Dangerous Encounter
Kakashi sat on the carpeted floor in the living room, watching as Naruto crawled around, collecting his building blocks that he had previously thrown around the room. Kakashi's gaze kept drifting to the wall clock – Minato had been gone for a long time, and a disturbing feeling spread within Kakashi.
He wondered if the conversation had encountered unexpected difficulties. For Kakashi, it was clear that Minato needed to become Hokage again to prove himself. The thought of losing his sensei again was unbearable for Kakashi.
Kakashi refocused his attention on Naruto, who began building a tower with a smile on his face. Every time a block stood on top of another, the boy clapped his hands excitedly. As Kakashi watched Naruto, he realized he had to do everything to save Minato. This little boy needed his father more than anything else. Over the past two weeks, Naruto had quickly grown attached to Minato. It would break the boy's heart if his father had to disappear again.
But Kakashi noticed that something else was bothering Minato besides the impending appointment as Hokage. No matter how many times he asked, Minato deflected each time. Frustration gnawed at Kakashi, and he couldn't shake the feeling that Minato didn't trust him enough. Yet Kakashi desperately wanted to help and not fail this time.
A sigh escaped his lips as he remembered that Minato still wanted to talk to him. Kakashi had no desire to discuss his emotional outburst or nightmares. It was never his intention to burden Minato with them; the words just slipped out. Minato should focus on his own challenges and proving himself and be allowed to continue living, rather than worrying about Kakashi.
Plus, Naruto needed his father's attention more than ever; he needed his care and love. Kakashi would manage on his own, as he had done his whole life.
Kakashi was snapped out of his thoughts when he heard the front door. Immediately, he turned his gaze towards the hallway, and Naruto also paused, looking curiously in that direction. It didn't take long for Minato to enter the living room.
Kakashi frowned as he saw the worried expression on Minato's face. But quickly, the blond's face brightened when he saw the two of them. "Hello, you two," he greeted them warmly and approached them. He squatted down next to Naruto, ran his hand over his head once, and then shifted his attention to Kakashi. "Is everything okay with both of you?"
Naruto giggled happily and resumed his game, while Kakashi looked at Minato seriously and nodded. "Everything went well with us, Naruto was peaceful," he answered Minato's question. "And with you? How did it go for you?"
Minato waved it off with a smile. "Everything's fine, I'll be Hokage again."
A look of determination appeared in Kakashi's eyes as they narrowed. "Just like that? I sense there's more to it. Something happened, I can tell," Kakashi said unequivocally.
Minato slowly stood up. "It's all right, Kakashi," he reassured him in a calm voice. "Don't worry."
"You know I'm not a little kid anymore. You can talk to me," protested Kakashi, standing up.
With a mischievous smile on his lips, Minato crossed his arms. "Well, you're fourteen, so somehow you're still a child," he teased lovingly.
Kakashi rolled his eyes annoyed but dropped the subject. "So, there were no problems with the conversation?" he asked suspiciously.
Minato shook his head slightly and turned away. "What problems could there have been," he said casually, quickly changing the subject. "We need to talk about something completely different. You've been avoiding it for too long!"
Kakashi swallowed hard and took a step back, as if conceding defeat. "Sorry, I forgot to mention I have another appointment," he lied.
Minato frowned and looked at Kakashi sternly. "Who are you meeting?"
"With Guy. We haven't trained together in a long time," Kakashi explained calmly, keeping his voice and chakra under control. "I really have to go now, we can talk later when I'm back." Assured Kakashi, turned around, and quickly left the apartment.
He ignored Minato calling after him and elegantly jumped over the rooftops of Konoha. Kakashi knew his behavior wasn't right, but he didn't feel like talking right now. If he came home later, he would apologize. Right now, he just wanted a moment to himself and to train alone.
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Meanwhile, darkness had fallen. Kakashi sheathed his kunai into his weapons pouch and decided to head home. The past few hours had been spent in intense training. It had been a while since Kakashi had trained so intensely, but as a shinobi, it was important to stay in shape.
However, in the past two weeks, Kakashi had hardly found the opportunity to do so. First, he had to recover from his injuries, and then there simply wasn't enough time. But after the training, he felt better and was already looking forward to a relaxing bath. He also used the time to prepare for the conversation with Minato. Now he felt somewhat more relaxed – this break had been much needed.
Just as he was about to set off and leave the training ground, he felt someone with him. Immediately, Kakashi drew a kunai from his pouch and turned around. His uncovered eye scanned the area for signs, but the chakra signature had vanished.
Suspiciously, Kakashi furrowed his eyebrows and turned slowly. His eyes widened as he spotted a familiar figure behind him. "Danzo?" Kakashi muttered, confused.
But before he could say anything, Kakashi was surrounded by several Root Anbu. His gaze darted around, then he focused it back on Danzo, who was steadily approaching him. A menacing smile played on his lips. "We need to talk," Danzo stated coldly.
Kakashi smiled slightly and tightened his grip on his kunai. "What do you want to talk about?" Kakashi didn't take his eyes off his enemies. Slowly, he raised his hand to reveal his left eye.
"Stop that! I don't want to fight you!" Danzo said sharply. "But this isn't the right place for it."
Confused, Kakashi hesitated, momentarily forgetting to keep his attention up. A targeted blow struck him in the neck. Pain shot through him, and the next moment, everything went black before his eyes.