Silver raindrops danced down from the sky, infusing the surroundings with a refreshing vibrancy. The first puddles mirrored the gray sky, while a gentle wind intensified the coldness. The streets lay deserted, an unusual sight in an otherwise lively corner of the village. Early in the morning and surrounded by inclement weather, it seemed as though nature itself invited one to spend a quiet day in the warmth of home.
Despite the adverse conditions, Kakashi was already on his way, his hands buried deep in his pockets and his gaze fixed firmly on the ground. His silver hair hung heavily and drenched, while his clothing had also soaked up the chill of the rain. Yet, undeterred, he continued his journey, determined not to lose sight of his goal, defying the icy cold that surrounded him.
His steps were quick and purposeful, his only desire to leave this place as quickly as possible. He avoided contact with other people, fearing their judgmental looks and the harsh words they might utter. Last week, the rejection had even turned into physical violence when a shopkeeper roughly grabbed him and threw him out of his store. But Kakashi remained silent, suppressing every tear and stoically accepting the humiliation. He accepted the harsh reality, for his father's actions had placed the village in a precarious situation.
Initially, they directed their anger solely at his father, holding him responsible for everything and making him feel their contempt. This pressure forced him to retreat into his house until he eventually lost the courage to leave it. The events broke his heart and left him shattered inside. Now that his father was gone, having taken his own life, Kakashi was left alone to grapple with the pain and emptiness.
With his father's departure, the villagers' anger now turned towards Kakashi. Desperately seeking a vent for their anger and pain, Kakashi resignedly accepted this turn of events, for after all, it was his father who had been blamed for all their suffering. Now, his father's legacy weighed heavily on Kakashi's shoulders, and he knew it was up to him to bear this burden.
He, too, found no satisfaction in his father's decision. As a shinobi, it was inevitable to follow the rules, and the foremost rule stated that the mission came first. His father had violated the law and disobeyed the rule. Kakashi swore never to make the same mistake, but to always stand loyal to his duties as a shinobi and respect the rules.
He lifted his gaze and paused, staring ahead with an empty expression. An imposing gate loomed before him, and he passed through it without a word. Kakashi's path led him inexorably forward until he finally reached his destination. Silently, he stood there, his face showing no signs of emotion, as he calmly and thoughtfully surveyed the scene before him.
A heavy sigh escaped Kakashi's chest. "Hello, Dad," he whispered softly, but the silence around him remained unyielding. Never again would he hear his father's familiar voice. Before him stood only his father's venerable gravestone, silently greeting him.
Kakashi vividly remembered the day he found his Father. As soon as he entered the house, he sensed that something was wrong - the metallic scent of blood hung heavy in the air. Though he dared not venture further into the house, his feet inexorably led him onward until he finally stumbled upon his father. Kakashi couldn't say how long he remained motionless beside him until Minato eventually arrived and found him.
In the days following, Kakashi was filled with deep sadness. He felt lost and alone, unsure of how to move forward. But with time, his grief turned into anger and disappointment. Anger at his father for leaving him alone, and disappointment because he had abandoned his mission. These feelings accompanied him in the weeks leading up to today and wouldn't let him go.
But this morning, sadness overwhelmed him with full force. It was a special day – Kakashi's birthday. For the first time, he would spend this day without his father, and the emptiness in his heart was unbearable as he woke up in the morning. He remembered past birthdays when his father lovingly cared for him and made the day special. The painful realization that he would never again be awakened by his father with a lovingly prepared breakfast on his birthday pierced him.
Although Kakashi knew Minato had something special planned for this day, he felt the urge to escape. Unnoticed, he slipped out of the apartment early in the morning and set off. The thought was unbearable – he longed to be awakened by his father, to enjoy a lovingly prepared breakfast together, and to spend the day in his company.
Kakashi felt deep gratitude for Minato, who had taken him in and done so much for him. Although he initially resisted and claimed he could take care of himself, he was secretly relieved not to live alone in this house. It took time to adjust to their life together – it was different from living with his father. But by now, they had found a harmonious way, and Kakashi began to feel comfortable in their community.
However, today he felt an inexplicable longing to be alone for a brief moment. It was only a matter of time before Minato would find him. He was probably already searching for him, especially since Kakashi had left without a word. A few days ago, he had overheard a conversation between Minato and Kushina. They were planning his birthday with such dedication that Kakashi was overwhelmed by their care. He didn't know how to deal with all these feelings.
Kakashi turned his gaze back to the gravestone. "Today is my birthday..." There was a brief silence before Kakashi continued. "Maybe you already know."
His lips began to tremble. "I miss you..." His voice was fragile, his hands clenched into fists and trembled. Kakashi lowered his head, tears welling up in his eyes, mixing with the rain.
Soft footsteps reached his ears, muffled by the rain. A towel gently wrapped around his shoulders as a person hunkered down beside him. Gentle hands rested on his shoulders and turned him gently. Kakashi raised his head and looked into Minato's gentle eyes. His expression betrayed concern. With a gentle touch, Minato pulled Kakashi to his chest and held him tightly.
Kakashi returned the embrace, wrapping his arms tightly around Minato's neck and burying his face in the crook of his neck. "I miss him... I wish he were here today... I want to celebrate my birthday with him..." Kakashi finally mumbled softly.
Minato soothingly stroked Kakashi's back, planted a kiss on his hair, and whispered lovingly to him. "I know, Kashi..." Kakashi's body trembled even more, tears streaming down his cheeks.
After Kakashi had calmed down somewhat, he hesitated to break free from the embrace. He continued to cling to Minato, feeling him rise with him in his arms. "Let me take you home first. There, we'll make sure you get out of these wet clothes. You must be freezing," Minato explained lovingly, continuing to soothe his back.
Kakashi nodded in agreement, still not ready to let go of Minato. All he wished for was for this day to pass.