Today, I'm sewing again in my little room. It's dusk already. For the last few days, I've been trying my best to sew. Day and night, day and night...

I really hope I can make something niisama likes.

"Enju-neesama!"

Will he be pleased...? Will he praise me again? Or maybe I'm asking a bit too much...

Enju thought as she kept sewing, her hands never once stopped.

"Enju...neesama?"

It excites me just to be able to do this much for him.

"Neesama!!!"

Enju was startled by the loud voice, so she immediately looked up from the cloth and her embroidery tools.

"?! Oh! Yes? Ah...!"

She was careless. She scraped the surface skin of own finger, again.

Come to think about it, there're more and more small wounds on my hands. I'm really careless. Especially when I sew it at night, the room is dark and I can't see the needle clearly, so I always accidentally prickle my fingers.

"Neesama, you finally heard me! I've called you for three times! Can I come in?"

It was the youngest shinobi in the village, Kasumi.

"Yes of course, Kasumi! I'm sorry that I didn't answer you before."

Kasumi came into the room. She shook her head and told her that was fine. She then observed the cloth rested on the top of Enju's lap.

"Neesama, can I sit next to you and watch you sew? The haori is looking really nice so far!"

"Thank you, Kasumi. Of course you can watch me sewing it. If you want, I can teach you when I have time."

"That'd be great! I also want to learn a lot from you! Neesama is the sewing master in our village after all!"

"T-that's...! Haha..."

Remembering what Chōjirō told her, that being over humble was a self-abasing act, she stopped putting herself down and smiled at Kasumi instead. Her mind then wandered towards him again, wondering how he was doing in his mission.

A smile plastered over her face.

"Neesama, you seem really happy when you're sewing."

Kasumi commented innocently as she smiled at her.

"...! I... I guess I just really like sewing."

I was thinking about niisama just now...

"You know the other day when Kyara-neesama and En-niisama argued?"

"Oh, right. How... are they?"

Enju somewhat felt bad as she didn't go check on them that day.

"When I finally found them, they were really sparring in the woods! I told them to stop but they didn't!"

"Did they hurt themselves?!"

Enju asked, worried about them.

"Fortunately, they didn't cause each other any injuries from their small fight. They seemed to have got tired from all the sparring at one point. But after that... En-niisama told Kyara-neesama that..."

"Oh yeah? If you're super confident in sewing, why not go ahead and sew a haori just like how Enju did for Chounii then?!"

"! I, I...!

"Ha! You can't, right?"

"...!"

"See! You're just all talk!"

Ennosuke laughed as he turned his back, preparing to walk back to the village.

"W-who say I can't?! I-I'll go ahead and sew it, just you see! Y-you can even try it on then! You'll then see how skilled I actually am!!!"

"Oh...? Haha, fine fine! I'm really looking forward to wearing the haori you're going to make, Kyara."

He said sarcastically.

...

"Isn't that great then, Kasumi? Kyara can show Ennosuke her embroidery skills. She didn't come to me and ask for advice, so I think she has no problems sewing it."

Enju said while continuing on her handwork.

"...Um... actually, I don't think so... Kyara-neesama has been sighing in her room over and over... when I went to check on her last time, the haori didn't look too great..."

"Really...?"

"Yes..."

"Oh! I have a good idea then. Kasumi, can you tell Kyara to come here now? I can teach her while sewing niisama's haori."

"Oh really? I will! I'm sure that'll be really helpful to Kyara-neesama! She's been stressing out, I guess she just didn't want to distract you from sewing the haori for Chou-niisama, so she didn't come and ask for your advice. Anyway! I'll head off and ask her to come then! Since I need to cook later, I won't be able to come with Kyara-neesama. I wish the best for you two! Hehe, I bet Chou-niisama and En-niisama would be very pleased to receive haoris from you and Kyara-neesama! See you then, neesama!"

"Thank you! Also thank you for visiting me today, Kasumi."

Kasumi flicked her a bright smile and ran off afterwards.

...

...

"Enju? It's Kyara."

She knocked on her door.

"Oh Kyara, come in."

She came in with a piece of cloth in her hands.

"I... I haven't really started sewing it, well... I'm not sure where to start."

"Don't worry Kyara, I'll teach you. You can watch me sew and follow me."

"Thank you, Enju! I thought I might have disturbed you if I came, so I didn't."

"Don't worry Kyara, you won't disturb me. I'll keep sewing for niisama while teaching you."

"You really saved my life! Thanks! I'll make sure Ennosuke won't say anything cheeky to me next time when he saw me bringing him the gorgeous haori!!"

"Fufu. I'll teach you how to tie a knot around the needle first, then you need to sew a straight line from here..."

...

After a while, Kyara seemed to have got the gist of it. She had gained more confidence in sewing her haori.

