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[NTU] [ARC-03-GENIN] Chapter : 31
🕑 Added 2024-05-23 09:52:36 +0000 UTCReturning home, Toshiro was greeted by a bustling scene in the kitchen, where two figures were preparing lunch.
"You're back so soon? Lunch isn't ready yet! And Toshiro, congratulations on becoming a ninja," a woman with a gentle temperament and graceful demeanor called out, stepping out from the kitchen. It was Mei Uchiha, and her appearance now was very different from her previous girlish attire.
She wore a blue printed kimono, and her melon seed-shaped face was gentle and delicate. Her long hair was pulled up and tied back, her eyes soft and bright, her nose petite, and her lips delicately red. She had the graceful figure of a married woman.
With her thin, arched eyebrows curving into a crescent shape, she congratulated Toshiro with a smile in her eyes. As she spoke, she walked up to him, hugged him, and kissed him lightly on the forehead.
"Neechan, I'm not a child anymore. Is Akihiro-neesan here too?" he asked.
"Yes, yes! Toshiro has become a ninja now, no longer the little child who needed to be taken care of, but a big child," she teased, a rich fragrance surrounding her, slightly different from the familiar, pleasant scent he remembered. Looking up at her delicate face, Toshiro felt no inappropriate thoughts—he regarded her as a true family member.
"Toshiro, welcome back! Take a break; lunch will be ready soon," called Uchiha Akihiro from the kitchen, briefly stepping out to greet him before returning to his work, seemingly unconcerned by his wife's affectionate greeting.
To say that his 'brother-in-law' is truly a warm-hearted man is an understatement. In this relatively patriarchal ninja world, it is quite rare to find a man who is cheerful, sunny, and a good cook. It's no wonder that his 'sister' chose him as her partner.
Mei took a step back and stood in front of Toshiro, her gentle eyes scanning him up and down before finally settling on the forehead protector tied to his left arm. She took his hand and led him to the living room shrine, lighting two sticks of incense. Together, they placed the incense sticks in the holder, and she murmured softly:
"Neesan, did you see that? Toshiro has become a ninja in his own right! He's grown into such a handsome young man!"
As she spoke, a teardrop or two occasionally fell from her cheeks, her expression a mixture of pride, and affection.
For this 'younger brother' she had cared for over the past three years, she felt both proud and guilty. I was proud of the maturity, steadiness, and reliability he showed at such a young age—becoming a full-fledged ninja at the age of eight. Yet she worried about him becoming a ninja so young, unsure if he could adapt to the harsh realities of a ninja's life. She also felt guilty for not fulfilling her sisterly responsibilities fully, having married early, and not being able to spend more time with him, providing the family affection he needed.
"Neechan, why are you crying? Today should be a happy day, shouldn't it?" Toshiro spoke gently, placing a stick of incense before his parents. Seeing Mei's tear-filled eyes, he felt a bit helpless. Women, he thought, often have delicate emotions and are easily moved by circumstances.
When Mei got married, Toshiro had to persuade her with many words before she reluctantly agreed to put on the wedding dress. He didn't want to delay her chance at happiness because of him, only to have her regret it when she was older.
As he spoke, he took out a handkerchief and handed it to her. Wiping her tears with his hands would be too awkward with his brother-in-law nearby. Although his brother-in-law was quite generous, Toshiro knew too well how men can be.
"Let's wait a bit longer to start eating. Masao-neesan should be here soon," Akihiro said as he removed his apron and came over to comfort his wife, who was still emotional.
"Really? Uncle is coming over today?" Toshiro was surprised. His uncle, who was deeply in love, rarely appeared in his life. Except for working hours, he spent most of his time with his aunt.
"Of course he is going to come. Today is a big day for you, you're becoming a ninja. How could your uncle miss it?" Akihiro replied.
Hearing this, Toshiro turned to look at the door and saw two figures slowly walking towards the living room. The man had fair skin and a handsome, youthful appearance. The woman was petite, had a beautiful face, and had an air of delicate charm.
The two were holding hands as they stepped into the living room. The man was Toshiro's uncle and Mei Uchiha's older brother, Masao Uchiha. Beside him, holding his hand, was his wife, Ako Uchiha.
Masao Uchiha, who is 25 years old this year, is different from Toshiro. He lacks the talent to become a ninja and is just an ordinary civilian. For the past two years, thanks to Mei's influence, he has been responsible for managing the production of the family's secret medicine.
"Thank you, Uncle!" Toshiro said as he accepted the gift handed over by Masao Uchiha. He quickly thanked him and invited him to sit down and prepare for lunch.
"Speaking of gifts, we've got something for you, Toshiro!"
Next, Mei, Akihiro, and Aunt Ako each presented Toshiro with their gifts.
The four gifts were not elaborately wrapped but were handed to him straightforwardly.
Mei gave him a medical ninja's training manual, while Akihiro presented a beautiful set of kunai and shuriken crafted by Granny Cat. Masao offered an increased supply of the family's secret medicine. Aunt Ako's gift was a bit unexpected—a set of high-quality clothes, which would be perfect for his upcoming training and missions.
