Eclosion Arc: Congratulations

Sakumo hadn't been ready for what he saw. He had been thinking of ideas about what to do during their time off of school only to have them foiled by what he saw.

Kakashi entered the house wearing a forehead protector, proof he was a shinobi of Konohagakure. Yuina was mere steps behind him with the same emblem in her hand.

Before they could even grant him the news, Sakumo said the only thing he could in such a situation. "Should we celebrate?"

Sakumo didn't know what led to the decision, but it was easy enough to go along with. It would be good to have an extra set of eyes on them as their training efforts became more arduous. They were good kids, and talented students, but they got wrapped up in their own world when pursuing something. It was good that they continuously improved. Stagnation was dangerous, but he still remembered the time he came home for them to be covered in injuries. He'd rather not have that happen again.

"Okay." Kakashi glowed.

Yuina wondered how many people saw Kakashi as a prideful person. Not egotistical. Not vain. Not aloof. Prideful. She had only ever witnessed him preen praises from those he respected, which, as far as she knew, a select few. His feelings mostly stemmed from his own self-image and goals. He was an introspective person, but enjoyed when those he respected him exalted him too.

"Can I have a dog?"

Ptf.

Kakashi had to be on cloud nine if he was finally willing to ask.

"Shall we look into it?"

Sakumo's answer surprised Yuina. There were many things to consider. Having a house pet was unimaginable. Dogs required a lot of effort and attention. They were out of the house a lot now, and she and Kakashi would be out even more now that missions would be expected of them. Sakumo had to have some sort of plan to entertain the idea. He wouldn't raise Kakashi's hopes only to crush him. He knew how much Kakashi loved dogs. He'd have a pack if he could.

"Really?" Kakashi didn't expect Sakumo to agree so easily. He would have asked sooner.

"Would you like something?"

It took a moment for Yuina to realize Sakumo was talking to her. She was distracted by the thought of Kakashi snuggling with a bunch of dogs. It was unimaginably cute imagery.

Yuina considered the offer. Was there anything she wanted? They've lived a pretty simple lifestyle, which complicated the sudden opportunity to be materialistic. A lot of things didn't exist in this world. There was equipment that she would always stare at when walking home, but choosing one thing was difficult when she wanted to use them simultaneously. Plus, home wasn't exactly a good place to set it up. Her modern-day safety precautions wouldn't allow her, and some substances she wanted could be dangerous if not properly stored and handled. "Can I think about it?"

"Absolutely."

She grinned. She was going to think about it and ask for something that amounted to a reasonable trade for the circumstances. She would only become an official ninja once, and their circumstances were worthy of gossip. It also needed to make up for the fact that she'd be missing out on Foundation Day activities to prepare for team assignments. She accepted this life, but that didn't mean she wasn't scared. For all the trouble, her gift couldn't be wasted by simply asking for a meal out.

It was only four days later when Sakumo came home with a newborn mixed-breed wrapped in a blanket. Kakashi stared in adoration as Sakumo passed him the pup.

"So cute," she whispered as she hovered next to them. She wondered where the pup's mom was. He was too young to be on his own and she doubted Sakumo upped and stole one. "Where did you get him?"

Sakumo showed a scroll. "I had some tracking to do. My grandfather loved dogs too, but didn't like to share." Sakumo recalled his grandfather showing off his summons like they were prized possessions that couldn't be shared. Others could look on and give them the attention they desired, but he was always adamant that they were his. The spoiled dogs never complained, but his words were scathing. The equivalent of getting smacked on the hand as punishment.

Their shared history made it easier to convince one of the dogs to agree to a summoning contract. "They're trusting Kakashi and I to give this little guy back." His mom also had the ability to summon herself to him.

Yuina wondered what Sakumo did to instill trust to care for a newborn. She was even more confused that summoning existed. The world felt more magical by the day, but wondered about the physics. She had to remember to jot down summoning under her list of potential Yin uses. She had thought of it like aether before, and still held that belief, but the potential observation of space was an interesting thought.

Kakashi was heartbroken. He pouted. "I can't keep him?"

Sakumo patted Kakashi's head. "They're willing to let you name him and help raise him. It's a lot of work, so you can't slack off. As a ninken, there's a lot you'll have to help teach him."

Kakashi's lidded eyes rounded out at the implication. A ninken. A dog he could have with him even while on missions. "He can help me when he's big enough? I'll train him well!" Yuina wondered whether he was happy he had a companion or scared the dog may get hurt helping him. "I'll name you Pakkun."

Yuina didn't know where the name came from, but it was cute. A cute name for a cute dog. Maybe she could reap the benefits of loving him without having to put in any of the work.

She watched Sakumo unrolled the scroll. A seal? Her knowledge extended as far as some basic supplies, like explosion tags, which could be bought. She knew nothing about how they worked. The scroll had answered her question, though. About how Sakumo managed it. Sakumo's grandfather more than like dogs. He had a contract too. She didn't know which of the three Hatake signatures was her great-grandfather, but it didn't matter. What mattered was that Kakashi had to offer some blood in exchange. Yuina winced.

Sakumo then showed Kakashi how to summon and Yuina was tasked with holding Pakkun. She was excited, but it didn't last long when Kakashi scooped him back up mere seconds later during a puff of smoke.

