When Maki saw Naori the next day, she could smell the heaviness in her mood.
It wasn't like she hadn't slept—she just looked deeply worried.
Maki didn't press. She could tell without asking that girls their age didn't have love problems.
Eighty percent sure, she thought, this is family stuff.
But since Naori didn't bring it up, Maki didn't bother to ask.
The two arrived together at the Senju compound. Hitomi was already there, waiting.
Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were present too.
Familiar faces.
Maki's least favorite kind of situation.
Ugh. Great. Just what I needed.
"You're late, Maki," Mito chided gently.
"Right on time," Maki replied, unfazed.
"Is that so?" Mito raised a brow. "You mustn't develop the bad habit of arriving exactly on time. A ninja should always be early and prepared."
"That sounds like a you problem. So—what's on the agenda today, Grandma Mito?"
"You really have no respect, do you?" Mito sighed, rubbing her forehead.
"Doesn't that just prove how kind and un-scary you are?" Maki grinned.
Mito laughed, a bright sound that showed all her white teeth. "You've got such a sweet mouth. Fine, I'll forgive you just this once."
Tsunade watched the exchange with clenched fists and a burning scowl.
She totally stole Grandma!
Hitomi glanced at Maki with a hint of awe.
How does she talk like that? I could never…
A small spark of envy flickered in her chest.
"Today, you'll all be going on an outing," Mito said. "I won't be joining. Go have fun."
The Third wasn't around either.
Maki pouted behind her mask. So this is how they build bonds? Toss us together and hope it works?
Cheap. Lazy. Probably effective.
"Well, let's head out," Maki declared before anyone else could speak, instantly taking the lead.
Tsunade opened her mouth—then shut it again.
Go? Are you serious?
Don't go? Are you serious?!
She was conflicted.
"Wait," Mito called out, stopping Maki. "Did you read the book I gave you yesterday?"
What?! I thought we had the day off!
Hitomi's eyes widened.
"I read it," Maki said smoothly.
"Me too," Naori added quietly.
Hitomi turned and stared at them, stunned.
That's a lie! You two were out playing yesterday! When did you have time to read?!
Mito glanced at Hitomi, who quickly lowered her head in embarrassment.
"Really?" Mito narrowed her eyes. "I'll test you, then."
"Right now? Sure," Maki shrugged.
She had skimmed the book after dinner—not perfectly, but enough to bluff through it.
She was used to memorizing under pressure.
"I memorized the whole thing," Naori said softly.
Maki, Mito, and Hitomi all turned to stare.
Naori blinked. "Did I say something wrong?"
"…Not wrong," Mito murmured. "Just beyond expectations. Very impressive."
She remembered how long it had taken her to learn that text at Naori's age.
Her gaze shifted to Tsunade—who still looked dazed.
Mito turned back to Maki, now hopeful. "And you?"
Please say yes. If they're all this smart, I can finally relax.
"Nope! Not happening! I'm dumb!" Maki declared cheerfully. "Don't get your hopes up!"
You'd better be mentally prepared.
"Really?" Mito narrowed her eyes, slightly suspicious. "You're not just being modest, are you?"
Hitomi breathed a quiet sigh of relief beside her.
"It's absolutely true!" Maki replied seriously, throwing in a mock salute as if already taking Mito's blood pressure and giving her a shot—just in case.
Mito chuckled and waved them off. "Alright, alright. Go have some fun while you can. The days ahead won't be so easy."
The six children glanced at each other. When they looked back—Mito was gone.
Vanished. Like smoke.
They stood there awkwardly for a moment, unsure where to go.
No one dared to suggest going home. If they disbanded now, Mito would definitely know. Somehow.
Tsunade, at least, understood her grandmother's supernatural sense for mischief.
Maki knew it even better. There was no escape. So—play it was.
As natural leaders of their respective groups, Tsunade and Maki stood across from each other. Instantly, the kids sorted themselves into two smaller teams.
Sensing the growing tension, Hitomi quietly slipped behind Maki. Safety first.
If the sky falls… the Maki's got this.
Honestly, not a bad feeling.
"Insect Girl," Tsunade called out, crossing her arms with a scowl.
Oh no. Not this again.
Hitomi's fingers twitched, ready to draw her blade.
"Where do you want to go, Big Forehead?" Maki asked, unfazed.
"Me?" Tsunade paused, then said, "The shopping street?"
She glanced toward Maki, looking for approval.
Maki nodded. "Sure. Sounds good."
If it keeps her from picking a fight, I'll go anywhere.
"Yes!" Tsunade beamed. "Let's go!"
"Um…" Jiraiya raised a timid hand. "I don't have any money."
Tsunade puffed out her chest. "Don't worry, perv. Today, Princess Tsunade is treating!"
She turned to Maki. "You too, Insect Girl! Pick whatever you want—and be grateful!"
Hitomi blinked. Did the landlord's spoiled daughter just come out to play?
Naori glanced at the gleeful Tsunade and swore she could hear the voice of the Slug Sage faintly echoing:
'Help… Tsunade-sama… Tsunade…'
"Thank you very much for the generosity of Princess Big-Forehead," Maki said politely. "I will remember it for the rest of my life."
Hitomi nodded. Maki really did carry herself like someone from a noble clan…
If only she hadn't said "Big-Forehead."
"THAT'S IT!" Tsunade snapped, rolling up her sleeves. "I already let you off once! You're asking for it now!"
Jiraiya panicked and lunged forward, clinging to Tsunade. "Orochimaru! Don't just stand there—help me hold her back! There's six of them! We're outnumbered!!"
Orochimaru tilted his head, utterly calm. "That's not necessarily true."
"YOU IDIOT! Tsunade might survive—but we won't! HELP ME, YOU SNAKE!"
"I'm not the one who needs help," Orochimaru replied coolly. "That'd be you, bottom of the class."
Honestly, he seemed kind of into it.
Fighting, that is.
"STOP HER!! I'M TOO YOUNG TO DIE!!"
"Jiraiya!" Tsunade roared. "Let go of me! Don't embarrass yourself!"
"Promise you won't punch anyone!"
"I'm not promising anything!"
Across the street, Maki, Hitomi, and Naori stood watching the scene unfold like it was live theatre.
"They're really close," Naori murmured.
Hitomi nodded. "Surprisingly sweet… for a public meltdown."
"LET GO!" Tsunade shouted—and a thunderous thwack landed squarely on Jiraiya's head.
He dropped to a squat, covering his scalp and whimpering.
So soft… wait—
No, it HURTS!
SO MUCH!
Tsunade glared across the way at Maki.
Maki just smiled politely, calm as ever.
After a tense pause, Tsunade gritted her teeth. "Fine! I'll let you off this time!"
Maki tilted her head. "No, I'll let you off this time."
A vein bulged in Tsunade's forehead.
"LET'S JUST GO!" she roared, spinning on her heel and storming ahead, cheeks burning.
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