Uchiha Clan Compound
"I'm home, Mom!" Sasuke called out as he kicked off his shoes.
"Welcome home, Sasuke," came Uchiha Mikoto's gentle voice from inside.
"Where's nii-san?" Sasuke hurried into the living room, sounding impatient.
"Why do you always look for your brother the moment you get home?" Mikoto teased, reaching out to pat his head.
"I have something important to talk to him about!" Sasuke puffed out his cheeks, looking faintly annoyed.
"He's not back yet," Mikoto replied with an indulgent smile, finding her son's earnestness adorable.
"Then I'll wait for him." Sasuke flopped onto the sofa, arms crossed.
Mikoto turned to head toward the kitchen but paused mid-step. "Weren't you at the Ninja Academy today? How was it?"
"It's just kids playing ninja," Sasuke said with an air of disdain. "I can't get excited about it. I'm going to be like nii-san and take first place at the Academy!"
"Go for it!" Mikoto cheered, pumping her fist.
A moment later, the sound of the front door sliding open echoed through the house.
"nii-san!" Sasuke jumped up and dashed over.
"Sasuke," Uchiha Itachi greeted him with a soft smile.
"Is our Uchiha Clan… not as powerful as it used to be?" Sasuke asked bluntly.
"…"
Itachi hesitated, mouth slightly open, struggling for words.
'Even Sasuke has noticed…'
The truth was undeniable: the Uchiha Clan was standing on the brink.
"I learned about the founding of Konoha in history class today," Sasuke continued, his eyes bright with fascination. "Back then, the Uchiha Clan was as famous and respected as the Senju Clan!"
So that was it.
Realization dawned on Itachi's face, and he exhaled quietly in relief.
He didn't want Sasuke caught up in the tension simmering between the Uchiha Clan and Konoha Village.
"Your sensei sounds excellent," Itachi said with a small smile. "It's rare for anyone to talk about the Uchiha Clan's history these days."
"Why do you say that?" Sasuke asked, puzzled.
He didn't yet understand how isolated the Uchiha had become—that their clan's name was whispered more as a caution than a legacy. Most Academy teachers skipped that chapter of history entirely.
"It's nothing," Itachi said gently, shaking his head.
"Will the Uchiha Clan ever be as great as it used to be?" Sasuke asked, eyes shining with hope.
"Yes," Itachi answered firmly. "It will."
"That's right!" Sasuke grinned. "With Niisan around, our clan's future will be stronger than ever!"
Itachi hesitated, then nodded solemnly. "I'll make sure the Uchiha Clan finds its way again."
Later that Night
The streets of Konoha lay quiet under the stars, the lamps casting pools of golden light onto deserted alleys.
Two figures stumbled along the path.
"You… you're drunk again… you lightweight…" Kurenai slurred, her cheeks flushed pink, eyes glittering like rubies beneath the glow.
"You're the one who's drunk, not me," Kitazawa shot back, giving her a look of exaggerated offense.
'She drank three bottles. I only had one'.
"Then… then why's your face all red?" Kurenai demanded, giggling as she swayed on her feet.
"Careful!" Kitazawa lunged forward, his hand slipping around her waist to steady her.
"I'm… I'm fine…" Kurenai protested, though she leaned into his chest, the scent of her perfume mingling with the faint sharpness of sake.
They were so close he could see the smooth curve of her pale neck and the delicate black mesh visible at her collar.
"We're… we're home," Kurenai murmured, then suddenly burst into laughter, lightly patting Kitazawa's chest. "Solid, aren't you?"
"It seems you really are drunk," Kitazawa said, his lips twitching into a half-smile. "Want me to help you inside?"
"I'm not drunk!" Kurenai snapped, as though a switch had flipped. "If you don't believe me, come in with me—and we'll keep drinking!"
"All right, all right—you're not drunk," Kitazawa said in a gentle, coaxing tone, as though speaking to a child.
"Hmph!" Kurenai Yuhi huffed, pulling out her key and unlocking her door.
Under the dim porch light, her graceful figure was outlined in soft gold.
"Kitazawa," she said, leaning against the doorframe, a playful smile on her lips. "See you tomorrow."
"Mm-hmm." Kitazawa nodded.
Once the door clicked shut, he turned and headed home.
Before long, he arrived at his own doorstep.
The Ichiraku Ramen shop nearby was still bustling, steam rising into the night as customers came and went. Kitazawa cast it a fleeting glance before looking away.
His home was a modest two-story wooden house.
The first floor was a small general store selling all sorts of goods—oil, rice, firewood, salt, snacks, and soda.
The second floor was his living space: a single room, a bathroom, and a tiny kitchen. Small, but everything he needed.
Since he'd been drinking, Kitazawa decided he was too tired to open the shop that night.
Instead, he took a shower, then collapsed into bed and fell into a deep sleep.
The Next Morning
Sunlight filtered through the curtains when a sharp knocking jolted Kitazawa awake.
Groaning, he sat up and rubbed his slightly aching head.
'Who'd be visiting this early?'
He quickly changed clothes and went to the door, curiosity piqued.
When he opened it, he was met with the sight of Kurenai standing outside, looking bright and refreshed.
Before he could speak, she thrust a paper bag toward him.
"I brought you breakfast!" Kurenai declared with a wide grin. "Even though I've got a killer hangover. Be grateful to your kind, generous old classmate!"
In truth, she was repaying him for making sure she'd gotten home safely the night before.
"Thanks," Kitazawa said, accepting the bag. "Did you eat yet?"
"I have," Kurenai replied breezily. "I'm off to the Kurama Clan now. My student is Yakumo Kurama, the heiress of the clan."
"I've heard of them. Weren't they once on par with the Uchiha Clan when it came to genjutsu?" Kitazawa said, glancing at the breakfast—simple bread and milk.
"Yep, that's the one." Kurenai turned to go, her long black hair swishing behind her. "I'm heading out. Today's perfect for trying out the teaching tips you gave me."
Kitazawa watched her retreating figure with a wistful look.
'She really is a good woman', he thought.
A saying from his previous life popped into his mind: 'Don't miss out on good women, and don't cling to bad ones.'
After finishing breakfast, Kitazawa headed to the classroom.
Just like the day before, he arrived early, so only a few students were there already.
Among them, Hyuga Hinata sat quietly at her desk.
Born into the Hyuga Clan, she was always punctual and disciplined.
But something was different today.
For the first time, Hinata Hyuga raised her head and greeted him.
"K-Kitazawa Sensei…" Hinata stammered, gathering her courage as she stood.
Kitazawa's gaze fell on her delicate face.
She lasted all of two seconds under his attention before flushing pink.
She pushed her hair behind her ear, her small hands twisting the hem of her shirt, her eyes darting away in embarrassment.
"Good morning, Hinata," Kitazawa said gently, smiling at the shy girl.
'This little one is truly adorable', he thought, amused.
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