"You're all here."
Mother came out of the kitchen. The ingredients were ready; all that remained was to light the fire and start cooking.
She knew these boys and girls well. Although the villagers were wary of the Uchiha, these children hadn't let that turn them against Sora, so she was always happy to see them.
"Come inside and warm up by the fire. It's so cold out—don't freeze!" she said hurriedly, then shot Sora a glare. "And you, too. What are you standing in the doorway for?"
"Exactly! You don't know how to treat a lady at all." Kurenai Yuhi stuck out her tongue, then sidestepped around Sora and went over cheerfully. "Auntie, is there anything I can help with? I've got plenty of strength."
"Mm... No, everything's done. Just go inside and wait for the food."
Kurenai was so at home here that Sora could only sigh helplessly. He moved aside and said to the others, "Well, come on in, or Mother's going to scold me again."
Everyone laughed.
"Little Shisui, I'm here to see you again!" As soon as Kurenai entered, she spotted Shisui warming himself by the brazier. Her eyes lit up, and she grabbed him, squeezing his cheeks at once.
"Mmph, Sis Kurenai, stop pinching!" Shisui's words came out muffled.
He knew Kurenai well, of course. His "big sister" had actually come to their house to see his older brother, and after a few visits, they'd grown familiar.
Then he noticed the other big brothers and sisters. He wriggled free of Kurenai's clutches and sensibly brought over stools. Fortunately, the brazier was big enough for everyone to gather around with room to spare.
Momosuke's ears twitched in the study, but he didn't come out to greet them. He held a book and sipped his tea,