"…Well. Guess I'll have to make it work."

 

Chapter 2: Chapter 2

Souta sat on the edge of his futon, his mind racing. The reality of his situation was starting to set in. He had somehow transmigrated into the Naruto world, with nothing but a system that made him more handsome. No chakra, no bloodline, no secret techniques—just an enhanced appearance.

"Alright," he muttered. "First things first. I need to figure out when exactly I am."

Standing up, he dusted himself off and took a deep breath. If this was Konoha, there were bound to be people who could give him clues about the timeline. He cautiously stepped out of his room, finding himself in a run-down boarding house. The hallways were dimly lit, and the scent of damp wood lingered in the air.

His stomach growled. Right. He was broke.

"Guess I'll have to figure out money, too."

The village was more vibrant than he expected. Despite its traditional aesthetics, Konoha bustled with life. Vendors lined the streets, shinobi moved about in uniform, and civilians carried on their daily routines.

Souta wandered aimlessly, absorbing his surroundings. He saw kids running around with toy kunai, a few shinobi practicing in the distance, and—most importantly—a large banner outside the Hokage Tower.

"Congratulations to the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze!"

Souta's breath hitched. So Minato was already Hokage, meaning this was at most a year or two before Naruto's birth. That meant Kushina was still alive and in the village.

"Damn," he exhaled. "This just got interesting."

As he processed the information, he noticed something strange. Women kept glancing at him. Some subtle, some more obvious. A shopkeeper did a double-take as he walked by, and a pair of kunoichi exchanged whispers after looking in his direction.

The system's effects were real.

[Enhanced Handsomeness: Active]

He rubbed his jaw. "So I really do look better now."

This was an opportunity. If he had no strength, he had to rely on whatever advantage he did have. Maybe he could use this to charm his way into a better situation—jobs, connections, maybe even a way to meet Kushina and Mikoto.

But first, food.

Souta eventually found himself at a small food stall. The owner, an older woman, kept smiling at him as he struggled to count his remaining coins.

"Sweetheart, first time in Konoha?" she asked, her tone unusually warm.

Souta decided to roll with it. "Yeah, you could say that. Things have been rough."

She chuckled. "Well, someone as handsome as you shouldn't be starving. Here." She slid a small plate of dango toward him. "On the house."

His stomach almost wept with gratitude. "You're an angel."

"Just don't forget to come back when you have money," she winked.

As he ate, Souta's mind worked through his next steps. He needed to find a stable source of income, a place to stay, and a way to get closer to important figures in the village. If Minato was busy as Hokage, that meant Kushina was probably spending more time alone.

But why was he thinking about Kushina and Mikoto? It wasn't just about their looks—though, let's be honest, they were stunning. It was about influence. He had no chakra, no clan, no bloodline to back him up. But if he could gain the favor of powerful figures, he wouldn't need brute strength. Connections were power in their own way.

Souta wasn't naive. He knew this world was dangerous. If he remained weak, he would be at the mercy of stronger people. His only path forward was to make himself indispensable—someone valuable enough that others would want to protect him. And if he had to use his looks to do it, so be it.

After finishing his food, Souta wandered further into the village, keeping an ear out for any useful information. Near a blacksmith's shop, he overheard two shinobi discussing an upcoming festival.

"It's almost time for the Hokage's anniversary celebration," one of them said. "Lady Kushina is probably planning something big."

Souta's interest piqued. A public event meant easy access to key figures. If he could find a way in, he could start forming connections.

He approached the blacksmith's shop, pretending to browse while keeping an eye on the conversation.

"You think Lord Hokage will actually have time to attend?" the second shinobi asked. "With everything going on at the border?"

The first shrugged. "Who knows? But if he's too busy, Lady Kushina will be there for sure."

Souta smirked. That was exactly the opportunity he needed.

Now, all he needed was a way to get into that celebration.

His mind raced with possibilities. Should he try to sneak in? Maybe find a job as one of the festival workers? Or… could he charm his way in? If Kushina was running the event, maybe he could approach her directly, play the lost traveler card, or better yet—make himself useful to her in some way.

But there was another possibility too. Mikoto Uchiha. If Kushina was Minato's wife, then Mikoto was the wife of the head of the Uchiha clan, Fugaku. And if he remembered right, Fugaku was strict and distant. Mikoto was known for being kind and gentle. Perhaps she'd be more… approachable.

Souta took a deep breath. He had no power, but he wasn't powerless. He had something to work with, and he wasn't about to let this opportunity slip by.

"Alright," he muttered to himself. "Time to make some moves."

Chapter 3: Chapter 3

Souta's plan needed a foundation, and the first step was securing a stable income. He couldn't survive on charm alone—at least, not yet.

If he could integrate into the village, he'd have more freedom to move and gather information. With that in mind, he made his way toward the commercial district, where various vendors and businesses lined the streets.

He noticed a small teahouse with a help-wanted sign near the entrance. The establishment looked modest but well-kept, and more importantly, it was busy. A steady job in a place like this could provide him with income, a place to overhear gossip, and a chance to make himself known to locals.

Stepping inside, Souta was greeted by the aroma of fresh tea and grilled mochi. A middle-aged man behind the counter eyed him with curiosity, and the servers—mostly young women—gave him side glances, some whispering among themselves.

"Looking for work?" the man asked, wiping his hands on a towel.

Souta nodded. "I saw your sign outside. I'm good with people and quick to learn. I just need a chance."

