The tale of Mayumi

Chapter 70 - Chaos Comes Knocking

It had been a while since Mayumi had seen Gai or Lee. Between her missions, helping Kakashi with Hokage duties, and adjusting to her engagement, life had been busy. So, naturally, she didn't think much of it when she heard a loud, dramatic knock at the door while she and Kakashi were enjoying a peaceful afternoon at home.

Kakashi, seated on the couch with a book in one hand and Mayumi curled up beside him, sighed deeply. "I know that knock," he muttered, already regretting his decision to answer.

Before he could even stand up, the door burst open, revealing none other than Might Gai, standing in the doorway with one fist on his hip and a determined glint in his eye.

"MY ETERNAL RIVAL! I HAVE COME TO CELEBRATE YOUR ENGAGEMENT WITH THE MOST SPECTACULAR CHALLENGE OF ALL—A TEST OF LOVE!"

Mayumi blinked. "A what now?"

Kakashi sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Gai..."

"I will not be ignored!" Gai pointed dramatically at Mayumi. "You! Soon-to-be Lady Hatake! If you truly love Kakashi, you must prove it through a series of challenges designed to test your devotion, strength, and youthfulness!"

Mayumi exchanged a look with Kakashi. "Is this a joke?"

"Oh, I wish it were," Kakashi muttered.

Just then, another voice chimed in from behind Gai.

"Gai-sensei, I believe this is an excellent idea! Love should be tested through the fires of endurance and passion!"

Rock Lee appeared in the doorway, fists clenched, eyes shimmering with excitement. "Lady Mayumi, I, too, am honored to witness your boundless youthful spirit in action!"

Mayumi crossed her arms, a slow grin forming. "Alright. I'll bite. What exactly do these 'tests' involve?"

Gai beamed. "I am SO GLAD you asked! First, a test of endurance!"

Before she could even react, Gai pulled out two massive backpacks filled with weights.

"You and Kakashi will run laps around the village, carrying these! Side by side! Because a couple that trains together, stays together!"

Kakashi groaned. "Gai, you do realize that I am already exhausted just from existing?"

Mayumi, on the other hand, was already strapping the backpack on. "Come on, old man, let's see if you can keep up."

Lee clapped his hands together. "Ah, the power of love! This is truly inspiring!"

One Hour Later

Kakashi and Mayumi staggered back to their house, sweaty, exhausted, and thoroughly regretting their life choices. Gai, however, looked like he was just getting started.

"EXCELLENT! Now for the next test—trust!"

"I already trust her," Kakashi deadpanned.

"NONSENSE! She must fall backward from the roof and trust that you will catch her!"

Mayumi narrowed her eyes. "You just want an excuse to throw me off the roof."

Lee gasped. "Lady Mayumi, trust is the foundation of all great partnerships! If you cannot trust Kakashi to catch you, how can you trust him with your heart?"

Kakashi sighed. "Fine. But if she teleports away instead of letting me catch her, I'm not responsible."

Mayumi smirked. "No promises."

After several more ridiculous challenges—including a cooking contest where Kakashi won only because Lee enthusiastically cheered for everything he did—Gai finally deemed their relationship "worthy of eternal youth and love."