Archive of Our Own

Disclaimer: Naruto is Not mine! If it was there would be a spinoff  focused on Kakashi

The hospital smelled of antiseptics and stale air. It clung to the back of Naruto’s throat every time he breathed- sharp, clean and plain wrong. Inside, it was quiet- like the building itself pretended that quiet meant peace. Naruto knew it also meant death. He shook his head at his own grim thoughts; that was untypical for him. No, Naruto was known for his optimism- so optimistic he would be! 

Behind him, Yamato gazed absentmindedly out the window. Outside, thunder rolled low and distant, the noise the only thing breaking the oppressive silence that has settled in the room like a blanket.  

Tenzo clenched his jaw, getting annoyed by the quiet. Sure, Kakashi wasn’t known for his talkative nature, but the one thing Tenzo could always count on was his senpai complaining when he was in the hospital. Not about the pain or anything- no, the only thing the other man grumbled about was still smelling the patient that occupied the room before him. He sighed and focused back on the sight in front of him. 

In the center of the room, Kakashi lay motionless on the bed. Wrapped in white bandages, the man almost blended in with the white sheets. They wrapped across his torso and his right leg, disturbed by small splotches of red where blood had already seeped through. The characteristic mask was replaced by a medical one to ensure his breathing wasn’t obstructed. IV lines snaked from his right arm across the bed to the infusion hanging next to his head.  

Kakashi’s eyes were closed, lashes dark against the enhanced paleness of his skin- his silver eyebrows were slightly furrowed, even in deep unconsciousness. 

The Jonin was still. Too still, if you asked the occupants of the room.  

Sakura took in every detail with a clinical eye- checking the monitors religiously. She was sitting in a chair next to his bed; arms crossed tightly over her chest. Her body screamed for some sleep, but she couldn’t rest properly until she knew her sensei would make it.  So, she kept a watchful eye on him to make she didn’t miss any signs.  

Naruto was sitting on the edge of the chair closer to the bed- elbows braced on his knees, hands clenched so tight his knuckles ached faintly. He had been counting the rise and fall of Kakashi’s chest for the better part of an hour now- a few hours ago he hadn’t been certain he would see sight again, so for now he would enjoy the view and be grateful he got to see it. 

Don’t stop now, Sensei, he thought. Don’t stop. 

Tenzo leaned on the wall, arms folded and posture deceptively relaxed. He hadn’t moved much since they’d all been allowed into the room. The second in command was standing watch over his senpai; nothing else would happen to him while he was here. Of that, he would make sure. 

The hours blurred together. Outside, the rain pounded against the windows; the dark of the night only lit up by the occasional lightning. 

Naruto remembered how the day had started. They were on a simple mission- not something that should have been a problem for any of them. But in the middle of the fight, Naruto and Sakura had both been caught unawares- maybe their inexperience had been at play. Kakashi took a hit meant for them and had paid dearly for it. When they had seen him go down but not back up, they had known it was serious.  

After that it was pure chaos. They had returned to Konoha as fast as possible and when they arrived at the hospital, Kakashi was quickly transferred to a gurney. Then there was blood, shouted orders- their Sensei’s body rushed through the doors with the remains of his shirt cut away. Naruto remembered shouted orders and loud noises- but his sensei was stubbornly quiet through it all. He recalled Sakura grabbing him before he could lunge after the retreating gurney. What stuck out to him the most was Tsunade’s face going hard at the sight of Kakashi- and then terrifyingly blank as she took over. 

Later, when she’d come out of the OR, she had only looked at them tiredly. Touch and go, she’d said. Her words still echoed in his mind. 

Naruto scrubbed his hands down his face. “He’s gonna be fine, dattebayo,” he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. “He’s Kakashi-Sensei. Sure, he’s lazy but nothing can really keep him down for long.” 

Sakura didn’t answer, but she shifted closer to the bed; fingers hovering near Kakashi’s hand without quite touching it. Tenzo didn’t move, but a deep breath escaped his nose. 

All gazes were drawn to the door when it was pushed open.  

Tsunade stepped inside first, her presence filling the room even before she had fully stepped inside. Her coat was gone; the sleeves of her shirt rolled up. She looked exhausted, but her eyes were clear and sharp. Without sparing them a glance, Tsunade stepped up to the bed.  

Before the door could close fully behind her, a big hand pushed it open again. 

Jiraiya stepped into the room, his big frame strangely out of place in the still and sterile room. His usual grin was subdued but not fully gone; but his shoulders were tight as his gaze focused on the man in the bed. 

As Tsunade stopped next to the bed, Naruto jumped to his feet. “Tsunade-Baachan-!”  

She ignored him, eyes scanning the monitors with ease. She checked the IV, adjusted a setting and then placed two fingers lightly against Kakashi’s wrist. Briefly, her palm glowed a gentle green before it subsided again.   

Shoulders relaxing, the Hokage exhaled a deep breath before finally adressing the others in the room. “He’s stable.” 