The man studied him for a moment, then sighed. "We could use an extra pair of hands. The festival rush is coming up, and we're short-staffed. Ever worked in a teahouse before?"

"Not exactly," Souta admitted, "but I'm a fast learner, and I know how to keep customers happy."

The owner grunted. "Flattery won't get you far here, boy. But…" His eyes flicked to the nearby servers, some of whom were still staring at Souta. "You've got a face that'll keep the customers coming. Alright, I'll give you a trial shift."

Souta grinned. "Deal."

His first shift. Carrying trays, taking orders, and dealing with impatient customers was exhausting, but he adapted quickly. More importantly, his system was proving its worth. Women lingered longer at their tables when he served them, and even some male customers were noticeably friendlier. The other servers took notice, whispering among themselves, but none seemed hostile—just intrigued.

As the night wound down, the owner clapped him on the shoulder. "Not bad, kid. You've got a way with people. Show up tomorrow, and we'll talk about keeping you on."

Souta exhaled in relief. Step one: complete.

 ...

Souta quickly settled into his new routine at the teahouse. Each day, he arrived early, helped with preparations, and stayed late to clean up.

The work was physically exhausting, but it had its perks. He was starting to get recognized by the regular customers, some of whom specifically requested him to serve their tables.

His natural charm, along with the subtle assistance from his system, made him popular among patrons.

The other servers, initially wary, began to warm up to him. A few even tried to teach him tricks to balance trays more efficiently or handle difficult customers. The owner kept a close eye on him but seemed pleased with his work ethic.

One evening, after closing, Owner called him over. "Souta, you've done well these past few weeks. You've got a knack for handling people, and I can see you're serious about sticking around."

Souta wiped the sweat off his forehead and nodded. "I appreciate the opportunity."

Owner chuckled. "You're lucky you're easy on the eyes, too. Half our customers stay longer just to chat with you."

Souta grinned. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Owner nodded, his expression turning serious. "There's something I wanted to talk to you about. The Hokage Anniversary Festival is coming up in a few days."

Souta's ears perked up. He'd overheard people mentioning it, but he didn't know the details.

"What exactly happens during the festival?" he asked.

"It's a major event," Owner explained. "A celebration of the Hokage's leadership, a time for the villagers to show their appreciation. Important figures from all over will be attending, from clan heads to high-ranking shinobi. We've been invited to serve tea at the main venue. It's a huge honor."

Souta processed the information quickly. This was perfect. 

"I assume you want me to help?" he asked, keeping his tone neutral.

Owner smirked. "Right. You've got a way of making people feel comfortable, and that's exactly what we need. But listen, this isn't just about serving drinks. We'll be working directly at the VIP section. That means being on your best behavior. No slipping up, no eavesdropping, and absolutely no getting involved in things that don't concern you."

Souta nodded, but internally, he knew he'd be doing the exact opposite. This was his chance to get to know.. some helperss..... hehee...

"Understood," he said, giving Owner a confident smile. "I won't let you down."

As he left the teahouse that night, Souta's mind raced with possibilities.

 ...

Time Skip - 2 Days 

The festival had transformed the village into a vibrant spectacle of color and sound. Lanterns lined the streets, casting a golden glow over the bustling crowds.

Performers juggled flaming torches, children ran between vendors holding sticks of dango, and the air carried a mix of grilled skewers and sweet sake.

Souta weaved through the crowd with a tray balanced expertly in one hand. The VIP section was set up near the main stage, a raised platform surrounded by dignitaries and high-ranking shinobi.

Even without looking directly, Souta could feel the weight of powerful gazes scanning the crowd.

His job was simple: serve tea, stay out of trouble. But he was already breaking one of those rules.

As he approached one of the more prestigious tables, his gaze locked onto an unexpected sight—Hiashi Hyuga, the stoic head of the Hyuga Clan, seated with a woman he had never seen before.

She was elegant, her features delicate yet striking, carrying the signature pale eyes of the Hyuga. But there was something different about her compared to the others in her clan. Her expression was softer, her presence less rigid.

Souta almost faltered mid-step. His mind raced. Could this be… Hinata's mother? Back in his world, he had always wondered about her. In the Naruto series, she was never mentioned, never shown. Just a blank spot in history. Yet here she was, right in front of him, alive, real.

He forced himself to keep moving, placing a porcelain cup of steaming tea in front of Hiashi. The Hyuga head barely acknowledged him, murmuring a polite thanks before returning to his quiet conversation.

Souta risked a glance at the woman. She smiled softly as she accepted her cup, her expression warm—almost too warm for what he expected of a Hyuga.

For a moment, he was tempted to say something, to ask her name, but that would be reckless. Instead, he simply nodded respectfully and moved to the next table.

Souta moved through the VIP section, his tray steady as he maneuvered between the tables. The night was lively, filled with laughter, conversation, and the occasional burst of festival fireworks. But at one particular table, the mood was different.

Kushina Uzumaki sat alone.

The seat next to her was empty. She wasn't sulking, but there was a tension in her posture—the way her fingers tapped impatiently against the table, the way she stared off into the distance, eyes slightly narrowed.

Minato's not here.

Souta could recognize it for what it was. He had seen enough people in his past life waiting on someone who never showed up.

Still, that wasn't his problem. His job was simple: serve the tea and move on.

