The Forgotten Birthday

Sakumo gently pulled Kakashi into his arms, letting him lean against his chest. The sound of his heartbeat echoed in the quiet night, like a powerful drumbeat.

He closed his eyes tightly, breathing deeply the scent emanating from Kakashi, as if this could make up for the regrets of the past.

"Dad?" Young Kakashi opened his eyes, his eyes sparkling with surprise. "Dad! You're finally back! Do you know what day it is today?"

He shook his head. At that time, he only remembered the village and the mission; he couldn't possibly remember anything else.

He saw Kakashi's eyes instantly redden and his expression of disappointment.

Kakashi's heart was filled with disappointment and anger, and tears welled up in his eyes.

All of this became clear when he went inside and saw the lavish meal and cake on the table, now cold. It turned out to be Kakashi's birthday...

It turns out that Kakashi had already learned to cook such a lavish meal without his knowledge; it turns out he had to fend for himself since he was a child...

Hatake Sakumo walked up to Kakashi, knelt down, and hugged him tightly.

He apologized softly, "Kakashi, I'm sorry, Dad forgot your birthday." His voice was filled with regret and pain. "I know I should have come back sooner to surprise you. But... I really didn't expect to forget something so important."

Kakashi struggled to break free from Hatake Sakumo's embrace, his eyes flashing with anger.

"You're always like this!" he shouted. "You always say you have important things to do in the village, but you never care about me! Do you know how much I was looking forward to this day? Do you know how disappointed I am?"

Hatake Sakumo froze, staring at Kakashi's angry face, his heart filled with pain.

He knew that Kakashi was telling the truth; he had indeed failed in his responsibilities as a father. He tried to explain, but Kakashi was no longer willing to listen to him.

He then went to the Hokage Building the following morning to report on his mission.

Later, he learned many things, such as Kakashi staying up all night waiting for him, Kakashi sitting outside all night and developing a high fever that required medical attention, and Kakashi...

From that day on, Kakashi never waited for him again. As time went by, Kakashi became colder and colder, more and more closed off. He began to lose interest in the people and things around him. Even if he was a genius, what did it matter? No one could enter his heart.

Kakashi began to avoid interacting with people, preferring to stay alone in his room rather than go out and face crowds.

He became taciturn, always giving perfunctory answers to others' concerns and inquiries. His smiles became fewer and fewer, replaced by a cold mask.

At that time, Hatake Sakumo had already noticed Kakashi's change and tried to communicate with Kakashi, but Kakashi always avoided his concern and was unwilling to let him know his true thoughts.

Kakashi has become a monster, no longer like a normal person.

However, in that busy moment, he failed to grasp the seriousness of the situation.

It wasn't until Kakashi met Koki that he felt the child honestly reveal her truest feelings for the first time, and that she made a request of him for the first time.

"Okay." A pang of pain shot through his chest, and he heard his own voice echoing in the air.

Since the identity of a ninja is despised, then I will live as a father!

"Huh?" Hearing the conversation between the Hatake father and son, Koki almost dropped her chopsticks as she was about to pick up some fish. Kakashi... he wants some too...?

Obito looked at Kakashi in astonishment and retorted, "Idiot Kakashi, why are you living here? You have your own home!"

Obito's words voiced Fugaku's doubts. Shisui and Obito were both orphans who had lost their families and belonged to the Uchiha Clan, while Kakashi was a member of the Hatake Clan and had a father, Hatake Sakumo. Occasional visits might be understandable, but wouldn't it be inappropriate for him to stay there permanently?

Hatake Sakumo actually agreed to the matter.

"What's it to you?" Kakashi said to Obito in a cold tone. After speaking, he turned to Koki with a pitiful expression and asked softly, "Koki, is it not allowed?"

"Kakashi, you really are something!" Obito was truly astonished by how quickly Kakashi's expression changed.

Koki the deep grievance and pitiful look in Kakashi's eyes, Mitsuki's heart softened.

Perhaps Uncle Sakumo is too busy. Besides, kids naturally love excitement. Koki readily agreed, "Sure, Kakashi, there are plenty of rooms in the house, so feel free to stay anywhere. It'll be good for everyone to stay here and look out for each other, haha."

Kakashi's eyes lit up with joy, and he excitedly said to Shisui, "Koki is right, there are some Ninjutsu we'll need Shisui's guidance on."

Shisui quickly replied, "Kakashi-senpai, I don't deserve your guidance. We can discuss this together."

"I see, "Koki thought to herself, nodding inwardly. No wonder Kakashi wanted to stay; he admired Shisui's talent and wanted to discuss Ninjutsu with him. That made sense; geniuses always appreciate each other.

Sakumo's mood improved, and he quickly composed himself, raising his glass to thank Fugaku: "Brother Fugaku, Mrs. Mikoto, I entrust my son to you."

Mikoto lightly covered the corner of her mouth and nodded slightly to express her gratitude.

Fugaku raised his glass in response, clinking glasses with Sakumo and drinking heartily. After finishing his drink, he cautiously suggested, "In that case, why don't you come over with us, Sakumo- nii?"

Since Kakashi is living here, then Hatake Sakumo can too. If one day he really breaks with the higher-ups, Sakumo's strength should not be underestimated. If he can join the Uchiha, it would undoubtedly be a powerful support for their clan.

Sakumo put down his chopsticks, pondered for a moment, and finally shook his head. "I'm worried it will cause you trouble. Besides, with Madam here, it's inconvenient for me." He glanced at Mikoto.

Fugaku's invitation tempted him; after all, Kakashi and Koki were there, how could he not linger? However, he worried that it would bring trouble to the Uchiha Clan.

Koki had told him that the Uchiha Clan was a thorn in the side of Konoha High Command, and that he himself was an obstacle to Danzo.

Moreover, these are turbulent times, and the matter of the Military Police Force is not yet resolved. It is not advisable to cause any more trouble. If he comes again, it may put Fugaku in a dilemma.