Noon.
Delicious aromas drifted from the kitchen of Fugaku's house.
Mikoto and Izumi were busy cooking with several women from the clan.
It was a rare chance for everyone to get together and prepare such a large family feast!
A long table had already been set up in the dining room, laden with sumptuous dishes.
Several large bottles of sake stood on it as well.
The men took their seats one after another.
Fugaku, Sosuke, several elders representing the clan, Shisui, Itachi, and the others sat together.
"Come on, this is a happy occasion. Let's have a drink!"
For once, Fugaku took the initiative to raise his cup.
"To the Uchiha's future!"
At a small table in the corner of the dining room, two fellow exiles stared at each other.
Sasuke and Genya had been seated at a little table of their own.
Mikoto had said, "Children shouldn't join the adults' drinking party," and banished the two of them to the corner.
Sasuke poked at the rice in his bowl, sneaking glances at the adults exchanging drinks at the main table.
Genya's eyes darted around. He leaned toward Sasuke and lowered his voice.
"Hey, Sasuke... want to find out what sake tastes like?"
Sasuke froze, then turned to Genya with a wary look.
"Drink sake? Isn't that a bad idea... Mother said children shouldn't drink."
With an expression that said he understood perfectly, Genya nudged Sasuke with his elbow.
"Oh, come on, we're almost seven, not three. Besides, look..."
He pointed at Sosuke and Fugaku, who were thoroughly enjoying their drinks at the main table.
"Look how much fun your dad and mine are having! We'll just have a sip. What's the harm?"
"But..."
Sasuke was still hesitant.
Genya immediately switched to a challenge, raising an eyebrow.
"Huh? We're