Ghostly Figure

Chapter 6: Ramen Forged Bonds

- 3rd Person-

The sun rises over Konoha, casting golden hues across the village as the morning unfolds with a promise of warmth. Kakashi walks through the bustling streets with Yui at his side once again, her small hand clutching the fabric of his sleeve. 

Her ghostly white hair contrasts sharply with the sun dress attire she wears, and her crimson eyes, hidden behind protective eyewear, reveal nothing of the emotions she harbors. As they walk, the village hums with life—merchants shouting about their wares, children running through the streets, and the occasional shinobi darting past on their daily duties. But Yui's focus remains inward, where a storm of uncertainty brews.

Kakashi glances down at her, sensing the tension that radiates from the young girl. She's been in Konoha for a few weeks now, yet her wariness remains, her fear of her own abilities isolating her from the rest of the world. Today, though, Kakashi hopes to change that.

He knows that a connection with someone like Naruto—someone with his own burdens to bear—might help Yui find her place in this new life.

They arrive at a small park, a familiar sight for Yui now, though it still feels alien to her. The trees sway gently in the breeze, their leaves whispering secrets she can't quite hear. And in the center of the park, surrounded by a flurry of movement, is Naruto. The young boy is engrossed in his practice, his blond hair gleaming in the sunlight as he attempts to perfect his clone jutsu. His laughter rings out, pure and unrestrained, a sound that's both foreign and fascinating to Yui.

Naruto notices them immediately, his eyes lighting up with excitement as he waves enthusiastically. "Kakashi! Yui! You came to play with me?"

Yui freezes at the park's edge, her heart pounding in her chest. Naruto's energy is overwhelming, and she instinctively shrinks back, half-hidden behind Kakashi's leg. She watches him with wide eyes, unsure how to respond to such unbridled joy. 

The thought of interacting with someone so lively is daunting, but there's also a part of her—a small, quiet part—that yearns for the warmth that Naruto radiates.

Kakashi kneels down beside Yui, his voice soft and reassuring. "It's okay, Yui. Naruto's very friendly. He just wants to have fun with you. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Yui swallows hard, her hands tightening around the fabric of her sleeve. She nods, though her feet feel rooted to the ground. She wants to be brave, wants to step out from behind Kakashi's shadow and meet this boy who seems so eager to be her friend. But fear is a powerful thing, and it holds her back, whispering that it's safer to stay hidden.

Naruto doesn't seem to notice her hesitation. He's already running towards them, a wide grin on his face. "Come on, Yui! I'll show you how to make clones!"

Yui's eyes dart from Naruto to Kakashi, silently asking for guidance. Kakashi smiles gently, giving her a slight nod of encouragement. "Go ahead, Yui. Naruto's been looking forward to this."

Taking a deep breath, Yui slowly steps out from behind Kakashi, her movements tentative. Each step feels like a monumental effort, her body trembling with the effort to push past her fear. When she reaches Naruto, she stands there, silent and uncertain, her gaze fixed on the ground.

Naruto, sensing her discomfort, tilts his head in confusion. But his smile never falters. "It's okay if you're shy! We can start slow. You don't have to do anything you're not ready for."

Yui glances up at him, surprised by his understanding. There's no judgment in his eyes, only patience and kindness. It's a look she's not used to, but it makes her feel a little braver. She nods, a barely perceptible movement, but it's enough to make Naruto's smile widen.