"This guy, Uchiha Yukito, has quite a strong sense of family honor, doesn't he? He can't go three sentences without mentioning Uchiha this and Uchiha that!"
"Shut up, Yukito. It's just that my taijutsu practice is a bit lacking; I'll defeat him soon enough. Besides, in terms of ninjutsu and shuriken throwing, I outmatch him by far!"
Uchiha Mamoru quickly explained, his cheeks turning slightly red from excitement.
This year, Mamoru, now in his second year at the ninja academy, showcased considerable talent in ninjutsu and genjutsu. However, his efforts in taijutsu never seemed to yield satisfactory results.
Among his clan peers, Mamoru's physique was rather weak; strength wasn't his forte, though his speed was barely passable. In a recent taijutsu sparring session, he faced off against his classmate Akimichi Kazuhito, feeling entirely outmatched — a mouse trying to tackle a turtle, ultimately losing the match.
At this stage in the ninja academy, in terms of taijutsu, only two clans could rival the Uchiha in Konoha: the Hyūga and the Akimichi clans. The Hyūga's traditional Gentle Fist often outperformed the Uchiha. Meanwhile, the Akimichi's large physiques gave them a significant advantage in taijutsu, though their speed and agility were notable weaknesses.
"Really? You better not just be all talk. If you lose to them again, you'll disgrace our clan!"
"Urusai!"
The terms "them" and "us" starkly highlighted the ongoing conflict between the Uchiha and the Hokage factions. Though this was mere child's play, it subtly reflected Konoha's higher-ups' attitude toward the Uchiha clan.
Winter Shishiro, who had watched the TV anime, initially had a favorable impression of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio. However, after two years of deeper understanding, that impression had entirely dissipated.
As staunch allies of the Sarutobi clan, the so-called "Three Families of the Hokage" always aligned with the Sarutobi clan in village affairs, especially in matters concerning the Uchiha. They often played the role of front-line soldiers.
Of course, their actions reaped significant rewards. Leaders of the Jōnin squads, heads of the Intelligence Division, civilian administrators, and even front-line commanders were often from these three families. Were they the only ones suited for these roles? Obviously not. It was simply the Hokage's way of better controlling Konoha...
Like the tense relationship between the Hokage faction and the Uchiha, the children of prominent clans and those from ordinary backgrounds often clashed. One side took pride in their inherited bloodline limits, secret techniques, and long ninja histories, while the other side deeply resented this arrogance, leading to frequent minor and major conflicts — even after-school duels were commonplace.
"Like draws to like, people flock together; the ancients never lied!"
Of course, their relationships varied. Children from ordinary families or those with ninja backgrounds were often closer to the Hokage faction, influenced by a mentor-disciple system that only emerged after the ninja academy's establishment.
The Uchiha and other clan heirs, led by the Hyūga, generally avoided interactions altogether. Given the explicit attitudes of both the Second and Third Hokage toward the Uchiha, no clan would risk offending the Hokage by associating with them.
"I'm home!"
Waving goodbye to his companions, Uchiha Winter Shishiro pushed open the courtyard gate and returned home.
"Is Mika-nee still not back?" Seeing the empty house, he initially found it strange but quickly understood after a moment's thought.
"Ah, Mika-nee seems to be dating now. Hmm! At 18, it's considered late for marriage within the clan. Could it be my presence that's been delaying her?"
Influenced by the Warring States Era, early marriages were common in the ninja world, especially among ninja clans. Of course, some individuals preferred late marriages or even staying single.
After a brief reflection, Winter Shishiro decided to cook dinner himself today, not only as a reward for himself but also as a token of gratitude to Uchiha Mika. He hoped to dispel any concerns she might have.
After checking the fridge and retrieving various ingredients, he set the rice to steam and began his first cooking session since arriving in the ninja world two years ago.
Chopping beef, peeling potatoes, beating eggs—his movements were fluid and unhesitant.
In about half an hour, a table of uniquely homestyle dishes was laid out.
Beef and potato stew, pan-fried river fish, tomato egg soup, and cabbage—only three dishes and a soup, but filling and nutritious.
Simultaneously, the sound of shoes being changed at the entrance indicated someone's arrival, accompanied by Uchiha Mika's greeting.
"I'm home!"
"Welcome back!"
Placing two freshly served bowls of rice on the table, Winter Shishiro called out while looking up.
Unlike her usual energetic and youthful self, today Uchiha Mika appeared slightly fatigued, much like a doctor who had performed hours of surgery without rest.
"Huh! Did you prepare all this, Winter Shishiro? What a surprise!"
Uchiha Mika remarked with amazement, gazing at the dishes on the table. While not particularly exquisite, they were well above average.
"Yes, Mika-nee has always taken care of me, so today it's my turn to take care of you!"
Uchiha Mika was deeply moved by his words.
Overwhelmed, she hugged him tightly and planted a kiss on his cheek, a gesture she had refrained from in consideration of his protests. But the unexpected surprise on this emotionally low day made her lose control momentarily.
"Let me down, Mika-nee. Shouldn't you be trying my cooking now?"
"Alright, alright! I didn't expect Winter Shishiro to be so shy at such a young age!"
She laughed, setting him down while playfully pinching his cheek. She picked up the chopsticks and tasted each dish.
"The taste is quite good..."
Later that evening...
(End of Chapter)