New Paths

Kakashi's eyes fluttered open as he took a moment to orient himself. He sat up slowly, running a hand over his face. A sigh escaped his lips—it was just a dream, a nightmare he hadn't had in a long time. His gaze wandered around the room, the faint moonlight offering some illumination. Then, he glanced at the small clock on his bedside table. It was only 10 p.m. He hadn't been asleep for long. His father had sent him to bed at 7 p.m. after Kakashi had nearly dozed off during dinner.

After another week in the hospital, Kakashi was finally discharged yesterday. With each passing day, he felt better and was ecstatic to finally return home. Although still fatigued, it was mostly due to lying in bed for two weeks straight. To his delight, the doctors had given him the green light for light training. Kakashi knew it would mainly consist of warm-up exercises and chakra control drills, but he didn't care—as long as he could get out and train again.

His father wasn't entirely convinced, and after a lengthy discussion, he relented. So, Kakashi arranged a training session with Minato in two days. He fervently hoped Minato would give him the freedom to tailor his training as he saw fit. Nevertheless, he was pretty sure the blond would insist on sticking to light exercises.

When they arrived home, Kakashi immediately noticed that his father had erected a barrier around the property. It would alert them if anyone entered or left the premises. That meant Kakashi couldn't simply run off if necessary. But at the moment, that wouldn't be a good idea anyway. His father was essentially watching over him—during their entire time in the hospital, he never left Kakashi's side except when Minato visited and he went home for a few hours. Even now, back home, his father kept a close eye on him, although he seemed somewhat more relaxed. Kakashi suspected it had to do with the barrier, making his father feel somewhat safer.

However, Kakashi noticed in the first night that his father had checked on him at least once. Presumably to make sure everything was okay. It was just a brief glance that Kakashi registered in his half-asleep state. He hoped his father would soon calm down and reverse the security measures. At least there was one positive thing: since their discharge from the hospital, the ANBU guards had disappeared. Kakashi suspected his father didn't want any further surveillance at home.

Kakashi stretched and rubbed his eyes sleepily. A sudden thirst overcame him, so he decided to get a glass of water. As his legs swung out of bed and he nearly slipped, he paused and furrowed his brow. Knocking at the front door and footsteps in the hallway pierced the silence. Slowly and silently, Kakashi moved towards the door and listened with his ear pressed against it. Muffled voices filtered through, but he couldn't make out what they were saying.

Kakashi had to concentrate as he tried to identify the two voices. One definitely belonged to Sakumo, but initially, he couldn't place the other one. As the front door clicked shut, he could only surmise that they had both gone into the living room, based on the footsteps. Determined, Kakashi straightened up and stared at the door handle. He needed to find out who was visiting so late and what they wanted. With resolve, he reached for the handle and cautiously opened his door, just a crack. He made sure not to open it too wide—past a certain angle, the door squeaked, and his father would notice immediately.

Carefully, he crept along the hallway, the light from the living room casting a faint glow on the floor. With gentle steps, he approached the living room and could now hear the voices more distinctly. When he reached the door, Kakashi leaned against the wall and peered cautiously around the corner. One person was seated on the couch while his father was just handing over a glass of sake. "Thank you, Sakumo."

Sakumo nodded and took a seat in a chair opposite. In his hand, he held his own glass of sake. "Thank you for coming by," his father replied with a serious expression, though a faint smile graced his lips.

Kakashi fixed his gaze on the visitor—it was a Nara, a close friend of his father's and one of the few who had supported Sakumo after the mission. Shikato Nara, the father of Shikaku, was also an extremely intelligent man. Like his son and grandson, Shikamaru, he was known for his brilliant strategies and served as an advisor to the Hokage. His death toward the end of the Third War left a void, which Shikaku filled as the clan head and advisor to the Hokage. Kakashi furrowed his brow. If Shikato was here and at this late hour, then his father probably had something important to discuss.

Slowly, Kakashi slid down the wall and sank to the floor. He had a feeling that this conversation might take a while and hoped for some revealing revelations. Kakashi yearned for his father to confide in Shikato about his deliberations. Relaxed, he leaned against the wall, pulling his bent legs close to himself and hugging them tightly. His head rested against the wall as he eagerly listened to the words being exchanged in the living room, cautiously peeking around the corner.

"How are you, Sakumo?" Shikato asked with evident concern in his voice, gently placing his glass on the coffee table.

