Inoichi was having a good day, simply relaxing in his family's flower shop.
He liked it here, it was quiet and allowed him to relax from the headache that was being a clan head.
That was without even considering the nightmares that could come from examining the head of the worst missing nins whenever T&I got stumped.
Truthfully it didn't happen that much, the department was staffed by competent people and there were usually other Yamanaka who could do the job nearly as good as he did.
Really, it was a good day. And now it was about to get even better
He was going to take her little princess home after her first day of lessons!
He couldn't wait to hear all about it!
Ok, maybe the day wasn't as good as he thought.
His little princess was upset.
"..And then Mariko was mean to Daisuke for no reason, and when he asked why she was saying those mean things she not-friended him!"
...That's pretty harsh for a 6 years old. Hard to believe he was once that age too.
"..and when i told her he was MY friend and if she didn't like it she could leave she got all offended and left! Like it was my fault! Can you believe it?"
He was sure Shikaku didn't have this kind of problems. His kid probably spent all the lesson sleeping.
...On the other hand he DID have to live with Yoshino. Not sure what was worse.
"..Daddy?" Inoichi instantly gave her back his full attention, her tone had now become slightly hesitant and that worried him. His Ino rarely lost her confidence
"Yes princess?" he said, using his most encouraging voice.
"...Do you think i was wrong? She was mean, but she's also my friend. What should I do?" she asked with a small voice, uncertainty clear on her face
..Why did he get all the hard questions? When was Kasai when he needed her?!
Well, he was here and she wasn't. His best would have to do.
"I think" he started "that you were right, if a bit harsher than necessary. You should probably try to give her some time, see if she calms down. Than you can try to talk to her again".
"But... what if she's still angry? If she wants to me to choose? I can't simply send Daisuke away, it wouldn't be right!"
Ah, little Ino. So mature for her age. How many children would even think like that?
..maybe he should meet this Daisuke. Kasai had talked well of him, but checking wouldn't hurt. Everything for his little princess!
"If she forces the issue, than she's not really worth it" you state, trying to impart some small measure of wisdom. It's a bit harder of a lesson than he'd like to burden her with already, but it's one that will be usefull to her " if she's hurting you, forcing you to choose between her and someone else... well, then she's not that good a friend. And until she can be a good friend, it's ok to leave her alone"
Ino stayed quiet, thinking about what he said. And continued to stay quiet until dinner.
.
