28 Before the Dinner

As Yujiro and Madara made their way back toward the village, their camaraderie was unmistakable. Their steps were light, and their laughter reverberated through the dense forest that enveloped them.

These two formidable individuals, each brimming with their unique brand of arrogance, engaged in a lively exchange of jokes and playful banter.

Yujiro, renowned for his overbearing demeanor, couldn't resist poking fun at his friend. "Madara, have you ever heard of the Uchiha bakery?

They claim it's always on fire because you guys can't resist copying others bakery!"

Madara, known for his stoicism, rolled his eyes but couldn't help but chuckle. "Yujiro, your way with words is truly something.

Well, I've heard the Hanma Clan has a restaurant too. They've aptly named it 'The Buffet of Destruction.'"

Not to be outdone, Yujiro continued with a mischievous grin, "Madara, you Uchiha folks are famous for your Sharingan, right?

Does that mean you can copy my irresistible charm and good looks?"

Madara smirked in response, his trademark arrogance shining through. "Well, Yujiro, the Sharingan is a formidable Dojutsu, but they can't copy your muscle.

And I just want say this, our Uchiha genes always made us looked pleasing to the eyes. So you can keep your own 'charm'."

Yujiro played along, "You can try all you want, but you'll never win over a woman by pretending to be me, huh. This...is inborn charm. Hahahaha!"

Madara feigned a dramatic sigh. "Indeed, I don't know how some woman like your bulging muscle, Yujiro.

But tell me, how do you manage to maintain those sculpted muscles of yours? Do you flex them every morning when you wake up?"

Yujiro roared with laughter and joined the playful act, "You've discovered my secret, Madara. Morning flexing is the key to my peak condition.

But don't worry, I'll teach you the art of the perfect flex one day."

Madara raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in his Sharingan, "Ah, I see. Perhaps I'll develop a new Uchiha jutsu based on the ancient art of flexing.

The world won't know what hit them. Hahahahaha!"

However, their laughter soon took an unexpected turn as Madara, surprisingly, lost his footing and stumbled, colliding with a nearby tree. His sudden clumsiness left him feeling utterly embarrassed, prompting him to quickly turn his head away from Yujiro in an attempt to save his face.

Seeing Madara's uncharacteristic mishap, Yujiro couldn't contain his amusement and burst into even more raucous laughter, "HAHAHAHA, what are you doing, Madara!?

You're not usually one to trip over trees!"

Madara, his pride slightly wounded, responded with a haughty "Hn!"

Yujiro, known for his larger-than-life personality, couldn't resist poking fun at Madara's expense, "Madara, you Uchihas are supposed to be the perceptive ones, right?

I've never seen you trip during our battles. How can you trip over like an amateur, hahahaha!"

Madara, who typically maintained a stoic demeanor, found himself slightly annoyed at Yujiro's jests, "Tch, it's just one time!"

The bond of friendship between these two formidable warriors grew stronger with each shared joke, revealing a more light-hearted side of their personalities.

The banter and laughter between Yujiro and Madara continued as they approached the village of Konohagakure. Despite their similar arrogance yet contrasting personalities, they found another surprising similarities in their exchange of jokes and jests.

As they entered the village gates, Yujiro couldn't resist poking fun at the bustling scene before them, "Madara, look at all these people rushing around like ants.

I guess they heard you were coming!"

Madara, responded with a smirk, "Well, they do say I have that effect on people.

People everywhere should scurry away when they heard of my arrival."

As they passed by a ramen stand, Yujiro couldn't resist one final playful jab, "Madara, I heard you Uchihas are all about the 'Curse of Hatred.'

But I think your real curse is the 'Curse of Ramen Addiction."

Madara chuckled, "Well, Yujiro, at least I don't destroy the ramen stand every time I visit. Hahahaha!"

They strolled through the village streets, the vibrant atmosphere of Konohagakure contrasting sharply with their imposing presence.

Yujiro, always one to seize the opportunity for humor, remarked, "Madara, do you think these villagers have ever seen muscles as impressive as mine?

I should give them a closer glimpse."

