kakashifan9
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Originally posted on fanficition.net.
Full Author's Note on original link:
Kakashi?s P.O.V
Everything was so dark. I could hear myself crying. Someone was holding me at the time, but their body soon grew cold to mine. I suppose instinct took over and I cried out even if no one could hear me. I heard someone shouting out words I couldn?t exactly understand which only added on to my panic. I felt engulfed with fear and knew my small fragile body was shivering from it.
I don?t know how long I laid in someone?s cold arms crying. One person lifted me up, but their grip made me scream out. I didn?t know what was going on so I continued to cry. Running footsteps could be heard and a door was thrust open from what it sounded like.
?No...? was a small whisper I heard. I didn?t exactly know what the word meant, but it seemed it contained an angst feeling. The footsteps came closer. My crying slowly became a soft whimpering. The unknown presence I felt gently lifted me into their arms. My body continued to shiver. What was this... ?thing? going to do to me?
?It?s alright...? There was a short pause. ?...Kakashi.? I felt my trembling calm. Somehow, the words seemed kinder and even more gentle then the other voices were. I pushed myself to open my eyes. I was only able to achieve a quick glance. Someone with a headband and silver hair smiled lovingly at me. Looking into his brown eyes, something was hinted. Something aside the caring expression, I could see the grief hidden inside as if he had gained something precious in exchange for something very important.
I didn?t know what to do. My eyes closed as I weakly lifted up my arm and placed it on what I thought was the man?s chest; my own way of communicating if he was alright. I felt his body shift as if in surprise to my action. Cracking open my eyes a little again, I saw a sad grin gazing down on me. He pulled me closer to his body. The warmth felt nice pressing against me. I cuddled into his arms trying to get deeper into his grasp and nuzzled the green vest he was wearing.
?Sakumo-san, I guess you?re a father now.? I felt my body loosen and tire. Crying sure could wear you out, but I wanted to hear what was going on even if I had no idea what they were saying.
?Yeah... But Kakashi only has a father now...? The man held me tighter in his hug. The word ?Ka-ka-shi" was used twice. Was that what I was called? A... ?Ka-ka-shi?? Then what was this thing called holding me right now? My body was giving away, but curiosity flooded my mind.
I weakly tugged at his vest to get his attention. ?Ah...? I really didn?t know how to ask and hoped that was all it took for an answer. The man quietly chuckled to himself. I didn?t know what was so funny, but I giggled softly as well. I liked who ever this was. Something told me he?d keep my safe and never let me go.
?Hey Kakashi. Daddy?s right here.? Was that what he was called then? ?Dad-ee?? I smiled, satisfied. I closed my eyes and laid my head on his chest. I felt something drop on my face. It felt rather wet. Something ruffled the patch of hair on my head. I sighed and felt my body slowly drift off to sleep.
?Daddy?s right here...?
--
Regular P.O.V
--
The nine month old baby smiled up at his father who was sitting next to him. Kakashi built a small tower with blocks as Sakumo watched the boy. The child stopped his work and gazed at the White Fang. He glanced at the almost complete tower. Picking up a block, he held it up to his father. Sakumo raised an eyebrow at the gesture.
?You want me to finish it?? Sakumo asked with a smile. Kakashi wasn?t sure if he understood the question fully and tilted his head to the side. He gestured the block to his dad again. The White Fang cautiously took the cube and placed it on the tower. Kakashi smiled happily at the new building. They had made it together, father and son. He never felt more content.
Sakumo chuckled at the boy. Such simple things brought so much happiness to the child. He watched Kakashi pick up a silver wolf stuffed animal and give it a soft hug.
?You want to play with Hunter?? The White Fang grinned as the kid blushed and slowly handed out the toy as if to share it with the man. Sakumo laughed at his reluctance. He then swiftly lifted up Kakashi who quickly embraced the toy as if it would run away. The child tensed which contributed to the White Fang?s laughter.
?Loosen up, Kakashi. I?m not going to drop you... most likely.? Sakumo felt his son throw one of his arms around his neck to secure himself. The other arm held the stuffed animal tightly to make sure it wouldn?t fall.
?Calm down. Your dad isn?t going to let you fall.? Sakumo chuckled and slowly began to walk up the stairs leading to the second floor of their house where Kakashi?s room was located.
