Chapter 46

  The night air carried a welcome coolness after the scorching heat of the day. Kankuro wiped sweat from his brow as he made the final adjustments to his newest creation. The workshop Konoha had allowed him to use was small but well-equipped, tucked away in one of the weapon forges near the village center. His fingers worked methodically, checking each joint and mechanism with practiced precision.

  "Are you going to let me see it now, or do I have to steal your stupid hat first?" Tenten's voice came from behind him, impatient but playful.

  Kankuro shifted his body, intentionally blocking her view. "Good luck with that. And it's not stupid—it's traditional."

  "Traditionally stupid," she countered, trying to peek around his shoulder.

  He couldn't help the smile that tugged at his lips. That was the thing about Tenten—she didn't treat him like he was the Kazekage's son or a foreign ninja to be wary of. She just treated him like... Kankuro. A fellow weapons enthusiast. A friend. Maybe something more.

  And that was precisely the problem.

  "Almost done," he said, tightening the last connection in the puppet's left wrist mechanism. "There's still something off with the launcher, though."

  Tenten leaned against the workbench, twirling a kunai between her fingers. "Is that why you've been so jumpy? Worried about your new toy not working during the finals?"

  Kankuro didn't answer immediately. The finals. Three days away. The invasion would begin during Gaara's match. The plan was brutally efficient—use the chaos of the tournament as cover, unleash Gaara's full power, and strike when Konoha least expected it.

  "Earth to Kankuro," Tenten waved her hand in front of his face. "You went all quiet and broody again. I already deal with that enough from Neji—don't you start too."

  "Sorry," he mumbled, forcing himself to focus on the puppet. "Just concentrating."

  Tenten's eyes sparkled with excitement. "So... can I see it now?"

  With a reluctant sigh, Kankuro stepped aside, revealing his newest creation. Unlike Crow, this puppet was sleeker, more humanoid in its proportions, with a feminine face and long black hair made of thousands of thin metal wires. Its wooden body was painted black with purple accents that matched Kankuro's face paint.

  "I call her Raven," he said, watching Tenten's reaction closely.

  Her eyes widened, and she circled the puppet with undisguised awe. "She's beautiful," Tenten breathed, examining the craftsmanship. "Those joints look custom-made."

  "They are. I carved them myself."

  Tenten ran her fingers over the puppet's arm. "And these launchers are built directly into the forearms? That's different from Crow."

  "Yeah, it gives me better range control," Kankuro explained, momentarily forgetting his troubles as he slipped into shop talk. "And see here?" He pointed to the puppet's back. "Hidden compartment for smoke bombs, flash tags, and a few other surprises."

  "Surprises, huh?" Tenten grinned. "Like what?"

  "Can't tell you that," Kankuro replied with a forced smirk. "Might have to use them against your teammate."

  The mention of the tournament seemed to darken the workshop, despite the bright lamps illuminating their work. Kankuro busied himself with adjusting Raven's fingers, avoiding Tenten's gaze.

  "Speaking of the finals," he began carefully, "I heard there's supposed to be a big weapons exhibition in Tanzaku Town tomorrow. Runs through the end of the week."

  Tenten's brow furrowed. "Yeah, I know about it. Been wanting to go for years, but it never lines up with my schedule."

  "You should go," Kankuro said too quickly. "I mean, with the finals and everything, you deserve a break. Could be fun."

  "Are you kidding? And miss watching you get your ass handed to you by Neji?" She laughed, punching his arm lightly. "No way."

  "I'm serious," he insisted. "It's a once-a-year thing, right? And they'll have those special kunai you were talking about—the ones with the serrated inner edge."

  Tenten crossed her arms. "What's going on with you? First, you've been acting weird all week, and now you're trying to get rid of me?"

  "I'm not trying to get rid of you," Kankuro protested, though that was exactly what he was doing. "Just thought you might enjoy it."

  "Uh-huh." She didn't sound convinced. "You know, if you're worried about facing Neji, I won't be mad if you beat him."

  Kankuro pulled his hat lower, adjusting it needlessly. "I'm not worried about that."

  "And I promise I won't mock you too much when he wipes the floor with you," she continued with a teasing smile.

  Despite himself, Kankuro snorted. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

  "Though I might do a little mocking if Ino somehow beats both of you," Tenten added with a giggle. "Can you imagine? The look on Neji's face alone would be worth it."