Each gift was practical and immediately usable, reflecting the ninja way of life—no frivolities, just utility.
"Unlike other travelers who distance themselves from their surroundings after crossing over, I have chosen to stay connected," Toshiro thought as he sat at the dining table, celebrating with his family. In his previous life, he was an ordinary office worker, not a born warrior or executioner. The care and companionship of this family helped stabilize him, making it easier to integrate into this world.
In the living room, around the dining table, the atmosphere was lively and joyous, a marked contrast to the usual tranquility.
As everyone began eating, the cheerful atmosphere slowly became a bit awkward.
"I wanna eat this!"
"Come, I'll feed you!"
"This is not bad, you should try it too!"
“……”
"Neesan! This is Toshiro's celebration, can you not...," Mei, unable to tolerate the scene any longer, interrupted the couple.
She sat on the left side of the dining table, across from Akihiro. Masao and Ako were feeding each other, oblivious to everyone else, which made Mei, Akihiro, and Toshiro, who was at the head of the table, feel awkward.
'These two haven't changed at all over the years. They're really... If they want to show affection, they should go back home and enjoy their time together. No one would mind that, but this is Toshiro's house, and today is his celebration!'
This was also one of the reasons Mei had decided to move in with Toshiro. It was convenient for taking care of him, but it also provided a break from the overly affectionate couple.
At that time, she was still a fifteen or sixteen-year-old girl, and the newlyweds' constant affection made it hard for her to stay at home.
She hadn't expected that after all these years, nothing had changed between them.
"What's wrong? Is there an issue? Oh, do you mean feeding each other? You can do the same with Akihiro!" Masao suggested, completely unembarrassed.
"Akihiro and I would never... It's embarrassing." Mei flatly rejected the idea, clearly embarrassed.
"This is just an expression of affection. You and Akihiro should try it; you might really enjoy it!" Masao insisted, unfazed by Mei's comments, and genuinely recommended it to Mei and Akihiro to strengthen their relationship.
"No need. It's great that you're happy..." Akihiro, who had been quietly eating, finally spoke up, unable to hold back any longer.
'It's fine for couples to be affectionate in private, but Mei's brother and sister-in-law are just... too much.'
As today's protagonist and head of the household, Toshiro, sitting at the head of the table, couldn't help but hold his forehead, feeling utterly speechless at his uncle and aunt's behavior. Their entrance, hand in hand as if no one else existed, had set the tone.
"Anyway, uncle, Neechan. You've been married for a while now. Do you plan to have children?"
Marriage and birth pressures exist everywhere, and it's always a reliable way to change the topic. In desperation, Toshiro resorted to this tactic.
"I've discussed it with Akihiro. We're waiting until the development of the new drug is completed before considering children," Mei replied. Then, turning to her brother and sister-in-law, she asked, "What about you two? You've been together for many years now; have you thought about it?"
Being surrounded by family, Mei spoke candidly. At the same time, she thought to herself, 'I wonder if having children will help them mature and stop being so childish.'
"Having a baby? Masao and I have talked about it. But I heard that giving birth is painful?" Ako, who was in her twenties, expressed her concern, recalling some market rumors with a worried look.
Hearing this, Mei felt a pang of sympathy but maintained a calm demeanor. "Ako-neesan, don't listen to rumors. Medical ninjas at the Konoha Hospital are highly advanced now, and there are medical ninjutsu to assist. It's not as bad as people say."
"Really? But I've heard it from the women in the clan who have given birth..." Ako trailed off, still uncertain.
"Of course it's true. I'm a medical ninja in Konoha. How could I lie to you?" Mei reassured her, reflecting on her rise to becoming a medical ninja due to the success of the special blood clotting agent.
For a while, the two women chatted enthusiastically about having children. Toshiro couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, as this dinner party was finally back on track.
"Akihiro-neesan, have you heard any news in the police force? Does the department have any arrangements for us new members?"
The Konoha police force, essentially run by the Uchiha clan, offered tangible benefits. If there were any inside scoops, one could always get information from family and friends.
"I've heard that a few elite clan members will be assigned to you as mentors. You'll perform some routine tasks and undergo training for a period of time..."
To avoid a lull in the conversation, Toshiro steered the discussion towards Akihiro. As for his uncle, he could reflect on the awkward atmosphere he had created earlier.
Toshiro had graduated early this time. Besides the sixth-grade students, there were a total of 21 new graduates, forming exactly seven teams. The sixth-year graduates would join the regular three-man squads, creating a team entirely composed of Uchiha clan members.
"Oh! So, have you heard any news about the team leaders and teammates?"
"Well, I've heard some things, but it's good to keep a little suspense and have something to look forward to," Uchiha Akihiro replied with a teasing tone. This was his way of interacting, adding a touch of humor to the conversation.
"Is that so? Well, yes, you're right," Toshiro responded. As Akihiro said, a bit of suspense adds excitement to life. Knowing the outcome of everything in advance would indeed be boring.
Watching his wife and sister chat animatedly at the dinner table, along with his brother-in-law and nephew having a lively conversation, Masao suddenly felt a bit out of place.
'Am I being abandoned by everyone?'
'I feel like there's no place for me here!'
