Three years, it had been three years since Kakashi had walked up to the gates of Kohona. It was a beautiful sight. The moment it came into his line of vision he placed his book into his back pocket and let his eyes roam over the village that he loved so much. It had changed, but that was to be expected. He had left before all the building was complete from the war and the attack from Pein. It may be different but it also looked so similar. The buildings still all looked new, but the hokage mountain remained exactly the same. Those stone faces were a sight for sore eyes. As he slowly let his eyes roam over the four faces he couldn't help the smile that pulled at his lips. It was good to be home.
It was such a relief to be home, that he almost forgot about the apprehension he felt at the end of his mission. Yes, he wanted to come home, but he was not looking forward to the confrontations upon his arrival. The only person that knew he was leaving for such a long mission was Tsunade. He didn't stop to say good bye to anyone. Nope he just took the mission scroll and ran out as fast as he could. The only farewell that he had made was with his plant Mr. Ukki. Who he left on the welcome mat of Sakura's apartment, asking if she would care for him while he was gone. Or take care of it if he were to never come back. He sighed as he thought of her.
Sakura.
The reason that he had to leave. He could not stay in that village and watch her waste away. She was to marry the Uchiha, and then become his brood mare. That was not what she was meant for. There was more to her then that, so much more. Something he was positive that her husband would never see. Sakura had come up to him one night a little over three years ago. She was so excited with the news that she was getting married. She smiled so brightly and her eyes shone like the sun. Swallowing back his disappointment he smiled back at her, patting her on her shoulder telling her congratulations. The moment she walked away he was running to the Hokage's office to see what long term missions she had available. Kakashi let out a sigh and ran his hand through his silver hair becoming frustrated again at the memory. When he felt the need to run he didn't understand why. He knew the girl was "in love" with Sasuke for years. When he came back after the war he should have been happy for her, getting what she wanted after all this time. He couldn't though. He couldn't, because some how he had started to fall for the girl. He ran because he knew that there would never be a chance of her being with him. He knew that he would have been able to handle her getting together with some one else, any one but Sasuke. He could not watch as she became something that she was not. Not for him. So he took the first long term unclassified mission that he could get and left.
After three years Kakashi hoped that the his feeling would either be gone or at least faded somewhat. He was unsure, but realized the moment he saw her he would know for sure. He prayed that there was nothing left since he really wanted to be home with out her unconsciously torturing him. Perhaps she has changed so much that he would not be able to recognize her. That may be a blessing and curse, he was not sure which it could be. Three years, so that would be what? Two children by now? If they were going at it like rabbits, a third could be on the way. He shook his head, he didn't want to think of pink haired children with red eyes.
He walked through the gates tossing the attendants his mission scroll, they nodded and said to report to the Hokage as soon as possible. He just nodded and threw up his hand and walked away. Report immediately, yeah that was not going to happen. The debriefing will probably take hours, and that was not how he intended to spend his time right now. Not when there were better things to do, like take a lazy walk around the village or perhaps get lost on the road of life. He took his time as he walked through the Shinobi quarters that surrounded the markets and civilian homes. He pushed his hands into his pant pockets and wandered through the market and entertainment area of the village. His gate was slow as he took everything in. He smiled at he watched a squad of shinobi leap from roof top to roof top, as the civilians below ignored them and continues on with their day. It was a pleasant sight, watching the workings of his home. He was walking slowly when out of the corner of his eye he saw a familiar face in a nearly empty bar. He lazily walked into the establishment and took a seat next to the senbon chewing man.
"Oh, hey Hatake, long time." Genma said with a lopsided smile, his arm reaching up to give Kakashi a pat on the back.
"Indeed it has been. How have you been Genma?" Kakashi asked as he waved over the bar tender.
"Well, made it home alive and in one piece so I guess I don't have much to complain about." The man said as he finished his bowl of sake, then motioned for a refill.
