Definition

A Piece of Advice

Meanwhile, the children were being introduced to the Kitajimas properly for the first time. Fran, San, and Asta gave a brief explanation as to how they came to be in their care, and the couple added in their own details of what happened on their side.

"We were surprised when Eva first came to us." The woman stated. "We don't see her all that much, even though Ban and the rest came by almost everyday after school."

Haruki gave a nod. "Eva-san spends most of the past few years around her brothers and Kousuke-san."

"Hmm... I guess if Eva-san and Jin-san weren't living together, they wouldn't have seen each other much at all, huh?" Arata asked.

"With how busy they both are in their respective fields, you're probably right." San replied.

"Jin-san has also stayed on Kamui Island for over half a year by the time we found out he was even there." Hikaru added.

"At the time, we thought she needed advice on maintenance, though that was very unlikely. The last thing that crossed our minds was her asking if we're willing to take in a few kids." The shop owner chuckled at the memory. "Of course, we agreed anyway. After all, we couldn't just turn our backs to children in need."

Fran bowed. "Again, we're sorry for the trouble. But after this, you don't have to worry about sheltering us anymore. We'll be just fine in the local orphanage."

"W-What?!" Saki's eyes widened in realization. "Oh my gosh! We haven't told you yet, have we?"

"Saki-san?"

"I knew we were forgetting something these past few days..." Her husband muttered sheepishly.

"Um... Kitajima-san?"

He gave the three of them a gentle smile. "We were actually hoping to keep you living with us... As our permanent family."

They all went silent at that.

Saki had the same expression. "We actually meant to talk about it with you three as soon as we could, but with all the stuff's that's been happening, it must've accidentally slipped our minds..."

"Sorry to suddenly spring this up right before you leave..." Kojirou said. "But we really hope to bring you back home and celebrate with a family dinner once you've succeeded in your mission here."

Neither of the three could figure out what to say. Their eyes remained wide before slowly meeting each other's gazes.

Fran was the first to break their eye contact. "Kojirou-san... Saki-san... Are you... sure you want us...?"

"Of course we do!" Saki beamed. Her hand went to her stomach. "Having a child has never been on our minds before. We simply wanted to live our lives and have fun in the shop. But after spending so much time with you three, we just couldn't bring ourselves to let you go."

"We had a lot of fun taking care of you." Kojirou added. "We'd be very glad if you choose to stay."

Once again, Fran was at a loss for words. "I..."

"Nee-san..."

"So this means..." Asta's eyes seemed to shine when he finally processed it all. "We... belong somewhere... We have a place to go back to...!"

"We have a home!" San couldn't hold himself back and hugged Fran from behind, who quickly turned around to hug him back, tears in her eyes. The two clung to each other as they jumped around, laughing and crying like toddlers.

Asta was trying to act cool and not get involved, but he couldn't stop himself from hugging them when they tackled him. "We... We're really going to be family now!"

"Congratulations, Fran, San, Asta." The other children all beamed at them. This was the first time they had seen the three completely released their serious expressions.

"And congratulations to you too, owner, Saki-san!" Ban and the Seekers gave them their own greetings.

"Thank you, all of you." Saki smiled. Then she blinked, as if she remembered something. "Oh! And before I forget, which one of you is Hana?"

The brunette jumped when her name was called. "Um... That would be me..."

"I heard about what you did in your mission a while back."

Oh. She felt her blood freeze at those words.

"S-Saki-san..."

"Maybe you shouldn't..."

"I don't think now is a good time for that..."

If she could focus, she's probably figure out who told her, but she couldn't even tell who were talking anymore. Their voices were all blending inside her head.

It was only when the woman spoke again that she found herself listening. "Why don't you just let loose?"

Her head snapped up. "Excuse me?"

"You have something inside you that makes you unique." She was smiling at her, an expression she had never seen anyone make when they question what she did. "You shouldn't hide it. Especially if it's that helpful."

Helpful...?

"Don't let it drive you. Rather, you should be the one controlling it." She seemed as if she had experienced her situation first hand. "Bring out your fighting spirit and make it yours. Combine both of your best aspects and use it to take your victory!"

"Combine them...?"

"From what Asta told me, you've got a good head on your shoulders. I'm sure if you put that and your talents together, you'll be able to do things you never thought you could."

"If you leave him to his own world, he could create such amazing things."

Her mother's words replayed in her head. Without realizing, she gave a nod, satisfying the older woman.

"Then we hope you'll all get back safely." Kojirou said. "After that, if anyone's interested, we can hold a small tournament in the shop! For both players and mechanics!"

All the kids smiled at the thought. They'd very much like that idea.