In the bathroom.
Kakashi held Shizune in his arms, feeling a bit embarrassed. How had the relationship between them changed so drastically in just one day?
Life really was unpredictable.
Kakashi couldn't help thinking back to the day he was appointed Hokage. He had been confused for so long, wondering how he of all people had ended up with the hat. And now, once again, he was confused.
How did things progress so fast with Shizune?
Shizune shyly leaned against him, drawing little circles across his chest with her fingertips. Tsunade had been right after all—if she took the initiative, she really could handle Kakashi, the quiet man behind the mask. Thinking of Kakashi's flustered, almost panicked expression earlier, Shizune felt a spark of pride.
Who said you needed a big chest to attract a man?
Kakashi lowered his head, looked at Shizune resting against him, and said softly, "Shizune… let's wash up and head out."
Shizune looked up, cheeks pink, and nodded.
They had been in the bath for more than an hour; their skin was wrinkled from the heat and water. Definitely more than enough soaking.
The two finally stood, dried off, and headed out. The young woman at the front desk smiled brightly as she saw them off.
Watching their backs, she whispered with a grin, "Looks like Konoha might be celebrating another happy event soon… time to prepare a gift just in case!"
On the road, Kakashi and Shizune walked side by side.
Unlike moments ago, they kept a polite distance, neither speaking. Eventually, they reached an intersection, ready to part ways.
Kakashi needed to go left. Shizune needed to go right.
"That's it then… Shizune, I'm heading home."
Shizune nodded quietly.
But inside, she complained, Really? That's all? Why isn't he offering to take me home?
Right as she was about to say something, Kakashi scratched the back of his head.
"Uh… do you want me to walk you home? It's already dark."
Shizune looked up at him, unimpressed.
"Funny. I thought you wanted to hurry off on your own."
She turned away to walk, and Kakashi panicked and rushed after her.
"I'll walk you! I'll walk you!"
They continued together until they reached the entrance of Shizune's house.
"We're here," Shizune said.
Kakashi nodded. "Then… I'll head home. See you tomorrow."
He started turning away, but Shizune reached out suddenly and grabbed his sleeve.
"Um?!"
Kakashi turned. Shizune stood with her head lowered shyly, voice soft.
"Do you… want to come inside for a drink of water?"
Kakashi froze. His heart thumped faster.
In Icha Icha, this was exactly the kind of moment that led to…
Well. Not regular water.
The main character had commented that "that water" was rare and delicious.
Thinking of that, Kakashi swallowed hard.
Seeing him silent, Shizune assumed he was unwilling. She huffed and glared lightly.
"Don't act like you're being forced."
With that, she walked inside.
"Yes—yes!" Kakashi sputtered, hurrying after her.
Inside Shizune's home.
She turned on the lights—everything was neat, tidy, and well arranged. A classic clean girl's apartment.
"Shizune, do you live alone?" Kakashi asked.
Shizune entered the kitchen, pulling out a kettle and a glass. "Obviously. What kind of question is that?"
Kakashi sat on the sofa, smiling. "I mean, you're so clean and organized. Some people—when they're alone—they let things get messy."
Shizune smirked, set the kettle down, and brought him the glass. "I'll take that as you calling me virtuous. Here. Water."
Kakashi blinked at the cup. "This water?"
Shizune raised a brow. "What else? What kind of water were you expecting?"
Kakashi quickly waved his hand. "This! This is the one I meant!"
He grabbed the glass and drank in one go, trying to hide his embarrassment.
When he finished, Shizune laughed softly. "You really were thirsty. Earlier you said you didn't want water. Do you want more?"
"No! No, no, I'm good!"
Shizune tilted her head, wondering why he was acting so strange. She placed the cup away.
Right then, Kakashi's stomach growled.
Shizune smirked. "Hungry?"
Kakashi scratched his cheek. "A bit. All that time in the bath… must've burned a lot of energy."
"Mm, maybe you just exerted too much," Shizune teased.
Kakashi turned red instantly.
He knew exactly what she meant.
Shizune giggled at his reaction. Kakashi, usually calm and composed, was surprisingly fun to tease.
"Alright, I'll make you something. I'm hungry too."
She opened the fridge and pulled out some fried snacks from a Konoha convenience store—still good, just needed a quick re-fry.
She heated the oil, tossed them in, and within minutes, a plate of golden, crispy skewers sat on the table.
"Come on, try them! I bought these yesterday. I ended up having dinner at Lady Tsunade's, so I didn't eat them."
Kakashi picked up a skewer. "Thanks, Shizune."
He took a bite and nodded. "Not bad! Pretty good, actually."
Shizune smiled proudly. "I didn't make them, just reheated them—but praise accepted! Oh, wait—"
She hopped up, opened the fridge, and pulled out a dozen beers.
"There wasn't enough alcohol in the bath earlier. Now we have snacks—perfect time to drink!"
She plopped down, sitting cross-legged, and opened all twelve bottles with shocking speed.
Kakashi blinked. "You're opening all of them?"
Shizune grinned. "Afraid? Don't worry. If you get too drunk, you can just sleep here. Come on!"
She shoved a bottle toward him.
Kakashi had no chance to refuse.
So they ate and drank together. Shizune drank fast—too fast—and even splashed some on him. She finished the dozen bottles almost immediately, though she only ate six skewers.
"Oh… it's gone already…"
Kakashi finished his last bite. "That's enough, Shizune."
Shizune's cheeks were flushed. She waved her hand lazily. "Follow me? I'm not done. Wait."
She stood, stumbling slightly, opened the fridge—and pulled out another two dozen bottles.
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