"Damn it, if you didn't want to tell me, just say so!"
Storming out of the Uchiha combat division headquarters, Gin flipped a big, fat middle finger toward the two guards standing respectfully behind him. They blinked in confusion as he turned on his heel and walked away from this den of lies and deceit.
Tch! He'd wasted all that time, asked several people, and got nothing but cryptic riddles in return. Why couldn't anyone just give a straight answer?
Frustrated, Gin looked up at the sky—it was still early. Going home was clearly not an option right now. His stomach growled as if to agree, so he decided to find something to eat first.
Wandering aimlessly, he eventually arrived at a familiar place: the barbecue restaurant run by Dairō. But the place was packed, with a line stretching all the way to the street. Looks like Dairō had struck gold again.
"Everyone line up! Take a number and wait your turn!"
A cheerful young man was bustling about, handing out numbered slips. It was none other than Jirō, Dairō's little brother, helping with the family business.
"Huh? Gin-nii! Long time no see!"
Jirō's eyes lit up as he noticed the familiar mop of messy hair. Only a few numbers were left in his hand.
"Hey, little bro! Looks like your brother's doing well!"
Gin smiled genuinely. It made him happy to see his former comrade thriving. Waving his hand, he added, "I won't take up space. I'll come back another time."
The place was already so crowded. If he went in, he'd have to greet a bunch of people. Better to let them rake in money.
"No way. My brother said if you ever came by, no need to wait—eat whatever you want!"
Jirō shook his head firmly. His brother had specifically told him this. He reached to drag Gin inside.
But Gin glanced at the long line and politely declined. He didn't need barbecue that badly. He could just grab something simple elsewhere.
"By the way, Jirō, who would you say is the person you're closest to?"
Before leaving, Gin casually tossed out the question to the seemingly dim-witted—but secretly scheming—Jirō, hoping for some inspiration.
"Huh? This isn't a setup, is it?"
Jirō blinked, then immediately took a step back, looking at Gin like he was an undercover cop.
"It's just a normal conversation," Gin said, eyes narrowing with deadly sincerity. "I've been troubled by something and can't sleep. You've got to help me, little bro. Or maybe I'll help myself to those magazines you hide—"
"Stop! I'll tell you everything!"
Jirō panicked and quickly glanced around to make sure no one heard. Then he lowered his voice and confessed sincerely, "My parents died early. It's always been my big bro taking care of me. If I had to name one person, it'd be him."
He didn't even have to think about it.
Gin watched the way Jirō's eyes lit up at the mention of his brother. It felt familiar—he'd seen that look before.
—
Meanwhile, in the training ground behind the clan head's estate:
"Stop! Stop! I give up!"
Bruised and battered, Izuna lay on the ground, sniveling as Madara glared down at him in fury.
What the hell? The guy hadn't eaten in three days—why was he still this strong?!
"You've really let me down, Izuna. Compared to Hashirama's little brother, you're not even in the same league."
Madara, who had once fought Tobirama himself, naturally found the guy tricky. And now his own brother fell short of that jerk?
That stung. He hit harder.
"Ugh! You couldn't even beat his big brother, and you're lecturing me?!"
Izuna snapped. Sure, he could take a beating, but comparing him to that smug, white-haired bastard? Come on!
"Looks like I've been too lenient with you."
Madara's eye twitched. That hit a sore spot.
He narrowed his eyes and raised his hand again.
"Hmph! Big bro Gin would never treat me like this!"
Izuna shouted in protest, looking completely betrayed. He'd done so much to help Madara get back on his feet—and now he was the punching bag?
Who would understand his suffering…
But when Gin's name left Izuna's mouth, something in Madara changed. The rage simmered down.
He looked at Izuna's stubborn eyes and suddenly remembered the days when Gin used to hang around.
Back when he and Hashirama had their falling out, he'd been lost—detached from everything. Not even his father's strictness or Izuna's fearful glances could reach him.
Until one day, Gin came bouncing in, grinning like a fool, pestering him with every excuse to "train."
