"You called for me, Kakashi-sensei?" Sasuke stepped through the wooden gate into the back courtyard. His sharp eyes scanned the garden, then paused as he spotted someone on the porch.
It was Shizune.
She was sitting with Anko, sipping tea. Her black hair swayed slightly with the breeze, and her soft features were lit gently by the morning sun. Sasuke froze for half a second.
"Well, well, look who's here," Anko smirked when she saw him.
"And just when I was telling you about him, too."She nudged Shizune with her elbow.
Shizune's cheeks turned pink. She gave Sasuke a shy glance and quickly looked down.
Sasuke, pretending not to notice, gave a small nod and turned to Kakashi.
"I thought this was for training."
"Oh, it is. Come on, brat."Kakashi's eyes curved with a knowing smile.
He led Sasuke toward the training ground behind the house. Sasuke walked beside him in silence for a moment.
"You did this on purpose," Sasuke muttered.
"Of course I did," Kakashi replied with a chuckle. "You're welcome."
Sasuke didn't respond, but a small smile crept onto his face.
They reached the clearing surrounded by trees. Kakashi rolled his shoulders, stepping into the center of the field.
"So," he said with a playful glint in his eyes, "how hard do you want to be beaten today?"
"Just enough to leave a good impression."Sasuke sighed.
"Ha. You're learning." Kakashi made a single hand seal, and his chakra flared.
The spar began.
Sasuke came in fast, lightning chakra lacing his fists. Kakashi dodged easily and countered with a sweep that sent Sasuke flying. He landed, flipped, and came in again.
The training went on for a while, but Kakashi had no intention of going easy.
After a brutal hit to the stomach, Sasuke went skidding across the ground and rolled onto his back, coughing.
"Teacher you could be more gentle, right?" he wheezed.
"I needed it to be realistic," Kakashi smirked, dusting off his gloves.
Sasuke groaned and closed his eyes, breathing heavily.
Kakashi left him there and walked back toward the house.
He found Anko and Shizune right where he left them.
"Shizune," he said casually, "go heal that brat. He's over there dying."
"Ah, okay."Shizune blinked and stood up.
But she paused and looked at Kakashi. "Kakashi-san… I…"
"What's the matter?"Kakashi tilted his head.
She looked away for a moment.
"I'm older than Sasuke. By a few years. It's… strange, right?"
Kakashi shrugged.
"Not really. He's almost eighteen. You're twenty. That's not some massive gap. I'm not telling you to marry him now."
Shizune looked unsure.
Kakashi softened his voice.
"Just talk to him. You two don't have to rush anything. But if you like him, there's nothing wrong with getting to know him. Slow is fine."
"…Thank you."Shizune gave a small nod.
With that, she turned and walked toward the training ground.
…
Back at the training field
Sasuke was still lying on his back, staring at the clouds. His shirt was torn, and there was a small cut over his eyebrow.
He heard soft footsteps.
He sat up quickly and saw her.
"Shizune?" he asked.
"You look terrible."She knelt beside him, opening her medical pouch.
"Thanks," Sasuke said, brushing some dust off his arm.
She gently pressed her glowing hand to his chest. Warm chakra spread through his ribs, easing the pain. Her other hand moved to his cheek, healing the shallow cut.
"You really went all out," she said softly.
"He wanted it to look that bad," Sasuke admitted.
"Why?"Shizune paused.
"So I could talk to you."
She froze for a second. Then her hand resumed moving.
"Oh…"
"Can I be honest?" Sasuke sat up straighter.
"Yes." She looked at him.
"I like you," he said. "I don't know since when exactly… but I do."
Shizune blinked, stunned. She wasn't sure what she expected, but Sasuke being so direct was not it.
"I know I'm younger than you," Sasuke continued, "and you're probably thinking it's weird. But… I want to get stronger. Become Kakashi's right-hand man one day. And I want you to be there when I do."
Shizune lowered her eyes. Her heart thumped faster.
"I like you too," she admitted. "But I don't know if this is okay."
Sasuke looked down.
"Kakashi-sensei told me to take it slow. I'm not asking for anything now. I just want to talk more. Spend time."
"That sounds nice."Shizune gave a small smile.
They sat quietly for a while.
"Do you want to walk back with me?"Sasuke leaned back on his hands.
"Sure."She nodded.
…
Back at the house
Kakashi sat on the porch, sipping tea. Anko was sitting beside him, her legs crossed.
"So, how do you think it's going?" Anko asked.
"Hmm… I'd say better than expected."Kakashi tilted his head.
"You're always meddling in other people's love lives."Kurenai stepped out from inside.
"It's a hobby," Kakashi said with a grin.
They all looked up when Sasuke and Shizune returned together, walking side by side and talking quietly.
"Well, well…" Anko smirked.
"They look good together."Kurenai smiled.
Kakashi watched as Sasuke held the door open for Shizune. She gave him a soft thank-you and walked inside.
Kakashi nodded to himself.
Everything was moving smoothly.
…
Later that evening
Sasuke sat outside on the porch, staring at the moon. Kakashi came and sat beside him.
"Thanks," Sasuke said quietly.
"You did fine. Just don't rush."Kakashi leaned back.
"I won't." Sasuke nodded.
After a pause, he glanced over.
"Sensei… do you think she really likes me?"
"She healed you, didn't she?"Kakashi chuckled.
"That's her job."
"True," Kakashi said. "But she came because she wanted to. And she didn't have to smile at you the way she did."
"…I'll work hard. Make her proud." Sasuke looked at the moon again.
"You already are." Kakashi smiled.
…
Inside the house
Shizune sat on the couch, her fingers brushing her lips. Her cheeks were still warm.
"You okay?" Kurenai sat beside her.
"I… I think I'm falling for him," Shizune whispered.
"Then fall." Kurenai smiled gently.
"But-" Shizune blinked.
"You've always been the one who supported others. Maybe it's time someone loves you just as fiercely."
"…Maybe." Shizune looked down.
…
The house was calm that night.
But hearts were full.
And the seed of something new had just begun to grow.