Final Chapter

Chapter Inspiration: Outro by M83

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EIGHT YEARS LATER

"Hold still, Rena."

The child huffed with a pouted lip as Kakashi gathered up the loose strands and pulled it back into a high, tight ponytail.

"If you don't stop squirming, you'll be late."

"But I don't wanna go anymore," she whined, stamping a foot. "What if I'm not good?"

The man couldn't help but chuckle, shaking his head.

"You're going to do just fine, trust me. It won't be easy for any of you, which is why you need to make friends in order to do better."

Turning the girl to face him, the Jounin gave her a reassuring smile.

"You have nothing to worry about. Besides, only last week you couldn't stop talking about being a ninja like your uncle. What's changed?"

Rena continued to pout, heel swiveling back and forth in thought. She did that often when in deep thought. Or worried that Kakashi may not approve of something she had to say.

"Were Mommy and Daddy scared?" Rena questioned.

The question made Kakashi think for a moment, wondering if that were true or not. The Jounin patted the top of her head in encouragement, answering, "I'm sure they were a bit scared, but you know what?"

The pout disappeared and the child leaned forward in anticipation.

"They trained very hard and became the top students in their class."

"Really?" Her eyes brightened in excitement. The man nodded.

"Yes, they were, and I had the pleasure to witness it."

Your mother was a legend, he wished to say. But that was a story for another day when she was older. He wanted her to become the ninja she wanted to be. Not based off someone else's past.

"Now come on," the ninja stood, "I'll walk you to the Academy."

Her small hand slipped into his as they exited the apartment and joined the bustling streets of Konoha.

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Kakashi,

If you're reading this, then I guess I didn't make it back. I'm sorry. I knew what I was doing. But was hoping that things went a little differently. One could only hope.

I knew it was Sasuke that became the serial killer hunting down other rogues. He didn't see me behind the mask when I was part of No Face. I lied when I said I didn't see their faces. Then I left No Face before they could hunt the others. I left them all behind to fend for themselves. Because I was scared. Confused. Angry. Selfish. I'm not a good person.

I wanted to join them, Kakashi. For the first time in a long while I was happy. To be away from Konoha. To feel as if I was doing some good in this world. I was fighting for peace, and I didn't feel like an empty shell while doing it. There were no strings on me. I was completely in control of the mission. I told Beon who I was, and he didn't kill me. If anything, he was thankful for my honesty and invited for me to stay. I could have returned to Konoha that night – earlier than expected – and told the Hokage to stand down. Because none of them were a threat to the greater good. I stayed which delayed my report. I wondered later if I should have just left. Because then I would have never found out Sasuke's secret. When Taka wounded some of the members and Sasuke killed Beon right in front of me, I couldn't do anything to stop it. I had become careless. The seemingly perfect world I finally began to construct for myself crumbled before my very eyes. And I couldn't pick the pieces back up again.

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"Get you anything else?" the man on the other side of the counter asked.

Grunting under the cloak, the barman turned away without refilling the glass. He catered to distributors who had just entered.

"Mornin' boss! Got a new shipment in for you today!"

"About damn time! Give Ichiro hell the next time you see him for cutting it so close!"

"Ah, you know how it is," spoke another. "Been in a drought, we have. Be happy you're getting anything."

As the group continued to converse, the men's eyes couldn't help but shift towards the only person left in the bar.

"He still here?"

"Hasn't gone home since last night," the owner answered. "Night crew says he wouldn't leave."

Leaving the money on the counter, the quiet patron moved from the stool and outside away from their whispers and prying eyes. He squinted against the harsh rays of the sun, tugging the hood more over his face and slowly moved into the streets.

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It's as you said once, 'If you live long enough to become a hero you may grow to see yourself become the enemy'. I begged him to give it up without telling him I knew and he wasn't ready. I knew Sasuke was never going to stop. So I took it upon myself to end him. Naruto and Sakura wouldn't be able to find it in themselves to kill one of their own team members after thinking he had returned with good intentions. And you have enough of a weight to carry on your shoulders. But if you're reading all this... looks like I finally met my match. Dying wasn't part of the plan.

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Kakashi smiled down at the girl, who hummed quietly at his side. She swung their arms back and forth between them. No longer wishing to not go to the Academy.

"Uncle Kakashi, when will I learn how to use a kunai?" Rena questioned.

"When Iruka thinks you're ready," he answered honestly.

She grinned widely. "I can't wait to learn about all the countries! And how to make a clone. The next Hokage is so cool he can make hundreds of them."

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I only wished I could have returned your feelings in some way, Kakashi... that I could have been a different person. I'm selfish, really. But in my heart, I knew I could not make you happy. I was too broken to give you what you wanted. Hopefully one day you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

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He moved through the alleys and streets ignoring everyone around him. The quicker he got back to the compound, the better. Even with the new deal the Hokage had made with him to leave exile once every two months due to 'good behavior', really it was because ninja were tired of 'babysitting' him. He didn't speak with anyone. Many ninjas were not happy with the verdict. Some threatened to cause harm to him if they crossed paths. That was when Ibiki and Tsunade stepped in so he didn't end up dead. Not that he was bothering anyone, keeping to himself all these years. There was only so much damage an ex-ninja could do without chakra. And would he even try to stop them? He deserved all of it honestly.