"Just got back?" Kakashi asked as he began to drink his sake,
"A few hours ago. It wasn't long, they are never very long. They're just...exhausting." Genma pursed his lips before taking another draw from his bowl. Kakashi knitted his brows and really looked at his long lost friend. He did look tired. Dark circles under his eyes, his eyes slightly narrowed. Kakashi took another draw of his sake when he noticed two attractive women walk into the bar and take a seat a few feet away from the two shinobi. He smirked to himself and waited for the pick up line to fall from Genma's mouth. It never came. He actually didn't even look over at the two women. There was no way he could have missed them, and the Genma Kakashi knew would never miss a chance to pick up or hit on a woman. Hell, he would even hit on female enemy shinobi during a fight. This new behavior was not something that he wasn't prepared for.
"So what's new man?" Kakashi asked as he eyed the man who was just staring into his sake bowl.
"Nothing much, just missions, drinking, more missions a bit of sleeping. You know the typical life of a ninja." Genma smirked, but there was something that was off about it.
"No more women? Usually with you it was missions, drinking, and women... Or did the notorious Genma settle down?" Kakashi chuckled, Genma just snorted next to him.
"Yeah, well it's complicated." The senbon ninja sighed and rolled the weapon from one side of his mouth to the other.
"A woman making your life complicated. Never thought I would hear that from you." He watched as Genma finished the rest of his sake them motioned for another.
"Yeah, well I didn't plan on it. Shit happens you know."
"I guess a lot can change in three years." Kakashi mumbled as he finished his bowl.
"Three years, has it really been that long?" Genma's brows shot up as he looked over at Kakashi.
"Yeah, I left right before the Uchiha wedding. Actually it has been three years five months." He waved to the bartender for another sake.
"The Uchiha wedding, huh." Genma drawled slowly. "I guess that would have been three years ago or so." Genma's eyes then moved to look out the window of the bar to the street. "Aw fuck." He drank his sake quickly then slammed down his cash on the bar. "I have to get going. It was good seeing ya man. We'll have to catch up more soon." He patted Kakashi's back.
Kakashi noticed that Genma suddenly stiffened and his mouth moved into a scowl as he looked past him. He followed his eyes to see Sasuke entering the bar. He walked stiffly in donning dirt encrusted jounin gear looking exhausted. Kakashi once again looked back to Genma who stood next to him scowling. What the fuck is that about? He wondered. When had Sasuke have problems with Genma? He sat back and watched as the men stared at each other for a few moments before Sasuke walked up to them.
"Genma." Sasuke nodded his head, making the other man's eyes to narrow.
"Uchiha." The name rolled off the senbon ninjas tongue like a poison. Sasuke just sighed and took a seat next to Kakashi.
"Later man." Genma patted Kakashi and quickly made his way out of the bar, making his eyebrow raise.
"Kakashi, it has been a while." Sasuke said in a half pleasant tone. Kakashi looked over at the dark haired boy, no man, that was sitting next to him. He could see what woman saw in him. He was a pretty boy, dark hair, dark eyes, delicate features, thin eye brows. Hell he could be considered androgynous.
"That it has." Kakashi grunted and sipped his sake. Sasuke waved for the bartender and ordered a beer. "Just get back from a mission?" Sasuke let out a small laugh, that made Kakashi's brow raise. Since when did the last Uchiha laugh? Well there was the time he did laugh like a manic before saying he planned on killing him. Aahh sweet memories.
"How could you tell?" Sasuke smirked at him. Then shook his head. "Yeah, just got back. Been out for two weeks."
"Well, welcome back." Kakashi raised his cup. Sasuke mimicked the action. They both drank and settled into and uncomfortable silence. The older jounin had no clue what to say to the man who was married to the one he wanted to make his. Not to mention the little bastard was acting in a civil manner, and trying to be friendly. How much could have really changed in three years? Could Sasuke have actually developed some type of personality? He sighed, must have been Sakura's influence. They sat there for ten minutes or so, each nursing a drink neither talking. When Sasuke drained his bottle he turned and looked at Kakashi.
"Do you know where Sakura is?" Sasuke asked before he motioned for another beer. Kakashi just looked at him dumbly his brow furrowed.
