Shanan's excitement made sleeping the night before her first training session with Kakashi difficult. Despite only a few hours of rest, she woke up early, eager to begin. She sensed Sasuke's jealousy but pushed it aside, not wanting it to dampen her enthusiasm. She recalled how he eventually came to terms with her joining Team Guy and hoped he would do the same with her training with Kakashi.
She approached the training spot, her footsteps quiet on the grass. As she turned a corner, her gaze fell upon a familiar figure leaning against a tree. Kakashi's eyes were engrossed in a book, his profile serene. Instantly, she was transported back to the hospital, where he'd read to her in a soothing voice, calming her fears.
Time stood still as she stood there, lost in memories. The warmth of his presence, the gentle cadence of his voice, it all came flooding back. Her chest swelled with emotion, and for a moment, she forgot to breathe. Her eyes stung, but she didn't look away, drinking in the sight of him.
A pang of sorrow struck her heart, realizing she'd been denied even the chance to miss him for the past seven years. His absence had been a constant, aching void. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she wondered what could have been if he'd never left.
What would have happened if she'd confessed her fears, her desperation to keep him close? Would he have stayed, or would she have lost him anyway? The unspoken words from that day still lingered…
"Please don't go, Kakashi. I'm scared."
The weight of unanswered questions settled heavy on her shoulders.
Kakashi's gaze lifted, his eyes locking onto hers. A soft, genuine smile spread across his face as he pulled his mask down.
"Oh..." He paused, collecting himself. "You're here. And early, too." His voice remained low and smooth, with a glimmer of excitement he couldn't quite conceal. "I wasn't expecting you for another twenty minutes."
Shanan's heart skipped a beat. She longed to bridge the distance, to wrap her arms around him and hold on tight. She missed the security of his embrace, a haven she'd cherished and missed dearly. But something in his demeanor gave her pause – a subtle tension, a guardedness she couldn't define.
Instead, she nodded, her smile soft and tentative. "Well, how else was I gonna catch you nose-deep in smut?" Her voice barely above a whisper. A mischievous spark ignited in her eyes, and she added, her tone teasing, "You little pervert."
Kakashi's cheeks flushed, and he chuckled, the tension easing slightly. "Alright, Shanan..." As he gazed at her, his thoughts drifted inward. He'd missed her carefree spirit, her infectious laughter. Seeing her now, vibrant and strong, filled him with quiet joy.
His eyes stung, threatening to betray his composure. He'd waited so long for this moment, and its arrival felt like a homecoming. The familiarity of her presence, the comfort of her smile, enveloped him like a warm embrace.
He cleared his throat, pushing aside the emotions. "How's your reading list?" His voice was light, curious.
"It's good. I read a few books a week at least. Right now, I'm reading a book on elemental interactions and chakra nature transformations. It's been pretty insightful." Her expression softened, nostalgia seeping in. "I'm guessing you already knew about my chakra cycling when I was a kid?" Her voice was gentle, inquiring.
"Eventually..." His response was measured, deliberately vague.
Shanan sensed the evasion but didn't press. Instead, she offered a warm smile. "I used to read to the boys a lot. Kinda like how you read to me... Except I did the voices!" Her eyes sparkled with mirth.
Kakashi chuckled, his gaze warming. "Obviously..."
Shanan's brow furrowed as she gazed at Kakashi, her eyes searching for a crack in his guarded exterior. She looked down, her throat constricting. Swallowing hard, she pushed aside the emotions and began, her voice tentative. "Kakashi... I'm sorry I forgot about you."
Kakashi's expression softened, his eyes gentle. "Shanan..."
She raised a hand, forestalling him. "Let me finish, please."
He nodded, his jaw relaxing.
Shanan took a deep breath, memories flooding back. "I didn't for a long time. It took several months." Her voice cracked, but she continued. "I tried to just talk about you and say 'hi, Kakashi' when I waved..." A faint smile touched her lips. "Naruto was so young, he doesn't remember me talking about you to him."
As she spoke, her gaze drifted, lost in the past. "I didn't get to talk about you as much when I was in school." Her voice dropped to a whisper. "And I remember how one day, I went outside and waved, and I said 'hi...' and I tried so hard to remember your name." Tears welled up in her eyes. "But I couldn't. I couldn't remember whose face I pictured standing out there, waving back."
