Village Life - Part 2

Just as we stepped into the izakaya, the warm scent of grilled meat and spiced sake hit me, but it was something else that caught my attention first—the unmistakable chakra signatures gathered toward the back. I paused for half a second, a ripple of surprise halting my breath. Kakashi. Junpei. Even Tenzo and Shisui. And around them, the familiar faces of our old classmates—laughing, relaxed, celebratory.

I hadn’t known they were planning a gathering. I hadn’t even known they still remembered each other like this.

The sting was quiet, but sharp. Like a cold breeze cutting across the neck on an otherwise warm night. I wasn’t devastated—but who wouldn’t feel that pinch of being left out? Especially when those you trained beside once, those you bled with—chose to forget your name when it came to an invitation.

My gaze must have lingered too long. Shizune’s hand found my arm gently, as if anchoring me. She said nothing, but her eyes flicked toward the group too. She understood.

“They’re being loud, aren’t they?” she offered casually, guiding me to a quieter table. I followed without a word, settling beside her with my back turned to the noisy group.

Tsunade’s voice rang out, clearly audible even with the silencing seals in place. “Sakumo, you are not refraining today. It’s a once-in-a-million kind of night!”

Dan sighed, amused. “Tsuna, you can hold your alcohol. Some of us still value our kidneys.”

Jiraiya’s boisterous laughter followed, shaking the tableware.

“You two girls—don’t be scared now. This is how true Sannin drink,” he grinned at us across the table.

Shizune raised an eyebrow. “Jiraiya-sama, weren’t you the one begging Tsunade-sama for a hangover cure the last time you drank at the Senju estate?”

Tsunade chuckled proudly and gave Shizune a pat on the back. “That’s my girl.”

Then her amber eyes turned to me. “Come on, Sen! Let’s drink to new beginnings!”

The cheer that followed tried its best to lift the air around me. I smiled. I even raised my cup. But deep inside, that little ache hadn’t quite faded.

And maybe it wouldn’t. Not tonight.

We talked for what felt like hours, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d sat with people of this caliber. It was… surreal, almost. The kind of company you quietly watch from afar but never imagine sharing a table with. Just being here made the air feel lighter in my lungs.

“You know,” Minato said, leaning back in his chair with that easy smile, “the shopkeepers are even decorating their stalls with lights for the duration the Suna delegation will be here. It’s going to feel like a festival for a couple of days this week.”

Shizune practically vibrated beside me, her excitement almost contagious. I found myself smiling too. A festival-like atmosphere across the village—something that could wrap us in warmth, even just for a while—sounded perfect.

“Then we’ll have drinks all those days,” Tsunade declared, slamming her glass down with a satisfying thud that made the nearby plates rattle.

I chuckled under my breath. It seemed like we were all looking forward to it in our own ways.

“You know, I enjoyed this outing very much,” Minato said, rising from his seat. “But I have to head back—Hokage duties.” His tone was light, but I caught the faint pull of weariness in his eyes. After giving his goodbyes all around, he made his way out.

“I should go too, Tsunade-sama,” I said, pushing back my chair. “I have to help my grandmother and mom at the shop this week, so I’m all busy from tomorrow.”

“Good night then, Sen,” Tsunade replied, her voice warm but distracted as she reached for the sake bottle again.

The rest of them stayed seated, their laughter following me as I stepped away from the table. I lingered for a moment, glancing back at their little circle, still alive with conversation and clinking cups.

“Wait, Sen! Let’s go together,” Shizune called, hurrying toward me.

“I’m all drunk. I should leave too,” she admitted with a sheepish grin, wobbling slightly on her feet.

“You can stay at my place, Shizune—it’s closer,” I offered, adjusting my pace so she could walk beside me. “My apartment is  just a short walk from here, and honestly, I’d rather make sure you get back in one piece than leave you to stumble home alone.”

She agreed to my suggestion, and we strolled leisurely toward my apartment. The streets had taken on a festive air — shopkeepers were already stringing up colorful paper lanterns and hanging garlands across storefronts. The faint scent of fresh paint and new fabric mingled with the crisp evening air. By the look of things, the market would be fully decorated by tomorrow night. I hadn’t expected them to work so fast. If I knew my family, grandmother and mother were probably bustling about somewhere, weaving flowers or setting up the tea shop for the occasion.

When we reached my apartment, Shizune slipped off her sandals at the door and went to freshen up. I pulled out some of my night clothes for her — nothing fancy, but warm enough for the autumn chill. I didn’t have a spare room, so she’d be sharing my bed tonight.

That’s when I remembered: Kakashi had told me to visit him tonight, back when we crossed paths yesterday. A small smile crept across my face as an idea took root. I crouched by the small summoning space near my desk and called for Ren.

