The tale of Mayumi

Chapter 15: New Beginnings and Old Habits

As we made our way toward the Hokage Building, Kakashi played the tour guide, explaining where everything was, but my mind was elsewhere. I couldn't help but wonder what Tsunade would be like now, as the serious Hokage. Would she still have that tough, larger-than-life persona, or would the weight of her role have changed her? I couldn't stop thinking about how much time had passed since I last saw her.

We finally arrived at her office, and Kakashi knocked before receiving permission to enter. He pushed open the door, but before I could say anything, Tsunade lifted a hand, signaling for me to stay quiet.

"Thank you, Kakashi. You can leave now, just don't leave the building yet," Tsunade said, her voice authoritative yet warm.

Kakashi gave us a small smile before stepping out and closing the door behind him. I couldn't help but notice how the room felt different now that it was just the three of us. Tsunade stood up, her expression all business. I couldn't help but think, Wow, I guess the position really did change her.

But before I could dwell on it too long, Tsunade's face broke into a massive smile as she rushed toward us and pulled us into a hug. She nearly knocked the breath out of me.

"You really changed, Mayumi!" she yelled with excitement. "Well, Hikaru still looks the same, but you..." She stopped mid-sentence, eyeing me suspiciously before her gaze landed on my chest.

"What are you talking about? She's flat as a board," Hikaru said, laughing as usual.

Tsunade, however, was undeterred. "No, I can see them—even through your oversized t-shirt."

"Ugh, you know I don't care," I replied, chuckling. "God, I missed you. Wait—where's Shizune? And Tonton?"

"She'll be here in a minute," Tsunade said, already moving toward the door. "Let's go grab some drinks while we still have time."

Just as she opened the door, Shizune stepped in, Tonton perched on her shoulder. Tsunade groaned loudly.

"Damn it," Tsunade muttered under her breath.

Shizune's face lit up when she saw us. "Mayumi, Hikaru! You're here!" she exclaimed as she rushed to give us a warm hug.

I smirked at her. "Looking good. Breaking a lot of hearts?"

Shizune's face turned red instantly. "W-what?" she stammered, but we all laughed.

Tsunade was already trying to steer the conversation. "Okay, enough about that. You two must be exhausted."

"Trying to change the subject?" Hikaru smirked, raising an eyebrow.

"We can talk about Shizune's love life in a bar," Tsunade said, clearly trying to divert attention.

"It's still early, Lady Tsunade. Maybe you could get some paperwork done?" Shizune suggested, her tone slightly nervous. "Plus, they need to settle into their apartment."

"Yeah, she's right," Hikaru said, rolling his eyes. "You are the Hokage, after all."

Tsunade groaned dramatically. "Yeah, yeah, okay. Whatever. I have two apartments for you."

"Two?" I cut her off, glancing at Hikaru.

"We'd prefer to live together. We're used to it," Hikaru replied, noticing my gaze and understanding the unspoken question.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, but didn't skip a beat. "I know, let me finish. One apartment has two bedrooms, and the other has just one. Which one do you prefer?"

"Two bedrooms," we both said in unison.

Tsunade's eyes twinkled mischievously. "I just thought, maybe you two were finally—"

"Ew, gross," we both replied at the same time, causing Tsunade to burst out laughing.

Shizune gave us a look of mock concern. "You two really don't hold back, do you?"

Tsunade wiped away a tear from her eye, still laughing. "Okay, okay, I'll stop. Shizune, please bring Kakashi in."

Shizune stepped out of the room, and before long, Kakashi reentered.

"What can I do for you, Lady Hokage?" Kakashi asked, his usual calm demeanor in place.

Tsunade handed him a piece of paper. "This is their apartment information. Please escort them there, thank you."

Kakashi nodded. "Got it."

I shot him a pointed look. "He kind of had to do that anyways. I want my stuff," I said with a small pout.

"Perfect. Once you're settled in, meet me here at 8," Tsunade said with a grin.

"9," Shizune corrected, her voice soft but firm.

Tsunade gave an exaggerated sigh. "Okay, fine! 9 it is."

I chuckled. "See you then," I said, giving her a wave as I turned to leave. I dragged Hikaru along with me, and Kakashi nodded to Tsunade before following us out the door.

Once outside, Kakashi glanced down at the address on the paper.

"Huh, I guess we'll be neighbors," he said with a small smile.

"Really? Cool!" I said, excited at the thought. "But I should warn you—we can be annoying sometimes."

Hikaru shot me a glare. "Don't blend me in with your annoying personality."

I smirked, raising a hand and using my power to make Hikaru slap himself. Kakashi chuckled at the sight.

"Okay, let's go," Kakashi said, shaking his head, clearly used to our antics.

"Wait, I'm hungry! Can't we eat somewhere first?" I cried out, my stomach growling loudly to emphasize my point.

"Maybe he has stuff to do. He just got back. Let's settle in first, then go out to eat," Hikaru said, rubbing his cheek where I'd made him slap himself earlier.

"Okay, fine," I grumbled, though my stomach wasn't thrilled with the decision.

"Actually, I'm hungry too," Kakashi said with a smile. "Plus, I'll show you the best ramen shop in Konoha."

"Perfect! See? Maskey's on board," I said with a smug grin at Hikaru, knowing exactly how much Kakashi hated that nickname.

Kakashi let out a deep sigh. "I don't like that nickname."

"Too bad. Come on, let's go," I teased, dragging them along.

Kakashi turned to Hikaru. "She won't stop, will she?"

Hikaru put a hand on Kakashi's shoulder and smirked. "I wouldn't count on it."

We entered the ramen shop, and the owner immediately greeted Kakashi, proving my suspicion that everyone in this village seemed to know each other. I couldn't help but feel a little jealous.

"Miso ramen with eggplant, right?" the man asked Kakashi, smiling.

"As usual," Kakashi replied with his trademark nonchalance.

The man then turned to Hikaru and me. "And what about you two? I believe it's your first time here?"

"Yeah, just got here. What would you recommend?" Hikaru asked politely.

"Our most popular dish is beef ramen with naruto fishcake," the owner said, pointing to the menu.

"Two of those, then," I said with a smile, excited to try something new.

"Coming right up," the man said before retreating into the kitchen.

When our food arrived, I dug in immediately, savoring the rich flavor of the broth. But as I was enjoying my meal, I couldn't help but realize something—Kakashi was eating next to me, and I hadn't even gotten a chance to see his face.

I glanced at Hikaru, but he didn't seem to care. So, I took my chance and looked over at Kakashi, only to find that his mask was back in place, and his bowl was already empty.

"Damn it!" I thought, mentally cursing him. How did he eat so fast?!