Author's Note: Crossing my fingers that this comes out sooner! :) Also, can someone tell me what "jc" is? That is a review someone left and I was just curious as to what it means… One more thing, would you guys like for me to write shorter chapters that come out much quicker or continue writing my chapters at the current length and just hope they come out sooner?
Warnings: Just yaoi. No lemons in this chapter. Maybe fluff, I can never be sure.
Disclaimer: As stated in previous chapters, I do not own Naruto or it's characters.
Kakashi woke up feeling like there was a heater on him, looking down he could see why. Smiling Kakashi pushed Naruto off of him and onto his side of the bed, Naruto groaned and curled himself around his pillow. "Why?" He grumbled. Kakashi laughed, "You were melting me, what do you expect?" He replied as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. Standing up he stretched his arms over his head and let out a satisfied sigh when his back popped. Naruto sat up and looked at Kakashi groggily, "You don't look like you were being melted, but you do look hot." Kakashi turned around and lifted an eyebrow eloquently, "Is that so?" Naruto nodded and put the pillow down. Getting up from the bed he walked over to the bathroom and washed his face, soon after brushing his teeth. Kakashi followed after him and once Naruto finished he did the same. "Well, thank you very much Naruto. You don't look too bad yourself." He said and kissed Naruto softly.
Kakashi grabbed a box of cereal from a cupboard and got the milk from the fridge. Naruto grabbed two bowls and two spoons and walked over to the dining table. Sitting down they both served themselves some of the sugary flakes. "So, did the Hokage ever update you on our last mission?" Naruto said after he swallowed. Kakashi hummed, "I don't believe he did, but we can ask him about it when we go to get a mission today." Naruto nodded, "Sounds good to me. Let's finish this already. I want to go get my swords." He said gesturing to their cereal.
Kakashi and Naruto left their house, Yip in tow. "So, do you have a specific place in mind for me to get my swords. Preferably customized ones? Unless of course they have some that suit me well." Kakashi nodded, "Yes, as a matter of fact I do. Anyway, have you heard of Tenten? I believe she is a year older than you." Naruto tilted his head in thought, "Ah! Yeah, she is the one with buns, right?" Kakashi smiled, "Correct, well her family owns a weapons shop and that is where I was planning on going." Naruto continued walking, "Alright, I'm kind of excited. Especially since we're going on a mission after this!" He grinned up at Kakashi. Kakashi smiled back and patted Naruto's hair.
Entering the small shop Naruto immediately walked to the back wall and studied the swords, he saw a section of double swords. Naruto grabbed a pair that had black wappings on the handles and opal colored guards, they were light and about the lengths of his arms. Naruto grinned standing in a defensive posture he swung the blades a little making sure not to hit anything or anyone in the shop, feeling like they were a good fit for him, he turned around to go get Kakashi. Surprised, Naruto took a startled step back, "When in the world did you get there Kakashi-sensei?" He asked startled. Kakashi chuckled, "Oh, I just got here when you were swinging around your swords. Do they suit you?" He asked. Naruto nodded enthusiastically, "Yeah! They look cool too." He stated happily and showed them to Kakashi. "Yes, they do have lovely handles, especially for your taste in colors. The blades are sharp and light, yes, these seem fine." Kakashi said handing one of them back to Naruto.
"So, what were you getting while I was looking at these?" Naruto asked curiously. "Ah, I was just getting a few more sets of kunai and shuriken for us." He said showing Naruto the sets. "I see. Well, let's go pay for this stuff already, then we can go and see if there is a mission with our names written all over it." Naruto grinned. Kakashi chuckled, "Sure." After giving the cashier the money they both left the shop happy. Naruto walked around with his swords in his hands making any villagers nearby run out of his way, causing Naruto to frown. "I am going to have to change my style to better suit these blades, so I can just strap them to my back or something and they won't be in the way." Naruto said and sighed. Kakashi nodded, "Yes, that would be helpful." Kakashi teased. Naruto sent him a glare and 'humphed'. Kakashi's eyes shined with mirth, "I'm sure we can figure something out once we get back home." Kakashi said the last part silently. Naruto nodded, "Definitely Kakashi-sensei." Yip let out a bark, giving both of them a foxy grin.
