Chapter 25: Is Madara Uchiha in Love?

In his past life, because he lived alone, Uchiha Gin had cultivated excellent culinary skills. Having been in this world for so long, he finally had the chance to show off his talents.

As he walked out carrying his signature braised fish and sweet and sour pork, the two brats, who had been arguing fiercely, suddenly stopped. They twitched their noses as if searching for something.

"Cousin, what is this smell? What are you carrying?"

Realizing the scent came from what Uchiha Gin was holding, the impatient Uchiha Izuna asked urgently. Beside him, the bound Senju Itama also curiously raised his head to look.

"Here, a taste of your cousin's handiwork. Why don't you come and try it?"

Uchiha Gin raised an eyebrow, placed the dishes on the dining table, and turned back to fetch the rest.

Hearing the invitation, Uchiha Izuna stopped bickering with Senju Itama and nimbly sat at the table. His eyes lit up as he gazed at the fragrant and colorful meal. Unable to resist, he reached out to grab a piece of the glossy sweet and sour pork.

"Wash your hands first!"

Uchiha Gin, who had just returned with a stack of bowls, chopsticks, and a plate of stir-fried tomatoes and eggs, scolded the boy for his impulsive behavior.

"Got it..."

Rebuked, Izuna pulled back his hand and pouted, whispering under his breath.

When he returned from washing his hands, Izuna ignored all etiquette. The recent combat had drained his energy, and he immediately picked up his bowl and began to feast.

"This meat is sweet and sour—it's so good!"

With his mouth stuffed, Izuna's eyes sparkled; he looked as if he wanted to swallow the bowl itself.

"Gulp."

Watching Uchiha Izuna eat until his mouth was coated in oil, the bound Senju Itama swallowed hard. He hadn't eaten or drunk anything for several days. Smelling the aroma wafting from the table, his stomach growled uncontrollably, and he lowered his head in misery.

"Hey, Cousin, whose bowls and chopsticks are these? Did you invite someone else?"

Struggling to swallow the food stuffed in his mouth, Uchiha Izuna asked curiously when he noticed an extra set on the table.

After finishing the cooking, Uchiha Gin walked out of the kitchen, still wearing his apron, and went straight to Senju Itama, who was sitting on the floor with his head down. With a sharp sound, the ropes on Itama's hands snapped.

Regaining his freedom, Itama looked at the domestic-looking Uchiha Gin in disbelief. The latter gently patted his head and said, "What are you staring at? Go eat."

"Why?"

Confused, Senju Itama flexed his stiff hands and asked defensively.

"I told you to eat, so eat. Why so many questions?"

Uchiha Gin gave the boy’s confused head a sharp flick, then lifted him to the table and shoved chopsticks into his hand.

Tears welled up in Itama’s eyes from the pain, but looking at the delicious food, he hesitated. Uchiha Gin picked up a piece of fresh, tender fish and stuffed it into the boy's stunned mouth.

As he chewed, the flavor of the braised fish hit his taste buds. Instantly, tears streamed down his cheeks. He buried his head in the bowl, shoveling food into his mouth while muttering, "You hateful Uchiha, don't hit my head again!" It was as if the tears were solely due to the flick on the head.

The rest of the time was a battle between the two boys for food. Ultimately, the older and stronger Uchiha Izuna won without any suspense. Snatching the last piece of sweet and sour pork, he gave a wicked, arrogant smirk at the defeated Senju Itama: "Is that all you've got? Is that it?"

When the farce ended, Uchiha Izuna rubbed his bulging stomach and lay comfortably on the sofa, while Senju Itama tactfully helped Uchiha Gin clear the table.

"You’re quite observant, kid! Your brother must be very happy to have a younger brother like you." Seeing Itama voluntarily helping out, Uchiha Gin offered some praise.

Complimented by Uchiha Gin, a strange smile appeared on Senju Itama’s face as he shot a provocative look at the lounging Uchiha Izuna.

(≖‿≖)✧

Seeing the "pick-me" behavior from Senju Itama, Uchiha Izuna gritted his teeth in irritation. "This little brat!"

"Brother, who exactly is this kid?" Izuna asked loudly, unable to stand it any longer, intentionally asserting his status.

Hearing the question, Senju Itama, still holding the bowls, stiffened, his expression turning gloomy. Uchiha Gin patted him on the shoulder, signaling him not to worry, and said, "This kid is an orphan I encountered during a mission. He’s a bit ill-tempered, but he has talent. I brought him back to groom him as a trusted aide."

In the chaotic Warring States period, orphans were everywhere. A lucky few might be taken in by a clan to serve as menial laborers. Most were not so fortunate; they either starved on the streets, became cannon fodder in war, or—worst of all—were captured for human experimentation, meeting miserable ends.

"Oh."

Hearing the explanation, Izuna didn't press further. After all, he was just an orphan from another clan, not worth the attention of the clan leader's son.

Uchiha Gin’s explanation brought relief to Senju Itama, who was still cleaning up. The man hadn't exposed his identity, but at the same time, a big question arose in his mind: Why was this guy protecting him?

During the post-meal chat, Uchiha Gin sat on the sofa and asked Uchiha Izuna, who was picking his teeth, "Has anything happened in the clan lately?"

"Nothing much. Everyone is training hard. Father says the fighting is about to start again soon." Izuna, who didn't fully grasp the implications of war, said casually.

"Is the decisive battle finally starting?" Uchiha Gin pondered, stroking his chin.

"Actually, there is one strange thing." Uchiha Izuna spoke up suddenly, his expression turning sour.

"What is it?" Uchiha Gin asked curiously.

"Recently, Brother... he's been acting all mysterious." Izuna said in an uncertain tone. "It’s like he’s in love. He sneaks out every day and comes back looking incredibly happy."

"Cough, cough... How are you so sure he's in love?" Uchiha Gin was nearly choked by his own spit at the absurdity of Izuna's guess.

"Uchiha Cuihua from the edge of the village used to sneak out at night to spend time with Uchiha Tiedan from the patrol squad in the woods. They’d come back all smiles, and later, they got married." Izuna said with absolute seriousness. "I've seen that smile, and it's exactly the same as the one Brother has now!"

"Pfft—" Uchiha Gin, who had just taken a sip of water to clear his throat, sprayed it all out.

The spray hit Senju Itama, who was watching from the sidelines. Ignoring the boy’s resentful glare, Gin wiped his mouth and patted Uchiha Izuna on the head. "You’re too young to be learning such bad habits—peeking at people on dates! Who else knows about this?"

"Hmph, I reported it to Father. Father told me to keep a close eye on Brother whenever I have time and see who he’s sneaking off to date." Izuna rubbed his sore head and said with the air of one entrusted with a great mission.

It seemed that Senju Hashirama and Uchiha Madara had already met. If so, the founding of Konoha wasn't far off, and his own days of safely slacking off were numbered!

Just as he was fantasizing about his future, a flurry of urgent knocking at the door broke his train of thought. Uchiha Gin stood up alertly, signaled for Senju Itama to retreat into the inner room, and opened the door.

Standing at the doorway was an unfamiliar Uchiha clansman with cold eyes and a withered face, looking like a lifeless corpse.

"Uchiha Gin, the Clan Leader has an order." His voice sounded like sandpaper rubbing against wood.

Uchiha Gin frowned, unable to figure out what his cousin-uncle was up to, but he nodded in acknowledgement.

"In the coming days, you will go to the dungeon..."

The sentence sent a chill down Uchiha Gin's spine, his pupils dilating in shock.

"...to take up your post. Report tomorrow."

Could this guy stop pausing mid-sentence?