Title: Letters of Tomorrow
Warnings: Mystery, Drama, Kakashi Gaiden Fillers, eventually, Violence
Disclaimer: I do not own this original piece of work, neither do I gain financially from it~
Author's Notes: Spring Edit 2011
Answers to Reviews on the bottom! Thanks for the encouragement! It looks like this fiction at least will be finished! Gentle Lesson is being updated as well!
I did this on request! I hope people enjoy this. It turned out to be less letters (sweat-drops) and more dialogue... at any rate... enjoy!
Letters of Tomorrow: The Sequel
Chapter 1: Crossing the Line
The life I've left behind me
Is a cold room
I've crossed the last line
From where I can't return
Where every step I took in faith
Betrayed me
And led me from my home
- Sarah Mclachlan
Time and memory - those two things are so deeply entwined. This I know from my heart. Something deeply written into my dreams - those memories that spring anew. It's almost frightening to close my eyes, for who knows what lies behind the door of the past?
Time and memory - for so long, I thought them inevitable, implacable - the twin faces of fate. But, you see, fate is kind. Two-sided, it holds hands with hope.
And hope is the bright green eyes of a pink-haired girl.
Hello, my name's Sakura.
"My name's Sakura!" She said, with a bright smile - and she blushed and stammered through her self-introduction. Her eyes always sliding to her right as she checked out her crush, the silent Uchiha genius.
But I know another part of her - she could never guess...
I'm an Academy student - studying to become a ninja. Sometimes it's really fun but sometimes it gets boring, especially when sensei blabs on and on about work and stuff like that.
I'm 12 years old and I have pink hair and green eyes. I like... well... that's not really any of your business... but there's this one boy I'm crazy about - but he's way too cool for me - I don't know what to do! WAAHHH! How do I get his attention when baka-Ino is in my way?
Seriously? How about you? What are your hobbies? Do you have any? What are your favourite classes? My least favourite is botany class we girls have to take - picking and arranging flowers - and the teacher is soo... ugh... boring... I wish I was a boy - well... no... because then... HE wouldn't like me anymore...
I hope this is all I have to write... maybe something will happen next time so I'll have something interesting to say. It's really hard to write a letter to somebody on the spur of the moment.
Yours sincerely, Sakura.
"You actually got a pen pal, brat?" sneered an older student - a thirteen year old who never seemed to pass the Academy's final exam.
Four-year-old Kakashi raised his eyes to look at his fellow pupil coolly.
"Yes."
"You actually know your kanji? Or does Mama have to help you?"
The temperature dropped visibly in the room - as Kakashi began to plot several death blows he could deliver to his impudent bully. It wasn't looking too good for the Hatake genius. With Sensei out of the room due to an emergency with another kid (who'd cracked his wrist during kunai practice), the class, who were supposed to be using the twenty minutes for study time, had long ago given up to play around.
Several of them, agreeing with the older student, snickered as the bigger boy loomed over the seated white-haired "new" kid.
It wasn't himself he was worried about - so much as the fact he'd get in trouble for laying the loud-mouth out. He could just hear his sensei.
"Hatake! Detention!"
And his father...
"Eheheheheh... that's Kakashi for you! But... um... you might wanna... keep it down, ya know?"
So Kakashi turned away and focused on his kanji practice. A punishment from Sensei who had told him that his handwriting looked atrocious.
It made him nervous just thinking about it. His letter. Would the person figure out who he was? She seemed nice. And cool. And a little... girly. But nice. She didn't seem like the type to beat up on him - not like his classmate kunoichi who always laughed at him behind his back and called him "little kid".
So I'm four. Get over it. Just because I'm here doesn't mean I'm weird. Does it?
It worried him...
The hubbub around him died down really quick. It was Sensei. Who, looking around the chaotic mess and his screaming kids, began to lay out detentions left, right and centre
I'm SO glad I didn't do anything, sighed Kakashi. Sensei's been really uptight lately... It's not a good idea to push his buttons right now at the moment...
Dear X, Kakashi read slowly, trying to figure out the pretty kanji.
It was his pen pal, Sakura. She had already replied to his first letter! His heart skipped a beat just at the thought of some pretty chick rushing around to write him a letter.
Or not, he sighed. Once she finds out... she'll laugh herself sick...
Turning his thoughts away from such depressing subjects, he focused instead on the scroll in front of him.
That's just wrong. I have to call you something else. Give yourself a nickname or something... seriously... it's weirding me out. Besides... are you a guy or a girl? I need to know this because I don't think you want to know girly girl stuff - if you're a boy.
