"Itachi... Itachi!"
Mikoto looked at the figure before her, who had grown considerably taller, as a much more mature voice came from beneath his mask.
Her expression froze briefly, then delight spread across her face, and she threw herself at Itachi.
"Mother..."
Itachi wanted to say something, but Mikoto hugged him tight. Because of their difference in height, her head rested lightly against his shoulder.
He felt a slight trembling against his shoulder.
"It's good to have you back. Ahem, those two beside you are Tenzo and Izumi, right?"
After the brief embrace, Mikoto released Itachi. A barely noticeable damp patch had appeared on the shoulder of his black robe.
She casually wiped the corners of her eyes, gave them a radiant smile, and opened the courtyard gate, beckoning them inside.
"Yep! It's been so long, Auntie!"
Izumi skipped lightly inside and took off her mask once she entered the courtyard.
Her pretty face came into view, the beauty mark at the corner of her eye looking particularly lovely just then.
"It's been half a month since my last visit. Ah, we've had a lot of missions over there these past few days, so I haven't come to see you."
Izumi made a pleading gesture with her hands as she explained to Mikoto.
"It's all right. Work still needs to get done, but don't wear yourself out."
Mikoto smiled at Izumi, stealing a glance at her eldest son as well.
"Itachi, come on in. Doesn't it get stuffy wearing that mask all the time?"
Izumi grabbed Itachi and pulled him inside.
After greeting Mikoto, Tenzo walked inside somewhat shyly.
Once inside, Tenzo voluntarily removed his mask, revealing the face of a working stiff.
To be honest, a few years ago, he had been quite good-looking.
Especially when he wore his