Chapter 13:

As Yumi and Yuji were still upstairs, they also heard that familiar slam at the door. 

“It’s my father…He’s probably upset about our argument from earlier. Let’s listen in, He might say something we need to know.” 

They both press their ears to the vent that led downstairs. It wasn’t the best way to listen, but It had to do for them. They heard Mao and Toshi talking, with Toshi clearly holding the upper hand in the conversation. 

“...Your Daughter…Head over Heels…That boy…Must Find him…Show him who he’s messing with…” 

That was all they could pick up. They finally left the vent, not knowing how to feel. 

“He’s gonna come after me…Oh god, what are we gonna do!?” 

Yuji started to panic. Yumi didn’t know how to calm him down, and just put her hand on his. He immediately stopped and looked at her with a bright gaze. 

“Yumi…” 

“It’s going to be okay, Yuji…I have an idea, and it just might work…” 

She said. 

“W-What are we gonna do with a whole clan coming after me!?” 

He exclaimed, still on edge. 

“I know this is gonna sound crazy…but I have to go back to your stand with you.” 

She said. Yuji immediately broke out in blush at the thought. 

“I-uh-Wha-WHAT!? H-How could that be the plan to p-protect me?” 

“I know this dirty clan like the back of hand, I’ll be able to defend you from any attack that they can throw at us. Plus, I think it would be nice to have a roommate.” 

She said with a joking tone. 

“I-I mean…I’d love to have you be with me!” 

He thought about what he said for a moment. 

“You know, as a friend…” 

He corrected himself. Yumi could only giggle and head back downstairs to see her mom, a hint of blush still lingering on her face. 

Yumi walked downstairs with Yuji trailing behind her, and they were met with her mom still sitting at the table, but with slight tears in her eyes. 

“O-Oh…Hey you two, how’d your little t-talk go?” 

Her voice cracked a little, and tears started to fall. 

“Mom, what happened?”

 She asked, but Soy Sauce gave them the look that gave it all away. 

“You two aren't safe…Your father will come after you guys, and not stop at anything…” 

“No…W-We just thought of a plan Mrs. Hoshira…” “Whatever that plan is honey, you two need to go and do it, NOW…” 

She started to hyperventilate and shake, clearly worried for the wellbeing of them. Soy Sauce crawled into her lap and hid his face, also scared about the situation. “Mom…me and Yuji plan to stay at his stand…he'll cook to feed us, and I’ll protect…” 

“That’ll work, dear…just please…save yourselves…”

She said, tears finally let loose. With one last hug from Yumi and Yuji, they packed a few weapons, clothes, and some ingredients, as this would be one of the longest 3 days of their lives. 

The dojo was still buzzing with ninja activity, until they heard the familiar sound of the warning drums. It was hit 2 times, signaling for all to meet at the main hall for an announcement. All of them looked at each other with skeptical looks, but still went down to the hall. As they all filed in, they were met with Toshi pacing back and forth, looking like he was thinking about something. 

“Men…We have a threat in this dojo…” 

He said, quiet yet assertive. All of the ninjas looked at each other with a concerned look. 

“It’s not one of you guys, you morons…” 

He said, face-palming. 

“It’s about Yumi…she’s being brainwashed by this village boy.” 

He held a picture of Yuji. All of the ninjas studied his face before it was rolled back up. 

“This boy…He’s brainwashing her to go against the clan that she’s been loyal to for 17 years…and I won’t stand for it!” He exclaimed, stabbing the picture of Yuji with a kunai. All of the ninjas watched in horror. Their master was pretty harsh, but they’ve never seen him like this. 

“3 days…the boy has 3 days. Once they pass, we strike.” He crumbled the stabbed scroll and ripped it to pieces. The ninjas didn’t question it, and understood his order. In the midst of all the ninjas filing out, Jae stood in shock. “No…Why, Yumi…I told you not to find love…” 

He said, his flashbacks coming back to him. He walked back to his quarters, and pulled out the box of Katsuki’s belongings. 

“Katsuki…It’s happening again, my love.” 

He said, looking up at the sky. He held her rose bracelet to his heart, and prayed. 

“Please…Keep Yumi safe…She can’t be hurt like I was…” 

He said, falling to his knees. 

Yumi and Yuji started walking on the trail that led back to Yuji’s stand. 

“Yumi…can I ask you a question?” 

“Of course, Yuji…” 

“What made you want to come back to my stand with me?” 

He said, not realizing Yumi’s red face. 

“It’s only for protection, Yuji…We need to wait for the clan’s attack. I’ll protect you with my life, Yuji…” 

She said quietly, worrying about Yuji’s safety. “

Well…I’m glad you wanted to, Yumi…you’re all I have now, I can’t lose you too…” 

He said, Soy sauce popping out of his pocket to look at her. 

“I know, Yuji…and we aren’t going to get hurt…this clan wanted to play dirty, but I know their tactics…thy’re too predictable to be coming after me…” 

“You mean, coming after…Us” 

He said, a hint of blush appearing after he asked. She immediately exploded in blush at the thought of them being “Together.” 

“I-Uh-You can’t just say things like that!” 

She said, playfully punching him on the shoulder. 

“What? We’re kind of a team now, aren’t we?” 

He said, both Soy Sauce and him looking at her with pleading eyes. 

“Well…I guess we are, Yuji…I’ll be on a team with you…” 

She finally accepted, walking slightly closer to Yuji.

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