Chapter 221
"Are you lost? Poor little guy..."
The look in Aburame Hatsuizumi's eyes as she glanced at Momonosuke was filled with many emotions—but sympathy wasn't one of them.
Because Momonosuke had lowered his head, he didn't catch the shift in Hatsuizumi's expression. That gaze was like a predator eyeing its trapped prey—bloodthirsty, unstable, deranged.
"My body feels itchy... So weird..."
Momonosuke scratched his arm, fidgeting uneasily. But what disturbed Hatsuizumi wasn't the itch—it was the way the boy's eyes gleamed with lust, something far too unnatural for someone his age.
Playing her role to the end, Hatsuizumi quickly asked where the boy came from and offered to take him home.
"Little one, do you need help getting back? There are bad people in this area... and some really strange stories tied to this place..." Aburame Hatsuizumi appeared tense, faking a nervous energy that seemed forced.
Momonosuke wiped his eyes, trying to look brave as he stood beside her. Hyuga Chinano and Karin had already left; neither wanted to witness what came next.
He was disheartened to see them walk away. But Hatsuizumi's presence felt safe—peaceful, even.
"Oh, right. What's your name?"
Hatsuizumi reached toward his head as if to pat it gently. But at the last second, her hand recoiled, a look of revulsion flashing across her face.