Uchiha Ran weaved through the familiar alleys, the sky already darkening around him. Despite the twilight, he felt no unfamiliarity on the path home.
The village's night market blazed with light, its lively energy strikingly vivid against the evening gloom.
Passing through the crowded streets, Ran absorbed the unique charm of Konoha's nighttime bustle. The buildings, wooden and medieval in design, shimmered under the multicolored glow of neon signs that lit up the village streets. Vendors displayed their wares in overflowing abundance: the scent of sizzling street skewers mingled with the sweetness of tricolor dango, and every corner held some tempting snack. Any foodie would be drawn in.
"Mikoto-nee must've left dinner for me," Ran thought calmly. He felt the wind stir across the ninja world and quietly enjoyed the thoughtfulness of others.
The crowd surged like a tide, forcing him to carefully weave through it. Vendors called out enthusiastically to attract customers, flipping ingredients with practiced hands, letting the fragrance drift freely into the air. Ran's attention was caught by the tempting aromas, and he paused to take it in.
"Want a plate of Uncle Gai's special fried rice, Ran-san?"
The stall, called Uncle Gai's Passionate Fried Rice, was famous for its unique flavors.
"Haha, Uncle Gai, still bursting with energy! Every time I eat your fried rice, I can feel your joy and passion for life," Ran greeted warmly. Declining the offer with a smile, he continued on his way home.
Watching Ran's retreating figure, Uncle Gai sighed with appreciation. "What a good boy. Polite Uchiha like him are rare."
"Haha, you think so too, Gai? Ran is just that charming. If he weren't an Uchiha… maybe I'd let my daughter marry him," said his friend Harukami with a teasing grin.
"You're dreaming! It's an Uchiha; your daughter could never marry him! Wait… Harukami, you have a daughter? Aren't you still single?" Uncle Gai laughed, shaking his head.
The lights and laughter of the night market continued unabated, oblivious to the playful banter behind them. Ran pressed onward, following the path home.
"I'm back."
He sensed the familiar chakra within his home. Mikoto must have come and even prepared dinner for him.
Sure enough, upon pushing open the door, Ran saw Mikoto slumped over the table, asleep. At the sound of the door, she stirred awake.
"Mikoto-nee, you'll catch a cold sleeping at the table. Thank you for making dinner for me today," Ran said gently as he took a seat beside her.
Mikoto adjusted her hair and composed herself. "Ran… today is your graduation day. You're officially a ninja now, so I came by to celebrate."
"Yes… a ninja from now on."
Mikoto quickly served him a bowl of rice. "Who's your team leader, Ran? Be careful out there now that you're a ninja."
"Thank you, Mikoto-nee. My team leader is Shinku Yuhi-sensei."
"Ah, Yuhi-sensei… that suits you well. Her genjutsu is remarkable. Even among our three-tomoe Uchiha, few could surpass her."
They ate together, chatting comfortably.
"Mikoto-nee… your child will be born in a few months, right? Don't worry about making meals for me now—it's too exhausting. Take care of yourself. As for cooking, I can manage, and I'll likely be on frequent missions soon." Ran said with concern, setting down his chopsticks.
Mikoto smiled, touched by his care. "Alright, if Ran says so, I'll rest at home during this time."
Watching her cradle her growing belly, Ran asked softly, "Mikoto-nee… have you decided on a name for the baby yet?"
Her expression grew troubled as she rested a hand on her forehead.
"Ran-kun…"
"What is it, Mikoto-nee?" Ran asked, noticing her unease.
"I've considered many names. If it's a boy, I thought of Uchiha Karasu, or Yota, Shugo, Yu, Ryunosuke, Yuta, Kenta, or Hikaru. For a girl, I considered Misora, Mochizuki, Ruka, or Ren…" she trailed off, pensive.
"So… it's because Fugaku doesn't agree, right? That's why you're troubled?"
"Yes… Ran, you're right. Fugaku has already decided. Whether boy or girl, he wants the child named Uchiha Itachi."
"Itachi?" Ran raised an eyebrow, unsure. "Mikoto-nee… doesn't that name feel… ominous?"
"I thought so too, and told Fugaku, but you know what he said?" She slammed her hand lightly on the table in frustration.
"Fugaku's reasoning…?"
He said that an itachi—a mysterious creature that brings misfortune—symbolizes strength and fear. Hearing the name would inspire dread in enemies. He hoped that Itachi would grow into a great ninja, a protector of Konoha and the Uchiha clan, so that enemy shinobi would tremble at the very mention of his name.
"But I just want the child to grow up safely, to have a happy childhood," Mikoto whispered.
Ran sighed, understanding. "Fugaku… really. I agree with you, Mikoto-nee. That name doesn't feel right either."
Looking at her, head bowed over the table, Ran continued thoughtfully, "And… Mikoto-nee, I've heard that Itachi will never walk the same path as anyone else. Perhaps he'll walk a path all his own."
Mikoto frowned deeper at his words.
Ran smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Mikoto-nee. When Itachi is born, I'll take good care of him."
She smiled back, warmth returning to her eyes. "Ran-kun… so you'll be a good big brother to Itachi?"
"Of course. You and Fugaku have cared for me so much—I'll make sure to take care of Itachi too," Ran promised.
"I trust you, Ran-kun. Be careful on your missions." Mikoto finished her meal and returned to the adjacent room.
Standing in the yard after seeing her off, Ran gazed at the star-filled sky, his mind wandering.
Itachi… growing up already. This is getting interesting.