Sasuke had to admit he somewhat missed Naruto these past few days. It's only been two weeks since he saw him last, as Naruto had picked up more missions after becoming Chuunin.

On the plus side, he grew more accustomed to Karin's presence - he didn't like her entirely because she always had to make a verbal jab at him whenever she got a chance. Still, she was a perfect sparring partner and gave constructive criticism on his taijutsu and martial arts.

On the other hand, Sakura was more annoying than usual, she constantly tried to ask him for tips on fire ninjutsu if they were ever alone, but she was so unfocused when he did humour her that the whole point was moot.

Sasuke observed that without Naruto - it took practically three times as long for D Ranks to complete. Naruto usually used his clones to help with the workload, so without them around - Team 7 was stuck doing everything on their own.

Sasuke was on the couch, sharpening his kunai, with Kakashi sitting across from him. "Is Naruto coming back to training sessions anytime soon?"

"Not sure. Naruto had some C Ranks since we saw him last, so he's not in the village much, but I hear he is coming back tomorrow."

Sasuke tried to remain nonchalant upon hearing the good news, but Kakashi could tell his ward was glad to listen to this.

"Isn't tomorrow Karin's birthday too, though?"

If Kakashi was surprised that Sasuke knew that, he didn't show it. "It is."

"But didn't Anuea say she had big stuff planned?"

"Yes, and she got help. She's enlisted Ino and Hinata to assist, but she's not ready to take them into her home to help with the cooking."

"I could do it."

Kakashi's lips twitched. That eagerness in Sasuke to help Rina was adorable. Kakashi tilted his head and noted the apparent shyness in the boy's expression, but the sincerity in his offer was evident in his voice. "I'll let her know, Sasuke."


Jiraiya eyed Sasuke suspiciously as they cooked. Sasuke tried to ignore it, but he felt the Saanin's eyes boring into his back.

Kakashi knew his student's situation but minded his own business as he cut into vegetables. Kakashi didn't tell Sasuke that Jiraiya was the main cook for the dinner because he wanted to see if Sasuke could keep himself in check with the hostile Saanin.

It was natural that Jiraiya would be paranoid around him. Kakashi learned from Tsunade that Jiraiya was incredibly grief-stricken when Tsunade told him to prepare for the worst after Kakashi brought Naruto to the hospital from the fight with Sasuke at the Valley of the End.

Sasuke tried to ignore Jiraiya's blatant staring, but damn, it was hard.

"Tadaima!"

Ah, Sasuke knew that loud, cheery voice anywhere.

"Okaeri Naruto!" Jiraiya chuckled as Naruto came speeding into the kitchen and caught him in a one-armed hug.

"How was the C rank this time, kiddo?"

"Great! I like Genma-sempai! He's smart like Shika!"

"He's a good ninja. Now, head on over to the shower, kid. You reek!" joked the older man as he playfully held his nose away from the blonde.

"Do not! Besides, I can wash my hands and help you with the supper! We got a lot to cook today!"

Jiraiya jerked his thumb over to Kakashi and Sasuke, who stood awkwardly at the side with their aprons and kitchen utensils still in hand.

"Oh!"

The blonde flashes them with a grin, as usual. Sasuke followed the interaction; he knew Naruto had changed a lot as of late, but something about his presence reminded the Uchiha of sunshine. Naruto was always loud and cheerful, annoyingly so. Still, these days, it's like he lights up the room immediately with his voice and demeanour without being animated like Sasuke was used to. Sasuke wondered if the older Saanin had any influence in mellowing out the blonde.

Kakashi explained that Sasuke volunteered his help to Rina since Naruto was out of town. Naruto turned quickly to look at Sasuke, who just nodded to confirm. "That's nice of you, Sasuke! In that case, I'll head to the shower then!"

Jiraiya smirked, pushing the blonde lightly on the shoulder towards the door. "Hurry, you're better company than the sourpusses over there.'

Sasuke scowled, but Jiraiya paid no heed. Kakashi smiled under his mask as Naruto laughed as he left, running up the stairs to his room.

The Uzumaki estate was a fun house.


Sasuke burps after finishing his third plate. He flushes at everyone's looks at him. Naruto just grinned at him like he always does while Karin and Jiraiya looked at him, eyebrows raised. Rina and Kakashi, on the other hand, just smiled reassuringly at him.

Sasuke stands up from the table and starts picking up the finished dishes. Kakashi follows suit, knowing that Sasuke wants to start cleaning up first.

Once the two left the room, Rina smiled as she noticed they carefully avoided stepping on the origami flower decorations on the floor as they headed to the kitchen.

"How long have you been planning this Onee sama?"

"A while, sweetheart", answered the older kunoichi.

"You didn't have to." Karin was a little displeased that she had no idea that her guardian had planned so much for her birthday without giving it away.

"I wanted to." Rina leaned forward and kissed Karin's head, who smiled at the affection, her previous thoughts forgotten.

Naruto beamed, seeing Karin so happy. He pulled a gift bag under his chair and held it to her. "Happy Birthday!"

Karin blushed at Naruto's wide and proud grin but accepted the bag in his outstretched hands. "I made it myself!"

Karin carefully moved the gift tissue paper into the bag and marvelled at what was inside. Slowly, she took the item out and felt it with her bare hands.

"Oh, my-you made this yourself?!" Even Rina was surprised. She knew Naruto could do simple sewing, but a well-made crochet sweater of varying colours was something else entirely.

Karin carefully studied the horizontal pattern of watermelon pink and cream beige. Karin measured the length mentally. It was 3/4 long so that she could wear it as a dress.

"I hope it's not too girly for you, but Ino insisted on this colour pattern."

Jiraiya snapped his fingers, "Aha! So the Yamanaka girl helped you make this beautiful thing!"

"No! I did it all by myself!"

"Oh really! Then make me a red scarf too, then brat!"

"Fine! I will!"

Rina laughed as Jiraiya wrapped his arm around the boy's neck in a headlock and used his free hand to ruffle his hair merrily despite Naruto's whining.

"Ah, this was a great birthday."