Kakashi: Godless Ascension

Kakashi stepped out of his room the next morning, drawn by the warm scent of breakfast drifting up the hallway.

His steps were slow, relaxed, as he tugged the front of his yukata a little tighter. He hadn't planned to run into anyone, but halfway down the corridor, he nearly bumped into someone turning the corner.

It was Kurenai.

She stopped, blinking in mild surprise. Her hair was still slightly damp, loose around her shoulders, and she wore a deep purple yukata that brushed softly against her legs as she moved. She looked calm, though her eyes widened when they landed on his face.

"Oh," she said, her voice soft. "You're still not wearing it."

"Felt like letting my face breathe again today." Kakashi gave a small shrug, he was thinking of abandoning the mask and letting his handsomeness out for the ladies to admire.

"I can see that. It's… a little surprising, though."

Kurenai's voice was soft, and though calm, there was a slight hesitance in her tone.

She wasn't used to this version of Kakashi, the one standing in front of her with no mask, no emotional distance.

"Surprising in a good way, I hope," Kakashi gave her a knowing smile, half-lidded eyes gleaming with a flicker of amusement. There was a playful glint beneath that relaxed exterior, one that hadn't been there before.

He sounded like he genuinely wanted to continue talking to her. Even in his previous life, he'd thought it was a waste that a woman like Kurenai ended up with someone like beardy old Asuma.

Not this time. Now that he was here, he had no plans to sit back and watch from the sidelines.

"I—well," Kurenai blinked, thrown off by the shift in his voice. It wasn't quite his usual playful tone, nor was it overtly flirtatious, it hovered somewhere between casual and sincere, with just enough edge to fluster her a little. Her cheeks warmed slightly, but she tried not to show it.

"I didn't expect you to flirt with me, Kakashi." She smiled faintly as she said it, folding her arms across her chest in a way that almost looked defensive, though not in a bad way.

"Flirt? Me?" Kakashi raised an eyebrow, his grin widening a notch.

"I wouldn't go that far."

"Heh… I think I prefer you more like this, Kakashi."

Kurenai's eyes sparkled as she spoke. "And maybe you should keep that mask off more often."

'Oh?' Kakashi was slightly surprised at her returning the flirt. He couldn't help but chuckle, the sound rich and genuine, which Kurenai definitely noticed.

"Oh? So you like me more without the mask, Kurenai?"

His voice took on a teasing lilt, amused by her reaction.

Kurenai's cheeks flushed deeper now. She quickly looked away, not answering immediately. Of course, she'd noticed how his expressions came alive without that fabric hiding them, how his smiles carried more weight, more… charm. But she wasn't about to say that out loud.

"You're impossible." She muttered under her breath, stepping closer and giving him a light nudge in the side with her hand to distract from the topic.

"Alright, enough of that. How about we grab a drink at the inn's restaurant? I'm sure you could use one after the day you've had." Her tone was a bit more casual now, but the invitation was clear. She didn't want the conversation to end just yet.

Kakashi tilted his head slightly, caught off guard by her sudden suggestion, but pleased all the same. Her offer had that same boldness she'd shown moments earlier, and honestly, he liked it.

"A drink, huh? That sounds… tempting."

He smiled, watching the way her expression brightened when he said it.

"You know, I might just take you up on that." Anyway, he was just looking for the inn's restaurant.

"Good." Kurenai grinned, pleased that he accepted. Her confidence returned in full force.

"I'll make sure they serve something strong enough to make you forget your mask for good."

"Alright, Kurenai. Lead the way." He gave a short laugh, still amused.

"Oh! Follow me!" Her voice was lighter now, cheerful, as she turned and led the way through the inn.

…

The sound of cheerful conversation filled the restaurant as they entered. Warm lighting from hanging lanterns gave the room a soft, golden hue. The aroma of grilled fish, miso, and warm sake floated in the air, mixing with the sound of clinking dishes and laughter.

The tables were mostly filled with travelers and locals, with a few shinobi scattered throughout. But as soon as Kakashi stepped in, the atmosphere subtly shifted.

Kurenai noticed it immediately. Ninjas turned their heads, and whispers passed between a few lips. It didn't take long for them to realize who had just walked in.

"Looks like someone's famous, huh?" She nudged him slightly with her elbow, voice dry.

Kakashi only shrugged, the corners of his mouth curling upward. What could Mr. Worldwide do about it?

Kurenai rolled her eyes and led him toward a quieter corner of the restaurant. Thankfully, most of the stares faded once they sat down.

A young waitress came over, her steps light but hesitant. Her gaze flicked to Kakashi, eyes wide with recognition. She bowed slightly.

"Ahem… um, welcome to the Inn's Restaurant. Can I get you… Anything to drink?"

Kurenai cast a sidelong glance at Kakashi and smirked. He met her gaze and smiled calmly at the waitress.

"No need to be nervous, miss. Something strong, for both of us. And maybe a few appetizers while we're at it."

His voice was smooth and warm, almost too casual for someone so well-known, but it worked.

The waitress nodded, clearly more at ease, and hurried off with their order.

As the space quieted again, Kakashi leaned back into his seat, arms loosely crossed as his gaze drifted around the room before settling on Kurenai again.

"So, you mentioned a mission earlier,"

He tilted his head slightly. "What's it all about? Or… is it classified?"

Kurenai hesitated, her fingers resting against the table for a moment as she considered his question. Her expression shifted slightly, thoughtful, but no longer guarded.

"It's a big one,"

She finally said, exhaling through her nose.

"I'm being considered for promotion to full Jonin. But before that, the jonin council wants me to complete something… serious."

Her eyes flicked down briefly, then met his again.

"They assigned me to track down a rogue ninja, someone who defected from the village not long ago. It's not someone from my team, but the trail is messy. And they want to see if I can finish it on my own."

Kakashi nodded slowly, absorbing her words. She didn't seem shaken by the mission, but there was a clear weight to it. He could see the edge in her posture, the way her hand lightly gripped the sleeve of her yukata.

"That's no small task," He said, his voice low, almost thoughtful. "Tracking down a defector… takes a lot out of a person."

Kurenai gave a small, humorless laugh.

"Well, that's the test, isn't it?" She leaned slightly forward now, elbows on the table.

"See if I can handle it. See if I'm Jonin material. Prove myself."

Kakashi watched her for a moment. The flicker of fire in her voice. The determination behind her eyes. He found himself impressed by her confidence, but he could feel that she wasn't that strong by the feel of her chakra.

"You'll do fine," He said simply. He wanted to see what was going on with this mission.

Kurenai blinked, her expression softening slightly at the unexpected show of faith.

"You think so?"

"I know so," He answered, boosting her confidence.

Just then, the waitress returned with a tray, setting down two glasses of something amber and smooth, along with a few plates of grilled skewers and pickled vegetables.

Kurenai picked up her glass, raising it slightly toward him.

"To survive difficult missions, and my promotion." She said with a slight smirk.

Kakashi clinked his glass against hers gently, smiling back.

"To unexpected company in unexpected places."

They drank in silence for a few moments, the warmth of the alcohol settling in their chests.