Become Stranger

After speaking, Rin couldn't look at Kakashi, her heart pounding rapidly. This was essentially another way of confessing her feelings for him.

Kakashi couldn't help but chuckle at her words. He wanted to tell her he liked her too, but it would seem too sudden considering he had just rejected her confession a few days ago. Besides, they were still young, with plenty of time ahead. Kakashi was only 12, and Rin was just 13.

"Alright then, I'll keep wearing the mask," Kakashi said gently. As he spoke, he put his mask back on.

Hearing this, Rin's body trembled slightly, her heart fluttering. Kakashi clearly understood her meaning and agreed to her request. Did that mean...?

Her mind started to wander, filled with sweet thoughts. Just as Rin was about to express her feelings again, the door to the hospital room opened.

"Kakashi, Rin, are you two alright?"

A sweet voice called out, and a beautiful figure with long red hair appeared before Kakashi and Rin.

"Kushina-sensei!"

"Kushina-sensei!"

Both Kakashi and Rin called out in surprise and delight. It was Kushina, their teacher's wife.

"She's even more beautiful in person! Prettier and sexier than in the anime!" Kakashi couldn't help but admire Kushina silently. He envied Minato for having such a stunning wife with a great figure. Her delicate skin and long, shapely legs were incredibly captivating. Kakashi only glanced at her briefly, knowing it would be awkward if he stared.

Although Kakashi liked beautiful women, Kushina was Minato's wife and the Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails. The mysterious masked man was always watching her. Kakashi wouldn't dare have any inappropriate thoughts.

Even so, a little harmless fantasising was fine. Kakashi realised that the original Kakashi was similar—a typical closet pervert, so it was no wonder he loved Jiraiya's "Icha Icha" series.

"I'm glad you two are okay. I didn't expect Obito to sacrifice himself on this mission. If I had known, I would have killed more Iwa-nin on the front lines," Kushina said with a sweet, happy smile, then suddenly shifted to a fierce expression, waving her fist. Kakashi couldn't help but sweatdrop at her change in demeanour.

Though Kushina regretted Obito's death, she wasn't profoundly affected. She had seen many comrades die in the Third Great Ninja War.

Hearing Kushina mention Obito, both Kakashi and Rin's eyes darkened. Kakashi was annoyed at being forced into the Anbu because of the Sharingan, while Rin mourned Obito's death.

"Oh no, I said the wrong thing. As punishment, I'll treat you both to ramen. I heard a new place called Ichiraku Ramen is good," Kushina said, realising her mistake. Her sweet smile seemed to lift their spirits instantly.

"Great! I've been cooped up in the hospital for two days. It's a good chance to get out," Rin said with a smile.

Kakashi had no objections. He jumped out of bed, and his injuries were no longer problematic. Hearing about Ichiraku Ramen, he felt excited. He wondered if the ramen was as good as it would be in ten years, even though he had never tasted it then.

At Ichiraku Ramen, Kakashi saw the young owner and tasted the ramen. It was excellent, and Kakashi had three large bowls.

After eating, Kakashi bid Kushina and Rin farewell and returned to the Hatake residence.

The Hatake residence was just a large house. Apart from Kakashi, there were no other family members.

Since Kakashi's father, the White Fang of Konoha, committed suicide six years ago, and his mother died of illness less than two years later, Kakashi had been alone.

"Damn, this big house is wasted with just me living here. I should have Rin move in," Kakashi muttered upon seeing the empty house. The original Kakashi was used to solitude, but he wasn't. Knowing that Rin was also alone, he thought about inviting her to stay.

"But first, I need to become stronger. I must endure this loneliness and transfer Kakashi's combat experience to myself. I also need to get used to the discomfort of the Sharingan," Kakashi reminded himself.

"Tomorrow is the funeral. I will see many familiar faces, just in their younger days," Kakashi thought, looking forward to seeing many young Konoha legends at the funeral.