Ghostly Figure

Chapter 3: A Treat

-3rd Person-

Three days have passed since Yui was placed under Kurenai's care. In that time, she's been quiet, withdrawn, and lost in her own world.

Kurenai has done her best to make Yui feel at home, offering her warmth and kindness, but the child remains distant, her crimson eyes hidden behind protective eyewear, her thoughts a mystery. Kakashi has visited daily, standing silently in the shadows, watching the house, pondering how to reach her.

Today, he's been given a new task. The Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, has requested to see Yui. It's a formal welcome to the village, but Kakashi knows it's more than that. Hiruzen wants to assess Yui himself, to see the child who has caused so much concern and fear among the elders and leaders of Konoha.

He was well aware that it was Hiruzen who brought out the mission to retrieve her. He knew that he couldn't just leave a hopeless child to die in a village. He forced the elders and the ANBUs to accept his request to bring the displaced child.

As Kakashi approaches Kurenai's home, the weight of the mission still heavy on his shoulders, he feels a rare moment of uncertainty. How do you approach a child who has seen so much, who carries a power she doesn't understand? How do you convince her that she's safe when all she's known is fear and danger?

The door opens before he can knock, and Kurenai stands there, her expression soft but tired. She steps aside, allowing Kakashi to enter.

"She's in the living room," Kurenai says quietly, her voice tinged with concern. "She hasn't said much, but she seems... calmer today."

Kakashi nods, offering her a small smile of thanks, though he knows she can't see it beneath his mask. He walks into the living room, where Yui sits on a cushion, her small form almost swallowed by the oversized fabric. Her ghost-white hair falls over her face, obscuring her eyes, but Kakashi knows she's aware of his presence.

"Yui," he says gently, crouching down to her level. "We're going to see the Hokage today. He wants to meet you and welcome you to Konoha."

Yui doesn't respond, her hands clutching the edge of her cushion. Kakashi waits, giving her time to process his words, but she remains silent. He's come to expect this—her silence, her hesitation—but it doesn't make it any easier.

Kakashi reaches out, offering his hand. "It's okay. I'll be with you the whole time."

For a moment, Yui doesn't move, her small frame tense with uncertainty. Then, slowly, she places her hand in his, her touch light as a feather. Kakashi's heart aches at the fragility of her gesture, the tentative trust she's trying to muster.

He leads her out of Kurenai's home, and they walk through the quiet streets of Konoha. The village is peaceful today, the sun shining brightly overhead, casting a warm glow on everything it touches. But Yui keeps her head down, her steps small and hesitant.

~~~

As they approach the Hokage's office, Kakashi can feel Yui's grip tightening on his hand. He pauses, kneeling down to meet her gaze, even though her eyes are hidden from him.

"It's alright, Yui," he says softly. "Hiruzen-sama is kind. He just wants to welcome you."

Yui doesn't respond, but she nods slightly, the movement so small it's almost imperceptible. Kakashi squeezes her hand gently before they continue.

Inside the Hokage's office, the air is thick with the scent of burning incense, the flickering flames of small candles casting dancing shadows on the walls. Hiruzen is waiting, his warm smile a stark contrast to the serious atmosphere. He's sitting behind his desk, but as they enter, he stands, approaching them with an air of grandfatherly warmth.