Time passed quickly.
Staring at the long table piled high with grilled meat, Uchiha Ran fell into deep thought.
Damn it…
I clearly possess a Zanpakutō even more troublesome than Kyōka Suigetsu.
So why does the direction things are heading feel so… off?
The cause of all this went back to the day he returned to the village.
That day, almost everyone happened to be resting—no missions, no assignments. So, to celebrate his first successful mission, Ran invited Yuhi Shinku, Inuzuka Tsubaki, and Domu Masano to a small barbecue gathering.
After a moment's thought, he also invited Shinku-sensei's daughter, Yuhi Kurenai.
Shinku politely declined, saying with a smile that it would be better for the younger generation to gather on their own.
And then—things escalated.
—
"What? Kurenai, you're going to Ran's mission celebration barbecue? Then I'm coming too. Ran's such an easygoing guy—he won't mind an extra pair of chopsticks."
"What? Asuma, Ran's having a celebration party?! Damn it, he must not have had time to tell me yet. It's all because the Yamashiro house is so far from the Uchiha district!"
"What? Aoba, you're going to Ran's party? That's impossible—I'm an Uchiha, how could Ran not tell me? I'm going to ask him right now if I'm invited!"
"…Good thing my wallet's thick enough. Tch. I'm way too popular."
Watching everyone devour food at the table, Ran couldn't help thinking that.
Pretty much everyone I know—everyone our age with a name and reputation—is here, huh.
Shaking his head, Ran quickly took his seat and raised his drink.
"Everyone," he said. "To celebrate my first completed mission—let's drink this."
"Ohhh—!"
In an instant, the clinking of cups rang out nonstop. A group of kids drinking juice somehow managed to produce the heroic atmosphere of seasoned drinkers downing alcohol.
As the host, Ran sat beside Kurenai.
And next to Kurenai sat the Hokage's son—Sarutobi Asuma.
"Ahhh—Kurenai," Asuma said, burping loudly. "Thanks… really, thanks to Shinku-sensei's guidance. Since he didn't come today, you can eat and drink on his behalf!"
"This meat is seriously amazing!"
It was Ran's first time discovering that Konoha had a barbecue place this good. He stopped caring about appearances, talking while eating—and even picked up some grilled meat to place into Kurenai's bowl.
"Kurenai, here. Try this."
"Thank you, Ran," Kurenai said warmly. "Eat a bit slower, okay? I know this place is great, but you'll choke if you rush."
She happily accepted the meat, eyes narrowing in bliss.
"So good… Ran-san really is handsome and considerate."
Hearing that, Ran nodded in satisfaction, as if acknowledging a well-deserved evaluation.
"Gyaaah—!" Asuma suddenly roared. "Kurenai, try this too! Mine's really good!"
He reached over with his chopsticks, aiming to drop a slice of meat into her bowl.
"…Eh? Asuma, what are you doing?" Kurenai turned her head and immediately rejected him.
"I just wanted to share—try mine—"
Watching Asuma speak with a mouth full of oil while trying to use his own chopsticks to feed her, Kurenai shuddered.
"You're still eating," she said coldly. "You're really rude, Asuma."
—
"…Huh?"
The air froze.
"…What did you just say, Kurenai?" Asuma asked, as if he hadn't heard clearly.
"I said you're rude, Asuma," she replied bluntly. "You're eating and still trying to put food in my bowl. And we're not even that close. Why are you sitting next to me anyway? I thought Shizune was sitting here."
Her tone left no room for courtesy.
Ran raised his head slightly, watching the exchange.
"Kurenai… Ran… he—he isn't he also—?"
"What are you talking about, Asuma?" Kurenai frowned. "Ran's just excited because it's his first time eating here. What about him?"
"He… he…"
Asuma never finished his sentence.
He lowered his head and said nothing more.
From that moment until the barbecue ended, Sarutobi Asuma remained silent.
—
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office.
Yuhi Shinku gave Hiruzen Sarutobi a detailed report on the mission, including his analysis of Uchiha Ran.
It was a valuable report.
Hiruzen praised Shinku's work and offered encouragement, stating clearly that Uchiha Ran was exactly the kind of talent Konohagakure needed. If Ran continued to demonstrate outstanding ability in future missions, Hiruzen said he would consider arranging for one of the Sannin—
Orochimaru—
to personally guide him.
Shinku expressed his gratitude and praised the village's steady growth under the Third Hokage's leadership, stating that Konoha's stability owed much to Hiruzen's efforts. He firmly believed the village would continue to prosper under his rule.
The meeting concluded on a highly positive note.
Leaving the Hokage Tower, Shinku let out a quiet sigh.
Communicating with someone as politically seasoned as the Third Hokage was exhausting.
Still, Ran's performance truly had been excellent—well worth recommending. Given the Uchiha clan's difficult position within the village, Ran's unique temperament might allow him to receive special consideration from the Third Hokage.
Ran-san… Shinku thought.
I've done what I can. As for strength, I can still guide you—but the Uchiha's situation is complicated. Still… you might be an exception.
—
After returning home, Ran immediately went next door to the Fugaku household, carrying gifts he'd brought back from the Land of Fire.
For Uchiha Fugaku, a lighter.
For Uchiha Mikoto, a set of baby supplies.
Fugaku maintained his usual cool composure, offering thanks before falling silent once more.
Mikoto, however, was visibly delighted. She accepted the gifts happily and pulled Ran along, asking him in detail about the mission.
Hearing that the mission hadn't been dangerous put her completely at ease. She repeatedly reminded Ran to take missions within his limits—and to prioritize his own safety if things became too dangerous.
That earned a soft snort from Fugaku, who emphasized that Ran shouldn't listen only to Mikoto—when out on missions, he should uphold the dignity of the Uchiha clan and not let its name be disgraced.
After bidding them farewell, Ran returned home.
Shinku's words echoed in his mind:
Three days of rest. Then the Third Hokage will have a new mission for you.
"A new mission…?" Ran muttered.
This stretch of time really was boring.
I wonder…
Isn't there anything big enough to amuse me a little?
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