Konoha: Many children bring happiness, marry a wife and rebuild the Uchiha

The soul travels through Naruto, and Uchiha Xiafan wakes up on the night of the extermination of the clan, with only the young Nijira left by his side. The task of reviving the family is overwhelming, and the system of having many children and more blessings is activated! The stronger the bloodline, the greater the reward!

Gave birth to a child with Yamanaka Ino, potential 29, reward chakra 1, Fire Dragon Bomb!

Give birth to a child with Hyuga Hinata, potential 41, reward mental power 10, Samadhi True Fire!

Give birth to a child with Tsunade, potential 328, reward Nine Magatama Samsara Eye!

For the sake of Uchiha, Xia Fan tearfully started the plan of “taking a concubine to save the clan”!

During the day, he enjoys appreciating flowers and farming with Ino, practicing with Hinata under the moon, and feeding and changing diapers for the children, all in great joy; at night, he studies the “mystery of life” with the beauties, and discusses the “family multiplication” plan, combining a warm daily life with “hard work”!

Tsunade, Mei Terumi, Konan…the group of future sisters-in-law continues to expand!

Many years later, Xia Fan, with children and grandchildren all around him, looked at the gifted new generation of Uchiha and said to Sasuke, who had long been numb, “Second Pillar, I have sacrificed too much for the family!”

Konoha: Many children bring happiness, marry a wife and rebuild the Uchiha
Chapter 1: Survive
The cold rain hit Xia Fan’s face hard, like countless fine needles piercing his skin, bringing waves of sharp pain. He opened his eyes suddenly, his chaotic consciousness was not yet fully awake, but his vision was a shocking scarlet.
Broken limbs, broken internal organs, mixed with mud and rain, filled the entire field of vision. The strong and nauseating smell of blood and something burning rushed into his nostrils, stimulating every nerve in his body. His stomach was churning and he almost vomited.
Where is this?
Why is he here?
Xia Fan struggled to sit up, but found that his body was unbearably heavy, and he felt a tearing pain in his limbs. He looked down and saw a pair of slightly tender hands that did not belong to him, covered with dark red, half-coagulated blood.
Strange memories came rushing in like a flood, impacting his mind and bringing waves of intense dizziness.
In the world of Naruto…the Uchiha clan…the night of genocide!
This realization was like a bolt from the blue, shaking Xia Fan to the bone. Wasn’t he working all night to finish a project report? How did he suddenly come to this world known for cruelty and death? Moreover, it was in this Shura field where the Uchiha clan was exterminated!
He turned his stiff neck with difficulty and looked around. This was once the settlement of the Uchiha clan, but now it had turned into a sea of ​​fire and ruins. Houses collapsed, and the flames burned tenaciously in the rain, making crackling sounds, reflecting the mess on the ground, like a picture scroll of hell.
The rain was still falling, freezing cold, as if it wanted to wash away all the sin and blood in the world, but it only made the blood spread further and the air even colder.
“Woo… woo…”
A suppressed, weak mosquito-like whimpering sound came from a corner not far away, attracting Xia Fan’s attention.
He looked in the direction of the sound and saw a thin figure huddled under a broken wall, shaking violently. It was a boy who looked only six or seven years old, with black hair sticking to his forehead wetly. He was wearing clothes with the Uchiha fan emblem printed on them, but now it was covered with mud and blood. He hugged his arms tightly, buried his head in his knees, and his body kept twitching because of extreme fear.
It’s Sasuke! Uchiha Sasuke!
Xia Fan’s heart suddenly shrank. This young cousin occupied a considerable part of the original owner’s memory fragments.
Yes, cousin. The original owner of his current body was also called Uchiha Kaho, the son of Sasuke’s father, Uchiha Fugaku’s younger brother, and Sasuke’s cousin. A marginal figure who might not even occupy a prominent position in the family tree, usually taciturn, mediocre talent, and inconspicuous in the Uchiha clan full of masters.
Perhaps it was precisely because of this inconspicuousness that he was able to hide in a hidden cellar during the massacre of the Uchiha elite and temporarily escape. But obviously, the original owner did not survive in the end, perhaps because of excessive shock or excessive blood loss, and in the end, he benefited from his otherworldly self.
Xia Fan resisted the dizziness caused by the fact that his soul and body had not yet completely merged, as well as the strong physical discomfort caused by the horrific scene in front of him. He took a deep breath, and the smell of rain and blood made him cough.
No, I can’t stay here any longer!
The killer, Uchiha Itachi, might not be far away. Konoha’s Anbu might come to “clean up” the scene at any time. Either way, it would be a deadly threat to these two unarmed survivors.
Especially Sasuke, his mental state is very bad now and he may collapse at any time.
Xia Fan gritted his teeth, and an instinct for survival burst out in his heart. He must take Sasuke away from here and escape from this place of death! Otherwise, the next one to fall in this pool of blood may be them.
He struggled to get up, and every time he moved, his body felt like it was falling apart. He staggered to Sasuke’s side, squatted down, stretched out his trembling hand, and gently touched Sasuke’s shoulder.
“Sasuke…Sasuke, wake up…” His voice was hoarse and dry due to weakness and nervousness.
Sasuke raised his head suddenly like a frightened little animal. His black eyes were now filled with bloodshot, endless fear, confusion and despair. When he saw Xia Fan’s face clearly, a faint fluctuation flashed in his empty eyes, and then was drowned by great sadness.
“Brother…Brother…” Sasuke’s voice was nasal, full of the fragility and helplessness of a child, “Dad…Mom…they…”
He couldn’t continue speaking. He just looked at Xia Fan with eyes filled with fear. Tears silently slid down his face, mixing with the rain and stains on his face.
Xia Fan’s heart seemed to be tightly grasped by an invisible hand, and it hurt so much. He knew that now was not the time to be sad, but he could not say such cruel words to such a child: “They are all dead.”
“Sasuke, listen,” Xia Fan tried to make his voice sound calmer, even though his heart was filled with fear and anxiety, “It’s dangerous here, we must leave immediately. Believe me, I will take you out.”
He reached out his hand, trying to pull Sasuke up.
Sasuke seemed not to have heard him, but just stared blankly in a certain direction, which seemed to be the direction of his home. His lips moved, but no sound came out, only tears poured out.
“No… I won’t leave…” Sasuke suddenly shook his head vigorously, his small body erupting in stubborn resistance, “Mom and Dad are still waiting for me… Itachi… Itachi Nissan…”
At the mention of the name “Itachi”, Sasuke’s body shook even more violently, his eyes filled with incredible pain and a deep sense of betrayal.
Xia Fan knew that the psychological trauma Itachi had caused to Sasuke was devastating. But now, he had no time to comfort Sasuke.
“Sasuke, wake up!” Xia Fan emphasized, grabbed Sasuke’s thin shoulders with both hands, and forced him to look at her, “If you want to know the truth, if you want to do something for mom and dad, you must first survive! If we stay here, we will all die!”
Perhaps it was the three words “survive” that touched Sasuke, or perhaps it was the unquestionable determination in Xia Fan’s eyes that allowed him to temporarily suppress the confusion in his heart, and Sasuke’s eyes had a slight focus.
“Live…on?” he muttered to himself, as if he couldn’t understand the meaning of the word.
“Yes, live!” Xia Fan nodded vigorously and took Sasuke’s cold little hand, “Follow me, quickly!”
Sasuke’s body was still shaking, but this time, he did not resist. He seemed to have lost all his strength, and let Xia Fan pull him up, staggering to his feet.
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ActivityRegister as a Filo member and get 200 points![Register Now]Chapter 2: Sasuke has a high fever (old version)
The rain was getting heavier, washing the blood-stained land. Xia Fan tightly grasped Sasuke’s hand, and with the other hand he held the crumbling wall, moving forward in the ruins with difficulty, one foot deep and one foot shallow. His goal was the edge of the Uchiha clan’s territory, where there were some relatively remote and difficult-to-find huts.
With every step, Xia Fan felt his strength draining away. The aftereffects of the soul crossing, the original owner’s physical weakness, and the high mental tension were constantly consuming him. But he didn’t dare to stop. He could feel that there seemed to be countless pairs of eyes watching them in the darkness.
Sasuke was almost dragged away by him, his small body was stiff and cold, his eyes were empty, as if his soul had been taken away. He no longer cried or spoke, but just followed behind Xia Fan numbly, like a puppet without a soul.
The rain blurred Xia Fan’s vision, and the rubble and debris under his feet almost made him fall several times. He had to stay alert at all times, pay attention to the movements around him, and avoid possible enemies – whether it was Uchiha Itachi’s “accomplices” (although he knew Itachi acted alone, he did not dare to be careless at this moment), or the Konoha Anbu who heard the news.
Anbu, this word made Xia Fan’s heart tremble. He didn’t know the attitude of Konoha’s high-level officials towards the genocide of the Uchiha clan, but it was certain that they would never want to see any “accidental” survivors, especially those who might reveal the truth.
He carefully avoided the areas with blazing flames, and tried to take cover in the shadows and ruins. The smell of blood in the air became stronger and stronger, and from time to time he could see the bodies of his tribesmen lying in pools of blood. They died in different ways, and most of them had shock and unwillingness on their faces.
Xia Fan forced himself not to look closely, for fear that he would collapse. He could only keep telling himself in his heart: Live, live with Sasuke.
After an unknown amount of time, they finally left the worst-hit area in the center of the tribe. The surrounding firelight gradually faded, and the bodies became scattered. Relying on the original owner’s vague memory, Xia Fan found a small house that looked fairly solid at the edge of a relatively intact building complex.
This hut was in a remote location, surrounded by half-human-high weeds, and looked like it was used to store sundries. The door was ajar, and the hinges were somewhat rotten.
Xia Fan carefully observed the surroundings and confirmed that there was no danger for the time being before he gently pushed open the door. A dusty and musty smell hit him in the face.
The room was dark, with only the sound of rain hitting the roof and windows. With the occasional faint firelight coming through the broken window, Xia Fan could barely see the scene inside the room. The space was not big, with some old furniture and sundries piled up, covered with dust and cobwebs.
“Sasuke, let’s rest here for a while.” Xia Fan’s voice was tired.
He pulled Sasuke into the hut, closed the door behind him, and propped it shut with a rotten wooden stick.
Sasuke remained silent, staring at the ground with empty eyes, as if everything in the outside world had nothing to do with him. His face was covered with dirt and blood, and his lips were pale, without a trace of blood.
Seeing him like this, Xia Fan felt a sharp pain in his heart. He knew that this genocide was a huge blow to Sasuke. Witnessing the tragic death of his parents and being betrayed by his most beloved brother, this pain was enough to destroy any adult, let alone a seven-year-old child.
He found a relatively clean rag, dipped it in some rain water dripping from the eaves, and clumsily wiped the blood off Sasuke’s face. The cold rain water touched Sasuke’s skin, causing him to tremble slightly, but his eyes remained unchanged.
Xia Fan sighed and led Sasuke to the corner where some relatively dry straw was spread. He asked Sasuke to sit down, then took off his equally worn-out coat and wrapped it around Sasuke’s cold body.
“It will be fine, Sasuke.” Xia Fan said softly, even though he himself didn’t know what the future would be like, “Everything will be fine.”
Sasuke didn’t respond at all. He just curled up in the corner like a wounded little animal, licking his wounds silently.
Night fell quickly, but the rain showed no sign of stopping. The cold wind howled in through the broken windows, blowing up the dust in the house and bringing waves of chill.
Xia Fan hugged Sasuke tightly in his arms, trying to give him a little warmth with his insignificant body temperature. Sasuke’s body was very light and cold, like a piece of ice without temperature.
“Go to sleep, Sasuke, you’ll be fine after a good night’s sleep.” Xia Fan’s voice was very soft, with a barely perceptible tremor. He gently patted Sasuke’s back and hummed a vague and distant lullaby in his memory. It was the lullaby that the original owner’s mother had sung to him, with a simple and gentle melody.
He didn’t know if Sasuke listened to him, or if this lullaby could bring him any comfort. He just instinctively did what he thought he should do.
Sasuke’s body was still tense in her arms, but he didn’t seem to be resisting as much. Xia Fan could feel his gentle breath brushing against her neck, with a hint of moist heat.
Food and water were extremely scarce. They had taken nothing with them when they escaped. There was nothing to eat in the hut.
Xia Fan knew that they couldn’t stay here forever. Without food and water, they wouldn’t last long. Moreover, Sasuke was in a very bad condition. He was caught in the rain and frightened, so he might get sick.
The next morning, the rain finally stopped, and the sun shone through the clouds, sparsely shining on the devastated Uchiha clan land.
Xia Fan carefully pushed the door open a crack and observed the situation outside. There was a dead silence in the ruins, with only the occasional crow’s cry, which added a bit of desolation.
He decided to venture out to find food and water. He told Sasuke to stay in the hut and not run around, then took a deep breath and quietly slipped out.
Every time he went out, it was like a gamble, he was terrified. He didn’t dare to go far, and only searched in a few relatively intact houses nearby. Those once warm homes were now only ruins and coagulated bloodstains.
Fortunately, he found some scattered rice grains and a small bag of unopened salt in a collapsed kitchen, and a broken clay pot with half a jar of relatively clean rainwater in another place.
These insignificant gains were like treasures to Xia Fan.
He returned to the hut and used the dry wood and flint he had picked up to barely start a small fire in the corner. He put rice and water into a broken bowl and cooked a small pot of porridge.
The aroma of porridge filled the hut, and Sasuke’s empty eyes seemed to fluctuate a little.
Xia Fan filled a bowl of porridge, blew on it, and passed it to Sasuke: “Eat something, Sasuke. It will give you strength after eating.”
Sasuke silently took the bowl and drank it in small sips. The hot rice porridge slid into his throat, and it seemed to bring a hint of warmth.
In this way, they depended on each other in the small house among the ruins and lived a hard life. Xia Fan ventured out every day to look for food and clean water. Sometimes he could find some dry food, and sometimes he could only find some wild vegetables.
He tried to take care of Sasuke, even though his methods were clumsy. He would tell Sasuke some small stories from the original owner’s memory, even though Sasuke didn’t respond most of the time. He would force Sasuke to eat, because he knew that only by living, there is hope.
However, when it rains, it pours.
A few days later, Sasuke still developed a high fever.
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Chapter 3 Technique (Old Version)
His little face was red, his lips were cracked, his breathing was rapid and hot, and he curled up on the straw, groaning in pain, talking nonsense from time to time, calling “Dad”, “Mom”, and “Itachi-san”.
Xia Fan was extremely anxious. He touched Sasuke’s burning forehead, feeling the incredible heat, and the panic in his heart overwhelmed him like a tide.
He searched the entire cabin, and even took a greater risk by sneaking into an abandoned pharmacy farther away, hoping to find some medicine to reduce fever. But the pharmacy had already been looted, leaving only messes and broken medicine bottles on the floor.
Nothing was found.
Watching Sasuke’s painful groans and feeling the burning temperature on his body, Xia Fan felt unprecedented despair and powerlessness. He was afraid that Sasuke would become cold in front of him like those tribesmen.
He couldn’t let Sasuke die!
“Sasuke, hold on! I will definitely save you!” Xia Fan held Sasuke’s hand tightly, his voice hoarse due to extreme anxiety.
He no longer cared about the danger. If Sasuke died, what was the point of him living alone? He had promised to bring Sasuke along.
Just as Xia Fan was about to rush out of the hut and seek help from Konoha Village – even if it meant exposing himself and facing unknown dangers – a mechanical and cold voice suddenly sounded in his mind:
“The host has a strong desire to survive and protect his offspring, which meets the system binding conditions…”
“[Many Children, Many Blessings System] is binding…”
“Ten percent… thirty percent… seventy percent… one hundred percent…”
“Bind successfully!”
Xia Fan was suddenly stunned and his body froze in place.
What’s that sound? Is it an illusion?
He looked around in confusion; there was no one else in the hut except him and the unconscious Sasuke.
Then, a translucent virtual panel suddenly appeared in front of his eyes, which only he could see.
The panel design is simple, with a sense of technology, and a few lines of text are clearly displayed on it:
【Many Children, Many Blessings System】
Host: Uchiha Kaho
Core function: Give birth to offspring with Uchiha bloodline by combining with qualified women. For each offspring successfully born, the system will evaluate its potential based on comprehensive factors such as blood purity, talent potential, and future growth. The evaluation levels are divided from low to high: D, C, B, A, S, SS, SSS. The higher the evaluation, the richer the reward the host will receive.
Goal: To revive the Uchiha clan and make it prosperous again!
Looking at this sudden system panel, Xia Fan was completely stunned.
This was not the first time he had come across the concept of “system”. In the online novels of his previous life, this was a standard golden finger for the protagonist to change his fate. But he had never thought that this thing that only existed in fantasy would actually appear in front of him.
A system of having many children and good fortune? By having sex with a woman and giving birth to offspring, you get rewards?
This function… sounds a bit absurd, but it seems… to coincide with a certain secret expectation in his heart. The Uchiha clan is almost extinct, with only two males left, him and Sasuke (he is not sure if there are other survivors). If you want to revitalize the Uchiha clan, isn’t the most direct and fundamental way to do it to reproduce?
Is it an illusion? Or… hope?
Xia Fan’s heart began beating violently uncontrollably, and her blood seemed to flow faster again at this moment.
He forced himself to calm down, even though he was shaking with excitement. He took a few deep breaths, trying to calm his pounding heart.
Now is not the time to think too much, Sasuke is still waiting for him to save his life!
He refocused his attention on the virtual panel in front of him, carefully studying every word on it.
“System, can you save Sasuke?” Xia Fan asked silently in his heart, with a hint of uneasiness and expectation.
There was no text change on the system panel, but the mechanical and cold voice sounded in his mind again: “The host is detected to be a novice, and a novice gift package is issued. Do you want to open it immediately?”
Newbie gift pack?
Xia Fan’s heart moved, and he immediately responded: “Open it!”
“The novice gift pack has been opened successfully! Congratulations to the host for obtaining: [Primary Physical Restoration Agent] x1, [Cleaning Technique] x1, [Potential D-level Offspring Guarantee Talisman] x1.”
As the system’s voice fell, Xia Fan felt a small glass bottle filled with light blue liquid appear in his hand. At the same time, a description of the use of the [Cleaning Technique] and the effect of the [Potential D-level Offspring Guarantee Talisman] also automatically flooded into his mind.
【Primary Physical Strength Recovery Agent】: After taking it, you can quickly restore a small amount of physical strength and energy.
[Cleaning Technique]: A trivial ninjutsu that can remove dirt and odor from the surface of the body and keep it clean. (Note: This is a direct infusion into the system, and the host can master it immediately.)
[Potential D-level offspring guaranteed symbol]: After use, the next offspring born by the host will have a potential rating of D-level at the minimum.
Xia Fan’s eyes fell on the [Primary Physical Restoration Agent] in his hand. Although it was only “primary”, it was undoubtedly a timely help for him who was extremely weak now. More importantly, Sasuke! He was now having a high fever and was extremely weak. If he could recover some physical strength, maybe he would have a better chance of holding on!
Without any hesitation, he immediately pulled out the cork and carefully fed the light blue liquid to the unconscious Sasuke.
The liquid flowed down Sasuke’s cracked lips and he swallowed subconsciously a few times.
Xia Fan stared at Sasuke nervously and prayed silently in her heart.
A few minutes later, Sasuke’s breathing seemed to have stabilized a little, and his brows, which had been furrowed in pain, relaxed a little. Although he still had a high fever, he seemed to be in a better mental state than before.
efficient!
Xia Fan was delighted. Although this recovery agent could not reduce fever, it could enhance Sasuke’s resistance and give him more strength to fight the disease.
He also felt tired and dizzy. He had hardly had a good rest in the past few days because he had been taking care of Sasuke and searching for food. He looked at the half bottle of recovery agent left in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and drank it.
A stream of cool liquid slid into his throat, and then turned into a warm current that quickly spread to his limbs. His originally heavy body seemed to be injected with new vitality, and his fatigue and dizziness were greatly reduced.
“Huh…” Xia Fan let out a long breath and felt much better.
Next was the [Cleaning Technique]. He followed the method that came to his mind and tried to mobilize the weak chakra in his body – this was what the original owner Uchiha Xiafan had, although it was not much, but it should be enough to perform this small ninjutsu.
He stretched out his palm, pointed it at himself, and silently recited the magic formula in his mind.
A faint warm current brushed over his body, and then he felt that the dirt and sweat odor that had accumulated on his body for many days seemed to be peeled off by an invisible force, and his body became refreshed and clean.
Although it was just a small trick, it lifted Xia Fan’s spirits. In this environment with water shortage and extremely poor sanitary conditions, being able to stay clean can not only reduce the chance of getting sick, but also make you feel better.
Chapter 4 No Choice (Old Version)
He immediately used the Cleansing Technique on the unconscious Sasuke. The blood, dirt and sweat stains on Sasuke’s body disappeared instantly, revealing his already handsome face. Although still pale, he looked much cleaner and tidier, no longer so embarrassed.
After doing all this, Xia Fan turned his attention back to the system panel and the so-called [Many Children, Many Blessings System].
He carefully recalled the introduction of the core functions of the system: by having intercourse with women, giving birth to Uchiha offspring, and receiving generous rewards based on the evaluation of the offspring’s potential.
Potential evaluation is divided into seven levels: D, C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS. The higher the evaluation, the better the reward.
So, what exactly are the rewards?
Xia Fan asked in his mind: “System, what is in the reward pool?”
This time, a light flashed on the virtual panel, and a new interface appeared, with a dense list of options on it, which dazzled Xia Fan.
【Basic Rewards】:
Chakra limit increase (trace/small/medium/large/huge)
Chakra recovery speed increased (slightly/a little/moderately/significantly/extremely fast)
Physical fitness enhancement (beginner/intermediate/advanced/perfect level)
Mental strength enhancement (primary/intermediate/advanced/perfect level)
Ninjutsu Scroll (D-level/C-level/B-level/A-level/S-level, type is random or optional)
Illusion scroll (D-level/C-level/B-level/A-level/S-level, type is random or optional)
Physical Skills Secrets (D-level/C-level/B-level/A-level/S-level, random or optional)
Medical Ninjutsu Tips (Beginner/Proficient/Master)
Survival kit (food, water, medical supplies, etc.)
【Rare Rewards】:
Bloodline limit awakening/strengthening (such as: Sharingan opening, Sharingan evolution, other known or unknown bloodline limits randomly acquired or specified strengthening)
Special eye techniques (such as random acquisition of specific eye techniques of the Mangekyō Sharingan, and other rare eye techniques)
Immortal Body Potential Fragment/Immortal Body (Primary/Intermediate/Advanced)
Attribute chakra affinity improvement/multi-attribute chakra development
Spirit beast contract scroll (random or designated powerful spirit beast)
Special Ninja Tools/Artifact Fragments
【Heaven-defying rewards】:
Extended lifespan (1 year/5 years/10 years/50 years/eternal youth)
Physical transformation (e.g. conversion to a special combat physique)
Talent points (can be used to improve certain talents of oneself or offspring)
Bloodline purification/reversion (improving the purity of Uchiha bloodline, even tracing back to Indra bloodline)
Resurrection opportunity (strict conditions, extremely rare)
Xia Fan’s breathing became rapid as she looked at the dazzling array of reward options.
Chakra enhancement and ninjutsu scrolls are what he needs most urgently. In this world of Naruto where the strong are respected, you can’t move forward without strength.
And those rare rewards made him even more shocked!
Bloodline limit awakening and strengthening! Sharingan! Mangekyō Sharingan!
As a member of the Uchiha clan, Xia Fan knew what the Sharingan meant to the Uchiha clan. It was the foundation of the Uchiha clan and a symbol of glory. If he could obtain a powerful eye technique through the system reward, he would not only have the power to protect himself, but also the capital to take revenge on that man – Uchiha Itachi!
There is also the potential of a sage body, multi-attribute chakra, powerful summoned beasts…all of these are powerful aids that can bring about earth-shaking changes in one’s strength.
As for the incredible rewards such as life extension, physical transformation, and blood purification, they made him see endless possibilities!
This [Many Children, Many Blessings System] is simply a golden finger tailor-made for him!
As long as he can continue to give birth to offspring with Uchiha blood, and the potential of his offspring is rated high enough, he will be able to obtain a steady stream of powerful rewards!
Not only can he make himself stronger, but he can also make the Uchiha clan rise again! Let those deceased clan members no longer be the dust of history, and let the glory of Uchiha reappear in the world!
revenge!
These two words burned in his heart like flames.
He thought of the tribesmen lying in a pool of blood, Sasuke’s eyes full of despair and hatred, and the man who caused all this – Uchiha Itachi.
No matter what Itachi’s difficulties or reasons are, the hatred of genocide is irreconcilable!
What’s more, in this cruel ninja world, being weak is the original sin. Without strength, he and Sasuke could be crushed to death like ants at any time. He didn’t want to experience that feeling of powerlessness and despair again.
He wants to become stronger! At any cost!
The emergence of the system was like a shot of powerful stimulant, which injected deeply into Xia Fan’s almost dried-up heart, allowing him to break free from the despair, confusion and fear of the past few days, and rekindled his desire for life and hope for the future.
He glanced at Sasuke, who was still sleeping in his arms but whose breathing had become much steadier, and his eyes became extremely firm.
Live! Not only for yourself, but also for Sasuke, for those innocent Uchiha clan members who died tragically, and for everything this surname carries!
The first thing he had to do was to make good use of the things in the novice gift package.
Most of the [Primary Physical Restoration Potion] had been used up, restoring some vitality to both him and Sasuke. The [Cleaning Technique] also allowed them to get rid of the filth and maintain basic decency and hygiene.
What’s left is the [Potential D-level Offspring Guarantee Talisman].
The instructions said that after using it, the potential evaluation of the next offspring born would be guaranteed to be D-level. This meant that as long as he found a suitable woman and successfully gave birth to his first child, he would at least be rewarded with a D-level evaluation.
Although D-level was the lowest rating, any reward was precious to him who was penniless. Moreover, this was only the minimum rating. If he was lucky, or the other party’s bloodline or talent was good enough, the rating could be higher.
Xia Fan began to seriously consider the feasibility of the “more children, more blessings” plan.
The first goal is to take Sasuke away from the ruins of the Uchiha clan, which is full of death, as soon as possible. This place is too dangerous and too depressing to stay for a long time. Moreover, the problem of food and water is difficult to solve.
They need to integrate into Konoha Village and live like normal villagers. Only in this way can they obtain a stable source of income, provide Sasuke with a relatively safe growth environment, and have the opportunity to come into contact with more women.
However, Uchiha is now taboo. The genocide tragedy has just happened, and it is hard to say what attitude the Konoha high-level officials will have towards these two “slippery fish”. If they show up rashly, will they be treated as dangerous elements?
Xia Fan had to consider this carefully.
He needed a reasonable identity, one that would allow the Konoha high-level officials to temporarily accept them.
Perhaps, he could use Sasuke’s identity as a “Kaleidoscope Bait”? No, Sasuke was still too young, and he didn’t want Sasuke to be drawn into those dark whirlpools too early.
He carefully recalled the memories of the original owner. Uchiha Xiafan, an inconspicuous member of the side branch, usually lived in peace with the world and was not deeply involved in the conflicts within and outside the clan. With such an identity, he might be more easily “ignored” by Konoha.
Then, he needs to find a suitable woman who is willing to give birth to his offspring.
This is undoubtedly the most difficult part of the entire plan.
He has nothing now, just a poor Uchiha orphan. Which woman would be willing to give birth to a child for a man with a sensitive identity and an uncertain future?
Moreover, Uchiha’s identity would probably only lead to contempt and discrimination in today’s Konoha.
He knew it was difficult, as difficult as climbing to heaven.
But he had no choice.
Chapter 5 Temporary Safety (Old Version)
This is the only path given to him by the system, and it is also the only hope he can think of to quickly become stronger and revitalize the Uchiha clan.
For Sasuke, for those clansmen who died in a pool of blood, and for himself to be able to live better in this cruel world, he must grasp this life-saving straw, no matter what the cost.
He glanced out the window and saw that the sky was gradually getting brighter. A new day had begun, which also meant new challenges and unknowns.
Xia Fan took a deep breath, his eyes filled with unprecedented firmness and determination.
He wants to live, and live better than anyone else! He wants to let the Uchiha flame burn brightly again on this land!
“Sasuke,” he lowered his head, looking at the pale but peaceful sleeping face of the boy in his arms, and said softly, “Brother will definitely protect you, and will definitely make those who hurt us pay the price!”
This is a promise, a promise to Sasuke, and also a promise to myself.
The plan to revitalize Uchiha gradually took shape in his mind.
First, you need to leave here safely and enter Konoha Village. Second, you need to find a way to obtain a legal identity and a stable residence. Then, you need to work hard to improve your own strength, at least to be able to protect yourself. Finally, you need to implement the “More Children, More Blessings” plan, find a suitable partner, give birth to offspring, obtain system rewards, and gradually strengthen yourself and your family.
Every step was full of difficulties and obstacles, but Xia Fan’s eyes were unusually bright.
Because he knew that he was no longer alone. He had Sasuke to protect, he had the system to rely on, and he also had a strong heart that was unwilling to sink and longed for revival.
The road ahead is still long, but the dawn has already appeared.
A few days later, in an almost eerie calm, Kaho and Sasuke waited for the “arrangement” of Konoha’s top leaders.
The visitors were two ANBU wearing animal masks. There was no emotion in their voices. They just routinely informed Xia Fan that the Sandaime Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen had already known about their survival and “mercifully” allowed them to move out of the ruins of the Uchiha clan’s land and allocated a small house for them in the outskirts of Konoha Village.
Xia Fan knew that this so-called “kindness” and “arrangement” was more of a form of appeasement and surveillance. The Uchiha clan extermination was full of doubts. He and Sasuke were the only two (currently known) survivors, like two unstable bombs. The Konoha high-level officials could not be completely assured. Putting them under strict surveillance was the most logical approach.
He did not express any objection, but just bowed his head and thanked him, showing the attitude of a young man who had just experienced a tragedy, was still in shock, and was confused about the future. He knew that any abnormal behavior now might cause unnecessary trouble.
The Anbu didn’t give them much time to prepare, and almost rushed them to leave the hut they had been hiding in. Xia Fan only had time to bring a little food and water, as well as some tattered clothes that were collected from the ruins and barely covered her body.
He held Sasuke’s hand tightly. Sasuke was still silent, his face was pale, and his eyes were full of vigilance and uneasiness towards the outside world. He seemed to have not yet fully awakened from the nightmare that night, and was full of vigilance towards everything around him.
As Xia Fan walked out of the depressing ruins of the Uchiha clan and onto the relatively flat village road, he felt mixed emotions. The sun pierced through the clouds and sprinkled on his body, bringing a long-lost warmth, but it could not dispel the coldness and heaviness in his heart.
This was the first time that he truly walked on the streets of Konoha Village as “Uchiha Kaho”.
The streets were lined with houses and shops, and pedestrians were coming and going. Although their faces showed some fatigue from the war and worries about the future, the atmosphere here was much more lively than the dead silence of the Uchiha clan. The hawking, the children’s laughter, and the greetings between neighbors intertwined to form a picture full of life.
However, for Sasuke, this painting was full of unknown fear.
He tightly grasped the corner of Xia Fan’s clothes, and his small body almost shrunk into Xia Fan’s shadow. Whenever a strange villager walked by them or cast a curious look at them, Sasuke would subconsciously tense his body, and a trace of fear flashed in his eyes.
Xia Fan could feel the sweat and slight trembling in Sasuke’s heart. He slowed down his pace and tried to comfort him in a gentle voice: “Don’t be afraid, Sasuke, I’m here. This is Konoha Village, we are safe for now.”
His words didn’t seem to have much effect. Sasuke was still like a frightened little bird, full of distrust of everything around him.
The hut assigned to them by the Anbu was located on the edge of Konoha Village, in a remote olduk?a. It was a low, dilapidated wooden house that looked quite old, with even some tiny cracks visible on the walls. There was a small yard in front of the house, overgrown with weeds, and it looked a bit desolate.
“This is it.” An Anbu pointed at the hut and said in a calm tone, “The village will distribute your daily necessities as appropriate. Without the order of the Sandaime, you are not allowed to leave the village without permission. Do you understand?”
“I understand, thank you.” Xia Fan replied respectfully, but his heart sank. Not being allowed to leave the village without permission was undoubtedly a disguised form of house arrest.
The Anbu didn’t say anything else. His figure flashed and disappeared from the spot, as if he had never appeared.
Xia Fan pushed open the creaking wooden door, and a damp and moldy smell hit her face. The furnishings in the room were extremely simple, with only a worn-out wooden bed, a table with missing legs, and two wobbly chairs. The floor was covered with dust, and there were spider webs in the corners.
“Sasuke, we will live here from now on.” Xia Fan tried to make his voice sound more relaxed, even though he himself was disappointed with the environment in front of him. But it was much better than staying in the ruins of the Uchiha clan. At least, there was a door that could be closed and a bed that could be laid down.
Sasuke didn’t say anything, but just looked around this strange and simple “new home” silently, his eyes still filled with vigilance and uneasiness.
In the next few days, Xia Fan began to try to adapt to the new life. Every day, he would take Sasuke to walk around the designated activity area on the edge of the village, on the one hand to familiarize himself with the environment, and on the other hand to let Sasuke gradually get in touch with the outside world and reduce his fear.
Chapter 6 Sunflower (Old Version)
Konoha Village would regularly send people to deliver some basic living supplies, barely enough for them to survive. But Xia Fan knew that this was not a long-term solution. He had to find a way to improve their lives, and more importantly, he needed to find an opportunity to implement his “More Children, More Blessings” plan.
It was a sunny afternoon. Xia Fan took Sasuke for a walk on the path at the edge of the village as usual. Sasuke still held onto the corner of his clothes tightly, but compared to the beginning, his body was no longer as stiff, and the fear in his eyes had faded a little, replaced by a deep, almost insoluble melancholy and hatred.
Xia Fan knew that the seeds of revenge had already taken root in Sasuke’s young heart. As a brother, he had the responsibility to guide him and create conditions for his revenge.
As they passed a relatively busy street, a fresh floral scent accompanied by the breeze gently brushed past their noses. It was a refreshing fragrance that was out of tune with the slightly depressing atmosphere around them, like a ray of bright sunshine that dispelled some of the haze.
Xia Fan followed the scent of flowers and saw a small and exquisite flower shop not far away. The entrance of the shop was filled with all kinds of flowers, colorful and particularly beautiful under the sunlight.
A blonde girl was standing at the door of the flower shop, with her back to them, wearing a light yellow apron and holding a small pair of gardening shears, carefully trimming a pot of blooming sunflowers. The sunlight shone on her blonde hair, reflecting a dazzling light, and her movements were light and focused, full of youthful vitality.
That bright smile and that vibrant figure, like a sunflower blooming in the sun, seems so different from everything around it.
Xia Fan’s steps stopped involuntarily.
Yamanaka Ino.
This name and the corresponding face instantly emerged from the original owner’s memory. A girl from the Yamanaka clan, she is the future “Ino-Shika-Cho” combination with Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Choji. She is outgoing and lively, a little willful, but kind-hearted.
More importantly, she meets the system’s basic requirements for “target women.”
At this moment, Xia Fan’s heartbeat uncontrollably quickened.
He subconsciously glanced at Sasuke beside him. Sasuke seemed to be attracted by the gorgeous sea of ​​flowers and the girl’s bright back. His originally tense little face now showed a slightly unnoticeable relaxation.
At this moment, the blonde girl seemed to notice their gaze, paused in pruning the branches, and slowly turned around.
She had a pair of deep blue eyes, as clear and bright as the sky after the rain. When her eyes fell on Xia Fan and Sasuke, she was startled for a moment, and then an even brighter smile bloomed on her face.
“Hello!”
Ino’s voice was clear and melodious, like an oriole in the valley, with a natural affinity. She noticed the unique temperament of the brothers. The boy looked not much older than her, but there was a heaviness and melancholy between his brows that did not match his age. His eyes were as deep as an ancient well, making it difficult to see through. The younger boy next to him, like a frightened little animal, clung to his brother and looked at her with vigilant and alert eyes.
These two people did not look like familiar faces in the village. Although their clothes were clean, they looked a bit old and thin, which was somewhat inconsistent with the indescribable nobility of them. Especially the little boy, his face was obviously sad and uneasy.
Ino was enthusiastic by nature, and also had a little gossip and curiosity. Seeing them standing on the street in confusion, she took the initiative to step forward and started a conversation with a smile: “You don’t seem to be familiar faces in the village. Did you just move to the village? Do you need any help?”
Her smile was sincere and friendly, without any impurities, like a ray of warm sunshine, shining into Xia Fan’s slightly gloomy heart. The tension and depression of the past few days seemed to be relieved a little at this moment.
“We…” Xia Fan paused, organized his words, and tried to make his voice sound calmer. “Yes, we just moved here. My name is Uchiha Xia Fan, and this is my brother Sasuke.”
