Naruto: reborn as an Uzumaki

After about an hour, Yukari, who had been practically counting the minutes in the library, decided it was time to return home. She hoped that the kids had either activated the soundproofing seals or were at least finished by now.

Using her entrance scroll, she reappeared in her bedroom, her senses immediately alert for any noise from upstairs. Thankfully, the house was quiet.

Yukari let out a relieved breath, though she couldn't stop the slight shudder that coursed through her at the thought of what she'd overheard earlier.

Her years of abuse in the Hidden Grass had left deep scars, making her detest such activities. Even so, she had always kept her composure, knowing her discomfort shouldn't interfere with other people's lives or happiness. It was a personal burden she bore in silence, never sharing it with anyone—not even Kana.

Taking a deep breath to center herself, Yukari headed to the kitchen, her face still tinged with a faint blush. She began preparing lunch, letting the rhythmic motion of chopping vegetables and stirring pots calm her nerves.

Once the food was ready, she plated her portion and ate quietly at the dining table, deciding not to call Kenshin or Akane. They would come downstairs when they were ready. And she couldn't bear to go upstairs or face them right now.

After finishing her meal, Yukari left the remaining food in the pot on the stove, ensuring it was covered and safe. She decided she needed some fresh air.

Ever since she'd arrived in the village two weeks ago, she hadn't stepped outside the house even once. Now seemed like a good time to explore her surroundings and perhaps meet some of the locals.

Stepping out of the Uchiha compound, Yukari felt a strange weight settle over her. The eerie quiet of the abandoned houses and empty streets was a haunting reminder of the massacre that had occurred here over seven years ago. The silence spoke volumes about the countless lives lost and the sorrow that lingered in the air.

As she walked, her mind wandered to the tragedy of the Uchiha clan. Could it have been prevented? Was there a way for peace to have been achieved without such a horrific cost?

Yukari, who had always been against violence and the taking of lives, felt a deep sadness for the needless loss and destruction that had unfolded here.

Leaving the compound behind, Yukari entered the neighborhood adjacent to it, where life seemed more vibrant. She greeted a few villagers she passed, offering them polite smiles. Spotting a middle-aged man tending to a garden, she approached and asked for directions to the village center.

"Just follow the main road and cross the river," the man said with a kind smile. "You'll reach the center in no time."

Yukari thanked him and continued on her way, following the road as instructed. Soon, the quiet of the residential area gave way to the lively hum of the village center. She found herself amidst the bustling preparations for the Rinne Festival.

People were setting up colorful stalls, stringing decorations, and arranging goods for sale. With less than a week until the festival, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and anticipation.

Yukari walked through the busy streets, observing the preparations with quiet curiosity. Her gaze lingered on the bright paper lanterns being strung across the streets and the festive fabrics adorning shopfronts. She couldn't help but feel a small sense of wonder at the energy and joy surrounding her.

As she continued to stroll, the scent of grilled chicken caught her attention. Turning her head, she spotted a street food stall selling Yakitori—skewered grilled chicken. The aroma was mouthwatering, and Yukari paused, considering whether to stop for a bite.

Yukari walked closer to the stall, drawn by the delicious aroma of the yakitori, but she suddenly realized she didn't have any money on her. After all, she'd never needed any since coming to the village. She hesitated, debating whether to just walk away, when the vendor noticed her.

"Good afternoon, young lady," the vendor greeted warmly, smiling at her.

Yukari looked around, unsure if he was talking to her. Seeing no one else nearby, she realized the man was indeed addressing her.

Startled, she pointed to herself. "Me?" she asked, surprised to be called "young lady" despite being over 45 years old.

The vendor chuckled and nodded. "Yes, you. Come on over."

Yukari walked up to him, bowing slightly in greeting. "Good afternoon. I'm sorry, I don't have any money with me," she said respectfully.

"Don't worry about that for now," the vendor replied, his voice kind. "Are you new here? Visiting someone?"

"Yes, I'm new," Yukari answered, maintaining her polite tone. "I've recently moved into the Uchiha compound."

The vendor's expression shifted slightly at the mention of the compound. "Oh, so are you a family member of the two Hidden Rain shinobi who've been living there? I heard the boy's father was an Uchiha, and his mum's an Uzumaki, and she adopted the Uchiha girl."

Yukari nodded, her voice gentle but firm. "That's true. However, I am not originally from the Hidden Rain. I was brought here from the Hidden Grass as a member of the same Uzumaki clan. They brought me here with proper permission, and now I hope my family can serve the Hidden Leaf well, just as I trust the village will take good care of them."

Her natural poise and respectful demeanor seemed to soften the vendor's initial caution. He gave her a warm smile. "Well, I hope your family settles in and gets along with the village."

"Thank you," Yukari said with a slight bow.

The vendor began packing a few skewers of Yakitori, handing the bundle to Yukari. She immediately shook her head. "Oh, no, I couldn't possibly take these. I really don't have any money with me."

The vendor waved her off with a laugh. "Don't worry about it. Think of it as a welcoming gift. Just be sure to come to my little stall when you're out with your family."

