Worries
Minato stood tensely at the edge of the training ground, his eyes fixed on Kakashi. The sun had long since disappeared beyond the horizon, but Kakashi refused to end the training session until he had perfected the technique. Time and time again, he told Minato that he could go home, but Minato remained steadfast.
With his arms crossed, Minato watched as his student pressed on relentlessly, his breaths growing heavier and his movements increasingly unsteady. It was only a matter of time before Kakashi collapsed under the weight of his own determination. Yet, the boy stubbornly fought on, rejecting any help and ignoring his sensei’s insistence to stop. All Minato could do was silently stand guard, ready to intervene if necessary.
Four weeks had passed since Sakumo's funeral, and Kakashi hadn’t spoken a single word about his father since. Minato had tried numerous times to start a conversation—he believed that talking about pain was essential to healing it. But every time, Kakashi evaded him, retreating behind an invisible wall.
The boy had grown more withdrawn with each passing day, wrapping himself in a silence that even Minato struggled to penetrate. Their conversations were reduced to the bare minimum, and even that seemed like too much for Kakashi. Minato could feel the growing distance between them, a heaviness in the air whenever they met. Yet he knew he had to remain patient, waiting for the moment when Kakashi would be ready to let him in.
Minato could hardly conceal his growing concern for Kakashi. The boy looked exhausted, drained—even though he tried to hide it. But Minato was too experienced to miss the signs. The dark circles under Kakashi's eyes and his pale, almost sickly complexion spoke volumes. It was clear he wasn’t sleeping, likely tormented by nightmares that gave him no rest.
Minato recalled the time when Kakashi had briefly lived with him. Even then, the nights had been restless for the boy. But now, as before, Kakashi kept his emotions locked away. Every cautious question Minato asked was met with a solid wall of resistance. Kakashi was trying to be strong—too strong. And that only deepened Minato’s worries.
He couldn’t help but wonder how long Kakashi could maintain this pace before his body or mind gave out. Minato wanted to help, but he knew that direct confrontation rarely worked with Kakashi. The boy carried his burdens alone, convinced that showing weakness wasn’t an option.
Still, Minato refused to leave him to face it all by himself. There were other ways to support someone without forcing them to talk. Minato chose a subtler approach, tailoring their training sessions to ensure Kakashi could rest without perceiving it as leniency. Occasionally, he "accidentally" left meals nearby, hoping the boy would at least take care of his body if not his mind.
But even as he made these small gestures, Minato questioned whether it was enough. He couldn’t force Kakashi to open up, but he could make sure the boy didn’t feel completely alone. Quietly, Minato resolved to stay close—for the moment when Kakashi would finally be ready to lower the wall he had built around himself.
Just as Minato felt himself sinking deeper into his concerns, he noticed a sudden unsteadiness in Kakashi’s movements. The boy faltered, his legs giving way as he stumbled.
In an instant, Minato was at his side, catching him before he could hit the ground. Gently but firmly, he steadied Kakashi, placing a supportive hand on his shoulder.
“Are you okay?” Minato asked, his calm voice unable to hide the undertone of worry. His eyes searched for Kakashi’s, but the boy averted his gaze, as if avoiding the sensei’s scrutiny of his exhaustion.
As soon as Minato helped him, Kakashi abruptly pulled away. Without saying a word, he gave a curt nod, his shoulders squared as if trying to erase the moment of weakness. His brow furrowed in concentration, and Minato recognized the look immediately—the boy was already thinking of repeating the drill, looking for a way to execute it even more flawlessly.
A quiet sigh escaped Minato's lips. Kakashi's iron will was admirable, but it was clear he had reached his limit. His body trembled slightly, his movements had become erratic, and Minato knew it would be irresponsible to let him continue.
“Kakashi,” Minato began in a gentle but firm tone, “that’s enough for today. You’ve done more than enough.” Yet inwardly, he wondered if the boy would even listen.
As expected, Kakashi responded with stubborn determination. “I’m not finished yet,” he replied coolly, without looking at Minato. His voice was calm, but his clenched jaw and tightly balled fists betrayed the effort it took to fight through his exhaustion.
Minato folded his arms, staying calm, though his eyes never left Kakashi. “You’re not finished by pushing yourself until you collapse. You’re finished when you know when it’s time to stop.”
Kakashi remained silent, his gaze fixed firmly on the ground. For a moment, it seemed like he was about to argue, but then his shoulders slumped slightly. The exhaustion had almost overtaken him, though he would never admit it.
