Chapter 82: I Can't Go On, I'll Just Lie Down for a While
After half a month, the Ichiraku Ramen Shop reopened.
Good news: there was no more annoying surveillance from the Anbu or the Root.
Bad news: less than half an hour after opening, a long line had formed at the shop's entrance, and it was getting longer.
Haruko looked at those familiar faces—there were Ninja, villagers, and even a few students from the Ninja Academy.
Big Brother Haruko! I want the deluxe ramen with extra egg and meat!
Give me a bowl of miso ramen, extra green onions!
Boss, I heard the pan-fried dumplings are back on the menu?
Teuchi greeted the customers with a smile, while Ayame was rushing around behind the counter.
Haruko stood expressionlessly in front of the griddle, mechanically waving his spatula.
'Is this right? This doesn't seem right, does it? Shouldn't I be lying down right now? But there's nothing wrong with opening the shop, is there?"
It was busy until late at night, and the last wave of customers finally dispersed.
Ayame was so tired she collapsed onto the counter, and both Tayuya and Kin looked exhausted. Only Kaede remained energetic, even offering to help clean up.
Thank you all for your hard work today. Teuchi brought out several bowls of ramen. Come, have some late-night snacks.
Haruko took the bowl and was just about to eat when he suddenly heard the cawing of a few crows outside the window.
...
Suppressing the urge to grab his head and scream, Haruko shoved the noodles into his stomach in a few bites.
I'm going out for some air.
Mhm, come back and rest soon. Teuchi still didn't ask any more questions.
...
The familiar Naka River, the familiar figure.
Long time no see. Itachi turned around, a rare smile appearing on his face.
Looks like progress is going okay? Haruko, who had already worked an extra shift all night, didn't want to engage in small talk. Tell me, how did the aftermath go?
The official verdict is that my father led the Clan Members, united with the Third Hokage, and repelled the true culprit of the Nine-Tailed Incident, " Uchiha Madara ", making them heroes who defended the Village.
What was the price?
The Military Police Force. Itachi said calmly. The Uchiha will no longer have exclusive control over the Military Police Force. From today on, the Military Police Force will be open to selections from all Ninja in the Village. My father has retired due to injury... and a member of the Hyuga main family will take over as captain. Uchiha Yakumi will serve as vice-captain.
Haruko nodded. This was an expected compromise.
Also... that abandoned development zone has been rezoned for us, and they are preparing to redevelop it. It's the place where we fought that night.
That's good. At least it's closer to the center of the Village.
Indeed... Itachi's tone was somewhat complex. Father said this is the outcome he has always wanted.
What about Danzo? Haruko asked the most critical question.
The Root has been disbanded and merged into the Anbu. As for Danzo Shimura... Itachi lowered his eyes. All records about him have been erased. No one knows if he is dead or alive, just as if he had never existed.
Haruko sneered; it was about what he expected.
Although it was a bit of a pity he couldn't personally finish off Danzo, as long as that old dog didn't jump out to disgust people anymore, Haruko didn't care if he lived or died.
There is one more thing, Itachi suddenly said. I have been classified as an S-rank missing-nin.
What? Haruko was stunned.
I am the traitor who assisted 'Madara' in invading Konoha and murdering my own kin.
Itachi turned around, his long black hair fluttering slightly in the night wind.
Since that masked man didn't die, he will definitely make a comeback. He is a formidable enemy, and someone must be by his side, watching him. And I am the most suitable person for that.
This is the Third Hokage's intention, as well as my father's... and even more so, my own will.
Haruko looked at Itachi's deep eyes, which shouldn't exist at this age, and only wanted to sigh while holding his forehead.
He could have revealed the truth and just laid back to enjoy the treatment of a hero's son, but instead, he chose to bear the infamy and run off to be a spy.
Fine, just be careful yourself. Haruko did not intend to dissuade him, nor could he.
Remember, when doing things for 'Madara', just do enough to get by; slack off when you can. Also...
Haruko chattered on, telling Itachi quite a few precautions.
Itachi just listened, a smile remaining on his face the whole time.
...
The next morning, Haruko arrived at the Uchiha clan grounds.
Compared to the previous feeling of exclusion where one could feel prickly gazes at any time, the Uchiha were much friendlier now.
He knocked on the door of Fugaku's house, and Uchiha Mikoto opened it.
Hello, I am looking for Clan Leader Fugaku. I have brought a message from Lady Tsunade.
You must be HaRoko~kun. Itachi often mentions you.
Mikoto led Haruko inside with a smile. Fugaku is inside; I will take you to him.
Thank you.
In the corridor, the two were blocked by a small figure.
Sasuke looked up at Haruko, his eyes somewhat complex.
When... when is big brother coming back? You're his friend, you must know, right?
Sasuke...
It's alright.
Haruko stopped Mikoto from reprimanding him, crouched down, and looked at Sasuke at eye level.
Itachi is carrying out a very important mission. Once the mission is completed, he will naturally return.
Everyone says that! Sasuke puffed out his cheeks and ran away angrily.
...
'This script isn't quite right, is it? Shouldn't he have helplessly accepted it, and then I would take the opportunity to encourage him to train hard?"
Haruko felt incredibly awkward.
Fortunately, Mikoto didn't say anything and led Haruko to the living room.
Fugaku was sitting inside, with an eye patch over one eye.
Seeing Haruko, he stood up: 'Haruko? Why are you here?"
Hello, Clan Leader Fugaku...
Sigh, don't be so distant. You are Itachi's friend, just call me Uncle.
Fugaku was warmer than Haruko expected; he pulled Haruko's hand and sat down.
Come, sit down and let's talk slowly.
Fugaku, who was always poker-faced, showing this expression made Haruko get goosebumps, and he could only bite the bullet and continue.
Ahem, Uncle Fugaku. Lady Tsunade asked me to give you a message: If you want her to check your eyes, bring enough money and go find her.
Fugaku was stunned for a moment, then laughed: 'That really is Lady Tsunade's style."
Money is not an issue. Fugaku was very straightforward. However, where is Lady Tsunade now?
She is currently in Tanzaku Town.
Wait a moment. Fugaku nodded, then stood up and walked into the inner room.
Not long after, he returned with a scroll and placed it in front of Haruko.
I heard from Itachi that you are very skilled in Ninjutsu. These are some Uchiha Fire Release Ninjutsu. I will set off to find Lady Tsunade tomorrow, and I will have to trouble you to introduce me.
I understand. Then I won't stand on ceremony.
Haruko took the scroll without declining.
Showing the way certainly wasn't worth this price; this was because of his relationship with Itachi.
He probably already knew—or had guessed—who had taught Itachi the plan for that night.
Fugaku saw Haruko to the door: 'You can come over and sit often in the future, and that child Sasuke... please look after him a bit more."
Haruko nodded and turned to leave.
Walking out of the Uchiha clan grounds, he glanced at the scroll in his hand and casually shoved it into his chest pocket.
'Another one added. I haven't even looked at the ones I swiped from Danzo yet."
On the first day he returned to Konoha, Haruko had secretly moved the buried loot to a safer place, but he hadn't looked at it closely, just left it piled up there.
'I'll get to it later, I'll get to it later..."
Haruko went straight back to his detached house, threw the scroll into the room, and jumped onto his rocking chair.
Right now, Haruko just wanted to lie down for a while.
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