Kakashi's Heart
A/N Hello, Everyone. I've read a few KakaNaru stories that focused on Kakashi raising a baby Naruto. These have been excellent fics. However, I wanted to focus on the developing relationship between the two children. And their lives within a village that has complete disregard for them. Rather than focusing on just Kakashi's life only. It seems that every time a bond is formed between the two. Outside forces immediately splint them apart. If Naruto was truly given to Kakashi to raise. It would stand to reason Naruto is a part of Kakashi's life and therefore family. And family shouldn't be split apart. This fic will begin with Kakashi being fourteen years of age. And of course, a newborn Naruto. It will end were Kakashi is nineteen and Naruto is five. Oh, and please don't think this will only be about changing diapers and late night feedings. It will be more than that, much more.
Let's begin shall we?
Promises and an Infant
The night rang out with the desperate shouts of warriors locked in a hopeless battle. And the agonized screams of comrades dying. Above the leaf shinobi stood the Nine-tailed fox. Its tails swishing about smashing trees and making craters in the ground around it. Orders were being shouted out to the different units as the Leaf desperately tried to keep the monster at bay. But the Kyubbi was proving to be far more then what any of them could deal with. Once more the huge fox raised his head and prepared to send another powerful sound blast straight at the village. The blast smashed through another part of the wall and careened into some close by shops. The shops were instantly reduced to splintered wood and debris. Another blast took out a number of residents homes. And what didn't become instant rubble. Burned and spread the flames of destruction to new areas. While the enraged fox continued to assault the village. In a brave and desperate attempt to stop the demon fox, some of the teams shot enormous fire balls at the demon while others threw kunai with paper bombs attached to them. Still others who knew how to create barriers made them several layers thick to try to at least slow down the attacks speed and strength. None of their efforts were making an impression. Kyubbi, was getting deeper into the village with his hits without actually moving forward.
Kakashi was running through the forest. He had learned that an intruder had infiltrated the Leaf and had attacked his sensei's wife and baby. He wanted to help them. He didn't know if he could. He could sense Minato sensei somewhere over to his right. This was in the same area where the fox was currently at. Kakashi deduced that the enemy had somehow managed to separate them. And extract the Nine-tails from Kushina. Kakashi could sense Kushina's chakra just ahead of him. He didn't know what he would find when he got there. Kakashi continued leaping swiftly through the trees and trying to stay focused on Kushina's chakra. It was there but it wasn't as strong as it would normally have been. Suddenly Kakashi sensed something else and it was coming in his direction fast. He leaped out of the tree he was in and hit the ground hard rolling tightly and coming up on his feet again. Then he leaped behind a huge boulder as a few trees torn practically from their roots was flying through the air and smashing several others. One of which was the very tree Kakashi had been in moments ago. Shaken a bit by the scene, Kakashi took a moment to pull himself together. He felt his sensei's chakra and it wasn't far from where he was now. Kakashi also felt the summons that his sensei called forth. Kakashi could just see the huge toad's head above what was left of the tree line. And there on top of the toad's head stood none other than Minato-sensei, the Fourth Hokage. Kakashi watched his sensei in awe as the man stood tall and fearless against the demon fox. In the next instant Minato did a quick succession of hand signs. His chakra increasing dramatically as he did so. There appeared a great blue light and then Minato, the huge toad, and the fox were gone.
Kakashi stood still for only a few moments more thinking, what was that? Before suddenly, he felt his sensei's chakra and that of the fox again and this time it was located in the same area as Kushina and the baby. He quickly took to the trees again. Please let me get there in time. He thought as he raced against the wind. It only took three or four minutes to arrive at the scene but it felt like hours to Kakashi. Once there he abruptly stopped and stared in horror at what he saw. In the clearing lay two figures on the ground. A small infant lying in the arms of his mother was crying. His father lay on his side embracing his little family. Kneeling just behind the fourth Hokage was the third Hokage. He was speaking softly to Minato. Three Anbu wearing the bear, hawk, and cat masks were in a half circle guarding the four on the ground. Candles that had been meticulously placed around them had burned out. But what caused Kakashi to stand in horror was the sight of blood. Lots of it on the ground and all around both his sensei and Kushina. It was pouring out of both of them and the third was kneeling in it as he continued to speak to his dying successor.
The fox was nowhere to be seen. And Kakashi was afraid of what that could possibly mean. He found the strength to walk towards them. A million thoughts running through his mind. But the most prominent one was the thought of losing the two most important people of his young life. Minato was more then the Fourth Hokage or even as sensei to Kakashi. He was as a father to him. A father that more than made up for the one that had left him alone and angry. Kushina was a mother that Kakashi had never had before in his life. His birth mother had died in child birth. So he never knew her nor had he ever known a mother's love until he met Kushina. Together they had taught him the meaning of love and compassion. They had accepted Kakashi whole-heartedly into their lives. Making him a member of their family. And now he was going to lose them both forever.
