-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. 

"But you're not alone, Yui. Naruto will be there with you, and I'll be with you the whole way."

Yui lifted her head just enough to meet his gaze, her crimson eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "But... what if they don't like me? What if... what if they're mean to me?"

The anguish in her voice made Kakashi's heart ache even more. The world could indeed be a cruel place, especially to someone as different as Yui. But he couldn't let her give in to that fear, not when she had come so far. "Yui," he said softly, "remember how brave you've been. You've faced so much already, and you're still here, still strong. I promise you, if anyone tries to be mean to you, I'll be right there to make sure they don't hurt you."

Yui sniffled, her gaze dropping to the floor as she considered his words. Kakashi could see the internal struggle playing out on her delicate features, the war between her overwhelming fear and the small, flickering desire to be brave, to face the unknown. He needed to give her something more, something to help tip the scales in favor of courage.

"How about this," Kakashi began, his voice taking on a playful, coaxing tone as an idea struck him. 

"If you come out of there and get ready for school, I'll treat you and Naruto to as much Ramen as you want after classes are over. What do you say?"

At the mention of her favorite food, Yui's eyes widened just a fraction, a tiny spark of hope igniting in the depths of her fear. Takoyaki had always been her weakness, and Kakashi knew it well. He watched as she hesitated, her fingers clutching the fabric of her dress as she weighed the offer against her anxiety.

"Really?" she whispered, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

"Really," Kakashi confirmed, offering her a small but genuine smile. 

"As much as you want, but first, we have to get through today. I'll be with you the whole time. You won't be alone."

Yui looked up at him, searching his face for reassurance. Seeing the sincerity in his gaze, she finally allowed herself to nod, a small but significant gesture. Slowly, she began to uncurl herself from the tight ball she had formed, crawling out of the closet with hesitant movements. Her small hands reached for Kakashi's arm, clinging to him for support as she stood.

Kakashi helped her to her feet, his touch gentle yet firm. "Thank you, Yui," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and pride. "I know this is hard for you, but I'm really proud of you."

Yui didn't say anything in response, but the faint blush on her cheeks and the slight nod of her head told him enough. With her hand securely in his, Kakashi led her out of the room, making their way toward the front door where Kurenai waited with a look of quiet relief.

~~~

As they stepped outside, the morning sun greeted them with its warm embrace, casting a gentle glow over the village. Yui clung tightly to Kakashi's hand, her steps small and tentative, but she walked forward nonetheless. The path to the Academy felt longer than usual, the weight of Yui's fear hanging heavily in the air between them.

When they finally reached the Academy's entrance, Kakashi spotted a familiar, bright figure waiting for them. Naruto, with his trademark orange jacket and wild blonde hair, was bouncing on his heels, his excitement palpable from a distance. He waved enthusiastically as soon as he saw them approaching.

"Yui! Kakashi!" Naruto called out, his voice loud and cheerful as he ran over to them. His grin was as wide as ever, his blue eyes sparkling with eagerness. 

"I've been waiting for you! We're gonna have so much fun today!"

Yui blinked up at Naruto, her anxiety momentarily forgotten in the face of his infectious energy. "Naruto..." she murmured, her grip on Kakashi's hand loosening just slightly.

Naruto beamed at her, his enthusiasm undeterred by her quiet demeanor. "Are you ready for our first day? I promise it's gonna be great! We'll stick together, okay?"

Yui glanced up at Kakashi, who gave her an encouraging nod, his visible eye filled with warmth. 

"Naruto's right, Yui. You're going to do just fine."

Naruto noticed the lingering fear in Yui's eyes, and his expression softened, showing a rare glimpse of understanding beyond his usual exuberance. 

"Hey, don't worry," he said, his voice gentle yet firm. "I'll be with you the whole time, and I won't let anyone be mean to you. You're my friend, Yui, and friends stick together."

Yui's heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and fear, the two emotions battling for dominance. The sincerity in Naruto's words, coupled with Kakashi's steady presence, helped to ease the knot of anxiety in her chest. She looked from Naruto to Kakashi, seeing the support and care in both of their eyes.

"O-Okay," she whispered, her voice still trembling but now filled with a flicker of resolve. "I'll... I'll try."

Naruto's grin returned full force, and he reached out to take Yui's free hand in his. "That's the spirit! We'll make today awesome, you'll see!"

Yui allowed herself to be led by Naruto, her small hand still holding on to Kakashi's until the last possible moment. As Naruto pulled her gently toward the Academy doors, she glanced back at Kakashi, who gave her a reassuring smile and a small wave.

Kakashi watched them go, his heart a tumultuous mix of emotions—pride, worry, hope. Yui had taken a significant step today, one that had taken every ounce of courage she had. 

As they reached the entrance, Naruto paused, looking back at Kakashi with a confident grin. "See you later, Kakashi! We'll be fine, I promise!"

Kakashi nodded, his visible eye crinkling with a smile that held both pride and a hint of lingering concern. "I know you will, Naruto. Take good care of Yui for me, okay?"

Naruto's grin widened, and he gave Kakashi a thumbs-up before turning back to Yui with a nod of reassurance. Together, they walked through the Academy doors, the beginning of a new chapter in their lives unfolding before them.

••••••••••••••••••

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