Minato stepped closer, resting a hand on Kakashi’s shoulder—not as a reprimand, but as a gesture of support. “I know why you’re pushing yourself so hard,” he said softly. “But you won’t prove anything to anyone if you destroy yourself in the process.”
Kakashi’s body tensed, but he didn’t respond. Eventually, he gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod, and Minato realized that was as much as he could hope for today.
“Come on, let’s go,” Minato said gently, waiting patiently for Kakashi to follow.
Kakashi lingered for a moment, staring at the ground before finally nodding and walking with Minato off the training ground. They walked in silence through the streets, Kakashi trailing slightly behind Minato, his hands stuffed into his pockets. He was visibly displeased, but Minato knew that nothing he said would satisfy his student right now. So, he decided it was better to say nothing at all.
To break the tense silence, Minato steered the conversation in a lighter direction. “Oh, that reminds me,” he began, a soft smile crossing his face. “Kushina mentioned the other day that she’d like to invite you over for dinner again.”
He glanced back over his shoulder. “And you know what? I thought a day off would do us both some good. No training—just good food and a bit of relaxation. What do you think?”
He suspected Kakashi wouldn’t be thrilled by the idea, but perhaps, just perhaps, this suggestion could offer the boy a moment of normalcy.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow skeptically, his gaze sharp and laced with quiet irony. “Why do we need a whole day off just to eat dinner?” he asked dryly, crossing his arms over his chest.
Minato winked at him, a playful smile on his lips. “I thought it might be nice to spend the day together—maybe do some shopping and then cook dinner as a group. Although…” He scratched the back of his head sheepishly and chuckled softly. “Cooking isn’t exactly my strong suit. That might end up being more on you and Kushina. I’d probably just get in the way.”
Kakashi stayed silent for a moment before finally shrugging. His gaze remained cool, and his voice was so indifferent it almost stung. “I’m not interested,” he said bluntly. “But if you want a day off, go ahead. Take tomorrow to rest.”
Minato paused, turning to Kakashi with an encouraging smile. “Come on, Kakashi! This would be good for both of us,” he began, his voice warm but with a hint of firmness. “You’ve been training incredibly hard these past few weeks and have made huge progress. You’ve more than earned a break—and maybe even a little fun.”
He stepped closer, hoping to sway Kakashi. “Or are you really ready to take on Kushina’s wrath?” he asked with a mischievous glint in his eyes. “You know how she can get when someone turns down her invitations.”
Kakashi stared at him silently, his face unreadable—but Minato could see in his eyes that he was at least considering it. A tense silence hung between them until Kakashi finally let out a quiet sigh and gave a brief nod.
“Fine,” he muttered, his voice calm but firm. “But just tomorrow. And only if we go on a mission after that.” He crossed his arms over his chest, fixing Minato with a challenging look.
Minato closed his eyes briefly, letting the words sink in. He hesitated—he had hoped to delay missions a little longer. Kakashi needed time to rest, to clear his mind, and to regain his strength. But if this was the only way to convince the boy to take a day off, he would compromise.
He considered choosing a simple mission, nothing too dangerous or taxing. Perhaps that would satisfy Kakashi while still giving him the time he needed to recover.
After a moment, Minato opened his eyes and nodded resolutely. “Deal,” he said with a small smile, one that conveyed both agreement and a trace of relief. He silently hoped this compromise would benefit them both.
Kakashi nodded in return, his expression serious and his posture still unwaveringly resolute. “But no easy D-rank mission,” he added coolly, almost challengingly, as if to ensure Minato wouldn’t try to placate him with something trivial.
Minato couldn’t suppress an amused smile. “Of course not,” he replied with feigned thoughtfulness. “I wouldn’t dream of boring you with weeding vegetable gardens or chasing runaway cats.”
He watched Kakashi closely, hoping to catch even a flicker of relief or satisfaction in his expression. The boy remained stoic as ever, though Minato sensed that the thought of a real challenge appealed to him.
“Alright. I’ll hold you to it,” Kakashi said, his voice calm but firm. His gaze held both determination and a clear expectation.
Minato turned and began walking, a slight sense of relief settling in his chest. “You can count on me,” he said with a smile. “But first, let’s get you home. Tomorrow, I’ll come pick you up—we’ll go shopping together, and Kushina will be thrilled to see you again.”
