A Multiverse Tale: Hope in Another World!

"Five hundred thirty-one, five hundred thirty-two…" 

When Takuma Kirie returned to his usual training spot, Might Guy was still at it, the hot-blooded lunatic grinding away. On the flip side, Hatake Kakashi was just as relentless, drilling his family's signature kenjutsu. 

Kirie couldn't piece together what'd gone down, but the fist-shaped bruise on Kakashi's face and the scrapes on Guy's body hinted that these destined bros had squared off in a spar. 

No rush to join the sweat-fest today, Kirie plopped down by the riverbank, chatting idly with the pair. 

Turns out, Kakashi felt guilty about his earlier attitude. After some fatherly advice, he'd tracked down Might Guy to apologize. Guy, true to form, challenged him—and lost, though it was close. 

"Such a shame," Kirie mused. "But once you master that no-seal Rasengan, Guy, you'll definitely take Kakashi down!" 

"Exactly! Once I've got it, I'll beat you for sure, Kakashi~~!" Might Guy's fire reignited. Mid-tree-punch, he hoisted a boulder onto his back and started frog-jumping, vanishing over three hundred meters in a flash. 

"OHHH! Youth burns anew!" 

His distant rallying cry made Hatake Kakashi pinch his brow in exasperation. If he'd known this guy would latch onto him, he'd have stayed home, dead or alive! 

Still… 

"No-seal ninjutsu—is that real?" 

Kakashi's curiosity got the better of him, his eyes flicking to Kirie. If it was legit, a technique skipping hand signs could be a game-changer. 

"Just wondering. No big deal if you don't wanna say," he added quickly, catching himself. Prying into someone's jutsu was a ninja faux pas. 

"What's with that tone? You think I'd sell you a raw deal… cough… or screw over my bro Guy?" 

With a grin, Kirie spun up a Rasengan for Kakashi to see. 

The usually stone-faced kid's jaw dropped, and Kirie knew—he'd hooked his perfect toolman. 

"Well? Pretty slick, right? Wanna learn?" 

Hatake Kakashi's gaze locked onto the pale blue orb, nodding instinctively at Kirie's words. Then, snapping out of it, he shot a wary look. 

"But I don't have any ninjutsu to trade." 

"No sweat," Kirie shrugged. "Just promise Guy a challenge someday. Oh, and if this sparks any chakra-nature ideas—like a new jutsu—share it with me. Deal?" 

"That's it?" 

Kakashi couldn't shake the feeling something was off, but it seemed fair enough. 

"Yup, that's it. I'll teach you now—can't lose on that, right?" 

"Deal! On the Hatake name, if I invent anything from this, I'll teach you too!" 

Kakashi's vow cracked Kirie up inside. Chidori and Raikiri—rounded up, another billion in the bank! 

"Let's get started. Here's the Rasengan's three stages…" 

--- 

Twilight Hour.

As the sun dipped west, dusk melted into the mountain horizon. 

Life in Konoha hummed along, calm and steady. Night crept in, and the streets lit up with lanterns snaking through like a glowing dragon. The once-quiet paths buzzed with noise. 

Aromas from every home wafted far and wide, the lively vibe a treat Kirie savored.

Flanking him, though, his two girl companions couldn't have been more different. 

Mitarashi Anko, hearing "Orochimaru-sensei will handle it," let her worries drop with blind trust. 

Yuhi Kurenai, though, knew better. The fallout from Kirie's exam stunt was bigger—and scarier—than anyone imagined.

Her father's stern grilling loomed ahead, draining her enthusiasm for their stroll. 

"Don't worry…" Kirie leaned close to Kurenai's ear, voice low. "I showed off this much because I'm ready for it."

"I get it—you don't buy that yet. Wait a couple days. When Konoha's buzzing, check the hidden compartment in my desk drawer. Two letters there'll clear it up." 

Her ruby eyes searched his, probing for truth. 

Kirie didn't waver—gentle and steady, just like their first meeting. 

"Okay, got it." 

Kurenai eased back to normal. Oblivious, Mitarashi Anko grabbed Kirie's hand, hopping toward a BBQ joint. 

Inside, the clatter of plates and chatter filled the air, the rich scent of grilled meat making all three swallow hard. 

Settling in, Mitarashi Anko's pretty face lit up with a foodie's grin as the dishes hit the table. 

Nibbling a fresh dango, she squinted in bliss and nodded. "Mmm… these tricolor dango are so good!" 

Watching the slightly clumsy duo—Anko and Kurenai—dig in harmoniously, Kirie sighed inwardly at the parting ahead. He busied himself, passing dishes their way. 

"Try this—the little octopus is killer."

Handing a piece to Anko, she fumbled the catch. Instead, she leaned forward, letting him feed her. Her gentle bite and delighted look—pure squirrel energy—burst out: "Mmm… so tasty!" 

Feeling Kurenai's stare, Kirie swung his other hand, offering her a bite. "Kurenai, you too…" 

Her cheeks flushed, hesitating. "I… uh…" 

Getting fed in front of Anko? Too embarrassing. 

"Hurry up, or it's Anko's." 

Kurenai glanced at Kirie's smirk, then at Anko's eager eyes. Panicking, she parted her lips, teeth grazing the food as she ate slowly. 

"Mmm…" No mirror needed—she knew her face was scarlet. Head down, she mumbled, "It's… really good." 

One bite led to more. With Kirie's feeding and the killer food, the lolis chowed down happily. 

Night, sake, grub, a buzzing tavern… 

The smoky bustle of the market, warm breeze through the window, and the boy's soft whispers—Kurenai's eyes softened, drunk on the moment, wishing time would freeze. 

Then, a sudden, unfamiliar touch on her lips jolted her awake. 

Looking again, Anko was face-deep in BBQ, while he flashed her a smug, wicked grin.