After dinner, Uchiha Kairen was getting ready to head out — he wanted to see his brothers. He wondered if they already had fiancées of their own. Honestly, he had to admit that arranged marriages weren't all bad. For someone like him, who had no experience or understanding of romance, there really wasn't any reason to refuse.
Just as he finished putting on his cloak and prepared to step out for some fresh air, his mother's voice called from behind him.
"Where are you going?"
"Nothing important. Just heading out to meet Retsu and Honō for a walk," Kairen turned and replied.
"Oh, those two brats? Then take Meimei with you. Everyone else is out there in pairs—going alone makes you look too lonely. That's settled then." She pulled Meimei over and gently pushed her toward him. "Meimei, I'm counting on you to keep an eye on him, alright? Don't let him get lost."
Get lost? What am I, six years old? he thought helplessly. Well… actually, having someone to walk with doesn't sound so bad.
"Meimei, want to go for a walk together?" he asked generously.
"Mhm… alright. Sorry to trouble you." Meimei blushed a little but agreed readily.
The two of them stepped out of the house. Behind them, his mother's voice rang out loudly: "Have fun! Don't come back too early!"
Watching their backs disappear down the path, his father sighed. "Hey, do you think this is really a good idea? I mean, those two don't even know each other and you've already arranged their engagement."
"What's wrong with it? Look at your son — if he's not training, he's scheming about how to strengthen the Uchiha clan. I swear, you men — fathers, uncles — you dump everything on him and expect him to shoulder it all! At this rate, when will I ever hold a grandchild?
"Meimei's bloodline matches perfectly with our Kairen's. She's a good child — beautiful, kind, though maybe a little too gentle. But that's a good thing for our son. I did some checking — her mother's new husband seems to have traces of the Hokage faction in him. The village you're so attached to hasn't stopped keeping an eye on our family, you know."
She gave her husband a pointed look.
"Hey now, what's that got to do with the village?" He sighed. "Still… Meimei is a fine girl. I just hope those two can understand your intentions."
He started to argue back but, seeing his wife's expression, thought better of it and shifted the topic toward their son. Clearly, he didn't want to provoke her further.
――――――――――
"So, where should we go? Anywhere you want to visit?" Kairen asked.
"Let's go to the food street. It's the liveliest place at night," Meimei said after a moment's thought.
"Alright. What do you usually like to do?" he asked.
"Hmm… nothing special. Just chores. I like sweets — I think sweet flavors can make people forget their troubles," she answered softly.
"Sweets, huh? I've got a friend who knows how to make some. I'll have him teach me someday — I'll make them for you," Kairen said before realizing how casual that sounded. He instantly regretted it — maybe that was too forward.
"Oh, you mean Honō? I've heard a lot about him. Your mother told me many stories about you. I really admire you — you work so hard for the things you want. Listening to your stories, it feels like you never stop moving, like you just can't stay still." Meimei smiled, watching him.
She didn't feel awkward around him at all. Her aunt had told her much about this boy, told her not to feel distant from her little fiancé. As for the arranged marriage — she hadn't rejected it.
Because, really, she didn't have the right to refuse. Her mother had said, If you must marry into the Uchiha, better to marry your aunt's son. He's the strongest of his generation — and being with him will protect you within the clan.
"Never stop moving, huh? Heh, I guess that's true. I can't sit still for long. You can't achieve dreams lying around at home. Don't you have a dream of your own?" Kairen asked, his tone softening with reflection.
If he didn't keep moving, in just over a decade, his entire clan would be wiped out. If the clan knew what the future held, they'd probably outdo him in restlessness — might even start a revolt right now.
"Dreams… I want to be a ninja. A strong ninja. I want to protect my mother. I want to choose my own path," Meimei said, stopping in her tracks, eyes steady on him.
"You don't like being back here, do you? You know about your past, right? Your bloodline means you have to return — that's not up for debate. But if you don't like this engagement… we can talk to my mother. She looks domineering, but she's actually very reasonable."
He stopped as well, turning to face her fully. His gaze was serious.
"I know my father's death wasn't simple," Meimei said quietly. "So I don't really resent returning to the clan. Life where I was before was peaceful… but I always felt like I didn't belong.
"I've listened to your stories for months. You're just like the person from those tales — only taller than I imagined. I thought you'd be shorter than me."
"As for this engagement — did I ever say I disliked it? Do you think I could find anyone more exceptional than you among our generation? Your mother didn't force me into this. This is the only decision I've ever made for myself."
Her cheeks flushed red, but her eyes were firm, as if she wanted him to see her resolve.
"Why'd you think I'd be short?" Kairen asked, relieved. After all, this was a lifelong matter — mutual consent was far better than coercion. Only that way could a marriage truly work.
Meimei smiled — a radiant, blooming smile. "Because you're younger than me, little brother. Hehehe." Her laughter rang like a string of silver bells.
Kairen flushed a little, embarrassed by her teasing.
"Come on, if we wait too long, all the desserts will be gone." Meimei grabbed his hand and ran ahead.
After a while, she was breathing heavily from the run, while Kairen hadn't even broken a sweat. He remembered his mother saying Meimei was an ordinary person. So he weaved a quick seal.
"Summoning Technique!"
Puff!
A giant dog the size of a horse appeared.
"Kairen, long time no see, Master! What's up?"
"It talked! This is your summoned beast? It's huge!" Meimei stared wide-eyed.
Kairen smiled. "Evening, Inuboshi. You look stronger than before. I've got a favor — this is my fiancée. Please give her a ride." With that, he scooped Meimei up in a princess carry and gently set her on the dog's back.
The sudden movement startled her, but sitting on the big dog's back for the first time was thrilling. She clutched Kairen's hand tightly, afraid to move.
"Your fiancée? Oh! Then that means she's the mistress! Hello there, I'm Inuboshi. Don't worry, I'm fast and steady," the dog said flatteringly.
"Don't be afraid," Kairen reassured her. "Every Uchiha who awakens the Sharingan forms a bond with a ninken partner. Mine just happens to be… a bit bigger. They're gentle — loyal friends we can trust."
He patted Inuboshi's head, and the dog barked proudly.
Seeing Meimei still uneasy, Kairen leapt up behind her, wrapping his hands gently over hers.
"I'll ride with you. Let's go to the food street — Inuboshi, I'll buy you some sweets."
"Food street? Sweets?! Woof! Let's go!" the dog barked excitedly. He loved sweets.
"He's so fast! Haha, I didn't think such a fierce-looking dog would love desserts!"
"So fast—! I can't— slow down a bit, please, I'm not used to this!"
"Got it. Let's go easy for Meimei. Better?"
"Yes, much better… this is so fun. So this is the ninja world?"
"No," Kairen said quietly, watching the night lights of Konoha blur past them. "This is our world. The shinobi world… is something you'd be better off never seeing."