The three of them turned their heads to look back in unison.
They saw a slender beauty with vibrant red eyes and slightly curly long hair, leaning one hand on the backrest of the sofa behind Sōusuke, smiling as she looked at them.
It was Kurenai Yuhi, and she was alone.
Even the unsociable Kakashi knew very well that when a female acquaintance walks into a lively restaurant alone and asks them, 'You're here too?', the unspoken request for them to share a table that will follow is already so overwhelming that it's impossible to refuse.
Sure enough.
When Kakashi's gaze fell on Sōusuke opposite him, he saw that Sōusuke, who had been slightly tipsy just a moment ago, stiffened by half a point, and even his smile seemed a little unnatural.
It was as if he had sobered up instantly.
Seeing him like this, even Kakashi, who had been feeling a bit heavy-hearted a second ago, couldn't help but curl the corners of his mouth, looking as if he was enjoying a good show.
Who said Ninja don't like gossip?
Unfortunately, the stiffness on Sōusuke's face lasted for less than a second before he smiled as usual and said:
"Drinking again, Yuhi?"
"Want to join our table? We still have two plates of meat that haven't arrived yet."
As he spoke, he casually introduced Itachi next to him: "This is Kurenai Yuhi, from a famous Genjutsu family in the Village."
"Then I won't be polite."
Kurenai Yuhi first gave him a confident smile, then her gaze fell on the only stranger at the table, a young man: "And this is?"
"I am Uchiha Itachi, please take care of me, senior."
Compared to when they first met, Uchiha Itachi was noticeably more accustomed to the situation, and his reactions to strangers were no longer as slow as before.
"Oh! The genius of the Uchiha Clan?"
"He's still so young."
"Truly remarkable."
As she spoke, her gaze roamed over the seats for a moment. Kakashi subtly moved his seat, making way for the spot directly facing Sōusuke.
Kurenai Yuhi smiled at him, then naturally sat down and waved to the waiter:
"Two more bottles of shochu, and one bottle of vodka."
"Yuhi, you..."
Sōusuke looked at her helplessly.
Although this woman usually appeared composed like a Yamato Nadeshiko, her drinking capacity was famously high among their friends.
However, despite saying so verbally, he continued to tell the waiter:
"And wasabi octopus."
"Yes—"
The general's response came from afar at the counter.
"You understand quite well, Sōusuke."
Kurenai Yuhi's gaze lingered on his face, her tone naturally teasing.
"She doesn't like sweets, only good wine and appetizers," Sōusuke said, pointing to Kakashi beside him, "It's not just me; even Might Guy and Kakashi remember it."
Kakashi's face immediately darkened.
It's one thing to mention himself at this moment, but to be grouped with Might Guy?
Sōusuke, you scoundrel!
"Just drowning my sorrows in alcohol."
"Speaking of which, Kakashi actually took off his mask; that's quite rare."
"Isn't that great!"
Kurenai Yuhi exclaimed in surprise, patting his arm.
"Masks get greasy easily," Kakashi said, naturally steering the conversation back on track: "I haven't seen much of you lately, Yuhi. Is there some trouble? Sōusuke is here too, coincidentally."
Sōusuke shot him a feigned angry glance.
However, Kurenai Yuhi didn't notice their eye contact. Hearing this topic, she immediately put a hand to her forehead, distressed: "It's still about that child from the Kurama Clan."
"Originally, the Kurama Clan head thought his daughter had a Kekkei Genkai illness, but after a hospital check-up showed no problems, they considered the possibility of Genjutsu, which is how they found me."
"I've been checking for the past few days, and there have indeed been violent fluctuations in her spiritual energy, but no Genjutsu reactions."
"I've been poring over various ancient texts at home recently, but I still haven't found anything. I really don't know what to do."
"The Kurama Clan?"
Noticing this topic, Sōusuke subconsciously looked up and asked, "If I remember correctly, isn't that the legendary Kekkei Genkai family said to be able to deprive the five senses and turn illusions into reality?"
"Yes, that's them," Kurenai Yuhi said, then suddenly looked up at him as if remembering something, "Speaking of which, Sōusuke, you also have deep attainments in Yin Release, right? Is your research related to this area?"
"It's not closely related, actually."
"Recent research has primarily been in the area of soul materialization, and we've had more cooperation with the Katō Clan."
Sōusuke said, pondering for a moment, "However, it's not impossible to consider taking a look."
"That would be wonderful."
Kurenai Yuhi clearly let out a sigh of relief: "The child's psychological condition feels like it's reaching a critical point."
Just as they were speaking, their ordered drinks and dishes arrived.
Kurenai Yuhi took the shochu and naturally went to pour it for Sōusuke.
However, before the bottle touched the rim of the glass, the glass was covered by a large hand.
Looking up, Sōusuke still wore his usual gentle and warm smile; even now, it was as approachable as ever.
However, he said: "There's still a bit here. Fill Kakashi's glass first."
He raised his glass in Indication, and indeed, about half a mouth's worth was still floating at the bottom.