Chapter 35: Chapter 35: A Dinner Gathering
Morning.
Asuma emerged from his home early, jogging over to his favorite breakfast stall.
"Yo, Asuma! You're here a bit early today," the shop owner greeted him warmly.
"It's the weekend," Asuma replied with a smile.
"Yeah, I can see that. You're just up earlier than usual," the owner chuckled as he handed over Asuma's breakfast.
Asuma took his meal but didn't rush to eat; instead, he found himself glancing around the area, seemingly waiting.
"What's going on? Are you waiting for someone?" the owner asked with a grin.
Asuma gave an awkward smile but didn't respond.
About half an hour passed, and finally, he spotted a familiar figure slowly approaching from down the street.
"Oboro," he called out instinctively.
As Oboro met Asuma's gaze, he made no sound in reply, simply walking over with a calm demeanor.
"Toasted bread and miso soup," Asuma announced, trying to break the ice.
"Yeah," Oboro responded flatly.
After a moment of silence, his expression remained neutral.
Asuma pressed on, "I checked up after returning home. Knowing your special position, I didn't want to bother you. Since it's the weekend, how about having a meal together? I haven't had a chance to thank you properly yet."
The owner shot them a look, observing Asuma and then turning to Oboro with a smile. "You haven't come by in a while, have you?"
Receiving no reply, Asuma recalled an incident involving Anko and Genma. He added, "It might seem a bit random, but do you remember Anko and Genma? The ones who had that misunderstanding with you before? They're friends of mine, and it would be nice to clear the air by getting everyone together for a meal and mending things."
Asuma meant well—after all, Oboro had saved his life, and if they were to socialize, it would be awkward for Anko if there were still tensions lingering.
Still no response from Oboro. Feeling awkward, Asuma thought for a moment and said sheepishly, "If you'd rather not, that's fine too. I just thought since we're all in the same village, it would be best to get along."
Oboro remained silent, calmly eating his toast as if he hadn't heard a word.
"Oboro?"
"I told you, I saved you at the behest of the Hokage," Oboro finally replied, his tone indifferent.
Asuma chuckled lightly, "But that doesn't change the fact that you did save me. Others wouldn't have been able to."
"Oboro,"
"Fine, fine, when?"
Finally, Oboro responded.
Asuma blinked in surprise, his face brightening immediately, "How about at noon today! At the yakiniku place on the west street. Let's make sure we meet there!"
Asuma left the stall filled with a hopeful spirit. The shop owner watched him go, chuckling as he turned to Oboro. "Did he say you saved his life? That's a son of the Hokage you're dealing with, Oboro. You must be mingling with some important people."
Oboro took a sip of his soup, staring at the bowl thoughtfully.
"Yeah, I know."
It took a significant amount of effort just to get on his radar.
Oboro pondered as he set the bowl down slowly.
"Thanks for the meal."
Hokage Building Rooftop.
"Thank you for your efforts regarding the Mist ninjas," the Third Hokage addressed Shisui, who was kneeling before him.
"It's my duty."
"I've gone through the intel you sent back. It seems the Mist still harbors ambitions toward us. Our vigilance should not waver." Hiruzen sighed heavily. "It appears that the Third Shinobi World War didn't pacify them."
"If a major dispute arises, war may flare up again."
Hiruzen let out a heavy breath.
Shisui's gaze deepened as he spoke. "I will not allow the Mist to invade."
Yet, he was also a member of the Uchiha clan.
"You have been away from the village for a long time. You should take a proper break," Hiruzen told him.
"I have one request," Shisui said earnestly.
"I'm deeply pained by the ongoing distrust between the Uchiha and the village."
Hiruzen paused, turning his body to overlook the view of Konoha from the rooftop.
"I share your sentiments," he replied.
"I wish to rebuild the trust between the Uchiha and the village. Can I be assigned this task?" Shisui continued.
Silence filled the air.
It took a moment for Hiruzen to respond.
"How do you plan to achieve that?"