He carefully lowered the tray, picking up the porcelain cup—

As he approached her table, Kushina, lost in her thoughts, didn't immediately notice his presence. His face came into her line of sight, but she initially ignored it, caught up in whatever was troubling her. Then, in a sudden reflex, she turned toward him, her eyes sharp and focused, as if something about his appearance had caught her attention.

For a brief moment, their eyes met. She stared at him for a second longer than usual, then quickly looked away, returning to her thoughts as if the interaction hadn't happened.

Souta paused, slightly thrown off by her reaction.

"Huh. Is my charm not working on her?" he thought, raising an eyebrow. "Well, it's Kushina Uzumaki. If just being handsome were enough to impress her."

Souta gave himself a mental shrug. "No big deal. There'll be other opportunities. This one wasn't it—no point in forcing the issue."

He glanced around. There were too many people here, too much attention. He couldn't risk being too forward now. His job was to serve tea, not strike up conversations. Besides, Kushina didn't seem in the mood for company, and it wasn't his place to interrupt her personal moment.

He placed the cup in front of her, bowing slightly. "Enjoy your tea, ma'am," he said in his usual polite tone.

Kushina didn't respond immediately. She simply nodded absentmindedly.

Hours later, Souta returned to his room, exhaling as he shut the door behind him. He had high hopes for this event, but in the end, nothing major had happened. No dramatic encounters, no breakthroughs—just a fleeting exchange of glances.

He leaned against the wall, running a hand through his hair. Guess I expected too much.

Still an amateur at this, huh?

The next day, he returned to work as a waiter. Well, well, not too bad. If my face card didn't work, then I'll just gather enough money, find somewhere safe, and live a good life.

Like that, the days passed. Almost a week had gone by when, one night, as the shop was about to close, Souta found himself alone. The owner had already left, handing him the keys to lock up. With no customers around, the place was quiet, the dim glow of lanterns casting long shadows across the wooden floors.

Just as he was about to start cleaning up, a voice called from the entrance.

"Is it still open?"

Souta turned his gaze up—and his eyes widened slightly in surprise.

Kushina?

What was she doing here?

And from the look on her face, she didn't seem very happy.

"...Umm, yes," he answered, hesitating for a brief second.

If it had been anyone else, he would've turned them away. But this? This was a godsend opportunity to get to know Kushina better.

There was no way he was letting it go to waste.

Chapter 4: Chapter 4

As Kushina stepped inside, she let out a quiet sigh and dropped into her usual seat. Her movements were slower than usual, like she was carrying a weight she couldn't put down. Souta, watching from behind the counter, noted the tired lines on her face.

Without a word, he turned to prepare her tea, his hands moving on instinct. The system, as usual, remained silent.

'Useless thing.' Souta thought. It always picked the worst times to go quiet.

He set the cup in front of her. Kushina barely acknowledged it at first, her fingers tracing the rim absentmindedly.

A long silence stretched between them.

Then, finally, she spoke, her voice quieter than usual.

"Do you ever feel like… no matter what you do, it's never enough?"

Souta blinked. That wasn't what he expected.

He sat down across from her, choosing his words carefully. "Yeah. Like you're carrying everything alone, and no one even notices."

Her gaze flickered toward him, surprised, then softened. She exhaled and leaned back. "Exactly."

Souta rested his arms on the table, watching her carefully. "You know, it's okay to take a break. Even the strongest people need to breathe sometimes."

She let out a short, bitter laugh. "Easier said than done."

"Maybe. But pretending everything's fine when it's not... doesn't fix anything either."

For a moment, she didn't respond. Then, to his surprise, she smiled—a small, tired one, but real. "You're not like most people, are you?"

He shrugged. "I just say things how they are."

She picked up her cup, taking a slow sip. "This is good."

"Thanks. I have a reputation to maintain."

For a while, neither of them spoke. The quiet wasn't awkward—it was comfortable. The tension in Kushina's shoulders eased little by little.

Eventually, she set the cup down and looked at him again, her expression lighter now. "You're easy to talk to. I don't usually…" She trailed off, shaking her head. "Never mind."

Souta tilted his head but didn't push. "I'm glad I could help, even if it's just with tea."

She stood up, stretching slightly. "Thanks… for listening."

"Anytime."

Kushina made her way toward the door, but before she left, she turned back.

"What's your name?"

"Souta. Souta Kiryuu."

She nodded, as if committing it to memory. "Well, Souta… I'll remember that."

A Month Later

By now, it was routine.

Every night, just before closing, she came back.

Sometimes she looked exhausted, other times frustrated, but she always came.

Souta didn't ask why. He didn't need to.

Tonight was no different. The teahouse was empty except for the glow of lanterns flickering against the wooden walls.

The door creaked open, and she stepped inside, red hair tied back loosely. She looked even more drained than usual. Without a word, she slumped into her usual seat, resting her chin on her hand.

Souta, already expecting her, poured the tea before she could ask.

Kushina let out a slow breath, wrapping her hands around the warm cup.

"You don't ask many questions, do you?"

He smirked slightly. "People usually say everything they need to, even without being asked."

She chuckled softly, but there wasn't much humor in it. "Hah… clever answer."

Souta leaned forward, elbows on the table. "Rough day?"

She swirled the tea in her cup, staring into it. "Yeah… You could say that."

Silence.

Then, she spoke again, voice quieter.

"Some days, I feel like I only exist for others. Like I have to be the strong, reliable Kushina. The one everyone expects me to be."

Souta watched her carefully. She wasn't looking at him anymore.

"What about what you want?"

