"I'm looking for something to hold on when I come back from that mission. You know what I mean."
"I'm always holding on, Mizaki… always."
"Kakashi… what if I didn't make it? Or, didn't come back?"
"You'll surely come back… and make it."
"How optimistic you are. Look, this is a dangerous mission. Tracing where Akatsuki is! It's like you're looking for a gem that will blast this whole shinobi country. It's a S-rank mission."
"I know."
"So, how about a deal?"
"What deal are you talking about?"
"Ah… if I didn't make it, I should do something to remind you I didn't keep up my promise."
"It's up to you."
"How about… cutting my hair short?"
"WHAT?"
"Why?"
"Mizaki, you can't cut your hair short. Your hair is the only one that reminds you of your mother!"
"I know! But, sometimes… you have to sacrifice things you treasure about just to save another one."
"You always surprise me."
"It's me who always surprise you! So, how about that?"
"It's your decision."
"My decision! Oh well… If I didn't come back as I promise, I'll cut my hair short. I'll just send you the remains of my hair… Deal?"
"Whatever."
"It's a deal, then."
Everything was just a deal. But, Kakashi didn't expect that Mizaki would never forget it. Kakashi was holding this red bundle tied in black ribbon. It was a bundle of red strands of hair. He held it tightly, as his left hand clenched. He gently stood up from his seat and placed the bundle in the table. He crept under the covers of his bed, as he sighed and whispered.
"I'm always holding on, Mizaki. I'll never let go…"
He slowly closed his eyes as he thought that this regret fade… temporarily.
DISCLAIMER: NARUTO AND OTHER STUFF THAT INCLUDES IT IS NOT MINE… HEHE…!The one that I owned is Mizaki… nn