WN: This work isn't an entire story on its own, but rather a collection of moments between characters, ranging from brief encounters to year-long scenes. I had a good bit of help from friends, and refinement from AI. While I would like feedback, I really just wanted to share my thoughts with other fans of this series. Enjoy!

A GLINT OF CRIMSON

As Kakashi and Guy strolled through the bustling streets of Konoha, the sun cast long shadows on the cobblestone paths. Guy, with his characteristic exuberance couldn't resist poking fun at Kakashi.

"Come on, Kakashi! A little sparring won't hurt. It's good for the soul," Guy exclaimed, his ever present enthusiasm undeterred by Kakashi's usual indifference. Kakashi sighed beneath his mask, a subtle sign of his enduring tolerance for Guy's persistent challenges. He would meet his new team tomorrow, new genin fresh out of the academy. He wondered to himself if these fledglings would fare any better than those of the previous three years, but lord Hiruzen insisted that he assume command of Team 7 this year, given his background...

"Guy, you know as well as I do that we have duties to attend to. There's a mission waiting." Guy grinned, undeterred.

"But a quick match would invigorate us for the mission ahead! Just one round, my eternal rival." he continued to urge. As they continued bantering, Kakashi's thoughts drifted briefly. Amidst the camaraderie, a flicker of contemplation surfaced – what if there were more to life than endless missions and battles? Just then, a passing civilian caught Kakashi's eye – a glimpse of a warm smile and gentle eyes. It was her, the woman who would unknowingly become the anchor in Kakashi's turbulent life. He had never seen her in the village before, but her long hair the shade of autumn sunset vividly streaked with obsidian black, reminded him lovingly and tragically of his late master's dear wife. Captivated by the familiar yet melancholic beauty of her hair, Kakashi's gaze lingered for a moment longer than usual. Guy, noticing the change in Kakashi's demeanour, paused his energetic spiel.

"Kakashi, my friend. What has caught your eye? A flower in bloom, perhaps?" Guy asked, his tone shifting to a more contemplative one. Almost teasing. Kakashi, usually reserved about personal matters, found himself unexpectedly drawn to the memories evoked by the stranger's hair.

"It's nothing, Guy. Just a passing resemblance to someone I once knew, that's all." he replied, his words carrying a hint of wistfulness. As they continued their stroll, Kakashi couldn't shake the thought of the mysterious woman. Fate seemed to weave an intricate tapestry, connecting the present with fragments of his past. Little did he know that this encounter would set in motion a series of events that would reshape not only his destiny but the very fabric of his solitary existence.

He continued his rounds in the village as he usually did, trying to clear his mind. His last stop for the day was at the village gate to collect reports, when he saw the girl again on her way out. She was carrying a basket filled with food and other necessities, and in her other arm a bag of fresh bread. A small packet slipped from the basket and fell on the ground. She continued on, oblivious to the loss. Gingerly he picked it up, it seems to be a pack of herbs.

"I had better return this to her." he decided, and quickly followed behind.

"Excuse me, miss. You dropped this." he advise, and when she turned their eyes met. They were the brightest shade of violet he'd ever encountered. An almost... magical purple. Eldritch, some might say.

"Oh... thank you..." she said, gently taking the pack from him, her voice sweet and gentle as song. A gentle smile touched her lips, and for a moment, time seemed to pause as their gazes lingered.

"Thank you so much. I didn't even notice it was missing." she admitted, her voice carrying a melodic warmth that resonated with Kakashi.

"No problem." Kakashi replied casually, a rare softness underlying his words.

"It's easy to overlook things sometimes, especially when you're deep in thought." for just a second, her cheeks flushed red. She was shy, almost careful of him. But, she took a moment to reveal that she lives in a small hut just a little bit outside of the village where she grew tea, and sold that when she could; so her trips to the village were few and far between. Kakashi examined the items she had with her, thinking that they looked heavy.

"Do you need help getting these home? I'm sure your family's waiting for you. Is it far?" A red flush covered her pale cheeks again as she lowered her eyes.

"I live alone. My grandfather passed five years ago." A needle was thrust into his stomach right then. He knew that pain. A sombre realization settled over Kakashi as the girl shared the weight of her solitude. He recognised the echoes of grief and loneliness, the very emotions that had shaped his own journey.

