Bieshu Feifan frowned,
Smack!
And slapped the fake A Tō across the face.
"A Tō, mind your manners.
Call me Uncle Feifan."
The fake Sarutobi Tōgo looked utterly bewildered. Had he just been hit?
Seeing that the fake A Tō was awake, Might Duy and Might Guy hurriedly took out their gifts.
"A Tō, your Uncle Duy came to visit you.
Look, here's some Sichuan pepper and chili peppers."
Might Guy also pulled a large bottle out of the bag.
"A Tō, look. This is rapeseed oil.
It's my favorite brand."
While the fake Sarutobi Tōgo was still bewildered, the well-dressed woman beside him spoke.
"Put those things to the side. Dongwu isn't well, so stop troubling him."
At that, Bieshu Feifan and the other two all looked at the woman.
Might Duy rubbed his chin, looking very puzzled.
"Who are you, buddy?
Why are you here?"
The woman's face darkened instantly at Might Duy's words.
"I'm Dongwu's mother, Biwako Sarutobi."
Might Duy and Might Guy both gasped.
Bieshu Feifan also studied her carefully. It really was her.
"Hello, sister-in-law. I'm A Tō's uncle.
Just call me Uncle Feifan. No need to stand on ceremony."
Biwako Sarutobi frowned, but there was more to come that would deepen that frown.
After hearing who she was and getting over his shock, Might Duy immediately grew excited.
"You're A Tō's mom?
I remember you. Your cooking is delicious.
Last time we visited A Tō, we ate your cooking.
Sister-in-law, your cooking is already as good as those master chefs'."
Might Guy also walked over with a smile and stuffed the rapeseed oil and seasonings into Biwako Sarutobi's hands.
"Sister-in-law, I'm your Uncle Guy.
Your cooking really is good.
The flavor just isn't bold enough.
Since we happened to run into you, look, we've