Chapter 57

Staring into eyes so similar to my own green ones, I smiled, saying nothing, and simply held the most precious person closer to me. What's the point in just shaking the air when we both know I'll do everything possible and impossible to return home.

***

"WHAT?!"

Quite taken aback, all I could do was stare dumbfoundedly at Linli sitting opposite me and blink stupidly. I never expected such a "small" request from her.

"I'm asking if you'll agree to be the father of my child," Senju repeated calmly.

"But... how... why me?!" I managed to blurt out, completely thrown off balance.

"I did have other options, but both shinobi I liked died in the war," my friend smiled sadly, "considering I have no true friends left, and there's simply no one to marry, you're the last option to avoid dying as an old maid without children."

Of course, she exaggerated about being an old maid—she looked too good for a thirty-year-old woman, but such a desire was somewhat understandable.

"Alright, that's clear. And I won't even ask about the age gap between us. Tell me, why did you decide to have children now?"

Sighing, the kunoichi looked up at me, and I had to make a great effort not to flinch from the overwhelming sadness in her gaze.

"Firstly, you're soon going off to war and who knows when or if you'll come back at all. And secondly, if I have to return to the front again, this war will be my last, I'm sure of it. But if I get pregnant during leave, I can leave the service on legitimate grounds."

"And live on a meager allowance?" I skeptically remarked.

"That won't be a problem—I've earned enough to comfortably support a future family," Linli shook her head.

"Alright, but what about the fact that we're both from clans? I doubt the elders and clan heads would refuse to secure a future shinobi with inheritance from such parents."

Considering Ma had been buzzing in my ears about the extreme undesirability of offspring in other clans and the ensuing political hassle, it was clear I was worried.

"We'll just keep your fatherhood a secret, and I'll tell the elders to go to hell if they start pressuring. And you can continue visiting me just as friends," Senju smiled, sensing that I was already not opposed to the idea.

"These things shouldn't be decided right away, Lin-chan," I sighed, feeling my rational side gradually giving in, insisting that such an offer would only bring me trouble. "Let me carefully consider your proposal, and I'll let you know my decision tomorrow, okay?"

In principle, only a complete impotent could refuse an offer from a woman like Linli, who I found quite attractive, and I've been ready for children for the past fifty years. But the complications with Saya, if she finds out, will be huge. And I shouldn't forget about Nara either. Damn, everything's so complicated.

"Alright, it's too much to ask for an immediate answer from you," my friend agreed lightly, adding, "don't worry—whatever your answer, you'll still remain my friend."

"Then I'll go think about it," I sighed with relief.

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