In a puff of smoke, she appeared — slightly larger than my first summon, Rika, about the size of a football. Her glossy shell caught the lamplight, and her long antennae twitched curiously.

“Hey, Sen,” she chirped, her voice carrying that familiar mix of impatience and affection. “It’s been weeks since you summoned me. Got anything for me this time?”

“Ah, yes, Ren.” I leaned forward, speaking softly as if we were co-conspirators. “Can you go give a message to Kakashi for me? Tell him I’m with Shizune tonight — can’t see him.”

“Of course!” Her antennae perked up. “Want me to sit outside in the dark corner of his apartment? Ooh… can I scare him?”

Her eagerness was so sincere, I couldn’t help but laugh. “Yes, you can. And if you succeed, I’ll give you sweets.” I wiggled my eyebrows for emphasis.

With that, she shot off in a hurry — Kakashi lived in the same building, he would most probably first freshen up ghen come to my apartment, so her mission wouldn’t take long.

Afterward, Shizune and I spent hours talking, our voices low but lively. She told me about her days in the hospital, and I shared stories from the tea shop. She’d been a senior back in the Academy, so our paths had barely crossed before now. I remembered only catching glimpses of her then, recognizing her face but never speaking.

We both had busy days ahead — mine would be filled with customers and steaming kettles, hers with patients and healing jutsu.

By the time our laughter faded into quiet, it was close to eleven. We turned off the lamp, letting the faint glow from the street filter through the curtains, and drifted into sleep.

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Kakashi’s POV

It was closer to midnight , we still are having drinks . By then, only the Sannin and tō-san were left, having a great time. We don’t usually see them drinking in public; if they have the time, they prefer meeting at the Senjus’.

“Genma, I heard you got decimated by Sen?” Iwashi said with a laugh.

“It was a draw… we both decimated each other, actually,” Genma replied.

“Genma, are you losing your charm? You got a draw with someone whose only specialty is fuinjutsu?” Anko laughed.

“You’re taking fuinjutsu lightly, Anko,” Junpei said.

“I’m not taking it lightly—my sensei is great at fuinjutsu. I know what it can do, but it also has its drawbacks. Fuin attacks aren’t as fast compared to ninjutsu or taijutsu,” she said.

“Then she must have been really good at fuin if she managed to best someone of Genma’s caliber,” Raido added.

“Still, Sen is nowhere near Genma,” Kurenai said.

“How often do you spar with her?” I asked Kurenai.

“I don’t, but I don’t need a spar to know her abilities. I’m not saying she doesn’t know much—she’s a fuinjutsu mistress—but I haven’t heard of her excelling in taijutsu, kenjutsu, or ninjutsu,” Kurenai replied.

They really don’t know how Sen works. Sen can fuse genjutsu into seals, which makes it far tougher to detect. Even the Sharingan has a hard time with seal-based genjutsu, but this ability of hers isn’t widely known. On top of that, her medical ninjutsu combined with taijutsu—and all of it mixed with Senju katas—has created her own strange taijutsu style that’s almost impossible to counter at close range. She’s already working on her long-range combat.

I really want to see a spar between Sen and either Anko or Kurenai. They’re seriously underestimating her.

I’d already lost interest in drinking by now. I just hoped she was awake—I really just wanted to sleep beside her, nothing more. That is… if she wasn’t still angry with me or Junpei.

I stood up.

“It’s about time I leave, everyone. Before you say anything—yes, I know—we’ve got the whole week to meet again. I’m just going to sleep.”

Without waiting for replies, I shunshined straight to the street.

The wind had picked up by now. As I made my way toward my building, I sensed Junpei’s chakra. He must have left the izakaya right after me.

“I’m going to my place first, freshen up, then head to Sen’s,” I said, tiredly.

“No problem. I need to use the restroom too. We’ll go to her together and talk about the izakaya situation,” he replied.

I nodded. We were both tired. I jumped up to my floor, Junpei right behind me. Just as I reached for the seal on my door—something black launched itself at me.

I might have shrieked. Junpei definitely startled. And just when I was about to use Chidori on the thing— It talked.

“Calm down, Kakashi-san—it’s me, Ren.”

She was… laughing.

Junpei was instantly in ANBU mode, all tiredness gone.“We just got bested… by an ant?” he said.

“Are you not going to invite me in?” Ren asked, as if this was a normal Tuesday.

“Uh… I’ve never talked to ants before. Especially not ones your size,” I muttered, still riding the adrenaline, unlocking the seal.

We went inside. Ren headed straight for the sofa and leapt onto it in this strange, jerky way—then just sat there like she owned the place. I remembered she could see perfectly in the dark.

I switched on the lights. Junpei and I were still in shock.

