A/N: Sorry for the disappearance act. Special thanks to ShiroKuro OokamiRyu for doing a spectacular job beta-ing this after I suddenly inboxed her out of the blue! Enjoy!
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Chapter Seven:
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Kakashi rubbed the center of his forehead, hoping to assuage the migraine. He'd slept in that morning after an unexpected evening spent in Sakura's company, but the reprieve from his duties didn't make them vanish. The request from Mist was still sitting unanswered on his desk.
It was a time sensitive matter and he would need to respond within a couple of hours.
The Mizukage was in a serious bind and worried about national security. An insidious plot had developed within her country involving a secret organization that had begun to terrorize the citizens. Mei Terumi only had two advisors that she trusted with absolute certainty. Unfortunately, Ao had perished in the Great Ninja War and Chojuro was currently missing. The latter had been investigating the situation and she feared for his fate.
By using the extremely rare golden scroll, she had invoked the highest priority on the request for international aid. She worried that the more violent shinobi of Mist wanted a return to the Bloody Mist regime. Peace tasted sour to their tongues after a generation of violent conflicts. She had requested Kakashi to come personally and wasn't sure about a timeline for the mission — definitely more than two weeks if a civil war or coup was in the works.
He was confident that he could leave Konoha in the capable hands of Naruto and Shikamaru. Sakura could also have run the Hokage's office in his absence, but given her skills with both healing and fighting he wanted her on the mission with him. Without his Sharingan, he didn't feel quite confident enough to go into the unknown solo, nor was he suicidal enough to try. He also didn't want to risk Naruto with his upcoming nuptials.
Sai was a viable option, but as soon as Kakashi considered the idea, he dismissed it. He wasn't quite ready to work with Sai after learning that he'd been so intimately involved with Sakura. Though, Ino on the other hand…..he allowed the thought to trail off with a faint smile on his lips.
A brisk knock at his door wiped the smile off his face. He cleared his throat and rolled back his shoulders. "Come in."
Shikamaru entered. "Izumo told me you had received a golden scroll yesterday from the Mizukage," he stated without preamble. He was Konoha's liaison for the alliance amongst the ninja countries. "You appointed me to represent Konoha in international matters within our united nations."
"It was a personal request," Kakashi hedged. When Shikamaru merely stared stonily back, he held out the scroll.
Shikamaru's gaze swept over the script. He glanced back towards Kakashi with a protective fierceness in his dark eyes. "She cannot request you personally. You're too important to the village, Lord Hokage."
Kakashi leaned back in his chair and sighed. "Minato wouldn't have let someone else go in his stead."
"And he died while his son was just a few minutes old. That is not a good example." Shikamaru read over the scroll a second time. "I could go."
"If you go, you'll have to inform the other nations," Kakashi argued.
"This is the whole reason we have the alliance," Shikamaru protested. "We've gone about things on our own before and what I remember is that Temari is the one that saved my ass. Sand is our closest ally, we should include them at least."
"Our bond to Mist is fragile," Kakashi said. "The Mizukage sent this request personally and I feel we should honor it."
"Fine. But you can't go alone. I forbid it."
Kakashi snorted. "You forbid it? Who's the Hokage?"
"I'm the one that makes sure the Hokage doesn't do anything stupid — whether that's you or Naruto," Shikamaru quipped. He paced in front of Kakashi's desk as he pondered the issue. "You will need at least a three man squad, but preferably four. I suppose if you're leaving, that means Naruto is going to be left as pro-temp Hokage. So, naturally, you'll take Sakura — she's muscle and medicine. Sai would be a smart addition. I've worked with them before and they are a flawless team."
"I'd prefer someone other than Sai." Kakashi grit his teeth behind his mask.
Shikamaru arched an eyebrow, but didn't argue. "Neji would have been perfect," he whispered half to himself. "You would do best with someone that could scout ahead — Hinata, Kiba, and Shino are all skilled. Sakura has worked well with both Hinata and Kiba before."
However, Kakashi hadn't worked with them and didn't want to go into such a mission with a new team dynamic.
