After devoting the day almost entirely to my daughter and her desires, I decided to spend the next day filling my purse, and so I prepared to open the shop early in the morning, relieving Saya of that duty so that I could replenish my bulging stock of fuin for sale in the peace and quiet of the second floor while the kage bunshin stood behind the counter.
The past few months had forced one to give up a great deal, focusing solely on preparing for the exam and a few important matters, like the most important research and overseeing the training of future young iryonins. Everything else, was simply put on hold until free time was available for it, including making money.
Even with all the expenses, I still had a solid safety cushion of over two hundred million ryo, thanks to the savings and solid income from the puppet in the capital, who continued to make money both personally and with the help of controlled business, formerly belonging to the guys Danzo. Accepting that money was a pleasure, given my relationship with Himura.
As I prepared paper, ink, and a few calligraphy brushes, I was just about to draw a few touch fuin when there was a knock on the door of the chakra-shielded room and a clone peeked in.
- Boss, Kanade-chan is here," he said quickly, catching my frown, "she wants to talk to me about something important.
- Kanade? - I was a little surprised.
Usually I was the one who showed up at her house, not her, and with all these problems, I hadn't seen her in almost three and a half months. The last thought made me feel a little guilty - I'd neglected my girlfriend, trading her for work, though I'd never let myself do that before - if you have a mistress, you should pay attention to her, not ignore her.
- Yes, to bring? - The kage bunshin raised an eyebrow questioningly.
- Come on," he nodded, "since Kanade-sensei is here, I can't just show her the door by saying she's busy.
A couple dozen seconds later, the early guest appeared on the doorstep, dressed as usual in her jonin vest over a sleeveless shirt, tight shinobi pants wrapped around her ankles with bandages, and the usual sandals.
- Hello Ryo-kun, am I interrupting? - She bowed in greeting.
- Not too much," I shook my head and stood up to return the favor, 'Just drawing seals that can be put on hold for a while,' I carefully corked the ink and set the still-dry sheet of paper aside, then turned my attention to Hyuga and asked, "Did you want to see me? - pointing to the seat across from her.
There was only a low desk and a couple of cabinets in this room, and the thick cushions were used as seats instead of the usual chairs, although I didn't usually have much respect for sitting on my knees, but in the work area it was just comfortable.
- Yes, we need to have a serious talk," the girl sighed and lowered herself onto the offered seat, looking me straight in the eyes.
- You know, with such a start, you only announce unpleasant news," I said, leaning my elbow on the table and propping my chin up with the palm of my hand.
- That depends on who you're talking to," Hyuga said with an unexpectedly ironic snicker, though I didn't know who it was aimed at, "Unfortunately, I just didn't get my act together before the exam was announced, and then you didn't have time for anything else.
Whoops, looks like Kanade didn't just drop by, she was purposefully looking me over.
- Okay, I'm ready, bombard me with your news," I jokingly spread my hands.
- We have to break up! - with a bit of a wince, but with a little more grit, Kanade blurted out..
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