Chapter 32: The Difference

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"Just as expected of you, Fuyu Shirou! Not like some people. To actually be taught a lesson by a fatty from the Akimichi Clan in a Taijutsu class, you've really disgraced the Uchiha name!"

[This guy, Uchiha Koujin, has a strong sense of family honor. He can't go two sentences without mentioning the Uchiha!]

"Shut up, Koujin. I just fell a bit short in Taijutsu sparring, but I'll beat him soon enough. Besides, in Ninjutsu, Shuriken Throwing, and other areas, I'm way ahead of him!"

Uchiha Mamoru, standing nearby, quickly explained, his cheeks flushed with excitement.

Mamoru, now in his second year at the Ninja Academy, was quite talented in Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. Unfortunately, his efforts in Taijutsu never seemed to pay off. He was relatively thin compared to his peers in the family, and strength was never his strong suit; only his speed was somewhat decent. In the Taijutsu sparring, he faced Akiyama Kazuhito from his class, feeling like a mouse trying to catch a turtle—completely at a loss. In the end, he had no choice but to concede the match.

During this period at the Ninja Academy, only two clans in Konoha could match the Uchiha in Taijutsu:

The Hyūga Clan and the Akimichi Clan. The Hyūga Clan, with their clan's Gentle Fist technique, often had the upper hand over the Uchiha. The Akimichi Clan, on the other hand, was more evenly matched. Their larger build gave them an advantage in Taijutsu training, but their speed and agility were significant weaknesses.

"Is that so? Don't just talk the talk. If you lose to them again next time, you'll be the one disgracing us!"

"Whatever!"

One 'them' and one 'us' clearly highlighted the tension between the Uchiha and the Hokage's faction. Although this was just a squabble among children, it subtly reflected the Konoha leadership's attitude toward the Uchiha.

Fuyu Shirou, who had watched the TV anime before, initially had a certain fondness for the Ino-Shika-Chō (Pig, Deer, Butterfly) Clans. However, after two years of real-life experience, that fondness had completely dissipated.

As staunch allies of the Sarutobi Clan, these so-called 'Three Noble Clans of the Hokage' always aligned with the Sarutobi family on various matters within the village, especially when it came to the Uchiha. They often took the lead in these matters, acting as the Hokage's vanguard.

Of course, their efforts were well-rewarded. The class leaders of the Jōnin classes, the heads of the intelligence department, and the administrative staff were all filled with members of these three clans. Even the front-line command centers were dominated by them. Were these roles only suitable for them? Clearly not. It was simply a result of the Hokage's desire to better control Konoha...

The tension between the Hokage's faction and the Uchiha was similar to the conflict between the clan children and the commoner children.

The former took pride in their family's Bloodline Limits, secret techniques, Ninjutsu traditions, and long-standing ninja history. The latter, on the other hand, resented their arrogant attitudes, often leading to conflicts of varying sizes. Even after school, it was common for them to challenge each other to fights in the woods.

[Like attracts like, and people group with those similar to them. The ancients were not wrong!]

Of course, there were differences in their relationships. Commoner children or those from ninja families were more aligned with the Hokage's faction, influenced by the Master-Apprentice System that emerged after the Ninja Academy was established.

The Uchiha and the children of clans like the Hyūga Clan, however, maintained a state of mutual isolation. After all, both the Second and Third Hokage had made their attitudes toward the Uchiha clear. No clan would risk offending the Hokage to associate with the Uchiha.

"I'm home!"

Waving goodbye to his companions, Uchiha Fuyu Shirou pushed open the gate and returned home.

"Sister Mika isn't back yet?" Seeing no one at home, he was a bit surprised, but after a moment's thought, he understood the reason.

[Speaking of which, Sister Mika seems to have started dating. Hmm! At 18, she's already considered late to marry in the clan. Could it be because of me?]

Influenced by the Warring States Period, marriage in the ninja world generally occurred at a younger age, especially among ninja clans. Of course, some individuals chose to marry late or not at all, which was also common.

Previously, at this time every day, Uchiha Mika would always be in the kitchen preparing dinner. After two years of such treatment, he had become accustomed to it.

After some thought, Fuyu Shirou decided to cook dinner himself today. It would be a way to reward himself and thank Uchiha Mika, as well as to dispel any concerns she might have.

He opened the fridge, checked the ingredients, and started cooking. It was his first time cooking in the ninja world, but his movements were fluid and confident.

He sliced the beef, peeled the potatoes, and cracked the eggs. The entire process was smooth and efficient.

In about half an hour, a table of unique home-cooked dishes was set on the dining table.

Beef stewed with potatoes, fried river fish, tomato and egg soup, and a dish of large radishes. There were only three dishes and a soup, but they were nutritious and plentiful.

At the same time, the sound of someone entering and changing shoes could be heard, along with Uchiha Mika's greeting.

"I'm home!"

"Welcome back!"

Fuyu Shirou placed the two freshly steamed bowls of rice on the table and called out, glancing up.

Unlike her usual energetic and youthful self, Uchiha Mika looked a bit weary today, like a doctor who had just completed a long surgery without a break.

"Eh! Did you prepare all this, Fuyu Shirou? What a surprise!"

Looking at the food on the table, Uchiha Mika said in surprise. The three dishes and one soup were not fancy, but they were above average.

"Yes, Sister Mika has always taken care of me. Today, it's my turn to take care of you!"

Hearing this, Uchiha Mika was deeply moved.

In her emotional state, she hugged him tightly and kissed him on the cheek with a loud 'smack'.

Originally, Uchiha Mika rarely engaged in such intimate gestures after Fuyu Shirou's strong protests. But in her low spirits, receiving such a surprise made it hard for her to control herself.

"Put me down, Sister Mika. Shouldn't you try my cooking first?"

"Alright, alright, alright! I didn't expect you to be so shy at your age, Fuyu Shirou!"

Smiling, she gently placed Fuyu Shirou on the ground and pinched his cheek. She picked up the chopsticks and tasted each dish he had prepared.

"The taste is really quite good..."

[To be continued]

[End of Chapter]