The next few days of Kakashi's mission turned out very different from what he had expected.At first, he barely spoke. Their journey carried them from dense jungle scenery to a bustling town nearby.The town was quiet yet joyful—the cruelty of war hadn't reached them. Merchants sold small charms as trinkets, and children enjoyed the warmth of their families.
Kakashi couldn't help but feel a little lighter in such an environment. It wasn't that he had stopped being depressed—he simply wasn't drowning in it every second.
The sigh of relief often came while fulfilling the endless requests of Kyojiro, who had practically been acting like a saint.
Kakashi remembered the first few nights clearly… every time he brought back the food Kyojiro asked for, the man was completely surrounded.His fiery hand was held out wide, hanging below his shoulders, a gentle smile resting on his face as he distributed candies to every child around him. Some sat comfortably on his shoulders while others simply played near him.
He told stories—fantastical tales Kakashi had never heard once in his entire life, not even in the Land of Fire. Sometimes Kakashi wondered whether Kyojiro should try writing novels instead of being a ninja.
Their journey continued from there. They crossed multiple villages—skipping some, resting in others for a night or two. After all, they didn't have infinite time. Minato had given a very clear deadline.
And yet, judging by their pace, Kakashi already knew they were late.
Kyojiro, however, showed not an ounce of worry.
Their journey went on, and soon enough Kakashi began to open up.
He spoke about Obito—his last moment of bravery, the Sharingan he had entrusted to him.He spoke about his heartbreak… how he had been forced to kill Rin with his own hands.
Sometimes Kakashi broke down crying, but Kyojiro never once interrupted him. He was always there, a warm and steady presence beside the grieving boy.He never left Kakashi alone. And perhaps for the first time since the tragedy… Kakashi could finally feel again. As always, Kyojiro listened.
It wasn't all heartbreak, of course. Kyojiro cracked countless jokes along the way.Even though he couldn't see, Kakashi was amazed at how much fun the man seemed to be having.
He didn't used to be like this… he used to be serious. Gentle, yes—but serious and focused.It felt as if Kyojiro had been chasing something before… or suffering from burdens he never spoke about.
Their journey finally reached its milestone—the original destination.
A vast ocean stretched out before them. Small waves shimmered as they rolled toward the shore, painting the world in an ethereal canvas.The moonlight felt almost celestial against the scenery.
For the first time, Kakashi found himself regretting something.If only Kyojiro could see this sight…A quiet sadness echoed in his chest.
Yet Kyojiro seemed in an even better mood. The air smelled of salt and sand, and the waves carried with them a cool breeze.Kyojiro had long since removed his hair tie, letting his fiery hair flow freely with the wind.
And for the first time… he genuinely let himself get lost in the moment.
Time passed. Seconds became minutes.
Finally, Kyojiro turned to Kakashi. "What now, Kashi?"—a small nickname he had just made up for the silver-haired Hatake.
Kakashi's mood dimmed.It seems the vacation is finally over… I thought this would be a tedious mission, yet why… why am I sad that it's ending?
He mulled it over for a moment before responding, "It's time to go home."
But instead of the simple nod he expected, Kyojiro turned to him with a mischievous smirk."Kashi… do you trust me?"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Trust you? Of course I trust you." The answer came almost instantly.He considered himself a good judge of character—and one thing he knew for certain was that Kyojiro was a great man.
Kyojiro nodded. "Good. Then I'm about to reveal a secret to you." His voice held echoes of joy. "I didn't tell Minato the whole truth."
He faced Kakashi, who looked utterly confused."My journey doesn't end here. I will be traveling the Land of Water."
The moment the words hit him, a surge of chaotic, fearful thoughts crashed into Kakashi.He's not planning to defect… is he?
Before he could voice any of it, Kyojiro continued, "That's why I asked if you trust me. I'm not planning to go to Kirigakure. I hate them more than you do." His tone turned somber. "My question is… will you join me?"
Kakashi narrowed his eyes.This whole journey—the carefree attitude, the wandering path—it all felt suspicious, and now this?
Every instinct in his shinobi training screamed that this was wrong. He should report to the Hokage. He could run now. He could expose everything.
But instead, he sighed.A tired voice slipped out. "Alright… I'll join you. Without me, people might try to take advantage of you."A rare softness colored his tone.
Kyojiro nodded, gratitude flickering in his voice. "Are you sure? I'm not forcing you. Our bond these days wasn't some manipulation to make you agree… and I'm pretty sure I can cross the distance by myself."
If Kyojiro truly went all out… he might be unable to fight any ninja—but he could certainly escape.
Kakashi shook his head.I am such a fool."I'll trust you this once… So, where's our destination?"
Kyojiro's mischievous smile returned. "It's a seemingly ordinary lake… just a sightseeing opportunity, you know."
Kakashi nearly facepalmed. "It's definitely not ordinary, is it?"
All he got in return was Kyojiro's laugh.
They walked away from the beach, the sand shifting beneath their feet. Eventually, their footsteps faded as if they had never been there.
The beach remained just as ethereal as before…except maybe—a bit emptier.
I just hope you know what you're doing… Senior.
.....
Remember how I had asked you all to tell me your theories.. You all had been so wrong damn.. sheesh.
No travelling the world my guys, Kyojiro has a plan. I guess, you all can guess it now can't you.
Also.. to read further chapters, go to my patreon- patreon.com/Immortal806