Minato’s reaction

As the ceremony concluded, Minato made his way down the stage, eager to greet the crowd and express his gratitude. Among the sea of faces, his eyes caught sight of Kakashi approaching him with purpose.

With his customary calm and composed expression hidden behind his mask, Kakashi stood before Minato. Offering his congratulations, he spoke in a measured tone, 'Minato-sensei, congratulations on becoming the Hokage.'

Simultaneously, Kakashi extended a scroll towards Minato, emphasizing the need for privacy. 'I have a gift for you,' he explained, his voice carrying a hint of anticipation.

'I created it myself, dedicating four entire weeks to its completion. I believe it will be a fitting gift, but it's best if you open it in private, sensei.'

Minato's curiosity piqued, he accepted the scroll from Kakashi, a mixture of appreciation and intrigue in his eyes. The exchange between teacher and student held a depth of understanding, forged through shared experiences and the unspoken bond they held.

Minato's surprised voice carried a hint of suspicion as he responded to Kakashi's gift. He expressed his gratitude while also acknowledging Kakashi's transformation. "Thank you for the gift, Kakashi."

"I appreciate it, though you didn't need to go through all this trouble," he remarked, his tone filled with genuine appreciation.

The Hokage's words also revealed his awareness of Kakashi's previous state of mourning. He noted the unexpected change in Kakashi's demeanor, the seemingly newfound strength that allowed him to move forward.

"It appears you have somehow overcome the weight of mourning for Rin and Obito," Minato observed, his voice tinged with curiosity. "I thought you would need more time to heal."

Kakashi, still wearing his mask, nodded slightly, his gaze meeting Minato's. 'Their memories will always be with me, but I realized that dwelling in sorrow won't bring them back,'.

'Instead, I have chosen to honor their sacrifices by striving to protect the Konoha village.'

Minato's suspicion softened, replaced by a sense of pride and understanding. He recognized the growth and resilience within Kakashi, the strength that had blossomed from the depths of loss.

With a reassuring smile, Minato placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "You've grown, Kakashi. I'm proud of the shinobi you've become," he said warmly, a shared bond evident between the former sensei and his student.

Having exchanged their words and sentiments, Kakashi bid farewell to Minato, his sensei and now the Fourth Hokage. With a final nod of respect, he turned away, his footsteps carrying him away from the bustling atmosphere of the ceremony.

In a hushed voice, Kakashi spoke to himself. 'And now, I can finally embark on my own path of improvement.'.