The Hakimaster of Naruto

Chapter 216 CHAPTER 216: SMILE

Two days had passed since the end of the war. Ragnar's body had recovered somewhat.

He still couldn't exert his full strength—that would take time—but daily activities were now possible. He could care for himself.

The battle against the Kazekage, Tsuchikage, and Jinchuriki had truly damaged his foundation. He was young; his physical reserves weren't unlimited. Though the Human-Human Fruit and three-color Haki had enhanced his potential, allowing him to fight at peak levels, this desperate expenditure wasn't sustainable.

In a one-on-one Kage-level duel, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage. He could win beautifully.

But against multiple Kage acting together? With his current physical condition? Impossible.

War, however, couldn't be predicted. Even Ragnar hadn't anticipated Iwagakire's desperation—throwing not only a Tailed Beast Jinchuriki but their Kage himself into the fray.

In his tent, Ragnar rose from bed and stretched. No one had disturbed him during his recovery—except Uchiha Mikoto, arriving three times daily with meals.

As expected, footsteps approached. Mikoto entered, lunch box in hand.

Seeing him moving independently, her eyes widened. "Ragnar-kun! You've recovered?"

"I wasn't truly injured," Ragnar explained. "Just exhausted. That takes time and rest."

Mikoto's face lit up with a warm smile. "Ragnar-kun, I brought your lunch. Please eat it while it's hot."

She extended the box with both hands, her bright eyes shining like stars, anticipation radiating from every feature.

"You've troubled yourself unnecessarily." Despite the words, Ragnar accepted the box familiarly and placed it on the table.

Noticing her still standing, he added: "Mikoto, have you eaten? Would you like to join me?"

"No, no! I've already eaten!" Mikoto waved her hands quickly, blushing as she lowered her head to hide her smile—like a shy young girl.

"Oh. Then sit."

Ragnar opened the box. Fragrant steam billowed out, making his heart tremble. Delicious.

Mikoto sat nearby, still blushing, still smiling silently.

Eating in silence felt awkward. Ragnar wasn't skilled at smoothing social situations, but he attempted casual conversation.

"Mikoto. Fate is quite remarkable, when you think about it."

"Fate?" Mikoto looked confused, then seemed to think of something. Her heartbeat quickened. "Ragnar-kun... what do you mean?"

"When I joined ANBU, you were my guide. I was Rakshasa; you were Tengu." Ragnar's gaze grew distant. "I still miss that simple relationship."

It seemed like yesterday. But looking back, time had flown. The war involving three great ninja villages had ended.

And he was no longer the weakling he had been.

"Ragnar-kun, you're remembering the past?"

"Doesn't it seem that way?" Ragnar laughed softly.

"In my eyes, Ragnar-kun, you're decisive in killing. Powerful. Not easy to communicate with." Mikoto spoke honestly. "You've achieved such great things at such a young age. You're ruthless with enemies. They tremble at your name. Soon the entire ninja world will know you."

"Reputation?" Ragnar shrugged. "That's others' business. I just need to be myself. Walk my own path."

Walk my own path. Mikoto silently committed the words to memory. They resonated deeply.

"But honestly, I was quite surprised to discover such a young, beautiful girl beneath the Tengu mask."

An unconscious smile crossed Ragnar's face.

Mikoto stared, momentarily captivated.

It was the first time she had seen him smile. If outsiders—especially enemies—knew that the notorious Rakshasa could smile, they would be shocked.

In truth, Ragnar wasn't truly cold-blooded. Not ruthless and desireless. Not a killing machine.

It was simply that the potential threats of the ninja world kept him constantly tense. Constantly vigilant. He dared not slack.

Pretend to be cold and expressionless long enough, and the mask became real. Difficult to remove.

Besides, Ragnar didn't care about such things.

Before he stood at the pinnacle of the ninja world—before he could punch Otsutsuki and kick Six Paths Madara—his only goal was training. Developing strength. More strength.

Noticing Mikoto's expression, Ragnar frowned. "Is there something on my face? Why are you staring?"

"No! It's just... rare to see you smile, Ragnar-kun." Mikoto's voice was sincere. "And you have a beautiful smile."

"What's there to see?"

"You haven't realized it yet, Ragnar-kun. If you smiled more, you'd be very popular."

"Not interested. I'm only interested in killing people."

"..."

Mikoto had no response to that.

They talked a while longer. Their relationship unconsciously grew more familiar, more cordial.

"Rest well, Ragnar-kun. I'll go now."

Mikoto packed up and bid farewell.

"Mm."

She left. Ragnar prepared to meditate—to absorb natural energy and speed his recovery.

He had barely sat down when a voice reached his ears. Neither salty nor light. Hard to read. But carrying an unmistakable mixture of emotions—happiness and sadness intertwined.

"It's just... rare to see you smile, Ragnar-kun. And you have a beautiful smile."

"If you smiled more, you'd be very popular."

Ragnar's eyes snapped open.

Tsunade leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. He hadn't seen her in days.

He couldn't quite describe her current expression. Definitely not joy. Sourness, perhaps? The air around her seemed thick with a potent acidic quality.

"Tsunade." Ragnar chose his words carefully. "Where did you hear those words? Who taught you to speak like that?"

"Call me big sister!"

Tsunade rolled her eyes, glaring angrily. Still so clueless.

She strode over, looming above him with arms crossed, body practically vibrating with energy.

"I come back as soon as I can to check on you—and what do I find? You and that Uchiha girl, all cozy and smiling. You've completely wasted all my good intentions!"

"...?"

"Wasted your intentions?"

"How have I offended you?"

Tsunade's accusations made no sense.

(End of Chapter)

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