Mature kakanaru read at your own risk.

I do not own Naruto or any of its characters.

Fear Will Not Be The End of This

Chapter 2

Bare hands grip each side of the porcelain sink, fingerless metal plated gloves tossed to the side carelessly along with the rest of his Hidden Leaf uniform. Water drips down from just washed hair causing goose pimples to rise up along the entire length of Kakashi's naked body as he scrutinizes the reflection in the small bathroom mirror. Every battle scar inflicted on him during the Fourth War is gone. Of course many others still remain, after all he has been an active duty Shinobi since the tender age of five. But those last ones, the ones he earned fighting alongside his comrades to the very end, the ones that were just as important to him as the scar slashed over his eye, are gone.

The once again Sharingan user pegs himself to now be between twenty six and thirty.

A too loud knock at the front door of his apartment makes his head pound, pulling him out of his reverie. Sakura spent hours ( I should make you stay for a least three days Sensei !) in that damn hospital making sure his body and mind adjusted in a healthy manner to the drastic change forced upon him but he still has headaches. She assured him they wouldn't last and to take it easy but there's work to be done and that just won't do.

After dressing quickly Kakashi opens the door to reveal the presence of his Eternal Rival. Gai stares at him intently in the doorway, arms crossed with no readable expression on his face. After a moment of silence that just starts to stretch into awkwardness, they speak at the same time.

"My friend…"

"Jealous?"

Gai frowns and steps out of the way before bothering to continue, realizing Kakashi intends to leave the apartment anyway.

"Lets walk and talk." Kakashi pulls the door shut behind him and begins to walk away, careful to be slow for the man supported by a crutch although god knows Gai is still perfectly capable of running a marathon on one leg even at this age.

"You've had the Flames of Youth restored to you, Kakashi!" He declares passionately, waving his crutch in the air. "A blessing to be had I'm sure!" A silver head bows with a light shake, not sure how to express that he doesn't feel the same way about his restored youth without feeling like an ass. Gai would skip to the ends of the earth and back with outrageous enthusiasm if he were in Kakashi's shoes.

"However," Gai continues, "For a seasoned warrior who has already been through a lifetime of unbearable hardships, I suppose this gift can be a double edged sword. My old friend, this second chance doesn't have to be another lifetime of battles and loss outweighing what little joy a Shinobi can find. Start over on a new path, no one would judge you, in fact I encourage it. But If you choose to stay an elite protector of Konoha as you already are, don't ever let this drag you down into darkness. Don't feel guilty that you have a chance to keep going, knowing others would cherish it more than you do. Don't throw yourself away. Swear it to me as a friend and fellow comrade who finally admitted I had surpassed you. For me Kakashi, if not for all those who love you for there are many."

Kakashi nods, understanding what he means. The Green Beast of Konoha knows him too well. His younger self was always prone to turning off his humanity, finding it easier to deal when disregarding all emotions and simply becoming a cold blooded killing machine for the Higher Ups to use as they please. I guess I am the Higher Up, he thinks to himself bemusedly, I suppose just because I have the body of a young adult doesn't mean I have the right to be immature…and Naruto-kun needs me. Or so he likes to tell himself, always holding on desperately to the thought that keeps him anchored in a positive way.

"Thank you, Gai,"he says, giving his companion a squeeze on the shoulder, "thank you for worrying about me. For you, I'll make the best out of this."

"That's what I like to hear!" He roars, "now I do believe we've reached your destination." Kakashi looks up at the Hokage tower, his mouth going strangely dry all of a sudden.

"Farewell for now my friend, fill me in later." And with a purposeful, power driven pat on the back, knocking kakashi a step forward, Guy sets off in the opposite direction no doubt going to find some unsuspecting newbie to train with him. His old and weakened appearance always gives him an incredible advantage on those who don't know any better.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Uchiha Sasuke slams a palm down on the desk in front of Naruto.

"Why would you allow for the Kage meeting to be held in Lightning Country!? It's takes too damn long to get there, it's a risk AND you even go as far as to tell me you don't need me to come. These Revolutionaries are spread world wide and want you dead. Who better to protect you than myself?"

Naruto sighs inwardly, of course Sasuke of all people has even managed to learn the art of keeping a fairly neutral expression on his face while ranting vehemently. He used to look so mean and that always made it easier for Naruto to snap back. At least he gets a little amusement from the fact that Sasuke won't even try to convince him to hold the meeting via computer. He doesn't trust the satellite connections security any more than Shikamaru does. And if Shika doesn't, then for things as confidential as this, neither does Naruto.

