Kakashi-sensei was about to become Hokage!
After the meeting at the Hokage office, evening had begun to settle over Konoha. Kakashi and Naruto walked side by side, stepping out of the office into the cool air of the village.
"Naruto, is Minato-sensei at home? I want to pay him a visit," Kakashi asked, his voice calm but carrying a hint of nostalgia.
Naruto shook his head. "I didn't see him when I went home. I'm not sure if he's back yet."
Kakashi chuckled softly and nodded. Naruto looked at him with a small smile and teased, "What's wrong? You want to talk to my father, reminisce about the past a bit, right?"
Kakashi waved his hand in protest, as if stabbed by an invisible pin. "No, no… nothing like that."
Naruto laughed and patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "I get it, Kakashi-sensei. I think my dad and mom have already returned from the Hyuga residence. It's evening, after all. You should go over and see them!"
Kakashi nodded, appreciating the information, and then bid Naruto goodbye. He turned and made his way toward Naruto's house.
Meanwhile, Naruto descended the steps and encountered Konohamaru waiting patiently.
"Brother Naruto! What took you so long? I almost fell asleep!" Konohamaru exclaimed.
Udon and Moegi were also with him. Udon complained, "Yeah! I'm already starving!"
Moegi nodded in agreement. "Me too."
Kakashi noticed that Naruto still had some errands and waved. "Naruto, I'll be going first."
Naruto nodded. Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi waved goodbye to Kakashi as he walked off.
Watching Kakashi's retreating back, Naruto smiled softly. He remembered the night before he became Hokage in his previous life. Kakashi had met with Iruka-sensei, sharing quiet conversations about their past, and Naruto could sense that the same mixture of excitement and reflection filled Kakashi's heart now.
"Brother Naruto, what are you staring at?" Konohamaru asked, snapping Naruto out of his thoughts.
Naruto turned to him with a grin. "Did you say you're hungry? Let's go. I'll take you all to Ichiraku Ramen!"
The three youngsters cheered in delight. "Okay!!!"
Naruto chuckled. These moments with the younger generation gave him a rare sense of relaxation. Fortunately, with his current status and wealth, a few bowls of ramen were no problem at all.
Meanwhile, Kakashi approached Naruto's house and noticed the lights glowing warmly through the windows. A knowing smile crossed his face. Naruto had been right—Minato and Kushina were home.
Gathering his composure, Kakashi knocked firmly: Boom, boom, boom.
The door creaked open, and the warm light of the house spilled out.
"Kakashi!" Minato greeted warmly.
Kakashi smiled. "Ah, Minato-sensei."
Minato returned the smile. "Come in, Kakashi. Kushina, pour some tea—Kakashi is here."
Kushina stood, greeting him with a bright smile. "Kakashi! Come sit down."
After being invited to sit, Kakashi accepted the offered tea. Minato chuckled, looking at him with fondness. "Why the visit today, Kakashi?"
Kakashi bowed slightly, a smile on his face. "I missed you both, so I thought I'd come by and see you."
Kushina gave him a knowing look. "Kakashi… is something wrong?"
Kakashi scratched the back of his head, slightly embarrassed. "No, no. I just thought I haven't seen you in a while, so I came by to check in."
Kushina smirked. "Don't try to lie. Look at you—you're still the same. Always a little uncomfortable when talking, scratching your head like that."
Kakashi's cheeks tinged pink. There was no denying it. Growing up, Minato and Kushina had always cared deeply for him, Obito, and Rin. They had been present for the team's training, missions, and daily lives, and their sharp perception never missed a single detail.
Minato's gentle voice cut through Kakashi's embarrassment. "If you have something to tell us, just say it, Kakashi."
Kakashi nodded, collecting himself. With a calm smile, he said, "Minato-sensei, Kushina-sensei, tomorrow, the Hokage appointment letter will be formally issued. The day after, I will take office as Hokage, and I hope you can attend the ceremony."
Kushina's eyes lit up with joy. "Really? Hahaha! This day has finally come!"
Minato patted Kakashi on the shoulder. "Kakashi, you did well."
Kakashi smiled and said softly, "You watched over me all my life, and now, I finally… became Hokage."
Kushina stood quickly. "No, no! You haven't eaten yet. Let me make a meal for you, Kakashi. This is a celebration!"
Kakashi raised a hand, chuckling. "No need, Kushina-sensei. I don't want to trouble you."
Minato stood, gesturing toward the kitchen. "The ingredients are all ready in the fridge. Naruto doesn't eat here often, so why not? Kakashi, help us out and make it a celebration dinner."
Kakashi reluctantly agreed, sitting down and smiling. Kushina tied on her apron, and Minato joined her in the kitchen.
Kakashi picked up his tea cup and took a quiet sip, feeling a rare sense of warmth and satisfaction. Achievements were meaningful, but being recognized and supported by those who had guided him—his teachers and mentors—was invaluable.
He cooked a few dishes under Minato and Kushina's guidance, enjoying the camaraderie of the moment. Though Minato and Kushina didn't eat much, Kakashi felt the homecoming, the familiar warmth he hadn't realized he had missed.
As they chatted, Naruto returned, unlocking the door with the Gate of Opening.
"I'm back!" Naruto called cheerfully.
Seeing Kakashi at the stove, Naruto laughed. "Kakashi-sensei! You're cooking at my house?!"
Kushina rose, smiling. "Have you eaten yet? Come sit—don't let Kakashi do all the work!"
Naruto grinned and replied, "I took Konohamaru, Udon, and Moegi to Ichiraku Ramen, so I've eaten. But it's okay—look at him, enjoying himself!"
Naruto sat next to Kakashi and looked at Minato and Kushina. "Did Kakashi-sensei tell you about his Hokage ceremony?"
Kakashi pointed at the dishes with a smile. "This is my celebration dinner. When I officially take office, there will be a full table of sumptuous meals, all for us to enjoy together."
Kakashi smiled again, nodding repeatedly in agreement.
Minato looked at Naruto. "Naruto, contact Obito and Rin. Ask them to return and join the ceremony."
Naruto smiled confidently. "No problem at all! I'll bring them back."
Kakashi watched Naruto's confident expression and felt a sense of inner satisfaction. Tomorrow, his dream would officially come true, and he would have those who mattered most sharing the moment with him. It was a quiet yet profound joy, unlike any battlefield victory—this was a victory of life, growth, and recognition.
Dear Readers
For 60 Advance Chapters Join My Patreon
https://www.patreon.com/NF25
-------
Please Support My Patreon 🥺