That was about nine months ago now.
　It was just after Masato had returned to school after a long break due to illness.

''Ouch. Master Sun~ I've just returned to school and you're so merciless. You have a habit of being a drunkard........

　Yuto is complaining to himself and trying to apply poultices to the bruises that have formed all over his body in his room in an unreasonable position.

''Yuto, I'm coming in. .........hmm?　What are you doing?

　The sliding door opens and an old man wearing a hakama and a beard walks in. He is short in stature and appears to be quite thin in stature, but his face is full of life and his eyes are both stern and strong. However, his face is full of life and his eyes have both strength and severity.
　He is Yuto's grandfather, Dori Tenzo, and the master of this swordsmanship dojo.

''Just for a moment, Grandson Master. What do you mean?　Grandpa. Ouch......

Well..........Sun Wei is a sweetheart. .........well that's all right, Masato, I have something important to tell you. Come to the dojo for a moment, I have something important to discuss.

　Yuto had been forced by his grandfather Sumazo and his Sumazo's friend, Sun Byi, to do some rough work that even Mari didn't know much about, when it came to training.
　It has to do with the other face that the Dou Dou family has. Therefore, almost every time Yuto was injured, he was never without a fresh wound after his training.
　After finishing applying the poultice, Yujin headed to the dojo as Sumazo told him to do.
　In the dojo, which is about 30 tatami mats in size, Kazura sits on the top seat with a hard expression on his face and points to the cushions laid out in front of it.

'Sit there.'

What?　Again. If it's your mother I'm good to go.

　Yuto laughed, looking a little sad, and sat upright where he was told to.
　Kazura frowned for a moment, but then returned to his original hard expression.

''Well that's not the point. Ah-oh-hon!　Just to be sure, you ... are you going to go to high school?

　To Sumazo's rude question, Yuto responds to Sumazo's rude question without knowing what it means.

''Eh?　No I was going to go for a while. Why?

"...I see. So let me get straight to the point....

　Kazura looks squarely at Yuto.

'I don't have the money to send you to high school ... or rather to feed you.

What?

　What are you saying, Yuto?　This person gets a look of. The expression on Yuto's face makes Ketsuzou raise his voice as if he was annoyed.

''Don't make me say it again. That's why I'm telling you that I don't have.......money!

What do you mean?　I don't know what that means!　I've got reserves!　I have it under control!　Dad and Mom left you enough money in my account!

　It was so sudden that Yuto leaned forward to argue with what the tatazo was saying.
　Then, as he looked back at the tatazo to ask for an explanation, he noticed that the tatazo didn't even reply, his gaze swimming and sweat pouring from his forehead.

(Hmm?　Hmmm?　What?　(That suspicious behavior... this guy... no way!

　Yuto stood up vigorously and left Katoro behind, running out of the dojo and into his room.
　This is the money that has been carefully managed by Yuto as the living expenses of the Dou Dou Dou family for a long time. There's no reason not to have it. He withdrew his living expenses once ten days ago.

(That money is the precious money my father and mother left me...)

　Because of the uniqueness of the Du Du family, Masato is rarely able to spend time with his parents.
　However, when Yuto was little, maybe in the early elementary school years.... There was a brief period of time when he was with his mother and father. A scene from that time appears in Masato's mind.
　His father and mother bent over with gentle expressions so as to match his eyes, and yet they spoke to him in an apologetic manner.

''Yuto. Your father and mother have something they have to do for everyone.

For everyone?

Yeah. First and foremost for Yuto. After that, it's for everyone else and the duty of the Dudu family. So there may be times when we can't be together. Can you still put up with it, Yuto?

　The young Yuto smiles after a little thoughtful gesture.

''I can stand it!　You're strong, so it's okay!

　Seeing that smile, the father raised little Yuto to the sky with both hands and looked at his son dazzlingly.

''Well that's great!　Yuto is!

　Her mother tried to hide the moistness in her eyes and met the level of little Yuto's gaze.

''Yuto..... It may be a little early, but I'm going to leave this with you, Yuto. Take good care of it.''

　Yuto was still very young, but he could at least tell that this was a bankbook.

''And Yuto......... You must not........do not do this!

(Huh?　(Come to think of it, I think they were stopping something at that time... what was it?

　Later, when I looked at the amount of money listed in my bank book, I was turned upside down by the size of the amount, even though I was in elementary school.
　In my mind as a child, I thought to myself that "gifted people"...................can be profitable.
　Yuto went into his room and hurriedly put his hand on the top drawer of his study desk, which was used to store his bankbook, and the top drawer with a lock.

(.........Ah, it's open.)

　Yuto had a very bad feeling and wildly checked inside.

''It's not there!　There is none. None!

