Black Zetsu indulged in that pleasant vision of the future as he tousled the messy hair of the boy before him, smoothed out those particularly irritating red locks, and wove them back into an elegant braid that rested neatly behind his head.
Yin sat obediently, beaming as he enjoyed Black Zetsu's attention.
"Father, it's been so long since you last brushed my hair. If I'm left to do it myself, I can't keep anything tidy... I can't lose you, Father. Please don't be so distant with me again, all right?"
He wound a fine lock of hair at his temple around his fingertip. His wispy bangs concealed his pale red eyes, revealing a hint of inscrutable gloom.
The moment he opened his mouth, he slipped effortlessly into wheedling.
That familiar plea for affection took all the irritation out of Black Zetsu. That's not something I can control, he muttered inwardly, then changed the subject. "Let's put your Sealing Jutsu studies on hold for now."
"Huh? On hold?"
Yin repeated Black Zetsu's words. He hesitated for a moment, but then shook his head.
"I've finally started getting a feel for it lately. I'd rather still set aside some time to study every day. If I stop outright, I'm worried I'll lose that feeling again."
He shrugged, his pale red eyes drifting slightly downward, as though he were pondering something.
Black Zetsu felt a surge of gratification, yet he couldn't quite get used to it-for those eyes had once focused on him and him alone.
Before, it had always been, "Whatever Father decides." Now, Yin could discuss things with him based on his own circumstances.
The boy is growing up. He's starting to have ideas of his own...
"All right. Follow your own instincts, then."
Black Zetsu didn't object, but his heart