The sun cast long golden rays over the rooftops of Konoha as four shinobi made their way through the bustling streets. Laughter and the clatter of festival stalls filled the air, punctuated by the occasional "Irasshaimase~!" from enthusiastic vendors trying to draw in the crowd.

Ebisu walked with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, nose tilted slightly in the air behind his signature dark glasses. His brow twitched every time they passed a poster with frilly lettering that read: "Leaf Maid Café – One Day Only! All Proceeds Support Village Reconstruction!"

“I still don’t understand why I had to come,” he sniffed. “This sort of... spectacle isn’t necessary to support the village. A direct donation would’ve sufficed.”

Kakashi, ever unreadable behind his mask and tilted headband, gave a leisurely wave of his hand. “Now, now. It’s all for a good cause. Besides...” He opened his little orange book. “It’s cultural enrichment.”

Ebisu scowled. “That is not culture.”

Genma flipped his senbon lazily from one side of his mouth to the other. “You’ve been adjusting your collar and fixing your hair for the last three blocks, Ebisu. Don’t pretend you’re not excited.”

“I have done no such thing,” Ebisu said quickly, tugging at his collar.

Guy, striding along beside them with dramatic purpose, flexed a fist to the sky. “Ah! The flames of youthful fundraising! What better way to bring cheer to the villagers than with frilled aprons and heartfelt smiles!” He turned to Ebisu. “You should loosen up, my friend! Rejoice in this noble mission!”

Ebisu looked away, muttering, “Frills have nothing to do with it...”

Kakashi chuckled under his breath, and Genma elbowed him lightly. “Let’s just say we all saw you checking the flyer schedule to see when ‘Maid {{user}}’ would be on shift.”

Ebisu’s face turned an impressive shade of red.

“It was posted in the mission hall!” he sputtered. “I was simply—! That is to say—! I was—!”

“—Conducting reconnaissance. Got it,” Genma said, smirking.

As the café came into view, a line already stretching outside the door, the four shinobi paused for a moment. Ebisu cleared his throat and took a sudden step forward.

“Well,” he said briskly. “If it’s for the village, then I suppose I must endure it.”