"Is that… a 'Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal'?"
"You know of it?" Suzaku Nara looked at Renzou Uchiha with surprise.
"Uncle Suzaku, I just learned about it by chance. It's a 'Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal' that not only suppresses emotions but also seals the tongue, preventing the bearer from revealing any information under penalty of death."
"That's correct." Suzaku Nara nodded heavily. "Over the past two years, I've inquired about this 'Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal' extensively, finally consulting with the elders. However, at this point, there's nothing more I can do. I can only let it rest." Suzaku Nara lowered his head, a shadow of sadness crossing his face, his fists clenched tightly beneath the table.
"Please look up, Uncle Suzaku Nara." Renzou Uchiha's calm voice startled him. Suzaku Nara looked up to see Renzou Uchiha meeting his gaze steadily. "This isn't your fault. I am deeply grateful that you've shared so much with me. I will uncover the truth myself when I become stronger, so please don't blame yourself." Renzou Uchiha's tone remained even, but the knuckles of his hands beneath the table were white.
Even with the elders involved in applying the curse seal, it wasn't difficult to deduce. The two teams of mysterious ninjas were likely of Danzō's Root organization. To ensure their silence, Danzō employed this tongue-sealing jutsu: any Root member who divulged information about Danzō would suffer paralysis and death. Currently, Renzou Uchiha didn't know why his father had incurred Danzō's wrath, but he was powerless to act. His only recourse was to train relentlessly, to grow stronger, and then, perhaps, the truth could be unearthed, and his father avenged.
"It's best if you truly feel that way," Suzaku Nara said, a wave of relief washing over him. He had worried Renzou Uchiha might act rashly in his anger. Seeing the boy's controlled resolve, he felt a measure of reassurance. "I've been transferred back to the village to work in the General Staff Department. I reside here now. If you ever need anything in the future, please come to me. I'll be overseeing this deer farm for the time being."
"Yes, I will certainly visit you often in the future, Uncle Suzaku." Renzou Uchiha offered a respectful bow before turning to leave. Suzaku Nara remained by the window, watching Renzou Uchiha walk away, his thoughts unreadable.
…
Konoha's commercial district:
"Renzou? What are you doing here?" Renzou Uchiha, wandering through the bustling street, his mind still reeling from Suzaku Nara's revelations, was jolted by a familiar voice from behind. He turned to see the unmistakable shock of white hair.
"Kakashi? Fancy meeting you here," Renzou Uchiha replied, quickly composing himself as he approached Kakashi. "I was just… out for a walk. Shouldn't you be training right now? It's rare to see you strolling around."
Kakashi's deadpan gaze met his, and he lifted the plastic bag in his hand, revealing several glistening fish. "It's almost dinnertime. You have to eat anyway. By the way, is Uncle Sakumo home?"
"Yes, Father's resting at home today. He has a mission tomorrow."
"Then let's go." Before Kakashi could fully process the words, Renzou Uchiha had already walked twenty or thirty meters in the direction of the Hatake residence.
"You… what are you doing?" Kakashi finally reacted, the corners of his masked mouth twitching slightly as he hurried to catch up.
"Obviously, I'm going to visit Uncle Sakumo. Come on, Kakashi, keep up!"
…
Hatake household:
Fifteen minutes later, Kakashi stood before the Hatake residence, a dark look directed at Renzou Uchiha beside him. You just promised a visit, yet you came empty-handed. You're just here for a free meal, aren't you?
"I'm back. X2" Kakashi turned his head again, finally resigning himself with a subtle eye roll.
"Welcome back, Kakashi. Oh, and Renzou, welcome," a warm voice greeted them from the porch. It was Uncle Sakumo, dressed in comfortable home clothes, holding a steaming mug of tea. A kind smile spread across his face as he saw Renzou Uchiha next to Kakashi.
"Uncle Sakumo, I apologize for the intrusion. I'm afraid this is a rather impromptu visit," Renzou Uchiha said politely.
"Hahaha, you two come on in." Sakumo clapped them both on the shoulder and led the way into the living room, the two Genin following after removing their shoes. "Renzou, you've got excellent timing today. You've caught Kakashi in the act of cooking."
"Really? I'm looking forward to it, Kakashi," Renzou Uchiha said, a playful glint in his eyes as he looked at Kakashi. Observing the two interacting animatedly, Kakashi sighed inwardly, running a hand over his masked face before heading towards the kitchen with a resigned expression to start the cooking fire.
"By the way, I almost forgot to congratulate you both. I heard that you and Uchiha Kai graduated early. You can't afford to slack off now that you're a ninja, Renzou." Sakumo's words prompted Renzou Uchiha to scratch the back of his head.
"Yes, sir. I will continue to work hard. After all, my goal is to be the first Uchiha Hokage."
Sakumo was momentarily taken aback, then burst into hearty laughter. "Is that so? The first Uchiha Hokage, eh? Then you certainly have your work cut out for you."
"Yes!" What had once been a casual ambition now held a newfound weight. If the opportunity arose, Renzou Uchiha genuinely desired to sit in that esteemed position.
"Dinner's ready," Kakashi announced from the kitchen, the sound of the fire being turned off preceding his words. Renzou Uchiha quickly got up.
"Uncle Sakumo, please make yourself comfortable. I'll go help Kakashi."
"Alright, then I'll leave it to you two." Sakumo watched the two young ninjas moving back and forth, setting the table, a peculiar feeling settling within him… as if he were the guest.
"Let's eat. X3" Two minutes later, the three of them were seated around the dining table, a spread of delicious food before them.
"This fish looks amazing," Renzou Uchiha said, his gaze drawn to the golden-brown fried fish on a platter, still gently steaming and drizzled with sauce.
"Pan-fried river fish, Kakashi-style," Kakashi replied, tilting his head slightly before pulling down his mask and beginning to eat slowly.
"Oh, Kakashi, I didn't realize you were so handsome. It's a shame you hide such good looks behind that mask," Renzou Uchiha teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Hahaha, Renzou, try it quickly. This is Kakashi's pride and joy," Sakumo interjected, noticing the faint twitch in Kakashi's visible eye and giving Renzou Uchiha a subtle wink to ease the tension.
"Delicious and shrouded in mystery, just like its creator, Kakashi." The fish was tender and flavorful, perfectly complemented by the slightly salty sauce. Renzou Uchiha mentally gave it a ten out of ten.
"Hmph." Kakashi simply rolled his visible eye and continued eating silently. Sakumo also breathed a silent sigh of relief and picked up his chopsticks.
Dinner passed in comfortable conversation. As the sky outside deepened into twilight, Renzou Uchiha stood up, intending to leave, but Sakumo stopped him.
"It's quite late already. If there's nothing pressing, you're welcome to stay the night."
"Um? Nothing urgent, but wouldn't that be imposing?"
"Not at all. Kakashi and I are the only ones here. We have plenty of spare beds. We can just lay out some bedding, right, Kakashi?"
"Yeah, I don't mind," Kakashi's muffled voice came from the kitchen.
"Then… if you're sure! Excuse me!" Renzou Uchiha's eyes brightened, and he headed towards the kitchen. "Kakashi, I'm here to help with the dishes. You should thank me."
"Why would I thank you for washing dishes?" Kakashi's dry retort drifted from the kitchen, punctuated by Renzou Uchiha's laughter. Sakumo smiled, shaking his head as he ran a hand through his silver hair, heading towards the bath. These two children have such a good friendship…
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End of Chapter 42