“I’m going to get so many sweets from Sen when she hears I scared you both,” Ren announced in a deadly serious tone.

“So… Sen put you up to this?” Junpei asked, clearly amused.

“No, it was my idea. But she went along with it,” Ren said matter-of-factly. “Oh, and I have a message for Kakashi from Sen.”

“Alright… share it,” I said, sitting on the sofa across from her.

“I’m not sure if I should give the message in front of the black-haired man,” she said, wiggling her antennae toward Junpei.

I burst out laughing. “She won’t mind if he hears it too. We’re all close.”

“Still—it is a top-secret message from my mistress. I need assurance from the black-haired man that he will not share it with outsiders.”

Junpei straightened. “My name is Junpei Uchiha, Ren. And I promise I will not break Sen’s trust in any way.”

“Okay. She said… she won’t be able to see you because Shizune is staying with her tonight.”

Ren delivered it with a perfectly straight face.

“…That’s your top-secret?” Junpei flopped onto the sofa and sighed loudly.

“Well, I take my mistress’s orders very seriously. I’ll go now. Good night, gentlemen.”, and with that, she poofed away.

“She just gave me the creeps,” Junpei said after she was gone.

“Ants are creepy. Don’t tell that to Sen,” I eyed him.

“What’s your plan now? You wanna stay?” I asked. He looked tired. He’d been practicing with Itachi before; I hadn’t asked him about it yet.

“I’ll crash on your sofa. I’m beat. I’ll leave early and visit my compound,” he said, heading to the bathroom.

I went to get some clothes for him. We’ll talk tomorrow night. Sen will be busy all day tomorrow—she’s been tied up with Kushina and Naruto these past few days.

Sen's POV

I had been helping since dawn, and the shop was now fully decorated.

Moving on to the serving area, I noticed the shop was already full, even in the morning. We had added cinnamon rolls and chocolate pastries to the menu for the whole week. Chocolate wasn’t an easy ingredient to get here in the Fire Country—it came all the way from Kumo—so it was a little expensive to import to Konoha.

Naturally, chocolate pastries were the most expensive desserts on our menu.

Just then, Inoichi, Shikaku, and Chōza walked in with Shibi Aburame. They headed straight for the big table at the end. Shikaku saw me and waved, so I went over to their table.

"Hello, Shikaku-san, Inoichi-san, Chōza-san, and Shibi-san. Welcome to the shop," I greeted them with a smile.

They returned the greeting, smiling back.

"Looks like you’re all ready for the delegation and the mini festival. I hope we get the famous chocolate pastry," Shikaku said.

"You guys are inventive. I’ve never heard of anything like that… how those beans can create something so delicious," Chōza remarked curiously. Being in the restaurant business himself, he probably knew more than I did.

"It was an experiment, Chōza-san. There’s also one more surprise that will be launched this afternoon… it’s written on the board at the door—‘New Launch’," I shared with them.

"Well, then we’ll have to come again, I think, Sen-san," Shibi said.

"Of course you can. If you liked chocolate, you might like this one too," I replied with a wink before heading back to take their orders.

The whole day passed in a blur of clinking cups, steaming kettles, and the occasional burst of chatter from customers curious about the newly launched drinks. When the coffee and milk tea were first introduced, most people approached them with a kind of cautious skepticism. The coffee had its loyalists, of course—those who liked the strong, bitter punch—but it was the milk tea that began to quietly win people over. What they didn’t know was that the milk tea had a secret ingredient—a carefully balanced spice mix. It gave the drink a warmth that spread through the chest, an unexpected hint of comfort on the tongue. Slowly, it began to outsell the coffee.

By the time the clock edged toward two in the afternoon, my shift was almost over. Relief was practically within reach. My feet were aching from standing since morning, and my mind was already drifting toward a steaming bowl of ramen from the stall down the street. That’s when the doorbell chimed, and I glanced up from behind the counter… only to see them walking in.

Kakashi and Junpei.

They moved with that same casual confidence shinobi always seemed to have, scanning the room without really looking like they were scanning it. They took the seats near the long window, where sunlight spilled across the table in warm patches. I could only guess what they were doing here—whether it was coincidence or if they had planned this. Either way, my break would have to wait.

I walked over, pen and notepad in hand, keeping my expression neutral. “Hello, Kakashi, Junpei. What would you like to drink?”

Junpei’s lips quirked into an amused half-smile, while Kakashi leaned back in his chair, posture lazy but eyes sharp, as if he was weighing his options far more seriously than necessary.

“Yo,” he said casually. “We’d like to try the new drinks, Sen. And… I like your waitress attire.”

I blinked, taken aback for a second . I understood what he was imagining . In the last Icha Icha , the female lead worked part time waitress when she was spying on some ninjas .

