5 A talk

As they entered the restaurant, Ayaka suddenly remembered something and said to her sister, "Oh Sis, I forgot to tell you something." Haruka looked at her curiously and asked, "What is it, Ayaka?"

Ayaka hesitated for a moment before replying, "Sister, Father wants to meet you." Haruka was surprised and a little annoyed. "Why didn't you tell me before?" she asked.

Ayaka looked down apologetically and said, "I'm sorry, Sis. I forgot." Yasumi, who had been quiet until then, suddenly spoke up. "Ahha! Hey Ayaka, why are you so clumsy? How can you forget something so important... I can't believe I'm still with you."

Ayaka's face flushed with anger as she retorted, "Hey, you Sarubobo (baby monkey), stop calling me clumsy! And don't forget, you're the one always whining all the time." Yasumi opened his mouth to respond, but Haruka cut him off. "Stop it, both of you," she said sternly.

She glared at them both until they quieted down, then continued, "If you two don't stop your childish acts, then you don't need to be with me. Did you understand?" Both Ayaka and Yasumi nodded quickly and said, "Yes, Sister. We're sorry, Sister. We won't do it again."

Haruka nodded and said, "Okay, fine. But remember not to repeat it again. And yes, let's finish our meal, and then we'll go to Master." Yasumi frowned and asked, "Is it necessary for me to come with you? I don't want to visit the lion's den." Ayaka started glaring at him again, but Haruka cut in before they could start arguing again. "Yes, it's necessary. And you'll behave yourself," she said firmly.

The trio sat down and began to order their food. As they ate, Ayaka's father, Tsukahara Minamoto, was eagerly waiting for Haruka's arrival. He had heard about the fight between Haruka and the assassin leader Jack and was anxious to know if she was okay and what had happened.

When the trio arrived, they greeted Tsukahara by bowing their heads in respect. He immediately turned to Ayaka and asked, "Ayaka, how did you get here so late?" Ayaka looked nervous and said, "Sorry, Father. Something important came up. It won't happen again."

Tsukahara then turned his attention to Yasumi and asked, "What are you doing here? I didn't see you at the practice ground today. Where were you?" Yasumi flinched at his master's sharp tone and said quickly, "Yes, Master. Sorry, Master. I was with Haruka. She was teaching me some new sword techniques."

Haruka nodded in confirmation and said, "I'm sorry, Master. I forgot to tell you earlier. We were practicing together." Tsukahara looked at her sternly for a moment, but then his expression softened. "It's okay," he said. "Just don't let it happen again."

Both Yasumi and Haruka apologized to their master and then Tsukahara dismissed Ayaka and Yasumi, asking Yasumi to continue practicing. Haruka stayed behind as Tsukahara called her over. "I know you were covering up for Yasumi," he said.

Haruka looked down, embarrassed, and said, "I'm sorry, Master." Tsukahara shook his head and said, "Don't worry about that, Now tell me yesterday's event."

Haruka started telling everything to her master.

As Haruka finished recounting the events of the previous day to Tsukahara, she felt a surge of anger and pain in her heart. She clenched her fists tightly, her eyes turning red with fury. She could still feel the ache in her chest from the pain of losing her loved ones.

Tsukahara listened to Haruka's account patiently, his expression grim. As she finished speaking, he told her to be careful and not to engage in any unnecessary fights. He reminded her that she had a bigger fight to handle, and that he would always be there for her as her shield.

Haruka's heart was heavy as she heard these words. She knew that Tsukahara was right, but the pain and anger she felt were too strong to ignore. She couldn't just sit back and do nothing while the people responsible for her suffering roamed free.

"I can never forget that, master," she said in a hurt and angry voice. "Those who have ripped out my heart have to pay with their lives. I won't spare them at any cost. They have to pay for every tear I have shed."

Tsukahara understood the pain and rage that Haruka was feeling, but he knew that revenge was not the answer. He had seen firsthand the devastating consequences of giving in to one's anger and hatred.

"Haruka," he said firmly, "I know that you are hurting, but revenge will only lead you down a dark path. It will consume you and make you lose sight of what truly matters. Remember that you have a duty to protect the innocent and uphold justice, even if it means sacrificing your own desires."

Haruka looked at Tsukahara, her eyes softening slightly. She knew that he was right, but it was hard to let go of her anger and pain. She had always been a fighter, and it was difficult to imagine putting aside her desire for revenge.

"Thank you, master," she said finally. "I will do my best to uphold my duty and protect the innocent. But I can't promise that I will be able to let go of my desire for revenge completely."

Tsukahara nodded, understanding the difficulty of the situation. "I know it won't be easy, Haruka," he said. "But I have faith in you. You are strong, and you have a good heart. Don't let your pain and anger consume you."

Haruka took a deep breath, feeling the tension in her body slowly dissipate. She knew that Tsukahara was right. Revenge was not the answer. But it would take time for her to let go of her pain and anger completely.

"Thank you, master," she said again, bowing her head in respect. "I will do my best to uphold my duty and protect the innocent."

Tsukahara nodded, a small smile on his face. "I know you will, Haruka," he said. "Now go rest. You've had a long day."

Haruka bowed again and turned to leave, feeling a sense of peace settle over her. She knew that she still had a long way to go, but she was grateful for the wisdom and guidance of her master. She would continue to fight for justice and protect the innocent, no matter what challenges lay ahead.