Rin made breakfast for Kakashi and Obito just like she had yesterday.
Because she was currently revived through the Impure World Reincarnation (Edo Tensei), her body no longer required sleep. During the nights, while Kakashi and Obito rested, Rin would sit quietly in Kakashi's room reading books from his shelf. What she discovered left her both shocked and flustered—Kakashi's cherished collection of Icha Icha Paradise novels, the notorious romance series written by Jiraiya.
Of course, Kakashi had no idea Rin had been peeking at his private library. He was outside drinking with Obito late into the night, chatting about old memories.
"Ah! Rin, you got up so early!" Kakashi greeted casually as he stepped out of his room, still drowsy. He went straight to the bathroom to wash his face.
Rin smiled warmly. "I don't need to sleep anymore. Come on, let's eat. Breakfast will be ready soon."
Obito rubbed his eyes, yawning, and stumbled along behind Kakashi.
After washing up, the two sat down to eat the steaming noodles Rin had prepared. Midway through the meal, Rin glanced at Kakashi intentionally, her voice carrying a teasing but serious tone.
"Kakashi… after all these years, have you ever found a girl you like?"
Kakashi immediately choked on his noodles, coughing violently. He looked at Rin in confusion. "Wh-what? Rin, why are you asking me this all of a sudden?"
Obito also turned to her curiously. He had wondered the same thing about Kakashi for years but never dared to bring it up so bluntly.
Rin tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, "I'm only asking because I care about you. Obito, you're curious too, aren't you?"
Obito blinked. Seeing Rin nod toward him, he understood that she wasn't teasing Kakashi out of nowhere—she truly was concerned.
Obito smirked and chimed in. "Yeah, Kakashi, we'd both like to know. After all these years, are you still a… you know… an old virgin?"
Kakashi glared daggers at him, his single visible eye narrowing dangerously.
Rin immediately smacked Obito on the head. "What kind of question is that?! Watch your mouth!"
Obito covered his head, groaning. "Oww, Rin! I was just asking what you wanted to know!"
Kakashi sighed, setting down his chopsticks. "No… it's not like that. Honestly, I've grown used to being alone. Love, marriage… those things are best left to fate."
Rin's eyes softened, but her voice lowered. "Kakashi… could it be that deep down, you've been avoiding relationships because of me? Because of my death… and Obito's?"
Obito stiffened. He, too, remembered how often he'd seen Kakashi standing at their graves back in the old days, silently apologizing. The weight Kakashi carried from their deaths had always been heavy.
Kakashi gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "No, Rin. Both of you are standing right here in front of me now. What regrets could I possibly have left? It's just… I truly haven't met anyone that I like in that way. And with everything going on in the village, romance never really crossed my mind. Better to let fate decide."
Rin studied him for a long moment, then nodded.
Kakashi quickly changed the subject. "I'll do the dishes today."
He stood up, gathered the bowls, and began washing them in the sink. As he did, he glanced over his shoulder at Obito, giving him a silent look. The meaning was clear: Talk to Rin today. Don't waste this chance.
Obito caught the hint and gave a small nod in return.
When Kakashi's attention was turned, Rin leaned closer to Obito, lowering her voice. "Obito… have you ever heard of Icha Icha Paradise?"
Obito froze. "Huh?! What the—?!" His voice rose in shock.
Rin quickly pressed her hand against his mouth. "Shhh! Keep your voice down!"
From the kitchen, Kakashi tilted his head. "What's going on?"
Rin quickly smiled. "It's nothing! I was just talking with Obito about something."
Kakashi frowned, assuming Obito had said something dumb again, then went back to washing the dishes.
Rin exhaled in relief, then whispered to Obito. "Last night, when I was in Kakashi's room, I looked at the books on his shelf. There are so many volumes, all in the same series. Icha Icha Paradise. I picked one up… and, Obito, the whole thing was filled with romance, but also… so many inappropriate scenes!"
Her cheeks flushed slightly as she said it. Then she frowned, twisting Obito's cheek in frustration. "You boys… you're all the same! Always thinking about dirty things!"
Obito winced in pain. "Ow, ow, ow! Hey! That's Kakashi, not me! I swear, Rin, I've never read those books. I'm not as pervy as Kakashi, believe me!"
Rin eyed him suspiciously. "Really?"
Obito nodded furiously. "Of course! Kakashi's been like this since we were kids. Think about it, Rin—why else would someone cover their face with a mask all the time? He's sultry and sneaky, hiding his true self!"
Rin tilted her head. "Or maybe… it's just a habit of his."
Obito waved his hand dismissively. "No way. Trust me on this one."
Inside, Obito was practically celebrating. Hah! Finally, I've found a weakness in Kakashi's perfect image! Icha Icha Paradise, huh? Who knew Kakashi was into pervy adult books?
Obito smirked. "Honestly, Rin, Kakashi probably can't find a partner because of these books. He's too obsessed. He keeps looking for a heroine like the ones in Icha Icha Paradise, but no real girl can ever match up. Those characters only exist in fiction!"
Rin paused, realizing Obito had a point. She remembered what she had read—flirtatious heroines, exaggerated romance, and conversations no normal girl would dare say aloud. "You're right. It's impossible to find someone like that in reality…"
Then she turned serious. "Obito, we can't let Kakashi keep sinking into this. You're his best friend—you have to help him. As a girl, I can't talk to him directly about this, but you can."
Obito puffed out his chest confidently. "Leave it to me, Rin. I'll handle it!"
At that moment, Kakashi returned from the kitchen, drying his hands. "What are you two so happy about?" He smiled, thinking they must have been planning something.
Kakashi assumed Obito had already spoken to Rin about his feelings, which explained the cheerful atmosphere. But in reality, Rin had made Obito promise to "fix" Kakashi's bad habits.
Obito grinned. "Ah, nothing. Rin and I were just discussing plans for later."
Rin nodded quickly. "That's right!"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow but didn't question further. "Alright, then. Let's head out."
Obito tugged Rin along, still smirking at his little discovery. Rin followed, glancing curiously at him.
On the way, Kakashi walked a little ahead, keeping some distance. Rin leaned toward Obito and whispered, "Why is Kakashi walking all by himself up there? We never even told him anything."
Obito shrugged innocently. "Don't worry about it. That's just Kakashi being Kakashi."
But deep inside, Obito chuckled to himself. Sorry, Kakashi. For the sake of my happiness with Rin, I'm going to have to sacrifice your reputation. Icha Icha Paradise… who knew that would be my ultimate weapon against you?
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