The convoy moved slowly through the dense forest, its wheels creaking softly over the dead leaves covering the path. Sunlight filtered through the thick foliage, casting golden patterns on the capes of the marching shinobi. Everything was calm... until a warm breath disrupted Takeshi's peace.
"Planning to keep ignoring me for much longer?" murmured a soft, mischievous voice in his ear.
Takeshi didn't turn his head right away. He instantly recognized Mei's slightly teasing tone. She had a talent for appearing out of nowhere, like a seductive shadow slipping into his space—just like the last time she showed up to ask him out.
"I was focused on our surroundings," he said, smirking slightly. "But now that you're here... it's a little harder to stay focused."
Mei chuckled softly, her hips brushing against his as she walked beside him—much too close.
She was naturally open, and Takeshi liked that about her. Why beat around the bush, after all?
"Hmm... interesting. Because as far as I remember, your focus was spot-on last time… in your room. You remember that, right?"
Takeshi finally turned his head slightly, a sly grin on his face.
"How could I forget? It's not every day you almost bring down the house of some poor lost soul because of a temperamental Kage."
"Temperamental?" Mei repeated, half-offended, half-amused. "I'd say… inspired. You made me very creative that day. And very... demanding."
She placed a hand on his arm, brushing it slowly, her fingers dancing over his veins like silent music.
"With a body like that, miracles can happen, right…" Takeshi replied, giving her a playful slap on the butt.
"Soft…" he thought.
"Speaking of bodies, I saw you looking a little too long at that jōnin earlier… Natsumi, was it?"
Takeshi raised an eyebrow, amused.
"Jealous?"
"Me? Never. I'm just... curious. She's pretty, sure. A bit too docile for my taste. It would be a shame if she got any ideas, don't you think?"
Takeshi leaned in slightly, his breath brushing against her neck.
"Afraid of losing your spot?"
"Not really. I can share, if you want..." she murmured, her fiery gaze locking with his. "As long as I get to choose who."
There was a short silence. Takeshi stopped walking for a second, looking at her with a mix of surprise and amusement.
This girl was something else. Was she some kind of succubus disguised as a human?
"And why exactly are you the one who gets to choose?"
"Why not? You see, there are things I can… sense."
"Then enlighten this poor lost shinobi," Takeshi muttered, waiting to hear what argument she'd use to win him over.
"You think I haven't noticed the way she looks at you every time you stretch or smile? She's devouring you with her eyes. You could definitely do something with that look… with me by your side, of course. I could set things up for you—under one condition."
Takeshi let out a muffled laugh.
"Interesting. And what condition?"
Seeing his interest, Mei tucked a lock of hair behind her ear and stepped in front of him, gently tapping the tip of his nose with her finger.
"I get to choose your targets."
Takeshi looked at her for a moment before slowly shaking his head.
"No way… but you'll still get a say, sweetheart."
She pretended to pout, but the blush on her cheeks betrayed her. Takeshi didn't miss the chance to tease her more.
"So I can count on my just-the-right-amount-of-possessive darling?"
She looked at him before giggling.
"I prefer attentive. And let's be honest, a little infiltration mission… it does heat things up, right? And who am I to stop my favorite shinobi from having fun, as long as I keep a bit of control?"
She ran two fingers down his chest, sliding slowly along his side, emphasizing her point.
Takeshi gently grabbed her wrist, his eyes darkening with a playful glint.
"We'll have to see if she can keep up. Because you… set the bar real high."
Takeshi had deliberately kept her in the dark about his past with that jōnin.
Mei smiled, a spark of challenge in her eyes.
"Oh, I know. But trust me, I might even teach her a thing or two… if you ever want us to try something together."
"You're a demon, Mei."
"And you're the one who woke me up."
They exchanged a smoldering look before Mei slowly walked away with a provocative wink, leaving Takeshi alone… with far too many images in his mind.
And as the convoy continued its route through the forest, the shinobi had a feeling this mission would be far more dangerous than expected. And not necessarily because of the enemies.