oOo Three years later oOo
The sound of my heels against the ground was too loud in a world where silent footsteps were the rule. Everyone heard me arrive in the office, turning toward me expectantly. I made a mental note to buy new shoes. I had worn those out so much that the sole had lost its inbuilt softness, among other failings: after a day of walking around the tower, my feet were killing me.
Iruka stood up at my arrival. His eagerness told me everything I needed to know before he could speak up.
"Kakashi. What did I tell you about teasing my assistant?"
The jounin hummed and tapped his book to his lips as if he needed to think about it to remember. "To not to? But it's so fun, Maiko-chan."
Iruka glowered at Kakashi. It was a good attempt, which would no doubt terrify many people into submission as soon as he had enough years to make it work; unfortunately, it would never have any effect on Hatake Kakashi.
I passed by Iruka's desk and Yoshino's (currently empty, as she had taken the afternoon off) to reach my own. I dropped on my chair with a sigh of relief.
"You need to buy new shoes," Kakashi pointed out.
I kicked out my heels to stretch my toes and glanced at him in surprise. Sometimes I thought Kakashi didn't pay attention to me (at least not in the way Genma did, complimenting me about what I was wearing or how good I looked), and then he surprised me with small remarks like this showing that he actually noticed more than he let on.
I gestured at Iruka to come forward with the work he had taken care of in my absence and shook my head as I replied: "You know I can't."
A few months ago, my mother had had a major surgery led by Tsunade-sama to stall the progress of her degenerative disease, and she had new medicine since. It worked beyond expectations, which made the expenses completely worth it, but I was broke.
"Alright. Genma will buy you new shoes then."
"Why would it be Genma?" Iruka asked, outraged. He was of the firm opinion that Genma was a better boyfriend than Kakashi and didn't mind expressing it. "Why don't you?"
"She wouldn't accept it," Kakashi replied calmly as he hid behind his book (just to annoy Iruka). For some reason, he found Iruka's poor opinion of him amusing. My guess was that it was refreshing for him that someone wasn't awestruck at his mere presence, but who knew...
"I wouldn't," I confirmed while going through the paperwork handed to me. When it seemed to puzzle Iruka, I explained: "Kakashi would do it only because I can't afford to buy them myself, while Genma actually likes to give me gifts."
"So… Kakashi doesn't give you gifts," Iruka concluded, seeming reinforced in his position.
I looked up from the notes I was going through. I had tolerated Iruka's stance because it wasn't his business anyway, but if I let it go indefinitely this would spread into rumors, I could see it. There were already too many about our unconventional relationship as it was.
I sighed and explained: "Alright, here is a tip Iruka: people love each other in different ways. Among other things, Genma likes to give me gifts. That's how he shows me he thinks about me." He would do it for Kakashi too if only he could find ideas: Kakashi always bought anything he needed, and flowers or sweets weren't his cup of tea. Finding birthday gifts always gave me headaches. "However, you know what he sucks at? Helping with the chores. Really, he's the worst."
"The worst," Kakashi agreed.
"So who helps me at home and doesn't need to be told twice when I need help? That's Kakashi, because Kakashi doesn't see the point of buying gifts, but he knows what he can do to help without needing to be told and he does it and does it well. That's how he shows me he cares. Genma and Kakashi are different and they have different ways to express their love. Both are valid and make me feel appreciated."
Chastised, Iruka fidgeted. "I'm sorry, Maiko-san. I didn't mean to presume…"
"I know. Just remember that you shouldn't judge a relationship based on your own needs. Genma, Kakashi, and I are happy together and that's all anyone needs to know."
"Of course," Iruka agreed before adding hesitantly: "I apologize, Kakashi-san. It was presumptuous of me to question your affection."
Kakashi eye-smiled. "Maa, it's alright, Iruka-kun. You haven't much experience on the subject, but I'd be happy to educate you."
"Ah… Thank you, but… I…"
There we went again. Kakashi might be trying to help desensitize Iruka, I wouldn't be surprised. Kakashi's definition of helping was sometimes… peculiar.
