The Uchiha compound.
"I'm home, Mom!"
Sasuke kicked off his shoes and called out.
"Welcome back, Sasuke," came Mikoto's gentle reply.
"Where's big brother?"
He hurried into the living room, eyes bright with expectation.
"Why do you always ask for your brother the moment you get home?" Mikoto teased, ruffling his hair.
"I've got serious business with him!" Sasuke pouted, puffing up with indignation.
"He's not back yet."
Her smile only grew warmer at her son's earnest little face.
"Then I'll wait for him."
Sasuke plopped down on the sofa.
"I'll get dinner started," Mikoto said, then paused mid-step. "Oh right—how was school today?"
"Playing ninja is boring," Sasuke answered proudly. "I'll be like my brother—I'll take first place in the Academy!"
"Then do your best!" Mikoto cheered with a playful pump of her fist.
A few minutes later, the door opened.
"Brother!"
Sasuke bolted over.
"Sasuke."
Itachi greeted him with that gentle smile of his.
"Is it true our Uchiha clan isn't as strong as it used to be?" Sasuke blurted out.
Itachi faltered, lips parting without words.
So even Sasuke had noticed… The clan truly was at the brink.
"I learned about the founding of Konoha in history today," Sasuke said in awe. "Back then, the Uchiha and Senju were the most respected of all!"
Ah… so that's what he meant.
Relief softened Itachi's expression. At least Sasuke hadn't sensed the real tension between clan and village.
"Your teacher isn't bad—still teaching Uchiha history."
"Why?" Sasuke tilted his head, not knowing that most instructors avoided the subject like the plague.
"It's nothing," Itachi said with a shake of the head.
"Then… will our clan ever return to its former glory?"
"It will."
Itachi's voice was steady.
"Of course," Sasuke grinned. "With you around, our clan's bound to rise again!"
"…Yeah."
For just a moment, Itachi hesitated before nodding. "I'll set the Uchiha back on the right path."
Night fell.
Two figures walked down a deserted Konoha street.
"You… you're drunk again! You're such a lightweight!"
Kurenai's lovely face was flushed pink as she wagged her finger at Kitazawa.
"You're the one who's drunk. I'm fine."
He had only had one bottle. She had downed three.
"Then why's your face so red, huh?" she giggled, staggering.
"Careful."
Kitazawa caught her by the waist before she toppled.
"I-I'm fine…"
Instead she leaned into him, warm breath tickling his chest.
The scent of alcohol mixed with her perfume. Kitazawa's eyes couldn't help but trace the pale line of her throat, the way the mesh beneath her collar dipped.
"Here we are. Next time… next time I'll treat you again."
She patted his chest with a playful laugh. "Huh. Pretty solid."
"You really are drunk. Should I walk you inside?"
"I'm not drunk!" she shot back instantly, like a reflex. "If you don't believe me, come in and we'll keep drinking!"
"Alright, alright—you're not drunk."
His tone was the same one adults used to soothe children.
"Hmph!"
Kurenai fumbled with her key and opened the door. The dim light silhouetted her graceful figure.
"Kitazawa."
She pressed her cheek to the door, smiling at him. "See you tomorrow."
"Mm."
He gave a small nod and turned away once the door shut.
By the time he reached his own place, Ichiraku Ramen was still lively nearby, steam rising with the chatter of patrons. Kitazawa glanced once before heading inside.
His home was a modest two-story wooden house. The first floor was a general store, selling everything from rice and oil to sweets and soda. The second floor was his living space—room, bath, and kitchen. Small, but complete.
Too buzzed to bother with the shop, he showered and went straight to bed.
A new day.
Knock knock.
Kitazawa groaned, sitting up with a foggy head. Who was at his door so early?
When he opened it, Kurenai was standing there, bright-eyed despite the hangover.
Before he could speak, she thrust a paper bag into his hands.
"Breakfast! I dragged myself out with a headache just to buy this for you. Be grateful, old classmate!" she beamed.
In truth, it was her way of thanking him for last night.
"Thanks. Have you eaten?" he asked, peeking inside—bread and milk, simple fare.
"I have. I'm heading to the Kurama clan now. One of my students is Kurama Yakumo, their eldest daughter."
"I've heard of them. At their peak, their genjutsu rivaled even the Uchiha's."
"Exactly," Kurenai said, flipping her long black hair as she turned. "I'll try out that teaching advice you gave me today."
Kitazawa watched her walk away, murmuring, "Truly a fine woman."
A line from his past life's urban novels surfaced in his mind: A good woman must never be missed, a bad one never spared.
He finished his breakfast and headed to class.
Just like yesterday, he was early. And just like yesterday, the classroom was nearly empty—except for one diligent Hyūga girl.
Hinata was always punctual.
But today was different.
Today she actually spoke first.
"K-Kitazawa-sensei," she stammered, standing up.
His gaze fell on her, and Hinata instantly panicked. Her fingers twisted the hem of her clothes, her face turning scarlet.
"Good morning, Hinata."
Kitazawa chuckled at her flustered little act.
What an amusing girl.