Lost.
For the first time in more than three years, Lock had lost to Kakashi.
Yet strangely, there was no sting in the defeat. Instead, he felt lighter—like a burden had been lifted.
Maybe he'd been too afraid of losing before, too cautious, too restrained. But this time, he fought freely. The clash had been intense, and even though victory slipped away, he carried no regret.
Kakashi, however, seemed anything but satisfied.
"Lock," he snapped, eyes sharp, "why didn't you use your invisibility? Are you looking down on me?"
Lock blinked. That was new. Kakashi wasn't usually this worked up, even when he lost. To win and still be upset—typical Kakashi.
"My stealth is for assassination, not fair sparring," Lock replied evenly.
Kakashi's brows furrowed. "That didn't stop you before."
"Before is before. Now's different. Don't complain because I fought you straight." Lock's tone sharpened. "You never say a word when you lose, but the moment you win, you won't shut up."
Obito jumped in immediately, arms crossed. "That's right! Kakashi, you're insufferable! You finally win, and you're still whining."
"Kakashi," Minato interjected gently, "Lock's right. His stealth is at its best in ambushes. In a direct fight, it doesn't show its true power. And this was only a spar, not a mission. You both gained something from it—that's what matters."
Obito grinned. "Hear that? Minato-sensei agrees. You're just cranky, Kakashi."
Kakashi's gaze turned icy. "Obito. You itching for a beating?"
"Say that again, bastard!"
"I'll say it a hundred times. Dead last."
"You—! Take it back!"
Their bickering flared, Rin scrambling to calm them, while Minato only smiled. He'd only just begun leading this squad, but their dynamics were already clear as day.
Lock, for his part, had seen this exact scene dozens of times. He only shook his head, amused.
"Lock," Minato turned back to him, "since you've made chūnin, what team were you assigned to?"
"I haven't gotten word yet," Lock admitted. "Strange, isn't it? It's been over ten days since the promotion, gear, and all. Still no notice."
Minato nodded thoughtfully. "I think I know why. Look at my squad—your classmates, straight out of the Academy. The Hokage probably wants to form your team the same way. My guess? You'll be grouped with familiarfacess too."
Lock considered it. With Sarutobi Hiruzen, that sounded exactly like his style. If Kakashi had been grouped with classmates, then chances were, he would be too.
Soon after, Minato and his squad left. They were entering a busy stretch of missions, leaving little time for visits like this.
Lock didn't have to wait long for his own assignment.
When the notice came, Kurenai nearly tackled him in excitement.
"Lock, it's great—we're in the same team!" she said, clinging to his arm with bright eyes.
Lock blinked. Of all pairings, he hadn't expected this. Even more surprising was the other teammate—Sarutobi Asuma, who stood nenearbyblaring daggers at him.
"Damn it," Asuma muttered under his breath. "I begged the old man to put me with Kurenai, and he throws you in, too? Unbelievable."
His frustration was obvious. It didn't help that Kurenai's attention was fixed entirely on Lock, leaving Asuma grinding his teeth in silence.
"Lock, do you know who our jōnin leader is?" Kurenai asked suddenly, her tone playful.
Lock shook his head. "No idea. Who?"
Kurenai beamed. "It's my father."
"…What?"
Lock froze. His entire body went cold.
This was no joyful revelation for him. If Yūhi Kurenai was already this attached to him, what father would possibly look kindly on that? Especially when said father was now their squad leader.
And then Kurenai made it worse.
"Oh, and I told him how talented you are with genjutsu. That illusion from our scroll? You mastered it in days. Dad didn't believe me, so when he arrives, you should show him yourself."
It's over. Totally over.
Lock wanted to vanish on the spot. Not only was he "stealing the daughter," but now he'd picked up her clan's signature art? If her father learned that… his squad career was doomed.
"Lock, why are you sweating? Is it hot?" Kurenai asked, worried, wiping his forehead with a cloth.
"Ugh…"
Before Lock could respond, a sharp hmph cut through the air.
Kurenai's face lit up instantly. She darted forward, calling out, "Dad! You're finally here!"
And Lock felt his stomach drop.
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