Anya had been waiting for this moment! She quickly swallowed the food in her mouth, sprang off her chair, and ran into the living room. Pointing at the television playing a cartoon, she shouted:
"Anya wants that! A big doggy! A smart, strong, loyal big doggy, just like Bondman's partner!"
On the screen, a majestic large dog was fighting side by side with Bondman.
Kabuto Yakushi and Yor looked at the screen at the same time, then exchanged a glance.
"Yor," Kabuto Yakushi began, first asking his wife's opinion—a necessary step in maintaining a harmonious family. "Do you like dogs? Keeping a pet takes a lot of time and patience."
Yor blinked her beautiful purplish-red eyes, seeming to give the matter serious thought, then smiled at Anya's expectant face. "I don't mind, Mr. Loid, as long as Miss Anya likes it."
Kabuto Yakushi adjusted his glasses and turned back to Anya with an encouraging smile. "All right. Then let's make a promise, Anya."
"If you pass your graduation exam this time and become a real Kumogakure genin, we'll go pick out a smart big doggy you like as your graduation present. How does that sound?"
"Really?!" Anya's eyes shone brighter than ever. "Hooray for Father! It's a promise! Pinky swear!" She held out her little finger.
"Pinky swear." Kabuto Yakushi extended his own little finger and solemnly hooked it around hers.
"Mother!" With the promise sealed, Anya turned to Yor with renewed enthusiasm, clenching her little fists. "Keep giving Anya special taijutsu training tonight! Anya's going to get super strong! Anya has to pass the exam!"
Seeing her daughter's fighting spirit rekindled, Yor regained her gentle smile and nodded softly. "All right, Miss Anya. We'll rest a little after dinner, then get started."
Beneath the dining table, Kabuto Yakushi silently