She hesitated. Her fingers tightened slightly around the cup.

"That doesn't really matter, does it?" A short, tired laugh. "I made my choices."

Souta didn't reply right away. He let her words settle between them.

Then, finally, he said, "Choices don't mean much if you're forcing yourself to live with something you never really wanted."

Her head snapped up slightly. For a brief moment, something flashed in her eyes.

"That's a dangerous thing to say."

He met her gaze evenly. "Is it? Or is it just something you don't let yourself think about?"

A pause.

For a second, he thought she might get angry. But instead, she sighed, rubbing her temple.

"You're too sharp for your own good, you know that?"

Souta smirked. "I hear that a lot."

She scoffed, but there was no irritation in her tone. She lifted the cup to her lips, taking a slow sip. This time, she drank it more thoughtfully.

"You make it sound so simple. But life doesn't work that way."

"No," Souta agreed. "But happiness isn't as complicated as people make it out to be either."

Kushina didn't answer right away. Her fingers drummed against the table. She wasn't looking at him anymore, but…

He could tell his words had landed.

A small seed, planted.

She finally spoke again, her voice quieter. "You talk like someone who's seen a lot."

Souta smirked. "Maybe I have. Or maybe I just understand what it's like to feel trapped."

Her lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but then she shook her head. "You're a strange one, Souta Kiryuu."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

For the first time that night, she let out a small, genuine laugh. "You would."

As Kushina's soft laugh faded into the dimly lit teahouse, a chime echoed in Souta's mind.

[Ding! New System Function Unlocked: Adaptive Conversational Guidance]

Souta stiffened slightly. It had been a while since the system reacted to anything.

A transparent blue screen appeared at the corner of his vision:

[Current Situation: Kushina Uzumaki – Emotional Vulnerability Detected]

[Optimal Response Choices Calculated. Choose Wisely.]

Three options flickered in front of him:

"You should laugh more. It suits you." (Gentle approach – Builds comfort and familiarity.)

"You can drop the strong act around me, you know." (Intimate approach – Strengthens emotional dependency.)

"You're not used to someone challenging you, are you?" (Playful approach – Subtly provokes interest and attraction.)

Souta's fingers twitched.

"So the system finally decides to help, huh?"

Kushina was still watching him, waiting for his response.

He made his choice.

Chapter 5: Chapter 5

Souta looked at the options floating in his vision. The system was finally being useful, but at this point, he was starting to get a feel for Kushina's moods himself.

He made his choice.

"You should laugh more. It suits you."

Kushina raised an eyebrow, but there was a slight curve to her lips. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," Souta said, leaning back. "You look more relaxed when you do. Less like you're carrying the whole world on your shoulders."

Kushina scoffed lightly, shaking her head. "I didn't realize I looked that miserable."

"You don't," Souta shrugged. "But you do seem tired. So, if I can get you to laugh a little, I'll take it as a win."

She let out a small chuckle, almost amused by his words. "You're different, I'll give you that."

She picked up her cup, taking a slow sip.

Souta smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Kushina exhaled through her nose, setting her cup down. "You'd take anything as a compliment, wouldn't you?"

"Only when it's true," he replied smoothly.

She rolled her eyes, but there was no annoyance in it. Just familiarity.

A comfortable silence followed.

Finally, she stretched slightly and stood up. "Alright, I should get going."

Souta didn't stop her—he never did. She always left, and she always came back.

Before stepping out, she glanced back. "See you tomorrow, Souta."

"Yeah," he said. "See you."

And with that, she was gone.

Souta leaned back, running a hand through his hair.

She was getting too comfortable here.

And that was exactly what he wanted.

[+1 Charm (Passive)]

Souta exhaled slowly, staring at the notification in the corner of his vision. It wasn't a massive boost, nothing game-changing, but it was exactly what he needed.

Charm worked best when it was natural—when someone felt drawn to you without understanding why.

And Kushina was already coming back every night.

He glanced at the empty seat where she had been just moments ago, a small smirk playing on his lips. It's only a matter of time.

The Next Night

Just as the lanterns flickered to life, the teahouse door creaked open.

Right on time.

Kushina stepped in, her movements a little slower today, as if she was more at ease. Her usual frustration and exhaustion weren't as obvious.

Souta had been expecting her, and before she could say anything, he was already pouring her tea.

Kushina scoffed as she slid into her usual seat. "You're getting ahead of yourself, aren't you?"

Souta set the cup in front of her. "Figured I'd save you the trouble of asking."

She huffed, but a small smile tugged at her lips. "Not bad."

She picked up the tea and took a slow sip. Unlike before, she didn't immediately drop her guard or sigh in exhaustion. Instead, she just… sat there. Relaxed.

Souta leaned against the counter, watching her. "Long day?"

"Not really," she admitted, swirling the tea in her cup. "I guess I just… wanted to come by."

[Ding! Passive Charm Activated]

- Kushina sought out your presence for no specific reason. Progress toward deeper familiarity has increased.

Souta's smirk widened slightly.

"You must really like this place," he teased.

Kushina rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. "Maybe I do. The tea's decent."

"And the company?"

She exhaled through her nose, a small chuckle escaping. "Tolerable."

Souta took that as a win.

For the first time, she hadn't come just to unwind—she had come for him.

And she didn't even realize it yet.

 ...

The evening was peaceful—or at least, it was supposed to be. The warm glow of lanterns cast long shadows across the wooden floors, and the faint sound of chatter from other customers blended with the soothing aroma of freshly brewed tea.

