The tale of Mayumi

Chapter 78 - Aftermath and Camping Chaos

The mission was technically a success. The enemy didn't escape with the scroll. Sure, it was incinerated, but details, details.

Now, instead of sleeping in a proper bed back in Konoha, Mayumi and Kakashi were sitting by a crackling campfire in the middle of nowhere.

"This is great!" Mayumi declared, stirring something in a pot over the fire. "It's been ages since I've gotten to camp like this."

Kakashi, sitting cross-legged beside her, gave her a flat look. "We're camping because someone—not naming names—thought it was a good idea to steal from an underground auction instead of sneaking out quietly like we were supposed to."

Mayumi gasped dramatically. "Oh, so now it's my fault?"

"Yes."

She waved him off. "Whatever, Mr. 'I'm-too-good-to-have-fun.'"

Kakashi sighed, rubbing his temple. "This is a mission, Mayumi, not a vacation."

"I know that." She grinned, ladling out two bowls of whatever questionable concoction she had made. "But we worked hard today, so we deserve a feast."

Kakashi took the bowl hesitantly, giving it a suspicious glance. "What exactly is this?"

Mayumi beamed. "Mystery stew!"

Kakashi eyed the pot. "...Did you hunt something for this?"

"Nope."

"...Did you forage something for this?"

"Nope."

"...Did you steal something for this?"

"...Not from anyone we know."

Kakashi pinched the bridge of his nose.

Mayumi cheerfully took a big spoonful and swallowed it down without hesitation. "Mmm. Might be slightly poisonous, but I think we'll be fine."

Kakashi sighed but took a bite anyway. It wasn't bad. Actually... it was surprisingly good. He hated that he was getting used to this.

As they ate, the crackling of the fire filled the silence. Kakashi watched Mayumi out of the corner of his eye.

She looked so at ease—hair slightly messy from their earlier battle, a contented smile on her lips, her dark eyes reflecting the firelight.

It had been a long time since he'd been on a mission like this. He had to admit... it felt good.

She stretched, letting out a satisfied sigh. "Man, that was so much fun."

Kakashi nearly choked on his food. "Fun?! You almost got us blown up."

Mayumi waved a hand dismissively. "Yeah, but teamwork!"

Kakashi gave her a long look, then shook his head with an amused sigh.

She grinned, nudging his shoulder. "Come on, you have to admit, we make a great team."

He didn't answer right away, just watching her as she casually poked at the fire with a stick.

Then, finally, he nodded. "Yeah. We do."

Mayumi beamed, completely pleased with herself.

Later that night, they settled into their makeshift bedrolls. Kakashi, already dreading the cold night air, made sure to secure his blanket tightly around himself.

When he woke up, Mayumi was completely wrapped in every single blanket they had, leaving Kakashi shivering and exposed to the night air.

"...Seriously?" Kakashi muttered, staring up at the sky in disbelief.

Mayumi, still fast asleep, let out a tiny, victorious snore.