Naruto: Saving the Uchiha-Chapter 445.Not Getting Married?

A special thank you to my patrons:

—Cain, Shahzaam, kevin Williams, Jose Carrillo, Jose Sierra, ManyEB, Zhandos Kauzhanov, Vora, kurtis newman, 66835, Alex Rushing, Fredrik Dahlman.

You can read 30 Chapters ahead of everyone on p@treon.

P@TREON - [email protected]/lessaservantofcosmos

(just replace the "@" with "a")

ps: Please support me on P@treon. I can really use your help!

—————————————————————

A batch of supplies, not even that large in quantity, was enough to make the ninja stationed at the border camp ecstatic, moved beyond words.

This move by Kazuki and Tsunade had paid off handsomely.

After the supplies arrived, Kazuki noticed many ninja looked at him with respect and admiration in their eyes.

Quitely(on their side at least), the New Year arrived.

The usually quiet camp became lively during the New Year celebration—though this year was an exception.

In previous years, the ninja in the camp wouldn’t dare celebrate so boisterously at New Year; otherwise, they’d surely face consequences.

Now it was different. Kazuki waved a hand. "Just arrange it. Set up a few things to let everyone have some fun."

And so, the camp descended into a chaotic, joyous frenzy.

Finding the noise a bit too much, Kazuki returned alone to the command headquarters. Shisui and Itachi remained hidden in the shadows as usual. Kazuki had intended to let them rest, but neither agreed.

So, Kazuki let them be. ’If you prefer to stay hidden, fine. Just know to leave on your own when necessary.’

Like now...

Ever since Hinata arrived at the command headquarters, Itachi and Shisui had tactfully left together.

Skillfully sat next to Kazuki, Hinata sat with both of her hand on her lap fidgeting with each other.

Kazuki look at her with an amused expression. "Don’t you want to join the fun outside?"

"It’s a bit noisy." Hinata looked up at Kazuki.

The camp outside was sheer chaos. Some were even dancing around bonfires—the scene was exaggerated, perfectly described as "chaotic revelry." The noise was intense, so Hinata had slipped away. Others, however, were quite interested, especially Naruto, who loved a lively atmosphere.

"Then make sure to rest well tonight. You’ve been exhausted lately."

"Mhm."

Hinata responded somewhat shyly. Her classmates from the same year were performing the same missions, making Hinata feel uncomfortable seeking special treatment.

Fortunately, when she was tired, she could rest in Kazuki’s shoulder. Hinata realized she was becoming more dependent on him.

But she didn’t resist this tendency.

In the camp, aside from those on guard duty, everyone else was joining the festivities. This included Sasuke, who very much wanted to leave but couldn’t.

Sasuke had zero interest in such occasions. However, Itachi had taught him he should try to adapt and accept, not distance himself from everyone and his comrades. So, Sasuke stayed.

Unfortunately, staying made him extremely uncomfortable.

Because Karin and Sakura kept following him.

Karin was fine; Sasuke was already used to this teammate’s presence. But Sakura? Not so much. Especially after Sakura had indirectly caused several fights between him and Naruto, Sasuke’s impression of her had worsened.

Sakura herself remained blissfully unaware.

She simply believed she liked Sasuke, liked him very, very much.

"It seems Sasuke’s future wife won’t need to worry about her husband being interested in other women."

Hidden in the shadows, Shisui couldn’t help but chuckle.

"....."

Itachi gave Shisui a look. ’As a senior, is it appropriate to tease Sasuke like this?’

"By the way, you’ll also have to get married once you turn sixteen, right?"

Itachi’s marriage had been arranged long ago—a clan alliance. Itachi accepted this matter calmly. For him, it was a mission given by the clan. As a member of the Uchiha, he had the duty to make sacrifices for the clan.

Thus, Itachi accepted.

Although he had no particular interest in the woman he was betrothed to.

For the clan’s benefit, Itachi would marry her, live together, and build a new family.

As for love... such a concept felt somewhat extravagant to Itachi.

Faced with Shisui’s teasing, Itachi remained composed, replying evenly, "Before we left, Father and several elders were discussing how to get you married and have children. Perhaps after the New Year, when we return to the village, arrangements will be made."

"Ha ha ha..." Shisui laughed heartily. "Impossible! The clan wouldn’t—"

Itachi looked at Shisui calmly, indicating he wasn’t joking.

Shisui’s laughter died down, a pained expression appearing on his face. He had never considered marriage.

He’d thought teasing Itachi would be entertaining, giving him something to watch and gossip about. But now the gossip had turned on him, which was rather unpleasant.

"Ah well, I should have known."

Itachi had no right to refuse, and neither did Shisui. The clan wouldn’t allow his excellent genes to go to waste. No matter what you thought or whether you liked the other person, you needed to build a family and, preferably, pass on your bloodline.

This was the minimum requirement. If you couldn’t manage it yourself, the clan would have to... assist you.

The good news was that Shisui wouldn’t be forced into a political marriage. The clan would arrange a suitable Uchiha woman for him to marry.

The two "unfortunate brothers" sat together in relative silence. After a long while, Itachi spoke. "Perhaps if you talk to the Elder, there might be some room for maneuver."

"Really?"

Shisui’s eyes lit up. He truly had no desire for marriage. If talking to Kazuki offered a chance, he didn’t mind trying, even if it meant getting scolded or berated.

Itachi nodded slowly but didn’t speak, because he added a mental note:

’Perhaps talking to the Elder might make things even more... intense. For example, instead of one wife, you might end up with several.’

But he didn’t voice this thought. Consider it a small revenge for Shisui constantly teasing him about marriage.

That very night, Shisui sought out Kazuki.

"Don’t want to get married?"

Kazuki had thought Shisui wanted to discuss something serious, but it was about this.

’Everyone wants to embrace bachelorhood now? If everyone follows their own whims, how will the Uchiha clan ever grow?’

Kazuki wouldn’t force such matters, but with one condition: don’t come to him for help solving your problems.

’Even I, as an Elder, am making an effort. How can you have the nerve to stay single?’

"Fine." Kazuki’s expression turned stern as he addressed Shisui. "I’ll send a message to the Clan Head to help find a few suitable girls. You don’t have to marry, but your bloodline must continue. This is the foundation of the clan, of the Uchiha. If you have five or more descendants, whether you want to marry or not, no one will force you."

’A few girls...? At least five descendants...?? Huh???’

Shisui was instantly dumbfounded. ’This wasn’t what Itachi said!’

’Was I tricked?’

*****

"Brother, what are you smiling about?" In a corner of the camp, Itachi and Sasuke sat together. Noticing a slight upturn at the corner of his brother’s mouth, Sasuke felt puzzled.