Finally, they reached the Hokage tower. "Up for another race Sensei?" Naruto asked, his eyes showing he wanted revenge for his previous loss. "Why of course! Just make sure you don't end up stabbing yourself with those." Kakashi said pointing at the sharp swords. "As if." Naruto scoffed and ran for a head start. Kakashi shook his head, a grin hidden behind his mask, running after Naruto he praised the boy for taking the inside wall again, though he seemed to start out faster this time around. "Still not going to win!" Kakashi sing-songed and pranced along the stairs easily skipping 10 at a time. Naruto blinked at the sudden appearance of Kakashi and sped up. Kakashi laughed and also sped up, "I don't think so." Before Naruto knew it they had reached the Hokage's office. "Damn!" Naruto cursed, pouting just a bit. "Well, you have definitely improved since the first time. I'm sure you'll beat me at some point." Kakashi praised and ruffled the spikey locks. Naruto smiled softly, a light blush dusting his cheekbones.
The Hokage called for them to enter, a subtle smirk on his wrinkled face, letting them know he knew what they were up to. Naruto gave a wave, "Hi Jiji!" He chirped. Kakashi gave a lazy salute, "Hokage-sama." Sarutobi, ushered them forward and let them sit down, "Lose again Naruto?" He asked, his eyes twinkling. Naruto's blush grew deeper and he mumbled out a 'yeah'. Sarutobi shook his head letting out a small laugh. Kakashi also laughing. "Hokage-sama, we were wondering about our previous mission?" Kakashi questioned. "Yes, yes. The infiltrators were found quickly and killed, they didn't have any important information, so you two did very well." Kakashi nodded, proud and Naruto had a huge grin plastered on his face.
"Jiji, we were wondering if we could get a mission, not a D-Rank, but possibly a C-Ranked one?" Naruto asked hopefully. The Hokage pushed away a few lingering papers on his desk that was covering a folder, "As a matter of fact, a man by the name of Tazuna just came earlier, requesting escorts back to Wave." Kakashi and Naruto looked at each other, "That would be perfect!" They both said at the same time and laughed. Sarutobi sighed at the two of them, though his eyes showed he was happy. "You can meet him at the village gate in two hours, make sure you are on time." He said pointedly looking at Kakashi. Kakashi noticed this and smiled sheepishly, "Yes, Hokage-sama." Sarutobi nodded and handed over the folder. "Thanks, Jiji!" Naruto said grateful and pulled Kakashi out of the window taking to the roofs, Yip hot on their heels. Sarutobi chuckled and then turned back to all of the loathsome paperwork he had to finish.
Kakashi quickly steadied himself and shot Naruto a small glare, "Any reason for the rush?" He asked running next to Naruto. "Well obviously! We still need to shower, pack up what we need, figure out what I am going to do for my swords and get to the village entrance to start are mission with this Tazuna person!" Naruto replied, excitement lacing every word. Kakashi chuckled, "Calm down, Naruto. Hokage-sama did say we have two hours." He reminded the ecstatic genin. Naruto huffed out a laugh, "Right, with your laziness it will take us three hours, that is if we are lucky." He said giving Kakashi a pointed stare. Kakashi sighed, "Hush, I did say I wouldn't be late didn't I?" He asked as they landed on their porch. "Yeah, I guess you did." Naruto gave in as he opened the door, Yip who had jumped onto his shoulders a few roofs back, leapt off and ran into the forest surrounding them. Naruto lingered for a moment, but figured the kit would be fine.