His words were light and inviting, but deep down, he knew this plan was more than just a casual outing. It was an attempt to give Kakashi a moment of normalcy, a small reprieve from the weight he carried. Perhaps this little step could offer him some much-needed rest.
Minato was glad Kakashi had agreed, even if it came with conditions. It was progress, however small. He could only hope it marked the beginning of something better—a moment when Kakashi could finally start to breathe again.
**********
With shopping bags in hand, Minato and Kakashi stepped into Minato's apartment. As soon as the door closed behind them, Kushina appeared in the doorway, her face lit up with a bright smile.
“There you are! Did you get everything?” she asked, taking one of the bags from Minato. Before he could answer, she leaned in and gave him a brief, affectionate kiss.
But Kushina, being Kushina, wasn’t about to let Kakashi off the hook. With her free hand, she ruffled his hair playfully. “And you, Kakashi? Did you help Minato enough, or did he have to carry everything himself?”
Kakashi ducked away with an annoyed huff, his gaze purposefully averted. “Knock it off,” he muttered, marching deeper into the apartment without another word, eager to escape the situation.
Minato watched with a soft smile as Kakashi, wearing his usual cool expression, disappeared into the kitchen. For a brief moment, he observed the boy in silence before turning back to Kushina.
“Don’t worry, we got everything on your list,” he said with a small grin. “You’d be proud of us—no missing ingredients, no complaints.”
Kushina glanced into the shopping bag, giving an approving nod. “Good,” she said, her voice calm and satisfied. Then, casting a quick glance over her shoulder toward the kitchen where Kakashi had vanished, she turned back to Minato.
Her eyes softened, and her voice lowered to a whisper, her concern evident. “How’s he doing today?”
Minato shrugged slightly, his gaze lingering on Kakashi, who was now silently unpacking the groceries. “As quiet as ever,” he replied softly, a hint of worry in his tone, though he tried to keep it subtle.
Then he looked back at Kushina, his expression gentler, and a hopeful smile curved his lips. “Maybe you can get something out of him,” he added, his tone light but tinged with optimism. “You have a knack for making even the most closed-off people open up.”
He knew Kushina’s warmth and directness sometimes achieved what his more measured approach couldn’t. Perhaps today would be one of those times.
“I’ll give it a try,” Kushina said, her smile warm but cautious. “But don’t get your hopes up too high.”
With a fluid movement, she turned and headed into the kitchen, where Kakashi continued unpacking the groceries in silence. Without hesitation, she stepped up beside him and began helping him put away the items. Her motions were calm, but her presence added a gentle vitality to the room.
“I hope you’re okay with what we’re cooking,” she said in a friendly tone that was neither intrusive nor forced. She glanced at him briefly from the side, a faint smile on her lips as she waited to see if he would respond. It was a measured attempt, a careful balance of engagement that might build a small bridge between them.
Kakashi gave a silent nod, his hands moving methodically as he continued unpacking. He didn’t say a word, his focus remaining fixed on the groceries in front of him.
Kushina exhaled softly, forcing herself to remain calm. She knew patience was key with Kakashi—and perhaps a bit of warmth to chip away at the walls he’d built around himself.
“You know,” she began in a friendly, almost casual tone while taking the last items out of the bag, “it’s been far too long since we’ve cooked together. I was really looking forward to finally doing this again today.”
Minato leaned against the wall with his arms crossed, observing the scene in the kitchen. He had consciously decided to hold back and let Kushina take the lead. If anyone could coax Kakashi out of his rigid shell, it was her.
Even so, a faint trace of doubt flickered in his mind. So far, his plan to distract Kakashi—and maybe even bring a small smile to his face—didn’t seem to be working. The boy remained closed off, almost as if he refused to let the warmth in Kushina’s words reach him.
Minato’s gaze briefly dropped to the floor, and he took a deep breath. Patience, he reminded himself. These things took time, and if anyone knew how to persist, it was Kushina. Perhaps the moment would come yet.
Kakashi paused in his movements, his gaze slowly shifting to Kushina. For a moment, he seemed to deliberate before finally asking quietly, “Should I cut the vegetables again?”
Kushina observed him silently for a moment, her eyes soft, before nodding. Without another word, she set up everything he would need for the vegetables. Kakashi wasted no time, beginning to slice with practiced precision. His movements were calm and methodical, almost as if the simple task brought him a small measure of ease.
Kushina glanced over her shoulder toward Minato. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they exchanged an unspoken understanding. Minato took a deep breath and gave her an encouraging smile, which she returned gently.