Her words broke, and she paused, collecting herself.
Kakashi's chest constricted, his breathing slowing as Shanan's words pierced his reserve. He longed to assure her, to erase the pain etched on her face. His eyes, locked onto hers, burned with unspoken emotions, their warmth threatening to spill over.
"I broke down crying," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper. "Just... staring at that spot through the railings. Heartbroken - completely shattered - and I couldn't remember why. I just knew, at that very moment, that I had lost something really important to me."
Her voice dropped to a whisper. "But... eventually, I forgot about that too. My memory was bad for probably a year and a half... but then one day, I just stopped forgetting anything."
The words hung in the air, heavy with emotion.
Kakashi's expression was inscrutable, but his eyes betrayed a deep sadness. His gaze lingered on her, unsure of how to respond. The doctor's words to her echoed in his mind…
"You might even forget."
He'd desperately wanted her to remember, yet knew it was better for her to not to.
Shanan watched him, her eyes filled with sadness, as he struggled to find his voice.
"Okay, your turn," she said softly, breaking the silence.
Kakashi's eyes welled up, and he chuckled, a mix of sorrow and gratitude. She always knew how to reach him.
Their gazes met, and for an instant, his pained eyes revealed his reluctance to burden her with his emotions.
"Shanan... you don't need to be sorry for forgetting about me," he began, his voice gentle. "I'm sure you had a hard time missing me before you did. And I'm glad you didn't have to go through that pain this entire time." His gaze turned wistful. "Trust me."
He broke eye contact, his voice tinged with sadness. "I know you waved at me. I don't think I was back before you forgot my name, though... so I'm sorry about that." He paused, collecting himself. "But... I know a lot of things, Shanan. I told you I'd check in on you, and I did. And I always waved back at you..." His words trailed off, heavy with emotion.
Tears streamed down Shanan's face as she listened, transfixed.
Kakashi continued, his gaze lingering on hers. "I'm really proud of you. I knew you'd be alright if you had someone to watch over. And you've done amazingly well for yourself and Naruto." His eyes shone with admiration. "You even helped Sasuke, like I knew you would."
Shanan's face crumpled, and she exhaled as if she'd been holding her breath. She doubled over, wiping tears with both hands, composing herself.
Kakashi's instincts screamed to comfort her, but he restrained himself, maintaining his guard.
She straightened, nodding, and took deep breaths. Her gaze drifted upward, searching for words.
Then, her voice cracked into a whisper. "You waved back?" Her composure shattered again, and tears flowed freely.
His expression twisted, his eyes welling up in response. He stood frozen, struggling to maintain his emotional distance. He looked away, his hands firmly in his pockets. "Every time," he said softly. "Because you waved every time. Even if you forgot me... it still made me feel better."
She sensed the lingering pain in his voice, the weight of unspoken burdens. Her heart ached to comfort him, to wrap her arms around him and hold tight. "It did?"
"Always." He nodded, eyes locked onto hers.
Her shoulder slumped as she sighed softly. "Thank you for watching over me, Kakashi. I'm glad the wave was helpful, even a little." Her smile was gentle. "And... thank you for showing me your face still."
She added, light-heartedly, "Ayame would be jealous..."
Kakashi's laughter surprised him, mingling with his tears. He shook his head, a mixture of amusement and sadness.
"You're still really good at that."
Shanan shrugged, her eyes sparkling. "Actually, I've gotten even better at it!"
Their laughter mingled, easing the tension.
As they laughed, Kakashi decided it was safe to close the distance. He walked toward her, his eyes never leaving hers.
"Just don't tell the boys I let you see my face; they'll never leave me alone about it."
Reaching her side, he gently took her right hand, examining it. Tears still glistened in his eyes as he focused on her hand.
"Now, let's discuss this lightning-type chakra," he said, his tone turning serious. "Sasuke told me it suddenly engulfed your right hand. That… should not have happened."
Shanan's gaze met his, embarrassment flickering across her face.
"Every time I've tried to use it again, it sends electric shocks through my body for hours," she admitted, biting her lip. "It's excruciating."
