Chapter 27
"It really lives up to being one of Konoha's great clans," Naoki Asakawa murmured with some admiration.
Konoha was made up of many ninja families, but only three were considered true powerhouses — the Senju and Uchiha clans, who founded the village, and the Hyuga clan, who joined later.
These three had already made their name during the Warring States period, and even after the founding of Konoha, their deep-rooted strength ensured they remained at the top.
As for the Sarutobi and Shimura clans, they couldn't quite compare. The combined strength of the Ino, Shika, and Cho families could barely match those three.
Seeing Naoki's expression, Uchiha Mikoto chuckled.
"If you like it here, you should come visit me more often."
"I just might," Naoki smiled.
Which, of course, meant definitely next time.
"Come on, let's go see Grandpa."
Without hesitation, Mikoto grabbed his hand and led him into the heart of the Uchiha clan's district.
As they walked, several Uchiha clan members and civilians cast curious glances Naoki's way. The residents here were all familiar faces, so seeing the Great Elder's granddaughter bringing an outsider naturally drew attention.
Some simply looked, while others gave small nods in approval. The Uchiha clan prided itself on its beauty and refinement, and Naoki's appearance fit right in. Handsome to begin with, his training in Qi Refining and the Samadhi True Fire had only enhanced his looks and temperament, giving him a calm, almost otherworldly presence. First impressions were important, and Naoki's was excellent.
"That one's my house."
Mikoto pointed to a modest-looking one-family home deeper in the district. At a glance, it seemed no different from the others — nothing about it suggested it was the home of the Uchiha clan's Great Elder.
"We're back!" Mikoto called as she knocked on the door.
"I'm coming," answered an elderly voice.
A moment later, an old man with white hair opened the door. His face was kind, his demeanor gentle — but anyone foolish enough to underestimate him would likely pay the price.
In a world where strength meant survival, no one could rise to such a position without being tougher, smarter, and crueler than their enemies when necessary.
But right now, Uchiha Katsumi was simply a grandfather, grateful to the boy who had saved his granddaughter.
"Come in, come in. I've been looking forward to meeting the young man who helped Mikoto," he said with a warm smile.
If it hadn't been for Naoki, Mikoto could've been seriously hurt, or worse. And beyond personal concern, losing Mikoto would've forced the moderate faction within the clan to pay dearly to retrieve her. In that sense, the entire family owed Naoki a debt.
Naoki politely greeted him and stepped inside, following Mikoto into the living room. Mikoto and Naoki sat together on one side of the room while Katsumi sat opposite them.
"Don't be nervous around Grandpa," Mikoto whispered.
Naoki chuckled. "I'm not. I'm fine."
Watching the two whisper and laugh, Katsumi felt a mixture of melancholy and happiness. Since Mikoto's parents passed, he'd been too buried in clan affairs to properly care for her. Seeing her like this — cheerful, relaxed, and with a new friend — filled him with a warmth he hadn't felt in a long time.
"You're quite a handsome young man, Asakawa-kun," Katsumi said with a smile. "To be able to use the Transformation Technique so skillfully at your age, even tricking real ninjas — you've got a bright future ahead of you."
When Katsumi first heard Mikoto had been saved, he assumed it was by a passing ninja. He hadn't expected it to be a classmate from the academy — and a younger one at that.
But his praise wasn't just polite flattery. In Katsumi's eyes, someone like Naoki, both bold and cautious, truly had the makings of an exceptional shinobi. Even without a bloodline limit like the Sharingan, such qualities alone could take a person far.
"Thank you. I'll do my best," Naoki replied sincerely.
But just as Katsumi was about to say more, a rather ill-timed growl came from Naoki's stomach.
"Guu~"
The sound made Naoki's face turn an awkward shade of red.
Even though he'd eaten a lunchbox made for two earlier — thanks to Kushina — his afternoon training had burned through the calories faster than expected. Had he known Mikoto would invite him over, he might've stopped by a restaurant on the way.
"Sorry about that," Naoki muttered, embarrassed.
"Haha, no need to apologize," Katsumi chuckled. "Wait right here — I'll whip something up."
It was perfectly normal for a growing kid to have a healthy appetite.
Katsumi left for the kitchen, while Mikoto stifled a laugh behind her hand, her eyes gleaming with amusement.
But it wasn't ridicule. Rather, she felt Naoki had a certain charm — a human side, different from the distant, cold boys of the clan. The more time she spent with him, the more she felt drawn to that difference.
"Don't be shy. Make yourself at home," she smiled.
"Sure," Naoki nodded, though he knew better than to get too casual. It wouldn't be proper to treat someone's house like his own the first time visiting. Still… there was something in Mikoto's words that hinted at something more.
Within half an hour, Katsumi returned, having laid out a full spread — nine dishes in total, both meat and vegetable, and two soups.
There was no way he could've cooked it all in that short time. It was likely prepared earlier and just reheated.
"Hurry up, eat before it gets cold," Katsumi grinned, placing rice bowls in front of them.
"I'm starting!" ×2
Following the etiquette ingrained in him from this world's memories, Naoki joined in with Mikoto before digging in.
With so much food, it'd be a waste to leave anything behind.
Naoki wasn't shy about eating either. Growing up without family in his past life, he'd learned to get along easily with others. And now, having food and company felt like a rare kind of comfort.
He quietly decided to eat his fill, so he wouldn't have to wander around later searching for a meal before his evening training.
Naoki ate with steady enthusiasm, while Mikoto, far more refined in her mannerisms, picked at her food in small, elegant bites, stealing glances at him now and then. But rather than disdain, her gaze held a quiet satisfaction.
It would be nice if Naoki-kun was always around…
Mikoto found herself imagining it — walking to school together, coming home together, eating meals like this every day. It felt… warm.
Katsumi watched them both, feeling a rare sense of peace.
Since Mikoto's parents passed away, the house had been too quiet. The old man and his granddaughter were both reserved by nature, so conversation was often sparse.
Now, for the first time in years, the house was filled with cheerful voices and warmth.
Still, Katsumi couldn't help but feel another kind of headache creeping in
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