Mikoto blinked in mild surprise as the young man walked toward her. Most people, after meeting her eyes, tend to turn away quickly. This one didn't.
Renji stopped before them, bowing his head with an apologetic expression. "Please forgive me, my lady. I didn't mean to stare. It's just… you looked familiar. I wondered if perhaps we knew each other."
Mikoto tilted her head slightly, her dark eyes studying him. "It's alright, mister. I wasn't offended. But… what do you mean by looking familiar? You either know me or you don't. To be honest, I don't recall ever seeing you before."
Renji lifted his face, wearing the most innocent look he could muster. "I see… I truly am sorry. I've recently lost my memories, so I've been roaming the village, hoping something might trigger them. You and your family felt… familiar, so I stared without thinking. Please forgive my rudeness."
Mikoto frowned faintly, uncertain. His explanation didn't entirely convince her—but there was nothing she could point to as a lie. And she had no desire to turn a small awkwardness into a larger scene.
So she decided to forget it, saying softly, "It's alright, mister. I hope you recover your memories soon."
With that, Mikoto shifted as if to leave, but Renji's voice stopped her. "Please, hold on for just a second."
He glanced around quickly, then walked first to a nearby dango stand, and next into the toy shop beside it. She watched him curiously, her brow furrowing in mild surprise, until he returned a short while later holding a warm paper package of food and a stuffed toy — a little cat.
Renji held them out with both hands. "Please, accept these as an apology."
Mikoto had observed the entire process, certain that he hadn't tampered with either gift. Still, he was such a curious young man. As a member of the Uchiha, she was used to people keeping a cautious distance, or—more recently—eyeing her clan with suspicion. But this one… this young man stood before her calm, respectful, and entirely unshaken in her presence.
Mikoto's first instinct was to politely refuse the gesture. But her eyes flicked from the package of dango to Itachi at her side. The boy's face was carefully composed, lips pressed tight, but his gaze lingered a second too long on the sweets. The effort to appear stoic only made it more obvious.
A small smile tugged at her lips, feeling amused.
Also, this young man was fearless enough to approach her openly, unlike most who avoided the Uchiha. And… she found herself a little curious.
"Thank you," she said softly, accepting the package.
She passed one skewer to Itachi, who accepted it with the same solemnity as if he were handed a mission scroll, though his eyes betrayed a spark of childlike excitement. Another skewer she handed back to Renji, before taking one herself. The infant in her arms, Sasuke, remained dango-less—he was far too young for such things. But she put the fluffy cat you in his hands.
They settled on a nearby bench, the small triangle of company oddly natural despite the strangeness of the meeting.
Renji exhaled quietly in relief. He hadn't planned to come into contact with the Uchiha, but since the chance had presented itself, he would try to build a connection.
As they ate, the three of them slipped into light conversation.
Mikoto's shifted Sasuke gently in her arms. "My name is Mikoto Uchiha. This is my eldest son, Itachi"—she rested a hand on the boy's shoulder—"and this is my newborn, Sasuke." She tilted her chin toward the infant nestled against her.
Renji smiled politely. "Both of them are very cute. You must be proud."
At that, Itachi stiffened, his eyes widening faintly before narrowing with a seriousness far beyond his years. To him, "cute" was a childish word—an insult, even.
Mikoto chuckled at her son's reaction, brushing his hair back affectionately. "Yes… I'm very proud of them both."
Renji inclined his head. "A pleasure to meet you all. My name is Renji Aoki."
Itachi gave a dignified nod, face set in solemn composure, as though acknowledging an equal.
Renji nearly snorted in amusement, but kept his smile in place.
'This bro-con really is pretty cute at this age. Hard to believe this serious little boy will one day be become the Uchiha clan killer…'
Mikoto nodded thoughtfully, her gaze steady but gentle. "If you don't mind… could you tell me how you lost your memories?"
Renji lowered his eyes slightly, adopting a somber expression. He explained parts of what happened to him. He added, " Teuchi-san has been taking care of me since then."
At the mention of Teuchi, Mikoto's eyes lit up. She clearly recognized the name.
"That was truly unfortunate," she said softly. "But I'm glad you are safe. I hope your memories return soon—and that you remain in good health."
Renji bowed his head respectfully. "Thank you, Miss Uchiha."
Their conversation stretched on, drifting between small talk and subtle questions. By the end of it, Mikoto's guard had softened. She was almost convinced by his story—he hadn't stumbled on any of the little traps she had laid in their exchange.
But Renji knew the truth. He had his skill to thank.
All throughout, he kept a steady focus on her hair in his mind-space, brushing against the silk, reading her emotions in real time. Each time she tested him, he felt it coming and adjusted his words and expressions accordingly.
'Being able to read emotions… it's way more useful than I imagined! It's practically a cheat in conversations.'
He exhaled softly, hiding the smile tugging at his lips.
'Still, I can't get cocky. If it were a male interrogator instead, they could probably toy with me until I spilled everything.'
After a few more minutes of easy talk, Mikoto found herself warming to him. He seemed polite, attentive, and—despite the amnesia—remarkably composed. At last, she tilted her head slightly. "So, Renji-kun… do you have any plans for the future?"
Renji blinked, then forced a thoughtful smile as his mind raced to form a plan. "I do. I plan to open a hair salon at my house next Monday. I realized recently that I have a bit of talent for it."
He leaned forward slightly. "If you're free that day, please stop by. I'd be honored to style your hair—free of charge, of course."
Mikoto arched a brow, clearly intrigued. "A… hair salon? I've never heard of such a business in Konoha. What exactly would you provide?"
Renji's brain churned furiously. He strung the words together making it up as he spoke. "Hair washing, cutting, styling, and head massages—for now. But the main idea is to create a place where women can come to unwind and relax. A space just for them."
Her lips curved faintly, though her eyes still held a glint of curiosity. "That's… interesting. I'll try to stop by, if time allows."
They lingered in conversation a little longer, while Itachi—without a trace of hesitation—methodically polished off every last skewer of dango.
Finally, after a few parting words, they rose from the bench and bid each other farewell.