Mito Uzumaki was thoroughly convinced. She didn't give Uchiha Takeyasu another chance to speak, leaving the office at once to carry out the Hokage's will and inform Konoha's great ninja clans.
Minamoto Kaori secretly watched her husband, who looked utterly different from his usual self, and suddenly longed to hold Tachibana in her arms.
But according to the rule of one day each, Tachibana was currently in Uchiha Naori's arms.
In the now-empty office, Uchiha Takeyasu noticed Minamoto Kaori's unease. With a Body Flicker, he swept the girl's soft body into his arms and asked gently, "Kaori, are you scared?"
"...No, it just feels a little unfamiliar."
"It's like you and I are living in different worlds, darling."
Like a kitten, Minamoto Kaori rubbed her head against his chest and nestled against the warm, sturdy body she had embraced night after night these past few days. Her clear eyes reflected Uchiha Takeyasu's gentle smile, and determination filled her gaze.
"But Kaori wants to reach the world you live in, darling!"
"Whether it's killing or scheming, Kaori will always stand behind you!"
"That would be hard on you."
Their eyes met. Uchiha Takeyasu saw not a trace of hesitation in the girl's ruby-red eyes, and a heartfelt smile rose to his lips.
"Kaori, when we go to the Land of Lightning, I'll catch you a big cat."
"Will it be as cute as Tachibana?"
"I've never seen one."
Uchiha Takeyasu thought it over. "But probably not. Tachibana's the cutest cat in the world. Though lately, she's been getting fatter and fatter."
"We can't let Fatty Orange keep going like this, or soon her belly will be dragging on the ground."
Minamoto Kaori lowered her head, her face turning pink. At home, she'd feed Tachibana a bite, then Uchiha Naori would feed