Chapter 17: Kakashi's Rose
Another ordinary day, but today after school, Nana walked home alone.
Naruto, always sleeping in class, had finally been taken aside by Iruka for a private lesson. Sasuke said he was going to practice shuriken, telling Nana to go home by herself.
Nana wandered aimlessly down the bustling commercial street, a lollipop in her mouth, weaving through the crowd.
Suddenly, a flashy advertisement caught her eye: "New Volume of Icha Icha Paradise Released! Hurry and Buy! Hot Hot Hot!"
Following the sign, she found an old bookstore.
No way? Is this the famous novel by Jiraiya? Nana's eyes sparkled. She wanted to buy it to see what content captivated Kakashi so much.
Nana entered, finding the store small but soon locating the Icha Icha Paradise section. Only one copy remained. Excited, she stretched to reach it.
However, due to her height, she couldn't quite grasp it. She stood on tiptoes, straining her arm. Today, nothing could stop her from getting Icha Icha Paradise!
"Hey, little girl, are you trying to get that?" A magnetic voice spoke above her.
She looked up, locking eyes with a pair of lazy eyes. The man had silver hair, wore a black mask, and a tight combat suit, exuding masculine charm.
Ka-Kakashi! So cool! Nana nearly exclaimed, feeling a warm rush from her nose...
From Kakashi's perspective, he saw her fair neck, her almond-shaped eyes filled with emotion, her delicate nose, and full lips. Her red dress made her skin look even fairer. He was momentarily stunned, never having seen such a beautiful child before.
"Are you okay?" Kakashi crouched, offering her a tissue, puzzled by the sudden nosebleed.
He had rushed to the bookstore after a mission, praying there was still a copy of the new Icha Icha Paradise. Only one remained, but it seemed the girl wanted it too?
"I'm fine, I'm fine," Nana quickly took the tissue, wiping her nose, hiding her embarrassment.
But then she realized, Kakashi was here for the last copy of Icha Icha Paradise too?
"I want that book. Can you get it for me?" Nana gently shook his arm, her voice soft and pleading, like a child's small request.
"No—way—" Kakashi refused, though her pleading made him want to give it to her, his rational side warned this book wasn't for kids.
"Hmph, stingy!" Nana pouted, letting go of his arm, her cheeks puffing in a cute display of frustration.
"Hey, little girl, it's not suitable for kids. How about these books?" Kakashi, embarrassed, scratched his head, grabbing a stack of children's books and handing them to her.
"Who wants these!" Nana fumed, her face red with anger.
When she looked up again, Kakashi was gone, taking the last Icha Icha Paradise. So close! She'd almost known what it contained.
Frustrated but resigned, she decided to return the children's books, planning to come back when more arrived.
But as she approached the counter, the shopkeeper stopped her, explaining the books had been paid for by the man, so she couldn't return them.
Huh? Why would she need these stories? Before she could protest, the books were wrapped up, and she was left holding them.
Walking under the sunset, the sky changing colors, Nana grew tired and sat on a stone bench, dropping the heavy pile with a thud.
"Let's see what these are... Romeo and Juliet vs. Zombies? Peach Blossom Hero vs. Chrysanthemum Monster?" Nana pulled out two books, laughing at the ridiculous titles.
"Hahaha!" She burst into laughter, emptying the bag, intrigued by the silly content.
"Hey, little girl, you're laughing too loudly," came the familiar magnetic voice from a tree behind the bench. Kakashi was reading Icha Icha Paradise, looking down at her.
"Oh, it's you. What are you doing here?" Nana greeted him politely, deciding to forgive the earlier incident for the amusing books he bought her.
"This is my special spot. What were you reading that made you laugh so hard?" Kakashi jumped down, sitting beside her.
"Nothing much. Thanks for the books!" Nana smiled sweetly at him.
A gentle fragrance filled the air. Kakashi, meeting her eyes, felt his breath catch. Her face was close, her lashes seemed to hold dew.
She wore a bright red dress, a breeze brushing her face, bringing a hint of floral scent. She looked like a blooming rose, captivating Kakashi.
"What are you thinking? I'm leaving, big brother," Nana said, noticing his daze, gathering her books to leave. There would be plenty of time to get to know him later.
"Oh, goodbye," Kakashi blinked, waving awkwardly.
As she walked away, he realized he hadn't asked her name, sighing in regret.
He noticed a book left on the bench where she sat—a cartoon book she forgot to pack.
Kakashi picked it up. The cover depicted a boy sitting alone on a planet, with a carefully tended rose beside him. The title read "The Little Prince."
A unique rose? Kakashi clutched the book, watching her leave, his mind filled with complex, painful memories.