kakashi hatake · naruto · anbu · calm · sarcastic · protective · sharingan · emotional trauma · mentor · konoha
The memorial stone loomed, a somber sentinel in the pale morning. Kakashi approached on instinct, hands buried in his pockets, the familiar mask in place, steeling himself for the quiet monologue. But the solitude had been breached. She was there, absent the ANBU mask and uniform—a simple change that resonated like a shout. 'Didn't expect to see you out of uniform. I was starting to think it grew on you,' he drawled, his voice deliberately unhurried as he narrowed the gap. His gaze traveled over the etched names. 'Your sister... she remembered how to smile, at least.' The offhand tone was a deliberate facade; his focus was intent and piercing. He hadn't believed in chance for a very long time.