"Alright! Let's go take a shower then." Kakashi said happily stripping form his clothes as he led the way to their bathroom. Naruto chuckled, "You are such a pervert Kashi, but it will save time." Kakashi looked back at him a wide grin on his face. "Yes, yes. You and your time. Come on now." Kakashi said ushering Naruto into the shower after they both finished undressing. Naruto stepped into the warm spray, Kakashi right behind him. Kakashi grabbed the shampoo bottle and lathered it into Naruto's wet hair, "Are you happy we got a C-Rank?" He asked softly as his fingers massaged Naruto's scalp. "Mm hmm." Naruto hummed, relaxing into the firm body behind him. Kakashi smiled, "I'm glad." Grabbing the shower head he brought it down to rinse out all of the shampoo. Naruto pouted slightly, but quickly grinned when he saw a pale hand reach for the conditioner.
After they had both finished washing each other, thoroughly, they had gotten dressed. "So, what shall we do about your current predicament?" Kakashi questioned as he grabbed Naruto's swords and swung them around lazily. "I think, I will just use bandages for now. You know, wrap them around my torso, make it several layers thick so I don't accidentally cut them off. That way I can just slide them into the folds and I can easily grab them." Naruto said as Kakashi handed him back his blades. Kakashi nodded, "For now, I guess that will have to work. We can get you a holder for them that you can tie around your waist after this mission." Naruto smiled, "Yeah, that'll work." Naruto held out the roll of bandages to Kakashi, "Would you like the honor of wrapping me up?" He asked smirking. Kakashi laughed and stepped forward, unraveling them slightly he began to roll them around Naruto's chest and stomach. "I think…" He said finally pulling away from Naruto and looking him over, "That we need to get you that holder now, since we still have some time." Naruto looked down at himself and frowned, he moved his arms around and felt the restrictions that the bandages caused, "Yeah, I believe there is some truth in your words." Naruto said chuckling a bit.
After Kakashi and Naruto filled a couple scrolls with extra weapons, clothing, and supplies they would need along with food, they left the house. Yip had been lying on the grass outside basking in the warm sunlight and looked up lazily at the two shinobi. Yip stood up and stretched out his hind legs and walked over to Naruto's side, letting out a bark Yip leaped onto his shoulder and lied down in his usual position. "Hi, Yip. You ready for the mission too?" Naruto asked scratching behind the black tipped ear. Yip let out a purr and nuzzled Naruto's neck. Naruto laughed and looked over at Kakashi who was glaring slightly at Yip. Naruto cracked up at this, "Don't tell me, you're jealous of Yip?" Naruto said wiping away a stray tear. Kakashi looked down at Naruto innocently, "Whatever would make you suggest a thing like that?" He questioned and began making his way towards the shop where they would find the holder for Naruto's swords. "Oh, nevermind." Naruto laughed and followed Kakashi. Kakashi grinned and pulled out his Icha Icha, Naruto sighed and shared a look with Yip.
They quickly reached the store they were at before and by the area Naruto found his twin swords he saw the holders. Picking a black one that was somewhat elastic, he made his way over to the cashier and exited the store happy. Naruto pulled up the holder, it almost working as a belt, though it would not hold his pants, should for some reason someone pull them down. Naruto slid his swords into each of the sheathes that were placed on the left and right of his hips. Looking up at Kakashi he spun around in a circle, "Good?" He asked. Kakashi smiled, "Good." He confirmed, ruffling the messy locks. "It is definitely useful and it feels comfortable, not restrictive like the bandages." Naruto said finally. Kakashi nodded, "Yes, I would assume so considering it isn't practically wrapping up your whole upper-half." He said laughing softly. Naruto shot him a small glare, "Well, it wasn't my fault you couldn't put them on properly." He huffed. "Whatever you say Naruto, whatever you say." Kakashi teased. Naruto rolled his eyes, "Come on, Kakashi-sensei. You wouldn't want us to be late, now would you?" He asked, amusement clear in his eyes. Kakashi sighed, "I guess not." He pouted slightly. He liked joking around with Naruto.