He stated his last name, Uchiha.
He wanted to see the other party’s reaction. The Uchiha clan had just suffered a catastrophic disaster, and this surname was probably sensitive and taboo in Konoha Village at this moment.
Sure enough, when she heard the word “Uchiha”, the smile on Ino’s face froze slightly, and a hint of subtle surprise and complexity flashed in her blue eyes. Obviously, she had also heard about the tragedy of the Uchiha clan.
But soon, she returned to her natural expression, except that there was a hint of sympathy and understanding in her eyes.
“So you are from the Uchiha family.” Ino’s voice became softer, “I am Yamanaka Ino, and this flower shop is owned by my family.”
She didn’t ask about the Uchiha clan extermination, which made Xia Fan feel a little good about her. This kind of consideration of not exposing scars is especially valuable in a girl of this age.
“Yamazhong… Flower Shop.” Xia Fan repeated, his eyes falling on the beautiful flowers. He remembered that the Yamanaka clan was good at spiritual mysticism and also ran a flower shop. This was their family tradition.
Sasuke’s body visibly tensed up when he heard Ino’s voice. The tragic experience of the night of genocide made him highly wary of any strangers, especially women. Although he might not realize it, in his subconscious, the genocide that brought him endless pain and despair – his brother Uchiha Itachi, was a man, but this did not prevent him from being full of distrust of everything in the outside world, and the tenderness of women sometimes made him more uneasy, because it reminded him of the motherly love he once had, but now it was shattered.
He grabbed Xia Fan’s sleeves tightly, and his small body was almost completely hidden behind Xia Fan, revealing only a pair of black eyes, staring at Ino vigilantly and with a hint of hostility. That look was like a kitten ready to explode at any time, full of defense.
Ino naturally noticed Sasuke’s nervousness and resistance. She looked at the little boy hiding behind his brother, with only a pair of dark but alert eyes showing, and a trace of pity rose in her heart.
It’s so pitiful that such a young child has to endure such a huge change.
She was not displeased by Sasuke’s wariness. Instead, she softened her voice, bent down, and tried to make herself look more approachable.
“Hello, little brother Sasuke.” Ino’s smile was still bright, like a blooming sunflower, full of warmth and kindness. She gently pulled out a sunflower that was in full bloom from the flower tube beside her. The flower disk was huge, golden, and the golden petals were stacked layer by layer, like a small sun, emitting vitality.
“Hello, little brother Sasuke.” Ino’s voice was deliberately softer, with a hint of cautious tentativeness, for fear of disturbing this extremely sensitive child. She slowly handed the sunflower to Sasuke, her bright smile like the flower in her hand, trying to convey kindness, “This is for you, it’s called sunflower, it represents sunshine and hope.”
Sunshine and hope.
What beautiful words, yet they were totally incompatible with Sasuke’s mood at the moment.
After the blood and fire of the night of genocide, Sasuke’s world was filled with endless darkness, despair and deep hatred. To him, the sun was blinding and hope was an unattainable luxury.
Turn on lazy reading mode
Chapter 7: Hard Conditions (Old Version)
When he saw the golden sunflower and the deliberately displayed, but somewhat fake smile on Ino’s face, he did not feel the slightest warmth. Instead, he felt even more uneasy and irritated.
Why did this strange girl smile at him? Why did she give him something? What did she want to do?
All strangers are potential threats. This is the most profound lesson that the night of genocide taught him. He can’t trust anyone, especially those who try to approach him with superficial tenderness.
Sasuke buried his face deeper, almost completely hidden behind Xia Fan’s legs. He tightly grasped the hem of Xia Fan’s clothes, his knuckles turned white due to the force, and his body trembled slightly, like a young animal targeted by a hunter, every nerve in his body was tense, full of resistance and hostility.
He could even smell the faint floral scent coming from Ino, mixed with the sweet smell of some kind of shampoo. This feminine, gentle scent made him instinctively feel repulsive. It reminded him of his mother’s warm embrace and those happy times that he could never go back to. And this memory only made him more painful and hate the man who took everything from him even more.
He doesn’t want this false warmth, he doesn’t need anyone’s sympathy.
Ino held up Himawari’s hand and paused in mid-air. She could clearly feel the cold aura emanating from Sasuke that kept people at a distance. The pair of dark eyes that occasionally appeared from behind Xia Fan were now full of vigilance, suspicion, and even a hint of imperceptible disgust.
This child…is badly injured.
Ino sighed softly in her heart. She originally thought that using the sunflower, which best represents sunshine and happiness, might be able to melt the frost in his heart a little, but now it seems that the effect seems to be counterproductive.
She was a little at a loss, and the smile on her face seemed a little stiff. She looked at Xia Fan for help, with a hint of inquiry and apology in her eyes, as if to say: “Did I do something wrong?”
Xia Fan has been silently observing the interaction between Ino and Sasuke. He can understand Sasuke’s vigilance and Ino’s kindness.
This girl from the Yamanaka family was indeed as warm and kind as she remembered, even a little naive. After learning about their Uchiha identities, although she was surprised for a moment, she did not show disgust or fear, but instead tried to comfort Sasuke in her own way.
This kind of thought is worthy of recognition.
Especially at this moment when the Uchiha clan had just suffered a devastating disaster and the entire Konoha Village was keeping it a secret, and even regarded the Uchiha clan as an ominous sign, Yamanaka Ino’s unbiased friendliness was particularly precious.
He patted Sasuke’s tense back gently, signaling him to be patient, then raised his head and gave Ino a slightly apologetic and somewhat tired smile.
“Thank you, Ms. Ino.” Xia Fan’s voice was a little hoarse, but her tone was sincere, “Sasuke… has experienced some bad things, so he is a little… shy around strangers. Please don’t mind.”
He did not take the sunflower for Sasuke directly because he knew that if he forced Sasuke to accept it, it would only make him more disgusted.
When Ino heard what Xia Fan said, she quickly waved her hands, and the smile on her face became more natural again: “It’s okay, it’s okay, I understand. It’s normal for children to be shy.”
Although she said so, she knew in her heart that Sasuke’s reaction was not just “shyness”. The fear and vigilance deeply rooted in his bones were the manifestation of a person who had experienced great trauma.
She looked at Xia Fan, a boy who looked about the same age as her, or even younger, but with a calm and mature look that didn’t match his age. He spoke calmly, but deep in his eyes was a trace of sadness and fatigue that was difficult to dissolve.
It must be very hard for a person to take care of such a traumatized brother.
Ino couldn’t help but feel a bit of sympathy and admiration in her heart.
She took the sunflower back, but did not put it back into the tube. Instead, she held it in her hand and turned it gently. The petals sparkled with golden luster in the sun.
“In fact, sunflowers have another meaning,” Ino said gently, looking at the direction where Sasuke was hiding, as if she was talking to herself, or deliberately speaking to Sasuke, “and that is ‘silent love, unspoken love’. It always follows the sun silently, and no matter where the sun is, it will face there. Just like… just like an elder brother’s protection of his younger brother, without asking for anything in return, and always steadfast.”
She finished, secretly observing Sasuke’s reaction.
Sasuke was still hiding behind Xia Fan, but Xia Fan could feel that the hand he was holding on to the corner of his clothes didn’t seem to be as strong as before. His little head moved slightly, as if he wanted to take a look at the sunflower in Ino’s hand through the gap.
Xia Fan’s heart moved slightly.
This Ino seemed to be more transparent than he thought. She did not give up because of Sasuke’s resistance, but tried to communicate with him in a more tactful way.
“Ms. Ino knows a lot about flowers.” Xia Fan said, with a barely perceptible admiration in her tone.
Ino blushed slightly when Xia Fan praised her like that, and smiled a little embarrassedly: “My family runs a flower shop, so I’ve been influenced by them since I was a child, so I only know a little bit.”
She paused, then looked at Xia Fan again, with a hint of curiosity in her eyes: “Did Xia Fan-kun and Sasuke-kun just move to the empty house at the edge of the village?”
The Uchiha clan extermination incident was such a big deal that although the specific details were blocked by the top leaders, some basic information was still spread among the villagers. The Uchiha clan land was blocked and the survivors were resettled in other places. These were no secrets.
Xia Fan nodded and did not hide it: “Yes, the Sandaime-sama arranged for us to live there temporarily.”
“The environment there… may not be very good.” Ino hesitated for a moment, but still said it. Most of the empty houses on the edge of the village were old and dilapidated, and the conditions were quite difficult.
“It’s good to have a roof over our heads.” Xia Fan’s tone was very calm, and no emotion could be heard. “Compared to… before, it’s much better.”
The “before” he mentioned was naturally referring to the bloody ruins of the Uchiha clan’s land.
Ino heard the heaviness in his words, and her sympathy for the two brothers deepened. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something comforting, but she felt that any words seemed so pale and powerless in the face of the tragedy they had experienced.
Finally, she simply put the sunflower in her hand back into the tube, and gave Xia Fan an encouraging smile: “If…if you need any help, you can come to me. Although I may not be able to help much, at least I am familiar with the situation in the village.”
Her eyes were sincere and friendly, without any affectation.
Chapter 8: Drawing hastily (old version)
Xia Fan looked at her, and the slight fondness he had for her quietly increased a little.
In this world of human fickleness and cruelty, especially in the current situation of the Uchiha people, such kindness without any utilitarian color is really rare.
“Thank you, Ms. Ino.” Xia Fan thanked him again, and this time, his smile was more sincere. “We appreciate your kindness.”
He knew that Ino’s help might be limited, but what he valued more was the thoughtfulness.
“Just call me Ino, no need to be so polite.” Ino waved her hand, smiling brightly, “Xia Fan-kun doesn’t look much older than me, right? Calling me Miss or something like that is too formal.”
Xia Fan was slightly startled, then nodded: “Okay, Ino.”
He glanced at the sky. It was getting late, and Sasuke needed to calm down. He didn’t want to stay here too long, so as not to attract unnecessary attention.
“We should go back.” Xia Fan said to Ino, “Sorry for disturbing you today.”
“It’s okay. You’re welcome to come to the flower shop anytime.” Ino said enthusiastically. Then, as if remembering something, she took out a small paper bag from under the counter and handed it to Xia Fan. “This is a freshly made dried flower sachet in the store. It has a calming effect. If you don’t mind, give it to little brother Sasuke. I hope he can sleep well at night.”
The paper package was not big, wrapped in plain cotton cloth, with a small daisy embroidered on it with colored thread, exuding a faint, elegant scent of grass.
Xia Fan looked at the sachet, then looked at Ino’s sincere face, and hesitated. He didn’t want to accept too many gifts from others, especially now that their identities were sensitive.
But Ino’s eyes were so clear, without any impurities, as if she just wanted to do something for a poor child.
He could feel that Sasuke’s body seemed to move slightly again when he heard the words “calm your mind” and “have a good sleep”. After the night of the genocide, Sasuke was awakened by nightmares almost every night, and his sleep quality was extremely poor.
Finally, Xia Fan reached out and took the small sachet.
“Then…thank you very much, Ino.” His voice was a little low.
“You’re welcome!” Ino smiled like a satisfied kitten, “I hope Sasuke-kun likes it.”
Xia Fan took Sasuke’s hand and turned to leave.
Sasuke never said a word from beginning to end, nor did he completely walk away from behind Xia Fan. But he seemed to be able to feel that Ino’s eyes were always following them.
After taking a few steps, Xia Fan stopped and looked back.
Ino was still standing at the door of the flower shop, the sunlight shining on the tips of her golden hair. She was waving at them, the smile on her face still as bright as ever.
Xia Fan nodded slightly, then took Sasuke and left quickly.
Ino didn’t put down her hand until their figures disappeared around the corner. The smile on her face gradually faded. She glanced at the lonely sunflower in the flower tube, and thought of Sasuke’s eyes full of fear and vigilance, and couldn’t help but sigh softly in her heart.
“What a poor child…” she muttered to herself.
On the other side, Xia Fan held Sasuke’s hand and walked silently on the way home.
Sasuke’s small hands were still tightly grasping the corner of his clothes, but they didn’t seem as cold as before.
“Brother…” After walking for a long time, Sasuke spoke in a very low voice.
“Hmm?” Xia Fan responded and slowed down his pace.
“Um… Himawari…” Sasuke’s voice was hesitant and a little unclear.
“Well, what’s wrong with Sunflower?” Xia Fan asked patiently.
“Will it… really follow the sun forever?” Sasuke raised his little face and looked at Xia Fan. There was a hint of childish curiosity and confusion in his black eyes. The deep-seated vigilance and hatred seemed to be temporarily diluted at this moment.
Xia Fan looked at the long-lost childish innocence in Sasuke’s eyes, and her heart softened.
“Yes.” He answered affirmatively, “The sunflower is also called the sunflower. It turns to chase the sun’s rays. So people say it represents sunshine, hope and silent protection.”
He remembered what Ino had just said.
Sasuke lowered his head and said nothing more, but Xia Fan could feel that his tense body seemed to relax a little.
Back in the simple little house, Xia Fan placed the dried flower sachet that Ino had given her next to Sasuke’s pillow.
The faint fragrance of grass and trees filled the cabin, bringing with it a hint of peace.
Xia Fan looked at Sasuke and found that he was secretly glancing at the sachet out of the corner of his eye. His small nostrils twitched slightly, as if he was trying to distinguish the unfamiliar fragrance.
Xia Fan didn’t point it out, but just started preparing dinner silently.
The appearance of Yamanaka Ino was like a small episode, casting a tiny but real ray of sunshine into his and Sasuke’s depressing and gloomy life.
Xia Fan knew that Ino’s kindness could not change the difficult situation of the Uchiha orphans, nor could it solve the survival crisis they faced. But this kindness quietly changed his consideration of the first goal of the “More Children, More Blessings” plan.
Originally, he only regarded Ino as a potential “tool”, a target who met the system’s requirements and could give birth to offspring for him. But now, he has developed a real affection for this girl.
This kind of affection has nothing to do with love between men and women, but is more of an appreciation of kindness and beauty.
Of course, this does not change his ultimate goal. In order to revitalize Uchiha and gain powerful strength, he must implement the plan. However, in the process of execution, if there can be less cold calculations and more human warmth, perhaps… it is not a bad thing.
In the next few days, Xia Fan began to consciously move around the Yamanaka Flower Shop.
He was not in a hurry, nor did he show any deliberate approach. He was just like an ordinary villager, occasionally passing by the flower shop, or buying some daily necessities in the grocery store not far from the flower shop.
He would find some seemingly reasonable excuses to have a brief chat with Ino.
For example, he would point to a plant he didn’t recognize and ask Ino about its name and habits, pretending to be interested in flowers and plants.
“Ino, what are these little blue flowers? They look very unique.” He would stand at the door of the flower shop, his eyes fixed on an inconspicuous potted plant, and ask in a natural tone.
Ino always answered him enthusiastically: “This is called forget-me-not. The language of the flower is eternal love, deep friendship, don’t forget me, true love.” She would also explain the language of flowers, her eyes full of love for her own flowers and plants.
Chapter 9 Flowers (Old Version)
Xia Fan would listen carefully, nodding occasionally to indicate that he had taken note. He tried to make himself look like an ordinary boy with a strong thirst for knowledge, rather than a “hunter” with ulterior motives.
Sometimes, he would ask Ino which stores in the village had good quality and cheap goods, or which places had safe areas for children to play, under the pretext of “buying some things for Sasuke.”
“Ino, do you know where in the village I can buy shoes that fit children? Sasuke’s shoes are a little small.” He would frown and pretend to be distressed.
Ino would enthusiastically give him directions and even tell him which store owner was nicer and less likely to be ripped off.
“Go straight along this street and turn right at the second intersection. There is a grocery store run by an old lady. Although the items there are not many varieties, they are all very durable and the prices are reasonable. You can go and have a look.” She would describe the route in detail, fearing that he would not be able to find it.
Kaho would thank her earnestly and follow her lead. He did need to buy something for Sasuke, but this was more of a natural way to connect with Ino.
In these brief conversations, Xia Fan tried to be polite and restrained. He did not ask too much about Ino’s personal information, nor did he try to get close to her too enthusiastically. He just maintained a friendly and ordinary relationship of mutual help between neighbors.
But the desire for the future that occasionally flashed in his eyes, and the sense of responsibility towards his family that was deeply rooted in his bones, were keenly captured by the meticulous Ino.
She discovered that this boy named Uchiha Kaho was different from all the boys of her age she had met.
He is not like other boys in the village who think about fun and mischief all day long. His eyes are always deep, as if he carries many unknown secrets and burdens. He speaks and acts with a maturity and stability beyond his age.
Although he tried hard to appear calm, Ino could still sense his inner unrest from some of his subtle actions.
For example, when he mentioned “Sasuke”, his eyes would unconsciously become gentle, but that gentleness was mixed with a hint of indescribable sadness and determination.
When he occasionally talked about his plans for the future (even though they were just simple wishes like “I want Sasuke to live a better life” and “I hope to find a stable job”), a light called “hope” would flash in his eyes, but behind that light, there seemed to be tremendous pressure and confusion hidden.
This complex and contradictory temperament made Ino more and more curious about him.
She wanted to know what this seemingly taciturn boy had experienced? What was he thinking deep in his heart? What kind of story was hidden behind his deep eyes?
Ino is naturally unable to resist people with a strong sense of “story”. And Uchiha Kaho is undoubtedly the boy with the strongest sense of “story” she has ever met.
She began to unconsciously pay attention to Xia Fan’s movements when he didn’t come to the store.
She would hear some news about the Uchiha orphan from the gossip of other villagers.
She knew that the two brothers lived in poverty and relied on the meager relief from the village to get by.
She also knew that Xia Fan was looking for odd jobs to improve his life. However, his Uchiha identity made him run into obstacles everywhere when looking for a job. No one was willing to hire a sensitive Uchiha, even for the simplest manual labor.
One day, Ino accidentally saw Kaho on the street.
He was standing at the door of a rice shop, seemingly negotiating something with the owner. His back looked a little thin in the afterglow of the setting sun, but he was unusually tall and straight. He lowered his head slightly, and his tone seemed very sincere, but the rice shop owner finally waved his hand impatiently and drove him away.
Xia Fan turned and left silently, with no expression on his face, but Ino could see his inner loss and unwillingness from his tightly pursed lips and slightly clenched fists.
At that moment, Ino felt a sudden surge of bitterness in her heart for no apparent reason.
She also saw that Xia Fan hesitated for a long time in front of a pastry shop, and finally bought only the smallest and cheapest piece of yokan, then carefully put it in her arms and walked quickly towards home. It was obvious that the yokan was definitely bought for Sasuke.
He himself always wore the same old clothes that were washed white, and his shoes were a little worn out. He seemed to spend all the money he could save on Sasuke.
Kaho’s tenacity that goes beyond her age, her efforts to move forward despite desperate situations, and her selfless love and responsibility for her brother, all touched Ino’s heart bit by bit.
She felt that this young man named Uchiha Kaho had a very special charm.
Unlike other people of his age who are impetuous and superficial, he has his own persistence and responsibility. He is like a strong grass that grows tenaciously in a storm. Although it has been destroyed, it still strives to grow upwards and refuses to give in.
This tenacity, this indomitable spirit, made Ino feel inexplicably distressed, and also gave her a strong urge to get close to and understand him.
She began to look forward to seeing Xia Fan at the door of the flower shop every day. Even a few short conversations would make her feel a little happy. She would subconsciously prepare some fresh knowledge of flowers and plants for him, or inquire about some information in the village that might be useful to the two brothers.
She would even secretly place some “accidentally” dropped snacks or fruits in places where Xia Fan often passed by, hoping that he would pick them up and improve his meals. Of course, she did these little actions very covertly, for fear that Xia Fan would find out and hurt his sensitive self-esteem.
Ino didn’t know what her unconscious closeness and concern meant to Kaho.
She simply felt that this boy was very special and worthy of her attention, understanding, and even… help.
And Xia Fan also keenly noticed the subtle changes in Ino’s attitude towards her.
He could feel that the way Ino looked at him changed from initial sympathy and curiosity to appreciation and… closeness?
This change made Xia Fan feel a little complicated.
On the one hand, he was happy to see this progress. If Ino had a crush on him, it would undoubtedly greatly facilitate his subsequent “many children, more blessings” plan. He needed a woman who was willing to give birth to his offspring, and Ino, whether in terms of appearance, personality, or family background (the Yamanaka clan was also a famous family in Konoha, and their bloodline should not be bad), was a good initial target.
Chapter 10: People who love life (old version)
But on the other hand, when he sensed Ino’s pure kindness and concern without any impurities, he felt a subtle sense of…guilt in his heart?
He approached her purposefully, taking advantage of her kindness and curiosity to achieve his own goals. This behavior, no matter how it is packaged, is not aboveboard.
In order to revitalize the Uchiha clan and to give an explanation to Sasuke and the dead members of the clan, he must do whatever it takes.
He could only tell himself silently in his heart: If the plan succeeds in the future, he will definitely find a way to make it up to Ino. Give her glory, give her status, give her everything she wants.
But now, he can only bury this guilt deep in his heart and continue to play the role of a “tough boy who deserves sympathy and help.”
He still regularly goes to the flower shop in the mountains to “accidentally” meet Ino and chat with her about trivial topics. He will show his “vulnerability” and “helplessness” at the right time, such as being frustrated because he can’t find a job, or being worried about Sasuke’s future.
These just-right “shows of weakness” often arouse Ino’s strong desire to protect and sympathize.
She would be more proactive in giving him advice and helping him find out all kinds of information, and would even secretly take some food and daily necessities from home to help them without her parents’ knowledge.
Xia Fan accepted all of Ino’s help with “gratitude”. He knew that these were necessary processes to build trust and feelings.
He was also secretly observing and evaluating Ino.
She is indeed outgoing and lively, but her mind is much more delicate than he imagined. She is kind and compassionate, but she is not a saint without bottom line. She has her own little pride and temper, which makes her seem more real and lovely.
Most importantly, Xia Fan could feel that Ino’s “favor” towards him was continuing to grow at a speed that he was happy to see.
This is a good start.
He needs to be patient and wait for the right time.
An opportunity that would allow her to willingly give birth to an Uchiha descendant for him.
And this time may not be far away. Because he can feel that the look in Ino’s eyes when she looks at him is not just sympathy and appreciation. There seems to be some hazy and shy feelings that are unique to girls.
This made Xia Fan more determined in his plan.
While maintaining this delicate “friendship” with Ino, he did not relax in improving his own strength.
Although the [Primary Physical Strength Recovery Agent] in the novice gift pack had been used up, the physical strength restored that time gave him enough capital to carry out some basic training.
He used some rudimentary physical skills and chakra control techniques from the memory of the original owner, Uchiha Kaho, and practiced secretly in the grove behind the cabin every day.
He knew that the Uchiha clan’s strength was rooted in the Sharingan and Fire Style Ninjutsu in their blood. But now, he had neither opened his eyes nor enough chakra to practice powerful ninjutsu.
He could only start with the most basic physical fitness and chakra control.
Running, push-ups, sit-ups, punching, kicking…he completed these simplest and most boring trainings meticulously.
He would also practice the extraction and flow of chakra, and try to attach chakra to his hands and feet to increase the power and speed of his attacks.
Although the progress was slow, he could feel that his body was getting stronger little by little, and the chakra in his body was also slowly increasing.
This feeling of becoming stronger made him feel safe and secure.
He knew that only by mastering enough power could he protect Sasuke, gain a foothold in this cruel world, and ultimately realize his ambition of reviving the Uchiha clan.
The [Many Children, Many Blessings System] is his greatest reliance to achieve all this.
He must give birth to his first offspring as soon as possible to obtain the system’s reward and start his journey to becoming a truly powerful person.
Yamanaka Ino was the first “stepping stone” he chose.
Thinking of this, Xia Fan’s eyes became firm and deep again.
He will continue to patiently cultivate his relationship with Ino until the day when the fruit is ripe.
He believed that day would not be too far away.
In addition to his daily secret training and finding ways to find odd jobs, Xia Fan’s life in Konoha Village is also about his interactions with Yamanaka Ino, which have gradually become an indispensable part of his daily life.
He still goes to Ino’s flower shop from time to time.
At first, he just used the excuse of “passing by” and “taking a look”. But as time went on, he began to have a new reason – to buy flowers.
With the meager income from his odd jobs, he would occasionally go to Ino’s flower shop and pick out one or two of the cheapest flowers, sometimes a daisy bud, sometimes a brightly colored carnation, or even just some trimmed, thin branches with green leaves.
His purpose of buying flowers was simple, he just wanted to add a little color and vitality to their simple and depressing little house.
He hoped that Sasuke could feel a little bit of the beauty of life from these insignificant flowers, even if it was only a little bit. He didn’t want Sasuke’s heart to be completely devoured by hatred and darkness.
Whenever Kaho walked into the flower shop, Ino would always greet him with the warmest smile.
“Xia Fan-kun, what flowers do you want to choose today?” She would tilt her head, her long golden hair swaying gently with her movements, and her eyes sparkling like two sapphires immersed in water.
Xia Fan would point somewhat embarrassedly at the cheapest bouquets, or at some single flowers scattered in the corners, not in bunches.
“I want… that kind.” His voice was quiet and a little reserved. After all, his budget was really limited.
Ino would never be negligent because the flowers he bought were cheap. She would carefully help him select the freshest and most fully blossomed flowers, carefully wrap them in plain paper, and tie a simple bow.
Moreover, every time after Xia Fan paid, Ino would always “conveniently” give him some more flowers that were about to wither but still beautiful, or some freshly trimmed leaves with dew on them.
“Although these flowers are about to wither, they can still bloom for a few more days if placed in water. These leaves are also very beautiful and can be used as embellishments.” She would blink her eyes and say in a relaxed tone, as if it was just a simple task and not worth mentioning.
Xia Fan knew that this was Ino’s way of helping them quietly. These “gifts” were often more numerous and more beautiful than the flowers he bought.
He was grateful in his heart, but he didn’t know how to express it. He could only say in a more sincere tone when he took the bouquet: “Thank you, Ino.”
“You’re welcome!” Ino always smiles, “People who like flowers are people who love life.”
Chapter 11 Ino (Old Version)
The two gradually became familiar with each other during their discussion about flowers and plants.
Xia Fan would ask Ino how to prolong the flowering period and how to distinguish the habits of different flowers. Ino would also explain to him the language of various flowers and some interesting legends about flowers and plants with great interest.
For example, she would tell Kaho that roses represent love, but roses of different colors and numbers have different meanings. Carnations symbolize maternal love and warmth, and lilies represent purity and elegance.
Xia Fan listened very carefully, and he found that he had developed some interest in this knowledge that he had never encountered before. Perhaps it was because these beautiful flowers and plants could temporarily make him forget the cruelty and heaviness of reality.
During these relaxed and joyful exchanges, the seeds of friendship quietly sprouted in the hearts of both of them, and unknowingly, took root, sprouted, and grew vigorously.
Sasuke still didn’t like going out, and spent most of his time in the hut or in the yard. The flowers that Xia Fan bought became one of the few things that could attract his attention.
He would silently watch Xia Fan put the flowers into a simple pottery jar and then place it on the windowsill. The sunlight shone through the window, sprinkled on the colorful petals, bringing a rare touch of bright color to this gray little house.
Sasuke’s eyes would unconsciously soften a little when he saw those flowers. Although he was still quiet, Xia Fan could feel that the coldness and vigilance in his heart seemed to have melted a little against the backdrop of these flowers.
And all of this is inseparable from the kindness of Yamanaka Ino.
As time went by, the life of Xia Fan and Sasuke in the small house on the edge of the village gradually got back on track. Although they were still poor, at least they had a stable place to stay.
Xia Fan decided to tidy up the small house assigned to them, at least to make it look more like a “home” rather than a temporary shelter.
He started with the small, overgrown yard in front of the house.
The yard is not big, but because no one has taken care of it for a long time, it has been completely occupied by half-human-high weeds, looking desolate and dilapidated.
Xia Fan found a rusty sickle and began to clear the stubborn weeds. Although his movements were a little rusty, he was very serious. Sweat quickly soaked his forehead and slid down his cheeks, but he didn’t care and just worked hard.
Sasuke sat quietly on the threshold, watching Xia Fan’s busy figure silently. His little brows were slightly frowned, as if he was thinking about something. He wanted to help, but he didn’t know what he could do. His body was still very weak, and he didn’t know how to do these rough jobs.
Just when Xia Fan had cleaned up half of the yard and was exhausted and out of breath, and was about to take a break, a clear and pleasant voice came from the gate of the yard.
“Xia Fan-kun, what are you busy with?”
Xia Fan raised her head and saw Yamanaka Ino standing at the gate of the yard with a small watering can in her hand. There was a thin layer of sweat on her forehead. She looked like she had just finished working in her own flower garden.
She was wearing a light green short-sleeved top today, which made her fair skin look even brighter. Her long golden hair was casually tied behind her head, making her look neat and tidy, full of youthful vitality.
“Ino? Why are you here?” Xia Fan was a little surprised. He wiped the sweat from his forehead with his sleeve and asked.
“I was passing by and saw you busy alone, so I came over to see you.” Ino said, her eyes sweeping over the piles of weeds in the yard and the sickle in Xia Fan’s hand that looked not very easy to use, and a hint of understanding flashed in her eyes.
She glanced again at Sasuke, who was sitting on the doorstep as quiet as a little shadow, and then rolled up her sleeves without hesitation, revealing her fair and slender arms.
“It looks like a lot of work.” Ino said as he walked into the yard, “Let me help you!”
“Ah? No, no!” Xia Fan waved his hands quickly, a little embarrassed, “I can do this job myself, how can I trouble you.”
He really didn’t expect Ino to offer to help. In his opinion, this kind of dirty and tiring work should not be done by a delicate girl like Ino.
But Ino took the sickle from him without giving any explanation and even demonstrated it twice in a very professional manner.
“What’s there to be embarrassed about? We are friends!” Ino said as a matter of course, with a hint of unquestionable cheerfulness, “Besides, I have much more experience in dealing with these weeds than you do!”
As she spoke, she bent down and began to cut the weeds neatly. Her movements were indeed much more skillful than Xia Fan’s. The sickle flew up and down in her hand, and the weeds fell down one by one.
Xia Fan looked at Ino’s serious profile and the dense beads of sweat oozing from her forehead, and a warm feeling surged in her heart.
He stopped refusing and picked up another, even more worn-out hoe that he had found from somewhere and joined in clearing the weeds.
Sasuke still sat quietly on the doorstep, watching the two figures, one big and one small, one man and one woman, busy in the yard. His eyes moved back and forth between Xia Fan and Ino, with a hint of subtle confusion and curiosity in his eyes.
Why did this blonde girl help them? She looked so weak, yet she was doing such hard work.
Although there were a lot of weeds in the yard, with the combined efforts of two people, the cleaning speed was obviously much faster.
While working, Ino was humming a tuneless little tune and chatting with Xia Fan from time to time. The atmosphere seemed relaxed and pleasant.
“Xia Fan-kun, your sickle is too blunt, isn’t it? I’ll get you a better one from home later.” Ino wiped the sweat from her cheeks with the back of her hand and said with a smile.
“I’m already very grateful to you. Why should I ask for more from you?” Xia Fan replied somewhat embarrassedly.
“Oh, there’s no need to be so polite between friends!” Ino waved her hand and said nonchalantly.
After clearing most of the weeds, Ino took out a few green plants with their roots wrapped in wet mud from a small cloth bag she carried with her, as if performing a magic trick.
“Ding, ding, ding!” She held the plants in front of Xia Fan like she was presenting treasures, with a proud smile on her face. “I transplanted these from my own flower garden. They are all potted plants that are easy to survive, including mint, rosemary, and a few daisies. We planted them in the yard, and when they grow up, this small yard will be full of vitality!”
Xia Fan looked at the lush green plants and Ino’s blue eyes sparkling with excitement, and her heart was touched again.
This girl always brings him unexpected surprises and warmth in her own way.
“Thank you, Ino.” Xia Fan’s voice was a little hoarse, but full of sincere gratitude, “You have done so much for us.”
“Hehe, it’s no big deal!” Ino smiled like a little fox that had stolen candy, “I’m also very happy to make this courtyard beautiful.”
So, the two of them worked together again, dug a few small holes in the corner of the cleaned yard, carefully planted the potted plants, and watered them with a watering can.
Chapter 12: Strawberry Daifuku (Old Version)
Looking at those little green lives swaying gently in the breeze, Xia Fan’s heart seemed to be injected with new vitality.
This once desolate and dilapidated courtyard began to come alive because of Ino’s arrival and her enthusiastic help.
After working for most of the afternoon, the yard was finally tidied up and looked brand new. Although it was still simple, it was much cleaner and tidier than before, and it also had a bit more of a “homey” feel.
As the sun sets, the golden afterglow shines into the courtyard, stretching the two people’s shadows very long.
Ino wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, and looked at the fruits of her labor with a satisfied smile on her face.
“It’s almost done at last.” She said with a sigh of relief.
Xia Fan looked at the dirt on Ino’s face and her slightly tired but still energetic appearance, and an impulse surged in her heart.
“Ino,” he took a deep breath and mustered up the courage to say, “Thank you so much for today. If you don’t mind…why don’t you stay and have a simple meal with us?”
Xia Fan was a little surprised when he said this. He was not usually a sociable person, let alone actively inviting a girl to dinner.
But today, he really wanted to express his gratitude in this way.
When Ino heard Xia Fan’s invitation, she was slightly startled, and then an even brighter smile bloomed on her face, like a sunflower that bloomed instantly.
“Okay!” She agreed without hesitation, with a hint of joy in her tone, “I’ve been hungry for a long time!”
Xia Fan felt relieved and a smile appeared on his face.
“But… I’m not a very good cook, so it might just be something simple,” he added sheepishly.
After coming to Konoha, in order to take care of Sasuke, he learned some simple cooking skills, but his level was really limited.
“It’s okay, it’s okay, I’m not picky about food!” Ino waved her hand nonchalantly.
So, Xia Fan started preparing dinner.
He caught some fresh fish from the creek behind the house and picked some wild vegetables nearby. His movements were a little clumsy but serious.
Ino watched with interest from the side, and would occasionally offer to help, such as washing wild vegetables or passing seasonings.
Sasuke still sat quietly, but his eyes would fall on Ino from time to time. He found that when this girl smiled, her eyes were curved like the crescent moon in the sky, very beautiful. Moreover, her lively and cheerful aura seemed to add a different color to this dull little house.
Soon, a simple dinner was ready.
A plate of grilled fish, which was roasted over a firewood fire until it was crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, exudes an alluring aroma. A bowl of clear soup made with wild vegetables and a small amount of rice, although simple, also has a hint of sweetness.
Xia Fan brought the food to the old table with missing legs and said to Ino awkwardly, “The conditions are so simple. I’m sorry to embarrass you.”
“How could it be!” Ino picked up the chopsticks, picked up a piece of grilled fish, put it into her mouth without hesitation, tasted it carefully, and then her eyes lit up and she praised sincerely: “Wow! Xia Fan-kun, your skill in grilling fish is great! The skin is crispy and the fish meat inside is very tender, so delicious!”
Xia Fan’s face felt slightly hot after being praised by her, but he felt a little proud in his heart.
“As long as you like it.” He tried to make his tone sound calmer.
Ino tasted the wild vegetable soup again and nodded in praise: “The soup is also very delicious. I didn’t expect Xia Fan-kun’s cooking skills are so good!”
Xia Fan knew that Ino was encouraging him, but he was still very happy in his heart.
Sasuke also ate the grilled fish and wild vegetable soup in silence. His eating movements were very gentle and quiet, but Xia Fan could see that he seemed to have eaten a little more than usual today.
Just when Xia Fan thought that this simple dinner was about to end, Ino suddenly seemed to remember something and took out a small food box from the small cloth bag she carried with her.
“Oh, right!” She opened the food box like she was presenting a treasure, revealing the neatly arranged, plump, white strawberry daifuku. “This is the strawberry daifuku I just made this afternoon. I brought it here especially for you to try. This is my return gift!”
Each of those strawberry daifuku is as big as a baby’s fist. The snow-white glutinous rice skin is wrapped with bright red strawberries and sweet bean paste filling, which looks very mouth-watering.
“Strawberry Daifuku?” Xia Fan was a little surprised when he saw the exquisite desserts. He didn’t expect Ino to make this.
“Hmm! My mom taught me how to make it, and it tastes pretty good!” Ino said with a little pride, then picked one up and handed it to Sasuke, “Sasuke-kun, try it?”
Sasuke looked at the chubby and cute Strawberry Daifuku, then looked at the expectant smile on Ino’s face, hesitated for a moment, then stretched out his little hand and took it.
He imitated Ino and took a small bite carefully.
The soft, sweet glutinous rice skin, the sweet and sour strawberry flesh, and the delicate and dense bean paste filling, three different textures and flavors intertwined and blended in his mouth, instantly capturing his taste buds.
Sasuke’s eyes suddenly widened a little, and a hint of surprise flashed in his black pupils.
tasty!
This thought popped up in his mind uncontrollably.