"Oh! I think I get it! Thank you so much Enju! Although my stitches aren't as neat and fine as yours, I think I can still sew a haori without any problems!"

"You're learning fast Kyara! I think Ennosuke would be very happy to try on your haori."

"...I-I just sew it to shut his big mouth up!! It's not that I want to sew it for him or anything!"

"Regardless, it's nice of you to sew it for him. You asked for his measurements after all, so it's a haori for him."

"...Y-yea. Anyway..."

Kyara took a glimpse at Enju from the corner of her eye and asked with a smile, "How about you then, Enju?"

"Me? What are you talking about, Kyara?"

"You said you wanted to sew for Chounii because of teaching you, right? But if that's so, then, doesn't that mean all of his disciples should also make him something too?"

"Oh, but you don't have to! It's just what I wanted to do for him."

"Hm~? Do you... not want me to?"

She asked suspiciously.

"No! Oh, I mean...! That's... I don't mind, of course. If you want to sew for niisama, you can sew it for him too..."

Enju felt strange somehow. That was because deep inside her heart, she knew that she actually didn't want Kyara, or any other people to give Chōjirō haoris, or... any items. But she didn't exactly know why she felt that way.

It's okay if other people also want to thank niisama by giving him gifts, of course it's a good thing... of course... Niisama might feel even more pleased to know his other disciples are making something for him too...

...

But. Why do I feel...

...? What am I actually feeling?

Seeing that Enju was deep in thought, Kyara let out a chuckle.

"Fufu, Enju. Rest assured, I'm not planning to give Chounii any gifts. You know, I just mean... besides thanking him, what other reasons make you want to sew a haori for him?"

"Eh...? Um... Oh, the weather's getting cold soon. I thought he might be cold then... because he doesn't seem to care about himself a lot... Recently, he sets off to missions very frequently and he rarely gives himself a break. I'm worried about his well-being."

"And why is that? Why do you care about him that much?"

Kyara smiled at her in a mischievious way.

"He's my teacher and cousin... of course I care about him."

She said softly.

"Eh~? I'm sure that's not all to it. Enju, do you make something for the villagers then? They treat you so well too, why don't you want to make something for them too then?"

"...I! Of course I'm thankful to the village! That's why I always want to go on a mission to repay for their kindness!"

"That's not what I'm trying to say, Enju!"

Kyara sighed and thought about how she should have worded her sentence.

Then—

"What do you think of Chounii?"

"Eh?"

Enju looked up from her embroidery work and blinked her bright blue eyes at Kyara with confusion.

"What... do you mean?"

"Enju! Just... answer me!"

You're not a child anymore, I think you should figure that out yourself!

Kyara thought.

"What do I think...? Of niisama? I've always been admiring him, and I want to become a shinobi like him one day. I think you know it already?"

Kyara let out another hopeless sigh.

"...Niisama is always kind to me, even though he is strict and look intimidating sometimes, he teaches his disciples with patience..."

Her voice was getting more and more quiet, that eventually, her words had become whispers. She was absorbed in her own little world, thinking about all the good things of him, praising his virtues, and how she liked his attitude towards his missions...

"Oh, I'm sorry Kyara! I was speaking too quietly I suppose. But don't you like niisama too? I think all his disciples admire him like how I do. After all, niisama always does his best to teach us."

She smiled at Kyara.

"...Nevermind. Just forget what I said."

"?"

Enju doesn't seem to get my point... But well, I'm sure she'll know her own feelings when the time comes.

"Kyara-neesama! Enju-neesama! It's time for dinner! En-niisama is already waiting at the table!"

"Oh! We're coming!"

Kyara exclaimed.

"...I need to face Ennosuke again huh?"

"Haha, don't be like that Kyara, I'm sure you actually really care about him! He's waiting for us too, so let's go and have dinner together."

...

After they had dinner, everyone returned to their rooms. Enju faced towards the small window, where the dim moonlight went through her room. It was really dark outside, but thanks to her tiny window and the dim moonlight, she was able to continue on her embroidery work.

Niisama is going to be home tomorrow. So I must finish sewing his haori by then, I promised him that he'd get to try it on the day he returned, so I must do my best tonight!

Despite the darkness, her hands didn't stop sewing for a second. Sometimes, she accidentally hurt her fingers with the needle, but she ignored them and redid those stitches, not wanting to waste any minute. While she was sewing, her heart beat rapidly.

That was because she knew he would wear this haori, something that she made for him exclusively. She felt excited and nervous at the same time, as she was thinking how he would think of it.

"Niisama, I hope you're taking care of yourself at the moment..."

She whispered to herself softly.

Eventually, the day had arrived. Chōjirō was returning from his hectic missions. Knowing that he would be back soon, Enju waited in the common room of her estate– which was also Kandō-sama's estate.

"Okaerinasai (welcome home), niisama!"

Enju greeted him in an elated mood, very glad to see him back.

