Something's up

"Dave~ Say ah~" Dave lay nestled in Tsukimi's arms as she gently scooped up a spoonful of rice and held it to his mouth.

"Ah~ Mm~ Tsukimi, your cooking just keeps getting better." Dave opened his mouth and ate it, smiling at the girl before him. This was the life he wanted. He was so happy.

"Heehee~" Tsukimi giggled, blushing, then continued gently feeding Dave.

She thought life was wonderful now, too. Ever since she had gotten engaged to Dave, her father had stopped being so strict with her. Instead, he had turned that strictness on her younger brother, but she hadn't said anything. In her eyes, boys should either be gentle and capable like Dave, or handsome and powerful like the Patriarch.

Having Kagami practice more could only be a good thing.

Kagami Uchiha: You really are my dear big sister...

"Mwah~ Tsukimi, you're getting cuter by the day." Looking at her rosy face, Dave couldn't resist leaning forward and kissing her.

"Ah! D-Dave... Dave..." Tsukimi's already flushed face instantly turned scarlet.

"Hehe, here, you eat some too." Dave chuckled, sat up out of Tsukimi's arms, and took the bowl from her hands. He scooped up some rice and held it to her lips.

"Mm..." Tsukimi murmured in a voice as faint as a mosquito's buzz, slowly opening her tiny, cherry-red lips.

Being with Dave... feels so wonderful... I'm so happy...

Unlike the happy scene in that corner, the other students in the classroom radiated endless resentment.

And that resentment was particularly intense among the trio over there... Hiruzen, Danzo, and Kagami...

Do you have to rub your damn romance in our faces even at lunch? Are you going to let us kids live or not???

"Aaargh!! Damn it!! Dave and Tsukimi have gone way too far!!!" Hiruzen pointed angrily at the couple flaunting their affection and roared.

"They're just!! They're absolutely beyond saving!! How are they supposed to protect Konoha like this?!" Zang was indignant too.

"My brother-in-law is really amazing, and he looks so happy with my sister... B-but... this is too much!!" Even Kagami, Dave's future brother-in-law, felt angry. Damn it, can't you two show off somewhere else? Does it have to be right in front of us??

As if sensing that immense resentment, Dave slowly turned his head and glanced at them. The disdain in his eyes struck a crushing blow to all three.

That look said, Three lonely bachelors, huh?

"Aaaaaargh!! I'm going to kill him!!!" Hiruzen felt Dave's profound contempt for his single status.

Kagami and Danzo hurried to hold him back. Kagami stopped him because Dave wasn't just his brother-in-law—his sister was there too. What if Hiruzen beat Dave to death and left his sister a widow? The little brat sure knew a lot, didn't he?

Zang stopped him because everyone in the classroom was still watching. It was far too embarrassing.

Just then, Dave shuddered violently. His Carat had suddenly increased! He had unlocked new plants!

Jalapeno, Chomper, Cherry Bomb, Snow Pea, and Repeater.

Dave sprang to his feet, his face brimming with excitement.

"Dave? What's wrong?" Tsukimi was startled by his sudden movement.

"Ah!"

"Hahahaha! Tsukimi, you're my lucky star!" Overjoyed, Dave swept Tsukimi up in a bridal carry and planted a firm kiss on her.

The classroom instantly fell silent.

Everyone's eyes fixed on Dave. Tsukimi's face flushed with embarrassment as she nestled motionless in his arms.

"What are you staring at? Never seen a couple being affectionate before?" Dave snapped at everyone.

They fell silent... and slowly turned away... Dave... I can't compete...

Tobirama sensed what was happening from his Office and nearly ground his teeth to pieces in anger...

School let out that evening.

Dave held Tsukimi's little hand as they strolled down the street. He walked her home every Heaven.

The two would always spend a little time being affectionate along the way...

"Wait, Tsukimi. Something's up." Just as the two were walking happily down the little street, sweet-talking each other, Dave heard a disturbance behind them.

Tsukimi was frightened into holding her breath. Dave pulled her beneath a bench nearby and looked up toward the sound. Several dark Kage darted across the rooftop opposite them, carrying a black bag.

After they had been gone for a few seconds—

"Something's wrong. Those people aren't Konoha Shinobi. I'll follow them and take a look. They're probably carrying something they took out of Konoha. Tsukimi, you head home first," Dave told her with complete composure.

"No, Dave, it's dangerous. Let's go back together and find the Patriarch." Tsukimi hurriedly shook her head in distress. They were only five or six years old. If Dave chased after them and ran into danger, crying would do her no good.

"No. Judging by how fast they're moving, they should just be a bunch of Genin. We're still some distance from your clan compound. By the time we get there, they'll probably be long gone." Dave shook his head.

"It's fine. Don't worry about me. We have phones, don't we? I'll follow them first. Call Uncle Madara and ask him to back me up. You know how strong he is. Compared to Uncle Madara, these people are probably moving like snails. Besides, aren't you underestimating me a little? Don't worry." Dave hugged Tsukimi and smiled.

"Then... be careful. Just follow them and wait for the Patriarch to get there!" Tsukimi choked back sobs in Dave's arms. She was scared... truly scared... She was afraid that if Dave was gone... what would she do then...?

"Trust me!" Dave imitated Might Wei and gave Tsukimi a thumbs-up, then released her. With a few leaps, he set off after them.

Tsukimi stood there staring blankly at Dave's retreating Kage, her heart pounding.

Then she hurriedly took out her phone and called Madara.

"...The person you are calling is currently unavailable." Orochiroku's recorded voice came from the phone.

"Why isn't the Patriarch answering?!" Tsukimi was frantic.

Meanwhile, over with Madara Uchiha—

"Hashirama! Even with your Senju Girl Group, you'll never beat me!! When it comes to dancing, I, Madara, declare myself the strongest!!" Madara Uchiha danced opposite Hashirama Senju, sweat flying.

"Madara! I'll never admit Zetsu defeat!!" Hashirama Senju roared, his face flushed.

The two kept battling it out on the dance floor with their respective clans' girl groups... The surrounding villagers danced along with them.

The exhilarating music and all those long, fair legs drew every villager's attention...

No one noticed the phone on the Sound System vibrating nonstop...

After calling several times without Madara answering, Tsukimi was so anxious that she cried. She wiped away her tears, remembered that the Patriarch was probably having a dance battle with the First Hokage right now, and ran over there.