Sea King Barbecue

Qian Ye pushed open the solid wood front door.

The air inside was fresh.

There was none of the musty smell of a house left unoccupied for too long.

This time, the old Third Hokage had not shortchanged a meritorious contributor.

The first floor held a spacious living room.

An open kitchen and dining area connected to it.

All the furniture was brand-new.

Even the tea set on the coffee table had been arranged neatly.

Pakura followed behind him.

She looked around the house.

This place was far better than her residence in Sunagakure.

The Land of Wind was ravaged by sandstorms year-round.

Even high-ranking residences could not escape the earthy stench of dust.

Yet this place exuded refinement everywhere.

"There are four rooms upstairs."

Qian Ye pointed toward the staircase.

"Pick whichever one you like."

Pakura did not hesitate.

"I want the one closest to the stairs."

Qian Ye turned to look at her.

"That room gets the least sunlight."

Pakura's tone was calm.

"That location is best for guarding."

"Anyone coming up from the first floor would have to pass my room first."

Qian Ye sighed.

"I told you, I don't need you to be a dog."

"This is the central district of the Hidden Leaf. No one would dare rush in and kill me outright."

"Pick a south-facing room with a balcony."

"Girls should get more sunlight. It's good for your health."

Pakura stopped walking.

She looked at Qian Ye's back.

This twelve-year-old boy always managed to easily break through the defenses she had built around herself.

She silently went upstairs.

In the end, she chose the bedroom whose window overlooked the cherry blossom tree in the courtyard.

A sudden burst of noise came from outside.

"Qian Ye!"

"Open up, open up!"

Uchiha Yan's booming voice could