The evening in Konoha was warm, the kind of night where the air carried the scent of grilled meat from every corner of the village. In front of the famous barbecue restaurant, BBQ Q, two familiar figures stood waiting—Shisui Uchiha, already regretting every life choice that led him here, and his younger cousin, the ever-composed Uchiha Itachi.
"Hey, Shisui! I heard you're treating us today!"
The cheerful voice came from Obito, who strolled toward them with an easy grin plastered across his face.
Shisui froze. His lips twitched as if struck by lightning.
Why? Why is he here?
Wasn't Obito supposed to be out on a mission? This was terrible. Obito was a known foodie, a human black hole when it came to grilled meat. If he was here tonight, then Shisui's wallet was in mortal danger.
As if to make matters worse, Obito wasn't alone. Beside him walked a small, cute girl with sparkling eyes, probably around Shisui's own age.
…Wait. Hold on. She looks adorable, but surely someone that small wouldn't eat much, right? Right?
Shisui swallowed hard, trying to convince himself that at least his wallet wouldn't be completely destroyed. Still, his heart felt heavy as he resigned himself to his fate.
"Obito," Shisui said through clenched teeth, forcing a smile. "Fancy seeing you here…"
---
The Gathering
The group stepped into BBQ Q, where the sizzling scent of charcoal and marinated beef immediately hit their noses. They ordered a huge barbecue platter, and soon, the table was stacked with raw meat waiting to be grilled.
The atmosphere was lively almost instantly, thanks to two natural mood-makers: Obito, who was busy bragging about his accomplishments, and Guy, who seemed to treat every gathering as a youth rally. Even Yamato, normally quiet and reserved, was swept into the energy.
Kakashi sat back in his chair, his single visible eye curving in amusement as he watched Obito boast. Despite everything, Obito was still a young man at heart, full of optimism. His tragic destiny had been rewritten, and he seemed determined to live every moment to the fullest.
Sitting close to him, Xiaoxue listened with wide, admiring eyes. Each story Obito told made her expression shine brighter, little stars twinkling in her gaze.
"So cool…" she whispered softly, almost to herself. "Brother Obito is amazing."
Her admiration was obvious, and Kakashi couldn't help but smirk. So it begins, he thought. The boy was completely oblivious, but even now, feelings were slowly budding.
On the other side of the table, Kurenai noticed Shisui brooding silently. With a gentle smile, she began telling lighthearted stories, hoping to pull him out of his gloom. It was effective—Shisui's lips twitched upward despite himself.
Meanwhile, Kakashi, ever multitasking, was focused on the grill. He turned the meat with practiced ease, occasionally dropping perfectly cooked slices into Rin's bowl. Beneath the table, however, his free hand casually brushed against her thigh.
Rin's cheeks instantly turned crimson. She lowered her head, pretending to focus on eating, but her hands trembled slightly as she held her chopsticks. She was painfully aware of Kakashi's hand, though she dared not look at him.
Unfortunately for them, one pair of sharp eyes had already noticed.
Itachi, sitting quietly, observed everything. Though still young, he didn't fully understand matters of the heart. To him, Kakashi's subtle gesture looked… oddly natural.
So this is how comrades express their feelings? he thought innocently. It seems comfortable… maybe I'll try it with Shisui someday.
---
Yamato's Performance
"By the way, Yamato," Kakashi said suddenly, his tone carrying a mischievous lilt. "Since everyone's so excited, why don't you show us some of your facial expressions to liven things up?"
Yamato stiffened. "Kakashi-senpai, do you really—"
But Kakashi only smirked.
Reluctantly, Yamato nodded. "Alright."
Because it was a casual dinner, he didn't call Kakashi "captain." Everyone turned their attention toward him, curious.
Only Guy shifted uncomfortably, his mouth twitching. He'd seen Yamato's expressions before. Once was enough—back when they'd used the bathroom at the same time, and Guy had been so startled that he… well, let's just say the memory haunted him.
Yamato's face twisted. "Woooooo—!"
The transformation was horrifying, his normally stoic features morphing into something monstrous.
"Wahhhhhh!"
