Noon at the Uchiha Residence
Uchiha Tunan, having wrapped up his preparations, removed his glasses and carefully wiped the lenses with a cloth. After setting them back on his face, he placed the prepared meal on the table.
"Let's eat first. I have to leave once we're done."
He gestured toward the refrigerator.
"I've made enough rice balls to last until I return. Just take them out and heat them up before eating—cold food isn't good for your stomach. They have a balanced mix of meat and vegetables, so make sure you don't get picky, Grandpa Yuanliang."
Sanhe Yuanliang, his calloused hands trembling slightly, suddenly covered his face and let out muffled sobs.
Uchiha Tunan's expression shifted to concern as he quickly moved to his side, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
"Grandpa Yuanliang, what's wrong? Did I say something that upset you?"
Sanhe Yuanliang shook his head, struggling to compose himself.
After a long pause, his voice came out choked with emotion.
"Grandpa doesn't need your money… There's a hidden compartment under my bed—it holds my life's savings. You're the one going out on a mission; you'll need the money more than I do. Don't skimp on yourself. Just… take care of yourself and come back safely."
Tears welled in his eyes again as he spoke.
Uchiha Tunan gave him a gentle smile and patted his shoulder reassuringly.
"I'm not short on money, really. And besides, my expenses on this mission will be covered by the employer."
Sanhe Yuanliang sniffled, still reluctant but slowly nodding.
"...Alright then, but just remember—whatever happens, the money is yours in the future. It should be around 20 million ryo. And the blade in my bedroom—take it with you for self-defense."
Uchiha Tunan placed a bowl of rice and chopsticks in Sanhe Yuanliang's hands before returning to his seat.
"I appreciate the offer, but the blade isn't necessary. A chakra-infused weapon is too valuable to be carrying around openly."
Sanhe Yuanliang nodded in agreement.
"That's true. Carrying a weapon like that could attract the wrong kind of attention."
A small notification echoed in Uchiha Tunan's mind.
[Ding! You have gained Sanhe Yuanliang's approval.]
For a brief moment, Uchiha Tunan's chopsticks hesitated before continuing to pick up food as if nothing had happened.
Once they had nearly finished eating, Uchiha Tunan casually mentioned, "By the way, I scheduled a medical check-up for you at the hospital a while back."
Sanhe Yuanliang frowned in confusion.
"What do I need a check-up for? My body's fine."
Uchiha Tunan stood and began clearing the table.
"It's just a routine exam. When I return, I'll take you in. If there's a problem, we'll catch it early. If not, that's even better. From now on, I want you to get checked every six months."
Sanhe Yuanliang waved dismissively.
"That's too much trouble—"
Uchiha Tunan, now at the sink, spoke in a quiet tone.
"I just… want to make sure you stay around longer."
Sanhe Yuanliang's expression softened, his usual stubbornness melting away.
"...Alright. I'll go when you get back."
He pushed his wheelchair toward the courtyard, gazing at the neatly trimmed plants, lost in thought.
Setting Off
After finishing his preparations, Uchiha Tunan put on his ninja pouch and stepped toward the door.
"When I come back, leave any laundry you need washed in one place. I'll take care of it."
With that, he strode toward the courtyard exit.
Sanhe Yuanliang watched his back, his lips pressing into a thin line. Then, as if making up his mind, he pushed his wheelchair forward with some effort, calling out:
"Kid, be careful out there! If you don't understand something, ask your team leader! And eat properly—don't let yourself go hungry!"
Before he could finish, Uchiha Tunan had already stepped beyond the courtyard.
Konoha's Village Gate
Uchiha Tunan arrived at the designated meeting point ten minutes early, but to no surprise, Minato Namikaze and Kakashi Hatake were already waiting. Even Kushina Uzumaki had come to see them off.
"Sorry for making you wait," Uchiha Tunan said, bowing politely.
Minato laughed, scratching the back of his head.
"Haha, you're not late, so no need to apologize!"
Kushina, standing with her hands on her hips, gave Uchiha Tunan's shoulder a firm slap and grinned.
"Oi, Tunan! You don't need to be so formal with us, y'know? Makes you sound like a stranger!"
Uchiha Tunan nodded obediently.
"I'll keep that in mind, Senior Kushina."
Her expression softened slightly as she bent forward, trying to sound gentle.
"You packed everything you need, right? Kunai, shuriken, soldier pills?"
Uchiha Tunan adjusted his glasses and replied, "Yes, I've prepared everything necessary."
Kushina suddenly straightened up with a mischievous grin and unzipped the backpack slung over her shoulders.
"Then take this!"
Inside the bag were several neatly packed bento boxes.
Minato's face twitched slightly, and Kakashi immediately took two steps back, looking alarmed.
Kushina's face darkened instantly, her mood turning volcanic.
"You guys… don't tell me you think my cooking's bad!"
Minato and Kakashi immediately waved their hands in denial.
"N-No, not at all!"
The truth was, Kushina's cooking tended to be too intense. To accommodate Uchiha Tunan's mild taste, she had stopped using salt entirely, making her food nearly flavorless. While soldier pills were bland but easy to swallow, Kushina's saltless bento required actual chewing—an ordeal neither Minato nor Kakashi wanted to endure.
Just as Kushina seemed on the verge of exploding, Uchiha Tunan clasped his hands together in gratitude.
"You made all of these for me? Thank you, Senior Kushina."
Her anger dissipated instantly, replaced by a beaming smile.
"See, Tunan gets it!" She shot Minato a smug look before shoving the backpack into Uchiha Tunan's arms.
Minato let out a nervous chuckle and quickly changed the subject.
"It's getting late. Let's check in at the gate and get going."
With that, the three approached the village's registration office, presenting their mission papers before officially departing from Konoha.
Behind them, Kushina stood on her toes, waving enthusiastically.
"Be careful out there! Come back soon!"
And with that, their mission began.