Kakashi's expression turned apologetic. He looked at her, then back at her hand, his brow furrowed. "Sorry..." he whispered.
His eyes locked onto hers, soft and understanding. "Don't feel ashamed about it, Shanan. It sounds like it happened unexpectedly, and mastering a secondary chakra type that opposes your main type requires guidance."
He paused, his voice taking on a hint of regret. "Unfortunately, lightning nature is pretty rare in Konoha. I'm really the only one who can help you with it."
Shanan nodded, understanding etched on her face. "Well, then I guess it's my fault for not telling anyone other than the boys. And they were sworn to secrecy."
Kakashi's expression softened further. "I never asked for help as a kid either," he said. "So it's not surprising." His voice dropped to a whisper. "But... I'm here now."
She whispered a heartfelt "thank you" as Kakashi released her hand. She gazed at her hand, a warm feeling spreading through her chest. He was still the same gentle, caring person.
He led her to a more open area, the grass swaying gently in the breeze. "We need to focus on separating your water and lightning types, learning to use them individually." His eyes shone with intensity as he turned to face her. "Once you can control them separately, we'll work on switching between them seamlessly. And eventually, we'll explore combining them to create something truly powerful."
Her face lit up, her beam radiant.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, already amused. "What is it?..."
"I remember you teaching me stuff when I was a kid, but it was pretty random..." Her voice trailed off, a hint of nostalgia.
His tone held a hint of skepticism. "Yeah...?"
Her grin widened. "You just sound like an actual teacher right now, that's all. It's so weird. But, I can already tell you're gonna be good at it. I'm excited."
"You'll get it in no time, Shanan. Your instructors always said you picked up on things quickly." Kakashi's smile warmed, his eyes crinkling.
Shanan clasped her hands behind her back, her face still aglow. She gazed at Kakashi, her eyes shining with unspoken thoughts, her heart full of gratitude for his devoted check-ins.
Kakashi rolled his eyes good-naturedly, understanding the unspoken thoughts behind Shanan's gaze.
"I've also heard that your chakra control is exceptional," he said, shifting the focus to their training.
She nodded, acknowledging the compliment. "Well, Neji helped me a lot with that."
"While that may be true, Shanan, your ability to absorb and cycle chakra actually gives you a natural affinity for chakra control, among a few other things. Which I think will be helpful today."
"Is that right?" Shanan's eyes widened in surprise.
He nodded, a hint of pride. "I told you you had a lot of potential."
"Oh, right, I'm sure you weren't being vague at all..." She laughed, teasing.
He smiled, looking away sheepishly. "Well, I couldn't explain it to you then because I didn't know much about it. I had an idea, but... that was it really."
Her voice softened. "Well, everyone doesn't possess a Byakugan like Neji."
Kakashi chuckled, nodding in agreement.
Clearing his throat, he shifted focus again. "Now, we need to work on separating the types. I've also heard you're great at visualization. Correct?"
"Yeah, I'm great at that!" Her grin was infectious.
He smiled at Shanan. "Great! Let's get started then." He paused, his expression turning serious. "Before we start, let's take some deep breaths. We want to go into this calm, alright?"
She nodded, and together they breathed in unison. Her eyes never left Kakashi's, trusting his guidance. "In through your nose, out through your mouth."
Their synchronized breathing filled the air, calming their minds and bodies.
When they finished, Kakashi's voice was calm and centered. "Ready?"
Her response was eager. "Ready! What's next?"
Kakashi's eyes crinkled at the corners. "Close your eyes and feel your chakra. How it flows from both sources and through you. Can you sense it?"
Her eyelids drifted shut. Her focus turned inward, her breathing steady. A moment passed. "Got it. Yes," she said, confidence lacing her voice.
"Alright. Before we do the next step – and I understand if you feel apprehensive about it – but I'd like you to use your lightning chakra."
Shanan's eyes snapped open, worry etched on her face.
Kakashi's hands rose, palms facing her, in a soothing gesture. "It's alright, Shanan. I'm right here... Just try and do a small amount. I want to see how your body reacts, and we'll work from there."
Her gaze dropped to her hand, her expression hesitant. She took a few deep breaths, steeling herself. "Okay, I will," she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper.
