Awkward Exchange with Kakashi

Uchiha Ruri wove through the bustling market, her mind already meticulously organized for the itinerary ahead.

She held a ring in her hand—her newly purchased space ring. Thanks to the magical items from the system, she could easily carry all sorts of goods.

She first arrived at a fruit stand and carefully selected some fresh fruits; they were vibrant in color and emitted an alluring fragrance.

Next, she headed to the women's clothing section to pick out a few beautiful outfits for herself, each one making her appear even more elegant and moving. Of course, she didn't forget to buy some new clothes for Sasuke; after all, he was always busy out and about and needed a change of wardrobe—he was her younger brother, after all.

Furthermore, Uchiha Ruri purchased some daily necessities, including furniture and kitchenware. She planned to take these items home and decorate the place properly, making it feel warmer and more comfortable.

The main reason was that the massive mansion felt too empty with just Sasuke and her.

When Uchiha Ruri returned, fully loaded, and arrived at the Uchiha compound, she couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

This would be the new home for her and Sasuke, and she would use her own two hands to turn it into a cozy nest filled with love.

Just as Uchiha Ruri was about to step into the Uchiha compound, she suddenly heard a series of urgent knocks at the door.

This sudden sound made her stop in her tracks, her heart skipping a beat.

She turned around and walked slowly toward the gate, wondering who would be visiting at such an hour.

Uchiha Ruri gently pushed the gate open, and a fresh evening breeze brushed against her cheeks, bringing a hint of coolness.

She looked up and saw a group of people dressed in ninja attire standing outside, with all sorts of furniture piled up behind them.

The furniture looked quite old, yet it exuded a familiar aura.

Seeing Uchiha Ruri standing at the entrance, Kakashi Hatake stepped out from the crowd. He wore dark ninja gear and a gentle smile on his face, giving off a sense of approachability.

He walked up to Uchiha Ruri, scratched his head, and said softly, "Ah, hello, Uchiha Ruri. Following the Third Hokage's notification, I've brought some people to help you move your old furniture inside."

Hearing this, a warm current surged through Uchiha Ruri's heart. She hadn't expected the old man Third to actually keep his word and send people to move the old furniture over. This care and thoughtfulness made her feel very touched.

She looked up at the man before her, smiled slightly, and asked politely, "Thank you very much. Hello, may I ask how I should address you?"

The man looked at Uchiha Ruri, a gentle light flashing in his eyes.

He replied, "I am Kakashi Hatake. You can call me Kakashi."

"Kakashi?" Uchiha Ruri repeated softly. The name sounded somewhat familiar, yet it also felt a bit distant.

She tried hard to recall, but ultimately shook her head and pushed the doubt to the back of her mind.

Kakashi watched Uchiha Ruri's reaction and seemed to guess the confusion in her heart.

He gave a light smile and said, "It's alright, we didn't know each other before. But now, we can get to know each other again."

Uchiha Ruri nodded, her favorable impression of Kakashi increasing a little more.

She said gratefully, "Thank you so much, Kakashi. This furniture means a great deal to me; I am truly happy to see it again."

Kakashi smiled and said, "You're welcome, Uchiha Ruri. I am just following the Third Hokage's orders. Besides, I am also happy to be of help to you."

With that, Kakashi turned and signaled to the ninjas behind him. They immediately sprang into action, beginning to move the furniture into the compound piece by piece.

As the ninjas carried the furniture, Kakashi and Uchiha Ruri stood side by side, watching as each item was carefully moved into the compound.

Surrounded by the busy figures of the ninjas and their low-toned conversations, the two of them lacked a topic of conversation, and the atmosphere felt somewhat awkward.

Uchiha Ruri stood to the side, thinking silently, No, buddy, say something, will you?!

Suddenly, Uchiha Ruri interjected, "Kakashi, is Might Guy your friend?"

Kakashi was taken aback by the question, then reacted and nodded, "Yes, Might Guy is my good friend. We grew up together, trained together, and went on missions together. He is a very hardworking person, always full of energy and passion."

Speaking of Might Guy, a smile couldn't help but appear on Kakashi's face.

He could sense Uchiha Ruri's curiosity about Might Guy, so he continued to introduce him, "Might Guy's taijutsu is incredible. He has a unique fighting style called the 'Gate of Youth'. Every time I see him giving his all, I find it truly staggering."

Uchiha Ruri listened to Kakashi's description, and the image of Might Guy gradually became clearer in her mind.

The Gate of Youth, really?!

That's some best-friend-level roasting right there...

Uchiha Ruri could already imagine that energetic, passionate ninja fighting with all his might on the battlefield, and a hint of respect couldn't help but arise in her heart.

She nodded and said, "He sounds like a truly remarkable person. If there's a chance, I'd like to meet him too."

Hearing this, Kakashi smiled and said, "There will be a chance. Might Guy is a very cheerful person; I believe you two will become good friends."

