Kakashi Masters All Elements, Rewrites the Ninja World for Rin!

Evening, at Kakashi's home.

"Really, Kakashi? You're seriously getting promoted to Jōnin?"

Obito's shocked voice echoed through the living room—for the tenth time.

"Yeah. The review's done. Just waiting on the appointment letter and my shiny new Jōnin vest."

Kakashi repeated, unbothered. At this point, he could recite the answer in his sleep.

Since their last heart-to-heart, things between him and Obito had mellowed out. The awkwardness had evaporated, leaving behind something that vaguely resembled friendship.

"Agh… the gap between us just keeps growing, huh?"

"Then ask Minato-sensei to promote you too."

Obito flopped dramatically on the couch, groaning.

"I wouldn't mind... but doesn't that mean I'll have to lead a team?"

"Yep. And that means our three-man squad? Splitsville."

Kakashi said it casually, but he was softening the blow. No need to crush Obito's ego just yet.

"Ah—never mind, forget I said anything! I'm in no rush to get promoted!"

Obito backpedaled instantly. Being separated from Kakashi and Rin wasn't on his wish list.

"You're completely wrapped around his finger, Obito!"

Rin chuckled from the kitchen, where she and Kakashi were preparing dinner. She gave Kakashi a playful nudge.

"Hey, I'm looking out for him. That Jōnin test isn't a tea party. He could seriously get hurt."

Kakashi scratched the back of his head with a twinge of awkwardness. His voice had that mock-humble edge—like he definitely wasn't proud of being smarter.

Just then—

"Ah—hiss~"

Kakashi winced, eyes clenching shut.

"What's wrong?"

Rin turned quickly, eyes full of concern.

"Ugh... I chopped a green pepper and rubbed my eye. Instant regret."

His face twisted in pain, tears leaking uncontrollably.

"Oh geez, you're hopeless."

"Come here, I'll blow it for you."

Kakashi bent down obediently.

A warm, fragrant breeze brushed across his face as Rin gently blew on his eye. The pain eased... but Kakashi barely noticed.

His eye cracked open, and he found Rin's delicate face just inches away.

Huh. My eye's still on fire, but suddenly, I feel great.

Rin was focused, intent—until she noticed Kakashi staring at her, completely entranced.

Her cheeks flushed pink.

The kitchen suddenly felt 10 degrees warmer.

She panicked slightly, wanting to look away—but her heart seemed to be drifting toward that silent gaze.

She didn't know why, but Kakashi's face seemed to be getting closer. Slowly… steadily.

A premonition flashed through her mind, and she closed her eyes.

"Hey Kakashi! What kind of gift do you want? You just got promoted—we gotta celebrate!"

Obito's voice boomed in from the living room, ruining the moment with the grace of a bull in a china shop.

Rin flinched like a startled deer and spun back toward the cutting board, cheeks still blazing.

She tried to act normal, but her hand trembled slightly as she chopped.

"Whatever's fine!"

Kakashi shouted back, his voice laced with frustration.

Seriously, Obito? If I didn't know better, I'd say you timed that on purpose.

"No seriously, you can't ask someone what gift they want! Do you even understand how surprises work?!"

Obito remained blissfully unaware. Meanwhile, Kakashi was already plotting his next one-on-one kitchen ambush.

"But Obito's right. We should celebrate. It is something worth commemorating."

Rin's blush hadn't fully faded, but she quickly composed herself.

"Ah, right! Totally worth celebrating."

Kakashi nodded, completely forgetting he'd just grumbled about Obito's timing.

"Pfft~"

Rin giggled, her gaze softening as she watched Kakashi. His bright smile was like a sakura blossom in full bloom.

She tilted her head slightly. That pure, youthful charm made her chest flutter.

"Stop standing there looking all dazed. Dinner's not going to cook itself!"

She smirked.

"Ah? Oh, right!"

Kakashi gave her a mock salute—half military, half theatrical. He had no idea what it meant either, but Rin seemed amused.

Her smile deepened. Her eyes lingered a little longer this time.

Half an hour later, the meal was ready.

"Obito, dinner's done! Wash your hands and help bring the dishes."

"Coming!"

Obito leapt up and jogged into the kitchen.

If I don't cook, I should at least help out. Otherwise, they'll think I'm just dead weight.

"Whoa, smells amazing!"

He said it sincerely.

Rin's cooking was top-notch. Kakashi's was surprisingly better. Having these two as friends? Pretty lucky.

Maybe this is what Grandma meant when she talked about happiness.

After dinner, Obito and Rin left Kakashi's place.

"Hey Rin, what gift are you giving Kakashi? I need ideas."

As soon as they were out of earshot, Obito pounced with the urgency of a man on a mission.

Since Kakashi had yelled about "surprises," he figured asking Rin in private was the next best thing.

"Obito, it doesn't matter what you give him. As long as it's from the heart."

"Huh? That's all?"

He scratched his head, deep in thought.

The whole way home, Obito said nothing. His brain was hard at work, cycling through possibilities.

Back at her place, Rin lay in bed replaying the scene in the kitchen.

If only we hadn't been interrupted…

The memory made her cheeks flush again.

She pulled the blanket over her head, cocooning herself like a blushing dumpling, rolling back and forth on the bed.

"Ughh~ no way I'm falling asleep tonight!"