Konan's room was clean and tidy.
There were no decorations on the walls. A pot of some unknown green plant sat on the table, and the window stood open, letting in the cool breeze after the rain.
The bed was neatly made, with an exquisitely folded white paper flower beside the pillow.
Ino and Hinata stood in the middle of the room, covered in mud, barely daring to set their feet on the floor.
Genya ushered them both into the bathroom and turned on the faucet. Hot water rushed out, filling the air with steam.
He leaned against the doorframe, watched the two girls standing there, and said with a smile,
"You've traveled all this way, and you're so tired. Want me to help wash you? Hmm?"
Ino raised an eyebrow and planted her hands on her hips. Even covered in mud, she was every bit as imposing as ever.
"Oh? Fooling around in your dear big sister Konan's room-aren't you afraid? Hmm? Do you dare?"
Genya chuckled, reached out to pull Ino over, then pulled Hinata over as well.
"I've been fighting for hours. Isn't this the perfect time to unwind?"
The bathroom door closed.
Steam seeped through the gap beneath it, carrying the scent of body wash.
Water splashed, occasionally punctuated by playful scolding and startled cries.
Three young people squeezed into a rather small bathroom. Well, no one knew what might happen.
Konan sat on the windowsill downstairs, sheets of paper drifting around her.
She listened to the faint sounds of water and laughter upstairs without paying them any mind, continuing to gaze at the sky outside after the rain.
A long while later, the water upstairs stopped.
The door opened, and steam billowed out.
Ino wore one of Konan's spare outfits. The white shirt was a