Sakumo sighed, his gaze lowering to the glass in his hand as his expression turned serious and the smile faded. "How do you think I'm doing? I'm exhausted and tired. I've barely slept in the past few weeks," Sakumo confessed, and Kakashi felt a slight knot form in his stomach. Then Sakumo added, "But I'm also relieved that Kakashi was finally discharged from the hospital."

Shikato leaned back, crossing his legs. "And how is Kakashi? Has he recovered?"

Sakumo glanced at Shikato and nodded, a gentle smile playing on his lips, yet there was also evident concern in his gaze. "Kakashi is doing alright so far, he just needs to regain his strength. Two weeks in the hospital have weakened him quite a bit. He's still tired and needs rest, but the doctors assured me that he will make a full recovery," Sakumo explained with relief in his voice before adding solemnly, "Against all initial predictions."

Shikato sighed and held Sakumo's gaze firmly, his expression softening. "Stop dwelling on it. I know it was close," he said empathetically.

Sakumo's smile was faint as he looked back at his glass in hand, giving it a light swirl before taking a sip. "He was close to death. The doctors didn't give him much hope on the first night," he said thoughtfully. Kakashi averted his gaze from the two men, biting his lower lip. "I thought I was going to lose him too," he confessed with a heavy, soft voice.

Kakashi returned his gaze to the living room, trying to ignore his guilt. Shikato leaned forward, resting his arms on his thighs. "I know, Sakumo," he said calmly. They fell silent for a moment before Shikato took a deep breath and leaned back again. "But you didn't ask me to come here to talk about that," he noted.

Immediately, Kakashi became attentive, sitting up straight. Sakumo smiled weakly, glancing at Shikato. "As perceptive as ever," he remarked with a smirk before growing serious again. "You're absolutely right. I need to discuss something with you," Sakumo confessed, fixing his gaze on his conversation partner.

Shikato raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "What do you want to discuss? It seems serious," he said calmly, but with clear attentiveness in his voice.

Sakumo nodded, placing his glass on the coffee table. "It's about the assassination attempt on Kakashi," he began seriously. "How well are you informed about it?"

Shikato leaned forward, reached for his glass, took a sip, then replied. "Kakashi was presumably poisoned by an intruder while visiting the graveyard. After that, he immediately fled the village." Then he set his glass back down.

His father leaned in slightly. "How likely do you consider that?" Sakumo asked with a serious tone, then added, "There were no signs of intrusion found, and, if we're being honest, how realistic is it for someone to sneak into the village unnoticed?" His gaze rested firmly on Shikato.

Shikato straightened up again. "What exactly are you implying?" he asked cautiously, looking intently at Sakumo.

Sakumo snorted and slouched back in his chair. "I believe there was never an intruder," he said, furrowing his brow as he looked at his glass.

Kakashi immediately became alert as worry shot through his body. For a moment, he feared that his father suspected Kakashi himself of being responsible for the assassination attempt. However, he quickly composed himself and continued to listen to the conversation.

Shikato frowned. "What are you implying, Sakumo? Don't hold back information," he said before pausing for a moment and then continuing. "You're not suggesting that you believe it was someone from the village?"

Sakumo nodded cautiously, still looking at his glass. Kakashi furrowed his brow, feeling his hands becoming slightly sweaty. After a brief silence, Sakumo began to speak. "I'm fairly certain it was someone from the village," he confirmed calmly.

Shikato sighed. "Why would someone in the village do such a thing? You haven't made enemies within the village," he began to explain. "At least not to the extent that someone would want to kill your son."

"We both know a man capable of such things. A man who would do anything," Sakumo said, turning his gaze back to Shikato.

Shikato rubbed his temples. "You mean Danzo," he stated, letting his hand fall back into his lap. "Yes, he's capable of anything, but even he wouldn't do something like this without good reason," Shikato remarked, adding, "Especially not if it meant risking the loss of one of the village's strongest shinobi. We both know Danzo wants you fighting for the village." He dropped the subject, but Kakashi could sense that both men were aware of how devastated Sakumo would be at Kakashi's death.

To Kakashi's surprise, Sakumo's lips curved into a slight smile, though his eyes remained tense. "What if I told you Danzo had a reason to do such a thing," Sakumo remarked.

Shikato raised an eyebrow, looking at Sakumo intently. Kakashi also felt his tension increase. Finally, he would learn what had transpired between his father and Danzo. Finally, he would be able to solve the puzzle. He quickly refocused his full attention on the conversation.

