New Paths

Kakashi adjusted his mask carefully and took a deep breath. Then he got up from his stool and pushed it aside. Though he would have preferred to avoid the conversation, he had promised Minato. It was long overdue for Kakashi to realize that his sensei had many questions. Even though Minato held back, surely there was much weighing on his heart. Kakashi felt obligated to be open with him. After all, the blond had already done so much for him.

With determination, Kakashi left the bathroom and returned to the living room. Minato sat unchanged on the couch, waiting patiently. As Kakashi entered the room, their eyes met as he walked across and settled into a chair opposite Minato. The tension was palpable. Kakashi consciously avoided sitting next to his sensei; he didn't want to be too close while answering his questions.

For a moment, they simply remained in mutual silence before Kakashi cleared his throat and initiated the conversation. "I promised to answer any question you have. So go ahead, ask your question," he stated calmly, though turmoil brewed inside him.

Minato's gaze lowered to the floor, his face tense with emotion. "Has Kushina already passed away in the future?" he asked softly.

Kakashi raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't expected this to be Minato's first question. He had anticipated it would be about his own fate. But that was typical of Minato; his thoughts were always with his loved ones, the people he cared about. It was only natural for Minato to inquire first about Kushina's fate.

Kakashi also looked down and nodded regretfully. "I'm sorry," he whispered softly, biting his lower lip as if trying to contain his own emotions.

A sad smile played on Minato's lips as he leaned back and spoke thoughtfully, "So I couldn't protect her." His gaze wandered into the distance as he continued, "How did she die?"

Without looking at Minato, Kakashi asked, "Don't you want to know anything about yourself?" Because it wasn't Minato who couldn't protect her, but Kakashi himself.

A moment of silence settled over the room before Minato resignedly shrugged his shoulders. "I'm fairly certain I've also passed away. From what you've already told me and your reaction when we first met when you arrived in the past, I can already guess," he explained, then let his gaze wander out the window. "I was already quite certain about Kushina as well, but somehow I had hoped it wasn't so," he admitted softly.

"I understand," murmured Kakashi, nervously twisting the fabric of his pants between his fingers. "You both died in the same incident," he added quietly, lost in his thoughts.

"What was that incident?" Minato asked directly.

Kakashi took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment to gather himself. He reminded himself once more that he had promised. Resolutely, he opened his eyes again and didn't hesitate any longer. "The Kyuubi attacked the village. Both of you gave your lives to protect the village and its inhabitants."

Minato's eyes widened. "The Kyuubi!? But how could it snatch Kushina away?”

"The seal was weakened. Kushina and you were expecting a baby. During childbirth, there was an attack. The attacker managed to separate you and take Kushina away to release the Nine-Tails under his control onto the village," explained Kakashi, striving to remain calm.

Minato gazed out of the window for a moment, and Kakashi admired how calmly his sensei could remain. It was admirable how Minato always kept a clear head in every critical situation. For Kakashi, it was nothing new; no matter the situation they were in, Minato always remained calm and composed. Kakashi knew exactly from whom he had inherited his composure in battle. Not only had his father repeatedly taught him to stay calm, but Minato had also instructed him in it.

"To be honest, I'm not sure what to ask next," admitted Minato, turning his gaze back to Kakashi with a hesitant smile. "It's painful to hear that Kushina and I apparently died during the birth of our child."

Kakashi looked at Minato for a moment. Despite his smile, he could see the sadness in his eyes. Suddenly, he realized he had approached the conversation wrong, and guilt flooded him. "I'm sorry, I completely mishandled this," confessed Kakashi, shifting uneasily in his chair.

Minato shook his head affectionately. "It's okay, Kakashi. I know it's not easy. Don't worry," he said, giving Kakashi an encouraging smile.

Kakashi looked out of the window for a moment, took a deep breath, and then began telling Minato everything he knew about the attack. However, for now, he omitted the fact that Obito was responsible for the attack. Minato hadn't met him yet, and Kakashi wanted to prevent him from being biased in their first encounter. Although Kakashi knew Minato was fair and wouldn't hold Obito responsible for actions that lay in the future, he kept it to himself for the time being.

After Kakashi had finished telling everything, Minato lowered his gaze to the floor in front of him. "Naruto," he murmured softly to himself, a smile playing on his lips. "A wonderful name."

A relieved smile graced Kakashi's face as some tension eased off him. Though the conversation wasn't over, he felt lighter. "At least you chose it together," he added. Then there was a moment of silence. "Do you have any more questions?" he finally asked.

Minato chuckled briefly before looking at Kakashi lovingly. "I have many questions," he began, pausing for a moment as his brow furrowed. "What happened to Naruto after our deaths?"

