At the beginning

Exhausted, Kakashi sat down next to his father, who handed him a water bottle. Gratefully, he took it and drank a large gulp as Sakumo began to speak. "You’ve really mastered the katas now. I think we can move on to the next exercise," he explained with a smile.

Kakashi nodded eagerly, hardly able to wait to learn the next lesson. He had been training with his father for three weeks now. In a few days, the third part of the Chunin Exams would take place, and Kakashi was full of anticipation. When his father promised to train him until the next exam, Kakashi had been overjoyed. It gave him hope that his father was getting better. In fact, Sakumo seemed to have flourished in the last few weeks, and Kakashi felt that things were finally improving. If he could pass the Chunin Exam, people would stop talking, and they could finally find peace.

During the first week, they had focused on Taijutsu. Sakumo had shown Kakashi everything he knew, giving him valuable tips. In the second week, they focused on Ninjutsu. In the last few days, Kakashi had to go through and perfect all the katas he had learned so far. Additionally, his father taught him new katas, which he also had to practice until Sakumo was satisfied.

To Kakashi's delight, he was even allowed to practice with his father's tanto. Normally, it was forbidden due to the high risk of injury. But this time, Sakumo allowed it and showed him how to properly hold the tanto, correcting his stance when necessary. Kakashi was overjoyed. Finally, they were spending carefree hours together again, training like they used to. Although his father sometimes seemed tired and lost in his own thoughts, he was almost like his old self. Kakashi gained new courage and hoped that everything would get better.

“What’s next?” Kakashi asked curiously, setting the bottle down beside him.

Sakumo leaned slightly forward and smiled gently. “I believe you’re now well-prepared for the final part of the exam. I’ve taught you everything I know,” he said calmly, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a scroll.

Kakashi curiously examined the scroll, tilting his head slightly. “What’s the deal with this scroll?”

With a smile, Sakumo handed the scroll to Kakashi. Kakashi took it and examined it curiously as Sakumo began to speak. “I think it’s time for you to have your own pack.”

Kakashi stared at his father with wide eyes. He had long wished to sign the summoning contract, but Sakumo had always told him to wait a bit longer. Eventually, Kakashi had given up hope, as his father was hard to persuade. But now he wondered why Sakumo was allowing him to sign the contract at this moment.

Confused, Kakashi furrowed his brows and looked at the scroll in his hand. “You always said I should wait. Why are you letting me sign the contract now?”

A gentle hand rested on Kakashi’s shoulder, and his father lovingly pulled him closer. “This gift is for you because you’ve come so far, and I’m sure you’ll go much further. Consider it an early celebration of passing your Chunin Exam.”

“I haven’t passed the exam yet,” Kakashi muttered, keeping his eyes fixed on the scroll.

The hand on his shoulder tightened slightly. "I've been watching you during training these past few weeks. If you fight the way you've been practicing and apply everything I've taught you, I'm quite sure you'll pass. So, what do you say? Do you want to sign the contract now?"

Kakashi let his father's words sink in for a moment before he nodded resolutely and looked at Sakumo. "Of course I do!" he replied with firm conviction.

Satisfied, Sakumo nodded and stood up. "Very good. You know how it works: sign with your blood and then form the hand signs. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work on the first try—it sometimes takes a few attempts." He took a few steps back and added, "When you’re ready, you can start. I’m here if you need help. You know the hand signs, right?"

Kakashi nodded determinedly and got up, his gaze fixed on the scroll. With a deep breath, betraying his excitement, he prepared for the decisive moment. Carefully, he opened the scroll and unrolled it, laying it out on the ground.

He grabbed a kunai, cut his index finger, and signed his name on the contract. Then he concentrated on forming the hand signs and placed his hand on the ground. A cloud of smoke appeared in front of Kakashi, and he watched it intently, narrowing his eyes.

As the smoke slowly dissipated, Kakashi's eyes widened in amazement. Eight small dogs appeared before him, looking at him curiously. A broad smile spread across his face, and he proudly turned to his father. "I did it."

Sakumo raised his eyebrows in surprise and observed the pack, which continued to focus all their attention on Kakashi. He said nothing, silently watching the scene with a satisfied expression on his face. Kakashi smiled and crouched down in front of the puppies, tilting his head slightly. "You're all so small," he said softly.

