A few days later, at Minato's residence…
The Namikaze household warmly welcomed their three students—Kakashi, Obito, and Rin—as well as the Uchiha couple, Fugaku and Mikoto. Shisui also tagged along, owing to his close friendship with Kakashi.
As everyone gathered around the dining table, Kakashi, Obito, and Rin stared at the feast laid before them. Their hands hovered hesitantly over their chopsticks, yet none dared to be the first to move.
Just as the ever-innocent Shisui eagerly reached forward to take a bite, Kakashi subtly stopped him under the table.
Startled, Shisui blinked at Kakashi in confusion, about to ask what was wrong.
"Umm... Minato-sensei, may I ask—who made this meal tonight? Was it you, or was it Sister Kushina?"
Kakashi asked cautiously, glancing at Minato with a serious expression.
"o(´^｀)o Huh?!"
Kushina's expression darkened in an instant. Her hands flew to her hips, and her long crimson hair lifted ominously, defying gravity like a furious aura had taken hold.
Before things could escalate, Minato calmly reached out and pressed her hair back down with a gentle smile.
"I made dinner. Please, everyone—go ahead and eat."
Rin immediately let out a sigh of relief and patted her chest.
Kakashi, still under the table, released Shisui's hand with a nod, silently assuring him the coast was clear.
Shisui, now somewhat enlightened to the tension, gave Kakashi a grateful look.
Even Obito, who had been gloomy and withdrawn the entire day, momentarily let go of his inner turmoil and clapped his hands together in thanks.
"Thank you, Minato-sensei! I'm ready to eat!"
The food was spectacular. Minato's culinary skills were nothing short of professional—four meat dishes, four vegetable dishes, a flavorful soup, and a vibrant plate of fresh fruit. A total of ten meticulously crafted dishes delighted everyone present.
Well… if you ignored the fact that all ten dishes were named "Ten Times Love Flying Swirl Scrambled Eggs," the dinner was practically perfect.
---
After the meal, Mikoto offered to help Kushina clean up the dishes and joined her in the kitchen. The two women took the opportunity to chat about the private matters only best friends would discuss.
In the meantime, baby Itachi—wrapped snugly in a cat-eared bonnet and still in his little open-crotch toddler pants—was temporarily entrusted to Rin's care.
"What's your name, little guy? How old are you?" Rin asked, her eyes lighting up as she crouched down.
"Sister, sister, my name is Uchiha Itachi!" he replied proudly in his baby voice, though his teeth had barely come in. "This year… I'm almost two years old!"
"Wow! Itachi is such a clever boy!"
Rin affectionately stroked the little one's head, overwhelmed by how adorable he was. Her heart nearly melted. So this is what Itachi looked like as a baby…
Kakashi wandered over as well, drawn by curiosity. He couldn't help but imagine what fans from his past life would think if they saw the infamous, cold, and brooding Itachi Uchiha reduced to this pink-cheeked, babbling bundle of cuteness.
Chuckling to himself, Kakashi reached forward—and with a mischievous glint in his eye—flicked Itachi lightly on his exposed, um, lower half.
Itachi blinked in surprise.
"Big brother, what are you doing?" he whimpered, looking wronged.
"Kakashi, stop that," Rin said gently, tapping Kakashi on the shoulder with a slight pout. But beneath her disapproval was a soft, amused glimmer—betraying her affection.
Kakashi grinned. "Just a harmless prank."
He walked away, satisfied with his tiny act of mischief. It was a harmless payback, in his mind—a playful jab at the man who once subjected him to Tsukuyomi in a parallel timeline.
And if this Itachi ever grew up and dared to act superior again, Kakashi could just snap his fingers and bring back some "fond" childhood memories.
Still, no matter how mischievous his thoughts were, Kakashi believed one thing with absolute conviction: if he could prevent the Nine Tails incident, then Minato-sensei and Kushina would live.