"Sasuke," The Seventh Hokage leans forward, setting his elbows onto the desk, resting his chin on the knuckles of a flesh and bone hand wrapped over a prosthetic fist, gazing at his best friend with a calm intelligence he took years to attain. "First of all, I think we both know I'm quite capable of protecting myself and secondly, the last Kage meeting was held here. It changes every time until it goes full circle you know this. Besides, how would it look if I hid away in my village because of an assassination attempt on my life? It probably won't be the last one," he finishes with a cheeky smile.

Sasuke's eyes widen slightly. "You're enjoying this." A statement not a question.

The blond looks away.

"Of course not. This is an incredibly serious situation with a lot of potential lives at stake." Naruto's ashamed of himself; Sasuke isn't totally wrong…he's missed the action dearly."Anyway, you're staying here. I need you to help watch over Konoha while I'm away. Tsunade baa… Tsunade-sama has very unwillingly accepted to warm my seat for me but I want her to have your strength at her disposal. I will only trust my match in power to protect our people. Your sleuthing skills are also going to be perfect for rooting out whichever of our own civilians are apart of this…uprising"

The stiff Uchiha is not at all satisfied with being situated in the very place he keeps avoiding but he can't deny feeling pleased at Naruto referring to him as his match. "Sleuthing, Naruto? I think you've been getting into Boruto's manga."

An old familiar warmth fills Sasuke as the blond tilts back his head, barking out a genuine laugh at the accusation. The raven haired ninja continues, "could we…please, have a moment of privacy?"

Naruto quiets, seeming unsure. "Leave us." A shadow that was never there is truly gone. Sasuke presses against the desk bending ever so slightly so outstretched fingers can ghost against whiskers, "Naruto...

I will never stop wanting what I want…" his thumb presses lightly on the cheek, dragging down slowly to a set of slightly pressed lips.

"I can't give you what you want." Naruto replies. He doesn't react to the touch and continues to look him in the eye although Sasuke's eyes are focused on the target of his thumb. When he speaks again his voice is very quiet. "Can't, or won't?"

Naruto sits straight, pulling away. "Both."

Knock knock knock

"Enter."

Backing out of the way swiftly, Sasuke stands an appropriate distance from the desk. Kakashi walks in and the first thing his two former students take note of is the completely out of character way he's holding himself. No slouch with pocketed hands but a straight back, arms hanging to each side taunt and ready for action. Each step has a solid purpose instead of the usual lazy saunter that made it seem as though having to move at all was a big inconvenience to him. In Naruto's mind one word sticks out all too strongly. Sexy. Kakashi looked incredibly sexy and Naruto immediately thought that was unfair. Why can't I give off an air of sexiness like that just by walking?

Kakashi glances at Sasuke."Excuse me, Hokage-sama, shall I come back later?"

Naruto frowns at the formality, his mood already damper."Of course not Kakashi-sens- wait, should I still call you Sensei? Ha ha this is too weird! You look younger than me." Naruto scratches the back of his head, a crooked smile on his face. Hatake releases a breath he didn't realize he was holding and chuckles. "A couple of seconds in your presence and my mood has already improved, as always."

Naruto's smile widens at that but when they make eye contact he immediately pulls his mouth down into a grimace, trying desperately to fight the heat rising to his cheeks as his heart suddenly beats too fast and too hard in his chest. Kakashi stiffens at the blondes reaction trying to ignore the way his stomach first flopped delightfully, sky blue eyes twinkling at him, to how it clenched uncomfortably as Naruto's expression changed.

Observing this seemingly quick exchange from off to the side, Sasuke seethes, noticing every small yet significant facial expression and the unmistakable tension between the two that they themselves seem somewhat oblivious to.

"Rokudaime-sama."

"That's no longer a necessary title, Sasuke-kun." The raven nods, glaring and the Crow smiles. Teasing the easily offended Uchiha is a favourite hobby Kakashi rarely gets to enjoy due to his constant absence.

"Well, let me fill you both in on the information the interrogation squad retrieved from Hanzo then you, Sasuke, can go home to your wife and daughter and await further instruction."

"Hai, Hokage-sama."

Sasuke's clenched fist does not go unnoticed.

