Chapter 299: Invitation
She wore a Konoha forehead protector.
At a glance, it was obvious she was a shinobi.
"Oh! Isn't that Izumi-neechan!"
Naruto's eyes immediately lit up as he shouted excitedly.
Whenever Itachi took him and Sasuke to the training grounds, Uchiha Izumi would often stop by, bringing water or snacks. Because of that, Naruto had grown especially fond of her.
Uchiha Izumi smiled warmly.
"Good morning, Naruto-kun. Is Itachi home?"
"He is! He is!"
Naruto turned his head and yelled toward the house.
"Itachi-aniki! Izumi-neechan is here!"
The door was still open, and from the entrance, the dining table inside was clearly visible.
Noticing the gazes from inside, Izumi quickly bowed politely.
"Good morning."
Uchiha Itachi cleared his throat and stepped outside, positioning himself slightly in front of her — leaving the door ajar, but subtly blocking the view behind him.
Inside, Uchiha Mikoto's eyes brightened.
"So this is Izumi," she said softly. "She's grown up so beautifully."
Fugaku nodded as well.
Her temperament was gentle, her bearing calm — unmistakably an Uchiha, yet without sharpness.
In the courtyard, Itachi felt uncharacteristically unsettled.
A faint, pleasant fragrance drifted toward him, making it difficult to maintain his usual composure.
"I heard you returned from your mission," Izumi said softly.
"So I came to see you… and Naruto and Sasuke as well."
Her voice lowered slightly at the first part, and by the time she finished speaking, her ears had already turned red.
Itachi paused for a moment, then said quietly,
"You look… very nice today."
Izumi's eyes immediately lit up.
"Really?"
She spun lightly on her feet, her movements shy yet cheerful.
"Have you eaten yet?" Itachi asked.
"I made breakfast today, and there's more than enough. If you don't mind, you can join us."
Izumi hesitated.
Coming over so suddenly felt improper, yet she couldn't hide her temptation.
Seeing her hesitation, Itachi reached out and gently took her hand, leading her inside.
For a moment, Izumi's thoughts went completely blank, a smile unconsciously spreading across her face.
"Here," Itachi said. "Wear these."
He placed a pair of indoor slippers in front of her.
"I'll change," Izumi said quickly, her eyes shining as she slipped them on.
At the dining table, Itachi introduced her calmly.
"Kaa-san, Father, this is my friend, Uchiha Izumi."
Izumi immediately bowed again.
"Good morning, Uncle, Auntie. I'm Uchiha Izumi."
Mikoto smiled warmly.
"Welcome. You're the first friend of Itachi's to visit our home."
Naruto ran over eagerly.
"I'll get Izumi-neechan chopsticks!"
Within moments, he returned, proudly handing them over.
Izumi sat down beside Itachi, her posture straight.
"Sorry for intruding so early," she said softly.
"It's no intrusion," Mikoto replied gently.
"Itachi doesn't bring many friends home. You're welcome here anytime."
Fugaku nodded in agreement.
"Make yourself comfortable."
As Izumi ate, Mikoto observed quietly.
The girl was polite, reserved, and attentive — and the way her eyes occasionally drifted toward Itachi did not escape her notice.
After a brief silence, Mikoto asked with a smile,
"Izumi, what rank are you now?"
Izumi straightened slightly.
"I was promoted to genin not long ago."
"That's wonderful," Mikoto said sincerely.
The atmosphere at the table remained warm and gentle, filled with unspoken understanding.
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