“Huh? You’re a pervert, Kakashi,” I shot back, glancing down at myself. It wasn’t like I was dressed in anything scandalous—just the shop’s uniform. Still, the way he said it made my cheeks heat slightly.

“What? You’re the biggest pervert here, Sen-chan,” he countered, his tone dripping with mock innocence. “Have you forgotten you used to watch half-naked Anbu training when you were practicing?” His chuckle was low, deliberate.

Junpei’s eyebrows shot up. He looked at me with the same curiosity a cat reserves for a door it’s not supposed to open—like he was dying to interrogate me about it later.

I narrowed my eyes at Kakashi. “I’ll handle you later.”

“You can handle me anytime you want, Sen,” he said smoothly, leaning back as if waiting for my reaction.

“You little—” I started, but Junpei’s laughter cut through the tension.

“Both of you, stop,” Junpei said, shaking his head. “You’re lucky the silencing seals are active in here.”

I let out a sigh, deciding it wasn’t worth the verbal battle. “Fine. I’ll get your drinks, then I’m off for the day.”

Without waiting for a reply, I turned and walked back to the counter, my stomach reminding me with a grumble that ramen was still the priority. I served their drinks quickly, offered a brief nod, and slipped out as my shift ended.

That’s how I left the shop that day… and yet, somehow, both of them still managed to find their way to my apartment later that evening. we talked about the izakaya incident and i got to know they didn't mean for me to get excluded from the reunion . I assured them that i felt a little twinge but i wasn't crying over that , and i got to drink with the big ones .

Minato’s POV

The meeting was held before the Suna delegation’s arrival this evening.

Jiraiya-sensei, Sakumo-san, Tsunade, Shikaku, Inoichi, and Dan were present — as was Sen, though only for a limited time.

“This delegation never arrived in the other timeline, Sen. I know you’re aware of that, but still, we had no idea what Rasa of the Sand was like. That’s why you’re here,” I clarified, addressing her doubts.

“Rasa, as I told you, was a strict and loyal Kage to his village, but he sacrificed his personal relationships in that time. You already know his youngest son, Gaara, was a jinchūriki — but his seal is faulty. They had no fūinjutsu expert capable of handling such a complicated seal.”

“Thanks for confirming everything in front of the council, Sen. You can leave,” I told her, and she departed.

“So… we could make a peace deal with Suna if we offered them our fūinjutsu expert?” Jiraiya-sensei suggested.

“They might already have the same idea — that’s why Rasa made the effort to come here to Konoha in the first place,” Dan added.

“We might have a good chance to get our diplomatic relations with Suna back on track,” I agreed.

We were all in favor of improving relations. I had also sent diplomatic envoys to Kiri, Kumo, and Iwa, as well as to smaller villages between the major ones. It’s a long road ahead, but we’ve decided to make peace with the past.

“We are also training their medics, and other import and export matters are to be discussed in detail too,” Tsunade said firmly, her arms crossed as she looked around the room.

She was right. We would have to make a deal that could benefit both villages and keep things balanced. Their council was made up entirely of elders who had a much more backward way of thinking… I was grateful that our own council was better—at least most of the time—unlike Danzo, Koharu, and Homura.

“So… is there anything else to discuss?” Jiraiya-sensei asked, leaning back in his chair with a lazy expression.

“No, there isn’t. Do you need to leave, sensei?” I asked, curious.

“Well, if we’re free to go, then yes,” he said with a smirk. “I might just have to try that popular new tea Sen’s family has been selling. These are from her previous world.” He stood up, already half-turning toward the door.

“Wait… huh?” I blinked at him, confused. “Did I miss something?”

“It’s a good tea,” Shikaku said with a small smile. “They’ve added a spice blend to it, so it’s not like the traditional one we usually drink.”

Sakumo-san pushed his chair back and stood. “Let’s go and talk over some tea then.”

We all followed him to the shop, the faint aroma of spices already drifting in the air as we approached.

It really was a great hot beverage… warm, fragrant, and just the right amount of sharpness from the spices.

Sen’s POV

I was buried deep in my grandfather’s journals, flipping through pages that smelled faintly of dust and old ink. The handwriting was neat, deliberate—just like him, from what I’d read and heard. He had been obsessed with fuinjutsu in a way that bordered on madness. Unlike most who learned it as a side skill, he had immersed himself in it entirely. He was the original expert, at least in my eyes. Sure, there had been the Uzumakis, unmatched in their sealing arts, but Grandfather… he had started from scratch.

The Senju were an ancient and formidable clan, but sealing wasn’t exactly their hallmark. And yet, Tobirama Senju—Second Hokage, my grandfather—had been a complete nerd about it. A genius, a scholar, a fighter… and, unfortunately, a man who sacrificed himself against the infamous Golden Brothers. That still didn’t sit well with me.

