Chapter three
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto...
Three days later (Because why not?)
He could feel the exhaustion on the tip of his tongue and it was just as salty as the sweat that ran down the sides of his face. He wheezed loudly as air had been painfully pumped from his lungs to his throat. "Dog, we have to go!" a shout called from above the explosions that shook the ground he was currently lying on. "Dog!" the person yelled but the buzzing noise in his ears threatened to drown out everything else. He tried to open his mouth but instead of words, blood poured out. The sickly metallic taste caused his stomach to churn and his pupils burned. He tried to open his eyes but his eyelids wouldn't budge. "We have to get out of here!" the scream resonated from above him and that was when he felt a pull on his shoulder. "Kakashi" a whisper traveled into his ear and caused his eyes to snap open. He couldn't even scream when mismatched red and purple eyes looked down on him. "They're going to die, Kakashi" Obito hissed before a hand plunged itself into the middle of his chest...
...Kakashi jolted up from his bed, gasping for the air that had seemed to vacate his lungs. He leaned forward, his hands shivering as images flashed in his head. Still bodies. Pools of blood. Lifeless eyes. Regret and Mistakes. "No" he hoarsely cried as he tugged at his hair that had been turned white as per Ibiki's suggestion. "Get out" he whispered as his mind replayed the nightmare. His students were in trouble...he had to...
"Kakashi-san" a voice greeted him (because he had to disregard his last name now that he was there) and somehow he found it soothing. He slowly pried his tight wound fingers from his hair and looked up to see that world's Naruto looking at him. "I brought you some clothes" Naruto added when the silence had stretched into minutes. Kakashi could feel the shame and regret searing into his skin as he realized that the blonde had witnessed his break down.
"Thanks" Kakashi said, making sure that there wasn't a single emotion in his voice. He placed his head on the pillow, turning to side so he could look out the open window. Naruto gently placed the folded pile of clothes at the foot of the bed before moving to sit on the window still. Kakashi frowned as they stared at each other. "May I ask why you're here, Hokage-sama?" Kakashi finally asked after a minute of silence had passed. Naruto arched on his eyebrows while crossing his left ankle over the right.
"Now you're respectful" Naruto said, and Kakashi gave him a light shrug. "And if you should know, I came to give you this" he added. Kakashi sat up and looked at the key that was lying in the blonde's open palm.
"What's that?" Kakashi asked as he sat up on the bed. Naruto walked over to him before dropping the key in his hand.
"That's for your new apartment" Naruto said and Kakashi felt like the key had gotten heavier in his own hand.
"I..." Kakashi was going to say but Naruto stopped him. He closed his hand over the cool metal and looked at the blonde.
"Until we can find a way to get you back, you're going to need somewhere to stay" Naruto said as he leaned against the wall with his hands crossed.
"You're right" Kakashi sighed and the blonde just gave him a sharp nod. "I have to say though, it's a little disturbing. You're never right" he added and Naruto frowned.
"The Naruto in your world may have never been right, but here it's different" the Rokudaime said a little harshly. Even though the silver haired man had not meant what he had said, those words had triggered something deep within the blonde. If there was one thing that Naruto hated was when others chose to belittle him even if it was meant for the other version of himself in another world...He had promised himself that there wouldn't be another time where...but stopped that train of thought. "Get some rest because by noon, you're getting discharged" he added, while walking to the door.
"Wait" Kakashi called and though that world's Naruto had stopped, he didn't turn around to look at him. "Thanks" he softly said and the only reply he got was a nod before the blonde had left. "Good going, Kakashi. Yet again, you've managed to piss someone else off" he murmured to himself before plopping his head on his pillow.
"So it's true" someone spoke as soon as he exited the Godaime's office. The smile he was wearing crumbled off his face as soon as he turned to the person that was almost absorbed in the surrounding shadows. "You were chosen" the words slid out of that mouth which could be cruel just as it could be sweet. Before, Naruto would have felt guilty for his achievements but now, he was not going to be ashamed of his victory.
"Yes, I will succeed the Godaime" Naruto said as he stood his ground. Blue clashed against black as they stared down each other.
"Then congratulations is in order" the man said, as he took some steps towards Naruto. "After all, that is a very big deal..." he added but purposely stopped himself from finishing the sentence so he could start walking. Naruto wasn't fooled. As the man passed him, he kept his head straight and his hands clenched. He was getting ready for the assault he knew was coming his way."...for a loser like you. Good luck, you're need it because nothing ever goes right for you, does it?" caressed his ear.
