Kakashi: Godless Ascension

It was a quiet morning. The sun peeked through the thin curtains of Kakashi's room. A soft knock came at the door.

"Come in," Kakashi called softly, looking up from the small orange book in his hand.

The door creaked open, and Kurenai stepped inside with a calm smile. "Good morning. I brought breakfast," she said, holding a small tray with rice balls, hot tea, and slices of seasonal fruit.

"You're spoiling me," Kakashi replied with a small smirk, setting the book aside. He hadn't expected this kind of gesture from her, but it was… nice.

"You saved my life from dinner at the inn last night. Consider this repayment." Kurenai said as she chuckled quietly.

They sat cross-legged on the floor, facing each other as they shared the meal in comfortable silence. The tea was light and calming, and the rice balls had a delicate saltiness to them.

"So, about today's route," Kurenai began, setting her cup down, "I figured we could pass through the forest path to avoid the open road. We can stop by the river for a short rest before reaching the target village."

"Smart. Fewer eyes and less trouble." Kakashi nodded.

After finishing breakfast, they stepped out into the small Sakura garden behind the inn. Soft pink petals danced through the morning air as sunlight filtered between the trees.

Kurenai sat beneath one of them, admiring the scene, while Kakashi knelt beside her and pulled a small ink brush from his sleeve.

"Alright," he said, his voice gentler now. "Let me show you something. I made this for you, tailor-made."

He took her wrist in his hand, and she raised an eyebrow. "A seal?"

"Not just any seal. I call it the Nature Pulse Seal. Specifically designed for chakra nature amplification." Kakashi smiled slightly.

Using a thin line of chakra instead of ink, Kakashi began drawing the seal directly onto her skin. The pattern slowly glowed in soft violet light as it formed a circular pattern of symbols and loops.

"This seal stores a specific chakra nature," he explained calmly. "For you, that's Yin. When you activate your genjutsu, especially your high-level illusions, it'll boost their strength significantly."

"But what happens when the chakra runs out?" Kurenai asked as her brows furrowed slightly.

"The seal fades until recharged," he said. "But don't worry, I poured in a hefty amount of Yin chakra myself. Your enemies won't know what hit them."

She looked down at the seal now resting gently on her skin. It pulsed faintly, like a heartbeat. She could feel the Yin chakra humming inside it, waiting for her call.

Kakashi guided her hand once, helping her feel the flow.

"Try channeling a little of your chakra into it."

Kurenai nodded and focused. Her chakra moved through her arm, gently tapping into the seal's reservoir. A wave of warmth spread through her palm. A shimmer rippled across her wrist for a second.

"I felt it," she said quietly. "It responded."

"You did it." Kakashi smiled at her, proud but calm.

"Thank you… I mean it." Kurenai looked at him, her red eyes softening.

Then, without thinking too much, she leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. The embrace was warm and heartfelt, surprising Kakashi a little. But after a beat, he gently returned the hug, letting it linger just a moment longer.

When they finally pulled back, the space between them shifted. Kakashi's gaze lowered, and before she could say anything else, he leaned in and kissed her softly.

Kurenai blinked in surprise at first. Then, slowly, she closed her eyes and leaned into it.

When they finally separated, there was a quiet pause.

Kurenai's heart thudded against her chest. She touched her lips unconsciously, her cheeks flushed. "I… I can't believe that just happened."

She didn't say it aloud, but the warmth of the kiss still lingered. It wasn't rushed. It wasn't awkward. It was soft and careful, genuine.

She glanced at Kakashi from the corner of her eye. He wasn't smirking or pretending it didn't happen. He looked calm, but his expression had softened.

Back in their academy days, almost every girl had a crush on Kakashi, even if he never seemed to care. He was always distant, closed off ever since his father passed. Kurenai never thought he'd ever open up.

But now?

He laughs. He smiles. He even flirts a little. And he made a seal just for her, staying up who knows how long to get it done.

She looked down at the glowing mark on her wrist and smiled softly to herself.

That's why… I didn't pull away. Because I've always liked him. And maybe, just maybe… this could be something real.

Then she turned to say something, but paused when she caught him licking his lips, looking very pleased with himself.

"Stop that," she said quickly, giving him a cute glare.

"Couldn't help it," he replied casually, his eyes still fixed on her lips.

"Hmph! We need to leave soon," she huffed, trying to change the subject as fast as she could.

…

The morning air was crisp as Kakashi and Kurenai left the inn. Their belongings packed light, the road ahead was long but quiet. The trees around them whispered in the breeze, and the sky above was a soft, cloudless blue.

Their destination was near the border, where the rogue ninja had last been spotted. A perfect place for someone to hide, away from patrol routes and well-traveled roads.

"We'll reach the cliffs by noon," Kakashi said, glancing at the map.

"Got it. I'll stay sharp," Kurenai nodded. She wasn't worried with Kakashi around, but that didn't mean she'd drop her guard.

They walked at a steady pace for a few hours, talking occasionally, enjoying the calm before the storm.

Finally, they arrived at the rocky clearing near the border. It was quiet, too quiet. The cliffs provided perfect blind spots, and the trees were spaced out just enough for someone to set traps.

"This would be the spot," Kurenai said as she scanned the area.

"Alright," Kakashi said, stopping beside her. "Time to blend in. I'll use a Transformation Technique."

Kurenai turned to him. "Into what?"

Kakashi smirked. He glanced at her, held up a hand, and made a sign.

A puff of smoke erupted, and when it cleared, a small silver pendant with a Hidden Leaf symbol floated in the air.

"Seriously? A pendant?" Kurenai raised an eyebrow.

"It's compact. Easy to carry. Ideal for stealth," came Kakashi's voice, slightly muffled, from the floating accessory.

The pendant hovered briefly, then dropped gently into her palm.

She stared at it for a moment. Then, after a tiny sigh, she slipped it around her neck. It rested just above her chest, cool against her skin.

"Just… don't do anything weird in there," she mumbled, cheeks pink as she realized how close the pendant would be to her all day.

"Wouldn't dream of it," the pendant replied.

Not yet, anyway.