Kakashi and Naruto made there way through the village both ignoring the glares Naruto received and saw that Tazuna was already standing by the entrance to the village with his arms crossed. Tazuna eyed the two and scoffed when he looked at Naruto, "This is the best they could give me? An old man, a brat, and some scrawny fox?" He said indignantly. Kakashi glared with his one eye and Naruto huffed, "I'll have you know we could both kill you in a matter of seconds." Kakashi bit out. Tazuna just shrugged, "I'll believe it when I see it, come on already shinobi." Naruto and Kakashi shared a look of exasperation but followed the out of shape man anyway, waving goodbye to the two guards. Yip got off of Naruto's shoulders and growled at Tazuna. "So, what do you expect is going to go wrong on this mission?" Naruto asked, having a bad feeling already. Kakashi raised his eyebrow, "Oh, why would you expect something to go wrong?" He asked, curious. Naruto shrugged, "I just have a bad feeling and, well, it's never led me astray." Naruto said, his eyes watching the trees. Kakashi clenched his fists, "I see." He didn't want Naruto to have to rely on his instincts especially knowing what he had gone through, it just rubbed him the wrong way.
The three of them continued on down the path, when Naruto noticed a puddle in the middle of the dirt road. When he saw that Kakashi had noticed it too, he shot him a questioning look. Kakashi stepped a bit closer to Naruto, "Be prepared for an attack." He said softly. Naruto gave an almost invisible nod and inched his hand closer to his weapon's pouch. They continued on cautiously and after a couple more minutes two ninja attacked. Already alert Naruto quickly threw his kunai, one hitting the ninja closest to him in the shoulder. The brother let out a pained grunt and lunged forward his clawed hand swiping out at Naruto and catching the boy on his arm. Kakashi growled and flung two shuriken at the Demon Brothers, hitting both of them in one of their knees. They fell to the ground and Naruto quickly tied them to a tree with some ninja wire.
The brothers struggled, but were unable to free themselves. They had tried using their metal claws to break the wire, unfortunately for them it was of no use. The two glared at their captors and refused to speak. Kakashi hit both of them on the neck, causing them to pass out. It was no use interrogating them when they had a perfectly scared bridge builder on their hands already. Naruto raised an eyebrow at him and scoffed when Kakashi just grinned, turning to face Tazuna his face hardened, "Kakashi want to have the pleasure of asking him why we were attacked on this escorting mission?" Kakashi walked over calmly and leaned forward his eyes now level with Tazuna's own, "Of course, Naru." He said softly. Tazuna whimpered.
"So, master-bridge-builder, enlighten us." Kakashi said in a no-nonsense voice. Tazuna looked down at the ground and only caught sight of a glaring Yip, then over to the demon brothers, "The Land of Waves, we are poor. I needed to get their to help finish the bridge, that way Gato, a shipping magnate and founder of Gato Company, wouldn't come to our village anymore. This bridge it's our only hope, without it Gato would try to takeover." Tazuna said, sounding desperate. Kakashi nodded, "I see. You don't have the money to pay for a higher ranked mission, but you needed the protection anyway." Naruto sighed, "Well, this makes the mission a bit more complicated, but I say we still help him Kashi. It could be fun, maybe a few people will show up that I can try out my new swords on." He said smirking. Kakashi laughed, "If you insist Naruto." The bridge builder looked up hopefully, "You'll still help?" He asked. The two ninja nodded in answer. Tazuna smiled, "Thank you." He whispered grateful.
Now knowing what was really happening on this mission, Kakashi and Naruto were a lot more guarded. Their eyes shifting over the trees in search for more enemies and their bodies tense prepared for an attack. Tazuna was just glad that they decided to continue protecting him, finally reaching the dock that would lead them to the Land of Waves, Tazuna waved them onto the boat. The fog was thick making it hard to see their surroundings and all you could here was the ocean's water lapping at the side of the boat and the oar propelling them forward. Silently, they made their way through the water and finally, they reached Tazuna's homeland. Yip was the first to get off the boat and ran around, happy to get out of the shaking piece of wood. Tazuna was quick to follow, while Naruto and Kakashi just took their time.