He had eaten dim sum before, but never had he eaten such delicious strawberry daifuku.
He subconsciously took another big bite, his cheeks bulging like a greedy little squirrel.
Ino couldn’t help laughing when she saw Sasuke eating so cutely, her eyes full of tenderness and love.
Xia Fan also picked up a strawberry daifuku and tasted it. It was indeed very delicious. It was sweet but not greasy, with a rich taste, and you could taste the care put into making it.
This was the first time that outsiders had joined him and Sasuke for dinner since they came to Konoha. It was also the first time that this simple little house was filled with laughter and the aroma of food.
The cottage seemed to have a long-lost warmth as a result, dispelling some of the gloom and loneliness that shrouded the place.
Xia Fan looked at Ino’s bright smile, and then looked at Sasuke’s rare relaxed face, and a corner of her heart seemed to soften a little.
Maybe, this kind of life is not so bad.
After tasting the delicious strawberry daifuku brought by Ino, Sasuke’s attitude towards this blonde sister changed visibly.
Children’s minds are always very pure. They can sense who is kind to them and who gives them delicious food.
Sasuke has little resistance to sweets, especially delicate and delicious desserts like strawberry daifuku. Ino’s “dessert strategy” can be said to be a hit, successfully “capturing” his stomach and prying open a small crack in his tightly closed heart.
Since then, Sasuke has become noticeably closer to Ino.
When Ino came to their cabin again, Sasuke no longer hid behind Kaho cautiously or looked at her with a wary look as he did before.
Chapter 13: Many Children, Many Blessings (Old Version)
Although he was still quiet, the hostility and rejection in his eyes had dissipated a lot. He even took the initiative to bring a small stool from the house for Ino to sit on. Although his movements were a bit clumsy, his intention was obvious.
Sometimes, when Ino and Xia Fan were chatting or arranging flowers and plants in the yard, Sasuke would stay quietly by the side, no longer completely isolating himself like before. He would prick up his little ears and listen to them carefully, and occasionally secretly look at Ino from the corner of his eye.
Ino also keenly noticed Sasuke’s transformation, and she felt very relieved and happy.
She really liked this little boy who was cold on the outside but warm on the inside, sensitive and fragile. She knew that Sasuke had experienced unimaginable pain, so she never forced him to do anything, but used her greatest patience and tenderness to warm him up little by little and melt the ice in his heart.
Every time Ino came, she would bring some snacks she made herself, sometimes sweet cookies, sometimes soft cakes, and sometimes Daifuku of different flavors.
As for Sasuke, he always accepts these “sweet temptations” brought by Sister Ino.
Under Ino’s expectant gaze, he would taste the snacks in small bites, and then whisper in a voice that only he could hear: “Delicious.”
Once, Ino brought freshly made matcha red bean cake. After Sasuke finished eating, he took out a small thing carefully wrapped in a cloth strip from his pocket and handed it to Ino.
Ino opened it curiously and found a small shuriken carved out of wood inside. Although the carving was rough, the edges were polished very smoothly.
“This is…” Ino looked at Sasuke in surprise.
Sasuke’s face flushed slightly, his eyes were evasive, and his voice was as thin as a mosquito: “For…for you.”
This was one of the few “toys” he secretly hid, and he had begged his brother Itachi to help him carve it. Although it was only a half-finished product, it was something he cherished.
Ino’s heart suddenly shrank, and a warm current surged into her heart. She knew that this small wooden shuriken must have a special meaning to Sasuke. He was willing to give it to her, which meant that he had begun to truly accept her and trust her.
“Thank you, Sasuke-kun!” Ino’s eyes were slightly moist. She carefully put away the small shuriken, then reached out and gently touched Sasuke’s soft hair, saying softly, “I like this gift very much.”
Sasuke’s body stiffened for a moment, but he did not dodge. He could feel the warmth of Ino’s palm, very warm and comfortable.
Since then, the relationship between Sasuke and Ino has become closer.
He would even occasionally show a childish smile in front of Ino that was appropriate for his age. Although that smile was short-lived, like a flash in the pan, it was enough to make Ino and Kaho feel extremely relieved.
Xia Fan saw all of Sasuke’s changes, and her gratitude towards Ino deepened.
He knew that Ino’s appearance was like a ray of sunshine to Sasuke, illuminating his dark world, and also like a good medicine, slowly healing his inner wounds.
Although the flame of revenge still burned in Sasuke’s heart, at least he was no longer the lonely child who completely closed himself off and kept people at a distance. He began to relearn how to get along with others, how to feel warmth, and how to smile.
All of this is inseparable from Ino’s contribution.
As a result, Xia Fan became more determined to develop Ino into the first goal of her “more children, more blessings” plan.
Not only because Ino meets the requirements of the system, but also because he feels that a kind and beautiful girl like Ino deserves a better future. And he is confident that with the help of the system, he can give her such a future.
Of course, now is not the time to make everything clear. He needs more preparation, a deeper emotional foundation, and a more appropriate time.
On a moonlit night, Kaho and Ino sat on the porch of the cabin and chatted as usual.
On a summer night, the breeze brought a cool breeze. In the yard, the flowers and plants planted by Ino swayed gently in the moonlight, emitting a faint fragrance. Sasuke had already fallen asleep, and the cabin was quiet.
Ino held her chin up, looked at the bright moon in the sky, and suddenly asked: “Xia Fan-kun, what are your plans for the future?”
Her voice was soft, with a hint of subtle exploration and curiosity.
She knew that Xia Fan was in a difficult situation and that he had the responsibility of taking care of his brother. But she always felt that Xia Fan must have greater goals and ambitions deep in his heart. He was not a person who was content with mediocrity.
Xia Fan also looked at the cold full moon in the night sky. The moonlight was like water, sprinkling on his slightly thin but upright shoulders, casting a hazy and mysterious halo around him.
His eyes became deep and distant, as if he could penetrate the night sky and see the distant future.
After a moment of silence, Xia Fan slowly spoke, his voice low and firm, with an unquestionable power:
“Ino, you know, the Uchiha clan… now only Sasuke and I are left.”
His tone was calm, but Ino could feel an indescribable heaviness and sadness in it.
“I am one of the last hopes of the Uchiha clan.” Xia Fan turned his head and looked at Ino, his black eyes flashing with determination under the moonlight. “I must help the Uchiha clan stand up again and restore the glory of the Uchiha clan to the world.”
“This is my responsibility and my destiny.”
His voice was not loud, but every word seemed to come from his chest, carrying a thousand pounds of weight, hitting Ino’s heart hard.
He did not mention the “Many Children, Many Blessings System” or those shocking plans. He just used the simplest and most sincere language to express his deepest obsession.
The heavy sense of responsibility, the determination to go forward even if there are thousands of people against me, and the responsibility of carrying the future of the entire family on one’s shoulders made Ino feel unprecedentedly shocked.
She looked at Xia Fan’s face, which looked a little pale but extremely resolute in the moonlight, and couldn’t help but feel awe in her heart.
She knew that what Xia Fan said was not just some impulsive rhetoric, but a vow from his heart that was unwavering.
At this moment, Ino felt that the boy in front of her seemed to have grown up a lot and became… more dazzling.
Chapter 14 Kindness (Old Version)
He is no longer just the down-and-out teenager who needs her sympathy and help, but also a future strong man with a heavy mission and great ambitions.
This realization made Ino’s heart beat faster involuntarily and her cheeks felt slightly hot.
She looked at Xia Fan and opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but she didn’t know what to say. Any words of comfort or encouragement seemed so light in front of Xia Fan’s heavy responsibility.
In the end, she just nodded vigorously, her eyes full of trust and support: “Xia Fanjun, I believe in you, you can do it!”
Her voice was not loud, but it was full of power.
Xia Fan looked at Ino’s eyes that were sparkling and full of trust in the moonlight, and a warm feeling welled up in her heart.
In this world, having someone who understands his obsession and supports his dreams is itself a great comfort.
“Thank you, Ino.” A faint, heartfelt smile appeared on Xia Fan’s lips.
The moonlight is like water and the night is gentle.
The two smiled at each other, and everything was said without words.
Ino knew that from tonight on, her feelings towards Kaho seemed to have something different. It was not just sympathy, not just appreciation, but also a kind of…admiration and love.
And Xia Fan also knew that his “honesty” tonight had successfully planted a deeper seed in Ino’s heart.
This seed will take root, sprout, bloom and bear fruit one day in the future.
And he only needs to wait patiently and water it.
After hearing Kaho’s resounding “honesty”, Ino’s heart was filled with huge waves and she couldn’t calm down for a long time.
She sat on the porch, twisting the corners of her clothes unconsciously with her hands, staring blankly at the bright moon in the night sky, Xia Fan’s words just now echoing in her mind again and again.
“I am one of the Uchiha’s last hopes.”
“I must let the Uchiha stand up again and let the glory of the Uchiha reappear in the world.”
Every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting her heart hard.
She turned her head and secretly looked at Xia Fan beside her.
The moonlight outlined his resolute and slightly thin profile. His black eyes, which usually carried a hint of melancholy and calmness, now looked like two stars burning in the dark night, shining with unquestionable determination and indomitable courage.
His shoulders did not look broad, and even seemed a little thin due to long-term malnutrition, but Ino felt that they seemed to be carrying a heavy mountain on their shoulders.
That is the future of the entire Uchiha clan, the hope of countless deceased members of the clan, and the last dignity of a once glorious family.
This burden is enough to crush any adult, let alone a teenager like Xia Fan who is not yet an adult.
An indescribable complex emotion surged in Ino’s heart.
There is admiration, heartache, regret, and also a kind of… inexplicable throbbing.
She admired Xia Fan’s perseverance and responsibility. After such a tragic disaster of genocide, he did not become depressed or despair, but resolutely took on the responsibility of revitalizing the family. This courage and perseverance was something she had never seen in people of the same age.
She felt sorry for Xia Fan’s experience and situation. She couldn’t imagine how heartbreaking it was to witness the tragic death of his people and the destruction of his home. And he had to bring his young brother with him to survive in such a discriminatory and dangerous environment, while also shouldering such a heavy mission.
She felt deeply sorry for what happened to the Uchiha clan. Such a powerful and glorious clan was wiped out overnight, leaving only a few survivors. This was undoubtedly a huge loss for Konoha Village and even the entire ninja world.
The inexplicable throbbing came from the unique charm that Xia Fan exuded. The unyielding tenacity in the face of adversity, the determination to give everything for the goal, the maturity and stability beyond age, all of which were like a huge magnet, deeply attracting her.
She looked at Xia Fan, at his eyes that seemed particularly bright in the moonlight, and suddenly a strong, almost uncontrollable impulse surged in her heart.
She wants to help him!
She wanted to support him!
She wanted to be with him to realize that wish that seemed out of reach but full of tragic grandeur!
Once this idea came into her mind, it spread rapidly in her mind like a wildfire and could never be extinguished.
Ino took a deep breath, as if she had made up her mind. She quietly clenched her fists on her knees, her nails turning slightly white due to the force.
She knew that she was just an ordinary girl from the mountain tribe, not very strong, and had no special talents. Perhaps, she could not help Xia Fan much at all.
But, she is willing!
She was willing to do her best to support him, to accompany him, and to share even the slightest burden on his shoulders.
There was silence for a long time. When Xia Fan thought Ino would not say anything else, she suddenly turned her head and looked at him with burning eyes, her eyes filled with unprecedented seriousness and determination.
“Xia Fan-kun,” her voice was slightly trembling with excitement, but it was unusually clear, “Although… although I don’t know what I can do for you specifically, and I don’t know if I have the ability…”
She paused, as if she was organizing her words, or as if she was encouraging herself.
“But,” she took a deep breath, her tone becoming extremely serious, “I am willing to support you! I am willing to help you, and work with you, to realize that wish!”
Her eyes were bright and sincere, like two stars washed by rain, without any impurities, only the purest trust and determination.
Xia Fan looked at Ino’s blue eyes that were full of sincerity, and listened to her heartfelt words, and her heart was suddenly shocked.
He didn’t expect Ino to give such a response.
He originally just wanted to win Ino’s deeper sympathy and favor by being “honest” about his “responsibility” and pave the way for his next plan.
But he never expected that Ino would express her willingness to support and help him so directly.
This was beyond his expectations.
Ino’s trust and support were so pure and unreserved that Kaho’s heart, which had become a little cold due to too much calculation and betrayal, couldn’t help but feel a long-lost warmth.
He looked at Ino, at her pretty face that was slightly flushed with excitement, at her eyes that were particularly moving because of her sincerity, and his heart was filled with an indescribable gratitude and… a barely perceptible guilt.
Chapter 15: Ino’s Heart is in Trouble (Old Version)
He was taking advantage of her, her kindness, her feelings.
But she responded to his “calculation” with the most sincere heart.
This feeling made Xia Fan feel a little at a loss.
He opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but found that his throat was a little tight.
“Ino, you…” He spoke with difficulty, his voice a little hoarse, “Do you know what you are saying? The road to revitalizing the Uchiha… will be very difficult, even… full of dangers.”
He felt he needed to remind her what the promise he had made meant.
“I know!” Ino nodded without hesitation, her eyes still firm, “Of course I know this will be difficult. But, Xia Fan-kun, you are not fighting alone. From now on, I will stand with you!”
Her tone was so certain and resolute.
Xia Fan looked at her with mixed feelings.
He knew that Ino’s promise at this moment was probably more out of a momentary impulse and a girl’s romantic feelings. She might not really understand the bloody storm and difficulties and obstacles behind the five words “Revitalize Uchiha”.
But, this kindness and this reckless support are enough for him.
“Thank you, Ino.” Xia Fan took a deep breath, suppressed the complicated emotions in his heart, and showed a heartfelt smile with a hint of bitterness but incomparably sincere on his face. “Your support is very important to me.”
He did not say any more high-sounding words of thanks, because he knew that any words would be pale and powerless in front of Ino’s pure heart.
He could only bury this gratitude deep in his heart, and repay her with practical actions one day in the future.
When Ino saw that Kaho accepted her “promise”, a relieved smile appeared on her face, like a child who had completed an important mission.
“Then it’s settled!” She stretched out her little finger and shook it at Xia Fan with a hint of childish playfulness, “From today on, we are ‘allies’! Let’s work together for the future of Uchiha!”
Xia Fan looked at her fair and slender little finger, was slightly startled, then he stretched out his little finger and gently hooked it with hers.
“Well, it’s a deal.” His voice was low and powerful.
Under the moonlight, the two little fingers were tightly hooked together, as if making a sacred and solemn oath.
This is a secret agreement between the two of them, and also their first step towards an unknown future together.
With Ino’s clear and firm support, Xia Fan felt not only grateful but also a heavy sense of responsibility.
He knew that he couldn’t let Ino down.
He wants to become stronger, achieve the goal of revitalizing Uchiha as soon as possible, and give Ino a stable and happy future.
Since the appointment under the moon that night, the relationship between Kaho and Ino seemed to have quietly undergone some subtle changes.
They still meet in the flower shop, discuss flowers and plants, and share their daily life as before, but there is a tacit understanding and affection in each other’s eyes that only they can understand.
Ino’s concern for Kaho also became more meticulous.
She would send homemade snacks and food to Xia Fan and Sasuke more frequently, and would also find ways to “snatch” some useful daily necessities from home and secretly give them to Xia Fan.
She even began to take the initiative to ask her father Yamanaka Haiyi for some tips on intelligence collection and analysis, hoping to use what she learned to help Xia Fan in the future. Of course, she did not tell her father her true purpose.
And Kaho began to take the initiative to share some of her “ideas” and “plans” with Ino.
Of course, he would not reveal any information about the “Many Children, Many Blessings System”, which was his biggest secret. He would only selectively tell Ino some of his plans for the future, such as how to improve strength, how to accumulate power, how to gain a foothold in Konoha Village, etc.
He found that although Ino sometimes looked careless, she was very thoughtful and had her own opinions. She always gave him some unexpected but constructive suggestions when he was confused or puzzled.
The communication between the two is no longer just casual chatting between friends, but more like discussing an important topic together.
Their friendship, unknowingly, had quietly sublimated into a closer and deeper relationship.
On a sunny afternoon, Xia Fan sent Ino home as usual.
The afterglow of the setting sun dyed the sky a brilliant orange-red, and the soft light sprinkled on the streets of Konoha Village, giving everything around it a layer of warm gold.
The two walked side by side on the path, their shadows stretched very long by the setting sun, and they snuggled up to each other tightly.
There was no conversation along the way, but the atmosphere was not awkward. Instead, there was an indescribable warmth and tranquility flowing between the two of them.
Ino lowered her head, put her hands behind her back, and gently kicked the pebbles on the roadside. Her golden hair flickered softly in the sunset. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her heartbeat was faster than usual.
She could sense that Xia Fan beside her seemed a little different. His breathing was a little faster than usual, and his steps seemed a little hesitant.
Just as she was about to reach the door of Ino’s flower shop, Xia Fan suddenly stopped.
Ino also stopped and looked up at Xia Fan with some confusion.
“Ino…” Xia Fan looked at her, with a hint of nervousness and hesitation in his eyes, but more of it was an unconcealable tenderness and determination.
His Adam’s apple rolled slightly, as if he was mustering up his courage.
Then he took a deep breath, slowly reached out his hand, and gently held Ino’s slightly cold little hand hanging by her side.
Ino’s body suddenly stiffened, like a frightened deer, and she subconsciously tried to break free.
But Xia Fan’s hands were clenched tightly, with an irresistible tenderness and strength.
His palms were warm, dry and strong, wrapping around her slightly cool fingers, sending waves of reassuring warmth.
Ino’s cheeks instantly burned as red as the sunset glow in the sky. Her heart began to beat violently, almost jumping out of her throat.
She could feel a layer of fine beads of sweat oozing out of the palms of her hands.
She wanted to pull her hand back, but she was… reluctant.
She secretly glanced at Xia Fan out of the corner of her eye and found that his cheeks were also a little red, and there was a hint of shyness in his eyes, but more of it was a kind of joy and sincerity of relief.
He didn’t say anything, but just held her hand quietly, gazing at her intently with his deep and gentle eyes.
Ino’s heart was completely in turmoil at this moment.
Chapter 16: Peace of Mind (Old Version)
She didn’t know what to do or what to say. She could only let Xia Fan hold her hand, feeling the scorching warmth and firm strength coming from his palm.
Time seemed to stand still at this moment.
The afterglow of the setting sun shines on them, casting a golden halo on their figures, as beautiful as an exquisite oil painting.
It was unknown how long it took Ino to come back to her senses from her initial panic. She raised her head and met Xia Fan’s gaze. Although her face was still flushed, her eyes were no longer dodging.
She saw sincerity, cherishment, and…unspoken affection in Xia Fan’s eyes.
She knew that Xia Fan holding her hand was not just a simple gesture, but also a silent promise and an unspoken agreement.
She did not try to break free, but instead slightly clenched her fingers and gently held Xia Fan’s hand.
The two smiled at each other, and all words seemed redundant.
An indescribable tacit understanding and affection quietly spread in each other’s hearts, like a vine, tightly entwining their hearts together.
This is a silent agreement.
They will face the future storms together, meet unknown challenges together, and work together for that seemingly unattainable dream.
From that day on, their relationship officially transcended ordinary friends and entered a new stage.
The relationship between Ino and Kaho is getting closer and closer, which naturally cannot be hidden from the eyes of those who are interested.
Especially Yamanaka Inoichi.
As the patriarch of the Yamanaka clan, an elite jonin in the intelligence department of Konoha Village, and a leader among sensory ninjas, Yamanaka Inoichi’s insight and acumen are far beyond that of ordinary people.
He had long noticed that his daughter Ino had been behaving strangely in recent times.
For example, Ino spent significantly less time in the flower shop, and instead often went to the slums on the edge of the village.
For example, Ino began to show unprecedented enthusiasm for cooking and housework. She often tinkered with some strange snacks in the kitchen and occasionally “took away” some daily necessities from home.
For example, Ino’s mood also became somewhat changeable. Sometimes she would giggle for no apparent reason, and sometimes she would sigh, looking like a girl in love.
These abnormal behaviors could not escape Yamanaka Inoichi’s all-seeing eyes.
After a little investigation, he easily figured out the whole story.
It turned out that her daughter Ino was very close to a boy named Uchiha Kaho.
Kaho Uchiha.
This name made Yamanaka Inoichi frown involuntarily.
The orphan of the Uchiha clan.
Yamanaka Inoichi has complicated feelings towards the Uchiha clan.
He regretted that this once powerful family was destroyed overnight, and was also wary of the Uchiha clan’s paranoid and arrogant character.
In particular, the truth behind the Uchiha clan genocide remains elusive and full of doubts. Konoha’s top brass is very secretive about the incident, and it’s clear that there are some unknown secrets hidden in it.
As the only two known survivors (at least on the surface), Uchiha Kaho and Uchiha Sasuke, their existence itself represents uncertainty and potential risks.
Yamanaka Inoichi couldn’t believe that a young man who had experienced such a tragic change would not have any hatred or resentment in his heart.
What he was more worried about was whether Uchiha Kaho had some ulterior motive in approaching his daughter Ino?
Is he trying to take advantage of the Yamanaka clan’s position in Konoha? Or is he trying to get some information through Ino? Or, worse, will he drag Ino into the vortex of Uchiha’s revenge?
Yamanaka Inoichi would never allow his daughter to come to any harm, nor would he allow anyone to take advantage of the Yamanaka clan.
Therefore, after observing for a period of time and confirming that the relationship between Ino and Kaho was indeed unusual, Yamanaka Ino decided that he must personally come forward and have a “friendly” conversation with this Uchiha Kaho.
He wanted to find out the real purpose of this young man approaching Ino and whether he would pose a potential threat to Konoha and the Yamanaka clan.
One evening, Xia Fan had just finished a day of secret training and dragged his tired body back to the simple hut. He found a middle-aged man with a tall figure and a calm temperament standing at the door.
The man had long blond hair casually tied behind his head with a headband. His face was somewhat similar to Ino, but his eyes were sharper and deeper, carrying the majesty and scrutiny of someone who had been in a superior position for a long time.
Xia Fan’s heart trembled.
He recognized this man.
Yamanaka Ino’s father, the current head of the Yamanaka clan, a core member of Konoha Village’s intelligence department, and well-known for his mastery of spiritual mysticism and intelligence analysis.
What is he doing here?
Countless thoughts flashed through Xia Fan’s mind instantly, but on the surface he remained calm and just asked politely: “Excuse me, who are you…?”
Yamanaka Inoichi’s gaze fell on Xia Fan as if it were real, looking him up and down, as if he wanted to see through him from inside out.
That scrutinizing look, with an invisible pressure, made Xia Fan feel uncomfortable.
“Uchiha Kaho.” Yamanaka Inoichi spoke slowly, his voice low and steady, no emotion could be heard, “I am Yamanaka Inoichi, Ino’s father.”
It was indeed him.
Xia Fan understood. It seemed that his future father-in-law already knew about his relationship with Ino.
“Master Hai-ichi.” Xia Fan bowed slightly, neither servile nor overbearing, “What do you want to talk to me about?”
Yamanaka Inoichi did not answer his question, but walked straight into the small and simple hut.
Sasuke was sitting at the table, practicing writing seriously under the dim oil lamp. Hearing the noise, he looked up and saw a strange middle-aged man walking in. A look of vigilance immediately appeared on his face, and he subconsciously wanted to hide behind Xia Fan.
“Sasuke, don’t be afraid.” Xia Fan gently patted Sasuke’s shoulder, signaling him to be at ease, and then said to Yamanaka Haiyi, “Master Haiyi, the room is simple, please don’t mind.”
Yamanaka Inoichi’s eyes quickly swept around the cabin, taking in all the furnishings inside.
A tattered wooden bed, a table with missing legs, two wobbly chairs, and some odd-job tools and a small amount of daily necessities piled in the corner.
Although poor, it is well organized and not as dirty and messy as imagined.
His eyes finally fell on Sasuke. The last genius of the Uchiha clan looked like an ordinary and thin child, with a look of vigilance and melancholy that did not match his age.
“Ino has mentioned you guys frequently recently.” Yamanaka Ino finally spoke, but his tone was still flat, and no emotion could be heard.
Xia Fan knew in her heart that this was just an opening statement. The real “conversation” had just begun.
Chapter 17 Not That Simple (Old Version)
“Ino is a kind and enthusiastic girl. She helped us a lot.” Xia Fan’s tone was very sincere. “Sasuke and I are very grateful to her.”
“Kind and enthusiastic?” Yamanaka Kai’s mouth curled up with an arc that meant something unknown. “I think she was blinded by someone with ulterior motives.”
There was a subtle hint of sarcasm and warning in his words.
Xia Fan’s heart sank, knowing that Yamanaka Inoichi was warning him.
“Master Haiichi, I think you may have misunderstood.” Xia Fan’s expression remained calm, but his eyes became serious, “I am sincere to Ino.”
“Sincerely?” Yamanaka Inoichi’s eyes suddenly became sharp, like two unsheathed swords, piercing deep into Xia Fan’s heart, “Uchiha brat, what do you mean by sincerely? Do you mean by using her kindness to gain sympathy and help? Or do you mean by using her to achieve some of your ulterior motives?”
Although his voice was not loud, every word was full of oppression, as if it was going to peel off layer by layer of Xia Fan’s disguise.
Faced with Yamanaka Inoichi’s merciless questioning and powerful aura of oppression, Xia Fan did not show the slightest panic or retreat.
He knew that he had to pass this level.
He raised his head and met Yamanaka Haiyi’s scrutinizing gaze. His eyes were clear and firm, without the slightest evasion or guilt.
“Master Haiichi, I know that because of your identity as an Uchiha, you are wary and suspicious of me, which is normal.” Xia Fan’s tone was neither humble nor arrogant, with a calmness that was inconsistent with his age, “But I want to tell you that my feelings for Ino are sincere. I like her kindness, her liveliness, and her innocence. I feel very happy and at ease when I am with her.”
He paused, took a deep breath, and continued, “I know that in my current situation, I may not be qualified to say this. I am just an Uchiha orphan with nothing, and Ino is the daughter of the Yamanaka clan. The gap between us is like heaven and earth.”
“But,” his tone suddenly became extremely firm, with an unquestionable light flashing in his eyes, “I will work hard! I will use my own hands to create the future! I will make myself strong enough, strong enough to protect Ino and give her happiness!”
His voice was not loud, but every word he spoke was sonorous and powerful.
Yamanaka Haiyi listened quietly to Xia Fan’s “confession”, and the sharpness and scrutiny in his eyes did not seem to diminish in the slightest.
“It sounds good.” He sneered, with a hint of disdain in his tone, “Uchiha people seem to be very good at saying these high-sounding words. But what about action? How do you plan to achieve your so-called ‘future’? How can you protect Ino and make her happy?”
He took a step forward, and his powerful aura pressed down on Xia Fan like a substance: “Or, by ‘effort’, do you mean to find ways to obtain resources and help from the Yamanaka Clan?”
Xia Fan could feel the powerful pressure emanating from Yamanaka Inoichi, which belonged to a senior ninja, and it almost made him breathless.
But he still straightened his back and did not retreat at all.
“Master Haiichi, I admit that I need help.” Xia Fan said frankly, “I really have nothing now. If I want to gain a foothold in Konoha Village and raise Sasuke, I need resources and support.”
“But,” he changed the subject, his eyes becoming more determined, “I will not beg for alms, nor will I use Ino’s feelings to ask for something that does not belong to me.”
“I will use my own way to get everything I want.”
“As for my feelings for Ino, they are pure and without any utilitarian purpose. If you feel that I am unworthy of her because of my identity or because I cannot give her the future you expect, then I will respect your decision.”
There was a hint of determination and pride in his tone. That was the pride of the Uchiha people. Even in a desperate situation, they would not easily lower their noble heads.
Yamanaka Inoichi looked at Xia Fan’s clear and determined eyes, and his heart was slightly moved.
He could feel that when the boy said these words, they were from the heart. There was no hypocrisy or affectation in his eyes.
This sincerity and frankness were somewhat beyond his expectations.
“So, what is your determination to revitalize the Uchiha?” Yamanaka Inoichi suddenly changed the subject, his tone still serious, “You told Ino before that you wanted to make the Uchiha stand up again. How do you plan to do it? Do you rely on yourself, or… do you want to seek help from outside forces?”
His eyes were fixed on Xia Fan, as if he wanted to find flaws in every subtle expression of his.
Xia Fan knew in his heart that this was one of the real reasons why Yamanaka Inoichi came to see him today.
His feelings for Ino are certainly a matter of concern to Haiyi, but what makes Haiyi even more worried is what kind of impact this Uchiha orphan will have on Konoha Village in the future.
“Master Hai, revitalizing the Uchiha clan is my unshirkable responsibility as a member of the Uchiha clan.” Xia Fan’s tone was heavy and firm, “I will not forget the blood feud of my clan members, nor will I give up the belief that the Uchiha clan will regain its glory.”
“But,” he changed the subject, his tone becoming more earnest, “I also understand that what Konoha needs right now is peace and stability. I will not do anything that would endanger the village or my companions.”
“I just want to live a stable life in Konoha, work hard to improve my own strength, raise Sasuke, and work hard for the continuation of my family.”
He did not specify how he would “continue the family line” because that involved the biggest secret of the “Many Children, Many Blessings System”. He could only answer in this relatively vague way, but it could express his determination.
“I hope that through my own efforts, I can change the world’s prejudice against the Uchiha clan and prove that the Uchiha clan is not just a source of disaster and conflict.”
His eyes were filled with desire for the future and hope for peace.
Yamanaka Haiyi listened quietly, the scrutiny and suspicion in his eyes gradually faded away, replaced by a complex thought.
He could feel that Xia Fan was sincere when he said these words. There was no hatred or madness in his eyes, nor was there any paranoia for revenge. Instead, there was a rationality and clarity that transcended his age.
This quietly changed his opinion of this Uchiha boy.
Perhaps, this child is not as simple as he imagined.
Chapter 18: Girl in the Mountain (Old Version)
Or maybe, he can really bring something different to Konoha and Uchiha.
Of course, Yamanaka Inoichi would not completely let down his guard just because of what Kaho said. As an experienced intelligence ninja, he knew very well how complex and fickle people’s hearts were.
But he at least put aside some of his doubts for the time being.
“I hope you’ll keep your word.” Yamanaka Inoichi’s tone softened a bit, but still carried a hint of warning, “Konoha Village will not tolerate any factors that attempt to destroy peace. If you dare to do anything that endangers the village or hurts Ino, I, Yamanaka Inoichi, will never let you go.”
“I understand.” Xia Fan nodded solemnly, “Please rest assured, Master Hai, I, Uchiha Xia Fan, will keep my word.”
Yamanaka Haiyi looked at Xia Fan deeply, without saying anything more, turned around and left the simple hut.
His figure quickly disappeared into the night, as if he had never appeared.
Xia Fan looked at the direction where Yamanaka Haiyi left and breathed a long sigh of relief. Only then did he realize that his back was soaked with cold sweat.
Although this “conversation” with Yamanaka Inoichi was short, it was full of invisible pressure and danger.
He knew that his performance today had temporarily won Yamanaka Inoichi’s “recognition,” or in other words, “tolerance.”
But this is just the first step.
The road ahead is still long and full of unknowns.
He must work harder to truly win the trust of Yamanaka Inoichi and truly achieve his goal.
On the other hand, after Ino learned that her father Yamanaka Ino had secretly met with Kaho, she felt anxious, angry, and a little worried.
She knew her father’s character and his wariness towards the Uchiha clan. She was afraid that her father would embarrass Xia Fan out of prejudice, or even stop her from interacting with Xia Fan.
She found her father and wanted to argue, but was dismissed by Yamanaka Inoue with the words, “This is a matter between us men, girls should not get involved.”
Ino felt more and more uneasy. She didn’t know what her father and Xia Fan had talked about, nor did she know whether Xia Fan had been wronged because of it.
In order to express her support and apology, and to let Kaho feel her love, Ino made a decision full of girlish thoughts – she would prepare a love bento for Kaho every day!
She got up early in the morning, ran to the kitchen, and started busying herself with things.
Although she had learned some cooking skills before, she mostly made simple snacks. It was her first time to prepare a “big project” like a bento, which required a combination of meat and vegetables and balanced nutrition.
She took out the recipe left by her mother, studied it carefully, and ran to the vegetable market to carefully select the freshest ingredients.
It was my first time making a bento, so of course I was hectic and everything went wrong.
The rice was a little undercooked, the stir-fried vegetables had too much salt, and the fried egg was a little mushy.
But Ino was not discouraged. She wiped the sweat from her forehead, took a deep breath, and started again.
After several failed attempts, her cooking skills were improving at a visible rate.
She began to be able to skillfully control the heat, adjust the flavors, and even learned some simple plating techniques.
She would prepare different kinds of lunch boxes for Xia Fan every day.
Sometimes it is the fragrant teriyaki chicken leg rice, paired with refreshing cold kelp shreds and golden thick omelette.
Sometimes it’s delicious salmon rice balls with a few lovely octopus sausages and a small fruit salad.
Sometimes it’s nutritious beef and vegetable fried rice with a heart-shaped poached egg.
She not only pays attention to the taste and nutrition of the bento, but also puts special effort into the presentation of the dish.
She would use carrots and nori to create cute animal patterns on the rice, or draw smiley faces with ketchup.
She hoped that Xia Fan would feel her kindness when she opened the lunch box and would smile knowingly because of these little surprises.
Every noon, Ino would deliver a hot lunch box to where Kaho worked part-time or to the grove where they often met.
Every time Xia Fan saw Ino carrying an exquisite lunch box and walking towards him with a smile, an indescribable warmth would surge in his heart.
He opened the lunch box and saw the delicious food inside, as well as the cute patterns full of ingenuity. All his fatigue and worries seemed to disappear in an instant.
He knew that these bento boxes contained not only delicious food, but also Ino’s love and support.
“Ino, you don’t have to work so hard every day.” Xia Fan said with some heartache. He knew that Ino must have spent a lot of time and energy to prepare these bento boxes.
“It’s not hard, not hard!” Ino always smiled with curved eyebrows and waved her hand and said, “I am very happy to see that Xia Fan-kun likes to eat the bento I made!”
Her smile is brighter than the sun and more beautiful than flowers.
Every time Xia Fan ate the bento made by Ino, her heart felt warm and filled with happiness and satisfaction.
He also became more determined to make Ino happy.
This kind, enthusiastic and slightly confused girl has, in her own way, walked deeply into his heart and become an indispensable part of his life.
He wanted to protect her, cherish her, and let her always smile carefree like she did now.
The revitalization of Uchiha is not only for the dead members of the clan and the young Sasuke, but also for… giving Ino a stable and bright future.
This heavy sense of responsibility fills him with motivation to move forward.
He believed that as long as he worked hard and persevered, one day he would be able to realize all his wishes.
And Ino’s love bento is the sweetest and warmest energy supply on his way forward.
As time goes by, the feelings between Kaho and Ino, like the buds that sprout quietly in spring, grow rapidly and deepen day by day in a natural and beautiful manner under the nourishment of sunshine and rain.
Ino’s loving bento is like a warm bond that connects the two people’s hearts tightly. The moment that Xia Fan looks forward to most every day is opening the bento box at noon and seeing the meals full of love and Ino’s smile that is brighter than the sun.
And Ino also felt that Kaho cherished and cared about her from his increasingly gentle eyes and increasingly natural and intimate actions.
The relationship between them became more and more natural and casual.
Sometimes, Xia Fan would take the initiative to help in the flower shop. Although he was still not very good at handling flowers and plants and often made things worse, which made Ino angry and amused, the two of them became more intimate while laughing and playing.
Sometimes, Ino would take Xia Fan to some of her favorite shops in the village and introduce him to all kinds of novel and interesting things. Although Xia Fan was not very interested in these, as long as he saw Ino’s cheerful look, he would patiently accompany her and listen to her chattering.
Their figures have also become a unique landscape in Konoha Village.
A taciturn Uchiha boy with a hint of melancholy between his brows, always accompanied by a Yamanaka girl who is as bright and lively as a sunflower.
Chapter 19 Arousing the Jumpsuit (Old Version)
The villagers’ initial curiosity and discussion about this seemingly “incompatible” pair gradually turned into a kind of accustomed acquiescence, and even some well-intentioned blessings.
After all, a talented man and a beautiful woman, young and young, always make people feel good about them.
In this plain and warm daily interaction, Kaho and Ino accumulate their common memories bit by bit, and their feelings grow quietly without them noticing.
On an early autumn night, the moonlight was hazy and the breeze was cool.
Xia Fan took a part-time job moving goods at the dock and was busy until late at night before he dragged his exhausted body back home.
The work at the dock was dirty and tiring, and the wages were pitifully low. But in order to earn more money, improve the lives of herself and Sasuke, and buy some small gifts for Ino that she liked, Xia Fan gritted her teeth and persevered.
He walked on the empty and quiet street, the street lights stretched his shadow very long, making him look a little lonely. The fatigue of his body surged like a tide, making him almost unable to move.
