In front of the bathhouse recommended by Shikamaru.
Naruto and Kakashi appeared there in a flash of chakra. Naruto tilted his head toward Kakashi and said, "Kakashi-sensei, this is the place. Go in and book a double private bath. I'm going to inform Shizune-nee now so we don't lose time!"
Naruto was about to take off, but Kakashi grabbed his sleeve.
"Naruto, wait—don't leave yet."
Naruto frowned. "What now? Kakashi-sensei, this is not the time to get cold feet!"
Kakashi waved his hand quickly. "I'm not scared. It's just… I'm not Hokage anymore. If I go in and reserve a double bath, and it gets misunderstood, then all of Konoha will know instantly. Where will I put my face?"
Naruto sighed dramatically. "Kakashi-sensei, it's already this late and you're still thinking about your reputation?"
He poked Kakashi in the chest.
"Listen. You only live once. And unlike me, you don't get a second chance at life. So be bold. Just do it. What's the worst that happens?"
He crossed his arms.
"And if people find out—so what? Hokage or not, you're still human. You're allowed to start a family."
Naruto pointed at the entrance of the bathhouse.
"Go. I'm telling Shizune-nee now. It's almost six o'clock. If we push any later, it won't even count as a proper bath time!"
Before Kakashi could protest again, Naruto slipped out of his grip and vanished with a blur of yellow lightning, sprinting across the rooftops of Konoha toward Shizune's home.
Kakashi stood there helplessly, staring at the empty air Naruto left behind. He let out a long sigh, then turned toward the bathhouse.
"Alright… be brave, Kakashi. You can do this."
He took a deep breath, pushed aside the cloth curtain, and walked inside. The scent of warm water, steam, and soap hit him immediately.
"Welcome!"
The receptionist—incidentally the same one who served Shikamaru and Temari on their date—approached with energetic cheer. She bowed politely, then looked up and froze.
"A-Ah! Hokage-sama! You're here!"
Kakashi gave an awkward wave. "Ah, yes. I'm here."
Clearly overwhelmed, the girl quickly ran to the counter, pulled out a blank sheet and a pen, and bent forward.
"Hokage-sama, may I have your autograph?!"
Kakashi chuckled softly. "Sure."
He signed his name. The receptionist practically glowed with joy as she held the signature.
"Incredible! A real autograph from the Sixth Hokage…!"
Kakashi felt a bead of sweat roll down his cheek. He came here to book a private bath, but ended up dealing with a superfans—it was genuinely more stressful than missions sometimes.
The girl recovered and asked, "Hokage-sama, you're here to bathe, right?"
"Ah—yes, yes," Kakashi replied.
"Please come to the front desk," she chirped. "I'll confirm the room with you!"
Kakashi followed, scratching his head nervously.
"Alright."
The receptionist tapped the menu board. "So, Hokage-sama, shall I prepare a single bath package for you? I can upgrade you to a private pool for free!"
Kakashi shook his head quickly. "No, no, no. I'm here to reserve a private bath. I'm not using it tonight."
"Oh!" the girl blinked. "My apologies, Hokage-sama. Then… what type would you like to book?"
Kakashi thought of Naruto's instructions.
"Shikamaru mentioned your shop before. He said you have a private double bath for couples… I'd like to reserve one."
The receptionist froze.
A couple's bath?
For Kakashi?
Isn't the Sixth Hokage famously single?
Unless—he was dating someone?!
The Eight Trigrams instinct in her flared instantly.
Kakashi waved a hand in front of her face. "H-Hello? Are you listening?"
She snapped out of her thoughts. "Ah! Yes! Sorry, Hokage-sama! So, a couple's private bath reservation, right?"
Kakashi nodded. "Yes. Please help me set it up."
The girl immediately typed in the order. "Done! Here is the reservation slip, Hokage-sama."
Kakashi accepted it and took out his wallet. "Alright. How much is it?"
The receptionist grinned. "It's free! Please accept it as a gift from our establishment!"
Kakashi shook his head urgently. "No, no, I must pay. I can't use my status for free services."
But the receptionist refused again and again. Eventually, Kakashi gave in.
"My father owns this shop," she said proudly. "And several others around the Land of Fire. This is my personal gift to you as thanks for your autograph."
Kakashi sighed, resigned. "Then… thank you."
He had no idea that decades later, this very autograph would be preserved in a display case, proudly shown to visitors by the woman who eventually inherited Japan's largest hot spring chain. Right next to it sat Naruto's autograph—the Seventh Hokage. A priceless collection of generations.
Finished with everything, Kakashi stepped outside the bathhouse to wait.
The receptionist peeked over and asked curiously, "Hokage-sama, who are you waiting for?"
Kakashi smiled awkwardly. "The other person coming for the reservation."
Her eyes sparkled. "Who is it?"
Kakashi looked away. The girl leaned forward.
"Don't worry, Hokage-sama! I will keep everything confidential. And I'll eventually have to serve the two of you anyway. I should know in advance so I can prepare."
Kakashi considered it.
She was right.
"…It's Shizune."
The girl gasped. "Shizune-sama?! Oh wow! Hokage-sama, your taste is amazing! She's Tsunade-sama's right hand!"
Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly.
"Tsunade-sama introduced us… Honestly, I don't even know how it will turn out."
For some reason, maybe because she was a stranger, Kakashi let his guard down and admitted his worries openly.
The receptionist smiled warmly.
"Hokage-sama, be confident. You don't need a reason to fall in love. Just sincerity. If she cares for you too, she'll meet you halfway. That's what love is—two people moving toward each other."
Her words were so unexpectedly profound that Kakashi laughed softly.
"Maybe so."
He waited. And waited.
Still no Shizune.
Instead—
Whoosh!
Naruto appeared in a flash.
"Kakashi-sensei, she received the message. I gave her the location. Now it's up to her!"
Kakashi stood up. "Thank you, Naruto."
Naruto grinned. "No problem!"
The receptionist squeaked with excitement.
"N-Naruto-senpai!!!"
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