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Chapter 10: Okay

"...It's huge."

The size of Nakuru's house was so overwhelming that I couldn't help but blurt it out. 

The gate and outer walls had an old-fashioned look reminiscent of an Edo-period town in a period drama.

One thing was certain: owning such a large estate meant they were quite wealthy. 

Maintaining a property that included both a house and a dojo must be expensive.

I entered through the gate. As she mentioned, there was a smaller building next to the house that appeared to be a dojo.

The garden was also vast and beautifully maintained, likely tended to by a gardener. 

I found myself half-distracted, thinking it could be used as a dog run.

Suddenly, a deep voice called out, "Nakuru?" 

Reflexively, I turned towards the voice and saw a man in his thirties wearing an unusual black martial arts uniform.

For a moment, I wondered who he was, but when Nakuru hid behind me and said, "Pa... Papa," I realized he was her father.

"Who are you? Why are you with Nakuru?" Nakuru's father asked, naturally curious. 

I needed to respond properly since I was an uninvited guest. 

Facing him directly, I bowed politely.

"Pleased to meet you. My name is Satsuki Okinaga. I apologize for the sudden visit."

"Oh, no need to be so formal. I'm Shuichiro Hinobe, Nakuru's father. But..."

He observed me intently. 

"Is something wrong?" I asked. 

He realized he was being rude and apologized, showing he was a considerate person.

This interaction confirmed my belief that he wouldn't be the type to disregard his child's feelings. 

He would listen and provide a thoughtful response for Nakuru's sake.

"I just met Nakuru a little while ago. She seemed very distressed, and I couldn't leave her alone."

"Nakuru... distressed? What do you mean?"

Shuichiro's previously smiling face turned serious.

"Well, Nakuru," I urged.

"But..."

"It's okay. Your father will listen. Right, Mr. Hinobe?"

"Is there something you want to talk about?"

"Yes. It's very important. Go on..."

I gently pushed her forward to face Shuichiro, who looked at her kindly, understanding the situation.

"Papa... um... I..."

She still hesitated, unsure of how to begin. 

I softly held her trembling right hand. 

She looked at me, and I nodded with a reassuring smile.

Finally, she mustered the courage, tears welling in her eyes, and looked straight at Shuichiro.

"Papa! I... I want to play more like a normal girl!"

"!? ...Play?"

"Yeah... I want to go out, have sleepovers, and do girly things like other kids!"

It was a heartfelt plea. 

She wanted to make friends and enjoy typical activities for girls her age.

"It's not that I hate training... I just want to do more cute things too!"

Hearing his daughter's true feelings, Shuichiro was momentarily taken aback, but then he knelt down and gently hugged her.

"I'm sorry I didn't notice."

"! ...No, I'm sorry... I thought it would make you and Mama sad..."

"Haha, silly girl. We wouldn't be sad or angry about something like this."

"But... I'm the only one who can carry on our legacy..."

"Hmm? Wait a minute, Nakuru. Are you misunderstanding something?"

Shuichiro gently pulled away and looked at her tear-streaked face, speaking kindly. 

Nakuru, confused, simply said, "Huh?"

"It's true you're our only child, but that doesn't mean we expect you to carry on the legacy."

"What!? What do you mean?!"

I, too, was curious and interrupted.

"Sorry to interrupt. Do you mean the successor doesn’t have to be a blood relative?"

"You know some big words. It's easier if they're related by blood, but what I want to pass on is the spirit of Hinobe style."

So, as long as someone carries the essence of their martial arts, they don’t necessarily have to be a direct descendant.

"So, Nakuru, you’re free to do as you please."

"Free? I don't have to train every day?"

"Oh, that. I just enjoyed teaching you so much that I gave you daily tasks. You seem to have more talent for martial arts than I do, haha!"

It was a case of a doting father getting carried away with his daughter's talent.

Nakuru had perceived her father's enthusiasm as a strict requirement for succession.

Seeing Nakuru still frozen in shock, I couldn’t help but feel sympathetic. 

But now, the misunderstanding between them has been cleared. 

If it hadn’t, it could have led to prolonged tension.

"Wha... What is this?!" Nakuru shouted, her heart's true feelings finally coming out.