Kakashi suddenly didn't know how to respond. How many people in this world would act the moment they felt it was necessary, fearless of danger, undaunted by hardship? Kakashi knew he was not one of them.
If it's to protect Konoha, or those I care about, yes, I would act without hesitation. But this… this is something else entirely.
Akatsuki was a place where every member could defy the impossible. Even if the sky fell and the Otsutsuki came to wreak havoc, none of them would suffer a scratch. And yet, now, what was originally not his duty, had become his decision.
Saving the world… like a hero… and here stands my crybaby, right in the middle of it. He's still that boy who once told me the White Fang of Konoha was the true hero. Still that young man shouting to become Hokage to end wars.
"I'm actually really happy."
Kakashi said it abruptly. Obito froze, unsure why, and his crimson eyes widened in surprise. Kakashi's smile deepened, his large hand resting atop Obito's spiky hair.
"My boyfriend is a hero who saves the world."
Obito blushed furiously and averted his gaze. "I… I'm not saving the world. I just… felt like I should go. I'm not trying to act cool, Kakashi. You're overthinking it."
Kakashi smiled, resting a hand on Obito's shoulder, and spoke seriously.
"Obito, I won't stop you. But you have to promise me—switch your eyes back, and come back alive. I'll be here waiting. If you refuse either of these, I'll follow you myself."
If risking Kakashi's eye means entering danger, I'd rather go without the eye.
Obito nodded firmly, sealing his promise.
"Good. Then I'll lend it to you temporarily. When you return, I want it back. And, Kakashi, you better stay home and not pull any more suicidal stunts, understand?!"
Kakashi drew a long line of black across his face.
"How long are you going to harp on this~"
"Hmph. I don't care. You have a history of recklessness, and if you don't promise, I won't give back the eye!"
"Fine, fine. I promise I won't do anything reckless, nor put myself in danger. Happy?"
"Hmph… reluctantly accepted. We'll see how you behave."
The cold huff, the asymmetrical face, and the pouting lips—so adorably tsundere—completely broke Kakashi's heart. Daily exposure to a boyfriend this cute? Help! What do I do?!
…
Compared to Kakashi being helpless against Obito's cuteness, Kisame remained utterly calm.
He had meticulously prepared the treasured fish, now placed in a portable tank. The large aquarium had been cleaned thoroughly—even the decorative stones and aquatic plants removed and washed. From morning onward, he'd been tending to it: changing water, caring for the fish, cleaning. Meanwhile, Itachi and Sakura sat side by side on the sofa—one cuddling a Kiki cat, the other holding Mumu… a horse or dolphin?
Now, with everything ready, Kisame picked up the tank, preparing to leave.
"Aren't you going to tell?"
Itachi's question came just as Kisame was about to step out. He froze, then turned to look at Itachi, then Sakura, before replying.
"You really meddle in everything."
Meaning: Instead of worrying about me, maybe handle your own business first.
Itachi found it reasonable, then turned to Sakura.
"Sakura."
"Hmm?"
Immersed in petting Mumu, she didn't even lift her head. Then she heard something shocking.
"I like you."
Sakura froze. Mumu on her lap blinked, seemingly watching the scene unfold.
Itachi shrugged, still holding the orange cat in a delicate, almost girlish pose.
"I've liked you for a long time. This mission… I might not come back, and I don't want to leave without telling you. If you don't mind that I'm older, I hope you'll consider being with me."
His honesty was overwhelming. Sakura's eyes widened, questioning if he'd spiked her medicine today.
Before she could reason it out, Itachi turned back to Kisame.
"Alright, aren't you going to tell Toki-sama?"
Kisame gave in. He set the fish tank on a side table, then returned to the house, muttering,
"You're amazing."
Sakura was utterly confused.
After a while, Kisame changed from his blue robe into the Akatsuki black cloak with red clouds, picked up the fish tank again, and headed out, saying,
"Fine. I admit defeat."
Then the room was left with only Itachi and Sakura.
Sakura finally snapped out of her daze, reaching out to tap Itachi.
"What are you two doing? What's with all these riddles? And who is Toki-sama?"
Itachi chuckled, running a hand through his long hair.
"Toki-sama is a very interesting girl. She owns a fish shop."
Sakura's mouth dropped. Her gossip instinct ignited.
"So… she's Kisame's girlfriend!"
Itachi shook his head.
"Not quite. Toki-sama doesn't know Kisame's identity, and Kisame's too shy to tell her. So after years of effort, it's more 'friend with benefits' than a proper relationship. And the most important thing—"
Itachi teased, dragging out his tone, deliberately withholding the key point. Sakura instantly understood, letting go of Mumu and rushing to the fridge for the tri-colored dango she knew Itachi loved, offering them with both hands.
"Hurry, hurry! What's the most important thing?"
Itachi, satisfied, enjoyed the dango while watching Sakura squirm, then continued:
"The most important thing is… Toki-sama is prosopagnosic."
Sakura's face froze in confusion.
"In simple terms, Kisame's image in her mind is just a shadow—she might not even recognize his silhouette. So if Kisame changes clothes, she won't recognize him at all~"