Itachi watched Naruto’s clenched fist and Sasuke’s tense back, secretly feeling that things were taking a turn for the worse.
He knew all too well the prejudice Konoha villagers held toward the ‘Demon Fox,’ and he understood the Uchiha Clan’s sensitive position within the village.
At this moment, the two were at each other’s throats, and passersby were already stopping to point and whisper; their gazes were like tiny needles pricking the children.
Naruto’s conspicuous blond hair and the Uchiha Clan Crests on his and Sasuke’s clothes—if this were rumored as a ‘confrontation between the Uchiha and the Demon Fox,’ it would benefit no one.
Just as he was about to step forward to de-escalate, he saw Sora beat him to it by tugging on Naruto’s wrist.
Sora looked at the somewhat angry Naruto and whispered, “Big Brother Naruto, don’t be angry anymore.
There are too many people here.” Naruto turned to meet those amber eyes, which held no fear, only pure concern.
His clenched fist loosened, and the red marks left by his nails in his palm slowly faded—he had almost forgotten that this was the Commercial Street with people coming and going; it wouldn’t be good if Little Sora got dragged into trouble because of him.
But thinking of Sasuke’s guarded look just now, and Itachi suddenly stepping forward to touch Little Sora’s forehead, Naruto still couldn’t help but snort, though he didn’t charge forward again.
Seeing Naruto willing to quiet down, Sora turned to look at Sasuke but couldn’t help laughing out loud.
Sasuke’s current puffed-up look was like a round little pufferfish, very cute.
“Hey!
You guy!
What are you laughing at!” Sasuke instantly bristled, his small face flushing bright red.
Sora quickly stifled his laughter, standing up straight and looking at Sasuke solemnly: “Sorry, my name is Uzumaki Sora.
You can call me Sora or Little Sora.
My brother and I didn’t mean to offend you and Big Brother Itachi.
Can you tell me your name?” His eyes were bright, and Sasuke’s silhouette was reflected in his amber pupils.
His serious expression made the originally angry Sasuke feel inexplicably embarrassed.
Sasuke snorted and turned his face away.
Although this little guy apologized, he wouldn’t forgive him that easily!
At this time, Itachi stepped forward and gently patted Sasuke’s head, his voice very soft: “Sasuke, don’t be difficult.
If possible, I hope you can take more care of this child.” He remembered seeing Sora in the hospital room two days ago—the little guy lying on the hospital bed, amber pupils staring blankly at the ceiling without a trace of life, like a wilting little flower.
Now, not only was Sora’s body recovered, but he could also show such a vivid smile and even take the initiative to greet people.
This was a rare thing.
Looking at Sora, he felt like he was looking at another younger brother who needed protection, and he couldn’t help but want to take more care of him.
Hearing Itachi’s words, Sasuke’s ears turned slightly red, and he fiddled with the hem of his clothes in embarrassment.
He didn’t want to disobey his brother’s words, but thinking about how his brother and Sora had just been acting so intimately, and Naruto’s defiant expression, he felt conflicted.
Just then, Naruto couldn’t help but want to rush up and shout at Sasuke: “Hey!
Don’t be so mean to Little Sora!” Fortunately, Sora was quick and grabbed his arm.
“Big Brother Naruto, don’t be impulsive,” Sora advised in a low voice.
Seeing the two pulling at each other, Sasuke couldn’t help but sneer: “Hmph~ Listen up, kid.
My name is Uchiha Sasuke.
In the future, I will become a Ninja who surpasses my brother.” He deliberately puffed out his small chest to make himself look more impressive, but his childish voice held a trace of undetectable haughty pride.
Sora turned around just in time to hear this, and a gentle smile appeared on his face: “Big Brother…
Sasuke?
It’s a very nice name.
My name is Uzumaki Sora, as I mentioned just now.
Don’t call me kid.” Sasuke’s face instantly turned red like a ripe apple, and he stammered: “What are you shouting again, you guy…
Even if you call me Big Brother, I won’t acknowledge you calling me that.” As he spoke, his feet subconsciously took a step back, as if he could avoid Sora’s gaze that way.
Sora blinked and continued to ask: “Then what should I call you?
And what will you call me?
I’m curious.” Sasuke was left speechless by the question.
He opened his mouth but didn’t know how to answer.
Subconsciously, he took another step back but accidentally bumped into Itachi behind him.
Itachi had been smiling and watching their interaction the whole time.
Seeing Sasuke trying to run away, he leaned into his ear and teased in a low voice: “Sasuke, do you want to retreat?
Little Sora is only three years old this year.” These words were like a small thorn pricking Sasuke’s pride.
He was already five years old this year; how could he run away in front of a three-year-old child?
Moreover, his brother was watching, and that blond Naruto was also staring nearby!
Sasuke took a deep breath, stepped forward again, and tried to put on a cool expression, saying: “Call me whatever you want.” Seeing his duplicity, the smile on Sora’s face grew even brighter: “Okay then, hello Big Brother Sasuke.
You can just call me Little Sora, like Big Brother Naruto and Big Brother Itachi do.” Sasuke forced a stiff face, nodded, and then quickly turned around to hide behind Itachi, not daring to look into Sora’s eyes again.
The tips of his ears were still red, and even the skin on the back of his neck had a faint pink tint.
Naruto felt much better hearing Little Sora put his name first.
Although he still wasn’t sure what was going on with these two guys, he was indeed the most important person in Little Sora’s heart.
Itachi looked at his brother’s awkward behavior, then at the happy Sora and the gradually relaxing Naruto, and smiled gently.
Seeing the atmosphere improve under Sora’s maneuvering, Itachi stepped forward to pat his head, but Sora dodged.
Sora looked up at him and said seriously: “Touching the forehead is okay, but touching the head directly is not.” Hearing this, Itachi smiled and touched Sora’s forehead.
Since Sora said it himself, he wouldn’t hold back.
Naruto and Sasuke on the side got anxious again, and they quickly stepped forward to pull the two back.
“Brother!” “Little Sora!” The two glared at each other again, and the mood that had just improved became subtle once more.
Itachi and Sora looked at each other with some helplessness, but this time they didn’t stop them.
“Little Sora, do you want to eat something with us?
It’s the Three-Color Dumplings I gave you before,” Itachi looked at Sora, suddenly remembering the scene of eating dango together in the hospital room last time.
“Okay!
I love Three-Color Dumplings.
They’re soft and sweet.
I like them very much,” Sora’s eyes lit up instantly, and he replied happily.
He liked desserts, especially sweet ones.
These words reached the ears of the three, but each had different thoughts in their hearts.
Sasuke: So he likes sweets.
No wonder Brother likes him…
Itachi: Just as I thought.
This child likes sweets just like I do.
What a cute child.
Naruto: So Little Sora likes Three-Color Dumplings.
Next time after eating Ichiraku Ramen, I’ll buy some for him!