Riding atop Black Claw, a massive black-furred ninken, Uchiha Yang and Meimei made their way through Konoha's busy evening streets. It wasn't exactly low-key—ninja dogs this large were a rare sight, and it wasn't every day someone rode through the village like it was the Land of Fire's countryside. But Yang wasn't too concerned. The Uchiha clan patrolled these streets, and he knew their presence would prevent unnecessary trouble.
They soon arrived at the dessert shop, and as Yang helped Meimei dismount, a familiar voice called out, "Oi, what a coincidence! Yang, didn't expect to run into you here."
Turning around, Yang smirked. "Starry Night, I was just about to look for you."
The young Uchiha standing before him—Uchiha Starry Night—crossed his arms. "Introduce me?"
Yang nodded toward Meimei. "This is Meimei. You can call her that for now." His eyes glinted with amusement as he handed Starry Night a knowing look.
Starry Night's eyes flickered with interest. "Oh? So it's her, huh?" He gave Yang a teasing grin. "Well, now that we're all here, let's grab something sweet."
Moments later, two more figures arrived—Uchiha Yan and Uchiha Lie, each bringing their fiancées.
"Haha! I heard someone was parading through the village on a giant ninken with his wife," Uchiha Lie joked, arms crossed. "Honestly, who else could it be?"
Uchiha Yan smirked. "Yang, your record is broken."
"Oh?" Yang raised an eyebrow.
"It's that little white-haired brat from the Hatake clan—Kakashi," Uchiha Lie muttered. "A five-year-old genin, already making waves. Lord Hokage approved it personally."
Yang chuckled. "Kakashi? Yeah, I knew that was coming. He even asked my opinion before taking the promotion. The kid's talented, but if he doesn't have the right guidance, things might get messy."
Just as they were about to sit down, a lively voice rang out from the entrance of Ichiraku Ramen.
"Yosh! After a bowl of ramen, I feel completely revived!"
The voice belonged to a red-haired girl who emerged from the shop's curtain, her bright energy unmistakable. Behind her walked a young man with golden hair, exuding a calm yet powerful presence.
"Ha… what a coincidence," Yang mused. "Namikaze Minato."
Minato turned, flashing his signature warm smile. "Senior Yang! It's been a while."
Just as Yang approached them, three figures in dark cloaks and animal masks materialized in front of him—ANBU.
"The Uchiha clan is not permitted to approach," one of the masked shinobi stated flatly.
Yang's expression didn't change, but his brothers immediately tensed.
"Oh? And why is that?" Uchiha Lie took a step forward, his voice laced with mockery. "Last I checked, this wasn't restricted territory."
"It's Root," Yang said, voice low but firm. He tilted his head, eyes glinting. "Danzo's little lapdogs… So eager to greet me the moment I return? How touching."
Uchiha Yan scoffed. "What, you guys finally crawled out of the sewers?"
"Or are you here because your so-called 'Hokage under one person' got embarrassed at the last clan meeting?" Starry Night added, smirking.
The Root operatives stood firm, but a distinct tension crackled between both sides. A few villagers nearby whispered among themselves:
"Uchiha's clashing with the higher-ups again…"
"It's been happening more often lately."
"I heard Danzo's been making moves against them. Wouldn't be surprised if this turns ugly."
Suddenly, a strong, confident voice cut through the tension.
"What's going on here?"
Heads turned as a tall, white-haired man with red markings on his face approached.
Yang smirked. "Jiraiya of the Sannin… here to break up the fun?"
Jiraiya glanced at the Root shinobi, then back at Yang. "Hah! Knew it'd be you causing trouble. But I don't blame you—these guys have been overstepping lately." His expression darkened slightly. "Your mission is to protect, not imprison. Kushina isn't under house arrest."
The Root operatives stiffened but didn't argue. "We will report this to Lord Danzo." With that, they disappeared into the night.
Yang scoffed. "Leaving already? Tsk, I was just starting to enjoy myself."
Jiraiya sighed. "You Uchiha really don't know when to back down, huh?"
Yang grinned. "Wouldn't be us if we did."
Minato chuckled. "Apologies for the trouble, Senior."
Yang waved it off. "It's fine. You two really are close, huh? No wonder you're willing to risk your life for her."
Minato scratched the back of his head sheepishly, while Kushina puffed out her chest. "Of course! He's my Minato, dattebane!"
Before Yang could respond, Meimei tugged at his sleeve. "Yang, we're going to miss the desserts."
Yang blinked before sighing. "Right, right. Minato, we'll talk another day."
"Of course, Senior," Minato replied.
As they walked away, Minato and Kushina exchanged glances.
"Who was that?" Kushina asked.
Minato smiled. "Uchiha Yang. One of the strongest of his generation."
Meanwhile, as Yang and Meimei made their way home, Uncle Shuai watched from the doorway. His eyes widened slightly as he saw Yang carefully help Meimei off Black Claw. Their laughter was soft but genuine, the kind shared between two people who were growing comfortable with each other.
As Yang escorted Meimei to her room, she whispered something to him before slipping inside.
Then, with an idiotic grin on his face, Yang made his way back to his own room.
Uncle Shuai sighed, shaking his head.
"This brat… I send him out for a simple stroll, and he comes back smelling like young love."