Chapter 57: Tonan's Anomaly, A Suspecting Motoyoshi
After returning home, Uchiha Tonan threw himself into cooking with unusual fervor. Normally, he'd prepare two or three simple dishes, but today, something felt different — he made eight dishes all at once, laying them out meticulously on the table.
Sitting across from him, Sanbo Motoyoshi's heart fluttered with unease at the sight. "Why so much food all of a sudden? The two of us can't possibly finish all this."
Tonan served a steaming bowl of rice in front of Motoyoshi and explained, "The doctor advised that I increase your nutrition and make sure you're getting enough. If there's anything particular you want to eat tomorrow, just say the word. I'll prepare it."
Motoyoshi shook his head slowly, his voice calm but with a trace of melancholy, "I'm not picky… everything tastes good."
He lifted the rice bowl and began eating, but for some reason, his appetite had vanished. The dishes that usually made his mouth water now seemed flavorless and dull. After they finished eating, Tonan didn't head to Hatake Kakashi's for training like usual.
Instead, the two spent the evening quietly in the courtyard, watching the flowers sway in the gentle breeze. In times past, Motoyoshi would be the one telling stories about his glory days as a ninja, but today, Tonan was the one speaking endlessly, as if seizing every moment to share things he might never get to say again.
Later that night, Tonan took it upon himself to wash Motoyoshi's feet. The ritual stretched on for over two hours. Motoyoshi noticed the dullness in Tonan's eyes, the obsessive repetition of washing the same spots over and over. A wave of sadness crossed Motoyoshi's face. Unable to bear it any longer, he sighed softly, "Enough, child. If you keep at it, you'll rub the skin right off."
Tonan finally nodded in silence, took away the basin, and gently helped Motoyoshi into bed.
Coo coo
Outside the window, night birds chirped softly. Motoyoshi tossed and turned in bed, unable to find sleep. His mind churned over what might be wrong with his body to cause Tonan's strange behavior today.
"If there was a cure, that boy would've already admitted me to the hospital. Since he hasn't… does that mean this illness is incurable?"
"I'm just an old man past my prime. I've gotten by with sheer willpower through hunger before, but now… what's truly wrong with me?"
His thoughts spiraled deeper and deeper, yet exhaustion finally claimed him, and the room fell silent except for the gentle sound of snoring.
Just as Motoyoshi drifted into deep sleep, he was suddenly stirred awake by a soft sobbing. The sound came from right beside him.
With reflexes honed from a lifetime as a shinobi, he snapped open his eyes and turned his head. A dark silhouette sat by the bedside. Motoyoshi immediately recognized Tonan's outline.
"Tonan? What are you doing here? Why aren't you asleep?" he asked quietly.
Tonan's voice was low and hesitant, "Nothing… I couldn't sleep. I just wanted to see you a bit more."
After a long pause, Motoyoshi sighed and asked frankly, "Tell me honestly— is something wrong with my body?"
Tonan shook his head vigorously. "There's nothing wrong. Don't overthink it, okay? Just rest. I'll stay here for a while and then leave."
"Alright…" Motoyoshi murmured.
In the darkness, Tonan kept a silent vigil, watching Motoyoshi closely. But the sleepy warmth Motoyoshi had felt moments ago was replaced by a deep, thoughtful gaze as he looked back at Tonan.
The next morning, sunlight spilled softly over the village. Motoyoshi sat in a wheelchair, dark circles under his eyes, as Tonan pushed him through the streets of Konoha.
"Grandpa, look— that used to be my academy."
"This school looks well maintained," Motoyoshi commented quietly.
"Grandpa, look over there… that's where Hokage-sama works."
"The Hokage Residence is under renovation again, huh?"
"Grandpa, look, look…"
At noon, Tonan prepared yet another feast, filling the table with food. Motoyoshi listlessly ate, his voice heavy with the weight of years, "Tonan, will you train with Kakashi this afternoon?"
Tonan shook his head firmly, "I won't. I want to spend more time with you."
Motoyoshi looked at Tonan with affection and said softly, "You don't have to stay with me. Go train. I can manage."
Tonan hesitated briefly before pursing his lips and agreeing, "Alright."
After the meal, Tonan slipped a red envelope into Motoyoshi's coat pocket and spoke with concern, "Grandpa, if anything happens, call the neighbors immediately. Give them this envelope first. They'll take you more seriously."
Motoyoshi patted Tonan's hand gently, "You're only going for half a day. Don't worry—I'll be fine."
Tonan nodded reluctantly and left. Ten minutes later, Motoyoshi shook his head as if to banish gloomy thoughts. Resolutely, he pushed his wheelchair out the door, heading alone towards Konoha Hospital.
Half an hour later, Motoyoshi arrived at the doctor's office they had visited the day before.
"Doctor, I was here yesterday for a checkup," he said.
The doctor was surprised to see him alone. Looking around and noticing Tonan wasn't with him, he nodded and said, "Yes, I remember you. You're Sanbo Motoyoshi, right?"
Motoyoshi nodded. "Yes. I came to ask about my health condition."
The doctor smiled warmly. "Your health is quite good. No illnesses detected. You can rest easy."
Motoyoshi's eyes narrowed slightly, skepticism flickering. "Then… how long do you think I have left?"
The doctor was caught off guard, recalling Tonan's words from yesterday. Clearing his throat, he replied, "Based on my experience, you have many years ahead—well into your hundredth year."
Motoyoshi watched the doctor closely, noting the subtle hesitation. "Really?"
"Of course. I'm a doctor—I stand by my words."
"That's not a white lie, right?"
The doctor's smile stiffened, and he mumbled weakly, "No, of course not…"
Motoyoshi's experienced eyes saw through the hesitation. He nodded slowly and said, "Alright then… thank you, doctor."
He left the office, pushing himself down the corridor. The doctor called after him, "Eat well, keep your spirits high, and get plenty of rest."
That phrase only deepened Motoyoshi's conviction that his time was short.
Back home, he took his chakra tanto from its place in the bedroom and gently ran his fingers along its worn sheath.
"It seems my days are numbered. No wonder Tonan's been acting so strange. I wonder how long I have left… a year? Two? Or just months? I never thought death would come so close. Maybe it's time to pass the Sanbo Style Blade Technique to Tonan. Then, I'll have no regrets."