Chapter 4: First Steps into the Uchiha Family
The streetlights hung low, casting a faint glow as Uchiha Itachi walked steadily, carrying Nana on his back. He wasn't sure how long they had been walking, but their shadows had shifted from behind them to in front.
Though they were strangers to each other, it felt as if they had known one another for a long time—perhaps from a manga or an anime… Matsumoto Nana couldn't quite remember.
"What's wrong? I've been meaning to ask, why do you look so sad when you look at me?" Uchiha Itachi asked softly, having sensed her quiet sobs.
"It's nothing… Onii-chan, what do you think the meaning of life is?" Matsumoto Nana sniffed, her voice a bit muffled. Was it sadness? How could his fate not evoke sorrow?
"Life is born, and life passes away. Protecting you, my brother, and the hopes of others who are also being born—this is the meaning of life."
As Itachi gazed into the endless distance, he slowly articulated his thoughts. Life involves struggle, but it can also be a form of salvation. For him, protecting others was the essence of life.
"Is that so… Don't you get tired thinking about so much every day?" Matsumoto Nana wrapped her arms around Itachi's neck, leaning against his back and inhaling the pleasant scent of gardenias emanating from him.
"Maybe a little, but like right now, we'll soon be home. After a good dinner and a good night's sleep, I can alleviate some of that fatigue."
Talking about this topic made Itachi feel happy because it made him feel less alone. It seemed that there was someone else who pondered the same questions he did, their thoughts colliding in an unspoken connection.
At this point, Uchiha Itachi hadn't yet been burdened by the heavy pressures of his family, and his tone was slightly brighter. As they conversed, they had already arrived at the Uchiha compound.
"I'm home, Mom, Dad," Itachi called out as he opened the door, greeting his family as usual.
"Welcome back, big brother! Huh? Who's this…?" Uchiha Sasuke, seeing his brother return, quickly ran over with bare feet.
He intended to ask for a hug as he usually did, only to discover a small figure on his brother's back. The girl, dressed in a white dress, revealed only her exquisite emerald eyes.
Both Uchiha Fugaku, who was drinking tea, and Uchiha Mikoto, who was cooking, looked up at the entrance. Itachi gently cradled the girl in his arms before setting her down on the ground.
He took Matsumoto Nana's small hand, explaining her situation and asking to let her stay for the night, promising to arrange for her accommodation with the Third Hokage the next morning.
As Fugaku listened, his brows furrowed deeper. He couldn't believe his son was bringing an unknown girl into the Uchiha household, a family he had always been proud of.
He downed his tea in one go, the cup clattering loudly on the table. Raising his gaze, he prepared to scrutinize the girl Itachi had brought home.
The light illuminated Matsumoto Nana's face, finally revealing her clear features. She shyly sucked on her finger, her big watery emerald eyes pleading toward the Uchiha couple.
"I'm sorry to intrude. Please let me stay just for tonight," her delicate voice trembled slightly, fearing that her exquisite face would twist into a frown and burst into tears if she were refused.
077 in Nana's mind secretly admired her acting skills. What a pitiful sight! This is definitely award-winning performance level!
"What a cute girl!" Young Sasuke had never seen such a scene and instantly said what was on his mind.
Realizing his outburst, he quickly blushed and covered his mouth, but his eyes kept glancing at Matsumoto Nana despite himself.
Uchiha Fugaku's initially stern expression softened a bit as he looked at the girl. She seemed like just an ordinary child. Was he being overly sensitive?
He wasn't a heartless person and didn't want such a young child to spend the night on the streets. However, given the increasingly tense relations between the Uchiha and the village, he didn't want to give anyone an opportunity to use this against them.
Fugaku simply lowered his gaze, pondering over his tea cup, not responding immediately to Itachi and Matsumoto Nana's request.
The air fell into silence, and for a moment, no one spoke. Sasuke glanced between his brother and his father, confused about why his father wouldn't let such a lovely girl stay.
Matsumoto Nana's heart raced as she held Itachi's hand tighter. She knew that Fugaku prioritized family interests and was likely worried about the implications of his actions.
Sensing the girl's anxiety, Itachi gently patted her hand with his other hand, signaling her to relax.
"Father?" Itachi called out to the silent Fugaku, raising his voice slightly.
"Hmm, I understand." Fugaku finally responded, as if he had made a decision. He stood up and turned toward the kitchen to help his wife bring the dishes to the table.
Seeing her husband's demeanor, Mikoto realized he had agreed to Itachi's request. She could tell Fugaku didn't dislike the child; it was just that he tended to overthink, which made him seem cold and unfeeling.
Honestly, he wanted to let the girl stay but felt awkward about voicing it. What a stubborn personality, Mikoto thought with a smile, understanding Fugaku's true feelings.
"Come eat, children!" Mikoto called gently to the three kids still standing at the door.
"Coming, Mom!" Sasuke happily responded, knowing his father had agreed to let the beautiful girl stay the night. He couldn't help but feel delighted.
He ran to Itachi's side, taking his brother's free hand while stealing shy glances at Matsumoto Nana, only to turn away and pretend he hadn't seen her.
Itachi chuckled softly at Sasuke's adorable antics, affectionately leading both Sasuke and Nana into the house.
"This girl, she's even prettier up close than from afar!" Mikoto exclaimed without hesitation. She had noticed from a distance that the child was exceptionally beautiful, but seeing her up close made her appear even sweeter and cuter.
"Thank you for the compliment, Auntie!" Matsumoto Nana's lips curled into a sweet smile, her eyes sparkling on her delicate face. Her flawless, fair skin hinted at a soft pink glow, radiating playfulness and vitality.
Heaven… an angel! Sasuke thought, his face flushed as he gazed at the girl's exquisite features.