Placing the fragile kid onto the bed, he tucked him in. Kakashi?s eyes suddenly grew wide as he glanced from side to side. He looked at his empty hands. His stuffed animal was gone!
?Looking for his?? Sakumo teased the child as he lifted up the toy, taunting the boy. Kakashi reached out and grabbed ?Hunter?. He hugged it and smiled knowing that it was safe. Sakumo ruffled Kakashi?s identical silver hair and grinned at the adorable child.
?I wish your mother was able to be here and hold you longer,? Sakumo whispered. A small frown ran across Kakashi?s face. He hated it when his father looked sad. He felt like it was his fault something was bothering the man.
Kakashi released the stuffed animal and pushed himself up. Sakumo?s eyes slightly widened at the boy. ?Hey, Kakashi. It?s time for bed. I?ll play with you again tomorrow, okay? You need your rest-...?
The White Fang stopped his sentence as his son threw his arms around him. Kakashi cuddled in the stunned man?s arms. He laid his head on Sakumo?s chest and closed his eyes.
?Dad-dy... It... It?s all... al-right...? Kakashi struggled with the words. He had never communicated verbally before besides making random noises to indicate something. Kakashi looked up at his father. The White Fang had a shocked expression written all over.
?Kakashi... You... Communicate... S-spoke... You... You talked...? Sakumo felt like his jaw had fallen down. His child was only about nine months old and could already decipher some of the words he heard. To add on, he could even use them properly to speak to others like right now. It wasn?t his first word... It was his first sentence.
Kakashi shrunk back and nervously looked at his father. ?I... I did... some-thing wrong?? he asked softly. The child stared at his blankets and peeked at the White Fang a few times.
?N-no... Kakashi, you talked!? Sakumo smiled and lifted the boy out of his blankets into a hug. ?You talked! I?m so proud of you!? The man laughed and continued ruffling Kakashi?s silver hair.
The young Hatake giggled at the praise. Was talking such a big deal? People did it all the time and he didn?t see his dad running around hugging everyone. He didn?t think about it for too long though. He loved it whenever his father embraced him ever since he was born. The man?s warmth felt like a loving chakra surrounding his body to keep him safe.
Calming down, Sakumo released Kakashi and pulled the blankets back over the boy. The child picked up Hunter from under his covers and yawned. His eyes slowly closed. Kakashi snuggled with his stuffed animal. Soft breathing was soon heard indicating that he had drifted off to sleep.
Sakumo watched his son adjust his body slightly from under his covers and sigh. The White Fang smiled and pushed up some of Kakashi?s hair which was dangling in front of the child?s eyes. He chuckled to himself as the boy pulled the stuffed wolf closer to his small body as if afraid the man would take it away.
?Fa-ther...? Sakumo glanced at Kakashi?s face. Apparently the kid was talking in his sleep. ?Only... a fa-ther...? The young Hatake tensed as if he was focusing his entire mind on deciphering what that really meant.
?Sakumo-san, I guess you?re a father now.?
?Yeah... But Kakashi only has a father now...?
Kakashi... Sakumo laid his hand on the tiny boy?s shoulder. The young Hatake?s stuffed ?Hunter? soon fell out of his grasp. The White Fang picked the toy up and gently pushed it back into the boy?s hands. Kakashi seemed to gratefully accept it back in his arms.
?Don?t let it go, Kakashi,? the White Fang whispered. As if in response, the child hugged onto the toy slightly tighter and seemed to nod his head.
?Father...? The word came out fluently as if the boy had been talking longer than his actual age. Sakumo smiled yet again at his son. Talking before even walking... That was kind of awkward. (But what did he know? Kakashi was his first and probably only child.) However, it only proved how well developed the boy?s mind was. I?m not leaving your side Kakashi... Not yet so don?t worry. The edges of Kakashi?s mouth twitched up into a small smile.
?Your father?s right here, Kakashi. I?m right here for you... And I always will be...?
Kakashi?s eyes peered through his eyelids. He grinned at the phrase. He knew exactly what that meant.
--
Two Years Later...
--
Kakashi sat at the doorway and watched the soft pelting rain create a small puddle. The two-year-old pushed himself up and playfully walked over to the wet spot. The soft summer rain made Kakashi smile as it cooled him. Stepping into the puddle, the child splashed around and quietly giggled to himself. Water was really fun to play with...
