The tension in the room eased as Uchiha Xingliu accepted the apology.
"Pretty lady, did you really mean it when you said I could eat here for free from now on?"
Mito Uzumaki nodded with a gentle smile. "Of course, but you can't come every day. Too much barbecue isn't good for you."
Xingliu was thrilled by this unexpected windfall. But he had a plan, an idea from his past life that sparked his interest.
He hesitated for a moment, then reluctantly spoke up. "As tempting as the unlimited meals are, I have a proposal. I hope you'll consider it."
Mito was intrigued. "What kind of proposal, little one? Let's hear it."
"Well, I may not be rich, but I can afford to eat at Yakiniku Q now and then. But the kids at the orphanage aren't as lucky. What if we used this opportunity to help them instead? We could turn the money into resources for them."
Mito was taken aback, deeply moved by his suggestion. "What made you think of this? Did something happen?"
Xingliu had already prepared an answer. With a sorrowful expression, he said, "After my parents passed away, I thought about going to the orphanage. But when I visited, I saw how bad things were. The kids are malnourished, and there's no joy on their faces. The place is so depressing."
He continued, "If we could bring them here for a meal, maybe it would lift their spirits and help them get some nutrition. I know what it's like to lose family, so I understand their struggles. No one should suffer endlessly."
Mito couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. She stood up, looking at Xingliu with admiration. Tsunade, who had been silent, felt a pang of guilt for her earlier prejudice.
Mito walked over and gently patted Xingliu's head, her face full of warmth. "You're a good kid. I'll agree to your proposal. And don't worry, you'll still get your meals here. It's what you deserve."
Mito was genuinely touched. She had only approached Xingliu because there were no empty tables and his appearance was endearing. But now, she saw him as a unique and kind-hearted Uchiha.
Despite being so young and having lost his parents, Xingliu still cared for others. Such genuine kindness is rare and deeply moving.
Even Mito, who had seen war and strife, was captivated by this display of humanity. If Xingliu hadn't made this proposal, they might have remained strangers after the meal. But now, Mito found herself wanting to take him in as her own grandson.
As the dishes arrived, the table was soon filled with mouth-watering barbecue and a vibrant fruit platter. Tsunade couldn't help but ask, "Can you really eat all this? Want some help?"
Xingliu calmly replied, "Don't worry, I have a big appetite. But you're welcome to join in."
Tsunade blushed, but seeing Xingliu devour the food, she joined the feast. Mito watched in surprise. *Could he have Akimichi blood?* she wondered.
The playful scene made Mito lose herself in thought. Watching Xingliu's clan emblem and Tsunade's smile, she was reminded of something.
After a while, she turned to Tsunade. "How about we adopt this child? Let him live with us."
Mito's intention was clear. By adopting an Uchiha orphan, she hoped to signal acceptance and reduce the village's prejudice against the Uchiha Clan.
Xingliu's proposal showed his kind nature, making him the perfect candidate. It didn't matter if he had ninja talent; what mattered was the message of acceptance.
Tsunade, busy with Xingliu, was caught off guard by Mito's words. She didn't grasp the full significance but felt guilty for her earlier misunderstanding.
Turning to Xingliu, she saw his bright smile and felt her cheeks heat up. "I... I don't mind, but shouldn't we ask him first?"
Mito chuckled, understanding Tsunade's reaction. She probably thought Xingliu was a potential match. But Mito didn't reveal this, instead asking Xingliu, "Would you like to come live with us?"
Xingliu was surprised by the sudden offer but quickly realized it had deeper meaning. Accepting would be beneficial for his future plans.
After a moment's thought, he replied, "But we just met. We don't even know each other's names."
Mito smiled apologetically. "I'm Senju Mito, and this is my granddaughter. What's your name?"
Xingliu grinned. "I'm Uchiha Xingliu. Are you sure you want to adopt an Uchiha?"
Mito nodded, her smile reassuring. Xingliu beamed at Tsunade. "Great! Let's get along from now on!"
Tsunade, captivated by his radiant smile, felt a warmth she couldn't quite understand. "Yeah!"
Mito watched the two with a fond smile, reminiscing about her own past with Hashirama. Though they met later in life, his childlike innocence had always charmed her.
Today, Mito found herself reflecting on those cherished memories, a reminder that even in old age, the beauty of youth and kindness remains timeless.
More chapters? p@treondotcom/rosavyn (Also some new updates)