As I organized my desk and Kakashi bantered with Iruka, I caught sight of Kakashi's fingers moving in the gesture for 'Private Talk'. After a few seconds, I spoke up: "Iruka-kun, could you please take care of the liaison with the Senior Assistants today?"
Iruka startled and perked up. "Alone?"
"Yes, you have been accompanying Yoshino and me for long enough, and there shouldn't be anything problematic today. I'm sure you can handle it."
He grinned. "I won't disappoint you, Maiko-san! Should I… now?"
I nodded and waited for him to be gone before looking up at Kakashi with a raised eyebrow. The jounin sat on the desk by my side, his knee brushing mine as he leaned forward to push a strand of hair away from my eyes.
"I have a mission. I leave in an hour."
"Oh. Will you be gone for long?" I knew better than asking for anything more.
"A week. Two at most."
"Alright. I'll miss you." I craned my neck in a silent request. The kiss was soft and slow, meant to be reassuring and convey a thousand words he had difficulties admitting out loud. Since it wasn't an issue for me, I concluded: "I love you. Come back safe."
After a last caress, he was gone. I tried to ignore the burst of anxiety accompanying his departure on a mission and focus on my work. I usually managed it without too much difficulty, but that day I was mildly successful.
Since I was surrounded by shinobi trained to notice weakness, of course, this information was duly noted and passed to whom it may concern: Genma (thanks Raidou). Because my boyfriends were telepaths, his first words as he came to fetch me at the end of my shift were: "Hey, sweetheart. I heard you need new shoes? Want to do some shopping?"
I wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Are we eating out after?"
"Sure thing, if okonomiyaki is alright with you."
I held onto his forearm as we walked through the streets.
He looked at me with a fond smile. "What's with the dazed look?"
"I'm just thinking I'm a lucky girl, to have a boyfriend here to reassure me and keep me distracted when my other boyfriend is gone Hokage knows where."
"True. I guess we're a trio of lucky bastards."
I chuckled and leaned onto him. "We are. By the way, next time you see your mom, thank her for me. Okaa-san told me she found her a new wheelchair at half price. She was really pleased with it. She did stunts in the hallway until the nurse bribed her to go back to her room."
"Bribe?"
"With books. The nurses are great, and they know her well."
Genma smirked and shook his head. "Your mom is the best."
"Yours isn't bad either. She's downright scary when she bargains."
"She always gets what she wants," Genma agreed. "That's how she got her hands on dad, from what I've been told."
"By bargaining?"
"She got him to go out with her by winning a bet."
I laughed in delight. "I can totally picture it."
"The story says that he was so impressed by her smooth-talking that he fell in love every time she spoke. That's why she never shut up and I can barely remember his voice."
"Aww. Cute."
"Of course, I inherited all her talent. That's why you love me, don't you?"
I chuckled and paused in front of the store we had reached. "I love you for many reasons, Genma. Your smooth-talking is only one among many," I replied, grinning. That got me a kiss. I hummed against his lips before pulling away. "Come on, let's get inside before the Uchiha police accuse us of indecency again ."
"Nah. Kakashi isn't here to piss them off by his mere presence, and they know you're Itachi's favorite. We're safe," he said as he followed. "Alright, as usual then?"
"You know me."
"That, I do. So, no bare toes, closed shoes, in leather, around three centimeters of heel max. I'd say you're a woman of simple tastes, easy to please, if your tastes weren't the exact opposite of the current fashion."
"What do you complain about? Less choice means quicker choice," I pointed out, ignoring the sandals on display until I reached the winter collection.
Genma had been stopped by a saleswoman on the way. I ended up choosing a few pairs to try on my own.
As I sat down on a bench, the nearest lady, a forty-year-old civilian helping her genin daughter, told me: "You should keep an eye on your boyfriend."
I glanced at Genma. He was leaning sideways against a display stand while talking to the seller. Our eyes met, and we shared a smile.
"If I had to keep an eye on my boyfriend at all times, ma'am, I'd go crazy."
"Don't you mind that he's talking to that girl?"
"Well, while he talks to her, he doesn't talk my ear off, if you know what I mean. Men, they're such gossips," I commented while admiring the shoes at my feet.
"That's not just talking ."