Kakashi flinched at the question, although he knew it was coming, he still wasn't fully prepared for it. "The villagers learned that the Nine-Tails was sealed within him. They feared him, hated him, and didn't treat him well," he explained briefly. He wanted to keep the topic as short as possible. Even today, he was plagued with guilt that he hadn't been there enough for Naruto.

"I see," Minato whispered softly, then fell silent. His words hung heavy in the air as he seemed lost in thought.

After a moment of silence, Kakashi decided to lighten the mood. "Don't worry. Naruto never let himself be defeated," he began with a touch of confidence. "He remained steadfast in his path and always pursued his dream. He managed to earn the villagers' respect."

A proud smile crossed Minato's lips. "And what was his dream?"

Kakashi grinned broadly. "He wanted to become Hokage!"

Minato's eyes widened as he looked at Kakashi for a moment. "Will he succeed? I mean, so far, he obviously hasn't."

"I told you, I have a good successor. Can you guess who it is?" Kakashi winked at him. Naturally, Minato immediately understood what Kakashi meant, and Kakashi could practically feel his sensei bursting with pride. "After all, he's Kushina's and your son. You don't need to worry about him. He's found his way in life and won't be stopped," reassured Kakashi.

Minato crossed his arms. "I'm glad to hear that," he admitted, looking thoughtfully out the window. "It seems he takes after Kushina. He seems to have inherited her indomitable will," he added, his thoughts drifting to his beloved wife.

Kakashi chuckled and nodded. "Especially since he can be quite a pain sometimes. It wasn't always easy with him," he laughed, recalling the challenges brought by Naruto's lively character.

With a contemplative look, Minato gazed at Kakashi. "Did you take care of him?"

"Not really," Kakashi confessed softly. "He was one of my students, but as a sensei, I let him down more often than not," he added regretfully, the pain in his voice unmistakable.

Kakashi was firmly convinced that he hadn't given Naruto everything he needed. He felt guilty for letting him down. Sometimes Kakashi believed he should have done more for the boy. After all, Minato had always taken care of Kakashi, no matter how challenging it was. Kakashi should have advocated more strongly for Naruto.

Suddenly, he was snapped out of his thoughts as Minato stood up, approached Kakashi, and crouched down in front of him. "Didn't you tell me they became the most powerful shinobi the world has ever seen? They didn't achieve that on their own. A student only becomes as strong as their sensei," he said firmly, gently placing his hands on Kakashi's knees.

Kakashi looked at Minato's hands. "But I also told you they all found a better sensei," he murmured softly, his gaze filled with self-doubt.

Minato's hands became slightly heavier. "Stop putting yourself down all the time. Everything you tell me, you downplay. I firmly believe you've become an outstanding shinobi, sensei, and Hokage. You don't need to overshadow yourself," he said firmly.

"How would you know that?" Kakashi muttered, his hands clenching into fists. His eyes were full of doubt.

Minato smiled gently and placed two fingers under Kakashi's chin, gently turning his head so they could look into each other's eyes. "Simply because I know you, and I know you're not a bad person," he said softly, his gaze full of trust and warmth.

Kakashi's eyes widened, and his lips trembled beneath the mask. How disappointed would Minato be if he knew the whole truth? Kakashi had let down his team, he couldn't protect any of them. In that moment, he felt old emotions resurfacing, threatening to overwhelm him. Quickly, he averted his gaze from Minato's and closed his eyes. He wanted to end the topic, to end the entire conversation.

"Do you have any more questions?" Kakashi turned his gaze to the window, his thoughts elsewhere.

Minato withdrew his hands from Kakashi and rose to settle into another chair beside him. "Was it me who introduced you to the Anbu? It wasn't the Third, as I initially suspected, was it?" he asked thoughtfully.

Kakashi turned his gaze to Minato and nodded. "Yes, you brought me into the Anbu," he confirmed, surprised at how much Minato could piece together on his own.

"I seem to have made quite a few mistakes," Minato remarked with sorrowful eyes.

Kakashi raised his eyebrows in surprise. He hadn't expected Minato to see it as a mistake. "You had your reasons," he reassured sincerely. Kakashi knew that Minato had brought him into the Anbu so he could be close by. "But if it helps, you eventually regretted it when you realized it wasn't the right path. To make amends, you made me Kushina's bodyguard during her pregnancy," he added, trying to comfort Minato.

Minato turned his gaze to Kakashi. "What was the reason for bringing you into the Anbu at fourteen?"

Kakashi bit his lip. He wasn't ready to talk about it yet. Not about what happened with Obito, and certainly not about Rin. The thought of seeing her again pained him deeply. Looking into her kind, innocent eyes was no easy task. Even now, he couldn't forgive himself properly. The guilt weighed heavily on his shoulders. But he had learned to live with it.

"It's just been a lot," Kakashi admitted, without elaborating further.

Minato smiled sympathetically, and to Kakashi's relief, he didn't press further on the topic. "Perhaps we should call it a conversation for now," the blond offered.

