Teizawa didn't have to wait long.
When the knock came again, the tea in his hand wasn't even finished.
He set the cup down unhurriedly, straightened his collar, and only then spoke.
"Come in."
The door was pushed open softly.
Teizawa lifted his head, and his eyes brightened.
Samui stood at the doorway, having changed her clothes.
No longer the white professional outfit from before.
Instead, she wore a deep violet kimono.
The fabric was soft, catching the light with a subtle sheen.
The tailored fit accentuated her full, mature figure to perfection.
Curves that were impossible to ignore.
Her slender waist contrasted sharply with the pronounced fullness of her chest, drawing the eye effortlessly.
The collar was slightly open, revealing a stretch of pale skin and delicate collarbones.
Her short hair had been loosely pinned up, a few strands falling beside her ears.
It softened her usually cold beauty with a hint of gentleness.
Teizawa's gaze moved from top to bottom, then back up again.
Finally, it settled on her faintly flushed cheeks.
He smiled.
There was no need to ask anything.
Dressed like this, her intentions were obvious.
Samui stood at the doorway, not stepping inside.
Her hands gripped the edge of her kimono, knuckles slightly pale.
The blush on her face stood out under the candlelight.
"I hope you keep your word."
Her voice was soft, but each word carried weight.
Teizawa stood and walked toward her.
He didn't rush, merely lowering his gaze to meet hers.
"Of course."
His tone was calm and firm.
"The auction still needs to proceed, but in the end… the Four-Tails will belong to Kumogakure."
He paused briefly.
"I keep my promises."
Samui raised her head and met his eyes.
Within those blue irises were shame, resolve…
and a faint sense of relief.
She nodded.
Said nothing more.
Then she turned and walked toward the bed.
Her steps were slow, as if measuring something with each one.
The hem of her kimono brushed lightly against the floor, making a soft rustling sound.
When she reached the bedside, she stopped.
Her back to him.
Silence lingered for a moment.
Teizawa walked up behind her.
He didn't rush.
He simply reached out and placed a hand lightly on her shoulder.
The touch was warm and soft, the fabric beneath his fingers smooth like flowing water.
Samui's body stiffened slightly.
But she didn't move away.
Teizawa's hand shifted, and he quickly understood why she had chosen a kimono.
By tradition…
there was nothing beneath it.
Simple. Direct.
She had clearly made her preparations.
The candlelight flickered gently.
Moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting dappled shadows across the tatami.
Teizawa had no reason to hold back any longer.
The night was still long.
…
Morning.
Golden light slipped through the gap in the curtains, drawing a thin line across the floor.
When Samui opened her eyes, the man beside her was still sleeping soundly.
She stared for a few seconds.
Then the soreness hit her all at once, like a rising tide.
Her waist ached, her body felt weak.
And somewhere far too private burned with a lingering sting.
She cursed that man a hundred times over in her head.
Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to sit up.
Looking down at the faint marks scattered across her skin, her face flushed red again.
That bastard… he was inhuman.
She clenched her jaw and slowly put her clothes back on, piece by piece.
Every movement pulled at sore muscles, making her inhale sharply.
When she tried to stand, her legs nearly gave out, and she almost collapsed to her knees.
She steadied herself against the bed.
Took a deep breath.
Then moved toward the door, step by step.
Each step tugged at her nerves.
Her gait must look strange.
In her mind, she had already cursed Teizawa's entire ancestry.
She pulled the door open. The sunlight was a little harsh.
Squinting, she glanced back at the man still sleeping peacefully in bed.
He turned over, muttered something indistinct, and continued sleeping.
Samui gritted her teeth, then turned and left.
Her steps were uneven.
Each one sent a sharp reminder through her body.
Her face was so hot it could fry an egg.
That man really had no sense of restraint.
The memories from last night tried to surface on their own.
What he said. What she said. Those embarrassing moments.
She shook her head forcefully.
She didn't dare think about it.
At the corner of the hallway, she stopped briefly, leaning against the wall to catch her breath.
She looked down at herself.
Her clothes were properly worn again. Her hair was tied back.
The flush on her face had mostly faded.
Nothing should be obvious.
Taking a deep breath, she straightened up and continued forward.
The result should be good.
She reassured herself silently.
The Four-Tails would fall into Kumogakure's hands.
The Raikage's mission would be completed.
Seventy billion… and her dignity had both been paid.
Was it worth it?
She asked herself.
And quickly answered…
Yes.
A shinobi's duty is to complete the mission.
She was a shinobi.
That was enough.
At the inn entrance, Karui and Omoi were already waiting.
"Samui!" Karui waved from afar. "What took you so long? The auction's about to start!"
Her gaze swept over Samui's face.
Then drifted downward slightly.
Her lips twitched.
Samui walked over expressionlessly.
"Let's go."
Omoi glanced at her, then quickly looked away.
He asked nothing.
Only silently handed her a new lollipop.
Samui looked at him for a moment.
Then took it, unwrapped it, and put it in her mouth.
The sweetness spread across her tongue.
It dulled the chaotic emotions inside.
"Let's go," she said.
The three of them walked into the morning light side by side.
Inside the room, Teizawa stretched lazily and sat up.
The blanket slipped down, revealing faint red marks across his waist.
He glanced down at them, a slight smile forming.
As he dressed, his movements were slow and deliberate.
First the inner layers, then the belt, and finally the dark gold robe.
Standing before the mirror, he adjusted his collar.
After confirming he looked composed and proper, he nodded in satisfaction.
"Can't keep messing around."
He said it to his reflection, sounding almost sincere.
"Time to handle real business."
He chuckled at himself.
Pushing open the door, he stepped into the morning light.
The streets of Konoha were already lively.
People were heading toward the auction venue from every direction.
He narrowed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Today… was the real main event.
(End of Chapter)
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