Just as he reached the edge of the village and was about to reach home, he saw from afar, at the familiar intersection in front of his cottage, a slender figure pacing back and forth anxiously, standing on tiptoes from time to time and looking in the direction he was coming from.
It’s Ino!
Xia Fan’s heart skipped a beat, and a warm current instantly surged through his body, dispelling some of his fatigue.
Why is she here so late?
He quickened his pace and walked towards the figure.
Ino soon noticed him, and an expression of surprise immediately appeared on her originally anxious face. She ran towards him quickly like a kitten seeing its owner.
“Xia Fan-kun! You’re finally back!” Ino ran to Xia Fan, panting slightly, with a barely perceptible hint of anger and deep worry in her tone, “It’s so late, I thought something had happened to you!”
Her little face looked a little pale in the hazy moonlight, and there was a hint of bloodshot in her eyes, obviously she had been waiting here for a long time.
Xia Fan looked at Ino’s anxious and worried expression, and felt an indescribable emotion and guilt in her heart.
He knew that Ino must be worried about him, that’s why she was still waiting here so late.
“I’m sorry, Ino, for making you worry.” Xia Fan’s voice was a little hoarse, with a hint of fatigue, but more of it was tenderness that could not be concealed, “I had a lot of work at the dock today, so I came back late.”
“No matter how important your work is, you must take care of your health!” Ino looked at Xia Fan’s slightly pale face and the fine beads of sweat oozing from his forehead, and couldn’t help but reach out and gently wipe the sweat off his face with the handkerchief she carried with her.
Her movements were gentle, with a hint of careful care. Her fingertips accidentally touched Xia Fan’s forehead, and a slightly cool touch came, which made Xia Fan’s heart flutter.
“I’m fine, just a little tired.” Xia Fan tried hard to force a smile to reassure her.
But when Ino saw his forced smile and the fatigue that could hardly be concealed in his eyes, she felt even more distressed.
She knew that Xia Fan had been working very hard. Not only did he have to take care of the young Sasuke, but he also had to fight for the dream of revitalizing the Uchiha clan. The burden on his shoulders was too heavy.
But she seemed unable to help him in any way and could only watch him suffer so much.
A strong urge to comfort him and give him strength surged in Ino’s heart.
She looked at Xia Fan’s exhausted figure and his eyes that were a little dim due to fatigue. She couldn’t help it anymore, so she took a step forward, stretched out her arms, and hugged him gently but tightly.
Xia Fan’s body suddenly stiffened.
Ino’s body was very soft, with a faint scent of flowers and the unique fragrance of a young girl, tightly pressed against his chest. Her hug was so warm and gentle, like a warm spring breeze, instantly blowing away all the fatigue and haze in his heart.
He could feel Ino’s head resting gently on his shoulder. Her breathing, with a hint of haste and uneasiness, brushed against his neck, bringing waves of tingling sensation.
This was… the first time Ino took the initiative to hug him.
At this moment, Xia Fan’s heart began to beat violently uncontrollably, and her blood seemed to boil in an instant.
He was a little at a loss, with his hands hanging stiffly in the air, not knowing where to put them.
“Xia Fan-kun,” Ino’s voice came muffled from his arms, with a barely perceptible sob, “You are too tired… I know you are having a hard time… But please don’t shoulder everything by yourself… I… I will be worried too…”
Her voice was soft, but it was like a small hammer, gently hitting Xia Fan’s heart, making him feel sour and moved.
He could feel Ino’s body trembling slightly.
He knew that she felt sorry for him and was worried about him.
An indescribable tenderness and pity surged from the bottom of Xia Fan’s heart.
He no longer hesitated, slowly reached out his hand, and hugged Ino tightly back.
His arms were strong, and he held Ino’s petite body tightly in his arms, as if he wanted to rub her into his bones and blood.
This hug did not contain many flowery words, nor did it have any seductive elements.
It was just a simple, pure hug.
But they are filled with the most sincere care and comfort for each other, and full of unspeakable understanding and support.
At this moment, they seemed to have left behind all their fatigue, all their worries, and all their anxieties.
In their world, there is only the warmth of hugging each other tightly and the growing affection that quietly flows in their hearts.
The moonlight fell gently on them, interweaving their shadows tightly together, as if they could never be separated again.
The feelings between the two were silently sublimated in such a quiet night and in such a warm embrace.
They know that they have occupied an increasingly important position in each other’s hearts.
They also know that no matter how difficult the road ahead is, as long as they have each other by their side, they will have the courage to face everything.
It was unknown how long it had been before Ino gently raised her head from Xia Fan’s arms. Her cheeks were still flushed, but her eyes had become brighter and more determined.
“Xia Fan-kun,” she looked at him and said seriously, “In the future, don’t come back so late, I will be worried. If you are too tired from work, tell me and we will find a solution together.”
Xia Fan looked at her eyes that were filled with concern, and a warm feeling surged in his heart.
“Well, I understand.” He nodded, his voice gentle and serious, “I won’t do it again in the future.”
He knew that he couldn’t let this girl worry about him anymore.
He had to learn to take better care of himself and rely on her more.
Because they are “allies” and the most important people in each other’s lives.
The hug that night was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples in the hearts of Kaho and Ino.
Chapter 20 I Do (Old Version)
Their relationship became even closer as a result.
Xia Fan began to open her heart to Ino more actively, sharing her joys and sorrows. Ino also took better care of Xia Fan and Sasuke’s daily life.
The way they get along is like that of a couple who have been supporting each other for many years, with tacit understanding and warmth.
And Xia Fan’s idea of ​​the “more children, more blessings” plan has become increasingly clear and urgent as his relationship with Ino continues to warm up during this period.
He knew that to realize this plan, he needed a legitimate wife, a woman who could understand him, support him, and be willing to give birth to an Uchiha descendant for him.
And Ino is undoubtedly the most suitable and only candidate in his mind.
She is kind, enthusiastic, responsible, and more importantly, she loves him and he loves her too.
He believed that Ino would understand his difficulties and support his decision.
However, how to talk to her became a problem that gave Xia Fan a headache.
Proposal.
This was a sacred and solemn ceremony. He didn’t want to be careless, nor did he want to wrong Ino.
He wanted to give her a surprise, a romantic and unforgettable proposal.
However, given his current financial situation, it is obviously impossible for him to prepare a grand proposal ceremony.
He can only try his best and express his love with the most sincere heart.
After careful consideration and preparation, Xia Fan finally chose a time and place that he thought was most suitable.
It was a moonlit night, and the location was chosen at the old site of the Uchiha clan.
This was once the home of the Uchiha clan and the place where Xia Fan and Sasuke’s nightmare began. But now, this place also carries Xia Fan’s hope for the future and his determination to revive the family.
More importantly, in a remote corner of the old Uchiha residence, there was a small open space. Ino had brought Sasuke here before and planted some flowers and plants that were easy to grow.
Today, those flowers and plants have quietly bloomed. Although not on a large scale, they have brought a rare vitality and color to this ruin filled with sadness and death.
Xia Fan felt that proposing to Ino here had special significance.
He cleaned the small space in advance, and used his meager savings that he had accumulated for a long time to buy a simple silver ring from a jewelry store.
The ring is simple in style, without any fancy decorations, but it was earned by Xia Fan with his hard work and sweat, and it represents his most sincere heart.
He also asked Sasuke to help pick some of the most beautiful wild flowers planted by Ino, and weaved them into a simple and unique little wreath with straw ropes.
After everything was ready, Xia Fan invited Ino here on the pretext of “wanting to take you to a special place”.
When Ino followed Kaho to the old Uchiha mansion which looked somewhat desolate and mysterious under the moonlight, her heart was filled with curiosity and a hint of imperceptible nervousness.
She didn’t know why Xia Fan brought her here, but she could feel that Xia Fan seemed a little different today. His eyes were deeper and gentler than usual, as if hiding some important secret.
When they reached the open space filled with small, unknown wild flowers, Ino couldn’t help but let out a small exclamation.
She recognized these flowers; she and Sasuke had planted them together. She had never expected them to blossom so beautifully.
The moonlight was like water, sprinkling on the colorful flowers, creating a hazy and dreamy halo. The air was filled with a faint floral fragrance, refreshing.
Xia Fan held Ino’s hand and walked to the center of the flowers, then suddenly let go of her hand.
Ino looked at him in confusion.
Xia Fan took a deep breath, his eyes became extremely serious and solemn. Then, he slowly knelt on one knee, took out the small box containing the simple silver ring from his pocket, opened it, and held it in front of Ino.
“Ino…” His voice was slightly hoarse due to nervousness, but every word was full of sincerity and affection.
Ino looked at Xia Fan kneeling on one knee, and at the silver ring in his hand that was flickering faintly in the moonlight. She was stunned and her mind went blank.
Is this… a proposal?
Xia Fanjun… is proposing to her?
This thought was like a bolt from the blue, shocking Ino so much that she was dizzy and for a moment she didn’t know how to react.
“Ino,” Xia Fan raised his head and looked at her with burning eyes full of love and expectation, “I know that this request may be sudden and selfish.”
“In my current situation, I can’t give you wealth and honor, nor can I give you a prominent position. I don’t even have a decent home.”
His voice was a little low, with a hint of guilt and helplessness.
“But,” he changed the subject, his tone becoming extremely firm, “I have a heart that loves you, a heart that is willing to give everything for you.”
“I hope to give you a status, hope to make you my legitimate wife, hope to face the future storms with you, and create our own happiness together.”
“I know that I have the responsibility of revitalizing Uchiha on my shoulders. This road will be difficult and long. I don’t even know what will happen in the future.”
“But if I could have you by my side, I would be braver and stronger.”
He paused, gazed at Ino lovingly, and said word by word: “So, Ino, for the future of Uchiha, and so that I can give you a name, please… marry me and become my wife, okay?”
His voice echoed in the silent night sky, with a hint of trembling and endless anticipation.
Ino stared at Xia Fan blankly, looking at his eyes that seemed particularly sincere and affectionate in the moonlight, and listening to his heartfelt proposal, her eyes had unknowingly become wet.
She covered her mouth, trying not to cry out loud, but the crystal tears still slid down her cheeks like pearls that had broken off the string.
She never thought that Xia Fan would propose to her in this way.
Although there was no gorgeous scene, no expensive diamond ring, and no romantic vows.
But Xia Fan’s sincere feelings and deep love touched her heart more than any fancy words.
She knew how heavy the burden was on Xia Fan’s shoulders.
She also knew how much courage it took for him to make this decision.
He was not a person who was good at expressing his feelings, but he expressed his feelings to her in the most direct and sincere way.
He included her in his future blueprint and regarded her as the most important person in his life.
This trust and cherishment made her feel extremely happy and touched.
She looked at Xia Fan, who was still kneeling on one knee, and at his eyes which were slightly red due to nervousness. All the hesitation and worries in her heart disappeared in an instant.
She nodded vigorously, tears blurring her vision, but her voice was unusually clear and firm:
“I do! Xia Fan-kun! I do!”
Chapter 21: Rebuilding the Uchiha (Old Version)
Her voice was nasal and filled with tears of joy and emotion.
“No matter how difficult the future is, no matter how rough the road ahead is, I am willing to stay with you, always and forever!”
When Xia Fan heard Ino’s answer, the heavy stone in her heart finally fell to the ground. An indescribable ecstasy and excitement instantly surged through her body.
He stood up with some excitement, carefully picked up the simple silver ring, and gently put it on Ino’s fair and slender ring finger.
The ring was the perfect size, as if it was tailor-made for her.
Although it was just an ordinary silver ring, in Ino’s opinion, it was more dazzling and precious than any precious jewel in the world.
Because it carries Xia Fan’s love and their promise for the future.
Xia Fan tightly grasped Ino’s hand with the ring on it, and held her in her arms, her voice trembling slightly with excitement: “Ino… thank you… thank you for marrying me…”
Ino also hugged Xia Fan tightly, buried her head in his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat, and her tears silently soaked his clothes.
“Silly…” She cried, “I should be the one thanking you… Thank you for choosing me…”
The two hugged each other tightly in the moonlight, as if they wanted to integrate each other into each other’s lives.
The small wild flowers around swayed gently in the night breeze, emitting a faint fragrance, as if they were also sending them the best wishes.
This night was destined to be one of the most unforgettable nights in their lives.
From that night on, Kaho and Ino began planning their simple and warm wedding.
They don’t have much savings, and they don’t want to waste money. They just want a small ceremony to witness the union of their love.
Ino personally designed the bouquets and decorations needed for the wedding. She fully utilized her talent in flower arrangement, using the most common wild flowers and green leaves to create a fresh and elegant style.
She also specially wove a beautiful wreath for herself, ready to wear it on her head on the wedding day.
Xia Fan was responsible for decorating their simple little house to make it more festive.
He cut a lot of “囍” characters out of red paper and pasted them on the walls and windows. He also bought some red fabric and made simple curtains and tablecloths.
Although these are just insignificant changes, they add a festive and warm atmosphere to this originally deserted little house.
Sasuke seemed a little confused about his brother’s marriage to Ino, but he was mostly happy.
He likes Sister Ino very much, because Sister Ino always brings him delicious snacks, plays with him, and tells him stories. He feels that Sister Ino is like a real relative.
He also offered to help, and although there wasn’t much he could do, his intentions were obvious. He helped Kaho paste the Chinese character “囍” (囍) on the wall, helped Ino arrange the flowers and plants, and even took out his treasured toys, saying that he wanted to give them to them as wedding gifts.
Looking at Sasuke’s serious little look, Kaho and Ino felt both amused and relieved.
The wedding date was quickly set.
The location was chosen to be the small courtyard in the old Uchiha residence, which was also the place where Kaho proposed to Ino.
Although this place is full of sad memories, it also witnessed the beginning of their love and has special significance.
They only invited a few friends who had good relationships in Konoha Village.
Ino invited her childhood playmates, Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Choji. Although these two guys seem a little unreliable at ordinary times, they are still very loyal at critical moments.
Although Yamanaka Inoichi still felt complicated and worried about his daughter’s decision to marry an Uchiha orphan so quickly, he ultimately could not resist his daughter’s insistence and acquiesced to the marriage.
On the wedding day, he was present in person and gave his father’s blessing, but the expression on his face still carried an indescribable solemnity.
To the surprise of Xia Fan and Ino, the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen also came in person.
He was wearing a simple kimono with a kind smile on his face. Like an ordinary elder, he gave his blessings to the newlyweds and brought a valuable gift.
Xia Fan knew that the arrival of the Sandaime Hokage was not just for blessings. It was more of a gesture, an observation and consideration of the future of Uchiha.
He was sending a signal to the outside world, indicating the attitude of the Konoha high-level towards the Uchiha orphans, and was also secretly observing where he, Uchiha Kaho, would go in the future.
Xia Fan understood it in his heart, but remained calm on the surface. He just respectfully thanked the Sandaime Hokage.
The wedding ceremony was very simple.
There are no complicated procedures and no fancy ceremony.
There were only a few witnesses from relatives and friends, and the most sincere vows between the newlyweds.
Ino was wearing a simple but clean white dress that she had sewn herself, and a wreath on her head that she had woven herself. Her face was filled with a happy and shy smile, and she was as beautiful as a lily quietly blooming in the morning light.
Xia Fan also changed into a relatively neat dark-colored outfit. Although it was still simple, he looked energetic, and the melancholy between his brows was diluted by joy.
Sasuke was wearing a small dress (specially prepared for him by Ino) and holding a small flower basket, like a real flower boy. He seemed a little confused throughout the whole process, but he always had a happy smile on his face.
With everyone’s blessings, Kaho and Ino exchanged vows and rings.
Although everything is simple, the air is full of warmth and happiness.
Yamanaka Inoichi looked at the happy smile on his daughter’s face, and the worry and complexity in his heart were gradually replaced by a sense of relief.
Perhaps, this Uchiha boy can really bring happiness to Ino.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was silently observing Kaho from the side, with a thoughtful look in his eyes.
This descendant of Uchiha seemed to be more calm and rational than he had imagined. Perhaps, the future of Uchiha could really usher in a glimmer of hope in his hands?
In any case, this simple and warm wedding ended successfully with everyone’s blessings.
As night fell, the guests dispersed.
In the cottage, the red candles flickered, illuminating the happy yet slightly shy faces of the newlyweds.
Ino had changed into a red pajamas and was sitting on the edge of the bed, twisting the corners of her clothes with her hands anxiously, her cheeks flushed, like a ripe apple, so beautiful and tempting.
Xia Fan looked at his shy and beautiful wife beside him, and his heart was filled with unprecedented happiness and satisfaction.
He walked over and gently hugged Ino from behind, resting his chin on the crook of her neck and smelling the faint fragrance coming from her hair.
“Ino,” his voice was low and gentle, with a hint of uncontrollable excitement, “from today on, you are my wife.”
Chapter 22: Working to Earn Money (Old Version)
Ino’s body trembled slightly, her cheeks turned redder, and her voice was as thin as a mosquito: “Hmm…”
Xia Fan gently kissed her earlobe and said softly: “Thank you, Ino, thank you for being willing to be my wife.”
Ino turned around, reached out her hands, hugged Xia Fan’s waist tightly, buried her face in his chest, and felt his warm and strong heartbeat.
“Xia Fan-kun…” Her voice was a little choked up, “I should thank you… Thank you for giving me a home…”
The two hugged each other tightly, feeling each other’s body temperature and heartbeat, and all words seemed redundant.
The red candle flickers, and the light and shadow are hazy.
Xia Fan gently hugged Ino, lay on the bed, and whispered about her vision for the future.
“Ino, in the future, we will have many, many lovely children.” His voice was full of longing and expectation, “The boy will be as strong as me, and the girl will be as beautiful as you.”
“Our home will be filled with laughter again, and no longer as cold and lonely as before.”
“The Uchiha clan will prosper again and regain its former glory because of our children.”
He did not mention the “Many Children, Many Blessings System”, but his description of the future coincided with the goals of the system.
Ino listened quietly with a happy and satisfied smile on her face. She could feel Xia Fan’s desire for the future and his responsibility to the family.
“Yes,” she nodded vigorously, her voice gentle but firm, “I will give birth to many, many lovely children for you, and together we will make Uchiha stand up again.”
When Xia Fan heard Ino’s words, a warm feeling surged in her heart.
He knew that he had chosen the right person.
Ino is the most perfect partner in his life and the strongest support for him to revitalize his family.
He hugged his beloved wife tightly in his arms, his heart filled with infinite longing for the future.
At the same time, he was also secretly looking forward to what kind of reward the [Many Children, Many Blessings System] would give him after the birth of their first child.
This will be the first cornerstone for him to revitalize the Uchiha family and the beginning of his journey to becoming a strong man.
He believed that with the help of the system and Ino’s support, he would be able to realize all his dreams.
The future of Uchiha will shine with new light in his hands.
The wedding night is warm and beautiful.
Kaho and Ino, with their love for each other, opened a new chapter in their lives together.
And the Uchiha’s road to revival officially began from this moment on.
The sweetness and warmth of the newlyweds, like a trickle of water, quietly blended into every ordinary day of Kaho and Ino’s marriage.
The little house, which once seemed a little deserted and dilapidated, has become full of unprecedented vitality and vigor because of Ino’s arrival.
Ino is a hardworking and capable girl. She fully demonstrates the virtue and housekeeping ability of a daughter of the Yamanaka family in this small home.
She would get up early every day and clean the house inside and out, making sure the windows were clean and spotless. She also put the messy items in order and placed them neatly.
The flowers and plants in the yard that she planted with her own hands grew more lush and colorful under her careful care, adding infinite color and interest to this simple courtyard.
Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight shines into the cabin through the window, Ino has already prepared a steaming hot breakfast. It may be just a simple bowl of white porridge with a few refreshing side dishes, but the care and love make the food taste extra sweet.
At noon and in the evening, Ino would come up with different ways to prepare delicious meals for Kaho and Sasuke. Her cooking skills had improved significantly after marriage, and she could not only make a variety of home-cooked delicacies, but also try some new dishes from time to time to surprise her husband and brother.
The dinner table was always filled with laughter. Ino would enthusiastically tell about the interesting things she encountered in the flower shop during the day, or the various news that happened in the village. Although Kaho didn’t talk much, she would always listen carefully, with a look of tenderness and doting in her eyes. Sasuke also gradually became more cheerful, and occasionally would interject a few words and express his own “insights”.
After dinner, Ino would carefully clean up the dishes and wash the clothes. Xia Fan would also take the initiative to help. Although he was always a little clumsy in doing housework, his thoughtfulness made Ino feel extremely warm.
With Ino’s skillful care, this hut, which was once just a shelter from the wind and rain, has truly become a “home” full of love and warmth.
While feeling the warmth and happiness of the family, Xia Fan also has a deeper understanding of the responsibilities on his shoulders.
He wanted to give Ino a stable life, let Sasuke grow up without worries, and fight for the future of Uchiha.
Therefore, he worked harder than before to earn money.
Whether it was the dirty and tiring portering work at the dock, or odd jobs like helping villagers repair houses and clear weeds, as long as he could make money, he would take it without hesitation.
He no longer just worked hard like before. He learned to bargain with the foreman, learned to observe and learn from others’ experience, and worked hard to improve his work efficiency.
Although he was still exhausted every day, as long as he thought of Ino and Sasuke waiting for him at home and the happy smiles on their faces, he would feel that all the hard work was worth it.
In addition to working hard to make money to support his family, Xia Fan has not forgotten the importance of improving his own abilities.
He knew that in this world of ninja where the strong prey on the weak, without strength, everything was empty talk.
He began to carry out some basic physical training in a planned manner.
Every morning, before dawn, he would quietly get up and run to the woods outside the village to do the most basic exercises such as running, push-ups, and pull-ups.
He also used some of the superficial chakra control techniques in the original owner’s memory to practice chakra extraction and application. Although the progress was slow, he could feel that his body was getting stronger little by little, and the chakra in his body was slowly accumulating.
He didn’t tell Ino about these things, he didn’t want her to worry. He just wanted to accumulate strength in secret and prepare for possible changes in the future.
He knew that the road to revitalizing Uchiha would never be smooth sailing. He must be strong enough to protect the people he loved and achieve his goals.
At night, after Sasuke went to sleep, Kaho and Ino would often sit on the porch of the cabin as they did in the past, bathing in the bright moonlight and enjoying their rare time together.
They would snuggle together and chat in soft voices.
Xia Fan would share with Ino some interesting things he encountered during the day, or his plans and ideas for the future. He no longer kept all his worries in his heart like before. He learned to confide in Ino and was willing to listen to her opinions.
Ino always listened patiently, sometimes frowning in thought, sometimes nodding in agreement, and sometimes putting forward some unique opinions of her own.
Chapter 23 When will you play with me? (Old version)
She gave her wholehearted support and understanding to Xia Fan’s “family revival” plan, which sounded a little out of reach.
“Xia Fan, I believe you can do it.” Ino always holds Xia Fan’s hand, her eyes full of trust and encouragement, “No matter how difficult the future is, I will always be by your side, supporting you and helping you.”
Her understanding and support are the most powerful driving force for Xia Fan to move forward.
Sometimes, they also imagine their future life.
“When we have children, this small yard may not be enough.” Ino would lean on Xia Fan’s shoulder, with a hint of longing in her tone, “Should we save money and move to a bigger house? It would be best to have a spacious yard where I can plant the flowers and plants I like, and the children can play in the yard to their heart’s content.”
“Yes, I will.” Xia Fan would hug Ino tightly, his voice gentle but firm, “I will work hard to make money and give you and the children the best home.”
In these ordinary and warm daily lives, their feelings grow deeper and their bond with each other grows closer.
They are like two big trees snuggling together, resisting the wind and rain together, basking in the sunshine together, and striving to grow for a common future.
Although life after marriage is still poor, it is full of love and hope.
Xia Fan felt that he was the happiest person in the world. He had a gentle and virtuous wife, a well-behaved and sensible brother, and a dream that was far away but full of hope.
He thanked God for allowing him to travel to this world, meet Ino, and have all this.
He also secretly vowed to cherish everything in front of him and use his own hands to create a better future.
Happy days always pass quickly.
In the blink of an eye, it has been almost two months since Kaho and Ino got married.
That day, Ino came back from the flower shop, and her complexion seemed not to be well. She looked pale and tired.
Seeing this, Xia Fan hurriedly asked with concern: “Ino, what’s wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell?”
Ino shook her head and forced a smile: “It’s nothing, Xia Fan-kun, maybe I’m a little tired recently, just take a rest.”
But Xia Fan was worried. He observed Ino’s expression carefully and always felt that something was wrong.
In the next few days, Ino’s condition did not improve. Instead, she developed some symptoms of lethargy, nausea, and loss of appetite. She had no interest in her favorite snacks.
Xia Fan became more and more worried, and he decided to take Ino to the village clinic.
In the clinic, after a careful examination, the elderly medical ninja looked at Ino, then at Xia Fan who was anxiously waiting beside him, and a meaningful smile appeared on his face.
“Congratulations, young men.” The old doctor said with a smile, “The girl from the Yamanaka family is pregnant.”
Are you pregnant?
When Xia Fan heard these three words, he was stunned at first, and his brain went blank for an instant, as if he did not understand the meaning of this sentence.
Ino…is pregnant?
His gaze subconsciously turned to Ino, only to see that Ino was also looking at him with surprise and shyness, with two touching blushes on her fair cheeks.
The next second, an indescribable huge ecstasy, like a volcanic eruption, suddenly gushed out from Xia Fan’s heart and instantly swept through his whole body!
“Pregnant? Ino is pregnant?!” Xia Fan’s voice became a little sharp and distorted because of extreme excitement. He could hardly believe his ears.
He’s going to be a father!
He and Ino are going to have their own child!
The Uchiha clan is going to have new descendants!
This realization made Xia Fan ecstatic and she almost jumped up with excitement!
He suddenly stretched out his hand, hugged Ino tightly in his arms, and then, like a child, he excitedly held her and spun around several times in the spot!
“That’s great! Ino! We have a baby! We have a baby!” He expressed his excitement incoherently, his voice filled with irrepressible joy and excitement, his eyes even a little wet.
Ino was a little dizzy from being spun around by him, but her face was filled with a happy and shy smile. She could feel Xia Fan’s genuine joy, and also his expectations for this child.
She also reached out and hugged Xia Fan’s neck tightly, burying her face in the crook of his neck, feeling the warmth and strength coming from him.
She is also looking forward to the arrival of this little life.
Sasuke, who was standing by, looked at his brother and Ino’s excited embrace, and a curious and happy smile appeared on his little face. Although he didn’t quite understand what was going on, he could feel that this must be a very, very good thing.
However, after the great ecstasy and excitement, Xia Fan suddenly became a little at a loss.
He carefully put Ino down, then looked at her flat belly nervously, as if some rare treasure was hidden there.
“Ino, how…how do you feel now? Are you feeling unwell anywhere? Is the child…is he well behaved?” He rubbed his hands and asked incoherently, his eyes filled with the nervousness and confusion unique to a new father.
He suddenly realized that he knew almost nothing about how to take care of a pregnant woman.
He didn’t know what dietary taboos pregnant women had, what they needed to pay attention to in their daily lives, and he didn’t know how to keep Ino and the baby in her belly healthy.
This sudden ignorance and confusion made him feel inexplicably panic.
He couldn’t let anything happen to Ino and the child!
“I…I will go and ask the experienced elders for advice now!” Xia Fan suddenly turned around and was about to run out, as if he had made up his mind.
Seeing this, Ino quickly pulled him back and said with a smile: “Xia Fan-kun, don’t be so nervous. I’m just pregnant. I’m not that delicate.”
“No, no!” Xia Fan shook his head seriously, “This is our first child, there must be no mistakes! I have to understand all the precautions!”
Looking at Xia Fan’s nervous look as if she was facing a great enemy, Ino felt both amused and touched.
She knew that Xia Fan really cared about her and this child.
From the moment she learned that Ino was pregnant, Xia Fan regarded taking care of Ino as the top priority in her life, even more important than revitalizing the Uchiha.
He almost immediately quit the dirty and tiring odd jobs at the docks, and only kept some relatively easy jobs with more flexible hours. He wanted to spend more time and energy taking care of Ino.
He took care of all the housework at home, from cleaning to washing clothes and cooking, doing everything himself, no matter how big or small, and was determined not to let Ino do even a little bit of work.
Although he was still a little clumsy when doing housework and often made little jokes, such as putting salt into dishes instead of sugar, or mixing dark and light clothes together when washing clothes and staining them, he studied very seriously and worked very hard.
He would also go to the homes of elders in the village who had already given birth to children and humbly ask them about pregnancy precautions and their experience in caring for pregnant women.
The aunties and grandmas were surprised and relieved to see this usually taciturn Uchiha boy lowering himself to ask for advice and learn so seriously for the sake of his wife and unborn child, and they all shared their experiences with him.
Xia Fan kept every detail they said in mind, fearing that he would miss anything.
He also made a special trip to Konoha Hospital, found the old doctor who examined Ino, and consulted him in detail about nutritional combinations during pregnancy and prenatal examinations.
The old doctor looked at the serious young father, patiently answered his questions one by one, and gave him some very useful advice.
After returning home, Xia Fan began to clumsily learn to make various nutritious soups and dishes for Ino.
He started with the simplest chicken soup and fish soup, strictly following the methods taught by his elders to control the heat and match the ingredients.
Although the soup he made for the first time might not taste perfect, and might even be a little bland or greasy, Ino would always drink it with gusto and would keep praising him for its delicious cooking.
Because she knew that every mouthful of soup was filled with Xia Fan’s deep love for her and the child.
According to the doctor’s advice, Xia Fan will also prepare various foods rich in vitamins and proteins for Ino, such as fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs, milk, etc.
He would prepare nutritious meals for Ino in different ways every day, trying his best to make her eat healthily and happily.
Looking at Kaho, who was busy running around for her, getting thinner day by day but enjoying it, Ino’s heart was filled with indescribable sweetness and happiness.
She felt that she was the happiest woman in the world to be able to marry such a considerate husband who loved her dearly.
She was also looking forward to the birth of their love child.
However, pregnancy is not always smooth sailing.
As the pregnancy progressed, Ino began to experience some pregnancy reactions.
The most obvious is morning sickness.
She often felt nauseous for no apparent reason, and would retch when she smelled some of her favorite foods. Her appetite was greatly affected, and she lost a lot of weight and felt a little listless.
Xia Fan saw it and was worried.
He tried every possible way to relieve Ino’s morning sickness.
He would patiently coax Ino to eat, and he would feel very satisfied even if she could only eat a little.
He would learn some folk remedies to relieve morning sickness from the experienced elders in the village, such as letting Ino drink ginger and sugar water, or eat some sour plums.
He also learned some simple massage techniques, and when Ino felt uncomfortable, he would gently massage her temples and shoulders, hoping to make her feel better.
At night, Ino often couldn’t sleep well because of physical discomfort. She tossed and turned and had difficulty falling asleep.
Every time at this time, Xia Fan would stay by her bedside all night, holding her hand tightly, giving her silent comfort and support.
He would hum some discordant lullabies softly, or tell her some light-hearted and interesting stories from books, trying to distract her and make her temporarily forget her physical discomfort.
His voice was very gentle, like a feather, gently brushing against Ino’s heart, making her feel extremely safe and at ease.
With Kaho’s meticulous care and sleepless companionship, Ino gradually got through the most difficult period of early pregnancy reactions.
Although she still felt a little uncomfortable, her mental state and appetite were much better than before.
She knew that all this was inseparable from Xia Fan’s contribution.
She also realized more deeply that Xia Fan’s love for her was so deep and so selfless.
She also secretly vowed to give birth to a healthy and lovely baby for Xia Fan.
As time went by, Ino’s belly gradually grew bigger and she became more pregnant.
Sasuke was full of curiosity about the mysterious “little bulge” in Ino’s belly.
He would often stare at Ino’s belly with his big black eyes, as if he wanted to see what secrets were hidden inside. Sometimes, he would carefully stretch out his little hand and gently place it on Ino’s bulging belly, feeling the unusual warmth and slight ups and downs.
His little face was full of confusion and curiosity, as well as a hint of indescribable anticipation.
“Brother,” one day, Sasuke finally couldn’t help it, pulled the corner of Xia Fan’s clothes, tilted his little head, and asked in a childish voice, “What’s in Sister Ino’s belly?”
Xia Fan looked at Sasuke’s clear eyes that were full of curiosity, her heart warmed and a gentle smile appeared on her face.
He squatted down, looked at Sasuke at eye level, and explained patiently: “Sasuke, there is a very small baby in Sister Ino’s belly. Just like when you were that small before.”
“Baby?” Sasuke’s eyes suddenly widened a little, and his mouth opened into an “O” shape in surprise, “Really? Ino-sister, there is a baby like me in her belly?”
“Yes.” Xia Fan nodded affirmatively, with a hint of pride and joy in her tone, “Soon, you will have a little brother, or a little sister. He will play with you and grow up with you.”
“Little brother…or little sister…” Sasuke murmured these words, his eyes full of novelty and longing.
Although he was still young, he vaguely understood that this meant that their small family was about to welcome a new member, a little life that could cry, laugh, run and jump.
“Then… when can he come out to play with me?” Sasuke asked impatiently, his face full of anticipation. He had already begun to imagine the scene of him and his little brother or sister chasing and playing in the yard.
Chapter 24: One Big and One Small (Old Version)
Xia Fan smiled and touched Sasuke’s head, and said softly: “You have to wait for a while. The baby is still sleeping in Sister Ino’s belly. When he grows bigger, he will be able to come out.”
“How long do I have to wait?” Sasuke felt a little disappointed, but it was soon replaced by new expectations. “Then… when he comes out, will he like me? Will I be a good brother?”
There was a hint of childish uneasiness and anxiety in his voice.
Xia Fan looked at Sasuke’s serious look, and felt both amused and touched. He knew that although Sasuke had experienced the pain of genocide and became sensitive and precocious, deep down, he was still a kind child who longed for love and understood love.
“Of course!” Xia Fan answered affirmatively, her tone full of encouragement and trust, “Sasuke is so well-behaved and sensible, he will definitely be a very, very good brother! The baby will definitely like you very much!”
After receiving Xia Fan’s affirmation, Sasuke immediately showed a happy smile on his little face, and his eyes were full of confidence and expectation.
From then on, Sasuke showed unprecedented enthusiasm and care for the baby in Ino’s belly.
Every day he would take the initiative to run to Ino, carefully touch her belly, and then use his childish voice to say some “whispers” to the unborn life that he himself could not quite understand.
“Little baby, I’m Sasuke, you better be good and don’t kick Ino’s belly.”
“Little baby, you have to grow up quickly. When I learn new ninjutsu, I will teach you!”
“Baby, I’ll leave all my favorite toys for you to play with, okay?”
Every time Ino heard Sasuke’s innocent words, she couldn’t help but laugh out loud, her heart filled with warmth and emotion.
She could feel that Sasuke was really looking forward to the arrival of this little brother or sister.
Xia Fan would also be there, patiently explaining to Sasuke some simple knowledge about fetal development, telling him how the baby grows day by day in the mother’s belly.
Sasuke listened with great interest, full of infinite yearning and curiosity for this upcoming new life.
Sometimes, Ino would feel the fetus moving, and the little one in her belly would kick her playfully or turn over.
Every time at this time, Ino would hold Sasuke’s little hand and let him feel the magical fetal movement.
When Sasuke felt the faint yet real rhythm of life for the first time, an expression of disbelief and surprise appeared on his little face.
“It’s moving! It’s moving! Sister Ino, he’s moving!” Sasuke shouted excitedly, his eyes shining, as if he had discovered a new continent.
The wonderful feeling of being connected with another little life through his belly made Sasuke feel extremely novel and excited.
He was therefore looking forward to seeing this “naughty” little guy in his mother’s belly as soon as possible.
Seeing Sasuke full of anticipation and love for his unborn child, Kaho and Ino felt extremely gratified.
They knew that the arrival of this little life would not only bring more joy and completeness to their family, but also bring more warmth and comfort to Sasuke’s once wounded heart.
Sasuke would be a good brother, and they would try to be the best parents.
Although the days of pregnancy were accompanied by some hardships and discomforts, Ino lived a fulfilling and happy life with Kaho’s meticulous care and Sasuke’s childlike expectations.
She could clearly feel that the relationship between her and Xia Fan became deeper and stronger because of the arrival of this child.
They are no longer just a couple in love, but also parents who are about to welcome a new life together, shouldering the same responsibilities and expectations.
And while Xia Fan took good care of Ino, he did not completely give up his own practice.
He knew that the road ahead was still long and he needed more powerful strength to protect his family and achieve his goals.
However, he adjusted his training time to be more reasonable, so as not to affect his care for Ino.
Besides training, he would also spend more time with Ino and Sasuke, enjoying the hard-earned family warmth.
He began to understand more deeply the meaning of the word “home”.
Home is not just a shelter from wind and rain, but also a harbor for the soul, a source of love, and a driving force for struggle.
