At the end of all things, there is a waiting room.
It's fairly typical, as these things go. Thin, scratchy carpet. Fish tank with still fish. Old gossip magazines. Incredibly uncomfortable chairs. The low buzz of a television or radio or something somewhere else, words indistinguishable. No windows, no clock, no door, and the receptionist's desk was shuttered.
This one's a bit special, though.
"I think he'd love that, no one'd expect him to talk at all. And no one would be surprised if 'Sasuke' just talks in growls," he says, right as they arrive.
Kakashi is staring at the names written on the stone when they arrive, hands in pockets. He doesn't look up.
"Written on this stone are the names of Konoha's greatest heroes. Starting today, you will have the opportunity to join them."
Raizume has ever told him what the memorial stone is, so he doesn't comment on the 'greatest heroes' bit.
He does shout "Yes!" and punch the air, though, then hug Raizume and nod excitedly to Sasuke.
She hugs him back, then walks over to the stone.
"Hopefully we live a long and worthy life before that happens. Thank you, Kakashi. I hope we did you proud. Honored their sacrifice."
"Now, now, cute little genin don't need to be worrying about things like that. Take the rest of the day and celebrate. Meet at the bridge first thing tomorrow for your first mission."
And here she thought they were having a moment.
She looks over to the boys and smiles.
"You two were awesome."
"Nope. Which is his problem, really. Maybe we can pick a really hard to find one and make him work for it."
"You always do," she smiles and then looks to Sasuke. "Are you hungry? I don't even have to ask Naruto. The answer is always the same."
"Mama is really looking forward to meeting you, plus I think you'll really like my sister." She looks around for Inazuma, but finds nothing. "We better hurry if we don't want Inazuma to have eaten all the food."
"Nooooo," Naruto says, "Come on let's go!" And he'll take off, leading the way to the Inuzuka compound.
It doesn't take them long, being themselves, and they find Inazuma waiting for them at the gates. They still have the bell on them.
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