"Aa, I'm back. How were you while I was away?"

As usual, Chōjirō spoke in a tone that didn't consist of emotions, even his expression was strict and stern. A big contrast to Enju's excitement.

"I was doing fine. Although I could only train by myself, I never slacked off and didn't skip training on any day."

"I see, then let me see your shinobi training growth tomorrow."

Niisama came to my estate because he had to give his report to father about his mission. It seems that he has just finished reporting, he looks relieved that he has got everything done, and he came here to visit me.

"I've also finished tailoring niisama's haori without any problems. Please take a look if you could."

Enju said with a smile.

"Oh, you did say you would finish it when I had returned. That was some efficient work, especially knowing that you've finished sewing it just in a few days."

"Fufu..., I was really glad that I've made it in time. Emm... here it is."

Enju was trying to calm herself down as she was in high spirits. She then slowly showed Chōjirō the haori.

As the colour on the outside is a calming tone, I've matched it with a darkened colour on the inside. Although it's a haori full of dark colours, instead of looking plain, it gives off a high quality atmosphere, and I think it suits niisama very much.

I think I've made it quite well. Now it should be fine if I let niisama to wear...

However, Enju was not fully confident in herself, so she took a glimpse at him with a worried expression, her eyes seeking for his thoughts carefully.

"Hm..."

"H-how is it?"

She asked with worry.

"...It's a very well-sewed haori. I didn't expect it would be this great."

He observed the haori and complimented it in a calm tone.

"! Really?"

"Yes. As if this was made to be a haori in the beginning. Your skills are really something extraordinary."

He complimented her with a small smile.

"Thank you! I'm really happy that you're pleased!"

Enju exclaimed happily and gave him a huge smile with her eyes closed.

Due to her elated expression and her sudden scraped voice that was filled with excitement, he also looked at her with a softer smile.

"Oh, since this is a rare opportunity, how about you try it on? Although I sewed it neat and fine, it would be a disaster if the measurements were inaccurate."

"You're right."

"Then, please turn around."

She said while holding up the haori's collar, waiting for him to turn around so she could put it on for him. However, Chōjirō stood there and froze.

"...Are you going to dress me?"

He asked with slight confusion.

"...? Yes. I thought it would save niisama the time if I helped..."

"I see."

He closed his eyes and said plainly.

"Em... is it not alright if I do that?"

Enju tilted her head to the side a little and asked, as she was confused about what was wrong with that.

"No, it's just that... I've rarely been dressed by someone. And therefore I... was perplexed."

"Eh? ...Aa!"

Enju suddenly realised something.

Oh... right, for a man at niisama's age, he should only let this kind of thing to be done by a tailor or someone like his wife.

I, didn't that mean I have suggested something that's inappropriate just now...?

However, a stern voice had stopped her thoughts.

"Wait."

"Eh?"

"You don't have to stop. I'd like to have you help me."

He then turned his back and took off his black scarf, his very long purple pony tail in the lower end of his hair wavered slightly.

"Is it alright?"

Enju immediately asked him.

"I don't mind. Also..."

He curved the corner of his lips slightly.

"...If there's just the two of us, no one would gossip about anything."

After hearing that he muttered it bit by bit in a quiet and soothing voice, when she had understood the meaning of his words, heat had come across her cheeks all of the sudden.

Oh, yes... it's just niisama and me alone right now. It's strange, being alone with niisama has happened a lot of times, but... somehow I feel nervous at the moment.

I wonder how niisama thinks about this. But since he's turned around, I can't see his expression quite clearly. It's like I want to know his feelings, but at the same time I don't.

She opened up the haori anyway while trying to put aside her thoughts away.

"Please lift up your arms..."

"Aa."

Enju passed the sleeves through his arms stiffly as she felt slightly nervous. Inside the room, only sounds of rustling cloth could be heard faintly.

To make her work easier, for helping him put the haori on, he bent down a little for her.

That action alone made Enju felt shy, her heart was beating... rapidly, again, due to his thoughtfulness.

"...All done."

"Aa."

He turned to her slowly. Her heart jumped a little to his very proximate face, his face was way closer than she thought... she felt a bit embarrassed. He looked at her with a rare expression again, his emerald eyes were not as flinty as they usually were. They looked soft and gentle. However, she couldn't take her eyes off from his well-built figure, she was staring at him unconsciously for quite a while.

—She was mesmerised by him.

"What's the matter?"

He asked.

"Oh, nothing!"

How could I gaze at him absentmindedly like that? How embarrassing...

She shook her head and asked him in a bright tone to hide her embarrassment, "Um, how is it? Do you find some of the areas a bit tight?"

"I find no problems at all. The size is accurate, even the colour feels comfortable to me."

He kept touching the fabric consistently, his eyes became smiley.

"...Thank you. You really did a good job for me."

