The morning sun pierced through drifting clouds, bathing Konohagakure in a gentle warmth. After the grand celebration of Jiraiya and Tsunade's long-awaited wedding, the village had finally settled back into a peaceful rhythm. The laughter, cheering, and chaos of the previous day were slowly fading, replaced again by the familiar tranquility of daily life.
Life in Konoha flowed onward like a steady river, never pausing, never stopping. The sun rose just the same, welcoming a new day as if the entire village hadn't celebrated late into the previous night.
"Morning, Hokage-sama!"
"Morning, Master Shizune!"
Two Chūnin standing near the mission desk greeted Kakashi and Shizune warmly as the pair walked side by side down the stone-paved street. Both carried gentle smiles—the kind that stayed on people's faces even when they weren't conscious of it.
Their steps were light, synchronized, and strangely natural. Anyone watching them walk together could immediately sense the closeness that had grown between them. And considering how the village had been buzzing ever since Jiraiya and Tsunade's wedding, it was no surprise that the onlookers began whispering as soon as Kakashi and Shizune passed.
"Hey, hey, I'm telling you—next wedding is definitely Kakashi-sama and Shizune-sama!"
"Huh? Why do you think so?"
"Think about it! They're the same age, they work together every day, and they've been seen together constantly these last few weeks. It's obvious!"
"Yeah… now that you mention it, it really does look that way…"
Several shinobi nodded to themselves, already imagining Kakashi in ceremonial robes and Shizune flustered beside him. They were so caught up in their excitement that they didn't notice the sudden presence behind them.
Shikaku Nara stepped out from the office doorway. His expression was sharp, eyes full of that familiar, intimidating calm that only a seasoned strategist carried. Even without raising his voice, the weight of his authority filled the area like a sudden gust of wind.
"Enough gossiping. Do your jobs."
His tone was stern, deep, and carried unquestionable command.
The ninjas straightened immediately—shoulders squared, voices tense, as if facing a battlefield commander. They bowed slightly in acknowledgment and returned to their tasks with renewed seriousness.
Shikaku exhaled quietly. As much as he wanted the village to enjoy its happiness, he also understood the danger of relaxation. There had been too many celebrations lately—too much joy—and people were beginning to forget the threat beyond the skies.
His gaze hardened.
"We are shinobi," he reminded them. "Our mission is to protect the village and its people. The recent celebrations are good—they raise morale. But this atmosphere won't last forever."
His voice carried across the room, resonating like a solemn bell.
"In the future, far greater challenges await us."
The Chūnin swallowed, listening intently.
"We must remain united, trust one another, and prepare for the enemies above the stars—those Naruto warned us about. Overconfidence will only get us killed."
The shinobi nodded deeply, each face showing renewed determination. Many of them had indeed allowed the excitement of weddings and festivities to dull their vigilance. For a moment, they had forgotten the ominous stories Naruto told: the threat of the Ōtsutsuki clan, beings beyond imagination.
Shikaku ended his lecture with a sharp clap of his hands.
"That's enough. Return to your duties. There's work to do."
The ninjas dispersed, moving swiftly and with purpose.
At a distance, Shikamaru watched silently, hands casually in his pockets. But behind his relaxed posture, worry gnawed at him.
Although everyone had been alarmed by Naruto's descriptions of the Ōtsutsuki, Shikamaru had internalized the fear more deeply than most. Unlike others, who slowly forgot their dread amidst festivities, his mind wouldn't rest. Every night since Naruto returned from the future, Shikamaru had lain awake, trying to imagine a strategy against an enemy they could barely comprehend.
He worried more than Naruto ever showed.
Currently, the Allied Shinobi Forces—though no longer in wartime formation—were training separately across the Five Great Nations. Under Naruto's guidance, villages had begun recruiting individuals far beyond their usual circles.
Shikamaru recalled the discussions clearly.
Before Naruto's intervention, only citizens of each village were allowed to enroll in their respective ninja academies. Outsiders were rarely accepted, and the system had preserved the power and unity of each village. Rogue shinobi existed, of course, but few ever reached Chūnin level without formal training.
Naruto had shattered that model completely.
He had proposed a united global force—a joint recruitment system that allowed people from any background to be trained. His reasoning was simple:
If the entire world had to face gods, then the entire world needed power.
Shikamaru exhaled heavily.
He needed to talk to Kakashi.
The village was peaceful—too peaceful—and he sensed the beginnings of widespread complacency. After the war, after the celebrations, after the wedding, the world was trying desperately to forget fear. People wanted joy. They wanted relief.
That's why thousands from every country had rushed to Konoha during Naruto's wedding—seeking comfort, security, even spiritual reassurance.
But joy doesn't last.
And reality always returns.
Shikaku climbed the stairs to the Hokage's office, stopping at the door before knocking.
"Come in," Kakashi called from inside.
Shikaku opened the door and entered. Kakashi stood behind his desk while Shizune sat nearby, reviewing documents.
"Ah, Shikaku," Kakashi greeted warmly.
Shikaku gave a small nod. "Lord Hokage, I have something to discuss."
Kakashi gestured for him to continue, but Shikaku silently flicked his eyes toward Shizune.
Shizune blinked, understood immediately, and stood up.
"I'll step out to get some water."
She closed the door behind her.
Kakashi faced Shikaku with curiosity. "So? What's going on? Why couldn't Shizune hear it?"
Shikaku released a small breath. "Kakashi, I shouldn't be the one bringing this up, but as Konoha's strategist, I feel obligated to remind you."
Kakashi frowned slightly. "Just tell me."
Shikaku folded his arms. "What's happening between you and Shizune is good. I support it. Everyone does. However… lately, it seems Naruto has been encouraging certain relationships—not only yours."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Naruto?"
Shikaku nodded. "Haven't you noticed? He's been pushing you and Shizune together."
Kakashi thought about it—and realized Shikaku was right. Naruto had been unusually involved.
Shikaku continued, voice low.
"The festivities are over. The world can't stay in this dreamlike happiness forever. The enemies above the stars are coming. And I'm beginning to believe Naruto is trying to prepare everyone emotionally."
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "Emotionally?"
"Yes," Shikaku replied. "Naruto lived through a different life—a future where he lost many people, including you. Perhaps he regrets never seeing you find happiness. Or perhaps he knows that forming bonds and families strengthens shinobi. Gives them resolve. Gives them something to fight for."
Shikaku sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"What worries me is this: Naruto is carrying all of this alone. He smiles, he jokes, he pushes people together—but deep down, he's terrified of the future."
Kakashi became silent.
Shikaku finished, voice heavy:
"I fear he's preparing us for a war he doesn't think we can win."
The room fell into stillness.
Kakashi lowered his gaze, realizing how relaxed he had become recently—how the warmth of his new relationship had softened his edge. Naruto's influence had drawn him fully into the world of affection and comfort. For the first time in years, Kakashi had stopped thinking like a Hokage.
"Thank you, Shikaku… for reminding me." His voice was sincere.
Shikaku smiled tiredly. "It's my job. And my responsibility as your friend."
Kakashi straightened his posture. Determination hardened his lone visible eye.
"You're right. I can't let myself get swept away. I won't forget my duties. I won't forget the future we must prepare for."
Shikaku placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Kakashi, you've always been one of Konoha's greatest shinobi. We all trust you. But we must not allow Naruto to fight alone—not in this life, not again."
Kakashi nodded, heart heavy yet resolute.
Because he understood now:
Naruto had been carrying them.
Guiding them.
Pushing them toward happiness—while quietly bracing himself for the coming storm.
And Kakashi refused to let Naruto shoulder that burden by himself.
Not anymore.
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