Naruto: With Favorabiltity System

Chapter 142

Chapter 142: New Year's Dinner

After leaving the Hokage's building, Haneda told Kakashi, "See you tomorrow," and headed straight home.

At the entrance, the clan leader and Fugaku were standing there. As Haneda approached, the clan leader smiled and said, "Long time no see, Haneda."

"Yeah, it has been a while, Uncle Clan Leader. I heard from Big Brother Fugaku that you're waiting at the hospital to see your grandchild." Haneda replied with a smile.

Seeing the clan leader, Haneda knew that he must have already heard about his offer to join the Anbu.

"Haha, I still have to wait a few more months to see my grandchild. But I often hear news about you around the village," the clan leader said. "Everyone's calling you and Kakashi the Twin Stars of Konoha."

Haneda didn't care much about these titles. He smiled and replied, "It's nothing. Right now, Orochimaru and Minato are the real stars in the village."

Haneda knew the pleasantries were over, so he said, "So, the news about the Hokage summoning me has already reached you, right?"

The clan leader's eyes showed a hint of surprise, but he wasn't too shocked since Haneda had always been quick-witted.

"Yes, it was Anbu member Hachidai who brought the news. He mentioned that the Hokage had summoned you and Kakashi around six-thirty to discuss joining the Anbu. Speaking of which, it's thanks to you that Hachidai was able to join the Anbu, Haneda."

The clan leader paused, then continued, "So, what do you say, Haneda? Did you agree?"

Haneda shook his head and replied, "I turned it down. The Anbu isn't a great place to be. It lacks freedom, and there aren't many friends there."

Noticing a shift in his father's expression, Fugaku quickly said, "Father, let Haneda follow his own path. No matter what, the Uchiha clan will always support him."

"You're right, Fugaku. Even though Haneda joining the Anbu would benefit the Uchiha clan, his personal wishes are more important," the clan leader said, regaining his calm.

The clan leader gave Fugaku an approving glance. He'd momentarily lost his composure, but Fugaku quickly helped him recover.

However, Haneda understood the clan leader's intentions well. From the Uchiha's perspective, wanting him in the Anbu wasn't wrong, but it didn't respect his own desires. Fugaku, on the other hand, was still the same as always.

Haneda looked up at the falling snow and smiled, "It's almost New Year's. The Uchiha clan will be lively, right? Are you organizing a lantern festival, Uncle Clan Leader?"

The clan leader paused, then smiled, "Yes. Many clan members who are out on missions will come home, and the clan grounds will be bustling."

...

After the recent war, Konoha was approaching its 48th year.

On New Year's Eve, both the Uchiha and Hyuga clan grounds—usually quiet—were decorated with lanterns. Especially along the commercial street, where lanterns of every color lined the road: red, gold, green—nearly every color imaginable.

The entire village of Konoha was alight, and crowds filled the streets.

Haneda sat at home with little to do. Earlier, Fugaku and the clan leader had invited him to their home, but since Big Brother Fugaku had promised to spend the night at the hospital with Sister Mikoto, Haneda decided it would be lonely.

He sat by the window, studying ninjutsu theory—particularly the Flying Thunder God technique. A desk lamp illuminated a scroll, on which Minato had summarized key points about the Flying Thunder God. Originally, Minato had given it to Kakashi, who lent it to Haneda.

After a while, Haneda looked out the window. The normally quiet Uchiha grounds were now glowing with lanterns. Men who usually stayed in the training grounds had returned home to be with their families.

The scene reminded Haneda of ten years ago when his parents were still around. He'd been like the other children, wandering through the lantern displays with his parents, occasionally stopping for small snacks and fun little toys.

Haneda glanced at the black-and-white photo on his desk, then looked away. He had grown used to living alone over the years.

Knock, knock, knock!

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, followed by Obito's voice.

"Haneda! Open up! The great Obito is here!"

Hearing the familiar voice and tone, Haneda smiled.

"Coming!"

He quickly closed Kakashi's Flying Thunder God notes, walked to the door, and opened it.

"What are you doing here, Obito?" Haneda asked in a casual tone.

Obito, hands in his pockets, smiled and said, "It's New Year's. Leaving you all alone at home would be too sad, don't you think? Come on, how about joining us at my place? My grandma cooked up a feast!"

"You're being unusually nice," Haneda teased, but Obito quickly grabbed his hand, pulling him out the door.

Without much choice, Haneda locked the door behind him as they dashed down the street, from the training grounds area to the commercial district side.

Before long, they reached Obito's house, a path Haneda was well familiar with, having come here many times—even as a student at the Academy.

"We're here," Obito said, pushing the door open and dropping his shoes casually. He walked inside and called out, "Grandma, I'm back! And I brought Haneda."

Haneda looked at the shoes Obito left on the floor, chuckling as he placed them neatly on the shoe rack, along with his own.

"Little Obito and little Haneda are both home," came Grandma's gentle voice from the kitchen.

As soon as Haneda entered, the aroma of the food hit him—cooked vegetables and meat. Stepping into the living room, he saw a table filled with delicious dishes: shrimp symbolizing health and long life, fish cakes for success in studies, seaweed rolls for happiness...

Grandma then brought over a plate of grilled pork belly, Haneda's favorite, served on a bed of lettuce.

"The food's ready. Sit down and eat," Grandma said kindly.

Once Haneda and Obito were seated, she poured them each a glass of orange juice she'd bought from the market.

"Thank you, Grandma," they both said in unison, sharing a smile before clinking their glasses.

Haneda took a sip of orange juice, grabbed a piece of grilled pork belly, and took a bite. It wasn't as well-made as at Yakiniku Q, but there was a special taste to it.

"This is delicious, Grandma! Better than at Yakiniku Q. Ten times better—no, a hundred times!" Haneda said, beaming.

"Is that so? I learned from that restaurant's recipes myself. Looks like I'm ready to graduate from their recipes," Grandma laughed.

Noticing the effort behind each bite, Haneda silently appreciated the time and care Grandma had put into making it.

…