The water in this world was quite fascinating. Ryuji had filled several buckets and found it eerily similar to the water mechanics in Minecraft.
When he used the system's bucket to scoop up a load of water and poured it onto the ground, a water block appeared.
And from that single water block, an endless stream flowed forth.
It wasn't just the flow itself that was strange—it was the fact that any pipe or container placed in it could draw water endlessly, and yet...That jelly-like blob of water didn't diminish in the slightest.
"This is seriously messed up."
Kiri scratched her head in disbelief as she stared at the miraculous water. Strange phenomena were no rarity in this world, but every time she saw one, it still made her stop and marvel.
"But this actually makes things easier for us. Just need to bring back a few buckets."
Ryuji looked at the constantly flowing river. If it weren't for the absence of unbreakable walls and the very real danger of zombies digging through the foundation—causing the system's structural framework to instantly collapse—he might have seriously considered building a house here and using the flowing water to deal with the undead problem.
Unfortunately, that was out of the question. And while they had access to an infinite water source, setting up a circulation system like that back at their base would be suicidal.
"What a shame."
He sighed, then noticed Kiri had already taken off her jacket and was laying out a full set of bedding nearby. She even placed several system-generated blocks beside the river.
Ryuji's spirits lifted instantly when he saw her peel off her socks, revealing her delicate feet.
It was a bit of a surprise. By all logic, someone like Kiri shouldn't have particularly pretty feet.
After all, she was constantly on the move—running, fighting. In such harsh battlefield conditions, even taking a shower was a luxury, let alone washing one's feet.
So he had never held any expectations for how her feet would look. As long as those long legs of hers stayed beautiful, that was more than enough.
But what she showed him instead were stunningly well-kept feet.
Not as petite as Erina's, perhaps, but perfectly proportioned for her height—elegant curves, soft pink toes, spaced just right.
They looked like sculpted art pieces. And when Kiri tested the water's temperature by dipping in a foot and instinctively curled her toes, it added a touch of unexpected charm and playfulness to this otherwise bold and gallant woman.
"Is this another quirk of a different world?"
Ryuji fought back the urge to reach out and squeeze those adorable toes, but he knew—unless Kiri explicitly invited him—he wasn't allowed to do that.
So, he decided it was best to head off and wash himself somewhere else.
After all, Kiri had made her intention quite clear.
Not cleaning himself up first would be downright impolite.
Just as he was about to turn away, though, she suddenly spoke.
"Where do you think you're going?"
She turned her head slightly, placing her jacket neatly over a wooden frame while unbuttoning her jeans. Her full hips and long, toned legs were exposed to the fresh air.
Kiri stood tall—an impressive 180 centimeters.
But it was her legs that truly stood out.
Compared to an average Earthling's body proportions, Kiri's legs were just a bit longer. Not only that—they were remarkably well-shaped and slender.
Her thighs, however, weren't the skinny type. They were full—clearly the result of hard training.
Yet there was no heaviness or bulk to them. By Earth standards, she was still considered "slim." It's just that, compared to the naturally tall and slender build of people from the Celestial Realm, Kiri's legs might seem slightly "thick."
Feeling his gaze, even though she had prepared herself, she couldn't help but blush.
She had always felt her legs were on the thicker side. Living in the Wastelands did that to people—even the most naturally beautiful women couldn't escape the scars of war.
There were times she envied the lives of women—those who stayed home, dressed prettily, and devoted themselves to family.
But that kind of life wasn't for her. The more she thought about it, the more she realized it would've been too boring.
Maybe someday, when she was tired of adventures, or had no choice but to settle down to survive, she might consider that path.
That was Kiri's line of thought—but she didn't pull down her underwear.
Because Ryuji was already beside her.
He wrapped his arms around her slender waist, fingers brushing along the lines of her toned abs, sending a ticklish sensation that made her giggle uncontrollably.
"Mm, I was just going to find a place to wash up," he replied casually.
Kiri chuckled softly.
"And now?"
"Well, obviously…" he smirked, "...taking a bath with you sounds way more fun."
Ryuji's hand slid from her toned abdomen into the last piece of clothing she still wore, fingers brushing against a dense patch of soft curls.
Like Tsunade, Kiri was the lush type—but not in a messy, unkempt way. There was a unique, captivating charm in the way she was naturally grown, neat yet wild in spirit.
His other hand slipped beneath her upper clothing, seeking the firmness of her breasts. He cupped one in his palm, gently toying with the already stiffening nipples.
Kiri's breasts weren't overly large. Though they appeared quite full on her tall frame, by ordinary standards they'd still be considered generous. But Ryuji, who had just that morning been grappling with Tsunade's huge breasts, couldn't help but feel a slight pang of regret at the difference.
And yet, Kiri's breasts were incredibly firm—so much so that even with age, sagging seemed like a foreign concept to her body.
"Mm… that does feel good…" Kiri let out a soft moan under his touch, her hand reaching instinctively to grip his arm.
She wasn't scared of these feelings. In fact, she welcomed them—had been curious for a long time but never found the right moment. Until now.
"Let me think…" She tried recalling how the women at the tavern used to move, wanting to mirror them. Her body shifted, trying to turn around.
But Ryuji held her tightly from behind, burying his face in the delicate curve of her neck.
That single action made her freeze.
Not the touch of his hands below, not even the teasing of her breasts—none of it had drawn such a strong reaction. But having him so close behind her, brushing his lips and breath against her neck, made her shudder uncontrollably.
Because… she didn't like having people behind her.
~~~~~~~~
Bonus chapter target: 200 PS.