484 The Systems History: The prophecy (1/2)

”No!” After letting out a series of coughs, Aki profusely shook his head sideways as he exclaimed. Churu playfully arched her brows as she shrugged her shoulders and chuckled.

”Mother, I think Suzuki-sama likes you~” Giggling, Churu whispered and yet, her voice could be heard up to the next town.

”Mother only adore little Churu.” Smiling, Tora didn't bat Aki an eye as she subtly smiled at the playful Churu.

In her life, she never thought of being a mother or even bear kids. However, having Churu call her mother, she instantly unlocked this maternal instinct which she never thought she would ever feel.

She liked that she calls her mother. It just sounded so right as if Churu was meant to address her like that.

”Churu only like mother as well!” Churu grinned, her lips stretched from ear to ear.

Granting that she lived for years, that she even forgot how long, Churu never felt ecstatic about having to call someone a mother. She has a father, but she had never seen his face. She was never close to her father, anyway. Hence, having someone be a parent figure, it elated Churu.

”Huh, don't address me as your father in the future.” The corner of Aki's brows twitched by the public display of affection of the two. Therefore, he humored just to irk Tora who showed obvious dislike towards him.

What did he even do in the first place? In retrospect, Tora never felt this distant on their first encounter. Rather, she was more open and friendly. But after that, her treatment towards him changed; it was a mystery he needed to decode.

”I will only address Suzuki-sama if mother accepts him!” Humoring him back, Churu innocently smiled at Tora. Tora only smiled back at her as she gently patted her head, before she raised her eyes and in a split second, Aki saw her piercing gaze, as if telling him to shut up.

****

Three days later, Tora together with everyone that escaped from the felons was forced to evacuate the from the hill as the fire never subsided. In fact, it literally burned the whole forest hence, Tora's group was back to the road where Churu was abducted.

Chiharu, who was the only survivor of the group, offered his body to service everyone from cooking, tending to their wounds, and any other chores. On the other hand, the women slowly regained themselves from the trauma they had after being held captive for several weeks.

Meanwhile, Kaze was still weak and limped as it walked, but still, it was a miracle that it was still alive and Tora; she was contented having to look after Churu while she plays with her favorite steed.

Nevertheless, the three fleeting days that had passed were akin to a short healing time. The women had given great respect to Tora whom they have known as Yamada and to Aki. Also, although they despised Chiharu at first, some women felt pity so they helped him with chores that they could help him with.

Not just that, they also meditated together and Churu would often mimic Tora whenever she was training her body. It was still a wonder that Tora only inflicted little injuries from that night three days ago.

Was she that good in fighting? Aki wondered.