For this family, for Ino, for Sasuke, and for the new life that is about to be born, he is willing to give everything.
The [Many Children, Many Blessings System] is still quietly lurking in his mind, waiting for the moment when the first child is born to give him the reward he deserves.
Xia Fan was full of expectations for this.
He knew that the reward would be the first crucial step in his revival of the Uchiha Clan.
He believed that with the help of the system, with the support of Ino, and with the joint efforts of future children, the glory of Uchiha would surely return to the world.
Now, all he needs to do is to wait patiently, guard attentively, and welcome the arrival of the little life that carries countless hopes and expectations.
As time went by, Ino’s belly grew bigger and bigger, and it became gradually inconvenient for her to move.
Xia Fan’s care for her was also more meticulous.
He would help Ino take slow walks in the yard, breathing fresh air and basking in the sun.
He would tell Ino some light-hearted stories, or imagine with her the wonderful life after the birth of the child, trying to keep her in a good mood.
He even learned some simple massage techniques for pregnant women, and when Ino felt back pain, he would gently massage her to relieve her discomfort.
Sasuke is like a little adult, always paying attention to the condition of Sister Ino.
He would take the initiative to help Ino get things, remind Ino to be careful with her steps, and secretly give Ino his treasured snacks, saying that they were to provide nutrition for the baby.
Looking at these two “men”, one big and one small, who both take good care of her, Ino’s heart is filled with indescribable happiness and satisfaction.
She felt that she was the luckiest woman in the world to have such a considerate husband and such a sensible brother.
She was also looking forward to holding the little guy who had been “making a fuss” in her belly for a long time in her arms, kissing his little face, and telling him that daddy, mommy, and brother all loved him very much.
Finally, with the whole family eagerly anticipating, Ino’s due date is getting closer and closer.
Xia Fan’s mood became more and more nervous and excited.
He stayed by Ino’s side almost all the time, afraid of missing any movement.
He prepared all the things the baby needed in advance, small clothes, quilts, diapers, bottles… Although they were the simplest and plainest items, they were all carefully selected and cleaned by him and Ino, and were filled with the deep love of parents for their children.
He also specifically asked the experienced midwives in the village for a lot of knowledge about childbirth, and was prepared to deal with various emergencies at any time.
Chapter 25: The Night of Genocide, Uchiha Kaho (Old Version)
He knew that childbirth was a huge test for women, full of pain and danger. He couldn’t bear the pain for Ino, but he hoped to give her the greatest support and comfort.
He wanted to let Ino know that no matter what happened, he would always be by her side, and together with her, welcome the arrival of the fruit of their love.
That day finally arrived quietly amid the anticipation and tension of the whole family.
Early in the morning, Ino suddenly felt regular abdominal pain while she was sleeping.
She knew that this was the little guy sending them a signal that he was about to come out!
Xia Fan was awakened by Ino’s movement. Seeing the beads of sweat oozing from her forehead and the painful expression on her face, her heart suddenly tightened.
“Ino! What’s wrong with you? Are you about to give birth?” he asked nervously, his voice trembling a little.
Ino endured the pain and nodded to him, her voice a little weak: “Well… it seems… it seems so…”
Xia Fan immediately followed the process that he had practiced countless times before and acted in an orderly manner.
He first calmed Ino down and asked her to relax as much as possible, then he quickly ran next door and called the midwife who had already been notified.
He also neatly arranged the hot water, clean towels and other items that he had prepared long ago.
Sasuke was also awakened by the sudden noise. Seeing the painful look of sister Ino and the nervous expression of his brother, his little face was filled with worry and anxiety.
“Brother… Sister Ino… is she okay?” Sasuke pulled the corner of Xia Fan’s clothes and asked in a low voice, his eyes a little red.
Xia Fan squatted down, hugged Sasuke gently, and comforted him softly: “It’s okay, Sasuke, Sister Ino is very brave, and the baby will be out soon. You wait outside obediently and don’t come in to disturb us, okay?”
Sasuke nodded as if he understood, but his eyes were still full of worry.
The midwife arrived quickly. She was experienced and calm, and immediately began to direct Xia Fan to make various preparations.
In the delivery room, Ino’s suppressed moans of pain could be heard from time to time.
Xia Fan stayed beside Ino, holding her hand tightly, with beads of sweat on his forehead. He could clearly feel the coldness and trembling of Ino’s palm, and the spasms of her body due to the severe pain.
His heart felt like it was being tightly grasped by an invisible hand, and it hurt terribly.
He wished he could take this pain for Ino, but he knew he couldn’t.
He could only give Ino strength and support with his warm palms and encouraging eyes.
“Ino, come on! Hold on a little longer! I’ll be here with you!” He kept whispering encouragement in Ino’s ear, his voice a little hoarse due to nervousness and heartache.
Ino held Xia Fan’s hand tightly, her nails almost digging into his flesh, but Xia Fan didn’t feel any pain at all. All his attention was focused on Ino.
Time passed by minute by minute, and to Sasuke outside the delivery room and Kaho inside the delivery room, it felt like a century.
Every time Ino groaned in pain, it was like a sharp blade piercing their hearts.
Sasuke paced back and forth anxiously at the door, his little fists clenched tightly, and he kept muttering: “Come on, Sister Ino… Come on, little baby…”
Finally, after a long and painful ordeal, a loud and clear baby cry suddenly came from the delivery room!
That voice, like a ray of light breaking through the darkness, instantly illuminated everyone’s heart!
“It’s born! It’s born! It’s a healthy boy!” The midwife’s joyful voice also rang out.
When Xia Fan heard these words, his tense nerves relaxed instantly, and an indescribable ecstasy and excitement overwhelmed him like a tide!
He looked at Ino, whose face was covered in sweat and who looked extremely weak but had a relieved smile on her face. He then looked at the tiny, wrinkled baby in the midwife’s arms, who was trying hard to cry. His eyes instantly became moist.
This is his child! His and Ino’s child! The Uchiha bloodline has finally been continued!
He was so excited that he was speechless. He just held Ino’s hand tightly and kissed her forehead and the back of her hand over and over again, expressing all his love and gratitude with his actions.
Ino also smiled at him weakly, her eyes full of maternal light and endless tenderness.
She looked at the little baby and felt his cry full of life. All the pain and hard work seemed worth it at that moment.
Sasuke, who was outside the delivery room, also jumped up excitedly when he heard the baby crying!
“It’s born! It’s born! I have a little brother!” he shouted happily, his little face filled with innocent joy.
He couldn’t wait to rush into the delivery room to see what the little brother, whom he had only heard of but never seen, looked like.
Soon, the midwife came out holding the baby who had just been cleaned and wrapped in soft swaddling clothes.
“Congratulations, Xia Fan, Ino has given birth to a big fat boy for you!” The midwife handed the baby to Xia Fan with a smile on her face.
Xia Fan carefully and even clumsily took the tiny, soft baby, her heart filled with unprecedented awe and excitement.
He looked down at the little life in his arms, whose eyes were closed, mouth slightly open and closing, and breathing softly, and his heart was filled with indescribable tenderness and love.
This is his son.
His blood, his continuation.
The future of Uchiha.
Sasuke also stood on tiptoe and came over to take a look curiously.
He looked at the red-skinned, wrinkled baby, who was much smaller than he had imagined, with his eyes full of curiosity and admiration.
“Brother, is he… is he my little brother?” Sasuke asked in a low voice, afraid of disturbing the little life in his arms.
“Yes, Sasuke.” Xia Fan’s voice was choked with sobs and uncontrollable joy, “He is your brother, the new member of the Uchiha.”
At this moment, the long-lost, mechanical and cold voice suddenly sounded in Xia Fan’s mind:
“It has been detected that the host has successfully given birth to the first Uchiha offspring!”
“Evaluating the potential of future generations…”
“Evaluation level: S-level!”
The sweetness and warmth of the newlyweds, like a trickle of water, quietly blended into every ordinary day of Kaho and Ino’s marriage. The morning sun shone through the thin window paper, dyeing the small house a layer of warm gold, and the air was filled with the faint aroma of rice porridge and Ino’s unique fresh smell mixed with the fragrance of flowers.
Chapter 26: Young Erzhuzi, the Only Relative (Old Version)
The once deserted and dilapidated little house has been given unprecedented vitality and vigor by Ino’s arrival. Like a hardworking little bee, she tirelessly keeps this small space in good order. The floor is always wiped clean by her, and the dust on the window lattice never stays for more than a day. The originally messy items were cleverly put away by her, which not only saves space, but also makes the whole house look neater and warmer.
She has a keen sense of beauty that is unique to a girl from a mountain family. Even the most ordinary pottery jar can be immediately elegant by inserting a few wild flowers picked from the yard with dewdrops. She also decorated the originally vacant corners of the wall with some unique dead branches and stones she picked up, turning them into small landscapes full of wildness and the breath of life.
The flowers and plants she planted in the yard showed vigorous vitality under her careful care. Originally there were only a few sparse plants, but now they are lush and green, with colorful flowers blooming all over the yard. In the morning, crystal dewdrops roll on the petals, exuding a refreshing fragrance. In the evening, the afterglow of the setting sun sprinkles on the flowers, giving this simple yard a layer of dreamy colors. Ino often moves a small stool to sit next to the flowers, humming a tuneless little song while pruning the branches or watering the flowers. She looks so serious, as if she is treating her most precious child.
Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight shines into the cabin through the window, Ino has already gotten up quietly and prepared a steaming hot breakfast for her family. She always moves very gently, for fear of waking up Kaho and Sasuke who are still sleeping. Breakfast is usually very simple, a bowl of soft, sweet and fragrant white porridge, with a few pickled vegetables that she pickles by hand, and sometimes a golden and tempting fried egg. Although simple, the care and love make the food taste extra sweet and delicious, enough to wake up the dormant taste buds and start a full day.
At noon and in the evening, Ino would show her cooking skills and prepare rich and delicious meals for Kaho, who had worked hard all day, and Sasuke, who was growing up. Her cooking skills had made great progress after marriage, thanks to the talent she inherited from her mother and her love and dedication to cooking. She was no longer satisfied with making some simple home-cooked dishes, but began to try to research various new dishes. She would ask the old grandmothers in the village for some traditional cooking secrets, and would also look for inspiration from old cookbooks she occasionally bought.
The braised pork she cooked was fat but not greasy, and melted in the mouth. The rich sauce wrapped each piece of meat, leaving people with endless aftertaste. The fish soup she stewed was milky white, delicious and mellow, and the fish meat was tender and smooth. After drinking it, the whole body was warm. The vegetables she stir-fried always maintained a emerald green color and a crisp taste, with a hint of fragrance. She would also select the freshest ingredients of the season according to the changes of the seasons to make various seasonal delicacies.
The dinner table was always filled with laughter, warm and lively. Ino was a lively and talkative girl, and she would enthusiastically tell all the interesting things she encountered in the flower shop during the day, such as which customer bought a large bouquet of roses to propose marriage, or which rare flower finally bloomed. She would also share some news and gossip about the village that she heard from the villagers, such as which dog gave birth to a litter of cute puppies, or which store had some new interesting toys.
Although Xia Fan is a man of few words and introverted, every time he listens to Ino talking, he always puts down his bowl and chopsticks, stares at her attentively and tenderly, with a faint, doting smile on his lips. He likes to listen to Ino talking, likes her clear and pleasant voice, likes the lively expression on her face, and likes the kind of vitality that always comes from her. Ino’s existence, like a ray of bright sunshine, illuminates his once dark and silent world.
Sasuke gradually became more cheerful. Infected by Ino’s enthusiasm, he was no longer as taciturn and closed himself off as before. He would listen carefully to Ino’s stories, and occasionally he would be amused and giggle. He would also take the initiative to share with Ino some of the things he encountered in the ninja school. Although most of them were trivial matters, Ino would always listen patiently and give him encouragement and affirmation. Sometimes, he would even imitate Ino, interject a few words, and express his slightly childish “opinions”, which made Xia Fan and Ino look at each other and smile.
After dinner, Ino would clean up the dishes and wash the clothes. Her movements were skillful and quick, as if she was born to be a good housekeeper. Xia Fan would also take the initiative to help, although he was still a little clumsy with these housework and often made things worse, such as accidentally breaking a plate when washing dishes or wrinkling clothes when hanging them, but the thoughtfulness made Ino feel extremely warm and happy. She never blamed him for this, but would patiently teach him some tips, or simply “drive” him out of the kitchen with a smile and let him play with Sasuke.
Under Ino’s skillful care and careful management, this simple hut, which was once just a shelter from the wind and rain, has truly become a “home” full of love and warmth. Here there is a clean and tidy environment, delicious meals, blooming flowers, and the laughter and deep love of family members.
While Xia Fan deeply felt the warmth and happiness of his family, he also realized the heavy responsibility on his shoulders. He no longer lived just for himself, but also fought for this family and the people he loved.
He wanted to give Ino a stable and happy life, so that she could always smile without worries and do what she likes like now. He wanted Sasuke to grow up healthy and happy, make up for the love he once lacked, and guide him on the right path. More importantly, he wanted to fight for the future of Uchiha, so that this once glorious family could regain its glory in his hands.
Therefore, he worked harder than before to earn money, because he knew that economic foundation was an important guarantee for family stability.
Whether it was the dirty, tiring and dusty carrying work at the dock, or odd jobs like helping villagers repair their houses and clear weeds in their yards, as long as it was a legitimate job that could make money, he would take it without hesitation.
Chapter 27: The important task of family revival! (Old version)
He no longer had to worry about his sensitive status like before. He used his sweat and hard work to earn money and support his family.
He was no longer like before, only focusing on hard work and not knowing how to adapt. He learned to bargain with those shrewd foremen and fight for the pay he deserved. He also learned to observe and learn from the experience and skills of other workers, strive to improve his work efficiency, and strive to complete more work in a shorter time.
Although he was still exhausted every day, with sore body and thick calluses on his fingers, as long as he thought of the gentle and virtuous Ino and the innocent and lovely Sasuke waiting for him at home, and the happy and satisfied smiles on their faces, he would feel that all the hard work and efforts were worth it. The warmth and expectations from his family were his greatest motivation to overcome all difficulties and move forward courageously.
In addition to working hard to make money to support his family, Xia Fan also did not forget the importance of improving his own strength. He knew better than anyone that in this world of ninja where the weak are the prey of the strong and dangers are everywhere, without strong strength as a backing, all happiness and stability are just illusory castles in the air and can be ruthlessly destroyed at any time.
He began to systematically carry out some basic physical training and chakra practice.
Every morning, when the sky was just turning pale and the entire Konoha Village was still immersed in a peaceful sleep, he would quietly get up, trying not to make any noise so as not to wake up Ino and Sasuke who were still sleeping. Then, he would run to the sparsely populated grove outside the village and start his boring and arduous training day after day.
He would first do a long run, running along the rugged mountain road until he was sweating and panting. Then he would do the most basic physical fitness projects such as push-ups, sit-ups, and pull-ups, striving for standard movements and exhaustion in each set. He also found some heavy stones and did weighted squats and weightlifting exercises to train his strength and endurance.
After the physical training, he would sit cross-legged and start practicing chakra extraction and application. He used some of the superficial chakra control techniques in the memory of the original owner Uchiha Xiafan, and tried hard to sense and mobilize the weak chakra in his body. He tried to condense the chakra in his palms and soles, and feel the wonderful feeling of the energy flow. He also practiced the most basic “tree climbing” and “water treading” techniques. Although he often fell and got bruised and battered at the beginning because of poor control, he never gave up and tried again and again until he could barely master it.
Although these were only the most basic training and the progress was very slow, he could clearly feel that his body was becoming stronger and more agile bit by bit, and the chakra in his body was slowly but firmly accumulating and growing. This real feeling of becoming stronger made him feel extremely at ease and at ease.
He did not tell Ino about these secret trainings. It was not that he did not trust her, but he did not want her to worry about him. He just wanted to quietly accumulate strength in the dark and be fully prepared for possible changes and challenges in the future.
He knew that the road to revitalizing Uchiha would never be smooth, and might even be full of blood and rain. He must be strong enough to protect the people he loves, to gain a foothold in the treacherous ninja world, and to finally realize that seemingly unattainable ambition.
At night, when Sasuke fell asleep obediently, Kaho and Ino would often move two small stools and sit under the porch of the cabin as they did in the past, bathing in the bright and soft moonlight and enjoying the rare quiet time of the day that belonged only to the two of them.
They would snuggle together, sharing each other’s body temperature and heartbeat, and chatting in soft voices.
Xia Fan would share with Ino some interesting things that happened during the day, such as which co-worker told a funny joke or he learned some new work skills. He would also talk to Ino about his inner confusion and pressure, such as confusion about the future or worry about family responsibilities. He no longer buried all his worries deep in his heart and endured them alone like before. He learned to open his heart to Ino and was willing to listen to her opinions and suggestions.
Ino always listened patiently and attentively, her clear and bright blue eyes looked particularly gentle in the moonlight. She would not easily interrupt Xia Fan, but would gently hold his hand when he needed it, giving him silent comfort and support. When Xia Fan finished speaking, she would think carefully, and then give her own opinion in her unique way with a hint of playfulness and wisdom.
Sometimes, she would analyze problems seriously like a little adult, with clear logic and clear organization, which made Xia Fan look at her with new eyes. Sometimes, she would be like a naughty little girl, using some light-hearted and humorous words to dispel Xia Fan’s depression and worries.
She gave her wholehearted and unreserved support and understanding to Xia Fan’s “family revival” plan, which sounded a little far-fetched and even unrealistic. She never questioned Xia Fan’s ability, nor did she complain about the difficulties of this road.
“Xia Fan, I believe you can do it.” Ino always holds Xia Fan’s rough but warm hands tightly, her eyes full of unwavering trust and unshakable encouragement, “No matter how difficult the future is, no matter how rough the road ahead is, I will always be by your side, supporting you and helping you. Together, we will surely make Uchiha stand up again!”
Her understanding and support are like the brightest star when Xia Fan is sailing in the dark night sky, guiding him and giving him endless courage and strength.
Sometimes, they would temporarily put aside those heavy topics and imagine a better life in the future together.
“When we have children,” Ino would lean happily on Kaho’s broad and solid shoulders, with a hint of sweet yearning in her voice, “this small yard may not be enough. The children must be very naughty and like to run around everywhere.”
“Should we work hard to save money and move to a bigger house in the future?” She would count on her fingers and plan carefully, “It would be best if we could have a spacious and bright yard where I could plant all kinds of flowers and plants I like, with flowers blooming all year round. The children could also run and play in the yard, swing on the swings, and play hide-and-seek.
Chapter 28 [Many Children, More Blessings] System Activated! (Old Version)
”
“Yes, I will.” Xia Fan would hug his lovely wife tightly in his arms, his voice gentle but firm, full of promises for the future, “I will work harder to make money and give you and the children the best and warmest home. We will have a big yard, planted with your favorite flowers, and a small pond with some cute goldfish.”
In these ordinary and warm daily interactions and beautiful imaginations of the future, their feelings grow deeper and deeper, and their bond with each other becomes closer and closer, as if they have merged into one and can no longer be separated.
They are like two big trees taking root in the same land and snuggling together, jointly resisting the ups and downs of life, bathing in the sunshine and rain of love, and striving to grow upward for that common, hopeful future.
Although the married life is still simple and poor, without the luxury of the rich and powerful, nor the grand romance, it is full of real love and hope within reach. Every day is like a timeless poem, with deep affection in its plainness and full of strength in its warmth.
Xia Fan felt that he was the happiest person in the world. He had a gentle, virtuous and considerate wife, a brother who had experienced trauma but was still innocent and lovely, and a dream that was far away and difficult but worth fighting for all his life.
He sincerely thanked God for allowing him to travel to this cruel yet wonderful world, where he could meet Ino and have all of this.
He also secretly swore in his heart that he must cherish the hard-earned happiness in front of him and use his own hands to work hard to create a better and brighter future.
Happy days always pass by quickly like quicksand through your fingers.
In a blink of an eye, Xia Fan and Ino have been married for almost two months. Their life is still so plain and warm, full of the trivialities of firewood, rice, oil and salt, but also full of the sweetness of supporting each other.
That day, Ino came back from helping out at the flower shop, and she looked a little unwell. Her cheeks, which were usually rosy and healthy, looked a little pale at this moment, and there was a hint of fatigue in her eyes.
Xia Fan was chopping wood in the yard to prepare dinner. When he looked up, he was aware of something strange about Ino. He quickly put down the axe in his hand, walked quickly to Ino, held her arm with his hand, and said with concern: “Ino, what’s wrong with you? Are you feeling unwell? You don’t look well.”
Ino forced a smile, shook her head, and said in a weak voice: “It’s nothing, Xia Fan-kun, maybe the weather has been a bit hot and humid recently, and the store has been busy, so I feel a little tired. I should be fine after a rest.”
But Xia Fan was worried. He carefully observed Ino’s expression and felt that something was wrong. Although Ino was usually lively and active, her physical fitness was always good and she rarely had such a situation due to fatigue.
In the next few days, Ino’s condition did not improve as she said, but some more obvious symptoms appeared. She began to become a little sleepy. She yawned and was listless the next morning even though she went to bed early the night before. She had no interest in her favorite sweet and sour snacks, and even felt nauseous when she smelled some greasy food.
Xia Fan was getting more and more worried. He had a hunch, but he was not sure. He decided that he could not delay any longer and had to take Ino to the village clinic for a thorough checkup.
In the clinic, the experienced medical ninja who was over fifty years old carefully examined Ino. She first asked about Ino’s recent physical condition and eating habits, then took her pulse, and finally used medical ninjutsu to explore Ino’s internal body conditions.
Xia Fan waited anxiously, his palms sweaty and his heart trembling. He was looking forward to some possibility, but also afraid of hearing some bad news.
Finally, the old doctor finished the examination. She raised her head, looked at Ino, then looked at Xia Fan who was holding her breath nervously, and a kind and meaningful smile appeared on her face.
“Congratulations, young men.” The old doctor said with a smile, a hint of joy in his voice, “The girl from the Yamanaka family is pregnant, and it’s been almost two months.”
Good news!
These three words, like thunder from a clear sky, exploded in Xia Fan’s mind!
He was stunned at first, and then his whole body froze in place. His brain went blank in an instant, as if he had lost the ability to think, and he didn’t understand the true meaning of this sentence at all.
Ino… Ino is pregnant? !
He turned his gaze towards Ino subconsciously and somewhat dully, only to see Ino looking at him with surprise, shyness and disbelief, with a complex and moving light flashing in her clear blue eyes. Two delicate and charming blushes instantly appeared on her fair cheeks, making her look even more charming and attractive.
The next second, an indescribable, overwhelming ecstasy, like a long-accumulated volcano suddenly erupting, gushed out from the depths of Xia Fan’s heart, instantly sweeping through his limbs and bones, making the blood in his body seem to boil at this moment!
“Pregnant… pregnant?! Ino! You’re pregnant?!” Xia Fan’s voice became a little sharp and distorted because of extreme excitement and disbelief. He almost couldn’t believe his ears, fearing that this was just a beautiful illusion.
The Uchiha clan is going to have new blood and new descendants!
This sudden, yet extremely real realization made Xia Fan ecstatic, so excited that he almost jumped up on the spot! He felt his heart beating violently in his chest, as if it was about to break free and fly into the sky!
He suddenly stretched out his arms, grabbed the still dazed Ino and hugged her tightly into his arms. Then, like a child who had got a favorite toy, he excitedly held her and spun around in circles for several times, expressing his irrepressible excitement and joy incoherently!
“That’s great! Ino! We have a child! We really have a child! I’m going to be a father! Hahaha!” His voice was filled with irrepressible ecstasy and excitement, and his eyes were even slightly moist from being too excited.
Chapter 29: Taking a concubine and having a child, the stronger the bloodline! (Old version)
He smiled like a fool, but it was so sincere and happy.
Ino was a little dizzy by his sudden action, but her face was filled with a happy and shy smile. She could clearly feel Xia Fan’s great joy from the bottom of his heart, and he could also feel his infinite expectations and cherishment for this unborn child.
She also reached out her hands, hugged Xia Fan’s neck tightly, and buried her cheek happily in his neck, feeling the scorching warmth and solid strength coming from him. She was also looking forward to the arrival of this little life, and the fruit of their common love.
Sasuke, who was standing by, watched his brother and sister Ino hugging each other excitedly, laughing and shouting. Although he didn’t quite understand what great thing had happened, he was also infected by their deep joy, and a curious and happy smile appeared on his little face. He could feel that this must be a very, very good thing, so good that it could make his usually calm and composed brother lose his composure like this.
However, the overwhelming ecstasy and excitement lasted for a moment, but then gradually receded like the tide. Xia Fan suddenly seemed to remember something and became a little at a loss.
He carefully, even nervously, put Ino down from his arms, then looked her up and down with a serious look on his face, with a hint of nervousness and confusion typical of a new father. His eyes finally fell on her still flat belly, as if there was some unparalleled rare treasure hidden there that he needed to protect with all his strength.
“Ino, how…how do you feel now? Are you feeling unwell anywhere? Is the child…is he well behaved now? Does it make you feel uncomfortable?” He rubbed his hands, asked incoherently and stutteringly, his eyes full of concern, tension and a hint of imperceptible panic.
He suddenly realized that he had almost no idea how to take care of a pregnant woman or how to welcome the arrival of a new life.
He didn’t know what special dietary taboos pregnant women had, what details they needed to pay attention to in their daily lives, and he didn’t know how to ensure that Ino and the baby in her belly would be healthy and safe.
This sudden ignorance and confusion made him feel inexplicably panicked and self-blamed. He felt that he, as a future father, was really incompetent.
He absolutely could not let Ino and their unborn child suffer any accident or harm!
“I…I will go and ask those experienced elders for advice now! I must make all the precautions clear to me!” Xia Fan slapped his head suddenly, as if he had made some important decision, turned around and hurried out of the clinic. He looked so anxious, as if he was going to carry out some extremely urgent mission.
Seeing this, Ino quickly reached out and held him. Seeing his nervous and fearful look, she felt amused and touched. She said softly, “Xia Fan-kun, don’t be so nervous. Didn’t the doctor say that I’m only two months pregnant. I’m not that delicate. There’s no need to make such a fuss.”
“No, no! This is absolutely not possible!” Xia Fan shook his head seriously and firmly, “This is our first child, the hope of us Uchiha! There must not be any mistakes or carelessness! I must take all possible problems into consideration and make clear all the details that need attention!”
Seeing Xia Fan’s unprecedented nervousness and seriousness, Ino’s heart was filled with indescribable sweetness and happiness. She knew that Xia Fan really cared about her and the upcoming child. He might not be good at sweet talk, but he could always use the most practical actions to express his love and cherishment for her.
From the moment he learned that Ino was pregnant, Xia Fan regarded taking care of Ino’s body and emotions as the top priority in his life, even to some extent, it was more important than his long-cherished wish of revitalizing Uchiha. He understood that only a healthy mother could give birth to a healthy next generation, and the future of Uchiha depended on this little life that was about to be born.
Almost immediately, he quit his previous odd jobs at the docks, which were dirty, tiring, and had irregular working hours, and only kept some relatively easy jobs with more flexible hours, such as helping the village flower shop to trim flowers and plants, or helping some elderly people take care of their gardens. He wanted to spend more time and energy accompanying and taking care of Ino, ensuring that she could have a safe, comfortable, and happy pregnancy.
He took the initiative to take care of all the housework at home, from cleaning every morning, to cooking three meals a day, to washing and drying clothes in the evening. He did everything himself, determined not to let Ino do any more work. He even temporarily “deprived” Ino of her favorite work of tending flowers and plants in the yard, for fear that she would bend over or overwork and affect the fetus in her belly.
Although he is still a little clumsy and inexperienced in doing housework, he often makes some funny jokes. For example, when he tried to cook for the first time, he couldn’t tell the difference between salt and sugar, and the vegetables turned out sweet. Another example is that when he washed clothes for the first time, he accidentally mixed dark clothes with light clothes, and ended up staining Ino’s favorite white dress. But Ino never gets angry or blames him for this. Instead, she patiently teaches him some tricks, or simply takes the “mess” from him with a smile, and then rewards him with a sweet kiss.
Xia Fan also studied very hard. He knew that he had no talent in this area, but he was willing to learn and change for Ino and the child. He regarded every failure as a valuable experience, and worked hard to improve his methods and strive to do better next time.
He also went to the homes of experienced elders in the village who had given birth to several children, such as Aunt Suzuki next door, or Grandma Sato at the east end of the village, and humbly asked them for advice on pregnancy precautions and various experiences in caring for pregnant women.
Those aunties and grandmas who seemed a little nagging on weekdays were surprised and relieved to see that this Uchiha boy, who was usually taciturn and even a little indifferent, had put aside the pride and status of the Uchiha clan for the sake of his pregnant wife and unborn child, and was so humbly and seriously asking for advice and learning from them, ordinary women.
Chapter 30: Opening the “Taking a Concubine to Save the Clan” with tears! (Old Version)
They shared all their knowledge and secret recipes without reservation, from dietary taboos in the early pregnancy, to proper exercise in the second pregnancy, to psychological adjustment in the late pregnancy, every detail was explained clearly.
Xia Fan carefully remembered every detail they said, and even found a pen and paper to write down some important content, for fear that he would miss or forget something. His serious attitude made the elders couldn’t help but praise him as a considerate and responsible husband.
He also went to Konoha Hospital again and found the old doctor who examined Ino. He consulted her in detail about professional issues such as nutritional combinations during pregnancy, the frequency and items of prenatal examinations, and various emergencies that may occur during delivery and how to deal with them.
The old doctor looked at the serious and solemn young father and was moved by his sense of responsibility. He patiently answered his questions one by one and gave him some very practical and valuable suggestions, such as recommending some foods rich in folic acid and calcium suitable for pregnant women, as well as some simple methods to relieve discomfort during pregnancy.
After returning home, Xia Fan immediately took action and began to clumsily learn to make various nutritious soups and dishes suitable for pregnant women for Ino.
He started with the simplest chicken soup and fish soup, which are said to be good for pregnant women. He strictly followed the methods taught by his elders, carefully selecting fresh ingredients, washing them carefully, and then stewing them slowly over low heat, strictly controlling the heat and time.
Although the soup he made the first time might not taste perfect, and might even seem bland or too greasy due to poor control of the amount of seasoning, Ino would always pretend to be unaware and drink it with relish. She would also keep praising him for his delicious cooking from the bottom of her heart, saying that it was the most delicious soup she had ever tasted.
Because she knew that every mouthful of the seemingly ordinary soup was filled with Xia Fan’s deep, pure love and care for her and the baby in her belly. This kind of heart was more precious than any delicacies from land and sea.
According to the doctor’s advice, Xia Fan would find ways to prepare various foods rich in vitamins, proteins and various trace elements for Ino every day, such as fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits, high-quality eggs, pure milk, and some nuts that are said to be beneficial to the fetal brain development.
He would make nutritious meals for Ino in different ways every day, trying to make her eat healthily, happily, and safely. He hoped that through his efforts, Ino and the baby in her belly could receive the best care and nourishment.
Looking at Xia Fan, who usually worked outside to earn money and practiced secretly when he got home, and seemed a little serious, now willingly cooks for himself and his children, busying around the stove every day, with beads of sweat often on his forehead, and a few small burns on his hands due to his unfamiliarity with cooking, but always with a satisfied and happy smile on his face, Ino’s heart is filled with indescribable sweetness and happiness.
She felt that she was the happiest woman in the world to be able to marry a husband who, although not good at words, spoiled her and loved her dearly with practical actions.
She is also looking forward to the fruit of their love, the smooth arrival of that little life carrying countless love and expectations.
However, the days of pregnancy are not always as smooth as imagined, full of sweetness and joy. It is also accompanied by some unavoidable hardships and discomforts.
As the pregnancy progressed, Ino began to show some obvious pregnancy reactions.
What bothered and distressed her the most was the morning sickness that followed her everywhere and could not be shaken off.
She often felt nauseous and vomited suddenly without any warning. Sometimes, she would even cover her mouth and dry heave when she smelled some of her favorite foods, such as the aroma of barbecue or the rich fragrance of certain flowers. Her appetite was greatly affected. Many of the things she loved to eat before became difficult to swallow. She was obviously thinner and her mental state was a little sluggish. She was not as lively and cheerful as before.
Xia Fan saw it all and was anxious. He wished he could bear the pain for Ino, but he knew he was powerless. He could only try his best to relieve Ino’s morning sickness and make her feel more comfortable.
He would patiently coax Ino to eat in various ways, even if she could only eat a little at a time, like a kitten pecking at food, he would feel very satisfied and give her great encouragement. He would try to choose some light, refreshing and easy-to-digest food, such as millet porridge, vegetable salad, or some sweet and sour fruits, hoping to arouse her appetite.
He would learn some folk remedies from the experienced elders in the village that were said to relieve morning sickness. For example, he would prepare a cup of warm ginger sugar water for Ino every morning, which was said to warm the stomach and stop vomiting. He would also let Ino suck a sour plum or smell the fragrance of fresh lemon when she felt nauseous, hoping to temporarily suppress the discomfort.
He also consulted the village’s massage master and learned some simple massage techniques that can relieve discomfort during pregnancy. When Ino felt nauseous or had stomach discomfort due to loss of appetite, he would gently massage her temples, Neiguan acupoints and other acupoints with moderate force, hoping to make her feel better.
At night, Ino often tossed and turned and had trouble falling asleep due to physical discomfort such as morning sickness, frequent urination, or a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, which greatly reduced her sleep quality.
Every time at this time, Xia Fan would stay by her bedside all night long, holding her hand tightly, and giving her silent comfort and the most reliable support with his warm palms and firm eyes.
He would hum some discordant but loving lullabies softly and tenderly, hoping to soothe her irritability and help her fall asleep. He would also tell her some light and interesting stories he read from books or made up by himself, trying to distract her attention and let her temporarily forget the physical discomfort and pain.
His voice was low and gentle, like the softest breeze at night, like the gurgling stream in the valley, gently brushing across Ino’s heart, making her feel extremely safe, secure and warm.
Chapter 31: The first target: Yamanaka Ino? (Old version)
With Kaho’s company, Ino gradually felt that those difficult nights did not seem so long and painful.
With Kaho’s meticulous care and sleepless nights of gentle companionship, Ino gradually and relatively smoothly got through the most difficult period of early pregnancy reactions.
Although she still felt a little uncomfortable occasionally, her mental state and appetite were much better than before, and her face had regained its former rosy and radiant color.
She knew that all this was inseparable from Xia Fan’s hard work and selfless love. Without Xia Fan’s day and night protection and patient care, she didn’t know if she could have survived the most difficult days.
She also realized more deeply that Xia Fan’s love for her was so deep, so sincere, and so selfless. He was not only a qualified husband, but also a man who was about to become an excellent father.
She also secretly swore in her heart that she must take good care of herself and give birth to a healthy, plump, and adorable baby for Xia Fan, so as not to let him down with his deep love and endless expectations.
As time went by, Ino’s belly gradually grew at a visible speed, and she became more and more pregnant. Her clothes, which had originally fit her, gradually became tight.
Sasuke is full of infinite curiosity and childish imagination about the mysterious “little drum” in Ino’s belly which is getting bigger day by day.
He would often open his big, dark eyes like black grapes, staring at Ino’s belly without blinking, as if he wanted to use his pure eyes to see through the thin layer of belly and explore what wonderful secrets were hidden inside.
Sometimes, when Ino was sitting in the yard basking in the sun or resting in the house, Sasuke would carefully, as if treating a fragile treasure, stretch out his small, fleshy palm and gently and tentatively place it on Ino’s bulging belly, feeling the unusual warmth and the slight, rhythmic rise and fall of the life in her belly.
His little face was always filled with confusion and curiosity that was difficult to conceal, as well as a hint of the innocent anticipation for the unknown that only children have.
“Brother,” one day, when Xia Fan was helping Ino hang up the freshly washed baby clothes in the yard, Sasuke finally couldn’t help but pull the corner of Xia Fan’s clothes covered with soap foam, raised his cute little head, and asked curiously in a childish and crisp voice, “What’s in Sister Ino’s belly? Why is it getting bigger day by day?”
Xia Fan looked at Sasuke’s bright eyes that were clear and full of curiosity, and his heart was warmed. A gentle and loving smile appeared on his face. He put down the work in his hands, wiped his hands, and then squatted down to make himself look at Sasuke at eye level. He patiently explained to him in the simplest and easiest language possible: “Sasuke, there is a very small baby living in Sister Ino’s belly. Just like you were so small and cute when you were in your mother’s belly.”
“Baby?” When Sasuke heard the word, his eyes suddenly widened a little, like two shining obsidians, and his little mouth opened slightly into a cute “O” shape because of surprise. His voice was full of incredible surprise, “Really? Brother, are you saying that there is a baby in Sister Ino’s belly now, just like me when I was a child?”
“Yes, it’s absolutely true.” Xia Fan nodded affirmatively, with a hint of pride as a future father and a joy that was difficult to conceal in his tone, “Soon, in a few months, you will have a cute little brother, or a beautiful little sister. He will play with you, study with you, grow up with you, and become your closest friend.”
