Kakashi's next few days were indeed very interesting. He also began to understand what it really felt like to be a parent. Luckily, he had a grasp of both positive and negative outlooks; as most men would only pile up the cons of being a father and use that to complain about it, when it's really unnecessary. And when Kakashi mentions cons, what he really means is the bad things as of why he isn't that great of a father figure. His list goes on for quite a bit.
Just to shorten it, he just can't be that loving and supportive type of father like every other little girl has. Almost a week of taking Tankina in hasn't really settled his nerves about the whole situation. Another thing is, the fact that she has to say with the Third Hokage every weekday while he's always out on missions. There were some days where he didn't have to report in, yes, but it hadn't happened yet. Kakashi subconsciously prayed that it would. With the add on of the Uchiha Massacre that had occurred just the night before Tankina arrived in Konohagakure, Kakashi felt guilty since he didn't have the time to give Tankina some 'adoptive-father-adopted-daughter time'.
Although, in the mean time, Kakashi had begun to plan out enrolling the child into the Academy. Wherever she came from, she most likely had to leave training behind. Not wanting to put a hold on her future as a shinobi, he had set up a meeting with the Academy instructor. The two met up while Tankina was spending her fourth day with the Hokage. Anyone can guess how that went. Kakashi was a bit relieved that the kid could get back on track, and now the Hokage was able to resume the possible mountain of paperwork he had by now.
Evening came around, and Kakashi hopped back on his schedule to pick Tankina up. The kid was as lit up as always whenever he stepped into that office. Not even a week was spent with the officer, and she was already acting like he was her own father. It was strange to him, but hey, kids often get attached quickly.
"Oh, Tankina. I almost forgot to tell you something." He spoke up to the bundle of energy skipping in front of him. The child slowed her pace a big and looked back at Kakashi. She gave a questionable hum to signal that she was listening. Kakashi then came to a stop, making her do the same, "You'll be attending the Academy starting tomorrow." He finished.
All he got in response was a stare. Kakashi swallowed, unable to read how she took the news. He got his answer, though. Before he was able to come back to the present, the girl had already latched herself to his torso. This surprised him. He didn't expect a hug as an answer. Tankina looked back up at the silver haired Jounin. She smiled from ear to ear, eyes wide and glinting with determination.
"I won't let you down. I'll train super hard and become the best ninja ever!" She peeled herself off of Kakashi and turned back around. The rest of the walk home consisted of Tankina chanting on how she'd never give up in a fight or leave her teammates behind. Kakashi now had faith in her. He was certain that she would indeed grow and become an astounding shinobi.
* * *
"Alright, Tankina. It's time to wake up." Kakashi called from the kitchen. The faint aroma of cooking pancake batter clouded up nearly the entire home; which definitely got the kid right to her feet. She threw the covers from on top of her and slid out of bed. She scampered over to the dresser across the room and pulled out a pair of clothes Kakashi had recently bought while she was with the Hokage. She quickly wriggled her way into the navy blue sleeveless top and jumped into her pair of knee length leggings. And once she slipped on her beige skirt, she bounded into the kitchen and took an immediate seat at the table. Of course, she'd brought her sandals with her.
While Kakashi proceeded to cook up the last pancake, Tankina stuffed her feet into her sandals and strapped them down and turned towards the table. Kakashi turned off the stove and set the pan in the sink. He carried the plate of flapjacks over to the kid and set them in front of her. She grabbed the silverware and immediately dug in.
"Looks like it'll rain today." Kakashi mumbled, peering out the window over the sink. He then turned back towards the girl, "Maybe you should take an umbrella." He suggested, donning his ANBU vest. Tankina looked up at him and just shook her head. He blinked questioningly, "You might end up soaking wet. Or worse, sick." He added.
"I don't get sick from the rain. I always walk around and play in it. I haven't gotten sick once." Tankina explained as she swallowed a mouthful of her food. Kakashi blinked again as the child finished off her breakfast in a matter of minutes.
"Now remember, Tankina. Listen to your instructor, follow the rules, don't be rude to other students, be sure you pay attention-"
"I know, I know-"
"And please, do not start any fights. And don't stick around people who are rude to you first. You go and find and adult for help."
"Kakashi, I'm not a baby."
The ANBU soldier gave Tankina a sideways stare, cocking a brow in question. Not a baby? She was literally nine years old. Still young enough to be completely reckless, Kakashi believed. He then stopped, causing Tankina to do the same. Other kids were still flooding into the entrance of the Academy. They were right on time. Tankina looked up at Kakashi, and he looked down at Tankina. Their gazes locked for a good couple of seconds; the longest streak of eye contact they've had in the past week. Kakashi released Tankina's hand—which he'd held the entire walk there.
"I'll be here to pick you up after they let out, alright? Now, go on. Have fun." He reached over and ruffled the kid's hair. She pouted stubbornly then smiled. And off she went, a small smile on her face. She was eager to get back on the track of learning to be a shinobi. She didn't know if it would be anything like what she was taught back home, but she was gladly open to it. Kakashi continued to watch, waiting until she vanished in the crowd of other children and squeezed her way inside before he went on his way to the ANBU headquarters. Luckily, Lord Third allowed him to report in later than his usual time, having knowledge that Kakashi would be walking Tankina to the Academy.
Kakashi kept his gaze on the ground in front of him and his hands in his pockets. Out the corner of his eye, he noticed a small form on the other side of the street, heading in the direction of the Academy. He didn't even need to look up to know that it was a student; who was clearly going to be late with the pace they carried. However, he did have to look up to identify the kid. The mass of spiky, night sky blue hair was unmistakable.
Sasuke Uchiha.
The poor boy had just been released from the hospital. Although he just had a minor scratch on his shoulder, he was given time to calm down from the traumatic event from the night before. Sasuke had lost his entire family in the massacre. Well, sources were still unclear of the whereabouts his older brother, Itachi Uchiha. He could have been involved in the murder, or kidnapped. After all, he was one of the highest ranking ANBU officer, and he was only thirteen years of age.
Kakashi craned his head over his shoulder and watched as Sasuke continued to drag himself along. It was a pitiful sight. Almost heartbreaking.
Tankina... please talk to this boy... you both need someone.
A/N: Yeesh I wasted a shit ton of time procrastinating in this >_>" I'm so sorry (to the, like, five people actually reading this story). I definitely need to try to hop back on this again. But I might have to rewatch Naruto, because it's been 84 years :U
Also I'm really sorry this chapter is short >_<
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The Little Things
Fanfiction[SLOW UPDATES] - [NOT CANON FOR MY OC; HEAVILY BASED OFF OF AU RP'S] Kakashi Hatake was still in the ANBU Ops when his life took a sudden turn. A strange little girl, by the name of Tankina, had stumbled into his life. He took her in, even with a s...