The steady sound of his pen scratching against paper was what drew him out of whatever haze that had been thrown over his mind. He stopped whatever he was writing and looked at the document like it was the first time he had seen such a thing. In fact, truth be told, he had no clue what he was supposed to be doing (he knew for sure that it had something to do with paperwork). Placing the pen on his desk, he leaned heavily against the back of his chair while covering his eyes with both of his hands. He should have never taken his frustration out on Hatake..not when they were the same (fighting the phantoms of the past that kept haunting them). He could hear the subtle shifts coming from the corner of his office and he knew that the stationed Anbu were observing him. Thankfully a distraction had presented itself in the form of light knocking on the door. "Hokage-sama, Shizune-san is here to see you" his secretary Moegi spoke from the gap that she had created when she opened the door.
"Send her in" he said, and he watched as the woman he regarded as close as his sister wept into his office like it was hers to invade. Even his hidden Anbu were not safe from the gentle smile that greeted him when she entered. When he caught sight of the plastic container in her hands, he moaned in appreciation. "Tell me that's food" he groaned and she shook her head at him though there was an amused glint in her eyes.
"It is" she said, placing the container in his hands. "Your favorite" she added while leaning against his desk.
"Why are you so good to me?" he asked with a toothy grin and she rolled her eyes at him. She kissed his forehead and he returned the gesture.
"You want me to say it don't you?" she asked with a mocking eyebrow but he was too busy with the container. She watched as he inhaled the ramen that he loved so much with closed eyes. Without waiting another minute, he gave thanks before diving into the meal.
"You were saying" he said with a mouth of noodles, something that earned him a smack on the hand.
"No eating and talking at the same time" she admonished him and he gulped down his food. Honestly, he was one of the strongest shinobi in the Elemental Nations and still he was getting punished by his sister. "And...as I was saying I'm good to you because I love you" she added, while moving around his office, tidying all that she could get her hands on.
"You love me huh?" he teased and when she moved back to his side of the room, he gave her wrist a playful tug.
"Of course I do, silly boy" she said, ruffling his hair. His eyes softened and she couldn't help but smirk. "I swear, you're worst than Tonton" she commented. She sat down on the sofa he had specially made for his office the day it was announced that he would succeed the Godaime. "So there's been quite a stir in the village" she spoke up and he didn't dare look at her. "All the women are talking about a strange, white haired man who wears a mask" she made sure to slyly add in.
"Is that so?" Naruto asked, wiping the corners of his mouth. He could feel her eyes piercing holes into his skull.
"Yeah, they say he's really handsome" she said and his eyebrows scrunched together in confusion.
"Doesn't his mask cover like three quarters of his face?" he asked and she nodded. So then how could they even tell if he was handsome?
"Women always know" she answered and if it was anything it was illogical but he was in no mood to argue.
"So, how are things with you and Iruka-kun?" he asked, enjoying the flush that appeared on her cheeks.
"That's none of your business" she huffed, standing up immediately though he could see the happiness coming from her.
"Rumor has it that you and Iruka-chan had a nice moonlit walk last night" he wiggled his eyebrows and she laughed.
"How in the world do you know that?" she asked and then snapped at him. "Don't call him chan, you know he hates that!" she added.
"A little birdie croaked out the news" he shrugged and her eyes narrowed at the statement he made.
"You had that little toad of yours follow us, didn't you?" Shizune asked with her hands folded across her chest.
"Of course not" Naruto said while slurping up some of the broth. "Hana-chan followed you because she wanted to. You know how much she likes Iruka-kun" he added. Shizune released a little huff before shaking her head.
"I'm not even going there" Shizune said as she walked over to the door but paused. "Don't forget that you're coming over to our place for dinner" she reminded him.
"How could I forget something so important?" he asked, and her lips lightly lifted to reveal a smile.
"Just behave yourself and get some work done. You don't want another scolding from Shika-kun, do you?" she said and smirked as the blonde paled. "Good luck, Naru-chan. You'll need it" she called before she left.
"She's something" a voice observed and Naruto knew that some of the Anbu didn't pick up on Hatake's presence. The now white haired man was sitting on the ledge of the window with his orange book in hand.
"Shouldn't you be at home resting?" Naruto asked, as he turned his chair to face the man who only shrugged. The blonde was a little worried that their little exchange from earlier would create an air of tension and awkwardness between them, but fortunately, Kakashi didn't seem at all bothered by his previous, misplaced hostility. Naruto leaned back on his chair as Kakashi propped his book on his right knee.
"I was bored" Kakashi said, taking that time to survey the room. Though there weren't any major changes to the office, he could still see how much the blonde's influence had spread into the place. From the pictures that adorned the walls, the silly ornaments that were on his desk to the very ugly rug that was lying on the floor. Through the little interaction between the two, he honestly believed that this world's Naruto was different from his own. Now, he wasn't so sure. Yes there were stark contrasts in their behavior or even choice of clothing, but one thing remained the same. They shared the same brightness that always seemed to tug people towards them.