"No, I have no idea. If I were to guess her location: it would be with you, Naruto or at the hospital." Kakashi shrugged. "How would I know where she is?" Sasuke took a long drawl from his beer and eyed Kakashi. He slowly placed the bottle down then let out a sigh.
"How long have you been home?" Sasuke asked as he raised his brow, watching Kakashi intently.
"A few hours." Kakashi said as he watched Sasuke. This was weird, sitting here having some type of fucked up staring contest with Sasuke. Did he know that Kakashi had feeling for Sakura? Kakashi shook his head breaking the eye contact fist.
"Ah." Sighed Sasuke before finishing his beer. "Well it was good seeing ya Sensei, see ya around." Sasuke threw down a few bills then took his leave. Kakashi watched him leave with narrowed eyes. It felt like he walked into the twilight zone, first Genma not trying to pick up women, then Sasuke being personable, hell even polite AND calling him Sensei. Sasuke had stopped calling him that after he left the village. He sighed and ordered another drink. He should really see the Hokage, but he wasn't sure if he could take any more weirdness. Plus she should know not to expect him any time soon. He'll go tomorrow morning. He had been away for over three years one more day with out a report from him wouldn't hurt. With that idea he quickly drank his sake then ordered another.
Kakashi stumbled to his apartment a few hour later. He had run into some familiar faces at the bar, that said that they were excited to have him home. He just smiled and nodded saying that he was happy to finally was home also. Then they would buy him a drink. Sooo much sake. Too much sake. He knew that he would regret the copious amount of alcohol, but he was never one to turn down a free drink or meal. That lead him to his current state. Drunk and standing in the middle of his apartment. He narrowed his eyes and looked around.
"There should be a lot more dust then this." He murmured as he ran a finger over the ledge of his window. He shrugged and made his way into the kitchen. He opened the cabinet and grabbed a glass, which was remarkably clean and not dust covered, and made his way to the sink and turned on the faucet. The only thing that came out was sputtering noises and the grinding of empty pipes.
"Fuck." He would have to call to get his water turned back on. He stood and glared at the sink before placing the cup down into it. Well the electricity was still on that meant the fridge was still working. He slowly made his way to the fridge and shuddered at the thought of him leaving something in it for three years. There may be a whole eco system in there. Taking a deep breath he slowly opened the door. It was clean. It was really clean and there was a box of bottle water sitting on his bottom shelf. He swayed a bit and stared at the clean fridge. Some one clearly had been in his apartment. He knew it wasn't his land lord, she didn't care about anything as long as she got her payment. Since he had set up direct deposit with her before he left she would have no need to stop by. Who would come into his apartment? Who would get past his seals? Kakashi shook his head, he honestly didn't really care right now. He was just grateful for the water.
Grabbing a few bottles he made his way into his room and laid on his bed and greedily drank the first bottle. He had to get his hydration up, or he knew that he would be praying for death from the gods in the morning. He sighed as he placed the empty bottle on his night stand. He turned his head when he smelled the a faint apple aroma on his pillow. His sheets had been laundered recently also. He furrowed his brows and look up to the cracked ceiling. Who had been here? Naruto? No, he probably only believed in washing his sheets once a year. There would be no way he would have thought to do something like that. Perhaps Sai or Yamato? They both were pretty hygienic. Then a name whispered in the back of his mind. Sakura. No, she wouldn't she has to be too busy with her own home, with her children.
He sighed again and shook his head. It didn't matter who did it. He was grateful. He stretched on his bed and began to try and fall asleep. It wasn't working. It felt odd falling asleep inside. He had slept in trees and on the ground for the past three years, he wasn't use to having four walls surrounding him. He wasn't use to the bed either. It felt amazing but it was not helping him sleep.
After laying in bed for nearly an hour he pulled himself up. He grabbed a few bottles of water and a pillow and climbed to the roof of his building. Thankfully he was on the top floor, so it made his drunken climb a bit easier. He settled himself down and sat and downed a water while surveying the area around him. It was well past midnight and the streets of Kohona were nearly empty and quite. He couldn't help the smirk as he looked around. He was home.
