The warmth of the dinner table contrasted with the heavy tension that hung in the air. Team 7 sat around the small dining area in Tazuna's house, the faint glow of candlelight illuminating their faces. They were all quiet, each wrapped up in their own thoughts. The events of the day had taken a toll on everyone, but Kakashi's mind was elsewhere.
Kakashi's gaze wandered out the window, barely registering the conversation around him. The toll system will bring in the money I need. The country will survive, but more importantly, my plans will continue unhindered.
His musings were interrupted by the voice of Inari, Tazuna's grandson, who had been sitting quietly at the table. The boy's eyes were red and swollen, likely from crying earlier, though his expression was one of bitterness.
"They're all going to die," Inari said suddenly, his voice filled with defiance and despair.
The table fell silent at the remark. Naruto, who had been trying to brighten the mood with his usual enthusiasm, paused, unsure how to respond. Sakura looked at Inari with concern, but it was Kakashi who broke the silence.
"It doesn't matter if I die," Kakashi said quietly, his voice cutting through the tension. "That's the reality of our world. Life and death are not as important as accomplishing what needs to be done."
He could feel Naruto's questioning gaze, but Kakashi wasn't bothered. He wasn't going to get into some deep philosophical conversation with the kid. Instead, his mind wandered back to his own experiences. Inari is just another kid who doesn't understand what true loss is. He's lost his father, but he still has a mother and a grandfather who love him.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed slightly as his thoughts shifted. I know what it's like to lose family. I know what it's like to grow up alone, with only the echoes of my father's death. But Inari's been sheltered from that. He's had a family to fall back on, people who cared for him. The death of his father doesn't compare to what I've been through, to what Naruto and Sasuke have been through.
He could feel the weight of his own thoughts pressing down on him, but he kept his face neutral, not allowing the bitterness to show. I never had the luxury of a mother or grandfather. I never had anyone there to tell me everything would be okay. I've only ever had my own resolve, my own determination to survive.
Kakashi glanced over at Naruto and Sasuke. Naruto lost his parents before he could even remember them, left alone with only a demon inside him. Sasuke… his whole clan was wiped out, and he had to carry that weight on his shoulders for years.
Kakashi's mind shifted back to the dinner table. Inari was still staring at his plate, muttering angrily under his breath. "You guys are just like everyone else. You'll never get out of here. You'll all die like the rest of the fools who've tried to stop Gato."
Kakashi's lips twitched. It wasn't worth arguing with the boy. The weight of Inari's words was just that—words. He could already tell the kid was filled with hopelessness, but Kakashi couldn't afford to waste time comforting someone who didn't understand the harshness of the world. He had bigger things to worry about.
"Don't think like that," Naruto said, his voice loud and determined. "I'm gonna be the next Hokage. I'm gonna save this place!"
Kakashi glanced over at Naruto, a subtle smile playing on his lips beneath his mask. That kid… always so hopeful. He has the heart for it, but does he have the strength?
Instead of responding, Kakashi returned his focus inward. His own past was something that couldn't be erased by some kid's words. He had been through too much, seen too much, to be weighed down by something like that. He knew better than anyone what it meant to fight alone.
I never had anyone. But I'll make sure my plans succeed. I'll make sure I have the strength to create what I need. I'll create something that lasts, even if I have to do it alone.
Tazuna, who had been silent until now, finally spoke up, his voice tired but firm. "Inari, you need to understand something. There are people who care about this country and its people. There are people who are willing to risk their lives to protect it. Just like those ninja, they're not here for glory or fame. They're here because it's the right thing to do."
Inari glared at his grandfather, but the older man didn't flinch. "Stop being so negative. This isn't over. We've got a chance to fight back."
Inari huffed and slumped in his seat, but Kakashi could tell the boy wasn't listening. It was clear to him that Inari still didn't understand the depth of what it meant to fight for something greater than oneself.
Kakashi sighed inwardly. He'll never understand. No one will. In the end, it's just us—those who are strong enough to survive. The rest are just casualties of the world.
As the meal wound down, Kakashi got up from his seat and left the room without another word. He didn't need to say anything more to Inari. In the end, the boy would either figure it out or continue to live in his ignorant little bubble. Either way, Kakashi had no time to waste on his insecurities.
As he walked down the dark corridor of Tazuna's house, Kakashi's thoughts returned to the future. I've been through worse than this. Inari doesn't even know what loss is. Neither does Naruto, nor Sasuke. But I'll make sure they grow up to understand the harsh reality of the world. I'll guide them, even if they don't understand my methods.
A small, cynical smile tugged at Kakashi's lips as he disappeared into the shadows of the night. In the end, I'll have everything I need. That's all that matters. Whether they live or die doesn't change that.