The Boundless King: Anime Mania

The morning sunlight filtered through the window, casting a warm glow over Aki as he sat lazily on his couch, munching on an apple like he had all the time in the world.

The village was abuzz.

"Did you hear? A whole mountain range just… vanished!"

"Yeah, man. It wasn't an explosion. It was like something just erased it."

"What kind of monster could do that?!"

Aki's face remained stone-cold.

Expression? Blank.

Body language? Utterly relaxed.

Guilt? If it existed, it was buried so deep it would make even the best trackers in Konoha cry.

[Ding! Hidden Skill Unlocked: "Playing Innocent (Max Level)"]

Aki took another bite of his apple.

"…Man, that sounds crazy."

Ael snorted in his mind. "You're so full of shit."

[Hehehe, look at them panicking! You should pretend to be scared too~]

Aki flicked the System's forehead mentally. "Not helping."

He wasn't about to sit around and dwell on the chaos he'd just caused. That wasn't his style.

So, with a stretch and a yawn, he grabbed his coat and headed for a change of pace—toward the Yamanaka Flower Shop.

---

The little bell above the door chimed as Aki entered, the soft, sweet scent of flowers immediately greeting him. Sunlight danced across rows of vibrant petals, casting a peaceful atmosphere over the shop.

And there she was. Ino.

Her hair tied up, her elbows propped lazily on the counter as she flipped through a magazine.

When she saw him, a playful grin spread across her lips.

"Well, well, well~ If it isn't the mysterious new guy."

Aki raised an eyebrow, taking a bite of his apple. "You're making it sound like I'm some kind of criminal."

She shrugged, her grin widening. "Who knows? Maybe you are."

Before Aki could retort, a presence made itself known. A heavy, intense stare. It practically felt like a physical force.

Aki turned, his gaze falling on the man standing behind the counter, his arms crossed with an air of quiet authority.

Inoichi Yamanaka.

Head of the Yamanaka Clan. Elite Jonin. Mind-reader. And, most importantly—Ino's father.

The man's gaze was sharp, calculating, and full of suspicion.

Aki couldn't help but straighten up, feeling the weight of the moment. "Uh… morning, sir."

Inoichi didn't even flinch, his narrowed eyes boring into Aki like a kunai aimed at his chest.

Aki could feel a cold sweat trickling down his back.

Ael's voice echoed in his mind, too amused for her own good. "You're nervous, aren't you?"

[Pffft—he's gonna mind-read you and find out you're thinking about his daughter.]

Aki mentally swatted the System aside. "Not helping."

Inoichi's voice broke the tension, though it carried a weight that had Aki wishing for a quick exit. "So, what brings you here?"

Aki forced a casual smile. "Oh, you know… just looking for some flowers."

Ino leaned forward, her smirk turning a little mischievous. "Oh? For a special someone?"

Aki shot her a side glare. "Maybe."

Inoichi's eyebrow twitched. "Hmph." It wasn't a sound of approval.

Aki could practically hear the unspoken message: 'Stay away from my daughter, kid.'

The pressure was on, and Aki could feel it in his bones. Even the air around him seemed heavier.

Ael, trying to hold back laughter, chimed in. "This is better than any fight with Madara. So much tension!"

The System added, [I'd rather face an entire army than deal with an angry dad, lmao.]

Aki internally agreed. It was a level of pressure no ninja in Konoha was prepared for.

After what felt like an eternity under Inoichi's piercing gaze, Aki handed over some random cash for a bouquet of flowers—an assortment he wasn't sure he'd ever use—and shuffled toward the door.

Ino, ever the tease, leaned over the counter, her smile dangerously playful. "Hey, Aki~"

Aki glanced over his shoulder. "...Yeah?"

She winked, letting it linger. "See you around."

Aki narrowed his eyes. "You're enjoying this way too much."

Ino's laughter followed him as he stepped outside, the cool breeze hitting his face.

He took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair.

"…Holy shit."

Ael chuckled, clearly amused by the entire ordeal. "So? How does it feel to barely survive an interrogation?"

Aki shook his head. "Madara? I could handle. That man?" He glanced back at the shop. "Terrifying."

And with that, he made a silent vow to tread carefully around Ino's father... at least for now.