Feralghoul117
After years of brutal training in forbidden and secret arts, a lone shinobi returns to Konoha-stronger, sharper, and carrying scars no one can see. Reuniting with Kakashi Hatake, his childhood friend and long-held love, he finds the village changed... and so is Kakashi, now a sensei to Team 7.
As old feelings resurface and dangerous enemies from the past begin hunting him, he is forced to confront the trauma he buried and the fear of being loved. When a deadly mission nearly takes his life, Kakashi realizes too late how much he truly means to him.
This is a story about survival, healing, found family, and learning that love doesn't have to be earned-it can simply be chosen.