?Kakashi-kun, you should come back inside. Sakumo-san told me to watch over you. He wouldn?t be happy if he came back seeing you with a cold.? The young Hatake faced the doorway and smiled under his mask at Minato. The boy had gotten attached to the black cloth around his face. It felt nice for people to die over curiosity to see his adorable face. It also felt like it hid a part of him he didn?t want to show to others.
The Yellow Flash opened an umbrella and ran out to the boy. Taking his hand, the man gently pulled him back inside. Placing the umbrella inside, Minato ran upstairs and came back down with a white towel and fresh clothes.
The jounin dried Kakashi?s hair. The boy slowly released himself from his babysitter?s grasp and took the towel out of his hands. ?Thanks, but I think I can do this myself.?
Minato smiled as the boy attempted to dry himself with a towel almost twice his size. He finally helped the Hatake change into some dry clothes.
?When is father coming back?? Kakashi stared up at the Yellow Flash. ?You?ve been watching me for almost two weeks. It isn?t that I don?t like you or anything, but I... It?s just father?s been going out on so many missions... Did he... forget about me??
Minato?s eyes widened slightly at the question. How could the boy jump to conclusions so fast? Was he that insecure? ?Kakashi, your father definitely hasn?t forgotten about you. He cares about you so deeply. Why else would he have a jounin level ninja watch over you? The job I have right now should have been assigned to a group of genins or a lower level chunin at best, but Sakumo requested me to see to your well-being.? Minato smiled reassuringly at the two-year-old. ?You?re the most precious person to your father.?
Kakashi felt a shade of red flash over his cheeks. ?But... He?s always gone on missions. Are his missions more important to him than...? The boy left the sentence unfinished.
Minato grinned at the child. ?If Sakumo didn?t take on the missions he?s assigned to, a lot of bad things would happen to the village where everyone lives. Your father is a strong... foundation to Konoha.?
?Foun... da-tion?? Kakashi stared questionably into the man?s eyes.
?Hmm... How do I put this?? Minato closed his eyes and searched for a simple explanation in his head. ?Well, you know how you build a tower of blocks?? The Yellow Flash used some of the wooden cubes next to him and quickly built a tower.
?Your father is one of the bottom blocks. He plays a very important role and he has to be there or else the tower would stumble or even fall over.? Minato pulled one of the cubes on the bottom floor out of place causing the building to topple over.
Kakashi nodded slowly and smiled. 'Father is important... He?s the... foundation for everyone... But... '
?Then... where would I be on the tower?? The child asked quietly.
Minato glanced at the boy and rebuilt the tower. ?Kakashi, I would say you?re one of the blocks on the top. You?re still too young to find a way to help Konoha. For now, others have to make sure you?re kept safe from danger.?
?I see...? Kakashi?s eyes fell to the floor. 'So... I?m not needed... I?m just... there...'
?But, Kakashi, you will grow up.? The child tilted his head back up. ?People protect you because you need to be protected right now, but once you?re older, you?ll join the academy, correct?? Minato watched the kid nod his head.
?It?ll be then that you will begin being the foundation. You?ll serve the village and keep it safe. Your role to everyone will be needed for everyone?s survival including your father?s.? The Yellow Flash smiled down at the boy.
?But... what if I?m not... strong enough??
Minato chuckled and placed his hand onto Kakashi?s head. ?Kakashi, the will of fire burns very strongly inside of you. I know you?ll be strong. I?m sure you?ll become one of the strongest shinobi Konoha will ever harbor.?
The young Hatake smiled at the praise, but... ?Will of fire? What?s that??
?Kakashi, you ask so many questions. I?ll explain to you what that is when you get older.? The child frowned at the answer which made Minato laugh at the pouting Hatake.
'Will of fire... Something that burns so strongly inside of you... Something that will drive you forward to protect the village no matter what... Something I know for certain you have... Hatake Kakashi...'
--
Kakashi packed his books back into his backpack. He strapped it around his side and exited the academy building. The four-year-old stood at the entrance of the building and glanced at every child leaving with their parents. It had been his first day at the academy and his father had promised to walk him home after class.
The child was soon the only academy student standing at the entrance waiting for someone after twenty minutes. He began kicking a rock around to pass time. Soon getting tired of abusing the stone, the boy walked over to a bench and sat down. He pulled out his exercise book and flipped to a page he was assigned to do.
