Shinobu Kocho rubbed her forehead, not bothered in the slightest. She was used to it by now.
She turned and led the way. "Come in first. I asked Kanao to make tea."
"How is she?" Tetsu no Sosuke asked. "Before I came, your older sister said she wanted me to bring Kanao back for a couple of days. You know she gets lonely when I'm away on missions. Kiyo Terauchi is thoughtful, but she's so respectful that they can't really chat."
"Kiyo would be hurt if she heard you say that," Shinobu Kocho said. "But that sounds good. My older sister and Kanao haven't seen each other in ages, thanks to a certain someone! Take her back with you for a couple of days this time..."
She paused and looked at Tetsu no Sosuke. "I haven't taught the girl what you taught me. It's too extraordinary. I don't feel right passing it on without asking. Of course, it's different if you teach her yourself."
"We're all family," Tetsu no Sosuke said. "While Kanao's staying with me, they can all learn together."
"Mm." Shinobu Kocho nodded, then smiled. "You'd never mentioned wanting to adopt anyone, and suddenly you have two boys... What's special about them?"
Tetsu no Sosuke's expression grew complicated.
"They completed one cycle of Breath of the Sun after just two hours."
Shinobu Kocho stared at him, dumbfounded.
When she looked back at the Tokito Brothers, it was as though she were looking at a pair of monsters.
For a thousand years, apart from Yoriichi Tsugikuni, only Tetsu no Sosuke had mastered the Breath of the Sun. That was how difficult it was.
"Where did you find these two little monsters?" Shinobu Kocho asked quietly. "If there are any more, find one for me too."
"You think it's that