Ryoko hadn 't played with Shikaku for a while. So his invite was welcome and she stopped by Nara compound the same evening. The girl noticed their little boy sprawled on the tatami floor sleeping without a care in the world.

'Ryoko, come, ' Shikaku called from the inner garden where they usually played on the porch. To her surprise, the man was not alone. Next to him was the same redhead Akimichi clan head and a blond pale-eyed Yamanaka. The holy trinity.

'Good evening, ' Ryoko bowed her head slightly before taking a seat in front of Shikaku with a shogi board between them.

'I think we have not met before. I am Inoichi Yamanaka, ' the blond introduced with a kind smile.

'Ryoko, ' she said, minding her manners as the game started.

'Sooo, ' Inoichi glanced between the girl and his friends. 'I hear you have been doing well on your missions? '

'Hn. '