I know, I know, Kakashi the Scapegoat has not seen an update in months. I am SO, SO sorry. My muse has left me.
In its place, I was attacked by an evil horde of plot bunnies, who held me hostage and demanded that I write this story. I have conceded to their demands.
So this is set right before Naruto leaves to go travelling, and everyone's saying goodbye. It's my first time writing humour that isn't sarcastic, and I don't really like how the start turned out, but I hope you enjoy!
And here is a massive surprise for you guys….
I don't own Naruto (shocking, right?)
Please remember to drop a review!
"Come on, Ero-sennin! We've got training to do!" Jiraiya fondly ruffled Naruto's hair, stopping short when he realised precisely what had been said.
Or, to be accurate, what he had been called.
"I've already told you not to call me that in front of other people, Brat! When will you learn to respect your betters?" Jiraiya cried, exasperated at his new apprentice's antics.
"Maa, maybe when you stop being such a pervert… Ero-sennin."
Izumo and Kotetsu couldn't hold in their laughter any longer. After being stuck on gate duty, they were bored out of their brains, and watching one of the legendary Sannin get humiliated by a hyperactive 12-year old was - put quite simply - hilarious.
Jiraiya just sighed, and wondered when Konoha had started to lose all respect for its elite.
All in all, it was the dream start to any journey. The Rookie 9 had gathered around Konoha's entrance to bid farewell to one of their own, underneath a blue, blue sky and shining sunlight. Everyone was in good spirits, making jokes at each other's expense and just generally having a good time. Even Neji had been forced into grudgingly admitting that yes, he would (maybe), miss Naruto.
Iruka's eyes shone with unshed tears of pride – Naruto, his Naruto, was going to be training under a Sannin. Deep down, he knew that the tears were, maybe, a little bit sad as well. His son in all but name and blood was going to be leaving the village for years, after all. But he smiled bravely and wished Naruto the best of luck.
Naruto, for his part, was delighted. He was sad to leave the village behind, but he knew he would return and was looking forward to the journey ahead. He had almost cried with happiness when he realised that all of his precious people were coming to say goodbye. There were all of his friends, and Iruka-sensei, too. But one person was missing.
"Hey, Iruka-sensei?"
"Yes, Naruto?"
"Where's Kakashi-sensei?"
"I don't really know. He's probably on a mission – we're still low on manpower."
"Oh…. Ok then."
Perched in one of the huge trees that lined Konoha's gateway, Kakashi smiled fondly. He wouldn't say goodbye to his student. He wanted to, he wanted to so much it physically hurt. But he didn't deserve to.
He'd failed Naruto when he hadn't cared for his sensei's son.
He'd failed Naruto when he hadn't stopped the drunk villagers attacking him that October 10th.
He'd failed Naruto when he hadn't realised that the reason the kid ate ramen was because he couldn't afford anything else.
He'd failed Naruto when he hadn't reached the Valley of the End in time.
A failure like him didn't deserve to ruin Naruto's special day. Not somebody like him.