"Oh, yes, it is. When he actually flirts, he leans toward you and doesn't look away from you. Just watch." I stood up, walked up to Genma, and struck a pose. "What do you think?" I asked as I show off the shoes.
Genma moved away from the stand, leaned forward, and never looked away from me as he replied: "Looks good, but you don't seem comfortable when you walk, darling. Try those with the shoelaces? They look cute."
"I thought so too," I agreed, pecking his cheek before going back to my bench and removing the shoes. "See?" I told the lady.
"I want a boyfriend like that," the daughter whispered, wide-eyed.
"Don't you settle for less," I agreed. "A boy you have to keep an eye on is the wrong boy for you."
"I mean, he has an opinion on shoes!" The girl exclaimed, amazed.
I would have sweatdrop if I could. I chose to laugh about it. "Yeah, well, that 's optional… but a good bonus I suppose."
"The girls think Hatake-san would be the best boyfriend, but they're wrong. Shiranui-san is definitely the best!"
At this announcement, I froze in the middle of lacing the new pair of shoes, barely noticing when the mother reprimanded her daughter for her audacity. Comparing my boyfriends was an Academy game now? Wow. I didn't know our popularity went so far. I suppose we were lucky that was the worst we had to deal with. This universe had a more tolerant view of polyamory, and I couldn't complain about the reception the news of our relationship had received. Overall, people were more interested in knowing that Hatake Kakashi was in a stable relationship which could allow the continuation of his bloodline than they were in the details (from what I had gathered, that it was unusual was expected considering how eccentric he was).
The worst comment I had to deal with was a blunt "You're still working? Isn't it time you get knocked up?" and that had been dealt with a public tongue-lashing (and pranks which might have been Iruka and Naruto's doing but no-one, not even I, had proof).
"So, I am the best boyfriend, ain't I?" Genma asked as we left the shop with the lace-up shoes in a bag he was carrying, his wallet emptied of a few bills.
I snorted but didn't have the opportunity to reply. On our way to the okonomiyaki restaurant, we crossed paths with Izumo and Kotetsu, who were coming back from guard duty with growling stomachs. They joined us, making for a lively evening as Kotetsu tried to outdo Genma with funny anecdotes. It ended with them inventing the most ludicrous stories — Genma with a perfectly stoic face, Kotetsu with a really expressive demeanor. Snorting at their ridiculousness, I shared a look of amusement with my cousin. Izumo had grown well, and I was glad we were as close as ever after all this time and what I had told him.
I had such a great family.
oOo
"Is there a reason why you're staring at my shoes, Neji-kun?"
The young Hyuuga startled and looked up. From my position two steps behind and to the right of the Hokage, I gently smiled at Neji while the Hyuuga elders and Minato talked. Since they didn't seem to need me to take notes, I pressed the clipboard to my chest and crouched to be at Neji's height. "Is there something on them I can't see?" I asked in a soft voice to avoid drawing attention to us.
"No," he replied firmly. He straightened his posture and looked right in front of him like a perfect Hyuuga.
I made an enquiring sound and gently nudged him with my pencil.
He grumbled but, knowing my persistence, relented and admitted: "I heard girls at the Academy talk about Genma-san buying them for you. I don't see what's the big deal about them."
I chuckled. "I don't think it's about the shoes, Neji-kun. You shouldn't think too much about it. How is the Academy?"
"Dull. The other kids are weak and idiots."
"No, they aren't. It's you who is strong and smart."
"It's the same thing."
"No, it isn't. You are what we call precocious. It means you're advanced for your age while the others are just normal. Once you're all grown up, the difference won't be so obvious."
"They'll be at my level?"
I winced. "Well… I wouldn't go that far, not for most of them anyway, but you won't find them so stupid."
Neji sniffed disdainfully. "If you say so, Maiko-san. What am I supposed to do while they catch up?"
"Well, don't be too hard on them, improve your patience and compassion, and… find some older kids to train with?" I suggested sheepishly.
He glanced at me from the corner of his eyes and sighed. "You said the same thing about Hinata-hime."
"Yep, I did," I admitted with a grin. "It's the same, Neji-kun. Strong boys need to be good senpai!"
