Chapter 53 - Family

The kitchen of Hitsugaya's house was a scene of bustling activity, with two figures busy preparing lunch inside.

"Back so soon? Lunch isn't ready yet! And Hitsugaya, congratulations on officially becoming a ninja."

A graceful woman with an elegant bearing walked out of the kitchen, congratulating Hitsugaya. The woman was none other than Uchiha Mika, whose demeanor and attire had changed significantly from her youthful days. 

Dressed in a blue floral kimono with her long hair tied back, Mika had a delicate, melon-seed-shaped face, gentle and charming. Her almond-shaped eyes, delicate nose, and rosy, full lips complemented her curvaceous figure, giving her the appearance of an accomplished married woman.

Her finely arched eyebrows curved into crescent moons as she smiled warmly at Hitsugaya, giving him a congratulatory hug and a light kiss on the forehead.

"Mika sis! I'm not a child anymore, and big brother Akihiro is still here!"

"Yes, yes! Hitsugaya has become an independent ninja now, not the little kid who needed care. You're a big boy now."

A lingering scent filled the air, different from the familiar fragrance of the past. Gazing at her refined face so near, Hitsugaya harbored no improper thoughts. After all, he regarded Uchiha Mika as family.

"Hitsugaya is back! Take a rest; lunch will be ready soon!"

Noticing the commotion, Uchiha Akihiro poked his head out of the kitchen, greeting Hitsugaya before returning to his tasks, ignoring his wife's affectionate gestures. Hitsugaya's brother-in-law was indeed a warm-hearted man, outgoing and cheerful. It was rare in this male-dominated ninja world to see a husband who not only cooked but did it with genuine warmth. No wonder his sister ended up with him.

Taking a couple of steps back and fixing her gentle gaze on him, Mika's eyes finally settled on the headband on his left arm. She grasped his hand and brought him to the shrine in the living room, lighting two incense sticks. Each took one, and Mika whispered:

"Sis, brother-in-law, do you see this? Hitsugaya has become a capable ninja now! He's grown into a handsome young man!"

Tears occasionally slipped down her delicate cheeks as she spoke, pride mixed with a bit of worry and a touch of fondness. Having taken care of this 'brother' for over three years, Mika felt both proud and slightly guilty. Proud of the maturity and reliability displayed at such a young age, but worried about him becoming a ninja so early. She regretted not fulfilling her sisterly duties, marrying early and leaving him without enough familial support during his formative years.

"Mika sis, why are you crying? Today is a happy day."

After offering incense to his adoptive parents, Hitsugaya felt somewhat resigned seeing Mika tear up. Women tended to be more emotionally delicate, easily moved. He remembered how persuading her to marry had taken significant effort. He didn't want her to miss out on a wonderful love experience because of him, ending up with regrets later in life.

"It will be ready soon. Brother Takeyuki should be arriving shortly!"

With a table full of dishes prepared, Uchiha Akihiro spoke while removing his apron and comforting his emotionally stirred wife.

"Oh! Is uncle coming today as well?"

Surprised, Hitsugaya responded. His lovelorn uncle rarely entered his daily life, spending most of his time outside work in marital bliss. 

"Of course, I'm here to celebrate Hitsugaya becoming a ninja. How could I miss this?"

Turning toward the door, Hitsugaya saw two figures slowly entering the living room. The man, fair-skinned and handsome, had a clean-shaven appearance. The woman, petite and lovely, exuded a charming, delicate beauty as they walked hand in hand.

The man was Hitsugaya's uncle and Uchiha Mika's older brother, Uchiha Takeyuki. His wife, Uchiha Aiko, accompanied him. Although 25 years old, Uchiha Takeyuki differed from Hitsugaya and others; he lacked the talent for being a ninja, living as an ordinary person. With Mika's help, he managed the clan's secret medicine production.

"Thank you, uncle!"

Hitsugaya gratefully received the gift from Uchiha Takeyuki, inviting him to sit down for the meal.

"We've all prepared gifts for Hitsugaya as well!"

Mika, Akihiro, and Aiko each presented Hitsugaya with a gift. The four gifts, simply wrapped, now rested in his hands.

Mika gave a medical ninja training guide, while Akihiro's gift was a finely crafted kunai and shuriken set from the Cat Granny. Uchiha Takeyuki provided an abundant supply of family secret medicine. Surprisingly, Aiko's gift was a high-quality attire, suitable for training and missions.

Each gift was immediately useful, reflecting the practical nature of ninja life. Functionality reigned over frivolity.

["It's good that I didn't follow other transmigrators by closing off emotionally and avoiding connections."]

Sitting at the dining table, celebrating with family, Hitsugaya thought to himself. After all, in his previous life, he was an ordinary office worker, not a born warrior or executioner. Having familial care and companionship gave him a sense of stability, helping him integrate into this world more fully.