Kakashi Reads Novels & Stories

I followed in Izak’s shadow as we walked through the library to a sitting area where Lucas had surrounded himself with books. “Alpha,” Izak announced our presence to the man. I allowed myself to scrutinize his hunched form as he read an old scroll. Even bent over the ancient text Lucas commanded attention. My eyes followed his hand as he reached for a delicate teacup that’d been perched precariously on the edge of the table. He drained the cup without lifting his attention from his task and asked, “What is it, Izak?”

said Ryden while still holding out his hand. Katsuro stared at the hand that was holding out for him and immediately stood up on his own. Akira closed his hand and pulled it back, remained smiling then nodded at the protagonist who declined the offered hand. Katsuro then promptly walked off, forgetting the files he was carrying with him. Ryden turned around and shouted after him, "Mr. Kiyoshi, you forgot your files and documents!"

Kakai is verge of crying while looking at me with a pain expression. Baba is looking so deterred that he doesn't even lift his face when Kakai asks the question. He only nods in response and that os enough for me to let the tears fall from my eyes. Mamoni and Pishimaa gasp in horror while Riya sinks down to her knees.

Just then I couldn't help but notice Kian starting at me, as I follow his gaze I feel Kadachi's coat land on my shoulders and look up at him to see him staring directly at Kian. (Oh, it seems he noticed him first...) Tsubasa chuckles once again not realizing the atmosphere and nudges Kian. "Hey bro, shake Kairi's hand and say hello!" Kian smirks, which sent chills down my spine as he reached out his hand. "Its nice to see you again Ms. Kairi" Before I could even hesitate Kadachi immediately shakes Kians hand instead. (Kadachi...He can sense the tension.) "My fiance doesn't like much physical contact with people she doesn't know to well, I'll shake your hand instead."

“Let him continue. I’m particularly intrigued by the labor replacement strategy on page 47.” Takuto inhaled deeply and scanned the audience. His parents sat in the front row, their hands tightly clasped, nervously shifting in their seats. Misaki, his closest confidante, raised a brow at him with an almost challenging expression. Rishi, the school’s baseball ace, was absentmindedly crunching potato chips while pretending to pay attention. And then there was Daifuku—the mysterious calico cat—who had somehow wormed his way onto Chairman Morita’s lap. The cat’s tail rhythmically tapped away at the tablet screen in front of Morita, approving the points of the presentation with uncanny precision.

And then, theirs. Different. Sharper. Less obvious. But just as dangerous. “Stay close,” Cillian says quietly. “I will.” This time I mean it. The doors open. And we step inside. He’s already there. Of course he is. Kenji Takahashi stands near the center of the room, calm, composed, like he owns every inch of it without needing to prove it. His gaze finds me first. Not Cillian. Me. A slow smile curves his lips. “Miss Rossi.” His voice is smooth. Controlled. And somehow more dangerous than anything loud.

Agent Kudo looks bored. I think he should too. He took another deep breath and looked at me with his eyes and said, 'Okay, that's what you asked for.' He bent down and picked up the brown file he had seen earlier. He opened it, looked at it, then looked at me. He leaned forward and held the delicious morsel to my lips.

The junior warrior is sitting very still in a chair near the door, looking like he's reconsidering every decision that led him to this moment. Roran stands at the center of the room. He's already talking. I set the folded paper on the table in front of Kael without interrupting. He reads it once. His expression doesn't change, but his eyes go to Roran with the particular quality of attention that makes most wolves want to step backward. Roran doesn't step backward. I'll give him that. He finishes. Kael looks at the paper again. Then at me. I give him the smallest nod.

“What is this? Where am I?” There were no signs of another life aside from me. The leaves danced gleefully with the wind and the branches of trees swayed simultaneously. “You’re in your dream state.” I almost jumped in shock when someone spoke behind my back. My eyes darted at him from head to foot. His vibrant aura shined luminously like diamonds. The strands of his ash-gray colored hair resembled Kakashi’s. Kakashi was my favorite anime character. He looked like he just came out of Webtoon.

We ride. Seras is waiting at the dam turnout with her bike and a fresh coat of flame decals. Kayo, Aki, and Riku are leaning against the railing like they own the place (because, technically, in Hanamaki they kind of do). Kayo’s nine invisible tails flick once when she sees me. Kayo (sweet, deadly): “Morning, Your Majesty. Sleep well?” Celeste (through my teeth): “Peachy.” Aki cracks his knuckles; the glamour hiding his oni horns flickers.