"My house is not that far away, my daughter and her son are also living there." Tazuna told them as they began walking down the road. Naruto looked at their surroundings and frowned as he noticed the vendors with barely any food and that the villagers all looked defeated. Kakashi also kept his eyes on everything and let out a small sigh, "This is horrible." He said softly to Naruto who could only nod in agreement. "We're here." Tazuna said leading them up a pathway that led to a small, shabby house. Tsunami greeted them at the door with Inari watching them from behind her leg, "Hello, Shinobi-sans. My name is Tsunami and this is my son Inari." She said kindly. Kakashi gave a small eye smile, "I'm Kakashi, this is Naruto." He offered, "It's nice to meet you." Naruto smiled and gave a small wave to Inari. "Oh, and this is Yip." Naruto said pointing down at the fox who was licking his paws.
Kakashi, Naruto, Tazuna, Inari, and Tsunami all sat at the dining room table finishing off their dinner. "Why are you two even here?" Inari asked rudely, glaring at the two of them. Kakashi raised his eyebrow and Naruto set down his fork, "We're here to help you with Gato and his band of goons, I guess we could also help with the building of the bridge, too." Naruto replied. "At least that is, when we aren't busy training." Inari huffed, "As if you two could possibly be that big of a help, Gato is powerful and he has a lot of followers." Now Naruto raised a brow, "Oh, and you think we are weak?" He questioned. "Yeah, obviously. You," he said pointing at Kakashi, "are just some weird old man, and you," he said pointing at Naruto, "are just a kid like me!" Inari finished now annoyed. Naruto glared, "First of all, Kakashi is not old he is only 26, second of all, we could both kill all of you in a matter of seconds. So, instead of insulting us you should be grateful we even bothered to help you at all." He seethed. Inari crossed his arms over his chest and glared at both of them. Kakashi let out a small sigh, "Calm down Naruto, I'm sure he is just frustrated at all of the things going on right now." He said trying to soothe the irate genin. Tsunami and Tazuna just watched from the sidelines, both feeling uncomfortable. Yip on the other hand was happily chasing a lizard he had found sunbathing on a rock outside.
Kakashi and Naruto bid the small family goodnight and went up to their room. "You alright?" Kakashi asked sitting down on the futon. Naruto sighed, "Yeah, I guess I let him get to me." He said as he plopped onto Kakashi's lap. Kakashi let out an, "Oof." Rolling his visible eye he wrapped his arms around Naruto's waist. "You aren't exactly the lightest thing in the world, you know?" He teased. Naruto laughed, "And here I was just ranting on about how strong we are when you can't even handle my weight!" Naruto joked, letting his head fall onto Kakashi's shoulder. "Well, we can't all be amazing." Kakashi drawled, nipping at Naruto's neck. Naruto chuckled, "You're right about that." Naruto said, relaxing into Kakashi's body. Kakashi laughed, running his tongue up Naruto's neck he placed a kiss behind his ear. Naruto smiled.
Naruto was out in the woods the next morning practicings his stance with his swords. Kakashi and Yip watching from a nearby cluster of soft grass. "Do they feel good still, or now that you are actually moving around out in the open, do they feel uncomfortable?" Kakashi asked, his hand stroking down Yip's back. "No, they still feel great. I'm sure they'll be even better when I find someone that can actually teach me how to use them!" He said with a mock accusing tone. Kakashi pouted, "You shouldn't be so mean to your sensei Naruto, I could always give you D-Ranks." He threatened back. Naruto glared, "You wouldn't." Kakashi lifted an eyebrow, "You sure about that?" Naruto heaved out a sigh, "I'm sorry, Kakashi-sensei." He apologized, though the corner of his lips turned up into a slight smirk. Kakashi laughed, "Forgiven!" Naruto shook his head in amusement, "We are such dorks." Kakashi nodded his head in agreement, while Yip let out a fox laugh.
