A Bath and the News
After half an hour, the children had finished eating, and the blank expressions that once dominated their faces had softened.
Uchiha Tunan smiled gently, brushing away the crumbs from the corner of a little girl's mouth before speaking to the group.
"Come on, let's take a bath."
The children, now more at ease around Uchiha Tunan, followed closely as he led them to the bathhouse in his estate.
Though called a bathroom, the facility was no less grand than a small public bathhouse—one of the many luxuries befitting the Captain of the North City Guard. A large, steaming pool awaited them, its waters fed by a continuous flow of fresh spring water.
As the children soaked, the accumulated grime on their bodies quickly turned the water murky, a testament to the hardships they'd endured. But Uchiha Tunan paid it no mind.
After ensuring they had soaked long enough, he began calling them out one by one to scrub them down.
As he lathered soap on the little girl in front of him, he sighed, his tone filled with sympathy. "Poor child… You were covered in so much dirt."
The little girl pursed her lips, her teary eyes filled with emotion. In a weak voice, she whispered, "Onii-san..."
Uchiha Tunan's smile deepened as he playfully flicked her forehead. "You don't have to be so formal. Just call me 'Onii-san' from now on."
Overcome with emotion, the little girl buried herself in his embrace, sobbing.
"Onii-san~"
Uchiha Tunan gently patted her back, then turned toward the rest of the children in the pool.
"From now on, all of you can call me that. Think of this place as your home."
A chorus of sniffles and soft voices followed.
"Onii-san..."
"Onii-san..."
"Onii-san..."
One by one, he helped scrub each child, rinsing them off with clean water. Drops splashed onto the stone floor, trickling down the edges of the bath.
"Alright, soak for a little while longer. This is natural hot spring water—good for the body."
He placed the little girl back into the pool and pulled out a small boy next. As he scrubbed the child's back, he asked, "What's your name?"
The boy furrowed his brow, searching his memory, but found nothing.
After a long silence, he shook his head blankly.
Uchiha Tunan smiled reassuringly. "You don't remember? That's okay. I'll find a teacher for you soon, and we'll come up with a good name together."
The little boy hesitated, then leaned forward and planted a small kiss on Uchiha Tunan's cheek.
"Thank you, Onii-san~"
Though young, he instinctively clung to the man who had given him warmth and safety.
Uchiha Tunan chuckled and ruffled the boy's damp hair. "Good boy."
His large hand easily covered the child's entire head, a reminder of just how small and vulnerable these orphans were.
---
A Visitor at the Estate
Meanwhile, Sarutobi Shinnosuke arrived at the North City Guard headquarters, having heard of the morning's events.
Yoshihara Ao greeted him in the main hall, bowing respectfully as he set down a pot of freshly brewed tea.
"Lord Shinnosuke, please wait a moment."
Shinnosuke nodded, scanning the room. "Tunan isn't here?"
Yoshihara Ao smiled and gestured toward the estate's backyard. "Lord Tunan is currently bathing the orphans. Would you like me to inform him?"
Shinnosuke stroked his chin thoughtfully before shaking his head. "No need. I'll go find him myself."
With that, he made his way toward the bathhouse.
As he passed by one of the large wooden windows, he paused, glancing inside.
Through the misty air, he saw Uchiha Tunan carefully washing the children, speaking to them in a warm and gentle tone. His movements were meticulous, as if he feared even the slightest rough touch might harm them.
A small smile crept onto Shinnosuke's face.
Without lingering further, he returned to the living room, sipping his tea as he waited.
He really is different from the other Uchiha, he thought.
Unlike the usual cold and prideful demeanor of his clan, Tunan displayed remarkable kindness and attentiveness.
For a shinobi, this kind of empathy can be a weakness… but it also makes him easier to guide.
---
Meeting with Shinnosuke
It was already afternoon when Uchiha Tunan finally finished bathing the children. He personally led them to their dormitories—a warm, clean space prepared with great care.
As they lay down on the soft beds, exhaustion finally overtook them.
Their eyes glistened with unshed tears, but they dared not cry.
Uchiha Tunan smiled softly. "You must all be tired. This is your home now. If you're hungry later, there are snacks by your bedside."
The children, reassured, stared at him with attachment before finally drifting into sleep.
Only after ensuring they were settled did Uchiha Tunan make his way to the main hall.
Seeing Shinnosuke, he feigned surprise, quickening his steps.
"Shinnosuke-senpai, I didn't expect you! My apologies for keeping you waiting." He bowed respectfully before taking a seat.
"I should have been informed of your arrival sooner."
Shinnosuke waved off his concern with a casual smile. "It's no trouble. I heard about your accomplishments this morning—impressive work, Tunan."
Uchiha Tunan merely shook his head humbly. "I was simply fulfilling my duty. Nothing more."
Shinnosuke studied him, a growing admiration in his gaze.
If such a man were to serve under me in the future…
Feeling a desire to draw Uchiha Tunan closer, he continued conversing, offering warm praise.
Yet despite his efforts, he struggled to find a true connection.
Shinnosuke repeated the same words of concern and encouragement, but the conversation never deepened.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Tunan remained outwardly polite, nodding and smiling—but inwardly, he found it tedious.
He's trying too hard…
Though Shinnosuke's intentions were clear, his approach lacked subtlety.
Trying to recruit someone too eagerly only makes you seem desperate.
Feigning interest, Uchiha Tunan subtly steered the conversation elsewhere. "It must be dull working at the Daimyo's estate, no?"
Shinnosuke blinked at the sudden shift but responded, "Not really. As a night guardian, there's little to do."
Uchiha Tunan poured him another cup of tea. "And the Daimyo's sons? Are they easy to deal with?"
Shinnosuke, now more relaxed, answered without hesitation. "The First Prince is a bit too honest—perhaps too naive for politics. But he's leagues better than the Second Prince, who spends his days indulging in pleasure."
Uchiha Tunan nodded thoughtfully. Interesting…
Shinnosuke continued, "I heard the Daimyo is looking for a teacher for them soon—someone to educate the First Prince on governance and discipline the Second Prince's reckless behavior. We should hear news about it soon."
Uchiha Tunan narrowed his eyes slightly. A new opportunity…
---
As the conversation shifted toward more trivial matters, Shinnosuke eventually brought up his younger brother, Asuma.
"He's been running around with a bunch of troublemakers lately. I even caught him sneaking cigarettes," he sighed. "I don't know how I'll explain this to my father…"
Uchiha Tunan chuckled. "He's probably just curious. The novelty will wear off soon enough."
Shinnosuke exhaled, shaking his head. "I hope so."
As the tea cooled, Uchiha Tunan continued listening, all the while calculating his next move.