Sakumo continued once he had Shikato's full attention. "Can I trust you? What I'm about to tell you is strictly confidential," he said seriously. Shikato nodded firmly in response, keeping his gaze locked on Sakumo. Sakumo began to recount, "A few weeks ago, the Hokage summoned me to his office. In that meeting, he asked me to succeed him as the next Hokage."

Kakashi flinched, his eyes widening in surprise. Quickly, he averted his gaze, as even for him, this information was new. He had no idea that his father was being considered as the next Hokage, at least not at this point. Had the Hokage planned his resignation much earlier? Was he indecisive after Sakumo's failed mission, hence prolonging his tenure as Hokage?

Shikato, too, seemed surprised and momentarily speechless. A silence hung between them before Kakashi heard Shikato find his words again. "The Third wants to step down?" he asked, astonished.

Kakashi turned his gaze back to the living room, observing his father shaking his head. "No, he doesn't want to resign immediately. But he's thinking ahead," he explained calmly. "He wants to have a successor in place in case something happens. He wants me as his right hand so that I'm prepared when I assume his position."

Shikato leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "That makes sense," he said contemplatively. "Having a suitable successor isn't wrong. Of course, he's safe in the village, but you can never be too cautious. Who knows who would seize the opportunity in such a scenario," he remarked. Kakashi internally agreed with Shikato. It was never wrong to have a successor. He was grateful that he had had a capable successor in Naruto. He could trust the village to capable hands.

Sakumo nodded in agreement, picking up his glass and draining it. He held the glass in his hand and looked at it thoughtfully. "I asked for time to think it over. At first, I wanted to consider it. It would mean new responsibilities and further limit my time for Kakashi. And to be honest, I was never particularly eager for the position," he admitted. He paused briefly, slowly setting his glass down. "So far, I haven't given him an answer. After the past few weeks and everything that's happened, I'm not sure," Sakumo confessed, reclining back in his chair.

Shikato furrowed his brow. "So you suspect that Danzo caught wind of what the Hokage is planning, and to ensure that doesn't happen, he poisoned Kakashi to weaken you," he concluded calmly.

Sakumo nodded in confirmation and sighed once. "Not from the start, only when no signs of an intruder were found did the suspicion start to dawn on me," he explained thoughtfully. "Danzo would be willing to do anything to become Hokage. If he caught wind that I was the potential successor to the Third, he'd be willing to go to any lengths."

Kakashi felt the mood shift slightly, and his father grew angry. Shikato nodded in agreement. "I do agree with you on that," he confirmed, leaning forward with a serious expression. "Especially, he's not foolish. He's well aware he can't approach you directly, at least not easily. But Kakashi, on the other hand..." He trailed off as Shikato also seemed to sense Sakumo's increasing anger. A sigh escaped Shikato's lips. "Please, Sakumo, you have no evidence. Don't do anything rash," he urged calmly.

Sakumo's eyes narrowed, and his expression turned cold. "If I were to do anything rash, Danzo would have had my tanto in his chest long ago!" he declared resolutely. "Regardless of who was ultimately responsible for poisoning Kakashi, I will do everything in my power to find them and deliver them a painful death!"

Shikato crossed his legs and folded his arms. "I believe you without a doubt," he confirmed with a small smile. "But please, refrain until you have clear evidence. Accusing him now would only harm yourself," he reassured Sakumo with measured voice.

Kakashi felt his father's anger subside, and he slumped slightly. "I know, don't worry, I'll hold back," he assured, and a silence fell over the two men. In that moment, Kakashi seized the opportunity to sort through the new information. Finally, he understood why his father was so distrustful of Danzo. Everything began to make sense, and Kakashi now had a better grasp of what was going on with his father.

Sakumo's conclusions were logical and reasonable. Yet Kakashi knew deep down that Danzo had nothing to do with it. Now the question lingered: Did Danzo even know about the Third's plans yet? Because if not, more trouble could be looming. That meant new problems and new dangers. Kakashi sighed inwardly. He was aware that he still had to remain extremely vigilant.

Kakashi was snapped out of his thoughts as Sakumo spoke up again. "I'm worried that Danzo might make another attempt," Sakumo began, pausing briefly before adding softly, "I'm afraid something might happen to Kakashi."

