The affections of youth faded like clouds by middle age. Distant and blurring, all one could do was look up and smile.
For some reason, Kakashi suddenly thought of Naruto.
"Naruto isn't in the village, right?"
"No, he said he had some business to take care of outside." Shikamaru answered, shaking his head.
"Business? Probably nothing good. Who knows where that kid even went." Kakashi sighed, a rare hint of melancholy in his voice.
"I only taught three students. Aside from Sakura, who gives me the least trouble, the other two are just… one more troublesome than the other."
The topic veered into Sasuke's defection, so Shikamaru didn't press further. No need to make Kakashi sad, after all, Sasuke had been his most promising disciple.
Sasuke's temperament, talent, and even Chakra Attribute were strikingly similar to Kakashi's. Originally, Kakashi had planned to pour his heart into teaching him. If Sasuke had progressed a bit slower, he might've even signed a summoning contract with Pakkun.
But alas…
The night passed without incident.
The next day, Asuma's daughter, Sarutobi Mirai, held her first meal ceremony.
A crowd arrived at the celebration, carrying gifts large and small, instantly filling the spacious courtyard with lively chatter.
The Sarutobi Clan might have declined, but they were still far better off than most. Even after Hiruzen's death, the resources he left behind were substantial.
Not to mention, Asuma and Kurenai were both Elite Jonin… pillars of Konoha's new generation.
In the end, Konoha truly belonged to Asuma's generation. The generation after, like Konohamaru's, was merely transitional… they hadn't experienced the trials of war, nor had they fully benefited from technological advancements.
By the time Konohamaru matured, Shikamaru's generation would already be at the top of Konoha's hierarchy, and their children would grow up in an era of advanced technology.
The future might even bring Cyber-Shinobi, fighting to the beat of their own battle themes. But that was still a distant possibility.
For now, at least, Asuma was living comfortably.
The three-hundred-square-meter, three-story house didn't feel cramped even with over a dozen guests. The atmosphere was warm and bustling, filled with familiar faces… friends and family.
Kakashi stood with Rin, chatting with Guy. Guy was the same as ever, sporting the watermelon hairstyle, brimming with energy.
Ebisu and Genma had also come… they had been in the same squad as Guy back in the day. But as the war ended, they each went their separate ways.
Ebisu preferred teaching, diving deep into elite Shinobi's education. Genma followed the usual path, securing a stable position at the Hokage's Office… taking missions when needed, working otherwise.
Guy was the exception. Stealth and assassination missions never made it to the 'Konoha's Blue Beast'. Most of his assignments were protective details.
Even so, Guy's status remained high. After all, being the top Taijutsu Master wasn't just for show. Every profession had its standout talents.
Anko sneakily grabbed a piece of cake, but when she was about to eat it, she hesitated. Kurenai, who was watching from the side with baby Mirai in her arms, couldn't help but chuckle.
"Just eat it if you want it. What are you hesitating about?"
"I'm afraid of getting fat. I think I've already gained a pound these past few days." Anko shook her head reluctantly, putting the cake back down with a longing gaze, as if her eyes were physically glued to it.
Kurenai burst out laughing, her eyes crinkling with amusement, "Anko, you're looking at that cake like it's your lover."
"Ughhh, don't mock me when I'm suffering!" Anko wailed dramatically, "Life without cake is unbearable! This is torture!"
"Since you want it that badly, just have a little. Don't torture yourself." Kurenai coaxed with a smile.
"No, no!" Anko shook her head like a rattle, "A moment of weakness ruins the grand plan! I can't get fat, I can't! One bite means three days of running… it's too painful."
This piqued Kurenai's curiosity, and she asked, "Why are you so obsessed with your weight? Do you have a crush on someone?"
"Nope." Anko shook her head and said bluntly. "Being too fat is not good. It's bad in every way. One bite is just temporary happiness."
"I'm not young anymore. Once I gain weight, it's hard to lose it. I absolutely can't get fat!"
Kurenai didn't quite understand, still looking puzzled as Anko walked away muttering to herself, completely absorbed in her own world.
"What's up with her?" Asuma asked as he came over to take Mirai, glancing at Anko's despondent retreating figure.
"She wanted some cake." Kurenai explained, "But she's on a diet, so she left reluctantly."
"Anko's already pretty slim. What's she dieting for?" Asuma cradled Mirai, his bearded face breaking into a grin as he played with her.
"Who knows? Maybe she's just strict with herself," Kurenai said with a chuckle.
"By the way, where's Naruto?"
"Naruto? I invited him. He should still be on his way… it's not time yet anyway." Asuma replied, distracted as he entertained Mirai.
On the other side of the courtyard, Anko, who was still muttering to herself, suddenly yelped in pain as someone flicked her forehead.
"Ow! Who was that?!"
"What are you spacing out for? Still acting like an airhead, huh?" Naruto pinched Anko's cheek, enjoying the squish of her collagen-rich skin.
"Let go of me!" Anko rubbed her face indignantly, "This is all your fault! Now I can't even eat cake. I hate this."
"You still wanna eat? You gain weight just from drinking water, and you dare think about cake? Careful, or you'll turn into a barrel." Naruto scoffed, glancing around before giving her cheek another pinch.
"If you're as fat as a barrel, I won't pay any attention to you."
"You're the barrel! I just resisted cake again, you know!" Anko ranted, waving her arms animatedly, looking every bit the lovable fool.
"I told you to eat less cake. You'll become dumb if you eat too much."
"You're the dumb one! Did you see Kakashi earlier? I think he was standing with Rin. They've been showing up together a lot lately… Did you have any insider info?"
"What info?"
"What if they get married?"
"Then someone's coffin lid won't stay shut."
"Who are you talking about?" Anko froze for a second before gasping, "Wait… are you talking about Uchiha Obito?"
"Who is Uchiha Obito?" Naruto feigned ignorance. But he was somewhat surprised, as he didn't expect her to remember.
"How could I forget? Back then, he was the most annoying… well, kind of like you, but... slightly better. Not as sneaky." Anko mused, "I remember he was totally into Rin. Everyone knew."
"It's a pity he died young, killed in a mission. But his coffin lid flying open? That was ages ago!"
"Yeah, he died young." Naruto echoed, "It happened so long ago. How can I know? I don't know anything about Uchiha Obito."