“Little brother… or little sister…” Sasuke tilted his little head and muttered, somewhat unskillfully, these words that were still new to him, his black eyes flashing with novelty and yearning.
Although he was still young and didn’t quite understand things like having children, he vaguely understood that this meant that their small family of only three people was about to welcome a new and important member, a little life that could cry and laugh, run and jump, and had Uchiha blood just like him.
“Then… when will he come out of Ino-sister’s belly and play with me?” Sasuke asked impatiently, his little face full of innocent anticipation. He had already begun to secretly imagine in his little head the happy scenes of him and his yet-to-be-met little brother or sister chasing and playing in the yard, climbing trees to dig out bird nests, and practicing throwing shurikens together.
Xia Fan looked at Sasuke’s impatient look and couldn’t help but laugh at him. He reached out his hand, touched Sasuke’s soft hair lovingly, and said softly: “You have to wait patiently for a while, Sasuke. The baby is still sleeping hard in Sister Ino’s belly, absorbing nutrients hard, and growing hard. When he grows stronger and bigger, he will be able to come out healthy.”
“How long do we have to wait? A month? Or two months?” Sasuke pouted with a little disappointment, but soon it was replaced by new expectations. He blinked his bright eyes and asked uncertainly, “Then… when he comes out, will he like me as his brother? Will I… be a good brother?”
His voice was filled with the uneasiness of an unknown relationship and a little insecurity about his own abilities that only a child would have. He really wanted a positive answer.
Xia Fan looked at Sasuke’s serious look of expectation and worry, and felt amused and touched. He knew that although Sasuke had experienced the tragic event of the genocide, and had become more sensitive and precocious than other children of the same age, he was still a kind and innocent child who longed for love and knew how to love.
“Of course! I can guarantee you that!” Xia Fan answered with an extremely affirmative tone, his eyes full of encouragement and trust for Sasuke, “Our Sasuke is so well-behaved, so sensible, and so brave. He will definitely be a very, very good brother, the best brother in the world! That little baby will definitely like you very much and stick to you all day long!”
After receiving such firm affirmation from Xia Fan, Sasuke’s little face immediately revealed a brilliant smile as bright as the sun, and the previous nervousness and uneasiness disappeared in an instant.
Chapter 32: First meeting with Ino, encounter at the flower shop (old version)
His eyes were full of confidence and good expectations for the future. He secretly made up his mind to work hard to become a good brother that his younger brother or sister would be proud of.
Since then, Sasuke has shown unprecedented enthusiasm and deep concern for the unborn baby in Ino’s belly. He is no longer just curious, but has already entered the role of “older brother” in advance, and began to learn to love and look forward to the upcoming new life.
Every day he would follow Ino like a little tail. As long as Ino had some free time to sit down and rest, he would immediately come over, carefully and with a bit of awe touch Ino’s already obviously bulging belly, and then use his childish and serious voice to say some “whispers” that he himself could not understand, but were full of sincere emotions to the unborn little life that he had never met.
“Little baby, little baby, I’m Brother Sasuke,” he would gently put his little face on Ino’s belly, feeling the warmth and slight vibration, his voice low, as if sharing some big secret, “You have to be good, be obedient in Sister Ino’s belly, don’t be naughty, don’t kick Sister Ino’s belly and make her uncomfortable.”
“Little baby, you have to grow up quickly and be strong like your brother!” He would straighten his chest, trying to make himself look “stronger”, with a little pride in his tone, “When I learn more powerful ninjutsu in the future, I will definitely teach you the coolest ones! Let’s defeat the bad guys together!”
“Little baby, can I leave half of my favorite candies for you? And I’ll also give you the coolest shuriken model that I’ve treasured for a long time! You must cherish it, it’s my most precious thing!” He would take out those “treasures” that seemed extremely precious to him from his little pocket and dangle them in front of Ino’s belly, as if the little guy could really see them.
Every time Ino heard Sasuke’s innocent, childish and loving words, she couldn’t help but giggle, and her heart was filled with indescribable warmth and deep emotion. She could clearly feel that Sasuke was really looking forward to the arrival of this little brother or sister from the bottom of his heart, and had begun to learn to take on the responsibilities of a brother.
She would gently touch Sasuke’s little head and say softly: “Sasuke is so good, the baby in the belly will definitely hear what you say, and he will definitely like you as a brother.”
Xia Fan would also be beside him, watching this heartwarming scene with a pleased smile. He would patiently and in the most vivid language possible explain to Sasuke some simple knowledge about the development of the fetus in the mother’s body, telling him how the baby grew up from a tiny thing, day by day, and grew small hands and feet, a small nose and small eyes.
Sasuke listened with great interest, and was filled with infinite yearning, curiosity, and a hint of mystery for this new life that was about to come and was connected to his blood. He felt that life was really a very, very wonderful thing.
As the pregnancy progressed, Ino’s belly grew bigger and the fetus in her belly became more active.
One afternoon, Ino was leaning on a recliner, enjoying the warm afternoon sunshine while listening to Xia Fan reading to her. Suddenly, she felt a slight but unusually clear movement in her lower abdomen, as if something small inside had gently kicked her.
The feeling was so strange and sudden that Ino’s heart skipped a beat.
“Ah!” She couldn’t help but let out a small exclamation, and subconsciously reached out and covered her stomach, with an expression of surprise and delight on her face.
“What’s wrong, Ino? Are you feeling unwell?” When Xia Fan heard her exclamation, he immediately put down the book in his hand nervously and asked with concern, his eyes full of worry.
“No… no…” Ino shook her head, her face filled with an indescribable glow of excitement and happiness. She pulled Xia Fan’s warm and broad palm and gently placed it on her bulging belly. Her voice was trembling with surprise, “Xia Fan-kun, you… you should feel it! He… he seems to have moved! Just now… just now he kicked me!”
Xia Fan was also stunned when he heard this, and then he felt an irrepressible excitement in his heart. He held his breath and carefully placed his palm on Ino’s warm and soft abdomen, trying to feel the wonderful rhythm from another little life.
At first, he didn’t feel any movement, and couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.
But just when he was about to give up, suddenly, he could clearly feel a faint but unusually strong beating under his palm!
It felt like a naughty little fish swimming under his palm, or like a lively little bird pecking his palm gently.
Although the power is weak, it is full of vitality and indescribable magic!
“It’s moving! It’s really moving!” Xia Fan’s eyes suddenly widened, her voice slightly hoarse due to excitement, and an expression of incredible surprise appeared on her face, “I felt it! Ino! I felt him moving!”
At that moment, an indescribable, surging excitement and a deep and heavy sense of responsibility suddenly surged into Xia Fan’s heart like a flood breaking through a dam!
This is his child!
It is the fruit of his love with Ino!
It is the hope for the future of the Uchiha clan!
He truly felt the presence of that little life, felt his energetic heartbeat, and felt that the continuation and inheritance of life was so wonderful and great!
This feeling shocked and excited him more than the first time he successfully extracted chakra, the first time he completed a ninjutsu, or even more than when he learned of the existence of the [Many Children, Many Blessings System]!
This is the most primitive and purest feeling that comes from deep in the blood.
He seemed to be able to see a small, cute life in Ino’s belly, trying hard to grow, accumulate strength, and look forward to coming into the arms of this world.
His heart was filled with infinite love and anticipation for the unborn child, as well as deep gratitude and love for his wife Ino.
He knew that from this moment on, his life would be filled with a heavier and sweeter responsibility.
Chapter 33 The first task of the system (old version)
He will work harder to protect them, love them, and create a better future for them.
Ino looked at Xia Fan, who was so excited that she was a little incoherent, and a happy and satisfied smile appeared on her face. She could feel that Xia Fan’s love for this child was so sincere and so deep.
The two smiled at each other, their eyes filled with infinite longing for the future and deep love for this little life.
Sasuke, who was standing by, also curiously leaned over and, imitating Kaho’s example, gently placed his little hand on Ino’s belly.
When he felt the weak yet powerful fetal movements, an expression of surprise and excitement immediately appeared on his little face, as if he had discovered some huge secret.
“Wow! It’s really moving! How magical!” Sasuke shouted excitedly, his eyes sparkling like two twinkling stars, “Sister Ino, is the baby saying hello to me?”
“Yes, Sasuke,” Ino smiled and patted his head, saying softly, “The little baby must like you as a brother, so he tried so hard to greet you.”
From then on, feeling the fetal movement became one of the things that Kaho and Sasuke looked forward to most and were also the happiest things every day.
They would take turns putting their hands on Ino’s belly, feeling every energetic beat of that little life, imagining his adorable appearance, and looking forward to his early arrival.
As the due date approaches, Xia Fan and Ino also began to prepare various small items for the upcoming baby. They hope to use their own hands to create an environment full of love and warmth for this upcoming little life.
Ino was a clever girl. She bought a lot of soft and comfortable cotton cloth from the village cloth shop and sewed various cute little clothes, hats, socks, as well as soft quilts and mattresses for the children.
Although her needlework is not top-notch, it is full of the meticulousness and patience that is unique to a mother. Every stitch and every thread embodies her deep love and expectations for her children.
She would also use colorful silk threads to embroider some cute patterns on those small clothes, such as cute little bears, lively little rabbits, or some auspicious clouds and flowers that symbolize good luck.
Xia Fan watched Ino sitting under the lamp, carefully and attentively sewing those small and exquisite baby products, with a maternal glow and a happy smile on her face, and he always felt an indescribable warmth and touch in his heart. He felt that Ino at this moment was more beautiful and more moving than ever before.
Xia Fan took on the task of renovating the cottage and decorating the baby room.
Their little house was not big, with only one bedroom and a small living room. Xia Fan decided to transform a corner of the living room near the window into a warm and comfortable area exclusively for the baby.
He first cleaned the corner carefully, then found some discarded wooden boards from the village and built a small crib with a fence by himself. Although the crib was simple in style and the workmanship was a bit rough, it was very strong and stable.
He also specially consulted an experienced carpenter in the village and learned some simple carpentry techniques. He polished the edges of the bed to be smooth and round, for fear of accidentally hurting the child’s delicate skin.
He also repainted the wall in that corner, using a warm and soft beige paint to make the whole space look brighter and cozier.
What surprised and touched Ino even more was that Kaho had actually painted some colorful and adorable pictures of little animals on the repainted wall.
Although his painting skills are not very good, the little animals look a little crooked, the proportions are a little out of balance, and it is even difficult to tell what specific animals they are, but every stroke is filled with the father’s clumsy but deep love for his children.
Ino looked at those “abstract” drawings of small animals and couldn’t help laughing, but her eyes were slightly moist. She knew that Xia Fan must have secretly practiced for a long time to draw these pictures.
“Kaho-kun, you draw so well!” Ino praised sincerely, her tone full of appreciation and love.
After being praised by Ino, Xia Fan’s face turned slightly red. She scratched her head embarrassedly and giggled.
In this way, with the joint efforts of Kaho and Ino, the once simple little house was gradually filled with all kinds of loving baby products, and became more and more like a warm and comfortable “home”.
Together they selected soft diapers, cleaned and sterilized milk bottles, and discussed what kind of toys to prepare for the baby. Every little detail was filled with their infinite expectations and deep love for the upcoming new life.
Time passes quietly day by day in the busy and happy waiting.
Ino’s belly was getting bigger and bigger, and it was becoming more and more inconvenient for her to move. The due date was getting closer and closer.
As the due date approached, Xia Fan became more and more nervous and anxious.
He stayed by Ino’s side almost every step of the way, fearing that she would feel any discomfort. He would carefully observe Ino’s physical condition every day to see if she had any signs of labor.
He reviewed countless times in his mind all the knowledge about childbirth that he had learned from his elders and doctors, and kept in mind all possible emergencies and responses.
He also made a special arrangement with the most experienced midwife in the village and agreed on a time. Once Ino showed signs of labor, he would immediately ask her to come over and help.
Although he tried to remain calm on the surface, deep down in his heart, he was filled with unspeakable tension and worry. He knew that childbirth was a huge test for women, full of unknowns, pain, and potential dangers. He couldn’t bear the pain for Ino, but he hoped to give her the greatest support and the most reliable protection.
Finally, after the whole family had been waiting anxiously and anxiously, that day came quietly without any warning.
It was a moonlit night, and Xia Fan and Ino were just about to go to bed. Suddenly, Ino’s face changed drastically, and she groaned in pain, and subconsciously covered her stomach with both hands.
“Ino! What’s wrong with you?!” Xia Fan’s heart suddenly tightened and she immediately jumped up from the bed and asked nervously, her voice trembling slightly because of extreme worry.
Chapter 34: Initial Contact with Ino (Old Version)
Ino bit her lips tightly, beads of sweat oozed from her forehead, and her face turned pale. She endured the severe pain in her abdomen and said weakly: “Xia Fan-kun… I… My stomach hurts… It seems… It seems that I am about to give birth…”
When Xia Fan heard this, his mind went blank, and all his calmness and composure were thrown out of his mind in an instant. Although he had practiced the process of dealing with this situation countless times before, when it really happened, he still felt at a loss and panic.
But soon, his strong sense of responsibility and love for Ino made him calm down quickly.
He took a deep breath, forced himself to calm down, and then immediately acted in an orderly manner according to the process that he had already memorized.
He first gently comforted Ino, asking her to relax and not be nervous, and then carefully helped her lie down. Then, he ran to the neighbor’s house as fast as possible and invited Aunt Suzuki, an experienced midwife who had already been invited.
He also took out the clean hot water, soft towels, scissors and other items needed for delivery that had been prepared in advance from the cabinet, and arranged them neatly according to the midwife’s instructions.
Sasuke was also awakened by the sudden noise. He rubbed his sleepy eyes and saw the painful expression of sister Ino and the busy figure of his brother. His little face was immediately filled with worry and anxiety.
“Brother… Sister Ino… Is… is she okay?” Sasuke ran to Xia Fan barefoot, pulled his clothes, and asked in a low voice. His clear eyes were full of fear and worry, and his eye sockets were even slightly red.
Xia Fan squatted down, gently took Sasuke into his arms, touched his soft hair with trembling hands, and comforted him softly: “It’s okay, Sasuke, don’t be afraid. Sister Ino is very brave, she just wants to give birth to the baby, and soon…soon we will be able to see your little brother or sister. You wait outside obediently, and don’t come in to disturb Aunt Suzuki and Sister Ino, okay?”
Although Sasuke was still a little scared, he nodded as if he understood what Xia Fan said, and said in a tearful voice: “Yes… I understand… Brother… Sister Ino… You must do your best…”
Midwife Aunt Suzuki arrived soon. She was a woman in her fifties, very experienced, having delivered most of the children in the village, and very calm. As soon as she entered the room and saw Ino’s condition, she immediately began to instruct Kaho to make various preparations in an orderly manner and began to examine Ino.
The door of the delivery room was closed gently.
Xia Fan was “invited” by Aunt Suzuki to wait outside the delivery room. He knew that this was the rule, and men were generally not allowed to enter the delivery room.
He paced back and forth anxiously at the door of the delivery room, like a wild beast trapped in a cage, restless and uneasy.
In the delivery room, from time to time, one could hear Ino’s suppressed and painful moans due to contractions, as well as Aunt Suzuki’s steady and powerful voice of guidance.
Every time he heard Ino’s painful moans, Xia Fan’s heart seemed to be tightly grasped by an invisible hand, the pain was so severe that he could hardly breathe. He wished he could rush into the delivery room immediately and bear the heart-wrenching pain for Ino.
He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms, but he felt no pain at all. All his senses were focused on the intermittent sounds coming from the delivery room.
Time passed minute by minute, and for Kaho and Sasuke who were waiting outside the delivery room, it seemed as long and torturous as a century.
Sasuke also imitated Xia Fan, walking back and forth anxiously at the door, his little fists clenched tightly, and he kept muttering in a low voice: “Come on, Sister Ino… Come on, baby… You must be safe…”
The night is getting deeper and deeper.
The painful moans in the delivery room became more and more rapid and shrill.
Xia Fan’s heart also rose to his throat with that sound. He could even clearly hear his own heartbeat, which was like a drum.
He didn’t know what kind of pain Ino was enduring in there. He only knew that the only thing he could do now was to wait here silently and pray silently.
Pray for the safety of mother and child.
Just when Xia Fan was about to collapse due to excessive tension and worry, suddenly, a loud, crisp, vital baby cry came from the delivery room without any warning!
That voice was loud, high-pitched and full of power!
Like a dazzling ray of light breaking through the dark night, it instantly illuminated the hearts of Kaho and Sasuke that had been shrouded in darkness and anxiety for a long time!
“Wow—wow—wow—”
Then, the midwife Aunt Suzuki’s voice filled with joy and relief came from the delivery room:
“It’s born! It’s born! It’s a healthy boy! Both mother and child are safe! Congratulations!”
boy!
Mother and child are safe!
Hearing these words, Xia Fan’s extremely tense nerves finally relaxed completely in an instant! An indescribable, surging ecstasy and excitement suddenly overwhelmed him like a flood that broke through a dam!
His legs went weak and he almost collapsed to the ground, but luckily he grabbed the door frame in time.
He was so excited that tears welled up in his eyes and his vision was a little blurry.
He succeeded! Ino succeeded! They finally welcomed the fruit of their love and welcomed the new hope of Uchiha!
He carefully pushed open the door of the delivery room and walked in.
Ino was lying weakly on the bed, her face pale, her hair soaked with sweat and stuck tightly to her forehead. She looked exhausted, but her face was filled with an indescribable, holy and satisfied maternal glow, and there was a hint of relief in the corners of her mouth.
Midwife Aunt Suzuki was holding a baby wrapped tightly in soft swaddling clothes. She said to Xia Fan with a big smile on her face, “Congratulations, Xia Fan. Ino girl is really good. She gave you a big fat boy! Look at this child, his cry is so loud and energetic!”
Xia Fan was so excited that he was speechless. He walked quickly to the bedside and held Ino’s cold and slippery hand tightly. His voice trembled slightly because of sobbing: “Ino…you have worked hard…really…you have worked so hard…”
His tears, no longer controllable, rolled down his cheeks and dripped onto the back of Ino’s hand, warm and hot.
Chapter 35: Gaining Ino’s Favorability (Old Version)
Ino smiled at him weakly, her eyes filled with endless tenderness and love: “Xia Fan-kun…it’s not hard…I am very happy to give birth to this child for you…”
Xia Fan carefully, even a little clumsily, took the tiny, soft baby from the midwife’s hands.
He looked down at the little life in his arms, whose eyes were closed, little mouth slightly opened and closed, and breathing softly and evenly. His heart was filled with indescribable joy, satisfaction and an unprecedented sense of responsibility called “father”.
The child’s skin was still a little red and wrinkled, like a little old man, and his hair was wet and stuck to his scalp. He didn’t look as “beautiful” as imagined.
But Xia Fan felt that this was the cutest and most perfect child he had ever seen.
It is the continuation of his love with Ino.
It is the hope for the future of the Uchiha clan.
He rocked his arms gently, coaxing the little one in his arms with unprecedented tenderness and patience.
Sasuke also came over cautiously, looking curiously at this little brother who had just come into the world.
He looked at the wrinkled baby who was much smaller than he had imagined, his eyes filled with curiosity, fondness and a hint of pride as a brother.
“Brother, is he… is he my little brother?” Sasuke raised his little face and asked in a low voice, afraid of disturbing this fragile little life.
“Yes, Sasuke.” Xia Fan’s voice was filled with a hint of irrepressible joy and pride. He lowered the baby in his arms a little so that Sasuke could see it more clearly. “He is your brother, the new member of our Uchiha clan.”
Just as Xia Fan was holding his child, immersed in the great joy of being a father for the first time and the infinite longing for the future, the mechanical and cold voice that he had been expecting and waiting for for a long time suddenly rang in his mind!
“bite!”
“Congratulations host, the Uchiha clan member [Uchiha Hikaru] is born!”
(The child’s name was something that Kaho and Ino had agreed on long ago. It symbolizes light and hope, and they hope it can bring a ray of new light to this family that has suffered so much.)
“After comprehensive system testing, this tribe’s bloodline is of high purity, their talents and potential are excellent, and their future growth potential is good…”
“The overall potential rating is: 29 (In this rating system, the potential of ordinary Genin-level players is 20-30, that of Chuunin-level players is 31-50, that of Jonin-level players is 51-70, and that of Kage-level players is 71 or above. The specific value is affected by many factors.)”
“Based on the potential evaluation, the host receives the following rewards:”
“First, the chakra limit +1 (equivalent to the amount of chakra that an ordinary ninja can increase after a year of hard training under good guidance)!”
“Second, a complete training scroll for Fire Style C-rank Ninjutsu [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique] (automatically stored in the system space, the host can retrieve and study it at any time)!”
The system prompt sounded clearly and accurately in his mind. Every word was like a shot of adrenaline, causing Xia Fan’s heart to beat violently uncontrollably!
Here we come!
It’s finally here!
The reward from the [Many Children, Many Blessings System] finally arrived as expected after the birth of his first child!
The system prompt sounded clearly and accurately in his mind. Every word was like a powerful stimulant, which was injected into Xia Fan’s nerves, which were slightly tired due to long-term tension and excitement, making his heart beat uncontrollably like a drum!
The reward from the [Many Children, Many Blessings System] finally arrived as expected after the birth of his first child, Uchiha Hikaru!
Potential rating 29! Chakra limit +1! Fire escape, C-level ninjutsu [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique]!
Xia Fan held the soft and tender baby with a faint scent of milk in his arms, feeling his even and weak breathing, his heart filled with indescribable excitement and infinite longing for the future.
At the moment the system prompt sounded, an indescribable torrent of warm and pure energy suddenly burst out from the deepest part of his body without any warning, like a volcanic eruption!
The warm current was pure, majestic, yet extremely gentle, without any violence or discomfort. It was like a happy stream, instantly flowing through Xia Fan’s limbs, flowing through every corner of his body, nourishing every cell of his body.
Xia Fan could clearly feel that the chakra in his body, which had been a little scarce and stagnant due to staying up late for a long time, high mental stress and previous hard training, was quickly becoming full under the impact and nourishment of this warm current, just like seedlings that have been drought-stricken and finally met with rain!
That feeling was like a dry pond that was suddenly injected with a constant stream of clear spring water, and the water level was rising rapidly at a speed visible to the naked eye!
He could clearly sense that the total amount of chakra in his body had indeed increased slightly but extremely solidly! That increase was not an illusory illusion, but a real power that he could clearly sense and control!
What the system prompts say, “It is equivalent to the amount of chakra that an ordinary ninja can increase after a year of hard training under good guidance,” is absolutely true!
You know, the improvement of chakra is one of the most basic and important links for ninjas. The later the stage, the more difficult it is to increase the amount of chakra. Many people spend their entire lives and cannot make a big breakthrough in the amount of chakra.
And now, just because of the birth of his first child, the system directly rewarded him with an amount of chakra equivalent to one year of hard training!
This is simply an incredible benefit!
If he could have more children in the future, wouldn’t his chakra amount soar at an incredible speed? !
Thinking of this, Xia Fan’s heart couldn’t help but beat wildly!
What surprised him even more was that it wasn’t just the amount of chakra that increased. The chakra flow, which had been a little sluggish and not smooth due to his own practice, became unusually smooth and mellow under the combing and guidance of this pure warm current!
He felt that his control over the chakra in his body seemed to have improved a little bit without him realizing it.
This feeling is so wonderful!
At the same time, all kinds of information about the C-rank Fire Style Ninjutsu [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique] also flooded into his mind like a sudden enlightenment!
Chapter 36 Potential 29? Better than nothing! (Old version)
From the principle of performing this ninjutsu, to the precise changes in each hand seal, to the specific path of chakra flowing through the meridians in the body, and the exquisite control techniques for chakra output and form changes during the technique…
Everything flashed through his mind quickly and clearly like a scene from a movie, and was deeply imprinted in his memory, as if he had practiced this ninjutsu thousands of times, and had already memorized it by heart, reaching the level of perfection!
He could even clearly feel that he seemed to have subconsciously mastered the unique chakra rhythm and sense of rhythm when performing the [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique]!
Is this the power of the system? !
Direct infusion! Instant mastery!
Xia Fan’s heart was filled with indescribable shock and excitement!
This golden finger is even more powerful and incredible than the halo of the protagonist in all the novels he had read in his previous life!
He resisted the urge to find a place to try out the power of the [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique] right away, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his heart that was beating wildly due to excessive excitement.
It’s not the right time yet.
Ino had just experienced an arduous “battle” and was still very weak, so she needed his care and company.
The child has just been born and also needs his care.
He couldn’t ignore the mother and son because of his momentary excitement.
Xia Fan carefully placed the sleeping Uchiha Guang in her arms in the crib that had been prepared long ago and covered with a soft quilt, and then carefully covered him with the quilt, fearing that he would catch a cold.
Then he quickly walked to Ino’s bed, looked at her face which was a little pale due to fatigue, his heart filled with pity and love.
“Ino,” he reached out his hand and gently brushed away the sweat-soaked hair on Ino’s forehead, his voice so gentle that it could drip water, “How do you feel? Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?”
Ino slowly opened her eyes, looked at Xia Fan’s face full of concern and tenderness, smiled weakly, and shook her head: “I… I’m fine, Xia Fan-kun… I’m just a little tired… I’m very satisfied to see Guang born safely…”
Her voice was soft, with a hint of postpartum weakness, but her eyes were full of maternal radiance and endless happiness.
“Silly girl,” Xia Fan held her hand lovingly, placed it on her lips and kissed it gently, “You are the one who has worked the hardest. Thank you, Ino, thank you for giving birth to Guang for me, thank you for giving me a complete family.”
“We are husband and wife…” Ino’s eyes were slightly moist, and her voice was a little choked, “I am willing to do this for you…”
The two smiled at each other, and all their gratitude and love were integrated into each other’s affectionate gaze.
Xia Fan carefully asked about Ino’s physical condition, and only felt relieved after confirming that she was not seriously ill.
He knew that postpartum recovery was very important, and he had to take better care of Ino so that she could recover as soon as possible.
In the next few days, Xia Fan stayed by Ino and the child’s side almost every step of the way.
He took care of all the housework he could do, preparing nutritious and easy-to-digest confinement meals for Ino every day, helping her wash her body, and taking care of her diet and daily life.
He also learned how to take care of the tiny, squishy newborn.
Although he had done a lot of homework before, when he really started, he still seemed a little flustered and clumsy.
But Xia Fan was not discouraged. He studied patiently, little by little, and tried hard to become a qualified father.
It was not until a few days later that Ino’s physical condition gradually stabilized, her spirits recovered a lot, and the child began to slowly adapt to this new world. Only then did Kaho finally have a little free time of her own.
And the urge in his heart to try out the power of [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique] could no longer be suppressed.
He found an afternoon when Ino and the child were asleep, and Sasuke had just gone to the ninja school, so the house was quiet. Xia Fan carefully tucked the quilt for Ino, kissed Uchiha Hikaru’s pink little face gently, and then left the hut quietly.
He did not walk far, but went straight to the outskirts of the village, to the remote grove where he often conducted secret physical training and was rarely visited by people.
There are dense trees and weeds here. On weekdays, apart from him, almost no one else comes here. It is an excellent place to practice ninjutsu.
Xia Fan stood in a relatively empty clearing in the woods, took a deep breath, and tried to calm his heartbeat which had slightly accelerated due to anticipation and excitement.
He closed his eyes, and the method of performing the [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique], the precise order of each hand seal, and the specific trajectory and rhythm of the chakra flowing in the body emerged clearly in his mind again.
The information was engraved deeply in his soul, as if it was innate, and it was so clear that he seemed to have practiced it a thousand times.
He slowly opened his eyes, and his gaze became focused and sharp.
He stretched out his hands and began to try to make the first hand seal according to his memory.
“Si!”
Although his fingers were a little awkward and stiff because it was his first attempt, every movement was extremely precise without the slightest deviation.
Then, the second one, the third one…
“not yet!”
“state!”
“Hai!”
“noon!”
“Yin!”
A series of complex and rapid hand-sealing movements were completed in his hands as smoothly as flowing water, with almost no pause or delay!
This even surprised Xia Fan herself!
This was clearly his first time trying to make this seal, but he felt as if he had practiced it countless times, and every movement seemed to be an instinctive reaction of his body!
Is this the power of the system directly instilling ninjutsu? !
Xia Fan was secretly amazed in his heart, but his hands did not stop moving at all.
With the completion of the last “Yin” seal, he could clearly feel that the chakra in his body, which had just increased a little, was flowing and gathering rapidly in his meridians according to a specific and mysterious trajectory!
A burning breath rose from his chest and condensed in his throat!
Xia Fan suddenly opened his eyes wide, and a glimmer of excitement flashed in his eyes!
He opened his mouth and spurted out the chakra gathered in his body, while shouting:
Chapter 37 Reward: Chakra +1, Fire Dragon Bomb! (Old Version)
“Fire Style: Fire Dragon Bullet Technique!”
“roar–!!!”
Accompanied by a low roar that seemed to come from an ancient dragon, a lifelike flaming dragon formed by blazing flames suddenly burst out from Xia Fan’s mouth!
The giant flaming dragon was several meters long, with blazing red flames burning all over its body. Its head was ferocious, its whiskers were fluttering, its scales were clearly visible, and it emitted heart-pounding heat and violent energy fluctuations!
With a terrifying aura that could destroy the world, it fiercely crashed into a dense tree as thick as an adult’s thigh not far in front of Xia Fan!
“boom–!!!”
A deafening bang suddenly exploded in the silent grove!
The giant fire dragon collided with the big tree with a loud bang, causing a burst of dazzling flames and billowing smoke!
The hot air waves swept around like a strong wind, blowing the surrounding weeds and fallen leaves all over the sky! A strong smell of burning instantly filled the air!
Xia Fan was so shocked by the sudden huge power and momentum that he subconsciously took two steps back, with an expression of disbelief and shock on his face!
He stared blankly at the area in front of him that was covered by flames and thick smoke. His heart was beating violently with extreme excitement and excitement, almost jumping out of his throat!
This is… Is this the power of the C-rank ninjutsu [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique]? !
Isn’t this too… too powerful?!
You know, the amount of chakra in his body now is only a little more than when he just traveled through time. According to the system, it is only equivalent to the amount of hard training of an ordinary ninja in one year.
But with just this little bit of chakra, with the help of the system, one can actually perform such powerful ninjutsu!
This is simply unbelievable!
When the flames gradually died down and the smoke slowly dissipated, Xia Fan could see the scene in front of him clearly.
I saw that the big tree that was originally lush and leafy had now been burnt black, leaving a huge charred hole as thick as a bowl on the trunk, with wisps of green smoke coming out of the edge!
The surrounding ground was also burned into a scorched earth, emitting a pungent burnt smell!
Xia Fan couldn’t help but gasp when he saw the shocking scene of destruction!
He had never imagined that his first C-level ninjutsu would cause such powerful destructive power!
If this hit a person, he would be seriously injured if not killed, right? !
It not only directly imparts the training methods of ninjutsu, but also improves the proficiency and power of the techniques to an incredible level!
Xia Fan’s heart was filled with unprecedented shock and ecstasy!
He seemed to have seen a smooth road leading to becoming a strong man, slowly unfolding before him!
As long as he can continue to give birth to Uchiha descendants and obtain rewards from the system, his strength will increase rapidly at a speed beyond imagination!
Revive the Uchiha!
Take revenge on that man!
These dreams that once seemed out of reach, at this moment, no longer seem so illusory!
Xia Fan clenched his fists tightly, his eyes flashing with unprecedented determination and passion!
He must seize this opportunity and make good use of the golden finger of the [Many Children and Many Blessings System] to change his own destiny and the destiny of Uchiha!
However, after the excitement, Xia Fan quickly calmed down.
He knew that although the [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique] was extremely powerful, it also consumed a lot of chakra.
That move just now almost consumed most of the chakra that had just grown in his body.
It seems that if one wants to use this powerful ninjutsu frequently, one needs to continuously increase the total amount of one’s chakra.
Moreover, this is the territory of Konoha Village after all. Although it is remote, it is bound to attract other people’s attention if such a big noise is made.
He had to deal with the traces at the scene as quickly as possible to avoid leaving any traces.
Xia Fan quickly covered the burnt ground with mud, cut down the burnt tree with a kunai, and dragged it to a more hidden place.
After doing all this, he felt a little relieved.
Although it was only his first attempt, the powerful force of [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique] had already given him great surprise and confidence.
He believed that as long as he was given enough time, he would be able to use this ninjutsu more skillfully and unleash even greater power!
With a little tiredness, but more excitement and anticipation, Xia Fan quietly returned to the cabin.
Ino and the child were still sleeping soundly, and everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful.
Xia Fan looked at the peaceful sleeping faces of the mother and son, and her heart was filled with infinite tenderness and motivation.
For them, he was willing to give everything.
For Kaho and Ino, a pair of first-time parents, taking care of a newborn on a daily basis is undoubtedly a “training” full of challenges and confusion.
Uchiha Hikaru, this little life that came with countless expectations and love, brought endless joy to this small family, but also brought countless trivialities and confusion.
Changing diapers became one of the “arduous tasks” that Xia Fan had to face every day.
The little guy’s “output” is amazing. He poops almost as soon as he is full, and then he gets hungry again after pooping. Xia Fan often smells a familiar “smell” just after changing his clean diaper, before she can breathe a sigh of relief.
At first, he had no idea how to change diapers for a soft little baby. He either wrapped the diaper too tight, which cut into the baby’s delicate skin, or wrapped it too loose, which left “surprises” all over the baby’s clothes and sheets.
He clumsily learned how to distinguish the front and back of the diaper, how to adjust the tightness, and how to complete the entire process as quickly as possible to prevent the little one from crying because of discomfort.
Every diaper change was like a small battle, making him flustered and sweaty.
Breastfeeding is also a technical job.
Ino insisted on breastfeeding, hoping to give her child the best nutrition. However, the sucking strength of newborns is still very small, and they often choke on milk due to incorrect breastfeeding posture or eating too quickly.
Whenever the little one coughed and his face turned red because he choked on milk, or cried incessantly because he was not full, Xia Fan and Ino would feel extremely distressed and anxious.
Chapter 38: The First Increase in Strength (Old Version)
Xia Fan would patiently hold the baby and gently pat his back to help him breathe, while Ino would constantly adjust the feeding posture, trying to make the baby more comfortable and easier to feed.
Coaxing a child to sleep is the ultimate challenge that tests the patience and physical strength of new parents.
Uchiha Hikaru seems to be an energetic little guy. He is fine during the day, but at night, he often cries for no apparent reason and cannot be comforted.
Sometimes it’s because they’re hungry, sometimes it’s because they’ve peed, and sometimes it may just be because they lack a sense of security and want a hug from their parents.
Xia Fan and Ino often took turns holding the child, pacing back and forth in the room, and gently humming discordant lullabies, hoping to make him fall asleep as soon as possible.
But the little guy always seemed to be uncooperative. He would often fall asleep in his arms, but wake up immediately after being put on the bed, and then start a new round of crying.
Xia Fan would clumsily learn to bathe her child.
He specifically consulted an experienced aunt in the village and learned how to control the water temperature, how to support the baby’s head and neck, and how to clean those delicate folds.
But there is always a huge gap between theory and practice.
The first time he gave Uchiha Hikaru a bath, he was so nervous that his hand slipped and he almost dropped the naked little guy into the basin, scaring him so much that he broke out in a cold sweat.
The result, of course, was that water splashed everywhere in the bathroom, and both he and the little guy were wet and in a mess.
As for Ino, she had to get up frequently at night to feed the baby, and her body had not yet fully recovered from giving birth, so she was severely sleep-deprived. There was always a faint dark circle under her eyes, and she looked haggard and tired.
Seeing Ino’s tired appearance, Xia Fan felt guilty and distressed. He wished he could share all the hard work for Ino, but he knew that there were some things, such as breastfeeding, that he could not replace.
He could only do as many other things as possible, such as changing diapers, washing clothes, cooking, and cleaning, trying to reduce Ino’s burden so that she could have more time to rest.
This series of trivial and complicated tasks made this new parent pair overwhelmed and often busy and exhausted.
Their little house often seems a bit chaotic because of the crying of children and their busy movements.
But strangely, they didn’t feel upset or complain about it.
On the contrary, in these busy daily lives, they feel an unprecedented sense of fulfillment and happiness as parents.
Whenever they looked at Uchiha Hikaru’s cute little pink face, listened to his thin and even breathing, and felt his soft and tender little body, all the hard work and fatigue would disappear in an instant, turning into endless tenderness and love.
Although the process of caring for a newborn was full of hardships and challenges, when Uchiha Hikaru showed them his unconscious, angelic smile for the first time, Kaho and Ino’s hearts were like being gently brushed by the softest feathers and melted instantly.
That was about a month after Guang was born.
That afternoon, the sun was shining brightly, Ino held Guang and sat by the window, humming a lullaby. Guang had just finished his feeding, and was looking at this new world with curiosity, with a pair of big black grape-like eyes.
