Then, without hesitation, he grabbed his chopsticks and began slurping noodles like a man possessed, seemingly immune to the heat.
It's said that food tastes best when one is truly hungry...and tonight, that was absolutely true.
Arata devoured his ramen at a speed no ordinary person could match.
By the time he drained the last drop of broth, Ayame.....who had been watching him closely...had already brought over the next bowl .
When he finally set down his chopsticks, utterly satisfied, six empty bowls stood before him.
Even the experienced Ichiraku owner and Ayame were left speechless at the sight of his appetite.
After paying and exchanging a cheerful goodbye, Arata strolled lazily back toward the Uchiha compound, content and full.
The Next Morning
At dawn, Uchiha Arata reported to the Hokage's office.
After all, it was his suggestion to retrieve Karin from the Land of Grass, so showing up late wouldn't look good.
Being too casual around the Third Hokage might raise suspicion.
When Arata arrived at the Anbu base, the Third Hokage was already at his desk.
His first order of business was to summon Kakashi, Uchiha Arata, and Uzuki Yugao for a mission briefing.
Kakashi and Yugao had just returned from outside missions.
Not sure what was going on, Kakashi glanced at Arata, silently asking if he knew anything.
Arata did, of course.....but he only shook his head, pretending ignorance.
Kakashi then called Yugao from the adjoining room, and together they made their way to the Hokage's office.
It was Arata's first time seeing Uzuki Yugao up close.
She was a few years younger than him, but already a graceful young woman.
Years of sword training had given her a refined, agile figure.....and a refreshing aura that set her apart.
For Yugao, it was also her first real look at Uchiha Arata.
She had seen him from afar before and heard his name many times, but standing this close, she found herself surprised.
He wasn't much older than her, yet his looks were exceptional.....even among the famously handsome Uchiha, he stood out.
More importantly, unlike the cold, proud air most Uchiha carried, Arata radiated a gentle calm that made people instinctively comfortable around him.
The sudden realization that the renowned Uchiha Arata was not only powerful but also handsome and approachable made her blush faintly.
While Kakashi made introductions, she tried to maintain composure, but her tightly clasped hands betrayed her nervousness.
After a brief round of greetings, the trio hurried toward the Hokage's office...there would be time for conversation later.
When the three arrived, the Third Hokage didn't waste words.
He took a slow puff from his pipe, exhaled, and began in a measured tone.
"Kakashi, Uchiha Arata, Uzuki Yugao—
I've received intel that in the Land of Grass, within Kusagakure, there lives a mother and daughter from the Uzumaki Clan of the fallen Land of Whirlpools.
Their current situation seems dire."
He paused, letting the weight of the words settle before continuing.
"Although Uzushiogakure was destroyed, the alliance between Konoha and the Uzumaki Clan remains.
For their safety, I am assigning you to bring them back to the village.....by my personal order as the Third Hokage."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly as he turned to Kakashi.
"You understand, don't you? The Uzumaki possess unique vitality and chakra.
Bringing them back will not only strengthen Konoha...it will also provide them with a true home."
Kakashi's expression flickered at the mention of the Uzumaki.
Memories surfaced unbidden.....memories of his late teacher, Minato-sensei, and Kushina Uzumaki.
That name stirred both pain and warmth in him, a place in his heart he could never quite touch or forget.
He took a steadying breath, then nodded firmly.
Understood, Hokage-sama. We'll see it done."
Hiruzen nodded, pleased with his composure
Good.
According to reports, the mother's condition is poor. You must depart immediately and do everything possible to preserve her life."
The three bowed in acknowledgment and swiftly left to prepare.
Arata didn't actually need to pack.....his personal dimensional space held everything he could ever need.....but he still intended to stop by Mikoto's home before leaving.
It wouldn't be right to vanish without a word and make her worry.
After setting a meeting time with Kakashi and Yugao, Arata headed to Mikoto's house.
When he arrived, she was already awake, having breakfast with little Sasuke.
Uchiha Izumi and Uchiha Ha were quietly assisting nearby.
Arata didn't linger to eat. He briefly explained the mission, ruffled Sasuke's soft hair with a faint smile, and left.
(Say what you will about his future attitude.....but as a kid, Sasuke's hair was surprisingly soft and not prickly at all.)
Though he didn't truly need supplies, Arata still threw together a large backpack.
After all, showing up empty-handed while his teammates carried full packs would draw unnecessary attention.
With that done, he made his way toward Konoha's main gate, ready to embark on their mission to the Land of Grass.
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