"Obviously, I vouch for Ino and Choji's skills. They worked really well with you and Sakura, but would be at a disadvantage without me. It's a shame that Kurenai retired from active service. Though, if you took Sakura, Sai, and Yamato you'd have a very powerful team with a variety of skills that complemented one another." He stopped in front of the desk's center and held the golden scroll back towards Kakashi. "You'll need to leave as soon as possible. I would recommend letting Sand know what's going on — in case we need back up."
"Lightning might be more useful if things go south as its borders neighbors Mist," Kakashi suggested.
"I'll get in touch with Killer Bee. He's known for traveling all over the allied nations. If he were to show up, it wouldn't be too unusual," Shikamaru mused. "Things are a bit volatile in Earth right now with the Tsuchikage's failing health."
"Well, it seems that you have everything all figured out," Kakashi dead-panned. "I guess all that's left is to summon my teammates and pack up."
"Just make sure you're back in time for Naruto and Hinata's wedding," Shikamaru reminded.
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It was mid-morning when Sakura made her house-call to the Sarutobi residence. They were in the kitchen when Sakura disposed of the needle and then pressed a Hello Kitty bandaid across the injection site on Kurenai's daughter, Mirai. "And that's the last of your vaccinations before you start school in the spring."
Asuma's dark-eyed daughter had her lips pressed tight, but she didn't cry out. She was as stoic as her grandfather, the Third Hokage.
Kurenai hugged her daughter and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head where they sat at the kitchen table. "I appreciate you doing this yourself, Sakura. She won't let any of the nurses give her shots. She runs away from them or punches them. I'm afraid she has her father's temperament."
"Then she'll be a fearsome warrior," Sakura said. "Just don't punch anyone when you're Hinata's flower girl," she teased tapping the tip of the girl's nose. She laughed as the girl jerked back and rubbed her nose with the heel of her hand.
"Go on and play, sweetie," Kurenai said.
Mirai wasted no time in scampering away towards the living room where her toys waited. Sakura's eyes trailed after the four year old as she picked up a large plush doll that held an uncanny resemblance to Asuma.
"A gift from Ino," Kurenai murmured. "She had that plush commissioned to look like Asuma. Her exact words were, 'All girls that age have a best friend. And that best friend is a doll. Mirai might as well have her doll look like her father.'"
Sakura smiled. "Ino can be very thoughtful."
"Shikamaru and Konohamaru tell Mirai countless stories about her father. It's not much, but I hope it makes her feel closer to him."
Sakura hummed in acknowledgment, but truly had no words to say to such a statement. She learned from her travels with Master Tsunade, that sometimes people just need you to listen. It was rather challenging, because Sakura wanted to fix everyone. Sometimes, a person just needed to learn how to live with the brokenness.
"You know, you're good for him."
"What? Who?" Sakura tore her gaze away from Mirai. "The doll?"
Kurenai snorted in amusement. "No, Kakashi."
"He can be rather disorganized," Sakura agreed. "He's always getting distracted by those books of his. Though, I think the real credit should go to Shikamaru. He's really done a one-eighty."
"You didn't know Kakashi when he was in Anbu," Kurenai explained. "He was orphaned at a young age and later lost his entire team — Obito, Rin, and then Minato." Her crimson gaze settled on Mirai as she explained to the Asuma plush how they were going to storm a castle — one created from a pair of blankets draped over the couch and arm chair. "It's the reason I retired. I won't risk my daughter being orphaned."
"If anything, Naruto is the one that's good for Kakashi. He's always been the heart of the team," Sakura protested.
Kurenai chuckled mirthlessly. "After losing Asuma, I understand a little of what Kakashi must have felt like. If it wasn't for Mirai, I probably would have taken some kind of suicidal mission."
Sakura reached across the table and grasped Kurenai's hands. The older Jounin was exhibiting classic signs of survivor's guilt. It was a condition she and Master Tsunade came across quite often in their travels.