　I don't need to think about it to know who did it. There are only two people in this house.
　As soon as he returned to the dojo at breakneck speed, Yuto packed up with his grandfather Kazo, who was still sitting quietly.

''Grandpa!　Where's the bank book?　Explain it to me!　That was important....

　Kazura looked supremely calm and his eyes didn't falter.

Well, take it easy...

'Oh ... (Yeah, right.) There might be a reason for this. Relax, me.)

　Yuto managed to regain his composure with the calm demeanor of his sumac.
　No matter how many times this old man had been in trouble........ Yes, there were countless times, but no - there were countless times in fact, but this time, he reminded himself that this time, as expected.
　When Yuto sat down on the cushions again, Sumazo exhaled heavily.

''Then let me explain.''

　Kazura meditated, a long silence.
　Then he opened his eyes sharply.

''I used it.''

　The air between them freezes.

'What?'

I don't have it. Money.

"..........?　Hah!

　Right in front of me, a good ol' fashioned person says, "Tehe! I'm flabbergasted.
　Yuto's mind completely goes into a whiteout. And after a few seconds, I finally come back to consciousness.

''Ow, I don't know what that means!　Grandpa!　No, I'm not. What are we going to do?　I mean, there's no way you can spend all that money!　What, what did you spend it on?　Yeah, the bank book!　Give me my bankbook back!

　With his eyes downcast, Katazo takes out a bankbook from the pocket of his street clothes and hands it to Masato with both hands, fearfully.
　Yuto roughly takes the bankbook and examines the inside. There was no problem when he looked at it ten days ago.
　There was a lot of money in it, but this boy with serious roots has never wasted money and has been good at frugality combined with the small income of the dojo. Because of this, Yuto has also honed his abilities as a capable housewife.
　Yuto hurries to check the amount of money listed on the last page of his bankbook.
　Yuto's hand stops rolling up his bankbook, and the latest amount was listed there as of two days ago.

''........3.......yen?　Three...

　Yuto's focus is unfocused.
　The last one is mumbling and repeating the same words like a spell.

''Yuto?　Hey, Yuto. Hi-roto!　...Are you okay?

　As Sumazo approached, Yuto turned his head to Gigi.

''Why is it okay........''

　It was still a small voice, so Sumazo turned his ear to Yuto and approached him.

''It's there!

Wawa!

I want my money back. No, I want my youth!　Give me my future back!　What, what did you spend it on!　Spit it out!　Spit it out!

　Grabbing the collar of his dojo and shaking it back and forth with all his might, Kazura's head bobbed up and down in a big way.

''Wait!　Wait!　Calm down, Eugene!　Oh, my neck!　My neck!

　A few minutes later.

　Yuto's breath was still ragged, but he had managed to hear people's words.
　Yuto and Katoriura are sitting in opposite places from where they were sitting earlier.
　Katoro is feeling restless and is sitting upright in front of Yuto, who is taking up the top seat. He was busily intertwining and untangling his fingers on his lap.

'Grandpa. You know that money was left by my dad and mom, and it's important money, right?

..........

　Tazo doesn't reply, looking down. Yuto shakes his fist and slaps his own knee.

''Moreover!　You know what I'm talking about!　My father is still out there in the Demon's Grotto, striving to do the work of the Dou Dou Dou family in the Demon's World!　If that dad comes home and he hears of this devastation...

..........

　Kata Zou was still lying on his back, twisting his fingers uselessly and playing with them.
　At the sight of that, Masato exhaled heavily with a huff.

''So........for now, can you tell me exactly what you used it for?

　Without breaking his seiza, Katazo looked down and said a few words.

''........horse racing.''

Horse racing?　That's an amount of money you could spend on that alone!

Hi!

　He sounded like a poor old man being abused.
　In response, Yuto managed to catch his breath once more. Then, he continues his interrogation in the calmest possible voice.

''What else?''

"Drinking money.

　A blood vessel floats lightly on Yuuto's forehead.

''.......what else?''

Stock.

Turnips?

I have an acquaintance. I have a friend who has a great story to tell, so I thought I'd make some extra money!

So what happened?

'And then ... unfortunately, the company went bankrupt soon after I invested in it.... Phew.

　Bummer!　And with that, Sumazo put his fist on the floor.
　The veins on Yuto's forehead swelled up to the point where blood could be seen.

''........Hohoho, what else?''

　When I interrogate him further, Sumazo's cheeks blush a bit and he's moping.
　And then he looks up.

...uh, well, you know, uh...heh...

What?　What's that sickening reaction?　Speak up!

Is that...sunflower girl?

Sunflowers?　Who?　That's... ugh!　What?!

