While Arataki Itto and the old man were arguing outside, inside the room:
"Enough! I won't go back to being a miko," Kuki Shinobu said firmly, cutting off her mother and Big Sister Miyuki's persistent nagging.
Beside them, Kuki Shinobu's mother and Big Sister, Miyuki, could only sigh helplessly. For three days, they'd tried everything, but Shinobu remained unmoved.
Kuki Shinobu's mother glanced at her youngest daughter, Yuna, who was munching on a flatbread.
Yuna: "Why are you looking at me like that? I've already told you, I'm not cut out to be a miko."
"Yuna, I'm not asking for much. At least put on your shoes."
"Oh..."
Yuna obediently slipped on her shoes, though how long they would stay on remained uncertain.
Her mother's headache returned.
Why are my second and youngest daughters so rebellious? I raised all three girls the same way! I've reasoned, scolded, even driven Shinobu to run away to Liyue with my harsh words...
The youngest daughter was even more stubborn, and they truly didn't dare provoke her further.
Seeing her mother's distress, Kuki Shinobu felt a pang of sympathy, but she couldn't bring herself to obey her family's wishes.
She cherished her freedom and refused to be confined.
Mother and daughter locked eyes for a long moment. Finally, the mother relented.
"Sigh... Fine, fine. Do whatever you want. I won't stop you anymore."
Her mother had given in. Seeing the unwavering determination in her daughter's eyes, she knew she couldn't change Shinobu's mind.
"But if Yuna is coming with you, you're responsible for her safety."
Kuki Shinobu glanced at Yuna, who was sitting sloppily beside them, her face and clothes smeared with crumbs from the flatbread she was devouring. Shinobu's face darkened, and she cleared her throat sharply.
At this warning cough, Yuna straightened up instantly, sitting ramrod straight and setting aside her half-eaten flatbread.
In this family, Yuna feared her second-eldest sister the most. While her parents and Big Sister often just scolded her, Shinobu actually hit her!
Especially that ear-pinching technique—just ask Boss how much it hurts.
"Ahem, I'm going to cook now," Yuna said, finding an excuse to slip away. She'd rather leave the grilling from Big Sister and Mom to her Second Sister.
This wasn't just a random excuse; she genuinely needed to cook.
When Yuna's "persona" was first created, the "chef" archetype was deliberately added. This wasn't limited to her Inazuman persona; her Fontaine persona also had this trait.
The primary reason for this was to attract Paimon and Lumine—especially Paimon, the little foodie—but also to better integrate with the characters.
The persona's framework had been in place for ages, while her culinary skills had gradually developed over time.
In Inazuma, virtually everyone knew Chef Yuna's legendary abilities.
However, despite her exceptional culinary skills, she rarely set up a stall to sell her creations, only doing so occasionally.
Just once every seven days, and each time, her stall would be swarming with customers.
Even Lady Guuji Yae of the Narukami Grand Shrine always asked her to reserve a portion.
-
Inside the room:
Big Sister Miyuki said, "Mom, you don't need to worry about Yuna. That girl is sharp as a tack, you know? Her cooking skills are famous throughout Inazuma City—she's in high demand. There's no need to worry about her future."
"I know," Mom sighed. "I'm not worried about her future, it's just her personality... Is it so bad for a girl to be quiet and demure? She's always lugging that giant thing around, looking for fights, and doesn't even like wearing shoes! How can I not worry?"
With another sigh, Mom continued, "Out of you three sisters, only Miyuki gives me any peace of mind."
Creak~
The room's door suddenly opened, and Yuna quietly poked her head inside. Noticing Mom, Big Sister, and Second Sister all staring at her, she abandoned all pretense of stealth.
"Second Sister, the Boss and Dad are locked in a standoff outside. Do you want to come see?"
Kuki Shinobu's eyelid twitched. Thinking of their unreliable Boss, she immediately strode out. "That guy... what's he doing here? Didn't we agree to handle things ourselves?"
"Who knows? But honestly, I'm not surprised he'd pull something like this."
-
In the courtyard, Arataki Itto refused to budge, no matter how much Kuki Shinobu's father tried to drive him away.
Genta nudged Itto, whispering, "Boss, maybe we should head back for now? Miss Shinobu told us to wait for her earlier. If we really anger the old man..."
Itto glanced at the furious elder. Angry? He's way past that!
"I'm warning you one last time: leave now, or I'll resort to force!"
Seeing the old man's serious intent, Mamoru and the others instinctively retreated in unison.
Only Arataki Itto remained, his neck stiff with defiance. "Bring it on! If this great lord so much as whimpers, I'm no true hero!"
Kuki Shinobu's father, his patience snapped, decided to teach the brat a small lesson. Just as he swung his stick...
"Stop!"
"Shinobu?"
Itto's face lit up with joy, and Mamoru and the others chorused, "Miss Shinobu!"
Kuki Shinobu noticed the two large baskets overflowing with Lavender Melons. So they've been collecting these all day? She shot the quartet a fierce glare before turning to her father.
"Father, how could you strike someone?"
The old man threw down his cane. "Look at the lowlifes you hang around with—a bunch of no-good loafers with no jobs!"
Even Arataki Itto, known for his thick skin, felt a pang of embarrassment at being scolded in front of Kuki Shinobu and Yuna.
The Arataki Gang's reputation among outsiders wasn't exactly stellar.
Kuki Shinobu, however, had her own perspective. She believed judging a person solely by their abilities was unfair.
"They're my friends, not 'lowlifes.' He—Arataki Itto—has endured a difficult past, yet he remains cheerful and optimistic, which is remarkable. He treats us well, and his genuine spirit has influenced everyone in the Arataki Gang."
Hearing Kuki Shinobu's words, Itto's lingering worry melted away. But before he could fully savor his relief, she continued:
"Of course, he has many flaws. He's too naive, too childish, acting like a little kid."
Arataki Itto: "..."
Kuki Shinobu continued, "But isn't that precisely a reflection of his pure nature? I admire that kind of purity, just as I resent being confined by miko robes and yearn for freedom."
Kuki Shinobu's father asked, "So your mother still couldn't persuade you?"
"Father, everyone has their own life to live. Just because others define something as 'good' doesn't mean it's right for everyone."
"For me, my time with the Arataki Gang has been wonderful. At least I feel freer and more carefree than ever before."
Yuna chimed in, raising her hand, "Mhm, Sis is right!"
"Aigh~"
The old man sighed. He had long anticipated this outcome, but now that it was here, he still couldn't quite let go.
"Alright, I can't argue with you. Your future is in your own hands. Do as you please with your foolishness."
"But from now on, you two sisters can't go months without coming home. And keep an eye on that wild girl—try to get her to fight less..."
Yuna pouted, muttering under her breath, "I'm not a wild girl! Dad's just worrying too much!"