Sitting at the table, an awkward atmosphere enveloped the scene. Naruto observed the silver-haired teenager with lazy black eye, his other left eye concealed by his forehead protector and a mask hiding his lower face. He then turned his attention to Mirai, who was occupied with cooking, deftly controlling the knives and efficiently handling the ingredients from a distance.
"Uncle, who's this weird ninja? Is he so ugly that he has to hide his face?" Naruto asked loudly.
Mirai chuckled at Naruto's bluntness, never pausing in his cooking. "Naruto, his name is Kakashi. He's not weird, just unique. And no, he's not hiding because he's ugly."
Kakashi's sole visible eye twitched, being called weird and ugly in their first meeting, directly to his face.
Mirai set down his apron and turned to Naruto with a gentle smile. "Naruto, Kakashi is a renowned genius in the village. He became a jonin at a very young age and has accomplished many things."
Mirai's smile widened as he continued. "Kakashi was also Minato's disciple."
Naruto's eyes lit up with excitement. "Were you my dad's student?" He asked, his eyes alight.
Taken aback by Naruto's enthusiasm. Kakashi quickly composed himself and replied. "Yes, I was in Minato-sensei's team."
Mirai immediately intervened, saying. "As he was taught by your dad, he will be responsible for teaching and training you when I am busy."
Naruto beamed a huge smile at the still bewildered Kakashi. "Really? Kakashi nii-chan!"
Kakashi could only nod absentmindedly, still baffled. He muttered. "Kakashi nii-chan?"
…
After finishing dinner, where Naruto spent the entire time trying to glimpse Kakashi's face only to fail each time. Kakashi quickly excused himself and bid goodbye to Mirai and Naruto.
Not long after, as he walked away from the house, he sensed a presence and turned to find Mirai leaning against a wall, having left a clone behind to finish up.
Mirai grinned at him. "I expect you not to neglect Naruto's training."
Kakashi sighed tiredly. "I didn't have much choice to begin with."
Mirai's expression turned serious as he said. "Follow me." Before vanishing, leaving Kakashi little time to respond.
Kakashi trailed behind him, his curiosity piqued. They soon arrived at a familiar, nostalgic, yet haunting place, the third training ground. Memories flooded Kakashi—warm recollections of training with his team mixed with the hollow ache of being the sole survivor.
Mirai stood in the center of the training ground, his back to Kakashi. Turning to face him, a small, knowing smile curled on his lips. "Since I returned to the village after three years, it's only natural for me to check your progress on behalf of your teacher."
Kakashi didn't reply verbally but instead lifted his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan, and swiftly unsheathed the ANBU's short sword from his back, which he had previously hidden.
Mirai watched him calmly, his hands in his pockets, appearing relaxed. But this nonchalant posture didn't fool Kakashi. His honed senses, sharpened through the war and years of ANBU's missions, kept sending signals, warning him of the beast he was facing.
Bracing himself, he attacked. Mirai, responding with lightning reflexes, pulled a kunai from his pouch, opting not to use his Mercury techniques to keep the fight grounded.
Kakashi's vertical swing came down with force, but Mirai parried it effortlessly with his kunai, sparks flying from the clash. Mirai tilted his head sideways, narrowly avoiding the kunai Kakashi hurled with his other hand.
They separated momentarily, both assessing each other. Kakashi rushed at Mirai again, his Sharingan predicting Mirai's movements. He unleashed a flurry of strikes. However, Mirai met each blow with calm precision, his movements fluid and controlled.
Kakashi's sword swung in a wide arc, aiming to cut through Mirai's defenses. Mirai stepped back just enough to avoid the blade, using his kunai to deflect the strike, redirecting Kakashi's momentum. As Kakashi tried to capitalize on the opening, Mirai sidestepped, letting Kakashi's follow-up thrust miss by inches.
Kakashi, realizing that each attempt to break trough will be countered with minimal effort and that brute force wouldn't suffice, switched tactics. He feinted a high strike, then twisted mid-air, aiming a low slash at Mirai's legs.
Mirai anticipated the move, leaping gracefully to avoid the blade and countering with a spinning kick that Kakashi barely blocked with his forearm.
Kakashi's forearm throbbed from the impact of Mirai's spinning kick. As he landed, his breath quickened, and he panted heavily. Mirai, however, remained composed, his eyes sharp and assessing.