They were making their way over to the bridge when they noticed a commotion, quickly preparing themselves for a fight they ran the rest of the way to the bridge. Kakashi saw Zabuza first, while Naruto made his way over to Tazuna who was lying on the floor and looked to be unconscious. Naruto put his fingers to Tazuna's pulse and while soft, it was still there, sighing in relief he nodded to Kakashi. Finally, taking notice of his surroundings he saw the remaining bridge builders huddled up together at the far end of the bridge, while he saw a man he didn't recognize standing closer to Kakashi. He narrowed his eyes and grabbed a kunai as he calmly walked back to Kakashi's side. "Well, if it isn't Kakashi Hatake!" Zabuza called out, swinging the Executioner's Blade. "Yes, Demon of the Hidden Mist, Zabuza Momochi." Kakashi replied, a few shuriken sliding into his hands. "Ah, so you know me too! Wonderful, although I am sorry to say that I don't know who you are?" He questioned his eyes shifting over to Naruto. "How rude of me, I'm Naruto Uzumaki, the container of the Nine-Tails." Naruto greeted a smirk marring his face. Kakashi gave him a brief look, showing his surprise. Naruto grinned, turning his attention back to Zabuza, "So, what are you doing here?" He asked. Zabuza blinked and then smirked, "I was here to kill the bridge builder, but I didn't expect to be meeting you two here, quite a turn of events. Fucking Gato wasn't paying me enough for this anyway." Now it was Naruto's and Kakashi's turn to blink in shock, "Wait, you mean to say, you aren't going to kill Tazuna now?" Naruto asked. "No, I'd much rather kill Gato and his useless followers and just keeping moving on, with Haku, my partner." He said gesturing to the younger boy that showed up at his side.
Kakashi and Naruto flinched sightly, neither of them had sensed anyone else. "I see." Naruto muttered. Zabuza casually leaned on his sword that was now dug into the wood of the bridge, "Are you two going to cause us trouble, or let us pass?" Zabuza asked eyeing the both of them, warily. "No, you two are free to go. You haven't disturbed are mission, if anything you are both actually helping by getting rid of Gato." Kakashi replied, his own stance becoming more relaxed, though the shuriken remained in his hands. Naruto watched how Zabuza moved with his sword and an idea struck him, "Hey! Before you leave, I was wondering, do you think you could possibly teach me how to use my swords?" Naruto asked, his tone hopeful. Kakashi smirked, "Clever Naruto." Naruto smirked back, "Only if he accepts." He said his eyes shifting back to Zabuza. Zabuza tilted his head to the side, "I suppose I could, but what would we get out of it?" He asked his hand moving between him and Haku.
Kakashi broke into the conversation, "Seeing as how you two are both missing-nin, we could bring you back to Konoha and see if the Hokage will reinstate you both as fellow leaf ninja?" Zabuza looked over at Haku and saw that there was a glimmer of hope in the soft brown eyes, he sighed. "Yeah, we can do that. How about we meet here at 7 a.m. three days from now?" He offered. Kakashi and Naruto looked at eachother, then over the bridge. "I think we can manage to lend some clones, don't you Naru?" He asked, his eye curving. Naruto grinned, "Yeah, I think we can Kashi. It's a deal!" Naruto said happily.
Author's Note: I figured this was an okay part to end, or else it just would have dragged on for probably another 8 pages or so. Anyway, please tell me whether you would like shorter chapters up sooner or not! Thanks for reading! :)
PS: The shorter chapters, would probably be around 2,000-2,500 words, possibly longer. That would mean they get up around two weeks earlier, then these normal lengthed ones. Just thought I would let you know. ;P