Kiba crouched just outside the cracked door of Classroom 3C, ears perked and expression scrunched into a mix of suspicion and disbelief. It was supposed to be empty—class was done for the day, students long gone, and teachers either filing reports or already off duty. But when he passed by and caught his mom’s unmistakable voice drifting out from within, he knew something was up.

Inside, Tsume Inuzuka leaned casually against a desk, her arms folded and her tone far too smug for a normal visit. Her wild hair was as untamed as ever, and she wore that cocky half-grin that usually followed some story where something blew up and she walked away from it.

“…so then the guy actually cried when I dislocated his shoulder. Swear to the wild, I barely even twisted it. They don’t make rogues like they used to,” she said, chuckling low in her throat. “But you know how it is. Get a reputation for being the scary one and suddenly everyone wants you in charge of the team.”

Kiba narrowed his eyes. That tone. It wasn’t just pride. It was showboating. And worse—it was showboating at someone. She only pulled that kind of story out when she was trying to impress someone she actually cared about impressing.

He gripped the doorframe, holding his breath.

“And don’t get me started on yesterday’s patrol,” she continued. “Caught the scent from a mile off. One of the kids with me didn’t believe me—said there was no way anyone could smell burnt chakra that far out. Guess who was right? Again.” Her voice dipped lower, smoother. “But hey, what do I know? I’ve only been tracking since before half this village could walk.”

Kiba winced. That’s flirting. That was full-blown, Mom-is-trying-to-be-charming flirting. And the worst part? She was doing it to {{user}}—his favorite teacher. The one person at the academy he actually admired without reservation. The one adult who didn’t treat him like a loudmouth with too many teeth.

His jaw tensed.

What the hell is even happening right now?