I'm sorry that you have no friends. I hope you're not in my class because I don't think people should ever be left out - well, there are some times that I wish Ino-pig wasn't so annoying - but still... sometimes, when I see how good all the other students are, I feel lonely. I feel left out. I wonder: "What am I even doing here?" Do you ever have that feeling? Well... I work hard at what I can - I am top of the class for chakra control and ninja know-how. Not like this other idiot boy in class. Geez. He's scary...
Wow... Kakashi sniffed. She's so cool! She knows how I feel! She knows what it's like to be the lonely one!
But sometimes... he's good for laugh.
You're the youngest in your class? Wow... how'd you figure that out? Everybody is my age or thereabouts... I think. It's too bad people talk about you - nobody talks about me, much... except maybe Ino.
The small, grey-haired boy was so engrossed in his letter, he didn't notice his father and his guest peek in.
"What's the kid doing?"
"Dunno... Wait here..."
He opened the door and stepped in - as silent as a top ninja can be.
"Yo, Kakashi! Whatcha doing?"
Three kunai flew past his ears as Kakashi (nearly frightened to death) crouched there, glaring at his immature father.
"What're you hiding?" blinked Hatake Sakumo, pensively eyeing the kunai now buried deep into the wall behind him. "Not town secrets, I hope!" He laughed.
A hand snatched the scroll and flicked it open with ease.
"Lessee..."
"Jiraiya-sama!" Kakashi's respect for the Sannin and deep resentment warred in his voice of protest and appeal. "That's - that's -" He blushed. "Private!"
"Oh-ho-ho!" The white-haired ninja smirked. "A love letter, then? Apple not falling far from the tree, eh, Saku-chan!"
"A love letter? Already? But he's so young!" wailed his father, in a melodramatic voice.
Kakashi rolled his eyes.
Jiraiya closely perused the neat kanji.
"Hmmm... 'but still... sometimes, when I see how good all the other students are, I feel lonely. I feel left out. I wonder: "What am I even doing here?" Do you ever have that feeling?' What the hell..."
"Hey... hey... no - swear- eh, what WAS that about? Kakashi? Who's this?"
"It's Sakura-chan. She's my pen pal," Kakashi said, now clearly sulking.
"A what?" Sakumo asked, looking over his best friend's shoulder.
"Pen pal," Kakashi growled. "A - writing exercise our sensei set up."
"Well... that certainly is novel," Jiraiya-sama grinned. "Wish we had something like that when we were young!"
"Hmmmm..." Sakumo nodded, absently handing the letter back to Kakashi. "Hanako and I used to write - during our courtship when we were separated." The white-haired Special Jounin sighed. "But now we can't even write..."
There was a heavy silence at that. Kakashi, unsure of what to say, wished letter-writing hadn't been brought up.
I guess it's just one more taboo thing I gotta be careful of... Kakashi sighed. With Jiraiya-sama around, Father's gotten better... but... when he leaves... It's so hard when Father gets so sad. I wish Mom were here to make him happy. She told me to take care of him but...
When Kakashi looked up, he noticed Jiraiya was pushing his father out the door - laughing about getting a drink to celebrate life.
But...
Jiraiya-sama's eyes aren't laughing...
Kakashi wondered.
Perhaps even Tsuande-sama and Jiraiya-sama worry...
Turning away, Kakashi finished the letter and smiled.
With Father out of the way, I can start on an answer tonight.
Setting up his desk carefully, with the ink pot close enough for his short arms to reach, Kakashi began his answer.
Dear Sakura... It's nice hearing from you...
An hour later, he sat back, cricking his neck and stretching his arms. It was amazing to Kakashi how much he found to talk about. Time had flown by so fast - unnoticed, as he had excitedly scrawled the kanji lopsidedly across the scroll. But the letter had finally come to an end and Kakashi hesitated.
My real name is out. 'X' is weird... how about... oh! I know! Pen pal!
He paused, then added a postscript.
Is that okay?
Two weeks passed before an answer came. Kakashi spent the time studying, waiting, cooking, reading, waiting, keeping an eye on his father... waiting...
It felt odd - to have something to look forward to. Int hose days which seemed to crawl by - the road of life hidden and uncertain, Kakashi found some excitement in the waiting. A nice change from dull routine of practice and chores.
"Kakashi-kun..." His father drawled as Kakashi checked the mail (yet again). "It's not going to come any faster, despite your enthusiasm..."
His young son blushed - but a part of him felt happy - at least his father seemed more cheerful lately. Enough to make dry jokes anyway.
Or perhaps... Kakashi thought dourly, eyeing the bottle at his dad's elbow. It's the sake talking...
