A brief silence settled inside the room before Uchiha Hokaku's low, gentle voice came through.
"Just leave it by the door. I'd like to speak with them a while longer."
"Alright, Grandfather."
Uchiha Mikoto knelt slightly, placing the warm teacup carefully by the doorway.
As she stood, she couldn't help adding softly, her tone laced with quiet concern—
"Don't forget to drink it. I'll come check later."
Her footsteps faded into the distance, like the lingering scent of tea in the night.
Inside, Hokaku shook his head with a helpless smile.
—
Elsewhere—
Uchiha Ren leaned against the kitchen doorway, arms folded, urging impatiently:
"Big Orange, pick up the pace."
"Got it, meow~"
His absurdly capable contracted ninja cat bustled about, dressed in a custom Uchiha outfit.
The fan crest embroidered on its back swayed as it moved.
The plump orange cat stood upright, forming hand seals with surprising agility.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Puff!
Three identical orange cats appeared instantly.
The original took charge of the wok.
The clones split tasks seamlessly—
One chopped ingredients at lightning speed.
One controlled the flames.
One handled seasoning.
The iron pan danced between its paws.
Flames surged high, reflecting in the cat's focused eyes.
"Sizzle—!"
Chili and garlic burst in hot oil, filling the kitchen with a rich, mouthwatering aroma.
Ren hadn't been exaggerating.
His ninja cat really could cook.
Within moments—
Several dishes were plated and ready.
The clones vanished in a puff.
Big Orange stroked its whiskers proudly and pushed the final dish forward—
Stir-fried beef ho fun.
"Please enjoy, Young Master Ren."
Its round body stood upright with pride, though its tail wagged happily behind it.
Ren sat down, glancing over the spread—
Shredded pork with green peppers, glossy and fragrant.
Mapo tofu, vibrant and spicy.
Beef ho fun, rich with wok hei.
He picked up his chopsticks, lifted a piece of pork, and placed it into his mouth under the cat's anxious gaze.
"Not bad. You've improved."
"Seems my teaching wasn't wasted."
"So… how should I reward you?"
Big Orange straightened immediately.
"Not at all! It's all thanks to Young Master's guidance!"
"And you've been training hard lately—you need proper nutrition, meow~"
It tried to sound modest—
But its fluffy tail gave everything away, swaying in wide circles.
Ren smiled faintly, picking up another bite.
"Is that so?"
"Then I'll save your reward for next time."
The cat froze.
Its tail stopped mid-air.
"Uh… well…"
Ren casually lifted another bite of noodles.
"Oh?"
"You actually want a reward?"
"It's not about a reward!"
The cat leapt onto the table, fur puffed, then hurriedly straightened the displaced chopsticks with its tail.
"It's a rightful benefit!"
"You promised last time—Kasumi would teach me Fire Release…"
It suddenly fell silent, front paws nervously pressing together.
"Ah… so you want to see Kasumi."
Ren tapped its nose lightly with his chopsticks.
The cat's pupils shrank instantly.
"You could've just said so."
"I'll have her come tomorrow as your assistant instructor."
Big Orange's whiskers trembled.
Its entire body seemed to glow with excitement.
It pretended to lick its paw calmly, though a soft purring betrayed it.
"It's just for exchanging training insights, meow…"
"Not because I want to smell her scent."
"Of course."
Ren chuckled.
The ninja cats had been bound to the Uchiha clan for generations.
These little creatures weren't just information brokers and weapon merchants—
Their soft meows were also a balm to the Uchiha's intense hearts.
Kasumi—
Was Ren's official partner, contracted when he became a genin.
A silver-striped cat, her fur like moonlight—
Elegant.
Distant.
Almost unreal.
As for Big Orange—
It had simply followed her one day and never left.
A "bonus," uninvited.
Over the years, it had been thoroughly domesticated.
After Ren moved out to live alone, Big Orange took over everything—
Cooking, cleaning, laundry.
All for one reason—
To stay close to Kasumi.
Completely wrapped around her paw.
—
After dinner—
The kitchen was spotless in minutes.
With a soft puff, Big Orange returned to the ninja cat realm.
—
Steam filled the bathroom.
The scent of hinoki wood and herbs lingered in the air.
Ren sank into the hot water Big Orange had prepared.
The perfect temperature drew a satisfied sigh from his lips.
"Simps really are useful…"
The day's fatigue melted away with the rising steam.
He leaned back, eyes closing.
Outside, the faint chirping of insects became a natural lullaby.
Then—
Puff.
He opened his eyes.
A graceful figure had appeared on the edge of the tub.
Silver and pale gray fur shimmered softly through the mist.
A long tail curled like drifting smoke.
Tiny silver flecks glimmered at its tip like stars.
Her emerald eyes, clear as spring water, reflected his figure.
"That foolish cat."
She spoke, her voice soft and smooth, like a feline's purr.
"He returned to the clan just now and went on and on about tomorrow."
Kasumi's whiskers twitched faintly, her tone carrying quiet exasperation.
"Fifteen years… and his way of showing affection is still this troublesome."
Ren half-opened his eyes.
"So… do you like him or not?"
"Young Master, you jest."
"I only see Big Orange as an older brother."
Her answer came effortlessly.
Exactly as expected.
She flicked her tail elegantly and gazed out at the crescent moon.
Her voice softened, carrying a trace of longing.
"What I admire… is someone like the Two-Tails."
"Power that tears through the night."
"Flames that burn across the heavens."
She paused, then added gently—
"So please, Young Master… don't try to match us."
"I wouldn't want the Two-Tails-sama to misunderstand."
Ren stared at her—
Speechless.
So this is the result of that ridiculous romance novel I wrote back then…
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