Chapter 10: Kayume's Secret: Hidden Purposes
Tsunade was working late that evening. Shizune kept shoveling papers over to her, and Tsunade longed to get away. She was about to attempt to sneak out of the room when Shizune came running in. "Lord Hokage, Kakashi and his team has returned with the princess," she said. Tsunade looked up with surprise. She hadn't really expected them back so soon. "Send them in, immediately!" Tsunade ordered. Shizune bowed and rushed from the room. She returned with Team 7 and the princess. Tsunade smiled with relief. "I'm glad to see you all safe. Kakashi, Team 7, congratulations. I thank you greatly, as does Princess Kayume. I'll speak more with you in the morning, Kakashi. Meanwhile, I bid you all goodnight." Kakashi and his team rose to go, but Kayume lingered. Kakashi turned to ask if she was coming, but could see that she needed to stay for some reason. He turned to Sasuke and Naruto and told them that one of them needed to take Sakura home. Kakashi went out into the hall and sat waiting for Kayume.
Kayume sat down and hesitated before finally asking, "Did you get the Scrolls of Higher Heaven?"
"Yes. The team I assigned to retrieve it arrived a few hours earlier."
"Oh, thank heaven. I'll have to personally thank them."
"Yes, you should. What exactly is so important about the two scrolls?"
Kayume was silent, as if thinking what the most precautious answer would be. She answered, "Well, as much as I hope it's not necessary, I have the feeling you will be seeing exactly what these scrolls do. You know what of my position in this world, and I'm sure you know that these are items of the utmost importance. I believe it's wisest to keep it quiet. I do respectfully request that I be given possession of one of the scrolls."
"Certainly. And the other?"
"I know who to give it to."
Kakashi put down his copy of Icha Icha Paradise and looked up. Kayume had just left Tsunade's office and saw her quickly slide something into her pack. "May I walk you home?" Kakashi asked. Startled, Kayume whirled around and saw the silver-haired jonin extended his hand for hers. "Oh, of course," she said "But-but I don't have a home." Kakashi smiled and said, "That's all been taken of."
If anyone had been out that night, the sight of the handsome jonin and the fair lady walking arm-in-arm down the street would have turned quite a few heads. Kayume was thankful that it was dark so Kakashi couldn't see her blushing. They strolled down the street until they reached an apartment building. Kakashi opened the main door with a key and took her inside. They walked up some stairs until they reached the second floor. They walked down the hall and Kakashi used another key to open up the room. He led Kayume in, who was pleasantly surprised. It was very spacious, with a bedroom, living room, and kitchen. "It's so nice. Thank you," she said. He grinned and started to walk to the door. "The only downside" he said "Is your neighbor." She was just about to ask what he meant when Naruto burst out of the room next to hers screaming and howling about hot ramen and third degree burns on his tongue. Kakashi was about to leave when Kayume ran to him and grabbed his hand. He turned to her with surprise. She smiled and handed him something. "I want you to have this. Please take very good care of it," she said. He looked at it and knew what it was. "One of the Scrolls of Higher Heaven," he mused. He beamed at her and said, "I won't betray your trust, Kayume." he strolled out of the room and left Kayume thinking to herself. "I know you won't let me down, Kakashi."
Nightshroud: Yeah, short chapter. Next will be better. Promise!
Next chapter: Kakashi vs. Kayume: Water Justu Face-off!