"Kashi-chhhaaaaannnnn's in looo-vvvveeee!"
Yep. It's the sake...
"Hm... well... I'm just worried..."
"Kakashi..." His dad murmured. "You can never -"
"What?"
"Never mind."
Dear Pen Pal,
I still find your name to be boring, but that's okay I guess.
Kakashi's eyes drooped.
What does this girl want?
He read on.
I'm sorry your family life is screwed up.
Screwed up? I don't remember saying that...
Kakashi paused to look at his dad finishing up the bottle.
Well... pathetic maybe...
Perhaps you should find a friend. I can't say who'd be able to know what you're going through, but you should find somebody that will listen to you to help you release your stress...
Hn. As if anyone wants to be a brat's friend. I'm uncool... I guess... it's pathetic, huh. To know that - it's really all up to you, Sakura-chan... You're all I got.
Let me tell you, popularity is over-rated.
So says a cool girl...
And it does seem to me that you get attention, too. Okay... it's negative... kind of like this moron in class who is totally laughable. He just screws up in the most weird way...
Kakashi winced.
Did she just compare me to a moron?
Errrr...
He read on, sweat-dropping at her enthusiastic description of the boy she was crushing on.
Ew. That's just wrong... I'm NEVER gonna crush like that...
"Sure you will, Kakashi-kun," his dad drawled.
Kakashi jumped.
Damn. I forgot to read it ALONE... wait... did I just say that last bit out loud?
"Who's she in love with?"
...he's Uchiha...
"He's an Uchiha."
"Uchiha? At the Academy?" Sakumo blinked. "I don't remember hearing about anyone trying out -"
"Odd..." Kakashi agreed. "Maybe in another of the classes?"
"Maybe she's lying to you."
"No," Kakashi shook his head with conviction. "She'd never lie to me. Ever."
"Ohhh?"
Sakumo watched his son run off to finish his letter in private. The white-haired Jounin smiled and then heaved a deep sigh.
Maybe it's seeing him like this - worried... trying to hide his worry. Working so hard to make us happy - to make us proud - to bring some glory back to our dying clan... It's pathetic. Hanako. I'm missing you so much - after two years, I'm still pathetically... pathetic... but our son... you would be so proud!
Said son was in his room smiling over Sakura's chatter about genjutsu.
Wow... I got a smart genjutsu girl as a pen pal! Cool! Although - liking an Uchiha - depressing. There's no way I could compete... but she's nice...
It was raining when Sakumo left - Kakashi watching him run off into the misty darkness, wondering if this was okay. More than ever he wished he was more grownup so that he'd be like Raido and go off on missions with his dad.
That'd be so cool.
But this mission was ultra-special - something only an S-class level Jounin could complete. And since Jiraiya-sama was away, Tsunade-hime, busy and Orochimaru off doing his own thing, the renown Hatake had been enlisted for the job.
It was so important, even his dad couldn't talk about the details.
A part of Kakashi was worried - but a part of him was excited.
After Jiraiya-sama left, Father got so depressed - but now... this seems to excite him. Maybe this was all that he needed - something to challenge him... still... I hope it'll be okay...
That night, Kakashi comforted himself by writing a short note to Sakura.
My Dad's gone away on a long mission again - I'm kinda worried...
Several days later, her reply in the mail, eased his worry - his father hadn't returned yet - but, Sakura seemed cheerful.
I'm sure your dad will be fine - if he remembers what's waiting for him - if you wait for him... he'll come back! I'm sure!
Her world is so bright... I wish I could be there where she is...
Kakashi found the Kage on the roof of his office - looking up at the three faces carved out of the mountain.
"It's been almost a week now," Kakashi said stiffly after bowing politely. "I wondered if you have heard news of my father?"
"It's going to be okay, Kakashi-kun," the greying Sandaime smiled, his pipe wagging in the air.
Kakashi watched the smoke drift upward.
"I'm uneasy - is there something going on that we aren't to know about?" The young Hatake pressed the older man - polite, nervous - and determined.
"Ohhhh... so you've noticed?"
"There's a lot of Jounin and Chuunin missing."
"Hm. You're very observation, young Hatake. Scary. Just like your father!"
"I'm trying," Kakashi said, his eyes fastened on the smoke wafting away in the wind...
Why do I think of candles?
"I see there is no lying to you, Kakashi-kun." The Kage sighed. "If you promise -"
"I promise!"
"If you promise, I'll tell you something secret..."
"I promise on the honour of the Hatake."
"Hahaha! So serious, Kakashi-kun! You need to smile more."
Kakashi said nothing.
