"How much longer are you two going to stand out there? Aren't you coming in to sit down?"
A resentful voice broke the warm atmosphere between Kanzaki Kumo and Makomo.
Both turned to look, only to find that Sakonji Urokodaki had appeared at the courtyard gate again at some point.
With his wealth of experience, he could tell at a glance that Makomo had been hiding nearby all along, watching him breathlessly "hunt down" Kanzaki Kumo. Naturally, he was full of resentment now.
The darling girl he had raised as his own daughter was letting him down.
However, all that resentment was directed at Kanzaki Kumo.
Sakonji Urokodaki: How could my darling girl possibly be at fault? It's all Kanzaki Kumo's fault!
Kanzaki Kumo: Well, yes, but... fine. Since that darling girl is going to be mine, I'll take the blame.
Kanzaki Kumo and Makomo parted somewhat awkwardly. Only then did they notice the two spectators behind Sakonji Urokodaki-Sabito and Giyu.
When their eyes met, Sabito even made a face at them.
He was the reason Sakonji Urokodaki had returned so soon after leaving.
He had noticed that Makomo was missing, then learned from the returning Sakonji Urokodaki that Kanzaki Kumo was outside. Clever as he was, he had naturally guessed where his senior sister had gone in no time.
Looking at the smug Sabito, Kanzaki Kumo and Makomo exchanged a glance and nodded in perfect understanding.
Standing beside Sabito, Giyu noticed their little exchange and kept tugging at Sabito's clothes, trying to warn him. Unfortunately, all he got was a puzzled look.
Seeing that, Giyu silently moved two steps to the side.
"Mr. Urokodaki."
"Master."
"We're coming in now."
Kanzaki Kumo and Makomo spoke in unison, then stepped through the courtyard gate on either side of Sakonji Urokodaki.
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