The Forgemage of Konoha

Daily Life

Three weeks later, Shirō and his team finally returned to the village. Their return journey had taken two weeks longer than their initial trip due to on-the-road training. But from now on, things won't be so relaxed. After all, failing a mission and still having the luxury of extended training was a privilege few could afford.

This leniency was only possible because Shirō's squad included members of the Uchiha and Nara Clans. If it had been a civilian team, they wouldn't even have been allowed to apply for such flexibility—let alone after a failed mission.

In truth, Shirō was still riding the benefits of having Shikamaru and Tai Yi as teammates.

"You guys head back and rest. I'll go report to Hokage-sama and pick up tomorrow's mission," Shirō said. "Get some good rest today. We meet at the village gate in the morning."

"Understood!" x3

"See you tomorrow, Tai Yi, Shikamaru."

"Ah~ so troublesome. See you," Shikamaru replied, waving lazily.

"Mmm. See you tomorrow."

---

"I'm home," Shirō called as he stepped through the door.

"Oh? You're finally back," his mother, Keiko, greeted him from the kitchen. "Why did it take so long this time?"

"Captain Nakamura guided our training on the way back, so we slowed down a bit. Where's Dad?"

"He just stepped out a little while ago. You should really thank Captain Nakamura. Do you want something to eat? I can warm something up."

"No need. I grabbed a bite on the road," Shirō replied. "I'm going to change first. I still need to deliver some things to the team."

"Can't it wait till tomorrow? You just got back."

"I can't. We have another mission in the morning," Shirō replied as he walked toward his room.

"What?! They're sending you out again already?" Keiko frowned.

"Sigh… There's been a shortage of available ninja lately. That leisurely training time wasn't exactly free."

"Well, go change then. I'll head to the market. Don't eat out again tonight! You're not even married yet, and it feels like we're strangers."

"Yes, yes, Mom. Buy something tasty," Shirō said, smiling.

"You child, honestly."

Keiko grumbled, but she was secretly delighted. Her son had grown up into such a capable, reliable young man. She couldn't help but feel proud—even if, sometimes, he seemed too mature.

Ever since becoming a ninja and earning his own money, Shirō had insisted on financial independence and often ate out. If her husband Qieshi hadn't stepped in, the boy might've moved out already.

Keiko sighed. Compared to other mothers with more emotionally dependent children, hers felt like he'd already flown the nest. Still, there was a reason for it. It wasn't because Shirō disliked them—he still called them Mom and Dad affectionately.

The real issue? The food.

Although the cuisine in the shinobi world was similar to Chinese food, subtle differences piled up. It was tolerable occasionally, but eating it every day? His original taste buds protested. A decade's worth of dietary habits from his past life didn't change so easily.

With that in mind, Keiko left for the market. It was already late afternoon, and soon the stalls would start to close.

---

"Oh, Keiko-san! Heading to the market?" a voice called.

Keiko turned and smiled politely. "Ah, Nanako-san. Yes, my boy just got back and already has another mission tomorrow. I'm picking up ingredients to make him something nice."

Nanako, her next-door neighbor, smiled knowingly. Her son, Okita, was a year younger than Shirō and had once outperformed him academically in the Academy. For a while, Nanako would casually bring it up in conversations…until Shirō's talent suddenly exploded.

Ever since then, Keiko had taken great pleasure in flipping the narrative.

Of course, lately, the roles had shifted again. Nanako's new favorite bragging point?

"My son brought his girlfriend over again today," Nanako said, smiling smugly.

Keiko's face darkened just a bit. She hadn't even mentioned her son's rank or mission record!

Seeing the shift in mood, Nanako quickly tried to defuse the tension. "Haha, such a coincidence we're both here! Why don't our families have dinner together? It's been a while."

Though their competitive banter was constant, the truth was their families had been neighbors for decades and were genuinely close.

Keiko relented with a small smile. "Alright, let's cook together, then."

Nanako nodded and joined her, realizing she'd need to buy more groceries than originally planned.

---

Meanwhile... with Might Guy

Unaware of the incoming ambush of "dog food," Shirō was currently training with Might Guy.

He'd already gone to check on Kushina, but she was out on a mission. Most of his other acquaintances were also away. Only Guy—who wasn't even a full genin yet—was still around.

Despite his age, Guy's work ethic was legendary.

For a child not yet five to push himself with such discipline—and without anyone supervising—was honestly awe-inspiring.

Watching him train, Shirō sighed. "This kid's amazing. If I had half his drive for studying in my last life, I could've gotten into Tsinghua or Peking University without breaking a sweat…"

Unfortunately, that hadn't been the case.

Noticing that Guy was finishing his last set of pushups, Shirō called out, "Guy! Come here for a second."

The boy jogged over. "What is it, Shirō-nii-san?"

"Don't train anymore for now. You're coming over for dinner tonight."

"Huh? Dinner?!"

"Don't say no. Uncle Dai isn't around, right? It's not safe for you to cook alone."

Guy's eyes sparkled. "That's so kind of you, Shirō-nii-san! YOSHAA!! To repay you, I'll do one hundred frog jumps right now!"

"..."

Shirō watched, expression deadpan, as Guy immediately began leaping in place.

"…Forget it. As long as you're happy."