Naruto x Digimon

Alive - Team Minato's Digidestined

Chapter 027

Song: Hoang & RUNN - People Change

Originally Written: Monday, January 30, 2023 410PM to 541PM

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Seated on Sangloupmon's back, Kakashi clutched the Digimon's fur. Pakkun sat on Kakashi's lap. Sangloupmon circled around the outskirts of Konoha, despite Kakashi's protests. It simply wasn't safe to travel like this. Kakashi wanted to return home. He looked down at Pakkun. He wasn't sure when he started thinking of his clan grounds as home, but the word felt right. The rest of Konoha on the other hand…

He carded his fingers through Sangloupmon's deep fur. "Last mission." He whispered.

Pakkun looked up at him. "You could decline."

Kakashi shook his head. "They'd focus on Rin again."

Pakkun sighed, almost growling. "They're already focusing on Rin again, pup." He nudged up against Kakashi's stomach. "So stubborn. She wouldn't want you to go through all this. Not for her sake."

Kakashi shivered. A barrier of sparkling energy, triggered from his Digivice circled and swirled around him. He shook his head, and wished he could disappear. He looked at the sparkling, swirling barrier. "I'm following all these rules, but they don't make sense…"

"We could avoid all of this by taking your seat at the council." Pakkun suggested.

He had before, and it almost made sense, but it would be more than a while before he reached a high enough status that he could skirt around the Anbu position. "I waited too long. This is my punishment."

Sangloupmon bounded through the forest, bouncing from tree to tree, weaving in and out between them. The wind flowed through Kakashi's hair. His vision blurred from his tears. He swallowed thickly, breath heaving, despite the adrenaline and thrill of flying through the air at the speeds Sangloupmon could achieve. He could reach these speeds too, especially when he used the sharingan, but it wasn't the same. The barrier disappeared as his concentration wavered and his chakra dissipated.

Sangloupmon slowed to a stop next to a particular large tree. The tree was an old thing that Sangloupmon found ages ago. It had a huge hollow in the bark, perfect for the digimon and partner to rest inside. He walked in, making sure Kakashi ducked his head, and circled around before laying down on his stomach. Kakashi and Pakkun climbed down.

Kakashi sat next to Sangloupmon, snuggling into his fur. He held Pakkun in his arms. He blinked quickly. "Forget these rules. I don't want to be in Anbu." He murmured. "I don't want to kill anymore people." His breath hitched in his throat.

Pakkun licked his face. Sangloupmon whined. Birds in the trees chirped, and squirrels chittered. Rabbits passed by, searching for food. Kakashi watched them all, wishing he was a peaceful animal, who didn't have to worry about any of this.

He didn't know how long he sat watching and listening to the nature around him. "To endure is to survive." He softly pet Pakkun's fur. The dog frequently let him push the pads of his feet.

He remembered back when he first was assigned to Team Seven. He looked at Obito and Rin with such boredom and distaste. So quickly he assumed that they would hold him back, and slow him down. Now, Rin and Obito moved on ahead, leaving him in the distance as they moved towards their own destinies. Meanwhile he flailed, struggling not to drown. Just like his father.

He took his time, and eventually pushed himself out the hallow. Sangloupmon followed him. He found a stream and washed his face. He could take the outskirts on his way back home, but he had a role to play as the Fourth Hokage's prized apprentice. He took the long, showy route. Sangloupmon was an intimidating force to many, but a sign of Kakashi's strength and willingness to protect Konoha as well. The digimon, human, and pug got the look of many as they walked through Konoha's streets. The villagers whispers and gossiping tales washed over him. They were nothing compared to the heaviness in his heart.

In time he made it back home. The first thing he noticed was how green the grass was. The second was how well Guy's jumpsuit blended into the foliage. He hadn't noticed when Hanku's scarf stopped weighing him down, but it clearly wasn't anymore. The ends flowed behind him with every hop, kick, punch and jump. Kakashi spent a few minutes watching him. It took Guy some time to notice.

He beamed when he did. "Kakashi! Dearest Rival! We are waiting for you!" His voice boomed. "Sangloupmon and Pakkun! Hello!"

He blinked in confusion, weary from his stint hiding from his responsibilities. Guy zoomed over and grabbed Kakashi's wrist. He led him into the door and to the living room. "Isn't it youthful?" Guy switched to his quiet, inside voice.

Kakashi took in his surroundings. Granny Masumi was cooking dinner again, completely unbothered by Lunamon and Coronamon helping her. The obedient little chefs in the making's laughter wafted from the kitchen alongside Masumi's instructions. Obito and Rin were resting on the couch, with Obito's wheelchair not too far away. The two chattered in soft conversation, catching up with and surpassing Kakashi in adulthood. In the middle of the room sat Itachi Uchiha, Kabuto Yakushi and Kabuto's friend Urushi. Playing cards were scattered on the floor between them. The trio was playing a card game, where the loser had to blow bubbles using a bubble wand. Currently Urushi had goaded Itachi into chasing after them. A bright smile lit up Itachi's face as Kabuto struggled to blow bubbles through his laughter. Itachi twirled and leaped as though practicing shinobi maneuvers and forms.

Kakashi swallowed thickly, and clenched his fists. He wondered if this was what his father wanted everyone to see when they thought of Konoha. And for that vision to truly be true. "I will survive." He murmured.

Sangloupmon nudged his rear. Pakkun barked, ran into the mix, and started helping Itachi pop bubbles. Slowly but surely, the house's inhabitants realized he was home and redirected all their attention towards him. Guy lightly punched his shoulder. A love tap that Kakashi barely felt. Kakashi looked at him.

"We will survive. And shine bright as the sun in our everlasting youth." Guy gave him a thumbs up and smiled.

"Welcome home, Kakashi!" Multiple voices shouted and greeted, all focusing on him.

A/N: Yes, the rules of that card game is that the loser gets to have fun and make the winner chase bubbles. 'Alive' Fugaku is much nicer than canon, but let's be reasonable. He's still an Uchiha.