Time passed quickly.
Uchiha Ran sat there, staring at the large table crowded with people devouring grilled meat, and fell into deep thought…
Damn it. I clearly possess a zanpakutō even stronger than Kyōka Suigetsu—so why does it feel like things are developing in a completely wrong direction…?
To explain how it all started—
On the day Uchiha Ran returned to the village, it just so happened that everyone seemed to be resting. No missions, no deployments, nothing at all.
So, to celebrate successfully completing his very first mission, Ran invited Yuhi Kurenai, Inuzuka Tsubaki, and Dōno Shinya out for a barbecue. After thinking about it, he also decided to invite Kurenai's father, Yuhi Shinku.
In the end, however, Shinku politely declined with a smile, saying, "You young people should enjoy yourselves together."
And that was when everything began to spiral out of control.
"What? Kurenai, you're going to Ran's mission-completion barbecue? Then I'm coming too. Ran's such an easygoing guy—he definitely won't mind an extra pair of chopsticks."
"What?! Asuma, Ran's throwing a celebration? Damn it, he must not have had time to notify me yet. It's all because the Yamashiro household is way too far from the Uchiha district!"
"What? Aoba, you're going to Ran's party? Damn it—how did I, an Uchiha, not hear about this? I'm going to ask him right now—maybe I'm invited too?"
"…Sigh. Thank goodness my wallet is thick enough. Can't help it—I'm just too popular."
Uchiha Ran watched everyone stuffing themselves at the table and sighed inwardly.
Pretty much everyone I know from my generation—with names and reputations—is here, aren't they…?
Shaking his head, Ran quickly took his seat and raised the drink in his hand.
"Everyone—let's toast to my first completed mission. Cheers."
"Ohhh—!"
For a moment, the clinking of cups rang out nonstop. A group of people drinking beverages with the enthusiasm of seasoned alcoholics.
As the host, Uchiha Ran sat beside Yuhi Kurenai, the teacher's daughter. Sitting next to her, unfortunately, was the Hokage's son—Asuma Sarutobi.
"Ahh—Kurenai, really, thank you… hic… really, thank you for Lord Shinku's guidance. Since he couldn't come today, you'll just have to eat his share of meat and drink his share of beverages!"
"This is so good!"
This was Ran's first time discovering that Konoha had such an incredible barbecue restaurant. Completely abandoning any sense of decorum, he ate while talking, even picking up slices of grilled meat and placing them into Kurenai's bowl.
"Ran, thank you," Kurenai said softly. "But eat more slowly. I know this place is amazing, but if you eat too fast, you'll choke."
She thanked him while happily enjoying the grilled meat herself.
It was so delicious that her eyes unconsciously narrowed in pleasure.
"Wow—this is amazing. Ran-san is handsome and considerate~"
Hearing Kurenai's evaluation, Uchiha Ran nodded in satisfaction, as if to say Yes, I know.
"Grr—ahhh! ┗|｀O′|┛ Kurenai, try this too! My grilled meat is really good!"
Asuma Sarutobi grabbed a slice of meat and tried to place it into Kurenai's bowl.
"…Eh? Asuma, what are you doing?"
Kurenai turned her head away and rejected his chopsticks.
"Ah—I just wanted you to try some of mine…"
Looking at Asuma, whose mouth was still greasy while he tried to feed her with the same chopsticks, Kurenai shuddered slightly.
"You're still eating. You're so rude, Asuma…"
"…Huh?"
"?!"
"…What did you just say, Kurenai?"
Asuma clearly hadn't processed her words and asked again.
"I said you're rude, Asuma. You're eating while 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."
It was obvious that Kurenai disliked Asuma quite a bit. She didn't bother being polite at all.
At that moment, Uchiha Ran lifted his head, watching the two bicker.
"Kurenai, Ran… Ran… isn't he also—???"
"What are you talking about, Asuma?" Kurenai interrupted. "What's wrong with Ran? It's his first time eating at this barbecue place—of course he's excited."
"He… he…"
In the end, Asuma Sarutobi failed to say anything else. He simply lowered his head, and until the barbecue gathering ended, he never spoke again.
—
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office, Yuhi Shinku was giving Hiruzen Sarutobi a detailed report on the mission, including an analytical assessment of Uchiha Ran.
The report was highly valuable.
The Third Hokage expressed full approval of Shinku's work, praised him generously, and encouraged him further. He stated clearly that Uchiha Ran was exactly the kind of talent Konoha needed.
If Ran continued to demonstrate outstanding ability in future missions, Hiruzen said he would consider arranging for one of the Legendary Sannin—Orochimaru—to personally guide him.
Shinku expressed his gratitude to the Third Hokage and spoke sincerely of his belief that under Lord Third's leadership, Konoha continued to thrive. The village's peace and stability could not exist without Hiruzen's efforts, and under his guidance, Konoha would surely rise to even greater heights.
With that, the meeting concluded.
The results of this discussion were extremely promising.
After leaving the Hokage Tower, Yuhi Shinku quietly let out a breath.
Communicating with a political master like the Third Hokage was truly exhausting.
Fortunately, his daughter's good friend, Uchiha Ran, had performed exceptionally well and was very much worth cultivating. That was why Shinku had spoken especially favorably of him in front of the Hokage.
"Ran-san… this is about as much as I can do for you," Shinku thought."In terms of strength, I can still guide you. But the Uchiha clan's position in Konoha is truly delicate. Still… as an exception among the Uchiha, perhaps you can receive special consideration from the Third Hokage."
—
Upon returning home, Uchiha Ran immediately went next door to the Fugaku household, delivering gifts he had brought back from the Land of Fire.
For Uchiha Fugaku, it was a lighter.
For Uchiha Mikoto, a set of baby supplies.
Fugaku maintained his usual cool demeanor as the clan's deputy head. After thanking Ran, he simply stood aside in silence.
Mikoto, on the other hand, happily accepted the baby supplies and pulled Ran aside, eagerly asking about his mission experiences.
After learning that the mission hadn't involved any real danger, Mikoto beamed with relief. She even reminded Ran to only accept tasks within his capabilities, and that if things became too dangerous, he should prioritize his own safety.
That comment made Fugaku click his tongue slightly. He emphasized to Ran that he shouldn't listen only to Mikoto—when traveling outside, he must still uphold the pride of the Uchiha clan and never bring shame to the Uchiha name.
After bidding them farewell, Ran returned home.
He remembered Shinku-sensei's instructions: he was allowed only three days of rest. After that, the Third Hokage would be assigning him a new mission.
A new mission, huh…
These days had been surprisingly dull.
Uchiha Ran felt a faint sense of boredom welling up inside him.
I wonder what kind of big event could finally entertain me a little…