The page only took five minutes to finish. It had been a problem solving exercise (which probably should have taken at least thirty minutes for an average academy student to do). Putting it back, Kakashi looked up at the sky and smiled at the clouds floating around. One of them looked like his stuffed animal sitting by his bed.
The sky soon grew blood red. Everyone had left the academy besides him. Kakashi sighed and strapped on his backpack. His father couldn?t have possibly forgotten. The man was the one who signed him up at such a young age. Other kids were at least three years older than him. But Kakashi couldn?t refuse the offer when his father gave it to him. Ever since a kunai was placed in his hand when he was three, he loved throwing it at a target especially one that moved... He was born to be a shinobi and his father must have knew that. (Thus explaining why he entered him into the academy so early.) But still... It was the first day and everyone?s parents were there to happily take them home... besides him anyway.
Returning home, Kakashi found a note on the kitchen table. 'Sorry I couldn?t walk you back. A last minute mission came up and I was sent on it with my team. It?ll be about two weeks before I get back. I?m sorry, but you?ll be on your own for a while. Food is already prepared in the fridge.' -Your Father
'Great... That?s just great...' Kakashi was only four and was left home alone for two weeks on his own. (At least his father trusted that his son wouldn?t burn down the house or anything...) That?s what I get for being born into a legendary shinobi?s household...
But still... Kakashi was far from mad. Frustrated, yes, but it just showed how capable his father was; being able to come back from one mission and fly off for another. The young prodigy had to live up to all of that... No problem.
--
Becoming a genin after only one year at the academy, he was one of the youngest out of all of the children in Konoha to ever graduate at his age. Turning six, a promotion to chunin was in order. Kakashi?s father wasn?t the only one being sent off on missions now. The young Hatake was also dispatched to aid the village. Ever since then, seeing Sakumo was very rare for the boy.
Besides, shinobi weren?t suppose to carry any emotions with them. Kakashi knew that, but coming home one day, the eight-year-old screamed out at what he saw in the living room.
The legendary White Fang had plunged the sword which had given him his nickname into his stomach. Blood was surrounding the man and was still spreading.
Falling onto his knees, the rules didn?t exist anymore. Tears fell freely from the boy?s eyes as he screamed out for his father to stay alive. Kakashi weakly laid his hands onto Sakumo?s who was clutching the dagger which had pierced his stomach. Blood connected with the young chunin?s hands.
Still conscious, Sakumo smiled at his son. ?It?s okay... Kakashi... I chose to do this... I did...? Every word was a hassle to let out.
Tears dropped from the boy?s face into the blood his clothes were soaking up. ?Why?... For honor?... For the village?... What about what you?re leaving behind?...? 'Like me...'
?You?re... strong, Kakashi... I knew that... once I held you... in my arms... when you... were born... But... I also knew... you were fragile... Kakashi... Always keep that in mind...? The White Fang coughed which made blood fly out of his mouth.
Kakashi tried to wipe the liquid falling from his eyes aside, but the tears continued to flow. Blood stained his face. ?No... Don?t... Don?t go... You always said you would be right here for me... Right here... Always... right here...?
Sakumo smiled at the child. ?Don?t cry... I will... always be watching over you... I?ll always... be right here for you...? Time seemed to stop as his breathing faded away. Kakashi?s heart throbbed.
'?It?s alright... Kakashi.? Sakumo?s loving smile calmed Kakashi?s small shivering body.'
?Father?... Dad?...? Kakashi gently shook the man?s shoulder, fully aware that the White Fang wasn?t with him anymore. His eyes closed which were still pouring out tears.
'Kakashi built a small tower with blocks as Sakumo watched the boy. The child stopped his work and gazed at the White Fang... Picking up a block, he held it up to his father... The White Fang cautiously took the cube and placed it on the tower. Kakashi smiled happily at the new building. They had made it together, father and son.'
?Fa.... ther...?
'?You?re the most precious person to your father.?'
Kakashi allowed his body to fall onto the floor drenched with blood. His blank eyes stared at his father?s lifeless eyes. Tears continued to make its way down the boy?s face.
'?Your father?s right here, Kakashi. I?m right here for you... And I always will be...?'
?Father...? Kakashi whispered as he closed his eyes. He heard footsteps run into his house and call out his name. It soon drifted away probably from what he saw. Kakashi couldn?t remember the rest, only the fact that he was alone... On his own without a father to love and be loved by.