And just like that, the tension snapped.  

A short but relieved laugh escaped Naruto’s throat, Sakura let out a shaky breath she’d clearly been holding for a while now and Tenzo’s shoulders finally dropped from their tense posture. 

“Stable doesn’t mean awake,” Tsunade warned. 

Naruto nodded quickly, almost frantically as he let himself fall back into his chair. “Yeah, yeah, I know. But stable’s good. Stable’s great, even.” 

A quiet laugh escaped Tsunade and she sat down on the chair on Kakashi’s opposite side, her hand reaching out to lay on his forehead. She checked his temperature and – satisfied it was still normal- let her hand slip from his forehead to brush back his bangs; almost gentle. Without the Hitai-ate, it was spilling everywhere.  

Sakura’s eyes immediately zeroed in on her movement, surprise filling her eyes. While her teacher was known for her brilliance as a medic, her bedside manner was often lacking.  

Before she could question it, Tsunade huffed at Kakashi’s lack of a response. “Stubborn as ever, brat.” 

Behind her, Jiraiya stepped closer, hands shoved deep into his pockets. “HA! The day he stops being so pig-headed is the day Naruto stops eating Ramen!” 

Naruto blinked, caught off guard. He looked between the two Sannin, confusion knitting his brow. “Uh... what? HANG ON, why are you here, pervy sage?!” 

Jiraiya snorted softly. “Nice to see you too, kid.” 

“No, I mean -” Naruto gestured vaguely at Kakashi. “I get why Tsunade-Baachan is here, but what are you doing here?” 

Avoiding eye contact, the big man shrugged. “I was in the village when I heard the little menace got himself in the hospital. Wanted to make sure he was still alive.” 

But Naruto wasn’t satisfied with his answer yet. “Hang on, you know Kakashi-sensei? How?” 

To delay his answer, Jiraiya took a moment to look at the man on the bed; taking in the wild silver hair and pale skin. For a moment, the features of the man before him blended into different ones. The same silver hair, but tied together. A much broader frame, unmasked face already lined by soft laugh-lines. He blinked hard and the man beofre him transformed back into the copy nin. 

With difficulty, he ripped his gaze away from him and looked at Team Kakashi with a broad smile. “Know him? HA! We’ve known him his entire life!” 

Silence fell after his declaration. 

Sakura was the first to catch herself, eyes wide in surprise. “You... have?”  

Jiraiya’s mouth twitched in amusement. “Sure. Since before he could walk.”  

Naruto stared at them incredulously, tired brain not working at full capacity. “HUH?!” Tenzo’s gaze sharpened in interest but stayed quiet. He knew the kids would ask all the questions he might have. 

Tsunade crossed her arms and leaned back in her chair, studying Kakashi’s unconscious face. “Of course. His father was one of our closest friends.” 

Naruto’s confusion deepened. “Wait. His father?” 

Jiraiya nodded proudly. “Sakumo Hatake. The White Fang himself.” 

That name didn’t mean much to the young students, only hearing it when Lady Chiyo in Suna mistook their Sensei for his father. The Sannin weren’t surprised but still saddened by that. As great as the white fang had been, the village all but deleted all records of his great successes after his downfall. Nowadays, only people who had been there during those times knew of him. And even then only dared to utter the name in whispers. 

“Soo... you knew Kakashi-Senseis dad?” Sakura asked quietly. 

“Knew him?” Tsunade scoffed softly. “We practically lived in each other's pockets for years.” Her gaze softened as it lingered on Kakashi. “I held him the day he was born.” 

At that, Naruto’s jaw dropped. “No way!” 

“Ohhh yes,” Jiraiya said. “Ugliest baby I’d ever seen, if you believe it.” 

Tsunade elbowed him in the gut without looking at him. “Liar. He was absolutely adorable.” 

“Okay. Adorable little menace.” 

Sakura and Naruto let out startled laughs, hardly believing this. 

Despite the situation, Naruto grinned. “Wait, wait, wait- so you’re saying you Kakashi-Sensei when he was a kid?” 

Tsunade scoffed. “Baby, toddler, little menace, big menace... take your pick.” 

In unison, Sakura and Naruto turned to look each other in the eyes. Something unspoken passed between them, fueled by a spark lighting up their eyes. Determined nods ended their wordless conversation and together; they turned back to look imploringly at Tsunade and Jiraiya. 

“You gotta tell us some stories!”  

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. “What? Now?” 

Naruto gestured helplessly at the bed. “He’s not waking up yet and sitting here freaking out isn’t helping anyone!” 

Beside him, Sakura nodded eagerly. “Yes! It might... help. To talk.” 

Tenzo inclined his head slightly, eager for some possible blackmail material on his senpai. “I wouldn’t object.” 

Jiraiya and Tsunade shared a look, before smiling in unison. “Fine,” she sighed. “But you asked for it.” 

Behind her, Jiraiya huffed out a laugh; mind already going over what story to tell. “Oh, this is going to be good.” 

