Chapter 5: The Dedicated Medical Ninja
"I'm starting!" Under the dim light, five people gathered around the table, pressing their palms together to express their utmost respect for the food.
It was Matsumoto Nana's first encounter with such a custom, and she mimicked the gesture, closing one eye and opening the other.
"Nana, have you really lived alone all these years?" Uchiha Mikoto asked, placing a piece of fish in the girl's bowl. She genuinely liked this child and couldn't help but feel concerned.
"I'm sorry, Auntie. I was injured before and can't remember much… but I do remember that I don't have a home…" Matsumoto Nana lowered her head, looking sorrowful like a porcelain doll abandoned in the dust, evoking a sense of pity.
Time for the Nana-style performance!
Never give your opponent the power of speech; the play must be seized by yourself!
Create a rich background for the story, ideally involving a tragic family upheaval to emphasize one's own vulnerability, thereby achieving further goals!
"It's okay, Nana." Upon seeing her change in expression, Uchiha Itachi immediately offered comfort, gently patting her head.
Mikoto realized she had inadvertently touched on a painful subject and regretted bringing it up. Her gaze towards Nana unconsciously filled with maternal love.
"Feel free to come over anytime you want," Uchiha Fugaku, who had been silent, suddenly spoke up. Though his expression remained cool, his tone was calm.
Matsumoto Nana's lips curled slightly; her acting had indeed evoked their sympathy. It seemed they didn't dislike her, so with a bit more effort, staying long-term wouldn't be a problem.
"Host, you're really bold!" 077 remarked, noting how daring Nana was to think about living long-term in someone else's home on her first visit.
"Really! Thank you, Uncle! The food Auntie made is so delicious! It makes me feel so happy; it's been so long… so long since I've felt this way!" A tear, as small as a pea, slipped from her emerald eyes down her cheek.
"If only… if only I could live with Uncle and Auntie forever!" she said softly, her voice trembling as she lifted her gaze, trying not to let the tears fall.
If anyone else had said such a thing, it would surely sound insincere, but coming from a five-year-old, no one would think twice. They would believe she genuinely liked this family.
"Good girl, don't cry. I truly wish I had a daughter like you," Mikoto said, her heart aching as she wiped away Nana's tears with a tissue, gently patting her back to comfort her.
Matsumoto Nana glanced at Fugaku, who continued to eat with his head down, but it was clear his thoughts had wandered. He seemed to be contemplating something.
It appeared he was somewhat moved, but not enough. Clearly, just playing the pity card wouldn't suffice; she needed to demonstrate some value to him as well.
Uchiha Sasuke looked at Itachi, noticing his brother seemed worried about this beautiful sister. Though he wanted to show concern, Itachi's presence completely blocked his view of her. He could only pout, continuing to eat quietly.
Soon, Matsumoto Nana collected herself. Her quirky personality amused Mikoto, and even Fugaku sometimes found himself chuckling at her tales.
She spoke of airplanes in the sky and fast subways, and the couple took her stories as whimsical imaginings. However, Itachi and Sasuke were surprised and occasionally laughed at her antics.
Seeing that Nana and Sasuke were about the same age, Mikoto tried to ask whether Nana wanted to be an older sister or a younger sister, but Sasuke interrupted quietly.
"I definitely want to be the big brother! I'll protect my little sister, just like big brother protects me!" Uchiha Sasuke declared, pouting a little, his cheeks slightly flushed.
As soon as he finished speaking, the family's attention turned to Sasuke's red face. He glanced at Itachi and then at Nana, embarrassed, and quickly ran upstairs to his room, covering his face with his hands.
"Sasuke…" Uchiha Itachi watched his younger brother retreat, his hand hanging in the air as he shook his head with a fond smile.
"What's got Sasuke so shy?" Mikoto chuckled, covering her mouth as she stood to clear the table.
Matsumoto Nana and Uchiha Itachi also stood up to help Mikoto clean up after dinner, while Fugaku remained seated, drinking tea. Once the cleanup was nearly finished, Matsumoto Nana sat down on the opposite side of the table and looked at Fugaku.
"Uncle Fugaku, you look a bit tired. I know some simple medical ninjutsu. Would you like me to help you relax?" As she spoke, a layer of light green chakra began to gather in her hands.
Fugaku paused mid-drink, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. This child was so young and yet could perform medical ninjutsu? She was indeed a rare talent.
"Father, Nana's medical ninjutsu is impressive. She treated me once, and the effects were remarkable," Itachi added unexpectedly. He figured Nana simply wanted to treat their father.
Hearing this, Fugaku pondered for a moment before nodding slightly, signaling for them to leave first.
Itachi hesitated, worried about leaving Nana alone with his father. He knew his dad was very strict and feared he might make things difficult for her.
Matsumoto Nana offered a reassuring smile, her eyes slightly squinted as if to say, "Don't worry, I can handle this."
Seeing her confidence eased Itachi's concern a bit, and he turned to pull the door curtain closed. His eyes lingered on the girl, reluctant to leave, but the curtain gradually drew shut between them.
The girl knelt behind Uchiha Fugaku, slowly raising her hands to channel her chakra. This time, her chakra was more refined and gentle than before.
She wanted Fugaku to feel her value, to recognize her outstanding yet unassuming medical ninjutsu.
As the treatment progressed, Fugaku's previously stoic face gradually relaxed. This child's medical ninjutsu was indeed exceptional, and her background was clean—no parents to complicate matters.
In Konoha, medical ninjas were few and far between. If they could keep such a talent within the Uchiha clan, it would greatly ease future medical needs. However, if the higher-ups in Konoha were to inquire, how would he explain this? It was a troubling dilemma.
Time ticked by, and as the final session was about to conclude, Fugaku still hadn't spoken. Matsumoto Nana felt her heart tighten.
"Uncle Fugaku, the treatment is finished. Do you feel any better?" Nana asked, her voice a bit weak, clearly showing signs of chakra exhaustion.
The man remained seated, his posture rigid. Matsumoto Nana couldn't help but internally complain, Seriously? You really aren't going to let me stay? But she maintained a calm facade, standing up and walking toward the door.
"Uncle Fugaku, I'll head back to rest now," she said, her steps slow but purposeful. The atmosphere remained quiet, and she reluctantly pulled back the curtain, preparing to leave.
"Do you want to stay in this house?" The deep, steady voice of the man finally broke the silence, successfully halting Matsumoto Nana's steps.
She paused, letting out a small huff, internally sighing, I did it!
"Yes! Uncle Fugaku!" The girl turned around, her beige hair gently cascading over her shoulders as the wind blew. Her eyes curved into crescent moons, and she wore a pure, joyful smile, like a lost child finally finding a home.
"From now on, you can stay in this house as our dedicated medical ninja. For tonight, you will share a room with Itachi and Sasuke, and tomorrow I will arrange a separate room for you," he said, eyes still closed as he addressed the girl at the door.
"Thank you, Uncle!" Matsumoto Nana clasped her hands tightly, tears of gratitude welling in her eyes.
Her body trembled slightly with excitement. After politely bowing to the man, she walked up the stairs with a light, joyful step.
Success! I'm moving in! Matsumoto Nana proudly boasted to 077 in her mind, no longer resembling the weak and pitiful girl from earlier.
077 commented, I told you my host is destined for greatness! (shrugging)