"Eh?" Uchiha Kaien tilted his head, confused. That was a weird way to start a conversation.
His slightly frizzy mid-length hair—neglected after days of grief—framed a face with faintly reddened eyes. It was clear he'd been crying in his sleep, still haunted by the loss of his parents.
Uchiha Fugaku, upon seeing this, felt a faint blush rise to his cheeks. He quickly forced his expression into something more serious. This was official business, after all.
Still… Fugaku couldn't deny it—he had a bit of a soft spot for cute girls.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have started dating Uchiha Mikoto, who was several years younger than him.
The kid in front of him looked pitiful. Tear-streaked cheeks, disheveled hair, and an air of helplessness—it tugged at the heartstrings.
[Affection +1 from Uchiha Fugaku]
Fugaku recalled what he'd just read in the clan's records. Orphaned, both parents killed in action. Now left all alone.
That must be rough for a kid.
[Affection +1 from Uchiha Fugaku]
But that's exactly why he was here.
The clan would never abandon one of its own—especially the child of two Sharingan-wielding elites who died on a mission. It was their duty to care for him, even if he hadn't entered the Academy yet.
He hadn't even enrolled in the Academy...
Fugaku knelt and opened his gear pouch, pulling out the items he'd brought.
"Here. This is support from the clan. It'll continue until you become a genin."
Inside was 50,000 ryo in living expenses, along with a basic Fire Release technique—Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu.
This was quite the generous starter package. Only a prestigious clan like the Uchiha could afford such benefits.
"Also, you're about the right age to start school. Would you rather attend our clan's private academy, or join the main Ninja Academy? If you want to go to the Academy..."
Fugaku trailed off as he noticed Kaien zoning out again.
The boy's gaze was locked onto something invisible—focused entirely on the system notification from just a moment ago.
[Affection +1 from Uchiha Fugaku]
Affection? What's that even good for?
A system function?
[System: Accumulate 10 affection points to receive one draw. 90 points = 10-draw bonus. Guaranteed purple-quality item every 30 draws.]
Understanding a bit more now, Kaien blinked and snapped back to the moment.
So that guy is Uchiha Fugaku?
Looks like gaining affection isn't that hard. He already got two points without doing much!
Wait, did he just ask if I want to go to the clan's academy or the main Academy?
With a system like this, it's clear—I need to meet more people. Just staying inside the Uchiha compound won't cut it.
Still... why is it affection points? Am I supposed to romance people for power?
Kaien glanced at the calendar in his mind.
This was Year 33 of the Hidden Leaf.
The Third Hokage had only been in office for less than a decade. The scars from the First Great Ninja War were slowly fading. The five great villages were at relative peace.
The Mangekyō Sharingan wasn't just a legend yet. It was a reality—rare, but seen.
Most of the beautiful kunoichi hadn't even been born yet… except maybe Tsunade.
Right now, Tsunade would be in her early twenties, not yet wielding that eternal youth technique.
...
Fugaku watched Kaien drift off into thought again and frowned slightly.
Did the kid break his brain from all that grief?
He waved a hand in front of Kaien's face.
Kaien blinked, snapping back.
"I want to go to the Ninja Academy!" he said crisply.
That clear, high-pitched voice made Fugaku's ear twitch. So cute.
Lolis really are the best.
[Affection +1 from Uchiha Fugaku]
Kaien tilted his head. Why was the affection point rising again?
"Alright. If that's your choice, fill this out. I'll handle the enrollment process," Fugaku said, holding out a registration form.
"You can write, right? Kaien?"
His voice softened instinctively. He always had more patience with adorable little girls.
"Yeah, I can."
Kaien took the form and pen, and carefully started filling it out.
Thank god he inherited the original host's memories. Otherwise, he wouldn't even know how to write!
Fugaku watched Kaien's serious expression and felt his heart melt again.
So cute! Just like Mikoto three years ago...
Mikoto was currently a third-year at the Academy.
Man, Fugaku really had a type.
[Affection +2 from Uchiha Fugaku]
Kaien soon finished the form and handed it back.
"Let's see... Name: Uchiha Kaien. Birthday: June. Hmm... just barely meets the age requirement."
"Gender... Male. Very cu—"
"...?!"
"Wait. Male? You're a boy?! Not a girl?!"
Fugaku stared in disbelief. No way this adorable kid was a boy!
...
"Is there something wrong?" Kaien asked innocently.
Haven't you seen other kids before? How'd you mess that up?
If it were me, I'd never make that mistake… probably.
He inwardly grumbled, though the longer he thought about it, the less confident he felt. When he first woke up in this body, he'd panicked and immediately checked to see if his little brother was still intact.
"No—No problem." Yeah right.
Those big, expressive eyes, flawless cheeks, that soft, unsure demeanor—how does any of that scream 'boy'?!
Fugaku took a deep breath, forcing himself to accept the truth. So he wasn't a little girl. Still... he was ridiculously cute.
"Anyway, let me properly introduce myself. I'm Uchiha Fugaku. If you ever need anything, you can come to me. I'm usually with the Uchiha Police Force, but sometimes I'll be out on missions."
"Of course, you can also ask other clan members for help. The Uchiha stick together."
"Got it. Thanks."
Kaien bowed sincerely.
He really did need help right now.
To be honest, he wasn't even at the original host's level.
The original Kaien might've been pampered and untested, but this version of him? Even worse. If it came down to a real fight... he'd rather fight a shark than brawl it out with another ninja.
"Alright then. Eat well and take care of yourself. I'll be heading off now," Fugaku said, his emotions clearly swirling as he turned to leave.
Such a good, well-behaved kid... Why couldn't he be a little girl?!
[Affection +1 from Uchiha Fugaku]
...
"Wait!"
Kaien called out just before Fugaku left. He'd already racked up six affection points. He couldn't let this opportunity pass—he needed ten for a draw!
He had a bit of OCD. He needed to hit that ten-point milestone now.
"Hmm? What is it?"
"I—I wore my clothes properly today! Look!"
Kaien lifted the hem of his oversized shirt, revealing the shorts underneath. It was innocent, just trying to prove he was dressed right.
But the moment Fugaku's gaze landed on those soft, chubby legs, now even more visible beneath the raised shirt...
His cheeks flushed again. Damn his weakness.
"Ahem! Got it. Good job. Now put that down. I'm leaving."
Fugaku turned on his heel and walked off, slightly faster than necessary.
[Affection +4 from Uchiha Fugaku]
"Bye-bye~ ! You're the best!"
Kaien waved happily.
Ten points secured.
"[System, initiate draw!]"