Can't We Just Be Friends?

[Do you need me to erase this memory for you...

Hotaru only heard the first part of what he said. She did not catch whatever reasons her master added afterward.

And without a doubt, it was something he could easily do.

That was because the Sharingan, known as the Eye of Evil, possessed many powerful and terrifying abilities, including erasing other people's memories.

"No."

"No."

"No!"

"I don't want that!!"

Yet faced with such a proposal, Hotaru showed extreme resistance. Not only did she repeatedly refuse, but her slender fingers clenched into fists and her retreating figure conveyed her certainty, silently rejecting the suggestion.

This somewhat excessive reaction closely resembled the emotions she had erupted with when she ran out on her own on Mount Katsuragi to protect her grandfather.

Arata had not expected this inexperienced little disciple of his to react so strongly.

He had merely assumed he was offering the best solution.

There was nothing wrong with taking things step by step.

And not every ninja had to fight enemies to the death.

Becoming a teacher, or taking on a clerical position, an intelligence analyst, was also an option.

However, if this was her own choice, he would not forcibly interfere with her memories.

Just as Arata was about to say something in accordance with the girl's wishes, Hotaru, standing before him with her head lowered and fists clenched, spoke first once more. "I know,"

"I know that, as the heir of the Tsuchigumo Clan, I'm weak. I used to live under Grandpa's protection and never truly came into contact with the ninja world. When faced with things that are commonplace for ninja, I showed a very pathetic side of myself."

"But,"

"From now on, I'll work hard. I'll work incredibly hard."

"Whether as your student or as