The sky above Konoha burned crimson as the remnants of the shattered meteor plummeted toward the village.It tore through the atmosphere with a deafening roar, lighting up the heavens like a second sun.The portion that Rock Lee and his team had destroyed in a desperate last stand was only half of the colossal rock.The other half still hurtled toward the earth, its shadow engulfing the Hidden Leaf, threatening to crush everything Kakashi had sworn to protect.Kakashi Hatake, Sixth Hokage of Konoha, stood at the village square, assessing the chaos unfolding around him.The ground trembled beneath his feet, and the acrid smell of smoke filled the air.He had ordered the evacuation of civilians, but with each passing moment, he could feel the panic rising. The village was in disarray, and time was slipping away."Hatake-sama!" a voice broke through the chaos. It was a young shinobi, eyes wide with fear. "What do we do? The meteor—""Gather everyone you can!" Kakashi shouted, his voice steady despite the turmoil. "We need to move the civilians to safety!"Around him, the hurried footsteps of retreating shinobi echoed as they worked to guide families away from the impending disaster. Kakashi's heart raced as he saw mothers clutching their children and elders struggling to keep up. The urgency of the situation pressed against him like a weight, but he couldn't let fear take hold.With a swift nod, he directed several shinobi to form a perimeter, creating a barrier between the villagers and the approaching danger. "We can't stop it, but we can protect them!" he called out, his tone firm.The young shinobi hesitated, then nodded, determination replacing the fear in his eyes. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"As the shinobi scattered to follow their orders, Kakashi took a moment to gather his thoughts. He could feel the heat radiating from the meteor as it hurtled closer, the very air shimmering with its intensity. It was smaller than the original, thanks to Lee and his team, but it was still large enough to engulf half of Konoha."Get to the shelters!" Kakashi yelled again, his voice cutting through the chaos. "Now!"As the last families fled toward the outskirts of the village, he felt a surge of resolve. He would not abandon Konoha, not now. He would fight until the very end.He turned to a group of shinobi who had stayed behind, their expressions a mix of fear and determination. "We need to evacuate together! We can't let this destroy the village!""Hatake-sama, it's too late!" another shinobi shouted, desperation in his voice. "We need to go now!"But it was too late. The meteor was too close.Kakashi could see it now, a massive shadow casting over the village, growing larger by the second. He knew that no jutsu in his arsenal could stop it, and even the combined strength of the remaining shinobi would be insufficient. But he couldn't let the fear of failure paralyze him."Stay focused!" he commanded, trying to rally their spirits. "We need to make it to the outskirts. If we can get everyone out of the impact zone—"The roar of the falling meteor drowned out his words as the ground beneath them trembled violently. The very earth shook, sending shockwaves through the village. Kakashi's heart raced as he felt the tremors growing stronger, the air growing hot and heavy with impending doom."Now! Move!" he shouted, pushing forward with the other shinobi at his side.They sprinted through the streets, dodging debris and flames as they urged civilians to flee. Kakashi could feel the heat on his back, the pressure mounting as the meteor descended. They were so close, yet so far."Get out of here!" he yelled at the remaining villagers, urging them toward safety. He could see the fear in their eyes, but he couldn't let it show in his own. "Go!"But it was too late. The impact was sudden and violent.A blinding flash of light enveloped the village as the meteor collided with the ground.The shockwave that followed was like nothing Konoha had ever seen. The very earth trembled, and the sound of the explosion echoed through the skies like thunder, shaking the foundations of the village.Buildings crumbled instantly, their structures reduced to dust under the overwhelming pressure. Flames erupted from the point of impact, spreading rapidly as the meteor consumed everything in its path.Kakashi felt the force hit him like a mountain, his body thrown backward as the sheer power of the explosion overwhelmed him.The heat was unbearable, searing through his skin and armor as if they were nothing.He was weightless now, suspended in the chaos of the explosion, his body losing its battle against the overwhelming power of nature.In his final moments, as his vision began to fade, Kakashi's mind drifted to his students—Naruto, Sakura, and even Sasuke.He saw them clearly, standing before him as children, eager to prove themselves. The bonds they had forged, the battles they had fought together—it had all been worth it.They were the future now, and Kakashi knew he had done his part.His eyes closed, and with a final breath, Kakashi Hatake—the Sixth Hokage, the legendary Copy Ninja—was no more.The village of Konoha had fallen silent, the flames of the meteor burning in the distance, but Kakashi's legacy—his teachings, his sacrifices—would endure in the hearts of