Kakashi shrugged. "You probably have many more questions," he remarked casually, leaving room for further discussions.

Minato waved it off casually. "It's all right. It's been a lot of information for me to digest as well. You don't need to worry," he reassured. Then his expression turned more serious. "Besides, I can tell it's taking a toll on you. Whatever happened, it hasn't been easy, and I don't want to unnecessarily distress you," his words were full of compassion and understanding.

"It hasn't always gone according to plan," Kakashi affirmed, smiling gratefully at Minato. "Thank you!"

"Don't mention it!" Then the blond got up and headed to the kitchen. "Would you like some tea too?" he asked from the kitchen, filling the kettle with water. His offer radiated warmth and care.

Kakashi settled back in his chair, watching Minato attentively. "Yes, please!" Kakashi sensed turmoil within the blond. It didn't feel right to end the conversation like this. On the other hand, perhaps it truly was better to give Minato some time to process what he had just heard. After all, more conversations like this would follow. Once Obito and Rin joined their team, Minato might want to know what became of them. Then Kakashi would tell him the whole truth.

**********

Kakashi stood next to Minato in front of the Hokage, both summoned together. It was likely about a mission, but Kakashi was surprised to find himself included. He hadn't expected to be sent on a mission while Sakumo was away from the village. However, it quickly became clear who was behind this decision. Danzo stood beside the Hokage. It was probable that Hiruzen had been persuaded by him to have Kakashi join the mission. The Third Hokage tolerated too much.

Throughout the entire conversation, Kakashi kept an eye on Danzo, a slight smile on his lips. He knew Danzo had his own agenda regarding him. Yet, for now, he pushed those thoughts aside and listened attentively to the Hokage.

The mission in question was an A-rank mission. They were to deliver a scroll containing crucial information to the border. Due to the tense situation requiring them to advance to the border, it was classified as an A-rank mission. Minato and Kakashi were not supposed to engage directly in combat, but encountering enemy shinobi was not out of the question.

Minato appeared tense; he didn't seem pleased about Kakashi accompanying them. Kakashi himself was relaxed. It wasn't an unusual mission for him, and he was confident they would succeed.

However, Minato saw it differently. After the Hokage finished his explanations, the blond spoke up. "Why should I take Kakashi along? He's still a genin!" Kakashi sensed a hint of anger in his voice. He wondered if his sensei was deliberately protesting against this decision. He should know it wasn't a big deal for Kakashi. Perhaps he wanted to avoid trouble; Sakumo would definitely hear about this conversation.

"Kakashi needs to gain more experience. His skills are above average, and I believe he can learn a lot on this mission," Hiruzen explained, puffing on his pipe.

Kakashi narrowed his eyes slightly as Minato continued to tense beside him. "It's too dangerous. He needs more experience and combat practice."

Now Danzo also spoke up. "How else is he supposed to gain experience and routine if not on a mission?" he asked coolly. "Besides, you are not supposed to engage in combat, just deliver the scroll."

"Kakashi should stay in the village and complete D-rank missions while he becomes more proficient in combat techniques during training," Minato insisted. "There's no guarantee we won't encounter enemy shinobi. The danger is high given the current situation. Also, Sakumo is not in the village right now. He should have a say in this, after all, he is his father."

Kakashi grinned slightly under his mask but held back and remained silent. Danzo snorted in frustration. "Kakashi is a shinobi, just like his father. Both are committed to the village, and if the Hokage assigns you this mission, you are to comply!" His voice grew angry, his words sounding like an undeniable directive.

To prevent Minato from unnecessarily confronting Danzo, Kakashi lightly tugged at his pant leg. Minato glanced briefly at Kakashi, who had his gaze fixed on the Hokage. He bowed slightly. "I won't disappoint you," Kakashi said firmly, then looked at Minato reassuringly. "Or you, Minato-sensei." Minato sighed softly, walked to the desk, and accepted the scroll. Once everything was settled, they bid farewell and left the office.

Casually putting his hands in his pockets, Kakashi's expression was thoughtful as they silently left the Hokage Tower. Minato also remained silent until they were further away from the tower. Then he looked down at Kakashi. "What are you thinking about?"

"Not here, soon at home," Kakashi whispered, continuing on his way. Minato nodded in agreement and walked silently beside Kakashi.

"My eternal rival!" Immediately, the two turned around as Guy ran towards them. Sliding to a stop, he took a few deep breaths before looking at Kakashi with a wide grin. "How wonderful to see you again!"

Kakashi smiled warmly. "Hello, Guy!”

"How is my eternal rival?" Guy asked energetically, standing up straight. "Asuma told me you were in the hospital. He said it was pretty serious."

Kakashi took his hands out of his pockets, waved dismissively, and crossed them behind his head. "Asuma is exaggerating again. He probably misunderstood something his father said."

