Chapter 88. Ahead, There's a Fat Hamster
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"Isn't the Uchiha clan about to head to the battlefield? How come you, an old geezer, still have so much free time?"
"What's the matter? I'm already an old man. Can't I come out for a stroll during the Winter Festival?"
"..."
This guy.
Still as annoying as ever!
Hana glanced at the stubborn Uchiha Setsuna beside him. Rolling her eyes indifferently, she said nothing more and continued walking forward.
Though it was a festival, the village remained rather quiet at this time.
However—
The front of Yuto's BBQ shop was bustling.
Winter Festival: 20% Off!
And Yuto's Milk Tea… Winter Special: Second Cup Half Price!
The line was forming.
It brought a hint of the festival's cheer.
Of course, other places—like izakayas and Ichiraku Ramen—were also quite busy. And on the streets, most of those out and about were young people.
For the two of them, a pair of old-timers walking down the streets, it felt rather out of place.
Hana chuckled helplessly, shaking his head with a sigh. "We're really getting old. This wind feels biting."
"Old? Hah! Uchiha men never grow old!" Uchiha Setsuna proclaimed proudly. "This wind feels so refreshing!"
"…Are you a child?"
"Hmph! None of your business!"
"Boring."
The two old people strolled slowly through the cold wind and light snow.
Behind them, Yuto, watching from a distance, felt a twinge of annoyance, drawing in a sharp breath as a chill ran down his spine.
Is this what elderly love looks like—constant bickering?
Or is this… a unique Uchiha's unique tsundere?
He underestimated the Chief Elder!
He is indeed the old man who has experienced the Warring States era and witnessed Konoha's legendary days.
Impressive!
Currently, the Uchiha clan was preparing for battle. Once the battlefield divisions were finalized, they would head out.
It was said that Fugaku, as the clan leader, would lead the Uchiha into battle. He held considerable authority and was effectively the second-in-command on the battlefield.
As for who was in main commander—
That depended on which battlefield they were assigned to.
Regardless—
The Uchiha ninja were all brimming with determination.
They were intent on earning military merits, restoring the Uchiha's glory, and re-establishing their presence in Konoha's leadership.
Especially the Second Elder.
Old but vigorous!
Ambitious and full of spirit!
Upon hearing that the Uchiha were heading to the battlefield, his heart burned with passion. He had high hopes for this war and personally oversaw the allocation of Uchiha ninja, maintaining a stern demeanor and forbidding any slacking.
It was said that since Yuto had provided a generous supply of explosive tags, the Second Elder's opinion of him had improved somewhat.
Most of the Uchiha were tense, worried about not making the most of this critical opportunity.
But the Chief Elder—
Good grief!
In the dead of winter, he was out flirting?!
This is not your average old man!
Wasn't he worried that the Second Elder would find out, activate his Mangekyo Sharingan in anger, and cry out, "This world is worthless!"?
Of course—
The Second Elder, a stubborn old man and a brother-complex, would likely grieve inwardly, thinking, [My elder brother endures hardship and humiliation for the sake of the Uchiha, lowering his pride to ally with the Hyuga, while Uchiha Yuto idles away and squanders resources, forcing my brother to clean up after him. What a scoundrel!] Or something like that.
Yuto shook his head helplessly. Not wanting to disturb the Chief Elder's "date," he returned to his steaming bowl of ramen. He even ordered an extra portion of pork. The flavor was excellent.
Though Ichiraku Ramen was still an outdoor stall at this time, it was warm and cozy inside.
Draining the last drop of soup, Yuto wiped his mouth, turned his head and glanced at the stack of bowls. He raised an eyebrow but didn't mind.
He was used to it.
Chatting casually with the boss of the ramen shop, the conversation revolved around business.
Before long—
"I'm full," Suzune's soft, sweet voice said.
Yuto turned to her, glanced at her bowl, and smiled. "All done?"
"All done." Suzune's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke in a small voice. "I was just a bit hungrier than usual today."
"…Want more?"
"No, I'm full!"
"Haha, Suzune-sama still has such a great appetite!" Boss Ichiraku chuckled, taking the payment and looking at the pair. "Enjoy the festival tonight! It may be a bit quiet, but there will be fireworks later."
Waving them off as they left, Boss Ichiraku watched their figures disappear into the distance. His eyes softened with nostalgia, and they misted over slightly.
"It's great to be young."
Then—
"Dad! Someone just ordered ramen!" A little girl helping out in the back called out to her daydreaming father, exasperated. "How rude!"
"Hahaha! It's the festival! Loosen up a bit, Ayame! Later, how about your dad takes you to see the fireworks?"
"Sorry, but going with an old man will make people laugh at us!"
"…."
…
Although the festival was quieter than usual due to the war, there was still a temple street.
It was just that there were fewer people.
Even though Suzune was already full, she still bought some grilled rice sticks, grilled dango, fried noodles, and the like.
Don't ask.
If you must know… these are snacks, and snacks go into a separate stomach.
Anyway, if they made her gain weight, it would go to all the right places, so it didn't matter.
Yuto joined in and ate alongside her.
Suzune seemed particularly happy today!
Holding a skewer of grilled dango, humming a little tune, her eyes curved into crescents as she smiled cheerfully.
Walking along the temple street—
They happened to see the Chief Elder again.
He was playing a kunai-throwing game.
It was similar to the shooting games at amusement parks. You just had to hit balloons with kunai to win prizes.
With Uchiha's unparalleled throwing skills, the old man showed off his expertise and immediately became full of himself.
But Elder Hana's expression remained utterly indifferent.
As expected—
For a ninja, this kind of game was practically cheating. Didn't the vendor look like he was about to cry?
It seemed like the Chief Elder's attempt to show off had fail—wait, no! Never underestimate him!
Just as Yuto was contemplating whether he should share some advanced flirting techniques with the Chief Elder later, Elder Hana suddenly pulled the Chief Elder away from the poor vendor!
Meanwhile, the Chief Elder was loudly boasting, determined to prove the might of his throwing skills to the vendor.
In their tug-of-war—
It was inevitable that there'd be little surprises.
As expected—
Older and wiser indeed!
The Chief Elder had lived so long and seen so much; how could someone like him, an ordinary guy with just some money, presume to teach him anything?
Beside him, Suzune also watched, her eyes sparkling slightly.
Was she feeling so overwhelmed by the spectacle that it was making her tear up?
Yuto thought for a moment, then glanced at the time. He said, "The fireworks should be starting soon. Let's go find a good spot to watch them."
After the fireworks—
It would be time to head home, rest, keep up the spirits and raise the hamster!
Hearing this, Suzune softly smiled, nodding her head as she finished her grilled rice stick.
After tossing it into a nearby trash can—
She followed Yuto as they walked forward.
However—
They hadn't gone far when Yuto suddenly stopped in his tracks. His eyes narrowed slightly, and a strange smile appeared on his lips, sending a chill down Suzune's spine.
What's going on?
Could it be… the Chief Elder again?
But why was he smiling so… strangely?
Curious, Suzune followed his gaze and froze slightly.
Not far ahead—
Under the dim streetlights—
A plump little figure was holding a grilled rice stick in its chubby little hands, munching on it with tiny bites.
It looked just like…
A chubby hamster.
Adorable!