Akaseki returned to Konoha after a long absence.
Although there were plenty of headaches to deal with, there was good news too-the Uchiha Clan, for instance, had something wonderful to celebrate lately.
Clan Leader Jiancheng had already given the word.
Orochimaru had finally come back to Konoha for the New Year this time...
This year, he would spend the holiday with the clan!
Given Konoha's current situation, and the fact that his "wife" had already died in battle, there was no need for a lavish celebration. Still, Orochimaru needed to move into the clan compound and make the arrangement official.
That would let Jiancheng enjoy a happy New Year.
And make sure certain other people did not...
So after returning to Konoha, Akaseki went to little Obito's house with a guilty conscience-he had gone away and failed to bring back Obito's mother, but had brought him a new father instead.
"Oh? Akaseki, when did you get back?" Obito’s Grandmother greeted him warmly when she saw him.
"Just now. I came to see Obito," Akaseki hurriedly said.
"That's thoughtful of you..." Obito’s Grandmother gave Akaseki a meaningful look. Whether it was his imagination or not, he felt she was hinting at something.
Akaseki gave a couple of awkward chuckles and stepped inside.
Obito, who was almost two now, could already trot around the yard, though he was still unsteady when he picked up speed.
"Grandma!" Obito hugged his grandmother's leg and looked timidly at Akaseki.
"Little Obito, do you remember me? I've held you before..." Akaseki rambled pointlessly.
"Ya, ya..." Obito shrank away, looking rather reluctant.
Clearly, Obito still could not speak very well. He only knew words like "Grandma."
"He's shy, so he's late learning to talk," Obito’s Grandmother said, picking him up.
"Yes, children who talk late are smart!"