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A few weeks had passed since Minato found Kakashi at Obito's house. They both spent that time processing the fact that there was no more Obito running around and yelling 'I'm gonna be Hokage!'
However, Minato requested that he and Kakashi take a look at Obito's house because he wanted to know his late student better. He knew it would never be enough, but better late than never.
And that's where they currently were, standing in front of the run down building under the scorching hot midday sun. They decided to enter through the door because, "Sensei, it exists there for a reason."
Minato opened the door and upon entering, he was greeted by the messy living room that he never got the chance to notice last time. The house basically screamed Obito and it broke Minato's heart again.
"Kakashi, can you show me around? Tell me about the fun you had here." Kakashi nodded.
"This sofa," He started, leaning on its back, "Is where he liked to do everything. We spent countless nights watching action movies and reading comics here."
"Didn't know you liked that."
"I didn't either. I never knew I'd enjoy them that much. This is also where he liked to fall everytime he came exhausted from a mission. He had a habit of spilling food and drinks a lot here. See this stain?" A nod, "The hot chocolate he accidentally spilled on me once."
He toured him through the house, telling him stories here and there, "Someone let the emergency alert in the compound as a prank and said that an earthquake was coming. He quickly grabbed me and hid under the kitchen table. When I tried to get up because nothing happened, he didn't let me. We stayed like this for two hours until someone said it was a joke."
Minato gave his student a gentle smile at the story. They went upstairs to his room. Kakashi sat on the bed, Minato following behind.
"Under this bed was his safe space. This is where he allowed himself to be weak and cry. His most private area. I've walked in on him several times crying under the bed but he quickly wiped his tears and acted like it was nothing. One time, though, I was feeling really blue and he, without words, just pulled me down there and told me that it was safe here because nobody would know if I cried except him. He offered me a hug and I think this was the only time I ever cried in front of someone. Well, except you." Even when his voice sounded monotone, Minato managed to detect the edge of longing in there.
"Was this the only time you went down there?"
"No, after that, whenever I was not feeling well and he was home, I would just open the window and go straight under the bed. He would soon join me. Sometimes he would ramble about a lot of things and fill the silence, others he would stay silent and lean his head on my shoulder. This was the only time I cried, though."
"I want to see what it's like, can I?"
Kakashi was reluctant at first to show their safe space to Sensei but eventually agreed. They both went down under the bed and discovered the fort Obito and Kakashi built.
There was some comic books that their late friend forced him to read, but he secretly enjoyed, empty ramen cups laying in a corner, a torch, a blanket, a picture of team 7, and a notebook that Kakashi quickly recognized.
"What is this?" Minato pointed towards it.
"The notebook that he specifically told me to never open. I think it's his diary."
"Okay then, leave it closed."
"Sensei, can I open it?"
"I don't know about that. Didn't he tell you to not open it?"
"I want to respect his wishes but I'm really curious," Kakashi said as he reached for the notebook.
"Kakashi, what you're about to do is a crime, y'know," His student only gave him an exasperated look, "Maybe not a one that the law punishes for but you know what I mean."
"He usually kept this notebook on his desk beside the window. If he left it here that means he wrote something very recently before his death. I wonder what his last thoughts were."
Sensei only shook his head, "If obito could see us right now, he would kick our butts."
Kakashi opened the first entry:
January 17
Today was officially my last day in the academy. They assigned the teams. I was paired with Rin, the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. I love her so much. But I was also paired with Kakashi >_<. He's the most annoying kid in class. Seriously, he's so stuck up just because he's a Chunin and he picks on me and treats me like I'm stupid. I guess nothing is perfect. I'll endure everything if I could be with Rin.
Also, today we got to meet our Sensei. He's really weird but kind. He's very strong, too. I heard people call him the yellow flash. They say he's the fastest Ninja ever. That's so cool ＼(°o°)／.
"He thinks I'm weird." Minato said.
"Well, that's better than being annoying. He hated me."
"But that was before you guys got to know each other, right? All you did before was fight."
"Yeah, I guess you're right."
