𝐀𝐃𝐃𝐈𝐂𝐓𝐄𝐃 ★彡 ᵏ.ʰᵃᵗᵃᵏᵉ

➙ 𝘷𝘪 . 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨

══ ❀•°❀°•❀ ══

A RESTLESS night had come to an end, and the ninja dotted around the room stirred one by one.

Kakashi, accustomed to early mornings, was the first to awaken. His single-opened eye surveyed the room with a mix of amusement and exasperation. The genin were a funny sight as they slept in various humorous positions. Naruto had unceremoniously shoved Sasuke aside, sprawling himself across their mat, though the covers almost completely draped over Sasuke.

Sakura and Sezaki, on the other hand, shared the mat and covers in a harmonious, considerate manner.

Yaragi and Doremi, however, had created their own unique sleeping arrangement. Doremi's unconscious leg kicks had sent her teammate tumbling off the mat. Yaragi ended up on the cold, hard floor with no cover to shield him from the night's chill. He lay there shivering, their arms huddled to their chest. It was almost like watching a ninja in training.

But his gaze eventually shifted to the remaining occupant of the room, Yuri. Her appearance was quite the contrast to her typically composed self. Her usually pin-straight hair resembled a wild pink and blonde nest, and she had partially seized the bed mat, her form covered by both her own blanket and part of his. It was a sight he never imagined witnessing.

His curiosity was piqued when he noticed an orange book with a bold red 'No Entry' symbol. Panic surged through him momentarily, and he swiftly checked his bag to ensure that his treasured book was safely tucked inside. When he found it undisturbed, he looked back to Yuri's bag and spotted her worn, dog-eared version of the same book. It was her own beloved copy of 'Icha Icha Paradise'. The same book she scolded him for last night for reading in front of her. A hint of amusement crept into his masked features as he considered the implications. This unexpected discovery could prove useful, he thought, although he also recognised that she could turn any accusation thrown at her back to him, claiming that he was a pervert for snooping in her bag.

With a chuckle and a shake of his head, he departed the room on his crutches and entered the bathroom to freshen up. When he emerged, he lingered in the kitchen, away from the rest of the group. Instead, he found solace in reading his precious Icha Icha novel to himself.

The stirrings of the other occupants broke him from his musings. Kakashi observed as Yuri made her way into the kitchen, dressed in her distinctive purple Mist Jōnin uniform. The addition of cow-printed leg and arm warmers signified her association with the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist, a symbol of her formidable skills.

Yuri's arrival prompted her to comment about starting breakfast, and Kakashi had to suppress a chuckle at her no-nonsense approach. Her sudden presence startled him slightly, but he continued reading until she began preparing food.

"You could've started breakfast so Tsunami doesn't have to do it all herself," she stated matter-of-factly, her tone slightly gruff.

Kakashi's visible eye lifted from the book, glancing at her sidelong. "I was planning to. Just waiting for you to wake up and grace us with your culinary expertise," he replied, his tone light and teasing.

Yuri grumbled under her breath as she began cooking. He could tell her pride was wounded, but her efficiency took over, and soon the kitchen was filled with the comforting aroma of breakfast in the making.

Tsunami entered the kitchen, a smile on her face. She moved to shoo Yuri away, but she saw the assistance as a blessing in disguise.

They worked together to create a feast for the group. Grilled fish sizzled on the stove, accompanied by miso soup, a steaming pot of rice, nori, roasted vegetables, and eggs. Kakashi helped set the table, taking most of the dishes and placing them around the wooden surface.

The hungry genin flocked to the kitchen as the tantalizing scent of breakfast reached them. Tazuna entered after, sitting at the head of the table. Inari, Tsunami's son, entered last and sank into his chair next to his mother with a glum expression. Once Tazuna had begun to eat, the rest sat at the table tucked into their meals.

Naruto and Sasuke competed to finish their food first, driven by their rivalry and the burning desire to begin their training.

Sakura, Doremi and Sezaki, a bit more civilized, ate at a more measured pace, savouring the delicious meal they were provided. The girls exchanged pleasantries, their conversation flowing effortlessly.

Yaragi still bore the effects of the rough night's sleeping arrangements as he tried to nurse their aching back. He did so with their usual comradery and shared a few quiet laughs with his comrades over his rough sleeping arrangements.

Once Kakashi and Sakura had finished eating, Naruto begged to start training. To which Sakura immediately scolded with a harsh expression.

"Thank you for breakfast." Kakashi smiled and bowed to Tsunami, purposefully avoiding Yuri even though she made just as much of an effort to cook.

"Oh! Thank you but I must thank Yuri-san too."

The two women simpered and bowed their heads to each other. "Mister Tazuna, are you planning on going to your construction site today?"

"Yes." He answered.

Yuri nodded. "Very well. My team will escort you and keep watch."

Once everyone had satisfied their appetites, the genin were eager to get back to training, while Tazuna and his family appreciated the effort made to protect them. After thanking their host, they made their way to the door.

"Yuri-Sensei! I thought we would train?" Doremi asked with a furrowed brow and pout. A begging expression that Yuri had grown accustomed to.

"Why do you need to train? You're strong enough for this mission." The Mist genin shared a doubtful look. Yuri sighed and pinched her nose in aggravation. "Fine. Ask that Leaf Jōnin if you can train among his squad."

The genin rushed off to catch up with Kakashi and his team. After a few minutes, Kakashi hobbled back to the house where Yuri stood smiling smugly beside Tazuna.

"What do you mean I have to train your team?" He asked, his voice laced with annoyance.

"I'm taking over your mission while you recover it's the least you can do," Yuri answered.

Kakashi grumbled as his fist tightened on his clutches. "You can look after your own team."

Yuri shrugged as she and Tazuna began to walk toward the incomplete bridge. "You said you warmed up since we last met. Prove it."