After leaving the Uchiha Compound, Kakashi stepped into the hidden laboratory beneath his mansion, the door sealing itself with a soft click behind him.
The glow of chakra-stabilizing seals along the walls cast pale, blue-white light over the rows of equipment and containment tanks.
The space was silent except for the low hum of machinery, and immediately he felt the familiar pang of absence. The Orochimaru clone was missing, his assistant and confidant for more than a year.
Kakashi couldn't deny that he was an amazing assistant, and several of his projects were slightly behind now.
The Orochimaru clone had been on a covert mission, sent by Kakashi, to an outpost under the Land of Mist, where he was improving Madara's preserved body and safeguarding it.
Kakashi knew that thanks to their acting, Black Zetsu believed the clone had betrayed him. That misconception worked in their favor, Black Zetsu freely offered intel, equipment, and knowledge to the clone, convinced he'd abandoned Kakashi.
In reality, this long deception granted Kakashi access to the same data, amplifying their strategic advantage.
Kakashi felt a quiet satisfaction at the clever orchestration: Black Zetsu's own arrogance unwittingly strengthening their side.
The entire operation hinged on that perception, the perceived rift. He tapped one of the consoles, watching the latest status updates scroll across the screen, confirming the clone's progress. Even living apart, they remained synced in purpose.
Turning from the screen, he set to work preparing for tomorrow's procedure: the unprecedented Mangekyō eye transplant between brothers.
The room before him was filled with specialized ninja medical tools: precision scalpels etched with chakra-resistant seals, rehydration seals, chakra-imbued suturing needles, and two high-grade Genjutsu-detect arrays, designed to prevent subconscious interference during surgery.
Alongside, jars of Sakura's enzyme, Hashirama-derived seal inks, and refined katsuyu DNA sat ready. And other recovered materials from Orochimaru's labs offered the best chance of stabilizing the transplant between two living Uchiha.
Satisfied with his preparations, he shut down the overhead lights and left the lab. On his way up, he passed through a chamber that had once been a storehouse.
Now it housed rows of containment units, chakra-test arrays, and tools for advanced sealing work, reflecting the lab's growth alongside its owner's ambitions.
Kakashi emerged upstairs into a large entryway, designed for both function and comfort. Sunlight filtered through tall windows, illuminating dark wood floors and well-appointed furnishings, a contrast to the austere living spaces of old. The mansion was silent but full of quiet expectation.
He stepped into the living room. Anko was there first. She jumped onto him, trailing kisses along his jaw.
"Kakashi! You're back, I missed you."
"We were together this morning."He said as he returned her kisses gently, a small smile tugging at his lips.
"Barely," she protested in a teasing tone. "Feels like forever."
"Long day ahead."He ruffled her hair with a chuckle.
"Hope your Uchiha visit went smoothly."Tsunade came next, planting a kiss on his other cheek.
"We resolved what we needed."He nodded.
"Ready for whatever happens next."Kurenai approached, her grin soft and warm, offering her own kiss.
Kakashi looked at the three women. His relationships with them had grown over time, each a pillar in his life.
"How was your afternoon?" He asked.
Anko launched into her story with glittering enthusiasm. "There was an attack, a caravan hauling your miracle pills, heading out to the Fire Country. I was standing guard. These guys… they were Kumo-type ninjas, masked and aggressive."
"Kumo?"He raised an eyebrow.
"Disguised as Kumo, a false flag. But they didn't know I have Scorch Release now." Anko's eyes flashed proudly.
"I unleashed Scorching Fang Barrage. The orbs tore through the front line, heat so intense it evaporated their smoke shields. Then I switched to Heat Mirage Body and wove under their attacks like… like a flame mirror. They panicked and retreated. I might have scorched one or two."
"They didn't get far."She ended with her signature smirk.
"Excellent."Kakashi's eyes gleamed. He was very satisfied with how Anko used Scorch Release to deal with her enemies.
Anko leaned back against him.
Tsunade exchanged a look with Kurenai before speaking. "I finished revisions on the new medical sealing matrix for Tsunade's project."
"You mean wood-seal performance checks?" Kakashi asked.
"It's ready for lab testing."She nodded.
Kurenai added, "And I located three missing scouts after tracking blood impressions in the forest. No injuries."
"Good work, everyone," he said, his voice full of warmth.
The four women shared a satisfied glance at their man's praise before standing together.
"We'll get dinner started," said Kurenai softly.
As they moved off, Kakashi sank into his seat, and Anko nestled at his side. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her closer to him.
…
The rest of the evening passed quietly. Anko curled against him, content. The house they had built together was more than bricks, it was their shared life: achievements, sacrifices, love, and silent determination.
Outside, the world spun toward confrontation with the Akatsuki. But here, in the heart of this quiet fortress, they had found strength in each other.
Kakashi closed his eyes, feeling their presence, knowing that morning would bring another milestone. The transplant. The final step toward the Uchiha's redemption.
But for now, he simply breathed in the comfort of this moment, anchored by the women who filled his life, readying him for the storm to come.