"How did you feel on your first day of school?" Sakumo asked casually at the dinner table. Despite his relaxed tone, he still took Kakashi's school life very seriously.
"It was okay," Kakashi replied, swallowing his food before speaking. His words were measured, devoid of any particular emotion. With Kurenai and Guy around, it didn't feel much different from usual.
"Your Sensei, Osamu Suzuki, was an old subordinate of mine," Sakumo said after a brief pause. His gaze softened, a flicker of regret crossing his eyes. "It's a pity about him," he added quietly, almost to himself. Then, returning to his usual tone, he continued, "You must be obedient at the Academy and study hard. Don't slack off just because of your uncle, the headmaster."
Kakashi nodded reluctantly. "Yes, father," he replied, his tone dutiful but unenthusiastic. Causing trouble at the Academy didn't appeal to him, and bullying classmates felt like a waste of effort.
"I'm glad to hear that," Sakumo said, nodding with satisfaction. Kakashi's steady temperament reassured him. He was far more composed than Kawakaze had been at that age.
"Big brother, don't worry. I'll take care of everything," Kawakaze interjected with a grin. Hugging his young son Ginji close, he fed the boy a piece of meat, the picture of confidence.
"It's because of you that I'm not at ease," Sakumo said dryly, casting a meaningful look at Kawakaze. His remark drew laughter from everyone at the table.
"You actually said that," Kawakaze grumbled, pouting. "Is that really how unreliable I seem to you?"
"Come on, you know your own character," Tsunade chimed in, slapping him lightly on the back. Her tone left no doubt that she agreed with Sakumo.
When things went smoothly, Kawakaze was often the reason they didn't.
"Daddy, daddy! I want more," little Ginji clamored, his voice insistent as he reached for more meat. Oblivious to the deeper conversations of the adults, he was focused only on his next bite.
"Then praise your father," Kawakaze teased, holding the piece of meat just out of Ginji's reach. He delayed passing it to his son, hoping for a moment of admiration.
"Hmph~" Ginji huffed, turning his face away defiantly.
"Forget it, I'm not giving it to you," Kawakaze said with mock resignation as Ginji wriggled out of his arms. The determined child shook his short legs and stomped over to Kakashi.
"Brother, I want to eat meat," Ginji demanded in his baby voice. Kakashi, unable to refuse his younger sibling, relented.
"Okay, have a big piece," Kakashi said, standing up to reach for a larger portion, as it was too far for him to grab while sitting.
"You're still the best, brother," Ginji declared, his tone triumphant as he looked back at Kawakaze. His expression seemed to say, See? If you won't give it to me, someone else will. You want me to praise you? Forget it!
"That brat," Kawakaze muttered, shaking his head with a laugh. He couldn't help but wonder if Ginji's mischievous personality came from Tsunade.
"I'm done eating, Sensei. You guys enjoy yourselves," Minato said, rising from the table. He had developed a habit of leaving early, something he'd been doing for quite some time.
"Where are you meeting Kushina?" Tsunade asked casually, her tone laced with amusement as her eyes sparkled knowingly.
"Haha, nowhere," Minato replied sheepishly, trying to deflect the question. He gave a hasty wave before rushing out the door. He couldn't risk being late—Kushina would scold him again.
"It's about time Minato got his own mansion," Kawakaze mused, watching Minato's retreating figure thoughtfully. When Minato married, it wouldn't be suitable for him to continue living with the Hatake Clan.
"You don't need to worry about that."
"How could Grandmother not treat Kushina well?" Tsunade insisted, clearly dissatisfied. She knew Mito had arranged for a luxurious mansion for Kushina long ago.
Though Kushina wasn't a biological grandchild, after years of companionship, she was treated no differently from one. Perhaps Mito's only regret was that Kushina never became her granddaughter-in-law. Still, with Misaki filling that role, she was content.
"I'm so tired of hearing you gush about it." came Yahiko's leisurely voice, his words laced with teasing.
"Do you really think I'd treat any of you unfairly?" Kawakaze exclaimed, his eyes widening in mock disbelief. For years, he had treated everyone equally, leaving most lessons to personal understanding. This perfectly embodied the saying: A master shows the way; the rest is up to the disciple.
"You're so full of it."
"Sensei, how could we not need a house?" she added, punctuating her words with a sharp flick to Yahiko's head. Her gaze, however, was firmly fixed on Kawakaze.
"One for the two of you is enough. Don't even think about trying to rip me off," Kawakaze replied bluntly, fully aware of Konan's money-minded nature.
"Sensei, that's not fair," Konan said, her tone growing more indignant. "Why should we be the only ones to share? That's blatant discrimination."
"I think it's fine. One is enough for us," Yahiko said with a grin, rubbing his head where Konan had struck him. He was unconcerned, as long as he and Konan were together.
"What's so good about it? Shut up," Konan snapped, shooting Yahiko a sharp glare. He was far too carefree for her liking. Whether they needed multiple homes or not was one thing, but having at least one was essential in her eyes.
"Sister Konan, you're so fierce," Ginji piped up innocently, unaware of the tension.
"This is a stand-up argument. You should learn from her," Kawakaze said with a sly grin, recognizing Konan's spirited persistence. Over time, several disciples had picked up on his knack for turning situations to their advantage, and Konan had perfected it.
"If you're so good, then don't say anything," Tsunade cut in, glaring at Konan in exasperation. This little money-grubber is truly hopeless.
"Sensei's wife~" Konan called out sweetly, her voice as soothing as it was cunning.
"Fine, fine, I'll pay for your share," Tsunade relented, clearly at her wits' end with Konan. Kawakaze only had one female apprentice, and Tsunade couldn't afford to alienate her.
"I always knew you were the best for Konan, Sensei's wife," Konan said with a bright smile, purposely ignoring Kawakaze. Her knack for prioritizing her own gain over fairness was nothing new, and everyone was well aware of her textbook ability to switch faces in an instant.
In truth, Konan wouldn't have complained even if she didn't receive a house. Kawakaze's kindness to his disciples was already more than enough.
"Stop flattering me, you little money lover," Tsunade retorted, shooting Konan a pointed glance. Yet, the slight smile at the corner of her lips betrayed her amusement. Tsunade truly cherished these warm moments, and spending a little money felt insignificant in comparison.
"Nagato is still the best," Kawakaze interjected with a sigh, his words carrying a faint air of allusion.
"Ahem~ Sensei, I want some too," Nagato chimed in. Kawakaze, catching the two piercing gazes of Rinnegan directed his way, froze awkwardly.
This guy just can't handle a compliment.
"Hahaha~"
Nagato's words sent everyone in the room into fits of laughter—everyone except Kawakaze, who stood there awkwardly frozen in place.
"Why did I take in you ungrateful brats?" Kawakaze muttered, shoveling rice into his mouth as if venting his frustration.
The farce concluded with laughter, leaving a pleasant afterglow.
After dinner, Kakashi took Ginji's hand as the two were led by their three Senior Brothers and Sisters for a walk around the dojo. Onimaru and Shiromaru darted playfully back and forth, circling the group of five.
Meanwhile, Sakumo and Kawakaze sat quietly at the stone table, chatting leisurely. It was a simple, peaceful moment—a truly pleasant day.