"Yes," Aoki nodded firmly. "Kakashi is safe."
Hearing that, Rin let out a sigh of relief, her hands slowly lowering from her chest. "Thank goodness... But, by the way, where exactly is this, Aoki?"
Aoki smiled faintly, his eyes scanning the simple room. "Good question. This is my workplace now."
"Your workplace?" Rin tilted her head, confused. To Rin's knowledge, Aoki owned a small eatery that belonged to his late parents. The fact that this place was Aoki's workplace was truly surprising to Rin.
"Yes," Aoki replied, glancing at the red-haired woman who was only smiling faintly. "Do you want to take a look around?"
"Is that allowed? No! What about Kakashi right now?" Rin suddenly remembered, her eyes widening with concern. Earlier, Rin's thoughts had been momentarily distracted, but now they were filled with worry about Kakashi again.
Aoki fell silent. His face briefly showed surprise, not expecting Rin to remember Kakashi so quickly. He then took a deep breath, trying to calm his mind.
"Kakashi..." Aoki murmured, his expression turning serious as he looked at Rin, who was now standing anxiously.
"Kakashi... What happened to Kakashi? Didn't you say Kakashi was fine? Aoki! You're not lying, are you?!" Rin pressed, her voice rising, her eyes beginning to well with tears.
Aoki lowered his head, struggling to hide the expression on his face. "Kakashi... I'm sorry, Rin. Kakashi is dead," Aoki said softly, his tone filled with sorrow.
"What?!" Rin was stunned, her body freezing in place. "No way! Kakashi can't be dead! You must be lying! No way!" Rin shouted with a trembling voice, tears starting to flow from the corners of her eyes.
In the corner of the room, Akarin—the red-haired woman—who had been silent until now, shot a sharp glance at Aoki. Akarin narrowed her eyes slightly, observing Aoki's every move. She knew that when Aoki lied, sometimes the corners of his eyes would twitch, even if just for a moment. And that was what had just happened.
Aoki was lying. However, Akarin chose to remain silent. Akarin's smile was faint, allowing Aoki to play with his lie, perhaps for a purpose that only Akarin understood.
"I'm sorry, Rin," Aoki continued, his voice growing heavier. "I was too late. When I got there... Kakashi had already been killed."
"Kakashi... Kakashi can't be dead!" Rin screamed, her cries breaking. "Kakashi has the Sharingan! Kakashi is strong! Kakashi can't just die like that!" Rin's eyes turned red, tears flowing heavily, signaling the pain she could no longer contain.
"I'm sorry, Rin..." Aoki repeated, his voice almost a whisper. He lowered his head, avoiding Rin's gaze filled with disbelief.
Rin wiped her tears roughly, biting her lower lip until it almost bled. "I have to go! I have to see Kakashi! I have to see Kakashi's body! If Kakashi is really dead, I have to make sure myself!" Rin said firmly, though her voice and body trembled.
Aoki looked up, staring at Rin with a sharp and wary gaze. "Rin... Are you sure? Think carefully."
Rin looked at Aoki with confusion and anger. "What do you mean?"
Aoki took a deep breath before continuing. "Your team consists of four people. Obito is already dead, now Kakashi too... Rin, you are the only one left. If you go back to the Village of Konoha, what will happen? The villagers will blame you. They will insult you, curse you, Rin."
Rin fell silent. Aoki's words felt like a dagger piercing her heart. "That can't be..." Rin whispered, though deep down she knew that what Aoki said might hold some truth.
"Obito wouldn't want that to happen to you," Aoki continued with a firmer voice. "And I'm sure Kakashi wouldn't either. You know that, Rin. So please, think it over. Don't rush."
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