The residence of the Uchiha clan.
"I'm back, Mom!" Uchiha Sasuke shouted as he took off his shoes.
"Welcome home, Sasuke." Uchiha Mikoto's gentle voice soon rang out.
"Where's my brother?" Uchiha Sasuke walked into the living room and asked impatiently.
"Why do you always look for your brother the moment you get home?" Uchiha Mikoto reached out, touched his head, and asked with a smile.
"I'm looking for him for something!" Uchiha Sasuke pouted and replied, a bit displeased.
"Your brother hasn't come back yet." Seeing his adorable expression, Mikoto's smile deepened.
"Then I'll wait for him." Sasuke sat on the sofa.
"I'll go make dinner." Uchiha Mikoto took two steps, then suddenly remembered something and turned back to ask, "Didn't you start school today? How was it?"
"It's just the ninja academy. Nothing exciting." Sasuke said proudly, "I'll be like my brother and take first place in the academy!"
"Good luck!" Mikoto clenched her fist and waved encouragingly.
After a while, the door opened.
"Brother!" Sasuke immediately stood up and ran to the door.
"Sasuke." Uchiha Itachi greeted him with a gentle smile.
"Is our Uchiha clan not as powerful as before?" Sasuke asked directly.
"..."
Itachi opened his mouth but fell silent.
Even Sasuke noticed? The Uchiha clan truly was at a critical point—on the verge of crisis.
"I had Konoha's history class today. The teacher talked about the founding of the village." Sasuke said in amazement, "Back then, the Uchiha clan was as respected as the Senju clan."
'So that's what triggered the question.' Itachi looked relieved, finally understanding. He didn't want Sasuke dragged into the tensions between the Uchiha clan and Konoha.
"That teacher's not bad, mentioning Uchiha history." Itachi smiled and replied.
"Why do you say that?" Sasuke asked, puzzled.
He didn't know that the Uchiha clan was nearly ostracized—most teachers avoided mentioning them in class.
"Nothing." Itachi shook his head, unwilling to explain.
"Will the Uchiha clan rise again?" Sasuke asked eagerly.
"Yes," Itachi answered firmly.
"That's right." Sasuke grinned. "With my brother around, the Uchiha clan will definitely become stronger!"
"Yeah." Itachi was momentarily stunned but then nodded. "I'll bring the Uchiha clan back to its rightful place."
---
Night fell.
Two figures appeared on the quiet streets of Konoha Village.
"You… you're drunk again. What a loser!" Yuhi Kurenai's beautiful face was flushed like a peach blossom as she spoke to Kitazawa.
"You're the one who's drunk. I'm not." Kitazawa corrected her. He only drank one bottle, while Kurenai had three.
"Then... why's your face red?" Kurenai giggled, swaying as she asked.
"Careful." Kitazawa stepped forward and supported her by the waist.
"No... it's fine." Kurenai leaned into his arms.
The scent of alcohol mixed with her fragrance, and Kitazawa subconsciously looked at her. They were very close. He could clearly see the curve of her white neck and the black mesh under her collar.
"We're… we're home. Next time, it's my treat… next time." Kurenai patted his chest and suddenly laughed, "You're pretty solid."
"Looks like you really are drunk. Want me to help you inside?" Kitazawa asked, twitching the corner of his mouth.
"I'm not drunk!" Kurenai immediately protested like a reflex. "If you don't believe me, come in! We'll keep drinking!"
"Alright, alright. You're not drunk." Kitazawa replied in a coaxing tone.
"Hmph!" Kurenai took out her key and opened the door.
Under the dim light, her graceful figure was outlined.
"Kitazawa." Kurenai leaned against the door and smiled, "See you tomorrow."
"Yeah." Kitazawa nodded.
Once the door closed, he turned and left. Soon, he arrived at his own place.
Ichiraku Ramen nearby was still lively—steam rising and people coming and going. He glanced over, then looked away.
His home was a small two-story wooden house. The first floor was a grocery store. It sold all sorts of things: oil, rice, firewood, salt, snacks, and soda.
The second floor was his living space. There were rooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. Though small, it had everything he needed.
Kitazawa was too lazy to open the store, having had some drinks. He showered, returned to his room, and went to sleep.
---
A new day. A knock on the door.
Kitazawa sat up and shook his groggy head. He changed clothes and walked to the door, still a bit confused. 'Who would come so early?'
When he opened the door, Yuhi Kurenai stood outside. Before he could speak, she handed him breakfast.
"This is breakfast I got you, despite my hangover." Kurenai smiled brightly. "Thanks for your kindness, old classmate!"
She was actually thanking him for walking her home last night.
"Thanks." Kitazawa accepted it and asked, "Have you eaten?"
"Yes. I'm heading to the Kurama clan now." Kurenai paused and added, "My student is the Kurama clan's heiress, Kurama Yakumo."
"I've heard of that clan. Back in the day, their illusions were on par with the Uchiha."
Kitazawa looked down at the simple breakfast—just bread and milk.
"Yes, that's the clan." Kurenai turned, tossed her long black hair, and said, "I'm off. Time to test your teaching methods."
"She's a good woman," Kitazawa said softly as he watched her leave.
He suddenly recalled a line from a modern novel: Don't miss a good woman, and never let a bad one go.
After finishing breakfast, Kitazawa headed to the classroom. Just like yesterday, only a few students had arrived early.
But Hyuga Hinata was already there. Born into the Hyuga clan, she was disciplined and punctual. But something was slightly different today.
At least… she greeted him first.
"Tea… Teacher Kitazawa." Hinata stood up, mustered her courage, and called out.
Kitazawa's eyes landed on her face.
Hinata became flustered under his gaze. She pushed back her hair and clutched the hem of her shirt, her cheeks flushing pink.
"Good morning, Hinata." Kitazawa watched her reactions and couldn't help but smile. 'This little girl was really something.'