"We have jack shit." Naruto states bluntly. "Hanzo is being put through hell and back in that room physically and mentally but he won't spill a word. And no he's not just that good. Ino picked his brain and there's a fog covering certain days in his memory hiding any important location, face or conversation. The best we can do is backtrack their farming trail and dig for clues and hopefully it won't be as slow a progress as it fucking sounds." Naruto closes his eyes in frustration and tries to relax his jaw, clenched teeth starting to literally hurt his face. He hates the idea of torture, he hates having nothing to go by, he doesn't know what to do about Sasuke and he just wants a moment of peace with Kakashi but wouldn't know what to say. A hug from his cute daughter would be welcomed right now.

"That's all for now, you can go Sasuke." The Sharingan Prodigy heads for the door…

"Kakashi you're coming with me to lightning Country."

Stops at that, then makes a point of shouldering past Hatake on the way out, empty shirt sleeve blowing behind him.

"Can I ask what that was all about?"

Naruto whips the chair around to stare out the window at the dark sky "Just Sasuke being his usual bastard self," he lies with a forced smile Kakashi can just barely see from behind. He feels a little guilty for having listened in on them through the door. "We leave in the morning you should get some rest, it's getting late and it's been such a long day. If you want, go say goodbye to Himawari and Boruto first they should be headed to bed soon. I'm sure they'll be in complete awe of your transformation especially Boruto, he absolutely reveres you. I have a few reports to write still so don't bother waiting there for me."

Obliging without hesitation, realizing the young Hokage needs to be alone-he definitely understands what that feels like-he offers a short bow and says,"Goodnight…Naruto," Then leaves without waiting for a reply.

"Goodnight, Kakashi."Naruto whispers to an empty room.

It's well past midnight by the time Naruto walks through his front door, greeted by darkness and silence. His children are asleep and he wonders if Kakashi came by earlier. He offers a tired hello to the framed picture of Hinata on the ledge looking into the kitchen as he trudges his way toward the stairs. Himawari's room is first and he sneaks in to press a gentle kiss to her forehead before moving on past the office to his sons room, this time only opening the door to poke a head in and whisper a loving goodnight.

Bright and early in the morning, after saying goodbye to Himawari and Boruto, promising to be back in two weeks, Naruto heads to main gate where he's met by Kakashi, his right hand man Shikamaru, the young Mirai Sarutobi and the elderly Mojiji.

Momo, as she prefers to be called, is not Shinobi, has no family relation to Shinobi and she has been on the council for a very, very long time. The speculations on a steadily growing civilian underworld with a goal to be rid of Shinobi and anything ninja in general, was brought to light by Momo-San.

The information she received was brought to her by faithful, concerned citizens coming across worrisome situations and whispered conversations, leading them to believe violent trouble was brewing and not in the form of a psychotic chakra sucking, self proclaimed Goddess.

After Shikamaru goes over a lenghly debriefing no one offers any objections to either their lack in numbers or the fact that he advised taking the long way to get there. Sharing a quick nod with his Hokage and the rest of their group, they set off at a quick pace to Fire Countries most secluded harbour.

Just as the smell of seawater reaches Kakashi's sensitive nose they're attacked.

A barrage of multiple Jutsu zone in on them from all sides. Immediately they form a defensive diamond around Momo-san and blast after blast is deflected, Naruto not even needing to to use Beast Chakra.

Shikamaru stops a man standing visibly in a sunny patch of forest with his shadow jutsu and Mirai throws a chakra enhanced grappler to pull him forward. The crew seem unsurprised at the chakra device attached to the culprits arm. Katasuke. Momo-sans theory about the scientific Shinobi selling to the revolutionary civilians was correct. Being attacked was, of course, all part of Shikamaru's plan.

After going over much theory of when the next attack would come, Shikamaru predicted as soon as possible. It only seemed logical that they would try to take them off guard in an immediate second wave. Leaving on this morning and heading towards this harbour ruled

out a vast number of suspects, dwindling down to a more useful, time efficient list. By being attacked now, they know they have not just Katasuke as a traitor but some other, very close, insider. Or else their journey would have been smooth sailing right from the get-go.

They're still caught slightly off guard by something they never expected.

An unfamiliar pain overwhelms Naruto as an object hits his torso with unsuspected lethal speed and force, tearing through flesh and rib bone. It doesn't send him flying as most powerful Jutsus would, he barely even takes a step back but he's penetrated and bleeding. As he sinks to a knee in agony he quickly regains his sense and merges with Kurama, spreading his chakra out over his companions as well, as they dutifully continue on ahead.

