QuinnyUndertow

Sachiko Ino and Kouta Ino at the hospital from Chapter 35.

The third day however Kamo’s thugs are conspicuously missing. It’s undeniable that today would be the best time to attack given Satoru and Suguru’s forced absence. For the loudmouth higher ups to suddenly pull back is more alarming than them being present. When time freezes and the monitor flips on, its another one of Gojo’s sisters sitting nearby, while Nanami and Yu are in classes. Her hair is long and braided, the same snowy white as her brother; her eyes a surprising brown. Her outfit is traditional and elegant.

She’s quietly entertaining what you are assuming is one of Gojo’s nephews. The toddler cooing at the attention, as she smiles and makes silly faces at the black haired brown eyed boy. The scene is domestic and heartwarming as she showers the baby with kisses on his chubby pink cheeks. The boy’s dark hair makes you think of baby Megumi out there somewhere. His mother in the grave and his father checked out. Just another item on your list of wrongs to right. God-Ge sure didn’t pull any punches when writing traumatic backstories.

She sets the small boy on his feet and he races to the far end of the room. Your face breaking into a grin at seeing his wobbly efforts pay off. The young woman is laughing, arms outstretched, coaxing the child to return “Come to mommy, Kouta.”

When the door slams open entirely too hard, Kouta falls over in surprise, his mother quickly rising, only to freeze when she sees the person who enters between her and her son. The only sound at first is Kouta’s tears at his unexpected fall, a small wail escaping his mouth. You on the other hand feel ice in your veins at the unexpected visitor.

Naoya Zenin walks into the room like he owns it. His face curled into a sneer and his expression one of clear derision. He grimaces at the child wailing before he crouches to meet the boy's eyes with his own golden viper-like ones. “Well if it isn’t a Gojo spawn.” Naoya reaches a hand out towards Kouta only to have the child scream twice as loud.

“Master Zenin, what a pleasure to unexpectedly see you here and not Kyoto.” Naoya tilts his head to the side, only seeming to now notice the child’s mother.

Naoya puffs up his chest in self importance, “As respectful as always, aren't you Sachiko.”

You don’t miss the minor flinch Sachiko gives at Naoya using her name so familiarly. It’s clear by the way he says it they aren’t friends and he means it as disrespectfully as it sounds. She simply keeps her head down in deference for a moment longer before lifting it and moving to collect her son. “I’m not sure what you mean Master Zenin.” She’s trying to appease the wolf between her and her child, her tone soft and placating.

Naoya easily body blocks her, his expression irritated, “I didn’t realize you were close with that bitch.” His head jerks in your direction at the derogatory term. Sachiko is clearly nervous at this point, her son's wailing continues, and she’s hoping it brings someone else over to investigate. Naoya spares Kouta another irritated look before speaking to someone at the door, “Shut that kid up will you?”

Your heart is in your throat as Sachiko’s face pales. She looks ready to attack whoever enters only for her to let out a shaky breath in relief. Your own body relaxes considerably as well at the familiar disheveled dark rusty hair and boyish features. Ranta Zenin bows his head as he enters, his expression one of extreme discomfort. “Sorry to intrude on your visitation Mrs. Ino.” You're watching from your side of the monitor with bated breath, your eyes flickering to the wedding ring on her delicate hand.

The young teen goes over to where Kouta is crying, the small child’s eyes now red as snot drips down his chin. “Oh dear.” Ranta can’t help but laugh very quietly as he gently picks the boy up. Clearly not new to children, he pulls out a handkerchief and gently wipes the baby's face. Almost reflexively he starts to bounce the toddler softly to ease his tears. Ranta’s calming aura has the child’s glassy eyes watching him, the screaming ceasing even if his lower lip still wobbles.

If you had to trust one Zenin with your life it would definitely be Ranta and by the looks of it you just might have to.

Naoya turns to look at Ranta holding the now quiet baby Gojo/Ino his own face sour “How quaint, weak recognizes weak.” He snorts when Ranta doesn’t respond other than to flush with embarrassment. Turning back to Sachiko, Naoya looks at her expectantly, “Well? I don’t like repeating myself.”

Sachiko Ino looks as confused as you feel, “I don’t..” she’s positioning herself to go around Naoya but he cuts her off again. Her expression is beginning to look panicked. You had learned the lesson of how strong Naoya Zenin actually was the hard way, when he sucker punched you before you even saw him move. You couldn’t blame her for not being willing to get in a fight while her son was being held hostage even if it was with Ranta Zenin.

Naoya rolls his eyes, “God you women are so damn stupid. I asked you if you were close to the bitch in the coma.”

If you had something to throw it would have gone flying at the monitor as you scream, “That was a statement earlier, not a question you insufferable jackass!!” You were seriously going to punch that stupid smug grin off his piece of shit face.

Sachiko’s countenance is grim, as her patience has long run out. “The Gojo family is blessed to call many sorcerer families their allies. Unless you would like to become better acquainted with them, I recommend you step aside.”

Naoya raises a brow at her shift in demeanor before glancing at Ranta, “Give her the brat in the hall. Their visitation time is over.”

Ranta looked apologetic but moved to do as he was asked. Sachiko, now indignant and nervous for your sake as well, began to sputter objections. “Now just wait a sec-.”