Liuli wove through the bustling marketplace, having already planned out her upcoming errands.
She held a ring in her hand—the Space Ring she had just bought. Thanks to the miraculous items in the system, she could easily carry all sorts of things.
First, she stopped at a fruit stand and carefully picked out some fresh fruit. Its colors were vivid, and it gave off an enticing fragrance.
Next, she headed to the women's clothing section and bought herself several pretty outfits, each one making her look more elegant and charming. Of course, she didn't forget to buy Sasuke some new clothes, either. He was always busy out and about and needed a change of wardrobe. After all, he was her little brother.
She also bought some daily necessities, including furniture and kitchenware. She planned to take everything home and arrange it all nicely, making the place feel warm and comfortable.
The main problem was that the enormous mansion felt too empty with just Sasuke and her living there.
When Liuli arrived at the Uchiha estate with her arms full, she couldn't help feeling delighted.
This would be her and Sasuke's new home. She would use her own hands to turn it into a cozy little nest filled with love.
Just as Liuli was about to step into the Uchiha estate, she suddenly heard a hurried knock at the gate.
The unexpected sound made her stop in her tracks, caught off guard.
She turned around and slowly walked to the gate, wondering who might be visiting at this hour.
Liuli gently opened the gate. A fresh evening breeze brushed across her cheeks, bringing a touch of coolness.
She looked up and saw a group of people dressed in shinobi uniforms standing outside. Behind them was a pile of all kinds of furniture.
The furniture looked rather old, but it gave off a familiar feeling.
Seeing Liuli at the gate, Kakashi stepped out from the group. He wore a dark shinobi uniform and had a gentle smile on his face, making him seem approachable.
He came over to Liuli, scratched his head, and said softly, "Ah, hello, Uchiha Ruri. The Third Hokage asked me to bring some people and help you move your old furniture inside."
A warm feeling welled up in Liuli's heart. She hadn't expected the old Third to keep his word and really send people to bring over her old furniture. His thoughtfulness made her feel truly warm.
She looked up at the man before her and smiled politely. "Thank you so much. Hello, may I ask what I should call you?"
The man gazed at Liuli, a gentle light flickering in his eyes.
"I'm Kakashi Hatake. You can call me Kakashi."
"Kakashi?" Liuli softly repeated the name. It sounded somewhat familiar, yet somehow distant.
She tried to remember, but in the end she shook her head and pushed the puzzlement to the back of her mind.
Watching her, Kakashi seemed to guess what she was wondering.
He smiled lightly. "It's all right. We didn't know each other before. But now, we can get acquainted."
Liuli nodded, and her favorable impression of Kakashi grew a little.
"Thank you so much, Kakashi. These pieces of furniture mean a lot to me. I'm really happy to see them again."
Kakashi smiled. "No need to thank me, Liuli. I was only following the Third Hokage's orders. Besides, I'm glad I could help."
As he spoke, Kakashi turned and gestured to the shinobi behind him. They immediately got to work, carrying the furniture into the estate one piece at a time.
While the shinobi moved the furniture, Kakashi and Liuli stood side by side, watching each piece being carefully carried inside.
The shinobi bustled about, talking in low voices, but the two of them seemed to have nothing to say to each other. The atmosphere grew a little awkward.
Liuli stood to one side, silently exasperated. Come on, man, say something!
Suddenly, Liuli broke the silence. "Kakashi, is Might Guy your friend?"
Kakashi was taken aback, but quickly recovered and nodded. "Yeah, Guy's a good friend of mine. We grew up together, trained together, and went on missions together. He's incredibly hardworking and always full of energy and enthusiasm."
At the mention of Might Guy, Kakashi couldn't help smiling.
He could tell Liuli was curious about Might Guy, so he continued, "Guy's Taijutsu is incredible. He has a unique fighting style called the 'Gate of Youth.' Every time I see him give it his all, I'm amazed."
As Liuli listened to Kakashi describe him, she gradually formed a clearer picture of Might Guy.
The Gate of Youth, huh? That actually works?!
That was his best friend roasting him...
Liuli could already picture that energetic, passionate shinobi fighting with all his might on the battlefield. She couldn't help feeling a little respect for him.
She nodded. "He sounds like an amazing person. If I get the chance, I'd like to meet him too."
Kakashi smiled. "You will. Guy's a very cheerful person. I'm sure the two of you will become good friends."
Their conversation eased the tension between them, and the awkwardness gradually faded. The stiff atmosphere became more relaxed, no longer the suffocating silence from before.
