Good Night~

Compared to the tense, heated confrontation between Hiruzen Sarutobi and Shimura Danzō, the atmosphere where Koki was could not have been more different. It was warm and welcoming, like a paradise untouched by the world.

The Akimichi Clan's barbecue lived up to its reputation. The restaurant's dazzling array of dishes featured tender, succulent meat with a rich flavor.

Koki's gaze settled on the steaming grill. The charcoal fire blazed, and the slices of meat slowly turned a tempting golden brown as the flames licked at them.

Might Guy grilled every slice of meat to perfection, filling the air with its aroma. Koki closed his eyes, savoring the rare treat.

"I've heard this barbecue restaurant's seasonings and sauces are distinctive too," Mikoto said with a smile.

Hearing that, Koki eagerly dipped his food in some of the Akimichi Clan's special sauce.

Ah! Koki's eyes sparkled. The sauce was incredibly delicious and went perfectly with the grilled meat!

It was a hundred times better than the barbecue restaurant he had picked at random last time! No wonder the Akimichi Clan's barbecue restaurant had become one of Konoha's trademarks!

Seeing his brother so absorbed in his food, even Itachi couldn't resist eating a piece of grilled meat.

"How is it?" Koki looked at his little brother expectantly.

"Mm." Itachi looked serious and nodded slightly, only to spit the meat out.

Koki silently took out some three-color dango and fed it to his little brother.

"Hahaha." Everyone burst out laughing.

They sat around the grill, enjoying the food and sharing their happiness. The aroma of barbecue filled the air, whetting their appetites even more.

"Koki, don't forget our match!" Might Guy was full of anticipation!

"Uh... all right, no problem! Might Guy-senpai." Seeing the anticipation on Might Guy's face, Koki couldn't bring himself to refuse.

Fine, let's do it! His Taijutsu could improve too, so why not?

After eating and drinking their fill, Koki said goodbye to Might Guy and his father and set off for home.

Night had fallen, and the streets of Konoha were peaceful and quiet as Koki and the other two made their way slowly through the dim light.

"Big brother, I'm tired." Itachi's little hand gripped the hem of Koki's clothes tightly, and there was a hint of childish pleading in his voice.

He wasn't actually tired, but he really wanted his brother to carry him.

Sure enough, Koki immediately crouched down and let Itachi climb onto his back. He patted Itachi's bottom gently. "Are you tired, baby? It's okay, big brother will carry you. Let's hurry home."

They couldn't stay out so late next time, Koki thought regretfully. Itachi was still young and needed to get to bed early.

Koki strolled leisurely down the street with Itachi on his back.

Mikoto followed her sons at an unhurried pace.

Itachi nestled close against Koki's back, feeling his brother's warmth. He closed his eyes, and it was as though he could smell home.

His brother's scent was captivating.

Why did his brother's slender body make him feel so safe?

Little Itachi made a wish in his heart: he wanted to grow up quickly, go to school with his brother, train with him, and go on missions with him. He wanted to grow up well, train hard, and protect his brother. He didn't want his brother to get hurt again like he had in today's match.

If he became stronger, would things be a little easier for his brother?

Why was he still so young? Why couldn't he be the big brother?

Itachi tightened his arms around Koki's neck and puffed out his cute little cheeks like an adorable baby pufferfish.

He strained to stretch his face forward until his cheek finally touched his brother's. Feeling the warmth of his brother's face, Itachi finally smiled.

"What is it, Itachi?" Koki asked curiously.

"Big brother, I really wish I could grow up right now." Itachi kept one arm around Koki's neck and gently stroked his brother's cheek with the other hand.

Koki felt his little brother's warm breath against his cheek, the gentle touch brushing his face like a feather.

Time seemed to stand still around them at that moment. The feeling was wonderfully strange, Koki thought; Itachi seemed to be treating it with a touch of seriousness and care.

What am I thinking? Koki laughed and shook his head, clearing the distracting thoughts from his mind.

"What's so good about growing up? Baby, you'll have more worries when you grow up. The adult world is complicated."

"But when I grow up, I can train with you like Shisui does, and you can tell me about your worries too. I don't want you to keep treating me like a little kid. I want to protect you too." Itachi puffed out his cheeks slightly, looking especially adorable.

"All right, no problem. I'll wait for you to protect me, okay?"

But aren't you a little kid? A hint of amusement appeared in Koki's eyes.

Still, perhaps he shouldn't treat his little brother like a child. Itachi had gone to the battlefield with Fugaku at three or four years old, and at eight, Hiruzen Sarutobi had praised him as a genius who thought like a Hokage.

Hearing that, Itachi answered happily, "Okay!" His voice was full of excitement, though it held a trace of tiredness too.

I'll definitely train hard! Starting tomorrow, I'll carry ten more scrolls on my back!

He really is too tired after all. Hearing the weariness in Itachi's voice, Koki silently adjusted his posture so his little brother could rest more comfortably on his back. "Okay, then what does baby need to do now? You need plenty of rest to grow up quickly and protect me, so why don't you close your eyes and go to sleep?"

"Okay, big brother. I'll stay with you," Itachi said suddenly, his voice carrying a hint of childish innocence and sincerity.

"I'll stay with you too, Itachi," Koki replied softly, his voice full of affection and care.

Koki paused, then a warm smile appeared on his face. No matter how mature Itachi was, he was still his most beloved little brother. "Good night, Itachi. Your big brother's here, so sleep easy. We're almost home."

The brothers' breathing mingled in the quiet night, and even the air seemed to be filled with sweetness.

Koki's steps remained steady, while Itachi pressed his little face against his brother's back and closed his eyes, feeling safe.

Koki's back looked especially dependable in the moonlight, while Itachi's little hands clung tightly to his brother's clothes, as though they were his whole world.