He sat there for a while, contently taking in his surrounding, watching the occasional person walking home. When down the street a figure caught his attention. A woman was limping down the street. She was wearing dark cloths and seemed to be muttering something to herself. As she walked closer Kakashi's brow knit together. It was difficult to tell, but she looked like she had pink hair. No that couldn't be Sakura. He squinted at the woman, but there wasn't enough light to really make out the features. All he could see was pink hair, pale skin, a dark tank top and dark pants. He followed the figure as she made her way. He watched as he turned towards his apartment complex and began to pull herself up the stair. He could no longer see, but he could hear as she struggled to the top floor. Kakashi quietly made his way to the edge of the roof and listened as she walked near his apartment. No she wasn't going to his, but to one two doors down. He silently made his way on the roof to stand right above where the girl stood. He wanted to look over the edge to see if it was her. He sighed. That would look exceptionally creepy.
There was a light knock on the door and everything was still for a moment, before there was a gentle creak of the door opening. Kakashi heard a sigh, then the door opening the rest of the way.
"Sakura." Genma's voice floated up. When did he live in this complex? And what was Sakura doing with him? Kakashi scowled.
"Genma...Please." Kakash closed his eyes at the sound of her voice. Just at the sound of her brought back what he ran from. It was a sound that he always wanted to hear. So much for forgetting about her while he was gone.
"Oh Sakura. You know you should still..."
"Please. Just please." Sakura pleaded. She sounded so desperate. Desperate for Genma? Seriously, what the hell was going on? Kakashi heard the shuffling of feet and then the door shutting. He just stood looking down and snarled at the roof under his feet. Letting out a snort he shook his head and made his way back to his apartment. He didn't sleep much that night. The sound of her voice haunted him.
Kakashi woke up far earlier the he wanted to. The throbbing in his head pulsed harder with every movement. Too much sake. He groaned as he rolled over and looked at his clock. Eight thirty. Three hours of sleep. He sighed and pulled himself out of bed. He made his way to the bathroom and stared down into the empty toilet. That's right no water. Great. That meant no shower. He sighed once more, he was sure that he smelled like a bar. Waking up with a hangover then not being able to wash the smell away had to be the worse feeling that a man could have. He groaned and then went to his closet and pulled out clean clothes and dressed. There was no point in meandering in his apartment any longer with out access to water.
Kakashi began to walk to the stairs of his complex, slowing his pace as he began to pass Genma's apartment. He eyed the window out of the corner of his eye, and saw Genma standing in his kitchen. Genma looked out the window just as he passed then quickly made his way to his front door.
"Hey Hatake! You want to come in for a cup of coffee?" He asked as he leaned in his door frame. Kakashi turned and looked at the man for moment. He then shrugged and walked into the apartment. Genma quickly busied himself and prepared a mug of coffee. He passed it over to Kakashi with a smile.
"So.. When did you move in here?" Kakashi asked as he took the mug and pulled down his mask and took a sip.
"Ahh, probably about two years ago or so. My last landlord sold the property and then jacked up the rates. No way was that place worth what they were asking for." Genma shrugged and sipped his coffee. "Man you smell like a bar." He smirked.
"Water is still turned off, and people were more then generous last night." Kakashi said blandly. His gaze began to grow hard looking at the senbon nin.
"I see." The air was awkward around them, and Gemna had no idea why. They had gone a long time with out seeing each other, but they never had any issues before. He shifted uncomfortably on his feet.
"I saw you had a guest last night." Kakashi said cooly.
"How did you know?" Gemna furrowed his brows.
"I was up on the roof. You know having a hard time sleeping indoors, you know how it goes." Genma nodded as he spoke. "Was it Sakura?" He asked. Genma narrowed his eyes at the silver haired man.
"What does it matter to you?" He asked as he pushed the senbon around his mouth. It mattered greatly to Kakashi, but he wasn't going to let anyone know that.
"Just curious." Kakashi shrugged. Genma continued to stare at him. "So was it her?"
"Yeah, she stopped by." He said nonchalantly.
"What are you thinking, Genma?" Kakashi sighed out. Having a married woman over. Not only a married woman, a Uchiha wife and the apprentice of the Hokage. Kakashi shook his head. "If Tsunade finds out."