　Suddenly, with tears pooling in her eyes, Kazo jumped into Yuto's lap and hugged him.

''Poor kid!　She has two small children and she herself works late into the night.... She can barely afford to pay the rent........but she lives a healthy, noble, unquestioning, upright life. That's the kind of girl I am!

Hey, hey!　Grandpa.

　With an unimaginable strength from his slender arms, Katazo hugged Masato's knees as he tried to get up in a hurry.

''How can you overlook a child like that?　You can't do that, can you?　We're men. You can do whatever you want. But what about her?　What about the little ones?　Huh?

'Hey, I don't know what you're talking about!　Just.........get away from me first!

　Kazura's story was rather incoherent, but I'll try to put it together. Apparently, the mukawai-chan is a woman who works at a snack bar that Kazura frequents.
　She has two small children, and she works from night to morning after taking care of them and putting them to bed. It seems that Sumazo is very much into this woman, and they have become close enough to each other to receive personal advice.
　However, it's hard to relate to a person who is not a relative to you when you suddenly hear such stories about them.
　However, this cunning grandfather understood well the character of this good-natured boy. From underneath the standing Yuto, he keeps a scheming eye on him to avoid showing his face.
　Unaware of such a thing, Yuto was completely upset.
　And Yuuto can't help but imagine those little children. He didn't have many parents at home either. But even though he was like this, he still had his grandfather, Katozo. He also had a good amount of money left by his parents.
　If it weren't for those........
　I know that there are plenty of stories of misfortune like that that can be thrown away.
　But..........
　Yuto's expression becomes complicated and cloudy. Kazura senses the situation from below and his mouth twists up.

''But, Mukashii-chan refused my offer of assistance. You have to be sure that you have a good idea of what you're doing. You don't even know what tomorrow is going to bring.　

　The tatazo pulled away from Yuto and made a gesture to wipe away the tears, then it deliberately stared off into the distance.

You will find a lot of people who have been in the same boat for a long time. I didn't tell them that I actually paid most of the rent...

..........

'Then ... the little children will hug me and say. "Thank you!　Grandpa Du Du. We'll definitely repay you for this when we grow up!" And. Eleven and seven-year-old girls!

　It's not a good idea to show any more tears, but it's a good idea to turn away from your face and continue to speak with a trembling voice, as if you don't want to show any more tears.
　The appearance is also very deliberate. It's a good idea to be able to have a good idea of what to expect.　But.........
　And as for Masato.........
　My eyes were completely hot.
　While putting his hands to his eyes, he was unable to speak.
　From the looks of it, Sumazo realized that everything had gone according to plan.

''It was........Grandpa.....

'I don't need you to understand!　But I've been trying to find a place for them to live, at least where they live.

　Tazo's body trembled slightly in front of Yuto. This, too, was how deliberate it was, but the inexperienced boy, who was turned on, couldn't see it.
　A teary-eyed Yuto folded his knees in front of Sumazo and gently took his hands and stared into Sumazo's eyes.

''Grandpa........I understand. I'll give up high school. If those kids can be saved by that I will work and fulfill the role of the Dou Dou family while working!

　The most serious face in the world.
　The boy's determination and beautiful spirit seemed to be visible.
　But all of a sudden, Sumazo sternly shook off Yuto's hand and stood up.

''Ma-shika-mo---!

Heh?

　Yuto looked up at Kazura in surprise.

'I am!　I don't remember raising a man who would give up high school that easily!

　Before I knew it, they even switched positions to standing and Ketsuzou was in his original top seat.

''But the money...''

The money is what!　If you don't have the money, you're giving up high and everything until then!　You're pathetic, Yuto!

　There is no argument about who has spent the money.

"Man is a man. "A man never gives up, no matter what the odds are. "A man never gives up in the face of adversity, and that's the way it is. Always think ahead to the worst and think ahead accordingly. But you're still a man of the Dudu family!

　There is no argument there as to who beat the worst of it.

'Yes, I suppose so. The income from the dojo is not enough to cover the cost of living for the two of us. Even if I were to save up some money now, I'm in junior high school, no one would hire me.

　You can't afford to have your arms crossed as if you were a speckless fellow.

You can't blame me. To tell you the truth, I have an acquaintance who is the principal of a private high school. He said he doesn't mind paying for everything, including school fees, teaching materials, uniforms and school trips. Did you know that?　Jilin High School.

"E........Jilin High School?　That's awesome!　It's a prestigious school. Speaking of Penglaiin Jilin High School, it's a high school that you can't get into unless you're doing pretty well in your grade. Can you get into a place like that?

　Yuto was surprised in disbelief, and this boy, who was unhappy by nature, thought that this might be surprisingly lucky.

''Who said I could get in?''

