Chapter 12 — Lunch Under the Maple Tree
The Academy yard buzzed with the midday chatter of students.
The summer sun filtered through the tall maple tree near the edge of the grounds, casting a dappled shade where a small group had gathered.
Kakashi sat cross-legged, book in hand as always, though his eye occasionally flicked toward the boy sitting opposite him.
Akira was unwrapping his bento box, the scent of simmered vegetables and grilled fish mixing with the warm air.
"Whoa, Akira, that looks good," Obito said, sliding over and peeking in.
"Trade me that grilled fish for a sweet bun?"
Akira smiled faintly. "Only if you promise not to burn your tongue this time."
"That was one time!" Obito protested loudly, drawing a small giggle from Rin, who sat nearby.
Kakashi didn't look up, but the corner of his mouth tugged upward slightly.
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The Bento Exchange
"Here," Akira handed Obito the fish, taking the sweet bun in return.
"You really like sweet things, huh?" Rin said.
"They're… uncomplicated," Akira replied with a light shrug. "Life's too short for bitter food."
Kakashi finally closed his book. "I'd say that's a childish philosophy."
Akira tilted his head. "Or maybe you just haven't tasted the right sweets."
The two locked eyes for a brief moment — a playful one for Akira, a cautious one for Kakashi.
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The Chunin Conversation
While the group ate, two chunin instructors walked past the tree, talking in low voices.
"…the Hokage's list changed again," one murmured. "Another name removed."
"Political shifts. You know how it is," the other replied. "Root's already been reassigned. Orders from above."
The first grunted. "Makes you wonder who's pulling the strings."
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Akira's chopsticks paused mid-air.
His gaze drifted toward them for just an instant, gold flickering faintly in his eyes before he masked it with a soft smile and took a bite of the sweet bun.
It lasted barely a heartbeat — but Kakashi saw it.
The slight narrowing of Akira's eyes. The tension in his fingers.
That wasn't just random curiosity, Kakashi thought. He knows something.
---
Back to Normal
"Oi, Akira! Race you to the training field after lunch!" Obito suddenly challenged.
Akira laughed softly. "Sure. But you'll lose."
"Wanna bet?" Obito grinned.
The air returned to lighthearted chatter, but Kakashi kept his gaze on Akira a moment longer before reopening his book.
His thoughts, however, weren't on the page.
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