In the garden of the vast akatsuki mansion karin and Riko sit on a bench. Riko asks with a small smile "What is it aunt karin?"
Even though karin is in her late thirties she looks like a university student. Anyone would believe if they were told that karin is Hinata's sister.
Karin is even more beautiful than hinata and tastsumi who look no less than top tier fashion models.
"What are you looking at kid? You know that I have a daughter, don't you?"
Hearing that out of karain's mouth riko was momentarily speechless then with a soft sigh he looks towards the ground, "you would not want to marry a trash like me,right?"
Karin punches riko's head with her fist and says "Don't spew nonsense kid , I was just teasing you."
"Yeah, I know that you pick really harsh words to tease and strike at the worst timing possible"
Karin let's out a hearty laugh and says
"Ok then. How about marrying my daughter as compensation. How about it?"
Riko sighs and says "why did you call me here?"
"Hey I am serious about the marriage thing."
"Could you stop that right now? "
"Well if you both want to take your time I won't object"
"I am leaving"
"I just called to give you this"
Saying that karin hands over a card to Riko. Watching the card in karin's hand riko doesn't even know what to say, "Aunt karin have you finally lost your mind. You are giving a skill card to a non awakened and to me of all people. You still remember that I can't actually equip skill cards right? Should I call a doctor? "
"Just keep it as a token you little idiot." Says karin with a small smile.
"Aunt karin, although I can't know the specific information of the skill card, just looking at the design of the card makes me feel that it is very special. And you are saying to keep it as a token. I guess I was right. Your brain really short-circuited."
"Annoying. Just take it, will you" Saying that she throws the skill card towards Riko. "I just found it on the street anyways"
Riko could not catch the card properly but fortunately he didn't let the card slip out of his hands. "Hey some people treat skill cards as more precious than their lives and you are just casually tossing one which obviously doesn't look ordinary? And you found it on the street who are you trying to fool? Even the red hare wouldn't be so lucky."
Karin let's out a small chuckle "Don't tell me that you are actually unaware of the fact that skill cards are indestructible. Even a grade schooler knows that. Did you forget perhaps? "
Riko stutters "wh-wh-what are you talking about? I am fully aware of it and I - I - I obviously did not forget it. I am talking about the emotion, do you not get it? The EMOTION"
"Well, since you have a poker face I can't tell even if you are lying, right, Riko-chan?" Says karin with the palm of her hand on her cheek.
In the dazzling sunlight karin looks absolutely beautiful with the small smile on her face and the hand on her cheek at this moment her crimson red eyes that were supposed to look fierce were like rubies shining under the sun.
"So bright", Riko mumbles with a slightly red face.
" What was that, Riko-chan? " Karin asks softly.
Recovering himself Riko asks "Don't you think it's best to give it to hinata Or tastsumi? I can't even do anything with this card. "
"That's your skill card now. Don't ask me what to do. You can throw it away or give it to someone. It's your wish."
"Then-"
Karin cuts riko off before he even starts speaking "Except Hinata and Tatsumi that is. "
"But-"
Karin cuts riko again "you don't even have anyone close besides those two. That's not my problem. Who asked you to be a loner who knows only his own sister and cousin? "
Riko accepts defeat with a resigned sigh, "Fine. I will hold on to it for now. But why did you even give it to me in the first place? "
"Instinct, maybe"answers Karin placing her index finger near her lip as if thinking.
" There we go with your insticts again" Riko says helplessly.
"When have my instincts gone wrong. Tell me? "
Though Riko hates to admit it her aunt karin's insticts are frighteningly accurate.
"Well, what does your instcncts say? Is this card destined to be someone's by my hands. Don't worry. I will definitely give this skill card to the fated person. Though I have always failed, I am pretty confident in my judgment." Riko says patting his chest.
"So, you are telling you never made the right judgment. Well, that's comforting to hear."
"You don't have to be that sarcastic"
"It doesn't matter anyway because my insticts tell that this card is destined with you."
"Huh, so you are telling this card will only show it's value after I am dead? "
Karin punches riko on the head
"If you say something like that again I will kill you myself"
Riko could that karin is being serious. He could even feel the chill in her voice.
Noticing that the atmosphere has become cold karin hits riko again.
"What was that for? " Riko complains.
"Just felt like it." Karin replys nonchalantly " And what I meant is, my instincts say that this skill will become your ace card"
"Just to clarify aunt karin. I am Riko Akatsuki and I am a non awakened with zero talent. Are you sure you have the right person?"
"Yeah.who else can you be but my clumsy little brother's stupid son? " Says karin with a small chuckle.
They spend the entire morning bantering with each other and unknowingly the sadness in Riko's heart starts to ease a little.
While talking with riko Karin subconsciously touches the bracelet on her left hand. ' Everytime my insticts show me different ways other than the straight path which is ahead. Whatever path I take, in the end depends on my choice. But my insticts have failed me every when it came to you riko. But I can't help but bet my money on you. Even I don't know the reason why but I am sure that you will be the person to fulfill his legacy one day. '