Chapter 96: Chapter 18:2nd level over!
Yuto's solar lightsaber ignited with a sharp hum, the radiant energy slicing cleanly through the katana of a charging samurai robot. The metal weapon shattered into glittering shards before Yuto stepped forward, his hand reaching out to touch the metallic foe. In a flash of light, the robot vanished, stored securely in his inventory.
"Another one down," Yuto muttered, his green eyes gleaming with excitement as he turned to face the next wave of robots.
Naruko and Hitomi trailed behind him, their expressions a mix of frustration and concern as more robotic enemies swarmed their path.
"This maze is so cramped!" Naruko complained, her voice tinged with irritation. "I can't even use my explosion clone jutsu without blowing up the whole hallway!"
Hitomi nodded, frowning. "Yeah, my fire style jutsu is useless in these tight spaces too. It'll just scorch everything, including us!"
But while the girls were struggling to adapt to their limitations, Yuto was in a completely different state of mind. His movements were swift and precise, slashing through robots with ease and storing them away as if they were collectibles. Occasionally, he didn't even bother to attack; he dodged their strikes and touched them, adding them to his inventory without breaking a sweat.
'This is incredible,' Yuto thought, his lips curling into a grin. 'Every one of these robots will bring me closer to building my own giant mech. Just imagine... a towering samurai robot under my control! I'll make it happen, no matter what.'
Naruko leaned toward Hitomi, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Hey, don't you think Yuto's acting... kinda creepy right now?"
Hitomi shot her a sidelong glance, a hint of annoyance in her tone as she whispered back, "If you think he's creepy, you can just stay away from him. That way, I can have Yuto all to myself."
Naruko's eyes widened in disbelief, and her cheeks flushed. She hissed back, "No way! Yuto is mine, you hear me?!"
Hitomi smirked, undeterred. "Oh, please. You couldn't handle him if you tried."
The two girls started bickering under their breath as they ran alongside Yuto, their voices growing increasingly heated.
Meanwhile, Yuto couldn't help but overhear their hushed argument, his sharp senses picking up every word. 'Do they seriously not realize I can hear them?' he thought, exasperated. But he quickly shook his head, dismissing the distraction. 'Whatever. I don't have time for this. I'm not interested in a relationship until I'm at least fifteen. Right now, my only focus is getting stronger—and building my ultimate robot.'
As the girls continued their whispered spat, Yuto pressed forward with renewed determination, his eyes scanning for more robots to dismantle and store. The thrill of his self-imposed "shopping spree" was enough to drown out their voices, keeping his mind fixed on his ambitious goals.
After what felt like an eternity of weaving through the narrow corridors, slashing and dodging robots, Yuto and the girls finally arrived at the maze's exit. The faint glow of sunlight filtering through the opening ahead was a welcome sight, especially for Naruko.
"Finally!" Naruko exclaimed, throwing her arms up in relief as team 7 ran outside of the door and appeared on the cliff of a cave where the sign for the 3rd level was placed. "We're out of that stupid maze!"
Yuto, however, didn't share her enthusiasm. He stood at the exit, staring at his hands with a wistful expression.
"Only 127 robots..." he muttered under his breath, his shoulders slumping slightly.
Hitomi noticed his downcast demeanor and tilted her head in confusion. "Yuto, what's wrong?" she asked gently, stepping closer.
Yuto sighed. "I was hoping to store more robots. 127 just isn't enough for what I have in mind."
Naruko blinked, completely baffled. "Wait, wait, wait. Are you seriously sad because you didn't hoard enough robots?"
Before Yuto could respond, Hitomi stepped in. "Hey, it's okay, Yuto," she said warmly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "127 is still a lot. You did amazing back there."
To his surprise, Hitomi pulled him into a light hug, patting his head softly. Yuto instinctively leaned into her touch, finding the gesture oddly comforting despite his lingering disappointment.
"Thanks, Hitomi," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper as his face was placed on her developing chest.
Hitomi's cheeks turned a faint shade of pink, but she maintained her composure. Glancing over Yuto's head, she shot a triumphant look at Naruko, her eyes practically gleaming with victory.
Naruko's jaw dropped, her eyes narrowing as she glared at the scene. She clenched her fists, her emotions a chaotic mix of jealousy, frustration, and helplessness. 'Damn it! Why didn't I think of that first?!' she thought, her expression twisting into one of annoyance.
"Y-you're just acting all touchy-feely to show off!" Naruko finally whispered, her voice cracking slightly as she pointed an accusatory finger at Hitomi.
Hitomi smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Oh, is someone jealous?" she whispered, tightening her hug on Yuto ever so slightly. "You snooze, you lose, Naruko."
Naruko's face turned bright red as she stammered, trying to come up with a retort. Meanwhile, Yuto sighed inwardly, pretending not to notice the growing tension between the two girls. 'This again? Seriously, what's wrong with them? Don't they know I can still hear them even though they are whispering.' he thought, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.
Pulling back from Hitomi's embrace, he stretched and walked toward the sign for the 3rd level. "Alright, let's move on," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We've wasted enough time here."
Hitomi and Naruko reluctantly fell in line behind him, their rivalry simmering but unspoken for the moment. Yuto, on the other hand, kept his thoughts firmly on the next level, determined to focus on the exams rather than the brewing drama around him....well until both girls developed in some areas as he knows puberty will give them good figures considering just who they are.
(Pls give me some power stones!)
(Find out next time on Naruto:Eye system)