Uchiha Kairen's squad had barely returned to Konoha's gates when several clansmen on duty surrounded them—scolding them affectionately, asking questions, and showering them with exaggerated praise.
The once quiet gate immediately turned lively.
"Hah, Kairen, you really made us proud this time," said Uchiha Hankan with his usual hearty grin. "Forget your fame on the border for a moment—just at the entrance of Takigakure alone, you stood your ground like a true warrior! One man holding back ten thousand!"
"Haha, Hankan, did you come all the way here just to greet us?" Uchiha Retsu asked, laughing.
"Of course! Your return's hardly a secret. We've even prepared a little gathering—let's all meet up and celebrate later," said Hankan, grinning from ear to ear.
"Sounds good! Call everyone, let's make it loud!" Retsu replied cheerfully.
"No problem, leave it to me. You know I live for this kind of fun," Hankan said with a wink.
"Alright then, let's dismiss here and head home. Bring greetings to your families," said Uchiha Kirito, the dual-blade warrior.
With that, everyone dispersed and made their way back to their homes.
When Kairen returned to his own house, he hadn't even stepped through the doorway before he heard the faint cries of infants inside.
He paused, thinking—right, it had been half a year since he'd left. His mother must have given the family some new additions by now. Curiosity tingling, he pushed the door open.
The sight that greeted him: his mother and Meimei each cradling a baby, while his father sat in the entryway sipping tea. The three of them looked up together as he stepped in.
Uchiha Ran smiled. "Ah, so that's why the little ones started fussing—they must've sensed their big brother was home."
"You're back," Meimei said shyly, her cheeks flushed pink—after all, she was holding his little brother in her arms.
"Haha! Our golden Asura returns!" his father laughed warmly. "You've done a fine job this time, especially escorting Konoha's comrades during their mission. That took real responsibility."
The handsome middle-aged man's eyes gleamed with pride. Though his son often grumbled about Konoha's policies, at least he still knew where the line was.
Of course, he didn't realize that Kairen's group had done all this partly out of guilt—and partly to earn some credit with Konoha.
Still, actions like that fit perfectly with the Will of Fire the Hokage's line always loved to preach: risking oneself for one's comrades. Even if Sarutobi Hiruzen disapproved, he'd still have to keep up appearances.
"What are their names? Boys or girls?" Kairen asked, stepping closer—almost instinctively drifting toward Meimei's side.
She tried to move away, but with the baby in her arms she couldn't. Their heads nearly bumped together as they leaned in.
"Haha! They're twins—a boy and a girl," said his father proudly. "Your mother's holding the little sister, Uchiha Hane, and Meimei's holding the brother, Uchiha Shinoi."
"They're both named by me," said Uchiha Ran with a triumphant smile. "Well? Don't they sound beautiful?"
"They do! Much better than mine, honestly. You can hear the thought behind them—they just roll off the tongue," Kairen said quickly, flattering her.
"Mhm~ that's my eldest son for you. You've got taste—unlike a certain illiterate someone!" Ran teased, shooting her husband a look. "So then, since you're back, shouldn't we get the wedding done soon? I'd like to hold my grandson before I'm old!"
She turned and smiled meaningfully at Meimei.
Meimei's face turned so red it looked ready to drip blood. Before she could say anything, Kairen spoke first:
"I'll leave everything to Mom's decision. Personally, I look forward to it. Meimei's a good girl—I'll treat her well."
Meimei froze in place, stunned. She hadn't expected her betrothed—the young rising Uchiha warrior whose name had been spreading through the clan—to be so straightforward and earnest.
Her heart pounded so fast she thought it might leap out of her chest. After some effort, she managed to stammer, "I… also leave everything to Aunt's decision. To have this marriage… it's my greatest blessing." Then she lowered her head, not daring to look up again.
Ran blinked in surprise, staring at her son. He's changed? she thought. The heavens must have opened their eyes—the iron tree has finally bloomed! She'd expected her son to dodge the subject, not step forward like this.
"Good, good! Since both of you trust me, that's settled." She turned to her husband. "Yasuyuki, don't just stand there—go find your elder brother. Tell him to pick out a good date in the next few days. We're holding a wedding!"
"Ah? Uh—yes, yes! Right away!" Yasuyuki blurted, still dazed. Wait, already? Am I going to be a grandfather? What'll my grandson's name be? I need to have a say in that…
He hurried out, muttering a jumble of thoughts. My youngest son's only a few years older than my grandson will be… won't they end up fighting all the time?
"Mother, isn't this a bit fast? You mean… the next few days?" Kairen asked, startled. Has she been longing for a grandchild that badly?
"You don't understand," Ran replied, waving a hand. "We're not rushing—there are rituals to follow. Even at the fastest, it'll take a month. Don't worry, Meimei won't be slighted. I'll see to that personally, my good child."
She reached over to stroke Meimei's hair with a gentle smile.
Kairen exhaled in relief. He'd feared things might move too suddenly and make Meimei feel neglected. Now that he knew his mother would handle it properly, his heart settled.
Meimei, too, felt warmth welling in her chest. She realized how fortunate she was—while other brides dreaded their mothers-in-law, hers was her own aunt, who had always doted on her. She'd never been treated as an outsider in this house. Truly, she was the luckiest girl in the world.
"Haha! What a joyful day—first my beloved son returns victorious, and now we'll be welcoming such a fine daughter-in-law. Tonight, we'll celebrate properly!" said Ran, beaming.
Before long, Yasuyuki came back. Everyone looked at him, surprised by how quickly he'd returned.
"What, did you get lost halfway or forget something?" Ran asked.
"No, I didn't get far before I ran into my brother. He said he'd take care of everything himself and told me to come back and spend time with you all. Oh, and he wants Kairen to visit him first thing tomorrow morning," Yasuyuki explained.
"Good, that's better. If even this much confused you, you might as well stay home," Ran said with a smirk.
"Father, Mother," Kairen said, "since Uncle wants to see me, I'll head over now. I'd like to hear his thoughts on the wedding too." After all, there was another major matter he needed to discuss.
"Fine. Come back soon—we'll wait for you for dinner," said Ran. "Your fiancée's cooking's gotten even better lately. She's a good girl, you lucky brat."
Meimei's face turned bright red again. If she weren't holding little Shinoi, she would've run to the kitchen already. Not knowing what else to do, she ducked her head like an ostrich and mumbled softly, "Kairen-kun… come back soon. We'll wait for you to eat."
Kairen chuckled. "Alright. I'll be quick—I won't keep everyone waiting."
With that, he turned and headed out the door.