Naruto sat cross-legged near the edge of the boat, his legs swinging back and forth with excitement. "I can't wait to get back to Konoha!" he said with a grin. "What do you think our next mission'll be? Maybe hunting rogue ninja! Or, ooh!-guarding the Hokage!"
Sasuke didn't reply. He sat still, quietly focused, his body tense but composed. He tried to master the Wind chakra that sparked in his palm, mixing with flickers of lightning as he trained the Vanishing Rasengan, his latest goal, which was taught directly by Kakashi. He didn't brag or show off. But his dedication was clear, and the crackle of energy spoke louder than words.
"Hey, come on, say something." Naruto tried again to get his attention.
Still, Sasuke remained silent, his concentration unbroken by Naruto's chattering.
Near the back of the boat, Ranmaru sat observing it all. He hadn't said much since joining them, still unsure how to fit in, but a quiet part of him had started to settle.
Watching Sasuke, seeing the calm fire in his eyes, reminded Ranmaru of himself, alone, determined, desperate for a purpose. He pulled his knees to his chest and rested his chin atop them, letting the warmth of the sun rest on his skin.
It wasn't like before.
For the first time in years, he didn't feel like a burden. Not entirely.
As the hours passed, the sun drifted lower. Orange light reflected off the water's surface, painting their shadows in gold. Kakashi scanned the horizon, still alert despite the peace.
"We'll stop and camp for the night," he said as they got off the boat. "Rest up, we move again in the morning."
"Again?!" Naruto groaned dramatically, arms flopping to his sides. "Kakashi-Sensei! Konoha's right there! I miss Ichiraku Ramen!"
"Be patient, Naruto," Kakashi said with a tired smile, not even turning. "We'll be home soon enough."
…
The road grew smoother the next day. Familiar trees lined the path. The air itself felt lighter, more familiar.
Konoha was close.
"We're home!!" Naruto yelled, bolting ahead in a blur. "YES!! RAMEN!!!"
Sasuke followed at a steady pace, and if anyone had looked close enough, they might've seen the faintest smile tug at his lips.
Sakura's eyes lit up with joy. "Finally," she said softly, soaking in the sight of the village gates.
Kakashi walked behind them, calm as ever, with Ranmaru on his back again, arms gently looped around his neck. The boy wasn't asleep, but he stayed quiet, wide-eyed as they entered the village.
As they passed through the gates, a few villagers turned to stare. Ranmaru caught more than one curious glance. He shrank back a little, unused to so many friendly, or simply not hostile faces.
Sakura waved at the guards with a bright smile. Kakashi gave a small nod.
"You're all free for now," Kakashi said to the team, once they reached the main road.
"Go rest. We'll meet again soon."
The three nodded, peeling off with cheerful chatter. Ranmaru stayed put.
"Come on," Kakashi said over his shoulder, shifting the boy's weight.
"You're coming with me."
Ranmaru blinked, then nodded. He said nothing, but his hands tightened around Kakashi's shoulders.
They moved through Konoha's busy streets, and Ranmaru's eyes darted from shop to shop, family to family. Laughter rang out from children running past. Merchants yelled prices over stalls. The place breathed life.
So unlike where he came from.
When they reached the Hokage Tower, Kakashi climbed the stairs without slowing. At the top, he knocked once, then stepped inside.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked up from behind his desk, pipe in hand. Smoke curled upward lazily.
"Welcome back, Kakashi," he said, smiling with tired eyes.
Kakashi gave a nod and stepped forward. Ranmaru stood beside him now, supporting himself with a cane Kakashi gave him, slightly behind and looking very nervous.
"It started as a C-rank," Kakashi began. "Escorting a bridge builder. But the mission escalated quickly. Zabuza appeared… then Raiga. We were forced to engage."
Hiruzen's brows drew together slowly. "Raiga? That… wasn't expected."
Kakashi stepped forward and placed two long, wrapped bundles on the desk.
"These are the blades we recovered." He didn't need these so might as well leave it with this old thing. He is sure that this cowardly old man would not do anything to anger Kirigakure.
Hiruzen unwrapped just enough to see the unmistakable shine of the legendary weapons.
"Impressive," he murmured. "These are not just tools, they're symbols of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's power."
Kakashi folded his arms. "I also encountered the new Mizukage. Terumi Mei. She stated she plans to come to Konoha to retrieve the blades."
That made Hiruzen's brows rise. "Personally?"
"She seemed… determined," Kakashi said mildly.
The Third Hokage leaned back and exhaled. "Fortunate that it didn't lead to further conflict."
"There's one more thing," Kakashi added. He gestured to Ranmaru. "This boy is named Ranmaru. He possesses a rare dōjutsu and was manipulated by Raiga. We took him in."
Hiruzen's expression softened. "A dōjutsu, you say? We'll need to examine his memories."
As Hiruzen waved his hand, a Yamanaka clan ANBU shinobi stepped forward silently. Ranmaru flinched when the man raised a hand, but Kakashi placed a hand on his shoulder.
"It's alright," Kakashi murmured. "Let them see."
After a moment, the Yamanaka touched Ranmaru's temple. A soft pulse of chakra spread between them.
Then the man stepped back and nodded. "He's clear. Everything checks out. He's not a spy."
Hiruzen looked pleased. "Well then, little one," he said kindly. "You may stay in Konoha."
Ranmaru's eyes widened. "I… I can?"
"You can," Hiruzen confirmed. "Kakashi brought you here, and I trust him. You'll stay under his guardianship."
Ranmaru's eyes shimmered, his throat tightening. He looked up at Kakashi, who gave him a simple nod.
"Thank you…" He whispered, trying not to cry.
"No need to thank me yet," Kakashi said, scratching the back of his head. "It's just the beginning."
Ruffling the boy's hair, Kakashi turned and bowed slightly to the Hokage before leaving the office.
…
Outside, Ranmaru looked up at him. "You really meant it? You'll… take care of me?"
"I don't say things I don't mean," Kakashi replied, his voice calm.
Ranmaru hesitated. "Even after everything I did with Raiga…?"
Kakashi shrugged. "You're here now. You made a choice. That's enough."
He paused, looked at the boy who had no signs of hatred toward him. 'I'm starting to think Naruto's 'Talk-no-Jutsu' might actually be a legitimate technique.'
…
Kakashi carried Ranmaru across town to Sasuke's apartment. The sun was low now, casting golden light over the rooftops.
On the balcony, Sasuke sat in silent meditation, his body perfectly still, chakra faintly circulating around him like a quiet storm.
"Yo," Kakashi called casually.
Sasuke opened one eye and turned. "Sensei?"
Kakashi hopped up onto the balcony, Ranmaru in tow. "Mind if I leave this one with you for the night? I haven't prepped a room yet."
Sasuke looked at Ranmaru for a long beat, then nodded once.
Kakashi set Ranmaru down gently. "Thanks. Don't kill each other."
With a brief wave, he vanished in a flicker of movement, on his way, likely, to Kurenai's.
Ranmaru stood awkwardly in the middle of the room, hands folded in front of him.
Sasuke said nothing.
"Uh… hi," Ranmaru muttered.
Sasuke nodded, still silent.
"Okay…" Ranmaru glanced around. "Nice place."
Still no answer.
"Right," he whispered to himself. "He's the quiet one."
They both sat there in silence, the night slowly wrapping around the village outside, and despite the awkwardness… it wasn't so bad.