"She knows already." Genma scowled at him. Kakashi couldn't help the dry laugh that came out.
"Oh I am sure that the Hokage is more then happy with having her apprentice whoring arou..." Kakashi's breath was pushed out of him as he was slammed into the wall causing him to drop his mug and spill all over himself. His eyes wide as he took in the scene in front of him. Genma's face was inches from his, his mouth scowling, nose flaring, brows furrowed. His fore arm pressed against the silver haired jonin's throat. Kakashi was shocked. It was not often that he was caught off guard, and Genma had definitely done that.
"DON'T!" His breath coming out harshly. "Don't you say a thing about what you don't know or understand." Genma's eyes were hard as he looked at Kakashi. He gave out a snort then released the man from his hold. "You need to go."
"Genma..."
"You need to get out of here right now Kakashi." Kakashi stood and stared at him. "You are not welcome, leave." With a sigh Kakashi picked up his coffee cup and placed it on the kitchen counter and took his leave.
Kakashi walked dumbly back to his apartment to change once again. He ran his hands through his hair as he entered. He had never seen Genma loose himself like that ever. Even on the battle field. If there was one thing about Genma was that he was always cool and collected. Kakashi shook his head. Yes what he said was stupid and his gut twisted at the words he said, but he never expected to be attack from them. And what the hell did he mean that the Hokage knew about the affair he was having with a married woman? That made no sense. There is no way anyone would sanction something like that. What was there to understand? Shaking his head again he quickly dressed in a new jonin outfit. Now he smelled like stale sake and coffee. Great.
Before he made his way to the Hokage's office he went to the water plant and made arrangements to have service turned on in his apartment. Unfortunately they would not be able to get there until late morning. After getting that settled he mosied over to the Hokage's office. Once he got to the top he was greeted with a smiling Shizune.
"Hatake, good to see you. Though you know we were informed that you made it back yesterday. You know that you are supposed to check in right away." She scolded. " Tsunde is with some one right now but if you want to take a seat." She nodded to the chair that was next to the office door. Kakashi just nodded and took seat. He slouched down and pulled out his book. That's when the voices distracted him.
"I can't do it anymore.. Well, at least right now. I need a break from it. You could switch me back to guard duty or something." Genma's voice floated out of the office. Kakashi eyed the door and noticed that it was not closed all the way. He chewed the inside of his cheek and thought about moving away, then he again he was nosy man.
"Have you spoke to Ibiki about this?" Tsunade voice was laced with annoyance.
"Yes and he told me to talk to you."
"Ah, I see. It's like playing parents against each other." She sighed. "Are you wishing to terminate the partnership?"
"Yes..No... I just need at break from the missions. Perhaps a forced vacation for both of us."
"You know they wouldn't listen and go to Ibiki... Very well, I will assign a new partner for now. Though I will keep the two of you registered together. I'll give you six months. Then you can contemplate if you wish to go back." Genma released a long sigh.
"Thank you Hokage-sama."
"Yeah, yeah, you just created more paperwork for me. Get out of here before I change my mind."
Kakashi heard the footsteps and the slight creak of the door as it opened. The moment Genma saw the copy nin sitting he narrowed his eyes. He stared for a moment then quickly turned and walked away.
"Kakashi, you can go in."Shizune said as she nodded towards the door. He thanked her and stood up, knocking three times before he heard Tsunade beckon him in. He lazily entered the office and stood in front of the desk with is shoulders slouched and hands shoved into his pockets.
"Hokage-sama." Kakashi said with a smirk.
"Ah, nice to have you back Hatake. Though I was expecting you sometime yesterday." Tsunade said as she began to search the draws of her desk.
"I apologize, you see..."
"Save it Hatake. You were gone for three years. You coming in a day late doesn't really matter in the long run.. Ahhh there it is." Tsunade smile broadly as she pulled out a bottle of sake. "Welcome home drink?" Kakashi's stomach turned as he looked at the bottle.
"I am afraid that I had too many welcome home drinks last night. I think that I will pass. Plus a little bit too early for me." He smiled and shrugged at her.