Sometimes it was fishing, sometimes climbing trees for bird eggs. Once, they even tried sneaking a peek at the women's bath—only to get caught by a Sharingan user.
In the end, Gin took the fall like a true big brother.
Back then, Madara thought he was just crazy.
But as he grew older, he began to understand. Those antics were the desperate attempts of a brother who loved him, doing his best—however clumsy—to guide and protect him.
"Izuna… I'm sorry."
Madara slowly lowered his raised hand.
Looking down at Izuna, it was like seeing his younger self all over again.
Only now did he realize just how lucky he had been—to have someone who secretly watched over him, cared for his growth, and healed his wounds.
"It's okay, aniki. I know you had to let it out."
Izuna noticed the change in Madara's eyes—they now looked a bit like Gin's when he gazed at him.
All his resentment vanished. A bright grin returned to his still-boyish face.
"I'll train harder next time. I'll beat that white-haired freak and protect your back!"
"Hmph. I don't need some brat to protect me. Just stay behind me."
...Was this brat saying his back had a weak spot?
"Then I'll protect Gin-nii. He's the weakest of us all."
Izuna laughed, hopping to his feet, picturing that lazy-haired mess of a cousin.
"No need. I've got this alone."
Madara smiled—an actual smile—at the thought of that familiar warm grin.
Big bro… next time, let me protect you.
"…Also, don't think this makes up for sneaking those dirty magazines. You've got some explaining to do."
Madara's face darkened again as he raised his hand.
Ah yes, the mood-swinging big bro strikes again.
—
Elsewhere, Gin found himself once again standing before a familiar door.
He sighed. His reputation was about to go down the drain. Maybe he should just walk away—
"Gin-san? What are you doing here?"
A voice called out behind him.
Turning, he saw Uchiha Chiri carrying two large bags of groceries, her face full of surprise.
Dinner time, and Gin was wandering the streets. Could he have had a fight at home? Run away?
Her mind spun up theories like a typhoon.
"Ahaha, just taking a walk. I was heading home to eat now."
Gin scratched his cheek awkwardly. That lie was incredibly unconvincing.
Home? To get judged? Not happening.
"…Has anyone told you you're a terrible liar?"
Chiri rolled her eyes. His acting was pitiful.
Tch! I placed third in elementary school acting class!
There were four contestants. One had diarrhea and didn't show up. Does that really count?
"Grrr~"
Just then, Gin's stomach betrayed him with a loud growl. He looked embarrassed.
"Come on. I bought lots of fresh ingredients today—we're making that hotpot you taught us."
Chiri resisted the urge to laugh, nearly pulling a muscle. She lifted the bags and waved him over.
"No excuses. I bought it with the money you gave me. Barely spent a thing."
She held up a pale little finger, indicating just a tiny amount.
So… Gin still hadn't managed to deflate the gold prices in the Uchiha compound, huh?
"Well then… I guess I'll intrude."
And so Gin gave in to temptation—yes, the hotpot's temptation, of course.
He took the bags from her and knocked on the door.
Knock knock knock~
Footsteps rushed to answer.
The door swung open.
Standing there was Uchiha Eimi—a mature, violet-haired beauty he hadn't seen in some time. She wore a fitted home outfit that clung tightly to her curvy figure. Her long purple braid fell over her chest, her whole form radiating alluring maturity.
Her… assets had temporarily defied gravity during her jog to the door, and Gin's eyes were unfortunately drawn to their rhythmic bounce.
"Ara ara~ I sent little Chiri to shop for food she liked… I didn't expect she'd come home with Gin-san instead~"
Eimi giggled like a lovestruck girl, covering her lips in mock surprise. Her eyes glimmered with a sultry charm. Her tone dripped honey—it made Gin's scalp tingle.
No! This is a pure, platonic relationship! We're just kindred spirits, that's all!
He mentally recited a calming mantra, trying to clear his mind.
"Mother, please don't say such misleading things."
Chiri stepped in, her expression flat. Gin thought she was about to scold her mom on his behalf…
But then she added:
"I bought him. If you want one, go get your own."
(End of Chapter)
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