"Wonderful!" Judge said, appearing relieved that the tension had dissipated. He then gestured to the kitchen. "How about you all join us for a spot of breakfast then?"
Stephen and Marlin both bowed their heads graciously. "It would be our honor."
As the men seated themselves at the table, Madam Rubi couldn't help but study them curiously. She still found it quite perplexing that these two virtual strangers had suddenly become her son's closest companions. But the initial uneasiness she had felt earlier was fading away.
Perhaps these men truly were as loyal and upstanding as her son claimed. She knew that despite Sin's young age, he was an excellent judge of character. If he said these men could be trusted, then she would give them the benefit of the doubt. After all, her husband was right - any friend of family was family.
The unlikely group sat together around the worn wooden table, sunlight streaming in from the nearby window. Sin was seated between the two mysterious men, Stephen and Marlin, who he had proclaimed to be his new trusted companions. Across from them sat his parents, Sir Judge and Madam Rubi, who were still trying to make sense of the odd situation.
As their servants laid out plates of food, Sin decided it was time to properly explain things. "I want to clarify who exactly Stephen and Marlin are," he began. "They come from the same clan, from a village about three days journey north of here. I met them on my travels last month."
Judge and Rubi nodded slowly, following along. The initial tension from earlier had dissipated and been replaced by curiosity about these two strangers.
Sin continued. "Their clan is not native to our kingdom. Several generations ago, their people immigrated here from the western plains in search of a better life."
Rubi passed a platter of baked goods to Marlin, giving him a polite smile. Though still confused, the couple was trying their best to make their mysterious guests feel welcomed.
"Over the weeks I stayed with them in the dungeon, I was very impressed by Stephen and Marlin's character and values," Sin went on. "Despite coming from humble backgrounds, they demonstrated courage, integrity, and resourcefulness at every turn."
Stephen and Marlin kept their eyes downcast humbly as Sin spoke. Neither man was accustomed to receiving such direct praise.
"Their loyalty to each other and willingness to sacrifice for the greater good particularly stood out," said Sin. "I could tell right away these were men of honor. So I asked them to return with me and act as my companions."
Judge took a sip of tea as he listened intently to his son's words. This explanation was helping provide some clarity on the situation.
Sin leaned forward, his expression turning serious. "I say this with full confidence - Stephen and Marlin's loyalty to me exceeds that of anyone else in this kingdom. They have pledged their lives to serve me, unconditionally."
The two men lifted their heads up with pride at Sin's declaration. Though they came from unremarkable backgrounds, they now had an opportunity to prove themselves to a respected master. That is what their eyes conveyed to his parents. Though it is fake.
Judge set his teacup down and nodded slowly. "I appreciate you clarifying all this, son. Your trust in these men speaks highly of their character." He turned his focus to Stephen and Marlin. "Any comrades of my son's are welcome in our home."
Rubi gave an approving smile. "I'm comfortable with any arrangement that you feel is best, Sin. If you say these men are loyal and will serve you well, then they have my blessing."
Sin grinned, relieved his parents seemed satisfied with his explanation. This introduction had certainly not gone as smoothly as he had hoped, but he was thankful tensions appeared to have dissolved.
"Thank you for understanding," Sin replied. He turned to face Stephen and Marlin. "I'm pleased my parents have welcomed you so warmly. Together, we will go on to achieve great things."
The two men nodded dutifully. "It is our honor to serve," said Stephen.
And with the air now cleared, the unlikely foursome began enjoying their first meal together. Sin felt confident he had made the right decision in bringing these loyal comrades into his service. Any initial unease his parents had felt seemed to have vanished completely. Together, they would all adjust to this new arrangement.
After the somewhat awkward first meeting with his parents, Sin decided it was time to show Stephen and Marlin around the area. The unlikely trio stepped out of the stately mansion where Sin's family resided into the crisp morning air.
As they walked down a tree-lined path away from the house, Sin studied his two new companions. Stephen was the taller of the two, with rugged features and muscular arms. His most distinctive trait was the ability to utilize wood release, an exceptionally rare power. Sin had chosen his name as Stephen specifically because of his resemblance in looks, to Sin's former coach and mentor. It would be reassuring to have someone with such familiar traits by his side.
Marlin on the other hand had a totally nondescript face and build. But hidden behind his ordinary exterior was a fantastic power - Marlin possessed Sin's clan's distinctive Sharingan eyes. After summoning Marlin during their initial meeting, Sin had bequeathed him the gift of Sharingan so he could fully serve as a capable fighter and guard. For now, Marlin could activate the basic three tomoe Sharingan but was not yet able to unlock the more advanced Mangekyo state.
Sin held a strong belief that, given time and rigorous training, Marlin would rise to the prestigious Mangekyo phase, much like the legendary Uchiha clan leaders whose stories were enshrined in ancient myths. While this remarkable potential might not be readily apparent at first glance, it was undeniably present within Marlin. It was a hidden power, waiting to be unearthed and harnessed through dedicated effort and skill development. Sin's conviction in Marlin's latent abilities served as a driving force in their training and development, as they worked together to unlock the full extent of Marlin's potential and honor the Uchiha legacy.