The Harsh Realities of the Ninja World
The night still enveloped Konoha, the moon casting a gentle glow, reflecting off the village's ancient rooftops.
Outside the forest, where the four had just endured an exhausting training session, Satoru leaned against a large tree, silently observing his three students lying on the grass, their bodies still.
His gaze was softer than usual, absent of his typical teasing expression.
"These kids…"
He let out a quiet sigh, a faint melancholy creeping into his chest.
The ninja world was no place for children.
Those born in times of peace still had to train rigorously, while those raised in wartime… barely had a childhood at all.
The academy trained them young, but war decided their fates.
Satoru's eyes drifted to Kakashi, who lay facing away from him, yet his posture was noticeably more rigid than the others.
Even in rest, Kakashi never let his guard down.
As if he was always on high alert.
As if he was always keeping a distance from everyone else.
"This feeling… reminds me of how I used to be."
Satoru smirked slightly, but the expression lacked any real joy.
Kakashi— a genius, an elite ninja, yet a lonely child.
He was too talented, too exceptional, and because of that, no one truly understood him.
No one dared to get close, no one knew how to approach him.
And so, he built an invisible wall.
A barrier between himself and the world.
Satoru sighed; he didn't want this to continue.
"This kid… even as he grows up, he won't change much."
"No, I have to do something."
A Conversation with Kakashi
The night breeze rustled the treetops, carrying the earthy scent of grass.
Satoru reached out and patted Kakashi's shoulder.
The boy flinched slightly, turning his head, his eyes as calm as ever.
Satoru smiled, but this time, there was no playfulness.
"Kakashi, there's something I've wanted to tell you for a while."
Kakashi stared at him, saying nothing.
Satoru exhaled softly before continuing.
"Did you know? Your father was a hero."
Kakashi froze.
His expression immediately changed, shifting from neutral to cold.
"Sensei, please don't mention him in front of me."
His voice was devoid of emotion, but his small hand clenched tightly.
Satoru wasn't surprised; he had anticipated this reaction.
But he wasn't going to back down.
"I know you don't want to hear it. But I have to say it."
He chuckled lightly, no trace of mockery in his tone.
"Sakumo was one of the greatest ninjas I've ever known. He sacrificed everything… just to do what was right."
Kakashi trembled slightly.
He didn't respond, but his breathing was uneven.
Something inside him was stirring, wavering.
Satoru continued.
"Your father did what he believed was right. And to me, someone who can do that… is a hero."
Kakashi pursed his lips and turned away as if refusing to let anyone see his emotions.
But his grip had loosened.
Satoru watched him, a small smile forming.
"Seems like… I planted a seed in his heart."
A Starving Teacher!?
After a long moment of silence, Satoru suddenly clapped his hands together, shamelessly changing the subject.
"Alright! Let's not be so tense! Kakashi, I have a question for you."
Kakashi turned back, frowning slightly.
"What is it, Sensei?"
Satoru cleared his throat and, with all the seriousness in the world, asked:
"Do you know how to cook?"
The three students: "…"
Obito scoffed.
"What kind of question is that!?"
Satoru grinned widely, his voice desperate.
"You see, Sensei… eats a little more than the average person. If I keep eating out, I'll go broke!"
The three immediately shot him a judgmental glare.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow.
"Sensei, 'a little more'?"
Obito crossed his arms and nodded firmly.
"I clearly remember Sensei finishing a whole pot of ramen yesterday and still asking for more."
Gai dramatically concluded:
"Sensei, you don't eat 'a little more,' you eat like a monster!"
Satoru: "…"
"These little brats, I'm asking for help, and they're exposing me!?"
He coughed awkwardly before shamelessly negotiating.
"I really need help! Kakashi, if you cook, and the other two help buy groceries, we can eat together without spending too much money! What do you think?"
The three exchanged glances, clearly unwilling to be dragged into this.
But before they could refuse—
Satoru flashed a dangerous smile.
"I'll teach you how to fight blindfolded and the secret to my flowing sword technique."
The three: "!!!"
Their eyes lit up instantly.
Obito shouted.
"WHAT!? Why didn't you say that earlier!?"
Gai clenched his fist, his spirit igniting.
"YOSH! Sensei, I will help you! Learning this technique is worth it!"
Kakashi studied Satoru for a moment before sighing and nodding.
"Fine. But Sensei, you're not allowed to eat too much."
Satoru smirked triumphantly.
"Deal!"
Right at that moment, his stomach let out a loud growl.
The three students all simultaneously narrowed their eyes in exasperation.
Obito turned to Kakashi and sighed.
"Are we… getting scammed?"
Kakashi shrugged.
"Definitely."
Gai pounded his chest.
"But still… YOSH! I'll do my best!"
Satoru grinned mischievously, thinking to himself:
"These kids… are way too easy to fool!"
(To be continued in Chapter 19 – The First Shared Meal Begins!)