Suddenly, his little mouth curled up slightly, revealing an innocent smile for no reason.
That smile was so clean, so pure, without any impurities, like a most beautiful flower quietly blooming in the morning light, instantly lighting up the entire room, and also lighting up the hearts of Kaho and Ino.
“Xiafan-kun! Look! Guang is smiling! He is smiling at us!” Ino was so excited that she was a little incoherent, and quickly called out to Xiafan who was peeling an apple nearby.
Upon hearing the voice, Xia Fan immediately put down the fruit knife in his hand, walked quickly to Ino, and looked down at the little guy in his arms.
Sure enough, a short but extremely sweet smile was blooming on Uchiha Hikaru’s pink face. His eyes were curved like two shining little stars, full of innocence and joy.
At that moment, Xia Fan felt as if his heart was hit by a warm electric current, and it instantly became soft.
He felt that this was the most beautiful smile he had ever seen in the world.
That innocent smile seemed to have the power to heal everything. All their previous hard work, fatigue, and anxiety disappeared in an instant and became worthwhile.
They feel that they are willing to pay any price just to see this smile.
From then on, making Uchiha Hikaru laugh became one of the greatest pleasures in Kaho and Ino’s daily life.
They would take turns holding the baby, making all sorts of cute faces at him, making strange noises, or dangling some colorful toys in front of him, trying hard to attract his attention, hoping to see his angelic smile again.
Whenever Guang was amused by them and laughed out loud, making discordant sounds of “babbling”, Kaho and Ino felt extremely satisfied and happy.
They would talk to him in a soft voice, and even though they knew he couldn’t understand them, they still enjoyed doing it.
“Guang, I’m your daddy, and I love you the most.” Xia Fan would use his slightly rough stubble to gently rub Guang’s delicate little face, making the little guy giggle.
“Baby Guang, mommy is here. Mommy will always be with you and protect you.” Ino would whisper softly in Guang’s ear in her voice so gentle that water could drip out of it, her eyes full of maternal love.
They enjoy the joy of being parents and the purest and most beautiful family connection with their children.
They know that this little life is not only the fruit of their love, but also their hope for the future and the most precious treasure in their lives.
There was suddenly a little kid in the family, and for the young Sasuke, it was a little difficult to adapt at first.
In the past, his brother Xia Fan and sister Ino’s attention almost always revolved around him. They would play with him, tell him stories, and buy him delicious snacks. He had long been accustomed to being the only “little baby” in the family.
But now, there is suddenly a baby in the family who only knows how to cry and needs constant care. Most of the time and energy of my brother and sister-in-law are occupied by that little guy.
Chapter 39: Erzhuzi’s Confusion and Dependence (Old Version)
They no longer have as much time to play with him as before, and they even interrupt the stories they are telling him because of the baby’s crying.
Although Sasuke didn’t say it, he secretly felt a little disappointed and…a subtle jealousy in his heart.
He would sit aside somewhat depressed, watching his brother and sister-in-law busying around the little one, asking about his well-being, while he himself felt as if he was being left out.
He even secretly wondered, if there was no baby at home, would his brother and sister-in-law still be nice to only him like before?
This little jealousy is actually very normal for a child who has just lost his parents and is extremely insecure.
Kaho and Ino also keenly noticed the subtle changes in Sasuke’s emotions.
They did not blame Sasuke for this. Instead, they were more patient and spent more time with him and comforted him.
They would deliberately take some time out to spend time with Sasuke alone, play his favorite games with him, tell him his favorite stories, and make him feel that he was not neglected because of the arrival of the baby.
They will also guide Sasuke and let him participate in the process of taking care of the baby, so that he can experience the responsibility and joy of being an older brother.
For example, they would ask Sasuke to help with diapers, or ask Sasuke to sing softly to the baby while feeding the baby.
Gradually, Sasuke’s little jealousy was unknowingly replaced by a new and stronger emotion.
That is the love and curiosity for this soft and cute little nephew (Uchiha Hikaru is his nephew).
He discovered that, although this little one was troublesome and always crying, he was also really… cute.
He has the same black hair as his brother, the same fair skin as Sister Ino, and a pair of eyes that are as big and bright as black grapes, blinking and full of curiosity about the world.
His little hands and feet were soft and chubby, like freshly baked buns, making people want to pinch them. He would stretch out his little fingers, carefully and tentatively, gently poke the baby’s pink and elastic face, or squeeze his tightly clenched fist, which was only as thick as one of his fingers.
The soft and warm touch made Sasuke feel both novel and fascinating.
He would also take those small toys that he had treasured for a long time, which even Xia Fan was reluctant to touch, such as kunai models carved from wood, or some small stones with strange patterns painted on them, and bring them all to the crib, wanting to give them to the little baby who knew nothing yet, as if they were treasures.
“Xiao Guang, look, this is my most powerful kunai! When you grow up, I will teach you how to use it to defeat the bad guys!”
“Xiao Guang, I picked up this stone by the river. It has a moon pattern on it. It’s very beautiful. Can I give it to you as a gift?”
He looked like a little adult, earnestly introducing his “baby” to the little one who could only babble, his eyes full of pride and generosity as a brother.
Although Uchiha Hikaru would most of the time just open his big, ignorant eyes, looking at him curiously, or simply fall asleep and ignore his “enthusiasm”, Sasuke didn’t care at all and still enjoyed it.
Xia Fan and Ino felt both amused and relieved when they saw Sasuke acting like a “little adult”.
They knew that Sasuke really fell in love with his little nephew and began to learn to take on the responsibilities of an older brother.
The arrival of Uchiha Hikaru not only added new life and vitality to the family, but also, like a ray of warm sunshine, quietly dispelled the haze left in Sasuke’s heart by the pain of genocide, allowing his once cold and closed heart to feel the warmth of family affection and the beauty of life again.
With the safe birth of her first child, Uchiha Hikaru, and the successful acquisition of the first reward of the [Many Children, Many Blessings System], Xia Fan’s life gradually entered a new and relatively stable track.
The increase in the chakra limit rewarded by the system has substantially increased the amount of chakra in his body. This not only makes him feel more comfortable in his daily training, but also lays a solid foundation for him to learn and perform higher-level ninjutsu in the future.
The instant mastery of the C-rank Fire Style Ninjutsu [Fire Dragon Bullet Technique] gave him a trump card that he could use to save his life and defeat his enemies at critical moments. Although he could not use this ninjutsu as frequently as he wanted, its powerful power had already given him great confidence and courage.
Financially, although they were still not wealthy, because Kaho worked harder than before to earn money, and Ino was thrifty in managing the household, their lives were better off than before. At least they no longer had to worry about where their next meal would come from.
In terms of family, Ino recovered very well after giving birth. Under Kaho’s meticulous care, her body recovered quickly and her mental state got better day by day. After becoming a mother, she had an indescribable, gentle and holy maternal radiance, which made her look more mature and moving.
Uchiha Hikaru, the little guy, is also growing up healthily day by day. He is very well-behaved, except for crying a few times when he is hungry or wet, he is very quiet most of the time, either looking at this new world with curiosity with his big black eyes, or sleeping soundly, like a cute little piglet.
Sasuke has also completely adapted to his new identity as “little uncle” and “big brother”. The first thing he does when he comes home from school every day is to run to the crib, check on his little nephew, and play with him for a while, just like a qualified “little parent”.
Looking at the warmth and harmony in the home, Xia Fan’s heart was filled with unprecedented satisfaction and happiness.
He knew that all these changes were inseparable from the help of the [Many Children, Many Blessings System], Ino’s understanding and support, and his own efforts and persistence.
He would take out some free time and no longer focus on working to earn money and practicing secretly as he did before.
On sunny afternoons, he would carefully put Uchiha Hikaru into the simple but sturdy wooden stroller that he had made himself, and then push the stroller, taking Ino and the family of three (a family of four if Sasuke who often followed them was counted), for a leisurely stroll on the relatively quiet streets of Konoha Village, enjoying this rare, peaceful and beautiful family time.
Chapter 40: Daily Care for Sasuke (Old Version)
Ino recovered well after giving birth, and her figure gradually returned to its former slenderness. She would hold Xia Fan’s arm affectionately, with a happy and satisfied smile on her face, and her eyes full of tenderness and joy as a new mother. She would lower her head from time to time to tease the babbling little one in the stroller, or chat with Xia Fan about some interesting things about the child’s growth.
Xia Fan would push the stroller with one hand and hold Ino’s hand tightly with the other, feeling this plain but real happiness. He would listen to Ino patiently, occasionally interjecting a few words and expressing his “views” as a father. He looked at his wife with a smile on her face and the delicate child in the stroller, and his heart was filled with infinite tenderness and motivation.
Sasuke would follow them silently like a little tail, or run around them like a happy little bird. He would come to the baby carriage from time to time, curiously look at his little nephew, or put the beautiful pebbles and leaves he picked up on the road into the baby carriage like offering treasures, saying that he would give them to Xiaoguang as toys.
The villagers passing by, seeing the happy, warm and harmonious scene of this family of three (or four), can’t help but cast kind and envious glances at them.
They would greet Kaho and Ino, compliment their children on how adorable they were, and would joke with Sasuke.
“Oh, isn’t this Xia Fan and Ino? They are taking their child out for a walk? This little guy is so handsome, he will definitely become a handsome boy in the future!”
“Ino girl, you have recovered really well after giving birth. You look more beautiful than before! Xia Fan is such a lucky boy!”
“Sasuke, you have a little nephew now, you must protect him well in the future!”
In response to the villagers’ well-intentioned blessings and compliments, Xia Fan and Ino would always smile and nod in response, feeling a little proud and warm in their hearts.
They know that their small family is integrating into the village bit by bit in their own way, and is also accepted and blessed by the village.
This peaceful and beautiful life was something Xia Fan had never dared to hope for before. He cherished everything in front of him very much, and secretly vowed to do his best to protect this hard-earned happiness.
Of course, while enjoying the warmth of her family, Xia Fan did not forget her mission.
He will still use all his free time to practice hard and strive to improve his strength.
Because he knew that beneath the calm surface of the lake, there were often turbulent undercurrents. Konoha Village seemed peaceful and tranquil, but in fact it was full of various contradictions and crises.
The Uchiha clan’s blood feud has not yet been avenged. That nightmare-like man is still a lingering shadow in his heart.
He must become stronger, strong enough to protect the ones he loves, strong enough to uncover all the truth, strong enough to restore the glory of Uchiha!
That afternoon, Xia Fan pushed Uchiha Hikaru and took a walk in the village with Ino and Sasuke as usual.
Their route occasionally passed by the village’s public training ground.
There are several public training grounds in Konoha Village, which are used for daily training and sparring by civilian ninjas who do not have their own family-owned training grounds, or by students from some ninja schools.
It was afternoon and the sun was quite scorching. There were not many people on the training ground. There were only a few figures here and there, sweating in their respective corners.
Just as they passed by the edge of a relatively remote training ground, Xia Fan’s eyes were inadvertently attracted by a girl practicing alone in the corner.
The girl looked about the same age as Sasuke, about seven or eight years old. She had beautiful short hair that was as deep blue as the night sky, and her skin was so white that it was almost transparent, with a delicate luster in the sun. Her facial features were small and delicate, like a fragile porcelain doll, with a fragile temperament that made me feel pity.
At this moment, she was alone, facing a thick wooden stake, practicing a kind of physical technique that looked like soft boxing with some effort. Although her movements were a little awkward and clumsy, she was extremely serious and
Although her movements were a little awkward and clumsy, she was extremely serious and focused. Fine beads of sweat were oozing from her small forehead and her fair cheeks were slightly flushed due to the exercise.
But her expression seemed somewhat timid and unconfident, and there was a hint of hesitation and confusion in her eyes that was hard to conceal, as if she was full of doubts about what she was doing.
Xia Fan frowned slightly.
He recognized the girl.
In other words, the original owner had some vague impressions of this girl in his memory.
Hyuga Hinata.
The eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan, one of the oldest and most powerful aristocratic families in Konoha Village. Possessing the pure Byakugan bloodline limit, she is one of the future heirs of the Hyuga clan.
But what is inconsistent with her prominent status and powerful bloodline is that Hyuga Hinata’s character is extremely introverted, timid and unconfident. Her grades in the ninja school are mediocre, and her performance in physical and ninjutsu is also unsatisfactory. She is often laughed at by her peers and disappointed by her tribe members because of her failure in sparring.
At this moment, Hinata Hyuga seemed to have just finished a sparring match, and the result was obviously not satisfactory.
There was some dust and grass on her clothes, and there was a barely noticeable bruise at the corner of her mouth, making her look like she had been knocked down.
Opposite her stood several young men who were also wearing Hyuga clan training uniforms. Those young men looked older than Hinata and seemed to be stronger. They looked at Hinata with smugness and disdain, and laughed at her mercilessly:
“Hey, Miss Hinata, is this all you have? If you can’t even beat us branch families, how are you going to inherit the Hyuga main family in the future?”
“That’s right! I think you should give up being a ninja as soon as possible! Otherwise, you will bring shame to our Hyuga clan!”
“What a useless piece of trash! What a waste of those white eyes!”
Those sarcastic taunts, like sharp daggers, stabbed Hinata Hyuga’s sensitive and fragile heart.
She lowered her head and bit her lips tightly. Her small body trembled slightly because of grievance and anger, but she did not dare to open her mouth to refute and just let the laughter drown her.
Her eyes were filled with helplessness, loss and deep inferiority.
Chapter 41: Xia Fan’s First Cooking Experience (Old Version)
Crystal clear tears were swirling in her eyes, ready to fall at any time.
Seeing this scene, Xia Fan frowned even more tightly.
Although he is not a saint with an overflowing sense of justice, he cannot stand such behavior of bullying the weak by taking advantage of the majority.
Especially, bullying a companion who is obviously working hard but is temporarily lagging behind due to personality reasons.
This feeling reminded him of his classmates in his previous life who were isolated and bullied because of poor grades or introverted personalities.
It also reminded him of the contempt and discrimination he and Sasuke had suffered after the demise of the Uchiha clan.
He could understand the helplessness and despair that Hinata Hyuga felt at this moment.
“What a boring bunch of guys.” Xia Fan snorted in his heart, and his hand pushing the stroller paused slightly.
Ino and Sasuke also noticed the scene in the corner of the training ground.
Ino was kind by nature. When she saw a girl of about her age being bullied by so many people, she immediately showed an indignant expression on her face, her eyebrows raised, and she wanted to step forward to argue.
Sasuke still had that cold expression, but when he saw Hinata Hyuga’s helpless appearance, his eyes flickered slightly, as if it brought back some bad memories.
Just when Ino was about to scold those boys, Kaho took action first.
He gently pushed the stroller to Ino’s side, motioning for her to help look after it, then he walked slowly towards the Hyuga boys who were showing off.
His steps were steady and his expression was calm, showing no emotion. But his eyes were filled with an unquestionable dignity and coldness.
The Hyuga boys were laughing enthusiastically when they suddenly felt an inexplicable pressure coming from behind them, which made them subconsciously stop the noise and look back.
When they saw that the person walking towards them was a taller, stern-faced black-haired boy, they were startled at first, and then expressions of disdain and provocation appeared on their faces.
“Hey! Who are you? How dare you meddle in the affairs of our Hyuga clan?” One of the young men, who looked like the leader, put his hands on his hips and asked arrogantly.
They didn’t know Xia Fan and just thought he was an ignorant passerby.
Xia Fan ignored their shouting and walked straight to them. He glanced at each of them calmly, and then spoke slowly in a calm but unquestionable tone:
“How can you bully a teammate who is obviously practicing very hard by using your numbers to bully the minority?
His voice was not loud, but it was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing invisible ripples in the air.
When the Hyuga boys heard what Xia Fan said, they were stunned at first, and then they burst into laughter as if they had heard a huge joke.
“Hahahaha! What nonsense is this guy talking about? We call this ‘guidance’! ‘Guidance’ to the eldest lady of our Hyuga clan!”
“That’s right! It’s not your turn as an outsider to interfere in the internal affairs of our Hyuga clan!”
“Boy, I advise you to mind your own business! Otherwise, don’t blame us for being rude!”
Relying on the fact that they are members of the Hyuga clan, they have always been somewhat domineering in the village and did not take Xia Fan, a seemingly ordinary boy, seriously at all.
Xia Fan’s eyes turned slightly cold.
He originally just wanted to stop this unfair behavior and didn’t want to cause trouble. But the arrogance and rudeness of these guys made him feel a little unhappy.
Just when he was about to teach these ignorant guys a lesson, someone in the crowd suddenly recognized Xia Fan’s identity.
“Wait… wait! He… he seems to be… the Uchiha…” A slightly older Hyuga boy suddenly widened his eyes, pointed at Xia Fan, and said stutteringly.
Uchiha!
Upon hearing this surname, the expressions of those Hyuga boys who had originally looked arrogant suddenly froze, and their smiles froze on their faces.
Although they are somewhat arrogant in their daily lives, they are not completely ignorant of the ways of the world.
Although the Uchiha clan has been destroyed, its former reputation and power still left a deep mark in Konoha Village.
The Uchiha orphans, especially Uchiha Sasuke who was said to have survived the night of the genocide, were “celebrities” known to everyone in the village.
Although they did not know Uchiha Kaho, the surname “Uchiha” itself carried an invisible deterrent power.
What’s more, there have been some vague rumors in the village recently that the Uchiha survivor (they don’t know whether it is Kaho or Sasuke) doesn’t seem to be a character to be trifled with.
“Uchiha… so what?” Although the leading young man was a little nervous, he still tried to save face and said in a timid tone, “Do we, the Hyuga clan, still fear you, the Uchiha?!”
Xia Fan looked at their weak appearance and a barely perceptible sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth.
He didn’t say any more nonsense, but just took a step forward and looked at the leading boy calmly.
He did nothing, not even a trace of chakra was released.
But it was that step, that calm look, that made the leading Hyuga boy feel an inexplicable, indescribable pressure!
He seemed to see that deep in Xia Fan’s calm black eyes, there was a ferocious beast hiding, ready to prey on anyone it could possibly catch. It could pounce at any time and tear him to pieces!
That feeling made him feel an irrepressible chill and fear from the bottom of his heart!
“I… let’s go!” The leading young man couldn’t hold on any longer, his voice changed a little. He glared at Xia Fan fiercely, then called his companions, turned around and left in a somewhat embarrassed and annoyed manner.
The other Hyuga boys, as if they had been pardoned, hurriedly followed him and left the training ground as if they were escaping.
In the blink of an eye, the group of people who were originally surrounding Hinata Hyuga and laughing at her ran away without a single one left.
In the corner of the training ground, only Kaho and Hyuga Hinata, who still kept her head down, were left.
Xia Fan looked at the backs of those fleeing figures, shook his head gently, and did not take these minor characters to heart.
He turned around and looked at Hyuga Hinata, who was still immersed in her own world and seemed not to have recovered from the previous blow.
Chapter 42 The next target: Hyuga Hinata! (Old version)
“Are you okay?” Xia Fan’s tone returned to calm, with a hint of barely perceptible gentleness.
Hearing Xia Fan’s voice, Hyuga Hinata’s thin body trembled slightly.
She slowly raised her head, revealing her pitiful little face, which was stained with a little dust and tears.
Her eyes were the pure and flawless Byakuyan that were unique to the Hyuga clan, but at this moment, those beautiful Byakuyan were covered with a layer of mist and looked a little red and swollen because of the grievance and humiliation just now.
When her eyes fell on Xia Fan’s slightly unfamiliar face, she was stunned for a moment, and then her eyes were filled with incredible surprise and… a hint of indescribable gratitude.
She recognized this man.
Although she had only seen him from a distance a few times, she remembered that he was a survivor of the Uchiha clan, the boy who often hung out with Sister Ino, who looked a little cold but was actually very gentle.
It was he who just now rescued her and drove away those fellow tribesmen who bullied her.
“Thank…thank you…” Hyuga Hinata’s voice was as thin as a mosquito, with a strong nasal tone and a hint of barely perceptible shyness. She didn’t dare to look directly into Xia Fan’s eyes, but just lowered her head and thanked him in a low voice.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed due to shyness and excitement.
Xia Fan looked at her timid appearance, like a frightened little rabbit, and couldn’t help but sigh in her heart.
This girl, clearly possessed a powerful bloodline limit and extraordinary talent, but because of her personality, she confined herself in the cage of inferiority.
“You’re welcome.” Xia Fan’s tone remained calm, “I just can’t stand their behavior.”
At this moment, Ino also walked over from not far away, holding Uchiha Hikaru and Sasuke.
“Hinata, are you okay?” Ino recognized Hyuga Hinata at a glance. She walked quickly to Hinata’s side, with a concerned expression on her face, and asked softly.
Although Ino and Hinata were not in the same class, they were both descendants of prominent families in Konoha Village and had met each other several times at family gatherings or school activities. They were not familiar with each other, but they knew each other.
“Sister… Sister Ino…” When Hyuga Hinata saw Ino, she felt like she had found a savior. A hint of surprise and dependence flashed in her eyes, but then she felt a little inferior because of her own embarrassed appearance, and her voice became even smaller.
“Those guys are really going too far! How can they bully people like this!” Ino looked at the bruises on Hinata’s face and the dust on her clothes, and immediately said indignantly, her tone full of dissatisfaction towards those Hyuga boys.
She reached out, took out a clean handkerchief from her pocket, and gently wiped the dust and tear marks off Hinata’s face. Her movements were gentle and delicate.
“Don’t be sad, Hinata,” Ino comforted her, “They are just jealous that you are more talented than them, so they are deliberately making trouble for you. Don’t take their words to heart.”
Ino’s personality is enthusiastic and cheerful, like a burning flame, full of vitality and infectiousness. On the other hand, Hyuga Hinata is introverted and shy, like a delicate flower that needs to be nurtured before it can slowly bloom.
The two of their personalities form a sharp and interesting contrast.
But it was precisely this complementary personality that created a wonderful, indescribable chemical reaction between them during their first real communication.
Ino’s straightforwardness and enthusiasm made Hinata, who was originally a little restrained and inferior, feel a long-lost warmth and relaxation.
Hinata’s quietness and good behavior also made Ino feel that this girl was very cute, and she wanted to protect her and be friends with her.
“Hinata, if you have time, you can come to my house and sit down.” Ino took Hinata’s hand and invited her warmly, “My house is at the edge of the village, not far from here. You can also take a look at my little Hikaru, he is so well behaved and doesn’t cry at all.”
As she spoke, she proudly shook the little guy in her arms, who was looking around curiously with his big black eyes.
Hinata Hyuga looked at the sincere and bright smile on Ino’s face, and then looked at the little baby in her arms, who was as cute as a porcelain doll, and a warm feeling surged in her heart.
She could feel that Sister Ino really wanted to be friends with her and did not look down on her because of her “incompetence”.
“Hmm…” Hinata nodded shyly, her voice still very low, but with a hint of imperceptible expectation.
Xia Fan stood aside, silently watching the interaction between Ino and Hinata, with a hint of relief in her eyes.
He knew that the appearance of Ino might be a good thing for Hinata now. Ino’s cheerfulness and enthusiasm might help Hinata get out of the shadow of inferiority and become more confident and strong.
He also saw the deep lack of confidence and self-doubt in Hinata’s heart.
He thought about it, combined with some of his experiences and insights from his previous life, and decided to speak up to encourage this poor girl.
He walked up to Hinata and spoke slowly in a tone as gentle and sincere as possible:
“Hinata.”
When Hyuga Hinata heard Xia Fan calling her name, her body stiffened slightly, and she raised her head nervously and looked at him.
Xia Fan looked at her eyes that were a little uneasy because of nervousness, smiled slightly, and said: “Just now, I saw you practicing.”
“Ah…” Hinata’s cheeks turned red instantly and her eyes became a little flustered. She subconsciously thought that Xia Fan would laugh at her clumsy movements like her fellow tribesmen.
But Xia Fan’s next words made her feel extremely surprised and… delighted.
“You are very talented.” Xia Fan’s tone was calm and affirmative, and his eyes were full of sincerity. “Although your movements are still a little awkward, your foundation is very solid, and your perception and control of chakra are better than many of your peers. You just… lack some confidence.”
When Hyuga Hinata heard what Xia Fan said, she was stunned.
Have talent?
Is she…really gifted?
From childhood to adulthood, what she heard more was the disappointment of her tribesmen, the harshness of her father, and the ridicule of her peers.
They said she was slow, cowardly, unworthy of the Byakugan, and a disgrace to the Hyuga clan…
No one had ever told her that she was talented.
Moreover, the person who said this was the Uchiha boy who looked a little indifferent but had just rescued her.
His eyes were so sincere, so sure, without any perfunctory or sympathetic look.
Chapter 43: The Shyness of the Young Lady of the Zong Family (Old Version)
This caused an indescribable and unfamiliar emotion to surge in Hinata Hyuga’s heart.
It’s a feeling of being recognized and affirmed.
A warm and powerful feeling she had never experienced before.
“Don’t care too much about other people’s opinions and comments.” Xia Fan continued, his voice gentle and steady, like a clear spring, slowly flowing into Hinata’s dry heart, “Everyone has their own rhythm and shining points. Those who laugh at you may just be because they see your potential and feel threatened, so they use this method to suppress you and make you lose confidence.”
“What you need to do is not to cater to their expectations, nor to doubt yourself because of their denial. What you need to do is to believe in yourself, stick to your own path, and prove your own value with your own efforts and sweat.”
“Hinata, you are excellent, really.” Xia Fan looked into her eyes and said word by word with great seriousness, “As long as you are a little braver, a little more confident, and work hard, you will definitely become a very, very good ninja, and even… surpass all your fellow ninjas.”
Xia Fan’s words came from the heart.
Although he didn’t know much about the Hyuga clan’s gentle fist, he had the soul and experience of an adult, and he could see the potential in Hinata from her brief practice just now.
More importantly, he knew that for a person who had been suffering from inferiority and denial for a long time, a word of sincere encouragement and affirmation could often inspire her inner strength better than any harsh spurring.
Hyuga Hinata listened to Xia Fan’s words in a daze. Every word was like a small stone thrown into the lake of her heart that had long become dead due to inferiority complex, causing circle of ripples.
His voice was so gentle, so sincere, and so… powerful.
Like a ray of warm sunshine, it dispelled the gloom and coldness that had accumulated in her heart for a long time.
Like a pair of strong hands, it gently lifted up her heart that was exhausted from countless falls.
It made her feel unprecedented… recognized, understood, and encouraged.
Crystal clear tears fell uncontrollably from her eyes again.
But this time, it was no longer because of grievance and humiliation, but because of… touching and hope.
“I…can I really…can I?” Hinata’s voice was choked with sobs. She raised her head and looked at Xia Fan with some uncertainty with her eyes blurred by tears.
“Of course.” Xia Fan nodded without hesitation, his eyes full of encouragement and trust, “As long as you believe in yourself, nothing is impossible.”
He reached out his hand, wanting to pat her head gently as if to encourage Sasuke, but then he felt something was wrong, after all, there was a difference between men and women, and they were not familiar with each other.
He had no choice but to take his hand back and gave her a gentle and friendly smile.
To Hinata, that smile was brighter and warmer than the sun.
She looked at Xia Fan, at his sincere and encouraging eyes. The seed in her heart that had been frozen for a long time seemed to quietly break through the ground at this moment, sprouting a faint but vital bud.
Maybe… maybe she could…
Maybe…she can really become a good ninja…
Maybe…she can really…change herself…
Once this idea came into her mind, it spread rapidly in her mind like a spark that set a prairie on fire.
She would carefully squat down, stretch out her hands, and hold the little body exuding the fragrance of milk in her arms with the most gentle movements. Xiaoguang seemed to like Hinata’s scent very much, and would always lean her little head intimately on her neck, making a satisfied “hmm” sound, and her little hands would restlessly grab Hinata’s soft dark blue short hair, or curiously touch her pure white eyes.
Every time at this time, Hinata’s face would unconsciously show a gentle smile that she herself had not noticed. That smile was different from the restrained smile with a little flattery and uneasiness when she was at the Hyuga family. It was from the heart, relaxed and soft.
“Hikari, don’t grab Hinata’s hair, it will hurt her.” Ino would remind her with a smile, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and doting that is unique to a mother, and she might even be holding some freshly cut fruit in her hands.
Xiaoguang blinked his big eyes as if he understood, looked at his mother, then at sister Hinata, but his little hands still did not let go. Instead, he grabbed them even harder, as if it was his favorite new toy.
Hinata would always shake her head and say in a soft voice, “It’s okay…it’s okay, Sister Ino, I’m not hurt. Guang…Guang is very cute.” She would gently guide away Guang’s little hands that were grabbing her hair, and then gently scratch his chubby little nose with her fingertips, making the little guy giggle.
Sasuke stood aside, usually leaning against the door frame with his arms folded, watching the scene coolly. He was no longer the child who was wary of strangers when they first met. The birth of Uchiha Hikaru and the careful care of Kaho and Ino gradually melted his frozen heart, and he began to relearn how to get along with others and how to express kindness.
Sasuke was a little wary of Hinata at first, after all, she was from the Hyuga clan, and the Hyuga and Uchiha clan had not had a harmonious relationship in the past. But Hinata’s innate gentleness and timidity without any aggression, as well as her heartfelt love for Xiaoguang, gradually dispelled Sasuke’s doubts. He found that the eldest daughter of the Hyuga family seemed to be different from the elders in the clan who always had stern faces and sharp eyes. She was very quiet, spoke in a low voice, and was always cautious, like an easily frightened little animal.
Sometimes, Sasuke would see Hinata patiently playing some very childish games with Xiaoguang, such as building blocks together and knocking them down, building them up again, knocking them down again, over and over again, and never getting tired of it. Xiaoguang would scream and giggle excitedly every time, and Hinata would be infected by his happiness, with a faint smile on her lips and a gentle look in her eyes.
“Sister Hinata, Hikari has spread the building blocks everywhere again.” Ino would sometimes shake her head helplessly and pretend to clean up.
“No…it’s okay, Sister Ino, let me do it.” Hinata would rush to pick up the scattered building blocks one by one and put them back into the toy basket. Her movements were gentle and meticulous, without the slightest impatience.
Chapter 44: How to capture Hinata? (Old version)
She seemed to enjoy the feeling of taking care of others, which made her feel needed and valuable.
She would hold Hikaru in her arms, let him lean against her soft arms, rest his little head on her shoulder, and then read the story in the book word by word in her unique voice, as soft as a feather brushing against your ear. Although Hikaru didn’t quite understand the specific content of the story, Hinata’s gentle tone and the colorful pictures in the book were enough to attract his full attention. He would open his big black eyes and look at the pages of the book carefully, and occasionally his little hands would point at the pictures and make “ah ah ah” sounds, as if he was communicating with Hinata.
Sometimes, Hinata would use her Hyuga clan’s unique bloodline limit, the Byakugan, to make Hikari happy. This was usually when Ino didn’t care or Kaho acquiesced.
For example, Ino would deliberately hide Hikari’s favorite small yellow duck toy that could make a “chirp” sound under the sofa cushion or in an inconspicuous corner. Then, she would say to Hikari, “Oh, Hikari’s duck is gone, where did it go?”
When Xiaoguang heard that his toy was missing, he immediately pouted his little mouth, and a layer of mist quickly covered his big eyes, and he was about to cry.
At this time, Hinata would gently touch his little head and whisper, “Don’t cry, Hikaru, Sister Hinata will help you find it.”
As she spoke, she would gently close her eyes, and when she opened them again, fine, spider-web-like veins would appear around her pure white eyes. Her vision instantly became different, and she could clearly see the flow of chakra, penetrate obstacles, and see what was hidden behind them.
She would pretend to “observe” carefully, and then her eyes would “rest” on the sofa cushions or a corner, with a hint of surprise on her face: “Ah, I found it! The duck is here!”
As she spoke, she would “lock” the location of the toy with her eyes rolling, and then guide Xiaoguang, or walk over personally, take out the little yellow duck from under the sofa cushion or in the corner, and hand it to Xiaoguang.
“Chirp!” The little duck made a sound when it was pinched.
“Ah——!” Xiaoguang, who had lost the duck and got it back, immediately burst into laughter. He snatched the little duck and happily kissed Hinata on the face, leaving a wet saliva mark.
“Cluck, cluck, cluck…” Xiaoguang held the little duck and let out a series of clear and melodious laughter, echoing in the room like a string of silver bells.
At this time, Hinata’s heart would be filled with an indescribable, huge joy and satisfaction. Xiaoguang’s innocent laughter was more precious to her than any praise and affirmation. In the Hyuga family, she rarely experienced this pure joy without any utilitarian purpose. There, every effort and every attempt she made seemed to be for the recognition of her father and to get rid of the label of “waste”, which was full of heavy pressure and uncertainty.
And here, in this small, cozy Uchiha cottage, she can temporarily remove all disguises and defenses, and simply enjoy the pleasure of accompanying a child to grow up, and feel the purest love without any impurities.
She discovered that she loved children so much, loved the clean and pure aura around them, loved their innocent smiles, and loved their unreserved reliance and trust in her.
Sasuke would also watch from the side. Although he didn’t express it as directly as Hikaru, Hinata could feel that this seemingly cold boy actually longed for warmth and love deep in his heart. Sometimes, when Hinata told Hikaru a story, Sasuke would pretend not to care and sit not far away, but his ears would quietly stand up and listen carefully. When Hinata used the white eyes to tease Hikaru, the corners of Sasuke’s mouth would inadvertently curl up into a very light and almost imperceptible smile.
Hinata would remember the snacks that Sasuke liked to eat, and would bring some from home next time she came. She would ask him about the ninja school in a very soft voice, and although Sasuke always answered briefly, Hinata could see his kindness and acceptance of this gentle sister from his occasional flickering eyes.
“Hinata, you are so good at taking care of children.” Ino sighed like this more than once, her eyes full of admiration and love for Hinata, “This child, Guang, is usually well-behaved, but he is particularly attached to you. When you come, he is so happy that even I, as a mother, have to stand aside.”
When Ino said this, there was a little bit of “jealousy” in her tone, but more of it was relief. She really liked Hinata, a gentle and kind girl, and was happy to see her son being so close to Hinata.
Although Xia Fan doesn’t talk much, he will watch Hinata and Xiaoguang playing silently with a gentle look. He can see that when Hinata is with the children, she is relaxed and happy from the bottom of her heart, pure without any burden. Hinata in this state is completely different from her cowardly and inferior appearance on the training ground, and her cautious appearance in front of the Hyuga clan.
Xia Fan knew that Hinata was actually a girl who longed to love and be loved. She just wrapped herself in a thick shell because of the oppressive environment she grew up in and her introverted personality. The children’s pure love and dependence, like a ray of warm sunshine, were melting the ice in her heart little by little, allowing her to feel the beauty and hope of life again.
Every time Hinata left Kaho’s house and walked on the way back to Hyuga Mansion, she would always feel complicated. She would miss the warmth and laughter in that little house, the soft hugs and giggles of Hikari, the hearty care of Ino, the eyes of Kaho that always encouraged her even though he didn’t say much, and even the awkward kindness of Sasuke.
In contrast, the solemn, cold and depressing atmosphere of the Hyuga mansion made her feel suffocated. She knew that she was increasingly yearning for a family life full of laughter, love for each other, and without so many rules and pressures.
Although Kaho’s home seemed a little poor and simple because of the misfortune it had just experienced, it possessed the most precious warmth and human touch that the Hyuga mansion did not have.
This yearning, like a seed quietly planted in Hinata’s heart, slowly took root and sprouted with every contact, giving her an indescribable sense of belonging and closeness to this small Uchiha family.
Chapter 45: Encounter during Moonlight Cultivation (Old Version)
She began to look forward to every visit to Xia Fan’s house. To her, it was like a traveler in the desert finally finding an oasis where she could rest temporarily and replenish her energy.
The days passed slowly in a peaceful and warm daily life. With Hinata’s company, Uchiha Hikaru learned to speak more words. Although he still babbled incoherently, he could clearly call out “sister”, “mom”, “dad” and “assistant” (Sasuke). He became more lively and active, and more dependent on Hinata.
Hinata also gained strength and courage little by little from her interactions with this small family. The pure love of the children made her feel the value of being needed; Ino’s friendship and support made her feel the warmth of a sister; and Kaho’s encouragement and affirmation made her see a ray of light in the confusion.
She would still work hard silently on the Hyuga family’s training ground, still feel frustrated by her father’s strictness, and still feel sad because of the ridicule of her fellow tribesmen. But what was different from the past was that her heart now had more warmth to comfort her and more expectations to confide in.
She knew that on the other side of the village, there was a place where people cared about her, liked her, and were willing to listen to her. This knowledge was like a small lighthouse, illuminating a small area in her gloomy life, preventing her from being completely lost in the ocean of inferiority and despair.
As he came into contact with Hinata more and more, Xia Fan gradually got to know this introverted and kind girl better. He no longer just regarded her as a poor young lady of the Hyuga clan who needed help, but began to truly appreciate her shining qualities – her gentleness, her kindness, her tenacity, and her deep desire for a better life.
