Born To Rise In Konoha
Chapter 67

Chapter 67 - 67

Fugaku and Mikoto exchanged glances, while young Itachi sat still, staring blankly at the last shrimp left on the plate.

Nearly all the dishes on the table had been polished off—most of them devoured by none other than Saitama.

"Haha! That was delicious!" Saitama patted his stomach contentedly, completely unreserved, treating the Uchiha household like his own.

"Uh... haha..." Fugaku let out an awkward chuckle, not knowing what to say. He hadn't expected Saitama to have such an enormous appetite. Fortunately, Mikoto had prepared extra dishes today, anticipating the presence of a guest.

"Did you have enough, Saitama? I can whip up a bit more if you're still hungry," Mikoto offered kindly, though slightly bewildered. Fugaku had mentioned a seven-year-old subordinate would be visiting and staying for lunch. In an effort to maintain the prestige of the clan head's household, she had increased the portion sizes. Yet, even that seemed to fall short.

Mikoto's gaze shifted to her son, who still clutched a shrimp in hand, unsure whether to eat it or offer it up.

"I'm full, really! But it's been a while since I've eaten so much," Saitama replied sincerely. "These shrimp are amazing! Thank you so much for the hospitality." He casually brushed his finger over a shrimp shell, the savory flavor still lingering. The taste reminded him of the Australian lobster he had eaten in his past life.

Fugaku smiled politely and picked up his bowl to finish the last of his rice.

"Brother Saitama... do you want this shrimp?" Itachi hesitated, holding out the shrimp with a conflicted look.

The older boy who had given him his shinobi forehead protector liked shrimp—so Itachi decided he could go without one.

"Huh? No, no—Itachi, you eat it. I'm really full," Saitama said, smiling warmly. He was a bit flushed but sincere.

"Okay!" Itachi perked up and split the shrimp in half, placing the pieces in Mikoto and Fugaku's bowls.

"Thank you, Itachi," Mikoto said with a gentle smile.

So this is what a warm family meal feels like, Saitama thought to himself, watching the peaceful domestic scene before him.

---

At the front door, Fugaku personally saw Saitama off. Itachi stood beside him, clinging lightly to his father's leg.

"Saitama, report to my office tomorrow morning. I have a mission for you. Right now, only you and Mori are capable enough to handle it without issues. Shisui's strength still isn't quite there yet."

"Understood, Captain. It's about time I stretched my legs after being back for so long," Saitama said, accepting the task without hesitation. He understood how missions operated during wartime—every clan was obligated to contribute. While the Daimyō did allocate war funds, nobody ever minded earning extra.

From the look on Fugaku's face, this mission wouldn't be an easy one.

"Alright, Captain! See you tomorrow. Itachi—goodbye!" Saitama crouched and gently ruffled Itachi's hair. This time, Itachi didn't flinch away.

"Goodbye, Brother Saitama!" Itachi waved enthusiastically, his small legs bouncing with joy. He had grown fond of Saitama, even though the older boy always tried to ruffle his hair.

"Let's go back, Itachi," Fugaku said once Saitama disappeared into the distance. His expression turned solemn.

How can the Uchiha's fate be changed? A storm is coming.

Fugaku felt a heavy weight settle in his chest. He could only hope these talented youths would mature quickly.

Watching Itachi skip happily beside him, Fugaku firmed his resolve.

For now, the great Uchiha clan must stand behind them—someone has to carry the burden and move forward.

---

That afternoon, instead of returning home, Saitama headed straight to the training grounds.

"Saitama! Can we talk about the wind chakra nature transformation you mentioned last time?" a voice called out as soon as he arrived. It was Uchiha Nagisa.

Among the Uchiha—who mostly wielded Fire Release—Nagisa's Wind Release was rare and elegant by comparison.

"Huh? Didn't believe me last time, did you?" Saitama scratched his head.

Nagisa flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah, I... I was wrong, okay?"

He had scoffed when Saitama talked about practicing wind nature transformation using a leaf. It had sounded ridiculous.

But out of boredom, Nagisa had tried it the previous day. To his surprise—it worked. Tears nearly sprang from his eyes. After struggling for so long to make progress, he finally saw a breakthrough—thanks to Saitama.

"So... you went and tried it out?" Saitama said knowingly.

"You're amazing, Saitama! Please, tell me more!"

"Sure, depending on how you do in our spar this afternoon," Saitama grinned. He scanned the field for Shisui but didn't see him.

"Huh? Alright, alright—but go easy on me, okay? I don't want to die."

"I'll be very gentle," Saitama replied with mock solemnity, dragging Nagisa to a quieter part of the training field.

---

"AH!"

Boom!

Thud!

"OW!"

Loud impacts echoed from the far side of the training grounds. Members of the Uchiha Police Force training nearby looked over with a mix of respect and envy.

Saitama had become something of a benchmark. To spar with him was an honor—and a privilege few had earned. Those who watched knew it well: being qualified as Saitama's training partner meant you had arrived.

Nagisa clung to Saitama's leg, panting and soaked in sweat and dirt.

"Gah—I'm done! I can't go on!" he gasped.

Saitama exhaled calmly and helped pull him up.

"I didn't even use ninjutsu yet. You're giving up already? Come on, man," he teased, though his tone was warm.

Nagisa just groaned, rubbing his sore muscles.

"That's it for today," Saitama said, walking over to retrieve his sword from its stand. He hadn't used ninjutsu, hadn't drawn his blade, and hadn't even activated his Sharingan—all pure taijutsu.

"Saitama, um... that..." Nagisa shuffled after him, looking like a child begging for candy.

Without turning, Saitama reached into his back pocket and tossed him a scroll.

"Whoa!" Nagisa caught it. His eyes lit up—he hadn't expected a full scroll of Saitama's insights. He had only hoped for a few tips.

"Thanks!" he said, full of gratitude.

"What was that? Say it louder," Saitama replied with a teasing glint in his eye.

"THANK YOU!" Nagisa shouted back, grinning.

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