"I want to," he replied softly, his voice just a whisper. "Consider it a gift."
Kurenai met his gaze, her eyes gentle and warm. "You're too generous," she said, her tone both teasing and grateful.
Kakashi handed over the money without a second thought. The receptionist bowed deeply and handed them their neatly wrapped packages.
Outside, Kurenai slipped her hands into her pockets, cradling the parcel more closely, obviously more expensive than anything Kakashi might have bought himself.
As they stepped into the warm afternoon, Kurenai walked a little closer to him, her shoulders brushing his.
"You didn't have to spend that much," she whispered, her cheeks coloring slightly.
He glanced down at his hand. "I know," he replied quietly, his fingers tracing the edge of the paper. "But it was worth it." His smile was soft, still appearing thoughtful.
Kurenai blinked and, with a playful sigh, delivered a light pinch to his waist. "Hmph. You were staring at your hand again."
He laughed quietly. "Not my waist! Don't you know a man's waist is sacred?" he teased, then slipped his fingers into hers.
Her warmth eased something inside him; he smiled and continued walking, both of them holding tight to each other's hands and bags.
"Hmph," she whispered again, softer this time. "But… thank you. Really."
They paused at a nearby dango cart and bought a couple of skewers each, sweet rice dumplings glistening with syrup. Kurenai leaned on Kakashi as they walked, softly snacking, her head tilting close to his shoulder.
The shop's aroma drifted behind them when a booming voice rang out.
"Listen well, my youthful students! Even the famed Copy Ninja Kakashi does not compare to my blazing youth!"
Kakashi stopped mid-step, looking up at the source of the voice. Standing in front of a large ninja tool shop was Might Guy, bright green jumpsuit, orange leg warmers, thick eyebrows arched proudly. His pose was triumphant, chest puffed out, teeth flashing in a grin.
Beside him, Tenten slumped, eyes half-closed. Neji stood with his arms crossed and eyes turned skyward.
Rock Lee, meanwhile, stared at Guy with adoring awe. "Amazing, Guy-sensei! Truly amazing!"
"Same as ever." Kakashi chuckled.
Hand still in Kurenai's, he strode forward. Tenten and Neji perked up at their approach.
"Even in the heat of battle, I—" Guy launched into another grand gesture.
"Yo, Guy," Kakashi greeted, stepping into the circle of attention.
Guy froze mid-pose, every muscle as rigid as a statue. Slowly, deliberately, he turned. When he recognized Kakashi, every part of his body seemed to breathe again. He smiled wide enough to split his jaw.
"Kakashi! My eternal rival!" he exclaimed, teeth shining bright as the sun.
Then his eyes darted to Kurenai's hand held in Kakashi's. His cheeks flushed.
"W-what is this? Kakashi, you've upgraded from those books to… real things!"
Kurenai giggled softly. Kakashi rolled his eyes.
"Keep your bragging up," he said with gentle mockery. "It suits you."
"Fifty-one victories, Kakashi! My record stands unwavering!" Guy's chest only puffed higher.
"If you say so," Kakashi replied with studied detachment.
Guy suddenly stooped forward, his gaze fierce. "Where's your mask? And… your eye?"
Kakashi gently touched his own face. "Sealed away. Personal reasons."
Guy blinked, silent for once. "I understand."
He waved a hand toward his students. "This is my team, Tenten, Neji, and Rock Lee!"
Kurenai smiled slightly; Kakashi nodded. "They've got good skill."
"My students trained under the power of youth!" Guy announced with a grand flourish.
Kakashi smirked. "We'll see. I've got my Team 7, they're strong, hungry for a challenge."
"Then let's place a wager!" Guy's eyes lit up, eager to win a bet against Kakashi.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "A wager?"
"At the next Chūnin exams, whichever team performs better wins." Guy nodded.
"You sure about that? I doubt your little squad can outshine Team 7." Kakashi said as he leaned forward.
"You doubt me, Kakashi? Konoha's mighty blue beast!" Guy bristled.
"I do, Acorn boy" Kakashi chuckled.
Guy's jaw dropped in surprise, obviously knowing what Kakashi was referring to. He wanted to speak but refrained in the eyes of the students. He steeled himself and pivoted away. "Hmph!"
Tenten covered a grin, Neji's lips pulled into a tiny smirk, and Rock Lee's eyes practically glowed.
"Looking forward to it." Kakashi patted Guy's shoulder.
Guy beamed. "Then mark your calendar, 52 victories will be mine!"
Kakashi didn't respond. His mind was already planning, Chūnin exams, Team 7's progress, and Kurenai's encouraging presence at his side.
"See you soon," Kakashi said, turning with a soft smile. He gave Kurenai's hand a gentle squeeze.
"See you soon, Kakashi!" Guy cheered.
After they walked away, Guy leaned forward slightly as if watching them vanish.
Kakashi didn't speak until they'd walked a block. Kurenai glanced at him, hand still in his.
"How do you feel?" she asked, voice quiet and kind.
"… energized." He paused and said. After all, Guy has been a very good friend, and he always tries to make the mood cheerful.
"That's good."
"Guy has been a very supportive friend, always trying to pull me back from the darkness," Kakashi said with a short grin.
"I know, we all witnessed his hard work." She laughed softly.
They paused on a quiet side street before an old tree-shaded bench. Kakashi led her to sit and handed her one of the dango skewers.
"I bought these earlier. Figured we could snack before heading back."
Leaning close, Kurenai took a dumpling and bit, her eyes closing in enjoyment. "They're perfect."
"It's the little things," Kakashi added softly.
They sat in silence for a moment. The world passed by, children playing tag, neighbors greeting each other, leaves drifting in the breeze.
At length, Kurenai said, "So… the teams. Team 7, Team 8… Team 10. Feels different… having them under our wings."
"It does." His hand laced with hers. "Teaching, it's different than missions."
"There's more responsibility now."
He nodded. "And opportunity." He paused. "Their potential… Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, that's a powerful start. I can't mess this up."
She squeezed his hand again. "You won't."
Kakashi and Kurenai walked quietly through the village. The streets were calm now, the sky turning dark blue. Lights lit up the shops, giving the place a soft glow.