Ghostly Figure

Chapter 11: First Day Jitters

-3rd Person-

The early morning sun had only just begun to peek over the horizon when Kakashi Hatake stirred from his restless sleep. Today was a monumental day, not just for Yui but for him as well. 

For weeks, he had been preparing for this moment, knowing that it would bring challenges unlike any they had faced before. Yui, with her fragile heart and timid nature, was about to take her first steps into the world of the Ninja Academy, a place teeming with children who would not understand her—who might even fear or ridicule her.

Kakashi sighed heavily as he dressed, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. Yui had come so far in the past few months, slowly but surely warming up to him, Kurenai, and even Naruto. Yet, the Academy was an entirely different environment, filled with noise, activity, and the unpredictable behavior of young children. 

The mere thought of Yui being overwhelmed, lost, or hurt in such a place made his chest tighten with worry.

As he prepared to leave his home, his mind raced with thoughts of how best to support Yui through this day. He knew she would be terrified, that her instinct would be to retreat, to hide from the world. But today, she couldn't hide. Today, she had to face the world head-on, and he had to be there to guide her through it.

The morning air was cool and crisp as Kakashi made his way to Kurenai's house, his heart heavy with a mixture of concern and determination. He arrived at the familiar door and knocked gently, listening as soft footsteps approached from within. When the door opened, Kurenai stood there, her face lined with worry, yet she managed to give him a small, tired smile.

"She's been up all night," Kurenai said softly, stepping aside to let Kakashi enter. "I tried to reassure her, but she's really struggling with the idea of going to the Academy."

Kakashi nodded, his gaze drifting down the hallway toward Yui's room. He could sense the anxiety radiating from behind the closed door, and his heart ached for the little girl. 

"I'll go talk to her," he said quietly, already moving toward the room.

As he approached Yui's door, he knocked gently, his voice calm and soothing. "Yui? It's Kakashi. Are you ready to go?"

There was no answer, only the faint sound of rustling from within the room. He tried the door handle and found it unlocked. Slowly, he pushed the door open and stepped inside, his eyes immediately scanning the space.

The room was just as neat and tidy as always, but something was amiss. 

Kakashi's eyes were drawn to the open closet door. He took a step closer, his voice gentle but firm. 

"Yui? Are you in there?"

A soft sniffle reached his ears, confirming his suspicions. Yui was hiding, too frightened to face the day. He crouched down, peering into the small, dimly lit space where Yui had curled up, her tiny body trembling, her face buried in her knees.

"Yui," Kakashi said softly, extending his hand toward her, but stopping short of touching her. He didn't want to scare her any further. 

"It's okay. There's nothing to be afraid of."

Yui shook her head, her small voice barely a whisper as she replied, "I... I can't do it, Kakashi... I'm too scared..." Her words were laced with a deep-seated fear, the kind that made Kakashi's chest tighten with sorrow.

Kakashi's hand hovered in the air, uncertain. He wanted to reach out and pull her into his arms, to hold her until the fear went away, but he knew that wouldn't be enough. "I know it's scary," he said gently, his tone soft and understanding.