Morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as Kakashi slowly opened his eyes. The warmth beside him brought an immediate softness to his expression. Shizune lay curled in his arms, her breathing light and calm. Watching her sleep, Kakashi felt a comforting weight settle in his chest. In that quiet moment, he felt something he rarely experienced — peace. The kind of peace that came from knowing the person meant to share your life was right there.
A few seconds later, Shizune's eyelashes fluttered, and she slowly opened her eyes. Noticing Kakashi staring directly at her, she furrowed her brow playfully.
"…What are you looking at?"
Kakashi smiled faintly. "I'm looking at you."
Shizune gave a small embarrassed hum and turned slightly away. "What is there to look at?"
Kakashi chuckled, then sat up. "Come on. Let's shower together and then go get breakfast. Today is the last day before Jiraiya and Lady Tsunade get married. We'll help them settle the remaining arrangements, and tomorrow we'll attend the ceremony. Got it?"
Shizune sat up slowly, instinctively supporting her waist. She shot Kakashi a glare.
"I told you to slow down last night, but you didn't listen. Look what happened. My waist is killing me because of you!"
Kakashi raised his palms defensively. "Back pain isn't something a guy should be complaining about!"
Shizune growled under her breath, grabbed a pillow, and chucked it at him. Kakashi caught it easily, placed it next to the bed with a sigh — and without warning, scooped Shizune up in his arms.
"Ah! Kakashi! What are you doing!"
"You said your back hurts," Kakashi replied with an innocent voice. "So I'll carry you. Problem solved."
Without letting her argue, he carried her straight into the bathroom, set her in the tub, and filled it with warm water before joining her.
After washing, the two dressed and headed outside.
On the way toward the center of the village, Shizune slowed her pace and attempted to let go of Kakashi's hand. But Kakashi tightened his grip and looked at her gently.
"You'll understand one day. Since you and I chose each other… then let's be open about it. Be generous. Walk with me."
And just like that, he continued walking — holding her hand boldly for everyone to see.
People passing by were stunned speechless.
What in the world?
Lord Hokage and Shizune… holding hands? Walking together?
Is this real?
Most people had only ever seen Kakashi wearing his mask, calm, distant, and always focused. Shizune was known for her gentle, dignified demeanor, always composed beside Lady Tsunade. Both were seen as steady, serious shinobi.
Yet here they were — walking hand-in-hand, openly smiling like a couple in love.
Kakashi nodded at every villager they passed.
"Good morning. Good morning."
There wasn't the slightest hesitation or embarrassment. His eyes were bright, firm — as if declaring to the entire world:
I love her. She is mine. And I won't hide it.
Shizune's eyes glossed over. She hadn't expected this — not from Kakashi, who was normally closed-off and guarded. This felt like an official announcement. He was revealing their relationship to the entire village without shame.
Tears gathered in her eyes.
Happy tears.
She bit her lip, overwhelmed by how deeply Kakashi was willing to commit.
Inside the Hokage Building, the reaction was even stronger. Shinobi froze mid-step. A couple of chūnin nearly spilled their paperwork. Conversations stopped mid-sentence as people stared.
The Hokage and Shizune? Holding hands?
Rumors broke out instantly.
"They've been together for months but kept it quiet!"
"No way, I think it started recently. It just escalated fast!"
"I didn't even know they talked outside the office!"
"This is huge — good for them!"
Regardless of the theories, everyone shared the same underlying reaction: happiness for the newly revealed couple.
Kakashi and Shizune ignored all the whispering and walked straight into the Hokage's office.
Inside, Choza Akimichi nudged Shikaku Nara with an elbow.
"You knew about this already, didn't you?"
Shikaku smirked lazily. "I asked them in my office a while ago if they were in a relationship. Kakashi said no — which means yes."
He stretched.
"Besides, one morning they both showed up late at the same time. Do I really need more evidence?"
Choza gave him a thumbs-up.
"Figures. You're too sharp."
Shikaku yawned. "Let's finish today's mission planning."
Inside the Hokage office, Shizune looked at Kakashi again.
"Kakashi… what we did today basically announced our relationship to the entire village."
Kakashi smiled calmly. "And? What's wrong with that?"
Seeing his unwavering expression, Shizune felt warmth bloom in her chest.
"No problem," she said softly. "None at all."
If the person she loved stood confidently by her side, then even the entire world couldn't make her afraid.
Meanwhile, far beyond the village, Obito — traveling with Rin — somehow sneezed hard.
Back in Konoha, by noon, the news had already spread to every corner of the village.
Villagers whispered. Shinobi gossiped. Even shop owners discussed it with their customers. Kakashi and Shizune's hand-holding was the headline of the day.
At the main gate, where Sakumo was on duty, Kotetsu and Izumo cornered him from both sides.
"White Fang, come on! How did Kakashi and Shizune get together?"
"When did it start?"
"Give us the details! Spill!"
Konoha was buzzing.
Jiraiya smirked and nudged Tsunade.
"Just like you hoped, huh?"
Tsunade smiled faintly. "This is only the beginning. True love means standing by someone for the long run."
Jiraiya leaned closer and muttered, "Just like I stand by you."
Tsunade rolled her eyes — but didn't deny it.
When Sasuke heard the news, he didn't react. But Sakura lit up with excitement.
"I can't believe Kakashi-sensei and Shizune actually got together! Hahaha! Ino and I were right — our idea worked!"
Karin bubbled with curiosity, leaning in.
"Sakura! Tell me everything!"
Sakura nodded eagerly.
"Sure."
During the last few weeks, Sakura and Karin had grown close — even becoming something like sisters. Once Sakura realized how genuine Karin's feelings for Sasuke were, resistance melted away.
Naruto, upon hearing the news, grinned so widely his cheeks hurt.
"Hahaha! I knew it! I bet we'll be going to Kakashi's wedding soon!"
Minato smiled gently. "Yes. I'm glad Kakashi finally has someone."
Kushina laughed proudly. "All thanks to Lady Tsunade's matchmaking!"
Hinata glanced at Naruto knowingly. She was certain he played a major part in pushing things along.
Shikamaru smirked under his breath.
As if I didn't see this coming. They both came late that morning… of course they were together.
Kiba, upon hearing the news, groaned dramatically.
"Are you kidding me? Why is everyone falling in love lately? Damn it, I want a girlfriend too!"
He turned — and his eyes widened in horror.
"A-Akamaru! What the hell are you doing! Get off that dog!!"
Across the street, next to a green belt, Akamaru was… enthusiastically mounting a female dog.
Meanwhile, Neji and Tenten discussed the unexpected pairing in surprise. Lee celebrated loudly at first — until he suddenly froze.
"…Wait. What will Guy-sensei think about this?"
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