Ah, Brotherhood!

Time flew by, and before anyone knew it, summer had arrived in Konoha right on schedule.

In just four short months, the Hyuga had brought the *** filled with Dana Explosives to market.

The ninjas who had known about this powerful weapon for some time bought a batch as soon as they heard the news.

Word spread from ninja to ninja, while the Hyuga Clan gave it a helping hand behind the scenes. In less than a month, the name of the *** had spread throughout Konoha.

"Tell me, what have you been doing behind my back this time?"

In a forest on the outskirts of Konoha, Kakashi found Kakashi Gu Qi, who was studying the Air Cannon jutsu.

Lowering his hands, Gu Qi tilted his head and asked, "What is it now?"

Kakashi glanced at a nearby tree with a small hole blasted through it. "What do you think? Did you do something with the Hyuga behind my back?"

Gu Qi shrugged and suppressed the urge to check the system. "That's right. I made a deal with the Hyuga."

"You sold them the explosives formula?" Kakashi asked.

Gu Qi shook his head. "Not a one-time sale. I get a cut."

As Gu Qi's family, Kakashi knew things about him that outsiders didn't.

Kakashi didn't think Gu Qi had done anything wrong in how he handled the deal. He was just unhappy that Gu Qi had gone to the Hyuga Clan without him.

"Next time, bring me along. With me there, no one will dare take advantage of you." Kakashi voiced his displeasure in a matter-of-fact tone.

Gu Qi put on a sheepish grin and came up to Kakashi. "Aw, don't be mad! Next time, I'll definitely bring you along."

"Hmph!"

"Come on, come on. It's not every day I'm in such a good mood. I'll treat you to a feast at Yakiniku Q," Gu Qi said with a cheeky grin.

Kakashi folded his arms. "You said it!"

"Of course!"

"Welcome! Would you two like a private room?"

When the proprietress of Yakiniku Q saw the two of them arrive in a grand procession with eleven Ninja Dogs, her eyes narrowed into slits.

"Of course we want a private room," Gu Qi said casually. "Don't hold back on the finest ingredients. Bring us everything you have."

"Right away! This way, please!" The proprietress beamed so broadly at Gu Qi's words that her eyes disappeared.

"Gu Qi, Kakashi, is today some kind of special occasion?"

As plate after plate of premium steak and seafood arrived, Pakkun and the others asked, bewildered.

Kakashi rested one hand on the back of the sofa and nodded toward Gu Qi. "This guy struck a big deal with the Hyuga, so now he's treating us to a feast. The miser's finally loosened his purse strings."

"I see." After hearing the story, Pakkun drooled. "Then we won't hold back."

"Eat as much as you want. Your big brother's loaded." Gu Qi had the air of a newly rich man.

The meal didn't end until almost midnight. Even though closing time had long since passed, the proprietress showed no intention of kicking them out.

"I can't do it. I'm about to throw up. No, no, I'm going to the restroom." Rubbing his overstuffed belly, Gu Qi leaned against the wall as he left the private room.

Pakkun slowly finished a piece of steak, then elegantly picked up a napkin with his paw and wiped the corner of his mouth. He promptly collapsed onto the sofa, all four paws in the air.

"I can't take it. My stomach's going to burst," Pakkun said with difficulty.

"Then why'd you eat that last steak?" Bru, who had been out of the running for a while, replied weakly.

Bru had the largest body, but he'd eaten too quickly and was the first to tap out.

"You don't understand. Even if I have to eat myself to death, I won't waste food." Pakkun clutched his stomach in pain.

"Never again. We can't eat like this next time." In the whole private room, Kakashi was perhaps the only one who hadn't stuffed himself.

As an elite ninja, Kakashi's self-discipline was beyond question.

Even though he was on leave, he hadn't let himself go. He'd stayed in peak condition the whole time.

"Is Gu Qi all right? He's been gone a long time."

After waiting for more than ten minutes with no sign of Gu Qi, Kakashi suddenly had a bad feeling.

Just then, the door to Kakashi's private room swung open. "Did everyone enjoy their meal?"

Seeing the proprietress's smiling face, Kakashi felt cold sweat break out on his forehead. "V-very much!"

"Glad to hear it. Then please settle the bill!" The proprietress pulled out a long receipt and handed it to Kakashi.

"Gulp!" Kakashi swallowed as he looked at the string of digits at the bottom.

"Wait a moment. The one paying is still in the restroom. Please give him a little more time," Kakashi said apologetically.

The proprietress's smile didn't change. "You mean that customer? He left ten minutes ago!"

Crack!

Kakashi felt something break inside him.

"Could I put it on credit?" Kakashi asked with a mournful expression.

"What do you think, sir?" A hint of Killing Intent gleamed in the proprietress's eyes.

Kakashi stared up at the ceiling. He felt like the whole world was against him.

"Sir, it's getting late. Please settle the bill soon!" The Killing Intent rolling off the proprietress grew stronger.

Kakashi lowered his head. For some reason, his legs slowly began to bend on their own.

"I'm right here, ma'am. I'll pay the bill."

Just as Kakashi's knees were about to touch the floor, the door to the private room swung open again.

For a moment, the air fell utterly silent.

"Ahem. I only went back to get some money. Was it really necessary to get ready to beg on your knees, Kakashi?"

On the streets of Konoha, Gu Qi walked with his hands behind his head, teasing Kakashi.

Kakashi gazed at the street scenery, looking perfectly casual. "What nonsense are you talking about? I just ate too much and wanted to get some exercise."

"Don't try to play it off. That was obviously—"

Before Gu Qi could finish, he felt a powerful Killing Intent. "Forget about this. Completely."

"R-right..." Gu Qi swallowed. He had a feeling Kakashi really would kill him...

"That's more like it!" Seeing that, Kakashi immediately changed his tune and patted Gu Qi on the head.

"..." Gu Qi silently gave him the finger in his heart and wisely stopped provoking him.

Gu Qi regretted not bringing a camera. If he'd captured that moment, it would've been legendary.

Then he could make Kakashi dress as a girl whenever he wanted, or make him cross-dress whenever he wanted.

"Are you thinking about something you shouldn't?" Kakashi suddenly appeared behind Gu Qi, his face expressionless.

Gu Qi jolted. "No. Absolutely not."

"Good! Remember, I'm always keeping an eye on you!"

Gu Qi's cheek twitched. That was a blatant threat.

"Anyway, I'm heading back." Kakashi waved over his shoulder as he walked away.

Watching Kakashi's carefree figure disappear into the distance, Gu Qi silently raised his middle finger.