Chapter 7: Overplaying It
When Kawakaze returned home, Sakumo was nowhere to be seen in the dojo. His task-driven older brother was always absorbed in missions and training, keeping his social interactions to a bare minimum.
No wonder he took his own life in the original timeline. But now, with Kawakaze Hatake's deliberate guidance, the story was unfolding differently. At least Sakumo had someone to share his feelings with, preventing him from retreating so deeply into himself.
When Kawakaze entered the living room, his sister-in-law was feeding their beloved Ninken.
She had long brown hair cascading over her shoulders and two red markings on her face that, instead of looking odd, gave her an unusual charm. The Ninken was an imposing black dog, about half the height of a human, with a thick, fluffy collar of fur around its neck that extended to its head, obscuring its ears.
No mistaking it—my sister-in-law is an Inuzuka. Her original name was Nayuki Inuzuka, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman. Kawakaze often teased that his sister-in-law must have been blind to fall for someone as dull as Sakumo.
At this, Sakumo would typically glare at him before looking at Nayuki with a loving smile.
"Kawakaze, you're back. Your Big Brother's been shouting in the dojo all day," Nayuki Hatake said without glancing up, identifying her brother-in-law by scent alone.
"Haha, that old broken sword of his should've been replaced ages ago," Kawakaze joked as he strode toward Onimaru, crouching down to bury his hands in the dog's thick fur. The texture of such a massive Ninken's coat was a delight only he could fully appreciate.
And look at what Kakashi ended up raising—a pack of tiny Ninken! What a disgrace to his mother's bloodline. Kawakaze shook his head. Kakashi inherited none of her strengths—except maybe her sense of smell, and even that's mediocre. Resolving to make Kakashi raise a proper, fierce dog someday, Kawakaze chuckled at the thought. How else can he live up to the title of Hatake Clan's young head?
Onimaru let out a low, dissatisfied growl. If this guy weren't my master's brother-in-law, I'd have bitten him already.
"What are you growling at? I'm just rubbing your fur a little. Don't be stingy," Kawakaze teased, sensing Onimaru's discontent. He gave the dog a final pat on the head before reluctantly withdrawing his hand.