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The Uchiha Household
"Excuse me!" Naruto announced energetically as the group arrived at the Uchiha residence. While unnecessary, the gesture was polite and helped him fit in.
Itachi, not sweeping the courtyard for once (or perhaps he had already finished), opened the door and welcomed them into the living room.
Fugaku sat in the central seat at the table. Itachi had vacated the left side for Mikoto, while Kakashi sat to Fugaku's right. Naruto sat next to Kakashi, with Hinata and Sakura following in order.
Kakashi, for once, set aside his laid-back demeanour and tucked away his book, looking appropriately serious. Hinata sat upright, her posture perfect, accustomed to this formality from her upbringing.
Naruto, however, fidgeted slightly, feeling out of place in the rigid atmosphere. His eyes wandered, searching for Sasuke, who was noticeably absent.
Sakura, meanwhile, was clearly the most nervous of the group. Her posture was stiff, and she seemed unsure where to place her hands.
In an attempt to ease her nerves, she mimicked Hinata's composed demeanour, though with mixed success.
Mikoto entered carrying a tray of tea and snacks, which she carefully distributed before calling out to the hallway, "Sasuke, the guests are here. Come greet them."
A resigned voice answered, "Coming." Sasuke soon appeared, his expression one of mild irritation. 'Why is everyone acting so seriously? Naruto, of all people, practically treats this house like his own. What kind of guest is that?'
Once everyone was seated, Fugaku broke the silence with a solemn but warm smile. "Thank you all for helping bring Sasuke back safely. I am truly grateful."
Fugaku's face was remarkable somehow managing to convey seriousness and gratitude simultaneously.
Naruto, who had observed this unique expression for years, thought to himself that Fugaku always looked a little serious, even when smiling.
Kakashi responded with a slight bow. "You're too kind. Sasuke is my student, after all. I didn't do much."
Naruto, already munching on a piece of the snacks Fugaku had been eyeing, grinned. "Don't look at me either. I was just the chauffeur. Pick-up and drop-off service, that's it."
The group chuckled lightly, recognizing Naruto's playful analogy. With the recent introduction of trains and snowmobiles from the Land of Snow, they all understood the term "driver" well.
Hinata chimed in softly, "I only helped with some checks. It wasn't much. Sasuke is a teammate, so of course, I would help."
Sakura, still stiff, spoke in a low voice. "I didn't do much either. Tsunade-sensei handled most of it."
Mikoto, ever attentive, noticed Sakura's unease and interjected kindly. "Don't say that, Sakura-chan. Itachi's recovery on the way back was thanks to your care."
Sakura waved her hands modestly. "It was just basic healing. He would've recovered without me."
Mikoto smiled warmly, her gaze soft but appraising. "That's not true. I heard from Lady Tsunade that your talent is remarkable. She believes you'll catch up to her one day."
Embarrassed but delighted, Sakura blushed. "I'm still far from that level. Sasuke and Naruto are the real geniuses."
Mikoto chuckled. "Those two? Geniuses at causing trouble, maybe. Every time they go out, they overdo it and need someone responsible like you or Hinata to keep them in check."
Naruto remained unbothered by the playful jab, too focused on sampling snacks. Aunt has some ulterior motive for inviting us over today, he thought.
Sasuke, however, couldn't resist responding. "I don't need anyone to take care of me! And I didn't overdo it this time!"
Naruto smirked, ignoring Sasuke's protests. "Hinata, try this one," he said, offering her another treat.
"Thank you," Hinata said softly, taking a delicate bite. She appreciated Naruto's attentiveness it was a stark contrast to Sasuke's defensiveness.
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After some light conversation, Mikoto stood and said, "Keep chatting, everyone. I'll prepare lunch."
Sakura quickly rose. "Let me help!"
Sasuke's face paled, vivid memories flashing through his mind:
Hinata + Cooking + Hungry Naruto = Happy Naruto + Happy Hinata
Sakura + Cooking + Hungry Sasuke = Dead Sasuke + Sad Sakura
This cannot happen!
Fortunately, Mikoto declined with a gracious smile. "You're a guest, Sakura-chan. I couldn't possibly let you work. Please relax."
Sasuke exhaled in relief but mentally made a note: 'I need to learn Mother's cooking techniques with my Sharingan. Also, I must never let Sakura into the kitchen in the future.'
Naruto, noticing the contrast between Hinata's serene demeanour and Sakura's flustered state, held back a laugh. He glanced at Sasuke and silently offered a moment of pity for his future.
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Lunch was a peaceful affair, punctuated only by Naruto and Sasuke competing over the best dishes. Afterwards, Mikoto suggested, "Sasuke, why don't you show everyone around the clan grounds? It's not as exclusive as it once was, but I'm sure Sakura and Hinata would enjoy seeing it."
Sasuke, still recovering from recent humiliations, was reluctant. The last thing I need is more attention on me.
But seeing his mother's encouraging gaze, and realizing neither his father nor brother objected, he grudgingly agreed. "Fine. Let's go."
Out in the district, Sasuke expected curious stares or comments, but to his surprise, there were none. Just as he began to relax and consider introducing the area, Naruto took over.
"This shop sells ninja tools. Oh, and the grandma over there always gives me candy. The mochi at that stall is amazing, and the dango from the cart on the corner is Hinata's favourite."
Kakashi and Sakura stared in disbelief. 'How does he know all this?!'
Sasuke blinked, incredulous. 'Why is he so familiar with my clan's grounds?! He knows it better than I do! Maybe he really should change his surname to Uchiha.'
Hinata, holding the snacks Naruto handed her, smiled sweetly. Naruto's ability to find delicious treats everywhere truly impressed her.
At one point, Naruto called out, "Sasuke! Sakura likes that ornament come check it out!"
Sasuke sighed but paid for the slug pendant Sakura admired, all the while wondering why he was footing the bill.
Sakura, now clutching the charm like a prized heirloom, was beaming. 'Naruto is a saint!' she thought.
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