Three days.
That was all the time Kakashi had left.
He stood quietly on the rooftop of a tall building, watching the busy streets below.
Cars passed one after another.
Children laughed as they walked home.
For everyone else…
It was just another ordinary day.
Kakashi closed his eyes for a moment.
“…Three days.” The words felt heavier than before.
His mission had always been simple.
Find the chosen girl.
Complete the seal.
Return home.
No questions.
No emotions.
No hesitation.
But now…
Nothing felt simple anymore.
He let out a quiet sigh.
“…How am I supposed to tell her?” His eyes remained fixed on the city.
“Should I tell her the truth now…?” “…Or should I wait?” If he told her everything…
She would probably be terrified.
If he stayed silent…
She might never forgive him.
Neither choice felt right.
For the first time in years…
Kakashi found himself wishing there was another way.
— Meanwhile…
“Niku!
Hurry up!” “I’m coming!” I quickly grabbed my small sling bag and walked outside with my younger sister.
Mom handed me a shopping list.
“Buy everything on the list.” “And don’t forget the milk.” “I won’t!” “You said that last time too.” “…That was one time.” Mom smiled.
“Go before it gets crowded.” A few minutes later…
My sister and I reached the local market.
The streets were full of people.
Fruit sellers loudly called out their prices.
Children ran past with ice creams.
The smell of fresh samosas filled the air.
“This place is so crowded today,” my sister complained.
“I know.” We stopped at one shop after another, buying vegetables, biscuits, bread and everything Mom had written on the list.
As we crossed the road…
I noticed someone standing near an old street sign.
He looked completely lost.
He had messy black hair and wore a long dark coat.
His hands were in his pockets.
He looked around with an annoyed expression.
“…Excuse me?” I walked closer.
“Are you looking for something?” The young man slowly turned toward me.
His face was partly hidden by the shadow of his hood.
“…Maybe.” His voice carried a playful tone.
“I seem to have…
misplaced my way.” I laughed softly.
“That happens.” He tilted his head slightly.
“You aren’t worried about talking to a stranger?” “I’d be more worried if someone looked confused and nobody helped.” For a brief second…
He simply looked at me.
Then a small smile appeared.
“…Interesting.” My sister gently tugged on my sleeve.
“Didi, Mom will scold us if we’re late.” “Oh, right!” I quickly looked back at him.
“If you’re trying to reach the main road, just walk straight and take the second left.” He glanced in that direction.
“I see.” “Thanks!” I smiled.
“No problem.” Just as I turned to leave…
My sister called out, “Niku!
Come on!” “I’m coming!” I waved once before hurrying after her.
The strange young man watched us disappear into the crowd.
“…Niku.” He quietly repeated the name.
Then he smiled to himself.
“…What an unusual girl.” Without another thought…
He walked in the opposite direction.
— Far above the market…
Standing on the roof of a nearby building…
Kakashi suddenly stopped walking.
His calm expression disappeared.
A strange feeling spread through him.
It wasn’t fear.
It wasn’t pain.
It was…
A warning.
His eyes immediately searched the crowded market below.
“…” Something was wrong.
He couldn’t explain it.
But after years of surviving dangerous missions…
He had learned one thing.
His instincts…
Were never wrong.
The wind suddenly became colder.
Kakashi’s gaze sharpened.
“…Who’s here?” End of Chapter 12