Yakumo wanted to hide in embarrassment.
But she stopped herself.
Head lowered and face flushed, she whispered, "Yes... Master!"
"Good."
Shinji straightened and looked Kurama Yakumo over. The little girl had seemed much better lately. At least there was some color in her cheeks.
This quiet stretch had indeed given her frail body a chance to catch up a little.
But... only a little.
"I went to the Ninja Academy today. Why aren't you going to school?"
Kurama Yakumo froze. "Huh? Can... can I?"
Inside the house.
Shinji glanced at the brazier still burning in April. "Murakumo, let Yakumo go to school. Let her make friends and spend time with children her own age. She's already missed the best age to start school. She can't stay cooped up at home forever. That can make her sick too, in a way more frightening than any illness of the body."
Kurama Murakumo said helplessly, "But..."
Shinji glanced at Yakumo, who was listening quietly, and cut him off.
"No buts, Murakumo. It's settled. I'll speak to the teachers and have Yakumo excused from combat practice and Ninjutsu classes. She can join this year's incoming class."
Kurama Murakumo gave a wry smile.
Not only had his daughter been stolen away, but now he, her own father, couldn't even decide whether she went to school...
This was—
Wonderful!
For Yakumo to have a teacher like Shinji Uchiha
was fortunate indeed!
"But what about her age?"
Shinji shook his head. "Age isn't a problem. She can enroll as a Transfer Student. I doubt anyone will bully her..."
Kurama Murakumo considered it for a moment.
Given that Kurama Yakumo's health really had been improving lately, he finally nodded.
"If you say so, Shinji, then she can go. But her mother will have to arrange the transfer.