Madara chuckled, shaking his head. "I'm not sure their fragile hearts can handle the sight, Yujiro.

You might cause a village-wide panic, pft. "

As they passed by a group of children training in a nearby courtyard, Yujiro couldn't resist playing the role of the wise mentor, "Madara, look at those kids.

They'll never reach our level of greatness, but maybe they can aim for second place."

Madara raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his Sharingan. "And who would be first, Yujiro?"

Yujiro grinned, puffing out his chest. "Obviously, it's me. But I suppose they can compete for third place."

Madara rolled his eyes with a smirk. "Tch, generous as always, Yujiro."

As they continued their stroll, they passed a vendor selling sweets and treats. Madara's eyes lit up and this wasn't escaped from Yujiro perception.

He couldn't resist teasing Madara once more, "Madara, I think I've found your true weakness—sugar! Forget ramen, it's all about candy now."

Madara scoffed, trying to maintain his composure, "I'll have you know, Yujiro, that Uchiha have no weaknesses."

Yujiro laughed heartily, clapping Madara on the back. "No weaknesses, just keep on being you, my friend."

Their playful banter continued to draw smiles and chuckles from those they encountered in the village. 

Their journey through the forest had lightened Madara's mood, and he couldn't help but admit, "You know, Yujiro, this journey has been...unexpectedly enjoyable."

Yujiro slapped Madara on the back with a hearty laugh. "That's the spirit, Madara! Perhaps next time, we can challenge each other to see who can come up with the best jokes."

Then, as the day drew to a close, they made their way to their own compound. Madara went towards the Uchiha's compound while Yujiro went towards Yuko's shop and maybe take a shower together.

...

As he arrived at Yuko's shop, he saw her workers were storing away Yuko's good neatly into boxes. But for the premium stuffs, the workers separated them into jaded jars to keep them safe and maintain their freshness.

He walked by and put a stern face and flared up his aura a little bit to make sure that Yuko's workers didn't have any funny thoughts on stealing her goods. He need to keep them on their places or there will be unfortunate and annoying events.

Yuko whom was sitting on a luxurious chair, overseeing the goods stored away felt that his man was quite handsome. He looked regal and overbearing which she loved so much.

Yukos stood up and hugged Yujiro. Yujiro hugged her back and said, "I'm home."

She ordered his workers to take his glaive and put it somewhere safe and asked, "Welcome home, Yujiro. Would you like your dinner? Or your bath? Or...watashi?"

Yujiro replied, "What are you talking about, Yuko? I wanted to take my bath first."

Yuko showed a disappointed face as Yujiro went towards the bathroom. But then, Yujiro stopped and continued walking to the bathroom, "Come, Yuko. We'll take our bath together."

Yuko's face lit up with a smile, and she happily accepted the invitation. In her thoughts, she couldn't help but think, 'What a tease!'

Yuko's smile widened as she accepted Yujiro's invitation. With an elegant grace, she rose from her chair and walked beside him towards the bathroom.

Her steps were fluid and confident, her presence seemed to be commanding Yujiro to look at her.

Inside the bathroom, the ambiance was serene. Large, ornate windows allowed soft moonlight to filter in, casting a gentle, ethereal glow across the room.

The luxurious bathtub, surrounded by intricate marble tiles, awaited them.

As they entered the bathroom, Yujiro reached for a nearby scented oil, its fragrance a subtle mix of exotic spices and blooming flowers. He poured a few drops into the warm bathwater, causing it to release a soothing aroma that enveloped the room.

Yuko and Yujiro shared a knowing look, their connection palpable. Without a word, they began to undress, their movements unhurried and deliberate.

Their reflections danced in the mirror, two figures drawn together by an undeniable attraction.

With the bath now prepared, Yuko extended her hand to Yujiro, inviting her to join him. The water's surface shimmered invitingly, and Yuko, her eyes filled with a mix of desire and anticipation, stepped into the bath.

Yujiro followed suit, and as they sank into the warm water, a sense of intimacy and closeness enveloped them. As they reclined in the warm bath, their bodies finding comfort in the embrace of the water, Yujiro and Yuko engaged in an intimate conversation.

