Kakashi opened the Gate of Opening, and it was Naruto who appeared on the threshold.
Naruto smiled warmly. "Ah, Kakashi-sensei! Is everyone already here?"
Kakashi turned and gestured for him to enter. "See for yourself."
Naruto stepped inside and was greeted by the sight of a room filled with familiar faces.
"Ah! So many people…" Naruto exclaimed.
Everyone smiled and waved as Naruto approached. Minato, peeking out from the kitchen, called, "Naruto, come help me here!"
"Oh, sure!" Naruto replied and moved straight to the kitchen. Kakashi followed, intending to assist, but was promptly blocked by Minato.
"You're the guest of honor tonight! What are you busy with? Go relax!" Minato said firmly.
Rin stepped forward. "Teacher Minato, let me help."
Minato nodded with approval and allowed her to assist. Kakashi had no choice but to step aside. Nearby, Obito looked embarrassed, unsure whether to intrude or stay put. Kakashi walked over, patted him gently on the shoulder, and said, "How have you been? During this time, go out and enjoy yourself with Rin. Consider this an opportunity that Naruto and I provided—otherwise, you might not have one."
Obito's face flushed crimson. He cleared his throat. "Please… don't bring up the past, okay?"
Kakashi leaned closer with a smile. "I didn't expect you to be this self-aware now! Hahaha!"
Obito pushed him lightly. "You're almost becoming Hokage… try to be a bit more steady."
Kakashi chuckled and patted Obito's shoulder. "Alright, alright. Steady. Got it."
On the sofa before them, the others chatted animatedly. Most of their topics revolved around memories, old missions, and shared experiences. Even Jiraiya, ever mischievous, teased Asuma about fighting Orochimaru. After all, Orochimaru had been responsible for killing the Third Hokage.
Orochimaru rolled his eyes at the comment, while Asuma laughed and brushed it off. The others joined in, understanding that Jiraiya's teasing was meant to release old tensions, healing past wounds and dissolving barriers in their hearts.
"Come on, come on, let's clean up and eat!" Kushina called out, bringing in the dishes and urging everyone to clear the table. Naruto, Rin, and Minato followed, carrying plates and bowls. Once everyone had settled at their seats, the dinner began in earnest.
Minato raised his glass. "Today we celebrate my apprentice, Kakashi. I have invited all of you to this gathering, and I thank you for coming. Let us raise our glasses to congratulate Kakashi!"
Everyone stood and raised their glasses in unison. Kakashi nodded, humbled. "Thank you, everyone, thank you!"
They all drank together. Even those who had been reincarnated, like Rin and Asuma, participated in spirit, even if they could not drink physically.
Naruto picked up his chopsticks. "Come on, everyone! Eat, eat, eat!"
The room was filled with laughter, chatter, and the clattering of dishes. The night stretched on, joyous and warm, until the clock struck ten.
After farewells with Minato and Kushina, the group departed from Naruto's house. At the street corner, Tsunade reminded Kakashi to be punctual for tomorrow morning's ceremony.
"Make sure you wake up early and don't be late!"
Tsunade then followed Jiraiya home, while Orochimaru left alone.
Kakashi, Obito, and Rin walked together under the silver glow of the moon. Their long shadows stretched and shrank as they moved along the street.
"Ah… Kakashi, I never thought you'd almost become Hokage one day," Rin said, sighing softly.
Kakashi smiled. "Neither did I."
Obito remained silent, arms crossed.
Rin tilted her head at him with a playful smile. "Hey, Kakashi, someone heard that you might be Hokage. That expression of yours… tsk tsk tsk. I don't even know how to react!"
Kakashi laughed, hooking his arm around Obito's shoulder. "What do you think, Obito? Are you jealous that I'm nearly Hokage?"
Obito's face turned red with frustration. "Jealous? Of my own stature?!"
Both Kakashi and Rin laughed at his reaction, enjoying his rare display of vulnerability.
Their walk eventually brought them to the front of the Ninja Academy. All three stopped, gazing at the familiar building.
"Kakashi, do you remember our first graduation ceremony here?" Rin asked softly. "It feels like it happened just yesterday."
Obito's eyes softened as he looked at Rin. "Rin…"
Kakashi also stared at the Academy, memories flooding back. He recalled their shared missions, the times they trained together, the laughter and struggles that had bonded them over the years. Then, with a wry smile, he turned to Obito. "I remember… one of us nearly failed to graduate."
Obito's sentimental mood shattered. "Who are you talking about?!" he barked, feeling as if Kakashi had stepped on his pride.
Kakashi spread his hands innocently. "I was just talking about someone… not you, really!"
Obito's breathing grew heavier, a challenge simmering in his eyes. "Damn it… I'm double Kamui now! Without my Sharingan, your fame as a copying ninja wouldn't even exist!"
Rin watched the exchange, laughing, feeling transported back to their youth. Her joy was infectious. Kakashi couldn't help but smile, while Obito, despite himself, laughed along. First a few chuckles, then unrestrained laughter, until all three were caught in the warmth of the memory.
Suddenly, Rin had an idea. Grabbing each of them by the hand, she led Kakashi and Obito toward the Academy. Both men were bewildered but followed without protest.
Reaching the school wall, Rin turned back playfully. "Let's climb over together and go inside. Come on!"
Kakashi nodded. "No problem. Let's do it!" He jumped and easily scaled the wall.
Obito huffed. "Kakashi is really ungentlemanly. Fine… I'll carry Rin over myself!"
Rin smiled, letting Obito lift her. Together, they scaled the wall and landed on the school lawn. Kakashi joined them shortly after.
Rin threw herself onto the grass, arms outstretched, laughing. "Lie down too, you two!"
Kakashi and Obito exchanged amused glances before lying down beside her. The three of them stared at the night sky, stars glittering above, insects chirping softly.
Rin breathed deeply, savoring the scent of fresh grass. Obito tilted his head, his gaze gentle, reminiscent of the boy who had once glimpsed his future over a decade ago.
Kakashi, however, simply felt… at peace.
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