Chapter 54: Family Affairs.

As everyone at the scene took their seats one by one, the atmosphere in the house was noticeably livelier than usual.

But as time passed and everyone started to eat, this atmosphere slowly became somewhat...

"I want to eat this!"

"Here, let me feed you!"

"This one is also good, you should try!"

"...."

"Brother! This is Toshiro's home, and we are gathered here today to celebrate for him. Can you two please..."

Mikasa Uchiha, feeling utterly helpless, finally couldn't stand it anymore and interrupted the affectionate couple.

Sitting on the left side of the table, opposite to her and Akira, were Masao Uchiha and Yako. The two were feeding each other rather shamelessly, causing Mikasa, Akira, and even Toshiro, who was seated at the host's position, to feel extremely uncomfortable.

[Indeed, after all these years, they haven't changed a bit. These two are really...]

[If you want to show off your love, do it at home in your own world.]

[No one will bother you then. But now, we're at Toshiro's place, this is just inappropriate!]

This was one of the reasons why Mikasa had decisively moved in with Toshiro back then. Not only was it convenient for taking care of him, but she also avoided these two.

Back then, she was a sixteen or seventeen-year-old girl, and those two had just gotten married. But their lovey-dovey behavior made it impossible for her to stay at home.

Unexpectedly, after so many years, the two still behaved the same way with no change at all.

"What's wrong? Is something not right? Oh, you mean eating? You can do the same with Akira!" Masao suggested without a hint of embarrassment, completely unbothered by Mikasa's reaction.

"Akira and I would never be like that, it's so embarrassing..." Mikasa refused decisively, feeling deeply ashamed by their behavior.

"This is just a way to express affection. You and Akira should try it out, you might like it!"

Masao Uchiha, not feeling the least bit embarrassed by his and his wife's public display of affection, enthusiastically recommended this to Mikasa and Akira, hoping to improve their relationship.

"No need, Brother Masao. As long as you two are happy..."

Akira, who had been relatively quiet during the meal, finally couldn't help but speak up.

[Such things should be done in private at home. Mikasa's brother and sister-in-law are really something...]

Being today's protagonist, and the host of the house, Toshiro could only put his hand on his forehead, feeling helpless about his aunt and uncle. From the moment they walked in hand in hand, it was clear how they were.

"By the way, Uncle, Aunt, and even Mikasa and Akira. You've all been married for quite some time. Do you plan on having kids?"

Wherever you are, bringing up marriage and children is the go-to method for changing the topic. With no other choice, Toshiro had to use this tactic.

"Akira and I have discussed it. We'll consider having kids after some time once the development of the new medicine is complete."

"But what about you two? You've been together for so many years, have you thought about it?"

[Who knows, maybe after having kids and becoming parents, these two will grow up a bit and not be so childish!]

"Having kids? Masao and I have talked about it. But I've heard giving birth is really painful?"

Being a woman in her twenties, Yako had some interest in these topics. But thinking about the rumors she had heard, she looked a bit scared.

As a fellow woman, Mikasa couldn't help but feel a bit uneasy at Yako's words but still maintained a calm demeanor.

"Don't listen to those rumors. The medical skills at Konoha Hospital are very advanced now, and there are medical ninjutsu to assist. It's not as exaggerated as those rumors make it out to be!"

"Really? But I've heard the women in the clan who've given birth..."

"Of course, it's true, Sister-in-law. I'm a practicing medical ninja in Konoha, why would I lie to you?"

Thanks to her success with the special coagulation medicine, Mikasa Uchiha had been promoted to a medical ninja.

The two women immersed themselves in the topic of childbirth, while Toshiro couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief as the meal finally seemed to be back on track.

"Speaking of which, Akira, have you heard any news from the Security Force? Any plans for the new recruits?"

The Konoha Security Force was essentially run by the Uchiha clan. If there were any inside news, asking a family member would be the fastest way to find out.

"I heard they plan to assign some elite clan members as teachers, and then you'll carry out some regular tasks to gain experience..."

To avoid making their conversation feel empty, Toshiro brought up the topic with Akira. As for his uncle, as punishment for creating an awkward atmosphere earlier, Toshiro decided to let him reflect on his own for a while.

Among those who graduated early with Toshiro, excluding the sixth-grade students, there were 21 people, just enough to form seven squads. The sixth-grade graduates would join the normal mentor system, while they would form all-Uchiha teams.

Though the Third Hokage was reluctant to include the Uchiha in the usual mentor system, he allowed the young members of their clan to form standard task squads once they graduated early.

"Oh? So are there any specific candidates or teammates mentioned?"

"Well, there are some specific names floating around. But leaving a bit of mystery and something to look forward to isn't a bad thing either~"

Not directly telling Toshiro the specific candidates, Akira used a teasing tone. This was Akira Uchiha's way of interacting with people, adding a touch of humor to his personality.

"Oh, is that so? Yeah, it makes sense."

As Akira had pointed out, life should have a bit of suspense. If you knew the outcome of everything beforehand, it would be quite dull, wouldn't it?

Looking at the lively conversation between his wife and sister at the dining table, and his brother-in-law and nephew also chatting happily, Masao Uchiha suddenly felt a bit out of place.

[Have I been abandoned by everyone?]

[It feels like there's no place for me here!]

...

(End of chapter)