Tsunade leaned back into her chair, eyes unfocusing as a memory took hold. 

“There was one night,” she began, “when Sakumo showed up at my door around midnight.” 

Naruto leaned forward, already hooked. 

“It was pouring rain,” she continued. “Thunder, lightning, the whole dramatic mess. I’d just laid down to sleep after a long shift at the hospital. Suddenly there’s someone pounding on my door like the world’s about to end.” She huffed. “I was annoyed so I open the door, about to rip whoever dared to disturb me. And there he is. Sakumo Hatake. The White Fang. Flee on Sight in nearly all the nations. Soaked to the bone. Near tears.” 

Sakura’s hand flew to her mouth. 

“And in his arms: Kakashi. Two years old and half-asleep. Clutching his father’s flak jacket like it was a lifeline. And his face scrunched up in the most adorable glare.” 

Naruto blinked. “Wait, so Sensei was... cranky?” 

Jiraiya snorted. “Well, that’s one word for it.” 

Tsunade smiled faintly at her memory. “Sakumo practically shoved him into my arms and demanded I examine him immediately.”  

“And for a polite man like Sakumo to not even start with a greeting or apologize for the late interruption, it meant he was serious.” Jiraiya jumped in. 

“Oh, he was absolutely panicking,” Tsunade said. “Kept insisting something was wrong with his son. That he wasn’t developing properly.” She paused, eyer narrowing in remembered irritation. “So, I start checking Kakashi- reflexes, chakra flow, the usual- while asking Sakumo what exactly the problem is.” 

Tsunade’s lips thinned. “That’s when he tells me Kakashi hasn’t said a single words yet.” 

Silence for a beat. Naruto and Sakura stared at her. “That’s it?” 

“That’s it. I lost my temper,” Tsunade admitted unapologetically. “Put Kakashi down on the ground and started screaming at his father for dragging me out of bed over that.” 

She laughed. “He screamed back. Said he was worried, that it wasn’t normal. Other kids had already started on their first words, after all. Saif that maybe Kakashi was sick or something.”  

Her hands clenched slightly in her lap. “We went back and forth for a while when Sakumo suddenly spins around. He crouches in front of Kakashi, grabbing his shoulders- gentle, but still desperate- and starts begging.” She stopped for a moment to reign in her composure. “He tells him to say anything. Jost one word. Promises him whatever he wants, as long as he says a word.” 

Sakura’s eyes were shining while Naruto shuffled on his seat, anticipation in his eyes. 

Tsunade exhaled softly. “I was just about to tell him it wouldn’t work, because children don’t work like that, when-” she smiled broadly “-Kakashi looks up at us. Grins. Looks his dad dead in the eye and says in the clearest little voice: Dad, I want a puppy.” 

Naruto burst out laughing, Jiraiya following suit. Sakura covered her mouth, shoulders shaking in mirth. Tenzo huffed out a silent laugh, shaking his head fondly.  

Tsunade laughed. “Little menace knew exactly what he was doing. Had to have planned this entire thing out months before. Sakumo nearly collapsed in relief, so over the moon that his son spoke that he didn’t even realize he has been played like a fiddle by a two-year-old.” 

Jiraiya wiped his eyes. “That was the night Kakashi earned Pakkun.” 

Naruto wheezed. “No way!” 

“Oh yes,” Tsunade said smugly. “And that grin? Still the same smug little grin he gets when a plan of his works.” 

Their laughter lingered in the room, warm and unexpected. On the bed, Kakashi didn’t stir. But for the first time since they’d arrived, the air felt a little less heavy. 

--- 

Slowly, the laughter faded; like ripples settling after a stone had been thrown into still water. 

Naruto wiped his eyes, still grinning. “Okay, okay,” he said, breathless. “I knew Sensei was weird, but that’s next level.” 

Tsunade shot him a look. “Watch it, brat.” 

From her chair, Sakura glanced at Kakashi again; her expression soft. “It’s ... kind of nice, hearing about him like this.” 

“Yeah.” Naruto added. “He never tells us anything about himself.” Tenzo nodded in agreement. What he knew about his senpai was mostly from gossip- and those stories never consisted of laughter and warm tones. 

Jiraiya shifted his weight, clearing his throat. “If you think that was something, wait until you hear what he was like only a few months later.” 

Tsunade groaned. “You’re not telling that story, are you?” 

“Oh, I absolutely am.” 

Naruto’s eyes lit up, shining eagerly. “Yes! Pervy sage story time!” 

The big man ignored the jab and folded his arms, leaning back against the wall behind him. “I’d been out on a mission, three months, give or take. Real ugly stuff. So when I finally got back to the village, first thing I did was go looking for Sakumo and my godson.” 

Sakura blinked. “Godson?” 

Jiraiya nodded. “Yep. I’m his godfather. Not quite sure what ‘kumo was thinking, I knew even less about babies than him. But I served as moral support for him.” Tsunade snorted, clearly disagreeing but keeping quiet for now.  