those who survived.The story of the Copy Ninja had come to an end.In a blinding flash of light, Kakashi's essence fragmented and dispersed, transcending the bounds of existence. He felt a rush of air and warmth as if being enveloped by a gentle embrace. ...What seemed to be like hours within the darkness, he was reborn....Suddenly, Kakashi opened his eyes to a world bathed in soft morning light. The crisp scent of snow hung in the air, and the sounds of laughter and music echoed in the distance. Confused, he blinked at the unfamiliar ceiling above him, adorned with elegant designs that spoke of nobility.Confusion washed over him as he tried to gather his thoughts."Where... am I?" Kakashi said as he rose from his bed he sat there and observed his surroundings.The room around him was immaculate, filled with an air of sophistication and opulence.The walls were painted a soft ivory, adorned with intricate patterns that seemed to dance in the light filtering through the tall windows. Heavy velvet curtains, a rich royal blue, framed the glass panes, offering a view of the winter landscape outside.Snow blanketed the ground, sparkling like diamonds under the sun, and the distant peaks of mountains loomed majestically in the background.Kakashi shifted his gaze to the furnishings.A large, ornate bed dominated the room, its headboard intricately carved with motifs of elegant roses and vines. The plush bedding was a mix of whites and blues, creating a serene atmosphere that beckoned him to relax. A delicate lace canopy draped gracefully from the top of the bed, fluttering slightly with the gentle breeze that slipped through the cracked window.Beside the bed stood a polished wooden nightstand, on which rested a small vase of fresh flowers—a burst of color against the room's muted tones.He noticed a framed photograph next to it, though he couldn't discern its contents from his angle. The floor was covered with a soft, ivory carpet that cushioned his feet as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed.Against one wall, an elegant vanity table held various cosmetics and brushes, reflecting the soft light and adding to the room's charm. A large wardrobe with sliding doors stood opposite, its surface gleaming and adorned with delicate handles shaped like snowflakes.As he rose from the bed and took in his surroundings, a wave of disorientation washed over him. The room was undeniably beautiful, yet it felt foreign as if he were stepping into someone else's life. The gentle sounds of laughter and music grew louder, hinting at a world beyond the confines of the room.He couldn't shake the feeling that he was meant to be somewhere else, doing something important. The echoes of his past life lingered in his mind, and a sense of urgency tugged at him.He rose unsteadily to his feet, his body feeling strangely light, almost ethereal. Each step he took was tentative as he moved toward the window, curiosity drawing him closer. As he pulled the curtain aside, the brilliance of the outside world met his eyes—a sunny day with the Schnee garden below, a stark contrast to the chaos he had just escaped.The garden was a breathtaking expanse of meticulously maintained beauty, adorned with vibrant flowers that danced gently in the soft breeze. Brilliant white lilies and delicate bluebells intermingled, their colors shining in the sunlight. A fountain bubbled in the center, its crystalline waters sparkling like diamonds, while small birds flitted from branch to branch, singing a sweet melody that filled the air.Kakashi stayed silent as he collected his thoughts. He still felt a bit dizzy, but that wouldn't matter.He looked at his body. It felt even lighter, younger even.He stepped away from the window and opened the door, only to meet a butler who was about to knock.Klein's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself, bowing slightly. "Good morning, Master Rinko. I trust you are feeling well?"Kakashi's brow furrowed as he instinctively tapped his body to check for any burn marks.Memories of being crushed under the meteor, the searing heat enveloping him, flooded back.He remembered the pain, the overwhelming sensation of being fried from head to toe. But as his fingers brushed against his skin, he felt nothing but smooth, unblemished flesh beneath his fingertips.No scars, no burns—nothing to indicate the intense suffering he had endured just moments before."I... I'm okay, I think," he replied, his voice steady but laced with confusion. "What happened to me?"Klein straightened, his demeanor respectful and calm. "You were found unconscious in front of your room. I discovered you and immediately brought you inside. Fortunately, you seem to have recovered quite well."Kakashi was still absorbing what Klein was saying when he instinctively stepped backward as the butler entered the room. His gaze landed on a nearby mirror, and a sense of unease began to settle in the pit of his stomach.As he approached the mirror, he felt an odd sensation wash over him. His reflection stared back, but it wasn't the familiar face he had known for years.The features were distinctly different—youthful, with soft, delicate lines that spoke of nobility. Silver-white hair framed his face, contrasting sharply with the porcelain skin that seemed to glow in the morning light.He