Hanabi skipped along ahead, clutching several of her favorite photos in her little hands. One showed her and Hinata outside the dessert shop, both smiling sweetly. Another captured Toru Kujyo teaching her how to use the camera, the little girl's earnest expression looking especially adorable.
"Big brother Toru, are we taking more pictures today?" Hanabi asked, turning around.
"Of course." Toru Kujyo raised the camera. "Today, we're taking pictures of your sister at work."
Hinata blushed at that. "Big brother Toru, I'm only doing D-rank missions..."
"Work is work. No job is worth less than another," Toru Kujyo said earnestly. "You look beautiful when you're taking your responsibilities seriously."
Just then, Hinata suddenly stopped and pulled a bulging coin purse from her ninja tools pouch.
"Big brother Toru, this is my mission pay. Please take it." Hinata held out the purse with both hands, her eyes so sincere that it was hard to refuse.
Toru Kujyo froze for a moment, then shook his head. "You worked hard to earn that. I can't take it."
"But..." Hinata bit her lower lip. "You spent all your money on the camera. Last night, I saw the light in your room on until really late. Were you worrying about living expenses?"
Warmth filled Toru Kujyo's heart. This girl was always so observant. He reached out and gently stroked Hinata's hair. "Silly girl. I'm an adult. You don't need to worry about these things."
"I'm not a little kid anymore!" For once, Hinata stood her ground. "We're teammates. We should help each other."
Seeing her stubborn expression, Toru Kujyo felt both touched and helpless. He gently pushed the purse back toward her. "Hinata, I appreciate the thought, but you have to keep the money."
Hinata looked at the purse he had pushed back, guilt welling