Neji sighed again, louder, and slouched in defeat. "Very well, but I'm not sure I like this senpai duty."
"We don't always do what we like, but I'm proud of you for trying! I saw Hinata-chan smiling at you. She seems to like you. That's good." I beamed proudly.
He straightened again and crossed his hands behind his back. "I did like you told me… Do you really think it will help?"
I tapped my cheek. "Well, what do you think?"
"Hiashi-sama seemed to be pleased… and otou-san said I did well."
"Then you must be on the right track."
The Hokage started to make his exit. I stood up, giving a thumbs up to Neji before leaving the Hyuuga compound.
"Maiko," Minato called once we were alone with his bodyguards.
I hurried to catch up and walk by his side. "Yes, Hokage-sama?"
"You did well coaching Neji-kun to appease the relations between the branches."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama. How did the elders take your offer to help with the Caged Bird Seal?"
"As well as we imagined, but Hiashi-san was interested. There is hope."
"I have faith in your ability to convince Hiashi-sama, Hokage-sama," I replied cheerfully.
Minato glanced at me, smiling softly, but didn't reply.
ANBU agents dropped in front of us. We halted. The street was quiet, seldom used apart from Hyuuga going to their compound.
"An emergency requires your attention at HQ, Hokage-sama," the ANBU captain announced.
"Very well. Maiko, I'll let you go back alone. When is my next meeting?"
"In twenty minutes, Hokage-sama."
He nodded and disappeared, followed by ANBU and guards. I hummed to myself as I walked through the village, mentally planning my work for the hour left before the end of my shift.
I was walking by a park when I heard my name called and noticed Chouji sitting by a dozing Shikamaru. I waved and then waited for them as they stood up, clearly intent on talking to me.
"Hello boys," I greeted them before noticing their dirty clothes and scraped skin. "Well, now… Do I need to take names and put the fear of the secretary into some bullies?"
"No," Shikamaru replied nonchalantly, apparently unbothered by his scratched elbow, "but we could use your help. Naruto and Sasuke were supposed to meet us here half an hour ago."
I frowned. That was past the polite delay allowed for absent-minded kids and starting to edge into the suspicion of danger for a S-class asset such as Naruto.
I pulled on the cord around my neck to get a whistle out of my cleavage. "Let me check." I blew the whistle, producing a loud bird call. We waited a few seconds before an ANBU agent dropped by and tilted his head questioningly. "Apologies for the disturbance. Uzumaki Naruto and his friend Uchiha Sasuke are half an hour late for a playdate. Are you aware of their whereabouts?"
"I'll check," he replied before disappearing.
I looked back at the children and smiled at their awe (Chouji's) and curiosity (Shikamaru's).
"Mom doesn't have a whistle," Shikamaru noted.
"Ah, no. That's because I 'm a big deal," I replied with a falsely smug voice, pushing my hair back and posing with wide eyes and a theatrical expression.
Shikamaru rolled his eyes, thinking I was exaggerating like I tended to do. A first assistant to the Hokage couldn't be much more of a big deal than the second assistant, right? And this was how I successfully managed to fool him by telling the truth! Assistants didn't have emergency ANBU whistles, but S-class assets did (and Naruto better not have lost his or there would be hell to pay). It was Minato's creation after a few too many close calls. It wasn't like they could put an ANBU to guard every asset 24h/7, so this was a good compromise. I found it quite reassuring, personally. I rarely needed it since I was surrounded by ANBU most of the day, but it had its uses.
I was sitting on a bench, chatting with the boys about their day at the Academy, when the ANBU agent came back. He had a kid under each arm, and they were absolutely filthy.
"Sweet Sage of the Six," I breathed. "Did you find them in a sewer?!"
"Almost."
"Great," I sighed before recoiling as Naruto stumbled forward when he was let down. "Uhuh. Don't touch me, mud monster. What the hell happened to you?"
"We beat the shit out of Taki-baka!"
"Oh, did you?" At Chouji's and Shikamaru's look of recognition, I added: "Does that Taki happen to be a bully?"
"Yeah!"