His smile was soft, proud of her courage.
She inhaled deeply, her eyes fixed on her hand, her jaw clenched. Kakashi watched her face, concern simmering beneath his calm exterior.
Suddenly, lightning engulfed her hand, and Shanan's stare turned unblinking. Her jaw tightened, body rigid.
Kakashi's concern grew, his eyes narrowing. Sensing her pain, he swiftly reached out, gently grasping her hand to extinguish the lightning. His eyes locked onto hers, filled with concern.
Shanan continued to stare at her hand, fighting to maintain control. Her body trembled, still reeling from the aftershocks.
His grip on her hand tightened, his hands enveloping hers. He lowered his head to meet her gaze, his voice soft. "Shanan?"
Her eyes snapped shut, tears welling up despite her efforts. They trickled down her cheeks, and she felt a surge of embarrassment. Physical pain made her feel vulnerable, and sharing that weakness with anyone, especially Kakashi, was daunting.
His instincts screamed to envelop her in a comforting hug, but he continued to restrain himself. Instead, he cradled her hand in both of his, gently rubbing the back of her hand with his thumb.
She breathed through the tears and lingering pain, her determination growing.
After a few moments, she opened her eyes, her gaze meeting Kakashi's. Her voice was firm. "I'm ok."
Kakashi's expression softened, his eyes still filled with concern. He continued to hold her hand, his touch reassuring. "That was more painful than you let on, wasn't it?"
Her eyes met his, surprise flickering across her face.
"I could tell you were trying not to react. Are you alright? We can stop for the day." He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
She shook her head, determination evident. "No, I can keep going. I promise. I'm ok."
His expression softened, compassion etched on his face. "Ok. Let's sit. I saw what I needed to." He released her hand, and they settled onto the grass, cross-legged and facing each other.
Shanan's gaze drifted to her hand, still feeling the lingering sensation.
Kakashi gave her a moment to breathe, then asked, "Do you have any control over your chakra absorption?"
She shrugged. "No, I've never even thought about doing that. Can I?"
"I think so." He nodded gently. "Can you tell when it's happening at all?"
"Again, no," she said laughing. "I really only know I've done it because Neji told me."
He considered the information, his eyes thoughtful.
He shifted closer, their knees touching. "This might offer an extra point of contact for what we need. Can you sense anything?"
She closed her eyes, uncertainty etched on her face. She focused inward, seeking any sensation. "I'm not sure..." she whispered.
"That's alright," he reassured, his hand extending. "Just give me your hand again."
Her eyes opened, her gaze meeting Kakashi's. She placed her hand in his, the warmth of his palm enveloping hers.
"Alright, close your eyes again," he instructed, his voice soothing.
Her eyelids fluttered shut, her breathing slowing.
"Sense your chakra again," he guided.
A moment passed before her voice whispered, "OK, I can sense it..."
"Alright, now I want you to dig even deeper," Kakashi said, his voice guiding her. "Instead of sensing your chakra singularly, go further and you'll notice that your two natures are flowing side by side."
Her focus intensified, her breathing slowing as she delved deeper. Her senses expanded, and she felt the intricate dance of her water and lightning chakras.
As she explored, her breathing slowed, and her eyes remained closed. Suddenly, her lips parted, and she gasped, excitement infusing her voice.
"I sense it!" she exclaimed, her eyes snapping open. A radiant smile spread across her face, illuminating her joy.
Kakashi chuckled, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"Alright, now," he said, "I want you to hold out your left hand, palm up, and fill it with water, while sensing your chakra. Can you do that?"
She nodded eagerly, her hand extending, palm up. Her gaze remained fixed on Kakashi, trust and anticipation shining.
With a subtle nod, he encouraged her to begin.
Her focus turned inward once more, her chakra sensing heightened. She called upon the water nature, feeling its cool, fluid energy responding to her will.
As water began to pool in her palm, her eyes sparkled with wonder.
"So, tell me, as you utilized your water nature, what did you notice about your chakras?" he asked.
She dumped the water from her hand and met his gaze. "I noticed that my lightning chakra shut off completely while I used my water chakra."
