"Chiyo-niichan!"
At that moment, Mikoto came in carrying a cup of tea.
"Mikoto, why are you still here?"
Chiyo glanced outside. It had already grown dark.
Hadn't he told Mikoto earlier that she could go home when it was time?
"I... I'm Chiyo-niichan's secretary. How could I leave the Guard Unit while Chiyo-niichan is still here?!"
Mikoto's gaze darted away, and she began to stammer.
Looking at her, Chiyo immediately understood what she was thinking.
"I won't have the tea. Let's go!"
Chiyo stood up and gently ruffled her hair.
Mikoto set the warm tea aside.
Then she obediently followed Chiyo out of the Guard Unit.
The slightly cool breeze brushed against them like a beauty's caress, gently lifting Mikoto's long hair.
A faint fragrance of hair lingered around Chiyo.
It was completely different from Tsunade's and Yakushi Nonō's scent, fresher still.
It smelled wonderful.
As they walked down the street, their shadows stretched long side by side beneath the lights.
Although Mikoto looked somewhat tired, her eyes were bright. From time to time, she glanced at Chiyo Uchiha beside her.
Because Chiyo was by her side.
That alone was enough for her.
The two walked in quiet silence, unknowingly arriving at the Uchiha Compound.
When they reached Mikoto's door, Chiyo stopped.
He took an exquisite necklace from his clothes, one he had carefully selected for Mikoto.
"Mikoto, this necklace is for you!"
"A necklace for me?"
Mikoto froze where she stood.
Chiyo personally put the necklace around Mikoto's neck.
Her eyes misted over with emotion.
"Chiyo-niichan, this necklace is so beautiful..."
Mikoto touched the necklace with one hand, raised her head, and looked at him with tender affection.
"As long as you like it, Mikoto. You've worked so hard. This is your reward."
Chiyo smiled at her.
Mikoto's expression