"You're only using the standard [ANBU Kenjutsu]. It focuses on overwhelming the opponent with a series of swift slashes—practical but not sophisticated." Mirai noted, his voice calm but piercing. "Did you really abandon what your clan and father spent their lives cultivating and strengthening? The [ Hatake Clan Kenjutsu]. Did you truly forsake their honed blade?"
Kakashi gritted his teeth and charged again, his Sharingan moving erratically, analyzing every possible move. Mirai's eyes glinted slightly. "You're too reliant on your Sharingan. It's become a shackle, limiting your growth and rapidly draining your chakra."
Determined to prove himself, Kakashi launched a series of rapid strikes. He feinted, pivoted on his heel, and swung his sword in a wide arc. Mirai ducked under the swing, stepping in close and using the momentum to push Kakashi back with a well-placed shoulder strike. Kakashi stumbled, quickly regaining his footing, but Mirai was already in front of him, kunai poised defensively.
"Is that all you've got?" Mirai asked.
Kakashi's frustration grew. He swiftly completed the sequence of hand seals and gathered his chakra, forming a [Chidori] in his hand. The crackling energy illuminated the training ground, the high concentration of electricity producing a sound of many birds chirping. With a burst of speed, he dashed toward Mirai, aiming to break through his defenses.
Mirai stood his ground, watching Kakashi's approach. At the last moment, he sidestepped, grabbing Kakashi's wrist and redirecting his hand into the ground. The impact created a small crater, sparks flying around them.
Before Kakashi could recover, Mirai spun him around, disarming him and pinning him to the ground with a kunai at his throat.
"Is this your best?" Mirai asked, his voice steady. "Or do you have more to show?"
Kakashi, breathing heavily, clenched his jaw, his resolve wavering.
Mirai, freeing Kakashi and retreating, suggested. "Don't be rigid. Apply shape transformation to your [Chidori]. Create variations suitable for different situations."
Kakashi's eyes widened, a spark of understanding igniting within him. "I'll try."
Standing up and gripping his short sword once more, Kakashi didn't rush this time. He took his time concentrating, before forming his hand seals with precision.
"[Raikiri]" He announced. Lightning chakra flowed from his hand into his blade, causing the tantō to radiate and emit a high-pitched chirping sound.
Kakashi held his sword steady, taking a deep breath before charging at Mirai with a speed that surpassed his previous attempts. In an instant, he was upon Mirai.
"[Thunder Thrust]" He called out. Holding his blade aloft, Kakashi drew it back, super-condensing the lightning chakra into its tip. With a powerful thrust, he aimed his tantō directly at Mirai.
Mirai stood his ground, not attempting to dodge or evade. Instead, he let Mercury engulf his side protectively, meeting the concentrated lightning head-on. The impact was tremendous, the energy arcs crackling around them as Mirai's feet skidded slightly along the ground, leaving scorched marks.
Kakashi, his chakra reserves utterly depleted, collapsed to the ground, his vision darkening and consciousness slipping away. In his last moments of awareness, he heard Mirai's steady voice.
"That was a good hit, Kakashi. I took it head-on without evading, and I received your determination."
The sunlight streamed gently through the window, casting a warm glow on Kakashi's face, slowly waking him. As he opened his eyes, he immediately realized he wasn't in his own house. His senses sharpened, and he glanced around the unfamiliar room with vigilance. He instinctively touched his face, relieved to find his mask still in place, and noticed his short sword resting on the bedside table.
Groaning softly, he attempted to get up, feeling his muscles ache with every movement. His chakra reserves were still depleted, leaving him feeling drained and weak.
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, the memories of his spar with Mirai flooded back.
Recalling how easily he had been manhandled, he felt a wave of frustration at his own stagnation. The only bright point was his improvised move, where he had poured all his remaining chakra into a final, desperate attack.
Naruto's loud voice echoed from downstairs, followed by the unmistakable sound of Mirai's calm response, cluing Kakashi into his whereabouts.
With a deep sigh, he opened the door, bracing himself for the unexpected morning ahead.
Mirai was setting the dishes on the table when he noticed Kakashi descending the stairs. Displaying a smile, he greeted. "Good morning, Kakashi. I brought you here after you fainted."
Kakashi nodded, a hint of fatigue in his eyes. "I should leave."
Mirai shook his head, insisting. "You should have breakfast first."
Stubborn as ever, Kakashi replied. "My mission as ANBU is to protect Naruto from the shadows. I've already broken the rules by interacting with him directly."
