Engagement

The mighty soldier returned to the village and was, of course, warmly welcomed by the villagers.

Many people cheered on both sides of the road, and the noise grew louder.

However, some cheered while others grieved.

For those who did not see their loved ones among the crowd, their expressions gradually changed from expectation to worry, and finally to despair and pain.

Shintaro was used to this scene, so he did not experience much emotional turmoil.

But Kurenai next to him was different. She used to be like some of these people, looking forward to the return of her lover, but all she received was news of his death.

So her expression was touched.

Shintaro noticed this sharply. Therefore, he held her hand tighter.

"I'm here."

Kurenai turned to look at him, then stopped the tears flowing from her eyes, wiping them with her hand.

"Mm."

Shintaro's thoughts moved, and he gently pulled Kurenai toward him, then kissed her cheek briefly.

This time, Kurenai just leaned her small head on Shintaro's chest, as if listening to his heartbeat.

Behind them, Shinku showed the friendly smile of a father, as if he could already see his future grandchildren.

In the team, Kakashi held the manuscript of Icha Icha Paradise and couldn't put it down. Asuma turned to the side and saw people on both sides of the road in a daze.

This time, two Uchiha boys waved to attract Asuma's attention.

"Tetsuo, Hamasu, you're here."

Tetsuo and Hamasu immediately charged into the crowd, "Asuma, where's Aniki?"

Asuma pointed to Shintaro and Kurenai who were being affectionate beside them, and said, "You'd better not go up and bother them."

Tetsuo clicked his tongue and shook his head, saying, "I told you she's our sister-in-law. How about that? I've got common sense, don't I?"

"As expected of you, Nii-san!" Hamasu said excitedly, giving a thumbs up.

"We'll go over later. We shouldn't interrupt Aniki and sister-in-law's intimacy." Tetsuo said solemnly and seriously.

Hamasu also nodded solemnly.

The troops returning to the village conducted a simple inventory in front of the Hokage Building, then disbanded and returned to their respective homes.

Shinku bought bags of ingredients on the way, looking ready to showcase his excellent cooking skills in the evening.

When the three of them returned home, a white cat rushed from the room to the entrance, as if welcoming the three scavengers.

"Kurenai, didn't you leave Shiro at someone else's house to be taken care of?"

When Shintaro saw the much larger Shiro, he felt a bit strange for a moment, but the white fur and red eyes were still quite distinctive.

"No need to take care of him, Shiro is very smart."

Kurenai squatted down and touched Shiro's head, who seemed very well-behaved in front of her.

"I see. Although he's not a Ninja Cat, he has Ninja Cat blood and inherits the intelligence of Ninja Cats."

Although Shinku rarely saw Shiro, he analyzed the reason why Shiro was so smart.

"The cats in Granny Neko's house more or less have Ninja Cat blood."

Shintaro from the Uchiha Clan talked the most about this.

The house had been stocked with cat food for half a year. When Shiro was hungry, he ate cat food. When he was thirsty, he turned on the tap to drink water and play. When it rained, he knew to hide in the house. He surpassed most naughty kids.

"Yes, Shiro can be considered my first grandchild."

Shinku walked to the kitchen with the ingredients and gave Shiro a piece of fresh river fish to try.

Shintaro and Kurenai also entered the kitchen to help Shinku.

After a while, a large table filled with freshly baked delicious food appeared.

Half were seafood dishes loved by Shinku and Kurenai, and the other half were meat and sweets favored by Shintaro.

Grilled seafood fish, wasabi octopus, sashimi, squid nigiri, grilled freshwater fish, clam miso soup, grilled meat, three-colored meatballs, tempura, sukiyaki.

This filled the large dining table of the Yuhi family.

In fact, according to the eating habits of the Japanese in the past or the current Fire Country, it was rare to have the opportunity to fill the table with such a rich variety of dishes.

Only because this was the first dinner gathering of Shinku, his daughter, and Shintaro after the war did it seem so formal.

Shintaro had just reached out to take chopsticks and eat but was interrupted by Shinku.

"Shintaro, did you forget another important thing?"

Shintaro asked in surprise, "Engagement?"

"Of course, this is our top priority now." Shinku nodded seriously.

"But shouldn't this be more formal..."

Shintaro looked at Kurenai, feeling at a loss for the first time.

Kurenai lowered her head, as if the table in front of her was more interesting than Shintaro in front of her.

Shinku said solemnly, "This is formal enough. Besides, you and Kurenai grew up together. Do I still need to formally introduce each other?"

Shintaro replied obediently, "That's not necessary, Uncle Shinku. I'm willing to get engaged to Kurenai, but I don't know if you're willing to give her away, uncle, and I'm not sure if Kurenai is willing."

"Of course, I'm willing to give her away. Shintaro, you are one of mine. Kurenai, are you willing?"

Kurenai finally raised her head and looked at Shintaro lovingly.

"I'm willing."

"Okay!" Shinku clapped joyfully, then took out a pair of rings from his sleeve.

"You two are still underage, so I will pay for the engagement rings. But Shintaro, when you get married, you can't let me buy the rings again."

Shinku showed them the ring styles.

Two gold rings were adorned with round pearls.

These were the most perfect rings for the aesthetics of people his age.

However, Shintaro and Kurenai also found them beautiful. Although a bit extravagant, they still displayed a graceful beauty.

Shintaro took the ring and placed it on the middle finger of his left hand.

Kurenai wore hers on the opposite right middle finger.

Neither of them were taijutsu ninjas, so wearing rings didn't affect their fighting.

"Shintaro, Kurenai, are you sure you won't regret your feelings for each other?" Shinku asked the first question.

"I won't regret it."

"Mm."

"Alright, then as Shintaro's elder and Kurenai's father, I will witness your engagement ceremony. I hope you two can support and take care of each other in the future. Can you do that?" Shinku asked.

"Yes."

"Mm."

Both answered again.

"It's... over. I'm relieved. Shintaro, Kurenai will be entrusted to you." Shinku said with a long sigh.

"Uncle Shinku, you're still in your prime, how can you talk about entrustment?" Shintaro persuaded after hearing this.

Kurenai nodded in agreement.

Shinku said, "In the ninja world, how many people can guarantee they'll always be there? Okay, let's not talk about this, let's start."

"Ittadakimasu!"