"Ahhh... and you're probably wondering when this old man will stop blathering and start getting to the point! Well, your father and a whole bunch of others have gone to the borders - a reconnaissance mission, that might end up as a full out battle... there is war marching on us, young Hatake - and your father - as well as the Sannin, will be needed. I hoped to keep the younglings out of this - but I see that you already are noticing... Hmmm..."
"So you have had news?"
"The answer will be in tonight," the Kage smiled. "We all are wishing for the best."
Kakashi nodded briefly.
"Thank you. I'm sorry for bothering you."
"It's no problem, Kakashi. Keep safe! And find someone to play with - the time will pass quicker when you stop thinking about waiting."
Kakashi blinked and jumped away.
Tsunade landed on the railing beside her sensei, brown eyes sharp with worry.
"Scary," Tsunade shook her head. "That brat is -"
"Lonely, I think," the Hokage sighed. "And there's not much I can do about it. I hope Sakumo can get back soon. He's need here."
"Sakumo has his own problems," Tsunade sighed. "Hanako never saw herself as important - but she was the pillar of the Hatake heart... and when she left..."
Melancholy silence fell on the pair.
It is said that no news is worse than bad news... but news came and for Kakashi it brought even more pressures. That his father had made a wrong decision was embarrassing - that it cost lives was even worse. Graduation suddenly loomed over the small boy - and honour depended on it so much more.
Sakura also seemed worried - Kakashi found himself giving her a lot of tips for the day of the exam.
If he passed - if she passed - they'd be Genin. They'd be moving forward in their dreams.
Dreams.
What dream do I have? Kakashi thought, one night as he sat on the porch, looking out over the gardens and the empty yard and long walkway. What dream can I have other than bringing honour back to our dead clan. There's only father and me - and father...
He didn't turn around - he knew where his father was.
Passed out on the parlour futon.
Kakashi's fist clenched, crumpling the scroll in his small hand. The kanji -
You seem really confident - you're not scared one bit?
There was no space for doubt. No chance for fear. There was only duty - knowing that you HAD to do it. No chance for failure. Only certainty.
He wrote back a short note - glossing over his father's depression and the recent pressures at school. The bullies who thought that it was cool to pick on the small Hatake brat, who thought he was all that.
What do I say to her? What CAN I say? Sakura... perhaps... this is the truth...
I can't afford to be scared... If I pass, I'll be the youngest Genin in Konoha history ever! And my Dad will smile again and people won't look at my family like they're dirt anymore!
Exam day came and went - for Kakashi, it was uneventful. The big event was two days later, when Sakura's letter came in the mail.
Dear Scarecrow,
I PASSED! I hope you did too! It's soo cool thinking that maybe one day we'll meet as grown up shinobi! I'm sure you'll pass! You can't help but pass - you're so smart!
It made Kakashi smile. Somebody was excited.
Somebody... believes in me...
"What're you doing?" sighed Sakumo passing by Kakashi's bedroom and peering in at his young son who was setting out an ink pot.
"Writing," Kakashi turned around to smile. "Sakura-chan passed! I wanted to tell her I passed too - with top marks!"
"Oh. I see. So..." Sakumo sat down on Kakashi's neatly turned down bed. "You had top marks! That's my boy!"
Kakashi blushed.
"I just wanted -"
"I know." Sakumo's voice sounded muffled.
Kakashi turned around. His father had laid down, face turned away.
"Father."
"I'm sorry that it all depends on you... but... you see... Kakashi... you're really our last hope. I KNOW you can be what the Hatake need - I'm - just -"
Kakashi found a space on the small bed, trying to wrap his small arms around his father's neck, while the older man wept.
Mother...
When Kakashi wrote his letter to Sakura, it seemed that the whole joy of passing seemed to have died. No doubt dampened by reality. That passing wasn't the only answer to everything.
This is only the start, Kakashi told himself. You've only JUST put your sandal to a long hard road... He sighed. I sound like an old man...
Well...against all odds, I passed. I didn't think I would exactly... since my sensei doesn't like me that much and he thinks I'm too young to be in the Academy at all... and I think he kind of hates my dad too... because when my dad screwed up this mission... Sensei's son died...
It's kind of hard to admit this, but I nearly didn't take the test - but your encouragement spurred me on. You know how the parents come around to pick their kids up - after the test... well... Dad didn't show. Everybody kept staring at me so I slipped out as soon as I got my hitae ate from my sensei... I bet you had your parents there, right? But, hey, when he comes back home from the mission, I'm sure he'll proud of what I managed to do. The youngest Genin ever!
