The incident was actually quite simple. That afternoon, Naruto had been walking down the street when he saw a small, timid girl being surrounded by three boys. They weren't much older, but clearly intent on bullying her. How could Naruto just watch that happen?
With his usual impulsive sense of justice, Naruto charged in like a miniature whirlwind of righteousness, determined to play the hero.
Unfortunately, being a hero wasn't as easy as it looked in the movies. He was quickly overwhelmed and knocked to the ground.
If not for the girl's guardian appearing just in time, Naruto might've ended up in worse shape.
Needless to say, that little girl was Hyuga Hinata.
The very first encounter between young Naruto and the reserved Hyuga heiress.
"I see… Still, Naruto, you did the right thing this time."
Kakashi said, gently ruffling Naruto's messy blond hair with his gloved hand.
"Really? So… you're not mad at me?"
"No. You did well."
"Yatta!" Naruto grinned widely and jumped up in excitement.
But the sudden movement pulled on his bruises, and his face twisted in pain.
"Alright, don't move around. You're still injured."
"Hehe…"
Naruto scratched his head with a silly smile.
"Come here. Let me take care of it."
Obediently, Naruto walked over. Kakashi placed his right hand gently over Naruto's cheek, and a green healing chakra lit up at his fingertips.
The bruises began to fade almost instantly.
Naruto could feel the stinging pain ebb away, leaving behind only a sense of warmth.
It was a basic healing technique — a simple form of medical ninjutsu that Kakashi had learned for emergency use. Though not on par with a medic-nin like Tsunade, it was more than enough for bruises and light wounds.
After all, it was just a few kids who had ganged up on Naruto. Their punches weren't exactly deadly, just irritating.
"White Fang-senpai, that's amazing! It doesn't hurt anymore!"
"Mm. But if you can't handle three little brats, maybe I've been too easy on your training."
Kakashi tapped Naruto on the head lightly.
"Ah! It hurts!"
Naruto rubbed his forehead, tears threatening to form as he gave Kakashi a pitiful look.
"Don't give me that face. Go to bed early tonight. Be at the seventh training field at 8 AM sharp. Don't be late."
Kakashi turned to leave, but paused at the doorway, glancing around the cluttered room. "And Naruto… maybe clean up a little when you have time. This place is a mess."
Utensils and clothes were scattered everywhere — the floor barely visible. The small apartment was in chaos.
Naruto flushed with embarrassment and scratched his head. "I got it, White Fang-senpai."
"Good, good. Get some rest. See you tomorrow."
With that, Kakashi turned and stepped out into the night.
"Bye, White Fang-senpai!"
He waved without turning back, silver hair swaying with each step, leaving behind a trail of cool nonchalance.
Naruto stared at the door, then suddenly grinned.
"Yosh! Time to clean up!"
Rolling up his sleeves, he prepared to give the room a major overhaul.
---
Early the next morning, Kakashi rose with the sun.
Since there was still time before the scheduled training, he wandered into his kitchen. On rare mornings like this, when missions weren't weighing on him, Kakashi allowed himself to slow down.
He pulled out rice from the pantry and steamed a fresh pot.
While the rice cooked, he grabbed dried seaweed and began preparing sushi. He carefully laid out fish slices, crisp vegetables, and just a touch of salad, then rolled everything with practiced hands.
Pausing, he reached out into his courtyard and picked a few cherry blossom petals, sprinkling them lightly inside the rolls.
After slicing the sushi neatly, he packed them into a wooden bento box. It was a gift he planned to give Naruto — a small gesture amidst a world filled with violence and bloodshed.
Cooking, simple as it seemed, had become Kakashi's way of easing the weight on his soul.
Before heading out, he poured fresh juice into a thermos, pairing it with the meal.
The morning air was turning colder, so Kakashi wrapped a scarf around his neck before setting off.
When he arrived at the seventh training field, Naruto was already there, sitting cross-legged and fidgeting.
Kakashi glanced at his watch. Eight o'clock on the dot.
"You're early, Naruto."
"Ah, White Fang-senpai! You're finally here. I've been waiting forever."
"Oh? I thought I said eight o'clock. Did you come early?"
"It's okay. There was nothing to do at home, so I got here around seven."
Naruto had indeed arrived long before the appointed time. The cold wind had made his nose red, and his thin jacket did little to block the chill.
Kakashi frowned slightly. The kid was always so reckless, even with the weather.
Wordlessly, he unwound his scarf and wrapped it around Naruto's neck.
"You should've waited somewhere warmer."
Naruto was stunned by the gesture. He clutched the scarf tightly, eyes misting over.
So… this is what it feels like to be cared for?
"Come on. It's too cold out here. There's a rest hut up ahead. Let's go there."
Kakashi began walking ahead. When he noticed Naruto still hadn't moved, he turned back. "What's wrong? Hurry up."
Naruto snapped out of it and jogged after him. "Coming!"
In the chilly wind, the golden-haired boy ran toward the silver-haired figure with a bright smile on his face.
It's really great to have met you, White Fang-senpai.
---
Inside the small hut, Kakashi opened the bento box.
Naruto leaned over curiously. "What's that?"
"Sushi I made. Haven't eaten yet, right? Try it. It's good."
Kakashi grabbed a piece and quickly shoved it under his mask in a smooth motion, making sure Naruto didn't catch a glimpse beneath it.
Naruto didn't care about that at all. He grabbed a piece and bit down.
After a few chews, his eyes sparkled.
"This is amazing!"
Kakashi smiled, pleased. "Glad you like it. Eat as much as you want."
"Mm!"
Naruto stuffed piece after piece into his mouth.
But he ate too fast — and soon, he started choking. His face flushed red.
Kakashi sighed. This kid really had no self-control.
He passed over the juice. Naruto snatched it and downed it in one gulp, washing everything down.
"Gah! I almost died…"
He pounded his chest, panting like he'd survived a battle.
Kakashi shook his head. "You're the one who inhaled it like a vacuum."
"Hehe, it's your fault for making it so good."
"Fine. Take a break first. Then we're starting training. And if you slack off, I'm not going easy on you."
"Don't worry, White Fang-senpai! I'm ready!"
Naruto's deep blue eyes gleamed with determination.
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