Ding! Uchiha Clan Member +1, Comprehensive Potential Rating: B. Reward: Chakra doubled.
Ding! Uchiha Clan Member +1, Comprehensive Potential Rating: A. Special Reward: Fire Release: Headache.
Ding! Uchiha Clan Member +1, Comprehensive Potential Rating: B. Reward: Chakra doubled.
Ding! Uchiha Clan Member +1...
The system notifications echoed in Natsuhane's mind as he and Sasuke made their way to the izakaya. The Uchiha clan had just welcomed four new members, and the growth seemed endless.
Natsuhane's chakra reserves were expanding exponentially. Although not yet on par with a Tailed Beast's chakra, his reserves far exceeded those of all the Jounin and Chuunin in the village combined.
Soon, they arrived at the izakaya.
"Order whatever you want, Natsuhane," Sasuke offered.
"Alright, let's start with 50 skewers of grilled kidneys," Natsuhane replied.
"Ugh... I never understand why you adults love grilled kidneys so much. My dad used to order only that when he came here," Sasuke commented with a grimace.
Sasuke had tried grilled kidneys once but couldn't stand the taste. He found it baffling that Natsuhane and his father enjoyed it so much.
"I'll have a bowl of tomato and egg noodles, but only with tomatoes," Sasuke told the server. He preferred the sweet and sour taste of tomatoes.
"Natsuhane, you and my father have similar tastes. Did you know he even liked kidney sashimi? My mom made it for him once, using a whole tube of wasabi. The smell alone made me nauseous," Sasuke said, shaking his head.
Natsuhane chuckled. "Sasuke, have you ever thought that maybe it wasn't your father who wanted to eat those things, but your mother who insisted? Without those kidney dishes, you might not have been born."
"Why?" Sasuke asked, puzzled.
"You'll understand when you're older. Now, let's enjoy the appetizers first," Natsuhane suggested.
"Are you not having any sake?" Sasuke asked.
"No, I have important matters to attend to tonight. Let's finish up quickly. What are your plans afterward? I might not have time to accompany you," Natsuhane said.
"That's fine. I'll head to the training ground in the clan compound. I go there every evening," Sasuke replied.
"Keep it up, Sasuke. I'm counting on you," Natsuhane encouraged.
"I won't let you down, Natsuhane. You handle the clan's growth, and I'll take care of our enemies. That's our agreement, right? You're doing an amazing job, so I can't fall behind," Sasuke said determinedly.
As they ate, a familiar female voice slurred from a nearby table, "Boss! More sake! Bring me more sake!"
Natsuhane recognized the voice immediately. Kurenai? He stood up and looked around, spotting Kurenai in a corner, swaying in her seat with a flushed face and an empty bottle in hand.
How much had she drunk?
Natsuhane put down his skewer. "Sasuke, you head back after eating. I'll return to the compound later."
"Huh?" Sasuke followed Natsuhane's gaze and saw the drunken Kurenai. "Oh, I get it," he said with a mischievous grin. "Natsuhane, I thought you had important matters tonight. But now, you don't want to go home because you see a beautiful woman? Do you need my help?"
Natsuhane shook his head. "No need. She's already the mother of my child."
"What?" Sasuke's jaw dropped. "Natsuhane, I didn't know you had someone outside the clan. She's Kurenai, a skilled kunoichi from the village. Why not marry her? She'd make our clan stronger."
Natsuhane sighed. "I'm planning to."
With that, Natsuhane patted Sasuke's head and walked over to Kurenai.
"Boss, more sake! Hurry up!" Kurenai demanded.
"Here you go," Natsuhane said, placing a bottle of clear sake in front of her and keeping another in his hand. Without waiting for her permission, he sat across from her.
"Natsuhane? What are you doing here?" Kurenai's bleary eyes focused slightly upon seeing him.
"I came with Sasuke for dinner and saw you. Maybe it's fate," Natsuhane replied.
Kurenai laughed bitterly and grabbed the bottle, drinking deeply. Her usual composed demeanor was gone.
"Gulp... Gulp..."
"What's this? It tastes like water," she said, confused.
It was indeed water, switched by Natsuhane beforehand.
"Kurenai, you're drunk. This is sake. But you should stop drinking. It's bad for you and the baby," Natsuhane said gently.
"Hmph, what does it matter? I don't even know who the father is! My reputation is ruined. I'll never get married now. Can't I just drink to forget?" Kurenai retorted, her breath reeking of alcohol. She leaned forward, her hand resting on Natsuhane's arm. "Drink with me, Natsuhane. I just want to talk and forget everything."
Natsuhane sat across from Kurenai, his mind racing. He knew he had to help her through this, not just for her sake but for their child's future. As Kurenai continued to drink, Natsuhane stayed by her side, ready to listen and support her.
In the warmth of the izakaya, amidst the clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversations, Natsuhane made a silent vow to take care of Kurenai and ensure the safety of their unborn child.