Finally, Minato stepped closer to the pair, his demeanor deliberately relaxed and casual. “I think I’ll leave the kitchen to the experts and stay out of the way,” he said with a playful grin, reaching for a few plates from the cupboard. “I’ll handle setting the table—that’s one thing I can do without burning anything.” With a wink, he got to work, giving the two plenty of space to continue uninterrupted.
As Minato busied himself setting the table, he kept a subtle eye on Kakashi and Kushina, his emotions a mix of concern and hope. He watched as they worked side by side, wishing for the tension in the air to dissipate little by little.
When he was finally done, Minato eased himself onto the sofa, giving off an air of casual relaxation. He picked up a book and flipped it open, though his eyes lingered only briefly on the printed words. His real focus was on the kitchen, on Kushina and Kakashi.
The silence between them was almost palpable, broken only by the rhythmic clicking of the knife on the cutting board. Both seemed deeply engrossed in their tasks, yet Kushina continued to gently try to lighten the atmosphere.
“How’s your training going?” she asked in her characteristic warm tone.
“Good,” Kakashi replied curtly, his eyes never leaving the vegetables.
Minato watched as Kushina refused to be discouraged, trying again with her characteristic determination. “You know, I was never patient when it came to cutting vegetables. I used to force Minato to handle it,” she said with a mischievous smile. But all she got in response was a quiet “Hm.”
Kakashi showed no sign of opening up, and his tone made it clear he wasn’t interested in a conversation. Minato sighed inwardly, lowering his gaze back to the book so as not to seem like he was eavesdropping. He knew Kushina wouldn’t give up easily—that’s what made her so special.
Before Minato could delve further into his thoughts, Kushina’s sudden exclamation snapped him back to reality. “Damn it!” Her voice was sharp and clearly irritated, immediately putting Minato on alert.
Minato shot to his feet, the book forgotten on the couch. His eyes instinctively searched for the source of Kushina’s outburst, and it didn’t take long for him to spot the issue—she had cut herself.
Without hesitation, he hurried to the kitchen, concern etched across his face. “Are you okay?” he asked gently as he stepped beside her, quickly scanning her injured finger.
Kushina wrapped a kitchen towel around her hand and offered Minato a reassuring smile, though her eyes betrayed her mild frustration at her carelessness. “Don’t worry, it looks worse than it is. It’s just bleeding a lot,” she said, her voice calm but measured.
She glanced up at him and added, “Would you mind grabbing the first aid kit for me? I’ll take care of it myself.”
Minato nodded, letting his hand slide briefly over her back in a soothing gesture. “Of course, I’ll be right back,” he replied before turning to head to the bathroom. His steps were quick but steady; he didn’t want to make her wait.
When he returned to the kitchen with the kit, he stopped in his tracks at the sound of Kushina’s voice. It was low but tinged with concern. “Kakashi? Are you okay?”
Minato’s eyes immediately shifted to his student. Kakashi stood frozen, the knife hanging loosely in his hand, his gaze fixed on the bloodstained towel in Kushina’s hand. His eyes were wide, and his chest rose and fell in shallow, uneven breaths.
Kushina and Minato exchanged a brief, worried glance, their thoughts clearly aligned. Minato placed the first aid kit quietly on the counter and approached Kakashi with deliberate slowness, his movements careful and measured.
“Kakashi?” he called softly, his voice as calming as he could make it. But there was no response. Kakashi remained rooted in place, his stare distant and unfocused, as though trapped in a world only he could see.
Minato hesitated for a moment before gently placing a hand on Kakashi’s shoulder. The boy flinched violently, as if struck by an electric shock, and his wide eyes snapped to Minato’s. Panic and something deeper, something harder to define, flickered in his gaze—a pain Minato recognized all too well.
That look... that feeling. It brought him back to the day he’d found Kakashi in his father’s home. A chill ran down Minato’s spine, but he forced himself to remain calm.
“Hey,” Minato whispered, his voice warm yet steady. “It’s okay. Everything’s fine.”
Kakashi shook his head quickly, averting his gaze. His voice trembled slightly as he said, “I... I need to go to the bathroom.” Before Minato or Kushina could respond, he turned abruptly and hurried out of the kitchen, his steps uneven and rushed. The bathroom door clicked shut behind him.
Minato’s eyes followed him, concern etched across his face. His brow furrowed as his instincts urged him to go after Kakashi and ensure he was truly all right. But he paused, knowing that Kakashi often needed space—space to process his emotions, even though it pained Minato to step back.