Souta was behind the counter, casually polishing a cup when the door swung open—not with the usual creak, but with force.

A group of rough-looking men stepped inside, their eyes scanning the room before landing on him.

"Tch." The leader, a broad-shouldered man with a jagged scar across his cheek, sneered. "So you're the pretty boy my wife keeps yappin' about."

Souta barely spared them a glance. "Didn't realize I was so famous."

That only pissed them off more. The scarred man took a step forward, rolling his shoulders. "We don't like some punk makin' our women swoon behind our backs."

Souta sighed, setting the cup down. This was the kind of thing he should've expected. He wasn't just some background extra—his looks, charm, and the occasional system boost made sure of that. And now, he was dealing with the side effects.

The air in the teahouse grew tense. Other customers shuffled uncomfortably, some slipping out the back before things escalated.

The scarred man cracked his knuckles. "Let's see if you're still handsome after we're done with you."

Souta remained calm, but internally, he was already calculating his options. He wasn't exactly helpless, but fighting inside the shop would only cause problems.

Before he could act, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

"I'd rethink that if I were you."

The temperature in the room seemed to drop.

All eyes turned to the entrance, where Kushina stood, arms crossed.

The men froze.

The scarred guy paled. "Miss K-Kushina?"

One of his friends grabbed his sleeve. "Oi, are you stupid?! You wanna fight the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero?"

Kushina cracked her knuckles. "I suggest you guys turn around and walk out before I make you regret it."

The entire group looked like they'd rather be anywhere else.

Scarface swallowed hard, forcing a shaky laugh. "Tch… whatever. This place ain't worth the trouble."

With that, they practically tripped over themselves getting out.

The teahouse remained silent for a moment before the tension finally eased.

Souta smirked, glancing at Kushina. "You really do have a way with people."

She rolled her eyes before stepping forward and flicking his forehead. "And you have a way of causing problems."

Souta chuckled, rubbing the spot. "Not my fault I'm irresistible."

Kushina sighed but didn't argue. Instead, she plopped into her usual seat.

"Tea."

Souta grinned, already pouring her a cup.

Just another night at the teahouse.

Chapter 6: Chapter 6

After a few hours, when the shop was nearly empty and it was time to close, Souta stretched his muscles. Running the teahouse alone was exhausting. The owner had practically abandoned the place, leaving everything for him to handle.

With a sigh, he wiped his hands on a cloth and walked over to the only remaining customer. Kushina was still there, sitting silently, her gaze distant.

Was she… waiting for him to get free?

Souta smirked and sat down across from her. "Thanks for the help today."

Kushina shook her head. "Nothing... Just stop charming married women so their husbands don't show up trying to beat you up."

Souta chuckled. "Not my fault they find me interesting."

She rolled her eyes. "It's your fault if you encourage it."

Leaning back, he studied her. "Jealous?"

Kushina scoffed. "In your dreams."

[Ding! Passive Charm Activated]

- Kushina is more comfortable teasing you. Progress toward deeper familiarity has increased.

Souta hid his smirk. "Well, since you're still here, want another cup of tea? Or is there something else on your mind?"

Kushina exhaled, tapping her fingers against the wooden table. "I was just thinking… why don't you try to become a ninja?"

Souta raised an eyebrow. "A ninja?"

"Yeah," she said, leaning forward slightly. "In Konoha, if someone gets the chance to become a ninja, they take it without hesitation. It's a path to strength, recognition, and a better life. But you… you're just sitting here running a teahouse, charming housewives."

Souta chuckled. "And here I thought you enjoyed my company."

Kushina clicked her tongue. "That's not the point, dattebane!"

He smirked. "Then what is?"

She hesitated, crossing her arms. "I just don't get you. You've got skills, I can tell. You're sharp, fast, and—ugh, I hate to admit it—kind of smart. So why waste all that here?"

Souta leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. "Maybe I just enjoy a quiet life."

Kushina gave him a deadpan look. "A quiet life? With the way you attract trouble, I doubt that."

Souta exhaled, tapping his fingers against the table as he considered her question. Then, he leaned back with a lazy smirk. "You want to know why I don't become a ninja? Simple. If I did, there'd be no 'coming here and there.' No freedom. Just missions, orders, and never enough time for anything else."

His gaze darkened slightly. "If I had a family in the future… I wouldn't want to be the kind of man who's never around. Always gone, always fighting, and leaving them behind, wondering if I'd ever come back."

Kushina visibly flinched, her playful expression faltering. Her fingers tightened slightly against the wooden surface of the table.

That hit deep.

Souta noticed the shift in her eyes—the way her usually fiery demeanor dimmed for just a moment. He didn't press, but he knew. He had struck something personal.

[Ding! Critical Hit!]

- Kushina has been emotionally affected by your words. Affection increased significantly.

She looked away, her voice quieter than before. "I… guess that makes sense."

Souta watched her for a moment before deciding to ease the tension. "Besides," he added with a smirk, "I'm not exactly some prodigy. My talent's pretty trash."

Kushina glanced at him, frowning slightly. "That's a dumb excuse."

He chuckled. "Hey, I'm just being honest. Even if I tried, I wouldn't be anything special."

She huffed. "You don't know that. And even if it were true, effort matters more than raw talent."

A brief silence settled between them before Kushina exhaled and stood up. "I should get going."

Souta nodded. "Yeah, it's getting late. You should head back."

