Perceptions
WC: 651
It was a day of celebration for Konoha. With the Fourth Shinobi won years ago, Sasuke back home, and most of the countries in an uneasy alliance, everything had been peaceful. Now, five years afterwards, the Rokudaime Hokage was being welcomed by everyone. Hatake Kakashi stood on the roof, like most of the shinobi, watching as the blond Hokage walked cheerfully through the center of the streets at the head of the parade. Next to him were his two advisors, and personal bodyguard. After that came the ANBU Captain, the Chief Medic, and finally, the rest of the Council. Civilians were cheering on the sidelines, feeling safe for the first time in a decade.
"It's a sad day when the students pass the mentors."
Kakashi glanced to his left, where Yuuhi Kurenai stood. She didn't even bring her head up to look at him, hands tightening around the child she was holding, while her red eyes focused on said students.
"But my friends, we should never be said to see the youth burning brightly in those we have cultivated," Maito Gai on his right said.
Kurenai snorted. "That doesn't make me feel better. Just the other day Kiba asked me if my hands hurt from holding Junior too long." She scowled fiercely, making Kakashi wonder how Kiba was walking so easily. "Honestly... I remember when those civilians thought the Uchiha would be a better Hokage."
Kakashi's eye drifted towards Sasuke, who was walking a pace behind the Rokudaime on his right. He had immediately been proclaimed the Hokage's new bodyguard, and personal shinobi.
"And do not forget when Kakashi was going to be Hokage," Gai added, he and Kurenai chuckling.
"Just be glad that Tsunade woke up that day," Kakashi said lazily.
It was true. Kakashi would've hated the job, though, in the days of Team Minato, everyone was certain that was what was going to happen. After all, he had been Minato's favorite student, there was no denying it. Not to mention, he was the strongest. So, of course people would choose him instead of the bumbling genin, with his heart on his sleeve, or the quiet, yet determined one, with not quite enough power.
What a joke, Kakashi thought, focusing on the new Hokage. Obito would have been a better one. From the start, his late friend possessed the correct outlook. Kakashi had been more like Sasuke: cold, detatched... the perfect ninja.
But that wasn't what Konoha needed.
The parade was closing. The Sixth had reached the gates, and was greeting the Godaime with a large grin. Tsunade hugged him, before presenting him with both the hat and robes. The Sixth let out a "whoop!" of happiness, setting the hat on his head, and struggling with the ceremonial robes.
As Sasuke rolled his eyes, but helped the Sixth into the robes, he knew this was the right ending. For those like Sasuke and him, they would always be in the background, ensuring their loved ones protections. Konoha didn't want to see them. They wanted to see the people like Obito. In the end, they were rather ugly people once the pretty surface had been uncovered.
"Well, Kurenai, Gai, I think I'm going to go say hello," he said. Without waiting for a response, he flitted down to the Gates.
The wide grin that was waiting for him made his day. "Kakashi-sensei!" two voices exclaimed. There were other murmured greetings, and a smirk sent to him from Sasuke.
"Hello, my cute little students."
The Hokage made a face, combined with an eye roll. "Kakashi-sensei, you're late!" he accused.
Kakashi shrugged, merely ruffling the blonde's hair a bit. "Sorry, Naruto. I got lost on the road of life."
Naruto and Sakura shrieked, "Liar!" while Sasuke and Sai merely arched eyebrows at him, causing Kakashi to grin. Yes, they would stay in the background. And they would be the better for it.