He nodded, his expression affirming. "And that's what should happen when you wish to use one type. You do this subconsciously as water is your base nature."
"That makes sense."
Kakashi's voice turned gentle. "Do you think you're ready to try and utilize your lightning chakra, stemming your water chakra?"
Her sigh was audible, yet, resignation tempered her hesitation. "Yeah... I guess I should."
"I'll be right here." Kakashi squeezed the hand he still held, offering reassurance.
Her nod was resolute.
She extended her left hand, palm up, and inhaled deeply.
"Remember to let your lightning chakra flow while stopping your water chakra," he guided, his voice calm and steady.
Her eyes closed, focusing inward. Her breath hitched slightly as she began to shift her chakra. Kakashi's gaze remained fixed on her, monitoring her progress.
Suddenly, an excessive amount of lightning engulfed her hand, and she immediately squeezed his other hand.
His eyes widened, concern flashing across his face. He swiftly grasped her lightning-wrapped hand, absorbing the chakra and shutting off her flow. His touch was gentle yet firm.
Despite his quick reaction, Shanan's face contorted in pain. Tears burst forth, streaming down her cheeks as she buried her face in her hands.
Kakashi's gentle hands settled on her shoulders, his voice soft with concern. "Shanan." His gentle tone and reassuring touch eased her discomfort. "We should stop."
She quickly uncovered her face, shaking her head. Her voice trembled. "No, I wanna figure this out. I can do it!" She wiped her tears, determination resurfacing.
"Are you sure? You don't need to push yourself." His sympathetic sigh was audible.
"I don't wanna stop." Her gaze locked onto his, resolve burning.
His hands enveloped hers again, his touch soothing. "I think you shut off some of your water chakra, but not all of it. Which led to an excessive amount of lightning chakra. Normally, that would be fine, but since you still had water flowing, it reacted."
Her gaze dropped to her hand, nestled in Kakashi's. "Damn... So I almost had it?"
"You did. You're close." He nodded, his eyes encouraging.
Shanan's breath steadied, resolve hardening.
"So, here's what I want you to do," he said, his eyes sparkling with challenge. "I want you to try to separate the flow of your chakra natures. Try directing your lightning nature into this hand," he gestured to her right hand, "and your water nature into the other hand."
Her brow furrowed, confusion etched on her face.
"I'd like to see if you can control your cycling," he said gently with a soft smile.
"Oh, is that all?" She laughed, her eyes rolling good-naturedly.
"Easy, right?" Kakashi's smile widened, encouraging.
Shanan focused on her hands, her expression intent. She concentrated, separating the flow of her natures into each hand.
A moment passed.
Suddenly, her gaze snapped up to Kakashi, surprise illuminating her face.
Impressed, he nodded. "I can tell you did it," he said with genuine admiration in his voice.
Her eyes dropped to her hands, a thoughtful smile on her lips. "Now what?"
"Well," he began, "you've already been cycling chakra with me this whole time, but it's at a slow and steady pace, not fast enough for what we need."
"Wait, I have?" her eyes widened in surprise.
"Yes." Kakashi nodded, a hint of amusement dancing on his lips. "So, I want you to observe the cycle, then try and speed it up, and give me most of your lightning chakra."
Her expression transformed, her gaze turning into an exaggerated, playful glare. "You wanna steal my chakra from me, Kakashi?" she asked, her tone teasing.
He chuckled, his eyes crinkling. "Not at all. You can take it back when we're done. But this way, it won't be too much, even if you can't shut your water off fast enough. Make sense?"
Her face brightened, understanding dawning. Her playful glare dissolved, replaced by a radiant smile. "Oh, duh! Okay..."
Kakashi's laughter faded as he watched Shanan's intense focus.
Their hands, still clasped together, became the center of attention.
Suddenly, their eyes met, surprise sparking simultaneously.
They glanced down at their hands, astonishment mirrored on their faces.
As her lightning chakra cycled into him, an intense wave of euphoria washed over them. It was as if every worry, every care, melted away, replaced by profound relaxation and serenity.
For Shanan, it felt like her entire being was filled with joy, every cell vibrating with happiness. Her worries, fears, and doubts dissolved, leaving only love, light and peace.
