The appearance of Karin was just a small episode during Kakashi's mission.
When Kakashi brought Karin back to the hotel, Shisui was momentarily surprised. But after Kakashi explained her background, Shisui was at ease.
Konoha had long-standing ties with the Uzumaki Clan. The red spiral crest on the backs of Konoha flak jackets was a tribute to their alliance. For an orphan of the Uzumaki, returning to Konoha was only natural.
Kakashi asked the hotel's female attendant to help Karin bathe and change into clean clothes. Afterward, the attendant's glances toward Kakashi grew subtly suspicious, which made him feel a little awkward.
I'm not the kind of man you're imagining, he thought helplessly.
Karin, clearly unused to such fine clothing, shifted uncomfortably. It was probably the first time she'd worn anything so clean.
Still, she looked every bit the spirited little girl.
"Karin, go rest early. We're setting out first thing tomorrow."
"Okay."
With Karin joining them, Kakashi and Shisui naturally had to slow their pace. Fortunately, they were already close to Konoha, only a day away.
When they arrived back in the Hidden Leaf, the sun was already casting long shadows—it was around four in the afternoon.
"Shisui, I'll head to the Hokage's office and submit the mission report. You check in with ANBU."
"Understood, senpai."
With that, Shisui departed while Kakashi led Karin toward the Hokage's office.
Since she wasn't a Konoha citizen, bringing her in without notice would be improper.
Kakashi crouched in front of her and said, "Karin, we're going to meet a kind old man. Once he agrees, you'll be able to stay here. Happy?"
"Mm! Karin is really happy!"
Karin had already seen the village's liveliness and charm. Being able to live here was a dream come true.
"Good. Just be on your best behavior, alright?"
"I will, big brother Kakashi."
"Let's go."
Inside the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was buried under endless scrolls and documents. The sight always made Kakashi's mouth twitch. If that was what awaited him as Hokage someday, it was torture indeed.
"Lord Third."
"Kakashi—was the mission a success?"
The Third Hokage looked up, eyes sharp as ever, then caught sight of the red-haired girl hiding behind Kakashi.
"Yes, Lord Third. Here is the completed mission scroll."
Kakashi placed the scroll on the desk, but the Third didn't reach for it. His attention remained fixed on the girl.
"Who is this, Kakashi?"
"This girl's name is Karin. I encountered her on the way back. She's an orphan from the Uzumaki Clan."
"Oh?"
The Hokage rose from his seat, walked to Karin, and observed her closely.
Karin shrank behind Kakashi instinctively.
Her life on the run had made her wary of strangers. She hadn't feared Kakashi, partly because he saved her and partly because she instinctively felt warmth and trust from him—likely due to her sensory abilities.
This innate talent helped her survive so long on her own.
The Third Hokage, accustomed to command, hadn't restrained his chakra aura, which made her nervous.
Realizing this, he softened his presence and smiled warmly.
"So, your name is Karin. What about your parents?"
"I... I don't know," she whispered.
The Hokage sighed, voice tinged with sorrow. "Poor child."
"Lord Third," Kakashi continued, "I'd like Karin to stay near Naruto. They're both Uzumaki orphans, and companionship will help them."
"Hm..."
Hiruzen hesitated. Naruto's circumstances were delicate.
Seeing that, Kakashi leaned in and whispered, "Lord Third, as Lady Kushina said—what a Jinchūriki needs most is love. With bonds, Naruto can become a true, stable jinchūriki."
The Third Hokage paused, then nodded solemnly.
"Very well. I approve. Make the necessary arrangements."
"Thank you, Lord Third."
Kakashi bowed and left the office with Karin.
Behind them, Hiruzen sighed.
Minato, Kushina... I'm sorry I couldn't protect your wishes fully. I hope you won't blame me.
The fate of the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki was never Hiruzen's alone to decide. The village council—Danzo and the two elders—often intervened. It was frustrating.
Power always came with compromises.
Still, Hiruzen would not turn away someone from the Uzumaki Clan. They were born to bear great burdens.
If another Uzumaki could thrive in Konoha, it would be a blessing.
Unaware of the old man's thoughts, Kakashi now guided Karin to Naruto's housing block.
Since the building was sparsely occupied, it wouldn't be hard to find Karin a room nearby.
Bringing her home with him had never crossed Kakashi's mind—not due to space, but because of appearances.
After all, a single man near adulthood taking a little girl home was bound to raise eyebrows.
Kakashi prided himself on being decent.
As they walked, they passed two familiar figures.
A pair of pale, lavender eyes revealed their clan at a glance: the Hyūga.
Kakashi recognized them instantly.
"Oh, Hiashi-sama. It's been a while."
"Indeed, Kakashi—it has."
Kakashi had interacted with Hiashi Hyūga a few times. Their rapport was formal but friendly.
"And this is... Neji? He's grown so much."
"Neji, greet Kakashi-san."
The boy bowed respectfully. "Good day, Kakashi-san."
"Hello, Neji." Kakashi smiled back.
"Neji," Hiashi said firmly, "Kakashi is one of the best shinobi in the village. Learn from him."
"Yes, Father. I understand."
Kakashi smiled wryly. These clan kids are always so serious.
Karin stared at Neji, fascinated. What a handsome little boy.
Neji glanced back, cheeks slightly pink. Such a cute little girl...
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