'?Daddy?s right here...?'
Full Author's Note on original link:
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Kakashi?s P.O.V
Everything was so dark. I could hear myself crying. Someone was holding me at the time, but their body soon grew cold to mine. I suppose instinct took over and I cried out even if no one could hear me. I heard someone shouting out words I couldn?t exactly understand which only added on to my panic. I felt engulfed with fear and knew my small fragile body was shivering from it.
I don?t know how long I laid in someone?s cold arms crying. One person lifted me up, but their grip made me scream out. I didn?t know what was going on so I continued to cry. Running footsteps could be heard and a door was thrust open from what it sounded like.
?No...? was a small whisper I heard. I didn?t exactly know what the word meant, but it seemed it contained an angst feeling. The footsteps came closer. My crying slowly became a soft whimpering. The unknown presence I felt gently lifted me into their arms. My body continued to shiver. What was this... ?thing? going to do to me?
?It?s alright...? There was a short pause. ?...Kakashi.? I felt my trembling calm. Somehow, the words seemed kinder and even more gentle then the other voices were. I pushed myself to open my eyes. I was only able to achieve a quick glance. Someone with a headband and silver hair smiled lovingly at me. Looking into his brown eyes, something was hinted. Something aside the caring expression, I could see the grief hidden inside as if he had gained something precious in exchange for something very important.
I didn?t know what to do. My eyes closed as I weakly lifted up my arm and placed it on what I thought was the man?s chest; my own way of communicating if he was alright. I felt his body shift as if in surprise to my action. Cracking open my eyes a little again, I saw a sad grin gazing down on me. He pulled me closer to his body. The warmth felt nice pressing against me. I cuddled into his arms trying to get deeper into his grasp and nuzzled the green vest he was wearing.
?Sakumo-san, I guess you?re a father now.? I felt my body loosen and tire. Crying sure could wear you out, but I wanted to hear what was going on even if I had no idea what they were saying.
?Yeah... But Kakashi only has a father now...? The man held me tighter in his hug. The word ?Ka-ka-shi" was used twice. Was that what I was called? A... ?Ka-ka-shi?? Then what was this thing called holding me right now? My body was giving away, but curiosity flooded my mind.
I weakly tugged at his vest to get his attention. ?Ah...? I really didn?t know how to ask and hoped that was all it took for an answer. The man quietly chuckled to himself. I didn?t know what was so funny, but I giggled softly as well. I liked who ever this was. Something told me he?d keep my safe and never let me go.
?Hey Kakashi. Daddy?s right here.? Was that what he was called then? ?Dad-ee?? I smiled, satisfied. I closed my eyes and laid my head on his chest. I felt something drop on my face. It felt rather wet. Something ruffled the patch of hair on my head. I sighed and felt my body slowly drift off to sleep.
?Daddy?s right here...?
--
Regular P.O.V
--
The nine month old baby smiled up at his father who was sitting next to him. Kakashi built a small tower with blocks as Sakumo watched the boy. The child stopped his work and gazed at the White Fang. He glanced at the almost complete tower. Picking up a block, he held it up to his father. Sakumo raised an eyebrow at the gesture.
?You want me to finish it?? Sakumo asked with a smile. Kakashi wasn?t sure if he understood the question fully and tilted his head to the side. He gestured the block to his dad again. The White Fang cautiously took the cube and placed it on the tower. Kakashi smiled happily at the new building. They had made it together, father and son. He never felt more content.
Sakumo chuckled at the boy. Such simple things brought so much happiness to the child. He watched Kakashi pick up a silver wolf stuffed animal and give it a soft hug.
?You want to play with Hunter?? The White Fang grinned as the kid blushed and slowly handed out the toy as if to share it with the man. Sakumo laughed at his reluctance. He then swiftly lifted up Kakashi who quickly embraced the toy as if it would run away. The child tensed which contributed to the White Fang?s laughter.
?Loosen up, Kakashi. I?m not going to drop you... most likely.? Sakumo felt his son throw one of his arms around his neck to secure himself. The other arm held the stuffed animal tightly to make sure it wouldn?t fall.
?Calm down. Your dad isn?t going to let you fall.? Sakumo chuckled and slowly began to walk up the stairs leading to the second floor of their house where Kakashi?s room was located.
Placing the fragile kid onto the bed, he tucked him in. Kakashi?s eyes suddenly grew wide as he glanced from side to side. He looked at his empty hands. His stuffed animal was gone!