If the brothers had managed to wield even a partial amount of Kurama’s chakra, it made sense why the battle had gone the way it did. Grandfather had been S-rank, but so were they. Still, I couldn’t help but think—if that hadn’t happened, he’d either be an extremely old man by now… or dead from some other cause. Either way, meeting him was impossible.

“He was the original nerd,” I muttered under my breath, my fingers tracing the edge of a page.

“Who was?” a voice piped up from the corner.

I looked over to see Ren, my summon, perched comfortably and chewing on yet another sugar cube like it was the finest delicacy.

“My grandfather. Tobirama Senju,” I said, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

Ren tilted her head, genuinely curious. “Did he like sugar?”

I blinked. “…Huh? What does that have to do with anything?” My brow furrowed. Where in the world had that question come from?

She just shrugged, still munching away. That was Ren—quirky to the point of being unpredictable. I’d long since stopped trying to figure out how her mind worked. Ants apparently had a very different perspective on humans and our priorities… and our relationships.

Meanwhile, Pakun was sprawled out on the sofa, snoring loudly with all four legs sticking straight up in the air like some sort of furry casualty. The peaceful absurdity of the scene almost made me forget what I was reading.

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The Suna delegation arrived in the evening right on time, their approach heralded by the faint crunch of sandaled feet on the cobblestone path. The air in Konoha had taken on that crisp, late-autumn chill that made every breath feel clean and sharp. The sky was painted in hues of gold and deep violet, the last rays of sunlight filtering through the trees, making the leaves—now tinged with red and orange—look like they were on fire.

There was a quiet liveliness in the village. Lanterns had been lit along the streets, their warm glow spilling across shop fronts and casting long, soft shadows. The smell of roasted chestnuts and sweet dango drifted from food stalls, mingling with the faint, woodsy scent of fresh pine from the surrounding forests. Civilians bustled about—some heading home with baskets in hand, others lingering in conversation by doorsteps. Children, bundled in warm scarves, darted past us, their laughter like chimes in the cold air.

The Suna contingent was large. At the front, the Kazekage, Rasa, walked with an air of quiet authority, flanked by two of his personal guards whose eyes scanned every shadow. Their flowing desert garb contrasted starkly with Konoha’s heavier, layered attire. Behind them stretched a line of Suna shinobi—faces partially obscured by scarves against the cold, their movements measured and alert.

I stood just behind Shishou. At the front of the Konoha side were Kushina, her bright hair like a flare in the dim light, Shikaku with his habitual hands-in-pockets slouch, and Sakumo-san, whose calm presence was as steadying as ever. A cluster of ANBU stood at attention, masks impassive, their chakra signatures sharp and ready.

I could sense Kakashi and Obito somewhere behind us, their familiar energies hidden but unmistakable. Genma, chewing his trademark senbon, leaned casually by the gate, while Tenzo stood with his usual quiet vigilance beside Anko, who looked like she was already sizing up the newcomers for sport. I knew there were more ANBU in civilian clothes, melted seamlessly into the crowd. Who knew how many?

This was my first time meeting so many of Suna’s shinobi at once. Their chakra levels ranged from solid B-rank to dangerous S-rank; not a single one felt as low as C-rank. Shishou had brought me along as her assistant—or, as she liked to tease lately, her emotional support.

“Welcome to Konohagakure, Kazekage-sama,” Shishou greeted politely, her voice steady but warm.

Rasa inclined his head in return, his gold-brown eyes watchful but unreadable. Kushina stepped forward, her tone bright and welcoming, inviting them to follow her toward the VIP guest house. I counted roughly twenty Suna shinobi, including medics who would be staying for the joint training.

As we walked, Shishou led them through the market, which had been specially decorated for the occasion. Bright banners swayed gently in the cold breeze, paper lanterns hung from shop eaves, and the occasional burst of laughter came from customers sampling seasonal treats. It took fifteen minutes to reach the guest house—deliberately placed deep within the village, far from sensitive locations. Strategic… and very Konoha.

That’s when I saw him.

Sasori.

He was taller than I remembered from the stories, broader in the shoulders, and carried himself with the composed confidence of someone used to being underestimated . His appearance didn't look child like . That means he hasn't gurned himself to a literal doll. For a moment, his eyes locked with mine.

I quickly turned my gaze elsewhere, pretending to be interested in the decorations strung over a tea shop. Best to lay low.

Rasa and Kushina continued talking about surface-level topics—weather, the layout of the village, recent harvest festivals. When we finally reached the guest house, they were ushered inside to freshen up before their meeting with the Hokage. Afterward, there would be a dinner reserved for the most important guests only.