"It took you long enough." Was that a talking dog? There was clearly still a lot about this world she didn't know. How did they let her out of the academy when she knew so little? Pakkun stirred at the sound of the other dog's voice.

Sakumo scratched the adult dog behind her ears as an apology. Her tail thumped in contentment.

"You try having a litter. There's so many of them and they're always needed. What did you name him?"

"Pakkun! I'll take really good care of him." Kakashi approached and petted Pakkun's mom, Aki.

They talked about some explanation how things worked, but Yuina's mind was still swept up in talking, summonable animals.

Pakkun and Aki poofed away. Kakashi missed them already. Yuina was skeptical how long it would take before Kakashi tried to summon him back.

That took care of Kakashi's gift, but he still had to decide on something. "Can we get a family photo?" She had gotten the idea when she had her photo taken for identification. Cameras weren't portable, but they existed. It would be nice to have a picture of everyone together for a keepsake. Yuina felt the dread that they would see each other even less soon, so she felt having a family portrait was important.

"We'll get a photo, so think of something else as your gift," said Sakumo.

"But—"

Sakumo placed his hand on her head. "Okay?"

"Okay." Yuina felt guilty. Photographs weren't cheap.

They got their photo take a few days later.

"Are you sure that's what you want to wear?" The middle-aged woman was perplexed by them wearing their everyday clothes.

"Yeah." Yuina wanted to laugh at the idea of Kakashi wearing formal attire. She could imagine him messing with the layering around his neck and waist. "Authentic is better."

The woman repeated the word authentic with her lips without making a sound. She was paid for a job though, so while she had a list of recommendation like posture and positions, it was ultimately up to the Hatake family to make the final decisions. "Okay. We are in a great position, so you can take off your mask now."

Kakashi paled and refused to look at the woman. "It's staying on." His identification photo was already too much.

The woman looked up from the lens. "But surely you want to see your face."

"It stays on." Kakashi moves the mask a little further up his face to make his point.

"We're happy with this," said Sakumo to mellow the group.

"If you say so." The woman looked back at the lens and several photos were taken.

The photographer had the photos treated, prepared, and delivered just in time for team assignments. Yuina was relieved. She was careful not to put her fingerprints on the images as she looked at their various poses fondly.

Yuina let out a shaky breath. Now the real hard part.

Team assignments.

Yuina and Kakashi entered the room they were told to come to.

"Classes don't start until next week," said the boy seated at the back corner, closest to the door.

Kakashi was affronted. "We're supposed to be here." His forehead protector was on for full display. There was no reason for the confusion.

"Who'd you steal that from?" Another kid laughed.

"Haven't you heard, Arai? Two first years graduated." If his eyes were anything to go by, he was a Hyuuga. Yuina wondered if that was Nao's brother, Natsu, but she thought she spotted another Hyuga in the room and didn't want to embarrass herself with her guess.

"Yeah, right. Like I'll believe that. If you're going to lie, do a better job."

"You really haven't heard? My sister mentioned it." It granted more reason for Yuina to believe he was Natsu. "It must be because you're a nuisance and no one likes talking to you."

Arai swung his arm to slap the approaching Hyuga's hand away.

"Eh? Is that true?" Another joined in. The room started to chatter about the two youngest, as if they weren't there. They could have answered questions directly. Yuina didn't want to, but it was better than people talking about her in front of her.

"I overheard my parents saying something like that."

"Did they really graduate? What about us?"

"That's insulting."

"That's it. Fight me you bastard."

"Are you really going to fight a kid?"

"Lose if you lose, and lose if you win."

"Quiet down." Yuina recognized the man who entered as the one who told her she was becoming a genin. She was relieved, for the chattering was put to an end. Unfortunately, it would only be temporary. She could already hear the oncoming complaints once officially assigned to her team.

Could she just team up with Kakashi?

"But Masato-sensei, what are they doing here?" Arai really wouldn't put it to rest.

Masato placed a notebook down on the podium. "They've been approved to become genin after careful consideration, undergoing a review, and passing a final exam like the rest of you. Let this be my last lesson to you as your sensei. Don't assume talent based on age and don't let your pride blind you. I know you'll all continue to do your best." Masato opened his notebook and flipped through a few pages. "If there are no more questions, I will not give team assignments."

The class stayed silent. Some had reservations, but this was their moment too. A moment they anticipated for a long time.

Masato began.

Yuina listened to the cheers and groans from those being assigned. She didn't personally know any of them, so it was inconsequential to her. She would be placed with whoever and learn to deal with it.

Except her name never came.

Neither did Kakashi's.

Yuina felt light as a cloud at the prospect of being a two-man squad with Kakashi. Sure, it was less man power but then she wouldn't have to be separated from him.

Masato looked down at the names of those assigned to the Hatake twins. It was months ago when he had been at that disastrous meeting. Even among the graduates, their arrangements were determined quite late. He wondered what the Hokage was thinking. He would never question him, of course, but he couldn't help but speculate.

More than that, Masato had to figure out a way to break the news to Kakashi that Minato, his assigned sensei, hadn't returned yet from his mission. At least Orochimaru sent someone to notify him that his hands were currently tied and to send the girl his way.

Neither left a good impression of their organization skills, and Masato would be the one looking incompetent as the messenger.

Masato hated prodigies. Why couldn't people be normal?

Hopefully, they wouldn't blame him.

Masato was glad that he was taking a sabbatical. He deserved a vacation from teaching.