I glanced at the ANBU agent in silent question. He shrugged and signed "minor injuries" in reply. Well, I supposed that was acceptable then. I thanked him in the same silent way, and he disappeared after a brief nod. "Alright— No!" I jumped on my feet and went around the bench."No, no, no, Naruto-kun. No hugs when you're covered in mud! I have to go back to work!"
"But, Maiko-nee-chan," he whined.
"Come by after school tomorrow and help me with the garden. I'll give you as many hugs as you want then," I compromised.
"Yes!"
"Now tell me what happened."
It was what I had expected. Bullies had hassled Chouji during the lunch break, and Shikamaru had stepped in and gotten them to leave. After school, Sasuke and Naruto had heard those bullies plan their revenge. They had confronted them, and it ended with all of them rolling in the mud by the Naka river.
I snorted and glanced at the quartet with fondness. Sasuke looked apprehensive, so I pointed out: "Don't worry so much about what your mother will say, Sasuke-kun. If you tell her the truth, I'm sure she'll be lenient." As he looked doubtful, I added: "You fought to protect your comrades, Sasuke-kun. You acted like a true shinobi of Konoha, and I know that your brother would be proud of you. Don't forget to tell him about it when he'll be back from his mission, alright?"
He nodded eagerly, suddenly much more proud and confident.
"Now, I need to go back to work. Take care of yourselves, boys, and continue to watch over each other. Naruto-kun, I'll see you tomorrow!"
oOo
"Easy, Naruto-kun. Don't drown the poor plants," I called as I watched the over-enthusiastic boy water the small garden I had organized on the flat roof we used as a terrace.
In the beginning, I mainly had aromatic herbs, which didn't necessitate much care (I didn't always have time for them), but Naruto-kun had taken a liking to gardening, so I had added a few flowers and simple plants like strawberries or cherry tomatoes.
Genma didn't care much for it, complaining that he was afraid to step on anything when he dropped in ('while drunk' was left unsaid). Kakashi pretended he didn't care, but somehow I had never lost a plant, not even when I was too busy for weeks and forgot to water them.
"Look, look, Maiko-nee-chan! It makes flowers!"
"It does. Do you remember what it's called?"
"Carnations!"
"That's right. Well done."
"And they're orange!"
I chuckled and walked up to him. "Those are orange, yes, because I bought them thinking about you."
He beamed. "You did?"
I crouched and hugged him loosely. "Yes. The red ones, I bought them thinking about Genma, because he often gives me red flowers."
"And Kakashi-nii-san?"
"Well, his flowers aren't carnations. You'll have to guess!"
Naruto turned toward the pots with a determined expression, humming to himself. I left him to his guessing work. Genma was leaning against the frame of the balcony door with a fond look.
"Welcome home. What's got you in such a good mood?" I asked when I reached him.
"Just thinking," he said while pulling me into his arms.
"About?"
"You and kids."
I paused in my attempt to find a comfortable position for cuddles and looked up to his chin. "Kids… in general, or more specifically speaking?"
"Depends… on what answer you prefer," he replied with humor.
I gently pushed him inside for a little more privacy. "I know this is hard for you, but for once could you lay off on the flippancy?" I asked with a smile. "You can be honest with me, you know... Do you want kids, Genma?"
"Maybe… Yes. Someday. If you both want to," he admitted, nervously biting on his senbon.
I nodded slowly. I was a little apprehensive about getting pregnant, giving birth, and all that jazz, but I wanted kids. "Someday, yes. Do you think Kakashi…?"
"Well... he would have a few panic attacks imagining what a bad father he would be… but eventually, I think he would accept he at least needs to continue the Hatake bloodline."
"Right… We should probably ease him into the idea."
"Definitely, yeah," he agreed with a smirk.
I joined my arms behind his neck and played with his hair while imagining the three of us being parents. It would be lively, but being three instead of two could only be an advantage. "Kakashi would make a good father."
"He would… but he would drive you crazy."