Sometimes he would visit her grave. Sometimes he'd gather more food if the stash delivered to him once a month was depleting. That only happened if someone was willing to sell to him though. More often than not he would drag himself to that bar to drown his sorrows. It was the only time he could feel numb to life. There was no telling how long this limited freedom would last though. Naruto was now in line to take over in a matter of months. The knucklehead was nowhere close to forgiving him. Not to say that Tsunade had. He knew he was still being watched, moving through the Village.

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I've always known I was in love with Sasuke Uchiha. Nothing could ever change that, even if I was too blind to see it at the time.

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Merchants waved to Kakashi and Rena as they passed. Some offered kind and encouraging words to the child, which only made her grin widened. Approaching the Academy, more and more parents and children joined them. A few students walked with their friends instead, and as the building loomed closer Rena's grip tightened.

"It's all right, Rena," Kakashi reassured. "Look who's waiting for you."

The nervous expression on the girl's face disappeared upon spotting Iruka greeting the students along with other senseis to a new term. Upon seeing the duo, he waved over to them with an encouraging smile. Nodding in greeting, Kakashi stopped a few feet from the door so not to be interrupted by the crowd. He crouched down to Rena's height.

"I'll see you at the bell," he said. Kissing the child's forehead, she scanned the crowd.

"Rena!"

At the sound of her name and a grin came to her lips as she rushed towards a friend, who was still saying goodbye to her parents. Breathing a sigh of relief, Kakashi stood, watching the exchange and waiting for the child to disappear inside.

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I don't deserve to ask you to do this for me, but you are the only person I can trust. I found out a few weeks before making my decision to hunt Taka that I could no longer think for myself. A new addition to the equation of life. This needed to end for their sake. I'm sure you can guess whom it belongs to. I couldn't allow history to repeat itself. If I do not make it, but managed to save them, please watch over my child. I'm asking you to be their protector, their legal guardian.

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Having forgotten the start of the new term, the young man found himself surrounded by children and their parents. Though many were smart and stayed far away. Without looking suspicious to suddenly find another path, the stranger continued through the crowded area to reach the other side. He wished to get as far away from the Academy as possible.

"Come on, Rena!"

His head only picked up for a moment, watching as two girls passed by. Careful to move out of their way since neither were paying attention. However, he paused mid-step, brows pinching and turning fully around to watch the child with dark hair and pale skin who talked with Iruka excitedly. Feeling as if being watched, the young man glanced over to see Kakashi. The man stared at him with a narrowed eye in warning. He couldn't help himself, looking back to see the child turn away, dark eyes peering in their direction. She waved goodbye to the Jounin and disappeared inside.

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You don't have to tell him if you don't want to. Or anyone else. It's your decision when the time comes. I trust you to make the right decisions for their happiness and well-being.

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And as the pieces began to fall into place, realization hit him. He stared at the Jounin in surprise, allowing his mask to slip. It couldn't be... how...

"As you were, Sasuke," Kakashi warned.

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It does not matter, the blood that runs through their veins. Or which Kekkei-Genkai they could possess should they choose to become a ninja. Whatever path they take, still have faith all the same. Be sure their story is not as tragic as ours.

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The loner was wide-eyed, mutely turning away to continue in the direction he was going. His chest hurt, the pain breaking through the drunken daze. But he didn't stop to ask questions or chase after the child. Even if by some miracle what he had just came to realize were in fact true, it was no business of his after what he had done. He didn't deserve that happiness. Kakashi watched him go, not taking his eye off the criminal for a moment until he disappeared from sight.

"Surprised to see him here," Iruka commented, coming up beside the Jounin.

"How unlucky for us," Kakashi stated.

"Did he figure it out?"

"Even if he didn't, I'm bringing this interaction up to the Hokage." To prevent the Uchiha from roaming near the Academy again. The last thing any of them needed was for the two accidentally meeting if he wasn't present.

"She'll be looked after here, don't worry," Iruka reassured.

Because the Chuunin was one of the few people in the Village Kakashi confided in to the secret behind Rena. But now moving forward... more would have to know... eventually. Especially since the girl had officially entered the Academy. Her skills would grow in one way or another given her lineage. That was something he wasn't looking forward to explaining when the time came.

"I know," the Jounin said. "Teach her well, Iruka. I'm counting on you."

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Please let them know how much I love them.

I believe there is a better world. One without death, and heartbreak. A world that is not burning, but peaceful. And I am waiting for you all there.

I will see everyone again one day and look forward to it. Hopefully not too soon though. You all have a lot to still live for.

Goodbye for now,

Mai Be Fong