Riding a giant hound and trying to stay low-key was impossible. In Konoha, even riding a horse would turn heads, let alone a dog. Most people would be stopped by the Police Force within a few strides.
Renji, Meimei, and Blackclaw reached the dessert shop in no time. Renji had just lifted Meimei down when a voice popped from the side.
"Heh, what a coincidence, Renji. Didn't expect to run into you here."
Renji turned. Xingye. Just the guy he had been meaning to find.
"Perfect timing, my brother Uchiha Xingye. Let me introduce you. This is that girl from that family. You can call her Meimei." He shot Xingye a knowing look.
"Ah, so she's sister-in-law. Hahaha. This is my fiancée, Reiko. Reiko, this is the old captain I keep telling you about, Uchiha Renji." Xingye was clearly on a date as well, so the four decided to share sweets.
Soon, Retsu and Yan arrived with their girlfriends.
"Hahaha, heard some show-off was parading through town on a giant dog with his lady. Took me one second to guess who. Among the young generation, only you have a hound that big," Retsu joked as he walked up.
"Renji, your record got broken," Yan added.
"Yeah. The white-haired brat from the Hatake clan smashed it. Five-year-old genin. Hokage sure was easy to convince," Retsu quipped. His girl tugged his sleeve, mortified by his public roast.
"Kakashi? I knew before I left the village. He asked my opinion. Good seedling. He just needs the right mentor or he could grow crooked," Renji said.
"Right, this is my fiancée, Meimei. Meimei, these are my brothers Uchiha Retsu and Uchiha Yan," Renji introduced.
"We know. Nothing about your house stays secret in the clan," Retsu snorted. "My fiancée, Tenshu."
"Nice to meet you, Meimei. I'm Uchiha Yan, Renji's brother. This is my fiancée, Mingyue," Yan said with a smile.
The group warmed up fast and was about to pick a spot to sit.
"Yosh. Ramen devoured. Full HP restored."
The curtain of Ichiraku flipped and out stepped a lively red-haired girl.
They looked over and immediately spotted that unmistakable crimson hair. Memories flashed. The three brothers recognized the girl they had rescued on their first mission.
A blond with a healer's vibe followed her out.
"Well, if it isn't Minato Namikaze. What a coincidence," Renji called.
"Ah, Renji-senpai. Hello, senpai," Minato answered with his warm signature smile.
Before the Uchiha could get closer, three masked ninja dropped in and blocked their path.
"Uchiha clan. Do not approach. You know the reason," one of the masked men said flatly.
"Say it anyway. I must have missed the memo that the Uchiha can't walk here," Retsu shot back, taking two steps forward.
Renji stepped up beside him, eyes on the masks.
"What is this? Root rolling out the welcome mat the moment I return. Very enthusiastic."
Retsu laughed. "You guys can walk on main streets now? I thought you only crawled through sewers."
Yan folded his arms. "What is this, trying to avenge Danzo's bruised ego from the memorial? Go ahead. Show us Root's so-called iron discipline."
Xingye chimed in. "Since when did the food street fall under your management? Last I checked, the Police Force patrols here. Wear a mask and suddenly the world is yours?"
Yan nodded. "Danzo certainly thinks so. They're even blocking foot traffic now. Big shot under one man and above ten thousand."
Renji tapped the hilt at his waist.
"If your hands are itching, try swinging first. I'll resolve you without drawing my sword."
Voices hummed around them.
"Look, the Uchiha are clashing with the high-ups' dogs again."
"Isn't this the third time this month?"
"Same village, why all the gunpowder?"
"You must be new. That Danzo elder got punished after the memorial. Now he sends his men to stir trouble."
"Petty man poking the Uchiha, and the Uchiha never back down. What do you expect?"
"He's the one who treats comrades like tools, right?"
"Keep your voice down."
"Relax. The Police Force is here."
Two patrolling Uchiha arrived.
"What's going on here? Figures. You again stirring up trouble," one said, instantly taking a stance.
"Root or not, cause a public disturbance without cause and we will detain you," the other added, already ready to cuff them.
"Please resist. I'd love to help send you to a cell. Tell your fake Hokage to pick you up. And don't stage a suicide at my door. My heart is plenty strong," Retsu taunted.
"Crowded night, huh. Minato, Kushina, you two are here as well."
The newcomer was Jiraiya.
Renji sighed inwardly. A pity. If Jiraiya had come a little later, he could have made Danzo lose even more face.
"Jiraiya-senpai, out for a drink?" Renji greeted.
"Haha, you. Long time no see. Heard you're getting married," Jiraiya grinned.
"Soon. We came out to stretch our legs and learned half the village is a no-go zone. Even the food street is off limits to walking," Renji said, flashing a smile at the Root trio.
Jiraiya took one look and understood the situation. This had been a recurring circus lately.
"I know your mission, but it does not include obstructing normal interaction. Kushina is under protection, not under house arrest. Stop overreaching and do your job," Jiraiya told the Root directly.
They realized there was no point pressing on.
"We will report this to Lord Danzo," the leader said, then withdrew with his partners.
"Ran fast, didn't they. Still, Jiraiya-senpai has pull," Renji joked.
"Hahaha, no pull here. You young people should enjoy your night. I've got business. Play nice," Jiraiya laughed, nodded to his pupil, and waved off.
"We only meant to say hi and ended up attracting a bunch of lunatics. Buzzkill," Renji said to Minato.
"Sorry, senpai. We didn't expect a simple chat to blow up like that," Minato apologized.
"It's fine. You're still too polite. You two look solid. No wonder you risked your life back then," Renji teased.
"Hehe, you flatter me. I still owe you," Minato said, rubbing his head.
"Renji, stop bullying this couple. Let's go. The good desserts will sell out," Meimei said, taking Renji's hand.
"Right. Minato, we'll talk another day."
"Senpai, I'll come visit you soon," Minato replied.
They left with their partners, parting with polite nods, each explaining the other's identity as they walked away.
Night deepened. Renji and Meimei returned home. In Takuma's surprised gaze, Renji lifted Meimei off Blackclaw with a gentle carry. Their faces were bright with that first-love glow. They greeted Takuma and headed inside.
Takuma watched as Renji walked Meimei to her door. Meimei hugged the precious young man, whispered something in his ear, and slipped into her room. Renji stood there grinning like a fool before wandering back to his own.
Young hearts moved fast. They had gone out as usual and come back with the scent of romance.
__________________________________________________
Your support helps me keep this adventure going. If you'd like to see advanced chapters, check my profile