"You all would," I laughed. I would be one of those protective mothers always worrying and micromanaging everything while Genma and Kakashi would be the funny fathers adored by their kids. "But let's not get ahead of ourselves…"
"Right," Genma agreed with a nod. "I wanted to ask you: do you mind if Raidou comes for dinner? You know, with Rin gone…"
"Oh, yes." I shook my head. I still tended to forget that Rin sometimes went on missions with Kakashi (well, officially, just at the same time as Kakashi, but it meant what it meant…) "No, of course. He's always welcome."
"Great," Genma started to say before being interrupted by Naruto barging in with a pot of white flowers cradled in his small arms.
"I found it! It's this one! The orchids!"
I gasped dramatically. "How did you guess?"
He giggled. "They're like his hair! The shape and the color!"
"Yes!" I laughed and went to grab the pot before he dropped it, patting his head while I was in reach. "He doesn't think so, but it totally is like his hair! Ha! I'll tell him you think so too!"
"Totally!"
We went back to the terrace so we could finish tidying things up. When we came back inside, it was to find Minato and Raidou chatting with Genma.
"Dad! Dad! Maiko has orange flowers just for me! and the white orchids are just like Kakashi-nii-san's hair!" Naruto announced, running to his father and hugging his legs.
"Oh, really?"
"Uhuh!"
"That's good to know. Thanks for watching over him, Maiko."
"It's always a pleasure, Minato-sama… Would you like to stay for dinner? Before you get all polite, Raidou is already invited, so it wouldn't be a bother to cook for two more. Pumpkin is on the menu."
Naruto and Genma both approved with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
Minato looked down at his son with a raised eyebrow. "You like pumpkin?"
"It's orange !"
"Didn't you know Hokage-sama? Carrots, oranges, and pumpkins are the best way to make him eat fruits or vegetables," I said with amusement, walking toward the kitchen.
Minato chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "I knew about the carrots, but I hadn't realized… Silly me."
"Silly dad!"
"Now, Naruto-kun, what do we say to Maiko for inviting us and cooking for us?"
"THANK YOU!"
oOo
Two days later, time seemed to be dragging on, probably because I was in a brooding mood since Kakashi had left. It showed how much I had gotten used to Kakashi's presence when his absence affected me this much. I really missed him. That was new. This realization was as responsible for my pensive mood as his absence.
I was staring at a report from an orphanage speaking of a snake infestation. That didn't help to brighten my mood. My distaste for the creatures might not be a phobia anymore, but they still greatly repulsed me.
I was startled by the abrupt arrival of a couple of shinobi. They looked like they had just come back from the field, out of breath and unkempt. I straightened as I recognized Aoba — only a true emergency would take precedence over his looks — but it was Anko who blurted out:
"We need to see the Hokage."
"I'm sorry, but—" I started to reply.
"It's urgent!" she shouted.
"Anko, calm down. Maiko, I have to insist," Aoba said.
I spread my hands in a show of appeasement and repeated: "I'm sorry, but he isn't here right now." I didn't know what was going on with ANBU, but he had been called to their HQ more often than usual lately.
Anko cursed and clenched the back of her neck. Aoba glanced at her with worry and started to say something, but I was already a step ahead and called:
"ANBU, get me the Hokage. Yoshino, get me the Jounin Commander." A movement in the corner of my left eye and Yoshino disappearing by the door on my right informed me I was obeyed. "Anko-san, do you need medical attention?"
"No," she hissed, white as a sheet, "they can't do anything. I need Hokage-sama!"
"He is on his way, Anko-san. Breathe deeply and hang in there." I stood up and went around my desk. "Let's step into the office for more privacy." Pressing my hand to the handle, I poured my chakra into the seal engraved into it to unlock the door.
Anko stumbled toward the couch and curled up on it, Aoba hovering not far from her.
Shikaku and Yoshino arrived a few seconds afterward. I let them in before closing the door behind them, activating the privacy seal as I did.
"Report," Shikaku ordered.
Aoba straightened and said: "We were returning from our successful mission when Anko's seal started to itch a few kilometers away from Konoha's wall. The pain has been increasing since, and as we passed the gates she affirmed that she could sense Orochimaru nearby."
"He's here!" Anko shouted from the couch, slamming her hand down on the armrest. "And he's trying to activate my seal! If Hokage-sama hadn't taken care of it…"
"Stay focused on the present and not the possibilities, Anko," Shikaku ordered firmly. "ANBU, trigger Immediate S-class Internal Threat protocol."
