At the Yakiniku Restaurant located in one of Konoha Market District's quiet corners.
The place was simple, but the welcoming aroma of grilled meat at the entrance always tempted anyone passing by. And for Kushina, this was one of the most comfortable places in the world.
"It's my treat today, so order whatever you like, Kakashi-kun!" Kushina exclaimed enthusiastically as they stepped inside.
Kakashi could only nod stiffly, his steps half a beat behind the red-haired woman. Since earlier, he was still trying to come to terms with the reality that he was actually on a "date" with Kushina.
They sat in a corner of the room, near a window with half-closed bamboo blinds—Kushina's favorite spot, quite hidden from other customers. The small round table in front of them was soon filled with trays of meat, vegetables, and two glasses of warm green tea.
"This place hasn't changed, huh…" Kushina murmured as she started grilling the meat. "Back then, Minato and I often ate here. He always said I ate like a starving shinobi just out of a war."
Kakashi smiled faintly behind his mask. "Well… I can imagine."
Kushina glanced at him. "Hey, does that mean you agree I'm greedy, huh?"
"Eh? N-no, I mean—"
Before Kakashi could explain, Kushina burst out laughing. "I'm kidding, Kakashi-kun! Goodness, you're too stiff! You need to learn to laugh a little."
Kakashi averted his gaze, his cheeks slightly flushed. He was grateful his mask covered his face, because he was sure his expression was too honest right now.
Kushina deftly flipped a piece of meat, then picked up one that was perfectly cooked, placed it on a lettuce leaf, added a little sauce and garlic, and then offered it towards Kakashi.
"Here, try this. I guarantee it's delicious!"
Kakashi froze. Stared at the meat. Stared at Kushina's hand. Then back at the meat.
"Uh… I can get it myself…"
"Shush, no excuses. Just consider this an order from your senpai!"
Finally, hesitantly, Kakashi lowered his mask, bowed his head slightly, and accepted the bite. Kushina chuckled seeing Kakashi's awkward expression.
"Look at your face! You look like a kid being fed by his girlfriend!"
Kakashi nearly choked.
While Kushina was busy grilling the next batch, Kakashi watched her from behind the grill smoke.
Her steps were firm, her voice cheerful, and her presence always filled the space with warmth. But more than that—beside Kushina, he felt… peaceful. Not like usual. There were no painful shadows of the past, no burden as the son of the White Fang, or the student of the Yondaime. Just him, and the woman now sitting opposite him, smiling while picking up meat with tongs.
'Just like this is enough,' Kakashi thought silently.
'Being with her… feels light.'
—-------
After their stomachs were full, Kushina invited Kakashi for a leisurely walk through the village center. Night was beginning to fall, but the sky still glowed orange, and the streets were filled with villagers enjoying the evening atmosphere.
Kushina slipped her hands behind her head as she walked lightly. "When was the last time you took a relaxing walk like this, Kakashi-kun?"
Kakashi looked up at the sky for a moment before answering. "Maybe... since I was still in the academy."
"Is that so?" Kushina smiled gently, then without warning, pulled Kakashi into a small shop. "Come on, let's look at cute things!"
The shop was filled with cat-themed accessories and toys. Kushina picked up a pair of furry cat-eared headbands and immediately put them on Kakashi's head.
"Meow~ Kakashi-kun, you look good as a shy gray cat too!"
"…Kushina-san, please don't…" Kakashi said weakly but didn't dare take them off. The shop owner's amused glance made him want to disappear into another dimension.
Kushina just roared with laughter. "Well, I have to buy one. For Naruto too, haha!"
After leaving the shop, they saw a group of children playing with wooden kunai. One of them tripped and fell—bursting into tears instantly. Without a second thought, Kushina ran towards the child and patiently calmed them down. Kakashi just watched from afar.
And there he thought…
'I didn't have anyone like that back then… No comforting hand when I fell… But Naruto has her. And I… I didn't even realize when, but I feel she has become my protector too.'
…
Not far from the square, the Yamanaka flower garden was still open even though it was getting dark. The fresh and calming scent of flowers welcomed them as Kushina pulled Kakashi inside.
"I want to redecorate the flower pots at home. Come help me choose, Kakashi-kun."
Kakashi just nodded, following the woman's steps among the rows of colorful flowers. Kushina seemed to enjoy the choosing process. Her fingers, accustomed to swinging kunai, now touched the flower petals with extraordinary gentleness.
"Strange, isn't it," Kakashi murmured.
"What?"
"You can punch the Raikage out of the field, but you can also touch flowers like you're touching a baby."
Kushina laughed. "That's because I'm an amazing woman!"
Kakashi smiled. But inwardly, he admitted—it was truly rare to find someone like her. Strong and gentle. Fierce and loving. And her presence filled a void Kakashi hadn't even realized existed until now.
Finally, Kushina chose a silvery-white flower. "Here, this suits you."
"For me?"
Kushina nodded. "A symbol of luck and hope. Maybe you don't believe in superstitions, but… just think of it as a reminder that you're not alone."
Kakashi received the flower with both hands, almost as if receiving something heavier than a kunai.
"Thank you… Kushina-san."
Kushina just smiled, then walked ahead.
And Kakashi stood there for a moment, gazing at the flower in his hand.
—---------------
The night air in Konoha felt cool, the sky adorned with dimly shining stars. Under the lantern light, Kushina and Kakashi stopped in front of Kakashi's house.
"Wow, it's late already…" Kushina said, turning to him with a gentle smile.
Kakashi nodded slowly. "Thank you… for accompanying me today."
"No problem. Today was fun, right?"
"Yeah…" Kakashi seemed to want to say something more, but hesitated. His eyes gazed at Kushina standing gracefully, her red hair gently blown by the night breeze.
Kushina stepped back, preparing to turn around. "Well then, I'll head h—"
"Kushina-san!"
Kakashi finally called out.
Kushina stopped, turning back gently.
"Thank you… for today."
Kushina's smile bloomed—not laughter, not a joke, just sincere warmth.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Kakashi-kun."
Then she left, her steps light as a falling leaf's shadow. Kakashi stood quite a while in front of his gate before finally going inside.
A few hours later, Kakashi sat on his rooftop, the silvery-white flower Kushina gave him still clutched in his hand.
The moon looked beautiful that night.
"I like her…"
Those words, heard in his heart, were finally spoken honestly, albeit only in silence.
"Uzumaki Kushina… not as Naruto's mother, not as the wife of my late teacher, Minato-sensei… but as herself. Cheerful, brave, and warm. She fills an empty space I didn't even know was there."
Kakashi closed his eyes.
The image of Kushina's laughter, her voice calling his name warmly, and the way she teased him full of life—it all flowed back into his memory.
"What should I do now?"
He didn't know the answer. But for the first time, Kakashi Hatake felt… not completely alone.
The flower in his hand, though small, felt like an anchor mooring his heart to someone—Uzumaki Kushina.