She gave him one last look before leaving. As the door swung shut behind her, he leaned back in his chair, staring at the ceiling.

'Guess that was too much of a critical hit.'

 ...

The next morning, Souta was up and dressed, but with the shop unexpectedly closed for the day, he found himself with rare free time on his hands.

With nothing better to do, he decided to take a walk and explore the village.

The streets were already lively—merchants calling out their wares, shinobi passing through on errands, and civilians going about their daily routines. Hands tucked into his pockets, Souta strolled through the bustling marketplace, his mind still lingering on last night's conversation with Kushina.

That reaction…

He smirked to himself. So even she has moments like that.

As he turned a corner, he felt it—a pair of eyes watching him. Subtle, but noticeable.

Souta kept walking, pretending not to notice, but his senses sharpened. Someone was keeping tabs on him.

He slipped into a side alley, then casually leaned against a wall, waiting.

A few seconds later, a shadow moved. A man stepped forward, dressed in a plain brown yukata, but there was something off about him. His stance, the way his hands were positioned—this guy wasn't just some villager.

Souta raised an eyebrow. "If you're gonna stalk someone, at least be a little more discreet."

The man chuckled, stepping closer. "I wasent even trying to keep myself hidden."

Souta frowned slightly. "Do I know you?"

The man smirked. "Not yet. But I know you. The teahouse worker who keeps flirting with the wrong kind of women."

Ah. So that's what this is about.

Souta sighed. "Look, if this is about someone's wife, I swear I didn't do anything—"

"Relax." The man held up a hand. "I'm not here for that." His voice dropped lower. "I'm here to offer you something… an opportunity."

Souta tilted his head. "I'm listening."

The man leaned in slightly. "There's a group in this village that appreciates… talent. Not the kind the Hokage trains, but the kind that can operate outside of his sight."

"Sounds shady as hell."

The man chuckled. "Shady? Maybe. But it pays well. And it gives you power—power that doesn't come with the leash of the shinobi system."

Souta pretended to think, though his mind was already racing. Whoever this guy was, he wasn't just some street thug. His movements were too precise, his words too measured. A professional, working behind the scenes.

"You don't have to decide now," the man said, slipping something into Souta's pocket. "When you're ready, meet us."

Then, just as quickly as he appeared, the man melted back into the crowd.

Souta flipped the parchment between his fingers, his smirk fading as he took in the symbol— a snake coiling around a dagger.

Root.

The implications were immediate. If they had taken notice of him, it meant he wasn't just some civilian running a teahouse. They knew he had potential.

'Or maybe… they just thought I was easy to manipulate.'

Either way, it wasn't good.

He exhaled sharply, his usual carefree demeanor slipping for a moment. Root wasn't just some underground group. It was Danzo's private army—the kind of people who moved in the shadows, executing missions too dirty for the Hokage's eyes. The kind of people who made problems disappear.

'And now they're interested in me?'

Yeah. He needed insurance. A shield. And the best shield he could think of?

Kushina.

He was already close to her. If he played his cards right, there was no way Root would touch him.

Souta shook his head, pushing the thought aside. He'd deal with that headache later. Today was his rare day off—no work, no responsibilities. Just a bit of freedom.

Then, as he turned a corner near one of the busier markets, his eyes landed on a familiar figure.

Mikoto Uchiha.

Chapter 7: Chapter 7

Souta spotted Mikoto Uchiha at a fruit stall, picking out apples. She was focused, inspecting each one before placing it in her basket. Nothing fancy, just grocery shopping.

As she shifted her basket, an apple slipped out and hit the ground.

Souta stepped forward, picked it up, and held it out. "You dropped this."

She slowly took the Apple from his hand as she looked at his face.. and remembered inst he the same guy who serving the tea at Hokage Aniversery festival? 

"You.. you are the one who served tea at Hokage aniversery festible right?"she asked

Souta smirked slightly. "That's me. You have a good memory."

Mikoto gave a small nod, placing the apple back into her basket. "Not really. It was just a memorable event."

He straightened up slightly, keeping his tone polite. "It's an honor to be remembered, Uchiha-sama."

Mikoto blinked at the formal address before shaking her head. "There's no need for that. Just Mikoto is fine."

Souta raised an eyebrow. "You sure? Wouldn't want to overstep."

She exhaled softly, adjusting her grip on the basket. "I wouldn't have said it if I wasn't."

He nodded. "Alright then, Mikoto."

She hummed in acknowledgment and turned back to her shopping. Souta lingered for a moment, watching as she carefully selected another fruit. Then, without thinking too much about it, he spoke.

"You have a good eye for quality."

Mikoto glanced at him, curious. "You think so?"

He shrugged. "It's the same kind of attention to detail you see in tea-making. Pick the right ingredients, and the end result speaks for itself."

A small, amused smile played at her lips. "That's an interesting comparison."

Souta smirked. "Well, tea's my specialty."

She let out a quiet chuckle before shaking her head. "You're different from what I expected."

"Good different or bad different?"

Mikoto glanced at him again, as if assessing him. Then, instead of answering, she turned back to her shopping.

Souta watched as she carefully picked another apple, her expression thoughtful. Then, without looking at him, she spoke.

"What's your name?"

He blinked, a little surprised she was interested enough to ask. "Souta."

Mikoto stopped mid-motion, her fingers lightly gripping the fruit in her hand. For a brief moment, she seemed lost in thought. Then, she turned her gaze back to him, a curious glint in her eyes.

