Chapter 54: Moments of Connection
"Kakashi, do you think Kurenai is pretty?"
After Kurenai left, Rin suddenly turned to Kakashi and asked. Seeing Kakashi seemingly still watching Kurenai's retreating figure, Rin felt slightly jealous.
"Huh? No, Rin, you're the prettiest!"
Kakashi quickly responded with a smile.
"You're lying. Why were you staring at her chest then?"
Rin immediately questioned him.
"Was I? I don't think so!"
Kakashi feigned ignorance and swiftly changed the subject. "Come on, let's get something to eat, and then I'll take you somewhere special."
Kakashi grabbed Rin's soft hand as he spoke and led her towards Ichiraku Ramen.
Rin initially wanted to argue and felt her heart flutter when Kakashi held her hand. She didn't say anything more; her heart filled with sudden sweetness. Kakashi had initiated holding her hand, and recalling his earlier admission of their date to Kurenai, her heart overflowed with happiness, pushing away any trace of dissatisfaction.
"Kakashi, where are we going?"
After they had eaten their fill at Ichiraku Ramen, Kakashi led Rin towards the outskirts of the village. Curious, Rin asked. They were outside the town now but still within the bounds of Konoha.
"You'll know when we get there."
Kakashi gave a mysterious smile.
"Hmph! Fine, don't tell me then!"
"Rin, how's your family jutsu training going? Have you mastered it yet?"
Ignoring Rin's dissatisfaction, Kakashi asked about her training, not wanting to spoil the surprise.
Rin was a member of the Iro clan, like Kakashi, and was the sole survivor of her family. Her clan specialised in a unique Water Release technique, the Chakra Water Release. This jutsu could be applied to oneself or allies, enhancing defence and speeding up chakra recovery.
The Iro clan once held high status in Konoha, and their unique jutsu was crucial on the battlefield. However, their secret became known in the ninja world, and they were targeted, leading to the clan's near extinction, leaving only Rin.
Kakashi had been eagerly waiting for Rin to master the Chakra Water Release, hoping it would aid him in managing his Sharingan's chakra consumption.
"Not yet..."
Rin's expression darkened at Kakashi's question. She felt disheartened, knowing she was the last hope for her clan's legacy.
"Don't worry, Rin. You'll master it. It's just a matter of time."
Seeing Rin's downcast look, Kakashi quickly encouraged her.
"Thank you, Kakashi. I'll keep trying!"
Rin smiled at Kakashi, her determination rekindled. Despite her gentle demeanour, she had a solid inner resolve.
"Hehe, I'm looking forward to you mastering the Chakra Water Release. It'll greatly help the battlefield, especially with my left eye's chakra drain."
Kakashi chuckled, knowing Rin's feelings for him and using this to motivate her.
"I'm sorry! It's because my medical skills weren't enough that your left eye transplant didn't go well..."
Rin felt a pang of guilt, thinking about Kakashi's chakra problem with his Sharingan.
"But don't worry, Kakashi. I'll learn the Chakra Water Release and be by your side on the battlefield, helping you recover your chakra quickly!"
Rin's eyes shone with newfound determination. She had never felt such urgency to master her clan's jutsu, all for Kakashi's sake.
Kakashi could hear the affection in Rin's voice. He stopped walking, and Rin looked at him curiously. Meeting his eyes, her heart skipped a beat.
Kakashi gazed at Rin with warmth and tenderness, saying nothing, just looking at her. The air around them filled with a gentle, romantic atmosphere.
"Kakashi... I..."
Rin began to speak, trying to confess her feelings once again.
"I know, Rin. You've always liked me."
Kakashi interrupted, stepping closer and suddenly pulling her into a tight embrace.
"Ah..."
Rin gasped in surprise, her heart pounding wildly. She felt overwhelmed with sudden happiness, her initial shock giving way to a radiant, heartfelt smile. She wrapped her slender arms around Kakashi's waist, holding him tightly.