The two of them rode on the back of the large hound — and there was simply no way to stay low-profile like that. In Konoha, it was rare enough to see someone riding a horse, let alone a dog the size of one. Most people wouldn't make it three streets before the Police Force stopped them for questioning.
The pair — and their hound — quickly arrived at a dessert shop. Just as Uchiha Kairen put Meimei down from the hound's back, a familiar voice rang out behind him.
"Heh, what a coincidence, Kairen! Didn't expect to run into you here."
Kairen turned around — Tch, of course. Uchiha Gorou. He'd actually been planning to look for him later.
"Ah, my good brother, Uchiha Gorou! What a surprise." He grinned, gesturing toward Meimei. "Let me introduce you — this is, uh, that girl from that family… you can just call her Meimei." He threw Gorou a knowing look.
"Ah, so she's the future sister-in-law! Hahaha. And this here's my fiancée, Reiko. Reiko, this is the man I've told you about — my old team captain, Uchiha Kairen."
As it turned out, Gorou was also out on a date. Since they'd bumped into each other, they decided to share some sweets together.
Before long, Uchiha Retsu and Uchiha Honō showed up too, each with their own girlfriends in tow.
"Hahaha! I heard someone was parading through the village with his wife-to-be on a giant dog. I thought, who could that possibly be? Then I realized — who else but you?" Retsu laughed as he teased.
"Kairen," Honō added with a smirk, "your record's been broken."
"That's right," Retsu joined in, "by that white-haired brat from the Hatake clan. A five-year-old genin! Can you believe the Hokage actually approved it? Honestly." He shook his head, earning a sharp tug from the girl beside him, embarrassed by his open griping.
"Kakashi, huh? I already knew. Before I left the village, he even came to ask my opinion. Good kid — just needs the right mentor, or he might go astray." kairen replied casually.
"By the way," he added, "this is my fiancée, Meimei. Meimei, these are my brothers — Uchiha Retsu and Uchiha Honō."
"Oh, we know," Retsu said, grinning. "You think anything that happens in your house is a secret to the clan? Hardly. This is my fiancée, Tenshu."
"Nice to meet you, Meimei," said Honō politely. "I'm Uchiha Honō , Kairen's close brother. This is my fiancée, Akatsuki."
The young couples quickly warmed to one another, chatting easily as they decided where to sit.
Just then—
"Yosh! After that bowl of ramen, I'm completely revived!" A spirited voice called out from Ichiraku Ramen. The curtain flipped open, revealing a lively, red-haired girl brimming with energy.
The group turned toward the sound — and instantly recognized that bright red hair. The memories rushed back. The three Uchiha brothers immediately realized who she was: the same little girl they'd rescued on their first mission.
From behind the energetic girl stepped a handsome blond boy with a calm, healing aura.
"Well, what a coincidence. Namikaze Minato," Kairen greeted with a faint smile.
"Ah, Kairen-senpai! Hello, senpai." Minato returned a trademark gentle smile.
Just as the Uchiha group started to approach the pair, three shinobi in ANBU-style gear suddenly appeared, blocking their path.
"Members of the Uchiha clan," one of the masked men said curtly, "you are not permitted to approach. I believe I don't need to explain why."
"Oh? Go ahead and explain," Retsu shot back. "Because I'd love to know why exactly we aren't allowed." He even took a few steps forward.
"Heh," Kairen chuckled, stepping up beside him. "Back for barely a few days and Root's already come to greet me? Such enthusiasm."
"I think they're here looking for trouble," Retsu said with a sneer. "How amusing — I didn't think you guys were even allowed above ground. I thought Root only operated in the sewers."
"What's the matter? Did we hurt Danzō-sama's pride at the memorial service, and now he's trying to save face?" Honō chimed in mockingly. "Come on then, take a swing. Let's see that legendary Root discipline — open our eyes a bit."
"Funny, I wasn't aware the food street was under your jurisdiction," Gorou added dryly. "Last I checked, it's our Police Force's patrol area. You really think wearing a mask means you run the whole world?"
"Can't blame them," Honō smirked. "Danzō really does think that way — one man below the Hokage, and he's already lording over everyone else. Impressive."
