Best Friends for Life
Shirō believed that, given Kakashi's current mental state, remaining at the Academy was the best possible choice. It was safe, structured, and—most importantly—it kept Kakashi close to the two people who mattered most to him.
Obito Uchiha and Might Guy.
To Kakashi, these two held extraordinary significance. It would not be an exaggeration to say that their mere presence helped pull him out of the shadows he had fallen into.
There was no need to say much about Obito.
His feelings toward Kakashi were painfully obvious. When Kakashi had once been gravely injured on a mission, Obito's emotions surged so violently that he awakened the Sharingan on the spot—skipping directly past the usual gradual process and manifesting two tomoe in a very short span of time.
Within the Uchiha Clan, such rapid evolution of the Sharingan was rare. Most shinobi required repeated life-and-death experiences to even reach that stage.
That alone spoke volumes about how deeply Obito cared.
For Kakashi, Obito was more than just a teammate. Obito's unwavering belief in him was what finally allowed Kakashi to understand his father's choices—not as weakness, but as conviction.
In a way, Obito had accompanied Kakashi for the longest time, even if fate would later prove cruel.
As for the other one—Might Guy—he was even more unbelievable.
To what extent?
He was the only person in the entire ninja world capable of forcibly changing Kakashi Hatake's entire "art style" at will.
Cold and aloof? Gone.
Serious and silent? Erased.
Replaced instead by loud declarations, awkward enthusiasm, and inexplicable thumbs-up poses.
All under the overwhelming influence of Emperor Might Guy.
Guy could even make Kakashi temporarily abandon his ever-present orange book.
That alone was nothing short of miraculous.
After all, when Jiraiya released a sequel, Kakashi merely swapped the old volume for the new one. But when Might Guy showed up, the book vanished entirely.
That was standing.
That was an influence.
Because of this, Shirō felt that keeping Kakashi around Obito and Guy at the Academy was the best support he could give him.
After all, Shirō was painfully aware of his own shortcomings.
He was not particularly skilled in the art of Talk-no-Jutsu.
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Shirō and Kakashi remained at the cemetery until dusk before finally returning. When they arrived at the Hatake residence, they found a basket placed neatly by the door, with a note tucked inside.
Shirō stepped forward, picked up the note, and froze slightly as he read it.
It was from his mother, Keiko.
After learning of Sakumo's death from unknown sources, she and the others had worried that Shirō and Kakashi would be in no state to cook. Eating out under such circumstances would also be inappropriate, so they had prepared several days' worth of meals instead.
They told him not to worry.
The hostility within the village hadn't subsided yet, and many civilians still harbored resentment toward the Hatake name. That was also why Shirō hadn't gone to see them first after returning.
Although Shirō had long since purchased a house from Katsuki and moved out, every time he returned from a mission, the first thing he did was report his safety to them.
Because when Shirō was away, those days were the most agonizing for them.
They worried endlessly—afraid that one day, he might never return.
So no matter how urgent a mission report was, Shirō would always go home first. Only after reassuring them would he rush off to rejoin Taiyi and the others.
This time, however, he hadn't shown his face since entering the village.
According to Shirō's intelligence, although rumors about him were already spreading, his ties to his family had not yet been exposed. If he went to see them now, it would only invite trouble.
Thus, he had sent a small familiar instead, explaining the situation and advising them not to make contact during this period.
Unfortunately, parents all over the world were the same.
Completely impossible to dissuade.
And yet—here they were, personally delivering food anyway.
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"Who sent it?" Kakashi asked.
"My mom," Shirō replied. "Come on, let's eat."
"Please thank Auntie for me later."
"Cut it out. Go yourself. What, you want me to thank her for you? Why don't you just give me your share to eat too?" Shirō rolled his eyes as he spoke.
"Tch. Stingy."
"You're so generous—why don't you go say it yourself?"
"Where did you learn that accent?" Kakashi frowned. "It sounds weird. I've never heard anyone talk like that at the Academy."
"That's because you're short-sighted."
Unfortunately, even Shirō lacked confidence in those words. They were something he had translated himself—awkward, unnatural, and only sounding normal to his own ears.
"Hmph! Once I graduate, I'll see more of the world."
"Hehehe. Reverse psychology won't work. The conditions are the same as before—unless you satisfy me, you're finishing your studies properly."
"Tch. You don't even set a standard. You clearly don't want me to graduate."
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Seven days later, Kakashi appeared at Shirō's door right on time and began knocking.
Over the past few days, Shirō had temporarily stayed at the Hatake residence to look after him. Given Kakashi's mental state, leaving him alone would have been reckless.
Better to prevent an accident than regret it later.
Shirō planned to leave soon—once more suitable arrangements were in place.
But for now, there was a more troublesome matter.
Shirō looked at Kakashi, scratched his head irritably, and said, "Since you're so eager to know, come with me. This isn't a good place to talk."
With that, he turned and headed toward his own house.
Kakashi frowned but followed.
Based on his understanding of both his father and Shirō, Kakashi could already guess the truth.
Sakumo must have said something to Shirō.
Otherwise, Shirō wouldn't be acting like this.
They moved quickly through the village. Although seven days had passed, the rumors had yet to fully die down.
The stares were still there.
Shirō was used to them—years of training alongside Might Guy had already tempered his nerves.
Kakashi, however, was different. He was still young, and his heart had not yet grown hard enough.
Noticing this, Shirō unconsciously quickened his pace.
Once they entered the Uzumaki Clan's territory, the atmosphere eased considerably. Rumor-spreading was strictly punished here, and the residents treated Kakashi normally.
Without delay, Shirō led him inside, straight to the study.
"Sit." Shirō activated the barrier, sealing the room.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "Now will you tell me?"
Shirō smiled faintly. "You want to know why Sensei committed suicide, right?"
"…Yes. Father really was because—"
"And then?" Shirō interrupted calmly.
Kakashi froze. "What do you mean?"
"After you know the reason," Shirō asked quietly, "then what? What will you do? What can you do right now?"
Kakashi fell silent.
"You can't do anything yet," Shirō continued. "So I won't tell you. When you become strong enough, you'll understand everything on your own. Anything I say now would be meaningless."
"Hiss… Exhale…" After taking a deep breath, Kakashi asked, "Then what should I do?"
"It's simple," Shirō replied. "Go to the Academy. Graduate properly. Get stronger."
"When you do, the answers will come to you naturally."
"…Another empty promise?" Kakashi said quietly. "Didn't you say you'd tell me everything?"
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