Mikoto Uchiha smiled kindly and said happily to Naruto.
"This kid is so healthy. Being able to eat is a blessing. Sasuke is picky about food and doesn't eat properly, which often gives me a headache."
These words hit Sasuke hard, and he lowered his head and started shoveling food into his mouth.
"Mom, another bowl!"
Mikoto covered her mouth in astonishment. It was the first time her son had eaten so quickly.
After dinner, Sasuke rubbed his stomach uncomfortably.
Ah, this damned competitive spirit.
That good - for - nothing, Naruto, for some reason, always managed to arouse his competitive spirit. He just didn't want to lose to him!
"Sasuke..."
Naruto looked cautious, as if he wanted to say something but held back.
"Just say what you want to say!"
"Why did you invite me to your place today?"
"What's the big deal? Isn't it because we're friends?"
Sasuke didn't even pause to think; it was an instinctive response.
Hearing this, Naruto instantly widened his eyes and looked at Sasuke, his eyes full of cautious joy.
Throughout his childhood, he had been called a demon fox and regarded as a disaster. It was the first time he'd heard someone say they were friends.
His heart was pounding wildly, and he could barely control his emotions. This guy he'd always disliked was the first to recognize him.
"Can I come to your place to play with you later?"
"Sure, come whenever you want!"
Maybe it was those intense gazes, but he felt a bit embarrassed and didn't dare to meet Naruto's eyes.
It was late at night, and Naruto put on his shoes and was about to leave.
"Can you find your way home?"
"Ah~ What are you talking about? I'm not a kid. How could I get lost?"
"You're just a kid!"
He left the mansion smiling. Although he was walking home alone, somehow, his heart was filled with an unprecedented sense of happiness.
Tears welled up unconsciously and wouldn't stop. Naruto walked home with a smile through his tears. Maybe today was the happiest day of his life.
.....................
"Sasuke!"
After seeing Naruto off and returning to the living room, he saw his father, mother, and brother sitting around the tea table with solemn expressions.
"What's up, Dad?"
"You... stay away from that kid from now on!"
His father's voice was a bit hesitant. He must have deliberated for a long time before making this decision.
"Why?"
Fugaku looked up at his son. Unlike in the past, Sasuke was looking back at him firmly. At that moment, Fugaku even felt overwhelmed by his son's strong will.
"Sasuke, Naruto's identity is special. Our clan's situation in Konoha is already precarious. We can't cause more trouble for ourselves."
Fugaku's serious voice rang out again.
He was an eyewitness to the Nine - Tailed Fox incident and clearly knew that Naruto wasn't the Nine - Tailed Fox. So, it wasn't that he had any issues with the kid. It was just that the clan was already under the surveillance and suspicion of the higher - ups. Coupled with Naruto's special status, he couldn't let the clan get into trouble. As the head of the Uchiha clan, he had to think about the well - being of the entire clan.
"No way!"
Sasuke refused without the slightest hesitation.
Fugaku, Mikoto, and Itachi were kinda shocked for a moment. After all, he had always been a well - behaved child and had never refused any of his father's requests before, let alone such a solemn command.
"Sasuke!"
"Father, mother, brother! Since childhood, the parents of my classmates at the Ninja Academy have told them not to play with Naruto. I've also vaguely heard from the adults that Naruto is a demon fox in disguise. That demon fox attacked Konoha Village and cost the Fourth Hokage his life. So, everyone fears and abandons him."
"Where on earth did you hear all this?"
Fugaku was kinda shocked. These news had been strictly sealed by the Third Hokage. No one was allowed to mention them. How did Sasuke know?
"There are no secrets in a small town. Even if we don't want to know, the disgusted looks and occasional insults from the adults will affect the kids. Who in school these days doesn't know that Naruto is a special kid?"
"But I'm sure you all, father, mother, and brother, know whether he's really a demon fox or not!"
"Sasuke, stop talking..."
He isn't and has never been the demon fox, but he's still the scapegoat in the village. People scold and hate him for no reason, which isn't fair. He shouldn't have to bear all this!
Itachi looked at his younger brother. He felt as if he wasn't talking to a child but an experienced elder.
"His current situation is so similar to that of our Uchiha clan. Our clan is suspected for something we've never done. The higher - ups are suppressing us, and the villagers don't trust us. All of this is unfair to us! Neither the Uchiha clan nor Naruto should bear these baseless slurs!"
Sasuke's words shocked every adult present. Yes, they shouldn't have to live under these false accusations.
None of this was their fault.
"I, too, can deeply feel the current situation of the Uchiha clan. As beings suspected and distrusted by the village, no one understands the loneliness and solitude of both sides better than us!"
After hearing Sasuke's words, Fugaku lowered his head deeply.
As the head of the clan, he should create a peaceful and safe living environment for everyone and the clan members. He really failed to do his job properly.
Mikoto also wanted to say something but held back. That child was the only blood - relative of the Fourth Hokage left in the village and the biological son of her good friend, Kushina. The couple had sacrificed their lives for the peace and tranquility of Konoha. They must be rolling in their graves knowing their kid's being treated this way.
She had always been bothered by the Uchiha clan's stance and couldn't help that child. She also felt sorry for her friend.
Noticing that his parents seemed convinced, he turned to his brother.
"Brother, as a Chunin of Konoha Village, what do you think about the Uchiha clan and Naruto?"
Itachi was a bit surprised. He didn't expect Sasuke to ask him this at this time. He looked up at the peaceful moonlit sky outside the window.
"To be honest, I don't know. But as a ninja who's been through the ninja war, I hope Konoha can have peace, and I hope my family stays safe and sound."
"However, judging from how the Konoha higher - ups are treating the Uchiha clan right now, your hope is just a pipe dream!"
...................