Chapter 59:– Bonds Forged Beyond Time
Akira returned home with Mikoto and Fugaku after the graduation ceremony. The small family had prepared a celebration meal. Mikoto, despite being heavily pregnant, insisted on cooking a few special dishes while Fugaku helped. The warm chatter filled the house, and Akira felt a deep sense of belonging. Yet, as he looked at the couple, he quietly decided to give them their time together.
After clearing the table, Akira excused himself. With a polite smile, he left the Uchiha household and walked through the evening streets of Konoha. His feet carried him almost instinctively to Kakashi's home. The boy was waiting, as though he had been expecting Akira. Without many words exchanged, they nodded to each other and, together, they cast the shadow clone that allowed them to slip into Akira's secret dimension.
Inside, Sakumo Hatake was waiting. The White Fang greeted them with the same steady warmth he always showed. His gaze lingered longer on Kakashi, pride mixing with sorrow in his eyes.
"You've both done well," Sakumo said softly. "Graduation at your age… the world is pushing you too fast. But I'm proud."
Kakashi looked down, his usual cold mask trying to hide the emotions stirring within him. "It doesn't matter," he muttered. "I'll do what needs to be done."
Akira sat beside him, giving a small smile. "And you won't do it alone. Remember, that's the whole point of being shinobi. No one can carry everything by themselves… not even you, Kakashi."
The words hung in the air. Sakumo's eyes softened as he saw his son's defenses waver just a little. He placed a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Listen to him, Kakashi. He understands better than most."
To lighten the mood, Akira stood up. "Speaking of doing things alone, how about I show you something Mikoto taught me?" He waved his hand, and in the middle of the dimension, a small kitchen setup appeared. "Tonight, I'm the cook."
Kakashi blinked. "You? Cooking?"
Sakumo chuckled, something rare but genuine. "Well, I'll trust you with that, Akira."
Akira got to work, his movements precise. He prepared rice, grilled fish, and a few simple side dishes, recreating what Mikoto had made earlier that evening. Kakashi, despite himself, kept sneaking glances at the food, the smell breaking through his usual stoicism. Sakumo watched with quiet gratitude, as though this moment was healing a wound even time couldn't touch.
When they sat together to eat, Kakashi's mask was lowered just enough for him to take a bite. His eyes widened slightly. "…Not bad."
Akira grinned. "Not bad? That's high praise coming from you."
Sakumo laughed, shaking his head. "It's more than not bad. It tastes like family. I'd forgotten what that felt like."
The three of them ate slowly, talking between bites. For a while, the weight of the outside world—of wars, losses, and responsibilities—felt far away. Inside this dimension, there was only warmth, light, and the bond between them.
When the meal was done, Akira cleaned up while Kakashi sat quietly beside his father. Sakumo placed a hand on both their shoulders.
"Remember this night. The world will grow darker before it grows brighter, but moments like these… they are what will keep you human."
Akira and Kakashi nodded silently. The dimension glowed faintly around them, as though it too wanted to preserve this moment forever.
Far away, beyond this pocket of warmth, the war rumbled at the borders. But for now, in this secret place, family came first.
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