The scent of simmering broth and freshly chopped herbs filled the orphanage kitchen, a warm contrast to the lingering chill of the early afternoon air. The rhythmic sound of a knife slicing through vegetables echoed softly as Aoi Yamanaka worked alongside Kaya, efficiently preparing ingredients with practiced ease.

  Aoi moved with practiced ease, her golden-blonde hair loosely braided down her back, a few strands falling across her piercing blue eyes as she focused on her task. Her movements were graceful yet precise, a reflection of both her upbringing and her sharp mind. Despite her seemingly lighthearted demeanor, there was always an undeniable keen awareness in her expression—a trait of a woman who had spent her life both observing and influencing those around her.

  She hummed softly as she worked, exchanging small talk with Kaya as they moved fluidly through their respective tasks, rolling up the sleeves of her tunic** as she prepared to help with the preparations.

  Aoi smirked as she slid a freshly cut pile of vegetables toward Kaya. "And how is our little prodigy doing today? Think he’s ready to take on the academy entrance exam?"

  Kaya arched a brow at her friend before picking up a mixing bowl. "Hiro’s studies aren’t an issue. The written portion will be easy for him. He’s been working through the first-year curriculum every night."

  Aoi grinned, not at all surprised. "So, the kid’s still got that ridiculous brain of his. What about everything else?"

  Kaya sighed as she kneaded the dough in front of her. "His taijutsu… it’ll barely be passable. He’s working hard, but he just doesn’t have a natural talent for it. His weapon style will help—he’s been refining it for months—but it might not be enough."

  Aoi raised a brow. "Because of his chakra test?"

  Kaya nodded, her expression troubled. "When he submits that he has no dominant elemental affinity, the instructors will take note. If he were from a cn, he’d have other strengths to bance it out. But he’s just a boy from the orphanage." She exhaled, rolling her shoulders. "I worry it won’t be enough."

  Aoi studied her for a moment before a pyful smirk tugged at her lips. "You sound like a worried mother, you know."

  Kaya paused for a beat but said nothing.

  Aoi leaned forward, eyes twinkling. "Come on, Kaya, why haven’t you officially adopted him yet?"

  Kaya stilled. Aoi watched as her friend’s fingers clenched slightly around the dough she had been kneading. After a moment, she spoke quietly. "Because there’s still a chance a family might take him in. A real one."

  Aoi’s smirk faded. "Kaya, that boy already thinks of you as his mom. You’re just hurting him by pretending otherwise."

  Kaya swallowed hard but didn’t respond. Aoi softened slightly, but her voice remained firm. "Do you really think he won’t notice? That when he gets to the academy, he won’t see all the other kids getting picked up by their parents every day? That he won’t wonder why you’re not there, why you haven’t made it official?"

  Kaya closed her eyes briefly, a flicker of guilt passing over her face. She had thought about it countless times. But the fear of taking something from Hiro—of making a choice he didn’t get to make himself—always held her back.

  Aoi sighed and reached for a cloth to wipe her hands. "I’m not saying you have to decide right now, but at least be honest with yourself. He deserves that much."

  Kaya didn’t respond, but Aoi saw the tension in her shoulders as she turned back to her work.

  A comfortable silence filled the kitchen for a few moments before Aoi gnced toward the window. Outside, in the orphanage yard, a group of girls sat in a loose circle, weaving flower crowns.

  Among them, Natsume, Aoi’s daughter, sat in the center, chatting animatedly with Hiro as she worked.

  Aoi smirked, nudging Kaya with her elbow. "Looks like my daughter’s already ciming him."

  Kaya, still lost in thought, didn’t immediately respond.

  Aoi nudged her again. "You better hurry up and adopt him before Natsume decides to handle it herself."

  Kaya finally looked up, her gaze distant. Aoi frowned slightly, realizing she may have pushed too hard.

  Quickly shifting gears, she tapped her fingers against the counter, a new idea forming in her mind. "Actually, I think I might have an idea."

  Kaya raised a brow. "For what?"

  "To test Hiro’s progress. And give him a little motivation."

  Aoi gnced back at the yard, watching the way Natsume ughed at something Hiro said, nudging him pyfully.

  A grin spread across her lips. "What if we set up a spar between him and Natsume?"

  Kaya’s reaction was immediate. "Hiro wouldn’t stand a chance. Natsume’s been training under Shinji since she could walk."

  "Exactly! And wouldn’t that make him want to train harder?" Aoi countered, her grin unwavering.

  Kaya frowned, conflicted. "If he gets completely overwhelmed, it could do more harm than good."

  "Then let’s ask Shinji’s opinion," Aoi suggested, waving a hand dismissively. "If he thinks it’ll be good for both of them, we go through with it."

  Kaya hesitated before finally sighing. "Fine. If Shinji thinks it’s a good idea, I won’t object."

  Aoi cpped her hands together, looking far too pleased with herself. "Perfect! I’ll talk to him ter."

  She turned back toward the window, watching as Natsume adjusted the flower crown on Hiro’s head, ughing at his bemused expression.

  "This is going to be fun."

  Kaya, still deep in thought, turned back to her cooking. She wasn’t sure if she was ready for the conversation she would have to have with Hiro soon.

  But she knew one thing for certain.

  Aoi always got her way.