Seisui froze when he heard Uchiha Setsuna speak.
This time, the old man's tone seemed… much friendlier?
As Seisui looked at Setsuna, Setsuna's eyes were fixed on him as well. On one level, he was somewhat pleased with his grandson-in-law, but no matter what, he still couldn't bring himself to like this pig who had taken an interest in his little cabbage.
The key issue was that he had been the one to deliver his little cabbage into the pig's mouth.
Thinking this, Setsuna's frustration only grew.
What a disaster…
He glanced at Uchiha Haru, who was clinging to Seisui, and grit his teeth, trying to suppress the urge to strangle him.
"Kid, you come to the Uchiha to hit children… is this your way of the ninja?"
"Grandpa!"
Before Seisui could respond, Haru glared at him, pouting in obvious annoyance.
"Seisui must have his reasons!" she said firmly, then turned to him. "Right?"
"Uh…" Seisui gave a slight cough and nodded.
What reason could he possibly have?
It was simple—he had heard that little brat was Uchiha Obito and had decided to teach him a lesson. The rest of his explanation was just made up on the spot.
But since Haru was defending him, he could only nod and accept it. If he didn't, it would mean admitting he just liked hitting kids.
"Hmph!"
Setsuna snorted. Ever since Seisui entered the Uchiha clan, Setsuna had been watching his every move.
Naturally, he knew why Seisui had disciplined the kid, but he wanted to make things difficult.
And then his granddaughter defended the brat!
What a cunning little devil…
If he weren't afraid of losing, he would have hit him himself.
He mentally smacked himself for not hitting Seisui more when he had the chance.
"Hmph!" Setsuna snorted again, then gestured for Seisui to sit.
Seisui didn't hesitate and sat directly across from him.
Haru sat beside him, placing both of them opposite Setsuna.
Seeing Haru's move, Setsuna paused, then resumed fiddling with the tea set.
Older people liked doing things with tea, and Setsuna was no exception.
Although he still disliked Seisui, Setsuna grudgingly acknowledged his strength. After all, the Uchiha valued ability above all else.
After pouring tea for himself, Seisui, and Haru, Setsuna finally spoke.
"I hate you and this brat, but I know you wouldn't come here without reason. So… what brings you here?"
"Grandpa!" Haru started to respond, wanting to defend Seisui, but he gently blocked her and said seriously,
"The Hokage wants us to follow the medical corps to the frontlines tomorrow. I came to inform Haru."
"The frontlines?" Setsuna muttered under his breath.
"I understand," he said, looking at Seisui.
"Although I don't like you, I must admit—you're an exceptional ninja."
Seisui blinked in disbelief. He hadn't expected Setsuna to say something like that.
Seeing his reaction, Setsuna snorted.
"Don't look at me like that! I'm not as old-fashioned and stubborn as you think! The Uchiha are not like the Hyuga. We do not oppose intermarriage with outsiders. Even ordinary ninjas—if both parties consent—we will not interfere."
Seisui listened carefully, understanding completely.
Setsuna continued,
"Moreover, you are not exactly an outsider. You carry Uchiha blood. I do not know why you also carry Uzumaki blood, but that does not matter."
He stood, eyes locked on Seisui.
"You, with your Mangekyo Sharingan, have Uchiha blood and talent far beyond ordinary clan members. So… although I don't like you, you are the only one worthy of being with Haru."
"Grandpa… what are you saying?" Haru's face turned red as she lowered her head beside Seisui.
Setsuna didn't reply to her, focusing on Seisui.
"You understand the Mangekyo's drawbacks, don't you?"
Seisui nodded repeatedly. Even without activating the Sharingan, he knew its toll.
A Mangekyo Sharingan is a weapon, but also a burden. Normal use is fine, and a basic Sharingan could overpower three Tomoe without harming eyesight or chakra. But few can resist using the Mangekyo's powers, and once used, vision and chakra are inevitably damaged. Recovery is slow, and once opened, it's like Pandora's box—hard to close.
"Though Haru also has a Mangekyo, I do not trust her," Setsuna said, glancing at his granddaughter, then at Seisui.
"She's too innocent, unaware of the world's dangers. Can you protect her?"
His question wasn't aggressive—it was heavy with concern, like an old man worrying about his inept grandchild.
Seisui immediately nodded.
"I can! Anyone who tries to harm Haru will have to step over my body!"
"Good!" Setsuna's eyes softened.
"Then I entrust Haru's future to you. If I learn you've bullied her or failed to protect her, even if I cannot defeat you, I will hold you accountable!"
"Don't worry, Grandpa! With me around, Haru will be perfectly safe!"
Setsuna's heart skipped a beat at Seisui calling him 'Grandpa,' but he nodded slightly.
This kid's audacity… but it's good. Thick-skinned people survive better.
Haru sat shyly, face flushed, watching her grandfather entrust her to Seisui. Her shyness soon turned into joy after Seisui accepted.
Seisui breathed a small sigh of relief. He didn't want to cause trouble for her grandfather—after all, this was Haru's grandfather. He wouldn't kidnap his granddaughter or fight her grandfather.
"Dinner is ready. Stay and eat with us," Setsuna said.
"Of course!"
Haru jumped up and headed to the kitchen.
"I'll cook!" she said cheerfully.
Setsuna gave Seisui a subtle glance. Haru didn't normally cook at home—there were people for that. Yet now she has gone to the kitchen.
Sensing Setsuna's thoughts, Seisui coughed lightly.
"I'll help," he said, rising to join Haru.
"Hmm?"
"Why are you here?" Haru asked curiously as they prepared ingredients.
Looking at the ribs on the cutting board, Seisui smiled.
"I'm helping you—it'll be faster."
Haru smiled sweetly.
"Okay."
"I'll handle the cooking," Seisui said, rolling up his sleeves.
"I'll assist," Haru said, preparing the ingredients.
Seisui was skilled—otherwise, she wouldn't know these dishes.
"Today, we'll make sweet-and-sour ribs."
"Sweet-and-sour ribs?" Haru pulled out a notebook of recipes.
"A new dish?"
"Yes!" Seisui washed the ribs and brought out sugar and vinegar.
"This dish only needs two main ingredients," he said, measuring a spoon.
"Two spoons for these ribs—enough."
Haru wrote it down.
"Why not three spoons? Will it ruin the taste?"
"No," Seisui shook his head.
"Three spoons of sugar makes it disgusting."
Haru carefully noted this.
As Seisui cooked and explained, Haru assisted and recorded the recipe.
Though different from typical ninja cuisine, the dishes were delicious.
Soon, a table full of dishes was ready.
Setsuna nodded in approval.
The three ate together, chatting casually. Setsuna's hostility toward Seisui had softened.
Just as they were finishing, Setsuna suddenly asked,
"When are you two planning to get engaged?"
Both looked at Setsuna in utter confusion.