[Ding! Uchiha clan member +1. Comprehensive potential score: B. Reward: Current chakra doubled.]
[Ding! Uchiha clan member +1. Comprehensive potential score: A. Reward: Fire Release: Flame Dragon Jutsu.]
[Ding! Uchiha clan member +1. Comprehensive potential score: B. Reward: Current chakra doubled.]
The system's notifications echoed in Haruto's mind like a symphony, one after another. Even as Haruto and Sasuke made their way to the village izakaya, four new members had already joined the Uchiha clan. The clan's revival continued in full swing.
Haruto's chakra reserves, which had already grown exponentially, were now on a seemingly infinite upward trajectory. Though still far from matching the immense chakra of the Tailed Beasts, his reserves were undeniably superior to most elite shinobi in Konoha.
As they arrived at the izakaya, Haruto glanced at Sasuke.
"Order whatever you like, Sasuke. Don't hold back."
"Alright, but first—50 skewers of grilled kidneys for you, right?"
Haruto chuckled. "You know me well. Start with that."
Sasuke wrinkled his nose in mock disgust. "Grilled kidneys... Seriously, Brother Haruto? I've never understood why adults are obsessed with this stuff. My father loved it too. Once, my mom made him kidney sashimi with an entire tube of wasabi. The smell alone made me gag!"
Haruto smirked. "Sasuke, have you ever thought that it wasn't your father who wanted it, but your mother who insisted he eat it?"
"Why would she do that?"
"Think about it. Without those 'kidney delicacies,' you might not be here today."
Sasuke blinked, perplexed. "Huh? What does that even mean?"
"You'll understand when you're older."
The boy groaned but didn't press further. "Fine. Boss, I'll have tomato and egg noodles. Only tomatoes, no eggs!"
As they ate, Sasuke said, "Brother Haruto, after this, I'll head to the clan training ground to practice. You've been working hard reviving the clan, so I'll focus on getting stronger for our revenge. That's what we agreed on, right?"
Haruto smiled warmly. "You've got the spirit, Sasuke. I'm proud of you."
---
The meal was interrupted by a familiar voice from a nearby table.
"Boss! Bring me more wine!"
Haruto turned and spotted Ketasu Yuhi sitting alone in the corner, her cheeks flushed and her posture unsteady. She was waving an empty bottle and yelling for another drink.
Haruto sighed. "Sasuke, you can head back on your own once you're done eating. I have something to take care of."
Sasuke followed his gaze and grinned mischievously. "Oh? Brother Haruto, don't tell me you're ditching me for that woman. Should I help you bring her over?"
Haruto shook his head, his tone serious. "No need. She's the mother of my child."
Sasuke's jaw dropped. "Wait, what? You mean her? That's Yuhi Kurenai! Brother Haruto, why didn't you tell me you had someone outside the clan? If she joins us, the Uchiha will become even stronger!"
Haruto simply patted Sasuke's head before walking over to Ketasu's table.
---
"Boss! Where's the wine? Bring it already!"
Before the server could respond, Haruto arrived with two small bottles of sake, placing one in front of Ketasu and keeping the other for himself. Without asking for permission, he sat across from her.
Ketasu squinted at him, her vision blurry from the alcohol. "Haruto? What are you doing here?"
"I was here with Sasuke and noticed you. It seems we were destined to meet tonight."
Ketasu laughed bitterly, reaching for the bottle in front of her and taking a long swig. Her usual elegance and poise were nowhere to be found.
"This sake tastes weird... Did they water it down?" she muttered, frowning.
Haruto had indeed swapped her drink for water beforehand. "You've had quite a bit already, Ketasu. You should take it easy, especially in your condition."
"My condition?" Her voice turned sharp. "What does it matter? I don't even know who the father is! My reputation is ruined, and I'll never marry now. Isn't that enough reason to drink?"
Haruto frowned. "You're not alone, Ketasu. You still have people who care about you, and this child deserves a chance."
Ketasu let out a hollow laugh, leaning forward and lightly slapping his arm. "Care about me? Don't joke, Haruto. The only thing I want right now is to drown in this bottle and forget everything."
Haruto stayed silent for a moment, letting her vent. When she finished, he spoke softly. "You don't have to face this alone, Ketasu. Come with me to the Uchiha compound. You and the child will be safe there."
Her eyes welled up with tears. "Why would you care? You're not responsible for me or this baby."
Haruto smiled gently. "Because I believe every life is precious. And because, whether you accept it or not, I'm here for you."
Ketasu stared at him, her expression a mix of disbelief and vulnerability.
---
After settling the bill, Haruto guided the unsteady Ketasu out of the izakaya. Sasuke, having finished his meal, watched them leave with a knowing smirk.
"Looks like Brother Haruto's work is never done," he murmured to himself before heading off to the training ground.
As they walked through the quiet streets of Konoha, Haruto spoke. "Ketasu, you've been through a lot. But running away from your problems won't solve them. Let me help."
She looked up at him, her tears glistening in the moonlight. "Do you really mean that?"
"I do."
For the first time that night, a small, fragile smile appeared on Ketasu's face.
---
Back at the Uchiha compound, Haruto introduced Ketasu to the bustling household. Despite her initial hesitations, she was quickly welcomed by the other women, who treated her like family.
As Haruto watched her slowly begin to heal, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. Reviving the Uchiha wasn't just about numbers—it was about creating a community where no one felt alone.
And with each new member, that dream was becoming a reality.
---