And if Minato could openly laugh and toast with Fugaku now, then maybe—just maybe—the Uchiha clan wouldn't fall into darkness.
If that happened, Itachi wouldn't have to suffer the impossible choice between his family and the village. He wouldn't have to become a walking tragedy. The massacre would never occur.
Kakashi's thoughts shifted to Obito. He had always believed that you shouldn't label someone evil based on crimes they hadn't committed.
…Well, except for a certain masked Uchiha, who shall not be named.
---
"Kakashi, come here for a sec. I've got something to say."
Obito suddenly appeared at his side and motioned for him to follow.
Kakashi nodded silently and trailed after him to a secluded clearing just outside the house, beneath the quiet night sky.
"Listen," Obito began, his back turned. "Even though I don't want to admit it… Rin likes you. So you better treat her right."
"I'll be watching you—always!"
His voice trembled slightly, but he stood tall.
Kakashi's teasing smirk faded, and his expression turned serious.
"I will," he said. "As long as I'm alive, I won't let Rin suffer. Ever."
He paused.
"So, Obito… we're still friends, right?"
Obito didn't turn around. He simply raised one hand to his face, trying to hide his emotions.
"Hmph. Did I ever say I wasn't your friend?" he muttered. "Don't underestimate me, you bastard."
Without waiting for a response, Kakashi stepped forward, gently grabbed Obito's shoulders, and turned him around.
Then—without warning—he pulled him into a tight hug.
"Damn you!" Obito gasped, struggling at first.
But then the fight left him, and he clung to Kakashi, sobbing uncontrollably.
"You bastard… You know I've always…"
His voice cracked. "I liked Rin… the most."
"But why? Why does she like you? Why is it you?!"
Kakashi didn't answer. He just held him tighter, letting Obito's tears soak through his clothes.
Because sometimes, words weren't needed.
Every boy has someone they love when they're young. Not everyone gets the chance to confess. That's just life.
But that doesn't make the feelings any less real.
Unrequited love is a painful part of youth.
And yet, isn't that what youth is? Loving fiercely, hurting deeply, falling, rising, stumbling, and laughing again.
These moments—whether painful, joyous, or fleeting—are what shape a person into who they're meant to be.
Eventually, Obito's sobs quieted. He pulled away, wiping his face with the sleeve of his shirt.
Kakashi handed him a tissue, which Obito took, muttering a gruff "thanks" before blowing his nose.
"…Hey. You're not gonna tell Rin what just happened, are you?!"
He glared at Kakashi with a mix of panic and threat, fists clenched.
"Of course not," Kakashi said seriously. "This is a secret between friends."
Obito finally exhaled. That answer seemed to satisfy him.
Kakashi smiled inwardly. Obito had finally let go. The knot that had tied his heart in pain and jealousy was slowly unraveling.
Their team—Team Minato—could finally be whole again.
He remembered how awkward things had become lately. Rin had even thought Obito was sick from the weather and checked his temperature multiple times.
Not anymore.
---
"Kakashi! Obito!"
A voice called from the house. Rin had noticed their absence and come searching.
"There you are! It's time to go!"
"I'm coming!" Obito called back quickly. Then he turned to Kakashi and shot him one last warning look—as if daring him to spill a word.
Kakashi shrugged, hands in pockets, and followed behind.
"I've already said goodbye to Minato-sensei," Rin said, walking ahead of them. "Oh! You missed something amazing! Itachi gave a singing performance. He was so cute! It's a shame you weren't there to see it!"
"Singing?" Obito blinked. "What did he sing? The 'Lone Hero' or something?"
"Huh? What's that?"
"Oh, just a lullaby. Nothing important."
"I've never heard it before… Kakashi, sing it for us!"
"No way," Kakashi muttered, walking faster.
---
Back at the house…
Shisui stepped out of the bathroom, looking around.
"…Huh?"
The living room was empty.
"…Where did everybody go?"
A moment passed. His expression changed.
"Kakashi-senpai… didn't you bring me here?!"