Hiruzen announced, "Well then, thank you all for your hard work. We'll meet again in a month. Dismissed."
Mamoru pulled himself out of his thoughts and gave a lazy yawn. "It's finally over."
The crowd gradually dispersed and the Genin went off to find their respective Jonin instructors.
The next day, Konoha Hospital.
Early-morning sunlight poured through the clean glass windows, spilling warmth across the quiet reception area and the faint scent of disinfectant lingered in the air.
Mamoru, carrying an exquisite bag, walked briskly to the front desk and gave the Medical Team nurse on duty a dazzling, infectious smile.
"Beautiful young lady, could you tell me which room Hinata is in?" His voice was bright, his tone perfectly balanced—polite yet friendly.
"Beau… beautiful…?" The nurse hadn't expected such a direct compliment.
She blinked, cheeks flushing pink, and lowered her head to fuss with her clipboard before looking up again. "You're here to visit a patient?"
"Yeah, but I don't know where she is. I was starting to worry," Mamoru said, giving a helpless shrug and a suitably troubled expression.
"It's fine." The nurse replied, already charmed by his good looks and sweet tongue.
She came around the counter. "I've got a moment. I'll take you there."
"That's really kind of you." Mamoru said, eyes curving in a wider smile. "Won't it hold up your work?"
"Not at all, follow me." She waved him on with a smile and led the way.
The nurse guided him down a quiet, bright corridor. Most of the ward doors were shut, medical staff passing softly.
Stopping outside one room, she pointed gently. "Here we are."
"Thanks so much," Mamoru said, sincerity in his tone. "You're not only pretty but kind-hearted too."
The nurse giggled behind her hand. "All right, go on in. I have to get back to work. If you need anything, just come to the front desk."
She turned and retraced her steps.
Mamoru watched until she disappeared around the corner, then flicked his fringe with a self-satisfied smirk.
He flung the door open energetically. "Hinata, I'm here to see you."
The bright, simply furnished room held Hinata reclining lazily in bed. Beside her, in a chair, sat a petite figure, her younger sister, Hanabi.
"Mamoru?" Hinata looked surprised, a faint blush rising.
"Ninja school number one dragon!" Hanabi piped up from her chair, nose wrinkling.
"What 'dragon'? Show some respect," Mamoru corrected, feigning sternness as he stepped to the bedside. "It's Mamoru-sama to you."
Hanabi huffed and turned away.
"I brought the dango you like." Mamoru lifted the bag, waggled it in front of Hinata, then set it on the bedside cabinet.
"Th-thank you." Hinata murmured, cheeks reddening further, eyes shyly lowered.
"Move." Mamoru said, unceremoniously sliding in to bump Hanabi off the chair.
He sprawled back like a lord and jerked his chin at the staggered girl. "Fetch me some water."
Hanabi blinked in disbelief. "Wh-what did you just say?"
"Go pour some water. Hurry up." He repeated, as if it were only natural.
"Jerk!" Hanabi clenched her small fists, cheeks puffed in fury.
He'd stolen her seat and now ordered her around? Outrageous!
"I'll do it…" Hinata began worriedly, starting to throw back the covers.
"Wait!" Mamoru and Hanabi said in unison. Their eyes met, sparks flying. A moment later, Hanabi deflated like a punctured balloon.
"…Fine, I'll go," she muttered, stomping to the table where the water pitcher and cups stood.
"How are you feeling?" Mamoru ignored her and turned to Hinata, his tone suddenly gentle.
"Just… a bit weak," she answered softly. "Otherwise I'm okay."
"Good. Rest plenty," he nodded.
A cup appeared before him. Hanabi stood stiff-faced, saying nothing.
Mamoru took it, tapped the rim, and frowned. "It's hot. I wanted iced."
Without a glance, he set it back on the cabinet.
"Wh—" Hanabi felt played and her face burned crimson, fists trembling as she glared.