The Anbu were watching Kakashi the moment they sensed him coming. But they remained in place instead of going to meet him and seeing what he was after. The third Hokage had not said anything about anyone else being permitted to be at the scene. So they watched and prepared to advance on Kakashi. The Fourth Hokage saw Kakashi walking out from the trees. He immediately spoke to the Anbu and told them to allow Kakashi to come forward. The Anbu stood down and continued to stay on guard. The third looked up as well and smiled a weak smile at the approaching boy. Minato along with Kushina also smiled at Kakashi and Minato raised himself up so that he was propped up with his right arm still lying on his side. While with his left hand he beckoned encouragingly to Kakashi to come to them. It pained him to have Kakashi see both himself and Kushina in this state. Kakashi had already seen his father dying on the floor of their home in a successful suicide attempt. Then it was Obito dying under a huge boulder. And finally it was Rin who died by leaping in front of an enemy Iwa ninja that Kakashi was about to strike down. Because Rin wanted to end her life so as to not be used by the Iwa ninja to attack the Hidden Leaf village. All the people that were precious to Kakashi and now he would have to witness the death of Minato and Kushina. The very thought nearly brought tears in Minato's eyes but he kept them at bay. No. Now he needed to be strong for Kakashi. He needed Kakashi to do something that he knew would never be easy. So he would only ask the boy for this favor-this last request. If Kakashi said no, Minato would not hold it against him. And he would let him know this as well. He mentally prepared himself for what he was about to ask.
Kakashi walked up to them slowly. Every part of him was aching to just run to them. But deep in his heart he knew that this was it. This was going to be good-bye and Kakashi was afraid of this. He didn't want to be afraid. Hell, he had seen death so many times now. But it never hurt like it did when it was someone close to him that was dying. And why, why did he always have to be there to witness their deaths? Why? Kakashi knew he had to pull himself together. There would be time later to sit alone and cry about the unfairness of it all. But right now he knew that his sensei had something he wanted to say to him and maybe Kushina too. And Kakashi knew that he couldn't fall apart on them now. Whatever they wished of him, whatever they wanted him to do. He would do it for them. No matter what it was that they asked. He wouldn't deny them. For they were his last precious people and he would not, could not deny them anything. He came and kneeled down beside Kushina. His mask covered up so much of his face. But his one uncovered eye showed what facial expressions could not. The eye was filled with sorrow but also deep determination. Kushina reached out with one hand to caress the side of the boy's face. She was far too weak from blood loss to say anything now. She could barely even see him. But it was the look in his eye that held her gaze. She knew that Kakashi would not deny her husband's request. It was obvious to her. But a tear broke free and streamed down her face as she thought of how unfair it was to ask the child to do what they couldn't do themselves. But nothing could be done to stop this now. Fate had spoken.
Minato looked at Kakashi and he gathered a breath then he began to speak.
"Kakashi, son, I'm sorry that you have to see Kushina and I like this. But I want you to know that we both love you and will always be by your side where ever you go through this life. I promise we will be there and guide you." At this Kakashi's eye widened. He knew they loved him. He knew he was accepted of them. But still he never could quite get used to it. Kakashi struggled with acceptance. He always thought he was never worthy of anyone's love. Minato continued to speak.
"We have a request of you. It's selfish on our part. But we couldn't think of anyone else that we would rather take on this responsibility. You don't have to accept this request. Neither Kushina or myself will hold this against you ever." Here Minato sighed and swallowed the lump that was beginning to form in his throat. Then continued.
"Kushina and I would be honored if you would take Naruto, and raise him as your own."
There was silence for a moment as the couple along with the third waited for the request and what it implied to sink in. Kakashi's eye, which had gone down to normal size was now wide again. What? Me? But I don't know anything about raising a baby! What if I screw up? They will never forgive me if the baby died or something. Because I didn't know what to do. No. He thought calmly. I can do this for them. I will do this for them. They need me now and so does Naruto. It isn't about just me anymore. Minato watched as a stream of emotions shot through the boy's eye. Shock, surprise, fear, doubt, and then determination and resolve. But before Kakashi could speak. Minato once again placed his hand up to stop Kakashi from speaking just yet. He had more he needed to say and time was running out.
"Kakashi before you give me your answer. I want you to fully understand what this means." The tone was now serious as well as his look. And Kakashi nodded in acknowledgment for him to continue.
"I would love for the village to acknowledge our son as a hero. The Nine-Tails has been successfully stopped because of Naruto. But neither I nor Kushina or the Third are this naïve. The village will most likely hate Naruto. And they will persecute him and treat him like trash. In their narrow minded minds they will see Naruto as the demon and not his jailer."
