Inside the company president's office.
Shinji sat in Oyakuro En's chair, calmly watching the girl in front of him.
There was no doubt about it: this tiny girl was Oyakuro En's daughter, Chiyo, and the only surviving member of the Chinoike Clan besides Oyakuro En!
Chiyo was clearly nervous, cautiously watching Shinji.
Oyakuro En stood behind Chiyo, still wearing a faint smile. He seemed unconcerned that Shinji was scrutinizing his own daughter.
After a moment, Shinji said to Oyakuro En, "I'm taking her with me!"
"To be chosen by you is her good fortune!"
To Shinji's surprise, Oyakuro En agreed readily without even asking why.
Shinji gave Oyakuro En a long look, said nothing more, and led Chiyo out of the Karma Real Estate Company's headquarters.
Chiyo followed Shinji in silence, showing no resistance.
Shinji asked, "Isn't there anything you want to ask?"
Chiyo replied softly, "As long as you take me away, I don't care who I have to follow!"
"Heh."
Shinji chuckled, then said nothing more.
Shinji didn't linger in the Land of Hot Water with Chiyo. Instead, he headed straight back to the Land of Fire. Traveling at a pace suited to caring for Chiyo added a few days to the return trip.
After returning to the Land of Fire, Shinji settled Chiyo in another hideout, not far from his secret laboratory.
After showing Chiyo around the hideout and explaining the living arrangements, Shinji said, "You'll be living here from now on!"
At last, Chiyo couldn't hold back her question. "What do you want me to do here?"
Shinji didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked, "Do you want to become stronger?"
"Yes!"
Chiyo answered without hesitation.
Forced to train as a tool, Chiyo had always dreamed of becoming strong enough to one day uproot the Karma Real