What Kurenai Yuhi and Rin Nohara had in common was their own devoted admirers.
Had he offended someone in his past life?
Now, with the simulator in his possession, and as a transmigrator with foreknowledge, why should he accommodate these "locals"?
"Rin Nohara's death would be a waste. Why not claim her for myself?"
Rin Nohara had decent medical talent. By the time she was a Chūnin, she could already use the Mystical Palm Technique. If not for her untimely death, her future achievements would not have been insignificant.
A series of plans gradually formed in Shimizu's mind. Having been given a second chance at life, if he didn't live it to its fullest, what was the point of coming back?
Considering his irreparable relationship with Obito, he had no intention of currying favor with him.
Instead, why not hold Rin Nohara as a strategic card in his hand? In the future, she could serve as a means to control Obito if necessary.
The next day, Shimizu arrived at the agreed location.
Rin Nohara didn't disappoint him and arrived as promised.
Without drawing attention, Shimizu cast a glance towards the southeast—Obito was hiding there.
"Rin, let's head inside," he said.
"This place..." Rin Nohara looked around, taking in the decor of the establishment.
Above the entrance was the sign 'Konoha Steakhouse.'
Flanking the door were stone pillars etched with intricate patterns.
Inside, the restaurant was adorned with flowers, enhancing its elegant ambiance. Every corner appeared meticulously arranged, with soft lighting creating a sense of warmth and comfort.
"What's the matter?"
"N-nothing..." Rin hurriedly waved her hands.
She had never visited this restaurant before. Rumor had it that the Uchiha clan owned it, and it was quite upscale.
Coming from an ordinary family, Rin had never considered dining here. If Shimizu hadn't chosen this spot, she wouldn't have stepped foot in such a place.
"Shimizu, it's rare to see you here. How did you know to visit your aunt's place?"
The manager at the door was about to ask if Shimizu had made a reservation when she spotted the proprietor emerging, prompting her to hold her tongue.
Uchiha Hazuki approached them.
She wore the traditional Uchiha clan robe, with the collar standing tall.
The tailored fit highlighted her slender upper body and her notably full figure below, making her quite striking.
"Aunt Hazuki," Shimizu greeted her.
Having lost his parents at a young age, Shimizu, as a small child, relied heavily on others for care.
Among them, Uchiha Hazuki had been one of his primary caretakers, ensuring he was well-fed and clothed.
Despite her poor aptitude as a ninja, Hazuki excelled in managing her modest business.
When Shimizu noticed the business struggling, he had written down some business strategies and ideas for store renovations he remembered from his previous life. He claimed it was something he had found among his parents' belongings.
He used this as an excuse to give the notes to Hazuki, which eventually led to the restaurant's current success.
"Why haven't you come to visit your aunt lately? Are you afraid I'll be lonely?"
Hazuki pulled Shimizu into a hug, noticing how much taller he had grown. He was almost the height of an eleven- or twelve-year-old.
She raised her eyebrows, pressing her cheek against his.
Having practically raised him since he was four, Hazuki treated Shimizu like her own child.
"I've been busy with training," Shimizu said with a casual laugh.
At the time, his sole focus was surviving and preparing for future crises. He had no time for anything else.
When Hazuki had considered remarrying, their contact had naturally decreased.
After all, in the original storyline, Hazuki eventually married a non-clan civilian.
"And Uncle?" Shimizu asked.
"What uncle? We were never together. I only met him twice, and he spent most of his time doing business in the Land of Water. Do you think a relationship like that could work?" Hazuki shook her head.
In truth, the matchmaking meeting hadn't progressed far. They hadn't even held hands.
Between managing the now-busy restaurant and her own satisfaction with her life, Hazuki had no time or interest in pursuing relationships.
"Ahem," Shimizu murmured, realizing he'd been mistaken. He had thought Hazuki had married quietly, skipping a formal wedding.
But if that wasn't the case, then how would Uchiha Izumi ever come to be born?
It seemed the butterfly effect from his actions might be greater than he had anticipated.
"Is this your classmate, or perhaps your little girlfriend?" Hazuki teased, her long, narrow eyes crinkling with amusement.
"Aunt Hazuki, we're just friends," Rin hastily clarified, flustered.
What if Kakashi found out? How could she explain it to him?
"Aunt Hazuki, could you prepare a private room for us?" Shimizu requested.
Hazuki nodded—it was a simple matter.
She led the pair to an exclusive room and instructed the manager to take good care of them.
"Be sure to visit your aunt more often. Shimizu is growing up and becoming less affectionate," Hazuki sighed. "Boys always become distant as they grow older."
Meanwhile, outside the restaurant, Obito observed Shimizu entering. Timing his move, he hurried forward.
"Aunt Hazuki, it's me, Obito!" he called enthusiastically as he approached.
"Oh, it's Obito," Hazuki replied, her previously warm smile cooling noticeably.
Having raised Shimizu herself, Hazuki had grown fond of the boy. On the other hand, her interactions with the mischievous Obito had left her indifferent toward him.
"Be sure to send your grandmother my regards," Hazuki said perfunctorily.
"Hehe, got it, Aunt Hazuki," Obito laughed awkwardly, failing to notice the lack of sincerity in her tone.
"Can I go inside?" he asked eagerly.
"Of course. Just make a reservation," Hazuki replied, signaling the manager to handle Obito's request.
She then retreated to her private lounge to rest. Running such a high-end establishment required her constant attention, leaving her exhausted.
Obito, meanwhile, was left to deal with the formalities.
"Please make your payment," the manager said, presenting him with the bill.
"Huh? This much?" Obito stared at the row of zeroes in shock. Shimizu had walked right in—why did he have to pay such an exorbitant fee?
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