Chapter 122 - 22

Chapter 22: The Dinner Prepared by Uchiha Itachi, ConversationAlthough he didn't have many valuables at home, and the most precious Ninjutsu scrolls and a small amount of savings were kept on his person, but... if even his only few changes of clothes and bedding were stolen, this winter would be hard to endure!He took a deep breath, quietly condensing Chakrainto his hands and feet, intending to rush in at top speed to subdue this audacious thief.However, when he gently pushed open the unlocked door, the more intense and alluring aroma of food wafting towards him, and the scene before his eyes, left him completely stunned, his ready-to-strike movements frozen in mid-air.In the small but currently exceptionally tidy apartment room, under the warm yellow light, that figure with the Uchiha Clan crest on their back was standing with their back to him in front of the small stove he rarely used.Uchiha Itachi was wearing simple dark loungewear with a plain apron over it, and his long black hair was tied into a neat ponytail at the back of his head.He held a pot in one hand, gently tossing the food inside, while his other hand flexibly adjusted the stove fire.In a small pot nearby, soup was bubbling away, and on another stove, the aroma of rice was wafting out in wisps from the edge of the pot lid."Sizzle~""Gurgle~"The small room was filled with the warm atmosphere of human life, an atmosphere that Naruto had almost never felt in his own "home".Seemingly hearing the door open, Uchiha Itachiturned his body, looking back at Naruto, who was standing at the door, still clutching instant noodles and a wet fish, covered in grass and mud, with a dazed expression on his face.There was not the slightest hint of displeasure at being disturbed on his face; instead, he naturally revealed a smile, a smile that appeared exceptionally gentle under the light and steam."Why are you standing at the door in a daze?"His tone was like greeting a family member returning late, carrying a hint of reproach, but more so warmth, "Why don't you come in and wash your hands? It's almost time to eat~"Naruto was like a puppet, mechanically stepping into the room and gently closing the door behind him. He looked around somewhat blankly.The room had clearly been tidied up; he was still familiar with the location of many items, as if the person who tidied up had deliberately taken care of his original living habits and spatial memory.He silently walked to the small tatami low table, placed the instant noodles, fish, and mushrooms in the corner, and then sat down cross-legged.He placed his hands on his knees, his back straight, appearing somewhat stiff, but his gaze involuntarily followed the figure of Uchiha Itachibusy in front of the stove.Watching him methodically plate the last dish, carefully placing the steaming soup pot on the heat-resistant mat on the table, and then turning to serve the rice...Naruto's Adam's apple bobbed, and an extremely unfamiliar warm current mixed with sourness surged in his chest.This scene, he had only glimpsed through other people's windows, in clips on TV, or in occasional fantasies."That..."Naruto finally found his voice and spoke dryly, "Thank you for the meal. But... there's really no need to do this much. I was just... impulsive at the time and said those things. You don't have to...""Please don't say that, Naruto."Uchiha Itachi interrupted him, placing a bowl of white rice, piled high and with distinct grains, in front of Naruto, and sat down opposite him.He took off his apron and set it aside, watching Naruto with a calm and gentle gaze."This is not charity, nor is it merely a 'mission'."He picked up his chopsticks, picked up a piece of tenderly stewed pork rib, and placed it in Naruto's bowl. "This is the Uchiha Clan fulfilling its promise—making amends for the harm caused by the mistakes of our clansmen. At the same time, this is also my own wish."He paused, seemingly weighing his words, and his voice became a little softer:"Your mother, Uzumaki Kushina... she and my mother, Uchiha Mikoto, were very close friends when they were young. My mother once said that they were like sisters. If it weren't for... that accident, I think our two families might have been very close.""Therefore, me taking care of you is both the family's compensation and my personal... wish to take care of the descendants of old friends on behalf of my mother. I have already received my father and mother's understanding and support in this matter."Uchiha Itachi picked up another pair of chopsticks with bright green vegetables and placed them in Naruto's bowl, his eyes carrying an undeniable seriousness and sincerity: "So, please don't have any burden. During this time, I will try my best to take care of you, just like I take care of Sasuke. Just think of me as... an ordinary older brother."Naruto lowered his head, looking at the tempting and fragrant pork rib in his bowl; his throat felt like it was blocked by something.He clenched his chopsticks, his knuckles slightly white.Descendants of old friends... taking care of you on behalf of mother..."Eat up, try it and see if it's to your taste." Itachi's voice pulled him from his confused thoughts, "You must be hungry after training all afternoon, right?"Naruto was indeed already famished; the high-intensity cultivation and the consumption of his body by the "Heavenly Restriction" in the afternoon were huge.He no longer hesitated, picked up his chopsticks, first tentatively picked up the piece of pork rib, and took a small bite.The meat was extremely tender and flavorful, with a hint of just the right sweetness amidst the salty freshness, instantly activating all of his taste buds.His eyes brightened slightly, his movements no longer hesitant, and he began to shovel rice into his mouth, the speed of picking up dishes also increasing.The grilled fish skin was crispy and fragrant, the inside fresh and juicy; the mushroom soup was delicious and warmed the stomach; even the simplest stir-fried vegetables had a home-cooked, reassuring wok-hei.Uchiha Itachi watched him wolfing down the food, a faint smile on his face, and he also began to eat in small bites, but his gaze fell on Naruto from time to time, carrying an imperceptible observation and contemplation.As he ate, Naruto suddenly stopped his chopsticks.He raised his head and looked at Uchiha Itachiopposite him, that pair of azure blue eyes flickering with complex light."Itachi... brother..." He spat out this title somewhat awkwardly, "Can I... ask some things about my parents?"Uchiha Itachi's chewing movement paused slightly, he put down his chopsticks, picked up the water glass beside him and took a sip, seemingly organizing his thoughts.The air in the room was quiet for a few seconds, with only the rustling sound of the evening wind brushing against the leaves outside the window."I... don't know them in particularly great detail either; a lot of it I heard my mother mention occasionally, or saw in the Village's records."Itachi's voice slowed down, carrying a distant sense of memory, "Your father, Minato Namikaze, was the Fourth Hokage of Konoha, a very great and powerful Ninja. He sacrificed himself to protect the Village... Many people in the Village revere him.""Your mother, Aunt Kushina, was a very cheerful and strong woman. Mother said she was like the sun, always able to bring people vitality and courage. She also... gave her life for the Village."Itachi's words were very official and restrained, with obvious deliberation, only emphasizing their sacrifice and greatness.