When Uchiha Kairen returned home, Meimei was still busy in the kitchen. His father had already gone with his mother to take the younger twins to rest. Leaning quietly against the wall of the dining room, Kairen simply watched Meimei prepare dinner.
At that moment, warmth filled his chest. Everything seemed to slow down; the whole world quieted into a peaceful stillness, as if time itself had stopped in that gentle glow. He took a deep breath, unable to suppress the restless beat of his heart, and stepped into the kitchen.
"Let me help you," he said softly. "We'll do it together."
Meimei looked surprised, but she didn't refuse. She had already sensed his gaze for a while now—and truth be told, she liked being admired by the man who made her heart race. And now that he offered to help, how could she say no? She wanted to spend more time with him—she liked this feeling.
The air in the kitchen grew thick with the scent of love. Even His father didn't dare step out of the room under Uchiha Ran's sharp gaze, afraid to disturb the two lovebirds.
Go out now? Don't even think about it. I'm in a hurry to have grandkids—let's see who dares get in their way!
After a sumptuous dinner, the family sat together chatting warmly about little things. Laughter filled the house—until a sudden knock echoed from the door.
Kairen stood and went to open it.
At the doorstep were his good brothers—Uchiha Retsu and the chubby Uchiha Hankan. He suddenly remembered—there was supposed to be a party tonight.
"You guys came to drag me to the party, huh? Can I bring my fiancée along?"
"Of course! We're all bringing someone," Hankan replied cheerfully. "You can come alone if you want, but we still gotta round up the others. On the way, grab Shihyo and Kakeru too."
With that, the two left.
When Kairen came back inside, he turned to Meimei.
"Retsu and Hankan are throwing a party tonight. Let's go together—it might be fun."
Yasuyuki grinned. "Go on! Parties are the best thing for young people. Meimei should meet more friends too."
"Alright," Meimei said. "Do I need to prepare anything?" She too thought it would be interesting.
"Go have fun," said Uchiha Ran with a warm smile. "Yasuyuki, the dishes are yours tonight. Play and enjoy yourselves!"
After tidying up briefly, Kairen and Meimei left hand in hand.
Uchiha Ran smiled contentedly. "What a perfect pair."
"Don't you think things are moving a bit fast?" Yasuyuki muttered. "They only met recently…"
"What do you know?!" Ran snapped. "Just wash your dishes!" And with that, she left him standing there.
---
Kairen and Meimei chatted happily as they made their way to Uchiha Shihyo's house. When they knocked, it was Uchiha Kakeru who opened the door. After explaining why he came, Kakeru immediately agreed to come to the party on time.
After saying their goodbyes, Kairen summoned the ninja hound—Kurokiba.
"Yo~ long time no see, Lady Heroine! Are we going for desserts today?" Kurokiba purred, rubbing himself affectionately against Meimei's side.
"Haha, not today, Kurokiba," Kairen said, laughing. "We're going to a party, and it's a bit far. I'll be counting on you."
He scooped Meimei into his arms and leapt lightly onto Kurokiba's back.
"That's good—let's go!"
Meimei, already knowing the drill, quickly adjusted herself as Kurokiba dashed forward. The speed made her laugh again and again, the sound bright and sweet against the wind.
They soon arrived at the gathering place. Many people were already there—Uchiha Honō, as expected, had taken up the role of chef, busy at the grill. Nearby, Uchiha Gorou was boasting to his friends and fiancée about his heroic exploits in battle, puffing up his chest like some great war hero—completely unlike the nervous wreck he'd been at the time.
When everyone saw Kairen, they called out their greetings. He gave Gorou's fiancée a polite nod, then turned to Gorou and praised him so enthusiastically it was almost embarrassing—like the entire mission's success had depended solely on him.
Gorou waved modestly, trying to look calm and dignified.
"Ah, Kairen, you give me too much credit. The mission was dangerous, sure, but it wasn't exactly a great trial of strength. Still, I wonder what our next adventure will be…"
He sighed wistfully—putting on an absolutely flawless act.
Uchiha Honō rolled his eyes so hard they almost fell out. You? Brave? You were trembling like a leaf back then. Enough of your nonsense… sigh, back to cooking.
Not long after, Uchiha Danten and his wife arrived—so perfectly poised and respectful toward each other they looked like a model couple.
Kairen teased, "Senior brother, you're a bit late. Don't tell me you were rehearsing at home first?"
Everyone burst out laughing, Gorou nearly choking on his drink.
Danten chuckled awkwardly. "Junior brother, stop teasing. My skin's thick, but my wife's not used to your jokes. By the way—this lovely lady must be your bride-to-be, right?"
Damn brats, he thought. Don't you know what 'newly reunited' means? Wait till you're married.
"Yes," Kairen replied warmly. "Her name's Meimei. We'll be married soon—within a month or two. The clan's already been informed."
"H-Hello, I'm Meimei. Pleased to meet you all," she said shyly, her smile gentle enough to melt the room.
"Brother, you're really getting married already? I thought I'd beat you to it," Gorou said, laughing.
The banter and laughter flowed freely, the atmosphere growing ever livelier. Before long, Retsu and Hankan returned—each carrying an enormous bundle of fireworks.
"Hahahaha! Everyone's here! Tonight we party till dawn!" Retsu shouted, bouncing around energetically. His girlfriend followed close behind, constantly wiping his sweat and handing him drinks—like a mother chasing after an overgrown child.
Meanwhile, Hankan joined Honō at the cooking station. Between the two of them—the best chefs of the Uchiha clan—the knives flashed, ingredients flew, and the aroma of sizzling food filled the air. Their girlfriends helped wash vegetables and prepare sauces, working seamlessly in sync.
They all ate, drank, and talked together until finally, Retsu handed out fireworks to every couple.
"Alright, everyone ready? Three… two… one!"
The sky erupted in a thousand colors as fireworks shot upward, lighting up the faces of the young men and women who embraced beneath them. Some even… got a little too bold.
Holding Meimei close, Kairen whispered in her ear, "You'll never have to be afraid again. I'll protect you."
Meimei knew exactly what he meant. She hugged him tightly.
"I want to become a kunoichi," she said quietly. "I want to protect myself too. I want to be strong—like Auntie. I don't want to be your burden. I want to always stand by your side, like tonight."
Kairen looked at her seriously, then nodded. "Then you'll have to work hard. Being a ninja doesn't happen overnight."
"With you around, I'm not afraid. Hehe~" Meimei giggled and buried her face in his chest.
And so they stood there—wrapped in each other's arms, watching the fireworks bloom above them, bright as their future together.
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