Kurenai stared down at their joined hands. "The life of a ninja is to know loss. We deal in death, so it makes sense that we pay death a heavy price. It was Asuma, Guy, and myself that approached Hiruzen to remove Kakashi from Anbu. He'd always been a serious individual, but he was dedicating himself entirely to the unsavory shadows of the ninja world. We couldn't see our friend devolve into a heartless, killing machine. He'd started to read those horrible porn books in public to discourage people from talking to him. A top notch assassin reading porn — who wanted to interrupt him? Lord Third recommended the three of you to be Kakashi's students. He'd always failed his students before; never wanted any children to become monsters like himself."
Sakura had always wondered about Kakashi's former students. He was renowned for flunking all the previous academy graduates and he'd refused to take any new students after only being their teacher for a little less than a year. "He always blamed himself for Sasuke's deflection. Though, I tried to stop Sasuke, I failed. Over the years, Naruto and I tried countless times to bring him back and failed repeatedly. Sasuke didn't come back until it suited him."
Her thoughts drifted to one of her spectacular fails. After hearing the monstrous things Sasuke had done, she'd decided to end his life before he completely transformed into a creature of bloodlust and evil. She'd wanted to protect Naruto. And yet, it had been Kakashi and Naruto that had each saved her in turn. She'd have been dead at Sasuke's hands without them.
"He blamed himself for not being able to reach Itachi's little brother, Minato's son, and for ignoring the potential of the lone girl on the team. After Naruto's return to the village and Kakashi's injury, he used to talk with Asuma and myself about his perceived short-comings. After seeing just how strong the three of you became under the tutelage of the Sannin, he felt like a great failure. At first, he couldn't understand your and Naruto's eagerness to team up with him again. It had been almost a relief when the two of you were teamed up with Yamato and Sai, except it quickly turned to anxiety."
Sakura could certainly understand that. Knowing that one's friends were in danger and not being able to protect their backs was something that she struggled with; especially with friends like hers. As a medic, she had brought many ninjas back from the brink of death.
"And yet, that original Team Seven, in spite of its complicated history, was responsible for saving the entire world," Kurenai pointed out. "There was a special bond between you all and it wasn't just Naruto. Somehow, your team also managed to attract the attention of the broken Sannin and involve them in the cause. Hiruzen knew what he was doing putting you all under Kakashi and now he's the Hokage."
The unbreakable bonds of friendship that Naruto insisted on were the reason for their success, along with Kakashi's code of protecting one's teammates, but Sakura didn't want to press the point.
"I was never an orphan," Sakura said hesitantly. "But, I saw how it affected both Naruto and Sasuke." And Kakashi she added silently, though she didn't learn that about him until years after he was no longer her teacher. "No child should have to grow up without their parents. Having one parent is better than no parent. And through your love for Asuma, your daughter learns about her father."
A sad smile flitted across Kurenai's lips. "I hope this isn't the speech you give to all those emotionally wrecked children on your project with Lady Tsunade."
Sakura grinned back. "Nah, if I were to mention either Naruto or Sasuke, the kids would just want to meet the two big heroes."
"Do me a favor, Sakura," Kurenai said, squeezing Sakura's hand before slipping out of her grip. "When you have children, let them see you in action. Stories begin to feel hollow after a while."
An image of Sasuke wearing a kitchen apron and tending to a baby in a highchair came to Sakura. She almost laughed aloud when the vision shifted and it wasn't Sasuke, but Kakashi in the apron. The laugh died in her throat and she disguised it with an awkward cough.
"I've seen the violence you wield in your hands, but the gentleness in your nature is comforting," Kurenai continued.
"What do you mean?" Sakura was starting to feel uncomfortable with the line of conversation. She'd come to give Mirai a simple varicella vaccine, not to have a heart to heart therapy session.
"There was a reason Hiruzen had you on Kakashi's team," Kurenai continued. "You were the loving family all three of those boys needed — Naruto, Sasuke, and Kakashi. They were all orphaned and alone. They needed someone with a big heart to heal them."
Sakura scoffed. "Now you're just being ridiculous. Naruto has always been the heart of the team."
"That doesn't make your role any less," Kurenai protested. "Those boys needed someone to protect. They needed someone to care about. They needed someone to nurture them. And you cannot deny that all of them care for you. The same happened when Sai joined your team. The most successful teams have at least one woman on them."
