The next day came quietly.
Kakashi woke up slowly, a rare thing for him. Unlike the restless nights he often had, today's sleep was peaceful and deep, almost comforting. When his eyes opened, the morning sun was already bright through the window. He blinked, disoriented for a moment, then realized something unusual—he was covered with a quilt.
Turning his head, he noticed Obito lying beside him, also wrapped up under the same quilt. Kakashi's eye twitched at the sight. Seriously? What kind of situation is this?
Judging by the angle of the sunlight, it had to be around nine in the morning. Kakashi sighed and pushed at Obito's shoulder.
"Hey, wake up! Obito!"
Obito groaned, his voice muffled. He rubbed his head and muttered, "Ugh… my head hurts so much."
Kakashi chuckled, shaking his head. "Of course it does. That was some strong stuff we drank last night. By the way, when you were in Akatsuki all alone, didn't you ever drink when you were depressed?"
Obito sat up, his hair a complete mess. He shook his head firmly. "No. Drinking just makes more trouble. I couldn't afford to lose control back then."
Kakashi gave a small nod. He didn't press further. Instead, he got up, rolled the quilt aside, and slid open the wooden door. From inside the house, the sound of clattering dishes came. Following it, Kakashi found himself at the kitchen entrance—where Rin was already busy preparing breakfast.
She turned her head at his footsteps and smiled warmly. "You're up. Go wash up, breakfast will be ready soon."
Kakashi's usually expressionless face softened. "Alright."
Behind him, Obito stumbled over, yawning, and suddenly sniffed the air. "It smells amazing!"
Rin laughed lightly. "Compared to my mother's cooking, my skills are still a bit worse."
Obito shook his head vigorously. "No way. I just like the food you cook, Rin."
Without hesitation, he stepped forward and hugged her from behind.
"Obito!" Rin flushed, trying to push him away. "What are you doing? We're still in Kakashi's house!"
But Obito only rested his chin gently on her head, refusing to let go.
Kakashi immediately knocked on the door frame, rolling his eye in exasperation. "Hey! Could you two not spread dog food in my house first thing in the morning? Obito, hurry up and brush your teeth—I already set out toiletries for you!"
Rin quickly pushed Obito away, her cheeks pink.
Obito smacked his lips in annoyance, glaring at Kakashi as if betrayed. Kakashi only grinned slyly, then smacked Obito lightly on the rear. "Why are you staring at me like that? Move it already."
"Ow—damn it, Kakashi!" Obito rubbed his backside and stomped away to wash up.
A few minutes later, the three of them sat down together at the dining table.
"There wasn't much in Kakashi's pantry," Rin admitted, setting bowls in front of them. "So I could only make noodles, and I fried some eggs for you as well. Eat up."
Kakashi eyed the steaming bowl appreciatively. "It's more than enough. Much better than if I cooked it myself."
Obito, however, clasped his hands dramatically. "Everything Rin makes is the best!"
Rin reached out and poked his forehead. "You always know how to talk big."
Kakashi watched the two interact, a faint smile tugging at his lips. It had been years—decades, really—since he'd seen them like this. His heart swelled with a sense of relief and gratitude. If not for Naruto's reckless determination, this moment would have been impossible. The regrets that once haunted them all… were finally being healed.
Obito and Kakashi dug into their noodles while Rin sat beside them, watching with quiet happiness.
After finishing, Rin gathered the dishes and went to wash them. That was when Obito leaned closer to Kakashi, lowering his voice.
"Kakashi, there's something I need to discuss with you."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow, watching Obito glance nervously toward the kitchen. "What kind of shady thing are you planning? Why are you so afraid Rin might overhear?"
Obito scratched the back of his head, embarrassed. "Well… you saw how Lord Jiraiya and Naruto handled the proposal, right? Naruto's was a success. You know how I feel about Rin. Even though she… was once gone, and is here now again, I still want to marry her."
Kakashi froze for a second, then gave him a long, measuring look. "You're serious?"
Obito's eyes hardened with determination. "Of course I'm serious. My dream since childhood was to become Hokage—and then marry Rin. You already helped me live the Hokage dream, even if only briefly. But I haven't achieved the second part yet. I want to make Rin my wife."
Kakashi smirked faintly. "You really have gone back to being the old Obito."
Obito flushed slightly but didn't look away.
Kakashi leaned back, arms crossed. "Alright. I'll help you. But there's no way I'm handling everything myself. Naruto has experience—you should ask him for advice."
Obito's eyes lit up immediately. "Yeah, that's a great idea! But I can't go myself. Can you talk to him for me?"
Kakashi sighed dramatically. "You know, you were all arrogant and cryptic when you wore that mask, acting like some dark mastermind. Now that you've come back, you're the same clueless idiot from the Academy."
Obito scowled. "What? Don't blame me—you're the one who kept forcing me to use Kamui against you all those years!"
Kakashi slung an arm around his shoulder as the two began walking down the hall. "Listen. Here's the plan. We'll send Rin over to Kushina-sensei's house first. While she's distracted, we'll find Naruto and figure this proposal thing out."
Obito nodded eagerly. "A diversion, huh? Not bad. Like leading the tiger away from the mountain."
Before they could continue, Rin's sudden voice cut through the air.
"Hey! What are you two whispering about over there?"
Both men froze, instantly stiff. They turned around with forced smiles. "Nothing, nothing at all! Hahaha…"
Rin tilted her head suspiciously. "You two are acting really strange today."
Thinking quickly, Kakashi blurted, "Ah! Rin, I just remembered—Kushina-sensei said last night that we should stop by her place again this morning!"
Rin blinked. "Did she?"
"Yes!" Kakashi said firmly, elbowing Obito.
Obito quickly echoed, "Yes, yes, that's right!"
Rin frowned, still doubtful, but both men insisted so confidently that she eventually sighed. "Fine, let's go then."
She was secretly pleased anyway. Going to Kushina's house meant another chance to walk through the village.
So the three of them headed off together.
When they reached Kushina's house, they saw Minato, Kushina, and Naruto already at the door, apparently preparing to leave.
"Oh? Kakashi, Obito, Rin—you're here?" Naruto tilted his head.
Kakashi immediately said, "Ah, didn't you call me last night? Right, Obito?"
"Y-yeah, that's right!" Obito stammered.
Rin stepped forward, holding Kushina's hand. "Kushina-sensei, Kakashi said you asked us to come over today. Is that true?"
Kushina blinked in confusion. "What? Last night? I don't recall—"
Before she could finish, Kakashi shot Naruto a quick look. Naruto instantly understood and jumped in. "Ah, yes! That was me. Something came up, so I asked them to stop by."
Kakashi and Obito both laughed nervously. "Yeah, exactly, hahaha."
Minato, standing nearby, narrowed his eyes slightly. As their teacher, he could tell immediately that they were lying. But seeing Naruto cover for them, he understood. They must be plotting something for Rin's sake.
Naruto stepped closer to his mother, then turned to Rin. "Actually, Rin, perfect timing. My mom is heading over to the Uchiha compound to visit Aunt Mikoto. You should go with her—it'll be nice to catch up."
Rin hesitated, glancing at Obito and Kakashi.
"We've got something to do with Naruto," they both said in unison.
Rin frowned even more. What are they up to? They'd been acting strangely ever since breakfast.
Minato, however, smiled knowingly. "That's a good idea. Rin, come with us. It'll be fun."
Since her teacher said so, Rin had no choice but to agree. "Alright then."
Before leaving, she turned back. "Obito, Kakashi—once you finish your business, let's meet back at sensei's house."
Both nodded quickly.
Obito exhaled in relief the moment she left. Now it was time to plan seriously.
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