The Kazekage and his two council members had met with the Hokage and his council earlier that evening. It was nothing more than an introductory, informal gathering—polite exchanges, a few surface-level topics. The real discussions, the ones that mattered, would begin tomorrow.

By the time I returned to my shop, the streets had quieted somewhat, though the evening air still carried that crisp, invigorating chill. The shop, however, was packed to the brim—lantern light spilling warmly across crowded tables. The fragrant steam of spiced tea and freshly brewed coffee swirled through the air, mingling with soft conversations and the occasional burst of laughter. Even though it was already dinner time, customers didn’t seem ready to leave, many lingering for just one more cup.

I served Mikoto, her warm smile as elegant as always, along with young Itachi—already composed beyond his years—and the ever-lively Shisui. They had been grocery shopping and decided to try the new tea blends everyone had been whispering about. Their cups emptied far too quickly, and after some brief, pleasant conversation, they left with polite farewells.

By then, I was utterly spent. I bade my grandmother and mother good night and left the shop, the cold air outside feeling sharper after the shop’s cozy warmth. My apartment was quiet when I arrived—still and undisturbed. I doubted Junpei or Kakashi would come by tonight; the entire village was on alert, especially the clans.

I had dinner alone, then, restless and not ready for sleep, I settled into the sofa with a book from Iwa—its worn pages smelling faintly of dust and ink. About thirty minutes later, there came a knock.

A familiar chakra brushed my senses. Junpei.

I set the book aside and rose, padding to the door. When I opened it, he stood there in casual clothes—dark trousers, a loose long-sleeved shirt. His hair was slightly mussed, his expression unguarded in a way it rarely was on duty.

I smiled, ready to greet him, but before a word left my mouth, he stepped forward and kissed me. It was sudden but warm, and I found myself leaning into him instinctively. The door clicked shut behind us—probably with a nudge of his foot—cutting off the cool night air.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead still resting lightly against mine, his voice was low.“I missed you these past couple of days. Even with us all in the same place, I couldn’t get you alone.”

I smiled faintly, my breath still uneven. “Well… here we are. You’re here. Does that mean Kakashi will be coming too?” I asked, a teasing lilt in my voice.

He shook his head, lips curving slightly. “No. He’s on guest guard duty. I was on Hokage guard duty and just got free.”

We sank into the sofa together, and I ended up almost in his lap, my legs tucked to the side. His arm wrapped around me, pulling me back against his chest until I could feel the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

“What about your clan?” I murmured, tilting my head so his chin brushed my temple.

He held me a little closer, his voice quiet but certain. “Hmm… they can handle things without me. All the Uchiha shinobi are on guard until the delegation leaves.”

The warmth of his arms was a stark contrast to the chill seeping in from the window. Outside, the wind stirred the leaves, but in that moment, the world beyond the two of us felt very far away.

I relaxed against his chest, my cheek resting where I could hear the slow, steady rhythm of his heartbeat. At some point, our quiet conversation had faded into lingering touches and unspoken words. His fingers traced slow, deliberate patterns along my side beneath the loose fabric of my blouse—each brush of his hand sending a shiver through me.

The warmth of his palm moved higher, his touch both tender and teasing then his hands found my breasts . I tilted my head to meet his gaze, and without thinking, my hand slid up behind his neck, pulling him closer. The kiss we shared then was deeper than the first one at the door—less rushed, but more consuming, like neither of us wanted to let go.

I could feel his breath mingle with mine, the faint scent of his skin mixing with the lingering fragrance of tea from the shop. My fingers curled in the fabric of his shirt, holding him there. The space between us seemed impossibly small, yet it still wasn’t close enough.

“Bedroom,” I whispered, my lips brushing against his.

He drew back just enough to search my face, his voice low and careful. “Are you sure?”

I smiled faintly, my heart pounding in a steady, certain rhythm. “I am. It feels like the perfect time—no early missions, no pressure. I’m free this whole week… and I’m just so happy right now.”

Something softened in his expression then, and he nodded. Without breaking eye contact, he slipped one arm beneath my knees and the other around my back, lifting me effortlessly. The world tilted as he carried me, his warmth and quiet strength surrounding me completely.

The bedroom door closed behind us, and for a moment, everything else—the cold night air outside, the distant hum of the village—faded away. All that remained was him.

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It was well past midnight, and we were still awake, lying tangled together beneath the quiet shadows of the room. I was curled on my side, my back resting against his chest, his arm draped around me in a way that felt protective and warm.

The night had been intense—unexpected, but in the best possible way. He’d been patient, gentle, and so attuned to me that I never once felt nervous. I hadn’t planned for things to go this way, but I wasn’t complaining.