"So you came to THE busiest man in Konoha?" Naruto asked, placing the container on his desk. Kakashi shot him an eye smile.
"Yep" he chirped and Naruto could already feel a smile spreading on his face. Honestly, Hatake Kakashi was one of the most infuriating men he had ever met and that was saying something because he knew a lot of them (including himself which was something he hated to admit). "Besides, you were having lunch" he added when his eyes caught sight of a picture that snatched the air right from his lungs. "Is that...?" he whispered. Naruto turned to the framed photo on his desk and sighed.
"Team seven or what is left of it" he said as he picked it up in his hands. It was a picture that had taken of the team nearly a year ago at Kiba's birthday party. Sai was standing in the middle of Sakura and Naruto, his pale arms placed affectionately on their shoulders. The blonde who had just returned from work was still wearing his Hokage robes whilst Sakura still wore her hospital clothes. Sai was wearing a pair of long black shinobi pants, a long sleeved black shirt and a green jounin vest. His hair which he had grown out was placed in a loose ponytail and a smile (one he had learned from time spent with his wife) was brightly displaced on his face. In fact, he was the only person that was happy at that time.
"Where's Yamato?" Kakashi asked as he took the picture from the blonde's hands. He studied the faces of his pupils and his throat tightened with all the emotions that swirled in his stomach.
"He was late" Naruto said as he took up the container and slowly ate. "And Tenten-chan kept nagging us to take that pic" he added as Kakashi took in their faces. Sakura, the girl who he knew since her awkward phase of puberty had grown into a beautiful woman. Her body had more than adapted to the throes of adulthood seen in her more than modest bust. Sai, that once strange, weird pale kid with the emotions of a rock was there, smiling at him with one of the most innocent looks he had even seen on the boy's face. Even the long hair was a good look for the ex-Root member. How time had passed...And it made a dull pain to pull at his heart. How could he even have thought that he would always keep a close grasp on them all their lives? They would grow on their own, they would come into themselves just as he had done, and when that time came, he would have to let go. They would leave him...His gloved hands gripped the photo as he tried his best not to reveal the chaos that stirred in the inside.
"Thank Kami he got rid of that outfit of his" Kakashi said instead and Naruto couldn't help the snort that escaped him. "Made him look like a stripper" he added as he returned the picture in its original place.
"Gross...but funny" Naruto said, while wiping his face. He watched as Kakashi plopped himself down on his couch without a care in the world. "What the hell are you doing?" he asked and Kakashi just lifted his head.
"I'm relaxing. Doctor's orders" Kakashi said as he opened his book. Naruto opened his mouth to say something but snapped it close instead. He couldn't argue with the man. He would lose.
"Have you decided what you're doing?" Naruto asked as he threw the now empty container in the bin. He moved in front of the desk and leaned on it. "Do you want to be a shinobi?" he added and Kakashi frowned under his mask.
"Do I have a choice?" Kakashi asked as he pretended to read his book. Naruto ran a hand through his hair.
"I've seen what you're able of. You're great" Naruto said, and Kakashi's fingers trembled at the praise. What the fuck? He had been praised before, so why did...He shook his head and sat up.
"I know" he said with a dead pan and Naruto loudly exhaled through his nostrils to show his displeasure.
"I'm serious here" Naruto said, his eyes narrowed at the man. Kakashi tapped his chin in feigned thought.
"Fine" Kakashi said and Naruto smirked. Why did the blonde (even the ones he had never met before) have the power to melt away every defense Kakashi had created to deal with people? Naruto always wormed his way into Kakashi's life and now, he felt comfortable with the blonde like he hadn't with anyone else. And it was crazy because they only know of each other three days ago.
"Shikamaru-kun is looking into your case so you don't have to worry" Naruto said, and Kakashi just nodded before lying on the couch once more. Naruto sat back down on his chair and picked up the once forgotten document. With one last glance at the white haired man, he went back to work.
Author's notes: Soooooo...that was chapter three. I decided to skip all the technicalities that getting sent to an alternate dimension brings...I've read too much fan fiction that follows that pattern of having to lay out all the stuff the protagonist needs to follow in order to adapt to their new life for example: picking out a new name...you know all that stuff...I know I said in the last chapter that Kakashi would confront his other students...but what I didn't mention was that he would just see a picture of them because you know I have to build up the drama, create uncomfortable situations and shit like that. Another thing, I felt like Kakashi and this version of Naruto would hit it off as friends immediately because there is something that the both share and that's...angsty monologues... Amongst many other things. PS: I created a closer relationship between Shizune and Naruto without Tsunade-sama. Don't ask me why because it just happened that way.