One of the puppies, a small brown pug, snorted and trotted over to Kakashi curiously, sniffing him. "Who's small? You're just as small as we are," the pug complained in an indignant voice, looking at Kakashi challengingly.

"Hey!" Kakashi protested, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm not small! I'm going to be a Chunin soon, after all!" His voice was firm, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes as he looked at the cheeky pug.

Slowly, the other puppies began to move, running curiously towards Kakashi. They sniffed him eagerly and wagged their tails joyfully. Kakashi cautiously stretched out a hand, holding it out to one of the puppies. The little dog snuffled excitedly and licked his hand. A soft giggle escaped Kakashi as he began to gently pet the puppy. The other dogs continued their exploration, while the pug watched from a safe distance, interested and attentive.

With a quiet laugh, Sakumo crouched down next to Kakashi and began to pet one of the puppies. The small dog sniffed Sakumo curiously and leaned contentedly into his touch. "It looks like you’re getting along just fine," Sakumo remarked with a smile.

Kakashi nodded and looked at his father. "One day, we’ll be just as good a team as you are with your pack," he said with a smile.

Sakumo smiled as he lovingly ruffled Kakashi’s hair. "Of course, you will," he said. "But until then, you need to get to know them properly. You have to take care of them and train them. It will take time, but I’m sure you’ll manage it together. Just give them some time to get used to you and show them that they can trust you." He continued to pet one of the dogs, who huffed contentedly.

Kakashi nodded seriously and turned back to the puppies sitting around him. The pug, however, kept a little distance, watching the scene attentively. Kakashi was determined to raise and train his pack well. He aspired to build a bond with his dogs as close as the one his father had with his pack. He had dreamed of having his own pack since his time at the academy, and now the time had finally come. He vowed to always take care of them and be a trustworthy and strong leader for them.

—----------

Kakashi was preparing everything for the upcoming exam. He carefully packed his kunai and mentally reviewed every detail his father had taught him over the past few weeks. His goal was firmly anchored in his heart, and his determination was unwavering: he would pass the Chunin Exam—not just for himself, but especially for his father.

In the past few days, Kakashi had spent a lot of time with his pack, and they had started to get to know each other better. He quickly realized how challenging it could be to raise puppies, but with Sakumo’s support, he was already making significant progress. Even though his pack wasn't yet ready for the upcoming Chunin Exam, that didn’t bother Kakashi. He was confident that one day they would become some of the best ninja dogs.

Especially the little pug, Pakkun, had quickly grown on Kakashi. Although Pakkun had held back during their first meeting, they had quickly formed a close bond. Surprisingly, Pakkun turned out to be the leader of the pack, even though you wouldn’t guess it at first glance. The fact that Pakkun accepted him led the rest of the pack to quickly recognize him as their leader as well. Now, Kakashi just needed to teach them manners and train them intensively. It would require time and patience, but Kakashi was convinced that he would succeed.

Before he could get lost in his thoughts, there was a knock at his bedroom door. Kakashi turned his attention to the door and called, "Come in!"

The door slowly opened, and Sakumo poked his head into the room, a gentle smile on his lips. "Is everything alright with you?" he asked as he stepped inside. He walked over to Kakashi's bed and sat down.

Kakashi stood up and sat next to his father. "Everything’s fine; I’m well-prepared for tomorrow," he said with a smile.

Sakumo smiled contentedly and nodded in agreement. "You certainly are!" he confirmed before placing a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Could you come with me? I have a surprise for you."

"A surprise?" Kakashi murmured, tilting his head curiously. All day, he had wondered what had been on his father’s mind. Earlier in the morning, Sakumo had left the house and had seemed busy all day. Kakashi hadn’t paid much attention, focusing first on his pack and then on preparing for his fight.

Sakumo nodded and stood up, extending his hand to Kakashi. Without hesitation, Kakashi took it, allowing his father to lead him out of the room and into the living room. When Kakashi saw the surprises prepared for him, his eyes widened in amazement.

