The mysterious death of the Fourth Kazekage continued to captivate the entire ninja world, casting a shadow over the already fragile peace. The tense atmosphere was a stark reminder of the widespread fear that conflict might erupt once again.
However, none of this seemed to concern Grass Village. As time passed, the start of the school term in both Grass Village and Rain Village approached swiftly. The villages were buzzing with preparations, eager to welcome a new generation of young shinobi ready to learn and grow amidst the uncertain times.
…
Early April in Grass Village brought the gentle warmth of late spring. The temperature was rising gradually, creating a pleasant and refreshing atmosphere.
"Have you packed everything?" Mikoto asked, her eyes full of maternal concern as she looked at Sasuke.
"Yes, everything's ready," Sasuke replied with his usual cool demeanor, though a trace of impatience flickered in his expression. "I'm not a kid anymore."
Mikoto smiled warmly, acknowledging his growth. "Yes, yes, Sasuke has grown up," she said, kneeling down to adjust his school uniform, ensuring he looked perfect for his first day at the academy.
All students in Grass Village and Rain Village received uniforms at the start of the school term. These uniforms were designed with a green and white color scheme, reminiscent of Grass Village's work attire but tailored to be a more youthful and relaxed style, giving the children a vibrant and cohesive appearance.
Crafted from light, comfortable materials, the uniforms ensured that the children could move freely without feeling overheated. Notably, they were devoid of any clan emblems, a deliberate decision by the Grass Village leader, Akihiko. This initiative aimed to prevent competition among the children and promote better integration within the academy.
Mikoto couldn't help but admire this thoughtful gesture. In Konoha, students wore whatever they liked, with major clans often displaying their emblems prominently, underscoring their prestige. The Uchiha and Hyuga clans, in particular, had their symbols easily recognizable, with children frequently addressed as "Uchiha-sama" or "Hyuga-sama." This practice often created a sense of hierarchy and division among the students, something Akihiko's policy sought to avoid.
Mikoto adjusted Sasuke's uniform, appreciating how this new environment might offer him a fresh start, free from the burdens of clan expectations.
"Sasuke, study well at the academy," Mikoto said, her eyes welling with emotion as she gazed at her determined son.
As a mother bringing her child to a new village, Mikoto had initially felt uncertain about their future. Sasuke, weighed down by the tragedy of the Uchiha clan, harbored a deep desire for vengeance against Konoha. And To be honest, Mikoto had felt powerless in those early days.
However, their arrival in Grass Village had brought unexpected encounters. Meeting Kushina, who was thought to be deceased, had been a turning point. Kushina had warmly invited them to stay, and they were embraced wholeheartedly by the village community.
Akihiko, in particular, had shown unwavering support, guiding and encouraging Sasuke in ways that touched Mikoto deeply. She was filled with gratitude and a desire to repay his kindness. Just as Kushina had sought employment to contribute, Mikoto now felt compelled to find her own way to give back.
"Today, I also have to go to work, so I'm sorry I can't take you to school. But Naruto will go with you," Mikoto said with a touch of apology in her voice.
Akihiko hadn't pressured her to begin working right away, understanding her desire to wait until Sasuke had settled into the academy. Despite this, Mikoto couldn't shake the feeling of unease that came with not contributing. She had chosen to start working as soon as possible, hoping to ease some of Akihiko's burden, especially since his workload had increased following the departure of his previous assistant.
"It's okay," Sasuke waved his small hand dismissively. "And I don't need that idiot to accompany me. I can go by myself."
Tilting his head slightly, he continued, "Mom, just focus on your work. I'll study hard, get stronger, and I will prove.. who the real idiot is."
Glancing at his mother, Sasuke noticed she was dressed differently today, in a uniform similar to his own school attire, indicating she was ready for her new job. He knew Uncle Akihiko had helped find the job for his mother, and the uniform, termed as work clothes by the village, was issued for her work.
