In the bustling village of Konoha, a popular yakitori restaurant stood proudly beneath a large signboard. The tantalizing aroma of grilled meat filled the air, a testament to the eatery's thriving business.
"I've arrived!"
With a gentle sweep of the traditional Japanese door curtain, Mitarashi Anko announced her presence with an excited voice, exuding her usual relaxed and cheerful demeanor.
The wooden private room was already brimming with people, and among them stood the distinguished figure of Sarutobi Asuma. A cigarette dangled from his lips, and though he tried to appear indifferent, his eyes betrayed a flicker of determination upon seeing the newcomer.
As the door curtain lifted, Anko's joyful shout greeted Yūhi Kurenai, who sat in the private room. But it was Uchiha Yoru, following closely behind Anko, who captured everyone's attention.
As Yoru stepped into the room, the onlookers were taken aback by his impressive height, standing at around 1.8 meters.
His physique had become more robust and muscular, a result of his enhanced physical attributes.
With his usual cool expression, Yoru donned a pure white kimono, accompanied by black pants. His exposed chest revealed well-defined muscles that drew gazes. Dark arm guards covered his forearms, extending to his palms. A purple rope belt adorned his waist, and a ninja straight blade hung at his side.
"Tch! Uchiha Yoru, still as flashy as ever," Sarutobi Asuma commented naturally. The two had never seen eye to eye since childhood. Hearing Asuma's remark, Yoru narrowed his eyes and chuckled, "Can't help it. I've been going through a growth spurt lately."
Asuma snorted disdainfully, unable to fully hide his envy. He had always struggled with his height, given his father's towering stature. Standing at 1.7 meters now, Asuma couldn't help but feel a tinge of jealousy when faced with Yoru's impressive height.
Accompanying Asuma were his loyal comrades, Kotetsu Hagane, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu, who formed a close-knit group despite being classmates.
"Kurenai, did you miss me?" Anko flashed her usual friendly and carefree smile, though a hint of embarrassment lingered deep in her eyes. After all, she had pretended to be her friend's boyfriend, receiving 150,000 Ryo in the process, even if it was a ruse. It was still awkward.
However, Kurenai calmly returned her smile and gestured for Anko to take a seat. "Anko, you haven't changed a bit."
The bond between the two best friends seemed untouched by time. Yoru also smiled confidently and settled down next to Anko, completely at ease. After all, it's rare for someone involved in politics to feel awkward.
"Sorry for the delay."
As the door curtain rose, Might Guy made his appearance, scratching his head apologetically while greeting everyone. Immediately, he reverted to his enthusiastic and lively self. "Guess what? I managed to bring Kakashi with me this time."
As expected, Kakashi Hatake followed behind Guy, his expression indifferent as he acknowledged everyone with a slight nod. However, the lifeless aura surrounding him dampened the atmosphere of the classmates' gathering.
"Hey, Kakashi, sit here."
With boundless energy, Guy eagerly pulled Kakashi to his side, urging him to take a seat. Kakashi, wearing ANBU armor, emitted an air of desolation, clearly still trapped in the darkness.
Might Guy, Hatake Kakashi, Sarutobi Asuma, Kotetsu Hagane, Genma Shiranui, Ebisu, Yūhi Kurenai, Mitarashi Anko, and Uchiha Yoru—all nine classmates gathered together. For a moment, the atmosphere held a tinge of melancholy, despite their attempts to stay united. Their eyes reflected a profound sense of nostalgia.
The absent classmates remained unspoken of, as those who could attend had already done so. The others were either on missions or had fallen in battle.
Although they belonged to the same class, their ages varied. The war had led to different treatment, with those displaying exceptional aptitude placed in a special class with superior instructors.
During times of war, conventions were disregarded. Their class became a gathering of prodigies, with nearly everyone possessing natural talent. After graduation, they received special attention to prevent their potential from being wasted in missions.
(Although Obito was a late bloomer, he had already mastered Fire Release. He's much stronger than the average ninja.)
"Haha, it's rare for us to gather like this."
Unaware of the sadness lingering among the others due to their missing classmates, Might Guy's vibrant spirit ignited smiles on everyone's faces, excluding Kakashi.
Uchiha Yoru discreetly observed Kakashi Hatake, silently calculating his next move. At this point, Kakashi should be lost and submerged in darkness, making it the perfect opportunity for Yoru.
Yūhi Kurenai and Mitarashi Anko engaged in lighthearted conversation, reuniting like long-lost friends. Yet, Kurenai held complex emotions, hoping that her mission would encounter minimal setbacks.
Sarutobi Asuma occasionally glared at Uchiha Yoru, showcasing his disapproval. Their childhood animosity had transformed due to political differences and various familial factors.
Kakashi Hatake, donning a lifeless expression, attended the class gathering solely due to Might Guy's insistence. He appeared disillusioned, with no interest in observing the changes among his classmates.
On the other hand, Kotetsu Hagane, Genma Shiranui, and Ebisu, as ordinary ninja, didn't require special mention. They had been Asuma's loyal followers since their school days and remained as such. Rising to prominence was challenging for commoners, but their intelligence and parental guidance helped them avoid unnecessary detours.
Among the nine, only Might Guy felt genuine joy. After all, the mortality rate among ninjas, particularly during the Third Great Ninja War, was brutal. To witness so many classmates gathered again filled him with genuine happiness. Of course, he harbored his own ulterior motive—bringing Kakashi out of the darkness.
"Haha, I heard you've become a Jonin, Yoru. You're the second Jonin in our class, right after Kakashi. But I won't give up; I'll be the third Jonin, mark my words!" Amidst his enthusiasm, Might Guy laughed heartily and, upon seeing Yoru, raised his trademark thumbs up, revealing his shining white teeth.
Encouraged by Guy's contagious spirit, Uchiha Yoru displayed a rare blush of embarrassment. After all, not everyone could remain unfazed in the presence of Might Guy.
"Tch, becoming a Jonin doesn't automatically make you a true Jonin," scoffed Sarutobi Asuma, wearing a disdainful expression as he listened to Guy's words, secretly mocking him. His three comrades nodded in agreement.
Indeed, Uchiha Yoru became Orochimaru's disciple and returned to the village as the captain of the Police Force's Seventh Division. It was only then that he attained the rank of Jonin. Compared to Kakashi, who achieved his Jonin status through sheer accomplishments and strength, Yoru seemed to have relied on connections. Naturally, this was hard for others to accept.
~~~
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