Burning The Midnight Oil

Chapter 28

A Cold, Cold Heart

~Nino~

It started with a miracle.

The night Itsuki gathered them together, Nino remembered glancing out the window into an endless veil of darkness. Every flicker of light from the streets and high rises was marred by a heavy fog, as if some god was trying to smother the last of the world's brightness. They felt like a conspiracy hiding from the piercing light of day. Perhaps that's what they were, because when Itsuki revealed her concern with their tutor's sudden resignation and the ever-tightening noose on their freedom, she wasn't alone. Nino could sense that everyone felt the same. And once she had everyone's attention Itsuki gave her careful proposal: standing up to their father couldn't be done halfheartedly. He would only notice a big show of independence. If they really wanted him to recognize their development and their will, they had to strike off on their own. They must show their father that he wasn't going to dictate every part of their lives, and that they had the voice to decide who they would include.

Nino was shocked, not because of how outrageous Itsuki's proposal was, but because she'd thought the exact same thing. She felt their father's overbearing grip on their direction and wanted to breathe again. But what was truly stunning came after, as one by one her sisters revealed they'd each come to the exact same conclusion on their own.

After years of growing apart, here they were in perfect sync once more, just like those five identical little girls their mother was so proud to call her own. It was a sign from destiny that this was the right way forward.

But it was never meant to be forever. It could end as early as he wanted. All they'd needed was for their father to arrive, sit down at their table, and listen. They wanted him to hear their own wants and dreams, not to demand them like an invisible hand from heaven. So they'd made a promise to each other that they would not go back until he came to them, all of them, and finally saw them as more than a responsibility. They wanted him to see how far they'd come.

But then things fell apart, and Nino came back like a tired puppy covered in mud. She didn't want to return alone, but she didn't have a choice.

She looked up at the skyscraper and felt so small in its shadow. She remembered the day their family moved here years ago. It was just after their mother announced their engagement and they'd begun making plans to bring their lives together. Their future step-father surprised his new family with a home large enough to fit them all, with more comfort than she knew existed outside of a soap opera. Her own room! Her own bed and desk and lamp and door! All of it for her! And her sisters just footsteps away! She could feel herself rising in life in that elevator! But what was once freedom now appeared a black, dead coffin waiting for her to step inside.

It was love that drove her back, and all the retching concern it inspired. Both love for her boyfriend, and for one that she wasn't ready to admit. And against hope in her circumstances, she wanted to believe that all her efforts weren't for nothing, and that maybe he'd notice the parts of her she wanted him to see.

She was broken from her thoughts when she noticed someone sitting in the lobby behind the glass. Her eyes were already following Nino like a sentry on duty. She couldn't know how long she'd been watching her, but it felt like too long. The girl sat up and walked through the door, greeting her, "Nino."

"Miku. Were you waiting for me or something?"

Miku looked away, "I thought, you might not have your card."

She didn't let Miku know she guessed right. When their new cards arrived in the mail, Nino buried hers deep in her sock drawer. She could have put it in her purse, just in case, but she didn't want to walk around with an easy way out within arm's reach. She'd planned to call up and have papa buzz her in, as embarrassing as it would be.

"You didn't have to," Nino started.

Miku shrugged and said nothing more as she glanced to the side. Nino silently willed her to say something, if only to give her some direction. The air between them felt like static on a radio as she twisted the knob hoping to find the right frequency for words. There was so much she wanted to tell her sister; thanks for finding Futaro and helping him, shame for doing nothing when her own sister humiliated her, and sadness for how distant they felt from each other. Her spirit was torn in all these directions so that her voice didn't know where to begin.

And Miku, her silence was more than just deafening. Nino tried to catch anything she could grasp, any admission she could start from, but Miku's eyes were blank like the unfilled section of a map.

Miku blinked, and finally said, "It's nothing. I was on my way out anyways." Her voice was monotone, as blank as a canvas without a brush.

"Where are you going?" Nino asked, desperately snatching the only open link she could find.

"Nowhere special, just for a walk."

She stepped through the sliding doors which closed behind her. Nino clearly watched her sister disappear into the distance. It felt like it should be so easy to reach her.

Nino pressed the familiar button to a familiar floor and arrived at a familiar door. She took a moment to breathe, nothing more. She came here with purpose and she wasn't about to hesitate now. She knocked on the door with her heavy fist. She felt his soft footsteps across the hardwood floor like the first tremors of an earthquake. She heard the click of a lock and felt the blinding natural light as he opened the door.

"Nino. Welcome home."

He hadn't changed at all. They hadn't seen each other since he made the challenge with Futaro, she mused. A month was a long time, plenty enough to change. She'd done plenty of that herself. He'd barely changed since marriage.

She nodded, "Papa."

"Come in, I've made us some tea."

Nino slid out of her shoes and stepped inside. She took a moment to sweep the room like a tourist taking a panorama. Even the home was like her papa, perfectly poised and untouched by time. It was like they'd never left. Would he even have noticed if they hadn't left him a note?

She quietly scanned the room for Ichika, but couldn't spot her older sister. No pencils scattered on the table, no snacks by the sofa. Either she was out like Miku, or quietly tucked away in her room. Wherever she was, Nino hoped she wouldn't catch sight of her. She was the last person she wanted anywhere near this.

Her father pulled out her chair at the table. He left for the kitchen, returning with two cups on saucers and a bone-white kettle breathing a healthy steam.

"Thank you."

"Be careful, it's hot."

He took his seat directly across from her and delicately blew on his cup before sipping. Nino stared at the amber liquid and wondered where to begin.

"My secretary informed me you stopped by my office."

Nino blinked, "Did she?"

"Yes. If you needed to get in touch with me, you'd should have called me directly."

"I don't normally have to guess where you are. We've never had trouble finding you before."

The upper hallway light blinked over their bedroom doors. Nino glanced up to the walkway, but couldn't see anyone.

Her father said, "It's an important day. There's nothing wrong with taking a day off to spend with my daughters."

"No, of course not," she said. She left unsaid how unprecedented it was, though. Outside of the occasional holiday she was still convinced he only took because his boss insisted, he avoided off days like an addict avoids his problems. He was gone for midterms, finals, sports and festivals, he was always busy somewhere in the depths of the hospital. She'd been surprised he managed to make their middle school graduation. She'd seen him standing against the wall with a coffee he'd purchased from a vending machine. He wasn't there for long, just long enough to watch them receive their little diplomas and to say a few words. Then he was gone. So how was she supposed to expect that he'd take an entire day for a mock exam of all things?

He asked, "Tell me about the exams. Do you think you did well?"

Nino asked, "What? I didn't call to talk about-"

"If it was urgent, I'm sure you'd have contacted the proper services. You can take a moment to tell me how today went for you and your sisters."

Nino glared at her papa. His expression never changed, as if he was born with a face frozen in time. She used to joke that papa would make the best poker player if he ever cared for a game of chance, not that he'd ever indulge in something so crass.

Nino blew on her tea and took a sip. A gentle oolong washed her mouth, the kind of tea they serve in a pot at Chinese restaurants. It wasn't her favorite, and it wasn't her father's either, she knew he enjoyed earl gray. Yotsuba loved it, though.

The lights flickered off upstairs, before immediately turning back on. Nino ignored it.

Nino swallowed her tea and said, "Fine, better than expected. I think you'll be surprised how far we've come with Futaro."

"I look forward to seeing your scores."

"But papa, something happened today-"

"I'm aware of what happened with Uesugi."

Nino blinked, "What? How did you find out?"

"Your sister told me what happened after she came home."

"Which one?"

Her father was quiet for a moment, saying, "Miku."

So it was her. She shouldn't be surprised. Why would Ichika share anything? She was no better than a black widow hiding in her hole.

"I understand he missed the exams because of it. I hope he'll have the chance to make up for today, it'd be a shame for him to lose his chance."

Nino said, "Well that's the reason I called. Papa, he isn't doing well."

"Is that so."

And here it was, and suddenly everything came tumbling out. Once Nino began, it was like a snowball gathering mass as it rolled downhill. She retold the day's events from her side of the story, ending with how she found Futaro bedridden and in pain, unable to eat even basic broth. It felt like she'd forgotten to breathe when it was done and took a deep breath, waiting for her father's response.

He nodded, "I see. And why are you telling me this?"

"Why? Why do you think, papa? Isn't it obvious?"

"Why would it be? I'm no longer employing Uesugi, so what happens to him is none of my business. Why would it concern me?"

"Because I'm!" Nino began, stopping herself before she really went too far. She bit her tongue, "Because he's still our tutor, and my boyfriend, papa. And, because I need your help."

"My help. And why is that?"

"Because he's hurting. He's hurting, and he needs to get checked."

"If he needs medical attention, I'd recommend he contact emergency services."

"But he won't do that."

"Then he must not need it."

"But he does! That's what I'm saying, papa!"

"So why isn't he going?"

Nino stared at her father for several long moments, before saying, "Why do you think?" It felt wrong to talk about Futaro's family finances, even though she was sure her father knew more than enough. But she remembered what it felt like to be poor. She didn't want to say something behind his back.

Her father took another sip, saying, "If Uesugi refuses to seek treatment, I don't see what I'm supposed to do."

"But it's obvious! You're a doctor, papa. You could-"

"And if he needs my attention, he knows where he can receive it."

"But he won't go there!"

"I'm aware. Let's cut to the chase before we start going in circles. I understand what you're asking me to do. I'll say this once, I'm prepared to assist anyone who walks through my hospital's doors. If he's worried about affordability, we have assistance programs that he may be eligible for. So if you still think he needs medical attention, convince him to get to the hospital."

Didn't he know she wouldn't be here if it he would listen? Couldn't he see that she was on her last leg coming to him? She gripped the hem of her skirt and played her last card.

"Papa, if you help him, if you'll go see him and make him better, I'll come back home." She said slowly, her voice strangled as she realized how weak her position was. "I don't know about Itsuki and Yotsuba, but I'll talk with them too. So please, will you help him?"

She watched her father for any sign, any admission of thought. But he was as unremarkable as a gray-colored wall.

He asked, "And if I told you to stop seeing Uesugi as well, would you agree?"

From the moment she sought his help, she knew this was coming. But it was no less outrageous when he finally asked. She slid back her chair and stood in fury, almost screaming, "I knew it! I knew you were going to say that!"

"So then what's your answer?"

"My answer? How can you even think about asking me that when he's like this? Why do you have to treat this like a damn negotiation!?"

"Language, Nino," her father scolded.

"I know you don't like him, and I know you approve of us being together! I know! I knew it before we even started dating! But I never actually thought you'd go this far! Is finding an excuse to break us up all you can think about? Doesn't it matter that someone I care about is hurting and you can do something about it!?"

Her father was unfazed by her outburst. He asked, "Nino, I'm asking for very little. Even if I do nothing, this won't last."

"Who says that? That isn't fair! You don't know the first thing about us!"

Nino caught the lights upstairs flicker off and on once more. She absentmindedly remembered that those lights were triggered by a motion sensor, much easier than installing switches by all five doors.

"Uesugi comes from a very different background from you. He's used to a different standard of living, he holds different values and expectations for life."

"You think that-!"

"I'm not finished. Japan is a country with very low social mobility. Those born into poverty tend to stay there for their entire lives. Even if Uesugi succeeds academically, and I have no doubt that he will, his likelihood of achieving great success in the work force is low."

"What kind of girl do you think I am, papa? You think all I care about is how much money he's going to make?"

"It's easy not to care about those things in high school, Nino. But you're still a child under my care. Once you're on your own, you'll want a partner who shares your expectations. Uesugi is simply too different from you to build a life with. And all this is only if your relationship would last past high school. Again, the likelihood of that is low. I understand that new romance can be exciting, but when they settle, you'll find yourselves completely incompatible. Considering how much attention you should be giving your studies, you shouldn't be troubling yourself with any relationships, let alone one that has no chance of a future."

Nino almost laughed, "No chance? Incompatible? You really, really don't know the first thing about us, do you, papa? It's not like you've tried."

"You only say that now because you're young. You'll understand what I mean when you're older. And I'm sure Futaro will as well."

"Oh I understand perfectly well now. I can't stand how you think you have us all figured out. You hardly sped five minutes in a room with us in a week, but you already have our futures drawn up, haven't you, papa? Well guess what? I've spent a hell of a lot more than five minutes getting to know him! I trust him and I can rely on him! Even with all the crap that's been happening, he was always there for me! Always!"

"And what is this crap you're referring to?"

Nino startled, "You don't know?"

"Is there something I should be aware of?"

Nino thought about the light in the hallway, and her throat clenched like she was being choked. "I guess not. Not that it'd matter anyways." Nino sighed, then said, "I'm not some dumb little kid anymore, papa. I've grown more than you know."

"Is that what you call this stunt of yours? Growth?"

She nodded, "Yes. And I was hoping you'd see it." She shook her head, "Stupid of me, I guess."

"It was a waste of your time and efforts. All of you. You have nothing to prove to me."

Oh, but she did. He was just too oblivious to notice. Her papa was too occupied with spinal taps and cost overruns to spare some concern for his children, at least until he comes home one day and notices they've been gone. She wondered how long would it have been before he noticed if Mister Ebata could keep a secret. Weeks? Months? It's not like he took Christmas off to notice.

Nino took a deep breath and asked, "So you're not going to help him, then?"

"Are you going to do what I say?" Nino was about to throw that in his face, when her father continued, "You have the day to think it over. Call me if you change your mind."

Nino would prefer to tell him off and throw his offer back in his face. Accepting it now would be going against everything they'd set out to do. It would mean their father got to decide exactly how they lived. And she wasn't going to do that to Futaro, she wouldn't make any decision to cut him off on her own, not when she didn't want it.

She looked deep into his eyes for any sign that he saw her, even the smallest hint that he understood what a sacrifice it was just to ask for his help. She wanted a glimmer from him that he noticed her efforts to change herself and to grow, and that it mattered to him. But his eyes were glaciers in a freezing sea, as warm as permafrost.

"I'm leaving," she announced.

"Going back to him?"

"What's it matter to you?" she said, before storming for the door. She looked up at the balcony towards the room at the end of the hall. She turned away in disgust.

~Maruo~

It took Nino fifteen seconds to cross the room, slip on her shoes and slam the door. Fifteen seconds is a long time to think.

He maintained a healthy list of social connections for one reason or another. He was only on a first-name basis with a handful, the rest were all casual acquaintances in useful circles. Such was how one succeeded in life. And all of them, to the man, would describe him as focused, talented, and entirely professional. He knew how others perceived him. And he also knew that they left unsaid, to the last man, that he was irredeemably unsympathetic. It was a good trait to have in the business world. Some of his more exultant associates liked to say that when the machines took over, they'd mistake Maruo for one of their own. Maruo took it as a compliment, even if it was completely wrong.

Because those that knew him professionally as a doctor understood that he was one of the most empathetic men they knew. It was a sharp contrast, but a necessary one. Empathy exists on a spectrum, it is felt, and then it is shown. He was only an expert in the former.

Medical school gave students a road map to the human body. But like an atlas, it couldn't include the subtle disruptions like potholes or animal crossing hazards, just as medical school couldn't prepare them for dealing with actual people. His first resident adviser told him true his first month in full scrubs: human beings are broken. Our understanding of them is broken because we're just as broken as everyone else. The only way to be a good doctor is to see how they are broken and learn to read inside the cracks. When a patient tells you their symptoms, don't ever take it as truth. Listen to what they say, then feel for what they either can't say or can't understand to find the real diagnosis. Only a man who understands humans holistically can ever become a good doctor.

He took that advice to heart, and when his adviser retired, it was he who filled his shoes.

But there was a balance required for all doctors. Your average doctor was familiar enough crossing death's path now and then. A neurosurgeon greeted the dead and dying every day. The reason he excelled in his practice, whereas many of his colleagues retired to less demanding fields, was because he learned how to understand others, but he already knew how to not care.

The first time he had to break bad news was to the mother of a nine-year-old boy. It had been one of his first surgeries, running close to the amygdala. His adviser had been with him the entire time and never noticed any mistakes, and when the boy was discharged he was the picture of health. When he returned three months later, mother was crying for what her child had become. He had no control, no restraint, and no discipline. He got angry at the smallest trigger. He ate compulsively like a vacuum, and seemed more ball than body. Something had gotten damaged inside his head without anyone noticing, and the boy would never be the same. His adviser assured him that sometimes it happens, the brain is a complex system and sometimes things break despite our best efforts.

He understood her pain. He understood her distress for her son. But he never shared it. Call it selfishness, solipsism, narcissism or whatever you wish, it was natural for him not to connect. He lived inside himself like an air-gapped security system.

But then there was that woman, and the five girls that came with her. What it did to him is hard to describe. He didn't change, so much as notice something that was already there.

As he watched his daughter storm towards the door, he'd already made his decision. He wondered if she knew how much she resembled her mother. Even if all five shared her likeness, it was Nino, more than any of her sisters, that was closest in mind to his late wife. She carried the same indomitable will and fiery spirit. It was as if on her death bed, she gave all that she was to her second child.

It was why he was so worried for her.

Nothing would stop her. There wasn't much he could think of to stop his daughter when she set her mind to something. She came here knowing exactly what she'd sacrifice for his help. Anything over the line was off the table, and apparently her relationship with Uesugi was solidly out of his reach. He suspected as much, but he still had to try. He saw nothing for their future except for some very hard life lessons. Learning things the hard way was another trait Nino shared with her mother.

So she wouldn't stop with him. She'd see that Uesugi got his assistance one way or another, even against his will. The only thing he could decide is what part he would play. He'd prefer to keep that boy far out of sight and mind.

But then again, her eyes so reminded him of her mother.

When the door slammed behind her, Maruo made a call. "Mister Ebata, please bring the car around. I have an appointment to keep."

He glanced up to the hall. Ichika was still peeking through her open door. He said to her, "Excuse me, I'll be out for a while. I'll be back for dinner."

~Futaro~

"Where are they? How long can it take to get a book from the library?"

Raiha shrugged, "I dunno, I can never find what I'm looking for."

"It's a very simple system, you should learn it."

His father asked, "Well did you ever teach it to those girls?"

"Why would I? I never had time for that!"

"And now you're paying the price, so stop whining."

"Yeah, stop whining!"

Futaro growled, when suddenly the doorbell rang. His father lit up, "Ah, see? Those girls are brighter than you thought."

Futaro sighed as his father got up to answer the door. Sure, this meant another hour or so of eyes glaring down at him like floodlights on a man washed overboard, but at least he'd have something to do about this. He was sure that with a good reference, he'd get this sorted out without an overpriced hospital trip.

His father said, "Huh? Who're you?"

"Hello. I'm here for a house call."

Futaro couldn't feel the pain anymore, he went numb like a flash-frozen cod in the arctic circle. He knew that voice.

"I think you got the wrong place, pal."

"I know where I am. Mister Uesugi, correct? We've spoken before."

"Huh? Pretty sure we've never met."

"We have. Now, your son?"

"You know him?"

A moment of silence followed, then, "I employed him."

"Uh, you own the bakery?"

"...Before that."

"Gonna need to be more specific."

"...We met at the hot springs."

"Ah! You're that guy!"

"Yes, I'm that guy. Now, may I come in?"

His father stepped aside for their guest. Mister Nakano was dressed in a midnight-black suit and a loosened tie. Futaro wouldn't be surprised if he considered this casual dress. He slid off his shoes and walked the short distance to his side.

"Uesugi."

"Father."

"Don't call me that."

His own father leaned over the doctor's shoulder, not bothering to hide a grin, "Well, you two seem close."

"We're not," they both said, annoyingly, at the same time.

Raiha beamed, "Oh, so you're their dad! Itsuki told me buckets about you, mister!"

Nakano shut his eyes; on the man it was like an avalanche on a mountain. "May I have a moment alone with the patient?"

His father grinned, "Sure, whatever you say, doc. Raiha, let's wait outside."

Raiha groaned, "But I don't wanna!"

"Would you prefer to stay in the bathroom? Come on, we'll wait for Itsuki and the others."

Doctor Nakano turned at the mention of his daughters, watching the father and daughter slip on their shoes and close the door.

Futaro watched the Doctor reach into his bag, and held up a hand, "Not so fast. So that's it? You just show up and work your magic out of the blue?"

"I'm sure you can guess why I'm here."

Of course he could, it hardly took a lesson in deduction to figure out who convinced him to come here. He asked, "And what'd she have to give you in return? I don't believe for a second you're doing this just because she asked."

"That is none of your business."

"If it convinced you to see me, then I-"

"I owe you nothing, Uesugi. Now sit up and do as I say."

Futaro watched the doctor reach into his bag and held up a hand, "Ah, I'd rather not."

"Please stop being stubborn."

"I'm not sure I want you looking after my health."

Doctor Nakano stared firmly at him, "Uesugi, I trust you know what the Hippocratic Oath is."

"I've read about it before."

"So stop complaining and let's get on with things, shall we? I trust you want me gone as quickly as I do."

The Doctor pulled out a stethoscope, a blood pressure monitoring device and a thermometer. After taking his vitals and scribbling them down on his notepad, he told Futaro to take off his shirt. When the doctor had to help him sit up, Futaro imagined his discomfort equaled his own. He monitored his breathing, and Futaro shivered every time the cold metal plate touched his skin.

"Is all this really necessary?" Futaro complained.

He said casually, "I never questioned your technique when you were teaching my daughters. I only fired you when you failed to meet my expectations."

"I quit, as I remember."

"After your performance, you didn't get to just quit. Now breathe."

He asked him to describe his pain, its location, and duration. Then he asked him to describe his diet and exercise routine. He took everything in his notebook and nodded, "I think we're done."

Futaro sighed with relief as Doctor Nakano opened the door, announcing they were finished.

His father came in and smiled, "So, what're we working with? Is he on his way to the morgue?"

"Hardly," he began, before pulling a few bottles of pills out of his pocket. "What you have is a stomach ulcer. Do you know what that is?"

His father asked, "A stomach ulcer? Is this gonna involve staples?"

"I think he was asking me, dad."

Doctor Nakano closed his eyes again. Futaro's family was truly capable of the impossible.

"A stomach ulcer is a sore in the stomach, generally caused by bacteria or stomach acid eating away at the lining. They don't tend to be serious, but they can be aggravated."

"Like taking a punch to the gut?" Raiha asked sweetly.

"...Yes. Also by general life changes, stress, sudden changes in exercise routines, a spice-heavy diet-"

"What?" Riaha squeaked, "Spicy...food?"

"Correct. I've given you an anti-inflammatory and probiotics, you should see immediate improvement by tomorrow and over the next week. If it continues, I recommend swallowing your pride and visiting an actual hospital where we can treat it properly."

His father grinned, "Looks like you're in the clear, kid. Thanks for the visit, doc. What's our damage, then?"

"That won't be necessary."

"Oh, well I guess I know who to thank."

"I'm sure you do," Doctor Nakano nodded in acknowledgment.

Futaro looked at the pill bottles and said, "So that's it?"

"You were expecting more?"

"I wasn't expecting anything."

"A good way to avoid disappointment," he said as he gathered his supplies. He never lost his poise, but Futaro could see he was happy to leave as quickly as possible. But it wasn't fast enough.

"Papa?"

His head shot up, Nino was standing in the doorway. She looked around at the scene like an actor walking onto the wrong set. She kicked off her shoes and asked, "What're you-"

"It's already done. He'll be fine. I'm leaving" he said, swiftly moving past her.

Nino struggled to speak, as if too many words crowded her mouth and dammed their escape. She finally said, as her father slid into his shoes, "I-I didn't say I would, uh...I never actually agreed to-"

Her father held up his hand, silencing her. "I know, Nino." And then Futaro saw something, the slightest fall in his shoulders like a great volcano collapsing into a shield. "I know."

And then, perhaps because he as a man who worked so hard to learn about his emotions, he recognized the scene for what it was. It was a scene played out in every culture in every continent, and possibly every world that knew life.

He was just a father, after all. And fathers are notoriously weak against their daughters.

Something he couldn't describe made him reach out to the man who suddenly didn't seem so far away. He said, "Doctor?"

They locked eyes as he looked over his shoulder.

"I love your daughter," Futaro said earnestly, challengingly, "I really do."

Nino, caught between her father and her lover, broke into a furious blush between their glares.

Doctor Nakano looked at him coldly, the only way he seemingly could, then said, "Do you really." Then he turned around. Futaro thought he would leave, but he added, "I think it's about time I was made aware of what's going on. Come to my place for dinner this Saturday, Mister Uesugi. Let's see what kind of prospect you are."

"...What?"

Futaro, upon discovering his gut, promptly learned of the consequences of following it.

A/N

Unlike past delays, this one was health-related. It was nothing major, a minor surgery with a short recovery period, but I wasn't in good shape to write, and hence a delay. Thank you to those that offered condolences and understanding, but I want to address those who were a little more demanding about when the next update was coming.

I understand that when a story is begun here, there's an expectation for anyone who starts reading and investing their time that they'll see an end to their efforts. I understand, but I'd ask you to remember that I'm not being paid, or asking to be paid for this. I write as a hobby, and I write for my own pleasure and the pleasure of sharing it. I'm sure that many other authors feel this way, and we appreciate support from readers, but not demands. Please keep this in mind when a story's updates are delayed. We're going to finish this story, and if I need to take some extra time to get it right, I'm going to do it.

And while I was recovering, I read another fanfiction in the Naruto fandom, one that I'd put on a backburner after stopping halfway due to its sheer length. And once I finished it, it left that feeling of emptiness knowing I'd never see these characters again. I think that's part of why I'm writing this, why I started in the first place, and what I want to achieve.

In regards to Maruo, I like the dynamic he can offer to the main cast. The manga itself doesn't really have an actual villain, but Maruo is clearly put into the role as an antagonist, and that's an important distinction. He clearly opposes the direction his daughters are taking and the role Futaro is starting to play in their lives, but I think working to understand the reason is ripe for good character moments. I'm looking forward to including him more in later chapters.

This arc is now three chapters away from its conclusion. The next chapter is titled 'forgiveness', so I'll leave you to wonder where that's going to go.

Thank you all for your support as I continue this story, and thank you for accepting the delay and waiting for the chapter regardless. Please continue to review and be ready for the arc's conclusion.

Chapter published: September 10th, 2020.