Chapter 30 – The White Fang's Second Son
The days rolled by with unusual warmth in the Hatake household. What had started as a simple invitation turned into a quiet routine: Sakumo often asked Kakashi to bring Akira over after academy or training.
At first, Akira had been hesitant. After all, he was only supposed to train, study, and occasionally spend time with Jiraiya when the Toad Sage wasn't away on missions. But Sakumo's presence had a gravity that was hard to resist—like the calm eye of a storm, a place where Akira felt… safe.
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One evening, Sakumo was preparing dinner when Akira and Kakashi sat at the low table. Kakashi, as usual, said little, though his sharp gaze flicked toward Akira every so often.
"Akira," Sakumo said as he placed steaming bowls of rice down, "I heard from Kakashi that you've been working hard at your training. That's good. A ninja who neglects his body and mind neglects his future."
Akira gave a sheepish smile. "I just… don't want to fall behind. Besides, Kakashi doesn't let me slack off anyway."
"Hn," Kakashi muttered, poking at his food. "Someone has to keep you from being lazy."
Sakumo chuckled, the sound filling the home with warmth. "The two of you remind me of myself when I was younger… though I think Akira has a gentleness that I sorely lacked."
Akira blinked. "Gentleness?"
"Yes." Sakumo sat down and looked at both boys. "Strength can cut or it can shield. Many shinobi forget that. But you—" he looked directly at Akira now, "—your strength doesn't push people away. It draws them closer. That's rare."
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The words struck Akira deeply. He knew what Sakumo was implying, and he couldn't help but feel a knot form in his chest. This bond… it's growing faster than I thought. Maybe that's good. Maybe… this is what will save him one day.
But beside him, Kakashi stiffened. He didn't speak, but something flickered in his eyes—a quiet mix of pride and unease. His father rarely praised anyone so openly, and now that praise was directed at Akira.
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Later that night, after Akira had left, Kakashi lingered near the doorway while Sakumo cleaned up.
"Father," Kakashi said suddenly, his voice low.
"Yes, Kakashi?" Sakumo replied without looking up.
"Why… why do you talk to Akira like that? Like he's… different."
Sakumo paused, his hand still on the dishes. Then he looked at his son with calm eyes. "Because he is, Kakashi. He carries something within him… a burden and a gift. You feel it too, don't you? That's why you're drawn to him, even if you don't realize it."
Kakashi frowned, his small hands clenching. "…I don't need another bond. I already have you."
Sakumo smiled softly, kneeling down to Kakashi's level. "A bond doesn't replace another, my son. It adds to it. Don't fear losing me because I see something in Akira. Nothing could make me love you less."
Kakashi looked away, his throat tight. Deep down, he knew his father was right. But the feeling of sharing Sakumo's attention stung in a way he couldn't name.
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Meanwhile, as Akira walked home under the moonlight, his thoughts churned. Sakumo's words, Kakashi's reactions, his own knowledge of the future—it all tangled together.
If this bond keeps growing… maybe when that time comes, Sakumo will remember my words. Maybe he won't fall into despair. Maybe I can change the story.
And with that hope, Akira quickened his pace, unaware that in strengthening Sakumo's bond with him, he had also planted new seeds inside Kakashi's heart—seeds of loyalty, fear, and something unspoken that would one day bloom.
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🌌 End of Chapter 30
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