Kakashi closed his eye and lowered his head a bit. He understood persecution. He has been living with it for a long time. He knew of the glares. The hateful words that were bitterly and heatedly spoken against him. He knew of being separated from other people's company. He knew of the humiliation of being spit on and having people throw things at him. He also knew of the isolation that came with being labeled an Outcast. Yes, he knew, but he would never let the villagers deter him. Kakashi moved on in life. Because of his few precious people. And he would make damn sure that Naruto, would move on as well. He looked back up and with determination speaking through him.
"I understand, sensei and I promise you and Kushina right here and now that I will not falter and break. I will not leave Naruto without a precious person of his own. I accept the baby and the responsibility that comes with him. I will love and cherish him as my own."
Minato and Kushina smiled at him. Kushina stroked Kakashi's face one last time. Before she brought her hand back down and with her husband's help. Lifted the baby up and offered Naruto to Kakashi. Kakashi reached out without hesitation or trembling and gently took the baby into his arms. Being careful to support the baby's head as he brought the infant up against his chest. Naruto's crying had ended some time ago when Kakashi had arrived. Now the infant snuggled closer to Kakashi while a tiny yawn came from his mouth. The new person was warm and their breathing was smooth and even. Little Naruto felt safe now and soon fell asleep. Kushina looked at the two of them with tears streaming down her face as she smiled. She had wanted to be able to teach Naruto so many things. She wanted to be able to guide Kakashi helping him to farther adapt and move on in life. Maybe help find him a significant other one day. She wanted to watch both her boys grow up. But now they would have only each other and the promise from the Third. He would watch over them. And see that they had everything they needed.
Minato also watched Kakashi and wondered if this was the right choice. He didn't want to burden Kakashi. The boy was only fourteen years old. He was still a child himself. But the Third could not take on Naruto himself. The village would have been in an uproar. And would accuse the Third Hokage as being under the influence of the fox demon. They would oust him without a second thought and then who would look after the two boys? Of all the people that they knew, Minato knew he couldn't burden some of them .Others, weren't trustworthy enough with an infant. Let alone one that had a demon sealed in him. Lastly, some of the people they knew although they would have the compassion and understanding to raise the child. They didn't have the necessary shinobi skills needed to protect an infant like Naruto. And Minato had no illusions that everything would go smoothly. He knew people would attack not only Naruto but whoever it was that decided to take in Naruto. The person could be killed and Naruto not far behind. He didn't want anyone to lose their lives over the decision they made. He knew there was an outside chance that Kakashi could despite being extremely talented and experienced. Be killed trying to protect Naruto from the villagers. It wasn't outside the realm of possibility but Kakashi was the best choice they had.
The Third Hokage watched the scene before him lost in his own thoughts. Kakashi was so young. He was reliable and loyal. He was so mature for his age in the way he thought and acted. Which always made people-including himself- forget that Kakashi is just a child. But a child he is and this may be too much of a burden for him to handle. Yet looking in Kakashi's eye and his posture as he held the baby. The Third knew that Kakashi will not give up on what he has now taken on as his responsibility. The boy will honor the request he has made to his sensei and his wife. No matter what happens now, Kakashi was determined to see this all the way through. The Third internally sighed. He would keep his own promise that he made to the fourth and his wife. He would make sure that they had everything they needed. He would also make sure that there were people who could help teach Kakashi how to take care of an infant's needs. The path that Kakashi has chosen won't be easy. But the Third was just as determined to be there for them whenever they needed him.
Kushina suddenly gasped and then closed her eyes. Her breathing slowed and then stopped altogether. Her head turned slightly towards Minato. A small sad smile permanently frozen to her face. Minato now too weak to hold himself up slightly collapsed back down on his side. His left arm was wrapped around Kushina. His right arm pinned to the ground under his side. The light was slowly beginning to fade from his eyes as he watched Kakashi and Naruto. His children. He used the last of his strength to speak one final thought.
"Love each other as you are now family. P-protect each other a-and forgive each other w-w-when you have a fight. Don't isolate yours-selves when people choose to show you kindness and friendship. W-we love y-y-you both and we always be with you."
The words grew softer and softer until they were merely whispered. And then no more, Minato's eyes dimmed and then closed. The rise and fall of his chest stopped and with that the Fourth Hokage and sensei was gone along with his wife. Leaving behind a fourteen year old boy, with a newborn not even an hour old alone. Alone against a cruel and uncaring world.
A/N Okay. What do you think? I plan on making this be somewhere in the area of about three or four chapters altogether. And because I need to do some research for this story. I'd say it would be about three or four weeks for updates. Of course, there may end up being more chapters or it could take less time to finish research and then type out a chapter update. If you want to let me know if this was worth your time or not. Feel free to review. I'm new at writing. So I would like to know if you liked this or not. But that said, I'm not fussy about reviews. I'm not demanding any set number and if I don't get them then I won't update. I don't play that way. If you follow or fave the story. Then that works for me as well. If you do nothing at all. I'll understand that too. For those who felt this story was a waste of their time. I apologize now. Everyone, thanks for reading.
