Family

Tonight, it rained in Sunagakure.

This sight, common elsewhere, was a rarity for those living on this land.

The dirt roads were already muddy, and with merchant caravans traveling day and night recently, the rain turned the dilapidated paths into a series of 'traps.'

Outsiders frowned and dodged them, while local children squatted on the ground, curiously playing with the wet mud.

"What terrible weather~"

Chiyo and Ebizo sat on the veranda of the courtyard, watching the rain hit the once-calm surface of the pond.

Her withered hands cradled a cup of hot tea. The ancient teacup held a pale green liquid, and the swirling mist was particularly noticeable in the gloomy weather.

"Sister, the people of the clan are dissatisfied with the Elder Council's decision."

"What do you think?"

Ebizo didn't answer immediately. After a moment of silence, he spoke, "I have no objection to being punished, but punishing only Kōtarō should suffice. The clan has sacrificed so much for the village, yet they are punished because of one person."

Ebizo didn't finish his sentence, but Chiyo understood his meaning perfectly.

"Is that so, Ebizo? Do you remember the village graveyard?"

Ebizo didn't know why his sister suddenly brought up such an irrelevant topic, but he still answered respectfully:

"Of course, I remember. We built it with our own hands. Conditions were poor back then. The lords were out fighting, and we children stayed in the village. It was one of the few places we could contribute. Unfortunately, materials and technology weren't good enough then, so it couldn't compare to other villages."

Ebizo looked up, his eyes filled with nostalgia.

"Yes~ We had nothing back then, only youthful passion. But what about now? Even the humblest residences of the elders are equipped with electricity, lit day and night, with lush green lawns. They even compete with each other over beautiful concubines and jewels, yet why has no one mentioned repairing the graveyard?"

"Has even the youthful passion and bravery from back then disappeared?"

Chiyo looked up in the direction of the graveyard. Countless tall buildings blocked her view, but she seemed to see something. "I went there a while ago. A small mound with a rough stone cross stuck in it. Many people don't even have names. They've been forgotten like this~"

"Sister, I'm sorry. Tomorrow I'll..."

Before Ebizo could finish, Chiyo waved her hand. "I'm not blaming you. In fact, I forgot too. I have no right to blame you. Do you remember Brother Kōen?"

Ebizo frowned and thought for a moment before hesitantly asking, "Was he the big brother who loved to laugh when we were little?"

Chiyo nodded. "Yes~ If it weren't for him, a robber would have cut off my arm, and I wouldn't have had the chance to become a Medical Ninja. He was among the first warriors to enter the graveyard, but I... I can't find where he is."

She sighed after speaking.

"I've always felt I've contributed a lot to Sunagakure. I've made Sunagakure better. I despise those fat pigs who do nothing but collect a salary, and I despise those who flaunt their power relying on their clan. Now that I think about it, how is the Chiyo Clan any different?"

Ebizo seemed to understand what Chiyo was about to say, his expression conflicted.

"Brother~ You are my only family now. Hmm. You are the only one by my side now, and I only care about the few people around me. If the clan becomes like those people, then to me, they are no different from strangers. Do you understand?"

Ebizo closed his eyes and sighed. "I understand, Sister."

He knew what his sister meant by saying this, but he wouldn't resist.

His sister's family was only him, and wasn't he the same?

Just then, a servant respectfully approached not far away. "Lady Chiyo, Hoshino Maki requests an audience."

"Refuse him."

"Yes."

Ebizo watched the servant's retreating back and suddenly said, "Be a bit ruder."

The servant was stunned for a moment, then nodded in agreement.

After the servant left, the two looked at each other and smiled.

"Sister, let's go to the graveyard tomorrow. I remember Brother Kōen was buried about ten steps from the wall. I just don't know if my old legs and my childhood pace are still the same."

"It's alright. Your intellect hasn't changed."

"."

Bang--!

Watching the door slam shut violently, Hoshino Maki, holding his umbrella, looked calm and unsurprised.

His little tricks might deceive Chiyo, or they might not. Either way, the outcome was acceptable, or rather, bearable, for him.

"Then I won't disturb you."

Hoshino Maki bowed deeply towards the door and turned to leave.

"Did Hoshino Maki fall out with Chiyo? Are you sure?"

Chōjūrō looked at the shinobi kneeling before him on one knee and asked urgently.

"Your subordinate only saw Chiyo refuse Hoshino Maki's visit."

Chōjūrō rubbed his chin, his eyes flashing with thought.

If he had followed his usual habits, he would have given this person, who had once talked back to him and embarrassed him, a lesson he would never forget.

But now, after so many events, especially after Hoshino Maki used those captives to gain so many benefits, he realized that people could be so useful.

Doesn't that mean the person who can make others useful is even more useful?

Thinking from another angle, how could a talentless mediocrity make someone resent him?

Stabbing Chiyo with Chiyo's own blade was more satisfying than anything.

He suddenly thought of something and quickly asked, "Did you spot anyone else while you were monitoring?"

"Yūta's subordinates were also seen near Chiyo Mansion."

"Why didn't you say so earlier?!"

"Lord, you only told me to monitor Hoshino Maki."

Chōjūrō glared, pointing at the subordinate for a long time, unable to speak.

At this moment, he firmly believed that what he needed most was talent.

"Go and summon Hoshino Maki for me."

As the subordinate turned to leave, he pondered and then instructed, "Go privately. Don't let anyone see."

After the subordinate left, Chōjūrō sat in his seat, contemplating what to say next.

He hadn't even thought for a minute when he saw the subordinate kneeling at the doorway.

"Lord, Hoshino Maki has been brought."

"So fast?!"

At this speed, did you use the Flying Thunder God to invite him?

"Lord, when I went out, I found him already standing at the mansion's entrance."

"...Bring him in."

A moment later, Hoshino Maki walked in.

"Lord Chōjūrō."

Standing at the doorway, Hoshino Maki paid his respects. The two looked at each other, neither speaking for a moment.

This was their first one-on-one meeting, and the atmosphere was a bit awkward. Finally, Hoshino Maki spoke first:

"Lord, won't you invite me in for a cup of tea?"

Chōjūrō didn't reply, gesturing towards a seat beside him.

"Thank you."

Hoshino Maki sat down and surveyed the room's decor.

A rare traditional Japanese style in Sunagakure, with tatami mats, sliding shoji doors, and a predominantly plain color scheme. There weren't many decorative items.

He wasn't one for indulgence; that was Hoshino Maki's first impression.

His second impression was that it was old-fashioned.

All the items in the room were arranged according to a certain pattern, and there were almost no new objects. Even the only electrical appliance was an Electric Lamp.

Hoshino Maki felt that this visit might require considerable effort.

Thanks to @书友20221215203813021 for the 100-point reward!