Kakashi's experience was similar, yet unfamiliar. He felt... elated. Unburdened. The sensation was almost overwhelming, like a long-forgotten memory resurfacing.
His eyes widened, his mind struggling to grasp the emotion. It was as if a warm light had filled the space around him, a reminder of what he'd been missing.
His chest expanded, his lungs filling with a full and deep breath. His gaze locked onto Shanan's, landing on the source of this radiance. Her smile, her sparkling eyes, seemed to anchor him to this newfound peace.
In that instant, he felt alive, connected to something greater than himself. The weight of his responsibilities receded, replaced by a sense of balance.
Shanan's presence, her empathy, her chakra, was a reminder that life held beauty, warmth, and joy alongside duty.
His heart swelled, his soul stirring. He yearned to hold onto this feeling, to bask in its warmth forever. As the euphoria lingered, his face relaxed, his expression softening. For the first time in seven years, he felt a sense of hope, a glimmer of possibility.
But then, in an instant, the warmth vanished. Shanan stopped cycling, and the light extinguished, plunging him into icy darkness. The abrupt shift left him reeling.
One moment, serenity; the next, emptiness.
Kakashi's gaze faltered, drifting toward the emptiness where the warm rays once shone down.
Shanan's voice cut through his haze, firm and direct. "Kakashi, are you alright?"
His breath hitched, his shoulders sagging. His eyes drooped and fluttered as tears formed, and his head bowed, as if the sudden weight of his emotions was too much to bear.
A faint tremble ran through his hands and he slowly clenched them into fists in an attempt to steady them.
Shanan swiftly moved to her knees, her hands gently grasping the sides of his face.
"Breathe with me," she whispered with authority, grounding him in the moment.
Kakashi's eyes locked onto Shanan's as her thumbs traced gentle patterns on his cheeks.
"In through your nose," she whispered, her voice a steady, soothing anchor.
Kakashi inhaled deeply, feeling comfort radiate from her palms, her chakra calming his racing thoughts.
"Out through your mouth," she continued.
He followed along with her, his breathing slowing.
Seated cross-legged on the ground, Kakashi's tense muscles began to relax as Shanan leaned in, her knees bent, her face inches from his.
Her eyes held a calm, reassuring intensity, like a steady flame. Her voice was a gentle hum, guiding him through the turmoil.
As they breathed together, the tension in his shoulders eased. His clenched fists unfurled, and his jaw released its tight grip.
The warmth of her hands, the gentle pressure of her thumbs, and the calm in her eyes steadied him.
The light surrounding her slowly intensified, illuminating the darkness within him. With each exhalation, the shadows receded, replaced by sunlight.
Finally, calmness returned, and he carefully removed her hands, his eyes never leaving hers.
"I'm so sorry." Her voice was laced with remorse. "Neji told me that cycling can feel like that. I didn't even think about what would happen if I sped it up. That's my fault. Are you okay?"
Kakashi's gaze lingered on hers until the glow faded. He nodded, his voice soft. "Thank you for calming me down."
Her expression hinted at unspoken emotions.
"Did it not affect you?" he asked, curiosity etched on his face.
"It did, but I was more worried about you." Shanan's eyes softened, her voice barely above a whisper. "You seemed... lost, like you were drowning in your own darkness."
His gaze dropped, weighted by regret. He sighed, his eyes seeking hers again. "I'm sorry for making you worry about me," he said, his voice laced with remorse.
"It's okay," her lips curved into a gentle, teasing smile. "I was already worried about you anyway."
Kakashi's eyebrows rose, a hint of a smile on his lips. "That bad, huh?"
"Well, yeah." She laughed, her eyes sparkling. "But even if you were perfectly normal, I'd still worry about you."
He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck with a hint of embarrassment. "So, would you like to continue?"
"Oh, I'm ready. But are you sure you are?" she teased.
A faint smile crossed his lips. "Yeah. You've almost got it down."
"And don't worry, you can keep the chakra." Shanan's reassuring smile warmed his heart. "We don't have to do that again."
His eyes lingered on hers for a moment before he smiled. "We'll see." He took her hand again, his touch gentle. "Since it has a calming effect."
Her soft smile returned, her eyes expectant.
