When Hanfu came home with a small bag of crayfish, Gekko Hoshino had already returned from the Hokage Building. He was in the backyard, guiding Hayate through his sword practice.
Keiko was silently shaping rice balls in the kitchen.
"Mom, you haven't eaten yet?"
Hanfu was a little surprised.
Without turning around, Keiko replied, "I'm making these for your father. He's leaving for the front tomorrow."
Hanfu sighed inwardly. It had finally come to this.
Then he pulled himself together and handed Keiko the bag of crayfish. "Mom, I caught these in the river. They're delicious!"
"Hm?"
Keiko glanced at the bag and frowned. "Crayfish? What are those? Can you eat them?"
"Of course. We had some on our picnic."
Hanfu made it up as he went. "Mom, Dad's going to the front. Let's make him some braised crayfish."
Keiko accepted the bag without thinking. A moment later, as if she'd realized something, she gave Hanfu a helpless glare and scolded, "Feng-chan, you're the one who wants to eat them, aren't you?"
Hanfu grinned.
Whether or not he wanted to eat them, as long as they cooked the crayfish, the rest would pretty much take care of itself.
Keiko washed the crayfish again, then followed Hanfu's instructions and made braised crayfish.
The family had only a few seasonings, so she used soy sauce, MSG, salt, ginger, dried chili peppers, and scallions. Even so, once the crayfish were ready, their rich aroma quickly filled the living room and drifted out to the backyard.
"That smells amazing!"
Looking at the dozen or so bright-red crayfish and the vivid green scallions in the bowl, Keiko felt her appetite suddenly stir.
"Keiko?"
Gekko Hoshino and Hayate had caught the scent from the backyard and hurried inside.
"Aunt Keiko, what are you cooking? It smells