Stars twinkled in the sky, and a bright moon hung high above the village.
After finishing his shift at the Police Force, Akizawa Uchiha walked home along the familiar street, treading through pools of moonlight.
Just as he pushed open his front door, a petite girl rushed out and threw herself at him.
"Big Brother, welcome home!"
A look of both helplessness and joy appeared on Akizawa's face. He looked down dotingly at Linghua, who was clinging to him like a koala, and gently stroked her head.
"Linghua, you're not little anymore. Don't always hang on me like this; people might get the wrong idea."
"Eh? Does Big Brother hate me now?"
"How could I? Big Brother loves Linghua the most."
"Hmph~ How much?"
Akizawa picked her up, closed the front door, and carried her inside before setting her down.
"I love you enough to want to make you the happiest person in the world, and I want to give all the most beautiful things in the world to my cutest little sister."
Linghua's face flushed red. "Big Brother, you're so gross, saying things like that to your own cute sister."
Akizawa reached out, pinched her nose, and gave it a playful shake. "If I didn't say it, would you let me off the hook?"
"Gross."
"Alright, stop messing around. I'm starving to death."
Linghua hurriedly ran to the kitchen and brought out the meal she had prepared.
"Smells so good!"
Akizawa praised the food, picking up his chopsticks. He looked at Linghua and put his palms together.
In unison, they said, "Itadakimasu!"
"Brother, why are you back so late today?"
"I have an escort mission outside the village tomorrow, so I had to finish all my paperwork today."
"Eh? Will the mission take a long time?"
"At most three to five days. I'll be back very soon."
"I'll wait obediently at home for you to return. But Brother, you have to finish the mission quickly and come back to keep me company, otherwise I'll be very lonely."
"You're twelve years old now, that's not small anymore. Don't rely on your brother too much. You have to learn to be independent. Even if Big Brother isn't by your side, you must be strong."
"No! Without Big Brother, I won't be able to live."
"Big Brother will leave you sooner or later, and you will leave me one day too. You must make your heart strong. Do your best."
After eating, Linghua helped her brother pack the ninja tools he needed for the next day's mission.
When she finished, she went to her brother's door. Seeing that he was already so exhausted he had fallen asleep fully clothed, she carefully set down the tool bag.
Gently closing the door, she went out into the courtyard, pressed her palms together, and looked up at the night sky to make a wish.
"I hope Brother's mission tomorrow goes smoothly and that he returns home early to keep me company."
After making her wish, she glanced at her brother's door one last time before returning to her room to sleep, a satisfied smile on her face.
Before the sky was even bright, Akizawa was already awake.
After getting up and dressing, he saw the tool bag placed neatly by the bed, and a happy smile crossed his face.
After breakfast, Linghua watched him leave Konoha.
His teammates were also members of the Uchiha clan. Two men and one woman: Jonin Shinnosuke, and Chunin Okawa and Ryoko.
Their mission was to escort a wealthy merchant back to the capital of the Land of Fire.
Not long after they set out, Shinnosuke noticed Akizawa frequently looking back toward Konoha. A wry smile appeared on his face.
"Akizawa, you can't see anyone anymore. You and your sister are as close as ever, huh?"
Okawa laughed too. "That's so nice. I want a cute sister like that."
Ryoko frowned. "Akizawa, you and Linghua need to watch your distance. Those who know you understand you're siblings, but those who don't might think..."
"Ryoko!" Shinnosuke cut her off. "Don't say more. We have to trust Akizawa."
Akizawa smiled bitterly. "I know what you mean. I'm just really worried about Linghua."
"Hey, hey, hey," Okawa interjected. "We're the ones going on a mission. Your sister is perfectly safe in Konoha. Your worry is weird."
The wealthy merchant stuck his head out of the sedan chair. "Shut up! You guys are so noisy."
The merchant's guards also showed expressions of dissatisfaction. Seeing this, the four Uchiha shut their mouths.
There were no incidents on the first day; the escort mission went smoothly.
There were still no surprises on the second day.
By noon on the third day, the capital of the Land of Fire was already visible in the distance. The four looked at each other, and their expressions finally relaxed.
"Next, we have to pass through Asahi Town. Once we're through there, the mission will be considered complete."
After walking for another ten minutes, they arrived at the entrance of Asahi Town. There, they saw a little girl holding toy dolls and peddling them to passersby.
Seeing their group, the little girl's face lit up with excitement. She quickly trotted over and began pitching her dolls to them.
"Good afternoon, everyone! My name is Yuhaku, I live here in Asahi Town."
Ryoko's hand quietly moved to her ninja tool pouch. Shinnosuke grabbed her wrist and shook his head gently.
After noticing the forehead protectors they wore, Yuhaku showed a wary look in her eyes and waved her hands repeatedly. "Ninja-samas, I'm not a suspicious person! I'm just a poor girl who sells toys to make a living."
It seemed the little girl's wary gaze dispelled their doubts. Shinnosuke smiled. "It just so happens my daughter has been pestering me for a gift. Sell one to me."
As Shinnosuke spoke, he reached into his vest to take out his wallet.
Ryoko frowned. "Captain, is this okay?"
Shinnosuke took the doll from the girl and laughed. "Ryoko, don't be so tense. Don't forget, we are Uchiha."
Okawa laughed as well. "Ryoko is always this cautious. In front of the Sharingan, no one can hide their chakra. I want one too. Akizawa, aren't you going to buy one for Linghua?"
Akizawa didn't need convincing. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the cute dolls. He could already imagine Linghua's excited expression when she received one.
In the end, except for Ryoko, the three men each bought a doll and hung it from their waists.
After Yuhaku received the money, her eyes practically turned into ryo symbols, and she couldn't hide her excitement. She looked toward the sedan chair. Just then, the wealthy merchant inside stuck his head out.
"Sir, would you like to buy a doll..."
Shinnosuke stopped Yuhaku. "Don't get any closer. He is our escort target."
The merchant became impatient. "You guys, hurry up and get moving! Dragging your feet... are you really Konoha ninjas?"
Shinnosuke gave a wry smile and waved to the girl. "Goodbye, cute little Yuhaku."
The group entered Asahi Town.
Yuhaku watched their retreating figures and revealed a sweet smile. "Goodbye."
Walking down the street, Ryoko looked at the dolls hanging from the men's waists with a helpless expression.
"How come you three men like these things more than I do?"
Shinnosuke smiled, leaned close to her ear, and whispered softly, "That's why Akizawa doesn't like you."
Ryoko's face turned red instantly, and she stammered, "Captain... how could you..."
Shinnosuke winked at her and placed a finger on his lips. "Shh!"
Ryoko glanced at Akizawa, who was walking point as a guard, and hurriedly shut her mouth.