Inside the Hokage residence, in the master bedroom.
"A trip?"
Ayari looked at Shinichi in considerable surprise.
"Why... all of a sudden, you want to go on a trip?"
"I've never really taken you anywhere for fun before. This time, I want to take you out for a look around."
"Take me...?"
After freezing for a moment, Ayari asked again, "Just the two of us?"
Shinichi smiled and asked in return, "Would that be a problem?"
"Where to?"
"The Land of Iron."
Ayari did not agree right away. Instead, she hesitated where she stood.
"If it's just us going, wouldn't that be inappropriate? What about Ayano, Mikoto, and Kushina?"
Shinichi looked utterly unconcerned. "What's inappropriate about it? I make the call. If you want to bring them along, bring them. If you don't want to and only want some time alone with me, then don't."
Of course, Ayari wanted time alone with Shinichi that belonged solely to the two of them. But there were so many women in the household now, and she was afraid that doing this would make the others resentful.
Especially her older sister Ayano. She would definitely be unhappy.
After hesitating for quite some time, she said, "I'll think about it."
Shinichi simply pulled her into his arms, embracing her tightly from behind as he said, "What's there to think about? Just the two of us."
But the person in his arms stopped responding. When Shinichi let go, he saw her looking at him with a resentful expression.
He could not help laughing. "What's wrong? You're not happy that I'm taking only you out?"
Ayari slowly said, "You're suddenly treating me so well. Did you do something bad again?"
Shinichi looked helpless. "Is treating you well wrong too? Haven't I treated you well before? If you