The next day, when Miki saw Chiri, she sensed the sadness in Chiri's emotions.
It wasn't like she hadn't slept well; she was simply troubled.
Miki didn't ask much; she knew instinctively that a kid of this age wouldn't be troubled by romance.
Eighty percent likely, Miki was certain it was about those family matters.
However, since Chiri hadn't sought her out to discuss it, she couldn't be bothered to ask.
The two of them went together to the Senju clan grounds, where Hyuga Hitomi had arrived early.
Besides her, Tsunade, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru were also there.
It felt like a group outing.
It was the kind of occasion Miki disliked the most.
"You're late, Mushi-Hime," Mito gently chided.
"Just in time," Miki said.
"Is that so?" Mito said, "You shouldn't have the bad habit of cutting it close. A Shinobi must be punctual and prepare in advance."
"That doesn't matter. What are we doing today, Mito?"
"You, you should at least fear and respect me a little," Mito said, rubbing her forehead.
"Isn't this good?" Miki said, "Doesn't this prove you're very kind and not scary at all?"
Mito laughed heartily, revealing her white teeth, and said, "Such sweet talk. I'll forgive you this time."
Tsunade watched Miki's interaction with her Mito from the side, grinding her teeth in frustration.
My love! It's being stolen!
Hyuga Hitomi felt that Miki's social assertiveness, saying whatever she thought, was completely unlearnable.
She was a little envious.
"Today we're going on an outing, but I won't be joining. You all go and have fun yourselves."
Mito said.
And the Third wasn't there either.
Under her mask, Miki pouted. This method of fostering bonds was truly simple.
But effective.
"Then we're off." Miki was the first to speak on behalf of everyone, immediately seizing leadership.
Tsunade opened her mouth, then realized she had nothing to say.
Not going? What a joke!
Going? What a joke!
She was quite conflicted.
"Wait," Mito called out to Miki, asking, "Did you read the book I gave you yesterday?"
Eh!? Didn't you say I could have a day off to play?
Hearing this, Hyuga Hitomi's eyes widened sharply.
"I did," Miki said.
"Yes, I've read it," Chiri followed up.
Hyuga Hitomi turned to look at the two of them in disbelief.
They must be lying! I saw you two run off to play yesterday! Where would you have found the time to read?
Seeing Mito's gaze on her, Hyuga Hitomi lowered her head in embarrassment.
"Really? I'm going to check," Mito said suspiciously.
"Now? Go ahead," Miki said. She had been reading the book as soon as she got home yesterday.
She couldn't recite it all, but she had a general impression.
It was difficult, but still within an acceptable range.
It was the kind of thing that could be mastered with long-term study; she was very familiar with rote memorization.
"I've already memorized all of it," Chiri said innocently.
Miki, Mito, and Hitomi all looked at Chiri.
Chiri hesitantly asked, "Did I say something wrong?"
"No, not at all…" Mito looked at Chiri and said, "Very good. It just exceeded my expectations."
How long did it take me to memorize it when I was little?
Then she looked at Tsunade. This child, she did remember, had slept very soundly the first time she looked at it.
Tsunade looked utterly bewildered.
Mito turned to Miki with anticipation, asking, "Are you too?"
If they were all so smart, it would save so much trouble. There's no rule that teachers can't be lazy, right?
"Impossible! I can't remember! I can't do it!" Miki said bluntly, "I'm very stupid!"
You'd better be prepared.
"Is that so?" Mito was a little suspicious, thinking this child must be being humble.
Meanwhile, Hyuga Hitomi let out a big sigh of relief.
"Absolutely true!" Miki replied seriously, giving Mito a heads-up to watch her blood pressure.
"Alright, everyone go out and play. The days ahead won't be this easy."
The six little ones exchanged glances, and when they looked back, Mito was already gone.
For a moment, they didn't know where to go play.
If they were to disband on the spot, Mito couldn't possibly not know.
Tsunade was well aware of her Mito's vast abilities.
Miki was even more aware; running away was not an option, so she could only go along and play.
As the leaders of the two groups, they naturally split into two small factions, standing opposite each other.
Seeing the tense atmosphere, Hitomi very obediently stood behind Miki, instantly feeling at ease.
If the sky fell, this monster in front would take the lead.
Thinking about it, it felt pretty good.
"Insect Woman!" Tsunade yelled menacingly, arms crossed.
Are we going to fight again?
Hitomi sensitively placed her hand on her katana.
"Big Forehead, where do you want to play?" Miki asked.
"Me?" Tsunade thought for a while, then said, "The shopping district?"
Tsunade asked Miki for her opinion.
"Sounds good. Let's go." Not outright rejecting Tsunade's idea, Miki's thought for Tsunade was: as long as she's happy.
"Great!" Seeing Miki agree, Tsunade cheered.
"Um…" Jiraiya said weakly, "I'm out of money."
"Don't worry, pervert Jiraiya," Tsunade said with a spirited, generous air, "Today, this princess is paying for everything!"
"You too, Insect Woman, choose whatever you want, and be eternally grateful to me!" Tsunade laughed proudly.
The landlord's silly daughter has come out, huh?
Chiri subtly watched the gleeful Tsunade, feeling as if she could faintly hear the Slug Sage's cry in her ears.
'Help me! Lady Tsunade! Lady Tsunade? Tsunade…'
"Many thanks for Big Forehead Princess's generosity. I shall remember it for a lifetime," Miki said politely.
Hitomi thought Miki was quite polite, showing the integrity of a great family.
If it weren't for the words 'Big Forehead.'
"Damn it! I've already let you off once, Insect Woman!! Are you trying to pick a fight?!"
The moment she finished speaking, Tsunade began rolling up her sleeves.
Jiraiya, quick as a flash, went up and hugged Tsunade, screaming heartbreakingly.
"Orochimaru! Why are you just standing there!? Quickly hold Tsunade down! There are too many of them, we can't win!!!"
"That remains to be seen," Orochimaru said with a touch of arrogance.
"Damn it! Tsunade might be fine! But we two will be in big trouble!!! Idiot Orochimaru!!"
"Just you," Orochimaru said coldly, "Dead last."
Rather, he was even a little expectant.
Of a fight breaking out.
"Damn it! Calm down, Tsunade!!! I don't want to die yet!!!"
"Jiraiya!" Tsunade gritted her teeth and said, "Let go! Stop embarrassing yourself!"
"You promise me first! Don't be impulsive!!" Jiraiya dared not let go.
On the other side, Miki, Chiri, and Hitomi watched the scene with interest.
"They have such a good relationship," Chiri whispered.
Hitomi couldn't help but nod in agreement.
"Let go!" With a loud shout from Tsunade, a punch landed directly on Jiraiya's head.
After a wail, Jiraiya squatted on the ground, trembling and clutching his head.
So fragrant…
No…
So soft…
No, it hurts so much!!!
Tsunade glared fiercely at Miki.
Miki returned a polite gaze.
After a long moment, Tsunade gritted her teeth and snorted, "I'll let you off this time!"
"I'm letting you off this time," Miki said.
A vein popped on Tsunade's forehead.
"Let's go! Out!" After a resentful shout, Tsunade turned and left.
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