Jiraiya scowled at her. “Aaanyway. I get to Sakumo’s house, knock on the door and suddenly I hear loud noises; things crashing to the ground, someone tripping over their own two feet. And then Sakumo literally throws open the door, looking like he hadn’t slept in weeks. Usually he was very put together, but I barely recognized him then.” 

Naruto frowned. “That bad?” 

“Worse,” Jiraiya laughed. “Hair a mess, flak jacket half-fastened, dark circles under his eyes. He ushers me in like he’s afraid I’ll run away.” He gestured vaguely at something only he could see in his memory. “And the first thing I notice is the destruction.” 

“Destruction?” Sakura echoed. 

“Total warzone,” Jiraiya confirmed. “Pillows shredded. Shoes chewed on. Table legs with bite marks. Claw marks on the walls.” 

Disbelieving, Naruto’s jaw dropped. “WHat kind of training was Sensei doing?” 

Jiraiya barked a laugh. “If only. I told him it looked like he’d gotten himself a new wolf puppy.” Tsunade shook her head, already smiling like she knew where this was going. 

“And Sakumo,” Jiraiya continued, “just sighed. Deep, bone-tired sigh. Looks me dead in the eye and says, ‘I wish. A wolf puppy would’ve been easier.’ “ 

Sakura giggled. 

“Before I can even ask what the hell that was supposed to mean,” Jiraiya said, “I hear this tiny little growl.” Tenzo’s eyes sharpened, taking on a mischievous glint. 

“Next thing I know, there’s a sharp sting on my forearm.” 

Naruto sucked in a breath. “No way.” 

“Yes way!” Jiraiya said way too cheerfully for a man describing being bitten. “I look down- and there’s Kakashi. Two years old. Positively tiny. Silver hair sticking up everywhere.” At that he held up his arm, miming the position. “And his fangs are sunk deep into my arm.” 

The room erupted with laughter.  

Nearly falling off his chair, Naruto howled in laughter. Sakura clutched the bedframe, tears streaming down her face. Even Tsunade had to cover her mouth, shoulders shaking. 

Tenzo laughed freely. “He bit you?” 

“Not just bit.” Jiraiya corrected. “He chomped down. Locked his jaw. Wouldn’t let go.” 

Naruto wheezed. “Sensei bit a Sannin!” 

“In my panic,” the big man laughed, “I start waving my arm around, trying to shake him off.”  

Tsunade winced. “You idiot.” 

“And Sakumo,” Jiraiya continued, ignoring her insult, “is caught between laughing himself sick and absolute despair. He’s yelling at Kakashi to let go and at me to stop swinging his son around like a weapon.”  

Sakura was laughing so hard she had to brace her elbows on her legs.  “How did you get him to let go?” She asked between gasps. 

“Bribery,” he answered. “Promised him fresh meat and a shiny new Kunai.” 

Tsunade rolled her eyes. “After that, Sakumo started buying teething toys. The kind meant for dogs.”  

Naruto howled and slapped his knee. “I can’t- this is too good!” 

Jiraiya flexed his arm theatrically. “And he didn’t stop, either. Greeted me with a bite every time I visited until he was four. Drove Sakumo crazy because he was scared Kakashi would start to greet every visitor like that.“ He barked out a harsh laugh. “Brat still looks satisfied every time he sees the scars.” 

At that, Sakura frowned- skepticism creeping in. “Wait. You’re telling me a toddler left scars on you?” 

The large man grinned wolfishly. “Wanna see?” And before anyone could stop him, he rolled up his sleeve. Faint, pale scars crisscrossed his forearm- old but unmistakably bite marks. 

The young woman’s mouth fell open; beside her, Naruto went silent. 

“...Holy crap,” he whispered. “Sensei’s jaws are dangerous.” 

“Never,” Jiraiya said solemnly with the wisdom of a man who had to learn this particular lesson the hard way, “get between the jaws of a Hatake.” 

Naruto and Sakura looked at each other, simultaneously asking the question: “What does that mean?” 

Tsunade took it upon herself to answer, not trusting Jiraiya to explain it in a mature enough way. “It means that there are old tales and warnings about the Hatake clan and their more... feral ways. They were closely connected to their canine companions and adopted many of their traits, biological and instinctual.” 

The two students frowned, still not exactly understanding. They turned to their Captain, knowing he would be able to explain it better to them. 

Tenzo hesitated for a beat, then sighed; pushing off the wall. 

“What they mean is that Senpai has a Kekkei Genkai that is closely related to wolfish traits. Like enhanced sense of smell and hearing, a ... different set of teeth than most others have.” 

“OH!” Naruto perked up. “Like the Inuzuka?” 

The adults winced in unison. “Kid, never ever say that again when there is a chance the Inuzuka or Kakashi can hear you. They do not like to be compared.” 