He took a deep breath and turned to Kushina, who had also been silently watching Kakashi’s sudden departure. Their eyes met, sharing a moment of unspoken understanding.
“I think we should give him a moment,” Minato finally said softly, his voice laced with worry. “Let me help you with your hand for now.”
Kushina offered him a gentle smile, her eyes filled with warmth and empathy. She shook her head slightly and replied in a calm voice, “It’s fine, really. I can handle it.”
Minato studied her for a moment, his gaze thoughtful before drifting back to the bathroom door. “He’ll probably just send me away…” he muttered, biting his lower lip unconsciously. A quiet sigh escaped him as he wrestled with his thoughts. He knew how stubborn Kakashi could be, especially when it came to accepting help.
Kushina placed a firm yet tender hand on his shoulder, gently nudging him toward the door. “Then don’t let him send you away,” she said firmly, her tone loving but resolute. “Show him you’re there—that it’s okay for him to not be okay. He needs to know he can rely on you, Minato. And you can’t do that if you leave him alone now.”
She pushed him lightly again, her determined gaze unwavering. “He needs you more than ever right now. Go to him. Show him he’s not alone.”
Minato hesitated, his thoughts swirling. Maybe Kushina was right. Maybe he let Kakashi retreat into himself too easily instead of showing him that it was okay to express his emotions and lean on someone else.
With a quiet sigh, Minato lowered his head, letting go of his hesitation. Slowly, he approached the bathroom door, reaching out a hand. He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself, then knocked gently.
“Kakashi,” he called softly yet firmly through the door. When there was no response, he knocked again, this time a little louder. “I’m coming in, okay? Don’t worry.” His tone was calm, his words meant to ease the tension in the air.
With a final glance at the handle, Minato placed his hand on it and paused briefly. The moment felt longer than it was, a stillness hanging between action and uncertainty. But then, with another deep breath, he turned the handle and stepped inside.
Minato entered cautiously, closing the door softly behind him. His eyes scanned the room, finding Kakashi standing in front of the sink. His mask had been pulled down around his neck, and he was staring at his reflection in the mirror. When Kakashi’s gaze shifted to Minato, his lips remained silent, but the unspoken pain in the air was palpable.
Minato noticed the faint shimmer in Kakashi’s eyes—tears that were held back behind a wall of pride and silence. The sight tugged at his heart, and he couldn’t bring himself to wait any longer. Without a word, he stepped forward, knelt before Kakashi, and pulled him into a firm yet gentle embrace.
He simply held him, giving Kakashi space but refusing to leave him alone.
“Sensei!” Kakashi protested, attempting to pull away from the embrace, but Minato held him gently yet firmly. He could feel the resistance, but he refused to let go, unwilling to allow Kakashi to retreat back into himself.
“It’s okay, Kakashi,” Minato whispered softly, his voice warm yet steady. “It’s okay to show your feelings. You’re not alone—I’m here for you, always.” He pulled him a little closer and continued, “Kushina is here for you too. You don’t have to face this alone.”
Kakashi froze for a moment, as if he were slowly processing the words. Just as Minato considered releasing him, he felt Kakashi bury his face into his shoulder. The tension in Kakashi’s body began to ease, albeit hesitantly, his arms hanging limply at his sides. It was a quiet but unmistakable step forward—a small act of letting go after carrying his burdens in silence for so long.
Minato noticed the faint tremor coursing through Kakashi’s body and instinctively began to rub his back in slow, soothing circles. A quiet sniffle reached his ear, and he immediately knew that Kakashi could no longer hold back. But Minato said nothing, giving him the space to break down and feel what he needed to feel.
It was more than Minato had dared to hope for in recent weeks—a rare moment of vulnerability that showed Kakashi was beginning to open up, even if just a little. Minato understood how significant this was. Though Kakashi had lived behind a wall of stoicism for so long, this was a small but crucial crack in his defenses—a step toward healing.
Still, Minato was keenly aware that this moment wouldn’t change everything overnight. Kakashi was a fighter—a survivor—and his struggles wouldn’t vanish just because he had shown a moment of weakness. But in this moment, Minato realized the importance of persistence. He wouldn’t give up on Kakashi. The path ahead was long and filled with challenges, but Minato knew he had to walk it with him, no matter how many times Kakashi tried to retreat.
This wasn’t the culmination of healing, but its beginning. And Minato would be there, unwavering, to guide him every step of the way.