Kakashi flinched and tensed, seeing his father in a whole new light. Never had he witnessed Sakumo so vulnerable and honest. His father's sudden uncertainty deeply unsettled him. He had never intended to cause his father such worries or to instill fear in him. Now, as he began to grasp more clearly the consequences of his actions, he realized the extent of his deeds.

Shikato sighed lightly and leaned forward. "Don't worry, I'll stand by you. Kakashi will be well taken care of." He tried to reassure Sakumo before leaning back again. "And what are your plans now? Will you accept the Third's offer?"

Kakashi felt a growing curiosity within himself, but he doubted whether Sakumo would entertain the idea. Perhaps his fear was simply too overwhelming to take the leap. Nevertheless, Kakashi wished that his father would do it and be appointed as the Hokage. He had firm trust in Sakumo and was convinced that he could be an outstanding Hokage. The village could benefit from his leadership, and Kakashi was sure that his father would bring about changes.

Sakumo shrugged, his expression thoughtful. A deep breath escaped him before he spoke, "I'm unsure. If it meant putting Kakashi in harm's way, I would refuse the offer." His words carried weight.

"Please reconsider. I firmly believe that you're the perfect choice for this position," Shikato began to explain. "I currently see no one else who could shoulder this responsibility. If something were to unexpectedly happen to the Third and you don't become his successor, I fear that Danzo might indeed ascend to become the Hokage. That would be highly unfavorable."

Sakumo looked at Shikato, and a faint smile played on his lips. "And what about you?" Sakumo suggested. "You're wise and have the potential to lead this village even better than I ever could." His words were infused with sincere acknowledgment and respect.

Shikato let out a laugh as he shook his head. "Definitely not, but thank you for the compliment. But seriously, Sakumo, you're the perfect choice. Please reconsider. If anyone is capable of leading and protecting this village, it's you."

A faint smile graced Sakumo's lips as he looked out the window. "Do you really believe that?" he began doubtfully. "I can't even protect my own family. How am I supposed to protect an entire village?" The uncertainty rang clearly in his voice.

"Sakumo, that's not true," Shikato explained with a sighing tone infused with compassion.

Sakumo let out a slightly amused snort as he looked at Shikato. "It's true," he began seriously. "I couldn't protect my wife, and she died. Kakashi almost died when I wasn't with him. If I had come back just a little later, he probably wouldn't be alive."

Kakashi let his gaze travel down the hallway, unaware that his father blamed himself for his mother's death. Over the years, he could see in hindsight that Sakumo had loved his wife and suffered from her loss, but the full extent of his father's grief was unknown to him. The fact that Sakumo now also blamed himself for almost losing Kakashi created a painful knot of guilt in Kakashi's stomach. He clenched his fists and hugged his arms tighter around his legs as he wrestled with his conscience.

Kakashi longed to rush to his father and relieve him of the blame, to explain everything to him. But he knew it would be irrational. He had to keep a cool head now, no matter how difficult it was.

Kakashi heard Shikato's relieved sigh. His gaze lingered in the hallway as Shikato began to speak. "You must understand, it wasn't your fault. Kaori died during a mission, you couldn't have done anything for her," he began with a gentle voice to reassure Sakumo. "And with Kakashi, you were there in time. Your quick actions saved him. Stop blaming yourself." He paused briefly before adding, "Please reconsider."

For a moment, silence filled the room before Kakashi heard the soft rustle of clothing as someone shifted. Then Sakumo began to speak. "Of course, I will think it over calmly. But I have another concern. I'm currently on leave and not required to go on a mission, but it won't be long before I'm back on duty. If my suspicion is correct, I can't leave Kakashi alone at the moment. I can't risk something happening while I'm not here," Sakumo explained.

Kakashi turned his gaze back to the living room, watching as Shikato settled into his seat and stretched. "Feel free to bring him over to us. There's always someone on our premises who can keep an eye on him. And don't worry, if I find out anything, I'll inform you immediately," he reassured with an encouraging smile. "You're not alone, Sakumo. You can rely on me."

Sakumo nodded gratefully and also straightened up slightly. "Thank you. Now I just need to have a quiet chat with Minato."

"Minato?" Shikato asked, surprised, raising an eyebrow.

Sakumo nodded affirmatively. "Minato spends a lot of time with Kakashi, and I want to make sure that he keeps a special eye on him in the near future and doesn't let him wander off alone. Kakashi has a tendency to stray from the village on his way home, and too much could happen. I won't tell him everything; it's better if not too many people know," Sakumo explained calmly and thoughtfully.

