Roses {Kakashi Hatake}

14. Kiri's revenge

Konoha seemed to have a huge advantage in the fued between Konoha and Kiri, having two people with a lot of knowledge on the village, who were valuable assets as well.

"If I'm going to be branded a traitor, I better do it right," Aoi joked during dinner.

Mizuko let out a small laugh, "Aoi, I can't believe you're the same merciless shinobi I met all those years ago."

This got both Akahana's and Isamu's attention, not able to believe the jest sitting in front of them could ever bring himself to be serious.

"Don't look so surprised," Aoi spoke up when he saw their expressions, "Just because you can't imagine me as a badass shinobi doesn't mean I'm not one."

"Time changed you," Mizuko mused, "Face it, you've gotten all soft and squeaky."

"I have not."

"Judging from what kaa-san has told me about you, you have," Isamu told his father with a grin, "But I love you like that, tou-san."

Aoi crossed his arms, pouting, "It's like you two are undermining my authority."

Akahana chuckled, "Oji-san, I think they're denying its existence."

Aoi gasped dramatically, "Those insolent youths nowadays..."

***

Luckily for both Akahana and Kakashi, neither of them were going to be sent on a mission anytime soon, making it possible to spend time with their friends.

Naturally, Kakashi ended up in another one of his rivalry contests with Gai, while Akahana, Kurenai and Asuma were watching.

"Gai, I will be profoundly disappointed if you lose to him in a taijutsu match," Akahana commented.

But it didn't end up as a taijutsu like she had expected. All three friends facepalmed when they realised what Gai chose to do.

"Out of all things, you choose rock-paper-scissors," Asuma said with a sigh.

"Very disapointing," Akahana added.

"I'm disappointed in the both of you," Kurenai finished.

The match between the two took so long, Akahana, Asuma and Kurenai could have gotten ramen and dango's, yet still being on time to see who won; Gai.

"That's it, I'm never going to invite Gai and Kakashi," Akahana mused.

"We're not that bad, Aka-chan!" Gai cried out, "I'm sure we can do something without it ending as a competition between me and Kakashi!"

Asuma let out a soft chuckle, "Than why did it take you almost the entire afternoon?"

Gai and Kakashi shrugged, they hadn't even realised it was already starting to get dark.

Akahana sighed, "Fine, let's get something to eat then," she offered, "Your treat."

"Deal!" Gai exclaimed happily. He then realised what the last thing she had said was, "Wait... what?!"

Asuma rested his arm on his friend's shoulder, "Well, thank you for the offer, Gai. I'll make sure to get the most expensive meal possible."

Akahana rushed to the other side of the boy, giving him a wink, "No worries, you will only have to pay for two," she then looked at Kakashi, who shook his head furiously, "or three," she added.

Unfortunately, lunch did end up like one of Gai and Kakashi's matches, it was an eating contest. "I have reasons to assume both of them are going to be broke by the end of the week," Akahana stated.