Let's Be Friends

"Sometimes I wonder if, after all those girlfriends, meeting you was heaven's way of arranging a practice run for love."

"Rin, I know you can't accept the fact that I have all those girlfriends."

"But I like you so much."

"I want to be by your side every day."

"Even if... it's as a friend."

"That's why I used asking you to teach me Medical Ninjutsu as an excuse to spend more time with you."

With that, he gazed steadily at Rin Nohara, his eyes full of passion and sincerity.

Rin was stunned.

If an ordinary boy told a girl, "I have a lot of girlfriends," and "But I can't help liking you," she'd probably have called him a "player" and slapped him long ago.

But he was Nebula Kotetsu.

Nebula Kotetsu, the one the Ninja Academy's students and teachers called a "Sprite."

Under the sincere gaze of that handsome face, Rin could feel that he meant it.

Maybe he has no choice but to act this way, Rin thought.

She didn't even dare meet his eyes anymore, afraid she'd fall for him.

She lowered her head.

A moment later, Rin asked softly, "You just said... 'as a friend.' What do you mean?"

"Rin."

"I know you won't accept someone like me."

"I never expected you to accept my advances."

"So be my friend."

"Let me stay by your side as a friend."

Rin looked up.

Her reason told her that when a boy who was deeply in love with a girl said he was willing to be her friend, there was a ninety percent chance he didn't mean it.

But this was Nebula Kotetsu!

He might be a flirt, but from what she knew of him, he didn't seem like the kind of boy who made empty promises.

She said slowly, "Are you sure you want to be my friend?"

Nebula nodded with absolute certainty. "Best friends for life!"

Rin gazed steadily at him.

After a long moment, just as Nebula was nervously thinking she'd probably turn him down, Rin suddenly broke into a smile.

"All right, Nebula."

"I don't understand why you want so many girlfriends, or why you like me so much."

"But... let's be friends."

She held out her hand. "Nebula, I look forward to getting along with you."

Looking at the slender, fair hand held out before him, Nebula froze.

He double-checked: Rin wanted to shake hands with him.

Should he shake it? Nebula felt conflicted.

When Rin saw that he wasn't moving, she playfully leaned down to look into his eyes.

"What's wrong?"

"Changed your mind?"

"Not at all!" Nebula said. "It's just... Rin."

"Wouldn't it be a little awkward for us to shake hands?"

Rin looked puzzled. "It's perfectly normal for friends to shake hands, isn't it?"

"What are you talking about?"

Seeing her reaction, Nebula awkwardly explained.

"Rin."

"Do you know one of my nicknames?"

"They call me the 'Hand of God.' They say there's a strange magic in my hands, and once you've held one, you won't want to let go."

"Really? Someone actually believes something that ridiculous?"

"What if... it's true?"

Rin laughed.

As she stepped forward and took Nebula's hand herself, she said, "Stop trying to fool me. I don't believe in that kind of..."

Their hands touched.

In an instant, Rin's eyes widened.

She froze.

Then her lips parted involuntarily.

"..."

The evening glow grew redder.

The fish shyly slipped beneath the water's surface.

Three seconds later, Rin finally understood what had happened.

Then she pressed her lips tightly together.

As wave after wave of sensation passed through their joined hands, it felt as though strange currents of electricity were surging from her fingertips into her heart.

With extraordinary willpower and determination, Rin forced herself to let go.

"Phew." She let out a long breath.

In an instant, her heart felt lighter, yet she also felt a little disappointed.

Nebula scratched his head awkwardly. "I told you, but you didn't believe me."

"..."

Her face was even redder than the evening sky, as if blood might drip from it.

"From now on, no more handshakes, understand?"

Rin nodded repeatedly. "Mm-hmm."

"Rin, that means we're friends now."

"We can train together and share what we've learned."

"And even though I've mastered the Mystical Palm Technique, I really don't know much about the basic Medical Ninjutsu. I'll have to ask you for help when the time comes."

Rin only nodded.

A while later.

After completing his "date" for the day, Nebula walked Rin home.

Watching the smiling girl disappear from sight, Nebula felt conflicted.

The image of Rin, covered in blood and trembling as she treated Obito Uchiha that day, stayed with him.

She was a good girl—strong, kind, and warm.

It was a shame she'd met a player like him.

"Don't worry."

"I won't let my being a player go to waste."

"This time, I'll make sure you live a bright and happy life."

When he got home.

As soon as he stepped through the door, the aroma of food greeted him.

He walked inside and saw Kotetsu Hagane in the kitchen, wearing an apron and cooking with surprising competence. The sizzle of the pan mingled with the delicious aroma.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Kotetsu turned around. When he saw Nebula had returned, he looked surprised.

"You're back this early today?"

"Did you finish all three dates?"

"Today was the graduation exam."

"I only went on one date."

"Oh," Kotetsu said, pretending to understand. Then he casually asked, "How was it? Are you hungry?"

"What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."

As he spoke, he watched his brother's expression.

Nebula smiled. "I'm fine."

As he spoke, he tossed a forehead protector onto the table. "I graduated this year."

Kotetsu's eyes lit up.

Three seconds later, he leaped into the air with joy!

"Yeah!"

"That's great!"

Then he dashed back into the room. A few seconds later, he came out carrying a cake and set it on the table in front of Nebula. The words "Congratulations on graduating!" were written on top in red jam.

Kotetsu clapped his hands. "Here, I made this cake for you to celebrate finally graduating."

Nebula felt warm inside, but said, "You were keeping it a secret."

"Don't tell me you've got another cake hidden in your room with 'Better luck next time' written on it?"

Kotetsu chuckled. "Of course not."

"Two cakes would be so expensive."

"Actually, I'd left the writing on this one until just now."

"If you hadn't graduated, I would've written, 'Congratulations on repeating the year again!'"

"..."

Since Kotetsu had gone to the trouble of preparing it, Nebula didn't say anything.

The brothers carried the dishes to the table and poured themselves two glasses of soda.

"Cheers!" Kotetsu raised his glass.

"Bro."

"After all these years, you've finally graduated."

"Starting today, you're a Genin."

"From now on, just focus on your missions, and don't go anywhere dangerous."

"Catch cats, find dogs, help people unclog their drains—just stick to easy jobs."

"Now it's my turn."

"I, Kotetsu Hagane, will make the Kotetsu Clan's name ring throughout Konoha!"

Watching Kotetsu's confidence, Nebula smiled and took a sip of soda.

But in his heart, he thought, My little brother's all grown up.

It's time he got a lesson or two.