"Is that…a cursed seal?"
"You know about it?"
Nara Choumei looked at Ren in surprise.
"I just happened to learn about it. It's a binding cursed seal that not only makes people lose their emotions but also requires them to keep silent and not reveal any information, otherwise they will die."
"That's right."
Nara Choumei nodded.
"For the past two years, I've been inquiring about this cursed seal, and my investigation led me to the elders. However, I was powerless beyond that point, and it just had to be left unresolved."
Nara Choumei lowered his head despondently, his fists tightly clenched under the table.
"Please look up, Choumei Uncle."
Nara Choumei was startled when he heard Ren's voice, seeing Ren across from him looking at him calmly.
"This is not your fault. I am very grateful that you told me so much. Once I become stronger, I will seek out the truth myself, so you don't need to blame yourself too much."
Ren said calmly, but the veins on his fists under the table were already bulging.
With the elders and cursed seals, there's no need to guess; those two teams of mysterious Ninja must have been Root members.
Danzo set up this Tongue-Confining Curse Seal to prevent Root members from leaking secrets: the effect is that once a Root member speaks about Danzo, their entire body will become paralyzed and they will be unable to move.
Currently, Ren still doesn't know why his father offended Danzo, but he is powerless to do anything about it right now. He can only strive to become stronger, and then he will have the possibility of seeking the truth and avenging his father.
"It's best if you think that way."
Nara Choumei breathed a sigh of relief. He was afraid that Ren would impulsively do something foolish. Now, seeing that he was angry but still able to maintain his rationality, he felt temporarily relieved.
"I've been reassigned to work in the Village. I'm currently working in the Strategy Department. I live here, so if you need anything in the future, come find me here. I'm temporarily managing this deer farm."
"Yes, I'll be bothering you often from now on, Choumei Uncle."
After bowing, Ren turned and left. Only Nara Choumei remained in the room, standing by the window, looking at the departing Ren, lost in thought…
…
"Ren? Why are you here?"
Ren, aimlessly wandering the streets, was wondering what to do next when he was suddenly interrupted by a voice behind him. He turned around, and a head of white hair was incredibly conspicuous.
"Kakashi? Why are you here?"
Ren rolled his eyes, adjusted his emotions, and then walked up to Kakashi.
"I came out to buy groceries. At this time, shouldn't you be training? It's rare to see you loitering on the street."
Kakashi stared with his dead fish eyes, lifting the bag in his hand. Several fish lay quietly in the plastic bag.
"It's almost dinner time. No matter what, you still have to eat, right? Oh, is Uncle Sakumo home?"
"Yes, he's resting at home today. He has a mission tomorrow."
"Then let's go."
After saying that, Ren had already walked twenty or thirty meters towards the Hatake family residence before Kakashi behind him could even react.
"You… what are you doing?"
After realizing what was happening, Kakashi's mouth under his mask twitched slightly, and he quickly chased after Ren.
"Of course, I'm going to visit Mr. Sakumo. Hurry up and catch up, Kakashi."
…
Fifteen minutes later, Kakashi, standing in front of the Hatake family residence, looked at Ren beside him with a dark expression. You scoundrel, you said you were visiting, but you came empty-handed. You're just openly coming to freeload a meal.
"I'm home." X2
Kakashi turned to look again, and finally, helpless, he just rolled his eyes.
"You're back, Kakashi. Oh? And Ren, welcome."
A figure appeared at the entrance, it was White Fang. He was wearing casual clothes, holding a cup of tea that was still steaming. Seeing Ren next to Kakashi, a smile appeared on his face.
"Mr. Sakuko, I'm disturbing you with my sudden visit today."
"Hahaha, you two come in first."
Sakumo patted both of their shoulders, then walked towards the living room. The two, having changed their shoes, followed behind him.
"Ren, you're in luck today. You've caught Kakashi cooking himself."
"Is that so? I'm looking forward to it, Kakashi."
Watching the two chatting animatedly in front of him, Kakashi put a hand to his forehead, and with his dead fish eyes, walked helplessly into the kitchen to start cooking…
"Oh, I almost forgot to congratulate you. I heard you and the Uchiha boy graduated early. Don't get complacent after becoming a Ninja, Ren."
After listening to Sakumo's lecture, Ren scratched the back of his head.
"Yes, I will continue to work hard, because my goal is Hokage."
Sakumo was startled, then burst out laughing.
"Is that so? Hokage, huh? Then you'll have to work hard."
"Yes!"
If before it was just talk and creating a persona, now Ren is truly starting to consider this matter. If given the chance, he would also like to sit in that position.
"Dinner's ready."
Ren heard Kakashi turn off the stove and hurriedly got up and walked to the kitchen.
"Mr. Sakumo, please wait a moment. I'll go help Kakashi."
"Alright, then you two will have to work hard."
Sakumo looked at the two bringing dishes back and forth in front of him, and a strange feeling arose in his heart. How is it that… he felt like he was the guest?
"Let's eat!" X3
Two minutes later, the three sat at the dining table and said in unison, looking at a table full of delicious food.
"This fish looks delicious."
Ren looked at the fried fish in front of him with interest. Two fried fish were placed on a round plate, drizzled with sauce, and still steaming slightly.
"Pan-fried river fish, Kakashi style."
Kakashi looked up, said a sentence, then picked up his chopsticks, pulled down his mask, and began to eat slowly and methodically.
"Oh wow, Kakashi, I didn't expect you to be so handsome. Wearing a mask is a waste of a good face."
Ren raised an eyebrow, looking at Kakashi with a teasing expression.
"Hahaha, Ren, hurry and try it. This is Kakashi's masterpiece."
Sakumo saw the veins bulging on Kakashi's forehead and quickly smoothed things over, giving Ren a look to make him stop.
"So, so delicious! You've been hiding your talents, Kakashi."
The fish meat was tender and delicious, paired with the slightly salty sauce. Ren gave this fish a perfect score.
"Hmph."
Kakashi rolled his dead fish eyes and just silently ate the fish in front of him. Sakumo also breathed a sigh of relief and picked up his chopsticks.
After finishing dinner, it was already dark outside. Ren was just about to get up and leave when Sakumo stopped him.
"It's so late. If there's nothing urgent, why don't you stay here tonight?"
"Uh? There's nothing urgent, but wouldn't that be too much of a bother?"
"Not at all. It's just Kakashi and me at home. There are plenty of empty beds. We just need to set up a futon, right, Kakashi?"
"Yeah, I don't mind."
Kakashi's weak voice came from the kitchen.
"Then… I'll impose!"
Ren's eyes lit up, and he walked towards the kitchen.
"Kakashi, I'm here to help you. Hurry and thank me."
"You scoundrel, why should I thank you for washing dishes?!"
Sakumo heard Ren's laughter and Kakashi's complaints, and he smiled, shaking his head. As he walked towards the bath, he touched his silver hair. These two children, their relationship is truly good…