Kakashi found it strange—every time he trained with Guy, it always felt like time passed in the blink of an eye. It was just noon a moment ago, and now, the sky had already turned dark.
Maybe it was Guy's boundless energy and youthful fervor that made time fly.
Then again, they'd been training without pause. Naturally, time would pass swiftly when one is absorbed in unrelenting physical exertion.
Even when Guy began to falter, Kakashi would find a second wind watching him persevere.
After all, Kakashi wasn't the type to accept defeat easily. If Guy could keep going, then so could he.
That mindset—refusing to lose to a rival—drove him forward no matter the fatigue.
It reminded him of the time Naruto and Sasuke trained together to climb trees using chakra control. Neither would quit as long as the other pushed on, and in the end, they both improved much faster because of it.
Solo training couldn't compare to the motivation of having someone at your side.
"Guy… That's enough for today…"
Kakashi was panting hard, visibly exhausted.
Guy wasn't in much better shape, drenched in sweat and nearly gasping for air.
"Yosh! What a splendid day of burning youth!"
"Alright, let's get something to eat. I'm sore all over after today's session."
Kakashi rubbed his aching arms and spoke wearily.
"Kakashi, go ahead without me. I've got something else to take care of," Guy said, and before Kakashi could respond, he darted off into the night.
Kakashi scratched his head, confused by Guy's sudden departure.
"Strange. Guy usually jumps at the chance for post-training curry. What's he up to?"
But soon he dismissed the thought. Guy was always doing strange things, and Kakashi had grown used to it.
Later, Kakashi found himself at Ichiraku Ramen, ordering his usual and settling into a seat.
"Teuchi-san, have you seen Naruto lately?" he asked casually.
"Hmm, Naruto? I saw him yesterday, but not today. No idea where he's off to," Teuchi replied while wiping down the counter.
"I see. I figured he'd be here."
Kakashi was a little surprised. Ever since he'd spoken to the Third Hokage, Hiruzen had arranged for Naruto's living expenses. By all logic, the boy should've been eating here every day—yet he hadn't shown up once today.
Kakashi knew how much Naruto loved ramen. For him to skip it entirely was unusual.
Feeling uneasy, Kakashi said, "Teuchi-san, I'll get one to go. I'll check on him."
"No problem," the man replied, already prepping the bowl.
That night, the moon hung full in the sky, casting silver light over the dim streets. Few people were out, and the path ahead was quiet—leading directly to Naruto's modest apartment on the outskirts of town.
With his left hand tucked in his pocket and the ramen in his right, Kakashi strolled toward the building.
Soon, he arrived below Naruto's home. Looking up, he saw a faint glow coming from the window.
"He's in," Kakashi muttered with a small smile.
He ascended the stairs and knocked gently.
Knock knock knock…
Inside, Naruto was lying on the bed. The knock startled him—hardly anyone ever visited.
Who could it be? In his memory, aside from the old man Hokage, no one had ever come to his door.
But why would the Third Hokage come at night?
"Who is it?" Naruto called out hesitantly.
"It's me, Naruto," came a calm, familiar voice.
Naruto blinked in surprise. That wasn't the Third's voice… but he did recognize it.
"White Fang Bro?! Hold on, I'm coming!"
Excited, Naruto leapt off the bed, dashed to the door, and flung it open.
Standing there was a tall man in dark clothing, silver hair pointing skyward, a forehead protector covering his left eye, and a mask hiding the lower half of his face.
It was Kakashi Hatake.
"Yo, Naruto. What were you up to?"
Kakashi's visible eye crinkled in a friendly arc—but the next moment, his expression changed. Naruto's face was bruised—dark circles under both eyes.
"...Naruto, what happened to your face?"
Kakashi stepped forward and gently touched one of the bruises.
"Ah—" Naruto hissed softly, clearly in pain.
"Does it hurt?"
Naruto shook his head rapidly. "Nope! Not at all! Hehe… White Fang Bro, when did you get back?"
"This morning," Kakashi replied. "Come on, let's talk inside. I brought you ramen. You probably haven't eaten yet."
He raised the container in his hand.
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Ramen?! You're the best! I'm starving!"
He snatched the bowl and sprinted to the table, tearing into it like a wild animal.
"Man, this is the best! No one makes ramen like Teuchi-ossan!"
Kakashi sat across from him, watching him devour the meal with a faint smile.
Soon, Naruto finished the last bite and leaned back, patting his full stomach with a satisfied sigh.
"Aahh, that hit the spot!"
"Naruto," Kakashi said softly, "tell me what happened to your face. Did you get into a fight?"
"No! No way, White Fang Bro. I didn't fight anyone—and I didn't use any of the jutsu you taught me either!"
Worried Kakashi might think he was misusing his training, Naruto rushed to clarify.
"Then how did you get injured? Don't tell me you ran into a wall," Kakashi said, raising an eyebrow.
"Hahaha… how did you know? I, uh… sorta hit myself."
Naruto scratched his head sheepishly, trying to laugh it off—but his eyes gave away his guilt.
"Naruto."
Kakashi's voice turned serious, and Naruto instantly sat up straight.
"I'm sorry, White Fang Bro. But this time, I didn't do it for myself. I swear I didn't use ninjutsu."
"Then tell me everything."
"Yes, sir!" Naruto nodded and began.
"This afternoon, I was walking down the street and saw three kids picking on a little girl. So I jumped in to help her… but I was outnumbered, and they beat me up."
As he spoke, Naruto lowered his head—not sure if he felt more embarrassed or frustrated.
"Little girl?" Kakashi asked, eyes narrowing. "Did she have pure white eyes?"
Naruto's head shot up. "How did you know?! You do know her, don't you?"
Of course Kakashi knew. How could he not?
She was the Hyūga clan's heiress—Hinata.
And she had just met her hero.
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