Konoha: This Uchiha is extremely sneaky

Chapter 32 Differences

"As expected of you, Toshiro! Unlike some others. You actually got a beating from that fat pig from the Akimichi clan during taijutsu class, completely disgracing the Uchiha clan!"

[That Uchiha Yukito guy has a really strong sense of clan honor; he can't stop talking about the Uchiha clan!]

"Shut up, Yukito. He's only slightly inferior in taijutsu sparring; I'll beat him quickly. Besides, in ninjutsu, shuriken throwing, and other areas, I'm miles ahead of him!"

Uchiha Mamoru, who was standing to the side, quickly explained, his cheeks even turning red from excitement.

Uchiha Mamoru, now a second-year student at the Ninja Academy, is exceptionally talented in ninjutsu and genjutsu. However, unfortunately, his efforts in taijutsu (physical techniques) never seem to yield the expected results.

He was rather thin compared to his peers in the family, and strength had never been his forte; his speed was merely passable. In this sparring match, he encountered his classmates Akimichi and Jin. He felt like a mouse trying to catch a tortoise—unable to find a way to attack—and ultimately had no choice but to lose the match.

During their time at the Ninja Academy, only two clans in Konoha could rival the Uchiha in taijutsu (body techniques).

One is the Hyuga clan, and the other is the Akimichi clan. The Hyuga clan, relying on their family's Gentle Fist style, often manages to overpower the Uchiha. The Akimichi clan, on the other hand, is more evenly matched. Their larger size gives them a significant advantage in taijutsu training. However, speed and agility have always been obvious weaknesses for the Akimichi clan.

"Really? Don't just talk the talk, walk the walk! Otherwise, if you lose to them again next time, you'll make us all lose face!"

"No way out!"

The use of "they" and "we" directly reveals the conflict between the Uchiha clan and the Hokage's faction. Although this is merely childish squabbles, insignificant as it may seem, it also subtly and perfectly illustrates the attitude of Konoha's higher-ups towards the Uchiha.

Toshiro initially held a certain fondness for the Ino, Shika, and Cho clans, having watched the TV anime. However, after two years of learning about the actual situation, that fondness had completely vanished.

As an ally of the Sarutobi clan.

These so-called three Hokage clans always prioritize the Sarutobi clan in all matters, big and small, within the village, especially when it comes to the Uchiha clan, where they are always at the forefront.

They often act as pawns.

Of course, the rewards they receive for doing so are quite substantial. They serve as the class leaders of the Jonin teams, the heads of the intelligence department, and administrative staff. Even the frontline command headquarters are filled with their members. Are these jobs only suitable for them? Clearly not; it's simply a arrangement created by the Hokage to better control Konoha…

It's similar to the numerous conflicts between the Naruto faction and the Uchiha clan.

Those family members and children born to ordinary people also didn't get along and disliked each other.

On one hand, they are proud of their family's inherited bloodline limit, secret techniques, ninjutsu, and long ninja history. On the other hand, they are deeply disgusted by the other's arrogant attitude, often leading to conflicts of varying degrees. Even after school, such fights are frequently seen in the woods.

Birds of a feather flock together; people of similar social classes are grouped together. The ancients were truly right!

Of course, the relationships between them also differ. Children born to ordinary civilians or ninja families are closer to the Hokage lineage. This is due to the influence of the master-disciple system, a ninja relationship that only emerged after the establishment of the ninja academy.

The Uchiha clan and its kin, led by the Hyuga clan, maintained a policy of complete estrangement. After all, both the Second and Third Hokage had made their stance on the Uchiha clear: no clan would risk offending the Hokage by associating with them.

"I'm back!"

After waving goodbye to his companions who had traveled with him, Uchiha Toshiro pushed open the courtyard gate and returned home.

"Hasn't Sister Meixiang come home yet?" He was a little puzzled when no one was home, but after a moment's thought, he roughly understood why.

[Speaking of which, it seems like Mika-nee has started dating. Hmm! 18 is considered late for marriage in our family. Could it be that I'm holding her back?]

Influenced by the Warring States period, marriage was generally early in the ninja world, especially among ninja families. Of course, it was also quite common for some to marry late or not at all.

Every day at this time, Uchiha Mika would be in the kitchen preparing dinner. After two years of being fed by him, he had gotten somewhat used to it.

After a moment's thought, Toshiro decided to cook dinner himself tonight. He wanted to treat himself and thank Uchiha Mika, and also hoped to dispel her uncertain concerns.

After briefly checking the refrigerator, he took out various ingredients and started steaming rice. Toshiro began cooking for the first time in two years since arriving in the ninja world.

The beef was cut into chunks, the potatoes were peeled, and the eggs were beaten. The movements were fluid and effortless, showing no signs of unfamiliarity.

It only takes about half an hour.

A table of unique home-style dishes set against the backdrop of the ninja world was laid out on the table.

The meal consisted of stewed beef with potatoes, pan-fried river fish, tomato and egg soup, and a side of pickled mustard greens. The quantity was limited to three dishes and a soup, but it was a nutritious and generous meal.

At the same time, the sound of someone entering and changing shoes could be heard from the doorway, along with a greeting from Uchiha Mika.

"I'm back!"

Welcome home!

Toshiro placed two freshly cooked bowls of rice on the table, calling out as he looked up.

Unlike her usual energetic and youthful self, Uchiha Mika looked slightly tired today, like a doctor who had been performing surgery for hours without eating or drinking.

"Huh! Toshiro prepared all of this? That's quite a surprise!"

Looking at the food on the table, Uchiha Mika said with some surprise. The three dishes and one soup on the table were not exactly exquisite, but they were still above average.

"Yes, it's always been Meixiang-nee who takes care of me, so today it's my turn to take care of Meixiang-nee!"

Upon hearing this, Uchiha Mika was deeply moved.

Overwhelmed with emotion, she picked him up and planted a big kiss on his cheek.

Under Toshiro Uchiha's strong protests, Mika Uchiha rarely made such intimate gestures. It was just that, in her low spirits, she suddenly received a pleasant surprise and couldn't control herself.

"Put me down, Meixiang-jie! Shouldn't you be trying my cooking right now?"

"Good! Good! Good! I didn't expect Toshiro to be so shy at such a young age!"

With a smile, she gently placed Toshiro on the ground, not forgetting to pinch his little cheek. She picked up the chopsticks on the table and tasted the dishes Toshiro had prepared one by one.

"It tastes quite good..."

There are still some in the evening

(End of this chapter)