A smile appeared on Kakashi's masked face, and his eyes showed how friendly and respectful he felt toward Liuli.
He had already known that Liuli was clever and considerate; they just hadn't found a suitable topic to talk about. But now, after bringing up Might Guy, they seemed to have found a way to start a real conversation.
Liuli felt much more relaxed too. She found herself liking Kakashi more and more.
Although there was still some distance between them, at least now they could chat normally, like friends.
Was the atmosphere getting awkward again?
Liuli was speechless. They'd run out of things to say again.
She decided to keep learning more about this boy who seemed cold but was actually warmhearted.
"By the way, Kakashi, what do you think of Might Guy's Taijutsu?" Liuli asked curiously.
Kakashi thought about it, then said, "Guy's Taijutsu is truly outstanding. His 'Gate of Youth' is one of the most unique fighting styles I've ever seen. Every time I watch him give it his all, I'm amazed. But Taijutsu also needs to be combined with ninjutsu and strategy to reach its full potential."
"Mm-hmm, mm-hmm." Liuli nodded along. She knew that once Kakashi got into professional mode, the conversation would gush forth like a floodgate had burst.
At times like that, all she had to do was play the part of a listener and respond now and then.
Kakashi seemed to notice Liuli's subtle mood. He paused, then cleared his throat, trying to steer the conversation back toward more everyday, relaxed topics. "Well, though we've met once or twice before, we haven't talked much. How have you been in Konoha lately? I heard you've become a teacher?"
Liuli smiled easily. "Yes. Since becoming a teacher, every day has brought new challenges and surprises. Spending time with the children has let me experience so much innocence and joy."
Kakashi nodded in understanding. "Teaching really is meaningful work. Guiding the next generation as they grow is also one of our responsibilities as shinobi."
Their conversation gradually shifted from shinobi techniques to daily life. They chatted about Konoha's local customs and all sorts of interesting little stories.
Liuli realized that Kakashi was actually good at conversation. He could guide a topic along with ease and make talking feel light and pleasant.
As they chatted, Liuli gradually sensed the warmth and kindness in Kakashi's heart.
He usually seemed cold, but in reality, he was a very responsible and compassionate person.
It seems like he's left the Anbu by now, Liuli guessed.
Getting to know him better left an even deeper impression on her.
After the shinobi finished moving the furniture, a thin, sharp-eyed shinobi clapped his hands to signal that the mission was complete and they could leave.
They moved quickly and in good order. Before long, they had tidied everything up and were ready to go.
Then Kakashi turned to Liuli and smiled. There was a hint of amusement in his smile, as if he had thoroughly enjoyed their conversation.
"Miss Liuli, you're one of the few people I've had this much fun talking to. Well, seeing you seems to have lightened my mood, too."
Liuli was a little surprised. She had always thought Kakashi was serious and cold, and hadn't expected him to have such a relaxed, humorous side.
She smiled back. "You're good at conversation too, Mr. Kakashi. I've really enjoyed talking with you."
Kakashi blinked, seemingly surprised by her compliment. He scratched his head and laughed. "Haha, really? I guess I'm a little pleased with myself, then. But seriously, you're a very special person. Talking with you always puts me at ease."
Liuli felt a warm glow inside. Kakashi's praise didn't seem like empty politeness; it felt sincere.
She thought back to their conversation just then, and the easy, pleasant words seemed to still be ringing in her ears.
After a moment, she said, "Actually, I've really enjoyed talking with you too. You always give me new ideas and perspectives, and I've learned a lot."
Kakashi's eyes lit up, and he seemed pleased by Liuli's approval.
"Haha, looks like we're birds of a feather. We should talk more whenever we get the chance."
Liuli nodded in agreement. She felt that talking with Kakashi could not only help them understand each other better, but also bring some fun and relaxation into her busy life.
In the glow of the setting sun, Kakashi's figure gradually receded into the distance, while Liuli stood where she was and watched him leave.
"Until next time, Liuli," Kakashi said, his voice gentle and firm.
He turned his back to her and walked away step by step, until his figure vanished from sight.
Liuli stood quietly in place, her heart stirred by an emotion she couldn't quite put into words.
She remembered that her predecessor had seemed to share moments with Kakashi too. Those lighthearted conversations and heartfelt exchanges all felt incredibly precious to her.
Clearly, though this encounter had been brief, it had also brought back that familiar feeling from before.
"Until next time, Kakashi," Liuli said softly.
Before you continue