"I'm back!"
Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Hana ran all the way home, finally making it back safely before dark.
Hearing their voices, Madara and Izuna happily ran out of the house.
They hadn't seen their big brother Uchiha Shin for almost a month, and they'd naturally missed him terribly.
But before the two of them could say anything to Uchiha Shin...
With a whoosh, Uchiha Shin darted straight into the bathroom to take a shower.
Three-year-old Izuna watched Uchiha Shin's figure fly into the bathroom and couldn't help pouting.
Big brother doesn't love me anymore...
Izuna turned to look at his second brother, Madara, his eyes brimming with tears.
Four-year-old Madara instantly felt a headache coming on.
If Izuna started crying, his wails would surely bring their mother out of the kitchen, where she was cooking. Then Madara, who was in charge of looking after Izuna, would be in for it.
"Don't cry, Izuna."
"Big brother's been training for so long, so he must be tired and covered in dust."
"That's why he has to take a shower first and wash the dust off."
"Once he's done, he'll definitely come out and play with us."
Madara imitated his big brother, gently rubbing Izuna's head as he softly comforted him.
"Really?"
"Second brother, are you sure? Absolutely sure?"
Izuna blinked at him, looking doubtful.
"Mm."
"I'm absolutely sure."
To soothe Izuna, Madara even thumped his chest as he gave his word.
With Madara's promise, Izuna decided not to cry.
So the two of them sat silently in the living room, their eyes fixed on the bathroom door.
A quarter of an hour later...
Uchiha Hana was the first to emerge from the bathroom after her shower.
She slowly walked into the living room and sat down, rubbing her hair dry with