Time often slips away without notice.
Kiyoshi didn't return to the Root Base, instead, he took a rare break to spend the morning strolling through Konoha with Tenten, Hinata, and Hanabi, enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Tenten and Hinata were absolutely thrilled.
If Ino had known, she'd have been hopping mad.
Even Hanabi, initially a bit reserved, quickly warmed up and was overjoyed, fully enjoying herself.
She grew genuinely fond of this gentle older brother.
By noon, after visiting Tenten's family weapon shop, Kiyoshi, remembering his prior arrangement with Yugao, politely declined her parents' invitation to stay longer.
He bid farewell to Tenten and took time to escort Hinata and Hanabi back to the Hyuga compound.
However, the now-inseparable Hanabi clung to him like glue, unwilling to let go.
"Hanabi, it's rude to behave like that…. or I won't take you out next time." Hinata gently chided, her expression stern in a rare show of sisterly authority.
"Yes..." Hanabi reluctantly let go but looked back at Kiyoshi with big, hopeful eyes.
"Kiyoshi-ni, remember to take me and nee-chan out again, okay?"
"Of course, Hanabi. I promise." Kiyoshi replied with a gentle smile.
"Well then…. goodbye, Kiyoshi-ni." Hinata said, her cheeks pink with a bit of shyness, looking up at Kiyoshi reluctantly.
This was the first time he had personally walked her home, filling her heart with happiness.
"Goodbye." Kiyoshi smiled as he disappeared into the distance, leaving only a blur.
….
At this moment—
Yugao's house.
It was her day off, and Yugao, dressed in a casual outfit and a white apron, was busy in the kitchen.
Her graceful figure moved around with elegance, and the table was already adorned with a selection of beautifully presented dishes, each releasing a delightful aroma.
"I wonder if Kiyoshi will like these dishes," she murmured to herself as she set another plate down, wiping a bit of perspiration from her forehead with a soft smile.
Despite her confidence, there was a bit of nervousness as well, hoping the meal would suit Kiyoshi's taste.
Recalling last night when Kiyoshi had escorted her home, her cheeks flushed, and her heart skipped a beat.
"How could he not like it?"
A voice spoke up suddenly.
Kiyoshi appeared behind her, gently wrapping an arm around her waist.
She froze, a surge of alarm shooting through her. Instinctively, she prepared to defend herself.
But upon hearing that familiar voice, she relaxed. "Kiyoshi?"
Turning, she saw his face and, flustered, scolded, "You scared me… why didn't you knock?"
"Apologies, Yugao-nee," he replied with a smile, still holding her gently.
"I came using the Flying Thunder God technique. I marked the space yesterday when I escorted you back, this way is much easier."
"Oh…" Yugao fell silent, a bit speechless.
His warm and strong presence made her heartbeat quicken. "Now let go already, lunch is ready to serve." she stammered.
"Didn't you know that the sight of a lovely woman makes the meal even better?" He teased, his voice soft in her ear.
"Stop teasing me. I think of you as my little brother…. and you're still young." Yugao's face flushed as she gently pushed against him.
Yet within a moment, he drew her closer again.
His striking face was so near, his deep, focused eyes locking with hers.
Her widened eyes gradually softened into a dreamy gaze.
Without resisting, she found herself guided by his warmth.
"Yugao-nee." Kiyoshi said with a gentle smile as he naturally released her.
He hadn't gone too far, he wasn't one to rush things.
"Kiyoshi, you pervert. the first thing you do is tease me," Yugao exhaled, blushing as she cast him an annoyed glance, trying to settle her pounding heart.
"Let's eat, the food's getting cold."
Even though she prided herself on not being easily swayed by appearances, the years of cold, ruthless Anbu missions had made her strong-minded and resilient.
But in her youthful prime, she couldn't deny a hint of longing for companionship, and with Kiyoshi's heroic presence—a boy who had once saved her life and seen her vulnerabilities—her heart couldn't help but feel drawn.
And, unlike other young men, his maturity and strength made it impossible for her to view him as an impulsive, hot-headed youth.
"Yugao-nee, I've been looking forward to trying your cooking." Kiyoshi said, not pushing any further or confessing outright.
He sensed she needed time to adjust, and both of them understood each other's silent feelings.
"My cooking isn't as good as Kurenai's or Miss Keiko's, I hope you won't mind." Yugao murmured, serving him a bowl of rice before sitting across from him, her cheeks faintly flushed.
"I'm sure it'll be great, it smells amazing," Kiyoshi chuckled. "Alright, let's begin."
"Mm..." Yugao watched as he began to taste her cooking, a mix of anticipation and nervousness flickering in her beautiful face.
"Here's my review." Kiyoshi gave her a thumbs-up, grinning. "See? I knew Yugao-nee's cooking would be amazing."
"Really?"
"Of course," Kiyoshi replied with a smile, picking up a piece of chicken and offering it to her.
"Don't believe me? Try some yourself, Yugao-nee."
"Come on, open up."
Yugao shot him a playful glare but didn't refuse, opening her mouth to take a small bite, savoring the taste.
Yes, it actually tasted quite good.
Time passed as they ate together.
Their conversation was casual, with Kiyoshi asking about Yugao's life in the Anbu, while she inquired about his adventures outside the village.
Both avoided topics that weren't meant to be discussed.
Watching him devour bowl after bowl, clearly enjoying her food, Yugao couldn't help but smile warmly.
"Thank you for the meal." Kiyoshi said finally, putting down his bowl, satisfied. Seeing the empty plates, he added, "Yugao-nee's cooking is just perfect for my taste."
"If you like it, feel free to come over anytime," Yugao offered, her voice soft as she began to clear the dishes. "It's just me here, and it's nice to have company."
"Then I'll gladly take you up on that." Kiyoshi replied with a smile.
An opportunity to grow closer to Yugao was one he'd never pass up. And with Kurenai and Anko not always in Konoha, this was perfectly timed.
"Yugao-nee." Kiyoshi looked at her warmly. "How about I get the Third Hokage to transfer you? You could come work as my assistant instead."
There was no need for a girl to be in Anbu doing all that dirty work.
"W-what…?"
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