"What, feeling itchy to fight?" Kairen asked calmly, resting a hand on his sword. "Go ahead, make the first move. I won't even draw my sword."
――――
"Look! The Uchiha are butting heads with the higher-ups again!"
"Yeah, that's what — the third time this month?"
"Why's there always so much tension? Aren't we all part of the same village?"
"You don't know? That Danzō elder's a petty man. Got punished over that funeral mess, so now he's sending his dogs to stir up trouble."
"Figures. And you know the Uchiha — proud, fiery, never backing down. Two tempers like that? It's bound to explode."
"I heard Danzō's the kind who doesn't even value comrades."
"Hey, keep your voice down! You wanna get dragged off?"
"Relax — see? The Police Force is already here. They've got no time to bother with me."
――――
"What's going on here? Oh, of course. You lot again, causing trouble," one patrolling Uchiha said as he arrived on the scene.
"Root or not, unless you've got a damn good reason, you're committing public disturbance — and we have full authority to detain you," another officer warned, already preparing to act.
"Please do," Retsu said with a grin. "Resist arrest and we'll gladly escort you straight to a cell. Let your fake-Hokage come bail you out — and don't you dare come crying suicide at my doorstep. I've got a strong heart; you won't guilt me to death."
Just then, a new voice cut through the air.
"Well now, what a lively crowd. Minato, Kushina — you two are here too, huh?"
It was none other than Jiraiya.
The moment Kairen saw him, he sighed inwardly, Tch, too bad. If he'd come a few minutes later, I could've really humiliated that old Danzō.
"Ah, Jiraiya-senpai! Out for a drink?" Kairen greeted cheerfully.
"Haha, it's been a while, hasn't it? I heard you're getting married."
"Yeah, soon enough," Kairen replied with a grin. "We were just taking a stroll. Didn't realize the village had changed so much — everything's a restricted zone now. Can't even walk down the food street." He smiled pointedly at the Root ninja.
Jiraiya only needed one glance to understand the situation — this kind of thing had been happening a lot lately.
"I know what your assignment is," Jiraiya said sternly to the Root operatives, "but it doesn't include interfering with normal social contact. Kushina's being protected, not imprisoned. Stop overstepping your authority and do your job properly."
The Root members knew there was no point arguing. "We will report this to Danzō-sama," one said curtly before they vanished into the shadows.
"Gone already, huh?" Kairen chuckled. "Jiraiya-senpai sure knows how to command respect."
"Hahaha, don't flatter me," Jiraiya replied with a booming laugh. "You young folks should just enjoy yourselves. I've got other matters to attend to, so I'll leave you to it." He gave his student a nod and waved as he left.
Kairen turned to Minato. "All I wanted was to say hi and catch up — didn't expect a whole circus to show up. What a buzzkill."
"Sorry, senpai," Minato said sheepishly. "We didn't expect it either. Just a few words and it turned into this mess."
"It's fine, it's fine," Kairen said, waving it off. "You're still as polite as ever. You two make a good pair — no wonder you risked your life for her back then." He shot him a teasing grin.
"Hehe, senpai, don't say that. I still owe you from that time," Minato said, rubbing the back of his head awkwardly.
"Kairen, don't bully the lovebirds. Let's go before all the sweets are gone," Meimei said as she tugged on his hand.
"Oh, right! Well, Minato, we'll talk again soon."
"Of course, senpai. I'll come visit next time."
Each walked away with their partner, politely exchanging goodbyes. From behind, it was easy to tell — both men were quietly explaining to their dates who the other was.
――――
As night deepened, Kairen and Meimei returned home.
Under the surprised gaze of his father, Kairen dismounted from the hound while carrying Meimei in his arms. Both wore bright smiles — the unmistakable glow of budding love.
They greeted the older man and headed inside together.
The uncle watched as Kairen escorted Meimei to her door. She hugged the "precious son," whispered something softly in his ear, then turned to head back to her room.
And there Kairen stood, grinning like an idiot for a good while before stumbling back to his own room.
The older man could only sigh.
Kids these days move fast — he left the house a boy, and came back smelling of love.
***********************
Read advanced chapter ahead of everyone else on my P@treon.
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