The sun was setting.
Eiji went to the store to buy some gifts, then knocked on the door of Uchiha Fugaku's home.
"Knock, knock, knock."
The door opened, revealing Mikoto Uchiha's gentle smile.
"It's Eiji. You came all this way, and you even brought gifts. You're being too formal."
"Come in, come in."
Mikoto took the gifts with a beaming smile and led Eiji to the dining table.
The dishes had already been prepared, and Fugaku sat upright at the head of the table.
Sasuke sat to one side, looking less than pleased.
"Let's eat first."
The four of them sat around the table and ate, exchanging polite remarks from time to time.
They said things like, "How have you been lately?" "I'm doing all right." "What about you?" "I'm about the same"—the usual pleasantries.
Overall, the atmosphere was fairly harmonious, except for Sasuke.
From the moment Eiji entered, Sasuke had kept his eyes fixed on him.
Judging by that look, he wanted to punch Eiji twice and avenge his beloved big brother.
"Sasuke, why have you been staring at me?"
"Hmph!"
Sasuke suddenly set down his bowl and chopsticks, and the chair scraped harshly against the floor.
"I'm full."
He hurried back to his room, and the door slammed shut.
The smile on Mikoto's face froze for a moment before turning into an awkward, helpless smile.
"Sasuke hasn't been in a very good mood lately. I'm really sorry. I'll go check on him."
Only Fugaku and Eiji remained at the table.
The two naturally began discussing more serious matters.
Fugaku put down his teacup and slowly spoke.
"You defeated Kakuzu?"
"Ah, judging by the result, Kakuzu is indeed dead."
Fugaku looked at Eiji in surprise.
"Of course, Asuma and Kurenai also played a part."
Fugaku let out an "Oh."