Looking at Karura's teasing smile, Isamu immediately understood what she meant. Wearing a helpless expression, he said,
"I know what you're getting at, Karura, but you're overthinking it. After so many years, the blood relationship between those two families, who were originally one family, has long since faded. There wouldn't be any problem."
Karura smirked.
"Heh, that may be true for most people, but your wife also seems to be a descendant of Ashura's line. I'm afraid there might still be…"
Hearing her words, Isamu thought it over carefully. At first, it did seem possible, but after another moment of consideration, he shook his head.
"You're worrying too much. Even though we're both descendants of the same lineage, our bloodlines are far from pure. After five generations, there's practically no issue at all, so you can relax. Besides, I already have a grandson. Where could there possibly be a problem?"
Karura glanced at little Itachi beside them and nodded.
"Hmm, that's true. Your grandson is already this big, so I suppose there really isn't much of a problem… though it still feels a little strange."
"What's strange about it? Isn't it a good thing for two clans that fought each other for generations to finally unite? Besides, if your eldest brother and second brother knew that their descendants had reconciled, they'd surely be comforted in the afterlife."
"…Perhaps."
⸻
After their simple meal, the family wandered through the night market for a while before heading home.
Mikoto and Karura were each carrying a mountain of shopping bags.
It had to be said that, regardless of which world they came from, women possessed an extraordinary talent for shopping.
"Oh my, this world is incredible! There are so many fascinating things. The food is delicious, and there are all kinds of strange and wonderful items everywhere. It's amazing!"
Isamu looked at the pile of purchases and sighed.
"Even if you like it, Karura… did you really need to buy this much?"
"You've got some nerve saying that. Mikoto paid for everything. You're already this old and don't even have any savings. That's just too… too… Itachi, help me think of the word!"
"Too lame!" Itachi answered with a grin.
"Yes, that's it! Too lame! You've worked your whole life and ended up with nothing to your name. Aren't you embarrassed, Isamu?"
Being roasted so mercilessly in front of both his daughter-in-law and grandson left Isamu feeling rather awkward.
He coughed lightly.
"How do you know I don't have any money? I simply wanted to let Mikoto show a little filial respect. Isn't that right, Mikoto?"
"Y-Yes, Father. As the younger generation, it's only natural for us to show our respect."
"What do you mean, 'Yes'? Mikoto, don't listen to him. He's already at his age, has no savings whatsoever, and still has the nerve to make excuses. Don't worry. You've got me backing you up, so there's no need to be afraid of him."
"Uh…"
Mikoto didn't know how to answer.
She had been raised in a prestigious clan, and her upbringing had never allowed her to be disrespectful toward her elders.
Karura, however, was completely different.
She had been the treasured princess of her family since childhood, spoiled by everyone around her. Naturally, her personality was much bolder, and since she was from the same generation as Isamu, she wasn't the least bit intimidated by him.
"Mikoto, let me tell you—"
"Alright, alright."
Isamu hurriedly interrupted.
"Teasing me once or twice is enough. Why won't you let it go?"
Afraid of what Karura might say next, he reached over, gently covered her mouth, and whispered into her ear.
"Karura, that's enough. Can you leave me a little dignity in front of my daughter-in-law and grandson? Otherwise, I won't be able to face them in the future. Can you do that? If you can, just nod."
"Mmph… mmph…"
Karura let out a muffled protest before finally nodding.
She knew he had a point.
No matter what, she should leave him some dignity in front of the younger generation. Otherwise, family life would become rather awkward.
Watching the two elders bicker, Mikoto and Itachi couldn't help smiling.
Moments like these made them feel like a genuine family.
If everyone maintained serious expressions all the time, it would have felt far too stiff.
⸻
Chatting and laughing along the way, the four gradually approached home.
When they were about three hundred meters away from the house, both Isamu and Karura stopped simultaneously, their brows furrowing.
Seeing the two elders suddenly halt, Mikoto and Itachi looked around in confusion.
Isamu spoke without turning around.
"What's this? Have you become addicted to following me?"
Mikoto and Itachi looked around but saw no one, becoming even more puzzled.
Karura snorted.
"Hmph. Where did these little rats come from? How dare they tail us."
Isamu looked toward a dark corner.
"What? Still not coming out? Do I have to drag you out myself?"
His Sharingan spun into motion.
Whoosh!
Whoosh!
Two figures instantly appeared before them.
Both wore cat-faced masks and looked exactly like Konoha ANBU.
Mikoto and Itachi were startled.
Why had ANBU suddenly appeared here?
"You're from the ANBU, aren't you?" Mikoto asked. "Did Senba send you here for something?"
Neither ninja acknowledged her.
Their eyes remained fixed on Isamu.
Isamu let out a cold laugh.
"Heh… if I'm not mistaken, you're not ANBU."
"You're Root."
One of the masked shinobi spoke emotionlessly.
"Uchiha Tensei. Lord Danzo requests your presence."
"Come with us."
"Heh…"
Isamu smiled coldly, killing intent flickering in his eyes.
"Root certainly has grown bold."
"To think you have the nerve to speak to me in that tone."
"Impressive."
Sensing the overwhelming killing intent radiating from him, Mikoto and Itachi immediately swallowed the questions they had been about to ask.
Karura frowned.
"Who exactly are you people? Is this how you invite a guest? How arrogant."
The two Root shinobi ignored her completely, continuing to stare at Isamu.
Seeing that he remained motionless, one of them spoke again.
"Uchiha Tensei."
"If you refuse to come with us…"
"We will be forced to use special measures."
"Hehehe…"
Isamu chuckled.
"Special measures?"
"It seems Danzo sent you here simply to die."
"You actually dare put on airs in front of me."
"Danzo doesn't have that qualification."
"If he wants to see me…"
"He can come himself."
The instant Isamu finished speaking, the two Root shinobi abandoned all further conversation and lunged forward to seize him.
However—
The moment they came within half a meter of him…
They froze in place.
Their eyes became vacant.
Without anyone noticing, Isamu had already ensnared them in a Sharingan genjutsu.
Karura snorted coldly.
"You two ignorant fools…"
"Go to hell!"
She casually raised a hand and slashed downward.
A razor-sharp blade of wind shot toward the two Root shinobi.