A/N: Hey y'all! It's Marcus here. So, this is yet another unfished collab I did with Capricorn. We are dividing the unfinished ones between us for either she or I to continue further on. So, hopefully y'all will enjoy this along with how I polished things up and such with it. I'm really excited to continue further on this too. Hehes
I hope you all enjoy the first chappie of this alogn with further ones. Love or hate the pairings that's done oh welp. I enjoy them along with Capricorn and that's what matters most. If others do then that's jsut a bonus. Just keep in mind please that this is an AU and we all write the characters differently. I hope you all like how they're written here along with the other works on her and my page.
Please remember to favorite, follow, etc. along with leaving some nice reviews. I look forward to seeing what y'all think about this.
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters.
Pairing: KakaNaru. Any others will be implied and/or added like usual.
Dedicated: to my amazing best firmed who I consider as an adoptive mother, CapricornKitty1975, who I love and adore to pieces. I don't know what I'd do without her.
A Hokage's Promise
Chapter 1: Complex
Many years ago, Kakashi sat, the young shinobi staring sadly at his sensei as he watched the life force drain from his eyes. Before this occured Minato had made sure that Kakashi promised him something. It had been to protect the village, Kushina, and the unborn son. The death of his sensei would forever haunt him, but he would keep the promise he made to the Fourth Hokage. Standing, Kakashi said a silent prayer as he closed his sensei's lifeless eyes. Turning around, he wiped the few errant tears and walked off, to fulfill his promise.
()
Years later, the unborn son had been brought into the world shortly after Minato's death. Although his life isn't what anyone including him to be expected. At the age he's currently at of nineteen years old, he wished that he had known his father, wondering what he was like as he has only a few memories of his mother. Being the vessel of the Nine Tails meant his life would never be normal. The infamous organization would constantly be searching for him while remaining in hiding. Yet, Naruto manages to continue on his path of life. The years haven't been kind ot him with how the civilians of Konoha all seemed to hate him for criems that he didn't commit. Right now, he had been walking outside. Training had recently finished. Going up onto a roof he looked up at the clouds passing by. The copycat ninja leapt quietly onto the rooftop and sat down next to Naruto. He had been watching over the jinchurriki, even managing to become his sensei.
"Doing okay, Naruto?" He asked, being silent as ever until piping up, finding it amusing the reaction he received from the blonde each time.
When he heard his voice, Naruto jumped slightly although relaxed when realizing it's just Kakashi, "Oh, um, yeah I'm good. Just thought to come up here."
Pulling out his book, Kakashi started skimming it, "Mind if I join you?"
Kakashi had noticed in the past couple years since Naruto had turned around a bit over sixteen that Kakashi had very affectionate feelings towards the blonde kuncklehead. That seemed to be expected, due to how Kakashi had invested into ensuring Naruto's safety. Now, at nineteen, Kakashi needed to broach a subject with Naruto that he felt uncomfortable with. Although those type of conversations proved to be the most important ones.
"Sure," replied Naruto, noticing the book, not surprised by it. "I don't mind."
"So, Naruto...has anyone caught your eye romantically?" Kakashi kept his tone light, but worry is in his mind.
"Um, nope, not that I know of," blushed Naruto, wondering what brought this on. "I kind of doubt anyone would be attracted to me. Most people here consider me a monster. I mean I'm not... I don't know why no matter what I do it doesn't seem to be enough..."
Eyeing the blonde, Kakashi asked, "Perhaps you aren't looking in the right spot. Shinobi are horrible to be in a relationship with anyways. Perhaps someone who knows a great deal about ramen?"
"But Pervy Sage is too old... What about you? You know a lot about ramen," asked Naruto, watching the clouds moving by lazily reminding him of his friend Shikamaru.
"Ahem," Kakashi blushed, thankful for his face being covered. "I was more meaning the lovely lady at the ramen shop."
"Oh, um, I'm not attracted to women though," blushed Naruto, not being able to help to laugh a little although it came out somewhat nervous.
Kakashi smiled to himself, "I thought as much and there's nothing to be ashamed of. Well, why not go to one of the weekly dances and see if a man catches your eye?"
"I don't know," replied Naruto, uncertain if he would fit in a place like that.
Kakashi smiled, this time it's one towards him, wanting him to feel at ease about this, "It could be fun, you know."
"I just don't knwo if I'd fit in there," admitted Naruto worriedly. "Um, but maybe you're right. I'll at least give it a try."
"Good," Kakashi clucked appreciatively. Standing as he winked at the blonde, unsure how he'd handle himself seeing him with someone else instead of with him. "I have to go meet with the Hokage. See you later."
With a poof, he disappeared, going out to carry out his business. Of course he did have the blonde in his mind, hoping Naruto would be ok without someone accompanying him, knowing how cruel the civilians can be towards him. A poof then appeared at Minato's grave. Kneeling, the silver haired man bowed his head, sending his silent prayers to the man that has helped him become what he is today. Without him, Kakashi had no idea how he would've survived after his own father had committed suicide. He also visited his father's, Sakumo, grave as well even though it doesn't have the same significance as his sensei.
