Because of this, Lee's worries were unnecessary—Guy had already walked out of his despair on his own.
Yes, that's right.
After Guy defeated Kakashi in that dream of rebirth, he finally understood something important: without Kakashi constantly pushing him, encouraging him, and standing as a rival in front of him, Guy might never have reached the heights he achieved.
It was precisely because Kakashi was there—this genius prodigy—that Guy had someone to chase.
And it was precisely because of that rivalry that Guy pushed himself to master the Eight Gates Released Formation, something no ordinary shinobi could ever hope to achieve.
After understanding this truth clearly, Guy felt a sudden lightness in his heart, like the last remaining weight had lifted.
That evening, after work ended at the Hokage Office, news spread all throughout Konoha—Kakashi and Shizune were officially together. Everyone had seen Shizune boldly holding Kakashi's hand as they walked home, looking every bit the new couple.
"Are you going back to your house or mine?"
Shizune asked, eyes lifted toward Kakashi.
Kakashi gently squeezed her hand and replied, "Let's go to my place first. My father wants to have dinner with you tonight."
Shizune nodded. "Oh, okay."
So the two of them made their way toward the Hatake residence.
Along the path, villagers smiled at them, waved, and even teased them a little. Kakashi and Shizune returned each greeting warmly.
"It seems everyone knows," Shizune giggled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
Kakashi gave a small laugh. "Of course. The moment we walked out together holding hands, half the village saw us. Konoha's rumor network works faster than a messenger hawk."
Shizune softly nudged him. "How do you feel?"
Kakashi looked at her, eye softening. "It feels… wonderful. Like suddenly there's someone beside you. And the feeling… is kind of magical."
Shizune smiled warmly. "I feel the same."
They walked the rest of the way in a comfortable silence until they reached Kakashi's home.
Kakashi slid open the door. Inside the kitchen, **Sakumo Hatake—White Fang—**was busy cooking. Hearing the sound of the door, he turned and beamed.
"Hahaha! Shizune, welcome! Come in, come in! Sit down, sit down! I won't greet you properly—my hands are full with the food right now!"
Shizune laughed and immediately rolled up her sleeves. "Uncle, let me help you."
Sakumo blinked in surprise, waving both hands. "No, no, no! You're a guest—sit down! Leave the cooking to me."
Kakashi chuckled quietly at the exchange.
Sakumo shot him a glare. "Kakashi! If you have time to stand there laughing, come here and wash these vegetables!"
"Huh??"
Before Kakashi could move, Shizune held up her hands. "Uncle, he makes breakfast sometimes, but let me do this. Really—I can handle it!"
And just like that, Shizune took over the washing and cutting of vegetables.
Sakumo watched her work, impressed. "Well! Shizune, you're really capable. Looks like my Kakashi lucked out after all."
Shizune laughed. "You're exaggerating, uncle. Kakashi is excellent too."
Sakumo grunted. "In ninja skills, maybe. But life skills? You're clearly better."
After Shizune finished washing, she asked politely, "Uncle, may I cook this dish for you? I'd like to show you my cooking—please taste it and give me suggestions!"
Sakumo thought it over and nodded. "Alright."
Shizune stepped to the stove, and Sakumo stood behind, observing with interest.
Her movements were steady and practiced—clearly she cooked often. The moment she poured the vegetables into the hot oil, the kitchen filled with a sharp, enticing aroma.
Sakumo's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. The more he watched her, the more he approved of her.
Meanwhile Kakashi sat uselessly at the table, waiting for food like a man who had completely accepted defeat.
Sakumo shook his head. This boy… the girl comes over for the first time, and he just sits? No—he needed correction.
He walked straight over and pulled Kakashi toward the kitchen.
"Kakashi! How can you just sit? This is Shizune's first time here! Go help her, or at least say something nice!"
Kakashi blinked. "Uh—okay."
He went over to help Shizune… only to immediately get shooed away.
"Kakashi, go sit. You'll just get in the way."
Kakashi stared blankly, walked back to the table, and gave his father a helpless shrug.
Sakumo sighed. But he was smiling inside. Shizune was thoughtful, skilled, and clearly cared for Kakashi. She was a good woman.
A few minutes later, Shizune finished one dish and started another. Sakumo placed the meat and vegetables on the table. Kakashi brought out bowls and chopsticks.
The final dish was finished. Shizune turned off the stove.
The three sat together.
Sakumo lifted a bottle of sake. "Shizune, can you drink?"
Shizune nodded. "I can, uncle."
"Good! I'll pour you some."
Shizune stood politely, but Sakumo pressed her shoulder gently. "Sit, sit—it's fine."
He poured her half a cup. Kakashi's cup, however, he filled almost to the brim.
Kakashi stared at his cup.
Dad, what happened to pouring a little?
Sakumo raised his glass. "I can't drink—reincarnated body and all—but I'll raise a toast to bless you two."
Shizune raised her glass. Kakashi followed. They clinked.
"Eat! Shizune, treat this like home. Don't be shy!"
Sakumo pushed dishes toward her.
Kakashi glanced at the table. Every dish was clustered near Shizune.
Dad… the favoritism is insane.
As they ate, Shizune complimented, "Uncle, your cooking is excellent. It tastes wonderful."
Sakumo burst out laughing, clearly delighted.
Shizune added sadly, "It's just a pity you can't eat it, uncle. Otherwise I would let you try mine."
Sakumo waved a hand. "I can't taste it, but I can smell it! When you were cooking, the aroma was amazing. I know your cooking is fantastic!"
Shizune smiled warmly. "Thank you for your praise, uncle."
Kakashi, eating quietly, nodded. "It's really not bad."
Sakumo shot him the sharpest side-eye.
'Not bad'? Say it's delicious! This child… how did he even manage to get this girl to like him?
Finally, Sakumo asked, "Shizune, what do you like about my Kakashi?"
Shizune glanced at Kakashi, then looked back at Sakumo.
"Kakashi is truly remarkable. In his early years, the title Copy Ninja Kakashi echoed across the shinobi world. His Raikiri pierced through enemies with incredible force. He trained Naruto and Sasuke—both exceptional shinobi. His personal strength, leadership, and judgment are outstanding. That's why Lady Tsunade recommended him for the position of Sixth Hokage. I admired him deeply… and eventually fell in love with him."
Sakumo looked at Kakashi.
Kakashi sat straighter than he ever had in his life.
Shizune was a good woman—honest, humble, loyal, and undeniably sincere.
And Sakumo was proud.
Very, very proud.
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