The Apology Mission Begins

Ino Yamanaka stood and walked over to the Intel Board. Looking at the photos of Damian and Anya, she spoke in a gentler tone.

"Children have their own rules. Sometimes a fight can be the start of a friendship."

"Operation Owl is a long-term mission. We can't rush it. We need patience, like nurturing a sapling, not carrying out a raid."

"We should help Anya settle in gradually and let her and Damian get to know each other naturally. If they build a relationship of their own starting with this fight, it might prove more effective and lasting than any script we could devise."

She turned to Twilight. "So stop blaming yourself. What matters now is guiding Anya through the aftermath of this conflict."

Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses, the tension in his eyes easing a little. "I understand, Commander. I'll handle it."

At the Raikage Building, Yor knocked softly on her superior's office door, her heart uneasy.

"Come in."

Samui was buried in a pile of documents and did not look up.

Only when Yor shuffled up to her desk did she raise her eyes, surprised to see the usually inconspicuous subordinate. "Yor? Did you need something?"

"Um... Lady Samui... I'm... I'm sorry!" Yor bowed sharply, stumbling over her words. "It's... it's my fault! I didn't raise my child properly, and that's... that's why something so serious happened!"

The apology came out of nowhere. Samui set down her pen and asked, puzzled, "What are you talking about? What serious thing?"

"It's... it's my daughter, Anya. Today at the Ninja Academy, she... she hit..." Yor's voice dwindled until she could barely meet Samui's eyes.

"Oh!" Samui cut her off, realization dawning. Her tone was as casual as if she were commenting on the weather.

"I see. You mean Damian getting