No one to expect his return, Takeo could figure out several possibilities based on that response but wouldn’t want to dwell on it too much. Having lost his wife much too soon he had known what it was like to not have anyone waiting for you to return home, and the feeling wasn’t as enjoyable as the average teenager might have expected. For the sake of his granddaughter he intended for Natsumi to never have to experience that level of loneliness, and so he warned Kenji to never die on her, or he’d kill him in the next world too. There was no intention of delving deeply into Ryozan’s personal situation, only to make him a small offer so he wouldn’t feel left out tonight. 

[b]“Well, you can spend some time with my granddaughter and make a friend. No one should really be alone tonight, no matter the spirit they’re in.”[/b] The offer was without notice to Kenji or Chizuma, the latter was the more welcoming of the two. Natsumi’s spirits seemed low, but perhaps if she were to talk to people her age she could try to forget what had happened and instead focus on the positivity around her. Tonight was special, and he didn’t want her spending it alone and upset regardless of her situation.

[b]“Takeo!”[/b] A cheery voice just behind the pair called out, and upon turning around both would find Kaede Hyuga hustling up behind them with treats in hand.

[b]“Kaede! I figured you were with Natsumi by now.”[/b]

[b]“Well, I’m on my way now …the Akimichi Clan wouldn’t let me go without taking something to go. They were convinced I wasn’t eating enough.” [/b]

[b]“I see.”[/b] Takeo glanced to Ryozan. [b]“I’ll make this short: Mind taking him back with you? Chizuma will understand, I just don’t know if Kenji will, but he’s got no one to spend some time with. Would it be too much trouble to ask you to …be yourself?”[/b]

Kaede nodded her head. Although unfamiliar with this new boy, she was not beyond making new friends, especially if they didn’t have any to be with. The timing could have been better, but she could multitask when it came to healing severe wounds and trying to make conversation. Coming beside the two, she would have introduced herself had Takeo not already given her name, but hadn’t given her this boy’s name. She would neglect to point this out, because although introductions were a crucial part in getting to know one another she was already pressed to assist Natusmi, who she had left alone far longer than intended.[b] “Of course.”[/b]

[b]“Is Kenji still with your family?”[/b] Kaede had nodded, leading Takeo to grimace for a moment. Kaede wouldn’t take offense, as she too understood what it could be like when the Hyuga had felt crossed. [b]“I’ll go take care of him and make sure he doesn’t cause an incident. Hokage or not he’s always had a temper. You two be well.”[/b] Bidding farewell for now, Takeo proceeded in the opposite direction he led Ryozan prior, prompting Kaede to join beside him and proceed to the compound in a small jog. 

[b]“We can talk shortly, there’s someone I need to see.”[/b] She wasn’t moving fast, but fast enough to have Ryozan pressed to keep up. Within a thirty second period of jogging, Kaede would hustle up to a specific building within the Uchiha Clan’s compound that was used to hold those who’s care the clan wished to oversee personally. It was rarely necessary to use but they took care of it even so. With a rapid knock on the door, the one who had come was none other than… 

[b]“Chizuma!”[/b] Kaede noted. Natsumi’s mother was anything but ordinary as a woman, and didn’t appear too distraught about the situation in the previous battle, which meant she was either incredibly good at masking her feelings or had gotten it all out. Ryozan was difficult to introduce, but if he was with her then maybe she wouldn’t refuse to let him in with her. If Takeo wanted to have him along, then Kaede saw little reason not to allow it.[b] “I’ve come for Natsumi, is she still in?” [/b]