The atmosphere between the two eased significantly because of this conversation, and the awkwardness gradually dissipated. The previously stiff air became relaxed—at least, it was no longer the suffocating silence from before.

A smile appeared on Kakashi's masked face, his eyes revealing friendliness and respect toward Uchiha Ruri.

He had known from the start that Uchiha Ruri was a smart and empathetic girl, but the two had never found a suitable common topic. Now, by mentioning Might Guy, they seemed to have found an entry point for deeper communication.

Uchiha Ruri also felt much more relaxed, discovering that her impression of Kakashi was getting better and better.

Although there was still some sense of distance between them, at least now they could chat normally like friends.

It seems this atmosphere is starting up again?

Liuli was speechless; the conversation had stalled once more.

She decided to continue delving deeper into this boy who appeared indifferent but was actually quite warm.

"Speaking of which, Kakashi, what is your opinion on Might Guy's taijutsu?" Liuli asked curiously.

Hearing this, Kakashi thought for a moment and said, "Guy's taijutsu is truly outstanding; his 'Gate of Youth' is one of the most unique fighting styles I have ever seen. Every time I see him giving his all, I feel incredibly moved. However, taijutsu also needs to be combined with ninjutsu and strategy to unleash its maximum power."

"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm." Liuli nodded in response, knowing full well that once Kakashi entered professional mode, the topic would flow like a floodgate being opened.

At times like these, she only needed to play the role of a listener, offering an occasional response.

Kakashi seemed to notice Liuli's subtle mood; he paused slightly, then gave a light cough, attempting to steer the conversation back to more mundane, relaxed territory: "Well, although we've met once or twice before, we haven't really talked much. How have you been doing in Konoha lately? I heard you've become a teacher?"

Upon hearing this, Liuli smiled easily and replied, "Yes, ever since becoming a teacher, there have been new challenges and surprises every day. Being around the children has allowed me to experience a lot of innocence and joy."

Kakashi nodded, signaling his understanding: "Indeed, education is a very meaningful job. Being able to guide the next generation is also part of our responsibility as ninjas."

The two shifted their conversation from ninja techniques to daily life, chatting about the local customs of Konoha and various interesting little stories.

Liuli discovered that Kakashi was actually quite good at chatting; he could easily guide the topic, making the dialogue light and pleasant.

In the process of talking, Liuli gradually felt the warmth and kindness within Kakashi's heart.

Although he usually maintained an indifferent facade, he was actually a person with a strong sense of responsibility and compassion.

It seems he has already left the Anbu during this period, right? Liuli speculated.

This deeper understanding made Liuli's impression of Kakashi even more profound.

After the ninjas finished moving the furniture, a lean ninja with sharp eyes clapped his hands, signaling to his companions that the task was complete and they could withdraw.

Their movements were swift and orderly; in no time, they had packed everything up and were ready to leave.

At this moment, Kakashi turned around and gave Liuli a faint smile. His smile held a hint of playfulness, as if he were quite satisfied with this exchange.

He said, "Miss Liuli, you are truly one of the few people who has made me enjoy a conversation this much. Well, seeing you has made my mood feel a lot lighter."

Liuli was somewhat surprised to hear this. She had always thought of Kakashi as a serious and indifferent person; she hadn't expected him to have such a relaxed and humorous side.

She returned the smile and said, "Mr. Kakashi is also very good at chatting; it was truly a pleasure to talk with you."

Kakashi blinked, seemingly surprised by Liuli's praise. He scratched his head and laughed, "Haha, really? Then I'm feeling a bit proud of myself. But, come to think of it, you really are a very special person; talking to you always makes me feel very relaxed."

Liuli felt a warmth in her heart. She felt that Kakashi's praise wasn't empty flattery, but sincere and genuine.

She also recalled the scene of chatting with Kakashi just now; those light and pleasant conversations seemed to still echo in her ears.

She thought for a moment and said, "Actually, I also really enjoyed the process of talking with you. You are always able to bring me new ideas and insights, which has benefited me greatly."

Kakashi's eyes lit up upon hearing this, appearing quite happy with Liuli's affirmation.

He said, "Haha, it seems we really are kindred spirits. If there's a chance in the future, we must talk more."

Liuli nodded in agreement. She felt that this kind of exchange with Kakashi not only deepened their mutual understanding but also allowed her to find some joy and relaxation in her busy life.

In the afterglow of the sunset, Kakashi's figure gradually drifted away, while Liuli stood where she was, watching him leave.

"Then, see you next time, Liuli." Kakashi's voice was gentle and firm.

He turned around, his back to Liuli, and walked step by step into the distance until his figure completely disappeared from sight.

Liuli stood quietly in place, an indescribable emotion surging within her heart.

She recalled the time the original owner seemed to have spent with Kakashi; those light and pleasant conversations, those heart-to-heart exchanges, all made her feel incredibly precious.

Clearly, although this encounter was brief, it still held that feeling from the past.

"See you next time, Kakashi," Liuli said softly.