.
***
**Chapter 28: Kakashi's Confession (Not Really)**
**At Rubik's House**
"So, why are there so many people here today?"
Rubik, wearing an apron, looked surprised at the lively scene in the living room.
Naruto was chasing Jiraiya around, jumping and yelling about learning "super awesome ninjutsu." Sasuke sat cross-legged in the corner, eyes closed in meditation, faint chakra fluctuations swirling around him as he ignored the chaos. Sakura sat nearby, hands cupping her cheeks, her eyes sparkling as she stared at Sasuke, her face flushed red, completely lost in her fangirl daze.
As for Kakashi... well, he leaned casually against the window, holding his perennial favorite *Icha Icha Paradise*. But Rubik keenly noticed that his visible dead-fish eye kept drifting toward Rubik in the kitchen with a complex mix of emotions.
"Staring at the kid and missing the dad," Rubik muttered under his breath, wrinkling his nose in disgust. Of course, he knew Kakashi was lost in memories of Obito.
Seeing Rubik's face—so similar to Obito's in his youth—must have stirred up all sorts of old regrets in Kakashi's heart.
Too bad Rubik had zero interest in Konoha's "bonds of friendship." Compared to this friend of his "father" drowning in sorrow, Rubik was far more intrigued by the young Hinata (his little sister-in-law).
The kitchen was piled high with ingredients—feeding this crowd was no small task. Naruto and the others had offered to help at first, but Rubik shut that down immediately.
Last time Naruto "helped," the kitchen had basically disowned him. Sasuke's skills were decent, but Rubik politely declined anyway—mainly because he didn't want Naruto switching targets and leaving Jiraiya alone. Watching Jiraiya get hounded by Naruto was just too entertaining with dinner.
Kakashi quietly closed his book at some point and sauntered over.
"Need a hand?" His voice was as lazy as ever, but his gaze was a bit more serious than usual.
Rubik was deftly chopping carrot dices and glanced up in surprise. "Oh? Kakashi wants to help? If it's no trouble, could you peel those potatoes over there and cut them into rolling cuts? Thanks."
Kakashi said nothing, just grabbed the potatoes and peeler and stood by the sink next to Rubik. The kitchen filled only with the rhythmic *thud-thud* of knives on boards, the rush of running water, and Naruto's noisy chatter from the living room.
Silence stretched on. Kakashi's eyes drifted uncontrollably to Rubik's profile again. That familiar brow and eye shape—especially those eyes—seemed enchanted under the kitchen lights, dredging up sealed-away memories. His potato peeling slowed.
"You..." Kakashi's voice carried a faint dryness, breaking the quiet. He paused, choosing his words, his gaze still fixed on Rubik's face with deep nostalgia. "You look... a lot like an old friend of mine. Extremely similar, especially the eyes and hairline."
Rubik's stirring paused imperceptibly, but he didn't stop or turn, just replied flatly, "I know. You mentioned it when we first met."
Kakashi took a deep breath and pressed on, his tone low and solemn. "His name was Uchiha Obito.... my best friend." His peeler hovered idly over the potato. "He... was a true hero. He sacrificed himself without hesitation to protect his comrades..."
Rubik listened, inwardly rolling his eyes: *Hero? Heh, the stuff he did later in life wasn't exactly heroic...*
Kakashi watched Rubik's back at the stove, the silhouette overlapping with a deep memory. A long-buried thought surfaced: *This level of resemblance can't be coincidence! He must be Obito's family! Obito's bloodline left in this world! Tobi's... nephew? Or closer kin?*
The realization hit Kakashi like a lightning bolt. Guilt, nostalgia, and a fierce sense of duty to protect a comrade's kin surged through him.
"Rubik..." Kakashi's voice was soft but grave. He set down the half-peeled potato and turned to face Rubik directly.
Rubik finally stopped stirring and raised an eyebrow at Kakashi, waiting.
*Has he figured it out? Nah, probably not. But it's Kakashi—anything's possible.*
Kakashi's visible eye lost its usual laziness and mischief, gleaming with resolve.
"If I'm not mistaken, you might be blood-related to my dear friend. If Obito were still here..."
His voice tightened; it took real effort to say it: "He... would cherish you, his family, more than anything. He'd be so proud of you."
Rubik's fingers tightened on the spatula. He looked away, staring at the sizzling dish in the pan without responding.
*This is too much—Kakashi's getting all emotional! This dialogue feels way off-script for him. It's like something from a drama, not Naruto! What face am I supposed to make now?*
Kakashi didn't seem to expect a reply. He took a deep breath and continued, each word clear and firm: "I know... you're very strong. Stronger than me right now." He admitted the gap candidly.
"But Rubik, hear me out. No matter why you came to Konoha, no matter what you face in the future..."
He met Rubik's eyes with utter sincerity, vowing to protect his friend's bloodline: "If you ever need help—with anything, anytime—as long as I'm alive, I'll do everything in my power to stand by you. That's the promise of Kakashi Hatake to you."
The kitchen fell silent, save for the bubbling stew in the pot. The living room noise felt worlds away. Kakashi's gaze weighed heavily on Rubik.
*Bro, stop! I'm scared! Want the dad spot? Go find the real one if you're that desperate! I'm young—I don't want Konoha's friendship package deal! If you really wanna be nice...* A lightbulb flashed in Rubik's mind. *Hook me up with some cute girls, and I'll call you dad on the spot!*
Rubik stayed quiet for a few seconds, long lashes lowering. Finally, he forced out: "Uh... how about we eat first?"
***
**Author's Note**
The story's heading into the Chunin Exams arc next, but I'm hesitating on the direction.
Option 1: Protagonist skips most of the Exams. During this time, he resolves Senju Momoki's emotional baggage for some deep character development (okay, mostly so I can add some fanservice). He only pops up for key moments in the Exams, skips the filler matches to avoid padding, then jumps straight to the book's mini-climax: the Konoha Crush.
Option 2: Protagonist joins the Exams, runs into Ino in the Forest of Death, saves Anko (more fanservice), breezes through with epic moments, then straight to Konoha Crush.
These are just ideas—maybe I'll blend them. I'd love your thoughts! This story's all about chatting with fellow Naruto fans and building it together. Share opinions or fun ideas for me to borrow (puppy eyes).
{T/N:- the above section is by the real chinese author of this fic. There was another Author's note in chapter 1 but I had removed it. Do comment if you need me to add it back }