?Looking for his?? Sakumo teased the child as he lifted up the toy, taunting the boy. Kakashi reached out and grabbed ?Hunter?. He hugged it and smiled knowing that it was safe. Sakumo ruffled Kakashi?s identical silver hair and grinned at the adorable child.
?I wish your mother was able to be here and hold you longer,? Sakumo whispered. A small frown ran across Kakashi?s face. He hated it when his father looked sad. He felt like it was his fault something was bothering the man.
Kakashi released the stuffed animal and pushed himself up. Sakumo?s eyes slightly widened at the boy. ?Hey, Kakashi. It?s time for bed. I?ll play with you again tomorrow, okay? You need your rest-...?
The White Fang stopped his sentence as his son threw his arms around him. Kakashi cuddled in the stunned man?s arms. He laid his head on Sakumo?s chest and closed his eyes.
?Dad-dy... It... It?s all... al-right...? Kakashi struggled with the words. He had never communicated verbally before besides making random noises to indicate something. Kakashi looked up at his father. The White Fang had a shocked expression written all over.
?Kakashi... You... Communicate... S-spoke... You... You talked...? Sakumo felt like his jaw had fallen down. His child was only about nine months old and could already decipher some of the words he heard. To add on, he could even use them properly to speak to others like right now. It wasn?t his first word... It was his first sentence.
Kakashi shrunk back and nervously looked at his father. ?I... I did... some-thing wrong?? he asked softly. The child stared at his blankets and peeked at the White Fang a few times.
?N-no... Kakashi, you talked!? Sakumo smiled and lifted the boy out of his blankets into a hug. ?You talked! I?m so proud of you!? The man laughed and continued ruffling Kakashi?s silver hair.
The young Hatake giggled at the praise. Was talking such a big deal? People did it all the time and he didn?t see his dad running around hugging everyone. He didn?t think about it for too long though. He loved it whenever his father embraced him ever since he was born. The man?s warmth felt like a loving chakra surrounding his body to keep him safe.
Calming down, Sakumo released Kakashi and pulled the blankets back over the boy. The child picked up Hunter from under his covers and yawned. His eyes slowly closed. Kakashi snuggled with his stuffed animal. Soft breathing was soon heard indicating that he had drifted off to sleep.
Sakumo watched his son adjust his body slightly from under his covers and sigh. The White Fang smiled and pushed up some of Kakashi?s hair which was dangling in front of the child?s eyes. He chuckled to himself as the boy pulled the stuffed wolf closer to his small body as if afraid the man would take it away.
?Fa-ther...? Sakumo glanced at Kakashi?s face. Apparently the kid was talking in his sleep. ?Only... a fa-ther...? The young Hatake tensed as if he was focusing his entire mind on deciphering what that really meant.
?Sakumo-san, I guess you?re a father now.?
?Yeah... But Kakashi only has a father now...?
Kakashi... Sakumo laid his hand on the tiny boy?s shoulder. The young Hatake?s stuffed ?Hunter? soon fell out of his grasp. The White Fang picked the toy up and gently pushed it back into the boy?s hands. Kakashi seemed to gratefully accept it back in his arms.
?Don?t let it go, Kakashi,? the White Fang whispered. As if in response, the child hugged onto the toy slightly tighter and seemed to nod his head.
?Father...? The word came out fluently as if the boy had been talking longer than his actual age. Sakumo smiled yet again at his son. Talking before even walking... That was kind of awkward. (But what did he know? Kakashi was his first and probably only child.) However, it only proved how well developed the boy?s mind was. I?m not leaving your side Kakashi... Not yet so don?t worry. The edges of Kakashi?s mouth twitched up into a small smile.
?Your father?s right here, Kakashi. I?m right here for you... And I always will be...?
Kakashi?s eyes peered through his eyelids. He grinned at the phrase. He knew exactly what that meant.
--
Two Years Later...
--
Kakashi sat at the doorway and watched the soft pelting rain create a small puddle. The two-year-old pushed himself up and playfully walked over to the wet spot. The soft summer rain made Kakashi smile as it cooled him. Stepping into the puddle, the child splashed around and quietly giggled to himself. Water was really fun to play with...
