— Yeah, just wanted to see the one who recently caused such a fuss, — Kumari chuckled, — doesn't look like another mistress.
Suppressing the urge to hide my face in my hands, I just sighed again.
— She's just the head of the orphanage where I frequently donate money, and she's twenty-five years older than me, so your theory about her being a mistress is unfounded. And anyway, stop loitering around — better call the next patient and get out of here, — I snapped at the familiar face.
— Wow! Ryo is scary, — the iryō-nin feigned fear and quickly exited, while a shinobi with bandaged arms stepped into the office.
Probably another idiot injured during katon training. I don't like burns — they're a hassle, and good burn ointment takes a long time to prepare and requires a lot.
***
— Hi, Anko-chan, — I crouched down next to the little girl who was sitting by the gate while all the other children were running and playing on the playground in front of the orphanage.
— Ryo-san, — the girl looked up at me.
— As promised, today we're going to visit your ka-chan, — I smiled.
To reassure the child, I didn't use my usual disguise, pulling the mask off my face to my neck and stuffing the glasses into the pocket of my ever-present cloak.
— Really?! — The little one jumped to her feet, looking at me with hopeful eyes.
— Really, really, — I nodded, — I hope you remember the way home?
— Yes! To-san often took me, and our house isn't too far from here, — Anko nodded excitedly.
— Then let's go, — picking up the squealing little girl and settling her on my shoulder, I nodded to the elderly caretaker and exited the orphanage grounds onto the street, — come on, give the directions!
— First, we go straight, then to the right, and then to the right again, then left and straight to the end of the street, there we turn left, and after a few houses, it will be ours! — the girl rattled off excitedly, barely getting her bearings and holding onto my head for better stability.
However, I was already supporting her with my hand just in case. The little one's memory turned out to be really good, and after about ten minutes of winding through the streets and alleys of the residential part of Konoha's not-so-poor district, we arrived at our destination…
Not without sacrifices on my part — I forgot how chatty little kids at that age can be with friendly adults. A million and one questions of "why?", "how?", and "what for?" practically ate my brain and nearly made me deaf in my right ear. Also, Anko was fascinated by my hair and, without leaving her spot, tried to braid it, almost falling off her perch in the process.
I dread the moment when my daughter grows up and turns into a buzzing little motor. Ha, I even got a sympathetic look and nod from a patrolling Uchiha chūnin we passed — he probably has his own little nightmares at home.
Anyway, we reached a small, neat two-story house, slightly smaller than my shop, and after taking Anko off my shoulder, I knocked on the plain wooden door, which can also be found among modern houses. No old-fashioned sliding doors or panels in the traditional Japanese style that is so popular among most clans and the wealthier residents of Konoha.
— Is your ka-san definitely home? — I asked the girl when no one answered and there was no sound coming from the house.
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