Aimee sucked in breath, heat pooling between her legs.
“You’re such a tease.” She turned and started toward the restaurant, feeling his presence at her side almost immediately, his steps falling in sync with hers.
The lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their warm glow spilling amber light across the stone path. Aimee’s fingertips brushed against Kiba’s as they walked, a fleeting connection that sent a quiet spark through the space between them, though their hands never quite joined. Ahead, the lodge rose into view, its arched roof blending seamlessly with the night sky, paper walls shining faintly from within.
As they reached the door, the haze she often felt around Kiba lifted as her mind shifted back to business. Kiba’s fingers hesitated along the back of her arm as he passed, the brief touch sending a shiver down her spine before he moved ahead to the table.
It’d be nice not to have to hide everything. She exhaled, then followed him to the table.
Inside, the restaurant was alive with the sounds of clinking bowls, the sharp clatter of chopsticks, and the steady hum of conversation. Their table was already scattered with dishes, some half-eaten, others stacked high with steaming food. Taiga sat in the middle, grinning as he tore into a piece of grilled meat, while Iruka and Momoka exchanged playful jabs, their chopsticks darting across the table as if it were a battlefield. Plates slid back and forth between them, each trying to claim more than their fair share.
“I’m going to have to sell my quarters.” Kiba sank into his seat with a weary shake of his head.
“What?!” Taiga blurted, his words muffled by the food stuffed in his mouth, bits of rice nearly falling out as he stared at Kiba.
“You all take advantage of your poor Squad Leader,” Kiba said, eye crinkling with mock exasperation as he plucked a piece of tempura from a shared platter. He casually dropped it into his bowl, maintaininghis usual trick of eating discreetly while somehow keeping his face hidden behind his mask, his movements smooth and practiced.
Across the table, Momoka’s eyes widened, looking genuinely hurt. “I’ll chip in, Kiba-Sensei. My healer’s stipend has just been sitting around anyway.”
“Wait, what?” Taiga spluttered, still chewing, his jaw hanging open. “You get paid to train?”
“Seems unfair.” Iruka grabbed another skewer of grilled meat and popped it into his mouth.
Momoka leaned back, taking a long sip of water before shooting a grin at Aimee. “Healing is hard work. Why is everyone so jealous around here?”
Kiba finished his bowl quickly, eyes flicking over the group as they continued their usual banter, plates banging as the lively exchange bounced around the table. He wiped his hands and then cleared his throat, the sound cutting through the chatter.
“I’m sure you’ve all heard of the Goran no Gekitotsu.” His tone changed.
All of them straightened, the lighthearted mood vanishing instantly as they turned their focus to him.
“The Clash of Chaos?” Iruka chimed in. “Has it really been four years since the last one?”
“It has!” Taiga's fist slammed onto the table. “And we’re eligible, aren’t we, Sensei? Oh, Great Elementals. We’re going to be in the Gekitotsu! The battle royal! The greatest of tournaments! A true test of Hi Haven’s strength!” His voice rose with excitement, already lost in his own imagined glory.
As Taiga continued rambling, Aimee glanced at Kiba. “What is it?”
“What is it?!” Taiga practically yelled, jaw slack. “You don’t know? How is that possible!?”
Kiba turned to her as well, curiosity flickering in his eyes. Aimee just shrugged, grabbing another piece of meat from the table. “I must’ve arrived in Hi Haven after the last one.”
“It’s not just a competition for Hi Haven. It’s a time-honored tradition, a grand display of strength and skill that draws shinobi from every Haven to test their mettle. Victory in the tournament brings not only personal glory but honor to one’s entire Haven,” he said. “It’s surprising you haven’t heard of it.”
“I guess it wasn’t a big deal where I grew up,” Aimee said casually, chewing on her food.
“And where was that? Under a rock?” Momoka poked her in the arm with a chopstick.
“It wasn’t a typical village.” Aimee rubbed her shoulder.
Iruka looked like he wanted to ask more, his mouth half-open, but Kiba cut in before he could. “Do you all want to spend the evening dissecting Aimee’s barbarian upbringing, or should we talk about whether each of you will be participating?”
“We are participating!” Taiga leaped out of his chair, fist-pumping into the air. “Hell yeah!”
Aimee mouthed a quick thank you to Kiba once all eyes had turned back to him and away from her. He gave a slight nod in response before continuing.
“I haven’t made my decision yet on whether to enroll any of you, so let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”
“What? Why?!” Taiga nearly toppled out of his chair, his arms flailing as he caught himself on the edge of the table. Momoka, unfazed, raised her hand casually.
