The rice steamed gently as the wooden lid of the pot lifted, releasing a wave of warmth into the tiny kitchen. Mom moved like clockwork her sleeves tied back, her hair up in a loose bun, hands never idle. Even after all these years, she still cooked like all her sons were starving shinobi returning from battle. Which wasn't far off most of the time.
Except tonight, it was just me, her, and Reina.
No Crow, No Asuma, And of course, no Hokage.
I sat cross legged at the table, eyeing the plates with the practiced restraint of someone who knew she'd scold me if I tried to steal a bite before she sat down.
"Careful, the tofu's still hot," she said without looking up, pouring miso soup into three bowls. "And no slouching, Kento. You're not on a mission anymore."
I straightened my back like I'd been struck. "Yes ma'am."
Across from me, Reina Sarutobi snorted softly behind her teacup. "You really do turn into a kid when you're home."
"And you really do show up whenever there's food," I replied, not missing a beat.
She grinned. " Same clan, remember? I'm practically your sister."
"Unfortunately."
Mom stifled a laugh as she finally sat down across from us, brushing her bangs back. She looked between us for a moment and exhaled softly. The kind of breath that held weight. Relief. Gratitude.
"Your home"
"Yeah," I replied, lowering my chopsticks for a second. "Not for long, though. Mission window might open again depending on what the council decides."
She didn't answer right away. Just sipped her soup, eyes lingering on the fourth plate.
The fourth seat at the table sat untouched.
Asuma's spot.
He hadn't been back in months not since he was officially inducted into the Twelve Guardian Ninja. Word was, he'd clashed with Dad one too many times. About the war, About the village, About duty infact practically About everything.
Now, he guarded the Fire Daimyō directly, I respected him But I didn't pretend to understand him.
And Crow? Who even knows with that guy. He probably slipped in and out of the house like a ghost. I don't think Mom's even seen him clearly in a year.
Not that I blame him. It's hard being ANBU and harder being the ANBU son of the Hokage.
The only reason I know Crow's my brother is because Mom slips up and calls him by his real name sometimes when she's washing his uniform. Too bad I've never caught the name clearly.
"So," Mom said after a few moments of chewing. "The report. Was it hard?"
"Yeah," I said simply. "Iwa's not just rebuilding they're moving. Quietly, smartly. Supplies coming in from the south. Might be rogue trade routes. Their Jinchūriki's been stationed near the old cliffs by Renzoku Falls. Likely scouting."
Her hands froze around her bowl.
"Did you see him?"
"No" I said while putting my hand on her other hand and giving her assuring squeeze "I kept my distance. But I saw the seals in the terrain,They're testing him again."
She pressed her lips into a thin line. "That boy they'll use him like a tool again."
I nodded. "Probably already are."
Silence followed. Only the clink of chopsticks and the distant hum of crickets outside the window filled the room. Reina leaned forward slightly. "You think they'll move early?"
"Hard to say. But someone's funding them And they're not reckless anymore. That's what scares me."
By the time dinner ended, the warmth had settled into my chest.
Not from the food but from this. The table. The presence. The reminder that in the middle of all the violence and duty, there was something still whole.
Something worth coming back to.
"Alright," Mom said, standing to gather the plates. "You go get some rest, Kento. Your bed is probably full of dust."
"Thanks for keeping it warm for me."
"I didn't, I made Crow wash the sheets. Figured he needed some civilian chores."
I blinked. "Wait Crow came home?"
She looked over her shoulder and smiled faintly. "When you where with the Hokage he Slipped in and out like always. But he said to tell you: 'Nice job not dying.'"
"Charming."
She chuckled as she turned back to the sink.
Reina stood and grabbed her scarf from the back of the chair. "I'll let myself out, remember to rest up you still have that spar you owe me."
I gave a mock bow. "You'll lose, as usual."
She smirked, stepping out the door. "I will show you how far I have come since the last time you saw me"
I watched her fade into the darkening street, then turned down the hallway toward my room.
And whether next time I came back there'd still be three seats filled at the table.