The evening air of Konoha carried a faint summer warmth. The sun had dipped below the horizon, and the streets were beginning to glow under the lanterns lit by shopkeepers preparing for the night's business.
It was Friday, and after a long day of missions and responsibilities, Kakashi and his friends had decided to relax together. They had agreed to meet later at BBQ Q—the most popular restaurant in the village for shinobi gatherings. Everyone would first return home to change into casual clothes before regrouping for the feast.
But Kakashi, being Kakashi, didn't wait.
With a flash of chakra, he used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport directly back to his home. In a matter of minutes, he had already changed into his casual outfit—a coordinated set that, perhaps intentionally, matched Rin's style. The faint curve of a smile tugged beneath his ever-present mask as he adjusted his collar. Tonight, he thought, would be pleasant.
Without wasting another second, he marked his destination and teleported again—this time straight to the entrance of Konoha Hospital, where Rin would be finishing her shift.
Yet the moment he arrived, he froze in surprise.
Standing beside Rin wasn't just anyone—it was Obito, fresh from a mission. Kakashi could tell by the faint dust clinging to his friend's clothes and the tired but triumphant expression on his face. But Obito wasn't alone.
Next to him stood a girl who looked no older than eight or nine. She wore a delicate purple long skirt that brushed against her knees, her black twin ponytails swaying lightly in the breeze. Her childish face was flawless, like a porcelain doll, and her sapphire eyes sparkled as if holding entire galaxies within them. She clung shyly to Obito's sleeve, her petite figure making her appear almost kitten-like at his side.
Kakashi's uncovered eye widened. This… this is Kazehana Koyuki, the princess of the Snow Country?
He nearly slapped his forehead. Obito, I asked you to escort her to the Land of Iron—how did you end up bringing her back here?
Still, Kakashi couldn't help but smirk behind his mask. Obito, you look so honest most of the time… but at critical moments, you act decisively. Who would've thought?
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Obito's Explanation
Seeing Kakashi's meaningful stare, Obito scratched his head awkwardly and began to explain.
"Well, the mission was to escort Xue'er to the Land of Iron as planned," he said. "But when I arrived, I saw Kazehana Doto attacking her father, Lord Zaoxue. Things got dangerous fast. Without thinking, I stepped in and blocked his strike. Both Lord Zaoxue and Xue'er were gravely injured, so I brought them back here. After all, Konoha's medical standards are the best in the world. If anywhere could save them, it's here."
Kakashi's eye curved in amusement. "Tsk, tsk, tsk… it hasn't even been long, and you're already calling her Xue'er?"
Before Obito could respond, the girl tugging at his sleeve suddenly raised her voice.
"You're not allowed to tease Brother Obito like that!" she declared fiercely, her sapphire eyes flashing. "Brother Obito saved my father and me. He's the best person in the whole world!"
Her childish indignation made her look even cuter, like a little porcelain doll trying to roar.
Kakashi chuckled softly, raising both hands in mock surrender. "Alright, alright. It's my fault. I shouldn't have spoken badly about your Brother Obito. Princess Xiaoxue is very generous—please forgive me, hm?"
"Hmph!" Xue'er puffed her cheeks, but after a moment, she relented. "Since you begged for mercy, I'll forgive you this time!"
Rin, who had been quietly watching, smiled at the scene. The girl was so small, yet her spirit was fierce.
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The Father's Condition
Changing the subject, Kakashi turned to Rin. "By the way, how is Xiaoxue's father doing?"
Rin's expression softened, though there was still worry in her eyes. "Lord Zaoxue's injuries were severe. If Obito hadn't brought him here in time, the outcome would have been tragic. But fortunately, his condition has stabilized. He's in a coma for now, but with rest, he should recover fully in about two months."
Kakashi gave a small nod. Ordinary civilians like Lord Zaoxue couldn't withstand the side effects of rapid medical ninjutsu regeneration. Rin had wisely chosen conservative treatment—slower, but far less risky.
Standing beside Obito, Xue'er's bright eyes turned red with unshed tears. She bit her lip, her little body trembling as she struggled to hold back her sobs.
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A Change of Plans
Kakashi, noticing her sorrow, quickly clapped his hands. "In that case, why don't we cheer things up a bit? Tonight, Shisui happens to be treating us to barbecue. Why not bring Xiaoxue along? We're all family here—Shisui won't mind."
Obito's eyes widened. "Wait, Shisui? Treating us? You're kidding. That guy is usually so frugal he'd rather cook plain rice at home than spend money outside. Why would he suddenly treat us?"
Kakashi smirked. "He's my new squad leader in Anbu now. It would be rude for a newly promoted officer not to treat his comrades, don't you think?"
"Hold on—what?!" Obito practically shouted. "Shisui joined Anbu? When did this happen?" His hands clenched into fists, and he rounded on Kakashi. "And when I applied, you rejected me! Why could Shisui join, but not me?"
Kakashi sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Obito, you're a high-ranking Uchiha official now. Your position is different. It wouldn't be appropriate for you to serve directly under me anymore. But don't pout—if a serious mission arises, I'll definitely bring you along."
Obito's shoulders slumped. "Tch… fine." He looked disappointed, but only for a moment before his usual energy returned. "In that case, let's eat! If Shisui's paying, we shouldn't waste the chance."
He crouched down to Xue'er's level and grinned. "Come on, Xue'er. I'll take you to eat something delicious."
Xue'er hesitated, clutching her skirt nervously. "But… what about Father? I don't want to leave him alone."
Rin stepped forward, her voice as gentle as a lullaby. "Don't worry, Xiaoxue. I've arranged for skilled medics to watch over him around the clock. He'll be safe. You should enjoy yourself too."
Xue'er's eyes brightened instantly. She nodded vigorously. "Mm! Thank you, Sister Rin!"
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Preparing for the Evening
Rin's heart warmed. She gently stroked the girl's hair, smiling. "It's too hot for such a thick long skirt. Come with me, and I'll lend you some of my old clothes for now. Tomorrow, we'll go buy you new ones."
Xue'er nodded obediently, her trust shining in her wide eyes.
"Bang!" Kakashi clapped his hands again. "Great! No more delays—let's set off soon."
Half an hour later, Rin emerged from her room holding Xue'er's tiny hand.
Rin had changed out of her hospital uniform into a slim-fitting short skirt that showed off her graceful figure. Her snow-white legs gleamed under the lantern light, and even Kakashi, usually so composed, found his gaze drifting down more than once.
Beside her, Xue'er had changed into a lighter purple short skirt, looking both cute and refreshed.
"Stop staring, idiot. Let's go." Rin caught Kakashi's gaze and smiled knowingly. Her eyes sparkled like stars teasing him from a summer night sky.
Meanwhile, Xue'er ran up to Obito, her twin tails bouncing. She twirled around, giggling. "Brother Obito, do I look pretty in this outfit?"
Obito froze, his cheeks turning red. "Y-yeah. You look… really cute."
Somewhere deep inside, a strange warmth stirred in him. For the first time, he felt an inexplicable urge to protect her—not as part of a mission, but because he wanted to.
"Obito!" Kakashi called, snapping him from his thoughts. "Don't just stand there like an idiot. Let's go already."
"Ah—oh, right! Coming!" Obito quickly grabbed his cloak, following after the others.
And with that, the small group of unlikely companions—two elite shinobi, a healer, and a little princess—headed out into the glowing night of Konoha, toward an evening that promised both laughter and the strengthening of bonds.
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