Uchiha Ran moved swiftly through the familiar back alleys. Though night had already fallen, the route home was etched into his memory.
As darkness settled, the ninja village's night market lit up in full splendor, a lively scene bursting with color and sound.
Passing through crowded streets, Ran soaked in the unique atmosphere of Konoha at night. The architecture was mostly medieval-style wooden buildings, yet neon lights flickered in dazzling hues, illuminating the village after dark. Vendors lined the streets with endless goods—smoky barbecue stalls, sweet tri-colored dango, and all kinds of tempting snacks. Any true foodie would have stopped in their tracks.
Mikoto-neesan probably left food for me, Ran thought calmly. He enjoyed watching the winds of the shinobi world stir—but he also cherished moments of simple human care.
The crowd surged like a tide. Ran carefully wove his way through, while vendors shouted enthusiastically to attract customers. The sizzle of stir-fried food filled the air with mouthwatering aromas, and Ran couldn't help but pause.
"Care for a plate of Uncle Gai's fried rice, Ran-san?"
It was a small stall called "Uncle Gai's Passionate Fried Rice," famous for its unique flavors.
"Haha, Uncle Gai, you're as energetic as ever," Ran said warmly. "Every time I eat your fried rice, I can taste your love for life."
Politely declining the offer, he continued on his way home.
Watching his retreating back, Uncle Gai couldn't help sighing.
"Such a good kid… A polite Uchiha like that is really rare."
"Haha, you think so too?" another vendor laughed. "Ran really is likable. If he weren't an Uchiha, I'd have married my daughter off to him."
"Dream on," Uncle Gai shot back with a grin. "Even if he were an Uchiha, your daughter wouldn't stand a chance. And wait—damn it, Harukami, where'd you get a daughter? Aren't you still single?"
Their laughter echoed behind him.
Unbothered by the small comedy, Ran continued home.
"I'm back."
Sensing chakra inside the house, Ran immediately knew who it was—Uchiha Mikoto. And she had cooked for him again.
Sure enough, when he opened the door, he saw Mikoto asleep at the table.
Hearing the door, she stirred awake.
"Mikoto-neesan," Ran said gently as he sat beside her, "sleeping at the table will make you catch a cold. Thank you for coming over to cook for me today."
Adjusting herself, Mikoto smiled.
"Ran, today is your graduation day. From now on, you're a shinobi. Of course I came to celebrate."
"Yes… a shinobi from now on."
Mikoto quickly stood up and served him a bowl of rice.
"Who's your jōnin instructor? Now that you're a ninja, you must be careful in everything you do."
"Thank you, Mikoto-neesan. My squad leader is Yuhi Shinku-sensei."
"Ah, Shinku…" Mikoto nodded. "That suits you well. His genjutsu is excellent—even Uchiha with fully matured Sharingan don't necessarily win against him."
They chatted casually while eating.
After setting down his chopsticks, Ran spoke seriously,
"Mikoto-neesan, your baby will be born in another two or three months, right? You really shouldn't be coming over to cook for me anymore. It's too exhausting. You need to take good care of yourself—especially now. Besides, my cooking is actually pretty good. And I'll probably be going on missions often."
Seeing his earnest expression, Mikoto smiled.
"Alright. Since you say so, I'll stay home and rest properly for a while."
As she gently rubbed her belly, Ran suddenly asked,
"Mikoto-neesan… have you decided on a name yet?"
At that, Mikoto grew troubled, rubbing her forehead softly.
"Ran-kun…"
"What is it?" Ran asked, noticing her expression.
"I've thought of many names," she said quietly.
"If it's a boy—Uchiha Karasu, Yōta, Shūgo, Yuu, Ryūnosuke, Yūta, Kenta, Hikaru…"
"If it's a girl—Misora, Mochizuki, Ruka, Ren…"
Her voice carried hesitation.
"So… Fugaku-san disagreed?" Ran asked gently.
"Yes," Mikoto sighed. "He's already decided. Whether it's a boy or a girl… the name will be Uchiha Itachi."
"Itachi?" Ran scratched his head. "Mikoto-neesan… that name feels a bit…"
"…Unlucky?" Mikoto nodded. "I thought so too. I told Fugaku. But do you know what he said?"
She tapped the table lightly, a bit annoyed.
"And his reason was…?"
"He said a weasel is a mysterious creature that brings misfortune. When people see one—or hear its cry—disaster follows. Fugaku wants the child to become a great ninja. If another great war comes, he hopes Itachi will become a shield for Konoha and the Uchiha clan. That the very name 'Itachi' will strike fear into enemy ninja."
Her voice softened.
"But I just want the child to grow up safely… to have a happy childhood."
Ran sighed.
"Honestly, Fugaku-san… I agree with you, Mikoto-neesan. I don't like that name either."
Then, looking at her lowered gaze, he added quietly,
"And Mikoto-neesan… they say that once someone walks a path a weasel usually takes, the weasel will never walk it again. Maybe… Itachi will walk a road no one else ever joins."
Hearing that, Mikoto looked even more downcast.
Then Ran smiled gently.
"Daijōbu, Mikoto-neesan. Don't worry. When Itachi is born, I'll take good care of him."
Mikoto smiled at that.
"Ran-kun… will you be a good big brother to Itachi?"
"Of course," Ran said without hesitation. "You and Fugaku-san have taken such good care of me. I'll protect Itachi too."
"I believe you," Mikoto said softly. "Be careful on your missions."
After seeing Mikoto safely back to her house next door, Ran stood alone in the courtyard, gazing up at the star-filled sky.
"Itachi, huh…" he murmured.
"This is getting more and more interesting."
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