  The laughter they shared felt hollow to Kankuro. In three days, there wouldn't be a tournament anymore. There would be war. Blood. Death. And Tenten would be in the middle of it all.

  He cleared his throat. "Hey, what about that mission your team had scheduled? The one to the Land of Rivers?"

  "Got postponed until after the finals," Tenten replied, now examining Raven's hidden compartments with expert interest. "Wow, the craftsmanship on these hinges is incredible. Did you make these yourself too?"

  "Yeah," Kankuro answered distractedly. Another plan foiled. "But, uh, couldn't your team request to have it moved up? Get a head start?"

  Tenten straightened, a suspicious look on her face. "Okay, what's going on? You've been trying to get me out of the village for days now."

  "What? No, I haven't," he lied, focusing intently on adjusting a loose joint in Raven's elbow.

  "Yes, you have. First, it was that blacksmith in the Land of Hot Water who 'desperately needed my opinion' on some new forging technique. Then it was the 'amazing opportunity' to train with that weapons master in the Land of Tea. Now it's this exhibition." She planted her hands on her hips. "Spill it, puppet boy."

  Kankuro felt trapped. The truth burned in his throat, desperate to escape. Tell her. Warn her. Save her.

  But the words wouldn't come. Couldn't come. His father's face flashed in his mind, along with Temari's, and even Gaara's. His village. His family. His duty.

  "I just..." he began, then faltered. "I guess I'm just nervous about the finals."

  Tenten's expression softened. "That's what this is about? Performance anxiety?"

  No, it's about me being part of a plan to destroy your home and possibly kill you and everyone you care about.

  "Something like that," he muttered instead.

  "Well, that's just silly," Tenten said, hopping onto the workbench and swinging her legs. "You're going to do great. You've been training non-stop, and this new puppet is amazing."

  "It's not just that," Kankuro insisted, needing to say something that wasn't a complete lie. "My father will be there."

  Understanding dawned on Tenten's face. "Oh, right. The Kazekage. That must be a lot of pressure."

  "You have no idea," Kankuro replied honestly. The Kazekage expected nothing less than total victory. Not just in the tournament, but in the invasion that would follow. "We don't exactly have the best relationship."

  "Parents can be tough," Tenten agreed sympathetically. "Mine always wanted me to go into the family business—they run a small shop selling household goods. Can you imagine? Me, selling pots and pans instead of throwing them at people's heads?"

  The attempt at humor fell flat as Kankuro stared at his puppet, seeing not Raven but the destruction it would bring. The poison-laced senbon hidden in its fingers. The explosive tags tucked into secret compartments. Weapons designed to kill, not just to win a tournament.

  "It's getting late," he said suddenly, covering Raven with a cloth. "We should probably call it a night."

  Tenten looked disappointed but nodded. "Sure, but first—show me that launcher mechanism one more time. I think I have an idea for how to fix the jamming issue."

  They spent another half hour making adjustments, falling back into the easy rhythm of collaboration that had made the past two weeks so enjoyable. When they finally finished, the launcher worked flawlessly, deploying a small barrage of senbon in a perfect arc.

  "See? Perfect," Tenten said proudly. "You're going to amaze everyone at the finals."

  The guilt was suffocating. "Yeah," Kankuro managed. "Thanks for your help."

  As they cleaned up the workshop, Kankuro found himself watching Tenten—the way she organized tools with practiced efficiency, how she hummed softly to herself as she worked, the small calluses on her fingers from years of weapons training. He wondered how many more nights like this they would have. Probably none.

  "Hey," he said impulsively, "want to grab something to eat?"

  Tenten glanced out the window at the star-filled sky. "It's pretty late. Most places are closed."

  "I know a spot," Kankuro said. "If you're up for it."

  She smiled. "Lead the way, puppet boy."

  The "spot" turned out to be the roof of the building, where Kankuro had stashed a small pack of provisions earlier that day—just in case. He spread out a blanket and unpacked a modest assortment of snacks and a thermos of hot tea.

  "When did you set this up?" Tenten asked, settling onto the blanket.

  Kankuro shrugged, trying to appear casual. "I come up here sometimes to think. The stars are easier to see than in Suna—less sand in the air."

  They sat side by side, looking up at the night sky, sharing food in comfortable silence. Konoha spread out below them, peaceful and unsuspecting. Kankuro's stomach churned with each bite.

  "Do you ever think about just leaving it all behind?" he asked suddenly.

  Tenten turned to him, surprised. "Leaving what behind?"

