Konoha's Tatsuya

Noon the following day, at Kyoko's Yakiniku Restaurant.

It was peak lunchtime, and business was bustling. Most of the restaurant's dozen or so tables were occupied. Inside, two young waiters weaved skillfully between the tables, while two chefs bustled in the kitchen preparing ingredients. Kyoko presided over the counter, managing the overall flow. Beside Kyoko, Tatsuya was lending a hand.

Since their last conversation, Kyoko had completely let Mitarashi Anko pursue her own path. After regaining her freedom, Anko had immediately joined a ninja squad and started actively taking on missions. The squad Anko joined was the one led by Kurenai Yuhi. Both women were now Special Jonin, and with their skills, their team could handle most standard missions with ease. Lately, their mission completion rates had been steadily shooting upwards. Given Anko and Kurenai's strength and achievements, it likely wouldn't be long before they were directly promoted to Jonin.

With Anko gone, Kyoko had one less companion in her daily life. Fortunately, Kyoko was very dedicated to her role as proprietress, pouring significant time into managing both the yakiniku restaurant and the pet shop. Her life remained quite fulfilling. That was just her nature – once the sense of crisis faded, she completely relaxed her pace. However, even though Kyoko spent very little time on training these days, thanks to the effects of the Fujinhoin, her strength continued to steadily increase.

Sitting at the counter, Kyoko watched the customers in her restaurant with smiling eyes, while Tatsuya felt a bit bored. If not for wanting to keep Kyoko company, he really wouldn't want to linger in the crowded restaurant. Especially since some customers were specifically there because of him, constantly stealing glances while they ate.

It couldn't be helped. Tatsuya was incredibly popular among Konoha's ninja populace right now. Even though more than two years had passed, the stories of him clashing head-on with Root and the feat of killing the Uchiha Mangekyō user were still widely circulated among shinobi.

While Tatsuya didn't show discomfort, he wasn't keen on being a free spectacle either. The crucial point was that a large portion of these onlookers were fellow men, and their intense, fiery gazes gave Tatsuya goosebumps all over.

Just as Tatsuya was contemplating whether to leave early, several people entered the restaurant. Seeing them, many diners instinctively turned their heads.

The newcomers were Uchiha Misuke and two members of the Konoha Military Police Force.

"Misuke-nee!" Seeing Uchiha Misuke, a sweet smile bloomed on Kyoko's face, and she quickly greeted her.

Uchiha Misuke returned a slight smile and nodded at Kyoko before leading her two subordinates to an empty table inside. The form-fitting Military Police uniform accentuated her slender curves beautifully, and combined with her handsome features filled with an air of competence, she presented a strong visual impact – both coolly capable and strikingly beautiful upon first meeting.

Kyoko stepped out from behind the counter and walked directly to Uchiha Misuke's table, beginning to serve them personally. Uchiha Misuke, who usually maintained a cool expression, kept a smile on her face as well.

Watching Kyoko and Uchiha Misuke hitting it off so warmly, Tatsuya wasn't surprised at all. Over the past two years, the two women had secretly become good friends. Tatsuya still found it somewhat perplexing; he couldn't understand how Kyoko could smile so naturally and happily at Misuke, who had once intended to harm her.

Just then, another group entered through the door.

Tatsuya paused slightly upon seeing the arrivals. His gaze swept over the person leading the group before shifting to Kakashi behind them.

The leader was none other than the Special Envoy from Kirigakure, Mei Terumi. Beside Mei was Ao, sporting his signature eye patch.

Catching Tatsuya's eye, Kakashi just shrugged helplessly.

"Tatsuya-kun doesn't seem to welcome us?" Mei spoke with a smile, her voice low and magnetic, having clearly noticed the silent exchange between Tatsuya and Kakashi.

"Not at all," Tatsuya replied with a polite smile, gesturing them inside. "I simply didn't expect Miss Terumi to dine here. Please, come in."

"As long as that's the case. I was genuinely worried I might have left a bad impression on Tatsuya-kun," Mei chuckled, her eyes curving, before walking straight into the restaurant. Kakashi and Ao followed immediately behind her.

They headed directly towards the table where Kyoko and Uchiha Misuke were seated.

"Welcome!" Kyoko stood up and greeted Mei's party warmly.

"Miss Kyoko, I am Mei Terumi from Kirigakure. It's a pleasure to meet you," Mei said with a smile, proactively extending her right hand.

Kyoko hesitated for a second, glanced towards Tatsuya behind Mei, then extended her own hand. "Big Sister, you're so beautiful. It's a pleasure to meet you too."

That single sentence made Mei's expression stiffen slightly.

Big Sister! Mei felt like that was brimming with spite.

"Is something wrong, Big Sister?" Kyoko asked with concern as their hands clasped. As she spoke, Kyoko's small hand couldn't help but squeeze slightly harder.

Instantly, Mei's expression changed again. Kyoko's grip strength was somewhat beyond her expectations.

"It's nothing," Mei replied nonchalantly, releasing their hands. "Hello," she continued, turning to Misuke's table. "You wouldn't mind if we sat here too, would you?" Without waiting for an answer, Mei and Ao began to sit down at Uchiha Misuke's table. Mei even flashed a sweet smile as she asked the question.

"I mind," Uchiha Misuke stated flatly.

The smile on Mei's face froze instantly.

Nearby, both Tatsuya and Kakashi slapped their foreheads, speechless. Good grief! At this rate, the alliance between Kirigakure and Konoha might just get ruined by these two women.

"Kyoko, could you please go tell the kitchen to start preparing their order? Miss Terumi is an honored guest of Konoha," Tatsuya quickly stepped forward to interrupt the three women.

"Of course, Tatsuya-san," Kyoko replied, linking her arm through Tatsuya's and giving him a sweet smile before turning and heading to the kitchen.

After Kyoko left, Tatsuya quickly pulled Kakashi down to sit as well, then shot a meaningful look towards Uchiha Misuke, hoping she wouldn't intentionally cause trouble.

Following that, the atmosphere at the table became much more harmonious.

"How did the talks go?" Tatsuya asked Mei midway through the meal.

"They're finished," Mei replied nonchalantly, licking a trace of sauce lingering on her finger.

"Finished already? That was quick," Tatsuya remarked, pausing for a thought before nodding with understanding. It seemed the higher-ups from both villages had likely settled the alliance details before Tatsuya's team had even returned. Mei's delegation visit was merely a formality. Realizing this, Tatsuya didn't press further.

"Mm," Mei affirmed. "Now that the alliance matters are settled, we'll be departing for Kirigakure the day after tomorrow. Tatsuya-kun, perhaps you could accompany me on a tour of Konoha tomorrow?" As she finished speaking, her eyes fixed intently on Tatsuya.

In an instant, Tatsuya vaguely sensed two waves of killing intent emanating from beside him.

"Ah! Things are quite busy here; I'm afraid I won't be able to get away," Tatsuya quickly declined with an awkward laugh, sensing the shift in the atmosphere.

As soon as Tatsuya's words fell, the tense air around them instantly returned to normal.