Although Asuma wasn't a true professional, his past studies in cinematography let him easily pick out the flaws in Hinata's photos—which made her frown slightly.
She wasn't thrilled, but Asuma had a point. She'd never formally studied photography.
The fact that she could take photos at all in this underdeveloped version of the ninja world, where even a decent point-and-shoot camera hadn't been invented, was already an achievement.
"You might have a point. So, any suggestions?"
She asked idly, but part of her was genuinely puzzled. Weren't these three jōnin here to spy on her project? Their tone, though, sounded more like they wanted to cooperate.
"Well, judging by your shots, this looks like a pretty long-term project. So how about this—we provide you with a professional cameraman and handle all your photo development. Of course, the pay is negotiable."
Asuma softened his tone deliberately. He was genuinely enjoying this mission—peaceful work suited him far more than dangerous assignments.
"You sound like you think I'm rich."
Hinata tilted her head, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Could it be… you know who I am?"
"Uh, well, from your eyes, I'd guess the Hyūga clan, right? That's a big-name family here in Konoha. And given you're clearly producing serialized content… if you hire us, we can give you a discount."
Asuma felt a pang of anxiety. He realized he'd underestimated this white-eyed girl.
His cover story was solid on the surface—but it ignored one crucial detail: why would a mere eleven-year-old girl have the money to hire professional photographers and developers?
In a snap decision, Asuma tried to pivot. "Ah! We just opened shop and are hoping for some good business. But if I'm being pushy, forget I said anything."
"Heh~"
Hinata let out a soft chuckle and stood, casually brushing her hair back behind one ear. "Fine. I'll come back tomorrow morning for the prints. If the quality's good, I'll consider working with you."
As she pushed open the door and exited, all three elite jōnin inside the shop let out a collective sigh.
"Whew… that girl's a tough one. I've got a feeling we blew our cover."
Scratching his beard, Asuma turned to Kakashi. "What do you think? If we're gonna blend into her little troupe, you'll have to learn how to shoot."
"Not a problem," Kakashi replied. "But we should make backup copies of these photos. The Hokage specifically asked for one."
He gazed into the developing tank with a smile before glancing at Kurenai. "By the way, Kurenai, you've been awfully quiet."
"Hm? Oh—nothing. I was just looking at the photos," Kurenai said with an unusual hint of embarrassment. Her cheeks flushed faintly as she added, "They really do tell a story, don't they…?"
"Huh? Story?" Asuma blinked. "I figured it was just scenery or something."
Though he was the one developing them, he hadn't taken a good look. Now curious, he leaned in—but Kakashi coughed and turned serious.
"Asuma, Kurenai. Just so you know, this is a delicate matter. The story those kids are filming might contain…sensitive material. That's why the Hokage wants it monitored. So, I'm warning you—no leaks."
"…Got it," Asuma nodded. As a jōnin, he understood the importance of classified information and backed off from inspecting the prints further.
"That said…" Kakashi added with a sly grin, "I do recommend you look at them carefully. It might help you understand the mission better."
And with a swirl of leaves, he vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.
"…So can we look or not?" Asuma muttered. "He's so damn cryptic."
"I think it's fine," Kurenai said, eyes still locked on the photos. "Shame there's no written script…"
Her intense focus caught Asuma off guard. He didn't know what she was seeing—but he understood what he needed to do.
"Don't worry, Kurenai! I'll get you a copy of the full version with dialogue!"
With a manly slap to his chest, Asuma made a bold promise. As her admirer, how could he not fulfill her wish?
"Then I'll count on you~ Asuma."
Smiling bashfully, Kurenai gave him a look that made Asuma feel like he could fight a hundred ANBU. Then she added coyly, "Once you get it… come by my apartment. I've got a few nice bottles saved."
"You got it! I'll have it by tomorrow!"
Meanwhile, atop a nearby rooftop, Kakashi chuckled softly to himself. "Looks like I'll be attending their wedding with that little drama troupe as guests of honor… Well, back to my post."
Hinata, of course, had no idea her film had already become the best unintentional matchmaking tool. She simply found it amusing that it took three highly ranked ninja from the original series to monitor her little operation. And judging by their behavior, they planned to stick around for a while.
Sarutobi Asuma, Yūhi Kurenai, Hatake Kakashi—experts in taijutsu, genjutsu, and ninjutsu. If she could just pry a little knowledge from each of them, her power would leap forward by leaps and bounds.
Sure, if she wanted to specialize in taijutsu, the logical mentor was Might Guy. But… honestly, she couldn't bring herself to handle the trauma of his haircut, those eyebrow clubs, or that toothpaste-commercial smile—and don't even get her started on the green jumpsuit.
No. For the sake of her sanity (and her white eyes), better to stick with Asuma.
Besides, his Chakra Blade style matched the vibe of her made-up Nanto Seiken techniques perfectly.
Grinning mischievously, Hinata mused aloud.
"Heh… A golden opportunity? If so…"
"This must be fate's reward for all my hard work!"
—
Once upon a time, he had a warm home.
A strict father who still felt pride in him.
A gentle mother who always woke him with a smile.
And that distant, brilliant older brother who once carried him home in the rain.
But when did it all vanish?
When had that "home" become just a house filled with silence?
Sasuke had woken up.
But he didn't want to open his eyes.
Because all he'd see would be that familiar, cold ceiling.
Better to stay in the dream a little longer.
But then… a warm puff of breath hit his ear—like someone had just exhaled next to him.
?!
His eyes snapped open—and immediately, he saw another face just inches from his own.
"GYAAAAHHHH!!!"
The blood-curdling scream echoed through the Uchiha estate, scattering nearby birds. Kakashi, dozing up on a tree branch, blinked wearily.
"Huh? What now?"
Sasuke was horrified.
No, genuinely horrified.
Because the one yawning and rubbing his eyes next to him…
Was that damn blond-haired idiot.
From the futons on the floor, it was clear—they had slept in the same bed. Wearing only their boxers.
…This was going to be a very long morning.