  "This. Being a ninja. Village politics. Family expectations." He gestured vaguely at the air around them. "All of it."

  "Sometimes, I guess," she admitted, leaning back on her hands. "But not seriously. I love being a kunoichi. I love my team, even when Neji's being a fatalistic jerk and Lee's doing five hundred push-ups at five in the morning." She paused, studying him. "Do you?"

  Kankuro stared at the stars, not trusting himself to look at her. "More and more lately."

  "Why?" Tenten asked, her voice gentle.

  "It's complicated."

  "Try me."

  He took a deep breath. "What if... what if we just left? Together. Tonight. We could go to that exhibition in Tanzaku Town, then keep going. See those legendary weapon smiths in the Land of Iron. Visit the ruins in the Land of Whirlpools. Just... go."

  The silence that followed was deafening. When Kankuro finally dared to look at Tenten, her expression was a mixture of confusion and concern.

  "Kankuro, what's really going on?" she asked quietly. "This isn't just about the tournament, is it?"

  The moment stretched between them, taut with unspoken truths. He could tell her everything. Warn her. Save her.

  But the words died in his throat again.

  "I guess I'm just more nervous than I thought," he said at last, forcing a weak laugh. "Performing in front of my father, the other Kages, all those important clients... it's a lot."

  Tenten's shoulders relaxed slightly, though concern still lingered in her eyes. "That's all? You're having a minor breakdown because you're worried about stage fright?"

  "Something like that," he murmured.

  "Well, that must be it," she said, nudging his shoulder with hers. "The great Kankuro of the Sand, master puppeteer, afraid of a little audience."

  "Hey, I never said I was afraid," he protested weakly.

  "Your secret's safe with me," Tenten promised with a wink. "But seriously, you're going to be amazing. And even if you mess up—which you won't—it's not the end of the world."

  If only she knew how wrong she was.

  They finished their improvised picnic in companionable silence, watching as clouds occasionally drifted across the stars. When the night air grew too chilly, Kankuro reluctantly suggested heading back.

  "This was nice," Tenten said as they packed up. "We should do it again sometime."

  "Yeah," Kankuro agreed hollowly. "Sometime."

  He walked her home, the streets of Konoha quiet and empty at this late hour. At her door, Tenten turned to him with a smile.

  "Thanks for showing me Raven. She's incredible."

  "Thanks for your help with the launcher," he replied. "Couldn't have fixed it without you."

  Tenten hesitated, then leaned forward and placed a quick, soft kiss on his cheek. "Good night, puppet boy. Try not to stress too much, okay?"

  Kankuro stood frozen, his cheek burning where her lips had touched. "Good night," he managed to say.

  He waited until she was safely inside before turning and walking away, his steps heavy with the weight of secrets and regrets. The cool night air did nothing to clear his head.

  As he made his way back to the quarters assigned to the Sand delegation, a resolution formed in his mind. He couldn't betray his village—his family—by warning Tenten. But maybe there was another way.

  Tomorrow, he would talk to Temari. His sister was the reasonable one, the strategist. Together, maybe they could convince their father to call off the invasion, to pursue diplomatic relations with Konoha instead of destruction. It was a long shot, but it was all he had.

  With one last look at the stars, Kankuro whispered a promise to the night. "I'll find a way to fix this."

  He only hoped he wasn't already too late.

  The Rusty Kunai wasn't Konoha's most upscale establishment, but it had been the preferred watering hole for jonin since before the Third Great Ninja War. Its walls were adorned with kunai and shuriken—some embedded during drunken target practice, others deliberately placed as trophies from memorable missions. The lighting was dim enough to accommodate ninja paranoia, but bright enough to see your drink wasn't poisoned.

  Asuma Sarutobi was the first to arrive, claiming their usual corner booth. He lit a cigarette and signaled the bartender for his usual as he settled in, studying the tournament bracket sketched on a napkin.

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  Kurenai Yūhi slid onto the bench beside him, closer than strictly necessary. "Starting without us?"

  "Just getting comfortable," Asuma replied with a lazy smile. He discreetly moved his hand under the table to rest on her knee.

  Kakashi Hatake appeared next, his nose buried in his book. Without looking up, he dropped into the seat across from them. "Yo."

  "At least pretend to be excited, Kakashi," Kurenai chided. "All three of your students made it to the finals. That's unprecedented for rookie genin."

  "Hmm? Did you say something?" Kakashi turned a page in his book.

