"Ah! Boss, are you going to school next year too? What should I do?" Andor, the only little girl and a year younger than the others, said sadly.
Mirai thought for a moment, then smiled. "Kikuji can go to school with us too. You'll be five next year, but so many of us will be looking out for you. You definitely won't be bullied at school."
"Really?" Andor was deeply moved by the thought of going to school with so many friends, but after hesitating for a while, she said, "I'll have to go home and ask my parents. I don't know whether they'll agree."
"Of course, there's still plenty of time. You can take your time deciding," Mirai said with a smile. "It's fine even if you don't go to school with us next year. If you start at six, we'll still protect you."
"Haha, thank you, Boss," Andor said happily.
"You're welcome. Protecting you is my responsibility as your boss!" Mirai said casually.
Spending time with children was quite enjoyable. There were no schemes, nor did he need to focus on making money.
But good times were always short-lived, and Mirai would not allow himself to sink into that comfortable, pleasant atmosphere. He always kept the cruelty and danger of the shinobi world in mind.
At nine thirty, as agreed, Sora politely bid farewell to Keiko in the flower shop that had brought Mirai back to the mountain, then headed straight home.
As usual, Mirai went home to practice hand seals, study calligraphy, check his property panel to confirm the day's gains, review the day's events, then wash up and sleep.
But Mirai could not fall asleep that night.
Seeking benefit and avoiding harm was human nature. He had prepared himself for the pain of flexibility training, but