"Junlin, is there anything else you want to do?"
Yanbai looked at the sky outside. He had stayed by Junlin's side, and even after lunch, the boy still looked as though he had something to say but could not bring himself to say it.
Yanbai encouraged Junlin to voice his needs.
As they spent time together, Yanbai gradually stopped mentioning Tobirama Senju.
Yet, to Yanbai's surprise, Junlin quietly made an unusual request.
"May I brush your hair?"
Junlin looked up at Yanbai and said cautiously, "It's all right if I can't. I just..."
"Of course..." Yanbai agreed to the child's request without giving it much thought.
At Yanbai's reply, a trace of excitement finally appeared in Junlin's fear-filled eyes.
Yanbai did not know what this child had endured, but he still agreed to his request. Even knowing what the child truly wanted to do, Yanbai agreed.
Junlin took out the comb he had prepared beforehand, stood behind Yanbai, and carefully brushed his hair.
Junlin spoke much more than before as he worked. His little hands were deft and exceedingly careful.
With his back to the boy, Yanbai offered occasional responses to Junlin's words throughout the process.
The brushing did not take long.
Junlin's little face was full of smiles. At the end, he politely put away the comb and said goodbye to Yanbai.
"You don't need to walk me home. Really, I know the way." Junlin smiled at Yanbai and said softly, "I've heard being Hokage is hard work. Please do your best and take care of yourself. I'll be going now. I look forward to seeing you again."
"All right. Be careful on your way home." Yanbai smiled too.
And so, the adult and the child parted ways at a street corner.
With their backs to each other, different