  Maito Gai burst through the door next, the force of his entrance causing several nearby patrons to flinch. "GREETINGS, MY ESTEEMED RIVALS AND FELLOW MOLDERS OF YOUTHFUL POTENTIAL!"

  Asuma winced. "Indoor voice, Gai."

  "Ah, forgive me!" Gai lowered his volume marginally as he slid into the booth. "The flames of anticipation burn so brightly within me that I sometimes forget myself!"

  Kakashi glanced up from his book. "Did someone come in?"

  "KAKASHI!" Gai pointed dramatically, eyes blazing. "YOUR HIP AND COOL ATTITUDE CONTINUES TO INFURIATE AND INSPIRE ME! THIS IS WHY YOU ARE MY ETERNAL RIVAL!"

  "Sorry, did you say something?" Kakashi flipped another page.

  Gai clutched his chest as if mortally wounded. "So cool... so modern... YOUR INDIFFERENCE ONLY FEEDS THE FIRES OF OUR RIVALRY!"

  "Hey, here comes the new guy," Asuma nodded toward the door.

  Utakata entered, his expression serene as he surveyed the room. He carried his bubble pipe in one hand, occasionally lifting it to his lips to blow a perfect, shimmering bubble that floated above the bar's smoky atmosphere before bursting. He approached their table with a slight bow.

  "Thank you for the invitation," he said, his voice soft but carrying.

  "Glad you could make it," Asuma said, sliding over to make room. "We invited Baki too, but he declined. Said he had preparations to see to."

  "More likely he's uncomfortable fraternizing with the competition," Kurenai remarked.

  "Or perhaps he is simply shy!" Gai suggested. "Not everyone possesses the fortitude to embrace new bonds of youthful camaraderie!"

  A server brought a round of drinks, and the conversation naturally turned to their students.

  "Three days until the finals," Asuma said, leaning back. "Nothing more we can teach them now. It's all about rest and mental preparation."

  "Indeed," Gai nodded seriously. "Though only my precious Neji advanced to the finals, the power of youth burns brightly within him! His genius will surely shine before the assembled dignitaries!"

  Ibiki Morino approached their table, dragging a chair from nearby. "Mind if I join? I've got money riding on these brats of yours."

  "The more the merrier," Asuma gestured to the empty seat. "Anko coming too?"

  "She'll be here. Sent her to get Hayate and Genma." Ibiki settled his imposing frame onto the chair. "So, what are we drinking to? The destruction of overconfident genin dreams?"

  Anko Mitarashi bounded over, sake bottle already in hand. "To chaos and bloodshed!" She slammed the bottle down, followed more sedately by Genma Shiranui and a coughing Hayate Gekkō.

  "To our students," Kurenai corrected, raising her glass.

  "To the Will of Fire," Kakashi added, finally closing his book.

  "To YOUTH!" Gai proclaimed.

  "To peaceful relations between our villages," Utakata offered quietly.

  They all drank, the momentary silence giving way to the ambient noise of the bar.

  "So," Genma asked, senbon shifting from one side of his mouth to the other, "how'd you all prepare your students for this circus the Hokage's arranged? I've never seen a tournament with team matches and three-way fights before."

  "My team's used to fighting together," Kakashi said with a shrug. "Sasuke and Sakura have solid teamwork. Their individual strengths complement each other."

  "Don't sell yourself short, Kakashi," Kurenai smiled. "Those two are remarkably synchronized for genin their age."

  "Sasuke has proven himself a true Uchiha prodigy," Kakashi acknowledged. "And Sakura's transformation has given her advantages few would expect."

  "The rabbit girl," Anko grinned. "She's got spine. I like her."

  "What about Shino and Kiba?" Hayate asked between coughs. "Think they can take down the Uchiha and his girlfriend?"

  Kurenai straightened, her eyes flashing. "Absolutely. Shino's tactical mind and Kiba's raw aggression make them formidable. They've been training specifically to counter Sasuke's Sharingan and Sakura's enhanced senses."

  "The match of the first round, for sure," Genma nodded. "But I've got my eye on that last three-way. The Uzumaki kid, the Kazekage's son, and the ice user from Mist."

  Utakata blew a bubble, watching it float upward before speaking. "Haku is exceptional. His kekkei genkai gives him advantages few can counter, and his speed is beyond most chunin. I've encouraged him to approach the match with restraint, however."

  "Restraint?" Anko scoffed. "Where's the fun in that?"

