that.This Kid Has Fallen

"Miss Hong, you're here again to visit Yakumo today, huh."

The newcomer greeted Yuhirou.

"Yes, we came on orders from the Third Lord, so please take us to see Yakumo."

"Oh, on the Third Lord's orders? Very well, follow me; Miss Yakumo is currently in the studio!"

Upon hearing that it was the Third Lord's command, the person paused, glanced at Nairaku, said nothing else, and then led the two of them up to the second floor.

"How's Yakumo been lately?"

On the stairs, Hong asked the medical team.

"Sigh, that's about it. Miss Yakumo has the seal you placed on her soul, so her spirit is fairly stable, but her physical condition is really poor. She's just resting day by day without any intense training, so that's why she's a bit better."

The medic sighed; clearly, they were also at a loss regarding Anma Yakumo's condition.

"We're here; Miss Yakumo is inside. I'll take my leave for now—call me if you need anything!"

The person led Nairaku and Hong to a room's doorway, then stepped back and left.

Hong reached out to push the door, hesitated, then lowered her hand. She turned to Nairaku, "Nairaku, are you really sure?"

"Miss Hong, we're already here; worrying more won't help. Besides, if I weren't confident enough, I wouldn't risk Miss Yakumo's safety!"

Seeing Nairaku's resolute expression, Hong bit her lip and finally made up her mind.

Creak...

Hong turned the knob and pushed the old wooden door, which let out a harsh scraping sound.

The two entered the room; Anma Yakumo was at that moment painting with her back to the door, seemingly indifferent to their arrival.

Nairaku glanced around and saw the studio walls covered with Anma Yakumo's paintings.

He gave them a quick look: the works depicted either eerie, haunted houses at midnight, war‑torn ruins, or bodies sprawled on the floor of sealed rooms—each exuding a gloomy atmosphere.

"Yakumo, I'm here to see you again!"

Hong called softly toward Yakumo's back.

But Anma Yakumo seemed not to hear; she ignored Yuhirou's call and continued painting.

At that moment, Nairaku stepped forward and said, "Miss Yakumo, hello! We meet again!"

Hearing Nairaku, Yakumo's hand paused; she slowly turned her head and saw Nairaku grinning behind her.

In that moment, Yakumo felt as if she had reverted to a childhood when she was caught doing something wrong by her father, uneasy and restless.

It seemed that ignoring Yuhirou's rude behavior had become a grave offense now that Nairaku noticed.

"Nai... Nairaku, why are you here?"

Yakumo replied timidly.

"Ah, I ran into Miss Yuhirou today, and she told me you wanted a visit. It just so happened that I had a pleasant chat with you yesterday, so I took the liberty of coming along with her. Sorry for the intrusion; please forgive me."

"No, I'm glad you could come, Nairaku!"

Seeing Nairaku's bright smile, Yakumo blushed.

Meanwhile, Yuhirou paid no mind to Yakumo's coldness; after all, it wasn't the first time she had been treated like this.

She wore a strange grin, staring at Nairaku and Yakumo, saying nothing yet expressing everything on her face.

Yakumo also noticed the smile on Hong's face, making her feel even more at a loss.

Nairaku deliberately examined the paintings, "Sigh, Miss Yakumo, why are all your works so gloomy and dark? They're unsettling to look at, and they're nothing like what you painted yesterday!"

"These... these are just random sketches. I actually don't like them; I was planning to sort them out and burn them all!"

Yakumo hurriedly explained, apparently fearing Nairaku might misunderstand.

"Ah, I see. I told you, these paintings don't match your style at all. To me, you seemed so bright and sunny!"

Hearing Nairaku's praise, Yakumo quickly covered her flushed cheeks, "Really? So that's the impression I give you?"

Meanwhile, Yuhirou's gaze at Nairaku turned completely disdainful, a mix of surprise and strong contempt.

"That kid, so young yet already a smooth talker, throwing compliments so easily. He'll definitely become a scumbag one day!"

But Nairaku didn't bother with Yuhirou's thoughts; he kept chatting with Yakumo, charming the young girl, his smile never fading.

Hong sighed quietly, "Sigh, that silly girl is completely fallen!"

Seeing the atmosphere had peaked, Nairaku deliberately changed the subject.

"Look, I've been chatting so happily with Miss Yakumo that I almost forgot Miss Hong's business."

"Miss Hong, didn't you say you were worried about Miss Yakumo's health and came to visit her?"

Yakumo glanced at Yuhirou and said lightly, "I'm perfectly fine; no need for you to worry, Miss Hong. If there's nothing else, please leave; I want to talk more with Nairaku."

Sensing the tension again, Nairaku quickly added, "Miss Yakumo, I heard your health has been poor since childhood. Miss Hong is also concerned; since she's here, let her have a look."

"Besides, let me tell you a secret: my medical skills are quite good. Later, Miss Hong and I will examine you; maybe I can help too!"

"Weren't you just saying you want to become a great ninja? If we fix your health, perhaps that wish could come true."

.Nairaku stood nearby, gently coaxing her.

Yakuma Yakumo bit her lower lip tightly; deep down she rejected Yūhi Kurenai. After all, in her own perception, it was Yūhi Kurenai and the third generation who killed her parents, and they had always wanted to kill her too.

But she couldn't turn away from the man in front of her—someone she had only met twice. Instinctively she wanted to get closer to him, to interact more, because being with Nairaku made her feel happy and safe, giving her an indescribable sense of security.

Finally, after a long internal struggle, her fondness for Nairaku outweighed her hatred for Yūhi Kurenai.

Yakumo Yakumo slowly spoke, "Alright then, Teacher Red, I'll leave it to you!"

Seeing Yakumo finally agree, Nairaku gave Yūhi Kurenai a subtle look, and Kurenai responded with a nod.

Since the studio was quite spacious, they didn't go anywhere else.

Yakumo lay down on the empty space in the middle, while Yūhi Kurenai sat cross‑legged directly in front of her head, extended a hand onto her forehead, and began checking her condition.