Sakura frowned, not quite understanding the difference. For her it sounded very similar. “But, the Inuzuka also have elongated fangs and enhanced senses.” 

Tsunade nodded along. “Yes. On the surface, it might seem like that, but there are some major differences. While the Inuzuka do have enhanced noses and shark fangs, they are more closely bonded to dogs and such are more specialized in tracking. Hatake, however, are more similar to wolves when it comes to their senses. They are more suited for a hunt. They have the necessary enhanced senses, as well as a fully canine set of teeth made for ripping into prey. A Hatake will always try to go for the kill and that is why you should never tempt fate by trying to get between the jaws of one. They will finish what they started.” 

Sakura and Naruto were quiet for a moment, processing all the new information about the man they thought they knew. “But... what does that mean? I can’t remember a time where Sensei has bitten an enemy.” 

The two Sannin were quiet, not sure what to say to that. 

Silence fell for a bit, until Tenzo’s quiet voice broke it. 

“That is because Senpai always suppresses this part of him. Especially when he is around you kids.” The students turned around to Tenzo, not expecting him to gove them answers. 

“What do you mean, especially around us?” questioned Sakura. 

Tenzo debated internally if he should tell them more or not, but after a while he sighed and looked them in the eye. 

“Those instincts can get quite... messy. People usually don’t react well if Senpai loses control.” 

Upon the inquisitive gazes he got from his students, he decided to offer a few more details. 

“A few years ago, I was on a mission with Senpai. He was the captain and scouting ahead when our team was ambushed. We were paralyzed by a jutsu. A rookie mistake; really. Senpai came back to help us, but they laid a trap for him. The leader of our opponents grabbed him and pinned him down.” 

The groom grew still; attention fully captured by Tenzo’s tale. 

“He pulled Senpai’s mask down, wanted to see what was hidden underneath. He...” At that, Tenzo had to swallow the rage back down; trying to remain calm despite the resurfacing memories. “...started touching him and said some very ... inappropriate things. He kept Kakashi’s wrist and legs pinned and told him that after, he would kill all of us while making him watch. Then he would take him home as his new pet.” He spat that word, still remembering the white-hot anger that rose in him.  

Naruto’s hands curled into fists. 

“Then the leader lowered his head, started to whisper in his ear and... well, let’s just say you should also never bring your bare throat close to a Hatake’s teeth either. After that, he made quick work of our enemies, but our teammates were so shocked and disturbed that they refused to ever work with Senpai again.” 

He didn’t say anything about the nasty rumors, the thinly veiled insults that spread after.  

Instead, Tenzo let the silence fall. 

Naruto stared; Sakura felt faint. 

On the bed, Kakashi lay still; breathing steady but unchanged.  

The orange-clad boy stared at his Sensei, seeing him in a new light after these stories. The wildness of his hair, the unnerving stillness his Sensei had always possessed. Now, thinking back; he couldn’t help but compare it to a hunter lying in wait. 

“I had no idea... But that’s actually really cool, you know?” He smiled. 

Tsunade laughed quietly at his easy acceptance, focusing on Kakashi and brushing back his bangs.  

Her and Jiraiya shared some more lighthearted stories- both of a young Kakashi and also of their own adventures with Sakumo. 

In a moment of quiet between stories, Naruto voices what had plagued him right from the start. “Hey... where’s Kakashi-Sensei's dad now?” 

The question landed like a dropped blade. 

Jiraiya’s eyes tightened, looking off to the side. Tsunade’s shoulders stiffened, focusing on Kakashi instead of the students.  

The silence streteched. 

Naruto’s smile faltered, sensing the shift of atmosphere. “It’s just.... he sounds kind of awesome.” 

Tsunade closed her eyes while Jiraiya let out a slow, careful breath. “He was. But the answer to your question is a longer story.”  

Thunder rolled outside, seemingly mirroring the growing turmoil within the Sannin. The rain lashed harder against the hospital windows now, droplets streaking down the glass in uneven paths. The sound filled the silence, loud enough to make Naruto fidget, to make Sakura’s hands curl into the fabric of her sleeves. 

Tenzo was the first to look away from Kakashi, instead choosing to look out of the window. 

“I know the basics,” he said quietly. “The rumors, you know.”  

Jiraiya nodded solemnly. “Yeah, that’s what most people do.” 

Tsunade’s jaw tightened, angry. She moved her hand from his head to his shoulder, squeezing gently. “Sakumo Hatake,” she said in a voice that allowed no arguments, “was a hero. He was so much more than those idiotic rumors.” 

Naruto nodded eagerly. “Yeah! Lady Chiyo said he was stronger than you guys!” 

Jiraiya let out a scoff. “HA! It was always even between us when sparring.” His eyes seemed to focus on another time, before turning back on the younger students. 

“There was a mission. Classified, high-risk. He was leading the team. Sakumo had to make a choice, complete the mission and let his teammates die, or save his teammates and abandon the mission.” 

