Akihiro was in his room, gazing vaguely at the ocarina. He had received it from his mentor Kazuo a few days ago, hoping to begin refining his Genjutsu skills. However, despite asking Miyuki if she knew anyone who could teach him, the person she recommended was currently on a mission, leaving him without the guidance he desperately needed to start.

  Determined to try on his own, Akihiro pyed a few notes, but to be honest, he had little idea where to begin with the ocarina. After several failed attempts, he sighed and set the instrument aside in frustration.

  —There’s still her, I suppose —he murmured to himself, recalling the one person who might be able to help him. —It wouldn’t hurt to ask for her help.

  He got up from his chair and left his room.

  —I’m heading to Nao’s house —he announced as he crossed the doorway.

  —Take care, and say hello to Naomi for me —his mother called from the kitchen without looking up from her cooking.

  —Will do! —Akihiro shouted back as he left the house without pausing.

  He walked through several streets as the sun began to set, painting the sky in warm hues. Within minutes, he arrived at a small shop whose windows dispyed brightly colored clothing and wooden sculptures that caught the attention of passersby. Akihiro stopped at the entrance, took a deep breath, and, after a few seconds of hesitation, stepped inside.

  The first thing he noticed upon entering was how tidy the shop was, with a calm atmosphere and the scent of wood and fabric lingering in the air. He approached the small counter, where Naomi, Nao’s mother, looked at him in surprise.

  —Akihiro? —Naomi asked with a smile, raising an eyebrow. —How are you? It’s been a while since you’ve come by. Is everything okay?

  Akihiro smiled, a bit sheepishly.

  —I’ve been busy. Sorry for not visiting more often. Sometimes time just slips away... —he said, gncing at the counter, slightly uncomfortable.

  Naomi observed him for a moment, her expression soft and understanding. Then, she nodded and gestured toward the back of the shop.

  —Nao’s in the back; you can go in. I’m sure she’ll be delighted to see you —she said with a warm smile.

  Akihiro nodded gratefully. He turned to head toward the back door of the shop but paused to gnce back at Naomi.—Thank you, Naomi. Oh, and my mom sends her regards —he said.

  Naomi nodded and gestured for him to go in, which he did.

  As he passed through the door and walked down a short hallway, Akihiro saw Nao with her back to him, pying with two girls who looked remarkably simir to each other.

  The two girls noticed him immediately, jumping to their feet and running toward him.—Big brother! —they shouted in unison.

  Nao, startled, turned at the sound of their voices and saw her childhood friend standing there.

  —Hello, twins, how are you? —he asked the two girls.

  —Emi is doing great, and Ami is doing great too —one of them replied.

  Akihiro observed them for a moment, noticing a small detail on their heads.—Alright, Emi —he said with a smile.

  —Oh, you figured out who Emi is! —the other girl excimed, covering her mouth with her small hand.

  —It’s easy to tell you apart, Ami —he replied, ruffling both their heads. —Can you give me a moment? I want to talk to Nao.

  —Okay! —the two replied as they ran off into another room.

  They’re so understanding, Akihiro thought as he turned his gaze to Nao, who was staring at him in shock.

  —Nao... —he said softly.

  Nao snapped out of her daze, her eyes lighting up with surprise and joy at seeing who it was.—Akihiro! —she excimed, her smile widening. She quickly approached him and, without a second thought, gave him a hug. —It’s been so long since I’ve seen you! What brings you here?

  Akihiro ughed nervously, enjoying the gesture but unsure how to expin the reason for his visit.—Actually... —he began, but his voice faltered slightly. Taking a deep breath, he felt a little foolish. —I wanted to ask you for a favor.

  —As always, you only come by when you need something, huh? —Nao said with a sigh, pulling back slightly but keeping her smile. —Of course, what’s up? You know you can ask me for anything.

  Feeling more confident now, Akihiro pulled the ocarina from his bag and held it out to her.—I’ve been trying to learn how to py this, but… I’m not very good. I thought maybe you could teach me.

  Nao looked at the instrument for a moment before taking it.—It hasn’t been used in a while and could use a little cleaning —she said as she examined it. —You want to learn how to py it? Of course, I’ll help. This will be fun! —she added, her tone cheerful and full of energy. —Take a seat while I give it a quick clean.

  Akihiro sat down as Nao retrieved some tools. She meticulously cleaned the ocarina and performed some maintenance. When she was done, it looked as good as new.

  —It’s ready. We can start now —she said, handing the instrument back to him.

  —Thanks, Nao. I don’t know what I’d do without you —Akihiro said, grinning ear to ear.

  Nao chuckled lightly.—None of that, Akihiro. Now, let’s get started. But first, how about you tell me a bit about why you decided to py the ocarina?

  —Oh, it’s because I’m learning a style of jutsu, and using an ocarina with it is really useful —Akihiro expined, sharing the details. Since Nao didn’t know much about the ninja world, he tried to expin as simply as possible.

  Nao nodded thoughtfully.—Alright, it’s important to understand the purpose and goal before diving in. Now, let me teach you the basics. We’ll start with...

  Hours flew by as they practiced, their conversation and ughter filling the space. Night fell, and the atmosphere grew even warmer with the comfort and tranquility between them.

  —I think it’s getting pretty te; I should head home —Akihiro said, gncing at the clock on the wall.

  —You can stay over if you want. Your mom wouldn’t mind —Nao offered with a kind smile, noticing Akihiro seemed a little hesitant.

  —I don’t like being a bother —he admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed.

  —You’re not a bother, really —she insisted, her voice soft and reassuring. —We’d consider you part of the family. —Her cheeks flushed slightly as she said it.

  Akihiro hesitated, a hint of unease on his face, but before he could reply, Naomi entered the room, interrupting them.—What’s going on here? —Naomi asked, raising an eyebrow as she surveyed the scene.

  —I’m telling him he can stay the night. What do you think, Mom? —Nao replied without losing her smile.

  Naomi thought for a moment, then nodded calmly.—Oh, that? Sure, why not? We have several empty rooms. Cleaning one won’t be an issue —she said casually, straightening a chair in the room. —Let him stay; it’s no problem. It’s been a while since we’ve had visitors anyway.

  Akihiro couldn’t find a good reason to refuse. Besides, the idea of spending the night in such a cozy pce was becoming more appealing by the minute.—Alright, if you insist... —he said, smiling slightly.

  The decision was made, and Akihiro stayed the night. Early the next morning, he returned home, bidding farewell to Naomi, Nao, and the twins Emi and Ami.