"Father, didn't you intervene? Why was there no word at all?"
"It was confidential, so I heard little myself," Biwako said. "Besides, Lady Mito is dear to your father. Many decisions were hard to force upon her."
Ennosuke accepted it by noon. "How long can Mito-baa last?"
"She used sealing marks before—storing a portion of the Nine-Tails' chakra at her brow—and underestimated the beast's fury during transfer. How long remains is unknown. But given Kushina's constitution, I believe it will hold." For once, Biwako sounded unsure.
"Are we heading back tonight? And where's my little brother?"
"He said he was going to see the smith," Biwako murmured, sealing items into a scroll as she spoke. "After this news, I don't want to linger here. We're returning this very night."
"Good. Resign in my name."
"It's already night. We don't know how a long-range strike may develop, and it's not something we can handle on the move—especially with Aoi in tow. Tomorrow, take Kaede and Aoi by rail, get them home, and watch them closely."
Ennosuke thought a moment. "All right. When do we depart?"
Biwako set the last scroll aside. "After your brother returns. I'll tell him a few things, then we go."
Aoi was startled, unsure what exactly had happened. Her wish was being granted—home. It meant Kaede would finally leave the Third Princess's side. Yet the thought that kind old Mito, who often visited their house, was dying left a dull ache.
"Good, everyone's here—when do we move?" Kaede strode in.
"Kaede, you three don't need to come with us tonight," Biwako said. "I wasn't thinking clearly just now. Tomorrow, follow your brother's lead and protect Shoufeng."
Then, quietly, Biwako drew Kaede aside, choosing her words with care. "Your brother will likely go straight to the Leaf tomorrow to pay respects to Lady Mito. You don't need to go at once. Find an excuse and slip home first. I've noticed traces of the Nine-Tails' chakra—those who carry it can sense the good and evil in people's hearts. It could expose your past identity. This is the only safe way."
"And remember—you were favored by Lady Mito," she added.
Kaede looked at his mother, who always planned around him first, and his heart softened.
They returned to the main room. "Ennosuke, take good care of the two of them," Biwako said, voice pricking with emotion. "I'm off."
With that, their group moved swiftly out of sight.
"You two stay in," Ennosuke said. "I'll fetch the rest," and headed out of the courtyard.
Kaede rubbed his eyes. "Should we go say goodbye to the Third Princess?"
"No," Aoi answered. "Everyone's grieving."
"Right. Turn in, then. Good night, Aoi."
Aoi stopped him at the door. "Master… about noon—and the sea of flowers at night. It was us." The words tumbled out in a flush, then stuck; her master had already understood.
"Don't say it. Let's go," Kaede said gently—and then faltered. He looked at Aoi, opened his mouth, and could not form a sentence. Even as a shinobi, she was no bold northerner; personality decided everything.
Aoi's strength was in retreat and reflection; she recognized her own pattern. The Third Princess was behind them—she'd had chances, and in the instant she could run free, she exhaled and said lightly, "Rest, Master. Good night." Then ducked her head and slipped into her room.
"Ah? Third Princess, what brings you—"
"…Second Princess, what brings you—"
Aoi jerked at the voice, turning to find only Kaede's grin. She'd guessed as much—and still blushed scarlet.
Kaede stepped in, nudged Aoi to sit on the sofa, then took the chair opposite. "Aoi, I told the Third Princess today. But what about tomorrow? If the court decrees I marry the Princess of the Wave Nation, the Princess of the Water Nation, and the Princess of the Sand Nation—what should I do?"
As always, Aoi lowered her head and stayed silent. Half an hour passed; Kaede got no answer and could only sigh.
He cupped her cheeks with both hands. "I've done a lot before now—all to make you see that happiness is something you must fight for yourself. I don't want your gifts wasted. That's why you've been unhappy these days."
He pinched her cheek gently. "There shouldn't be so many walls and little schemes between us. I'm sorry, Aoi. I made you unhappy."
Aoi's eyes widened, a trace of fear there. "Master… are you casting me off?"
Kaede almost laughed at the simplicity—and it hurt. "No. The last time you were alone in the casino, I realized I can't always be at your side. You have to learn how to protect yourself. But you kept refusing to train, kept thinking we'd never be apart. So I pushed you—awkwardly."
"I'm sorry, Master," she whispered. "I disappointed you."
"It's fine." Kaede stood. "I'll work harder. Be more diligent. When people say Aoi is just 'the maid of Lord Asuma,' stand up and prove them wrong—shake your head, wear that fierce look, and show your face."
(End of Chapter)
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