"If the Uchiha are plotting against the village, I will do everything in my power to stop them…" Shisui began, thoughts racing back to Oboro's words.
Showing your hand too early makes you expendable…
Yet, someone has to take charge; if sacrifices are necessary, let it be me.
Hiruzen listened silently as Shisui continued, "My ocular jutsu…"
"...can manipulate targets undetected, making them believe they are acting according to their own will."
"…"
Shisui lowered his head, focusing on the floor, awaiting Hiruzen's reply.
A strong gust blew across the rooftop, causing the elderly Hokage's white robe to flutter.
"That's quite the ability. I'll entrust you with matters regarding the Uchiha."
"Thank you very much."
"I will grant you certain privileges. Should any unforeseen circumstances arise, you can directly invoke my name."
Hiruzen stepped closer, a faint smile crossing his face. "When I look at you, I am reminded of an old friend of mine, Uchiha Kagami."
"You flatter me."
Noon.
Kakashi arrived at the yakiniku restaurant as invited, discovering several familiar faces in the private room.
"Hey, Kakashi."
"It's been a while."
"Didn't expect you'd come too."
Asuma, Maito Guy, Shiranui Genma, Yamaguchi Aoyama, Enjo Reito, Ebisu, Tsukiakari Shikaku, and Uzumaki Naruto were present. Of the group, only Shikaku was considered a junior; everyone else had once been a peer.
"It's tough to get you out for a meal, huh?" Asuma chuckled.
Kakashi appeared somewhat indifferent. "I came, didn't I? You took my precious time off for this."
He took a seat next to Guy and noticed three empty spots at the table.
"Are there more people coming?"
"Yeah, Anko and Kurenai are still on the way, and I also invited someone special," Asuma mentioned with enthusiasm. "He's the main guest of this gathering."
"So we're just here as extras?"
"That's a bit much, Asuma," Genma interjected, sounding amused.
"I thought you were the one who brought us together for dinner," another voice chimed in playfully.
"They're all vital parts of this gathering," Asuma grinned.
"Whatever the case, I hope everyone will show me some face," he added, trying to ease tension in the room.
"This is a strange request." Genma laughed.
"Why should we give you face?" Kakashi eyed Asuma, teasing him.
"Just wait to see who arrives. I assure you it will be worth it," Asuma replied confidently.
Just then, the curtain at the entrance was pulled aside, revealing a black-haired youth standing at the doorway.
An instant hush fell over the room; everyone's eyes were riveted on him.
Asuma quickly raised his hand in greeting, indicating the seats beside him.
The youth took a moment to scan everyone silently before moving forward, settling next to Asuma and Kakashi without uttering a word.
Kakashi appeared surprised, realizing that Asuma's guest was this guy. How did they become acquainted?
And what's with everyone's reaction? Is it because of what happened back then?
"Kakashi, who is this?" Aoyama leaned closer to ask.
"Oh, this is Kanzuki Oboro," Kakashi responded.
"Ah, the person who saved Asuma's life, right? It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Thanks," Oboro replied coolly, taking in the atmosphere.
More silence settled on the room as eyes shifted between Oboro and the members present.
"Didn't you just say he's close with you, Kakashi?" Asuma asked, breaking the silence.
"Yeah. We worked a mission together once," Kakashi said casually, still seeming unfazed.
"This guy is pretty strong."
"Not strong enough compared to the seniors," Oboro nonchalantly dismissed.
The atmosphere became slightly charged, everyone now glancing back and forth between Oboro and Kakashi.
"Looks like there's some history here," Genma remarked with a grin.
"Yeah, definitely."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow at Oboro. "Seems like you've drawn a crowd already."
"Ah... just the usual," Oboro said, shrugging lightly.
Just then, the sound of the door creaking caught their attention as Kurenai and Anko entered the room, both instantly recognizing the gathered group.
However, Anko's gaze narrowed when she spotted Oboro, causing her to briefly glance at Kurenai.
Suddenly, Tenten, who had been standing awkwardly at the entrance, felt a firm grip on her wrist that startled her.
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