Inside the jewelry store, in front of the counter.
Haruga wore a light purple kimono, with an obi bearing a lavender pattern tied around her waist. Her chestnut-brown bangs and long hair flowing down her back gave her the air of a refined young lady, even from a distance.
At that moment, she was happily picking up a necklace set with a vivid red gemstone and holding it up before Fugaku.
"Fugaku, look. Isn't the color of this necklace beautiful?"
They were about the same age, so they didn't address each other as master and student. Rather than a teacher and student, they were more like friends.
Fugaku forced out a somewhat stiff smile. He didn't know anything about this stuff. What was different about this one from the others? Weren't they all red?
Why did Haruga like red so much?
Lifting her long hair away from the back of her neck, Haruga turned around and faced away from Fugaku. "Fugaku, could you do me a favor and put it on? Please~"
Looking at the necklace in his hand and Haruga's slender, fair swanlike neck, Fugaku unconsciously swallowed.
"Th-that's not really appropriate, is it?"
"I can't help it. It's too much trouble to put on by myself. I'm counting on you."
Taking a deep breath, Fugaku cleared his mind and reached around in front of Haruga. Just as he was about to fasten the necklace, Haruga asked him a question.
"Do you know why I think this necklace has the prettiest color?"
Fugaku said nothing, intent only on getting the necklace fastened as soon as possible.
"Because the gemstone on this necklace is the closest in color to your Sharingan, Fugaku. It's the most beautiful color I've ever seen."
Click.
The necklace was fastened. Hearing her words, Fugaku couldn't help