The afternoon sun cast a warm golden light over Konoha, painting the village rooftops in soft amber hues.
Kakashi led Mei through winding streets, past bustling marketplaces where vendors hawked fresh produce, hand-forged weapons, and fragrant incense. The air was alive with the murmurs of Konoha's daily life.
"Here," Kakashi said, pausing before a discrete stairway leading to a quiet rooftop garden few villagers knew about.
The garden was nestled atop a modest building near the village center, a small oasis of greenery and serenity surrounded by the low hum of distant chatter.
Mei's green eyes sparkled with interest as she followed him upward, the cool breeze ruffling her kimono sleeves.
"This place is perfect," she said softly once they reached the garden's peaceful enclave, where blooming cherry blossoms scattered petals like pink snow. "I didn't expect such tranquility in the heart of Konoha."
"Not everything in Konoha is war and chaos, even that is rare. Some things remain peaceful." Kakashi smiled beneath his usual calm face.
They settled onto a wooden bench beneath a flowering sakura tree, the petals drifting lazily down around them.
"So," Mei began, her tone light but her gaze was sharp, "you've changed quite a bit since I last saw you."
"I suppose the same could be said for you."Kakashi's silver hair caught the sunlight.
"True," she said with a small, teasing smile. "But I'm curious about earlier. You've mastered the Flying Thunder God technique?"
"Yes," Kakashi replied, watching a petal fall onto his palm. "It suits me. The way I see it, a ninja should always adapt."
"Adaptation is key. Like how I had to learn politics to survive as Mizukage." Mei's gaze softened.
"Politics is complicated. Sometimes more so than battle." Kakashi nodded thoughtfully.
"Tell me, Kakashi," Mei said suddenly, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Do you ever tire of the responsibilities? The constant demands?"
"Sometimes. But I try to focus on what matters most." He met her gaze steadily.
"And what matters most to you?" Mei asked, leaning in just a fraction closer.
"That depends on the moment." Kakashi hesitated for a heartbeat. Then, with a faint smile, he said.
Mei's smile deepened, her gaze lingering on him. She was testing the waters, trying to discern if the man she once admired was still the same man she hoped for.
But before she could press further, two familiar figures appeared at the rooftop entrance.
"Enjoying the view?" came a sly, teasing voice.
Anko Mitarashi stepped out first, her purple eyes gleaming with mischief. Behind her followed Kurenai Yuhi, her deep black hair catching the sunlight, her red eyes sharp but warm.
Mei stiffened imperceptibly but didn't pull away from Kakashi's side.
"We heard from Tsunade-san that you're making quite the impression on our Kakashi," Anko smirked.
"We thought it'd be polite to check if you're worth the trouble." Kurenai's gaze swept over Mei appraisingly.
Mei's lips curled into a subtle smile. "I've always respected strong women. It's an honor to meet you both."
"Let's see if you can keep up," Anko said as she exchanged a glance with Kurenai before turning back to Mei.
"Consider this a friendly welcome, and a test." Kurenai chuckled softly.
"I'm not the type to give up easily." Mei straightened, clasping Kakashi's arm firmly.
Kakashi's eyes flicked between the three women, a quiet smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Anko grinned. "Good answer. How about joining us for dinner at Kakashi's place? We can continue this… interesting conversation."
Mei glanced at Kakashi, who gave a slight nod.
"Well," Mei said with a playful smirk, "I suppose I wouldn't want to refuse such a gracious offer."
The four of them descended from the rooftop, the air charged with a complex mixture of rivalry and camaraderie.
After Anko and Kurenai left to make preparations, Kakashi and Mei found themselves alone again.
The setting sun painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, the village's silhouette growing soft and dreamlike.
Kakashi stretched his hand out toward Mei, his eyes twinkling.
"Shall we continue our tour of Konoha?"
"Lead the way, Kakashi." Mei's cheeks flushed faintly. She took his right arm and snuggled slightly against him, and said in a teasing voice.
Together they wandered through the lively streets. Passing a bustling tavern, Mei caught the faintest scent of sake and grilled fish.
Kakashi glanced at her with a small smile. "This is one of the few places where you can hear real stories, unfiltered."
"Stories are the heart of every village, aren't they?" Mei laughed softly.
Kakashi once again gave a small imperceptible glance toward the tavern as he spotted two people looking at him with sour gazes.
He didn't expect those two to get together for a drink, but when thinking about it he found it normal and let it go. After all, what could those two losers do?
They strolled through shops filled with weapons, scrolls, and curious trinkets from all over the shinobi world.
Mei's fingers brushed Kakashi's arm occasionally, her gaze often lingering on him.
As dusk settled, the village lanterns began to glow, casting a warm, inviting light.
They paused near a small bridge overlooking the river that cut through Konoha, watching the shimmering reflections ripple with the evening breeze.
Mei looked up at Kakashi, a rare softness in her eyes.
"You're different from anyone I've met, Kakashi Hatake."
"I could say the same about you, Terumi Mei." He smiled quietly. He wasn't lying, each of his women had different personalities, and Mei had her own unique personality which he liked.
For a moment, words were unnecessary. The village around them hummed with life, and the unspoken connection between them deepened.