Xiaoxue burst into tears, her little body trembling. She'd been spoiled by her father all her life, shielded from fear and hardship. She had never seen something so terrifying up close.
"Hey! What's the matter with you!" Obito rounded on Yamato, glaring daggers. Then he turned back to Xiaoxue, his voice immediately soft and soothing. "Don't cry, Xue'er, don't cry. Everything's okay. I'm here."
Miraculously, his gentle words worked. In just moments, Xiaoxue sniffled, wiped her eyes, and smiled again.
Kakashi shook his head in silent amusement. Obito, you lucky fool. She's completely smitten already.
He knew what Xiaoxue would become when she grew older. From a delicate girl into a queenly woman admired by everyone. The future looked promising for Obito, whether the boy realized it or not.
And if distance was ever an issue? Please. With Kamui, even long-distance love was child's play.
---
Guy's Passionate Song
"Yamato, you scared her," Guy said quickly, jumping in to cover the awkwardness. He pounded his chest with pride. "Xiaoxue, don't worry! Yamato might look scary, but he's a good man. Here—let me make it up to you. I'll sing you a song!"
Before anyone could stop him, Guy drew in a breath and belted out the Anbu team song. His voice was loud, passionate, and utterly tone-deaf.
Kakashi instantly regretted everything. He wanted to sink into the floor and never return. His toes curled so hard he could've dug an apartment complex right under the table.
But Guy, completely lost in his own energy, didn't notice Kakashi's glare sharp enough to cut steel.
Still, despite the terrible pitch, there was a raw power in Guy's singing. His voice carried the unshakable energy of youth, the kind that stirred hearts even when it cracked horribly off-key.
Itachi, quietly turning the meat on the grill, froze.
"Who says only those who stand in the light are heroes…"
The words hit him like lightning. His chest tightened, his hands trembled. He didn't understand why, but the song resonated with him on a soul-deep level.
His eyes moistened. Lowering his head, he listened intently. By the time he raised it again, Kakashi noticed something shocking.
Itachi's eyes had changed.
The two-tomoe Sharingan glowed crimson.
Kakashi nearly choked on his drink. What the hell?!
Just by listening to Guy's awful singing, Itachi had awakened his eyes? All the elaborate plans Kakashi had made to help Obito awaken his Sharingan, and this kid does it over barbecue and tone-deaf music?
---
Applause
When Guy finally finished, the hall erupted in applause.
"Bravo!"
"The lyrics are amazing!"
"'Who says only those who stand in the light are heroes'—incredible!"
Even the waiters stopped serving food, caught up in the emotion.
A booming laugh joined in. Akimichi Choza, the owner of BBQ Q, emerged from the kitchen. "Captain Kakashi, for words like those, I'll treat you all to a free meal tonight!"
Shisui's eyes lit up. Free?! I've been saved!
But his joy lasted only a moment.
Kakashi rose, smiling righteously. "Thank you, Chief Choza, but as members of Anbu, we cannot take advantage of the villagers. We'll pay for our meal ourselves."
The hall erupted in cheers. "That's the Anbu we can trust!"
Shisui's jaw dropped. His soul left his body. Kakashi-senpai… Captain… why would you say that?! It's supposed to be my treat tonight!
At that moment, he truly had nothing left to live for.
---
The Night Ends
After a long evening of laughter, meat, and chaos, the group finally left BBQ Q. Everyone looked satisfied and cheerful—except poor Shisui, who lagged behind to settle the bill.
Guy grabbed Yamato and charged off toward home, shouting about youth into the night. Obito escorted Xiaoxue back to the hospital, where Rin had arranged a special VIP ward for her and her father.
Kakashi, meanwhile, walked hand-in-hand with Rin beneath the moonlight.
"Kakashi~" Rin whispered softly.
"Hmm?"
"The moonlight tonight… it's so beautiful."
"Mm."
"Kakashi~"
"Mm?"
"Don't talk." Her lips curved into a mischievous smile. "Kiss me."
Kakashi's single eye softened. "Mm."
And under the quiet glow of the moon, he leaned down to meet her lips.
patreon (Obito_uchiha)