Sakura's letter was (as per usual), Kakashi's one spot of happiness in the following week. He read his letter out to his dad who'd taken to sitting a lot in his study, staring at the wall - or out the spacious windows - at the wild garden and the falling rain.
Dear Scarecrow,
YAY! YOU PASSED! I'm glad you passed too!
I'm so happy! Well... not just because you passed but because my crush is on my team! Yep! Yep! He's MIIIINNNEEEE! But then... I guess nothing can be perfect - BECAUSE I'VE GOT THE CLASS IDIOT IN MY TEAM! WHY? WHY? WHY?
"She's funny. It's weird how girls are when it comes to teams..."
"Hm. She's - what? - twelve years old. Just hitting puberty, so boys are important... a bad age to start in my opinion," Sakumo said. "Too soft and distracted for war..."
"Uhhh... I think... she's nice..." Kakashi defended his pen pal. "I think she's fun..."
"Hmmm... she's nice and fun, alright. I agree. But... fun and nice don't have a place on the battlefield, Kakashi. Girls like that are always the ones found on the sidelines, crying."
"Well... even if she is, I'll help her become strong!" Kakashi said firmly. "I won't give up on Sakura-chan just 'cause she's a weepy girl! I'm sure she could become strong!"
"Hmmm..." Sakumo stared at his son's determined face. "Suit yourself..."
I'm sorry your Dad couldn't make it - or me... you should have told me - I would have come to cheer you on! And it's too bad about not getting a team right away. Geez... how old are you really? You said you were the youngest in your class - but how young are we talking here? Anyway. I'm glad I was encouraging - when you have people depending on you, you always do better, I think. I hope you get a nice sensei. Do you know who your sensei is yet? You should see ours! He's - Oh! Mom's calling me! Gotta go!
"Yeah... she seems like she cares about you," Sakumo sighed. "Let's hope she's not a fair weather friend..."
"I don't see why you have to be so harsh about people," grumbled Kakashi.
There was a pause.
Sakumo looked even more depressed.
Kakashi looked horrified.
"Sorry!" They said at the same time.
Another uneasy pause.
"I'm sorry..." Sakumo finally sighed. "I'm just..."
"It's okay." Kakashi rose to his feet. "I should be leaving you to -"
Sakumo said nothing more.
But he watched Kakashi leave in the mirror, looking smaller than ever.
He needs a sensei. Until then... I should... I should... get off my pathetic ass and do something for him... Hanako...
Sakumo stood, wandered over to the shrine, opened the door, lit the candles and knelt - staring at her photograph. She was smiling gently, eyes, understanding... forgiving...
Hanako...
"He needs a sensei," Sakumo said sharply, ignoring the stares of the Hyuuga and others who had gathered outside the Kage's office.
That the Hatake had actually bestirred himself was amazing.
"Let him wait," sniffed a Jounin. "He's special. Maybe... but... not worth all this excitement. Hokage. Let the boy wait until he's at least ten... then a suitable team could be chosen for the Hatake."
"He needs one now!" Sakuma protested. "I don't want his abilities wasting away..."
"Abilities?" sniffed a Hyuuga. "There's no -"
Sakumo glared at the people congregating around the desk.
"I just want him to have some outside guidance - I've taught him all I could - but he needs -"
"Nothing. Just a time of rest until he's old enough," put in another Chuunin. "It's not like we have tons of people to spare anyway... not for one on one..."
"Hokage-sama," begged Sakumo.
"Don't worry, Sakumo," the Hokage smiled. "I just arranged it."
"WHAT?" everybody leaned in. "You got someone?"
"Wasting a Jounin on a kid during a really uncertain time," another Hyuuga muttered. "Scandalous..."
"Silence."
The Kage's stern voice caught everyone's attention. The room quieted.
"Jiraiya's back..."
"Oh?" Sakumo jerked up. "Really? Where?"
"Here," smirked Jiraiya, from the doorway, appearing from nowhere. "Trying to keep your skinny ass from getting into trouble. Again."
"Heyyy..." Sakumo mock protested. "I don't need help -"
"But you need a Jounin for young Kakashi. A sensei..."
"Yes..."
"We came back for the Jounin trials."
"Eh?"
"Are you so out of it, Saku-kuuun... Jounin trials. You know... where Jounins are elected..."
"Yeah..."
"Well... Minato has been chosen as a candidate. He'll pass and become your kid's sensei, no problem. You watch. In three weeks time, Kakashi will have a sensei!"
"Minato? Your apprentice!"
"HHHERRREEE!" A brilliant poof of smoke, light and leaves filled the room. "The FUTURE HOKAGE!"