"Now, it's time to try your lightning again," he instructed.
"Okay, I feel better about it this time." Shanan straightened, determination in her voice.
His reassuring smile matched hers. "I have a good feeling about this one, Shanan."
She focused on her left hand, her gaze intent. She called upon the lightning chakra, and it ignited. A brief flinch crossed her face.
Kakashi instinctively shut off the chakra, concern etched on his features.
Shanan's eyes sparkled as she looked up at him. "No, I think I had it that time. It just took me a second to shut the water off. But it didn't hurt much."
Her triumphant smile broadened.
Relief washed over Kakashi's features.
"Alright, try it again," he said, his voice calm. "I won't rush to stop you unless you need me to."
Her resolve hardened. "Okay... this is the one."
The air was charged with anticipation. Shanan's hand became the focal point. She concentrated, lightning chakra building. Her fingers trembled slightly as the lightning ignited. Kakashi monitored her face, ensuring her comfort. Her eyes remained fixed on her hand, a triumphant smile spreading.
Her determination silenced them, focusing solely on mastering her lightning chakra. Several successful attempts passed, each time shutting off her water chakra with increasing ease.
Finally, she beamed, eyes wide with triumph. "KAKASHI!" she exclaimed, squeezing his hand tightly with her other hand.
He chuckled, delighted by her enthusiasm.
"Oh my god, I really did it! I can use my lightning!" Her hand ignited with lightning again, her beaming smile radiant.
Kakashi's amusement deepened, his eyes crinkling.
Shanan's gaze softened, her expression turning sincere. "Thank you," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I was honestly scared of this for so long." The lightning dissipated, replaced by a gentle smile as she looked at him.
His smile was warm, genuine. "You're welcome, Shanan. Your chakra control really is impressive. That would've taken a lot of other people much longer to figure out."
Her face glowed, pride and relief mingling. "Did it take you a long time?"
Kakashi laughed, standing up with a fluid motion. "Well, no, I'm a prodigy." His cheeky grin accompanied the boastful claim, as he offered his hand to help her up.
She took his hand, laughing as he pulled her to her feet. "Wait." Her expression turned serious. "Were you really?"
"Well, that's what they tell me," he said casually.
"Yeah…" she said, smiling. "I'm not surprised. Always reading..." A realization dawned on her face, recalling Guy Sensei's words about his friend with a thirst for knowledge. Her smile softened. "Well, I'm no prodigy, but we really are a lot alike, Kakashi."
His hands slipped into his pockets, for a moment, he seemed lost in reflection. Then, his expression lightened. "Ah, well... Chakra manipulation is a lot of work. Let's get some lunch."
Shanan's laughter echoed, accepting the abrupt change in subject. "Yeah, I could eat."
As they walked, he asked, "You sure I can keep the chakra?"
"I've got two sources, so I'll have it back in no time."
Their footsteps synchronized, filling the brief silence.
Her curiosity resurfaced. "But do you think you could teach me Chidori?"
"Of course. And we still have a lot of work to do on your chakra controlling techniques. But with your skills, I think you'll have it mastered by the Chunin Exams."
Her smile grew, determination and anticipation burning within.
As they walked, the village's sounds enveloped them.
Shanan's thoughts drifted inward, reflecting on the day's events. Beside her, Kakashi's presence felt both familiar and foreign, stirring long-dormant emotions. Their natural connection amazed her, despite the years apart. His guidance and trust in her abilities warmed her heart, yet she sensed a subtle unease beneath his calm exterior. His eyes, though warm, held a guardedness she couldn't quite penetrate.
She recalled the vulnerability in his gaze during their chakra cycling. For an instant, she'd seen the Kakashi she once knew – raw, open, and scared. She wondered why he was holding back now, what scars the years had etched beneath his reserved surface.
Her heart ached to bridge the gap between them, to revive the heartfelt connection they once shared. She knew he'd always been stoic in nature, but with her, he'd been different. Today's emotional moments had reignited her desire to understand him, to help him let his walls down – or demolish them herself, if need be.
As Kakashi walked beside Shanan, his mind began to wander. He expected their reunion to feel seamless, like no time had passed. Instead, he found himself guarded, measuring every word, action and facial expression.
