"You graduated without so much as a word, you little brat."
"Got all grown up now, huh? Think your wings are strong enough? Don't want your big sister bossing you around anymore?"
The next morning, for once, Hakken didn't wake early to head for the training grounds. Instead, he found himself staring at the girl crouched at his bedside, feeling an oncoming headache.
Anko—his so-called big sister.
The most important family he had left.
She'd recently gone on a mission outside the village with her best friend, Kurenai Yūhi, and had probably just returned. Upon hearing the news that Hakken had already graduated, she clearly hadn't taken it well.
Part of it, no doubt, was shock.
But part of it, he suspected, was that she didn't quite know how to express her pride.
So instead, she'd shown up first thing in the morning to corner him at his bed.
He glanced at her. Dressed in a sheer, gauzy outfit, Anko had a certain unique allure. From a particular angle, through the folds of the fabric, one could almost glimpse something blooming beneath—something that lived up to the "red beans" in her name.
The red of the beans.
The beans of the red beans.
The red beans of Anko Mitarashi.
How should he put it... Truly, that was Anko for you.
Her boldness could easily rival Tsunade-hime's.
Sensing his wandering gaze, Anko's face flushed bright red. She jumped down from the bed in a fluster, but quickly planted her hands on her hips, reclaiming her dignity as the older sister before continuing her scolding.
"Sigh... When I first carried you home, I never imagined my foolish little brother would surpass his big sister so soon."
My foolish little brother.
That line rang oddly familiar.
Hakken sat up straight in bed, half-wondering if he'd stayed up too late last night working on chakra blade research and was still dreaming.
Honestly, if Anko went on to say a few more things like, "foolish little brother" or "please, hate me," he'd have believed it for sure.
"Well, it's only natural—you are my little brother, after all."
Her tone softened suddenly, and the usual edge in her voice gave way to something warm and gentle.
"Father and Mother passed away so early. If they were still here, they'd be just as proud of you as I am now, wouldn't they?"
"From being the so-called 'most overrated freshman' to breaking records as the fastest to graduate... If Father and Mother were still with us, they'd definitely throw you a celebration."
She paused, then shook her head slightly.
"Your sister can't do what they would've done—can't give you the kind of encouragement they would have at a time like this."
"I may not be much of a sister, but no matter what, I'm going to celebrate my amazing little brother."
"I don't have many friends, but I did my best to invite them to come celebrate with you. Though, I'm not sure how many will actually show up."
"Ahhh, I don't even know how to say this..."
Anko's eyes reddened suddenly. "I just want you to know—when you want to share your happiness, you're not alone."
You're not alone.
Anko, usually so clumsy with her words, rambled on and on before finally giving up on trying to wrap her feelings in anything fancy.
Yes.
All she wanted to tell Hakken was: You're not alone.
You have a sister who's here to celebrate with you.
What she wanted most of all was to let him know that even though he'd never experienced a father's or mother's love, she, as his sister, would do her best to fill that void.
That was the one thing she could do for him.
"I understand."
At times like this, words weren't necessary—a warm embrace was enough.
The atmosphere was soft and peaceful.
After who knows how long, Anko suddenly leapt to her feet, her face flaring red with embarrassment.
"Others might not know, but Kurenai definitely will. I even said I'd cook!"
"Your cooking? Is that even edible?"
Hakken's mouth twitched.
Raising an eyebrow, he smirked and patted his sister's shoulder. "Don't worry—the cook's on the way."
Achoo!
Outside the Mitarashi household, Itachi, who had just lifted his hand to knock, suddenly sneezed hard.
For some reason, he had a bad feeling about this.
Frowning slightly, his hand hovered midair, hesitating to make contact with the door.
"What's wrong, Itachi?"
Shisui's curious voice came from behind him.
"Something feels… off."
A few minutes later, when Itachi stood before the kitchen stove—which was noticeably taller than him—he finally realized where that bad premonition had come from.
You want me to cook?
He stared blankly at the eggs and tomatoes on the counter, falling deep into thought.
"Ken-san once said a good man should be able to handle both the battlefield and the kitchen."
"Well… no helping it then. Guess I'll give it a try."
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
BOOM!
"What's that sound coming from the kitchen?"
Shisui, sitting in the living room chatting with Anko and Hakken, looked toward the source of the noise in confusion.
"Relax."
Hakken waved a hand dismissively, not the least bit concerned. He remembered clearly—in the original story, there was even a scene where Itachi cooked.
As for today's unexpected celebration? He'd just treat it as a moment of calm before the storms ahead.
It was Anko's way of showing she cared.
And that alone was enough for him to quietly stay by her side.
"Let's settle this once and for all, Kakashi!"
BOOM!
With the sound of the front door shattering, two figures burst into the courtyard of the Mitarashi residence.
Hakken's expression flickered with surprise before settling into faint amusement.
Kakashi Hatake.
He actually came?
Could Anko's invitation alone really convince Kakashi to show up at his celebration?
After all, Kakashi was still going through the darkest stretch of his life.
Squeezing in behind him was Might Guy. Unlike Kakashi, Guy and Hakken were already well acquainted.
And trailing behind them was a helpless-looking Kurenai Yūhi.
From their generation, aside from the Hyūga Clan Head, almost everyone still alive had shown up.
"Interesting."
With a faint grin, Hakken picked up the gourd flask on the table, took a deep swig, and then tossed it toward Kakashi.
As the other man blinked in confusion, Hakken thumped his chest heartily.
"Come on—take a drink!"