"! ...R, really?! I'm glad..."

As he said he was pleased about it, happiness and relief were once again filled her heart, she loosened her nervous expression, feeling relieved.

"Then, when the weather has become cold, please wear this."

"Aa, I'll cherish it and use it."

She then took off his haori and folded it neatly. He smiled.

Seeing that expression alone has made my heart overwhelmed with satisfaction.

I've finally helped niisama in some way... I hope this can be something that returns his flavour, for always being kind to me. Although I've always been looked after by niisama, I hope I could become more useful to him in the future. Although it is merely a small determination, making it come true is already a big step for me.

While she was thinking about what else she could sew for him next, Chōjirō's voice stopped her quietly.

"...Enju, what happened to your hand?"

His eyes turned serious and strict.

"Eh? Oh..."

"Let me see it, clearly."

He said, sternly.

Knowing what he just saw, Enju tried to hide her hands hastily.

However, he lifted up her hands before she could do that, and therefore it became impossible for her to hide them.

"What's about the injury on this finger?"

He looked at her strictly, demanding for her answer.

"That's... knowing that niisama was going to be home soon, I was a little bit rush to make the haori in time, I pricked myself with the needle."

She looked away.

"But even if you said so, there're a number of them. ...Did you stay up late to sew it?"

"Y, yes... and I was careless and I napped a bit."

She answered him honestly as she knew he wouldn't buy her lies. After hearing that, he heaved a big sigh.

"It's not something you should've pushed yourself."

He scolded.

"...I'm sorry."

"Oh, no... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have scolded you."

"No! This was all because of my carelessness."

"But, I don't have the right to blame you. You hurt yourself because of making something for me. I was the reason."

"Niisama..."

He patted her head soothingly and held her hand again.

"Yet, I can't just let this pass and not say anything about it. ...Stay here and don't move."

He frowned a little at her fingers and looked a bit sad, then he brought out a ointment from his shinobi outfit and rubbed gently it on her fingertips.

Niisama's hands are large. My fingers are so easily, entirely covered by his. However, his rough hands had contradicted his gentle movements of rubbing the ointment to my fingers. Niisama is so kind to me.

"I'm glad that I just returned from a mission, because I don't always carry medical ointments with me."

He said plainly.

"I'm sorry..."

"If you really think so, then be more careful next time. I'm not pleased to know you overwork to an extent that you hurt yourself."

"Hai..."

As she nodded her head a little, Chōjirō's softened his expression. Seeing that, Enju also sighed in a reliving way.

"There you go..."

He released her hands and walked back a little, Enju then looked up at him timidly.

"Thank you."

"If I found you overworking again next time I'd stop it immediately. Remember that."

Being told that quietly, Enju widened her eyes at him.

"Niisama, did you just say "next time"?"

"Yes, I did."

"...Does that mean, it is fine for me to tailor niisama's kimono again?"

He let out a soft and gentle chuckle.

"Yes, if you're not over-pushing yourself."

He laughed awkwardly and shot her a glance, then headed towards the exit of the room.

"Then...! Please let me tailor or make something else for you again! It's a promise!"

Enju exclaimed as she quickly followed behind him to send him off.

Seeing her energetic and elated figure, and that she was so eager to make something for him, he nodded his head softly, somewhat embarrassed.

Her actions always made him wonder, that why she would do such things for him, and that she cared about him that much. He felt awkward and strange, but most of all, he did feel happy whenever she was around, he might have already realised that, but he didn't choose to dig deep into his feelings and question about it. It wasn't something he should have cared, not his own feelings anyway.

At the same time—

"Ennosuke."

"Hm? Kyara?"

Kyara came to Ennosuke's room and brought out a haori from her back.

"I made it! See!!! Now you can't complain!"

Kyara revealed a confident smile.

Seeing the proper haori in front of him, Ennosuke widened his eyes, not believing this was something sewed by Kyara.

"You sewed it...?"

"Yes I did! Now, try it on! I bet you can't say anything cheeky to me again!"

Ennosuke hesitated for a second, but he quickly grabbed the haori and put it on himself.

The measurements were accurate and it didn't look bad at all.

"..."

Ennosuke stroked the collar of the haori for a few times.

"Hm! How is it? Does it feel so nice that you can't even say anything back?"

Kyara giggled.

"W-well, it's better than expected and... it's not too bad."

He looked away and then pursed his lips.

"Hahahaha! See? I told you. I. Know. How. To. Sew."

"Y-yeah... okay! I know! You don't have to be so full of yourself!"

He exclaimed.

...

Kasumi giggled softly outside of the room, happy that they had reconciled, and that Kyara had successfully made a haori for Ennosuke.

I'm sure Chou-niisama is also very happy to get Enju-neesama's haori too. I guess I'll ask neesama about that for another day! Fufu!

She then jogged happily to the kitchen to prepare for their meals.