Chapter 63: Chapter 63. The Nimble Chubby Hamster
Chapter 63. The Nimble Chubby Hamster
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My name is Izumi.
I'm a girl.
For some reason, my mom suddenly brought me back to the Uchiha clan a while ago.
Now, we're working at this shop together.
Actually, it's not so bad—it's not very tiring. All I have to do is turn on the lights and sound system at the right time, hand out towels and drinks to customers, or sometimes run to the Yuto Milk Tea shop to order milk tea.
Most of the people here are grandpas and grandmas, and they're all really nice.
Especially the grandpa currently in the center of the dance floor. He's wearing some strange, brightly colored clothes. Despite his hunched back, he dances really well!
It's fascinating!
He's drawing a lot of attention, especially with those unique clothes of his. Earlier, quite a few people were asking about them.
Propping my chin in my hand, I glance at the proud old man twisting and stepping to the beat on the dance floor. I'm curious—how is he able to move so energetically despite his age?
I guess that's what it means to be an Uchiha!
I've heard the Uchiha are skilled in taijutsu, and perhaps this is why.
Attracting everyone's attention and becoming the most handsome grandpa in the audience!
As for the chubby-cheeked boy over there…
I turn my head, looking toward the only person here who's around my age—a chubby boy sitting quietly.
Since he came in, he's been calmly sipping milk tea while watching the dancing.
Although he's chubby, he seems like a quiet little brother.
And from this angle…
His round cheeks and pudgy hands holding the milk tea cup make him look just like a… fluffy hamster.
I want to pinch him!
Is he an Uchiha too?
Why haven't I seen him around the clan before?
Izumi blinked curiously, swinging her little feet in black shoes as she hummed a tune and watched his chubby cheeks.
At this moment, the lights dimmed, and the music stopped.
The sound of tapping feet in the dance hall came to a halt.
Izumi turned her head, knowing it was time for her to work. Once their break was over, she'd need to turn the lights and sound system back on.
Looking back toward the dance floor's center, she saw the Uchiha grandpa now surrounded by a crowd, seemingly answering questions about his outfit.
That outfit… it's indeed very strange!
Bright and colorful—she didn't like it. She preferred purple clothes.
"Setsuna, this outfit of yours…" one of the elderly men approached curiously, clicking his tongue. "It's really peculiar! Did some famous designer from the Land of Fire create it?"
His words prompted the other grandpas to chime in, their voices overlapping as they even reached out to touch the outfit.
"This outfit is so unique—was it made by the master who designs ceremonial robes?"
"I have to admit, at first glance, it looks like a morning glory. But the more you look at it… it's actually pretty interesting. Especially when paired with your dance moves. Not bad! Not bad!"
"How much does it cost to make a set? Why don't you make us one too? Let's show off to those ladies!"
"Hmph!" Uchiha Setsuna let out a proud snort, tilting his head in a way that, despite his age, made you want to punch him. "There's only one of these in all of Konoha, so hands off! What if you tear it?"
Of course, everyone was used to Setsuna's attitude by now, and no one would really hit him.
Not that they could, anyway—rumor had it this old man wasn't as simple as he looked.
There was talk he had some connection to the fabulously wealthy Yuto.
Yet, there was no need to take him seriously.
Despite his irritating arrogance, the elder still twisted his body and showed off Uchiha's unique dance skills for everyone to admire!
After all, their Uchiha dance skills…
It's said that back in the day, the Legendary Uchiha Ninja used this very skill to match the rhythm of the God of Ninja World!
Absolutely remarkable!
Uchiha Setsuna sneaked a glance at Hyuga Hana, who was quietly sipping tea, seemingly oblivious to his presence. Hesitating for a moment, he let out a cold snort, brushed past the group of elderly men, and walked over with a calm demeanor.
"Give me a drink too."
"You're done showing off your clothes?" Hyuga Hana raised her head with an indifferent expression, glanced at Setsuna, and casually poured him a cup of tea.