I turned toward Yoshino and pointed my chin to the door with a murmured: "You know what to do."
She left with a determined nod. As per protocol, she was in charge of coordinating the evacuation. It was a good thing that Shikamaru was at the Academy now. Yoshino could trust his sensei to protect him, and she would be less distracted. That reminded me that Iruka volunteered at the Academy on his free day. Good, he would take good care of the kids.
The bell sounded out a few seconds later — when the threat was one of our missing-nin, there was no point in trying to be covert by using bird signals, Orochimaru knew all about Konoha's systems.
I stepped toward the window to see civilians drop everything, grab their children and walk quickly toward the nearest evacuation point. They had been taught not to run unless in immediate danger as running crowds provoked more accidents than it was worth.
Shinobi were jumping on the roofs from the streets or their homes, overseeing the evacuation and looking for the enemy. An invisible enemy, for now...
Anko and Aoba were walking Shikaku through their last hour when the Hokage appeared behind his desk in a flash of yellow.
"Report," he ordered. He looked grave and focused.
His guards appeared a moment later in their customary triangle position, the ANBU commander in the middle as their passenger. Genma's eyes met mine before he slouched in relief (I couldn't fault him if a threat alert had immediately made him think the worst about my well-being, I had a bad record).
Minato was moving to check Anko's seal and the ANBU commander was turning to speak to Shikaku when a loud noise came from outside.
I turned toward the window and stared, wide-eyed, at the enormous snakes attacking the east wall. "Yep," I breathed, repressing a shudder, "he's here..."
oOo Kakashi's PoV - The day before, in the Land of Hot Water oOo
"Taichou. Are you… alright?"
Slowly catching his breath, Kakashi glanced at Tenzou hovering nearby and nodded briefly. "Casualties?"
"Two dead. Three heavily wounded. Rin-san is looking over them."
Nodding again, Kakashi stared at the ground from his crouching position. He couldn't look at the corpse lying beside him. If he did, he wouldn't be able to tear his eyes away, and his team needed him. He had already been distracted for too long. As always, Rin was better than him: she had her priorities in order. Standing slowly to spare his battered body, he looked around him.
The plateau was devastated. Trees were unrooted when they weren't burnt to embers or sliced into pieces. Craters were filled with water, and weapons littered the ground. It was a walking hazard.
Among the desolation, only four people including him (no need to mention his trembling fingers and chakra exhaustion, he could stand, that was all that mattered) had the energy to stay standing up. Kakashi focused first on his most important responsibility. "Yasu. Health report."
"Minor injuries. Low-level chakra, sufficient for C-level jutsu. I'm operational, taichou."
When he got saddled with this rookie, Kakashi hadn't realized how much he would be thankful for his obedience. When he was told to stay on support, Itachi could be trusted to obey regardless of his pride and opinion.
Craning his neck left and right to relax the muscles, Kakashi made two hand signs, too tired to speak.
Itachi nodded and went to clean up the battlefield as ordered. It wasn't the most glamorous job, but it had to be done, and it was traditionally the rookie's work since it served as a test of diligence.
"Tenzou. Health report."
"Non-life-threatening injuries. Low-level chakra, sufficient for D-level jutsu. Waiting for medical check-up."
"Go guard Rin. Come back to me after your check-up."
Tenzou disappeared after a nod.
Kakashi turned toward the remaining shinobi, who happened to be foreign and in a disgustingly good state. Jinchuriki at least could rejoice about never experiencing true chakra exhaustion.
"Thank you for your timely assistance," Utakata said, "I wasn't sure you would arrive in time."
"We were nearby."
"Ah. I'm sorry your team had to undergo this fight after the fatigue of a previous mission then, but this is fortunate for me. This… Tobi was as dangerous as you said."
Kakashi pointedly didn't look down. "Yes, he was. His partner was diverted, you said?"
"Yes. Orochimaru. He maintained that his old teammate, Jiraiya, was following them and offered to take care of him, leaving on the spot."
"You don't seem to believe him."
