A barbecue gathering lasted until around eight-thirty in the evening, with everyone splitting the cost.
Barbecue was a fairly high-end expense for both ninja and civilians. If one person were treating everyone, no one present could afford to cover more than three people on their own.
That meant only Asuma Sarutobi, backed by the Sarutobi Clan and with a Hokage father; Uchiha Gen, born into the wealthy Uchiha Clan; and Kakashi Hatake, who had inherited the Hatake Clan estate, could afford it.
After the gathering ended, everyone stood outside Barbecue Q and chatted for a while. After saying their goodbyes, they left in twos and threes with those they were closer to, either heading home or joining their own little groups.
Before long, only Uchiha Gen, Anko Mitarashi, Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi, Uzuki Yugao, Hayate Gekko, and Ebisu remained outside the restaurant.
Of them, Uchiha Gen and Uzuki Yugao stood close together, as did Anko Mitarashi and Kurenai Yuhi, and Asuma Sarutobi and Ebisu.
The first pair had been chatting enthusiastically and growing closer, the middle pair were good friends, and the last pair had a follower-and-followed relationship. Hayate Gekko stood alone, seeming rather superfluous.
"Everyone, we'll be leaving first."
Uchiha Gen had previously invited Uzuki Yugao to watch a movie, and she had agreed.
"Wait, Captain."
"Heh."
Uchiha Gen chuckled. "Kurenai, you didn't call me Captain during the gathering. Why does suddenly addressing me like that feel like you're up to no good?"
"Kurenai, why are you calling Gen Captain?"
With his hair sticking straight up, a tuft of red among it, Asuma held a cigarette in his mouth, one hand on his hip as he looked confused.
"During the Hidden Mist Battlefield campaign, I was transferred under Gen's command and became one of his three subordinates."
Asuma nodded