February 27
Today, Minato Sensei's wife, Kushina-san took us on a picnic. It was really windy outside but enjoyable. I had a lot of fun talking, laughing and playing with her and Rin. I even had a small battle against her. She won of course. She's really strong. I heard Minato-Sensei say that she's the jinchuriki to the nine tails. That's like the coolest thing ever. She also wants to be Hokage, but I'll beat her to that!
What bothered me today was Kakashi. He is still as distant as ever. I listened to Minato-Sensei's advice and tried to get along with him but he insulted me. That guy knows how to get on my nerves. We ended up fighting again. I wonder what happened in his life to make him such a jerk.
Minato eyed Kakashi. "What?" His student said.
"He was trying since the very beginning."
"I know," He looked down, "He's right. I was being a jerk."
"I'm glad that you realized before it was too late." Sensei smiled.
March 5
Minato-Sensei is the best teacher ever. He always encourages me with kind words and is patient when I have trouble doing the Jutsu. Sensei also treats me to my favourite ramen shop from time to time, like today! I'm very grateful for that. Thank you, Sensei!
One thing that bothers me, though, is how Sensei has most of his attention on Rin and Kakashi. I know why, because Rin is the 3 tails Jinchuriki and Kakashi is really strong and special. I wish I was as strong as them. I wish Sensei would give me more attention, too. But it's okay! I know they deserve more attention because they are stronger. Besides, I have Kushina-san!
Tears stung at Minato's eyes, "Obito, please forgive me. I swear I didn't know better. I promise you're as good and strong as Kakashi and Rin. I hope you find a space in your big heart to forgive me."
"Sensei..."
"Sorry, Kakashi, I need a moment," Minato turned away and wiped the tears from his eyes, muttering under his breath, "Damnit, why do we realize things when it's too late?"
Kakashi fliped to another page after Minato was done.
April 15
I finally got Kakashi to spend time with me. I took him to an arcade. I can't believe he's never been to an arcade. Is there a kid out there who's never been to an arcade?! I'm beginning to think that Kakashi is an alien in a 12-year-old's skin.
Anyway, I had a lot of fun today. I don't know if he did because he is so devoid of human emotion, but he seemed a little bit better by the end, so I'm gonna assume he did.
Also, how can someone who's never played video games be THIS good at it?! Like, he's not that good but he's still good. But this is the first time I ever beat him in anything. He only won six rounds out of thirty. I'm gonna make sure to rub it in his face for the rest of the week.
"He did," Kakashi exasperated, "He really did."
He received a chuckle yet again from Sensei.
April 23
Today was a good mission. Sensei let me lead the attack on the target Ninjas. I blew out the fire ball Jutsu that I just learned. I managed to take one down while Kakashi and Sensei dealt with the rest. I'm so proud of myself, because, this is the first time I ever take an enemy Shinobi down. That's one step closer to becoming Hokage (◍•ᴗ•◍)
Also, Sensei said he's proud of me (つ≧▽≦)つ
"Awe, Obito, you're so adorable." Minato cooed.
June 11
Kakashi showed me his favorite hobby. Fishing. It kinda suits him, just as lonely and silent. I had trouble sitting still, but I tried for my friend. At last, Kakashi caught 5 big fish and I caught 2 small ones. I like trying new things, however, l don't get how you can sit around and do nothing for hours like that. But alas, Kakashi enjoyed it and I would gladly do it with him again.
"Obito's an angel." Minato commented.
"Yes, he looked quite annoyed at this but he still endured it for me. Oh man. He even insisted that we go again a couple other times because he knew I enjoyed it."
June 24
Kakashi found out about my safe space. He caught me crying today. That was so embarrassing. Thank God he didn't know the reason. I cried today because Rin doesn't love me. She loves Kakashi. I have done everything I could to get her attention but she still loves him more. I don't hate Kakashi, but part of me envies him for winning Rin's love without even trying.
It's not like I blame her. He's way stronger and more handsome. I wish I was like him more. Even his personality is more charismatic. I'm just so loud and annoying. Aren't Uchihas supposed to be cold and handsome? Why wasn't I blessed with that?
