Prolog [[Kakashi]]
With pride, Kakashi tied his Hitai-ate around his head. He pulled the band tight at the back of his head, lifted his mask, and then let his hands fall by his sides. A proud smile reflected in the mirror, even though it was hidden beneath his mask. Six days ago, he graduated, becoming the youngest Genin. He was proud that he could impress his father. His father, his greatest role model since childhood, was his goal to follow in his footsteps. He knew he had to train hard, and he did so with joy. Every time he could show his father something new he had learned, he delighted in his father's smile. He just wished he could train with his father more often, but his father was often on missions. Kakashi spent many hours alone at home, and although it didn't bother him, he ignored the part of himself that sometimes felt lonely.
A hand landed on his shoulder, and Kakashi's head turned reflexively. His gaze shifted upward, where Sakumo stood behind him, smiling gently. "Are you ready? We don't want to keep the Hokage waiting."
Kakashi nodded in agreement. Together, they put on their sandals, secured their pouches, and left their house. They walked along the front yard and eventually reached the street leading to the village. Father and son walked for a while before reaching the village. Kakashi kept some distance from his father, wondering what the Hokage wanted from him. He wasn't naive and could already guess the purpose of the meeting. He had not yet been assigned to a Genin team, and it seemed likely that was what the meeting was about. Kakashi could hardly wait; once he was in a team, he could finally show what he was capable of. He could take on missions and learn new things. The question of his future teammates and sensei preoccupied him. All the others who became Genin at the same time as him had already been assigned to teams.
While Kakashi was lost in his thoughts, he attentively observed his father. Pride surged through him as he witnessed how many people knew Sakumo. Numerous greetings were exchanged, and Sakumo responded with a warm smile. The excitement grew with each step as they approached the Hokage Tower. Just before entering the building, Sakumo turned to Kakashi, let him stand beside him, and placed his hand on Kakashi's shoulder. Together, they traversed the building, and the path to the Hokage's office seemed endless to Kakashi. When they finally stood in front of the office, they announced themselves and waited to be admitted. Kakashi's anticipation for potential news about his team increased with every passing minute of waiting.
Finally, the door to the Hokage's office opened, and they were invited inside. Sakumo led Kakashi into the office, and with wide eyes, Kakashi observed the room. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat at the desk, smiling warmly. "Sakumo, Kakashi, come in. Have a seat." The Hokage leaned forward in his chair, resting his forearms on the desk and turned to Kakashi. "First of all, congratulations again on passing your exam. Can you guess why I summoned you here?"
Kakashi adjusted himself in the chair and nodded. "Yes, I think you want to assign me to a team."
Hiruzen smiled at Kakashi, nodded, and continued. "You know it's a unique situation to graduate at the age of just five. So, after discussing it with your father, we've decided not to place you in a Genin team for now."
Kakashi slumped a bit in his chair, disappointment creeping in. How would he prove himself if not in a team? Without much thought, he interrupted the Hokage. "That's not fair! I passed like everyone else, so why can't I join a team? What else am I supposed to do?"
Kakashi flinched as his father placed a hand on his shoulder. His gaze shifted to Sakumo, who looked at him gently but firmly. "Please don't interrupt the Hokage."
Kakashi's gaze immediately returned to the Hokage, and he slowly lowered his head. "I apologize, sir."
The Hokage smiled understandingly and continued, "Instead, you'll have your own sensei and train with them alone for now."
Kakashi slowly straightened up in his chair, letting the idea of having his own sensei sink in. It began to appeal to him – a sensei just for him. Surely, he could learn even more this way. Kakashi grinned behind his mask as he felt his father's proud hand on his shoulder. His gaze briefly shifted to Sakumo before eagerly returning to the Hokage.
The Hokage smiled contentedly and then leaned back in his chair. "Judging by your reaction, it seems you like the proposal," remarked the Hokage.
Kakashi nodded enthusiastically."Hai!"
The Hokage's satisfied laughter echoed, accompanied by a nod of approval for Kakashi. "Tomorrow at eight o'clock, you'll meet your sensei at Training Ground eleven. So be punctual."
Sakumo and Kakashi stood up, and Kakashi assured the Hokage, "I will. I won't disappoint you."
The Hokage stood up, smiled at Sakumo, and then turned his gaze to Kakashi. "I know that, Kakashi. I wish both of you a wonderful day."
With the best wishes, Kakashi and Sakumo left the office. Joyfully, Kakashi hurried home, eager to meet his sensei the next day.
Bare feet clattered on the wooden floor, the house illuminated only by moonlight. Kakashi stopped at the door to the veranda. His father sat outside in the garden on a bench, his back turned to Kakashi. Curiously, Kakashi observed his father. "Can't you sleep, Kashi?" Kakashi flinched; of course, he should have known that his father knew he was standing there.
Sakumo slowly stood up, approached Kakashi with a gentle smile, and crouched down in front of him. Kakashi scrutinized his father and nodded; his father stroked through Kakashi's hair. "Are you excited about tomorrow?" Nervously, Kakashi looked around, then shrugged. Sakumo rose from the crouch, nudged Kakashi toward the house. "Come on, off to bed; it's way too cold outside."
Kakashi let his father lead him to his room. Sakumo gestured for Kakashi to lie back down in bed. Immediately, Kakashi did as he was told, and the blanket was gently pulled over him. Sakumo sat on the edge of the bed, smiling affectionately. "Don't worry; I promise you'll enjoy it. You'll learn a lot. But for now, you should get some sleep; as a shinobi, it's important to get enough rest."
Kakashi nodded in response, watching as his father stood up and headed for the door. Before leaving the room, Kakashi said, "Good night!"
Sakumo turned around once more. "Sleep well, pup!"
Kakashi closed his eyes; his thoughts were on the upcoming day and what it might hold. Surely, his sensei would be nice and able to teach him a lot. After all, what was Kakashi's desire? To become stronger and impress his father. What could possibly go wrong? Kakashi gathered new courage and set aside his worries for now. Tomorrow, he would meet his sensei for the first time, and things would work out.