To be fair, the setup here was impressive—self-service tea-making included.
Taking an elegant sip of the hot tea, she remarked, "This place is fine, but I still prefer the open grasslands."
"There's nothing we can do. During times of war, those areas are more remote and under stricter control," Setsuna replied, sipping his tea with a blank expression. "Ordinary people are afraid to wander around, so this is the best choice."
"Maybe." Hana nodded faintly and poured him another cup. Glancing at the peculiar large sound system, she remarked, "That thing's quite impressive."
"It is," Setsuna agreed, his tone filled with pride. "Surround sound, deep bass, adjustable volume, energy efficient—it feels immersive! Yuto mentioned it's built with their company's latest breakthrough technology. Not even on the market yet!"
He looked at her with an air of smug satisfaction, as if boasting about the excellence of the younger Uchiha generation, silently conveying: My Uchiha Clan's descendants are outstanding.
Hana merely cast him a sidelong glance and lost interest in continuing the conversation. After all, Yuto had long been expelled from the Uchiha clan.
Even at his age, he still loved showing off.
This arrogant attitude has never changed!
Hana's mind wandered briefly to a memory of a young, arrogant boy who always believed he was the best, his nose perpetually in the air. Her expression grew distant, her cloudy eyes filled with recollection.
Shaking her head with a sigh, she muttered softly, filled with emotion.
We're all getting old after all.
"Hey, hey! What are you sighing and shaking your head about, old woman?" Setsuna waved a hand in front of her face, pulling her out of her reverie. "What's the matter? If you want something, just ask me! I've got it!"
Hana, expressionless, took another sip of tea and looked at him coldly. "Not interested." After a pause, she turned her attention to the chubby hamster sitting nearby. "You brought the child here and then ignored him? He's been sitting there the whole time."
The chubby… hamster?
Her face neutral, she reached out and gave his cheek a gentle pinch. The texture was quite satisfying.
Not bad for a kid—not as arrogant as most Uchiha!
The chubby hamster, startled, looked up at the elderly lady who had come with the Chief Elder, confusion in his eyes. He asked doubtfully,
"Um… is there something I can do for you?"
However, the aloof elder lady simply ignored him after the pinch and resumed sipping her tea elegantly. It was then that Setsuna finally remembered he'd brought this little guy, who had been sunbathing in the courtyard, along with him.
Really.
He is indeed getting old. His memory isn't as good as before!
At this moment…
Hearing the music start up again, Uchiha Setsuna patted Itachi on the head and said in his usual stoic manner, "Come on! Move your body! Kids shouldn't just sit around all day. If you don't know how, just follow me and learn."
"Huh??"
Wait a minute—hadn't he come to watch the Chief Elder dance?!
Hearing the Chief Elder's words, Itachi looked at Setsuna with a mix of bewilderment and hesitation. After a moment, he carefully placed his milk tea aside with his chubby hands and stood up. "Yes, I think… I already learned just by watching earlier."
Setsuna raised his eyebrows in surprise. After a brief silence, he nodded with satisfaction. "Not bad! You are worthy of being a child of the Uchiha clan!"
It seemed… this kid was really talented!
At such a young age, he was neither humble nor overbearing when meeting his elders, and his composure was impressive.
As the music resumed, the elderly men and women lined up, moving in synchronized steps.
And at this time, behind them…
A little chubby hamster moved with unexpected nimbleness, his small figure keeping up with their every move. His actions were precise and in sync!
So much so that…
Watching from the sidelines, Izumi, who had just returned from her break, was stunned. Her wide, sparkling eyes were fixed on the dance floor, where a chubby, hamster-like figure moved gracefully.
"So cute!"
She murmured to herself, her voice barely audible. "Even though that little brother looks so chubby, he's so agile!"
Like a nimble, fluffy hamster!
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A small hiatus! Sorry for that. From now on, regular updates are back.