"Ehhhhhhh..." Sakumo's eyebrow twitched. "The class idiot?"
"Hmmm... he'll be good for your son. A genius. Loner. But funnier. He'll help Kakashi-kun lighten up..."
"I see..."
"It'll be a chance for them to grow together. And Minato likes to have fun - but he's serious now."
"Yes!" Minato nodded. "I'm ready to be Jounin - and Sensei! I'm going to help Konoha grow. Where's young Kakashi-kun anyway? It's been so long since I've seen him! He was only a baby when I last saw him! Has he grown?"
"And then some..." Sakumo grinned wryly, his smile grew bigger, as his chest puffed out. "He just graduated the Academy - at the age of FOUR! Youngest ever!"
"We'll never hear the end of this," grumbled a passing Uchiha. "Seriously..."
"You should be proud," Minato said. "He must be very smart."
"And a hard worker," Jiraiya shook his head. "You'll have to show him how to have a good time."
"I'm proud of him," Sakumo agreed. "But... he needs more guidance. He's not reached his potential yet. I hope you can help push him on further. I don't want him resting on his laurels..."
Minato blinked.
"Ehhh... ummm... yeah..."
"At any rate, give us two weeks and we'll get back to you, okay?" Jiraiya waved a hand.
Sakumo nodded.
"Thank you, Jiraiya. I appreciate it. And, many thanks Sandaime, for suggesting it. And I look forward to hearing from you, Minato-kun. Kakashi and I will be waiting! Good luck on the exams!"
Two weeks later, Minato found himself at the large gates of the Hatake complex. It seemed so huge. For the blonde-haired, bouncy orphan, it seemed like one of those dream houses - like the Hyuuga and the Uchiha. The smells and sounds of the elderly servants and some distant Hatake family members pottering about. Passing the large, wild-looking garden, Minato couldn't help but shake his head.
It's amazing. That such a small clan used to be so... big... I guess... that just goes to show that things come and go. What's important is that you followed your dream and your path - that you upheld your honour and your promises. In the end, clan names just don't matter. It's up to who can protect and who can't...
"Minato-kun."
It was Sakumo, sitting on the front porch, dressed up for the occasion. Beside him sat Kakashi.
He had changed a lot No longer a small squalling baby with a tuft of white hair - no. He'd definitely grown. Into a little man. His mask, hitae ate (just so!), black gloves and stark black and white Hatake dress...
Hm. His father's son after all.
Even the white bush was familiar - the way their hair defied gravity was amazing to Minato.
Still... even though he's grown... he's so... small...
I bet they had to downsize his kunai and everything... I guess endurance and strength will have to be a big focus... taijutsu...
Minato smiled at himself.
Look at me. Already thinking like an adult... It's so exciting... but...
Here he took another look at Kakashi's serious, dark eyes. Unreadable and worried.
Kinda scary. But then, the kid looks worried...
Minato smiled at his new student.
"Hello, Kakashi-kun. You probably don't remember me, but I used to hang around when you were just a baby. Those were the days... when Hanako used to bake cookies for me! Ahahahaha!"
The silence was deafening.
Then:
"I'm glad you have such fond memories of Kakashi and Hanako. I hope you can share those memories with Kakashi, right?"
Here the clan head turned to his son, who nodded quickly.
But his small hands were clenched on his knee.
Sakumo sighed.
"Perhaps it would be best if you two were alone. I'm sure the eyes of a parent are dampers for one-on-one confidences..." The older man rose.
Minato bowed and smiled uncertainly.
"Kakashi, listen to your sensei at all times."
"Yes, Father."
"And Kakashi -"
Sakumo's voice stopped the young boy.
"Remember to have fun, okay?"
"Sure, Father."
"Your Father is nice," Minato said after a moments silence.
"Hm... yes."
"I feel bad. I didn't know that her memory was so fresh - that Hanako would make you so sad. I'm sorry."
"It's okay."
Kakashi shrugged.
Minato shook his head.
It's like this all the time at that house?
"No," his green eyes found Kakashi's dark ones. He knelt before the boy. "It's not okay. We should be honest - about what we like and don't like..."
"Uh..."
"Here... let's sit here and talk."
"Talk?"
"Yes. Get to know each other."
"Huh?"
Kakashi found a seat on the small stone steps, his sensei sat on the rail in front of him. They had found a quiet spot on the white arched promenade, the tree's behind them creaked comfortingly in the wind.
"Say... talk about dreams, hobbies... dislikes and likes... and such..."
"I -" Kakashi rolled his eyes. "Why don't you do it, Sensei? Show me what you mean."