Yuko, her voice soft and sultry, broke the tranquil silence, "You know, Yujiro, you have a way of making everything more exciting."

Yujiro smirked, his gaze fixed on her, "Well, I do try my best."

She leaned closer, her eyes locking with his, "And what about our latest acquisition, the herbs you brought today? It's quite pricey, you know."

Yujiro chuckled, his fingers tracing idle patterns in the water. "Ah, that herbs have quite an effect, you know.

It will be popular with the common populace and we can make a haul if we succeed in processing them. I thought it would make a fine addition to our collection."

Yuko nodded in agreement. "Indeed, it seems my man is not only good in enjoying his life but also in business, fufufu. Just like what I want."

The conversation flowing effortlessly between them. The bathroom, once a place of serenity, had transformed into a sanctuary where two souls found solace in each other's presence.

As the night wore on, they shared stories, dreams, and whispered promises. The bathwater eventually cooled, and they emerged from the tub, wrapping themselves in plush towels.

Then, after they done their matching black bath robe, Yujiro sat with Yuko and told her to prepare herself as he wanted to bring her to have a dinner later. He stated there will be his friends and their plus one.

Yuko was quite excited as this means he wasn't ashamed being with her although she was only a weak herbs merchant. Never did she knew that Yujiro didn't care about this kind of thing as he knew, his offspring will be strong.

In addition to that, he will impart all of his kids with the basic knowledge to fight that he knew just like what he did with Baki. He believed that Jack, the older one within his two children, was not as strong as he lost his chance imparting the knowledge when he was still a kid.

But in this shinobi world, Yujiro thought he might as well choose woman with good Kekkei Genkai. He had learned quite a few clan that was still didn't have any home and wanders around the world.

If he can entice them into his Hanma Clan as the branch clans, it will quicken his path to proliferate and increase the Hanma Clan's members. Plus, he can find a beautiful woman within their clan at the same level of Raikou and Yuko.

With that said, he wore some luxurious black and red garment and went towards Raikou's direction. He had already calmed down her bloodline earlier.

It seemed that his Demon bloodline was superior to Moryo or he just had a thicker bloodline, but he shrugged and confident that his bloodline will be superior to Moryo's. He said goodbye to Yuko and said they will meet at the BBQ restaurant as Yuko needed to prepare herself for the upcoming dinner.

Then, Yujiro arrived at Raikou's inn, where she was waiting for him. Their connection was undeniable, their bond strengthened by their shared bloodline heritage and their love for their children.

His attire exuded a regal air. The luxurious black and red garment he wore seemed tailor-made to match his larger-than-life personality. He moved with an unmistakable confidence, each step carrying the weight of his presence.

Raikou watched him with admiration, her heart swelling with affection for the man she had come to love. She knew that his power and charisma were unmatched, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride that he had chosen her as his partner.

As Yujiro left to gather his friends and prepare for the evening's dinner, Raikou took a moment to reflect on her own journey. From being a solitary wanderer, persecuted for her family's bloodline, to finding herself embraced by the enigmatic Hanma Yujiro, her life had taken a dramatic turn.

She had grown to love him not only for his overwhelming strength but also for the tenderness and affection he showed her and their child. Despite his overbearing and arrogant demeanor, there was a softer side to Yujiro that he reserved for those he cared about.

As she prepared herself for the evening, donning an elegant and striking outfit, Raikou couldn't help but smile. Her life had become an unexpected adventure, and she looked forward to each new day with excitement.

Together, they made their way to the restaurant where Yujiro's friends would gather.

The night air was crisp, and the streets were lit with a warm, inviting glow. Yujiro couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment as he strolled alongside Raikou.

As they entered the BBQ restaurant, the scent of grilled meat and savory sauces filled the air. It was a lively place, with patrons chatting and laughing over sizzling grills. The aroma alone was enough to whet one's appetite.

But then, Yujiro suddenly thought, 'Wait, do Raikou and Yuko knew each other?'