Kakashi, a genius ninja, had always been seen as cold and heartless by most of Konoha's villagers.
When his father died, Kakashi didn't cry. He simply packed up his father's belongings in silence and applied for early graduation.
Surrounded by countless enemies during the Ninja World War and pushed to the brink, he didn't cry.
His friends and loved ones passed away, his teacher died in battle, and he was left alone in the world. He woke from thoughts of them on countless nights, but he still didn't cry.
Now, a smile as warm as the one he remembered from long ago had struck him without warning. Like a ray of sunlight breaking through his guarded heart, it pulled him out of the darkness.
At that moment, the "cold and heartless" Kakashi began to cry...
Before he knew it, tears were streaming down his cheeks and reaching the corners of his mouth.
So tears were salty!
"Sensei!"
At that moment, Kakashi could no longer hold back his tears. Years of pent-up grief and longing poured out like a flood bursting through a dam, and he sobbed like a child.
"It's all right. I'm here."
Minato gently held Kakashi in his arms and said softly:
"You've worked hard all these years."
"I... I... I really missed you all so much, Minato-sensei!" Kakashi said between sobs.
Minato smiled and ruffled Kakashi's hair.
"Me too! That's why I came back!"
It took a long while for Kakashi to regain his composure. He scratched his head awkwardly and said:
"So you're the director of the Countermeasure Department! I was wondering who could be that capable. Heh, if it's you, it's no surprise!"
Minato chuckled at Kakashi's words.
"By the way, Aoba said you just became a Reincarnator too. Let's add each other as friends!"