Chapter 830: Chapter 25: Hakushi Family Affairs_2

"What could Aya be up to? Asuka is quite competent as a big brother."

"I was talking about Ichihime... But it seems she was sent to Konoha, right? What were you and Ruri thinking?"

Ayane asked with a bit of curiosity.

It was only recently that she learned Ichihime was sent to Konoha, and thinking about it now, it still seemed quite incredible.

"This was Ichihime’s own idea. As parents, we can only respect her personal wishes."

"Is it the genius’s idea? I just hope she won’t be led astray by Konoha’s empty Will of Fire. If so, I’d love to see the look on that woman’s face."

Ayane showed an extremely dangerous smile.

If anyone among the three of them despised and hated Konoha’s Will of Fire the most, it was undoubtedly Ayane. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

As a former member of the Hyuga Clan’s branch family, Ayane never enjoyed any of the benefits brought by the Will of Fire.

On the contrary, being part of the Hyuga Clan’s branch family meant being shunned in the dark corners untouched by the Will of Fire.

She was a part of the village, yet cast aside by the collective of Konoha Village.

To Ayane, nothing was more hypocritical than the Will of Fire.

Therefore, she couldn’t understand Ruri and Hakushi’s actions. If it were her child, she would try her best to stop it, even if it was the child’s own wish.

"Don’t be so sinister, okay? No matter how empty the Will of Fire is, it’s recognized by history, even if it has many flaws..."

But ultimately, it’s the persistence for many to keep living.

In this Ninja Realm, where productivity has completely deviated from the norm, having one’s own beliefs and courage to live a resilient life is incredibly joyous.

"Yeah, I finally understand why Hakushi often says ideological education is more important than ninja education. But still, be careful not to let her absorb any strange ideas."

Although Ichihime wasn’t her child, Ayane felt she should be cautious.

"Don’t worry, I’ll have someone there watching over her. Ichihime isn’t an ignorant child."

The appearance of mature discernment in a seven-year-old is indeed astonishing, but Hakushi believes Ichihime isn’t someone easily swayed in her thinking.

In this sense, Ichihime and Ruri are quite similar, both possessing strong self-personalities.

"Speaking of which, it’s quite a coincidence. The class teacher of Ichihime’s current class is Teacher Fujimura."

Hakushi remembered something amusing and shared it with Ayane.

"Teacher Fujimura? The one Ruri called a ’mere Chunin’? I think I remember. I didn’t expect him still to be teaching at the Ninja School. Thinking about it that way, I feel a bit sorry for him."

Hearing Ayane’s sympathetic tone, Hakushi nodded in agreement.

When they were in school, Chunin Fujimura wasn’t spared from Ruri’s disdain.

Now, to relive childhood ’Ruri’s’ scorn, whether it’s luck or misfortune is unknown.

"Alright, I’m heading home now. I’ll wait for your return tonight, Hakushi. It’s time to pay the monthly dues for the last few months."

Before leaving, Ayane playfully blew a kiss then vanished from Hakushi’s office.

"Such a hassle..."

Hakushi was aware that women at this age had strong physical needs, and after a few months apart, Ayane was certainly not going to let him off tonight.

It’s times like these when he’s grateful Ruri won’t be home tonight.

◎

Hakushi declined the evening lab work and headed home.

You could say it wasn’t abandoning work but rather taking some time to relax, which is also a part of life.

While such behavior might seem like he was developing a lazy attitude towards life, in the past there was no choice but to struggle.

So to enjoy life’s quality appropriately can signify being a successful person, instead of struggling at the bottom rung.

Besides, the cold and sterile lab couldn’t compare to Ayane’s warm embrace full of love.

Just need to work harder tomorrow; an occasional day of slacking is forgivable.

A life without slacking cannot be deemed a proper life.

With this thought, Hakushi returned home slightly earlier than usual.

"I’m back."

Hakushi stood at the entrance and called out into the house.

Someone soon came to greet him.

It was Ayane.

The sweet smell of jasmine drifted from her hair and clothes—she must have just bathed, leaving her with comforting scents.

With pure white pupils, a slightly curved smile, and delicate, innocent features, she wore a perfectly cut white floral kimono, appearing stunningly beautiful.

"Hakushi dear, you’re back. So, shall we bathe first, or perhaps you’d prefer to enjoy me first?"

If possible, he’d hope for both simultaneously.

Inside, Hakushi voiced his true desires.

Ayane was a mischievous child; whether in battle or otherwise, she was completely uninhibited.

Unlike Ruri, who was cool and aloof, Ayane was much more open in enjoying the fun.

Hakushi thought it might be a wonderful night.

He could already imagine what a smooth, graceful figure lay beneath the pristine kimono.

Indeed, putting off the lab work to return home early was absolutely the right decision.

"No need, I’ll first go to the study to sort some things. We can talk after dinner."