"I'm sorry to hear that." Kakashi murmured, a rare vulnerability in his tone.

"I lost someone dear to me, too." the girl, meeting Kakashi's gaze, sensed a shared understanding. The weight of their pasts became a silent bridge, connecting two souls burdened by loss.

"Thank you," she said, her vulnerability mirroring his. With a nod, Kakashi offered his assistance, shouldering some of the burden of her belongings. As they walked towards the unknown, humble tea-filled abode, a subtle shift occurred. One guided by the unspoken language shared in pain and healing.

Cradling the bag in her arms, the girl led the now basket-bearing Kakashi through the gate, away from the village on a narrow little path to the west. On their way, they shared small stories about the nature of tea growing, how the warmth and weather here affected it, and the patience it takes. Kakashi mentions that he enjoys a good cup of tea with a favourite book. He felt a sense of tranquillity as they walked through the dense woods. The atmosphere was filled with the soothing sounds of rustling leaves and the distant chirping of birds. The air was thick with the earthy fragrance of the forest. After a good walk away from the village, into the thick of the woods, a little traditional hut appears hidden in the trees, largely shielded by numerous shrubs and flowers. Kakashi took in the sight of it and decided it was delightful. As they approached the hidden hut, Kakashi couldn't help but appreciate the beauty of the secluded spot. It seemed like a good little home. She led him toward the home, through a small wooden gate and up to the door, The girl gracefully slid open the door, revealing a cosy interior adorned with traditional decorations. The scent of incense hung in the air, creating an inviting ambiance.

Inside, the small space was well-organized, with low wooden tables and cushions scattered around. "Um... you can just put that anywhere. I'll unpack it later. Can I offer you something to drink?" The girl gestured for Kakashi to sit, and he obliged,

"Thank you, that sounds good." She moved gracefully around the room, preparing the tea ceremony with practiced motions. Kakashi observed her with curiosity, appreciating the skill and precision with which she handled each step. He couldn't help but ask,

"What made you choose such a peaceful and hidden place for your home? It's quite remarkable."

The girl smiled, her eyes reflecting a depth of wisdom beyond her apparent youth.

"I've always found solace in nature," she explained, pouring hot water into a teapot.

"And there's something magical about brewing tea surrounded by the whispering leaves and the melodies of the forest. It allows me to connect with the essence of the land." Kakashi nodded in understanding, feeling a sense of kinship with her appreciation for solitude and nature. As the tea brewed, they continued to share stories – Kakashi recounting tales of his missions and adventures, and the girl sharing her experiences of cultivating tea in harmony with the environment. The tea ceremony unfolded gracefully, and soon, Kakashi found himself sipping on a cup of exquisite tea. The blend was rich and complex, a testament to the girl's expertise. They continued their conversation, their connection deepening as the warmth of the tea and the peaceful surroundings enveloped them.

Kakashi had secretly examined every inch of the room, everything was very ordinary; except for a magnificent war bow hung on the western wall. His eyes were undeniably drawn to the magnificent war bow, its craftsmanship and sheer power evident even from a distance. The juxtaposition of such a formidable weapon in the midst of the serene atmosphere intrigued him beyond reasoning.

"It belonged to my grandfather. He was a very powerful and respected warrior once," the girl shared, her gaze fixed on the bow as if reminiscing about a distant past. Kakashi, sensing her attachment to the heirloom, couldn't help but feel a deeper connection with her. He was no stranger to the weight of history carried by significant possessions.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have stared," Kakashi apologized, realizing he had been examining the bow quite openly. The girl, however, responded with a soft smile.

"That's al right. I am happy that someone else may appreciate it as much as I do." she said, with the softest smile. Something akin to sorrow. As they continued to converse, Kakashi couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the girl's story than met the eye. He decided not to pry, respecting the unspoken boundaries of their new-found friendship. A moment later, he glanced up and was taken aback by the rich amber light spilling from an open window. The sun, now setting beyond the thick foliage, painted the room in warm hues. It cast a soft glow on the girl's face, highlighting the quiet strength in her eyes.

