Ch. 21Four Steps to One Dish for Beginners
Chapter Summary
Key Plot Points and Events
- Uchiha Ruri returns to the surviving Uchiha estate after leaving three shadow clones behind. She has reverted from her powerful “Six Paths Sasuke” form to her normal appearance.
- Ruri realizes that her clones can continue using Six Paths Sasuke’s abilities while she moves freely around Konoha, allowing her to operate in multiple places at once.
- She checks the System Chat Group, which includes Hanabi, Rin, Satoru, and herself. Ruri reminds the others that the main storyline is still years away from the academy team’s graduation and instructs them to proceed carefully, communicate regularly, and avoid rushing.
- Curious about Sasuke, Ruri visits the training ground and watches him practice shurikenjutsu. His accuracy, focus, and discipline impress her.
- Sasuke notices Ruri and immediately asks about her recovery, showing strong concern after seeing the injuries she suffered during her confrontation with Itachi. He urges her to rest and take the medicine provided by Konoha’s medical team.
- Sasuke becomes embarrassed when his stomach growls. He goes to the kitchen, where he discovers cookbooks secretly left behind by Liuli, including manuals on beginner cooking and using the Sharingan to improve culinary skills.
- Although initially offended that a “genius ninja” would need cooking instructions, Sasuke becomes absorbed in the books and follows their recipes. He activates his One-Tomoe Sharingan to assist with cooking and successfully prepares several impressive dishes.
- Liuli, searching the abandoned Uchiha residence for valuables, remembers that she left the cookbooks behind and rushes back, worried Sasuke will discover that she had secretly studied cooking to prepare meals for him.
- She is astonished by Sasuke’s culinary success and tastes the food, sincerely praising him.
- Sasuke notices the strange cover of one cookbook, which depicts Madara Uchiha cooking with his Sharingan activated and Izuna admiring him. He asks Liuli who Madara is.
- Liuli avoids revealing Madara’s identity, merely describing him as an unimaginably powerful Uchiha. Sasuke becomes fascinated and begins fantasizing about reaching such a level.
- Liuli redirects Sasuke’s ambitions, explaining that true strength is not merely about pursuing power but about using it wisely to protect oneself and others. She warns him against being blinded by unrealistic fantasies.
- The chapter ends with Liuli encouraging Sasuke to stop overthinking and eat with her, creating a warm sibling-like moment.
Character Developments
- Ruri: Demonstrates strategic intelligence by exploiting the connection between her shadow clones and their borrowed powers. She also acts as a calm leader by coordinating the group’s activities and emphasizing patience. Her relationship with Sasuke is affectionate and protective.
- Sasuke: Is shown as disciplined, talented, and deeply caring toward Ruri. His intense pursuit of strength is balanced by a more domestic and innocent side when he learns to cook. His curiosity about Madara reveals his growing desire to understand the heights an Uchiha can reach.
- Liuli: Reveals a hidden, caring side through her secret efforts to learn cooking for Sasuke. She is embarrassed when her preparations are discovered but pleased by his success. She also takes on a mentoring role, guiding Sasuke away from an unhealthy fixation on overwhelming power.
- The Uchiha siblings: Their bond becomes more intimate. Sasuke worries over Ruri’s health, while Ruri encourages and advises him. Their shared meal reinforces their sense of family after the clan’s destruction.
Significant Themes
- Power and responsibility: The chapter contrasts the pursuit of overwhelming strength with the responsibility to use power wisely and protect others.
- Family and care: Concern over illness, secretly prepared meals, and eating together show how affection and domestic routines help preserve family bonds after tragedy.
- Hidden identities and secrets: Liuli conceals her connection to the cookbooks and Ruri avoids explaining Madara’s identity, emphasizing the characters’ tendency to withhold dangerous or embarrassing truths.
- Balance between ambition and reality: Sasuke’s admiration for legendary strength is encouraged but also tempered by Liuli’s warning to remain grounded.
- Ordinary life amid extraordinary abilities: The humorous use of the Sharingan for cooking highlights the contrast between the Uchiha’s legendary combat abilities and everyday activities.
Important Character Interactions
- Ruri communicates with Hanabi, Rin, and Satoru, establishing a cautious, organized approach to their plans.
- Ruri watches Sasuke train and comforts him when he expresses concern for her health.
- Sasuke discovers Liuli’s cookbooks and uses them to prepare food.
- Liuli tastes Sasuke’s cooking and praises his unexpected talent.
- Sasuke questions Liuli about the mysterious Madara on the cookbook cover, while Liuli gives him an evasive but cautionary answer.
- Ruri/Liuli ultimately steers Sasuke toward a healthier understanding of strength before sharing a meal with him.