Turning back to the table, Mirai calmly said, "Kakashi, loneliness is a matter of accepting or rejecting the hand extended to you. Everyone has their regrets, but those regrets shouldn't shackle them to the past or hold them back from moving forward."
He added. "The reason I'm asking you to join us is because I was once in the same situation as you."
Kakashi, puzzled, asked. "How were you…?"
Before receiving his answer, Naruto burst into the room, his voice full of excitement. "Uncle, is breakfast ready?" He stopped mid-step when he noticed Kakashi. "Oh, Kakashi nii-chan, you're here?"
Smiling at Naruto, Mirai set the final dish on the table. "Yes, Naruto, breakfast is ready. Take your seat."
Turning to Kakashi, he added, nodding encouragingly. "Kakashi, join us. There's a place for you."
Kakashi sighed deeply, taking his first step towards the table. Each movement felt heavier than the last, as if he was carrying the burden of his past with him.
…
Naruto finished his meal first, eating rapidly and with an enthusiasm that made Kakashi smile behind his mask. He jumped up from the table. "See you later, Uncle! Bye, Kakashi nii-chan!"
Mirai paused, his chopsticks hovering in mid-air. "Why the hurry, Naruto?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.
Naruto, already halfway to the door, turned back and grinned. "I promised Sasuke and the others I'd meet them to play ninja today!"
Mirai chuckled, shaking his head. "Just don't be late, okay?"
"Got it!" Naruto waved enthusiastically before dashing out the door, his laughter echoing back into the house.
Left alone at the table, Mirai silently slid two scrolls across to Kakashi.
Kakashi looked at them, then back at Mirai with a questioning expression.
Mirai resumed eating and replied. "Fuinjutsu. As I mentioned before, your left eye is a hindrance. I believe you can develop a seal to forcibly close your Sharingan. And if you face any obstacles, I can help."
Hearing Mirai's words, Kakashi lowered his head, his words triggering memories of Obito's final moments.
Kakashi's grip tightened on the scrolls, emotions swirling within him. Mirai noticed his reaction and added. "You aren't abandoning Obito's gift. A part of him will always stays behind with you. Use the scrolls to learn how to manage your chakra better. Honor Obito by becoming the strongest version of yourself."
Kakashi's voice was thick with emotion as he asked. "How can you be so strong?"
Mirai paused, setting down his chopsticks. He took a deep breath and met Kakashi's gaze. "I guess as long as I'm alive, all I can do is fight with all my might and push through the pain. Giving up hurts more."
…
Strolling down the streets, Mirai could feel several glances peering at him, each one judging and scrutinizing. He paid them no mind, his thoughts racing as he considered the origin behind the rumors.
He quickly dismissed the Third Hokage, whose deep desire for stability and peace, would never allow him intentionally worsen and destabilize the situation. The elders, though often seeking their own profit, wouldn't risk such a blatant destabilization, even if they harbored hatred for him.
That left only one plausible group—the remnants of Root. The loyalists of Danzo, driven by a burning desire for vengeance, were the only faction with both the motive and the disregard for the consequences. Mirai had anticipated their retribution to come sooner, but it seemed they had waited for the perfect moment. They were patient, biding their time until the chaos of recent events provided the ideal cover for their machinations.
With Root's operatives supposedly integrated into the ANBU or regular ninja forces, it was clear that a portion of their followers still clung to their fanatical devotion to Danzo and his twisted ideology, operating in the shadows. Their clandestine actions were now manifesting in these insidious rumors, aiming to undermine Mirai and throw the village into chaos.
Mirai's suspicions were further confirmed by the heightened ANBU presence in the village, patrolling conspicuously despite their usual covert operations. It was a clear indication that Hiruzen was aware of the underlying threat, deploying his most trusted operatives to maintain a semblance of order, even if it encroached on the responsibilities of the police force.
Lost in his thoughts, Mirai only realized he had arrived at his destination, a quaint teahouse, when he stood at its entrance.
Entering, his senses immediately picked up on three familiar bio-magnetic fields. He smiled nostalgically, seeing his and Minato's old comrades who had later become his brother's guards.
Approaching their table, they noticed him and waved.
Tatami Iwashi was the first to stand up. "Long time no see, Mirai-san." He said warmly.
Mirai smiled. "It's been too long, Iwashi. How have you been?"
Iwashi grinned. "Same old, same old. Just trying to keep up with the young ones."
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