The breeze was soft and cool as Konan stood beside Kakashi on the balcony, looking at the quiet village. The stars shimmered gently in the sky.
She had never thought peace could feel like this, still, calm, almost warm. But inside, something still felt out of place.
Kakashi turned to her and smiled gently. "Come inside," he said. "There's something you need to see."
Konan hesitated. "I'm not used to… crowds."
He didn't answer. He simply reached out and took her hand.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but his touch was warm. Steady. After a second, she nodded and followed him through the sliding door.
…
Inside the newly renovated home, the large dining room was full of life.
Tsunade stood by the kitchen, apron tied around her waist as she proudly placed a large roast dish on the table.
Kurenai was setting plates with careful grace. The table was full already, and Sasuke was sitting quietly next to Shizune. Naruto sat across from them, eyes wide, jaw slightly open in disbelief.
Naruto pointed. "Wait, wait, wait, what is going on here?!"
Sasuke gave a bored look. "We're eating."
"You're sitting with Shizune like it's nothing!" Naruto cried. "When did this happen?!"
Beside him, Kushina chuckled softly and patted Naruto's head. "That's what happens when your sensei is a bad influence."
"Kakashi-sensei ruined you all!" Naruto puffed his cheeks.
Everyone laughed. Even Sakura tried to hold back a smile while Shizune giggled softly. Karin was talking with Mei at the end of the table, and little Ranmaru, now taller and stronger, sat beside Anko, who was drumming her fingers impatiently.
"I swear," Anko grumbled. "If the food doesn't start moving to my plate soon, I'm gonna bite someone."
At that moment, Kakashi and Konan stepped inside.
The room went quiet.
Konan's steps slowed. The cheerful warmth in the room was unlike anything she had seen in years, maybe ever. Families laughing. Friends eating. Children smiling. It felt like a world she wasn't part of.
Kakashi didn't let go of her hand.
He guided her forward, gently but firmly, toward the table. A chair waited beside him. He pulled it out for her. She blinked, uncertain, but slowly sat down. Kakashi took his seat beside her without a word.
Around the table, Kurenai, Anko, Tsunade, and Mei exchanged quiet glances. Each one had their own relationship with Kakashi.
Each knew his heart… and yet none of them frowned. In fact, the same thought passed through each of their minds.
Maybe… there's room for one more woman.
The door opened again.
Nawaki stepped in, walking proudly. His smile widened as he waved to Tsunade and walked to the table.
Right behind him came Shinku, Kurenai's father, with a calm and approving nod.
"I brought Orochimaru-sensei," Nawaki added casually.
From the hallway, the Orochimaru clone walked in, adjusting his high collar and glancing around. "This feels… domestic."
"Sit down and eat," Tsunade said bluntly.
"Yes, ma'am," he replied with a smile and sat down.
And so, the feast began.
Plates passed from hand to hand. Roast meats, steamed vegetables, warm rice, and thick stew filled the table. Glasses clinked with laughter. Ranmaru told a joke that made Naruto choke on his drink. Anko reached across and stole food from Mei's plate.
"Hey!" Mei frowned.
"You're a Mizukage. You can make more," Anko grinned.
"That's not how that works!"
Kakashi chuckled softly as he watched everyone interact. He noticed Konan sitting quietly, taking small bites. Her eyes scanned the room as if unsure whether she belonged here. But as she glanced toward Kakashi, who was also looking at her, something inside her shifted.
Slowly, a very faint smile crept up her lips.
…
The food dwindled down, the laughter softening into calm conversation. Plates were cleared, cups filled with warm tea. Soon, everyone began to leave. One by one, the guests bid goodnight.
"I'm gonna pass out. Ramen tomorrow?" Naruto yawned and stretched.
"Always," Kakashi said with a smile.
Sasuke gave a simple nod and left with Shizune. And Sakura also left after waving politely to Konan.
Kushina gave Konan a small nod of approval before gently pushing Naruto toward the door.
The house grew quiet again.
Kakashi stayed on the large living room couch with his core group: Tsunade, Kurenai, Anko, Mei, Karin… and Konan.
Konan had taken off her Akatsuki cloak, revealing a dark-blue sleeveless dress underneath that hugged her graceful figure. She still sat carefully, unsure of how relaxed she was allowed to be.
Kakashi leaned forward and placed the Rinnegan-sealing scroll on the table.
"It's done," he said. "We have one of them. The other is with the masked man."
"What do we do with it?" Karin crossed her legs and asked.
"We protect it. If possible… we use it. But carefully." Kakashi said as he looked at her, then Konan.
"The war's coming, isn't it?" Tsunade frowned.
He nodded. "Yes. Madara, whatever he calls himself, won't stop. He'll come for the Nine Tails. We need to be ready."
"Just tell me where to stab." Anko slouched against Kakashi, rubbing her cheek into his shoulder.
"I'll make a list," he replied dryly.
Kurenai smiled. "Then we train, we prepare. Like always."
Konan glanced around. She hadn't spoken yet, not since dinner. But now she looked up. "Even now… You all live like this. Together."
"You're part of this now." Kakashi turned to her. He liked this woman very much and he wasn't letting her go. But some things had to be taken care of.
"Then I'll fight with you." She hesitated, then nodded. Her voice was quiet.
"Come on. I'll show you your room." Kakashi stood.
"I have a room?" She blinked.
"You live here now. Of course you do."
He led her down the hall. The room was simple but warm, with wood floors, a soft futon, shelves, and a small window with a view of the stars.
Konan stepped inside slowly. She looked around.
"I've never had a room like this."
"Then it's about time." Kakashi smiled.
She turned to him. "Thank you, Kakashi. For… everything."
He nodded once. "Sleep well, Konan."
He closed the door softly behind her.
…
The night deepened.
Kakashi entered his own room. The bed was massive, soft, and layered with silk sheets.
Already, Tsunade was resting against the headboard, reading. Kurenai was stretching beside her. Mei had just gotten under the covers. Anko was sprawled sideways with a pillow over her head.
Kakashi slipped between Tsunade and Kurenai, who both smiled at him warmly.
"Took you long enough," Tsunade teased.
"Konan?" Mei asked sleepily.
"She's settled," Kakashi replied.
"Will she stay?" Kurenai curled up against his side.
"She said she would. I believe her."
Anko threw the pillow aside and threw her leg over his chest. "If she snores, I'm tossing her out the window."
Tsunade snorted. "Says the woman who snored during a mission."
"That was battle breathing!" Anko protested.
Laughter spread again, but softer now, like a bedtime song.
Kakashi sighed contentedly. He looked around at the people beside him, the women who had fought with him, bled with him, and trusted him. And now, a new piece had joined their strange, peaceful home.
He closed his eyes.
Tomorrow would come.
But tonight… was quiet.
And for once, that was enough.