The item I received for completing the Remember Me quest was a ring equipped with the Create Object spell. A spell that Kunivella didn't know, and one that I didn't either. Yet, I remembered Ainz being capable of using an enhanced version of it, called Create Greater Object.
With this ability, I crafted better clothes for myself, as well as a hoodie.
Though it was still daylight, I planned to head to the village and, this time, move around openly. I had been known as a demon, but after all these years, very few people could still recognize me. And if any problems arose, I could always return here.
I decided to wander through the village before visiting Naruto later, after nightfall.
With that in mind, I teleported to a familiar alley. I gathered the mana I had used before nightfall—I wanted to be at my full potential before seeing him. After all, the Remember Me quest was considered complete.
It couldn't be Hinata, because she'd never truly forgotten me. So, two possibilities remained: either she had done something, or Naruto had begun to remember me on his own.
Either way, tonight, I had no intention of putting him to sleep.
I strolled calmly through the streets of Konoha, my hoodie pulled over my head, partially hiding my face. The air was filled with the smell of grilled skewers and steaming noodles, while the merchants shouted their deals of the day.
I paused for a moment in front of a store window, observing my own reflection.
Around me, the villagers were going about their business, chatting cheerfully or bargaining with the shopkeepers.
A group of children passed by, laughing. One of them tripped, and by instinct, I reached out to help, but someone beat me to it.
I froze.
— Miyuki...
His face took me back years. He had been one of the most zealous in throwing stones at Naruto. To him, we had stolen his parents.
Above his forehead, a forehead protector gleamed. So, he had become a Genin. Not surprising, he had always been older than us.
I felt neither anger nor sadness. Just an indefinable weariness.
Another future victim.
Without a word, I turned my gaze and continued on my way.
The streets became more familiar as my steps guided me to Ichiraku Ramen.
If Teuchi saw me, he would recognize me without a doubt. That wasn't a good idea, but the temptation was strong. Just to see his reaction. Just to confirm if the rumors about the Sage of Six Bowls were true.
As I hesitated, a hand landed on my shoulder.
— "Hey ..."
I turned around to face Ayame, a hint of concern in her eyes.
— "Are you okay? You've been standing here for a while."
— "Ah no, I was just thinking about something."
She frowned slightly.
— "Your body is cold... Are you sick?"
It was the second person to comment on my body temperature. I simply shook my head before stepping away. As I left, I heard her muttering something about my resemblance to someone she knew.
I didn't visit Ichiraku as often as Naruto did, but it was normal for Teuchi to recognize me. For Ayame, though, it was strange.
Night fell gradually over the village.
When it grew dark enough, I slipped into an alley before teleporting directly into Naruto's bathroom.
In the living room, sitting on the couch, he was waiting for me. I knew it instantly.
His gaze landed on me, and the first thing he asked was:
— "How do you always end up in a different room from where I am?"
Amused, I smiled.
I always observed the house before teleporting. Either with Tremor Sense, or by using the undead cat he had recently adopted without suspicion. It was the latter method I used today.
— "I see you've adopted a pet?"
— "Don't change the subject, Narume. How do you do it? I searched the whole house, there shouldn't be any way in."
I tilted my head, feigning intrigue.
— "And what makes you think I've left the house, even once?"
He froze, realizing the implication of my words.
I flopped onto the couch, still amused.
— "I knew it... you're a pervert."
This time, I froze. What kind of reasoning had he come to?
— "It's you who make me forget."
— "That's a lie," he replied instantly.
— "How can you be so sure?" I retorted.
— "Every time you come, it's like something blurs my memories, and then I wake up the next day."
I didn't respond immediately. He really did remember everything.
— "Maybe it's your memory that's running out for the day?"
— "Stop making fun of me!, Narume."
He pointed his finger at me.
— "I want to know how you do it, why you do it, and most importantly, who you are."
I looked at him for a moment, undecided.
Then, slowly, I smiled.
— "If only you knew..."
I paused before asking a question.
— "By the way... Have you run into Hinata recently?"
He seemed slightly surprised by the question.
— "Hinata? No, not really. Why?"
I smiled at him, not responding. He didn't know how to lie... or maybe I just knew him too well?
At that exact moment, the window shattered.
Projectiles shot toward me at an incredible speed.
Instinctively, I raised a Magical Barrier, protecting Naruto and me from the first assault.
It was only a second-level spell. It was quickly shattered, but I didn't receive the attack I expected.
When the dust settled, I was finally able to observe our attackers.
Masked men.
ANBU.
And, as if to confirm my suspicions, a window opened before my eyes.
[Quest: Escape
Reward: A maximized base class
Bonus: Defeat the enemies
Reward: Depends on how many enemies are defeated]
I sighed, both exasperated and not truly surprised.
I looked at Naruto, who had been moved away from me. I was relieved to see him safe with the ANBU. I was sure they wouldn't harm him.
— "Ahhhh, this is going to be... a very long night."