Zhou Tianming and Kira walked side by side along the roadside—
"Big brother, when did you meet my mom?" Kira's purple eyes shone with curiosity. "How come I've never seen you before?"
He couldn't admit knowing Caridad directly—if the lie got exposed, his first impression would be ruined. Being labeled a liar would be troublesome.
After organizing his thoughts, Zhou Tianming replied, "We were introduced through another elder. Actually, we haven't met in person yet. I just happened to run into you and thought I'd chat."
"Oh." Kira nodded. "What's your name, big brother?"
"Zhou Tianming."
Kira suddenly stopped walking.
After taking two more steps, Zhou Tianming halted and turned around.
He saw Kira staring at him with shock.
"You're that big bad guy!"
Utterly confused, Zhou Tianming pointed at himself. "Me? A big bad guy?"
Without explanation, Kira turned and ran, darting away at lightning speed.
Watching this scene with amusement, Zhou Tianming followed, puzzled.
Did Caridad meet me somehow?
But why would she say bad things about me?
She should have already left with Kira by the time I woke up.
And could she even mention my identity to Kira?
He easily kept pace—with Kira's short legs and limited stamina, there was no way the boy could outrun him.
Kira kept glancing back anxiously, speeding up whenever he saw Zhou Tianming still following.
Their chase drew curious looks from passersby.
This mischievous kid...
With an internal sigh, Zhou Tianming ducked out of Kira's line of sight.
When Kira realized Zhou Tianming had disappeared, he looked around frantically before running randomly for another ten minutes until finally slowing down, panting.
Using surveillance techniques learned from Mendel, Zhou Tianming secretly observed from a distance, quietly chuckling.
He couldn't help reflecting on how childlike Kira was at this age compared to his future self. Not that he turned out badly—just became somewhat lazy and dull, likely from being unable to freely use his abilities, losing the youthful vigor.
Since they'd met by chance, Zhou Tianming decided to speak with Caridad. Continuously suppressing Kira's abilities wasn't good for him.
...
As his heartbeat steadied and breathing slowed, Kira kept scanning his surroundings while walking.
Finally convinced Zhou Tianming was gone, he exhaled in relief.
He jogged toward home.
After several blocks, he spotted a distinctive figure with bright blue hair carrying a bulging white plastic bag.
Eyes lighting up, Kira broke into a radiant smile and ran forward. "Athrun!"
With short blue hair cropped at the ears and youthful features, his delicate face carried a heroic air. His small frame stood ramrod straight, moving with precise military-like discipline.
Spotting Kira, he offered a reserved smile and quickened his pace. "Kira!"
The moment they met, before Athrun could speak, Kira grabbed his hand and pulled him forward urgently.
"Athrun, hurry!"
Frowning, Athrun grew alert. "Kira, what's wrong? Is that Honda causing trouble again?"
He suddenly stopped, yanking Kira back. "Don't be afraid. I'm here. Where is he?"
"It's not him—something worse!"
Kira's delicate face was grave, and Athrun's expression darkened in response.
"I saw Zhou Tianming!"
Athrun's eyes widened in shock, freezing in place. "Zhou... Tianming?"
Clenching his fists and gritting his teeth, Athrun scowled, enunciating each word. "Where is that guy?"
"Right here."
Zhou Tianming appeared behind them in a flash.
"Ahhh!!!"
"Eeek!!!"
Screaming, the two boys bolted.
Zhou Tianming smirked but shrugged helplessly. "So easily scared."
He leisurely strolled after them.
The two boys ran far, hand in hand, ducking behind a tall roadside shrub around a corner.
Peeking cautiously, they scanned their surroundings but found no trace of him.
"Zhou Tianming!" Athrun's usual composure shattered, his teeth grinding with a hint of jealousy as he muttered the name.
Kira, seeing this unfamiliar side of Athrun, asked curiously, "Athrun, what did that big brother do to make you so angry?"
Pursing his lips, Athrun stayed silent.
"Did he steal your toy?"
Athrun turned away, his face flushing as he mumbled, "K-kind of..."
Kira's eyes widened, his expression shifting to shared indignation. "How awful!"
Suddenly, a warm, gentle voice like a spring breeze called from behind them:
"Athrun? Kira? What are you two up to?"
They turned to look.
A woman with short blue hair, delicate earrings, and dressed in a beige round-neck T-shirt with matching fitted shorts stood holding two plastic bags. Beside her, a woman with wavy purple shoulder-length hair and a gentle demeanor, wearing a white dress, also gazed their way.
"Mom~"
They called out in unison.
Kira threw himself into the arms of the woman in the white dress, Caridad Yamato, while Athrun lowered his head and approached the short-haired woman, Lenore Zala.
Noticing Athrun's guilty look, Lenore raised a hand to pat his head but ended up lightly bopping his forehead with a bulging grocery bag instead. "What happened?"
Before Athrun could answer, Kira piped up from Caridad's embrace, "We ran into that Zhou Tianming who stole Athrun's toy!"
Athrun clapped a hand over Kira's mouth, but it was too late—his cheeks burned red.
Caridad glanced curiously at Lenore, who shook her head in amused exasperation. "You little vinegar jar, it's just your father praising someone else a couple of times."
"It wasn't just a couple," Athrun muttered, pouting. "Dad keeps saying I'm not as good as that Zhou Tianming. How am I not as good?"
Caridad, now understanding, covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.
Kira didn't understand at first, but after a moment's thought, his clever mind quickly caught on, and he buried his face in Caridad's embrace, giggling quietly.
Athrun's face flushed bright red as he grabbed Kira by the collar and yanked him out of Caridad's arms. "Kira Yamato!"
With a yelp, Kira turned and bolted. Athrun lost his grip, allowing him to escape, and immediately gave chase with an angry shout.
"Hello, sisters~"
Zhou Tianming popped up from the side, greeting Lenore and Caridad in an adorable young boy's voice.
Lenore narrowed her eyes. "So you're Zhou Tianming? Nice to meet you. I'm Lenore Zala. No need to act cute around me—Patrick has told me plenty about you."
The 'adorable boy' tactic failed, and Tianming shrugged helplessly.
After eavesdropping earlier, he now understood why his reputation was so strange—he had unwittingly become the "model child" others compared their kids to.
What an undeserved misfortune~
Caridad, who had been observing Tianming, turned to leave since Lenore seemed to know him.
Just then, after exchanging a few words with Lenore, Tianming said, "Actually, I came to see Caridad Yamato."
Pausing, Caridad turned back, puzzled. "Me?"
She studied Tianming more carefully, her expression shifting to one of recollection before finally turning apologetic. "Sorry, what's your guardian's name? I can't seem to remember right now."
"Via."
As if struck by lightning, Caridad took a step back, her eyes locked onto Tianming.
Lenore noticed the tension and frowned. "Caridad?"
"Sorry, Lenore. I'd like to speak with this child alone."
Nodding, Lenore walked away.
Clenching her teeth, Caridad's body trembled slightly. "Are you here to take Kira? No way! I won't hand him over to you."
Seeing her reaction and fearing a misunderstanding might escalate, Tianming quickly waved his hands. "No, no, it's not what you think! I just happened to run into Kira by chance."
Caridad's expression softened slightly, though it remained grim.
"Don't worry, I didn't say anything to Kira. I only came here to deliver a message."
"Say it, then leave as soon as possible." Caridad steadied her trembling body and glared at Tianming. "I don't want you bothering us again."
Making an 'OK' gesture, Tianming spoke: