After finishing their meal, Chōjirō and Enju were sitting on the edge of a separate wooden floor, the height was slightly higher than the ground－the lawn in front of them. It located right near the chabudai. They were facing towards the backyard.

Due to their height difference, Chōjirō's legs reached the ground, but Enju's were dangling in the air.

"Enju, you like yakizakana, don't you?"

"I do, I like it very much."

"Then why didn't you eat it at all yesterday night?"

"That yakizakana was a bit tasteless somehow... and I didn't quite have an appetite."

"But that was also cooked by Misa-san."

Enju didn't know the reason herself too. Though, she just knew she had expected to see niisama at the table yesterday and was upset he couldn't make it in time, she felt disappointed.

"Niisama... you broke your promise. You didn't return yesterday night to have dinner with us. I was waiting for your return."

"Oh... I apologise. There was another sub-mission going on, I was ordered to chase down one of the suspects."

"I see."

As expected. Niisama must be a very superior shinobi who got trusted by many others, or else he wouldn't be undertaking so many missions.

"But that doesn't make any excuse for not eating your dinner, Enju. As I said, nutrients are essential for a shinobi to leash out their potentials."

As a teacher, Chōjirō had started his usual sermon.

"Whether you feel like it or not, it doesn't matter. It is a regular basis that a shinobi, no... anyone. Everyone has to maintain their health in order to do the things they want. It's common sense."

"I understand. I apologise, niisama. I know it was wrong for me to skip meals... I won't do that again."

"Mm. As long as you understand."

After preaching her, he was about to stand up and return to the training grounds.

But before that, he had taken a small glance at her direction. He noticed Enju was smiling lightly at the ground without any particular reason. Her legs were swinging a little in the air. She simply looked happy.

He couldn't figure out why, given that he had just given her a little sermon in regards to the significance of taking care of her own well-being.

For a second, he parted his lips as he wanted to ask her. He thought about reaching out to her.

But he closed his mouth. He didn't ask.

Of course he didn't. Why would he ask the reason she was smiling when he wasn't familiar with happiness itself? He figured he wouldn't understand even if he did ask. There wasn't any meaning for him in doing this, and he found it unnecessary.

The happiness he was witnessing in sight shouldn't have mattered to him.

So he let her smile happily there, by herself.

Eventually, he turned his head back to the front curtly from her small figure as he stood up from his seat.

"Time to head back, Gekkamaru and the others are waiting for us."

A stern voice.

"Niisama..."

Still smiling at the ground without meeting his eyes, Enju stood up as she reluctantly took out something small, a magenta colour, hidden from the cyan cloth around her waistband.

"...Niisama, this is for you."

She could feel the temperature of her own cheeks. Rising gradually.

They flushed further as she brought out the item in front of her with both of her hands while bowing her head, waiting for him to accept the gift.

"For me?"

Chōjirō asked curiously as he reluctantly accepted the item with both of his hands.

He was observing the beautiful flower she gave him.

...

"Do you like it?"

Enju looked up at him hesitantly from the ground with her big innocent eyes, smiling as she asked with bashfulness.

"Ajisai."

She saw him smiled faintly for a second. But as she blinked her eyes, it was gone already. This caused her having doubts about what she just saw, she thought she might even have imagined his smile.

"I found the flower beside the river after training two days ago. I kept it with me. I don't even know what kind of flower it is, but the colour reminds me of niisama's dark magenta hair... which I always think... it's pretty."

When I was resting with Gekkamaru along the riverside after training, I was upset. But this flower had caught my eye and made me think even more about niisama.

"It's called ajisai. Sometimes, people use it as food decoration. For example a piece of meat, they put it on top of it to enhance its overall food presentation. Ajisai is one of the traditional flower types in our country. There are also many other traditional ones such as sakura, yuri, fuji..."

He educated as she listened to his teaching immersively.

"They all have different meanings. Even the colours of the same type of flowers can have different definitions. It's called Hanakotoba."

"Really? I never knew that much about Hanakotoba, but I want to learn more!"

"Hm. I can teach you more about it when we have time."

"Niisama... what does this flower mean then? I was thinking about you when you was away, and the colour of the flower reminded me of your hair colour so I picked it up."

Enju asked as she looked up at Chōjirō with curiosity.

"It depends on the colours as well... the one you gave me is between purple and pink... I'll say magenta."

"Purple ajisai means mysterious."

"Mysterious..."

Enju muttered while she was pondering upon what she thought about Chōjirō.

Mysterious.

The flower does suit niisama. I always can't figure out what is on niisama's mind... even though I've been trying to observe his expressions so desperately. At the end of the day, I can't comprehend anything about his emotions despite my efforts. Indeed... mysterious.

"I think it suits niisama!"

"You think so?"

"Yes. Aji...sai. How is it written in kanji?"

Asked Enju as she glanced over the flower she just handed over to him.

It really has an identical colour to niisama's hair colour.

She thought.

"Lend me your hand, Enju."

"Eh..? Y-yes."

Enju reluctantly reached out her hand, a different temperature that was apart from her own was surrounding around her wrist, she was feeling it with a smile on her face.

Niisama's temperature. It's... warmer than mine.

He bent down a little to reach her height.

"You're cold. Must be because you don't have enough energy. The food you just ate should make you feel warmer gradually though. Or, do you want to rest today instead?"

"I'm fine niisama. I want to show you the ninjutsu you've taught me."

"...If you insist. But rest after that... nevermind. I'll instruct Gekkamaru later to put you to sleep..."

"Niisama...?"

"Nothing. Now, focus on your palm."

Niisama's temperature has spread to my hand entirely, my temperature now is almost the same as his.

"Here. Try to remember the strokes and the kanji itself."

He held her wrist tighter, started to write on her palm with his forefinger.

One stroke. Two strokes. Three...

"Fufu..."

Four strokes. Six strokes. Ten...

"N-niisama... i-it tickles..."

Chōjirō didn't stop though.

Eleven strokes... Fifteen strokes... Twenty one strokes...

"Fufu... fufufu."

Enju let out small giggles as she felt his slender finger moving, tracing her palm slowly.

Twenty-nine. Thirty. Thirty-one strokes.

Done.

"Fufufufufu... It tickles a lot niisama!"

A-ji-sai.「紫陽花」

"I hope you remember the kanji."

He simply said as he stood up.

"Y..yes."

"... from the looks of you, you didn't memorise it..."

"No I didn't... sorry niisama. But it tickled a lot... I couldn't focus..."

Enju lowered her head but her eyes glanced up at him bashfully, feeling guilty for not remembering the strokes of the kanji. But her small lips pouted a little at him simultaneously, as she knew he didn't stop despite knowing how ticklish she was.

"Fu."

Chōjirō carelessly let out a chuckle that didn't even sound like one as his expression had rarely changed.

Enju is adorable.

He thought as he tried to observe more of her expressions, they changed very fickly, which were interesting for him to watch somehow.

"I can lend you one of the books I have collected in my room. Come tomorrow."

"Really? Thank you niisama!"

Enju's bashful smile widened as she glanced upon her big brother's expression, not pouting anymore.

Niisama isn't really smiling. Just the usual... nonchalant expression.

But I guess, that's just niisama.

Enju's hands clenched the sides of her own shinobi outfit nervously, still feeling the heat on her cheeks.

"The colour does resemble my hair colour, it's a pretty flower you got me. Thank you, Enju."

"I'm glad you like it niisama!"

He was about to tuck the flower between the rose pink ribbon near his waist and the white fabric around his waistband, but Enju pulled his shirtsleeves softly.

"Niisama wait."

Chōjirō stopped his actions as he looked down at her to see what she was up to.

"Niisama, I think it suits you better if you put it here."

Enju pulled his shirtsleeves again, her actions were telling him to lower his arm with the flower, as it was too high for her to reach to.

She held the flower in her hand and tiptoed.

"Niisama, please bend down a little!"

Chōjirō bent down. Enju smiled brightly. Their eye levels were the same at that moment. The view in front of him caused his palm to itch suddenly, it hurt him. He felt that usual trace of pain inside his left palm again. He tried to stay stoic. Definitely didn't want Enju to notice. Pain. But why?

Oh yes, he knew. How eccentric.

A happy Enju. Happiness.

The sight felt all too familiar to him. Long ago... When he frolicked with his friends in the woods, trained ninjutsu with his father and other fellow ninjutsu learners, participated in the most light-minded and comedic conversations. The happy Enju in front of him resembled his deceased family, relatives and friends, his closed ones.

It made him remember he used to smile just the same as she did.

He didn't even realise himself. He was afraid.

Afraid of being happy.

If he felt happy at that moment, then, only despair would be left for him eventually. At the end of the day, happiness would be gone. He didn't want to experience the despair of losing something precious again, so he had decided.

That he would not step into the paradise filled with happiness. He would not feel anything. Would not make anything precious to himself. Be an impeccable shinobi. As if the profession was tailored exclusively for him. How convenient it was. A perfect role for someone who had no desire to pursue further happiness.

Seeing something as happy as that caused him nothing but pain. He couldn't help but wanted to do that again.

But I can't... do it here. Enju is watching.

He convinced himself. However the annoying feeling inside his palm didn't go away.

Maybe... just a little.

He couldn't hold it.

It'll go away then. Just very... quickly. It won't take long.

His left hand formed into a rock. His nails tried to scratch the flesh. The area that caused him the annoyance.

Then he realised. He was still wearing the black shinobi gloves. But who cares. He did it anyway. Feeling the physical pain through the fabric, making that annoyance go away.

Happiness would then stay.

That was a lie he told himself. He knew the best himself it was futile. But he did it. How foolish.

Enju didn't notice, did she?

His gaze carefully landed to her small figure without moving his head.

His right ear felt ticklish at a sudden.

"Niisama..."

Enju tucked the flower to Chōjirō's hair, her clumsy hands located strands of his hair behind his right ear, accentuating the hair decoration. She was on his right side. She didn't notice anything suspicious on his left, but was very focus on decorating his hair.

Making niisama look pretty.

"E-Enju, what are you-"

Chōjirō's thoughts were pulled back to reality.

"Done!"

Enju backed away a little. Her small hands in front of her chest, fidgeting her fingers timidly as she observed him.

"Niisama looks very adorable."

"Ha...?"

His hand started to reach to the flower resting near his ear.

"I... should probably take it off, it must look ri-"

"Don't..."

Enju looked up at him with watery eyes as her small hands pulled his shirtsleeves a little, the side where his hand was about to remove the flower, pleading him not to take the flower off from his hair.

"Please...?"

Don't take it off.

"Niisama..."

She then made a prayer pose as her eyes pleaded.

"...If you want."

He sighed and stood up. Emotionless.

"Yay!"

Enju didn't fail to notice how he softened his expression and smiled faintly in the blink of her eye, the second when he turned away from her.

Not wanting Gekkamaru and the others to wait for them for too long, they finally started heading towards the training grounds.

"Let's go."

"Yes, niisama."

Enju was again, holding the hem of his shinobi outfit while following behind him.

Nothing makes me feel happier than when I'm with niisama. The shinobi admire the most! I really need to catch up with niisama's skills so my dream will come true! I want to undertake a mission with niisama one day and I'm sure I can do it if I practice extremely hard! But niisama told me I need to be healthy first... I should eat more and have some rests after training today then!

...

"We've arrived."

Chōjirō said as he stopped his footsteps abruptly, causing Enju to trip and hit her head on his back.

"Ou..."

"Enju?"

He turned to her and noticed she was rubbing her forehead lightly.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

He spoke plainly.

"Enju-sama! Chōjirō-dono!"

A voice not from afar could be heard as footsteps were rushing towards the two.

Seeing Gekkamaru rushed to her side, she quickly let go of Chōjirō's shirt with her other hand.

"Enju-sama? Did you hurt your forehead?"

"I'm fine Gekkamaru."

Gekkamaru didn't even notice any differences of Chōjirō's appearance.

Chōjirō left the two of them there and walked forward.

"How is it going, everyone?"

He asked.

"..."

Everyone looked at their teacher in shock.

"What is it?"

Clueless, he revealed a troubled expression as he furrowed his brows.

They all widened their eyes.

"Chou-nii..."

Ennosuke murmured.

"Ahahahaha!"

Kyara laughed.

"Chou-niisama! Hahaha!"

Kasumi too.

Still clueless, he walked over and asked his disciples what was wrong again.

"Chou-niisama is unexpectedly a beauty! Ne, Kyara-neesama, Ennosuke-niisama?"

"That was a shock... to know the strict Chou-nii would put something as small and exquisite as that in his hair..."

Chōjirō finally realised what the ruckus was about after listening to their stupid comments.

"..."

I know I should've taken it down.

He sighed, but didn't take the flower down, as he knew it would disappoint Enju.

Enju giggled, Gekkamaru chuckled too as he finally noticed his teacher had a flower tucked behind his ear.

"Chōjirō-dono is surprisingly cute."

"Ne! I know right!"

Enju replied as they smiled at the sight. Their teacher was ludicrously adorable!

"Don't mind about me... How's everyone's progress?"

"Ooh Chou-nii! I think I'm doing great with my Hien ninjutsu! On the other hand though, Kasumi didn't even hit the shurikens to the board!"

Said Ennosuke in a playful tone.

"Uu..."

Kasumi's eyes got watery after hearing Ennosuke's comment. Sulked, she rubbed her eyes a little as Chōjirō walked over to her.

"Kasumi, there's nothing to be sad about. You still have lots of time to improve your skills. Don't worry. Come on, practice with me."

"Hai...! Chou-niisama!"

Chōjirō walked towards the shooting board and pointed at the direction he wanted Kasumi to aim at. He then stood next to Kasumi, holding her right wrist with the shuriken.

"We'll throw together. Here. Look at your target. Then... aim for it!"

"Gekkamaru, you've improved a lot. I'm proud of you."

"It's an honour to hear that from you Chōjirō-dono. I'm happy!"

Gekkamaru smiled sheepishly.

"Um... how's Enju-sama-"

"Regarding that... I was going to talk to you. I've talked with her already. I don't think she'll be too careless about her own well-being from now on. Though I hope you can ensure Enju sleeps on time and eats her meals. She was a bit cold a while ago. I'm no cook myself... but it'd be nice if you could cook her something warm today... before dinner. Something light would do. Maybe just a bowl of soup. Misa-san was quite busy teaching Kasumi so she might not have the extra time to cook extra food. I'm sorry to ask this from you, but I hope she wouldn't get sick after the lack of sleep and nutrients."

"Of course Chōjirō-dono! I'll cook her a hearty soup today! But, lack of sleep...? I thought she slept early yesterday."

Of course Gekkamaru didn't know Enju slept in her cousin's room yesterday.

"O-oh, I guess you're right. I just assumed she didn't... Anyway, thank you for taking care of Enju."

"Don't worry at all Chōjirō-dono! I'm happy to cook for Enju-sama!"

Excited to cook for Enju today, Gekkamaru smiled with squinty eyes which could form a line.

"Fu, you're really talented. Not only in ninjutsu, but in cookery too."

"I'm really flattered... But I still have lots to improve! So don't say that, Chōjirō-dono."

"I know you and Kuroyuki used to sleep with Enju in the same room, but since Kuroyuki was away and you're now growing up, your rooms had been separated for a year already, and it's difficult... I know. But it's not that I ask you to stay inside Enju's room and follow her every action. You can't stay with her day and night."

"Eh... A-hai! I'll try not to meddle in Enju-sama's activities that much..."

Gekkamaru said, embarrassed.

Chōjirō's gaze moved down, looking at the ground aimlessly as he spoke quietly.

"Enju is fortunate to have you by her side. Gekkamaru, I'm glad. I hope... you could be the person she felt the closest to."

Gekkamaru widened his eyes slightly at Chōjirō's words.

"Chōjirō-dono... I always enjoy staying with Enju-sama. No matter what happens, even if you don't mention it, I've intended to stay as Enju-sama's bodyguard and I'll protect her with all my life."

Dedication and determination were clearly shown in Gekkamaru's voice, making Chōjirō feel assured. He smiled and closed his eyes, appreciated Gekkamaru's dedication towards Enju.

"Thanks, Gekkamaru..."

After teaching all his disciples, everyone left the training grounds. Chōjirō turned to Enju.

"Enju, you wanted to show me how well you've gained your control over the ninja technique I taught you right? You can show me now."

"Yes niisama!"

Enju replied with enthusiasm as she was prepared.

"I can stay here until Enju-sama finished!"

A cheery voice.

"G-Gekkamaru can return first! I can't focus if you're here!"

Enju retorted as she walked over to the young boy.

"Eh! But..! I won't interrupt you! I promise!"

"Gekkamaru, please...? I..."

Want to spend more time with niisama alone.

"...Might train for a couple more hours and I don't want you to wait for me that long!"

"It doesn't ma-"

"Gekkamaru, don't worry about Enju. You should return with the others and have a rest. You've practiced a lot today and you need to replenish your lost energy."

Chōjirō instructed.

"H-hai... Chōjirō-dono."

"Enju-sama, please look forward when you return! See you later then!"

"Look forward to...?"

Enju tilted her head as she saw Gekkamaru running back to the village, very enthusiastically.

"Enju."

His strict voice pulled her back in focus.

She turned to her teacher, he was crossing his arms with an apathetic expression on his face. The small flower she gave him was still resting behind his right ear.

Seeing the contrast, she couldn't help but let out a small laugh.

First, she performed a high jump, she then flipped her body backwards against Chōjirō. She spread the flowers in the air as she did the moves. Eventually, landed on the ground with both of her feet, and with balance, of course.

I did it!

"You really practised hard, didn't you?"

Chōjirō walked towards her direction slowly, landed his hand on top of her head.

Pon pon.

He patted. Not gentle, but not harsh. Just a very simple action. Not something to fuss about.

But Enju's eyes sparkled. She felt the sizzling warmth rising from her cheeks as his black shinobi gloves and her white silk hair were in contact. Just for 2 seconds. Two pats on the head. But this alone had made her feel eccentrically satisfied.

"Good job."

Then a praise.

"H-hai! I'll keep polishing my skills niisama! So please teach me more!"

She felt extremely happy. She looked up at him just to see the magenta ajisai behind his ear again, she giggled softly at the sight.

Finally, niisama praised me.

He then started to teach her the way to attack someone right before landing her feet onto the ground.

Such a wonderful time.

Sunset had just arrived.

"Oh... it's this late already."

Chōjirō said as he looked up at the yellowish sky.

Enju panted after taking another shot of using her short swords to attack Chōjirō's back with her jutsu, Hyakka Shōfūren. But failed.

"Don't rush to see results. You just started to learn the way of attacking someone a few hours ago."

"Hai! But I'll keep practicing frequently to further improve my skills!"

"I see, let's head back."

They walked back to the village in a moderate pace.

"Enju-sama! I cooked you soup!"

Gekkamaru brought out a bowl of miso soup on the table after seeing Enju had just opened the fusuma entrance.

"Gekkamaru, I'm back. You cooked for me? It's not dinner yet."

"But you must be starving after training right? Dinner is still in two hours, this is for replenishing your lost energy for the last couple of days. Here!"

"Thank you, I'll gladly drink it then!"

Enju sat at the table in front of Gekkamaru as she thanked him and took a sip of the miso soup.

"Mm...! So delicious! Your cookery skills have improved again."

Her eyes brightened.

"Haha, glad to know you like it! It's really simple to make, I'm happy to cook more for you whenever you want to have some!"

Smiled Gekkamaru.

Enju then grabbed some rice from the bowl next to the soup and ate with a smile.

"Enju-sama, you seemed to be in high spirits today."

"Oh... is it? You think so...?"

Asked Enju as she kept eating the food vigorously.

"Yes you do."

Gekkamaru replied and looked at her with a smile.

Chōjirō-dono, it seems you don't need to worry about Enju-sama, see, she really listens to what you said.

Thought Gekkamaru as he observed how Enju was eating her meal at that moment. She was smiling. A totally different person compared to the night before, when she didn't even touch the yakizakana.

"It's really delicious Gekkamaru, gochisousama deshita!"

"You're welcome Enju-sama! I can always cook for you if you want."

Peaceful atmosphere was flowing inside the estate.

Author's note

Apologies, this chapter is a bit long compared to the others. I hope it isn't boring though...

I did some research on traditional Japanese flowers. I think I'll write more about Hanakotoba in the later chapters too!

Drama CD: 「眠れない夜に蝶治郎と菊枕」("In a sleepless night- Chōjirō and the chrysanthemum pillow")

In the drama CD, it mentioned how Enju would bring flowers back when she was small because she wanted to show them to Chōjirō. She gave him flowers almost every time they met... (how adorable!!!) My heart.!.!.!

I really wanted to include that in my fanfic after listening to the drama CD! Niisama has such a soothing voice, it made me feel sleepy... after... listening to.. it...