Naruto: I'm Really Not an Evil Uchiha!

The relationship between the Uchiha clan and the rest of the village was always delicate, with little interaction between the Sarutobi and Uchiha clans.

But what was this? Sarutobi Asuma walking alongside Uchiha Shimizu, heading somewhere to eat?

"Is Shimizu going out for dinner with Yūhi Kurenai? I recall there was a Hyūga woman who sought him out before too," Uchiha Inabi remarked in amazement.

"You don't understand. This is called political foresight!" Uchiha Tekka smacked Inabi on the head, frustrated by his naivety.

Shimizu, mature from a young age, wasn't one to indulge in trivial romantic affairs. Tekka quickly deduced that the only reason Shimizu would associate with Sarutobi Asuma was to establish goodwill with the Third Hokage.

This way, when Asuma assumed a higher position in the future, he might view the Uchiha clan with less hostility.

Tekka shared his theory with Inabi, who remained skeptical.

Seeing Inabi's doubt, Tekka persisted in explaining his reasoning, trying to convince him of its correctness.

Their conversation didn't interfere with Shimizu and his companions as they continued walking. Before long, they arrived at the entrance of Yakiniku Q.

"My balloon! It's stuck on the rooftop," cried a purple-haired little girl, staring anxiously at her balloon.

In front of her stood a pale-looking boy with black hair.

"Yugao, I don't think we can get it back," the boy, Hayate, said weakly.

The balloon had floated up to the water tank above. Unless a ninja capable of climbing walls with chakra intervened, Hayate couldn't see a way to retrieve it.

He coughed twice, glancing at his hand for any traces of blood. Seeing none, he sighed in relief.

Recently, his illness seemed to be worsening, leaving him worried about how it might affect his chakra refinement and ninjutsu practice.

"Are you okay, Hayate? Should we go back and get your medicine?" Yugao asked, patting him on the back.

"I'm fine now, but if we go back for the medicine, the wind might blow the balloon away by the time we return," Hayate replied, trying to sound indifferent.

"Never mind then," Yugao said, feigning nonchalance, though she felt a twinge of disappointment.

"Do you need help?" Kurenai approached, noticing the two children looking distressed.

"My balloon is stuck up there," Yugao said, pointing to where it had landed near the water tank.

Following her gesture, Kurenai spotted the cartoonish balloon swaying precariously beside the tank.

"Any ideas?" Kurenai turned to Asuma and Shimizu expectantly.

Asuma broke into a nervous sweat under her gaze. The height was beyond his abilities, and he cursed his rebellious streak. His father had often urged him to train harder, but Asuma had always done the bare minimum out of defiance.

Now, he regretted slacking off.

"I'll do it," Shimizu said, noticing Asuma's hesitation.

Asuma heaved a sigh of relief, grateful that Shimizu had stepped in to save him from embarrassment.

Using the Body Flicker Technique, Shimizu sprinted up the wall to the tank. His swift movements left Kurenai awestruck—she couldn't even track his actions properly.

"He's gotten even stronger," Kurenai thought, amazed at his agility and strength.

Shimizu retrieved the balloon and leapt gracefully back down. The Uchiha robes accentuated his athletic build, making him appear both elegant and powerful.

Handing the balloon to Yugao, Shimizu smiled. "Be careful next time."

"Thank you, big brother!" Yugao exclaimed, her eyes sparkling as she admired Shimizu's vitality and strength.

"That guy's incredible," Hayate muttered enviously.

"Don't worry, Hayate. Once your illness is cured, I believe you'll be just as strong," Yugao said encouragingly.

"I hope so," Hayate replied bitterly, knowing his hereditary illness had no cure.

Meanwhile, Shimizu and his companions entered Yakiniku Q and settled into their reserved seats.

"Shimizu, how do you view the village?" Asuma asked casually as they grilled their food.

"The village is my home," Shimizu replied, dipping a slice of meat into wasabi before eating it.

"That's such a strange question, Asuma," Kurenai interjected, finding Asuma's query odd.

"Just curious," Asuma replied with a laugh, before moving on to more probing questions.

Shimizu had anticipated such questions about the "Will of Fire" and had prepared his responses.

"We are the leaves that shield the budding shoots from storms and harsh winds. I believe that with your talent, Asuma, you will grow to be a leaf that provides shade to many," Shimizu said, his words both eloquent and stirring.

Asuma, still youthful and idealistic, found himself inspired by Shimizu's rhetoric. He felt a growing camaraderie with Shimizu, someone who seemed to share his ideals and ambitions.

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