Disappointed That He Hadn't Lived Up to Expectations
With just one glance, Ashina recognized his grandson. They had not seen each other in nearly twenty years, and over those years, Arashi's build, voice, and appearance had all changed enormously.
Even so, Ashina recognized him at once.
None of the family-reunion scenes Arashi had imagined came to pass. He was utterly defeated by that one "good grandson."
Tears came pattering down.
"It's me, Grandfather!"
Ashina strode over to Arashi in two big steps and pulled him into his arms.
"I haven't seen you in so many years. You've grown taller! Stronger too!"
Ashina patted Arashi on the shoulder. In his memory, Arashi was still a chubby little boy, soft and plump.
Time had passed, and his own grandson had grown so big.
After so many years apart, Ashina missed his descendants dearly.
But he had no real reason to go back.
They had turned the Land of Whirlpools into that state. He was furious, and even less willing to go back and see them.
But he had never expected that today, Arashi would actually come to him on his own.
As extensions of his own bloodline, Ashina loved all the children very much.
But the reason he especially favored Kushina was that his other grandsons and granddaughters were all dearly loved by their parents.
Kushina, however, was the one who had been disliked. His seventh son did not like this girl.
So when Kushina was little, she often went to him seeking comfort. Over time, his doting on Kushina naturally grew even deeper.
"Arashi, I truly didn't expect you to find your way here. Did something major happen in the Land of Whirlpools? Did your father cause some huge disaster again?"
When Arashi heard those words, even his tears almost stopped,