It had been a year since Karina had left. We expected to see her soon, but she hadn't returned for a long time. Before she left, she had given us some fireworks and strange devices as a token of gratitude for the favors we had done for her. Kai and I decided not to use them until she came back.
Even though things were not the same without Karina, I still had my master, who I considered my father, and Kai, who I considered my brother. I also had my lineage and the people in it. The people here were kind and friendly. Many loved and trusted my master and valued Kai and me in the same way.
I made a promise to my master and the others that I would become a strong ninja and protect them all. I saw this place as my home rather than just a place of shelter, and my master took care of me like a father would.