"Souta… Are you the one Kushina keeps talking about?"

Souta tilted his head. "Depends. What exactly is she saying?"

Mikoto gave him a knowing look. "That you're nice to talk, mostly."

Souta chuckled. "That sounds about right."

Mikoto hummed, placing the apple into her basket. "She talks about you quite a bit."

Souta raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? Hopefully, it's not all complaints."

Mikoto gave him a small, knowing smile. "She wouldn't admit it, but I think she enjoys your company."

Mikoto shook her head slightly, adjusting her basket. "Well, I should finish up."

"Yeah, wouldn't want to keep you." Souta stepped back, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Nice talking to you, Mikoto."

She nodded, turning back to her shopping. But as he turned to leave, she spoke again.

"You're different from what I expected."

Souta paused and glanced back. "Good different or bad different?"

Mikoto studied him for a moment before shaking her head. "I'm not sure yet."

"You can visit the tea shop next time with kushina maybe?"he said

Mikoto considered his words for a moment before giving a small nod. "Maybe."

Souta smirked. "I'll take that as a yes."

She didn't confirm or deny it, simply adjusting her basket again. "We'll see."

"Fair enough." He gave a casual wave as he turned to leave. "See you around, Mikoto."

Souta made his way through the market, hands in his pockets, a slight smirk still lingering on his face. That had gone better than expected. Mikoto wasn't the easiest person to read, but he could tell she wasn't indifferent to their conversation.

And more importantly—Kushina had been talking about him enough for Mikoto to take notice.

That could work in his favor.

For now, though, he had the rest of the day to kill. Maybe he'd check out a few places, grab a bite to eat, or just enjoy the rare freedom of a day off.

Souta wandered through the market, the lingering conversation with Mikoto playing in his mind. There was something about her—a quiet grace, a subtle curiosity—that made him want to push just a little further. She wasn't indifferent to him, and that was all the opening he needed.

"System Dont you have anything good or you just make handsome and charming and provide dialougs?"

[...]

[Shop Is Available]

Souta sighed and rubbed his temple. "Fine, let's see what you've got."

He stepped into a small, high-end shop tucked between a tailor's boutique and a bookstall. 

[Shop Inventory]

- Sauvage – 8,500 Ryo (Fresh, spicy, and slightly rugged—popular with confident men.)

- Ford Oud Wood – 10,200 Ryo (Sophisticated, woody scent with hints of spice—commands attention.)

- Aventus – 12,800 Ryo (Fruity, smoky, and bold—meant for someone who wants to stand out.)

- Acqua di Gio Profumo – 9,700 Ryo (Fresh and masculine with deep, aquatic notes—perfect balance of subtle and strong.)

- Uomo Intense – 8,900 Ryo (Smooth, slightly sweet, and elegant—gives off a refined, mysterious air.)

- Luxury Grooming Kit – 15,000 Ryo (Includes high-quality razors, hair oil, and scented skin balms.)

Souta stared at the list. No weapons, no forbidden scrolls, no chakra-enhancing pills—just overpriced colognes and fancy grooming kits. His fingers twitched as he clutched his head.

"What the hell is this?!"

[Enhancing your presence is the key to success. You already possess above-average skills. Your greatest advantage lies in perception and influence.]

Souta scowled. "Influence? You mean flirting?"

[That is an option.]

He exhaled sharply but turned his attention back to the colognes. If this was the route the system wanted him to take, he might as well lean into it.

He pinched the bridge of his nose. This damn system really wasn't going to give him an easy power boost, was it? He exhaled sharply and turned back to the colognes.

Fine. If this was the game, he'd play it.

His fingers hovered over Uomo Intense before grabbing the bottle. A smooth, slightly sweet but undeniably masculine scent—it wasn't overpowering, but it left an impression. Something that lingered. Something she'd remember.

Souta tested a small spritz on his wrist, catching a whiff of the warm fragrance. Not bad. He could work with this.

Then, a thought crossed his mind, and his smirk returned.

"Now... let's wait for Mikoto to come. I have a feeling she'll show up tomorrow—100%."

[Confidence detected.]

Souta ignored the system's response and left the shop, tucking his hands into his pockets. His plan was set. He'd planted the seed, and he was sure she'd be curious enough to come looking for him soon.

 

Chapter 8: Chapter 8

The next day, Souta arrived at the teahouse earlier than usual. He made sure everything was in order—the tables were spotless, the tea was properly stocked, and most importantly, he had just the right amount of Uomo Intense applied. Not too strong, just subtle enough that someone close to him would notice.

And now, he waited.

The evening rush was normal, nothing out of the ordinary. Customers came and went, some of the usual patrons sparing him a smile or lingering longer than necessary. But he wasn't focused on them. He was waiting for one particular arrival.

Then, as the sun dipped lower, the door opened, and in walked Kushina.

But she wasn't alone.

Mikoto Uchiha followed behind her, carrying herself with the same quiet grace she had at the market. She scanned the shop briefly before her gaze landed on him. There was a flicker of recognition in her expression, but she didn't immediately approach.

Kushina, on the other hand, made a beeline for her usual seat. "Oi, Souta! You're working today, right?"

Souta smirked, grabbing a teapot. "For you? Always."

Kushina rolled her eyes but grinned. "Don't make it weird." She turned to Mikoto. "See? Told you this place was good."

Mikoto gave a small nod, settling into the seat across from Kushina. "It's cozy," she admitted, her gaze briefly shifting back to Souta.