?Kakashi-kun, you should come back inside. Sakumo-san told me to watch over you. He wouldn?t be happy if he came back seeing you with a cold.? The young Hatake faced the doorway and smiled under his mask at Minato. The boy had gotten attached to the black cloth around his face. It felt nice for people to die over curiosity to see his adorable face. It also felt like it hid a part of him he didn?t want to show to others.
The Yellow Flash opened an umbrella and ran out to the boy. Taking his hand, the man gently pulled him back inside. Placing the umbrella inside, Minato ran upstairs and came back down with a white towel and fresh clothes.
The jounin dried Kakashi?s hair. The boy slowly released himself from his babysitter?s grasp and took the towel out of his hands. ?Thanks, but I think I can do this myself.?
Minato smiled as the boy attempted to dry himself with a towel almost twice his size. He finally helped the Hatake change into some dry clothes.
?When is father coming back?? Kakashi stared up at the Yellow Flash. ?You?ve been watching me for almost two weeks. It isn?t that I don?t like you or anything, but I... It?s just father?s been going out on so many missions... Did he... forget about me??
Minato?s eyes widened slightly at the question. How could the boy jump to conclusions so fast? Was he that insecure? ?Kakashi, your father definitely hasn?t forgotten about you. He cares about you so deeply. Why else would he have a jounin level ninja watch over you? The job I have right now should have been assigned to a group of genins or a lower level chunin at best, but Sakumo requested me to see to your well-being.? Minato smiled reassuringly at the two-year-old. ?You?re the most precious person to your father.?
Kakashi felt a shade of red flash over his cheeks. ?But... He?s always gone on missions. Are his missions more important to him than...? The boy left the sentence unfinished.
Minato grinned at the child. ?If Sakumo didn?t take on the missions he?s assigned to, a lot of bad things would happen to the village where everyone lives. Your father is a strong... foundation to Konoha.?
?Foun... da-tion?? Kakashi stared questionably into the man?s eyes.
?Hmm... How do I put this?? Minato closed his eyes and searched for a simple explanation in his head. ?Well, you know how you build a tower of blocks?? The Yellow Flash used some of the wooden cubes next to him and quickly built a tower.
?Your father is one of the bottom blocks. He plays a very important role and he has to be there or else the tower would stumble or even fall over.? Minato pulled one of the cubes on the bottom floor out of place causing the building to topple over.
Kakashi nodded slowly and smiled. 'Father is important... He?s the... foundation for everyone... But... '
?Then... where would I be on the tower?? The child asked quietly.
Minato glanced at the boy and rebuilt the tower. ?Kakashi, I would say you?re one of the blocks on the top. You?re still too young to find a way to help Konoha. For now, others have to make sure you?re kept safe from danger.?
?I see...? Kakashi?s eyes fell to the floor. 'So... I?m not needed... I?m just... there...'
?But, Kakashi, you will grow up.? The child tilted his head back up. ?People protect you because you need to be protected right now, but once you?re older, you?ll join the academy, correct?? Minato watched the kid nod his head.
?It?ll be then that you will begin being the foundation. You?ll serve the village and keep it safe. Your role to everyone will be needed for everyone?s survival including your father?s.? The Yellow Flash smiled down at the boy.
?But... what if I?m not... strong enough??
Minato chuckled and placed his hand onto Kakashi?s head. ?Kakashi, the will of fire burns very strongly inside of you. I know you?ll be strong. I?m sure you?ll become one of the strongest shinobi Konoha will ever harbor.?
The young Hatake smiled at the praise, but... ?Will of fire? What?s that??
?Kakashi, you ask so many questions. I?ll explain to you what that is when you get older.? The child frowned at the answer which made Minato laugh at the pouting Hatake.
'Will of fire... Something that burns so strongly inside of you... Something that will drive you forward to protect the village no matter what... Something I know for certain you have... Hatake Kakashi...'
--
Kakashi packed his books back into his backpack. He strapped it around his side and exited the academy building. The four-year-old stood at the entrance of the building and glanced at every child leaving with their parents. It had been his first day at the academy and his father had promised to walk him home after class.
The child was soon the only academy student standing at the entrance waiting for someone after twenty minutes. He began kicking a rock around to pass time. Soon getting tired of abusing the stone, the boy walked over to a bench and sat down. He pulled out his exercise book and flipped to a page he was assigned to do.