"Suit your self." She opened the bottle and took a long draw. "So are you going to give me a verbal report, or are you just planning on standing there and watching me drink?" She arched a brow at him.
"Ah, yes. Well the mission is complete the syndicate was taken down along with their rivals. The human trafficking operations has been shut down." Kakashi said in a bored tone. Tsunade just sighed.
"You have been gone three years and your verbal report was two sentences?" She shook her head. "Well I want a detailed written report. None of that "I came, I kicked ass, I conquered" bullshit. Do you understand?" Kakashi just grinned at her. Those reports were always true no matter how short they were.
"Understood Hokage-sama." Tsunda narrowed her eyes at him for a moment then took another drag of sake. Once the bottle left her lips a smile pulled at the edges.
"Have you ever though of going back into ANBU?" Tsunade asked as she put the bottle on her desk. She put finger on her chin and gently tapped it.
"Can't say that I have. Jounin missions are plenty dangerous for me." He shrugged and eyed the woman in front of him. Frankly he never wanted to go back into ANBU. He liked the fact that as a Jounin he could choose much of his missions, which was not the case in ANBU. You had to do everything that was asked with out question.
"Would you consider it?"
"No." She sighed at the answer.
"Ok listen, I need some one for a partner for an operative. I can give you a ten percent raise on the mission rates. Actually you wouldn't have to do much just keep an eye on your partner. Would you consider it?" She sighed. There was desperation laced in her voice. Kakashi furrowed his brows.
"You want me to babysit an ANBU? And I will get paid more then the mission?" Kakashi couldn't help the surprise in his.
"Yes. I know that you just got back and probably want some time rest. Which is perfect since this operative was put on leave for a month. This wouldn't be permanent, just until their partner decides to return or some one else can take over." She looked up at him with wide eyes. Wait... Was the Hokage almost begging him?
"Why are you asking me?"
"Because this one is one, if not, is the best that I have. You would be able to easily keep up with them. Not to mention, no one will partner up with them." She sighed and shook her head slowly. Kakashi thought it over. What did he really have to loose? Granted he wasn't one for a partnership, but this didn't sound like one. If Tsunade wants to send out an unstable ANBU that required a babysitter, why wouldn't he take the position. Plus a raise on the already steep pay that an ANBU received.
"I'll accept the position, but only this one time. I will not go back to ANBU on a permanent rotation."
"Understood. I will set up a meeting with you and Ibiki for late this afternoon." She took out an appointment book and flipped through it. "Seems we have a five o'clock available. Dress in your ANBU gear." Kakashi nodded. "Thank you Kakashi. You are dismissed... Don't be late with Ibiki." She lifted her hand and shooed him out of her office.
Kakashi walked out of the Hokage tower and looked up at the suns position. It was twelve thirty, and he had plenty of time to blow. The first thing he did was check to see if his apartment had water. Which he was happy to see was connected once again. He took a long shower washing off the reminates of the night before and once again changing into clean clothes. It was like he was a teenage girl today with the amount of outfits that he had gone through.
Once he was finally clean and socially acceptable he did his grocery shopping and dropped them off at his apartment. When he was done with those errands it was only three. There was one more place that he wanted to visit, and he might as well make it there before his appointment.
Kakashi walked up to the memorial stone and ran his hand over the smooth stone.
