Sukiyaki (Untouchable Memories)

Shanan had initially planned to accompany Naruto and Sasuke to their team assignments, but Team Guy's sudden mission deployment changed everything. The mission ended up being their longest, lasting five and a half days. Exhausted, Shanan spent days recuperating at home, catching up on sleep, and nursing a sprained wrist sustained during the mission.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke trained intensively with their new Sensei, leaving little time for socializing. They had to schedule a meeting just to share their experiences with Shanan. 

Finally, after a few days, Shanan felt rejuvenated, and the boys had some downtime. As they shared dinner, Shanan's curiosity got the better of her. "Tell me everything!" she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling excitedly. Her gaze darted between Naruto and Sasuke, eager to hear about their adventures. "I'm excited you're on the same team! Who's your third teammate?"

Naruto's face turned bright red as he began, "Sakura... and I almost convinced her to go on a date with me!" His grin was infectious, but his eyes betrayed a hint of nervousness.

Sasuke snorted, rolling his eyes in exasperation. "Only because he pretended to be me," he said.

Naruto's face turned a deep crimson as he leaped from his seat, his eyes flashing with defensiveness. "You said you wouldn't tell, Sasuke!" he protested. "I was already humiliated enough getting diarrhea during the date." His eyes dropped, embarrassment written across his face.

Sasuke sprang up, matching Naruto's intensity. "You should be grateful I defended you, Naruto! That date was a disaster. Sakura's annoying. You deserve better than someone who'd laugh at you behind your back. Be glad I ended it before things got any worse."

Shanan's lips curved upward, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she gazed at the boys. A softness settled into her features, her expression a gentle blend of nostalgia and affection, reminding her of simpler times.

"I know exactly who you should like, Naruto..." she murmured, her words lost amidst their argument.

"You did me a favor by sabotaging your own chances with her!" he exclaimed, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. "She'll fall head over heels for me in no time!" He burst into laughter.

Sasuke's expression remained unimpressed, his eyes rolling heavenward. He sank back into his seat, his gaze drifting toward Shanan. Their eyes met briefly, a flicker of understanding passing between them. Then, he looked away, muttering under his breath, "Ugh, you can have her."

"Okay, guys, let's not fight. Naruto, maybe try being yourself instead of pretending to be someone else. You're already perfect in every way."

Naruto's face turned bright red as he sat back down, his grin still plastered on his face. "You're right... I just know she'll fall for me eventually, either way." His voice was laced with a dreamy confidence that made Shanan chuckle nervously. She secretly hoped he'd notice Hinata someday and that his affections would shift in a more deserving direction.

She swiftly changed the subject. "Sounds good! So, tell me about your Sensei!" she said.

Naruto launched into his story. "He's not bad, but he tried to trick us! He told us to skip breakfast and then only brought two lunches." He chuckled, shaking his head. "Can you believe it? He told Sasuke and Sakura not to share with me, or they'd fail and we'd all have to return to the Ninja Academy!" Amusement danced in Naruto's eyes as he continued. "But it was all a setup, a test to see if they'd choose their teammate over the rules. And, of course, they passed with flying colors!"

"That's mostly true," Sasuke added. "But there's more to it. He's very laid-back and secretive about himself, but seems incredibly strong. We're lucky to have him as our Sensei." His eyes narrowed slightly as he recalled the test. "He even let us use shuriken to attack him, but he was too fast – I've never seen anything like it, Shanan. His speed and agility are on a whole different level. It's like he's always one step ahead."

As they spoke, Shanan's fascination grew, captivated by the hints of mystery surrounding their Sensei. His unconventional methods and impressive skills painted a picture of a complex, intriguing individual. Her interest deepened, sensing there was more to this enigmatic figure than met the eye. 

Her eyes widened in awe. "That sounds intense! And he encourages you guys to choose your teammates over the rules?" She smiled. "He sounds like a good guy and I'm glad you both passed his test. Though, I'm not surprised. So who is this guy, he sounds kinda awesome!" she said.

"Kakashi Hatake," Sasuke said,

Shanan's gaze snapped towards him, her eyes locking onto his with an intensity that bordered on urgency. "Kakashi?" she whispered. A sudden flutter in her chest caught her off guard, and she swallowed hard, her heart skipping a beat. The name seemed to echo through her, stirring a deep-seated familiarity she couldn't quite place. Her brow furrowed, creasing with a mix of curiosity and trepidation.

Sasuke's eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "Do you know him?" he asked.

Shanan blinked slowly as if clearing a sudden haze. Collecting her thoughts, she shook her head, "No, I must have just experienced some déjà vu. That was weird." 

She had definitely never heard of anyone named Kakashi. Yet, the name lingered in her subconscious, stirring a faint sense of familiarity. It was as if a door had creaked open somewhere in her memory, only to slam shut again.