The page only took five minutes to finish. It had been a problem solving exercise (which probably should have taken at least thirty minutes for an average academy student to do). Putting it back, Kakashi looked up at the sky and smiled at the clouds floating around. One of them looked like his stuffed animal sitting by his bed.
The sky soon grew blood red. Everyone had left the academy besides him. Kakashi sighed and strapped on his backpack. His father couldn?t have possibly forgotten. The man was the one who signed him up at such a young age. Other kids were at least three years older than him. But Kakashi couldn?t refuse the offer when his father gave it to him. Ever since a kunai was placed in his hand when he was three, he loved throwing it at a target especially one that moved... He was born to be a shinobi and his father must have knew that. (Thus explaining why he entered him into the academy so early.) But still... It was the first day and everyone?s parents were there to happily take them home... besides him anyway.
Returning home, Kakashi found a note on the kitchen table. 'Sorry I couldn?t walk you back. A last minute mission came up and I was sent on it with my team. It?ll be about two weeks before I get back. I?m sorry, but you?ll be on your own for a while. Food is already prepared in the fridge.' -Your Father
'Great... That?s just great...' Kakashi was only four and was left home alone for two weeks on his own. (At least his father trusted that his son wouldn?t burn down the house or anything...) That?s what I get for being born into a legendary shinobi?s household...
But still... Kakashi was far from mad. Frustrated, yes, but it just showed how capable his father was; being able to come back from one mission and fly off for another. The young prodigy had to live up to all of that... No problem.
--
Becoming a genin after only one year at the academy, he was one of the youngest out of all of the children in Konoha to ever graduate at his age. Turning six, a promotion to chunin was in order. Kakashi?s father wasn?t the only one being sent off on missions now. The young Hatake was also dispatched to aid the village. Ever since then, seeing Sakumo was very rare for the boy.
Besides, shinobi weren?t suppose to carry any emotions with them. Kakashi knew that, but coming home one day, the eight-year-old screamed out at what he saw in the living room.
The legendary White Fang had plunged the sword which had given him his nickname into his stomach. Blood was surrounding the man and was still spreading.
Falling onto his knees, the rules didn?t exist anymore. Tears fell freely from the boy?s eyes as he screamed out for his father to stay alive. Kakashi weakly laid his hands onto Sakumo?s who was clutching the dagger which had pierced his stomach. Blood connected with the young chunin?s hands.
Still conscious, Sakumo smiled at his son. ?It?s okay... Kakashi... I chose to do this... I did...? Every word was a hassle to let out.
Tears dropped from the boy?s face into the blood his clothes were soaking up. ?Why?... For honor?... For the village?... What about what you?re leaving behind?...? 'Like me...'
?You?re... strong, Kakashi... I knew that... once I held you... in my arms... when you... were born... But... I also knew... you were fragile... Kakashi... Always keep that in mind...? The White Fang coughed which made blood fly out of his mouth.
Kakashi tried to wipe the liquid falling from his eyes aside, but the tears continued to flow. Blood stained his face. ?No... Don?t... Don?t go... You always said you would be right here for me... Right here... Always... right here...?
Sakumo smiled at the child. ?Don?t cry... I will... always be watching over you... I?ll always... be right here for you...? Time seemed to stop as his breathing faded away. Kakashi?s heart throbbed.
'?It?s alright... Kakashi.? Sakumo?s loving smile calmed Kakashi?s small shivering body.'
?Father?... Dad?...? Kakashi gently shook the man?s shoulder, fully aware that the White Fang wasn?t with him anymore. His eyes closed which were still pouring out tears.
'Kakashi built a small tower with blocks as Sakumo watched the boy. The child stopped his work and gazed at the White Fang... Picking up a block, he held it up to his father... The White Fang cautiously took the cube and placed it on the tower. Kakashi smiled happily at the new building. They had made it together, father and son.'
?Fa.... ther...?
'?You?re the most precious person to your father.?'
Kakashi allowed his body to fall onto the floor drenched with blood. His blank eyes stared at his father?s lifeless eyes. Tears continued to make its way down the boy?s face.
'?Your father?s right here, Kakashi. I?m right here for you... And I always will be...?'
?Father...? Kakashi whispered as he closed his eyes. He heard footsteps run into his house and call out his name. It soon drifted away probably from what he saw. Kakashi couldn?t remember the rest, only the fact that he was alone... On his own without a father to love and be loved by.
'?Daddy?s right here...?'