"I am sorry that I haven't been around lately. Long mission you know. Over three years. It was the longest time I had ever been away." He sighed and ran his had through his hair. "I am sorry that I didn't come and say goodbye. I had no time... No I did. I just didn't want to face anyone. I ran. I ran like a coward. You know Sakura? Well she got engaged to the Uchiha brat.." He chewed the inside of his cheek. He had accepted his feeling, but never once had he vocalized them to anyone living or dead. "Well, I developed feelings for her, deep feelings. Fuck the deep feelings, I think I am in love with her. I don't know how it happened, it was just one day I saw her differently. She was no longer the child that couldn't defend herself. She grew into such a beautiful woman, inside and out. I observed her for years, each day I grew fonder and fonder of her. Then I knew for sure during the war. I knew that I loved her. I should have told her, instead I ran. It's not because she is younger, or that she was my student. You all know that I don't really mold into social norms. No, it was because her heart belonged to another. One that isn't worthy. I mean he tried to kill her multiple times, then used his sharigan to make her believe that he actually did. I mean if nothing says love like attempted homicide right?" He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. "I got back yesterday. I should have stopped by sooner, but I got caught up. Things seemed to have changed, and I don't know what is going on. I saw Sakura, well for a brief moment. She didn't know I was there. She was stopping to visit Genma. I don't know what is going on there. Why would a married woman be visiting the biggest play boy of the city? I made a comment about it to him and he basically attacked me telling me not to make comments about what I don't know or understand." He shook his head. "Things seem to have changed more then I thought they would in my absence. I don't know what I am going to do or what is going on anymore. I took a position to babysit an ANBU." He shifted on his feet. "Even after three years, I feel lost. I don't know what to do. I wish you, Sensei, Obito, Rin, were here. I wish you could talk back." He touched the stone, letting his fingers slide over their names. He slowly let his gaze fall to the newest members of the club. Hyuga Negi, aburame Shino, Inuzuka Kiba. His eyes widened the last name. Haruno Sakura.
He stood there for a while just staring at the name. His chest clenched as he let his fingers run over the name. What the fuck? She can't be dead. No, he saw her last night. Sasuke asked about her. Genma talked about her. Why the hell was her name here? His mind felt stormy and his stomach turned. He tore his gaze from the stone to the sun. He had to go back to his apartment. He had to go and get dressed for his meeting. His eye once again went to her name. He swallowed thickly before making his way back home.
He walked through the ANBU headquarters to Ibiki's office. He hated this place as much as he hated the hospital. They smelled the same of blood, bleach, and suffering. Though while the hospital tried to preserve life, this place was a place that took it on most occasions. He scrunched his nose under his dog mask. He walked to the office at the end of the hallway. He knocked three times and shifted slightly on his feet. Ibiki grunted as he opened the door.
"Ah welcome Wolf. It is good to see you. Your partner should be here in a moment." Ibiki said as he sat behind his desk and began to pull out some paper work. "It has been a while Wolf, what twelve years?" Kakashi nodded.
"Somewhere around there." Kakashi shrugged. Three quick knocks rang from the door.
"Come in." Ibiki grunted. The door opened and a small ANBU operative walked walked in. They were clearly female, ANBU uniforms never left much to the imagination. Though hers was a bit custom. Attached to her skin tight black tank top was a hood that covered her hair. Her mask was a grinning hyena. While most ANBU masks are creepy, this one took the cake. The brows furrowed the grin like a Cheshire cat. It was not something that he would want to see before his death.
"Hyena, glad you could make it." The ANBU limped in and stood next to Kakashi. Not even taking a moment to glance at him. "Hyena, this you new teammate Wolf, Wolf this is Hyena. You two will work together until another alternative is reached." Both ANBU's nodded. "You may unmask." Kakashi was the first to take his mask off, out of the corner of his eye he watched as Hyena pulled down her hood, pink hair flowed out of it. Kakashi had to fight a smirk as relief flooded his body. The stone was wrong. She was alive. Then she slowly pulled her mask off. She turned her head and looked over at Kakashi with a small smile. Change, that seemed too small of a word to describe the woman in front of him. Yes she had her pink hair, and green eyes, but every thing else about her seemed to have changed. Her hair was longer then it was when he left, reaching her mid shoulder. She had shaved the right side of her head, sweeping her hair to the other side. He facial features where now sharper. She had lost all the remaining baby fat that she once had.
"Drop the henge Haruno." Ibiki said gruffly. Her eyes snapped to the scarred man sitting in front of her. Kakashi wondered why she decided to keep her last name She narrowed her eyes a grimace pulling on her lips. She sighed as she her nostril flared. "Don't give me that look, drop it. You know I can't stand that shit in my office." Sakura's eyes rolled to look at Kakashi's for a second then looked forward. She took a breath and dropped her henge.