Next week….
"I have to go," Kakashi spoke softly as he stood near the exit of Mei's private room, her arms clinging around his waist.
"Go…?" Mei's voice trembled. She then perched on a nearby chair, her cheeks flushed.
"Yes. There's work waiting back in Konoha." Kakashi gently removed her hand, straightened the collar of his shirt, and began fastening the buckle of his pouch.
"But… I want you here," Mei whispered, as her lower lip trembled.
"I know, Mei."Kakashi sighed, easing the knot of her sadness.
"Flying Thunder God means I can come back any time."
Mei's gaze softened, a shy smile forming. She pushed up onto her toes and kissed him softly. Then she pulled away and walked to her chair. She turned and offered him a pout, the most adorable one he'd ever seen.
"Kyaa!" She laughed, hiding her face in her hands, though her heart was thrilled.
Kakashi smiled. He scooped her up over his shoulder, careful and playful, and carried her back toward her bed.
Mei giggled the whole way, hiding her face and teasing him.
…
A couple of hours later…
They woke up refreshed, loosely tangled in the sheets. Kakashi pressed a kiss to Mei's forehead.
"Good morning." He smiled at her peaceful, slightly sleepy face.
Mei tilted her head, blinking up at him.
"Good morning," she replied, voice warm. Then stretched.
"Farewell for now, Mizukage-sama."Kakashi stood and offered her bushido dignity. He ducked low, offering a formal scarf-like gesture.
"Don't leave me too long."Mei hopped out of bed, hands on her waist, smiling fiercely.
"I won't," Kakashi said as he placed a final kiss on her lips.
He placed his hand on her shoulder one last time then Chakra surged out as he teleported away with Flying Thunder God.
Mei watched until he disappeared, then pressed both hands to her cheeks in happy relief.
…
In Konoha, in the Hokage Tower…
Kakashi materialized in the Hokage's office, startling Shizune, who yelped. Kakashi immediately offered a calm voice.
"Sorry, Shizune."
He removed the cylindrical seal case from under his vest and set it on the desk. Tsunade appeared from the room to the north, her face gleaming.
"Kakashi! I missed you." She kissed him enthusiastically.
Shizune bowed her head, smiling quietly, this had happened too many times and she was unshaken by their display. She turned back to paper-smattering.
Kakashi slid into Tsunade's seat, looping an arm around her waist as he sat.
"Paging courtesy. Shizune, your paperwork management is appreciated." He winked.
Tsunade glowed.
"By the way…" She pulled a scroll from the box on the desk.
"The Daimyo's son is visiting tomorrow."
Kakashi straightened, interest piqued.
"The Daimyo's son?"
He tapped his fingers on the desk, thoughtful.
He recalled a moment from the Boruto manga.
A wealthy but arrogant man, justified selfishly.
His eyes lit with an idea.
"Kakashi… what are you thinking?"Tsunade watched him curiously.
"Not here. We'll talk at home."He leaned closer, voice low.
Tsunade nodded with a knowing look.
"Shizune, how's the hospital staffing? You seemed preoccupied earlier." He pushed his chin toward Shizune while Tsunade looked over.
Shizune blinked.
"We're low on staff, but stable…" She tried to continue.
Tsunade frowned thoughtfully, and Kakashi nodded.
Shizune shut up and refocused on her notes.
Kakashi stayed a moment, chatting quietly with Tsunade before standing.
"I'll get going. Need to check on Naruto and Sasuke." He said.
"Be careful."Tsunade kissed him on the cheek.
He vanished with a flick of silver light.
…
At Home, Backyard Training Ground…
Kakashi teleported into his backyard and saw commotion. Naruto and Sasuke were sparring hard.
Sasuke had mini-Susano'o surrounding his body.
Naruto was gripping the ground. He'd reached five-tails chakra mastery.
The Uchiha couple, Fugaku and Mikoto, watched with pride from the side. Kushina stood nearby, arms crossed and red-faced from the heat of the tips of Sasuke's chakra.
"Sasuke! Control yourself!" She shouted at Sasuke fighting with her baby boy.
Kakashi laughed softly as he walked toward them.
"Hey, hey!" Fugaku turned, smiling.
"Great to see you, Kakashi-sensei."
"Your two disciples are strong."Mikoto chuckled softly.
"They've been putting in time."Kakashi shrugged modestly.
He moved toward the fighting pair.
Sasuke pinned Naruto to the ground, maintaining an intense chakra push.
Kakashi's eyes glinted.
"All right, enough for now."
Naruto and Sasuke released, panting.
"He wrapped himself completely."Fugaku grinned.
"Yes. Sasuke's Susano'o technique is evolving. He added flex, or armor control, not just defensive."Kakashi nodded.
"Never saw Susano'o used this way."Fugaku clapped in awe at the idea.
"That was our idea. He turned it into something new. That's genius." Kakashi smiled. He had seen that Susano'o form in an adult Sasuke fan art, so he suggested it to him.
"Yeah! This chakra's awesome!"Naruto pumped his fist.
He glanced sideways at Sasuke, pride in his eyes and sweat on his brow.
Kakashi watched them warmly. He'd never been prouder.
…
Kakashi returned to the Hokage Tower after the training session. He and Tsunade had plans for the Daimyo, arrangements to negotiate the visiting heir.
But that conversation would wait.
For now… Naruto and Sasuke had grown to Chunin, he had his women becoming stronger, and new bloodlines taking root in Konoha, and beyond.
Kakashi closed his eyes.
The wind from the open window carried the scent of spring cherry blossoms flickering on paper banners outside.
He sighed contentedly.
The peace was fragile. But his bonds were stronger.
And with them… he believed they could shape a better future.