"To be proud of it?"
Kimura Shiraishi froze for a moment, then a sudden realization struck him. Uchiha Tenshin and Hatake Kakashi were both incredibly talented, defeating a Chunin at just five years old. Their futures held boundless potential; it wouldn't be surprising if one of them became Hokage someday. After all, they came from renowned clans, giving them a natural advantage.
By then, he could proudly say, "Back in the day, I almost defeated the future Hokage!"
(TL: Lmao )
The thought lifted Shiraishi's spirits, and a smile crept onto his face. As he looked up, he noticed Uchiha Fugaku had already left, but that didn't bother him; he focused on restoring order and handling the post-exam formalities.
Outside the academy gates, Tenshin and Kakashi stood with their newly earned forehead protectors neatly tied around their heads. The sun was setting, casting a warm, reddish glow, but a small group of friends waited for them: Might Guy, Sarutobi Asuma, Yūhi Kurenai, and Nohara Rin.
Tenshin smiled as he looked at them, grateful for their companionship over the past year. "It's getting late. How about I treat everyone to some barbecue?"
"Yeah! Tenshin, you're the best!" Guy cheered, practically jumping up with excitement. Coming from a modest background, he rarely had the chance to enjoy meat.
Asuma glanced over at Kurenai and shrugged nonchalantly, "Barbecue sounds good."
Kurenai and the other girls chuckled softly but couldn't hide the hint of sadness in their eyes. They knew this was a farewell meal, a last gathering before Tenshin and Kakashi moved on to new paths.
Sensing the mood, Tenshin wanted to lighten things up. He threw an arm around Kakashi's shoulders, grinning. "Come on, let's go celebrate our successful teamwork today."
Kakashi, however, brushed him off coldly. Tenshin chuckled, leaning in to whisper, "Think about it—this could be the last chance to see everyone together."
The words struck a chord with Kakashi, and he found himself glancing over at his friends.
"You're a big part of today's success, Kakashi. You can't skip out on this!" Asuma added.
"Exactly, youth must be celebrated!" Guy said, giving him a thumbs-up with a dazzling grin.
"Kakashi..." Rin's voice trembled slightly, and her gaze was filled with a gentle longing.
Kakashi's heart softened at the sight of his friends' hopeful faces, and he finally muttered, "Fine, I'll come."
"Now that's the spirit!" Tenshin laughed, wrapping an arm around Kakashi as they headed off with the group in tow.
Just then, a familiar voice called out from behind.
"Hey! Wait for me!"
They all turned to see Obito, breathless, running toward them with his signature goggles in place.
"Obito, what took you so long?" Tenshin asked.
Obito gasped for breath, "I...I left home early...but I helped this old lady carry some things...and she invited me for lunch...then I lost track of time."
"Your talent for being late is unparalleled in the ninja world," Tenshin chuckled, then grinned slyly. "Since you've already eaten, you don't need to join us for barbecue."
"What? Barbecue? And you're paying? I'm still hungry! You think I'd fill up on that old lady's cooking?" Obito argued, already pushing Tenshin forward toward the restaurant.
Tenshin smiled. Despite his similar background as an orphan, he was fortunate to have Fugaku's support, and he didn't mind treating his friends. Among them, very few could afford to splurge on barbecue.
Together, the group headed to the barbecue place, chatting and laughing along the way. When they arrived, Tenshin announced grandly, "No need to hold back! You may not get this chance again."
The invitation was all they needed. Obito and the others immediately flagged down the waiter, ordering with wild enthusiasm.
Watching them, Tenshin smiled to himself. He genuinely enjoyed these moments of camaraderie, though he was also mindful of the harsh reality of the ninja world; he'd have to graduate quickly and strengthen himself.
Soon, platters of grilled meat filled the table, releasing an enticing aroma. Obito's mouth watered as he eagerly reached for the food, but Rin playfully swatted his hand away, glaring at him in mock frustration.
Obito, thoroughly chastised, withdrew his hand, looking pitiful.
Tenshin laughed and said, "Alright, dig in before it gets cold."
With his encouragement, everyone eagerly began to eat, even Kakashi, who quietly removed his mask and picked up his chopsticks. However, he soon noticed something odd—everyone had stopped eating and was staring at him with astonished expressions.
Then, Obito burst into laughter. "Kakashi, you have a beauty mark! That's so uncool!"
While Guy and Asuma shrugged it off and returned to their food, Rin jumped to Kakashi's defense, "That's not true! It's handsome!"
Unfazed by Rin's words, Kakashi frowned and began to pull his mask back on, only for Tenshin to give him a light slap on the shoulder. Just as Kakashi thought Tenshin was going to comfort him, he heard him say:
"You actually look good without the mask, but too bad... no matter how cool or beautiful you are, you'll never surpass me!"
"Ha! Ha! Ha!"
Kakashi's fist clenched in irritation, but knowing he couldn't beat Tenshin, he diverted his frustration by devouring the barbecue at top speed.
Seeing this, Obito and the others took it as a challenge, turning the meal into a lively eating contest.
Watching his friends, Tenshin smiled, though he suddenly worried about his wallet. And if the bill was too high... well, he'd just let Kakashi pay—he was eating the most anyway.