Kakashi inwardly sighed as he realized he wouldn't have much time alone in the near future. He definitely needed to avoid going to the Naras' place. Not that he didn't like them – they were always nice and friendly. But he couldn't pursue his plans unnoticed there. It would be best if he could convince his father to let him stay with Minato.

Shikato nodded in agreement. "That sounds reasonable," he confirmed, scooting closer on his seat.

Sensing the conversation would soon end, Kakashi decided to head back to his room. He had gathered all the information he needed for now and could finally piece together the puzzle. Slowly, he rose and crept along the hallway to his room. However, he paused as a wooden board squeaked beneath him suddenly. His gaze darted to the living room as he heard someone getting up and steps approaching, while his father said, "Let me just check."

Internally cursing, Kakashi swiftly turned back toward the living room. With a weary expression, he rubbed his eyes with one hand. As his father appeared in the hallway, a smile graced his lips as he approached Kakashi, squatting down in front of him. "Is everything okay with you, Kashi?" he asked gently.

Kakashi nodded sleepily and feigned a yawn. "I'm thirsty," he said, his eyelids drooping heavily.

Sakumo smiled affectionately and ran his hand through Kakashi's hair. "You can barely keep your eyes open. Come on, back to bed. I'll bring you some water right away. I'll just say goodbye to our guests," Sakumo explained, rising from his crouch.

Kakashi's gaze drifted past Sakumo as he saw Shikato in the doorway to the living room, smiling kindly at him. "Hello, Kakashi. I hope we didn't wake you," Shikato greeted.

Kakashi shook his head as Sakumo gently nudged him toward the bedroom. "Come on, off to bed. I'll be right there," Sakumo encouraged him.

Slowly, Kakashi began to move and glanced over his shoulder to wave goodbye to Shikato. "Goodbye," he said politely. He was grateful that his father had found a loyal friend in the Nara and felt it was appropriate to be polite to him.

Shikato smiled at Kakashi and waved back. "Good night, Kakashi."

With that, Kakashi disappeared into his room and sighed once as he slipped back into his bed. While waiting for his father, the conversation replayed in his mind, and his guilt intensified. He realized he had made a mistake. But the consequences would have been even greater if he had done nothing. He resolved to be there for his father in the future. Besides, he would plan his next actions more carefully.

Even though not everything went according to plan, Kakashi was still determined to carry on. Next time, he would be more vigilant and carefully plan his steps. Somehow, he would figure out the rest, and he tried to stay positive. If his father noticed that everything was okay and Kakashi was safe, he would regain his composure and hopefully accept the Hokage's offer.

It didn't take long for his father to appear with a glass of water in hand. Gently, he approached Kakashi's bed and sat down carefully on the edge. Kakashi sat up and gratefully accepted the glass of water that Sakumo handed to him. He quickly took a big sip and then handed the glass back. Sakumo took it with a smile and asked, "Feeling better now?" He placed the half-full glass on Kakashi's bedside table.

Kakashi nodded gratefully and sank back into his pillows. "Thank you, that really helps," he replied.

Sakumo smiled contentedly and ran his hand through Kakashi's hair before getting up and pulling the blanket up higher. "Now get some more sleep."

Kakashi nodded in agreement, but before Sakumo could take a step, Kakashi stopped him. "Dad?"

Sakumo paused and looked at Kakashi. "Yes, Kakashi?"

Kakashi looked his father directly in the eyes. He felt the urge to do something good for him. "Would you stay with me?" he asked softly. He hoped that his father would feel a little better if he stayed with him. Maybe Sakumo would then feel that Kakashi was okay, and that would give him reassurance.

Sakumo looked at Kakashi for a moment, surprised, before his expression softened, and he nodded. Kakashi shifted to the other side of his bed to make room for his father. Gently, Sakumo lifted the blanket and settled into Kakashi's bed. He lay on his back, and Kakashi, lying on his side, nestled against him as Sakumo wrapped an arm around him, gently pulling him close. With soothing movements, Sakumo traced circles on Kakashi's back as he snuggled against him. "Goodnight, Dad," Kakashi whispered lovingly.

"Sleep well, Kakashi," his father whispered back, and a pleasant silence filled the room. It didn't take long for Kakashi to fall asleep at his father's side, enveloped in a sense of security and comfort.