The 'Item Box' That Only I Can Use Is Bugged - Chapter 10.1: Okay

“…It’s huge.”

The size of Nakuru’s house was so overwhelming that I couldn’t help but blurt it out.

The gate and outer walls had an old-fashioned look reminiscent of an Edo-period town in a period drama.

One thing was certain: owning such a large estate meant they were quite wealthy.

Maintaining a property that included both a house and a dojo must be expensive.

I entered through the gate. As she mentioned, there was a smaller building next to the house that appeared to be a dojo.

The garden was also vast and beautifully maintained, likely tended to by a gardener.

I found myself half-distracted, thinking it could be used as a dog run.

Suddenly, a deep voice called out, “Nakuru?”

Reflexively, I turned towards the voice and saw a man in his thirties wearing an unusual black martial arts uniform.

For a moment, I wondered who he was, but when Nakuru hid behind me and said, “Pa… Papa,” I realized he was her father.

“Who are you? Why are you with Nakuru?” Nakuru’s father asked, naturally curious.

I needed to respond properly since I was an uninvited guest.

Facing him directly, I bowed politely.

“Pleased to meet you. My name is Satsuki Okinaga. I apologize for the sudden visit.”

“Oh, no need to be so formal. I’m Shuichiro Hinobe, Nakuru’s father. But…”

He observed me intently.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

He realized he was being rude and apologized, showing he was a considerate person.

This interaction confirmed my belief that he wouldn’t be the type to disregard his child’s feelings.

He would listen and provide a thoughtful response for Nakuru’s sake.

“I just met Nakuru a little while ago. She seemed very distressed, and I couldn’t leave her alone.”

“Nakuru… distressed? What do you mean?”

Shuichiro’s previously smiling face turned serious.

“Well, Nakuru,” I urged.

“But…”

“It’s okay. Your father will listen. Right, Mr. Hinobe?”

“Is there something you want to talk about?”

“Yes. It’s very important. Go on…”

I gently pushed her forward to face Shuichiro, who looked at her kindly, understanding the situation.

“Papa… um… I…”

She still hesitated, unsure of how to begin.

I softly held her trembling right hand.

She looked at me, and I nodded with a reassuring smile.

Finally, she mustered the courage, tears welling in her eyes, and looked straight at Shuichiro.

“Papa! I… I want to play more like a normal girl!”

“!? …Play?”

“Yeah… I want to go out, have sleepovers, and do girly things like other kids!”

It was a heartfelt plea.

She wanted to make friends and enjoy typical activities for girls her age.

“It’s not that I hate training… I just want to do more cute things too!”

Hearing his daughter’s true feelings, Shuichiro was momentarily taken aback, but then he knelt down and gently hugged her.