"Mamoru-kun, don't bully Hanabi so much." Hinata pleaded quietly.
"Sure." He shrugged, then crooked a finger at the fuming girl, grinning wickedly. "Come here and let Mamoru-sama spoil you."
"Drop dead!" Hanabi snatched a pillow and hurled it with all her might at his smug face.
Mamoru caught the "weapon" with ease and let out a thoroughly annoying chuckle. "Heh-heh-heh…"
—
Just as Mamoru reached for the door to his house, it creaked open from the inside.
Sasuke stepped out, a bulging hiking pack strapped to his narrow shoulders, the weight pulling the straps taut.
The brothers locked eyes, startled.
"Hey, where are you going?" Mamoru blinked, then yelped, voice jumping an octave. "R-running away?"
"Training." Sasuke answered curtly, voice low.
He moved past, black hair stirring across his cheek in the breeze.
"Train what? What about my lunch?" Mamoru lunged, snagging a strap.
"Figure it out." Sasuke brushed him off without looking back.
"You can't just leave me! We only have each other, don't abandon me!"
"I told you, it's training. Don't follow." Sasuke slowed, tone softening a fraction.
"You're going alone?"
"Kakashi agreed to coach me." Sasuke finally stopped, frowning over his shoulder.
"Oh?" Mamoru's eyes lit.
He slung an arm around Sasuke, grinning slyly. "There's a new place with killer beef bowls. Eat first, then I'll walk you over, deal?"
"Quit slowing me down." Sasuke jabbed an elbow into Mamoru's gut—hard.
"Gah!" Mamoru doubled over, clutching his stomach. "Jerk, trying to kill me?"
"W-who told you to grab me like that?" Sasuke looked away, voice faintly guilty.
"I'm hitting back!" Mamoru straightened, teeth bared.
"Moron, cut it out!" Sasuke broke into a run, dodging.
The pair tore down the road, vanishing round the bend, their bickering fading into the distance.
Beyond Konoha, a cliff rose sheer and deserted. Hardy shrubs clung to cracks, swaying in the wind.
A lone figure climbed steadily, then halted just below the summit.
Kakashi dangled one-handed, fingers slipping one by one. Sweat trickled off his brow and with a final surge, he heaved upward.
As he hooked an arm over the edge, he found two familiar silhouettes waiting, cloaks flapping.
"Took you long enough." Mamoru squatted, chin in hand, smirking.
Kakashi vaulted up, exhaling. His gaze flicked between the twins, settling on Mamoru. "So you two came."
"Let's start the special training." Sasuke stepped forward, eyes blazing.
"Easy." Kakashi waved him down and sat on a boulder. "Give me a minute."
"Geez, climbing with Eight Inner Gates open?" Mamoru peered over the drop. "Fall from here and they'd need a spoon to collect you."
"Minor detail." Kakashi's eye curved. "Since you're here, help me train Sasuke?"
Mamoru asked, "Thought you were the teacher?"
Kakashi nodded. "I am, but an assistant speeds things up."
"Sure, I've got nothing better to do." Mamoru kicked a stone off the cliff.
"Much appreciated." Kakashi's smile lingered, thoughtful.
—
Twilight gilded the rock-face.
"I'm heading back. You coming?" Mamoru asked between breaths.
Sasuke lay drenched, chest heaving.
"D-don't… wait for me…"
"Ugh, you're sticky. Should've said no." Mamoru peeled his shirt.
"Don't be like that." Kakashi said, not even winded.
"You just watched, didn't break a sweat."
"Planning training is mental work." Kakashi tapped his headband.
"Whatever. See ya." Mamoru vanished.
Kakashi's eye narrowed, staring at the empty spot before turning to the gasping Sasuke.
Evening stretched their shadows long across the stone.
—
High above Konoha, Mamoru hovered, clothes fluttering as he scanned the streets.
A focused figure caught his eye.