Chapter 251: Alright, I’m Leaving First

A few moments later, the plates began to empty.

The fish soup was left with just the broth at the bottom of the bowl.

The fried fish only had a few crumbs remaining.

There was one grilled fish left, but almost no meat remained on it.

They finished eating in almost synchronized rhythm, then sat in silence for a moment, allowing the flavors to settle on their tongues.

Reiji sighed, then got up from his chair.

Without saying much, Reiji turned and walked back to his room.

Reiji's steps appeared very relaxed, but his eyes and shoulders radiated something heavy, as if his mind was already busy thinking about other things.

As soon as Reiji disappeared behind the door, Yukina immediately stood up.

She began to gather the plates, bowls, and used glasses with calm efficiency.

Yukina's movements were so efficient, each step she took was silent.

However, Karina remained seated.

Karina's eyes followed Yukina for a moment, then slowly she stood up.

Karina walked towards Yukina and took two plates from the table without saying anything.

Yukina immediately turned with a surprised expression.

“Miss Karina! You don’t have to do this! It’s already my job,” Yukina said in a soft but sincere voice.

Karina looked at Yukina for a moment.

“It’s fine. I’m just helping to carry them,” Karina replied in a calm voice.

There was no smile, but also no cynicism.

Just an undeniable firmness.

They walked together towards the sink at the back of the kitchen.

There, a small window was open, allowing the morning breeze to enter and play with the thin curtains.

After placing the plates down, Karina turned and stepped towards the stairs.

But as Karina stepped onto the first stair, her movement halted.

Karina turned halfway, then looked at Yukina with a sharp gaze, like a dagger made of ice.

“Thank you. Your food was delicious,” Karina said softly, momentarily making the air in the room feel suspended.

But then Karina's lips moved again, her tone turning cold this time. “…But I won’t let you take Reiji.”

The statement felt more like a warning than jealousy.

Karina then immediately turned and ascended the stairs without waiting for a reaction.

Her footsteps were quick, as if she wanted to distance herself from a place that made her chest feel full.

Yukina stared at the stairs for a moment, her face remaining calm.

However, the corners of Yukina's mouth slowly lifted, forming a thin smile.

She then returned to her task of cleaning the utensils.

A few minutes passed.

The sound of a bedroom door opening again.

Reiji appeared, now with slightly wet hair and a refreshed body after showering.

Reiji was wearing a simple dark blue shirt that fit well, along with light brown pants.

Reiji's appearance seemed ordinary, but his eyes showed that his mind was already full.

“Sir, today is the day the ninjas from Konoha arrive,” Yukina said, glancing briefly from the sink before returning to wash the glasses.

Reiji paused for a moment, his expression hardening.

“So… today, huh,” Reiji murmured in a low voice, almost inaudible.

He seemed lost in thought for a few seconds.

“Thank you for the reminder. Has Karina gone back upstairs?” Reiji then asked.

“Yes. Miss Karina has returned to her room,” Yukina replied, nodding.

“Alright. I’m going out first. I’ll be at the Research Area. If anyone looks for me, tell them I’m there,” Reiji said while looking at Yukina for a moment.

“I understand,” Yukina replied in a formal tone.

Reiji then quickly left the house.

The outside air felt fresher.

The sunlight illuminated the village streets, reflecting off the rooftops of the Uzushio houses made of dark red wood and characteristic white stone.

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