In Konoha's cemetery, the afternoon sunlight filtered through gaps in the leaves, scattering patches of light and shade across the ground.
A figure stood quietly before the gravestone engraved with "Rin Nohara," his silver-white hair stirring gently in the breeze.
Kakashi was not wearing his standard ANBU gear, only a simple dark shirt. Holding a bouquet of freshly picked white wildflowers, he bent down and gently laid it before the grave.
"It's been a long time, Rin."
His voice was soft, as though he feared disturbing something.
"I've been pretty busy in the ANBU lately, but it's been fulfilling. Ever since Senior Tianyi took over the Leaf Village's overall planning, things in the village have been running much more smoothly.
"Patrol rotations, mission assignments, and supply distribution are all well organized. The pressure on the ANBU has eased considerably, too, so everyone has more time to improve themselves.
"A couple of days ago, I visited the new medical building. Senior Tianyi personally designed its chakra pathway examination room. They say it can more than triple the rate at which patients recover."
As Kakashi spoke, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.
"If you were still here, you'd probably be really interested. You always had a talent for Medical Ninjutsu.
"When I visited that day, I even thought that if you were here, you might be able to study the equipment."
He paused, his gaze settling on the name engraved on the gravestone, and fell silent for a moment.
"And there's...
"Anyway, the Leaf Village is getting better every day."
Kakashi lowered his head and sighed softly.
"It's just... you can't see any of it anymore."
The wind swept through the cemetery, rustling the leaves. Kakashi said nothing more. He simply stood there quietly, spending a little longer with someone