“I’d like to take you back to that same flower field,” he murmured softly against my hair, “the one from our first date.”

I smiled at the memory. “We can go tomorrow, if you’re free.”

“Maybe the three of us could go—if Kakashi’s free too,” he said. “I’ve got tomorrow evening off, just like today. Not sure about him.”

“I’ll send Ren to find out,” I replied, my voice relaxed and drowsy.

He chuckled quietly, the sound low and warm.

I shifted onto my back so I could look at him, my hair fanning out against the pillow. “What? Why are you laughing?”

He leaned in closer, his eyes glinting in the dim light. “Your summon is… a quirky one,” he teased.

I couldn’t help but smile. Before I could answer, he drew me into another kiss—slow, lingering, and full of unspoken things—until the rest of the world felt very far away.

I wasn’t sure when I’d drifted off, only that Junpei’s warmth was still beside me. The quiet rhythm of his breathing lulled me in and out of sleep—until I felt another familiar chakra signature approaching.

Half-asleep, I sensed Kakashi enter the apartment. His steps were unhurried, but I could tell by the way he paused at the bedroom door that he’d taken in the scene: Junpei and I, tangled together under the blanket, our bare shoulders visible in the dim light.

“Well…” Kakashi’s voice held that lazy, amused edge. “You two seem to be enjoying yourselves.”

Junpei didn’t even hesitate. “We did,” he replied with a smirk I could hear in his tone. “A couple of times.”

I felt the mattress shift as Kakashi climbed in from the other side, sliding under the blanket until I was caught between the two of them. His shirt was gone, but I could still feel the rough fabric of his pants against my legs. Without a word, he pulled me into his chest.

“I’ll just… borrow her for a cuddle,” he murmured, his voice low, almost teasing. His arm wrapped around me, drawing me closer, his hand warm against my side and cupping my breasts.. do both of them have thing for boobs ? .

“Kashi… m.. trying to sleep,” I mumbled, eyes still closed.

He leaned in, brushing a light kiss across my forehead. “Good night, Sen.”

And just like that, the three of us—Junpei on one side, Kakashi on the other—fell asleep together for the first time.

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The ramen shop smelled faintly of broth and garlic, a comforting heaviness in the air despite the early hour. The streets outside were still quiet, and only the occasional birdcall or the shuffle of shopkeepers pulling open their shutters cut through the silence. At nine in the morning, the shop was practically deserted—just us and the warm steam curling up from our bowls. This is what happenes when you are with Kushina Uzumaki.

“I’m glad I’m not the Hokage, dattebane,” Shishou sighed, slurping noisily at her ramen. Her chopsticks clacked against the edge of the bowl, her expression weary despite the casual tone.

I looked at her across the table, resting my chin lightly on my palm. “Care to elaborate?”

She blew at the steam, eyes softening with something that wasn’t quite pity, wasn’t quite frustration—something heavier. “Minato hasn’t been home in two days,” she muttered, shoulders drooping. “He freed up last night at around two o’clock, only to pass out at the table. Shikaku was already snoring on the sofa nearby. That’s what Hokageship does to a man.”

Her words fell in one breath, fast and bitter, and I could hear the exhaustion beneath them.

I leaned back, stirring my ramen absentmindedly. “It’s because the Kazekage isn’t an ordinary man. He must’ve brought his own demands, his own conditions. They all have to walk away from that table without losers—and that kind of conclusion doesn’t come easy.”

“I know. I know,” she said again, more to herself than to me. Her eyes went distant for a moment, like she was staring at the weight of responsibility she’d never have to carry. Then she shook her head, lips quirking into a sad little smile. “I think… it’s not everyone’s cake to become Hokage.” She sighed once more and continued eating, her movements slower now, heavier.

And she was right. I even remembered Obito once saying the same thing, that Hokageship wasn’t for him. At least he’d never have to stand in that exhausting line.

When we finished, we stepped out into the cool morning. The sun had begun to brighten the stone streets, spilling warmth across the rooftops. My shishou turned toward the Hokage Tower, shoulders squaring as if readying herself for another day of endless work. I, on the other hand, drifted toward my grandmother’s shop, hands in my pockets, enjoying the calm for what it was.

But then—chakra. Light, fast signatures skipping across the rooftops. I didn’t even need to look up to know. Anko and Kurenai. My stomach knotted instantly not from fear but from annoyance they were goung to create . I didn't want any drama , specially not in the public.

Please don’t come here. Please just keep moving.

They didn’t.

“Well, if it isn’t the new Senju,” Anko’s voice rang out, sharp and sing-song. She dropped down in front of me, grin wide and unkind.

I kept my eyes ahead. Said nothing. Not even a greeting. Kurenai landed beside her with quieter grace, arms crossed. She didn’t echo Anko’s taunt, but she didn’t greet me either—her face carefully neutral, as if she were watching and measuring.