On a rainy evening, the air was particularly fresh. Hinata was severely reprimanded by her father, Hyuga Hiashi, for failing again in the family sparring, and came to Kaho’s house in a depressed mood. Ino happened to take Xiaoguang to the Yamanaka Flower Shop to help, and Sasuke was not at home because he had extra tutoring at the Ninja School.
There were only Kaho and Hinata in the cabin.
Xia Fan was preparing dinner in the kitchen when she saw Hinata walk in with a dazed look on her face and red eyes, as if she had just cried. She guessed that Hinata had been wronged at home again.
He didn’t ask any more questions, but silently poured her a cup of warm barley tea and motioned for her to sit down at the small table in the living room.
Hinata held the warm teacup, feeling the warmth coming from her palms, and the grievance and bitterness in her heart seemed to be relieved a little. She lowered her head, sipped the tea in small sips, and remained silent.
Xia Fan did not rush to speak. He continued to be busy in the kitchen. The sound of cutting vegetables and the sound of the spatula hitting the iron pot were particularly clear in the quiet little house, but they also strangely dispelled some of the uneasiness and discomfort in Hinata’s heart.
After a while, Xia Fan came out with two bowls of steaming vegetable ramen with an enticing aroma and placed one of them in front of Hinata.
“Eat something first. You probably haven’t had dinner yet.” Xia Fan’s tone was calm and natural. There was no deliberate comfort, but it made people feel a solid warmth.
Hinata looked at the bowl of ramen in front of her, which was delicious, with a golden fried egg, a few slices of green vegetables, and finely chopped bamboo shoots and seaweed, and her heart couldn’t help but warm up. She was indeed hungry. She had hardly eaten anything since the end of the sparring in the afternoon. She only felt aggrieved and tired.
“Thank…thank you, Xia Fan-kun.” Hinata thanked him softly, picked up the chopsticks, lowered her head embarrassedly, and started eating in small bites.
Xia Fan also sat down opposite her and ate his own ramen quietly.
For a moment, the only sounds in the hut were the gentle sound of the two people slurping noodles and the sound of raindrops hitting the eaves outside the window. The atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.
After eating ramen, Xia Fan cleaned up the dishes. Hinata wanted to help, but was rejected by Xia Fan.
When Xia Fan came out of the kitchen, she saw Hinata still sitting there in a depressed mood, holding the empty teacup in both hands, looking at the dripping rain outside the window with a dazed look.
Xia Fan sat down on the small stool opposite her, was silent for a moment, and then slowly spoke, his voice was not loud, but it was full of calm strength: “Have you been wronged at home again?”
Hinata’s body stiffened slightly. She didn’t expect Xia Fan to ask so directly. She lowered her head, her fingers unconsciously stroking the teacup in her hand, and didn’t answer immediately.
Xia Fan did not urge her, but waited quietly. He knew that for an introverted girl like Hinata, it was not easy to take the initiative to talk.
After a long while, Hinata finally said “hmm” softly in an almost inaudible voice with a hint of sob.
“Or is it because of… the sparring?” Xia Fan continued to ask, his tone remaining calm, like that of a patient listener.
Hinata nodded, her eyes slightly red again. She took a deep breath, as if trying to calm herself down, and then began to talk to Xia Fan in a staccato, nasal voice.
“Father… he said that I… I haven’t made any progress… I… have brought shame to the Hyuga clan…” Hinata’s voice was very low, full of grievance and helplessness, “I… I have been practicing very hard… But… But I always… I always fail…”
“He also said… that someone like me… is not worthy… not worthy of being the heir of the main family… that… that Hanabi is much better than me… much better than me…” Hinata’s voice was filled with a hint of loss and bitterness that was difficult to conceal. Hanabi was her younger sister, a few years younger than her, but she was far more talented in soft fists than her. She had been highly expected by her clan members and admired by her father since she was a child.
“I… Am I really… really that useless? Xia Fan-kun…” Hinata raised her head and looked at Xia Fan with her eyes filled with tears and confusion, like a lost child, desperately wanting to get an answer from him, or… a hint of affirmation.
Xia Fan listened to Hinata’s confession quietly, without interrupting her or rushing to express his own opinion. He could feel the huge pressure and deep inferiority in Hinata’s heart from her trembling voice and helpless eyes.
He remembered what he once said to Hinata, about self-confidence and persistence.
Chapter 46: Teaching Hinata Taijutsu (Old Version)
But he also understood that for someone who had lived in an environment of denial and suppression for a long time, it would be difficult to build up real self-confidence in a short period of time relying solely on a few words of encouragement.
After Hinata calmed down a little, Xia Fan spoke slowly, his voice gentle but firm: “Hinata, I told you before that you are very talented, you just lack confidence.”
“But…but father…they all said that I…” Hinata lowered her head and her voice became a little timid again.
“Other people’s evaluations cannot completely define you.” Xia Fan looked at her with a serious look, “The Hyuga family’s requirements for the heir may not completely match your own characteristics. But this does not mean that you are useless, nor does it mean that you have no value.”
“I…” Hinata looked at Xia Fan in confusion, as if she didn’t quite understand what he meant.
Xia Fan organized his words and continued, “Hinata, do you know? The Uchiha clan was once one of the most powerful families in Konoha, and possessed a powerful bloodline limit like the Sharingan.”
Hinata nodded, she naturally knew all this.
“But even such a powerful Uchiha eventually fell into ruin due to various reasons.” Xia Fan’s tone was filled with a trace of pain and regret that was not easily detected. “Now, there are only Sasuke and I, and the newly born Hikari. The responsibility of revitalizing the Uchiha has fallen on my shoulders.”
Hinata listened quietly. She could feel the heavy sense of responsibility in Xia Fan’s tone when he said this.
“What I desire is not only to restore the former glory of the Uchiha clan, but more importantly, to rebuild a truly strong and warm clan.” Xia Fan looked out the window with deep eyes, “A clan that no longer has so many cold rules and ruthless fights, a clan where every member can feel loved and be loved, can freely pursue their dreams, can support each other and make progress together.”
“A…warm family…” Hinata murmured these words, her eyes full of longing. Isn’t this what she desires most in her heart?
“Yes, a warm family.” Xia Fan turned back and looked at Hinata with a hint of expectation in his eyes, “A strong family requires not only strong power, but also the bond and trust between members, and gentleness and kindness as a bond. Otherwise, no matter how powerful the power is, it may fall apart due to internal friction.”
Xia Fan’s words, like a bright light, illuminated a vague corner of Hinata’s heart. She seemed to understand what Xia Fan wanted to express.
“I… I can understand, Kaho-kun.” Hinata said softly. Her eyes were no longer as confused as before, with a hint of thought and understanding. “In the Hyuga family… although the main family has supreme power, the branch families must obey unconditionally… but… I always feel… that something is missing…”
“What’s missing?” Xia Fan guided her to continue.
“It’s lacking… a kind of… a kind of true family affection and warmth…” Hinata’s voice was a little hesitant, but she still mustered up the courage to speak out, “Everyone… everyone seems to only care about the purity of the bloodline limit and the strength of the power. Few people really care about each other’s inner feelings… Just like me… I obviously tried very hard… but… I didn’t get recognition… Instead… I felt more and more pressure…”
She took a deep breath and confided to Xia Fan the confusion and bewilderment that had been suppressed in her heart for a long time: “I don’t know… I don’t know what the meaning of my existence is… If I can’t become a qualified heir to the clan… If I can’t satisfy my father… Then what value do I have?”
“I’m even…even a little scared…afraid that I’ll be like those members of the branch family who were cursed with the caged bird…live forever under the control of others…never have freedom…” Hinata’s voice got lower and lower, with a hint of deep fear and powerlessness.
Xia Fan looked at her fragile and helpless appearance, and couldn’t help but feel a trace of pity in his heart. He knew that the Hyuga clan’s main and branch family system, as well as the cruel caged bird curse, were a heavy yoke for every Hyuga clan member. Especially for a girl like Hinata who was gentle and sensitive, that kind of invisible pressure and fear was like a nightmare, lingering in her heart all the time.
“Hinata,” Xia Fan’s voice became softer, with a soothing power, “Your value has never been defined by others, nor is it determined by whether you can become a qualified heir to the main family.”
“You have a kind character, a gentle heart, and an unyielding will, which are all very valuable assets. You may not be as good as Hanabi in the offensiveness of your gentle fist, but you have your own unique advantages in the fine control and perception of chakra. You just haven’t found the path that really suits you, and you haven’t learned how to bring out your own advantages.”
Xia Fan’s words, like a clear spring, slowly flowed into Hinata’s dry heart, giving her a sense of long-lost comfort and encouragement.
“Xia Fan-kun…” Hinata raised her head and looked at Xia Fan’s sincere and encouraging eyes, and a warm current surged in her heart. She found that every time she chatted with Xia Fan-kun, she could gain some new knowledge and strength from it. Xia Fan-kun was not like the elders in the family who would only blame and deny her. He always saw the advantages in her that she herself had overlooked, and guided her to think and change in a way that she could understand and accept.
“Family responsibilities are certainly important, but personal happiness and pursuits should not be neglected either.” Xia Fan continued, “A truly powerful family should be able to allow every member to find their own position, play their own value, and feel happy and a sense of belonging. Instead of using cold rules and strict requirements to stifle individual nature and pursuits.”
Xia Fan’s words deeply touched Hinata’s heart. She had never thought that there could be such an understanding of “family” and “responsibility”. In her cognition, the interests of the family always come first, and personal wishes and emotions are insignificant in front of the will of the family.
But Xia Fanjun’s words made her see a new possibility.
Chapter 47 Hinata’s Favorability Improvement (Old Version)
A possibility…to shoulder family responsibilities while pursuing personal happiness.
“Xia Fan-kun…you…I understand everything you said…” Hinata nodded, with a glimmer of enlightenment in her eyes, “Thank you…thank you for listening to me…and thank you…for your encouragement all the time…”
“You’re welcome.” Xia Fan smiled slightly, “We are friends, aren’t we?”
“Well…friend…” Hinata repeated the word softly, feeling a warm feeling in her heart. This was the first time she felt the weight and meaning of the word “friend” so clearly.
After this in-depth communication, Kaho became one of the few people Hinata could truly confide in.
Hinata would tell Kaho without reservation about the troubles she encountered in her family, the confusion she encountered in training, and even some small wishes and dreams that she usually didn’t dare to tell anyone.
Xia Fan would always listen to her every word patiently, understand her situation, and feel her emotions. He would not easily judge her thoughts and actions like others, nor would he teach her or instruct her in the manner of an elder.
He is more like a wise and gentle brother, or an experienced guide. He will combine his own experience and knowledge as a time traveler, and use a subtle way to guide Hinata to know herself, discover her strengths, and face her shortcomings.
He would tell Hinata that being introvert and gentle is not a weakness, but a unique charm. A truly powerful person does not necessarily have to be as blazing and dazzling as a flame, but can also be like flowing water, seemingly weak, but able to embrace everything, moistening things silently, and possessing the tenacity and strength of dripping water wearing away a stone.
He would encourage Hinata to bravely try new things and not be afraid of failure. Every failure is a valuable experience accumulation, which can bring her one step closer to success.
He will teach Hinata some simple and effective relaxation techniques and psychological suggestion methods to help her better adjust her mentality and stay calm and confident when facing pressure and challenges.
For example, when Hinata is frustrated because of her poor performance in a sparring session, Kaho tells her: “Hinata, don’t focus only on the result. What’s more important is what you learned in the process and what aspects of yourself you need to improve. Treat every sparring session as an opportunity to improve yourself, not a test to prove whether you can do it or not.”
When Hinata felt aggrieved and self-doubting because of her father’s harsh rebuke, Xia Fan would enlighten her: “Hinata, your father is strict with you, perhaps because he has high expectations of you, but the way he expresses it may be a little harsh. You can try to understand the motives behind his behavior, but there is no need to deny yourself completely because of his denial. You have your own pace and way of growth. Don’t be bound by the standards of others.”
When Hinata feels confused about the future and doesn’t know where to go, Xia Fan will guide her: “Hinata, calm down and ask yourself, what do you really want? What do you like to do? What are you good at? Don’t be bothered by the identity of ‘the eldest lady of the main family’, and regard it as a starting point, not an end. You can choose to become an excellent ninja and protect the people you want to protect; you can also choose to do something you like and are good at, so that your life will become more fulfilling and happy.”
These words of Xia Fan, like a wisp of spring rain, quietly moistened Hinata’s sensitive and fragile heart. She gradually found that she was no longer as easily as before, falling into inferiority and depression because of others’ denial. Her heart began to become stronger and more resilient.
She began to try to apply the techniques that Xia Fan taught her in her training, such as taking deep breaths before sparring to adjust her mindset; after sparring, she carefully reviewed her performance and summarized her experience and lessons. She found that although her progress was still slow, her mindset was much calmer and more confident than before.
She began to try to express her thoughts and feelings bravely in her life, and no longer kept all the grievances and uneasiness in her heart as she did before. She found that when she mustered up the courage to speak out her thoughts, it was not as scary as she had imagined, but instead made her feel an unprecedented sense of ease and relief.
She even began to try to no longer just silently endure and cry when facing her father’s harshness, but to muster up the courage to explain her thoughts and efforts to her father in a calm and firm tone. Although the results were often not satisfactory, she found that she was no longer as afraid of her father as before.
All these changes are inseparable from Xia Fan’s listening and guidance. Hinata’s heart is full of gratitude to Xia Fan, and gradually develops an indescribable sense of dependence on her.
She found that she liked being with Xia Fanjun more and more, liked listening to him talk, liked looking at his eyes that were always filled with a gentle smile. When she was with him, she always felt an inexplicable sense of security and steadiness. It seemed that as long as Xia Fanjun was there, no matter how big the difficulties and troubles were, they could be easily solved.
This sense of dependence, like an invisible vine, quietly spreads and grows in Hinata’s heart, making her unconsciously regard Kaho as a very important person in her life, someone she can trust, rely on, and give her strength and direction.
Xia Fan was keenly aware of Hinata’s dependence on him, and also felt the pure and beautiful emotions deep in the girl’s heart. He knew that the time might be slowly coming.
To revitalize the Uchiha clan, more outstanding bloodlines and powerful talents are needed. Hinata, whether in terms of her bloodline limit potential or her character and temperament, is a very suitable candidate.
More importantly, after spending some time together, Xia Fan discovered that he had developed a heartfelt appreciation and sympathy for this gentle, kind, hardworking girl. He hoped to give her a real home, a home where she could break free from the shackles of the past and find true happiness and joy.
On a sunny afternoon, Hinata came to Xia Fan’s house again. This time, she brought good news.
Chapter 48 “Xia Fan-kun, thank you.” (Old version)
Although she did not get the top score in the most recent physical examination of the Ninja School, she managed to persevere to the end, and at the critical moment, she used some techniques that Xia Fan had taught her, and narrowly defeated a companion who often laughed at her.
This was the first time that she defeated an opponent who was slightly stronger than herself in a public assessment. Although it was only a small victory, it was of great significance to Hinata.
“Kaho-kun! Ino-nee! I…I did it!” Hinata said to Kaho and Ino excitedly as she entered the door. Her cheeks flushed slightly because of excitement, and her beautiful white eyes were shining with unprecedented brilliance.
“Really? Hinata! That’s great!” Ino immediately ran over and gave Hinata a big hug, feeling really happy for her.
Xia Fan also looked at her with a smile, his eyes full of admiration: “I knew you could do it, Hinata.”
“Yeah!” Hinata nodded heavily, her heart filled with joy and gratitude. She knew that all these changes were inseparable from Xia Fanjun’s encouragement and guidance.
That afternoon, Xia Fan and Hinata sat under the old locust tree in the yard. The sun shone through the dense branches and leaves, casting mottled light and shadows on the ground. The breeze blew, bringing bursts of coolness. Xiao Guang was chasing a dancing butterfly on the grass not far away, giggling. Sasuke sat aside, quietly wiping his kunai. Ino was preparing tea in the house.
Everything seems so peaceful and beautiful.
Xia Fan looked at the genuine, bright smile on Hinata’s face and felt that this was the right time.
He took a deep breath, organized his words, and then said to Hinata in a calm but extremely serious tone: “Hinata.”
“Huh?” Hinata turned her head and looked at Xia Fan with some confusion.
“Your Byakugan is a very powerful bloodline limit, and it has great potential.” Xia Fan’s eyes were gentle and sincere, “and your gentleness and kindness are one of the most precious qualities in this world. They can bring harmony and warmth to a family.”
Hinata’s cheeks felt slightly hot as she listened to what Xia Fan said, and she felt confused as to why Xia Fan suddenly said this.
Xia Fan looked at her eyes that were a little uneasy because of shyness, and continued: “Hinata, you have the potential to become an excellent ninja, and you also have the power to make a family better.”
His voice paused, and his eyes became deeper and more serious: “The future of Uchiha needs someone as gentle and powerful as you.”
Hinata’s heart skipped a beat. She looked at Xia Fan in disbelief, as if she didn’t quite understand the real meaning of his words.
Xia Fan looked at her confused and flattered look and sighed in his heart. He knew that for an introverted and sensitive girl like Hinata, a more direct and honest expression was needed.
He reached out and gently held Hinata’s little hand, which was slightly cold due to nervousness and was placed on her knees.
Hinata’s body suddenly stiffened, her cheeks instantly turned red like a ripe apple, and her heartbeat began to accelerate uncontrollably. She subconsciously wanted to pull her hand back, but Xia Fan held it tightly and would not let her retreat.
“Hinata,” Xia Fan looked into her eyes and spoke clearly, word by word, “I need your strength to help me revive the Uchiha clan. But more importantly, I truly admire your character. I hope to give you a warm home, a home where you can break free from the shackles of the past and find true happiness and joy.”
“I…I hope to work with you to create the future of Uchiha, and also to create…our own future.”
Xia Fan’s voice was calm and firm. Every word was like a small stone thrown into Hinata’s heart, which was already turbulent due to nervousness and excitement, causing ripples one after another.
Confessed!
Xia Fan-kun…he…he actually confessed to me!
Hinata felt her brain go blank, her ears were buzzing, she couldn’t hear anything, she could only feel her heart beating violently in her chest, almost jumping out of her throat.
Her cheeks were so hot that they could fry eggs. She didn’t even dare to look up at Xia Fan’s eyes, and could only stare at her toes, wishing she could find a crack in the ground to crawl into.
Xia Fan looked at her shy face, almost fainting, and couldn’t help but feel a little funny, but also more pity. He knew that this girl must have been frightened by his sudden confession.
He didn’t say anything more, but just held her hand quietly, giving her enough time to digest and think.
Time passed minute by minute, and the yard was so quiet that the only sounds could be heard were the rustling of leaves in the wind and Xiaoguang’s occasional laughter.
Hinata’s heart, however, felt like it had experienced a devastating tsunami.
Shock, joy, shyness, uneasiness, anticipation, fear…all these complicated emotions, like an overturned bottle of five flavors, intertwined and rolled in her heart, making her not know what to do for a moment.
Xia Fan-kun…he actually said…he needed me…
He actually said… admire myself…
He actually said… he wanted to give himself a warm home…
He actually said… that he wanted to create the future with me…
This…is this true?
Am I dreaming?
Hinata pinched her palm hard, and the clear pain told her that all this was real.
Xia Fanjun, the person who had always quietly encouraged her, supported her, given her strength and direction, the person who existed like a beacon in her heart, actually…actually did this to herself…
Hinata’s heart was filled with an indescribable surge of ecstasy and excitement. She felt like a traveler who had been trekking in the desert for a long time and suddenly saw an oasis, an oasis full of hope and vitality.
She remembered how good Xia Fan had always been to her. She remembered how he had stood up for her in the training ground, how he had listened to her troubles patiently, how he had enlightened her with wisdom and strength, and how his eyes were always filled with a gentle smile when he looked at her…
She remembered the rare warmth and humanity of the Uchiha family, Ino’s bright smile and selfless help, Hikaru’s soft hug and innocent smile, Sasuke’s awkward but genuine kindness…
Chapter 49 Potential 41! Not bad! (Old version)
…
She thought of her deep desire for a family life full of love and being loved, where she could breathe freely and pursue her dreams…
If…if I could be with Kaho-kun…
If I could become a member of this warm family…
If I could escape the suffocating constraints of the Hyuga family…
If you can find true happiness that belongs to you…
Once this idea came into her mind, it spread rapidly in her heart like a spark that set a prairie on fire, making her feel an unprecedented strong desire and impulse.
but……
She thought about her identity again, the eldest daughter of the Hyuga family…
Thinking of my father’s stern and old-fashioned face…
Thinking of the family’s rules that cannot be violated…
What’s more… Xia Fan-kun… he already has Ino-nee…
Can I… really do it myself?
Am I…really worthy of it?
For a moment, Hinata’s heart was filled with contradictions and struggles. Joy and anticipation, and anxiety and fear, were fighting fiercely in her heart.
Xia Fan seemed to see through her inner concerns. He gently squeezed her hand and said in a soothing tone: “Hinata, I know you must have a lot of questions and concerns in your heart now. You don’t have to give me the answer right away. You can think about it slowly and tell me when you have thought it through.”
“I just want you to know that my feelings are sincere. No matter what choice you make, I respect you.”
Xia Fan’s words calmed Hinata’s troubled heart a little. She raised her head and met Xia Fan’s sincere and tolerant eyes.
In those eyes, she saw understanding, respect, and… love.
At that moment, all the hesitation and uneasiness in Hinata’s heart seemed to be melted away by the tenderness and determination in those eyes.
She suddenly felt that she could no longer be as cowardly and retreat as before.
Happiness is something you need to fight for yourself.
The future needs to be created by yourself.
She took a deep breath and mustered up the greatest courage she had ever had in her life.
She looked at Xia Fan, her eyes filled with shyness, but more than that, there was an unprecedented firmness and determination.
Her voice trembled slightly due to nervousness and excitement, but every word was unusually clear:
“Xia Fan-kun…I…I do!”
“I am willing… to be with you… for the Uchiha… and for… ourselves…”
When these words came out of Hinata’s mouth, she felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted off her shoulders, and her whole body became relaxed. At the same time, there was also an indescribable and huge sense of happiness that surrounded her tightly.
When Xia Fan heard Hinata’s answer, a bright smile appeared on his face. He held Hinata’s hand tightly, his heart filled with indescribable joy and excitement.
He knew that from this moment on, the Uchiha clan’s future would have a powerful booster and gentle protection, and his own future would become more complete and beautiful with the addition of this girl.
Just as Kaho and Hinata were immersed in this joy and anticipation, Ino came out of the house with tea and snacks.
She noticed the subtle change in the atmosphere in the yard at a glance, and also saw Xia Fan and Hinata’s tightly clasped hands, and the joy and shyness on their faces that were difficult to conceal.
As someone who had experienced it, Ino understood what had happened.
On her face, there appeared a smile that showed understanding, relief and blessing.
In fact, Ino had already noticed what Xia Fan was thinking. She understood her husband, knew that he shouldered the responsibility of revitalizing the Uchiha clan, and also knew his desire for a strong and warm family.
Ino also really likes Hinata, a gentle, kind and tough girl. She treats Hinata as her own sister and hopes that she can break free from the shackles of the Hyuga family and find true happiness.
If Kaho and Hinata can be together, it might be a good thing for the future of Uchiha, Hinata’s happiness, and even for their small family.
Ino is not the kind of woman who is petty, jealous and suspicious. She loves Xia Fan deeply and understands the pressure and responsibility he bears as an orphan of the Uchiha clan. She knows that in this cruel ninja world, it is far from enough to rely on the strength of one or two people to revive a once glorious family.
What’s more, the relationship between her and Xia Fan is no longer just that of husband and wife. They also share common ideals and goals, and a tacit understanding and trust to share life and death.
She believed in Kaho’s vision and Hinata’s character.
So, when she saw this scene, her heart did not feel the slightest bit of jealousy or dissatisfaction, but was instead filled with relief and blessings.
She gently placed the refreshments on the stone table, then walked over to Xia Fan and Hinata, with a gentle and kind smile on her face, and said, “It seems that I missed some important moment?”
When Xia Fan and Hinata heard Ino’s voice, they both let go of each other’s hands a little embarrassedly. Hinata’s cheeks were red as if they were about to bleed, and she lowered her head, not daring to look into Ino’s eyes.
Xia Fan looked at Ino calmly, with a hint of gratitude and apology in her eyes: “Ino…”
Ino waved her hand at him, signaling him not to say anything more. Then, she walked to Hinata, gently took Hinata’s hand, and said softly: “Hinata, you don’t have to be nervous or shy. In fact, I have already seen that Xia Fan-kun has a good impression of you.”
“Besides, I like you as my younger sister. I would be very happy if you could become a member of our family.” Ino’s tone was sincere and frank, without any hypocrisy.
When Hinata heard Ino’s words, she looked up in disbelief, and looking at the warm and inclusive smile on Ino’s face, she felt an indescribable emotion in her heart.
She didn’t expect that Sister Ino would actually…actually accept her so easily…
She originally thought that Sister Ino would be angry, sad, and…
“Sister Ino…I…” Hinata’s voice was choked with sobs, and she didn’t know what to say.
“Silly girl,” Ino smiled and touched her head, like a gentle sister, “We are all family, there is no need to say so many polite words. From now on, we are real sisters, we must support and take care of each other, okay?
Chapter 50 Reward: Spiritual Power +10, Samadhi True Fire! (Old Version)
“Yeah!” Hinata nodded heavily, her eyes slightly moist. She felt that she was so lucky to have met Kaho-kun, Ino-sister, and to have such a warm and inclusive family.
Xia Fan was moved and relieved when he saw this scene. He knew that Ino’s understanding and support were very important to him and Hinata. With a good wife like Ino, he could pursue his ideals and goals with more peace of mind.
“Ino, thank you.” Xia Fan walked to Ino and gently held her in her arms, her voice full of gratitude and love.
“We are husband and wife, there is no need to thank me.” Ino leaned in Xia Fan’s arms with a happy smile on her face.
In the yard, the sun is shining brightly and the breeze is not dry. The hearts of the family are closely connected because of love and understanding.
However, the road to happiness is often not smooth.
When Hinata mustered up the courage to tell her father, the current head of the Hyuga clan, Hyuga Hiashi, about her and Kaho’s affairs and her decision to join the Uchiha family, it was no surprise that she was met with thunderous opposition from Hyuga Hiashi.
“Nonsense! This is absolute nonsense!” After hearing what Hinata said, Hyuga Hiashi was so angry that his face turned blue. He slammed the table hard, making a loud “bang” sound, which made the teacup jump up.
“The eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan and the future heir is going to marry a fallen Uchiha orphan? And he already has a wife? This is simply a great shame! It is the greatest blasphemy against our Hyuga clan!” Hyuga Hiashi’s voice trembled slightly with anger, his eyes were full of disappointment and anger.
He paced back and forth in the room like an enraged lion, and rebuked in a stern tone: “Hinata! You disappoint me so much! I worked so hard to train you, hoping that you could shoulder the responsibility of the main family and carry forward the Hyuga clan! Not to let you pursue those illusory, so-called personal happiness!”
“What kind of magic potion did that Uchiha Kaho give you? That he made you disregard the honor of your family and your own identity?” Hyuga Hiashi’s eyes were as sharp as a knife, glaring at Hinata fiercely, as if he wanted to see through her.
Hinata was frightened by her father’s powerful aura and harsh rebuke, and she was trembling all over and her face turned pale, but there was a different, stubborn determination in her eyes.
“Father… I… I haven’t forgotten my identity… nor have I forgotten the honor of my family…” Hinata’s voice was still a little timid, but she tried to keep herself calm, “But… I… I also want to pursue my own happiness… I also want… I want to have a warm home…”
“A warm home?” Hinata Hiashi sneered, “Can’t our Hyuga family give you warmth? As the eldest daughter of the main family, you have fine clothes and food, and a noble status. Isn’t that enough?”
“No… Father… You don’t understand…” Hinata shook her head, her eyes slightly red, “The warmth I want… is not material… but… but spiritual…”
“Spiritual?” Hyuga Hiashi frowned even more tightly. “Ninjas don’t need those weak emotions! What we, the Hyuga clan, need is powerful strength and absolute obedience! Not these sentimental things!”
“Hinata, I’m telling you, I absolutely don’t agree with this!” Hyuga Hiashi’s tone left no room for doubt, “Give up that thought right now! From today on, you are not allowed to have any contact with that Uchiha Kaho! Otherwise, don’t blame me for invoking the family rules!”
Hinata naturally understood what the so-called “family rules” meant. At the very least, she would be confined to her room, and at the worst… she couldn’t imagine it.
“Father…” Hinata’s eyes were full of pleading and helplessness.
But Hyuga Hiashi had a heart of stone and was not moved at all. He coldly flicked his sleeves, turned his back, no longer looked at Hinata, and said in an unquestionable tone: “Go down! Reflect on yourself! When you have figured it out, come see me again!”
Hinata looked at her father’s cold and resolute back, her heart filled with despair and powerlessness. She knew that it was almost impossible to get her father’s consent.
But she didn’t want to give up.
She didn’t want to go back to the depressing and desperate life she had lived before. She had tasted warmth and hope, and she didn’t want to lose them again.
After Hinata told Xia Fan about Hyuga Hiashi’s reaction, Xia Fan was not surprised. He knew that it would not be easy to convince such a stubborn and powerful family leader as Hyuga Hiashi.
“Hinata, don’t worry.” Xia Fan comforted the depressed Hinata, “Leave this matter to me. I will personally visit Lord Hiashi and have a good talk with him.”
“But… Xia Fan-kun… my father… he is very stubborn… and… and he might harm you…” Hinata looked at Xia Fan with some concern. She knew her father’s temper, and she also knew the grudges that the Hyuga clan had against the Uchiha clan.
“Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing.” Xia Fan gave her a reassuring smile, his eyes full of confidence.
The next day, Xia Fan went to the heavily guarded Hyuga mansion alone.
After he gave his name and stated his purpose, he was immediately taken to Hinata Hiashi’s study.
Inside the study, the atmosphere was heavy and depressing.
Hyuga Hiashi sat on the main seat, expressionless, and looking sharply at the young man in front of him. He exuded a powerful aura that was unique to those in a higher position, which was intimidating without anger, like a heavy mountain, pressing people to the point of suffocation.
Xia Fan, however, looked calm, neither humble nor arrogant, standing there, calmly facing the scrutinizing gaze of Hinata Hiashi. He knew that he had to pass this level.
“Are you Uchiha Kaho?” Hinata Hiashi spoke first, his voice low and majestic, with a hint of imperceptible contempt.
“Yes, Lord Hiashi.” Xia Fan nodded slightly, his tone calm.
“Humph, you are so bold!” Hyuga Hiashi snorted coldly, “How dare you seduce the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan and make her do such a shameful thing! Do you know your crime?!”
A powerful mental pressure, like a physical entity, pressed down towards Xia Fan like an overwhelming force!
Xia Fan only felt a flash before his eyes, as if there were countless invisible sharp blades that were about to tear his spirit apart!
Chapter 51: The Evolution of Flame Ability (Old Version)
But he did not panic. He took a deep breath, and the chakra in his body circulated slightly. An equally strong spiritual power emanated from him, cleverly offsetting the pressure from Hinata Hiashi.
“Master Hiashi, you are too kind.” Xia Fan’s tone remained calm, but his eyes became sharp. “Hinata and I are in love with each other, how can you say she is bewitched? As for the humiliation of the family, it is even more nonsense. Marriage between men and women is a normal human nature, how can it be humiliating?”
“Mutually in love?” Hyuga Hiashi’s eyes became even colder. “How can I, the eldest daughter of the Hyuga clan, marry a fallen Uchiha orphan like you? What’s more, you already have a wife! If this gets out, will the Hyuga clan still have face?”
“Master Hiashi, the honor of the family is important, but personal happiness should not be sacrificed.” Xia Fan argued, “Hinata is not happy in the Hyuga family. I believe you know this better than me. She is introverted and sensitive, not good at fighting, and may not be suitable to be the future leader of the Hyuga family. But she is kind and gentle, tough inside, and has many precious qualities. If she is forced to be in a position that is not suitable for her, it will only make her more miserable and unable to play her true value.”
“How dare you!” Hinata Hiashi slammed the table and shouted angrily, “It is not your turn as an outsider to interfere in the affairs of my Hyuga family!”
“I don’t mean to interfere in the Hyuga family’s affairs.” Xia Fan’s tone was still neither humble nor arrogant, “I just want to fight for Hinata’s right to pursue happiness. I promise that if Hinata can join my family, I will treat her well and give her a warm and free environment so that she can do what she likes, use her talents, and find true happiness.”
“Hmph, you speak better than you sing!” Hinata Hiashi sneered, “You are an orphan of the Uchiha clan, and you can’t even protect yourself. How can you guarantee Hinata’s happiness? How can you revive your long-destroyed Uchiha clan?”
“Although the Uchiha clan has temporarily declined, it will never sink!” Xia Fan’s eyes flashed with a determined light, “I, Xia Fan, swear here that I will definitely restore the glory of the Uchiha clan! Let the name of the Uchiha clan resound throughout the ninja world once again!”
“As for how to ensure Hinata’s happiness…” Xia Fan’s mouth curled up with a confident arc, “Lord Hiashi, perhaps, you can take a look at my Uchiha’s sincerity and potential.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Xia Fan quickly formed seals with his hands!
With a low roar, a several-meter-long, lifelike flaming dragon suddenly burst out of Xia Fan’s mouth!
The blazing flames illuminated the entire study room in red! The violent energy fluctuations distorted the air!
The giant flaming dragon did not attack anyone. Instead, under Xia Fan’s precise control, it circled in the study, then rushed out of the window with a roar, and suddenly exploded on an open space in the courtyard!
There was a loud bang and the ground shook slightly!
Hinata Hiashi’s pupils suddenly shrank!
Although he has been through many battles and witnessed countless powerful ninjutsu, it is rare for someone like Xia Fan, at such a young age, to be able to perform C-level fire ninjutsu with such power and control it so precisely!
What frightened him even more was the calmness and confidence in Xia Fan’s eyes when he performed this ninjutsu!
This young man is not simple!
This is just Fire Style. If his Uchiha Sharingan is still there…
For the first time, Hinata Hiashi felt a sense of real respect for this Uchiha orphan.
“Master Hiashi, this is just a tiny display of our Uchiha’s strength.” Xia Fan retracted the ninjutsu and said calmly, “I believe that as long as I am given enough time, the future of the Uchiha will not be worse than any other famous family.”
“Moreover, Lord Hiashi, have you ever thought that the combination of Uchiha and Hyuga may not be a bad thing for the two families, but may bring some unexpected value?” Xia Fan changed the subject and brought up a new topic.
“Value?” Hinata Hiashi raised his eyebrows slightly.
“Yes, it’s valuable.” Xia Fan’s eyes sparkled with wisdom. “Uchiha’s Sharingan and Hyuga’s Byakugan are both the top bloodline limits in the ninja world. If these two bloodlines can be combined, is it possible for future generations to inherit these two powerful powers at the same time? Or even… produce a more powerful mutation?”
Although this was just a bold assumption made by Xia Fan based on his memories of his previous life and had no practical basis, to Hinata Hiashi it was like a bolt from the blue, causing his heart to tremble!
A combination of the Sharingan and the Byakugan?
He had never thought of such a thing!
No one has ever dared to think about it!
If…if this can really be realized…what does it mean to the Hyuga clan?
Although the Hyuga clan is powerful, it is also facing the bottleneck of bloodline inheritance and development. If the Uchiha bloodline can be introduced to break the existing shackles, can a new future be created for the Hyuga clan?
For the first time, Hinata Hiashi’s heart felt a little shaken.
He had to admit that this young man, Xia Fan, was not only very capable, but also had an extremely clear mind and a terrifyingly long-term vision.
Although the value of this “marriage” he proposed sounded far-fetched, it was like a tempting seed that was quietly planted in his heart.
“Of course, these are just some of my immature ideas.” Seeing that Hinata Hiashi was lost in thought, Xia Fan added at the right time, “But no matter what, I, Xia Fan, promise that I will give Hinata happiness and let her live the life she wants. And please believe that the future of Uchiha is worth looking forward to, Lord Hiashi.”
Just then, the door of the study was gently pushed open, and Ino walked in slowly carrying a tray.
“Lord Hiashi, nice to meet you. I am Xia Fan’s wife, Yamanaka Ino.” Ino bowed slightly to Hinata Hiashi, her manners were proper and graceful.
“This is a little gift from our Uchiha family. Please enjoy it, Lord Hiashi.” Ino gently placed the exquisite snacks on the tray on the table in front of Hinata Hiashi.
Then, she walked to Xia Fan, stood side by side with him, looked at Hyuga Hiashi with gentle but firm eyes, and said, “Hiashi-sama, regarding Hinata’s matter, I fully support Xia Fan-kun’s decision.