Minato sighed beside Kakashi and looked down at him. Guy turned his gaze to Minato, briefly flinched, then bowed. "How rude of me! Good day, sir... um." Guy tilted his head in confusion.

Minato smiled relaxedly at Guy. "My name is Minato Namikaze, and you are obviously Guy. Nice to meet you. I am Kakashi's sensei."

"Pleasure to meet you, Minato-sensei!" greeted Guy, then glanced at Kakashi. He covered his mouth with his hand and whispered, "Do you actually have your own sensei?"

Kakashi nodded. "Yes, at the moment I'm not assigned to any team," he explained calmly.

Guy jumped a step away from Kakashi and clenched his hand into a fist. "Very well, then maybe we'll be on a team together soon!" Then he pointed a thumb at himself. "Because I'll be a genin soon!”

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. The graduation exams were approaching soon. He smiled challengingly at Guy. "How many attempts will you need?" Bringing his hands forward, he placed one thoughtfully on his chin. "I think you'll need at least three tries."

Minato flinched beside Kakashi and looked at him in surprise. "Kakashi!" he said sternly. "Don't be so rude."

"Don't worry, it just motivates me to train harder!" Guy declared with a bright smile, then turned back to Kakashi. "I'll show you I can do it on the first try, and then I'll challenge you!" he said resolutely.

Kakashi smiled back at him. "I look forward to it."

Minato placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "We should move on now," he said gently. Then he addressed Guy. "I'm sorry, but we have to go. We have an early mission tomorrow. Good luck with your exam! Until next time."

Guy nodded with a broad smile. "Thank you!" Then he looked at Kakashi. "Good luck with your mission and take care, eternal rival! Until next time!"

Guy ran off waving, while Kakashi raised his hand in farewell and watched him for a moment before looking up at Minato. "Let's go home."

Minato nodded in agreement, and they continued on their way. After a while of silence, Minato asked, "Did you have to be so mean to him?"

Kakashi put his hands back in his pockets and looked down. "Not necessarily, but I have to. It could harm Guy if I don't challenge him," he explained.

"I understand. He wants to keep up with you and impress you. He doesn't let your teasing get him down; on the contrary, it motivates him to keep going," Minato observed, and Kakashi nodded in agreement.

**********

Kakashi sat cross-legged on the floor, packing his backpack for the mission, when Minato appeared in the doorway of his room. With arms crossed, he casually leaned against the door frame. "So, what's on your mind? Is it about the mission?"

Kakashi paused and turned his head to Minato. "Not directly. The mission isn't the issue. Honestly, I'm looking forward to getting out of the village," he explained with a grin before his expression turned serious again. "I'm more concerned about my father. When he comes back and finds out I've been sent on a mission to the border, he'll blow up."

Minato nodded in agreement, his forehead slightly furrowed. "I figured as much. He'll kill me," Minato remarked with a smile.

"He won't! What can you do about it anyway? He'll find out that you opposed it. Don't worry, I'll put in a good word for you," Kakashi reassured him. "Danzo is behind this. He must have convinced the Hokage until he agreed that I had to come along," he speculated, crossing his arms.

Minato paused for a moment, his forehead furrowed. "I've been thinking the same. What do you think he might be aiming for?" he asked tensely.

Kakashi furrowed his eyebrows as he looked at his half-packed bag. "Maybe he's hoping something will happen to me on the mission," he speculated.

Minato flinched and straightened up. "I'll make sure nothing happens to you!" he promised firmly.

Kakashi smiled beneath his mask. "I know. Trust me, if he thinks he can get rid of me, he'll quickly realize it's not that simple." He explained coolly, "But I think it's more about provoking my father. It's a feeble attempt to stir up trouble. Maybe he wants to show how close he can get to me and how much power he has. But whatever his thoughts are, they're definitely not good."

Kakashi was genuinely worried. He had no idea how far Danzo would go. He wished he could anticipate what Danzo was planning. If his suspicion was correct and Danzo had something to do with Sakumo's death, he would truly be capable of anything.

Minato snapped Kakashi out of his thoughts. "Stop overthinking. Everything will be fine."

Kakashi lifted his head and looked into Minato's friendly face. "I'm not overthinking," he deflected.

Minato laughed, approached Kakashi, crouched in front of him, and gently tapped his forehead. "You made the same face as always when you're lost in thought," he explained.

"I was just thinking about what else I need to pack," Kakashi said and grinned at Minato.

Minato tousled his hair once and stood up again. "Alright, I'll go let Kushina know that we'll be out of the village starting tomorrow. Please don't take too long."

Kakashi narrowed his eyes. "Shouldn't I be the one telling you that? I'm sure it won't just be a notification." A mischievous smile played on his lips.

"Kakashi!" Minato exclaimed with flushed cheeks, and Kakashi couldn't help but laugh.