Adjustment Records

Yasui Makoto was taken aback again.

Then his gaze unconsciously drifted toward the kitchen doorway, where his father's busy, steady figure occasionally appeared. He also heard his mother's cheerful voice.

The corners of his mouth lifted slightly of their own accord, finally settling into a knowing smile. He nodded gently. "Mm."

The Yasuis seemed to cook together at home often, and they worked efficiently. They hadn't been chatting in the living room for long before the dining table was filled with a spread of colorful, fragrant dishes.

There was Nagoya-style miso pork cutlet, golden, crispy tempura, and doteni stew simmered until its flavors had soaked in, along with plenty of tempting home-cooked dishes. Steam mingled with the aroma in the air, making everyone's mouth water.

The lively atmosphere at the table soon warmed up, thanks to Kikō Misuzu's energetic presence.

She kept piling food onto the girls' plates, warmly urging them to "eat up and make yourselves at home," while naturally steering the conversation toward her son.

"Little Makoto... how do I put it? He was different from other kids even when he was little."

Sister Misuzu continued serving food, looking lost in her memories.

"While other boys were running around and playing outside, he was already so mature for his age.

"He was either in the school library or curled up at home reading. Otherwise, he'd head to the city library and sit quietly there all day.

"The neighborhood ladies were always asking me, 'Is your Makoto a little too quiet? He doesn't seem like a boy at all!'"

Her story immediately drew gasps from the girls. They couldn't help looking at Yasui Makoto, trying to reconcile the steady, dependable Trainer before them with the image of a boy who'd been "too quiet."

Then Misuzu changed tack, her voice