Naruto and Sakura wanted to interject that the choice was obvious to them, saving their friends should always be a priority. But they stayed quiet, sensing that now wasn’t the time. 

“Sakumo chose his team,” Tsunade said. “Brought them home alive. And by abandoning his mission, the third war was started.” 

Sakura and Naruto gaped at them, not expecting that.  

Outside, the rain seemed to grow bolder.  

“Wait, but how can one mission, one man start an entire war?” 

Jiraiya scoffed. “Easy: it can’t. A third war was unavoidable, but people needed someone to blame. Sakumo provided them a scapegoat.” 

Tsunade clenched her eyes shut. “They tore him apart. The same people who’d praised him, who’d followed him without question- they turned on him. Even the ones whose life’s he saved.” She clenched her fists. “All of them called him a coward. Weak. That he’d disgraced the entire village.” 

Naruto shook his head violently. “That’s stupid! He saved their lives! He was a hero!” 

Tsunade opened her eyes, gaze slightly foggy. “They just wouldn’t stop. So he stopped taking missions. Barely left the house.” 

Sakura’s heart twisted. “And Kakashi-Sensei?” 

Jiraiya took over, hard eyes with suppressed anger. “Kakashi bore the brunt of it.” 

They kids’ breath caught. 

“They couldn’t touch Sakumo directly. Not when he was hiding in his room. But his son?” Tsunade’s hand curled into a fist, shaking. “That was easier.” 

Behind her, Jiraiya stared at the floor. “Whispers. Glares. Refusing him food. Bruises.” 

Naruto swallowed, recognizing those things. The same thing they had done to him, they had also done to his Sensei? Would people never change? 

Beside him, Sakura was shaking with outrage. “People hurt him?! Because of what his father did?” 

Instead of answering, Tsunade and Jiraiya nodded.  

Naruto’s chakra flared unconsciously. “That’s so unfair! He didn’t do anything wrong!” 

“Easy kid.” Jiraiya tried to calm him down. “Well, Sakumo knew. How could he not?” His voice broke a little. “Hated himself for it. I think that killed him more than anything anyone ever said to him.” 

Outside, the rain slowed; the sound of thunder getting more and more distant. 

Jiraiya clenched his fists, unable to look at anyone for what came next.  

“We weren’t there, during that time. Fighting on the front, gathering information. We heard the rumors but had no idea how bad it was. If I had known, I would have come back. Maybe that would have changed things, but...” The big man sighed heavily. “- I didn’t.” 

Tsunade laid a hand on his arm, lending him comfort. “What we know about that time is because Minato told us about it. Much later, of course. When it was already too late and Kakashi wasn’t in reach for us anymore.” 

Sakura and Naruto looked at each other, not sure if they should stop the Sannin. They could see it was a hard topic for them, but the two of them were now way too curious to ask them to stop. 

“One day,” Jiraiya said, “Minato was training Kakashi. Nothing unusual for them. A storm rolled in, so he sent him home a bit earlier. Kakashi came home soaked through, mud on his sandals, scrapes on his knees. The house he returned to was quiet. Cold.” 

Sakura’s stomach clenched, already filling with dread. Naruto’s throat went dry- he couldn’t have asked them to stop now even if he had wanted to. 

“He went to his father’s room,” Tsunade continued. "And he found him... Seppuku.” 

Sakura pressed a hand to her mouth, suppressing a gasp. She couldn’t even imagine how it must have felt to find your own parent in that position. 

Jiraiya’s voice failed him, so Tsunade went on. “Kakashi was already a Chunin, so not a stranger to death. But still. He was seven and that was his father. His entire world. He thought he could still help him.” 

Sakura’s vision blurred. She wanted her mentor to stop, but couldn’t bring herself to say it. Tenzo didn’t move, only curling his hands into fists so tight that he felt himself leave small indents. 

“According to Minato, Kakashi spent the entire night at his father's side, trying faulty and rookie medical ninjutsu to fix him.” Jiraiya’s voice was thick. “When he found him, he was almost passed out, kneeling in his father’s blood and delirious from exhaustion.” 

Silence fell for a bit, the Sannin letting the story sink in. 

Naruto stared at his Sensei, imagining him as a seven-year-old boy, alone in a storm and kneeling next to his father’s body. How does one even recover from something like that? How does one move on? 

Next to him, Sakura wiped her cheeks angrily.  “What happened then?” she questioned. 

Tsunade sighed. “Minato took him away and arranged the funeral for him. After that, he wanted Kakashi to move in with him, but he refused. He pulled away from everybody, refusing to show any weakness that could be exploited.” 

The silence that fell over the room was oppressive. Nobody had the heart to break it or to ask any more questions. 

Then- Kakashi's breathing changed. 

Sakura stiffened. “Is he-?” 

Tsunade turned instantly, eyes sharp. She moved closer to the figure on the bed, fingers brushing Kakashi’s wrist. His brows furrowed faintly. A soft, broken sound escaped his throat. Not a word. Almost a whine. 

