By the time his patrol ended, Uchiha Chiya headed to Uchiha Mikoto’s home as they had agreed.
It was a typical Uchiha residence—simple yet elegant.
Several cherry blossom trees grew in the courtyard, their petals drifting gently in the breeze.
Mikoto was already waiting at the entrance.
The moment she saw Chiya arrive, a sweet smile blossomed across her face.
“Big Brother Chiya, you’re here!”
She hurried over to greet him, her eyes filled with delight.
“Mm. I came straight here after finishing my patrol.”
Chiya smiled gently at her.
Mikoto’s cheeks flushed slightly.
“Come inside. The sushi is already ready.”
Chiya nodded and followed her into the house.
As they passed through the corridor, he noticed that the courtyard had been cleaned immaculately.
A faint fragrance of cherry blossoms lingered in the air.
Clearly, Mikoto had put considerable effort into preparing for his visit.
However, when Chiya entered the living room, he unexpectedly saw an elderly white-haired man sitting in the main seat.
His sharp gaze was fixed directly on Chiya.
It was Uchiha Sōsuke, a highly respected elder of the Uchiha clan—and Mikoto’s grandfather.
Chiya immediately bowed.
“Elder Sōsuke, forgive me for intruding.”
Uchiha Sōsuke was known throughout the clan for his strictness, particularly when it came to the younger generation.
He had always favored Uchiha Fugaku, believing him to be steady and dependable and a potential future leader of the Uchiha.
Chiya, on the other hand, had always been reserved and had never openly displayed his abilities.
As a result, Sōsuke had paid little attention to him.
In fact, because Mikoto had shown an obvious fondness for Chiya, Sōsuke had repeatedly hinted that Chiya should “stay away from Mikoto.”
Yet today, Sōsuke’s attitude was unexpectedly different.
“Since you’re here, sit down.”
His voice remained deep, but there was noticeably less harshness in it than before.
Chiya was somewhat surprised.
Usually, Sōsuke would lecture him for a while.
Today, he had actually skipped straight to the point.
Chiya bowed slightly.
“Yes, Elder.”
Mikoto was equally surprised.
She clearly hadn’t expected her grandfather to invite Chiya to sit down so readily.
Grandfather never used to treat Big Brother Chiya this well.
Could it be…?
She secretly glanced at Chiya, a mixture of happiness and curiosity in her eyes.
Sōsuke raised a hand, signaling a servant to bring tea.
Then he slowly spoke.
“I’ve heard about your recent performance at the clan meetings and within the village.”
Chiya’s heart tightened slightly.
He wasn’t sure whether Sōsuke intended to praise or criticize him, so he answered cautiously.
“As a member of the Uchiha clan, I simply did what was expected of me.”
Sōsuke gave a quiet snort, his gaze deep and penetrating.
“Did what was expected of you?”
“Your proposal to ‘bring humanity to law enforcement,’ as well as your support for Tsunade’s medical-ninja proposal, are not things an ordinary person would dare to do.”
Chiya was silent for a moment before answering honestly.
“I believe the Uchiha’s future needs to change.”
“Isolation and arrogance will only drive the clan further and further away from the village.”
Sōsuke stared at Chiya for a long while.
Then he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and calmly said:
“Your tea is getting cold.”
Only then did Chiya notice the untouched cup in front of him.
He took a small sip.
The tea had a clean, refreshing fragrance and a lingering aftertaste.
It was high-quality Gyokuro.
After drinking his own tea, Sōsuke unexpectedly picked up the teapot and personally poured more tea into Chiya’s cup.
Mikoto stared in surprise.
Grandfather is actually pouring tea for Big Brother Chiya?
That would have been unimaginable in the past.
Sōsuke put down the teapot and slowly spoke.
“Chiya, your ideas are bold.”
“But they aren’t without merit.”
“The Uchiha’s glory cannot depend solely on the Sharingan.”
“We also need to become part of the village’s core.”
Chiya nodded slightly.
“Your insight is appreciated, Elder.”
Sōsuke’s gaze shifted toward Mikoto before returning to Chiya.
His tone suddenly became somewhat gentler.
“Although I didn’t watch you grow up, I’ve still paid close attention to you.”
“After all, Mikoto has always been stubborn since she was a child.”
“If there’s someone she likes, naturally, I’ll pay closer attention to him as well.”
Mikoto’s face immediately turned bright red.
She lowered her head awkwardly.
“Grandfather!”
Chiya was stunned as well.
He hadn’t expected Sōsuke to suddenly bring up this subject.