Seven years apart had changed him. He'd worked on himself, forging connections with others, keeping his promises to her. Yet, her presence exposed the fragile nature of his progress. Her radiant confidence and unwavering compassion made his own growth feel lazy and inadequate.
He couldn't shake the feeling that, despite his efforts, the darkness still had a hold on him. The same darkness that had driven him to promise her protection, to be her shelter and take the brunt of the storm. But did she even still fear the dark, or had she outgrown that terror?
Her growth and self-assurance highlighted the stark contrast between them. His own scars, though faded, still lingered. He wondered if he'd truly made enough progress, or if his facade would eventually crumble beneath her scrutiny.
Their footsteps slowed, approaching the village's central area.
Shanan broke the silence, her voice heartfelt. "Thanks again, Kakashi. Today meant a lot... I really missed you. Even when I didn't realize it." She laughed lightly. "That's probably why I never stopped waving..."
His eyes softened, his smile warm. "Anytime, Shanan. You really are doing great," he said, his voice gentle. "And I missed you too. I've missed our visits a lot."
"Oh," her face lit up, beaming at him. "Then I'll try and land myself in the hospital soon so you can visit," she teased.
Kakashi chuckled, shaking his head. "I'd rather you didn't."
She grinned, eyes sparkling. "Seriously though, how's life been? You know stuff about me, but I really don't know what you've been up to. I see you made at least one friend."
"I told you I would," he replied. "And I remember you telling me that maybe there was one person who already wanted to be friends." His smile hinted at warmth. "And, well, Guy had been pestering me for years to hang out. So when my mission was done and I'd taken some time to recuperate, I took him up on an offer to hang out."
"I can easily picture him begging you to be his best friend," she said giggling.
"Yep…" His tone was laced with exasperation. "He dragged me to some – I guess it was a party in the woods," he continued, "and I ended up hanging out with him, Asuma, and Kurenai."
Her eyebrows rose. "Ooh, a party? Kakashi, were you drinking?!" she teased.
"Hey, I was nineteen..." He chuckled nervously. "I didn't enjoy the feeling much, but honestly, all the vomiting helped to really strengthen those new friendships."
"Wait, what do you mean?" she asked, completely amused.
Kakashi's grin turned sheepish. "The three of them felt too bad to leave me alone all night, so Asuma carried me to his place, and we all crashed there. In the morning, they made fun of me relentlessly, and then we went out to breakfast."
She stopped walking, her hands flying to her cheeks as she cooed. "Awwwww, Kakashi! That's really beautiful! Look at you being an adorable little lightweight, making fwiends..." She poked his nose playfully eliciting a deep blush from him.
As they walked again, Shanan asked, "Okay, what else? Girlfriends?"
"Let's not get too crazy."
Shanan's face fell slightly, and she stopped walking. "Crushes?" she asked, her voice softer.
Kakashi's gaze drifted, his voice barely above a whisper. "Honestly... no."
"Why though?" she asked him, her brow furrowed with concern. "You can be a shinobi and have a life."
His eyes met hers, enigmatic and tinged with awkwardness. "It's just… a bit much for me," he replied.
Her expression turned guilty. "That's okay. I didn't mean to imply that it was necessary or that not having one equals unhappiness. That was rude." She looked at him sincerely. "I'm sorry."
"Don't worry about it, Shanan. You were just making conversation." He offered a reassuring smile. "And who knows, maybe one day."
Shanan nodded, still feeling a twinge of regret.
As they resumed walking, Kakashi's smile turned subtle. "Sasuke goes on about you quite a bit." He glanced at her sideways, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"I'm not surprised…" Her cheeks flushed, and she smiled affectionately. "He's always been a softie to me."
Kakashi's lips curved into a quiet smile. "I'm not surprised..."
Shanan's gaze met his, and she smiled softly.
Their walk continued in comfortable silence, the warmth of their conversation lingering between them. As they made their way to the restaurant, the village's vibrant sounds – laughter, chatter, and the gentle hum of activity – enveloped them, but their connection remained a quiet, unspoken understanding. Though the familiarity felt slightly awkward now, they both sensed that, with time, things would settle into a comfortable routine.