Naruto leaned forward, heart pounding. “Sensei?” 

Tsunade shook her head gently. “Not quite yet. Soon.” 

But her hand stayed on his shoulder. Kakashi shifted again, lips parting as if caught in a dream too heavy to escape. Maybe the stories had reached him.  

--- 

The first thing Kakashi became aware of was the sound. 

A steady, rhythmic breathing. Even. Entirely too loud. It cut through the fog in his head like a blade through water, tugging him upward whether he wanted it or not. Beneath it were voices- blurred and overlapping, but familiar. 

Warmth pressed against his shoulder. He frowned. His body hurt. 

Or no- hurt was too small a word. Pain radiated through him in deep, echoing waves- making it impossible to tell accurately where it started and ended. His chakra felt thin and scraped raw. 

Hospital, his mind supplied. Great. 

Kakashi tried to move and immediately regretted it. A sharp ache flared through his ribs, stealing the air from his lungs. 

“-don’t move,” a voice snapped from close to him, sharp and achingly familiar. 

Tsunade. 

His visible eye fluttered open. Light stabbed into it, forcing him to turn his head away and growl softly. 

There was a beat of absolute stillness.  

Then- 

“Kakashi-Sensei!” Naruto’s voice cracked through his head like lightning. 

The chair scraped loudly as Naruto surged to his feet. Sakura gasped, hands flying to her mouth. Tenzo straightened so abruptly he nearly hit the wall behind him. 

Tsunade was already there, hand firm on Kakashi’s shoulders, grounding him. “Easy,” she ordered, but her voice had softened. “You’re safe.” 

Kakashi blinked blearily, his vision swimming as shapes resolved into faces. Too many. Too close. Instinctively, his breath hitched, a faint growl rumbling low in his throat before he could swallow it down. 

Tsunade caught the sound immediately and leaned closer; her presence steady and unthreatening. “It’s alright,” she murmured. “You’re safe.” 

His growl faded, replaced by a slow, careful inhale. Kakashi swallowed, his throat feeling like he’d gurgled sand. “Hokage-sama,” he rasped. 

Tsunade snorted and lightly slapped his uninjured arm. “No need to pretend to be polite now.” Her fingers brushed his temple, checking his pupils. “You’re in the hospital. Surgery went well- You'll make a full recovery.” 

Suddenly, Naruto hovered at the edge of the bed, eyes bright and wet. “Sensei,” he said, voice wobbling. “You’re awake.” 

Kakashi’s gaze shifted to him, unfocused but warm. “Sorry,” he murmured automatically. Sakura choked out a sound- half laugh, half sob. “You’re unbelievable.” 

Tenzo inclined his head slightly. “Welcome back, Senpai.” 

Kakashi tried to give a lazy smile but ultimately failed. He still felt wrong- stiff. Taking a deep breath through his nose, he became aware of familiar scents- Old paper. Ink. Oil. Wet fur. His eye flicked toward the corner of the room; disappointed to find it empty. 

Tsunade followed his gaze and sighed. “Pakkun’s outside,” she explained quietly. “I didn’t think you’d appreciate waking up to a full pack in your face.” A faint sound escaped him. Almost a huff. Ridiculous, he thought. He would always enjoy being surringed by his pack. 

“Later,” she conceded. Kakashi nodded weakly, already ready to go back to sleep. 

Silence settled again, different now. Softer. Not as oppressive as before. He closed his eye briefly. Memory stirred- voices, stories, his father’s name spoken aloud in ways that hadn’t happened in years. 

“...You were talking,” he said hoarsely. 

Naruto froze. “You-uh....how much did you hear?” 

Kakashi considered that. The rain. The storm. Blood on tatami mats. A sword. Hands too small to stop the bleeding. His jaw tightened.  

“...Enough.” 

There were words unspoken, right under the surface of Tsunade’s skin, but like so often she couldn’t make herself say them out loud. She feared that once she started, the apologies wouldn’t stop leaving her lips and eventually lose meaning. 

What right did she have to rip open old wounds for him, just so she would feel better? 

No, she wouldn’t do this to him, force him to have a conversation he wouldn’t want and couldn’t escape. Instead, she would continue to do whatever she could to be here now. 

Jiraiya seemed to follow her lead there; he was even less inclined to hold uncomfortable conversations than her. If she didn’t broach the subject, he wouldn't either.  

Kakashi studied them for a long moment. And as if sensing their need for a lighter topic, or perhaps sharing is, he released a heavy sigh. Then, quietly, “He talked about you. Both of you.” 

Tsunade sucked in a breath. 

“He liked to complain, “ he added, a faint edge of humor threading through the pain. “Said you were too loud.” 

Jiraiya barked out a laugh, startled. “That sounds like him.” 

Kakashi shifted minutely, wincing. Tsunade clicked her tongue, admonishing him. “Don’t push it, brat.” 

“... Not pushing,” he muttered, slightly petulant. 

