Chapter 131: Mm, Can We Make Up?
The afternoon sunlight gradually slanted westward as the tea and snacks in the living room dwindled to nothing.
Sasuko glanced at the darkening sky outside and extended an invitation. "It's nearly dinnertime. Why not stay and eat with us?"
Yoya noticed her mother's slight frown—though Kaguya remained seated properly, the subtle tension in her shoulders revealed her discomfort. Such casual social situations were clearly still too unfamiliar for her.
"Thank you for your kindness, Sister Sasuko." Yoya stood obediently and tugged at her mother's sleeve. "However, we have some matters to handle at home. We won't intrude further today."
Disappointment flickered across Sasuko's face, but she still asked considerately, "Where do you live? If it's convenient, I could show little Yoya around Konoha sometime."
"We're at the Aoki residence in the South District." Yoya smoothly provided the address Yu had arranged in advance, then added, "Here's our contact information—Sister Sasuko can come visit me anytime."
This arrangement was actually something Yu had prepared long ago. That estate offered not only a peaceful environment but was only one street away from the Uchiha residence—convenient for keeping watch without appearing too deliberate.
As they departed, Yoya deliberately turned to wave at Sasuko, showing a sweet smile. "I had a wonderful time today. Thank you for the tea and snacks, Sister Sasuko."
"Goodbye, Sister Sasuko."
Kaguya also nodded slightly in acknowledgment. Though still silent, her manner had shed some of its initial aloofness.
After seeing off her guests, Sasuko stood in the doorway, lost in thought.
Yu emerged from his room and came to her side.
"What do you think of that mother and daughter?"
"Yoya is adorable." Sasuko answered without hesitation, her lips still curved in a smile. "Well-mannered and lively—she doesn't seem like a seven-year-old at all."
"And Miss Kaguya?"
Sasuko paused, choosing her words carefully. "She speaks very little and feels somewhat unapproachable. Perhaps because she's already a mother, there's a bit of a generation gap between us young women."
She didn't notice the subtle expression that flashed through Yu's eyes as she continued, "But since she's a member of the little blonde's team and personally arranged by Lady Tsunade, there shouldn't be any problems."
Yu nodded gently without saying more.
This opening had gone far better than he'd anticipated—at least Sasuko had accepted the mother and daughter's presence. She was gradually opening her heart.
"By the way," Sasuko suddenly remembered something, "they live at the Aoki residence in the South District, very close by. We can invite Yoya over often to play. That child is truly endearing."
Watching Sasuko's unconcealed affection for Yoya, Yu's lips curved upward slightly. This arrangement seemed to be the right move.
---
At dusk, Naruko arrived at Sasuko's house brimming with excitement.
She'd just received notification that Sasuko had officially registered as a genin, and the new Team Seven had been assembled—members included Sasuko, herself, an unfamiliar female ninja, and Hyuga Hinata.
"Word travels fast." Sasuko seemed surprised. "Miss Kaguya only reported to the Hokage's office this morning, and you already know by afternoon."
Naruko blinked proudly. "Kakashi-sensei specifically notified me. Though..." She showed a puzzled expression. "Why would Hinata join our squad?"
The two exchanged glances, both feeling somewhat perplexed.
In Naruko's impression, this eldest daughter of the Hyuga family was an extremely shy girl who blushed and looked down whenever she saw her, rarely initiating conversation with anyone.
"According to Kakashi-sensei, she apparently applied herself." Naruko added.
Though unable to understand the reason, Naruko was still quite happy.
Being on the same team as her close friend Sasuko was naturally wonderful—her previous teammates had been fine, but she'd always felt somewhat constrained around them.
With Sasuko it was completely different. Not only could she joke freely, but she could also use finding Sasuko as an excuse to get closer to Yu more often.
Thinking of this, Naruko couldn't help showing a sly smile.
She affectionately draped her arm around Sasuko's shoulders. "From now on we're teammates, sister!"
Sasuko looked at Naruko's brilliant smile, and some of her resistance to becoming a ninja dissipated. They'd known each other for years, companions since their naive childhood until now.
She extended her hand to Naruko, her tone unusually serious. "Please take care of me from now on."
Naruko grasped her hand confidently. "Don't worry, I've got your back!"
"Got my back?" Sasuko's brow furrowed.
"Of course!" Naruko lifted her chin proudly. "I'm Team Seven's jonin instructor now!"
Watching Naruko's triumphant expression, Sasuko felt inexplicably annoyed.
She reached out to pinch Naruko's soft cheeks, gently tugging outward. "Getting this cocky just from becoming a jonin instructor?"
"You should call me senpai or sensei, you know, Sasuko~" Naruko added with a grin.
This statement made Sasuko's eyes narrow, and the force in her hands unconsciously increased.
"Ow ow ow!" Naruko quickly begged for mercy. "I was wrong, I was wrong!"
The moment Sasuko released her, Naruko nimbly retreated several steps and deliberately adopted a serious expression. "Ahem, Sasuko, you can't be so disrespectful outside from now on. I'm your superior and sen—"
Before finishing, she noticed Sasuko watching her silently, those dark eyes glinting.
Naruko immediately dropped her pretense with an awkward laugh. "Haha, I was just joking..." She carefully observed Sasuko's expression. "So... can we make up?"
The corners of Sasuko's lips curved into a faint smile. "Too late."
Before the words finished, she'd already smoothly tackled Naruko onto the tatami.
Naruko found herself firmly pinned beneath, twisting her body in protest. "Let me go! I know I was wrong!"
Sasuko gripped her wrists tightly, leaning down to whisper in her ear. "Wrong about what? Weren't you just asking me to call you senpai?" Her fingertips traced along Naruko's waist. "Ready to surrender now?"
"Ah! Don't..." Naruko suddenly let out a soft cry, instinctively curling up. "That's... ticklish..."
Her voice unconsciously carried a hint of softness as a light blush spread across her cheeks.
Seeing this, a flash of mischief crossed Sasuko's eyes, and her movements became even gentler.
"So our jonin instructor... is this ticklish?"
"Mm... stop, Sasuko, not there..."
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