Guilt

Dusk descended, casting a gradual shadow over the horizon, marking the impending arrival of night. The liveliness of the village resumed, reverberating with the echoes of laughter as people engaged in cheerful conversations and shared moments of camaraderie.

Perched atop the ledge of a random building, a solitary figure was sat, his legs dangling 30 feet above the ground. His lustrous crimson hair gently swayed in response to the crisp breeze, and his crimson eyes seemed fixed on the bustling scene below, but he showed not a glimpse of emotion... Or rather, that's what it would look like to a normal person. It may merely seem like he's bored out of his mind, but his eyes portrayed sadness as he gazed at the bustling scene below. His mind was disarrayed, lost in contemplation. The man was none other than Hayato. He was slouched forward, elbows on legs with his hands carrying his head, emanating a rather peeved and self-deprecated demeanor.

A certain situation had transpired earlier, causing him to lash out at Lord Third, and rightfully so. Seeing that his nephew had been brought up in a negative environment, he couldn't help but lampoon over his failure. Initially, he had already felt guilty for dragging it for so long, leaving his nephew temporarily orphaned.

However, it turned out to be way longer than expected.

Additionally, it turned out this mundane decision had become the crux of his current upheaval, as the village failed to supply the youth with a loving home. Hayato couldn't even blame anyone but himself; he had failed Minato and Kushina.

In a way, Hayato was also not very different from Lord Third, which was quite frightening for him. He too, prioritised the peace of the populace, discarding his very own nephew. However, the difference lay in the fact that if Naruto was within reach, he certainly would've monitored his well-being. 

The situations Hayato had dealt with these past 6 years prevented him from returning to the village, and in the meantime, he had thought Naruto was in safe hands, but unfortunately, he was wrong! Despised by the denizens, and cursed upon, Naruto endured this harsh treatment for all this time! As such, Hayato felt an intense indignation, especially against the heads of Konoha!

He had blindly put his hopes in them. 

And so, Hayato sat in solace, embracing the chilly winter air, lost in a daze, ruminating over his failure. The more he pondered, the more his frustration would grow, and glancing at the affectionate scene below that showcased the townsfolk's love for one another, and their unity, Hayato's lips involuntarily pursed.

He had yet to realise that his perspicacity only served as negative inundation on the mind!

"I take it that you had a conversation with Lord Third," a voice echoed, snapping Hayato from his reverie. Hayato retracted his posture, turning his neck to the source, and locking eyes with a familiar individual; the one who had assisted with his fake identity.

The figure's blonde hair swayed gently, his hands were pocketed and he strode toward Hayato with an aura of confidence. His most prominent feature was his long black coat that reached his knees that also swirled under the light breeze; he was none other than Yamanaka Inoichi.

Alarmed, Hayato's eyes widened before he called, "Inoichi-san!"

Inoichi asked, "May I take a seat?"

"Sure I guess," Hayato gestured.

The duo relished in the brisk winds, which also carried the salivating flavours of the street foods, enveloping the terrain in a delicate aroma.

"You seem like you've died a hundred times," Hayato spoke, noting Inoichi's sallow expression that seemed to have paled significantly.

"Haha," Inoichi wryly snickered.

"You should probably take a break or something," Hayato advised tersely.

Inoichi concurred, "Well, I could use a good break."

Hayato's lips parted once again, and he answered Inoichi's former question, "And yes, to answer your first question, I had a word with him."

This was an indication that he had spoken with Lord Third.

"I see..." Inoichi affirmed.

"Though I may have gone over the top, but I won't apologise," Hayato remarked, his tone laced with agony. 

Both adults turned their eyes downward, taking in the vibrant scenes unfolding below. Grown-ups strolled amidst animated conversations with their peers, while children frolicked in lively snowball fights. Families were immersed in tender moments, with kids walking hand in hand with their parents, creating a rich tapestry of activity and connection.

Coupled with the citizens working in harmony with one another, indeed, the spectacle would bring a smile to one's face and a sense of rejuvenation. 

However, Hayato remained stoic. He would have a smile on his face, but now he wondered how Naruto would've felt all this time...