Yukari hesitated, but the vendor's genuine smile and insistence won her over. She accepted the packet with a small bow. "Thank you very much. I truly appreciate your kindness."

Holding the packet close to her chest, Yukari felt an unfamiliar warmth bloom inside her. The people here, it seemed, were far kinder than the ones in the Hidden Grass.

There, no one had ever spoken to her unless they needed her healing abilities or to deliver the meager weekly supplies the village grudgingly provided. Here, a complete stranger had offered her food simply out of kindness. It was a feeling she wasn't used to, and she found herself grateful for it.

Yukari walked to a nearby bench and sat down, watching the bustling crowd as they continued their festival preparations. The air was filled with laughter, chatter, and the clinking of tools, creating an atmosphere of excitement. Although she'd just eaten lunch, the delicious smell of the yakitori was hard to ignore.

Opening the packet, she stared at the skewers, debating whether to take one. 'Just one,' she thought. 'I'll save the rest for the kids.' She picked up a skewer and brought it to her lips, taking a bite. The tender, perfectly grilled meat melted in her mouth, and she couldn't help but savor it.

One bite turned into two, and before she knew it, she'd finished the skewer. Yukari glanced at the open packet and frowned.

'These will get cold by the time I get home,' she thought. She bit her lip, guilt tugging at her as she rationalized her next decision. 'The kids wouldn't be able to enjoy them if they're cold… it's better if I eat them now.'

With that thought, Yukari began eating the yakitori one skewer at a time, savoring each bite. She tried not to feel too guilty, reminding herself that the vendor had given them as a gift for her, and surely the kids would understand.

Once Yukari finished the yakitori, she neatly disposed of the empty packet in a nearby trash can and resumed her exploration of the village.

She made sure to pay attention to the roads, marking landmarks in her mind to avoid losing her way. As she wandered, she encountered various villagers, many of whom approached her with cautious curiosity when they learned she lived in the Uchiha compound.

However, Yukari's natural grace and respectful demeanor quickly put them at ease, and they found themselves speaking to her more openly.

Yukari felt a profound sense of peace as she conversed with these people. It had been so long since she had spoken with others so freely, without fear or obligation.

For decades in the Hidden Grass, every interaction had been tinged with cold utility. Here, she could simply talk, and that feeling was both strange and comforting.

In her enjoyment, however, Yukari forgot to keep track of the path she'd taken. Looking around, she realized she was now lost. She paused, debating what to do.

The village was bustling, and while it would be embarrassing to admit she was stranded, she decided it would be better to ask for directions if necessary. For now, she chose to keep walking, hoping to find someone she knew or recognize a familiar landmark.

Eventually, Yukari found herself near a large walled compound, similar in scale to the Uchiha compound but located near the hospital. She stopped a passerby, a kind-looking older man, and asked politely, "Excuse me, sir, could you tell me what that place is?"

The man smiled and replied, "Ah, that's the Hyuga compound."

Yukari nodded her thanks and stood for a moment, admiring the compound's grand architecture. As she did, she noticed a young girl in a lavender jacket approaching her.

The girl, with her pale eyes and gentle expression, was clearly a Hyuga. The girl stopped in front of Yukari and greeted her warmly.

"Hello, my name is Hinata Hyuga. Are you perhaps Kenshin-kun's mom?" the girl asked with a small smile.

Yukari blinked in surprise. "I am his aunt. You know Kenshin-sama?" she asked, tilting her head slightly.

The girl nodded, her smile widening. "Yes, I know him. He's a friend."

Yukari's expression softened, and she nodded warmly. "Thank you for being my nephew's friend," she said with genuine gratitude, bowing slightly.

The girl's cheeks turned faintly pink, and she raised her hands modestly. "Oh, it's nothing," she said quickly. Then, looking a little confused, she asked, "But if Kenshin-kun is your nephew, why do you call him 'sama'?"

Yukari chuckled softly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "Ah, it's a force of habit," she explained. "I used to be his mother's attendant back when she was a child and the Hidden Whirlpool Village still stood.

Even though I was separated from his mother, Kana-sama, after the village's destruction, my habits as her attendant never faded. Although I consider Kenshin-sama like a nephew, as his mother is my closest friend, I still feel a sense of duty to address him respectfully."

Hinata nodded slowly, clearly intrigued by the story. "I see… You must be very close to Kenshin-kun's family."

"I am," Yukari said, her voice gentle but firm. "They've been so kind as to bring me here, and I am forever grateful. It is my hope to support them as much as I can."

Hinata smiled shyly at Yukari. "That's wonderful. Kenshin-kun is lucky to have someone like you in his life."

Yukari gave a small, appreciative bow. "Thank you, young lady. It's kind of you to say so. And thank you for being a friend to Kenshin-sama. He may not say it openly, but he values his friendships deeply."

Hinata's blush deepened, and she nodded. "Thank you."

The two shared a moment of mutual understanding before Yukari asked, "Could you help me find my way back to the Uchiha compound? I seem to have lost my way."

Hinata immediately nodded. "Of course, I'll guide you there."

Yukari followed Hinata, grateful for the girl's kindness and enjoying the company as they made their way through the village.