Sakumo had pushed the furniture aside and spread a blanket on the floor, laid out with pillows and delicious food. The game he had received from Minato and Kushina was also set out, ready to play. When Kakashi saw the lovingly prepared surprise, tears welled up in his eyes. He quickly wiped them away with his arm and looked up at Sakumo. Without saying a word, Sakumo knelt down in front of Kakashi, gently pulling him into his chest and wrapping his arms around him protectively.

Kakashi buried his face in his father's chest, allowing himself to be overwhelmed by the crushing weight of the past few months. Tears flowed uncontrollably, and all the worries and burdens seemed to pour out in that moment. He was deeply grateful that his father was there, simply holding him and offering comfort.

After a few minutes, Kakashi slowly pulled back and wiped his eyes with his arm. "Sorry," he murmured softly, his voice still heavy with emotion.

Sakumo gently shook his head and ran his hand soothingly through Kakashi’s hair. "If anyone should be apologizing, it’s me," he said with genuine regret. "I’m sorry I didn’t keep my promise. You had every right to be disappointed, and I hope you can forgive me."

Kakashi glanced once more at the lovingly prepared picnic, and a smile crept beneath his mask as he looked at his father. "I forgive you," he said firmly, pausing briefly before adding, "I love you, Dad. And thank you for training me these past few weeks."

Sakumo smiled lovingly. "I love you too, Kakashi. It was my pleasure to help you. I just want you to be as prepared as possible." He stood up, gently guiding Kakashi to the blanket and motioning for him to sit down. "Let’s spend a nice evening together," he suggested.

Kakashi nodded and made himself comfortable on the blanket, a sense of joy spreading within him. He was looking forward to spending a cozy evening with his father, especially after so much time had passed since they last shared a moment like this.

—----------

Kakashi slipped on his sandals while Sakumo stood behind him, saying goodbye. They had spent a wonderful evening together until Kakashi finally fell asleep. The next morning, Kakashi awoke next to his father in bed, wrapped in a comforting, warm feeling. He felt that their bond had renewed and deepened over the past few weeks. With renewed confidence and optimism, he looked forward to the upcoming fight.

After Kakashi put on his sandals, he stood up and looked up at his father. Sakumo gently placed a hand on his head and asked, "Are you ready?"

Kakashi nodded determinedly. "Yes, I am! Aren't you coming with me?" Even though he had asked this question several times, he still harbored a faint hope that his father might come along after all. He understood why Sakumo had chosen not to be there, but a small part of him still wished for his presence.

Sakumo shook his head and knelt down to Kakashi's level. "It's better if I stay here. Minato will be there to support you," he explained, as a somber silence settled between them. Kakashi sensed that his father had more on his mind. Sakumo cleared his throat and continued, "I'm confident you'll make it. Remember what I've taught you. Believe in yourself and don't let anyone tell you otherwise."

Kakashi nodded and smiled, his mask still down. "I'll tell you everything when I get back," he promised, with a hint of anticipation in his voice.

Sakumo smiled gently and affectionately ran his fingers through Kakashi’s hair. "You will," he murmured, a trace of sadness flickering in his eyes. Before Kakashi could respond, Sakumo added, "I’m incredibly proud of you and will never forget how much I love you. Show everyone what you’re capable of!"

"Thank you, Dad, I love you too," Kakashi replied with a warm smile.

Sakumo stood up and gently ushered Kakashi toward the door. "You need to go now, or you'll be late."

Kakashi nodded, pulled up his mask, and stepped out of the house with resolve. After a few steps, Sakumo called out to him. "Kakashi!" Kakashi turned around immediately, expectations in his eyes. Sakumo took a step closer and added, "Please stick with Minato. He will be a great support."

Confused, Kakashi looked at his father before nodding. "Of course, he is my sensei."

"Right, Kashi. I don't want to hold you up any longer," Sakumo said, smiling, though Kakashi could see the sadness in his eyes. He waved once more as Kakashi headed toward the garden gate. As Kakashi walked away, he heard his father's gentle voice: "Take care, Kakashi. I love you."

With a smiling glance, Kakashi turned back to his father and waved. "See you tonight, I'll tell you everything. I love you, Dad!" he said, then turned away with determination. Confidence filled him as he continued on his way. From now on, everything would be fine.