Mirai returned to the kitchen holding Shikamaru's hand. "Momma, Shikamaru is here."
"Ah, Sakura, I wasn't expecting you here," Shikamaru said in mild surprise. "You should report to the Hokage's office. You're about to go on a mission."
"A mission!" Mirai exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement. "Can I come? I got my shot!"
Kurenai crouched in front of her daughter and brushed back an errant curl. "I'm afraid you won't be going on any missions just yet, sweetie. You need to go to school first."
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"We leave within the hour," Kakashi informed Sakura, Sai, and Yamato.
"You're the Hokage. I don't understand why you're going on this mission personally. It seems like an unnecessary risk," Sai protested.
Kakashi stared at the former Root ninja for a few seconds silently. Ever since the boy started dating Ino, he'd become more outspoken. Or maybe it was the removal of Danzo's sealing tattoo on his tongue. If it avoided being questioned by one's subordinates, he could see how the corrupt master of the shadow world would be tempted by such techniques of silence. Sai had a valid point, but all Kakashi could think about was that the pasty white artist had taken Sakura's virginity.
"Sai, he's the Hokage. Lord Hatake can do whatever he thinks is best for the security of the village," Sakura answered evenly.
Kakashi shot her a curious look. He thought she'd probably chime in with Sai. He couldn't help but feel a little smug at her defense.
"The Mizukage requested you personally," Yamato said. "I find this rather suspicious."
"Then you haven't seen the way she stares at him," Sakura said, a faint grin on her lips. "I wouldn't put it past her for this whole thing to be a ruse with nothing more than the attempt to get our esteemed Hokage into her bed chambers."
That had been Kakashi's first thought upon reading the request. "Not with a golden scroll," Kakashi argued. "An abuse of a golden scroll is enough to evoke the wrath of the entire ninja alliance."
"The weather is cold and wet this time of year in Mist," Sakura said. "I'll pack some extra herbs to fight off the likelihood of upper respiratory infections. Yamato, did you receive your influenza vaccine?"
Yamato turned his overly large eyes towards her. "I don't normally take vaccines."
"I'll pick one up for you." She elbowed Sai sharply in the rips and they both kneeled before Kakashi. He dismissed them with a nod and they vanished from his office to pack.
"Why did she single me out?" Yamato shook his head and turned back to Kakashi. "I don't like this scenario."
"Sakura singled you out because Sai and I are both good patients and visit her regularly for physicals — lest she might beat us savagely. And Mei Terumi asked me because her people will assume it's because she wants me in her bed chambers," Kakashi explained. "It's the perfect excuse for having elite Konoha shinobi in her village without it looking suspicious."
Yamato nodded and then took his leave as well.
Shikamaru and Naruto entered next and Kakashi explained his leave of absence and Naruto's duties as Interim Hokage.
"You'll be back in time for the wedding, right?" Naruto asked in a panic.
"I thought you'd be more excited about your role as Hokage," Kakashi said, his brow furrowed.
"It's a lot of work," Naruto admitted. "But I'm ready! You're taking Sakura and Sai — you're all part of the wedding party, so you better be back. I know Hinata doesn't seem like she's scary, but with her twin lion fists she can be more terrifying than Sakura!"
"We'll be fine," Shikamaru assured him. "We'll keep things running smoothly until you return."
"I leave the village in your capable hands," Kakashi said. He left his office and started towards his apartment. He wanted to speak with Sakura privately before their mission made it impossible.
Her door was unlocked and she was rummaging her kitchen cabinets for packets of herbs. Her backpack was open on her dining table. "Knock, knock," Kakashi said, opening her door.
"Come on in," Sakura called out. Her cheeks were flushed and she flashed him a quick smile. "It's silly, but I'm kind of excited. I haven't done a real mission since the episode with the moon."
Kakashi leaned against the kitchen counter and watched her gather the herbs. "I wanted to warn you about some of the less savory aspects of the mission."
"That it's going to look like an excuse for you and the Mizukage to have an illicit affair?" Sakura asked.
