Koto's Heartbreak, Hayate's Decision

Seeing Koki late, Koto Inuzuka raised her little fist and said, feigning anger, "Were you secretly reading novels and staying up all night again? Don't think you can be late just because it's your birthday this weekend."

Although her words were full of reproach, the concern in her eyes was as gentle as spring water, betraying her true feelings.

Koki slightly raised the corners of her mouth and slowly said, "I wasn't late today."

Then, he repeated word for word what Teacher Higashikawa had told him.

"What?" Koto Inuzuka's face, painted with greasepaint, showed surprise, as if she had heard something unbelievable.

"So, you're saying you won't be coming to school anymore?"

"You still have to pass an exam," Koki said with a smile.

Koto Inuzuka remained silent.

Xiaobai seemed to sense its owner's feelings. It ran over from Qin's side, climbed into Koki's arms with a pitiful expression, and lay listlessly on his shoulder, its fluffy body trembling slightly, as if expressing its reluctance to part.

"Cough cough..." Gekko Hayate coughed weakly, a strange blush rising on his pale cheeks. His inner excitement and pain were hidden in the slight wrinkles between his brows, making him look particularly haggard.

Koki quickly reached out and gently stroked his back. At the same time, he looked at Koto, whose face was full of sadness, and softly comforted her, "There will be other opportunities to be together in the future. Even if I'm not in school anymore, you can always come to find me. I'm in the Uchiha Clan."

"Who wants to look for you! I hate you the most!" Koto Inuzuka suddenly raised her head, glaring at Koki, her voice filled with stubbornness and determination.

However, her eyes were already glistening with tears, and the glistening teardrops trembled in her eyes as if they might fall at any moment.

Koki was stunned and didn't know how to respond for a moment. An indescribable pain welled up in his heart. He realized that his departure had caused Qin such great harm.

After all, they had spent more than two years together and enjoyed many wonderful times. Now that they were about to part ways, Koki felt very sad.

Seeing this, Gekko Hayate quickly smoothed things over, clearing the air with a light cough. "Alright, alright, Koto, Koki didn't mean to leave. Even though he's not at school anymore, we'll still have a chance to meet again. Don't be too sad, okay?"

Koto Inuzuka turned her head away, not wanting the two of them to see her tears. She bit her lip tightly, trying hard to control her emotions.

The school bell rang, breaking the silence.

Koki sat quietly in her seat, her gaze fixed on Qin's back, her heart filled with endless confusion.

Qin left as swiftly as the wind, disappearing in an instant at the classroom door.

Qin didn't say a single word to him throughout the entire lesson.

Hayate Koki's dejected look, Koki gently patted her shoulder and comforted her, "It's okay, I'll talk to her."

Koki looked up, feeling a little comforted, and said, "Thank you, Hayate."

"Take care of yourself too. I'll send you any new medicine that comes in."

"Hmm." Hayate had already made up his mind.

It just so happens that Kakashi and Obito haven't been on missions these past few days either, because Koki is at home. The usually busy Scroll Kings have surprisingly taken a break and haven't gone out to train.

At this moment, Koki was enjoying the warmth of her home, being pampered like a little Buddha by everyone, and was having a great time.

However, staying cooped up at home all the time isn't good either. Shisui was worried that Koki would get sick from being cooped up at home, so she gently persuaded Koki to go out for a walk.

Unexpectedly, Koki merely pursed her lips slightly, looking displeased, and muttered softly, "It's so cold outside, I don't want to go."

His expression was like that of a lazy kitten, curled up in its cozy nest, unwilling to leave.

Shisui was somewhat helpless, but still gently coaxed, "Koki, going out for some fresh air is good for your health."

Koki wasn't having any of it and continued to laze in bed, muttering, "I want to sleep..."

In the end, Mikoto couldn't stand it anymore. She couldn't bear to see everyone spoiling Koki like that, so she stepped forward, pulled Koki out of bed, and urged, "Alright, wake up! Come on, go out for a walk with Shisui!"

Helpless, Koki had no choice but to go for a stroll with Shisui.

The two strolled down the street, the cold wind biting like a knife, piercing to the bone, making their cheeks sting.

Koki couldn't help but shiver. "It's so cold. I told you I didn't want to come out."

"Come on, I'll buy you some snacks," Shisui said good-naturedly.

"Come on, give me your hand, I'll warm it for you." He said, gently taking Koki's small hand in his and wrapping it in his warm palm.

The two walked into the bustling shop together, and soon Shisui's hands were full of all kinds of bagged delicacies, which were all snacks carefully selected by Koki.

Shisui watched Koki slipped her hands inside his clothes to warm them, his eyes filled with endless tenderness, a slight smile playing on his lips, and he softly asked, "Where shall we go for a stroll next?"

Koki quickly shook his head, his eyes flashing with resistance. He had already completed the mission and didn't want to wander around anymore.

In these increasingly chilly days, he felt that staying home to enjoy good food, sleep soundly, or play mahjong was the most comfortable choice.

Shisui seemed to know exactly what Koki was thinking, and he smiled and suggested, "How about we go home and play mahjong?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of excitement immediately flashed in Koki's eyes. "Great!"

He felt that Shisui was like a mind reader, always able to read her mind.

Over the years, Koki has opened many shops, all of which have been quite successful. However, the most popular of them are the chess and card rooms that have sprung up everywhere, becoming the entertainment focus of every town.

Koki introduced many popular modern games to the Shinobi World, including "Protect the Emperor," "Hook Machine," and "Mahjong," each of which captivated the people of the Shinobi World.

Mahjong, as one of the most popular forms of entertainment, has attracted the participation of many ninjas. The small square tiles contain endless fun, and the mahjong table invented by Koki has become a highlight of the card and board game room.

Sometimes, Shisui couldn't help but wonder how many new tricks Koki had up his sleeve. He was like a mysterious treasure, always bringing unexpected surprises.

"But don't you dare lose to me on purpose again!"

"Okay, okay."

Koki often dragged Obito to play mahjong together. Everyone wanted to make him happy, so they would often deliberately lose to him.

At first, Koki was kept in the dark, but after it happened several times, how could he not understand the strangeness of the matter? He was no fool.

Later, he simply started playing his own cards haphazardly. What's that called? Giving someone a taste of their own medicine.

Finally, for once, Koki lost his temper and said seriously, "Mahjong should be played seriously!"

From then on, no one dared to secretly lose money to him anymore.