"No, Obito, you're perfect," Minato directed his words to someone who couldn't hear him, "God, you're better than the other Uchihas. You have the kindest heart I've ever seen. Your heart is made of gold. You're not stuck up and distant. No, you're gentle and sweet. And your features, they are not ugly. Your face is soft and light, welcoming and warm. Anyone would be stupid to not think you're handsome."
"I wish he could hear you, Sensei."
"Me too..."
July 7
Today, something that I never thought would happen happened. I found Kakashi sitting on my bed. He entered through the window just like he always does, uninvited. However, he was crying. It completely shocked me. Kakashi never cried. I didn't know what to do because he was just sitting there silently with tears streaming down his face.
I pulled him under my bed and kinda sat like this awkwardly. He finally spoke and told me today was his father's death anniversary and he was feeling very lonely. I am honoured that Kakashi felt comfortable enough with me and trusted me enough to share such a sensitive secret. I hope I provided him with the comfort he needed because I really tried my best. After that, I heated two ramen cups for us and spent the rest of the night reading comics until we passed out.
Kakashi's cheeks flushed a bright pink and he looked down. Minato only smiled wider at his cute student.
August 18
It's become a common occurrence for me to just find Kakashi under my bed at random times. It's not always because he needs comfort, though. Turns out he's a human and likes fun too. Most of the time, like today, we just talk about our day, play with my portable video game player, or read comics, all while eating ramen. Today, he insisted that we play cards. To be honest, I never expected it to be this fun. He still won of course :(.
"I'm enjoying this." Minato exclaimed.
"Obito is so entertaining."
September 2
I'm beginning to lose hope. It's been nine months since I became a Shinobi and I don't see any improvement in my skills. I learned only one Jutsu and I'm not even that good at it. Kakashi and Rin learned a lot of Jutsus and improved their chakra control but I can't. I can't even use my Sharingan. Maybe I'm not fit to be a Ninja.
"No, Obito..." Kakashi whispered, "You're more than fit to be a Ninja."
They were nearing the end of the notebook, closer to the day that Obito died.
September 18
That's just it. I've reached my limit. I think this is the most I will ever get as a Shinobi. No amount of training is improving me. I really hate myself for being weak. I wish I was stronger. I don't deserve the Sharingan. I bet someone like Kakashi would make better use of them. I really want to be Hokage but will it ever be true?
Minato hated how the entries got darker as they neared the end. He hoped that they would end on a good note but Obito's self hatred was getting the best of him. Not that Minato blamed him. He wished he could give his dead student a hug.
They reached the last entry. The day before his death.
October 9
Sensei took us to the new restaurant in town. It was his treat before the upcoming big mission. It's really good that we got to spend some time with each other. I promised Kakashi that when we get back from the mission, we would watch my all time favourite movie together. I can't believe we still haven't done that. I even bought a big container of the ice cream he told me about today. He said it was his favorite. Did Kakashi even like sweets?
To be honest, though, I don't think we will ever get to watch this movie together. I don't know if any of us would make it out alive. No, I know the others would make it, I'm just not sure about myself. It's an S ranked mission that deals with war criminals. How would a weakling like me survive? I'm not backing off, though! If (when) I die, I die a hero, not live a coward.
Sorry about the movie, Kakashi!
"He knew," Kakashi whispered, "He knew he didn't stand a chance! Why the hell didn't he back off?!" He yelled.
"Kakashi, calm down."
"How the hell am I supposed to calm down when he knew?!"
Minato hugged Kakashi, "Because, it's a Shinobi's duty to not abandon the mission."
"But, Sensei, damnit..." He cried against his teacher's chest.
"Remember, Kakashi, you wouldn't have been alive if not for his sacrifice."
"Then, was he really the weak coward? No, because, I know I sure as hell wouldn't have been able to do the same. I'm the weakling here, Sensei."
"No, Kakashi, you're not weak. Neither of you are. You are both my strong, wonderful, students."
Kakashi nodded, letting Sensei's words sink in.
"Come on, Kakashi, it's time we head home. It's almost dark outside." He nodded again, getting up and leaving the house.
He might have left home and left behind the memories, but Kakashi swore that he would finish that notebook for Obito. He wrote in it every night, resting it on the same spot on his desk as his best friend.