Naruto swallowed hard. “Sensei?” 

“Hmmm?” 

“Your dad,” Naruto said carefully. “He sounded really cool.” 

Kakashi’s gaze drifted to the ceiling. For a moment, his expression was distant- quiet, eyes sharp with old grief that never quite dulled. “He was,” Kakashi said simply. 

Sakura leaned closer, tentatively. “You don’t have to-” 

“I know,” Kakashi interrupted her gently. He paused, then added, “But... thank you.” 

Another silence, but this one didn’t hurt as much. 

Jiraiya cleared his throat, forcing a grin. “Well, since you’re awake, kid... I think I owe your students one more story.” 

Kakashi’s eye slid toward him, suspicious. “No, you don’t. I think they’ve heard enough.” 

“Oh, I really think they want to hear this one.” 

Naruto’s head snapped up like a bloodhound on a trail. “Wait-another one?! About Sensei?” 

Jiraiya’s grin turned wicked. “Yeah. About the time Kakashi bit Orochimaru.” 

The room exploded.  

Naruto whooped, Sakura laughed outright and even Tenzo’s shoulders shook. 

Kakashi groaned, turning his face into the pillow as much as the bandages allowed. “...I’m going back to sleep.” Tsunade laughed softly, her hand still steady on his shoulder. “Rest,” she said, not unkindly. 

He drifted in and out of sleep, the edge of consciousness soft instead of sharp. Despite saying he would go back to sleep, he tried to tune back in for the story as best as he could. 

“...So there I am,” Jiraiya was saying, “minding my own business-” 

“You never do,” Tsunade muttered. 

Kakashi didn’t open his eye. He didn’t need to. The shape of the room lived in his mind now: Naruto sprawled on his chair, Sakura perched on the edge of hers. Tenzo leaning in the corner like a shadow that had decided to stay. 

And Tsunade by his side, anchoring him in the present. 

Jiraiya cleared his throat dramatically. “This was back when Orochimaru still came to village gatherings. Sakumo had Kakashi with him- just barely walking, already sharp-eyed and with even sharper teeth.” 

Naruto snickered. “of course.” 

“Orochimaru,” Jiraiya continued, “takes one look at the kid and crouches down in front of him. Starts poking at his cheeks, commenting on his chakra.” Kakashi felt a faint echo of irritation stir in his chest. 

Jiraiya grinned wickedly. “Bad idea.”  

Tsunade crossed her arms. “You could have warned him, you know.” 

“I did! Not my fault he refused to believe that ever-patient and courteous Sakumo could spawn a demon-child like Kakashi.” 

Sakura leaned forward, eager for more information. “What happened?” 

“Well,” Jiraiya said, “Orochimaru reaches out- slow, curious, like he’s examining a specimen.” Kakashi huffed quietly, indignant. 

“And Kakashi starts growling.” 

Naruto’s eyes lit up. “He growled?!” 

“Oh yes. Low, but very clear.” 

Jiraiya spread his hands. “Next thing we know, Orochimaru yelps. Because Kakashi has his finger in his mouth. “  

Naruto nearly fell over laughing. “He actually bit him too?!” 

“Hard enough to draw blood,” Jiraiya confirmed. “Sakumo had to pry him off.” 

Sakura blinked astonished. The idea of any of the Sannin bleeding is still surreal to her. “What did Orochimaru do?” 

The big man’s grin widened. “Stared at the kid like he’d just discovered something fascinating and deeply unsettling. “ 

Tsunade snorted a laugh. “He avoided the brat for weeks after that. Sakumo was absolutely mortified and apologized every time he saw him after that.” 

Naruto wiped tears from his eyes, still snickering softly. “Sensei, you’re amazing.” 

Kakashi cracked his eye open just enough to glae at the ceiling. “...I warned him.” That only made the boy snicker harder. 

The laughter faded into something calmer. Outside, the rain finally stopped, leaving the world washed clean and quiet. 

Tsunade shifted, then glanced toward the door. “I’ll let the dogs in.” Kakashi’s breath caught, anticipation setting in his bones. 

Moments later, the opened again- and Pakkun padded in first, ears perked. Without hesitation, he pounced onto the bed, curling carefully against Kakashi’s side. A tension Kakashi hadn’t realized he was holding melted away and he sank further into the mattress. 

“Hey,” he mumbled. 

One by one, the others followed; Bisuke, Urushi and Guruko joining them on the bed, Bull, Akino, Uhei and Shiba settling around the bed like they’d done a hundred times before. A living, breathing barrier between him and the world. Just him and his pack. 

Kakashi closed his eye again, breathing in familiar scents- grounding himself fully at last. 

He felt safe- he could rest now. 

Jiraiya stretched, hands behind his head. “He’ll be just fine, old friend,” he murmured, too quiet for anyone but Tsunade to hear. 

She nodded. And together, they settled in for a peaceful watch.Outside, the sun has broken through the clouds.  

Yes, everything would be alright.