Souta took that as his cue to approach. "Welcome, Mikoto. Glad you decided to stop by."

She tilted her head slightly, studying him. "Well, you were rather insistent."

He chuckled. "Just persistent."

Mikoto hummed, her expression unreadable. But when he stepped closer to pour her tea, she hesitated ever so slightly—just long enough for him to catch it.

The scent had reached her.

Her eyes flickered to his wrist where he had tested the cologne the day before, and though she said nothing, Souta caught the slightest shift in her demeanor.

Interesting.

Kushina, completely oblivious, stretched her arms. "Ah, man, I needed this." She exhaled, rubbing her temple. "Feels like I live alone all the time."

Souta poured her tea smoothly. "That sounds frustrating."

Kushina scoffed. "That's one way to put it. It's like—what's the point of having someone if they're never really there?" She picked up her cup, staring into it before shaking her head. "Sorry. Don't mean to dump that on you."

Souta leaned slightly on the table. "You don't have to apologize. That kind of thing… it wears on a person."

Mikoto glanced at Kushina with a quiet look of understanding but said nothing. She simply sipped her tea.

Kushina sighed. "Yeah, well. Guess that's just how it is, huh?"

Souta watched her carefully. There was more she wasn't saying, but he didn't push.

Mikoto, placing her cup down, finally spoke. "You seem… very comfortable around Kushina."

Souta met her gaze evenly. "Should I not be?"

She shook her head slightly. "No, it's just… rare. Most people are careful around her."

Kushina waved dismissively. "Bah, Souta's fine. He actually listens."

Mikoto's gaze lingered on him for a moment longer before she turned back to her tea. "I see."

Souta could tell she was still assessing him, still trying to figure out what to make of him. But that was fine.

Because now, she was interested.

And that was all he needed.

Souta took a seat across from them, setting the teapot down as he leaned back slightly. "So, what brings you both here today? Just the usual tea break, or am I lucky enough to be part of some secret outing?"

Kushina snorted, stirring her tea lazily. "Hah, as if. I just wanted to drag Mikoto out for a bit. She spends too much time cooped up."

Mikoto raised an eyebrow at her friend but said nothing, simply taking another sip.

Kushina suddenly sniffed the air, her nose scrunching slightly. "Hey… what's that smell?"

Souta blinked. "Smell?"

She leaned forward, narrowing her eyes at him. "Yeah, it's coming from you. It's… huh." She took another deep inhale. "What is this? It smells good..." she muttered.

Mikoto glanced at Kushina, then at Souta, her gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. Souta caught the briefest flicker of intrigue in her eyes before she looked away, bringing her cup to her lips.

Kushina smirked. "Alright, spill it. You don't just wake up smelling like that. What is it?"

Souta leaned back slightly, feigning innocence. "Just a little something I picked up. Thought I'd try something new."

Kushina squinted at him. "Uh-huh. And who exactly are you trying to impress?"

Souta smirked, leaning forward slightly. "Obviously, my loyal everyday customer."

Kushina blinked, processing his words before realization dawned on her. A faint, almost unnoticeable flush touched her cheeks as she scoffed, waving a hand dismissively. "Tch, you're ridiculous."

Mikoto, however, watched the exchange with quiet amusement, her gaze flickering between the two of them.

Mikoto, still quiet, set her cup down, her fingers lightly tracing the rim. "It's subtle," she mused. "Not overpowering, but noticeable when you're close."

Souta smirked. "That's the point."

Kushina crossed her arms. "You're up to something."

He chuckled. "Me? Never."

Mikoto finally met his gaze, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips. "Careful, Souta. If you smell too good, you might end up attracting more attention than you can handle."

Souta tilted his head slightly, meeting her gaze. "Would that be such a bad thing?"

Kushina groaned, shaking her head. "Ugh,"

The time passed just like that—hours slipping away before they realized it.

Though Kushina showed no signs of leaving, Mikoto eventually stood, glancing at the darkening sky. "I think I'll have to go, Kushina, otherwise I'll be late."

Kushina pouted slightly but waved her off. "Fine, fine. But next time, you're staying longer."

Mikoto turned to Souta, pausing for a moment. "The tea was good. Maybe you can teach me how to make it properly sometime."

Souta grinned. "I'd be happy to."

Mikoto gave a small nod before heading for the door, her expression unreadable as she left.

Kushina leaned back, watching her go before turning to Souta with a smirk. "Looks like you made an impression."

She huffed, crossing her arms. "Hmph... And you never offered to teach me how to make tea?"

Souta grinned, leaning slightly on the table. "Oh? You never asked."

Kushina scoffed. "Tch, maybe I should. I wouldn't mind making some good tea for myself instead of always coming here."

He smirked. "Well, if you're serious, I'd be happy to teach you. But be warned—perfecting tea is an art."

Kushina rolled her eyes. "Oh, please. How hard can it be?"

Souta chuckled. "Guess we'll find out."

Kushina leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "No, seriously. Teach me now. I've got time."

Souta raised an eyebrow. "Now? You're that eager?"

She smirked. "What, you think I can't learn?"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright, alright. Since you're so determined, let's start." He stood up, gesturing for her to follow. "Come on, I'll show you how it's done."

Kushina eagerly got up, stepping around to the other side of the counter. She tied her hair back lazily, rolling her sleeves up. "Alright, tea master, impress me."

Souta smirked. "Watch closely then.""

 

///

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