Chapter Seventeen: Harmony

"D-Ranks pay more than I thought."

"Be careful not to spend it too quickly. Replacing tools and gear can get costly," said Father. "It's also good to save some of it and for contingency if you don't work for a while." Kakashi thought it was smart and watched Yuina nod as if it was a given. It wasn't fair. That should be him too. The Minato guy should hurry up and finish his mission already.

If his sister was getting paid that much for D-Ranks then he wondered how much Dad received from his missions, or what he did with it. "Do you put all your money into savings then?"

"Some." Dad scratched his cheek with a finger. They never talked about financials. Kakashi knew the value of money. He had bought groceries enough times, both with his family and alone, but outside that he didn't know what people did with it. "It's good to have savings in case anything happens. Konoha also has a fair bit of inflation because of all the goods we import from other Land of Fire villages."

Yuina's eyebrows scrunched. Something that happened when she faced a difficult question she couldn't answer. "What do you do with the rest of it?"

"Donate it."

"Where would you even—" Yuina zipped her mouth shut and her eyebrows scrunched once more. "Not that it's bad. It's not. Just…who accepts donations?"

"The orphanage and library among others."

Dad looked at him and Yuina like he was expecting something.

"Tou-chan is super nice! I hope to grow up just like you."

Kakashi scoffed.

"What?"

"That was already the plan." It was already obvious that Dad was the best. Who wouldn't want to be like him?

"Just be yourselves. That makes me happy enough. Do me one favour instead?"

"What kind of favour?" he asked in anticipation.

"Never take things for granted."

"That's it?"

Dad placed a hand on Yuina's head, so Kakashi moved closer to receive affection too. "It's hard because it's so easy."

"That doesn't make any sense," Kakashi complained. "It can't be hard and easy at the same time."

"Have I told you how our clan started?"

Kakashi shook his head. Was it important? He was more concerned about the now rather than what's happened in the past.

"The Hatake Clan would come to pick up a variety of jobs, but it's main source of employment had been defending farmland. Whether it be from war, disturbers, or thieves, the clan would prioritize agricultural protection. It was important for stability. Trample too many fields and people starved, sought refuge elsewhere, got pushed to banditry, or became thieves themselves. Life without adequate food leads to civil unrest. Something that could be overlooked by the Daimyo when occupied with other matters as people died from hunger."

He should appreciate his food even more now.

"People are part of nature. No matter how much we accomplish we still require our basic needs."

"Is that how we got our names?" A name was a name. His was already granted to him and didn't think much about where the name came from.

Sakumo leaned back using his arms as support. "Kakashi. A name fitting for someone standing guard to protect and defend people's livelihoods, as well as possessing wisdom and knowledge. Yuina. A name for perseverance and growth with the ability to support and bring people together. Those are what your mother and I thought when choosing names. Ah, but be who you want to be."

"I was wondering why I was name Yuina instead of Yasai or Yosai."

"We considered it, along with Na, but your mother was insistent."

It was rare that Dad would bring up Mom. He seemed happy to be able to mention her. Kakashi didn't get it.

"I'm going to go shopping for a new outfit and maybe see how much a tanto costs." Dad started teaching her how to use one. Kakashi wanted to join in but he spent most of his additional time with Pakkun. He was able to see now and was beginning to walk more easily so he was a handful. "Want me to pick up anything?"

Dad smiled. "We're good for now. Enjoy yourself".

"Will do."

"I'm going to go–" play with "–train Pakkun."

Dad's smile was directed at him now. "You're doing great with him!"

"I know!"

Kakashi went up to his room and summoned Pakkun.

He was told that one day Pakkun would be able to talk with some training. He eagerly awaited the day. For now Kakashi had to deal with the puppy's teething.

Pakkun started chewing on his folded futon for a while before he decided to roam. All was fine and well until Pakkun bit the one thing he shouldn't.

"No! Anything but that. Give it back." Pakkun's body curled around the dog plush Yuina had made and given him for his birthday two years ago. His paws holding it tighter against him as he continued to gnaw.

Kakashi couldn't use too much force in fear of hurting him but he also really wanted the toy back before something happened to it.

The door opened and he looked over to see Dad and a blond man standing at his room entrance. To them it probably seemed like a tug of war match. His cheeks flushed. He let go of the toy in embarrassment, though one hand quickly reached back down to indiscreetly go back to trying to tug the toy away.

"You must be Kakashi-kun. Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm Namikaze Minato." A flash of horror swept Kakashi. "I look forward to getting to know you."

No! It wasn't supposed to be like this. He wanted Minato to hurry up with his mission but why at this very moment of all times? He was supposed to have a great introduction, but now it felt like he had been exposed. Reduced down to the average fumbling child. Minato was never going to see him any differently now.

They were trying not to laugh. He knew it. Minato got the point about meeting tomorrow afternoon. He excused himself but not before wishing Kakashi well with training his dog.

He was never going to live this down.