Chapter 35: Picking Up the Two Kids from School
Sasuke was impatient.
Having Naruto living in his house was already more than he could handle. He planned to run home quickly and ditch him as soon as possible.
But then—
"Hey, you guys!"
He stopped cold. The parents at the school gate were still gossiping nastily about Naruto.
Sasuke turned sharply, his gaze cold. He was about to snap at them when—
He froze.
His father was standing in the crowd.
Sasuke's eyes flickered with surprise, but he quickly composed himself. Still, there was a bit of awkwardness in his step as he walked over.
"Father? What are you doing here?"
Fugaku didn't respond with a hug or a head pat. He simply crossed his arms and smiled.
"I just got off work. Thought I'd swing by and walk you two home."
"Oh! Uncle! What a coincidence!"
Naruto piped up from beside them, grinning.
Fugaku chuckled and gave the boy a light pat on the shoulder.
"You—how was school today?"
As he spoke, Fugaku glanced at the whispering villagers nearby.
Last night, he'd only instructed Uchiha Ryoichi to tell the Uchiha clan to treat Naruto kindly. He'd forgotten about the rest of the villagers.
No matter.
He'd address it all—Naruto, the villagers, and even the White Fang—during tomorrow's Hokage Inauguration Ceremony.
---
Sasuke stood silently beside them, red in the face. A flicker of jealousy crept into his eyes.
Seriously? You were right there when Dad said he'd pick us up! What "coincidence" are you talking about?!
And then—Why didn't Father pat my head?!
His heart ached.
---
"Let's go, let's go. Time to head home," Fugaku called.
Naruto walked ahead, hands clasped behind his head, chatting nonstop about everything that happened at school.
Fugaku smiled silently, while Sasuke's expression darkened as he tried to get away from the both of them.
They made their way through Konoha, past the familiar trees, and finally reached the Uchiha Clan compound.
---
Back Home
As the front door opened—
"Sasuke, welcome home. Where's Naruto?"
Mikoto appeared at the entrance, surprised to see her son arrive alone.
She had reminded him that morning to bring Naruto back. The boy was still unfamiliar with the village.
Sasuke, clearly annoyed, muttered tersely, "Behind."
Mikoto frowned and peeked outside—just in time to see two silhouettes walking down the street.
It was her husband and little Naruto-kun.
Her serious expression softened instantly.
Her eyes sparkled, her smile warm and maternal.
"Welcome home."
Naruto burst into the house like a whirlwind.
"Auntie! I'm home!"
Mikoto didn't seem to mind his loud voice at all.
She repeated, "Welcome home," gently taking the backpack from his shoulders.
She pulled out a pair of brand-new indoor slippers she had bought that day just for Naruto and helped him put them on.
Then, turning smoothly, she fetched her husband's slippers as well.
---
"Fugaku, how are the moving plans? Have we set a date yet?"
Mikoto asked softly, slipping off his coat with practiced grace.
If they could move back to the old clan grounds, it would save the boys the long walk to the Academy.
"Not yet," Fugaku replied calmly. "Still need to clear out a few things. Should be done in about a week."
Mikoto nodded, satisfied.
"Understood."
---
A Sibling Reunion
"Brother!"
Inside the living room, Itachi sat on a tatami mat near the table.
Sasuke's eyes lit up. He dashed over eagerly.
"You're home early today," Itachi said with a soft smile, patting his little brother on the head.
Itachi had previously served in the Third Hokage's direct Anbu.
But now, with most of that faction dismantled and many members arrested by Kakashi's forces, the unit was in limbo.
As Fugaku's son, Itachi had been spared.
No one had assigned him to the new Anbu yet, so for now, he was on an extended break—home all day, relaxing.
Sasuke chattered away excitedly, asking his brother to train with him, to go throw kunai in the yard like they used to.
Just as Itachi was about to agree—
Naruto came running in.
"Itachi-aniki! Long time no see!"
Sasuke groaned. They literally saw each other this morning! Shameless!
Itachi chuckled and nodded.
"Welcome home, Naruto."
Then, spotting his father entering the house, he grew serious.
He looked back at Sasuke apologetically and gently tapped his forehead.
"Next time, Sasuke."
Before Sasuke could protest, Itachi stood and moved toward the entrance.
Sasuke sulked, glaring at Naruto.
"This is your fault!"
Naruto blinked. "Huh? What did I do?"
He scratched his head in confusion.
---
Father and Son
At the doorway, Mikoto stepped aside, sensing that Itachi had something to say to Fugaku.
"Father," Itachi said near the stairwell, "I'd like to speak with you."
In most Konoha homes, the stairs to the second floor sat just beyond the entrance.
Fugaku paused.
"What is it?"
"I want to help. Is there anything I can do?"
Fugaku blinked, then understood.
Itachi was bored—desperate for purpose.
After a moment's thought, an idea formed.
He cleared his throat.
"There is something. But it would require a long journey. Are you willing?"
"I am," Itachi answered firmly.
Fugaku nodded. "Very well. There is a Jonin in Kirigakure I hold in high regard. Talented. Wasted under their current regime. The Bloody Mist policy has ruined the village."
He looked Itachi directly in the eye.
"Konoha needs fresh blood. We're short on elite talents. I want you to go and recruit him."
He paused, gauging his son's reaction.
Though Itachi no longer had his Mangekyo Sharingan, and his power had dipped, he was still a skilled shinobi.
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To Be Continued...
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