“And bring another bottle of Kirin sake!” This time, it was Naori who added the line herself, not minding the teasing at all.
Under Ichiraku’s enthusiastic arrangement, Toji and Naori were led into a private room.
A thin curtain separated them from the noise outside, leaving just enough space for a quiet, personal atmosphere.
Naori picked up the sake bottle and gently shook it in front of Toji.
“Will you have a drink with me?” Because the Uchiha were highly emotional by nature, they had a strong need for alcohol.
Some in the clan even claimed drinking was a form of training unique to them, as the stimulation from alcohol could help enhance their ocular power.
Even Naori was no exception when it came to drinking.
“I can, but only a little,” Toji said honestly.
“Too much alcohol affects the brain.
It might interfere with my work the next day.
I need to be responsible for my patients.” “Then just have a little with me.” Naori nodded in understanding.
She knew he was truly busy, so busy he barely had time to rest.
Aside from her follow-up treatments and going home to sleep, all his time was spent either at the hospital or the academy.
Even so, he still made time to sit here and have a drink with her.
Naori looked at Toji quietly and thought, ‘He really is someone worth becoming friends with.’ “Cheers.” Their glasses clinked softly.
Toji took small sips, while Naori tilted her head back and drained her glass in one go, the faint sound of swallowing echoing in her throat.
“My apologies.” She wiped the corner of her lips with a tissue.
He smiled gently.
“It’s fine.
You look good when you drink too.
You have to stay composed as the academy principal, so it’s good to relax after work.” Naori suddenly said, “Does this count as us sharing sides of ourselves others don’t usually see?” “I can tell you’re not as cold as you appear.
But what part of me are you referring to?” “I thought you only ate food pills or those perfectly measured hospital meals.
I didn’t expect you to come out and eat ramen like this.” Naori was the type who flushed easily.
After just one drink, a soft red tint spread across her cheeks, and her tone became more relaxed.
“Living like that would be too dull.” Toji chuckled lightly.
“I have my own standards when it comes to food.
Ichiraku Ramen is genuinely good.
Out of all the places I’ve been, it ranks in my top three.” Naori reached out and refilled both their cups.
“Toji, would you mind telling me about your past?
Just how much has those eyes of yours seen?” “I thought you’d ask about Yusuke and Masayuki instead.” Her hand paused mid-air, and she shot him an annoyed look.
“You really don’t understand the mood at all.” “Sorry.
Before talking about distant pasts, I prefer to settle the present first.” Then, more sincerely, Toji added, “Recently, three patients with organ failure were saved thanks to those two.
On their behalf, thank you.
And thank the Uchiha clan as well.” Naori let out a soft sigh and drained her glass.
A trace of melancholy entered her voice.
“I understand.
I’ll pass this on to their families.
Actually… if it weren’t for me—” Before she could continue, Toji cut her off, his words unusually direct.
“You don’t need to regret your decision, and you don’t need to feel guilty.
Any choice made after careful thought becomes the only correct answer the moment it’s made.
Right or wrong is just something others impose.” “You…” Naori stared at him, thinking over his words.
“You’re not just saying that to comfort me, are you?” “I can’t do things like deceiving a woman.” Toji said it calmly, then clapped his hands once.
The sharp sound snapped Naori’s hazy thoughts back into place.
“Now then, let me tell you about my past.
I’ve never shared it with anyone since coming to Konoha.” “When I was young, I stepped on an explosive tag set by the enemy.
It detonated, and my mother shielded me, suffering grave injuries.
She didn’t survive after being taken to the hospital, and I was also on the verge of death.
Luckily, I met a highly skilled doctor who saved my life.” “From that day on, I made two vows.
To become the greatest doctor… and to end this chaotic era.” Toji spoke without changing his expression, telling a story he had just made up.
One bottle of beer.
Two bowls of ramen.
They sat there the entire night.
Naori rested her chin on one hand, tilting her head slightly, her gaze never leaving Toji’s face as she listened.
At some point, she suddenly felt her cheeks grow warm and looked away.
Her eyes drifted to the nearly empty bottle on the table, and she poured the last of it into two cups.
“Come, cheers.” They raised their cups and clinked them again.
Glug, glug… Naori drank, then swayed slightly and leaned back against her chair, closing her eyes.
Toji quietly watched her “lose consciousness.” Ninjas didn’t get drunk.
So why was she acting like this?
He leaned forward slightly.
“Miss Naori, wake up.
Are you drunk?” “Mm…” “You should drink in moderation.
Too much isn’t good for your eyes.” After saying that, he stood up and stepped closer a little.
“I’ll use the Mystical Palm Technique to sober you up.” “Don’t,” Naori murmured softly.
“Just take me back to the clan.” “…” ‘At least pretend a little restraint.’ Toji helped her up, pushed aside the curtain, and walked out of Ichiraku Ramen.
The night air was cool, and a gentle breeze brushed past them as he supported the “drunk” woman and they walked slowly down the road.
Naori’s long purple hair brushed against Toji’s face every now and then, leaving a faint ticklish feeling.
There was no sharp smell of alcohol.
Instead, a light, subtle fragrance lingered.
But he remained unmoved.
The scene might have been charming, but it didn’t shake his resolve.
He simply escorted Naori all the way back to the Uchiha compound.
It was late, and few people saw them.
The one who opened the door was Ayano.
“Toji-sama, thank you for taking care of Naori-sama.” She bowed respectfully and said in a softer voice, “She may seem relaxed since becoming the academy principal, but recently she’s been troubled by clan matters.
I haven’t seen her this at ease in a long time.
Thank you, Toji-sama.” “May I ask what kind of troubles?” “Well…” Ayano hesitated briefly, then decided it wouldn’t hurt to tell him.
“A rogue ninja named Yanagi Uchiha has appeared within the clan.
Naori-sama has been trying to bring her back.” “I see.” Toji nodded.
“A rogue ninja… troubling indeed.
Unfortunately, there’s not much I can do to help in this matter.” “Then I’ll take my leave.
When she wakes up, remind her to rest well.” “I will.” After he left, Naori slowly opened her eyes.
* * * Meanwhile, Toji returned to his underground lab and walked straight toward Yanagi.
She noticed the thick syringe in his hand, and her expression changed instantly.
“Didn’t we agree on a thinner needle?” “You deserve a larger dose.” ** ** ** Thank you for reading!
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