Inside the warm living room of Mifune's house, filled with the fresh aroma of steeped green tea, the four of them sat in a circle atop tatami mats. Outside the window, snowflakes continued to fall gently, covering the rooftop and yard in soft white.
Mifune poured tea into small clay cups, one by one, with steady yet dignified hands. He sat upright, his gaze sharp, though a deep calmness lingered in his eyes.
Kushina sipped her tea slowly, listening to the conversation, while Koyuki looked sleepy, leaning against Kushina's arm. Kakashi sat cross-legged, calm as always, though his eyes subtly tracked Mifune's every move.
Then, amid the light talk about village security and the state of the Land of Snow, Mifune suddenly stopped moving. His eyes locked onto Kakashi's face, as if recognizing something for the first time.
"…That eye… that face…" Mifune murmured.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Is something wrong, Lord Mifune?"
Mifune stared in silence for a moment, then said softly, "You… you're Sakumo's son, aren't you?"
Kakashi blinked. "You knew my father?"
His voice remained calm, but his eyes revealed a deep curiosity. Despite his cold, quiet nature, his father's name always brought both pain and pride.
Mifune nodded with a faint smile. "I didn't just know him… I once fought him, many years ago."
Kushina's eyes widened. "Seriously?"
Mifune's gaze drifted, as if recalling the past. "Back then, I was young and overconfident. I challenged him to a one-on-one duel. We fought fiercely, and I lost…"
His voice held no bitterness—only respect. "But afterward… we became friends. He wasn't just a powerful swordsman, but a wise man. I never imagined… time would pass so swiftly. And now, here I am, looking at his grown son."
Kakashi lowered his head slightly, hiding an unreadable expression. Inside, he felt a strange warmth. His father's name, spoken with honor—not pity or contempt—was something rare.
"Thank you… for remembering him that way," he said quietly.
Mifune looked at him deeply. "You have a similar aura, though your fighting style may differ. But I see great potential in you."
Kushina smiled, feeling proud on Kakashi's behalf.
Then Mifune continued, "If you're willing, I'd like to teach you something. Not just sword techniques, but the fundamental principles of Bushido—the true art of the samurai."
Kakashi's gaze sharpened. "…You want to train me?"
"Not just want. I feel… it's something I must pass on," Mifune replied. "Especially to the son of an old friend."
Kushina clapped softly. "Wow, Kakashi! You're going to be even cooler!"
Kakashi exhaled slowly, then bowed his head. "If you're willing… I'd be honored, Lord Mifune."
In the corner, Koyuki—nearly asleep—rested her head on Kushina's lap.
Seeing that, Kushina stood slowly. "Looks like it's time for us to rest."
Mifune nodded. "Your room is ready. Down the left corridor."
Kushina gently lifted the drowsy Koyuki, then looked back at the two men still seated. "Enjoy your manly sword-and-honor talks, gentlemen. We'll be off."
"Rest well, Kushina-san," Mifune replied.
Kakashi raised a hand in quiet farewell, glancing briefly at the peacefully sleeping Koyuki in Kushina's arms. "…Not the kind of mission I imagined."
Kushina chuckled lightly and walked away with Koyuki in her arms. Once they reached the room, she laid the girl on the soft mattress and lay down beside her. After days of camping and sleeping on hard wooden floors, it felt like sinking into a cloud.
Koyuki instinctively hugged Kushina, seeking warmth. Kushina returned the embrace calmly, brushing back Koyuki's dark hair and planting a kiss on her forehead.
Within minutes, both of them were fast asleep—wrapped in a warmth and safety they hadn't felt in a long time.
---------------------------------
The next morning, under a veil of mist, the cold air of the Land of Snow bit to the bone. In Mifune's warm, wooden living room, Kakashi stood tall, adjusting his scarf. His usually calm eyes looked a bit melancholic today.
"Lord Mifune," Kakashi said politely but firmly, "we've been here for several days. I believe… it's time we return to Konoha."
Mifune, holding a warm tea cup, slowly lifted his gaze. He looked at Kakashi for a moment before offering a small smile.
"Of course… I understand," he said, his deep voice warm. "I myself will be leaving this place soon and returning to the Land of Iron. If you ever have the time, come find me. I'll welcome you gladly."
Then he added with a softer tone, "And I'm sure… Koyuki will miss you both."
Kakashi lowered his head slightly. He had expected that, but hearing Mifune say her name made his chest feel heavier. Koyuki hadn't come to see them off today. She remained in her room—perhaps too sad to say goodbye.
"…Very well," Kakashi said at last. "If I ever pass through the Land of Iron, I'll be sure to visit."
Standing beside him, Kushina bowed with a warm smile. "Farewell, Mifune-dono."
Mifune returned the gesture with a gentle nod.
Without further words, Kakashi and Kushina turned and walked away. Their footsteps crunched softly over the thawing snow. The air was cool, yet a warmth lingered in their hearts.
The mission had lasted nearly half a month—long, tiring, but full of meaning.
As they traveled home, Kakashi reflected on the significant moments. His battle against Rouga Nadare—a powerful jonin with snow manipulation—had taught him valuable lessons. He could still feel the tension of that fight humming in his fingers.
Then there were the days spent with Mifune, learning the way of the samurai: honor, composure in the face of death—and the chakra sword. The blade now rested in a scroll on his back, almost breathing with him.
'This journey… was something else,' Kakashi thought. For the first time in a long while, he felt fulfilled. His once-heavy shoulders now felt a little lighter.
Beside him, Kushina smiled faintly, gazing up at the gradually clearing sky. She hadn't received combat training like Kakashi, but meeting Koyuki—a sweet, innocent girl—had warmed her heart.
'And now… I can return and hold my little Naruto again,' she thought, her smile widening.