Senyo smiled, dipped a finger into some cream, and smeared it across Karin's face.
Karin did the same, dabbing cream onto Senyo's face.
The two burst into laughter. Senyo cut the cake, and they ate it together.
With cake in her mouth, Karin swung her legs beneath the stool, clearly delighted.
"Master, do you know? You're the best person in the world..."
"You took me away from that place in Kusagakure..."
"You kept me from becoming a living blood bag..."
"You taught me Fuinjutsu and barrier techniques..."
As Karin shoveled cake into her mouth, she told Senyo about her past.
Senyo ate his cake as well, listening quietly.
He listened to her fear of Kusagakure when she was young, and later, to her gratitude and admiration for him.
As she gradually grew up, she fell in love with the Master who had doted on her.
During the years when Master had gone to another dimension, she had waited silently for him.
Under the brewing of time, that affection had become "The Only Love."
Before she knew it, the cake in Karin's hand was gone.
"...Back then, I thought that if Master couldn't accept me, then I would still follow by your side forever. Just staying with you would be enough."
"...But fortunately, Master likes me too."
As she spoke, Karin's eyes filled with happy tears.
Senyo used a tissue to wipe the cream from Karin's face, then gently drew her into his arms and kissed away the tears at the corners of her eyes.
"So, your wish came true."
"Mm..."
Karin's heart brimmed with happiness and emotion. All she wanted was to remain in Master's arms forever.
Senyo gently stroked Karin's hair. "We've eaten the cake. Are you full now?"
"Mm, I'm full."
Senyo whispered into her ear, "But Master