Kakashi's jaw slackened and he merely stared at her. She was smart, but he didn't think she'd connect the pieces so quickly. He was pretty uncomfortable with the idea, so he figured she would be too.
Sakura closed the cabinet and turned towards him. Her expression of amusement softened into one of concern. "Her reputation as a man-eater is pretty wide-spread. It's a good cover."
"I'm not very good at faking such things," Kakashi admitted. He would probably have to actually have an illicit affair to make it believable.
Sakura snorted and rolled her eyes. "Oh and what a terrible sacrifice that would be." She brushed past him and tucked the herbal packets into her bag.
"Maybe I don't want to have an illicit affair with her," Kakashi argued. He wasn't so shallow that he was willing to sleep around for the sake of believability. But then, he had been willing to sleep with two strange women the other night. "It would complicate things and I don't like complications."
"No, I suppose you wouldn't," Sakura said, looking at him with a curious gleam in her jade eyes. "What do you have in mind?"
"An affair between a former teacher and student isn't too unbelievable," Kakashi said.
"Sounds like the plot of half the trashy romance novels Ino has loaned me over the years," Sakura mused.
Kakashi wanted to ask if she read trashy romance novels frequently, but squashed the urge for a more serious banter. "If she becomes insistent, that's our play."
"What do you mean, exactly?" Sakura zipped up her bag and slung it over one shoulder before slipping her other arm through it.
"I mean, I'm going to visit Mist under Mei Terumi's invitation. However, her ploy to woo me will fail due to the fact that I'm already involved in another illicit affair," Kakashi explained. He reached out and pressed his palm against the side of Sakura's face and gently caressed her soft skin. She licked her lips — either a sign of nerves or an invitation.
Kakashi leaned down and brushed his nose against hers, drowning himself in her jade irises.
Sakura began to giggle and stepped back from him. "Yeah, I'm not sure that's going to work, Kakashi."
Kakashi stepped back towards her and pulled down his mask. The laughter died instantly as she stared at his chiseled, bare face. He knew he was a handsome man and if he wanted to protect himself from the clutches of Mei Terumi, the beautiful man-eater, he needed a trump card. Sakura had grown too comfortable in his presence. If he wanted to forge a believable front with her, he needed to give her something more.
Sakura inhaled sharply through her teeth, unable to tear her gaze away from Kakashi's exposed face.
Her eyes dilated and Kakashi felt the strong urge to kiss her. He leaned down, laid his hands against either side of her narrow waist, and brushed his lips against hers. Her eyes fluttered closed and she kissed him back, her slender arms wrapped around his neck to pull him closer.
The kiss was more intense than he expected. He'd kissed a lot of women, but he'd kept the mask as a barrier for so long, he forgot how good it felt to be skin to skin with someone. All thoughts about the mission to Mist evaporated from his mind.
He wasn't sure how it happened, but somehow they were on Sakura's bed. She was underneath him and he was trailing kisses down her neck and the sweet curve of her breast.
Kakashi braced himself with his arms and drew away from her. Somehow her shirt and backpack had been abandoned at the table. As had his own shirt. He stared down at her and struggled to control his raging hormones. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I just wanted to kiss you."
Sakura's cheeks flamed and she looked away, shame and confusion evident as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Maybe you should go."
"Sakura," Kakashi protested.
"Just go, Kakashi. We have a long mission in front of us and I need to finish packing." She slipped out from under him and snatched up her shirt. She was dressed in a moment and Kakashi sorely missed seeing her taunt abdomen and the rounds of her perky breasts. She glared at him. "Are you done staring?"
A slow smile spread across Kakashi's full lips. "Not even remotely." He reached out and tucked a loose strand of pale pink hair behind her ear. "I wasn't expecting that kind of chemistry, Sakura. But that's not something I can ignore."
Sakura scoffed. "After your thwarted sexcapade the other night, I imagine any pretty woman will do."
That didn't explain her reaction, and they both knew it. "I don't think that's true and neither do you," Kakashi said quietly. "I'll meet you at the gates with the others." He picked up his mask and settled it into its customary place.
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