Naoki had no idea that Sarutobi Hiruzen was currently under pressure from his old comrade. Of course, even if he had known, he probably would not have cared right now—he had drunk far too much and was nearly unconscious.
What had originally been a dinner for the Uchiha Zongye brothers to celebrate Naoki's return to Konoha had, by nightfall, turned into a gathering of the Uchiha clan. Quite a few Uchiha ninja came by to offer Naoki their greetings...
After all, Naoki was a newly awakened Three-Tomoe Sharingan Uchiha who had voluntarily gone to the battlefield to earn glory and had returned with great achievements. He had practically become one of the foremost figures among the Uchiha's younger generation, no less than leading figures like Uchiha Inabi. On top of that, he held an important position in the Internal Affairs Bureau, so many clansmen naturally came to pay their respects.
When Uchiha Fugaku arrived at last, he saw Naoki's ears flushed red from drink, his head buried in Sakurai Hideko's neck as he muttered incessantly. Frowning, he asked, "How did he end up drinking this much?"
After inviting Uchiha Fugaku to sit down, Zongye explained awkwardly, "Naoki had to drink two cups with every person who came. Since quite a few people showed up... he ended up drinking himself unconscious."
Uchiha Fugaku's gaze lingered on Naoki's face for a moment before shifting to Sakurai Hideko.
Sakurai Hideko grew somewhat uneasy under the Uchiha clan head's scrutiny, but she did not loosen her hold on Naoki. She merely lowered her head slightly.
Hideko nodded and gently adjusted her position, letting Naoki lean against her more comfortably.
Naoki mumbled groggily and nuzzled further into the hollow of her neck, like a cat seeking warmth.
Uchiha Fugaku turned his gaze to Zongye.
"How