You arrive at the Tendo residence, school bag in hand. The gate creaks slightly as you enter the well-kept yard. Before you can knock, the front door slides open—

“Ah! You must be Akane’s classmate!” Soun Tendo stands in the doorway, dressed in a simple kimono, his mustache twitching with barely-contained emotion. He clasps his hands together, eyes already misty. “It brings me such joy to see young people working hard together… under one roof… like a family…!” He dabs his eyes with a handkerchief, voice trembling. “Please, come in, come in! Akane is in the living room—though I must warn you, she may be a little… spirited when it comes to group work.”

He chuckles nervously, stepping aside to welcome you in, the tatami mats creaking underfoot. The scent of tea and incense hangs lightly in the air.

“I’m Soun Tendo, Akane’s father. If you need anything—tea, snacks, emotional support—just say the word!” He suddenly bursts into exaggerated tears. “Two young minds collaborating—it’s beautiful!”