As for calling Akihiko "Uncle," Sasuke had initially resisted, unlike Naruto who readily used the term. However, after a few gentle pats on the head, he reluctantly compromised. Despite his earlier reluctance, Sasuke had grown accustomed to calling Akihiko "Uncle Akihiko."
Seeing his mother's eyes glisten slightly, Sasuke softened. "You take care at work too. Don't worry about me."
"Mm," Mikoto's face lit up with a warm, relieved smile at Sasuke's concern. "Deal. Let's both work hard, Sasuke!"
At that moment, as Sasuke was about to nod in response to his mother's words, a cheerful voice rang from outside the door. "Sasuke, Sasuke! It's time for school. Are you still not up?"
At his words, "Bam!" The door swung open abruptly, revealing a scowling Sasuke standing there, glaring at Naruto. "I've been up for a while, you idiot!"
"Oh, you're already up?" Naruto chuckled, undeterred by Sasuke's irritation. He then noticed Mikoto standing behind Sasuke. "Good morning, Aunt Mikoto. You look really beautiful today, just like my mother."
"Good morning, Naruto," Mikoto replied with a slightly embarrassed smile at Naruto's compliment.
In truth, she had never worn this outfit before. But since Kushina had mentioned that the assistant should wear this uniform, Mikoto had felt compelled to comply.
Spotting Naruto, she inquired, "Has Kushina already left for the academy?"
"Yes, she went ahead. She said I'm grown up now, so I should go by myself. Uncle Akihiko is already there. I'm planning to have breakfast at the academy today, so I wanted to get there quickly," Naruto replied cheerfully. He then turned to Sasuke, grabbing his arm. "Let's go. We promised to study hard, remember?"
"Stop pulling me!" Sasuke snapped, irritated by Naruto's enthusiasm.
"Come on, hurry up, Sasuke. You're so slow," Naruto teased, undeterred by Sasuke's protest.
In response, Sasuke glared and scowled at Naruto again. "I said, don't pull me. It's just school. Act your age. I'm only focused on getting stronger, you idiot!"
"I get it, I get it. You are always so serious, Sasuke, Goodbye, Aunt Mikoto!" Naruto exclaimed loudly as he glanced back. Then, looking towards the academy with determination, he declared, "Aunt Mikoto, Aunt Fuso, Aunt Kana, Mom, and Uncle Akihiko. Sasuke and I will study hard and become worthy successors of Grass Village!"
With that, Naruto led Sasuke out the door, who still felt a little reluctant to get dragged by Naruto.
"Those two kids..." Mikoto mused with a sense of relief as she watched Sasuke being reluctantly dragged away by Naruto.
With a gentle smile, she recalled that Akihiko had already arrived. Blushing slightly at her attire, she took a deep breath and hurried downstairs. Soon, she entered the living room where Akihiko was seated. In a warm tone tinged with shyness, she apologized, "I apologize for being late, Leader Akihiko."
"No problem. It's still early," Akihiko replied, slightly surprised by Mikoto's appearance. Her outfit—a white shirt under a black tailored jacket paired with a black pencil skirt—accentuated her elegant figure. The uniform added a touch of sophistication to her gentle demeanor.
It reminded Akihiko of Kushina and Nono, the previous assistants who had worn similar attire for their respective reasons—Kushina for appearance and Nono for being a little whimsy.
However, Before Akihiko could inquire about Mikoto's choice of attire, Kana, holding little Karin, chimed in with a smile. "It suits you very well, Mikoto."
Fuso, standing nearby, also nodded in agreement with a playful grin. "Indeed, it really suits you."
At their words, Akihiko also realized who had suggested the outfit. Besides Kana, it appeared that even Fuso, who was usually composed, had a playful side. He nodded in agreement and remarked warmly, "It looks good on you indeed."
Observing Mikoto, her cheeks flushed and her gaze occasionally filled with concern, Akihiko understood her thoughts. He smiled, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Well then, let's get to work."
In response to his words, Mikoto breathed a sigh of relief. She bowed slightly, her graceful figure highlighted by the well-fitted uniform. With a mix of solemnity and gratitude in her expression, she softly uttered, "Thank you!"
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