"Okay. Fair enough. My name's Minato. I like ramen. I dislike having to wait those four minutes for the ramen to finish cooking... I also like reading. Cool books that Jiraiya-sama writes - very exciting..."
"You mean, porn?"
"It's NOT porn! It's classical -"
"Porn."
"Why - how do you know?"
"My dad collects stuff like that... sometimes... when he's in the mood..."
Kakashi was rather nonchalant about it.
"But I think it's kinda gross..."
"You'd think that..." Minato twitched. "At any rate... my dream is to become Hokage. And my hobbies are... reading..."
"Who would've guessed..."
"And - um... training."
Kakashi tried to look dutifully impressed. And failed.
"How about you, squirt."
"My NAME is Hatake Kakashi. I don't like talking to people about my likes and dislikes. As for my dream..." Kakashi thought hard. "I dunno... but... I have a few hobbies..."
Minato's eyebrow twitched.
"What kind of information is that. All I know is your name! You gotta give me something to go on..."
Kakashi just stared at his sandal.
"I dunno... I like miso soup... and writing letters to my pen pal I guess..."
"Well..." Minato sighed. "That's a start."
"You're not... mad?" asked Kakashi tentatively.
"No. Why would I be?"
"I dunno," the little boy shrugged.
"It's okay if you don't want to share things, Kakashi. I guess... when I'm excited about something, I like to tell people about it. I just want you to feel the same way."
Kakashi nodded slowly, his tense shoulders, relaxing.
Then, his eyes crinkled up into crescents.
"Okay."
Minato smiled back.
Maybe things aren't so hopeless...
Three weeks later, Sakura got a very excited letter.
Dear Sakura,
Sorry about the shortness. Things have been busy for me - I met my new sensei. He has blonde hair, green eyes and a wide smile. He is very nice and says I'm going to be a genius. Well... Dad says that all the time about me - but why doesn't he smile like Sensei?
Sensei has started training with me - serious training - and we've even done a bunch of C-ranks with me. He says that in no time I'll be ready for the Chuunin Exam. I don't know. But when Dad heard this, he said that it was possible.
What do you think?
The idea of going to the Chuunin Exam really pumped Kakashi up. It was another chance for him to shine and try out his strength. Minato sweat-dropped at the thought of sending such a small kid into a tough exam like that -
But from the determined look on Kakashi's face, it seemed like the boy was still very much goal-oriented.
And no wonder... all that pressure on him. And his Father not helping anything but depending on him so much... There's not much I can do... but... prepare him...
"Already running you into the ground, huh?" Jiraiya laughed, watching Minato pause mid-chew - mind obviously far away from his ramen (a sight to behold).
"Hmmm..."
"It's Sakumo, right?"
"Wellll..." Minato didn't know what to say. "I think that family has a lot riding on Kakashi. Too much. He's only four. Going on five... but... the Chuunin Exam... I'd like to think of it further in the future than Kakashi sees it..."
"Yes. Well. Make a compromise. After he turns five. He can take the Spring exam. And prepare him for Akagahara - you've been through it - you can give him all the tips he needs."
"It's the one on ones I'm afraid of," Minato shook his head. "As a five year old... his reach is way too short..."
"He can do it. He just has to be smarter than they are. And play on their underestimations."
"I guess."
"Keep sounding him out... that's what's important. And make sure he's having fun."
"Yeah. I'll try to dissuade him out of the whole Chuunin thing."
Dear Scarecrow,
What can I say about my sensei?
He's... weird... I guess... For one thing - time has no meaning for him. Yes. He's LATE ALL THE TIME! DAMMIT! Can't he take us seriously! We had to wait TWO hours before he showed up for the first time! Everyone had already met their sensei and gone off to get acquainted - it was embarrassing to just sit there.
Anyway, Sensei comes in - and gets hit on the head by a chalk eraser - I kind thought it was funny. It was Naruto's idea... NOT MINE! But still... kinda funny...
Wow... she's got one pathetic sensei... isn't he taking his job seriously?
And it serves Sensei right, ne? His excuses for being late are disgusting too. Like before his "Bell Test", he came late - 5 HOURS! And what was his excuse? "A black cat crossed my path so -"
WHAT THE HELL?
Poor Sakura-chan! He sounds so irresponsible! Doesn't he know that punctuality and rules are there for a reason?
But you know... I thought he was dumb - but he's a Jounin for real. We couldn't even touch him - and we passed his test by the skin of teeth - kinda accidentally... sort of embarrassing to admit. Naruto, Sasuke and I managed to show real teamwork. I never knew it was that important. But you know, to Sensei it's important. He said that he had a friend on the Memorial Stone - which reminds him of that importance all the time...
