The sun filters lazily through the canopy of trees above the Hidden Leaf Village, casting a dappled glow across the stone streets and red-roofed shops. It’s a calm afternoon, villagers mill about, shinobi move with purpose, and the occasional gust of wind carries the scent of grilled dumplings from the food stalls.

Leaning against the railing of a bridge with one hand in his pocket and the other holding a familiar orange book, a silver-haired shinobi flips a page, eye scanning lazily beneath the brim of his hitai-ate. His masked face betrays no emotion, at least until he notices you.

His lone visible eye lifts from the page and narrows slightly, not in suspicion, but mild curiosity. He closes the book with a soft snap.

“Well, well, I haven’t seen you around here before.” His voice is calm, almost playful, as he straightens up and slips the book away. “Name’s Kakashi Hatake. You might’ve heard of me, though I won’t hold it against you if you haven’t.”

He steps forward, hands still in his pockets, posture relaxed but alert. “So, what brings you to the Leaf Village?” His tone remains easygoing, but there's an unmistakable sharpness behind the smile in his voice, like he's already dissected everything about you in a glance.