leaned closer, inspecting every detail: the shape of the eyes, the slight curve of the lips, the pointed chin.They were features he had never seen before, yet they felt strangely familiar as if they belonged to him but were entirely foreign at the same time.This was not the face of Kakashi Hatake, the legendary Copy Ninja; it belonged to someone, a boy with blue eyes and snow-like hair.Panic flickered in his chest, but he pushed it down, focusing on the calm demeanor he had honed as a shinobi. "What happened to me?" he murmured, half to himself and half to Klein, who observed him quietly from the doorway."I was..." Kakashi muttered, the memories of his past life flooded back—his battles, his friends, and the tragic end that had left him in despair. Was this some kind of afterlife? A rebirth? He felt like a ghost haunting his own body."Your family believes you've simply been resting too much," Klein said, his voice soothing. "They care for you deeply, and they were worried when you didn't join them last night."The mention of family sparked a sense of warmth in Kakashi's chest, mingled with confusion. He had no memory of this new life, of the people who called him "Rinko." Yet the idea of a family waiting for him stirred something within—a yearning for connection, for understanding.Kakashi paused, momentarily caught off guard, as the door swung open once again. A younger boy entered, his presence immediately commanding attention. "How are you feeling, brother?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. The boy's eyes glowed with a striking blue hue, exuding an unusual brightness that drew Kakashi in. He appeared to be around 14 or 15 years old, with an air of refinement that suggested he came from a distinguished family.Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck, still trying to orient himself in this strange new reality. "I'm... okay. Who... are you?" he stammered, his confusion evident.The boy's eyes widened in surprise, mirroring the startled look on Klein's face. "H-he's your brother, Master Rinko, Whitley Schnee—" Klein began to explain, but Whitley quickly interjected."I can answer for myself, Klein. Thank you," he said, raising a hand to signal the butler to stop. Klein nodded respectfully and took a step back, allowing the two brothers to engage directly.Whitley turned his full attention to Kakashi, an intensity in his gaze. "I'm your little brother, Rinko Schnee," he stated, his voice steady but laced with an underlying frustration. "You may have forgotten me, but I wonder what you just ate that made you unconscious and forget about your little brother. Am I really that insignificant to your life, huh? You cocky prick!"The warmth in Whitley's tone quickly evaporated, replaced by sharpness and palpable disdain.His words struck Kakashi like a sudden gust of wind, leaving him momentarily speechless. He hadn't expected such an outburst, and the intensity of Whitley's emotions was overwhelming.Kakashi's brow furrowed as he processed this unexpected confrontation. "I... I didn't mean to forget you," he managed to reply, feeling a mix of confusion and remorse. "This is all so... new to me."Whitley's expression flickered between anger and something softer—hurt, perhaps. "New? You think it's easy for me to watch you waltz back into my life after who knows how long and act like nothing's changed?" His voice cracked slightly, revealing a deeper vulnerability beneath the bravado. "Do you even care that you left me behind?"Kakashi felt the weight of Wheatley's words, but he didn't know how to respond. Confusion tangled with guilt, leaving him momentarily speechless.A heavy silence enveloped the room, stretching on uncomfortably. Klein closed his eyes in disappointment, sensing the rift between the brothers deepening."I—" Kakashi began, his heart racing as he searched for the right words to bridge the gap. But before he could gather his thoughts, Whitley sharply interrupted him."Forget it! I'm not here to have an emotional talk with you. Father ordered me to get you to him once you're awake. He has business with you he'd like to discuss." Whitley rolled his eyes, frustration radiating from him like heat waves, and strode out of the room.The door slammed shut behind Whitley with a loud bang, the sound reverberating in the stillness that followed. Kakashi stood there, the impact of the confrontation settling heavily on his shoulders. His mind raced with questions, but Wheatley's anger lingered in the air, making it difficult to focus.Klein remained a quiet observer in the aftermath of the tense exchange. "Master Rinko," he said softly, concern etched on his features."I'm sorry you had to see that," Kakashi said in an apologetic tone, feeling the weight of the situation. It was strange to voice such sentiments in a body that wasn't his own, yet the feelings were real.Klein paused, studying Kakashi with a scrutinizing gaze. Rinko's behavior had undoubtedly shifted since he awoke; it was as if something fundamental had changed within him, creating a dissonance that was palpable.Klein bowed slightly, a gesture of respect mixed with understanding. "It's alright, Master Rinko. Let's get you fixed up real quick. You'll be meeting with your father soon enough."Kakashi nodded, grateful for Klein's calm demeanor.[End]