There seems to be a lot of Tsunade in this chapter but it's for a reason and it's funny as hell. ; )
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This is Where I Came In
Chapter One
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Kakashi was careful to keep his hands in his pockets when he finally wandered into the Hokage's office. He ignored the glare being directed at him from behind the Godaime's desk. Really, he was only an hour late so she had no reason to complain. He shrugged when she raised an eyebrow before directing her attention to the other occupant of the room.
Umino Iruka shifted under the close scrutiny. Even as a chunin instructor, Iruka was not used to having someone pay so much attention to him. The brunette fidgeted uncomfortably before looking at his leader for direction.
"I'm sure you have some vague idea of why you're here, so I'll skip the pleasantries," Tsunade directed another glare at the infamously late copy-nin before continuing. "You've both completed undercover missions before and in most respects this one will be the same as the rest have been." She trailed off and looked carefully over the two men standing before her. Well, one was standing, the other was slouching. Suddenly she wished for something sharp to throw at him. The Hokage was seconds from grabbing the rusty kunai she kept for special occasions when the chunin cleared his throat.
"Mostly the same, Tsunade-sama," Iruka asked, ignoring the look Kakashi tossed his way in response to his politeness. He stood a little straighter when Tsunade turned less malevolent attention toward him. The chunin really didn't want to be around when their Leader snapped and made Kakashi sorry to be alive.
"Yes, Umino-san, this mission has a few particulars that you may not be familiar with. Normal undercover missions require you to take on a new identity and maybe infiltrate an enemy organization. For this mission, you will be given new identities, a residence, and you'll begin a new life. Together."
Kakashi merely raised an eyebrow while Iruka sputtered. He opened his mouth to question the sanity of sending him with Kakashi but the academy teacher snapped it shut when he realized there was no one else he could think of as being better suited for this mission. Iruka frowned at his lack of options.
Tsunade smiled when she saw that they had no apparent complaints. This was easier than she thought it would be. "This is a strictly recon mission. Information gathering is as far as your team will go."
Iruka nodded confidently before sparing a glance for his silver-haired teammate. Kakashi appeared as unconcerned as if he wasn't being assigned an undercover mission with someone he probably disliked. He looked back at the blonde, wanting to know but too embarrassed to ask.
Kakashi made a strange noise, effectively drawing their eyes to him. "You emphasized that we would be doing this together. Together, as in us."
Iruka gave him a small smile for voicing something he hadn't been able to before regarding the Godaime again.
Tsunade smiled and Iruka suddenly felt nervous. "Oh that? Trifles." Her smile widened as she looked them over again, noticing the careful distance they kept form each other and the almost tangible way they avoided looking in the other's direction unless necessary. Oh yes, this would be good.
"You will be setting up your residence in the Lightning Country. As a couple. Any interactions between yourselves and others will be based on your new identity. You may have to act the part so it would be good to get comfortable with each other." The blonde mentally giggled at the flush of Iruka's cheeks. "Details are in this scroll," she finished before waving negligently. "Get lost."
Kakashi headed for the door while Iruka bowed quickly. They were almost out of her office when Tsunade called after them.
"Oh, you leave tomorrow and your other teammate will meet you at the gates around six." Both men nodded and continued on their way out. After they were no longer in earshot Tsunade called for Shizune.
"Get me Naruto and a stiff drink."
"Hokage-sama…."
"I'll work after," Tsunade hedged, resting her elbow on the edge of her desk and propping her head on a tightly closed fist. Those girls better appreciate all the trouble it took to set this up.
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This is a setup?? Omg… Really?? Hopeful eyes ;)
