Karin watched the large beasts graze in the field with curious eyes. She had seen horses before, but she had never had the chance to truly get close to one.
Now it would be different. Big brother Takeshi told her that those were his horses and that they would use them to travel and explore the world. That filled her with excitement, even though she wouldn't admit it.
She still distrusted Takeshi and the cold-faced, sharp-eyed woman who claimed to be his mother.
She watched the brown-haired boy walk confidently, as he always does, toward the horses while holding some ropes.
The beasts were unfazed by his presence and remained tame as Takeshi placed the reins on them.
Then he noticed her, and a kind smile appeared on his lips. Karin looked away, pretending she didn't care what he was doing, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw the boy approaching, with the beasts following behind him.
Her heart pounded with excitement and anticipation.
—Little Karin, could you help me with something?— the young man asked.
Karin looked at him, her eyes flashing curiosity and caution.
—I need to take the horses to our wagon, and I would like you to hold one for me— Takeshi expressed, his hand extended toward her, offering one of the horse's reins.
The girl's face lit up, and she couldn't help but form a smile of excitement.
-Y-yes! - she unintentionally squealed, but didn't notice it. She held the reins and looked at the large horse, expectant.
—Hm, let's go then. Just walk with me and pull gently— Takeshi explained, and the girl did as instructed.
Yumi, who was watching this scene while helping Kimiko prepare breakfast, felt her heart warm.
A couple of days had passed since they came into Takeshi's care, and so far, the young man had only shown kindness.
He had taken her aside the day before to explain how things were going to work from now on, and Yumi felt pleased with what was expected of her.
She remembered feeling uncomfortable when the young man ordered her to follow him, taking her to a secluded spot in the morning. Considering the boy's strange proposal on the day they met, she couldn't help but think of the worst possible outcome.
But nothing was further from the truth.
—What do you need from me, Master Takeshi?— she had asked in a low tone, her hands twisting with nerves.
—Hm, I just want to establish a few things. We will start moving soon, and I need you to be clear on your duties— the young man began, sitting on a fallen log.
—To begin with... You will be in charge of the kitchen from now on. I have faith that this won't be a problem. Oh, and under no circumstances, let my mom get involved— he said with a serious tone and a slight shiver.
—...
Yumi blinked, not knowing how to respond to that. She simply nodded.
—Secondly, we need to make a couple of trips to Sunagakure and then travel through the Land of Fire. During this time, I don't want you to do anything else, or overexert yourself. If the exhaustion is too much, you must inform me so we can stop and rest.
That surprised her a little. Takeshi, noticing her confusion, spoke again, his smile completely vanishing.
—This is important, Uzumaki Yumi. I don't know how bad your current condition is, as I am not a Medical Ninja. You are not allowed to evade this matter, and unless you want to leave your daughter behind and not see her grow up, then I suggest you do not disobey.
After those words, the young man left, leaving Yumi lost in her thoughts.
Many things went through her head. Many questions swirled.
Why was this boy so kind? What kind of trap was in all of this? Perhaps he wanted her to preserve her life more so he could use her. Perhaps he truly was someone who cared about them.
—Hey, that's my son's fish. Pay attention.
Yumi was pulled out of her thoughts by the cold, black-haired woman, who directed a look of betrayal and reluctance toward the cauldron where a river fish was sizzling.
—I-I'm sorry, Kimiko-Sama— Yumi apologized, tending to the food to prevent it from overcooking.
—Hmph, if you can't concentrate, leave it to me. It's my responsibility as a mother, after all— the woman suggested, still not looking Yumi in the eyes.
Remembering Takeshi's warnings, Yumi gently shook her head with a determined look.
—I can't do that, Kimiko-Sama. Master Takeshi entrusted this task to me, and frankly, it is the only thing I am useful for. Please allow me to do my job— she bowed her head, still fearful of this woman.
—Tsk, have it your way— she pouted and crossed her arms, muttering something about her beloved Takeshi under her breath.
Yumi remained silent and continued cooking. The day before, during lunch, Kimiko had insisted on taking charge of the food for her beloved son, and Yumi yielded to the kunoichi's pressure.
The result? A black mass that Yumi swore she saw move, and a dejected Takeshi who swallowed it all with a solemn look.
That made the Uzumaki pity the poor boy and take her job more seriously.
***********************
The following morning, the group embarked on the start of their journey across the Land of Rivers, heading toward the Land of Wind.
The beautiful views of this land and the interesting fauna and flora kept Karin excited, bombarding the group with questions.
Yumi feared the girl would annoy her Master, but Takeshi conversed fluently with the child, answering every question he could.
She was surprised by the amount of strange knowledge the boy seemed to master.
He talked about things she didn't quite understand, like the weather, biomes, the delicacy of ecosystems, and how rivers work and connect to the seas and wildlife.
He talked about the so-called cycle of life, food chains, predators, herbivores, population control, and deforestation.
The certainty with which he spoke and the logic behind everything made Yumi consider him to be the son of a noble who ran away or something similar. After all, only a noble could be so cultured.
—Wah! So plants are always at war!?— Karin asked, dumbfounded. She looked at a small field of flowers, her child's mind unable to imagine how something so pretty could know what war is.
Even Yumi looked on with skepticism, but said nothing.
—Fufufu, that's right. But it's not a war like you imagine. Each of those plants competes for resources and space, like the Nations, but their method is something you and I can't see— Takeshi replied, entertaining the group with a simple yet fascinating explanation about botanical wars.
Yumi took advantage of a break in the journey to try to get some information from Kimiko about Takeshi's knowledge.
—I have no idea— was the woman's flat response, and Yumi noticed the sincerity in that statement.
Maybe they didn't want to tell her, maybe it was the truth. But that didn't matter to the woman.
A warm smile formed on her lips as she watched Karin and Takeshi inspecting some flowers in the distance.
Her daughter had never had such a happy full day.