Eclosion Arc: Harmony

"D-Ranks pay more than I thought."

"Be careful not to spend it all at once. Replacing tools and gear gets costly," said Sakumo. "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." Sakumo scratched his cheek with a single finger, evading mentioning how much exactly. He had taught his children about money, but more so about basic budgeting for things like food.

Kakashi wondered what other people spent money on. The pay of one D-Rank could be rationed to pay a month's worth of food, but they were almost faster to complete than higher ranked missions.

"It's also good to have savings in case anything happens. Plus, things in Konoha are usually more expensive. There's inflation from all the goods we import from other villages in the Land of Fire."

Yuina's eyebrows scrunched. It was something she did when faced with 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."

Yuina thought Toji's behaviour made more sense. Why he always pepped up from his slack attitude when she entered. Why he greeted her every time without fail. Why he was adamant to help her where he could when he was more passive with other visitors. Toji was concerned Sakumo would stop donating if he upset her. It upset her. Neither she nor Sakumo were those types of people.

Sakumo stared at his kids, expecting a response.

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

Kakashi scoffed.

"What?" Yuina's voice dried and narrowed her eyes.

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

"Just be yourselves. That makes me happy enough. Do me a favour instead?" It was important to Sakumo.

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

"Never take things for granted." It was more than Sakumo's personal philosophy. It was how he was raised. It was their origins. It was something that, when overlooked created conflicts. Sakumo thought they needed the reminder now more than ever. It wasn't because of anything specific. It was a feeling.

"That's it?" Kakashi had been waiting on some wise words that would shatter his worldview.

Sakumo placed a hand on Yuina's head since she was sitting next to him. 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 present rather than whatever happened in the past.

"The Hatake Clan would come to accept a variety of jobs, but the primary source of employment came from defending farmlands. It didn't matter from what. War. Disturbers. Thieves. Animals. The clan prioritized agricultural protection. It was important for stability. What do you think happens when people don't have access to food? When they can't eat? When fields were trampled and when people starved, people would seek elsewhere for refuge. Other would turn to banditry, becoming thieves themselves. Adequate food sources prevent civil unrest. Food shortages are something a Daimyo can overlook when occupied with other matters or when they don't have the rations to feed everyone. People died from hunger."

Kakashi never worried about food. There was always something on the table and he knew how to hunt and fish. Part of him wanted to question why everyone couldn't do the same, but there had to be a reason. Sakumo wouldn't miss such an obvious solution. Kakashi always ate what was given to him, but he should appreciate it more. Growing crops and always chasing food was time consuming. He wouldn't be able to do what he did if he was always thinking about where his next meal would come from.

"People are part of nature. No matter what we accomplish, no matter how much things change, we still have our basic needs."

"Is that how we got our names?" asked Yuina.

To Kakashi, a name was a name. It was given to him, so there wasn't a need to think about it.

Sakumo leaned back. He spread his fingers as his arms stretched back to provide support. "Kakashi. A name fitting for someone standing guard to protect and defend people's livelihoods, as well as possessing wisdom and knowledge." Kakashi's chest puffed out. "Yuina. A name for perseverance and growth with the ability to support and bring people together." Yuina looked up at Sakumo with surprise. "That's what we thought of when we chose your names. Ah, but be who you want to be.

"I had been wondering why I was named Yuina instead of Yasai or Yosai."

Sakumo was embarrassed by the memory of Juuri scolding him when he suggested those exact names. She had said it was too on the nose. "We considered it along with the name Na, but your mother was insistent."

Yuina looked on curiously. It was a rarity for him to mention their mom. There was a gentleness to him at mentioning her. Well, he was often gentle, but more of a gentle tenderness. Vulnerability.

"I promise to watch my money, but for now I'm going shopping." Yuina stood and smoothed out the clothes she was wearing. "I want a new outfit and I want to see how much tanto costs." She had gotten ahead of herself, but worried about how much money she would need to drop for an adequate one. Expecting top tier professional quality was a desire that was light years away. She just hoped she could find a reasonably priced one with a good grip and forged with a semi-durable metal. "Want me to pick up anything while I'm out?"

"I'll go with you." Sakumo wanted to make sure she didn't get scammed. Using a weapon wasn't the same as knowing quality.

Yuina offered a salute with a cheeky grin. "Anything you want Kakashi?"

"No. Go do your thing. I'm going to go–" play with "–train Pakkun."

Sakumo smiled encouragingly. "You're doing great with him."

Kakashi summoned Pakkun after the other two left.

He had been 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 chewed on his folded futon. It was better than his whining. All was fine and well until Pakkun bit into the one thing he shouldn't have.

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

Kakashi couldn't use too much force in fear of hurting Pakkun, but he also desperately wanted the toy back before something happened to it. There was a knock from the entrance that he ignored as he fought the dog.

It was an endless match of tug of war.

There was more knocking. Kakashi ignored it until he realized it didn't come from downstairs but from his window.

A blond man sheepishly waved as he looked at the scene.

Kakashi's face flushed bright red, feeling exposed. In involuntarily let go of the toy due to his embarrassment, though he failed to be indiscreet as his hand shot back down to go back to trying to reclaim the toy.

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

No! It wasn't supposed to be like this. He wanted Minato to hurry with his mission, but why did he have to show up at that very moment? Kakashi was supposed to have a great introduction. An amazing introduction. Now he would be reduced to the average fumbling child. Minato would never see him differently now. His reputation was ruined.

Kakashi knew it. Minato was doing his best not to laugh.

"Let's meet up again tomorrow. I'll meet you here at eleven." Minato excused himself, but not before wishing Kakashi good luck training his dog.

He was never going to live it down.