"I didn't realize how late it had become," she said, following his gaze toward the window. "Time tends to slip away when you're in good company." Kakashi nodded, appreciating the sentiment. The serendipity of the day had led him to this hidden haven, and the shared moments with the girl had left an indelible mark on him. As they enjoyed the peaceful ambiance of the hut, surrounded by nature and the echoes of stories untold, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the unexpected journey he had embarked upon.

He stood, deciding against wanting, that it was best to leave. "I should return to the village. I'm meeting my new team tomorrow," he mentioned, and she nodded. "Of course. And thank you so much for your help." she followed him but then paused. "Hold on just a moment," she said suddenly, and then quickly made her way to a cupboard, opening it to reveal a trove of jars, stuffed with leaves. She rummaged for a little while before pulling a jar down, its contents a particularly deep shade of crimson. "For your trouble. Again, thank you so much Kakashi-kun." she handed the jar to him, and Kakashi accepted the jar of Blood Bush tea with a nod of appreciation. The rich aroma wafting from the container hinted at the tea's potency, and he couldn't help but feel grateful for the thoughtful gesture. There was a very rich smell to it, even through the sealed container.

"It's called Blood Bush tea, for its colour. It's wonderful for the cold," she advised, and he felt grateful for something so small.

"Thank you," Kakashi replied sincerely, tucking the jar into one of the deep pockets of his flak jacket. He marvelled at the unexpected gift, recognizing it as a symbol of their brief but meaningful encounter. Then he paused and looked at her, suddenly realizing he had not told her his name.

"You know who I am?" Kakashi asked, genuinely intrigued. The faint flush returned to her cheeks as she glanced down momentarily. After a pause, she looked up again, her beautiful violet eyes reflecting a mixture of softness and calm. "Everyone knows who you are, Kakashi of the Sharingan. Your name is no secret, even to me." she replied, her words carrying a hint of mystery.

As he prepared to leave, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was still much he didn't know about the enigmatic girl. Kakashi couldn't help but be intrigued by the girl's knowledge. He wondered how she had come to know about him, but respecting her privacy, he chose not to press the matter further. Instead, he offered a small, appreciative smile.

"It's been a pleasure meeting you. Perhaps our paths will cross again," Kakashi said, his tone carrying a note of anticipation. With that, he stepped out of the cosy hut, back into the tranquil embrace of the forest, leaving behind the hidden sanctuary and the captivating girl who had shared a glimpse of her world with him.

He returned home, finishing all of his duties, and had some time to spare. Kakashi sat in the quiet of his home, the subtle warmth from the glowing embers of his fireplace casting a soft ambiance across the room. The jar of Blood Bush tea, a memento from his encounter in the hidden hut, stood on the kitchen counter. Curiosity getting the better of him, he decided to brew a cup and experience the taste of the unique tea.

As the leaves steeped in the hot water, the air filled with the distinct aroma of the tea – crisp, piquant, and with a hint of iron. The steam that rose from the pot carried a reddish hue, adding to the intrigue. Kakashi couldn't help but wonder about the nature of this unconventional tea.

After a chapter of his book, he returned to the kitchen, the scent now stronger. As he poured the tea into a cup and mixed in a teaspoon of honey, he couldn't shake a brief moment of hesitation. However, dismissing it as mere foolishness, he laughed at himself.

"It's just tea. Who in his sane mind is wary of a cup of tea?" he chided himself silently.

Sipping the concoction, he found the flavour to be blissful. The tea coated his senses, and as it flowed down, a warmth spread from his chest to every extremity. It was invigorating, healing, and almost intoxicating in the best possible way. Kakashi couldn't help but marvel at the unique sensation, realizing that this unexpected gift was indeed one of the best he had ever received.

As he settled back into his seat, savouring the moment, Kakashi felt a profound sense of gratitude for the mysterious girl and the extraordinary tea she had shared with him. Little did he know that this simple cup of tea would mark the beginning of a series of unique experiences and connections that would unfold in the days to come. He looked up into the sky, at the stars that watched down over the forest that guarded their village, that shielded the little hut outside the walls. He'd forgotten to ask her name... The black stripes through her rich red hair reminded him of a tiger's fur. Tiger...? He took another sip of the tea, the strong taste gliding through his insides. Blood-Bush...? Blood Tiger? Maybe...