"Neither Tobi nor I noticed anyone, and his partner rather seemed of the opinion that he had been betrayed and abandoned. He was planning to kill Orochimaru once he was done with me."
"I see. Well, regardless, none of us is in good enough shape to fight a Sannin. Let's get this over with and go back home," Kakashi sighed. "Hokage-sama will want to meet you."
Fifteen minutes later, the battlefield had been cleared, Rin had healed as much of the ANBU team as she could, and Kakashi had ordered them to wait near the closest tree still standing.
Kakashi was staring at Rin, purposefully still not looking down as they stood over the dead body of their genin teammate. "Rin?"
The medic-nin, recently authorized to join ANBU mission, wasn't over-emotional, but her absence of reaction at the sight of Obito's mutilated body still worried Kakashi.
She didn't reply but slowly crouched and reached forward. She cut the clothes with her chakra scalpel and parted them to uncover the body made of mixed flesh. Kakashi didn't know what she was looking for, but he watched quietly.
Rin checked every limb before turning the corpse to see his back. Finally, she pointed out a mark at the back of the neck. Kakashi knew enough to recognize a seal. It was no particular surprise. Obito had clearly been brainwashed, and Minato had suggested the possible use of fuuinjutsu when they speculated about it during a few very moody and alcoholic evenings together.
Having found what she was looking for, Rin adjusted the body in its previous position and stood up.
They stayed quiet for a few long seconds, staring at the mature face of their teammate turned enemy. His eyes were closed over empty orbits. It had been extremely difficult to destroy his Sharingan. They had fought for what felt like an hour just to immobilize him for a few seconds, allowing Rin to strike the blow. After that, however, the fight was over in a minute.
Kakashi was staring at those closed eyes without really seeing them. He was jolted out of his contemplation by tears dropping on Obito's cheeks, making their way through the scars of the repaired jaw.
Rin was crying, head lowered and shoulders shaking.
As shitty as he was at dealing with crying people, Kakashi was relieved. He knew it was what she needed.
"He wasn't…" She started before a small hiccup forced her to pause. "He wasn't the Obito we knew."
"No, he wasn't," Kakashi agreed softly.
"The Obito we loved… he died that day. Do you think… do you think he'll finally find peace now?" she asked, looking up at him, her face clenched in anguish.
"I hope so," Kakashi whispered, glancing at the puppet laying at their feet. Was it why he couldn't bring himself to regret even for a second killing his former teammate? Because he had already been dead in all senses that matter? He didn't know. He couldn't think. He felt exhausted, physically and mentally. His body was heavy. His mind was cluttered.
He just wanted to curl up on Maiko and Genma's laps with his ninken lying all over them. He would sleep, read, and be late for dinner with Minato and Naruto. They would have no other choice than to come to check on him. Maiko wouldn't be able to get up to cook, so Genma would go buy takeout, grab Rin and Raidou on the way, and they'd all have a messy sleepover.
The sky was cloudy. Kakashi realized with a jolt he was daydreaming when a ray of sunshine came to blind him. He shifted and looked back to Rin. She was still crying. He moved without thinking to wrap an arm around her shoulders, pulling her so she could lean on his shoulder. Hugs weren't his specialty, but he had no choice but to learn with Maiko.
"Wh-what do we do with the body?" Rin asked. "Bring it back to Minato-sensei?"
"No. Protocol states it must be disposed of."
"But… It's Obito."
"You said it. Obito died eight years ago," Kakashi pointed out. He was falling back on his ANBU training. His voice was detached, probably too much for Rin's taste, he knew, but she didn't protest.
He ordered her to go join the team. She went, walking slowly to pull herself together. She didn't say a word to Obito's corpse. No last goodbye. They had already done it, eight years ago, in front of his empty grave. They had tried to reason with the living Tobi, without any success. What was left? … Giving him the respect he was due and which they had failed to do at the time, leading to this torture he had gone through for much too long.
Kakashi removed a scroll from his pocket — the emergency kit for when fire jutsu couldn't be used — and emptied its sealed content. He sprayed the body with highly flammable liquid, lit a match, and looked down one last time.
"Rest in Peace."