Seems like Kakashi has been having his run of it here on the site lately, huh? First you had the Kakashi Chronicles anime special, and then the popular Kakashi Fan Art Contest. And now, finally, the man's actual birthday. And why not, because the man has been a consistent presence in the Naruto storyline for, well, always. And with folks like Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura to look after (or track down), he might qualify for hardest-working ninja on the planet. So give it up for the man as he celebrates his birthday on the 15th, grab yourself a fresh character data wallpaper, and join our writer David F. Smith in saying...


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Happy birthday, Kakashi Hatake!

In the world of Naruto, he might be the most renowned ninja on any block. Among fans of the series, he sometimes even beats out a certain kid whose name is on the cover of every comic. From the deserted reaches of the Land of Wind to the distant islands of the Land of Mist, anyone with any sense has a healthy respect for the son of the famous White Fang.

Whether he wants it to be or not, Kakashi’s birthday is a bit of an occasion. It happens when you have friends, foes, and rivals all across a continent. So here’s a thought – what does a guy like Kakashi get to snag in the way of birthday gifts?

Maybe his fellow jonin can get him soething more just a birthday present... maybe something to commemorate Kakashi’s decision to finally take on his share of the training legwork. Perhaps a new set of bells for his famous teamwork test? [Shippuden Episode 3, “The Results of Training”]

Naruto and Sakura might get  most of the credit, but Kakashi and his pack of faithful ninja dogs play a key role in the mission to rescue the kidnapped Kazekage. [Shippuden Episode 11, “The Medical Ninja’s Student!”] It’s hard to imagine that Gaara himself is much for gift-giving, but Temari might have the presence of mind to send Pakkun a present of his favorite minty shampoo.

Old man Jiraiya could spare a little something for his biggest fan, and maybe allow a sneak preview of an upcoming volume of Make-out Paradise. After all, Kakashi’s addiction to trashy romance paperbacks may in fact be his sole weakness. [Shippuden Episode 2, “The Akatsuki Makes Its Move”] Speaking of old masters, what would Tsunade get him? Nobody's ever accused the Fifth Hokage of being the sentimental type, so she might very well give Kakashi the gift of an S-Rank mission and tell him to get his squad cracking, double time.

One wonders if some of his old enemies among the Akatsuki might take the opportunity to let him know they’re thinking about him. Kakashi and Itachi Uchiha have a rare couple of traits in common, not to mention a spot of unfinished business from the last time Itachi gave the Leaf ninja a visit. [Shippuden Episode 120, "Kakashi Chronicles ~ Boys' Life on the Battlefield ~ Part 2”]

And last, but not least, from his squad of trainees… well, let’s face it, ten will get you twenty that Naruto’s the only person who could manage to forget his mentor’s birthday. But he might be persuaded to give his long-suffering squad leader a day free of headaches – no backtalk, no pranks, no major property destruction. Kakashi would probably appreciate that gift most of all.