'What?　Now, he doesn't mind paying for the promotion...

That's only if he gets in.

...What do you mean?

I didn't know it was such a difficult high school. Well, I didn't know it was such a difficult high school. Well, from now on, study hard. Ka Ka Ka!

''Wait, I'm behind in my studies due to just being out of school for an extended period of time, and you're going to do such a difficult high school on merit?''

'Are you whining already?　The only way for you to become a high school student is to go to that high school. If you want to be a high school student, you'll just have to do your best.

　Now, Sumazo is completely in control.

''Also, once you start high school, you'll be living on your own.

'What!　Why?

We can't afford to feed you. It's hard enough for me to make ends meet from my dojo.

　Kazura casually emphasizes that all of the income from the dojo belongs to him and him alone.

'But where am I going to live!　Even if you get a part-time job, you won't be earning any money any time soon!

　Sumazo sighed heavily. As expected, Yuto was annoyed.

I have an acquaintance who is a real estate agent, so I will ask him to get you a cheap place to live. Since you will be 15 years old this year, it's just right for you to start your own business as a member of the Dudu family.

　He was tempted to butt in and say you're not standing on your own, but Masato is stunned by the sudden turn of events.
　It's a good thing that you're not able to keep up with the development of the situation, but Sumazo, who has a strong attitude towards his grandson, says that there is no need for further discussion and wants to leave the dojo.
　You may not be able to see it, but you can see the look of complete victory on his face.
　And when he put his hand on the sliding door of the dojo, Sumazo quickly stopped.

It's a good thing that you're able to get a good idea of what you're looking for. You can ask them to take a look at your studies.

　Yuto, who had been stunned, heard it and reacted with a jerk.

''Ma, Mari?　I'm good. I'll do it myself.

　With that attitude, Sumazo makes a nasty face, as if he has something in mind.

''Hmm?　What, did you get dumped by Mari-chan?　I'll tell you. Then I'll tell you. Mari-chan likes a man who appears to be able to pull her through. I, who have a lot of experience, can tell right away. I'm the exact opposite of you.

It's none of your business!

Well, if you don't want to do it, I'll tell you. Ho-ho-ho-ho!

I told you to stop!

　With a big smile on his face, Kata Zou opened the sliding door and was about to leave.
　Then suddenly, Masato was curious about what he had just said.

(That Mukashi-san?　What's going on now?　(I hope my life is a little better...)

So, Grandpa?　Where does this sunflower live now?

Yeah, I'm in a condo in front of the station... oh!

'What?　An apartment in front of the station?　Didn't you say an apartment?　Hmm?　No, that new high-rise apartment building that was recently built...

　With a thumb on his chin, Masato looks thoughtful. The imposing demeanor of earlier has been replaced by a change in the way that Sumazo stands on his toes and is about to leave the dojo without making a sound of footsteps.
　But a strong hand grabbed the shoulder of Kama Zao.

"Grandpa. Earlier........didn't you say the rent for the apartment?

　It's strange when you think about it. Kazura has spent quite a large sum of money in less than a week. It's not an amount that can be wiped out by horse racing or drinking money. Even stocks that go out of business within a week often go into liquidation, and it's too poorly done for a gambler like Kazura to be cheated.
　Gradually, Yuto's thoughts are gradually coming to an end.

(Don't tell me this bastard is........that high-rise apartment.......I'm sure it's a tall one....

Hey, old man!　That's... that's...　A condo for sale!

'Gee!　Yuto!　Calm down!　Calm down!

'When this settles down!　When are you going to get upset?　You're such a jaded old man!

'Gah!　Gefu!

　During this exchange, Yuto clearly remembered what his mother had said one day.

''Yuto..... Never, ever, ever show this bankbook to your grandfather alone!

　With tears in his eyes, Yuto cursed himself for forgetting this important thing.

(Haha!　Die, old man and I!　(You'll die, hahaha!



I've got something to tell you.

　I've omitted the story about being dumped by Mari and the problems peculiar to the Doudou family, but Yuto is meditating and smiling with a "poof" that I can't express.

".......................

　Three different reactions. Ichigo was half-eyed, and Mari looked down with her brow plucked between her right thumb and forefinger. Shizuka had a hard smile on her face and sweat was pouring from her forehead.



　Ichigo had met Yuto's grandfather before. Surely he was different, or was his first impression of a weirdo?　I thought I just had a feeling. No, I wanted to think. Even though it looked like this, Ichigo, who had common sense, felt that it was rude to think badly of someone else's family.

''Ah!　It's time to go!　Mari needs to get back to her classroom. We need to get to our seats too.

　I noticed that the other students were taking their seats in turn. The four of us split up and took our seats in our respective classes.