Sounds kinda fishy to me...
Anyway... back on topic... Sensei's got grey hair - and a mask - and likes to read these orange books that have a big red R on the back. I think it's a bad adult book - because he won't let us read it, but he laughs over it all the time.
I think he's a pervert. Maybe...
What the... are all sensei perverted? What's with those porn books anyway? I hope Sakura-chan never looks in them! That would be horrible!
But he's super strong and super cool. Well... enough about him - we're going on an important mission tomorrow to Wave Country - a guarding mission. Thanks to the class idiot - yep! Can you believe my luck? Him - of all people! - on my team! Well... so is the guy I like, I guess you can't win everything!
Back to this guarding mission -
My Uchiha says it's basically 'babysitting' but still... it's a C-rank... Naruto says it'll be a piece of cake... Anyway, we'll be gone several weeks, so don't worry if you don't hear from me for a while.
Good luck with training,
Sakura.
p.s. I'm proud of you being so enthusiastic about training and stuff - but maybe you want to wait a bit before going into the Chuunin Exam. I mean, don't you think being a kid is important too - as important as being accepted. Knowing your Dad might smile is a great goal to push towards - I'd do it too - but... please... be careful. I don't want you to get hurt.
p.p.s. How old are you? Give!
Kakashi reread the first postscript again.
I mean, don't you think being a kid is important too - as important as being accepted. Knowing your Dad might smile is a great goal to push towards - I'd do it too - but... please... be careful. I don't want you to get hurt.
Sakura-chan... Is this what you live then? Joy in the moment? Huh... you probably don't even understand what you're saying... but... it's true. Maybe that's what Minato-sensei... maybe...
"Kakashi..."
Maybe... I should enjoy myself with Sensei for a while... Enjoying the now... finding a dream...
"Kakashi? Where are you? Oh!"
It was his Father.
Minato stood behind him, peering past him at his young student, who was rolling up a scroll quickly.
"Oh. You're reading another one of those letters. Sorry, Minato-kun. Seems like my young son is already crushing on his pen pal.."
Kakashi blushed.
"I'm not!"
"Heh heh heh... boy after my heart," Sakumo smiled.
"That he is!" Minato said cheerfully, happy to see Kakashi and his father both happier. "A pen pal? Is she hot?"
"AND smart!" Kakashi added.
"Hot and smart. You're lucky! Know her name?"
"Sakura."
"Aha... well now... that's nice, isn't it? Cherry blossoms - such a pretty name."
"Hm... Can we go now?" Kakashi switched the subject after stowing the letter away in a small chest.
"Okay. Let's get to training! We've got a lot to do today!"
As they walked away, Minato couldn't help but laugh.
"That's the pen pal you mentioned on the day we met?"
"Yeah?"
"You've been writing to her for long?"
"For about a year and a half, I guess... she... she makes me feel nice inside. She's my friend. Really! And she never says I'm dorky or anything!"
"Wow... that's nice."
"Yeah... and you know... she helped me decide... about, the, well, uh, the Chuunin Exam."
"Oh?"
Minato stopped.
"I want to wait."
"OH?" Minato mentally gave the pen pal a thumbs up. "Why?"
"I think I should take more time to train... to enjoy myself... until I'm really sure... so... I'm gonna wait until I'm at least five and half..."
The young kid sounded so matter of fact.
"That'll give me enough time to train AND relax."
"Good idea," Minato grinned. "I like that girl of yours. Got a good head on her shoulders. If you ever want to hook up with a chick - that's the one for you! Seems like she's got your best interest in mind, huh?"
"Yeah..."
That night, Kakashi took the time to write Sakura a quick note - unsure if it would get to her in time before she left on the "babysitting mission" - but he just had to. He was that excited - now that the pressure and worry was gone. He could focus on himself now. And do things he'd always wanted.
And Sensei had said a mission was coming up, which he managed to snag.
Even Father had smiled and said 'okay'.
It was the best day of his life.
All thanks to her and her advice. Her letters which had made him so happy - on those nights when he'd felt so alone in the big, empty mansion. Those words which had even made his dad chuckle...
Anyway, you probably won't hear from me in a while. I'm sorry! I'll miss you! Still... let's keep in touch every so often, huh?
Until next time,
Scarecrow
And he meant every word.
Minato was right.
Sakura-chan was the girl for him!
READ AND REVIEW!
Next up: Kakashi's Chuunin days... Mystery of Sakura. (i think not sure what this is going to entail...)