The next morning, Mirai crawled out of bed. Kushina was already gone.
Her warmth still lingered beneath the covers, and a long red hair lay on the pillow.
He rubbed his eyes and walked out of the room to find Kushina crouching in the courtyard, tying Konan's shoes.
Konan stood unsteadily with a Ninja Tool Pouch bigger than she was strapped to her back. Rin was beside her, straightening its shoulder straps, while Kurenai leaned against the doorframe, yawning.
"Morning," Mirai said with a yawn.
"Morning? It's almost noon." Kushina stood and dusted off her hands. "Didn't you say you'd train the three of them today?"
Mirai glanced at the sky, then at the three expectant faces, and nodded. "All right. We'll go after breakfast. We won't go far today—just the training ground west of the village."
"Yay!" Konan bounced up, nearly sending her Ninja Tool Pouch sliding off her shoulder. Rin caught it just in time.
"Slow down, Konan. That pouch is full of Kunai. It'll hurt if it lands on your foot," Rin said helplessly.
"I know!"
After breakfast, Mirai led the three girls toward the west side of the village.
Konan chattered the whole way.
One moment she asked, "What are you teaching us today, Mirai?" The next, "When can we learn new Ninjutsu?" Then, "Where did you go yesterday, Mirai?"
Rin smiled gently beside her, occasionally fixing Konan's Ninja Tool Pouch when it slipped out of place.
Kurenai walked at the back with her arms crossed, looking uninterested. But her ears were clearly pricked up as she listened for Mirai's answers.
At the training ground, Mirai stood in the center with his hands on his hips.
"We'll start with the basics today. Konan, practice forming shapes with your Paper Release in succession. Rin, work on your