Bullets. Naruto had denied the request years ago for a talented weapon maker to create an explosive, powder powered device called a gun that the civilians would find potentially life saving in case of another Shinobi war. After much advice from his elders it was decided that with the natural, destructive tendencies humans seem to have, it was best not to allow just another means of violence to fall into the hands of normally peaceful people.

Up ahead, Kakashi tries to ignore the situation his more than capable Hokage is in as he and his companions are faced with more rebels including a single Shinobi. The Copy-cat Nin reflects back to their debriefing earlier. Mina, their Kekkei Genkai attacker from yesterday, had a chip in her head. Konoha's scientific specialists and electrical engineers are currently studying the device and what they had found so far, is that the Shinobi woman was somehow being manipulated by the chip. They just do not yet fully understand how it works.

At this moment it seems the researchers are correct. The young man is oozing with killer intent as was Mina but his eyes tell another story. Kakashi has seen forced manipulation before and the regretful pain in this man's eyes show a strong spirit trying to fight through something. Shikamaru notices as well, he meets Kakashi's gaze and they nod in understand. We need him.

Just as the Kyuubi's chakra envelops him, Kakashi copy flashes toward toward the controlled ninja, raising his Hitai-ate. For the first time in over a decade Hatake Kakashi uses Sharingan. The rebellion microtechnology obviously needs an upgrade, as the young man easily falls deep into his Genjutsu.

"Shikamaru!" Kakashi begins but the Nara is way ahead of him, securing the mind trapped warrior with shadow.

"Hurry!" Shikamaru urges, gesturing towards to ship tied at bay, a few Hidden Leaf Shinobi awaiting their arrival. "RELEASE THE DAMN BOAT!"

All rebel civilians are easily hurled away with no fatalities as the Konoha three race towards the dock, glowing in their Hokage's chakra. Mirai reaches first with Momo, Shika next with their captive and Kakashi bringing up the rear, eyes searching for Naruto pointlessly. The blond comes barrelling out of the distant tree line where they obediently left him behind, sporting a bloody lip, already healing bullet wounds and the biggest grin ever and Kakashi realizes why he took longer than expected- to fist fight a dozen plus men in hiding.

"Let's go, let's go!"Mirai Shouts at their Seaward escorts. They pull up their anchor, already raised sails taking to the wind beautifully as a thousand blond Ninja block the path of another barrage of bullets aimed their way from a from different direction of even more rebels.

Its not long at all before they're out of range and Naruto stands starboard panting, thinking maybe he should be embarrassed that he's a little out of shape but he's just too damned happy right now. Sensing Kakashi come up behind him he whips around and starts to ask an abundance of questions. You used your Sharingan, how did it feel? Are you in pain? Do you feel good? I feel good…didn't fighting feel great? I don't even have the heart to deny it right now…." He takes a breather, stops pacing and pulls Kakashi into a tight squeeze still laughing and out of breath...erection pressed firmly against Kakashi's inner thigh. Fuck.

He's almost to afraid to back away and when he reluctantly meets the Copy Nin's eyes they are feral. Instead of pulling away from Naruto's hardness he pulls him closer, "don't be embarrassed Naruto, it happens to the best of us, we haven't fought like this in a long time," he says in a subdued voice, giving a quick hard grind against him with his own erection. Naruto makes a strangled sound, grips Kakashi's uniform tightly and closes his eyes, briefly overwhelmed by the sensation in his lower abdomen.

Kakashi can smell Naruto leaking and just about loses his own fucking sanity, having no choice but to finally accept his underlying attraction for the young Hokage. The whiskered Shinobi suddenly reaches up for Kakashi's mask, starting to get his breathing under control but the Silver Crow seizes his wrist, "Let's wait until we can talk in private," Kakashi whispers through masked lips only a step away from Naruto's.

"That won't be until our final supply stop before the last stretch to Lightning Country," Naruto almost whines.

Kakashi chuckles. "Well I'm not going anywhere and I seem to have just recently gotten younger. Be patient, Hokage-sama." Naruto shivers. Somehow, his silver haired companion managed to make his title sound sexual and then he sighs knowing it's going to be a long trip with too much thinking to do. Maybe they'll get attacked by Pirates or something. Yea, that would be a welcome distraction...

Xxxxxxxxxxx

Thanks for reading chapter 2! It's a little shorter, my bad but it felt right ending it there for now.

I know it's a bit AU but I wanted Naruto's kids to be around despite the KakaNaru goal. So, I'm I sorry I killed off the beautiful Hinata! It just better for my story.

Again, this is totally done on my phone when I can get to it and I apologize profusely for the the mistakes.

XOXO

-Kat