"I'm trying, sensei."
()()()()()
In another part of the village, Sasuke had been out of the house within the compound. Now, he stands in the training grounds. All he wanted to do is to grow strong enough to prove to his brother that he won't fall behind, wanting to show all of the hatred he has kindled over the years. What worried him is that it might not be enough depending on Itachi's standards. Still, he tried his best, hoping it would be on par with his sibling's expectations of him.
"I can make you that strong," hissed a silky masculine voice from the shadows.
Stopping, Sasuke glanced around as he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end. It had become apparent to him that someone or something has been watching him over the time that he's lived in the Leaf. Except he has never been able to pinpoint the identity of the voice, having heard it before. Unsure of how likely it is to trust whoever this person could possibly be, he decided to remain on the air of caution.
"How?" he demanded to know.
Orochimaru slithered out, smirking as he put his arms folded across his chest before he responded with, "Well, you would have to come with me of course to find that out for yourself. But the short answer is….training."
"And it would make me stronger?" asked Sasuke, raising a brow although impressed with what he saw since it's not the usual person he sees around Konoha.
"Exactly so," confirmed the serpentine male. "Do I appear weak, little cobra?"
"No, you're not," glared Sasuke in response of knowing what that meant, not really fond of pet names. "Hn, I'll accept your offer."
Orochimaru held out his pale hand to him. Eyeing it suspiciously for a moment, Sasuke then took it within one of his own. At their fingers touching one another caused electricity to jolt, startling the Uchiha slightly while causing the other male to chuckle lightly in amusement. What he hoped is that he hasn't made a grave mistake. Leading the male away, into the shadows, both knew this would be an interesting development to witness being played out between them.
()()()()()
"This is such a drag!" groaned Shikamaru, sitting in the grass, back against a tree, watching Neji practice.
"And your point? Training is important," noted the Hyuga, having been practicing his taijutsu on a tree.
Shikamaru just humphed, yawning as he closed his eyes, covertly watching the guardian. Neji hmphed as well. After another hour or so he had finished his training for now. he didn't want to slack off; especially with his place in the clan. It would do none of them any good if he slacked off on his duties. It didn't bother him how lazy the Nara male is, being used to him by now.
"This is such a drag. Do we need to keep playing this game?" Shikamaru asked as he stood, his stomach rumbling.
"No, not really. Let's go get some food," suggested Neji, wondering what game the other male is talking about.
"Good. So, are we boyfriends now, or do you need to go on a date first?" Shikamaru shoved his hands in his pockets as he walked by Neji.
"Heh, nah that's not necessary," smirked Neji, walking with him in step until they found a good place to eat which is just the place where they usually got some ramen or barbecue.
Shikamaru gave a small smile, "Good. That would be troublesome…"
"Indeed," agreed Neji, settling down as well with the other male seated across from him.
"So, do you want to play some Shogi?" Shikamaru asked as he popped some food in his mouth.
"Sure," replied Neji, having a liking for the game as he as well took a piece of sushi with his chopsticks into his mouth before setting them down.
"Cool," Shikamaru finished eating, waiting on his now boyfriend.
"Do you think you'll win again?" asked the brunette, finishing up eating while he waited to begin the game.
"You are pretty fierce yourself, I dont know," stated Shikamaru in response evenly.
"Well, it helps we have a similar mindset," murmured Neji, excited to play the game with him.
"Hn...it is less of a drag," acknowledged Shikamaru, walking back to his house with Neji. Setting up the board, offering the first move to the Hyuga.
Accepting the offer to begin the game the two played for quite a while until it slowly grew dark outside.
"Need me to walk you home?" Shikamaru asked after two games with one winner each.
"Hmm, perhaps," mused Neji, glancing out the window to notice it's growing late.
Shikamaru shoved his hands in his pockets, following the lavender eyed male to the compound. At the porch, Shikamaru leaned up, giving a hasty kiss on the corner of Neji's lips.
"That wasn't such a drag," he smirked.
Neji blushed which is a rare sight, "True. I'll see you later."
The Hyuga then went inside after one last glance at his newfound lover, finding it almost hard to imagine that someone like him could have such feelings for someone else. Perhaps he'll begin to learn a few new things thanks to a Nara of all people. The good thing is that they've grown up together, knowing each other like the back of their hands. Thusly, Shikamaru sauntered off into the night.
"Not so troublesome at all…
A/N: Eep, done with chappie one! Hmm, I polished this up quicker than I thought I would. It's good because it's the start of December meaning it's the beginning of working on more KakaNaru. Hehes
I hope you all enjoyed what happened this time. There are a few more chappies that are already finished up except need to be polished up. Hopefully it won't be too long until the next one is out. Until then please remember to review loves!