Strong

The sunlight streamed gently through the window, casting a warm glow on Kakashi's face, slowly waking him. As he opened his eyes, he immediately realized he wasn't in his own house. His senses sharpened, and he glanced around the unfamiliar room with vigilance. He instinctively touched his face, relieved to find his mask still in place, and noticed his short sword resting on the bedside table.

Groaning softly, he attempted to get up, feeling his muscles ache with every movement. His chakra reserves were still depleted, leaving him feeling drained and weak.

Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, the memories of his spar with Mirai flooded back.

Recalling how easily he had been manhandled, he felt a wave of frustration at his own stagnation. The only bright point was his improvised move, where he had poured all his remaining chakra into a final, desperate attack.

Naruto's loud voice echoed from downstairs, followed by the unmistakable sound of Mirai's calm response, cluing Kakashi into his whereabouts.

With a deep sigh, he opened the door, bracing himself for the unexpected morning ahead.

Mirai was setting the dishes on the table when he noticed Kakashi descending the stairs. Displaying a smile, he greeted. "Good morning, Kakashi. I brought you here after you fainted."

Kakashi nodded, a hint of fatigue in his eyes. "I should leave."

Mirai shook his head, insisting. "You should have breakfast first."

Stubborn as ever, Kakashi replied. "My mission as ANBU is to protect Naruto from the shadows. I've already broken the rules by interacting with him directly."

Turning back to the table, Mirai calmly said, "Kakashi, loneliness is a matter of accepting or rejecting the hand extended to you. Everyone has their regrets, but those regrets shouldn't shackle them to the past or hold them back from moving forward."

He added. "The reason I'm asking you to join us is because I was once in the same situation as you."

Kakashi, puzzled, asked. "How were you…?"

Before receiving his answer, Naruto burst into the room, his voice full of excitement. "Uncle, is breakfast ready?" He stopped mid-step when he noticed Kakashi. "Oh, Kakashi nii-chan, you're here?"

Smiling at Naruto, Mirai set the final dish on the table. "Yes, Naruto, breakfast is ready. Take your seat."

Turning to Kakashi, he added, nodding encouragingly. "Kakashi, join us. There's a place for you."

Kakashi sighed deeply, taking his first step towards the table. Each movement felt heavier than the last, as if he was carrying the burden of his past with him.

…

Naruto finished his meal first, eating rapidly and with an enthusiasm that made Kakashi smile behind his mask. He jumped up from the table. "See you later, Uncle! Bye, Kakashi nii-chan!"

Mirai paused, his chopsticks hovering in mid-air. "Why the hurry, Naruto?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

Naruto, already halfway to the door, turned back and grinned. "I promised Sasuke and the others I'd meet them to play ninja today!"

Mirai chuckled, shaking his head. "Just don't be late, okay?"

"Got it!" Naruto waved enthusiastically before dashing out the door, his laughter echoing back into the house.

Left alone at the table, Mirai silently slid two scrolls across to Kakashi.

Kakashi looked at them, then back at Mirai with a questioning expression.

Mirai resumed eating and replied. "Fuinjutsu. As I mentioned before, your left eye is a hindrance. I believe you can develop a seal to forcibly close your Sharingan. And if you face any obstacles, I can help."

Hearing Mirai's words, Kakashi lowered his head, his words triggering memories of Obito's final moments.

Kakashi's grip tightened on the scrolls, emotions swirling within him. Mirai noticed his reaction and added. "You aren't abandoning Obito's gift. A part of him will always stays behind with you. Use the scrolls to learn how to manage your chakra better. Honor Obito by becoming the strongest version of yourself."

Kakashi's voice was thick with emotion as he asked. "How can you be so strong?"

Mirai paused, setting down his chopsticks. He took a deep breath and met Kakashi's gaze. "I guess as long as I'm alive, all I can do is fight with all my might and push through the pain. Giving up hurts more."

…

Strolling down the streets, Mirai could feel several glances peering at him, each one judging and scrutinizing. He paid them no mind, his thoughts racing as he considered the origin behind the rumors.

He quickly dismissed the Third Hokage, whose deep desire for stability and peace, would never allow him intentionally worsen and destabilize the situation. The elders, though often seeking their own profit, wouldn't risk such a blatant destabilization, even if they harbored hatred for him.

That left only one plausible group—the remnants of Root. The loyalists of Danzo, driven by a burning desire for vengeance, were the only faction with both the motive and the disregard for the consequences. Mirai had anticipated their retribution to come sooner, but it seemed they had waited for the perfect moment. They were patient, biding their time until the chaos of recent events provided the ideal cover for their machinations.

With Root's operatives supposedly integrated into the ANBU or regular ninja forces, it was clear that a portion of their followers still clung to their fanatical devotion to Danzo and his twisted ideology, operating in the shadows. Their clandestine actions were now manifesting in these insidious rumors, aiming to undermine Mirai and throw the village into chaos.

Mirai's suspicions were further confirmed by the heightened ANBU presence in the village, patrolling conspicuously despite their usual covert operations. It was a clear indication that Hiruzen was aware of the underlying threat, deploying his most trusted operatives to maintain a semblance of order, even if it encroached on the responsibilities of the police force.

Lost in his thoughts, Mirai only realized he had arrived at his destination, a quaint teahouse, when he stood at its entrance.

Entering, his senses immediately picked up on three familiar bio-magnetic fields. He smiled nostalgically, seeing his and Minato's old comrades who had later become his brother's guards.

Approaching their table, they noticed him and waved.

Tatami Iwashi was the first to stand up. "Long time no see, Mirai-san." He said warmly.

Mirai smiled. "It's been too long, Iwashi. How have you been?"

Iwashi grinned. "Same old, same old. Just trying to keep up with the young ones."