The moment A finished his morning training and returned home, the scent of something delicious hit him as soon as he pushed open the door.
"I'm back."
"Welcome back," Kaien replied flatly.
"What's with that bland tone? How can someone who cooks something that smells this good look so indifferent?"
A felt a little neglected. This was his house, after all. Why did it feel like he was the guest crashing someone else's place?
"Because I already felt happy a moment ago. I'm just responding out of politeness now."
"..."
With nothing to say to that, A simply sat down across from Kaien and started eating quietly.
The fish soup was freshly served, and the meat had just entered his mouth. For the first time, A felt like having someone cook for him was a truly wonderful thing.
Affection from A+1
Affection from A+1
Affection from A+1
If only the guy across from him would be a bit more expressive, and stop looking at him like he was some kind of idiot, that'd be perfect.
"When are the clothes I asked for arriving?"
"Clothes? What clothes?" A blinked, confused.
"Casual wear. I'm still stuck wearing this kimono. Don't you have anything normal for daily wear?"
Kaien tugged lightly at the pink floral kimono he still had on, his tone exasperated.
"Don't tell me your memory's already going at your age. Aren't you like, fifteen?"
"And you really expect to become the Raikage someday?"
Kaien's increasingly disdainful expression finally jogged A's memory. Right—Kaien had asked for something yesterday. Was it... men's clothing?
'He looks completely natural in that kimono. No wonder I forgot he even asked...'
Seeing the faint glint of killing intent in Kaien's eyes, A wisely kept the complaint to himself.
It was just too easy to forget, given how perfectly he pulled off the look. That in itself felt like a problem...
Realizing he couldn't let himself keep getting dunked on like this, A quickly started searching his brain for a way to turn the tables. Why did this feel more exhausting than actual training?!
"I'll take you shopping later, how's that?"
"Unless..." A squinted suspiciously, "you're actually a girl pretending to be a guy to trick me?"
The more he said it, the more convinced he sounded. That would explain why Kaien looked so natural in a kimono, and why he was such a good cook!
"Then let's go to the restroom together later," Kaien said calmly, taking another slow sip of soup.
"...What?"
This time, it was A's turn to be completely thrown off.
"I don't mind. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Or is it you who's secretly insecure? Maybe all that muscle's just for show, and you're really a little peanut?"
Kaien seemed quite confident in his own... size.
And truthfully, overtraining could mess with development. Maybe taijutsu specialists really did all end up like peanuts in that area.
Kaien was genuinely curious. After all, even Minato hadn't measured up to him in that regard.
"Cough! Cough!"
A nearly choked on his soup. That was way too direct!
"Fine! I get it! I'll take you shopping after breakfast!"
If it really came down to using the restroom together, A was afraid some part of his mental image would be permanently shattered. He'd rather just believe the guy.
Kaien did sound more like a boy, after all.
And he was ten, almost eleven. Definitely old enough to be entering puberty.
"What a shame," Kaien said, sounding genuinely disappointed he wouldn't get to compare sizes.
...
"This really is more comfortable."
Kaien sighed in relief after changing into more typical clothing: a light-colored T-shirt and black shorts—a simple but aesthetically pleasing black-and-white combo.
"Are you planning to take me on a tour of Kumogakure today?"
"Today's the day I select my partner," A said with a bit of excitement in his voice. "You'll get to witness the martial spirit of Kumogakure firsthand!"
"The legendary A-B combo, right?" Kaien asked, recalling the rumor.
So this was when he'd meet Killer Bee?
"You know about that?"
A looked surprised. How did he know?
"The A-B combo of Kumogakure is pretty famous. And I've also heard that the Third Raikage was so powerful he never found anyone worthy of being his 'B'."
Kaien tilted his head. "If that's true, then finding a suitable 'B' means you're still not strong enough, right? Either that, or your prospective partner is the weak one."
"The Third Raikage was a top-tier powerhouse. Even the Third Hokage spoke of his strength. I wonder if I'll get the chance to see it myself someday..."
Kaien sounded a little wistful.
At this point in time, the Third Raikage hadn't yet received the infamous self-inflicted wound to his chest. Which meant his legendary battle with the Eight-Tails hadn't happened yet.
So yes—there was still time to watch the show.
And it would be the perfect opportunity to gather information.
As long as he got his Phantom Beast to bite off part of the Eight-Tails, there was a chance he could successfully replicate its abilities.
Kaien gently stroked the creature tucked in his shirt. Without a shared consciousness, it acted like an ordinary cat, following normal feline habits.
"My old man's insanely strong! He's the one who pushed the Lightning Release Chakra Mode to its absolute limits!"
...
The moment the Third Raikage was mentioned, A lit up. That was the kind of strength he aspired to.
"Mhm. Best of luck to you."
"That was super half-hearted."
"Then… You'll definitely succeed, Lord A!"
Kaien put on an exaggeratedly admiring tone, his voice light and almost playful.
"Ahem. Time to head to the training grounds."
A cleared his throat awkwardly and strode ahead of Kaien.
Why did he still look that good even when he wasn't in a kimono?!
Affection from A+1
Affection from A+1
Affection from A+1
"Are you blushing?"
"I'm a Raikage candidate. I don't blush."
"Oh. Must've been my mistake, then."
Their banter continued as they made their way to the training grounds for A's partner selection.
The Third Raikage was already there waiting, his tall, powerful frame dominating the space at a glance.
"Father!"
A greeted him with a respectful nod. The Third Raikage gave a small nod in return and turned his gaze toward Kaien.
"Child, how was your first night in Kumogakure?"
"Thank you for your hospitality. Kumogakure certainly has its unique charm."
Kaien responded with calm respect, offering a slight bow.
"Hahaha! If you stay in Kumogakure long enough, you'll come to appreciate its beauty even more."
The Third Raikage chuckled, stroking his beard.
He had always been patient when it came to turning outsiders into true comrades.
"Today's event is something rarely seen in Kumogakure. Interested in watching?"
"It would be an honor..."
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
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