  "We are guests here," Utakata reminded her. "And Haku has no desire to cause permanent harm."

  "Naruto will surprise everyone," Kakashi said with confidence. "He always does."

  "The power of unpredictability!" Gai agreed with a thumbs up. "A most youthful trait!"

  "Tell us about your Neji," Utakata requested. "I've heard the Hyūga clan produces formidable warriors."

  Gai's expression turned unusually serious. "Neji is a true genius of hard work, though he would never acknowledge it as such. He believes destiny has marked him for greatness, but it is his own determination that has elevated his clan's techniques beyond what most branch members achieve."

  "Think he can handle a three-way fight against the Yamanaka girl and the puppet user?" Genma asked.

  "Ino is more capable than people realize," Asuma interjected, tapping ash from his cigarette. "Her clan techniques make her dangerous in any match-up, and she's been working on contingencies if her mind transfer is countered."

  "My money's still on the puppet kid," Anko declared. "Those Suna puppeteers are vicious."

  "What about your other student, Asuma?" Hayate asked. "Shikamaru, right? Faced against the Kazekage's daughter and that Sound ninja."

  Asuma couldn't contain a proud smile. "Shikamaru's the smartest genin I've ever taught. Probably smarter than most people in this room, if I'm being honest."

  "You're biased," Kurenai teased, nudging him with her shoulder.

  "Maybe," he conceded. "But he's got over two hundred strategies prepared for his match, accounting for every possible interaction between his shadows, her wind, and whatever that bandaged kid has up his sleeve."

  "The Sound ninja are an unknown factor," Ibiki mused. "Their techniques aren't well documented, and they've kept to themselves during their stay."

  "Dosu uses sound vibrations as weapons," Kakashi provided. "My team encountered him in the Forest of Death. He's dangerous in close quarters."

  "Not as dangerous as that Gaara kid," Anko said, refilling her cup. "There's something off about him. He killed those Rain ninja without blinking."

  A subtle tension fell over the table. Utakata's expression remained carefully neutral, but Kakashi noticed his fingers tighten around his bubble pipe.

  "Perhaps we should discuss the format," Utakata suggested smoothly. "I find it quite interesting that the Hokage chose such an unorthodox approach."

  "Testing different skills," Ibiki explained. "One-on-one matches show individual capability, but ninja rarely fight alone in the field. Team coordination and the ability to handle multiple opponents simultaneously are valuable skills for chunin."

  "Plus," Anko added with a grin, "it's more entertaining for the paying customers. Three-way fights are chaotic—alliances form and break, strategies become more complex."

  "Indeed!" Gai exclaimed. "It is a most excellent examination of both SKILL and CHARACTER! Who will fight honorably? Who will betray temporary allies for individual glory?"

  "Speaking of which," Genma leaned forward, "I've got a betting pool going. Anyone want in?"

  "That's highly unprofessional," Kurenai said with a frown.

  "Twenty on Shikamaru to win his match," Asuma replied immediately.

  Kurenai rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "Fine. Thirty on Kiba and Shino defeating Sasuke and Sakura."

  "Such confidence!" Gai praised. "I shall match it with fifty on my dear Neji claiming victory in his contest!"

  Kakashi sighed and pulled out his wallet. "Forty on Naruto surprising everyone."

  Genma scribbled furiously on a notepad. "Specific outcomes?"

  "Naruto will be the last one standing against both Gaara and Haku," Kakashi clarified.

  "Bold," Ibiki commented.

  "Twenty says Sakura takes down Kiba before Sasuke can finish Shino," Anko wagered.

  "Thirty that says Temari eliminates Dosu within the first five minutes," Hayate added between coughs.

  Utakata hesitated, then said quietly, "I will place twenty on Haku showing mercy at a crucial moment."

  The others looked at him curiously.

  "Not on him winning?" Genma asked.

  "Victory is not always measured by who remains standing," Utakata replied.

  "Deep," Anko snorted. "Alright, what about overall tournament winner? Who takes the whole thing?"

  "Sasuke," Ibiki said without hesitation. "The boy's driven."

  "Neji," Gai countered. "His destiny will not be denied!"

  "Shikamaru," Asuma said confidently. "If he decides it's worth the effort."

  "Shino," Kurenai nodded. "His strategic mind and unique abilities make him unpredictable."

  "Gaara," Anko declared. "That kid's on another level."

  Utakata said nothing, merely blowing another bubble.

