News from Yamanaka Inoichi

Ino felt that something was off. Going home together after school should have been something that brought them closer.

But she felt that Ayato really only wanted to walk her home, with no other intention. They barely even exchanged a few words along the way.

"Hehe, things are progressing nicely. You're already coming home together," the Yamanaka Matriarch said with a smile as she came downstairs.

"Mm, it's all right." Ino blushed and chose not to tell her mother about her doubts. Maybe it was his first time, so Ayato did not know what to say either.

However, Ino soon realized she had overthought it, because Ayato was like that every day. He simply walked her home, nothing more.

That discovery left Ino somewhat frustrated. Their relationship was definitely growing closer, but it was completely different from what she had expected!

And just like that, they were almost home again today, yet that blockhead Ayato had not taken the initiative to say a single word.

What surprised Ino, however, was that her father was home today as well, and he seemed to be waiting for both her and Ayato.

"Hello, Uncle." When Ayato saw Yamanaka Inoichi, he took the initiative to greet him.

Yamanaka Inoichi nodded and stared at Ayato with a somewhat complicated look for a while. Of course, he knew that Ayato had been walking Ino home every day lately. From his perspective, even though they were still young, their relationship was basically settled.

At that moment, Yamanaka Inoichi could not help but sigh inwardly, feeling bitter. His daughter had been stolen away by some brat at such a young age. It felt awful.

"Dad, why are you home today too?" Ino asked curiously.

"I got off work early today. I originally wanted to pick you up, but then I thought about how Ayato has been walking you home lately. If I went to pick you up, you'd probably be unhappy, so I waited here instead," Yamanaka Inoichi teased bitterly.

"Ah! Dad, what are you talking about?!" Ino's face immediately turned bright red. She grabbed Yamanaka Inoichi's hand with both of hers and shook it.

Seeing Ino's reaction, Yamanaka Inoichi laughed. Yet why did his heart feel even more bitter?

After a long while, Yamanaka Inoichi looked at Ayato and said, "I still have to thank you for walking Ino home. You've been troubled all this time."

"It's only right. There have been a lot of assault incidents in the village lately, and I was worried that Ino might get bullied while walking home alone." Ayato explained his reason for doing so. It was not a lie. Even if he had not known about the Uchiha matter, he had noticed that conflicts had been growing more frequent lately.

As for why he walked Ino home, first, he was not sure whether there was any possibility for a future between them, though judging by their ages, it was indeed possible. Second, even if he was uncertain, as her friend, he should still walk her home in an environment like this.

Ino's eyes immediately lit up. So that was why. No wonder he was only walking me home!

Although he did not mean to talk during the walk, Ino's frustration vanished and was replaced by happiness. As expected, Ayato was worried about her.

"Mm, that's true. The village has been a little chaotic lately," Yamanaka Inoichi said. He glanced at Ayato. It was rare for the boy to be so considerate. But had even children begun to sense the village's unrest? It was truly a headache. Still, it should be ending soon.

"You should head home early too. Just stay quietly at home today," Yamanaka Inoichi said seriously after some thought. Ayato looked very likely to become his Son-in-law, so he should remind him.

"Oh, all right." Ayato looked "confused," but he still nodded. "I'll pick my mother up later. After that, I won't be going out again."

"Mm." Yamanaka Inoichi nodded, looking at Ayato. Even at a time like this, he still thought of his mother. His character truly seemed quite good. At that moment, Yamanaka Inoichi began to feel somewhat satisfied with Ayato.

"Then, Uncle, I'll be leaving first. See you tomorrow, Ino." With that, Ayato left.

"See you tomorrow!" Ino waved at Ayato.

"He really is a fine child," Yamanaka Inoichi could not help but remark as he watched Ayato's retreating figure.

"Right? Right? I've always thought he was quite a good child." The Yamanaka Matriarch came out of the house just then, having heard Yamanaka Inoichi's remark, and smiled.

"So, Ino, work hard. Don't let him get away." The Yamanaka Matriarch rubbed Ino's hair as she spoke.

"I don't know anything!" Ino said with a red face, breaking free of the Yamanaka Matriarch's hand and running into the house.

The Yamanaka Couple exchanged a glance and both smiled.

As Ayato walked down the road, he had not expected that while he had originally been worried about Ino's safety, he would instead obtain specific information from her family.

The moment he saw Yamanaka Inoichi, Ayato had already suspected it. The man's final reminder left no doubt: the day he had been uncertain about was today.

Ayato headed home. It was not time for Sinai to get off work yet, so he was not too worried. After all, that was an Akamichi Clan Grilled Meat Restaurant. Few people would dare cause trouble there.

As for after work, Ayato had secretly followed her these past few days, afraid that his mother might be bullied on her way home. Fortunately, nothing he feared had happened.

Today would be the last day. He would not follow her in secret; he would simply go pick Sinai up directly.

As for today's training, he would take a day off for now. There was no need to remind Rock Lee either. Might Guy would not let anything happen to Rock Lee. In fact, he should have a share of responsibility on Might Guy's side as well, but there was no need to trouble him.

"Sinai, be careful on the way home. The village doesn't seem very peaceful lately. I heard that even employees at the shop next door were beaten up," one of Sinai's coworkers said to her when work ended.

"Mm, thank you. I know. You be careful too," Sinai replied. After changing out of her work uniform, which was already saturated with greasy smoke, she packed up and prepared to go home. She had originally wanted to buy some food, but after hearing her coworker's words, she thought about it and decided that the food at home should last for a while longer, so she abandoned the idea.

"Sinai! Your son came to pick you up!" Sinai suddenly heard a coworker shout. The words made her eyes widen, and she hurried outside.

Very quickly, Sinai saw her son standing there, greeting her coworkers. Then he saw her. The smile on his face, one she could tell at a glance was fake, did not fade as he walked up to her and said,

"Mom, I came to take you home," Ayato said.

"Why did you think of coming to pick Mom up today?" Sinai asked, feeling happiness, confusion, and a little worry.

"The village hasn't been safe lately, so I came to take Mom home," Ayato answered truthfully.

After hearing that, Sinai's coworkers all looked at her enviously. They wanted a child who was both a genius and so thoughtful too!

But Sinai sighed and said, "You don't need to worry about Mom. Don't judge Mom by how she looks now—Mom used to be a Genin too. Ordinary people wouldn't dare bully Mom. But Little Ayato, is it dangerous for you to come here alone...?"

"It's not. After all, I defeated Iruka Sensei," Ayato revealed a little, though he kept his voice low because he did not want the others to hear.

Sinai's eyes widened. She remembered that Iruka was... a Chunin, right? Did that mean her son could now defeat a Chunin? Sinai was a little dazed.

In her daze, Sinai only knew that she had left the shop where she usually worked amid her coworkers' envious gazes. The happy expression on her face never faded.

PS: Thank you to Meijiu Ganshu Wodou Ai for the 1,000 Qidian coin reward, and to Gemini zmy for the 100 Qidian coin reward.

Also, if you are interested in joining the group, you can find it in the description. It is only for chatting and casual conversation.