Just as Itachi and Izumi were casually chatting, a familiar voice called out Itachi's name from a short distance away. Turning toward the sound, they saw a striking figure approaching—a man with distinctive white hair, a mask covering most of his face, leaving only one sharp eye visible.
It was none other than Kakashi Hatake, the renowned ninja often called "Kakashi the Tie" in the Hokage world. His reputation preceded him; known for his exceptional combat skills, Kakashi could hold his ground against the strongest opponents, trading blows with ease. His mastery of the Mangekyo Sharingan granted him the incredible ability to manipulate space remotely, while his teammate Obito's eye allowed for close-range spatial control and intangibility.
Izumi's eyes widened slightly as she whispered under her breath, "Kakashi Hatake..." She had heard tales of his exploits but had never met him in person.
Itachi noticed her interest and gave a subtle nod. "This is my teammate—well, colleague—Kakashi," he said with a slight cough, introducing her to the seasoned ninja. "Kakashi-senpai, this is Izumi Uchiha, my friend."
Kakashi smiled beneath his mask, his single eye crinkling with amusement. "Senpai or captain, either is fine. It's no secret." He then turned to Itachi, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "I didn't realize you, of all people, would have such a beautiful girlfriend."
Itachi's cheeks flushed faintly, and he stammered, "No, no, she's not my girlfriend yet."
Before Kakashi could respond, Izumi gave Itachi a quick pinch on the arm. "Oh? Then what am I, exactly?"
Itachi scratched the back of his head awkwardly, trying to find the right words. "Uh… maybe a future girlfriend?"
Ignoring his embarrassment, Izumi turned to Kakashi with a smile. "Kakashi-senpai, thank you for looking out for Itachi. Let us treat you to dinner."
Kakashi shook his head with a chuckle. "Not at all. It's our responsibility as seniors to watch over the juniors. Actually, I'm meeting some friends for dinner. Why don't you two join us?"
Itachi hesitated. "No, senpai. Izumi and I planned to have some fun after dinner, just the two of us."
Kakashi nodded in understanding, about to encourage them to enjoy their time together, when a voice interrupted from behind him.
"Kakashi! You came so early? Unbelievable! Did you finally get a day off?" It was Kurenai Yuhi, her tone teasing as she approached the group.
The others looked at Izumi and Itachi with curiosity. Kurenai asked, "Kakashi, who are these two?"
Kakashi smiled and introduced, "This is Itachi Uchiha, and this is Izumi Uchiha. They're a couple. Itachi is on my team."
He then gestured to the people behind him. "These are my friends from the same year—Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi, Might Guy, Anko Mitarashi, and Shiranui Genma."
Izumi and Itachi greeted them politely.
Asuma Sarutobi's eyes lingered on Izumi with a curious look. "So you're Izumi Uchiha? I never imagined you'd be such a cute girl. I always thought you'd be more arrogant."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "You know her?"
Asuma glanced around, realizing all eyes were on him, and decided to explain. "My father mentioned that Izumi's speed is incredible—comparable even to the Fourth Hokage."
Might Guy's eyes lit up. "Speed-type ninja are rare and precious! Izumi, we should have a match sometime."
Izumi laughed awkwardly. "Really? I was ignorant back then. It's a bit embarrassing to think about now."
Asuma chuckled quietly, careful not to reveal more.
Kakashi smiled. "Well, we won't keep you two any longer." The group bid their farewells, and Izumi and Itachi waved back.
As the group walked away, Izumi turned to Itachi with a questioning look. "Why didn't you join them? It could be good to get to know them. It would broaden your connections—and that could be helpful for your future."
Itachi shook his head. "I don't want to be involved. Clan matters take up enough of my time. I just want to relax and take a stroll with you."
Izumi smiled teasingly. "Is this a sudden date invite? You've really improved."
Itachi chuckled, scratching the back of his head. Izumi rolled her eyes and said, "Alright, let's eat first. Afterward, we'll go for that walk."
He smiled. "What do you want to eat?"
"Anything," Izumi said cheerfully.
Itachi nodded. "Then let's each pick one dish—the one we like most or want to try. That way, we can learn more about each other. I still don't know much about you."
Izumi's big eyes sparkled. "Good idea. Then... I'll have this one."
He looked at the menu, then said, "I'll have that one too."
Just then, the owner's son hurried over, eager to take their order. "Sir, what would you like to eat?"
Izumi smiled warmly. "I'll start with a bowl of miso soup."
The owner's son blinked in surprise. "Ah, sir, we'll prepare it right away!" As he ran off to the kitchen, he muttered under his breath, cursing Izumi silently—and even thought of how challenging it was to serve such a perceptive customer.
Izumi's voice stopped him. "If there's anything extra in the soup that shouldn't be there, I won't be polite, you know. Don't underestimate a ninja."
The owner's son's face broke into a wide grin. "How could I? You're so funny!"
Izumi nodded with satisfaction. "I heard from my subordinates that this place has great food, especially the free miso soup—it has a unique flavor. We should both give it a try."
"It really is good?" Itachi asked, eyes bright with anticipation.
The owner's son almost tripped as he rushed back, steadying himself and saying awkwardly, "Actually, the miso soup hasn't been free for a long time."
"Oh? Well then, we'll pay. He'll cover it anyway." Izumi nudged Itachi playfully.
"It's only right that I pay," Itachi replied with a smile.
The owner's son shook his head firmly. "Quan-sama has worked hard maintaining public order on this street. That's why this place is so beautiful now. I cannot accept payment for this meal."
Izumi smiled kindly but firmly. "We must pay as usual. If someone says the Uchiha Clan eats without paying, it would damage our reputation, wouldn't it, Itachi?"
"It would," Itachi agreed.
The owner's son hurried back to the kitchen, telling the chef to prepare their dishes carefully.
Itachi looked at Izumi thoughtfully. "They seem to respect you a lot. Other residents aren't usually this courteous toward the Uchiha Police Force."
Izumi smiled confidently. "That's because we've worked hard to coexist peacefully with the villagers."
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