The restaurant's long table wasn't laden with lavish dishes, but a few carefully prepared home-style plates gave off an enticing aroma.
Samui, Kumogakure's Elite Jonin and the Raikage's wife, was known for her cool efficiency. Now the sharpness she wore on missions was gone. In a simple apron, she set the last bowl of Miso Soup on the table.
Her short, pale-blond hair was as neat as ever, but her gaze softened as she looked toward the door.
"Mother!" Damian stopped in the doorway and steadied his breathing after the run.
"You're back, Damian." Samui turned to him with a rare smile of pure tenderness. "I'm sorry I've been so busy with work lately. I haven't spent much time with you."
"Come on, try some. I made everything the way you like it."
Damian sat down and looked at the food, all his favorites. The small pang of disappointment he'd felt at his father's and brother's absence eased.
"It's all right, Mother. I know you and Father are both busy."
He picked up his chopsticks, his voice growing firm. "When I go to Kirigakure for the Exchange Meeting tomorrow, I'll give it everything I've got and bring honor to Kumogakure. I won't let our village down!"
Samui sat across from him without touching her chopsticks. She only watched her son with a smile, pride in her eyes alongside something more thoughtful.
"Mm. I believe in you. You've never let your father or me down." She paused, then softened her voice.
"But Damian, while showing your strength is part of this trip to Kirigakure, I'd rather you see it as a rare opportunity."
"An opportunity?" Damian paused with his chopsticks in hand.
"A chance to make friends," Samui said clearly. "I hear Konoha is sending some of its younger generation to