July 9th
Today, the Uchiha Clan Grounds were exceptionally lively. It was the Clan Head Uchiha's eldest son's full moon celebration, and guests were being lavishly entertained at the Uchiha Clan Grounds.
At the entrance of the Uchiha Clan Grounds, two Uchiha youths were responsible for registration and receiving gifts.
"Akimichi Clan Head, Akimichi Choza, 5000 Ryo in gifts. Please come in."
"Yamanaka Clan Head, Inoichi Yamanaka, 5000 Ryo in gifts. Please come in."
"Nara Clan Head, Nara Shikaku, 5000 Ryo in gifts. Please come in."
"Hatake Clan Head, Sakumo Hatake, 5000 Ryo in gifts. Please come in."
The two Uchiha youths responsible for registration respectfully accepted the gift money from the clan heads before them and then, with smiles, invited them inside.
No kidding, even the Clan Head Uchiha had to show respect to these individuals. With the Ninja World's renowned "Ino–Shika–Chō" and "Konoha White Fang" present, the Uchiha Clan was proud but not foolish. As mere Chunin responsible for reception, they just needed to do their job properly.
"I didn't expect to run into Mr. Sakumo here. Please, you first."
Nara Clan Head, Nara Shikaku, stood to the side, nodding and smiling at Sakumo Hatake, with Inoichi Yamanaka, the Yamanaka Clan Head, and Akimichi Choza, the Akimichi Clan Head, standing on either side.
The "Ino–Shika–Chō" is one of Konoha Ninja Village's ace combinations. Each generation of the "Ino–Shika–Chō" combination is typically composed of the current clan heads of the three respective clans. In battle, the Nara Clan, who possess the Shadow Imitation Technique and are highly intelligent, are generally responsible for tactical planning and crowd control. The Yamanaka Clan, skilled in perception and mental control, is responsible for sensing targets and linking the thoughts of the three. Finally, the Akimichi Clan, with their powerful destructive force, delivers the ultimate attack.
The three clans had already allied during the Sengoku period, sharing hardships and advancing together. After Konoha was established, the three clans became the first three major groups to join Konoha. Among them, Nara Shikaku would later serve as the Hokage's advisor and the leader of the Konoha Jonin squad. Of course, at this time, he was still just a Konoha Jonin and had not been the clan head for long.
At this moment, the "Ino–Shika–Chō," who had just inherited their fathers' titles, faced the long-renowned "Konoha White Fang" of the Ninja World. Regardless of fame or seniority, they had to yield.
"Hahaha, let's just go in together. It's not a mission, no need to be so formal."
Sakumo patted Nara Shikaku's shoulder and said with a laugh. Just as he was about to enter, he suddenly paused and looked behind him.
"Aren't you coming in with me, Kakashi?"
"No, Dad, you go in first. I'll wait for Ren."
"Oh? Alright, then you two come over together later. We'll go ahead."
Although Sakumo was a bit surprised that Ren was invited, he didn't ask further. He just gave Kakashi a few instructions and then went in, chatting and laughing with Nara Shikaku and the others.
"Yo, Kakashi, you're early. Where's Uncle Sakumo?"
Kakashi tensed his body, his hand instinctively reaching for the Ninja tool pouch at his waist. After turning his head and seeing the figure that suddenly appeared beside him, his body relaxed. He rolled his eyes at the newcomer.
"Can you stop suddenly appearing next to people? I almost couldn't resist throwing a Shuriken at you. My father has already gone in."
"Uh-haha, sorry, sorry. Then let's hurry in too."
Ren chuckled. Yesterday, Ren ran into Kakashi on the street, and as they chatted, they talked about Uchiha Itachi's full moon celebration. They found out they were both invited. So they agreed that whoever arrived first the next day would wait for the other. And that's how the previous scene came about.
"Isn't this Ren? Long time no see, do you still remember me?"
Ren looked up, vaguely feeling a sense of familiarity.
"You are… Big Brother ken!"
Ren suddenly remembered that the man before him was indeed Ken Uchiha, who had stopped him to ask questions and then pointed him in the right direction last time.
"Hahaha, I didn't expect you to still remember me. So, are you here for Itachi's full moon celebration?"
Ken Uchiha's expression was gentle as he looked at the young man he hadn't seen in a long time. He hadn't expected that in just a few months, this child and Young Master Ryufeng had both become Ninja. It seemed his decision to befriend him back then was not wrong.
"Yes, Big Brother ken."
"You probably don't know the way yet, do you? I happen to have some free time now, so I'll take you there."
"Then we'll trouble Big Brother Ken."
Ren didn't decline. Why not use a free guide? After all, he and Kakashi really didn't know where Uchiha Fugaku's house was.
The two followed Ken Uchiha through the Uchiha Clan Grounds for about half an hour. After turning a corner, Yo Uchiha, who was leading the way, stopped and turned to look at them.
"The Clan Head's house is just ahead. You two can go by yourselves from here. I still have some matters to attend to."
"Thank you, Big Brother Ken."
"No problem. I'll be going now."
Ken Uchiha waved his hand, and with an Instantaneous Body Technique, he vanished from the spot.
"Let's go."
"I didn't realise you knew so many people in the Uchiha Clan."
Kakashi glanced at Ren, speaking as he walked.
"Of course! I'm the man who's going to become Hokage. My personal charisma goes without saying, right?"
Ren hooked his arm over Kakashi's shoulder, saying proudly.
"...Your thick skin is indeed Hokage-level."
"Thanks for the compliment."
...
Kakashi's mouth twitched twice, and he simply turned his head away, no longer bothering with Ren.
At this point, the two had arrived at the front of Uchiha Fugaku's house. Although the courtyard gate was wide open, they still greeted first.
"Excuse us. X2"
At this moment, someone in the courtyard heard the voices outside the door and walked towards them.
"You must be Ren and Kakashi, right? Welcome."
A gentle voice came.
A beautiful woman emerged from the courtyard, with long black hair draped over her shoulders and a face full of smiles. It was Uchiha Mikoto, Uchiha Fugaku's wife.
"Hello, Auntie Mikoto. X2"
"Hello, you two. Don't just stand there, come on in."
Uchiha Mikoto chuckled softly, then turned and led the two into the house.
"Wah wah wah wah wah!"
"Ahhh, don't cry! Mikoto, where are you?!"
As soon as the three entered the house, a woman's cry and a baby's wailing came from inside.
Uchiha Mikoto put a hand to her forehead and quickly walked into the room.
The remaining two exchanged glances, and finally both chose to follow to see what was happening.
Stepping out of the genkan, the two entered the living room and immediately saw Uchiha Mikoto gently rocking a baby back and forth. In a moment, the child in her arms quieted down, staring around with wide, round eyes.
"Phew… Babies are so hard to take care of."
Kushina, standing nearby, wiped the sweat from her forehead. The baby had started crying loudly less than a minute after leaving Mikoto's arms. Children were too troublesome.
Uchiha Mikoto looked at her best friend's carefree demeanour, her face full of helplessness.
With Kushina's personality, if she ever has a child, Minato will probably be the one taking care of it...