After finally getting a "taste of the marrow" for the first time, Princess Tsukihime clung to Uchiha Raizen for several days before finally being satisfied enough to let him step out of the house.
Now that Tsukihime had officially married into the Uchiha, the two squads led by Kakashi and Might Guy, who had been guarding the perimeter, were reassigned. In their place stood a new small squad of female guards. With more than enough protection at home, Raizen felt perfectly at ease heading out.
With the bodyguard mission over and payment received, Might Guy enthusiastically invited Raizen out for a drink. Facing an invitation from the future "Guy-sensei," Raizen naturally agreed with a smile.
Arriving at the venue, Raizen was surprised to find that aside from Kakashi, another fellow was there as well.
"Yo! If it isn't the Hokage's young master, Asuma?" Raizen said with a smirk, looking at the bearded ninja.
At the sight of Raizen, the corner of Asuma's mouth twitched. Raizen had "stolen" Asuma's beloved Kurenai Yuhi. This had caused Asuma a great deal of grief for a long time; even now, he hadn't fully emerged from the shadows of his heartbreak.
"What 'Hokage's young master'? I don't deserve such a title," Asuma replied, taking a deep drag of his cigarette. "You are now the head of the Uchiha and the future Captain of the Military Police. A mere Jōnin like me can't hold a candle to you."
Raizen said with a half-smile, "Asuma, why be so humble? Everyone in Konoha knows you've got the best pedigree. You went out to gain experience for years and came back just in time to potentially take over as the Fifth Hokage!"
"I'm not qualified for that. Don't say such things," Asuma hurriedly shook his head in denial.
"Asuma, I heard you were quite fond of my darling Kurenai?" Raizen said, his eyes locking onto Asuma's.
Asuma stiffened, his face twisting with bitterness. "No... no! Who told you such nonsense? As you know, I spent years in the Capital as one of the Guardian Shinobi Twelve. I only recently returned to Konoha and haven't had much contact with Kurenai. How could there be such a thing?!" He took a sharp puff of smoke and shook his head vigorously.
"That's good to hear. I thought you were trying to snatch my Kurenai away!" Raizen said, beaming at him.
"Raizen, don't misunderstand. It's nothing like that. Don't listen to rumors," Asuma explained, feeling like he wanted to cry but had no tears. His heart was bleeding; he clearly loved her, yet he couldn't even admit it.
Seeing the atmosphere getting a bit awkward, Might Guy decisively changed the subject. "Hahaha! I just got paid today, so I'm treating everyone to a round! Let's not talk about other things—just meat and booze! Kakashi, you have to cover half of this meal!!!" Guy said, clapping a hand on Kakashi's shoulder.
Kakashi moved the book Raizen had given him slightly away from his face and replied, "Fine, no problem." He then immediately went back to being immersed in his reading.
"Kakashi, it's a good read, isn't it?" Raizen watched him with a wide grin, seeing Kakashi so engrossed in the book he had written.
"It's brilliant. I've never read anything quite like it," Kakashi muttered.
"Hahaha!" Raizen laughed out loud. "Kakashi, the sequel is coming out soon."
"What?" Kakashi's eye widened, reflecting the light. "Please, make sure to save the first copy for me."
"This book is a massive hit in the Land of Fire. Usually, it's sold out the moment it hits the shelves, but don't worry, Kakashi—I'll definitely set one aside for you."
When Raizen was traveling, he hadn't managed the business side in Konoha, so his books weren't sold in the village yet. Thus, Kakashi hadn't discovered this "masterpiece" until Raizen returned and gifted it to him, opening up a whole new world for the copy ninja.
"Then I thank you truly." Kakashi bowed deeply and then declared grandly, "Raizen, eat your fill today! The bill is on me!"
"Whoa, Kakashi! It's rare to see you so generous! You must really love that book! I'm going to eat until I burst today!" Guy gave a thumbs-up, flashing those sparkling white teeth.
"Kakashi, what exactly are you reading? Let me see." Curious about Kakashi's obsession, the heartbroken Asuma leaned over.
Kakashi reluctantly handed the book to Asuma. Asuma took it and scanned a few lines. Instantly, his face turned a brilliant shade of crimson. He had expected some profound literary work; it turned out to be an adult novel.
"Cough, cough, cough!!!" "Kakashi, your taste is really..."
Asuma had no interest in such erotica and hurriedly shoved the book back to Kakashi. Kakashi took it back, tucking it away as if it were a priceless treasure.
"Raizen, I toast to you!" Guy suddenly raised his cup.
"Guy, what's this for?" Raizen asked suspiciously.
"Raizen, things worked out between you and the Princess. Can you... help me out too?" Guy looked at Raizen with eyes full of expectation.
"Help you with what?"
Guy rubbed his shiny bald head and adjusted his stylish shirt. "With finding my other half, of course! You designed this 'handsome' look for me after all!"
"Guy, my friend... if you want to chase girls, you have to overcome one hurdle first," Raizen chuckled.
"Which hurdle?" Guy asked urgently. Kakashi and Asuma also pricked up their ears to listen closely.
Raizen said loudly, "First, you need to conquer one specific thing."
"What is it? Raizen, tell me quickly, the suspense is killing me!"
Raizen said solemnly, "First, Guy, you must overcome your fear of approaching women."
"I'm not afraid of approaching women! When that female enemy attacked, I sent her flying with a kick!" Guy argued.
Raizen continued his "serious" nonsense, fooling Guy: "Not enemy women, but the ordinary women of the village. Have you forgotten what happened last time? After your 'makeover' was complete?"
"Raizen, are you talking about..." Might Guy remembered. Last time, a beauty had pulled him into a small room, and he had fled in a panic, claiming she was trying to take his pants off.
"Exactly!" Raizen grinned, continuing the scam. "Tonight, I'll take you to experience it. This time, don't you dare run away."
"Raizen... the women there really take off your pants. I'm shy, I don't want to go," Guy said weakly.
Raizen looked him in the eye. "Then do you want to get married or not?"
Might Guy nodded like a chicken pecking at grain. "I do!"
Raizen shouted, "Then stop being shy! Draw your sword, Guy! I believe you will succeed! Come, drink more today to build up some liquid courage. Later, your brother will take you to 'lose your innocence'!"