Kakashi Hatake silently replayed Naruto's suggestion in his mind.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
Whether Shizune came to see him or not, what mattered was the attitude behind the action.
If she showed up, then he would face the moment with honesty. Even if the situation turned embarrassing — even if it became the kind of awkward scene he usually avoided — Kakashi resolved that he would face it head-on.
And if she didn't come?
That was fine too.
It would mean he had formally ended that lingering uncertainty between them. He would no longer overthink their dynamic, no longer feel cornered by Lady Tsunade's constant attempts to push them together. It would become a clean explanation — a shield he could use whenever Tsunade decided to meddle.
A rare, open laugh escaped Kakashi as he threw an arm around Naruto's shoulder.
"Naruto, I never realized your brain had started working this well. You actually came up with a plan like this?"
Naruto smirked. "Well, after living a whole new life, a few changes are pretty normal."
Kakashi patted Naruto's shoulder, still smiling, then stood up — as if preparing himself mentally for the mission Naruto had just volunteered him for.
Naruto raised a hand. "Oh, right, Kakashi-sensei — one more thing. The key to this plan is that you can't invite Shizune-neechan personally. Someone has to deliver the message for you. That way, you both have room to step back if you need to."
Kakashi blinked. Yes… that did make sense.
If he went to her directly, she might freeze up, get flustered, or feel cornered. Worse, it might strain the relationship they already had.
Naruto saw the hesitation flicker across Kakashi's face and grinned. "Relax. I can deliver the message. By the way, it's still early. Do you want to… make your move tonight?"
Kakashi frowned. "But Shizune is with Lady Tsunade today. She said she was helping with wedding preparations."
Naruto waved dismissively. "It's fine. I just came back from seeing Pervy Sage — Jiraiya-sensei. Shizune-neechan goes home in the evening. This timing is perfect! She'll finish dinner at Tsunade-sama's place and then head back. Yep, right around now they should've eaten and will be getting ready to leave."
Kakashi nodded slowly. "…Alright. Naruto, go and tell her. But… which bathhouse am I supposed to book?"
Naruto tapped his chin. "Hmm… let's ask Shikamaru. He has experience. I heard the one he booked last time was really good."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Okay."
Before Kakashi could prepare himself, Naruto grabbed his arm. "Let's go, Kakashi-sensei. I'll take you to him!"
Buzz—
The world blurred, and they instantly teleported using Naruto's Flying Thunder God marker.
Shikamaru Nara and his father, Shikaku Nara, were sitting in their backyard, studying an incomplete shogi board when the sudden flash of chakra startled both of them.
Shikamaru jumped. "Hey! Naruto! What are you doing teleporting around with the Sixth Hokage like that? At least warn people! You're way too unpredictable — it's scary!"
Naruto pointed at Shikaku. "Shikamaru, you should learn from your dad. Look how calm he is."
Shikamaru glanced at Shikaku.
Shikaku simply nodded politely at Kakashi and Naruto, letting out a calm, understanding breath. Then he heard his son complaining and chuckled.
"You'll get used to it. I had to adapt to Minato showing up beside me without warning back in the day. The Flying Thunder God technique never gives you time to prepare."
Shikaku's nostalgia was obvious. In their youth, Minato Namikaze had teamed with Shikaku and Choza. Minato's early missions were legendary — teleporting in and out of combat, startling both enemies and allies alike. Over time, Shikaku had become completely desensitized to Minato suddenly appearing next to him during battle.
So now, when Naruto flashed in with Kakashi, Shikaku didn't flinch. His body was too familiar with the sensation.
Shikaku stood up to leave.
Shikamaru blinked. "Dad, where are you going? We haven't finished the game."
Shikaku tilted his head toward Naruto. "They're here to see you. Finish your game later."
Kakashi scratched his cheek awkwardly. Shikaku's insight was sharp as ever — a veteran strategist of Konoha who could assess a situation in seconds.
Once Shikaku disappeared indoors, Shikamaru looked suspiciously at the pair. "So? Why'd you come looking for me?"
Naruto pulled Kakashi to sit beside Shikamaru. After confirming Shikaku was out of earshot, Shikamaru narrowed his eyes.
"What's with all the sneaking around?"
Naruto leaned in, lowering his voice. "Which bathhouse did you and Temari… you know… sleep together at last time?"
Shikamaru froze mid-breath, leaned back, and glanced between Naruto and Kakashi.
"…Why are you asking this?"
Naruto nodded toward Kakashi.
Shikamaru's eyes widened. "Kakashi-sensei wants—"
Kakashi slapped a hand over Shikamaru's mouth. "You understand. No need to say it out loud."
Shikamaru nodded once, and Kakashi released him.
Shikamaru motioned for Naruto to lean closer, then whispered the name of the bathhouse.
Naruto grinned. "Great! Kakashi-sensei, let's go."
Naruto placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder.
Shikamaru quickly reached out. "Wait! At least tell me who Kakashi-sensei is trying to invite!"
Naruto smiled mischievously. "Guess it yourself. We're leaving. And remember — it's a secret."
Buzz—
They vanished.
Shikamaru sat stunned.
"…Seriously? They just left like that?!"
He sighed heavily and called inside. "Dad! Come back! They're gone — let's finish the game!"
Ten seconds later, Shikaku emerged from the back room, sat cross-legged, and resumed the match as if nothing unusual had occurred.
Shikamaru stared at him. "Dad, aren't you curious why Naruto brought Kakashi-sensei here?"
"Not my business," Shikaku replied without looking up.
Shikamaru slumped. His father's calm detachment was infuriating sometimes. No wonder his mother often smacked him for being too relaxed.
Besides, Kakashi planning to book a bathhouse with someone… who could it be?
Naruto said he should guess.
Shikamaru rubbed his chin, thinking.
If Kakashi was planning something romantic — or something more than romantic — the partner had to be someone he already knew well. Someone within Konoha. Someone compatible with his personality and responsibilities.
He eliminated names one by one.
Who made the most sense?
Shizune.
Yes. Shizune was the most likely.
He blinked in surprise. Kakashi-sensei going out with Shizune… now that was something he hadn't expected.
A sudden clack snapped him out of thought.
"Checkmate," Shikaku said calmly. "You lost."
Shikamaru groaned as he looked at the board. "Ugh… seriously?"
Shikaku stood, giving him a stern look. "When you split your focus between two things, you leave openings everywhere. Go to bed."
And with that advice, Shikaku walked back to his room.
Shikamaru sighed and began resetting the shogi pieces alone.
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