Kakashi: Godless Ascension

"Welcome to Cloudy Springs Inn, dear guest! You've arrived at one of the best hot springs in the Land of Hot Water. We're honored to host someone of your caliber," the receptionist said warmly as soon as Kakashi stepped through the entrance.

He stopped for a second, raising a brow slightly at her words.

"Someone of my caliber, huh? I'm just an ordinary ninja, miss," Kakashi replied, his voice calm and polite. He noticed her gaze linger on his face for a moment, most likely recognizing him even without the infamous mask.

"Haha, the Copy Ninja of the Hidden Leaf cannot be ordinary! Your deeds are known to all the nations, big and small!" she replied with a respectful tone, still holding her posture behind the counter.

Kakashi sighed inwardly. 'Mr. Worldwide,' he thought, amused. This kind of reaction was bound to become more common now that he had dropped the mask.

"Well then, could you get me one of your best rooms? Something with access to the nicest hot springs you have," Kakashi asked casually. He wasn't looking to save money, he had plenty of Ryo and wanted comfort.

"Yes! You'll be staying in Room 5-B, overlooking the Sakura Garden. If that is acceptable, we will prepare a yukata and tea for your comfort," she replied swiftly. "The springs are separated by time of day. Please refer to the chart for men's and women's hours."

"Ah, and if you're on a mission or trying to stay low-profile, please don't worry," she added with a professional smile. "Our staff is well-trained in discretion. Shinobi from all five great nations have stayed here without issue. We even have chakra-sealing privacy screens for extra peace of mind."

"Thank you, miss," Kakashi said, offering her a short bow as he accepted the wooden key. He followed the directions she gave, walking quietly down the polished hall toward his room.

When he arrived, he inserted the key and slid the door open with a soft whoosh.

Inside, the room was quiet, clean and simple, but elegant. The tatami mat was real, not the synthetic kind. A low table sat in the center with two thick cushions. On top of it was a ceramic tea set, simple and unpretentious, likely locally made.

The futon had already been set up. It looked freshly prepared. A calming scent lingered in the air, cedar, maybe lavender. Not overwhelming, just enough to notice.

The far wall was all sliding doors, opening to a veranda with a direct view of a cherry blossom garden. A few petals had blown into the room, likely left there intentionally. Aesthetic perfection.

"Not bad at all," Kakashi muttered.

Closing the door behind him, he went straight into the bathroom where a soft gray yukata had been neatly folded. He changed into it and took a deep breath, enjoying the feeling of warm fabric against his skin.

"…Time to hit the springs."

…

Kakashi strolled down the hallway with a towel tossed over his shoulder. His yukata hung loose, his damp silver hair still slightly messy. Most noticeably, his face was fully visible, no mask, no attempt to hide.

'That soak was just what I needed,' he thought as he walked with an easy pace. Everything that had happened in the past day, rebirth, soul fusion, new memories, a sudden divine rating panel, was enough to leave anyone drained.

As he passed the women's hot spring area, soft laughter floated out. He slowed his steps, glancing over curiously.

'Hmm? That voice… someone I know?'

A woman emerged, her damp hair clinging slightly to her cheeks. She wore a light purple yukata, neat and elegant, nothing flashy, but it suited her gentle features perfectly. Her red eyes met his, and for a split second, both were surprised.

"Kurenai," Kakashi said with a slight smile. "Didn't expect to find you here. You look… different tonight. You're almost glowing."

Kurenai blinked. The compliment caught her off guard, not because she wasn't used to praise, but because it came from Kakashi. Of all people.

"I'm just here to relax," she said, brushing a strand of wet hair behind her ear. "I've got a long mission coming up."

She looked at him again, this time more carefully.

"And you? No mask? You really have changed, Kakashi."

Kakashi chuckled, leaning casually against the wooden frame of the hallway. He didn't look uncomfortable, just honest.

"Yeah… I guess I have. Sometimes, it feels good to stop hiding. You know? Just breathe."

Kurenai didn't reply immediately. She was watching him closely now, not the Kakashi she remembered, distant and unreadable, always aloof. This one was… softer somehow. Relaxed. And even though the air around him was still calm and quiet, something had clearly shifted.

He wasn't weighed down by the same shadows.

For a brief moment, she didn't know what to say.

She remembered the Kakashi who barely talked unless necessary. Who avoided conversations, who never let people in. But this Kakashi was standing there, openly chatting, smiling with his face uncovered.

It was like seeing a new person wearing the same skin.

And she had to admit… without the mask?

Kakashi Hatake was devastatingly handsome.

No wonder half the kunoichi in the village used to have a crush on him, with the mask on. Now that she could see his full expression? It was almost unfair.

"You really seem different," she said finally, her voice a little softer than before.

"I feel different," Kakashi admitted. "Guess some things finally settled in my head."

He paused for a second, then looked at her again.

"You know, you look good too. That yukata suits you."

Kurenai felt a strange flutter in her chest, nothing too strong, just… surprising. It had been a long time since anyone said something like that to her in such a natural, quiet tone.

"Thanks," she said, looking away for a second. "I don't usually run into anyone from the village during my trips."

"Well, life's full of surprises," Kakashi said with a small grin. "Maybe this one's a good kind."

She smiled too, just a little.

There was another quiet pause. But it wasn't awkward. It was calm, like the spring wind drifting through the open hall.

And just like that, without any big moment or dramatic words, something shifted between them.

It wasn't romantic, not yet. But it was human. And that was rare enough on its own.

"I'll let you enjoy your evening," Kakashi said after a moment, standing upright again.

"Same to you," Kurenai replied, her voice soft.

As she walked away toward her room, Kakashi watched her for just a moment longer before turning back to his own.

Yeah.

This vacation was definitely off to a good start.