He secretly glanced at Mikoto.
Seeing her embarrassed expression, his heart warmed.
Sōsuke noticed Chiya’s reaction and gave a cold snort.
He stood up, though the corner of his mouth was faintly raised.
“All right.”
“You young people can talk.”
“This old man won’t disturb you anymore.”
With that, he left the living room.
Only after Sōsuke’s figure disappeared around the end of the corridor did Mikoto finally let out a sigh of relief.
“That scared me…”
“What’s wrong with Grandfather today?”
Chiya smiled.
“Maybe he’s finally accepted me.”
Mikoto blinked.
A faint blush still lingered on her cheeks.
“Even the clan elders have been praising Big Brother Chiya’s recent performance.”
Chiya shook his head.
“I only did what needed to be done.”
He paused before deliberately changing the subject.
“By the way, where’s the sushi?”
“I’m really looking forward to trying your cooking.”
Mikoto finally remembered.
“Ah! I almost forgot!”
“Wait here. I’ll bring it right away!”
With that, she hurried into the kitchen.
Chiya watched her disappear, a gentle look flashing through his eyes.
He knew that Sōsuke’s change in attitude wasn’t solely because of his recent accomplishments.
It was also because of Mikoto’s feelings toward him.
For all his strictness, the old elder clearly loved his granddaughter deeply.
A short while later, Mikoto returned carrying a beautifully arranged plate of sushi.
She carefully placed it in front of Chiya.
“Try it.”
“I learned a new way of making it specifically for today.”
Under Mikoto’s expectant gaze, Chiya picked up a piece and placed it into his mouth.
The rice was soft but firm enough to hold its shape.
The fresh fish had a sweet, delicate flavor, complemented perfectly by Mikoto’s specially prepared sauce.
“How is it?”
Mikoto looked at him expectantly.
Chiya sincerely praised her cooking.
“It’s delicious.”
Mikoto immediately smiled happily, her eyes curving into crescent moons.
“Then eat more, Big Brother Chiya!”
“You must be tired after working all day!”
Chiya nodded and continued eating.
Then he suddenly remembered Mikoto’s fate in the original storyline.
After swallowing the sushi, he quietly spoke to her.
“Mikoto, your cooking is getting better and better.”
“When I grow up, I’ll marry you.”
“Ah!”
Mikoto’s face instantly turned bright red.
Her hands, which had been resting on her lap, trembled.
She didn’t know what to do.
“Big Brother Chiya…”
“Was that a confession?”
Chiya freed one hand and gently ruffled her smooth hair.
He looked at her fair face, which had become so red that it seemed ready to start smoking.
Then he shifted closer and sat beside her.
“Don’t you think so?”
Mikoto raised her eyes.
With Chiya now sitting so close, her gaze became slightly unfocused.
I’ve been waiting for this moment for such a long time…
Mikoto’s heart tightened.
Tears suddenly blurred her vision.
“You little crybaby.”
“You’re still as prone to crying as you were when you were little.”
Chiya stopped eating and wiped his hands.
He gently touched her smooth cheek, wiping away the crystal-clear tear rolling down her face.
“Silly girl.”
“Big Brother Chiya…”
Mikoto helplessly grabbed the edge of his clothing before throwing herself into his arms.
Feeling her soft body against him, Chiya was just about to move—
Cough.
A cough suddenly came from the courtyard.
Mikoto recognized the familiar voice.
She immediately came back to her senses and jumped out of Chiya’s arms like a startled rabbit.
Chiya rolled his eyes.
That old man.
He must have been spying on us the whole time.
“Big Brother Chiya, you keep eating.”
“I’ll go wash the dishes!”
Her entire face was bright red.
She turned around and hurried toward the kitchen.
Chiya could only sit back down and continue enjoying the sushi.
…
After the meal, Mikoto walked Chiya to the entrance.
The setting sun bathed her face in a soft golden glow.
“Big Brother Chiya…”
“Can you come again next time?”
Her voice was quiet, and there was a hint of anticipation in her eyes.
Chiya nodded warmly.
“Of course.”
“Whenever you’re free, I’ll come.”
Mikoto’s smile became even brighter.
“Then it’s a promise, Big Brother Chiya!”
Chiya stepped forward and gently ruffled her hair.
“I’ll be going.”
With that, Chiya turned around and walked away.
As he made his way back toward his residence, he felt particularly relaxed.
He hadn’t gone far when—
“Uchiha Chiya!”
An Anbu shinobi suddenly appeared in front of him.
“The Hokage requests your presence.”