While harboring an innate desire for affection and respect, Naruto not only got the opposite, but would've questioned why it was happening to him. Thinking about this, Hayato clenched his fists, and his heart raced in fear for the youth.

Inoichi realised Hayato's anger resurfacing, and initiated, "The way you feel right now... I won't possibly understand."

Hayato remained silent and hearkened, while Inoichi addressed; "As I said, I have a daughter, my Ino-chan. She's mostly been raised by her mother, and most of the time, I'd be out at work. She would often question when I'd return... complaining why father isn't home... It happens even now."

"I see," Hayato replied.

Inoichi sighed, his shoulders hunched, "I'm a busy man after all, working as the head of the Yamanaka clan, the leader of the Sensory unit, and other amends. I rarely have the chance to communicate with my wife and child, and so Ino-chan would cry sometimes. She would see other kids with their fathers, sharing a loving bond, and having piggyback rides... And though I make time for her, it's very rare." 

He had a warm gaze as he eyed the people below with vigor, envious of the multiple father-son, and father-daughter bonds below, internally pledging that he would find time to be there for his daughter. 

Inoichi's cheeks crinkled in affection, and he chortled with a soft smile gracing his lips, "Well, I say she misses me, but it may also stem from the fact that I always dote on her, and I am much softer on her compared to my wife who tends to be slightly strict, haha."

Hayato snapped back, "I'm certain she genuinely misses you."

Inoichi supported, "Yeah, I guess that's true."

Inoichi continued, "She's a little girl, and she's always waiting for me by the doorstep, even sleeping by the doorstep anticipating my return, and then I'd carry her to bed when I return. I'm grateful that I return to such a loving family."

An elegant portrait formed in his mind of his daughter, who had short blonde hair and blue eyes, and Inoichi tucked her into bed as she succumbed into slumber, drifting into the dreamlands. The little girl had a smile on her face the entire time. Unbeknownst to her, a small smile graced Inoichi's face as he carefully traced his hand down, caressing his daughter's plump cheek. 

Inoichi snapped from his stupor, realising this wasn't his episode, and turned to Hayato; "Hay-, Ahem, Saruto-san..." He immediately corrected, bringing his hand to his mouth in a gesture of re-composure...

"...What I said was probably meaningless to you, and you're certainly angry and guilty by this unfortunate ordeal. I don't want to know how you're feeling, and I hope I'll never have to. I hope I'll never have to embark on some mission and be forced to avoid my daughter."

Once again, a picture of a little girl with short, blonde hair, and blue eyes formed in Inoichi's mind. She was none other than his daughter, and he stood beside her. The adorable father-daughter duo rubbed their cheeks together, with grins extending to their cheeks, sharing a loving connection.

Inoichi advised, his tone filled with sincerity, "Saruto-san, give it your all, and make sure Naruto cherishes the many years to come."

Seeing Hayato was unresponsive, he stood from his spot. 

"Make Naruto smile, be a great relative to him, and treat him as though he were your own son. Guide him, and most importantly... Love him. It probably doesn't mean much coming from me, but... I just felt like I needed to say something," Inoichi exhorted, strolling away and attempting to depart the area.

"Inoichi-san," Hayato called, prompting Inoichi to halt.

All this time, Hayato's mind whirled with an incessant torrent of self-derisive comments. He couldn't help but incriminate himself for Naruto's current state.

However, Inoichi's speech somewhat gave him the boost he needed. In a way, it served as an impetus for his next line of action, heightening his resolve. Naruto had certainly had it hard, but now was not the time for Hayato to sulk. Hayato will grant Naruto a fantastic life where he'll understand the love of a family, and his next step will be to do his utmost to protect his family's precious smiles.

Inoichi judged Hayato's demeanor by the corner of his eye, whose morale and conviction seemed to have been raised, and his eyes seemed to regain vitality, hinting at Inoichi's success. 

"Thank you," Hayato expressed his gratitude, appreciating that Inoichi made time to talk with him. 

"Sure. I'll be looking forward to working with you," Inoichi answered with a smile, subsequently vanishing from his spot and leaving Hayato alone, who continued to embrace the ambiance of his wintry setting...