The two of them arrived at a small park. Shion lowered her head and sat on the swing, gently kicking her legs. "Shinji, I miss home a little!"
Shinji gave the swing a push. "That's normal. It's been a while since you went back to the Land of Demons."
Shion fell silent for a moment, then said, "I've been really happy during my time in Konoha. I've made so many friends and learned so many things."
Shinji continued pushing the swing, listening quietly.
Shion went on, "But I don't know why—I always feel like I can't fit in with everyone. When I'm with you all, it feels like I'll always just be a guest!"
"You are a guest, after all!"
Shinji had wanted to tease her, but held back.
Shion sighed. "I really want to fit in with you all, to become one of you, to go on missions with you and fight like a real ninja!"
Shinji reassured her, "Shion, you don't have to be like us! Besides, whether you're a ninja or a Miko, those are just labels. The kind of person you want to be and the life you want to live are entirely up to you!"
Shion turned her head and looked at Shinji expectantly. "Can I go on missions with you and fight alongside you, too?"
"Uh..."
Shinji was at a loss for words.
"Hmph, I knew it!" Shion pouted. "Shinji, you've always seen me as a child, haven't you?"
Shinji said nothing. It was true.
Shion said, "I know that the you I see now isn't the real you!"
Shinji furrowed his brow.
Shion continued, "I can't explain why, but I can feel that I've never really gotten close to you all these years! Maybe, in your heart, you've never really considered me a