Chapter 314: A Promise With Mei Terumi

As Aoki gently stroked Mei's back, he tried to calm the pounding in his chest.

Aoki's hand moved slowly, as if trying to convey warmth through touch, while his breath was unsteady, caught in his chest, tightening with the impending separation.

"Because I have to leave you," Mei said softly. Her voice held guilt, yet also a deep sense of doubt.

Mei's lips trembled, and her eyes began to well up with tears. Her words were like a thorn she had pulled from her heart, inflicting a new wound as she spoke them. Her shoulders slumped slightly, as if carrying a burden she didn't want to carry.

"We can still keep in touch," Aoki said with a smile. It was a forced smile, but he still smiled to reassure her.

It was a fragile smile, like thin glass that could shatter at any moment. Aoki's eyes couldn't hide his pain, but he still tried to maintain a strong demeanor.

"I know, it's just..." Mei said hesitantly. Her gaze drifted, not meeting Aoki's face, and her hands began to clench at her sides, holding back her turbulent emotions.

The air felt heavy between them, as if even time itself was holding its breath, witnessing two hearts reluctant to part yet forced by circumstances.

"Then become stronger, stronger than anyone in your village, so that no one can stop you from seeing me again in the future, okay?" Aoki whispered in Mei's ear.

Aoki's voice was low yet deep, as if he were carving a promise into Mei's soul. His tone was low and electrifying, like a spell that infiltrated her spine, sending shivers down Mei's spine. His breath brushed against her ear, sending a gentle shiver down her spine.

Unbeknownst to Aoki, these words would motivate Mei to become stronger, ultimately leading to her becoming the future Mizukage.

Those words took root, growing like deep roots in his heart, becoming a small ember that would one day ignite into an unquenchable fire.

"Okay, I promise, but... You also have to promise me to tell me about every girl and woman you're close to and like, do you understand?" Mei whispered softly, but her serious tone was clear to Aoki's ears, making him pause for a moment.

There was a sharp glint in Mei's eyes, like a warrior making a condition before accepting a dangerous mission. Mei's words sounded light, but her tone was as harsh as a knife, stabbing straight into Aoki's conscience.

Aoki's expression stiffened. His eyes were slightly surprised, like a child forced to agree to something. His eyebrows raised, and his face turned awkward. Aoki cleared his throat softly, trying to hide his sudden nervousness.

"I know..." Aoki replied in a resigned voice. Aoki looked up at the sky for a moment, then looked down and nodded slowly, realizing that the agreement was non-negotiable.

The sky above them was blue, as if holding back tears that refused to fall, just as they were reluctant to say goodbye.

Then they broke the hug, and Mei suddenly kissed Aoki on the lips. The soft touch was so surprising, it froze Aoki in place.

Time seemed to stop. Seconds passed in deafening silence, only Aoki's heartbeat echoing in his ears.

Aoki's face flushed red, and his eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe what was happening. Unconsciously, Aoki stared at Mei with a shocked expression.

Amidst the shock, Aoki's heart felt like it was floating—that warmth and tenderness enveloped him.

It felt like touching a dream too beautiful to be real, yet more vivid than any reality.

________________________

[Note: 555+ latest chapters have been added! For Just 3$ You Get Access To Chapters Way Ahead, 

Now you can access the chapters before NovelPhoenix And NovelPhoenix by following]