I stepped sideways, intending to slip past them without a word. I forced my expression flat. Don’t give her the satisfaction.

Anko pivoted on her heel and, with a blur, shunshined directly in front of me again. The grin sharpened. Kurenai frowned faintly, her voice low but firm. “Anko. Leave her alone.”

“That was rude, Senju,” Anko drawled. She tilted her head, pulling an exaggerated expression that was probably meant to intimidate but only looked childish in its mockery.

I finally met her gaze, my voice calm, even. “I don’t have time for your bullying, Anko. It won’t work this time. Find someone else.”

She blinked, then laughed—loud, almost theatrical. “That? Bullying? Don’t flatter yourself. Hou are a kunoichi . Can't you handle a little intimidation ? ” People had begun to notice now, slowing in their walk, eyes flicking toward us as tension pricked the air.

“If not bullying, then it’s harassment. Shinobis don't intimidate their own comrades.” I said coolly. I stepped aside once more, brushing past her shoulder. “Be someone else’s problem today.”

Her hand shot out, fingers clamping around my arm. Too tight. My patience snapped. Without chakra, without hesitation, I shoved her off me.

“Careful, Mitarashi.” My voice dropped, low and edged.

“Touch me again, and I’ll put you flat on the ground. Learn to accept rejection when someone doesn’t want to talk to you.”

Her eyes widened a fraction, the crowd whispering now. Before she could react, I vanished with a shunshin, the rush of wind carrying me away.

I didn’t look back. I didn’t want to know what expression she wore, or how Kurenai handled it. But one thing was certain—the next time we crossed paths, it wouldn’t be good.

Junpei’s POV

“There’s a storm brewing.” Genma muttered, taking another slow sip from the bottle.

We were holed up in Kakashi’s home, unwinding from our shifts. Genma, Obito, Kakashi, Shisui, and I— They were  aware of the fragile thread that bound Kakashi, Sen, and me together.They didn't judge and were very supportive.

“What?” Obito barely looked up, still sprawled on the sofa with the bingo book open in his hands.

“I heard Anko and Kurenai tried to corner Sen this morning. On the main street.” Genma’s tone was calm, but the weight behind his words was anything but casual.

My jaw tightened. My patience with Anko and Kurenai had been running on fumes for weeks now.

“Why is Anko jealous of Sen?” I asked bluntly, though I knew the answer might cut deeper than any of us liked.

Genma shrugged. “Who knows? From what I’ve seen, Sen hasn’t so much as exchanged a word with either of them since their little friendship fallout in the Academy.”

Shisui hadn’t said a word yet. He just sat there, sharp eyes watching the conversation, soaking it all in like a hawk biding its time.

“Kakashi, you’re close to Asuma,” Obito said, finally lifting his head. “Why not ask him what’s eating Kurenai?”

Kakashi shook his head. His voice was clipped, resolute. “I don’t need Asuma’s words. I’d ask Anko and Krunei myself. But that means she’ll know I care for Sen . . Sen doesn’t want that.”

He was right. Direct confrontation would only play into Anko’s hands. If she realized Sen had shared anything with us, she’d twist it, use it to fuel whatever game she was playing.

“Then I will.” Obito’s tone hardened as he snapped the bingo book shut. “Anko needs to learn there are consequences.”

Genma exhaled heavily, setting the bottle down. “This won’t end well, Junpei. Kakashi. Sen’s nature is to ignore the annoyi g people. She is good at it . Didn't she ignored all of us through our teenage years ?. She doesn’t flinch at Anko’s posturing, doesn’t even acknowledge her existence—and that’s what’s driving Anko mad. If it were me or Anko, we’d have sparred, thrown a few punches, and left it at that. But Sen? She won’t give her that satisfaction. She won’t bend. And when Sen refuses to bend, Anko will break something.”

His words hung in the air like smoke.

He wasn’t wrong. Sen wasn’t like us. She didn’t rise to bait, didn’t waste her energy on prideful battles. But that also meant she had no outlet, no release. If Anko forced her hand—if she cornered her—Sen would only react when there was no other way out. And when that moment came, it would be catastrophic.Sen wouldn't back down then and she will settle the score .

And I had the sickening feeling Anko was pushing her straight to that edge. We were all in the village and free . Sen is the target of Anko's boredom these days.

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So i thought the current story would be covered in two chapters but i was wrong .This is the longest chapter i have written . The story is still remaining for this arc.  There will be one more chapter that will cover the ongoing story .

Today's fic recomendation is :

👉"Kamen" by AmayaNoAkatsuki

This fic has hot Anbu romance with all the hot scenes 😈 but still ongoing .

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