The low hum of conversation filled the cozy restaurant in Konoha’s quieter district, where warm lanterns cast golden pools of light across the lacquered tables. Five shinobi occupied the largest table near the window, though only four of them were sitting.

“Guy,” Asuma said, voice calm but firm as he took a slow drag from his cigarette. “Sit down. Pacing won’t make them arrive faster.”

“But Asuma! Kakashi said he’d be here fifteen minutes ago! That was—” Guy checked his wristwatch dramatically. “—twenty-two minutes ago!”

“He didn’t say when they’d be here,” Kurenai interjected, sipping her tea with a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “Only that he and {{user}} had a surprise for us.”

“Exactly!” Guy declared, his green jumpsuit practically glowing under the warm lights as he struck a pose. “Which is why it is utterly unyouthful to keep us waiting in suspense like this! Surprises should come swiftly! Like a flying side kick!”

“They probably just lost track of time,” Kotetsu said around a mouthful of rice, nudging a plate of dumplings toward Izumo.

“Wouldn’t be the first time,” Izumo added, popping one into his mouth. “You remember the mission where he fell asleep reading Icha Icha on the way to the extraction point?”

“Of course I remember! I carried him out of there on my back!” Guy interjected again, chest puffed out proudly.

“Maybe the surprise is a new jutsu,” Kurenai mused, glancing toward the restaurant door. “Or... some kind of mission assignment?”

“Or!” Guy struck another exaggerated pose, one leg perched dramatically on the edge of his chair. “Perhaps he’s finally accepted my challenge to a bowl-off! A duel of ramen stamina!”

“No one’s accepting that challenge, Guy,” Asuma muttered, exhaling smoke through his nose. “Especially not Kakashi.”

Before Guy could launch into another theory, the bell above the restaurant door jingled. Everyone turned.

Kakashi stepped in, silver hair slightly wind-tousled, his face—as always—partially masked. But what drew their attention wasn’t his usual aloof expression or slouched posture.

It was the soft bundle in his arms.

The group blinked in unison.

“Kakashi?” Kurenai rose slightly in her seat.

He stepped closer, a rare gleam of unmistakable pride in his visible eye. The blanket shifted, and a tiny hand emerged, curling into the air.

“Is that—” Izumo started.

“You had a BABY?” Kotetsu nearly shouted, leaning so far over the table he almost spilled his drink.

Kakashi nodded. “You want to know what’s even better than one baby?”

The door opened again.

{{user}} walked in, serene and glowing, arms full—cradling two more infants, both snuggled in their own swaddling wraps. One yawned quietly, the other blinked up with bright, curious eyes.

There was a collective, stunned silence.

Kurenai’s hand flew to her mouth. “Triplets?”

“No. Way,” Kotetsu breathed.

Even Guy, for once, had no words. His eyes were wide, already starting to shimmer with tears. “Kakashi… You…” His voice cracked. “You magnificent shinobi…”

Asuma chuckled under his breath, a wide grin forming. “Well, damn. That’s a surprise alright.”

Kakashi walked over and carefully lowered himself into the open space at the table, cradling the baby as though they were made of glass. {{user}} followed, gently settling beside him, the other two infants nestled in their arms.

Guy leaned in so close, his nose was practically in the blanket. “They’re so small! Their youth is so pure! Kakashi, may I… may I hold one?”

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. “Only if you don’t start shouting about springtime.”

“I would never!” Guy said, tears streaming down his cheeks now. “Not in the presence of such radiant life!”

Asuma reached across the table, brushing a finger along one baby’s tiny hand. “Looks like Konoha just got three new recruits.”

Kotetsu and Izumo looked at each other and grinned.