  Kakashi's eye crinkled in what might have been a smile. "I think we might all be surprised by the outcome."

  "What about chunin promotions?" Hayate asked. "That's the real prize, after all."

  "At least one from each village, I'd wager," Genma said. "Politics."

  Asuma nodded. "Shikamaru's a shoe-in if he shows even half his capabilities."

  "Sakura as well," Kakashi added. "Her analytical skills and adaptability are exactly what the selection committee looks for."

  "Don't discount Kiba," Kurenai asserted. "He's matured significantly in recent months."

  "Neji's skills are beyond question," Gai stated proudly. "But it is his growth as a person that will most impress the judges!"

  "I believe Haku will conduct himself admirably," Utakata said. "Whether that results in promotion or not is secondary to representing Kirigakure with honor."

  "Politics aside," Ibiki interjected, "the Sand and Sound villages are pushing hard for recognition. They'll have their students going all out."

  "Speaking of," Asuma frowned slightly, "has anyone else noticed how tense the Sand jonin have been lately? Baki practically bolted when I invited him tonight."

  "Pre-tournament nerves," Anko dismissed. "They've got the Kazekage's kids in the spotlight. Pressure's on."

  "Perhaps," Kakashi murmured, his visible eye thoughtful.

  Utakata smoothly changed the subject. "I understand your Hokage has invited the Mizukage to attend the finals as well."

  "First official visit since your civil war wrapped up," Genma confirmed. "Big diplomatic step."

  "Indeed," Utakata nodded. "Lady Mei is quite looking forward to it."

  "I've heard rumors about your new Mizukage," Anko leaned forward with a predatory grin. "They say she can use two kekkei genkai and melts men with both her looks and her jutsu."

  "The rumors undersell her capabilities," Utakata replied calmly.

  "Speaking of which," Genma smirked, nodding toward where Asuma's hand had disappeared under the table. "You two aren't fooling anyone, you know."

  Kurenai blushed slightly, but Asuma merely grinned and took another drag of his cigarette.

  "THE SPRINGTIME OF YOUTH AND LOVE!" Gai proclaimed, tears streaming down his face. "WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY OF HUMAN CONNECTION!"

  "Keep it down, Gai," Kakashi sighed, reopening his book.

  "SUCH HIP ATTITUDES CANNOT DIMINISH THE POWER OF ROMANCE, MY ETERNAL RIVAL!"

  "Did someone say something?" Kakashi asked, turning a page.

  "GAAHH! KAKASHI! YOUR COOL DISMISSAL WOUNDS ME TO MY CORE!" Gai clutched his heart dramatically. "I SHALL DO ONE HUNDRED LAPS AROUND THE VILLAGE ON MY HANDS IF I CANNOT MAKE YOU ACKNOWLEDGE ME BEFORE THE NIGHT IS THROUGH!"

  The other jonin chuckled at the familiar routine.

  "You know," Asuma said thoughtfully, "whatever happens in these finals, this crop of genin is something special."

  "Agreed," Kurenai nodded. "I haven't seen this much raw talent in one class since..."

  "Since my generation," Kakashi finished quietly.

  A moment of silence fell over the table, each jonin lost in their own thoughts and memories.

  "To the next generation, then," Hayate proposed, raising his glass.

  "The next generation," they echoed, glasses clinking together.

  As they drank, Utakata glanced around the table with quiet contemplation. "It's remarkable," he observed, "how invested you all are in each other's students, not just your own."

  "That's Konoha for you," Asuma replied with a shrug. "The Will of Fire isn't just about protecting the village. It's about seeing every child as part of our collective future."

  "It's quite different from my experience in Kirigakure," Utakata admitted.

  "That's why your Mizukage's reforms are so important," Kurenai said gently. "Breaking the cycle of the Bloody Mist."

  "Indeed," Utakata agreed, a small smile touching his lips. "Perhaps our villages have more to learn from each other than just fighting techniques."

  "Well said," Kakashi nodded, finally putting his book away. "Now, who's buying the next round?"

  "I believe it's Gai's turn," Asuma grinned.

  "YOSH! I SHALL PURCHASE THE MOST YOUTHFUL AND REFRESHING BEVERAGES FOR MY ESTEEMED COLLEAGUES!"

  As Gai bounded toward the bar with characteristic enthusiasm, the others settled back into their seats, conversation flowing more freely as the night progressed. Outside, Konoha was quiet, peaceful under a blanket of stars—unaware of the storm gathering on its horizon.