THE KUNOICHI'S HEART
Title: The Kunoichi's Heart
Rating: R
Disclaimer: The characters are NOT MINE.
Chapter: 10
Words : 5,222 words
Summary : What if Iruka was a female? Follow the Naruto story since the very beginning...
Pairing : KakaIru, SasuSaku, NaruHina (the others will ba canon-like hopefully)
A/N :
Hello again u all!! Here the new chapter from me! Finally we're getting somewhere into the Chuunin exam!! Yay!! –happy-
Thanks to anyone who reviewed me in the last chapter : LufflyEmi, Gossamerisred, SongoftheDarquePhoenix, NightEssence, Flashtabulor, bored2death, jazzy2may, raveresque-fantastique, bradley, klnolan, MischievousPuck.
Special thanks to SongoftheDarquePhoenix and MischievousPuck for being my loyal readers since the very beginning. I really appreciate ur supports, dear! Can I hug you? –hugs-
And ofcourse, thanks to my dear beta reader, filleyice! Without u, this chapter won't be here in this site, dear!! –glomps-
PS : Lately I'm interested in RoyxRiza from Fullmetal Alchemist fandom. Do u know any sites that allow u to download their doujinshis, preferably translated in english? Thx!
Comments & Questions from U (I'll Try to Answer Them Here)
I love the female Iruka! And the motherly moments with her and Naruto make me want to squeal! So cute! I hope her and Kakashi work out their problems soon.
I love her too (or I won't write her as main character of this story, ne? –winks-). Glad u like Iruka & Naruto's moments! And yeah…she & Kakashi will make up…..someday. somewhere. Hopefully it won't take too long. –snickers-
- Every chapter gets better and better it seems! Loved this chapter, it was really nice to see how everyone else felt. You know I'll be happily awaiting the next one! 2 thumbs way up It was definitely worth the wait. There aren't many fics that I can remember so well that I don't have to go back and reviews... This one is that good!
How…. U flatter me too much, dear. Thank u, I suppose? –blushes- I just hope u all won't wait too long for the next chapters, still thank u for waiting!! –smiles-
- The part with Izumo and Koteteus was well written, (Hahaha! Poor Kakashi XD) as was the whole chapter. And don't let anyone tell you otherwize!
Really? You think so…?? I confused myself when I wrote their bickering back then, still glad u like that part! –happy-
- Could there, perhaps be some more hints of Gai/Anko later on?
Yup, you bet. I like that pairing. Their craziness matches each other LoL. If u have any ideas for these two, I'm open for them!!
- I really do enjoy a lot of this story, but I think I've finally been wrenched out of it by the level of power and mystery lavished on Iruka. Some of what makes his character interesting in the original is that he's not exceptional in power or a mysterious past, but he's a good person and loving and open. Super-human strength, relationship with both Sannin, special jutsus, loved by everyone...it takes the main interest out, for me, with how powered-up she is.
Oh my…. So I take it u won't continue reading this story then? –sad-. Well….. I know that maybe Iruka is a bit too perfect for some people, but I have my own reasons to make her like that. I had told u though in earlier chapters that this's a rather different than usual KakaIru fic so don't expect the usual 'average' Iruka (as if he's a female isn't enough LoL). To be honest, I'm a bit feed up with how extraordinary Kakashi in some fics, so I try to make one for Iruka. Apparently she came out a bit too perfect – but I still like it. Believe me, this female! Iruka has her own flaws as well, but it's still a long way to reveal all of it because it's tied tightly with her past (which was still unclear to this point). I even touched this topic slightly in this chapter. Still thank u for letting me know. It's interesting to know your point and I hope I can adjust the story to be slightly believable in Iruka's part. Oh well, everyone has his/her own opinion, so I'll respect yours. Thank u again for reviewing! –smiles-.
- I love your story and I hope that you up-date soon, I cant wait to find out what happens next. Hope you are well.
If u think that being buried by tons of medic books every day is well, then yes I'm well. LoL. Thank u for being so patient with my very VERY slow update!
- AHH. just started your story today, and i just LOVE IT! i was just wondering though, what was that thing with iruka and zabuza? or was it mentioned before? im slow like a snail.Hey, new reader!! Glad to meet u!! –happy- Huh? Iruka and Zabuza? Which chapter? Do u mean their first meeting after team 7 mission in Cloud country? I'm sorry, I don't understand. I'm slow like a snail too. xD
- I wasn't sure that I would like this story but wonderfully surprisingly I found I very much enjoy this story a lot. I think its perfect. Iruka's female self is still Iruka and you handle him/her very well! I love the slow build up and the perfect burgeoning relationship between Kakashi and Iruka. I look very much forward to future chapters.
Thank u! Yay, glad u approve this female!Iruka. –happy-. Yup, I like their slow build up relationship too…. I just hope their relationship isn't too slow to ur liking xD
- it's very kyoot. it has promise, i'll give you that. however, your excessive use of 'light' and 'lightly' is starting to get annoying...
Really? I don't notice…… thanks for letting me know. I'll write other similar words from the dictionary then. –snickers-
- wonder how is kakashi going to patch things up after the prelims or the invasion? When did you start to write about Iruka being female and the first I seen of this type of story? Rukia and Iruka or to similar or is it conicendence
Well they will make up…..eventually. This's my first time writing about Female!Iruka although there's another Kakashixfemale!Iruka short story in my LJ named 'A Simple Story'. And yeah, I believe I'm the first one writing this idea in Naruto world fic LoL. And who do u mean with Rukia? –confused- u mean Rukia from Bleach?
- medic classes? o rly? sounds interesting!
Really. I'm a medic student in her third year. This is why I can't update too often bcause exams and books always surround me every day. This August I'll begin my clinic education training! I wanna be a doctor one day, pray for me please! –smiles-
- That was FANTASTIC. Zabuza is a good friend for Kakashi. I am so glad you keep him alive in your story he brings insight for Kakashi even if it is a bit blunt. But I would not have it any other way. I am so sorry I took so long to review. I know its no excuse but I started a new job and have been too tired to get on to read fanfic. You are doing a great job with this story. I love the end of this chapter when Guy stalks Iruka. It was hilarious. How did the Green Beast know where Iruka lived. Can someone say restraining order? Just kidding. Loved it! Loved it! Loved it!
Don't worry, dear! Thank u for reviewing in between ur busy days! Believe me, I know what 'tiredness' mean and it's okay! –smiles- Yup, I think Zabuza balances Kakashi enough, ne? I don't want Kakashi to be too unemotional with others (bsides with Iruka & team7 of course). –laughs- Honestly I don't know how Guy can know Iruka's address. Maybe he knows ALL shinobi's places in Konoha simply bcause they are his DEAR comrades or something. Knowing Guy, it's possible. –snickers- Glad u like this story!! Thank u! –hugs-
Have any interesting ideas for the development of this story? Contact me ASAP!! I'm open for any ideas!! –smiles- And don't forget to read the note after the end of this chapter! It's VERY important!!
Ok then, enjoy the story for now!!
- Izky
Chapter 10 – The Snake's Curse : 5,222 words
"How is he?"
"He's stable enough……….for now."
Iruka said nothing, staring down at the unconscious black haired gennin lying down before her.
Why….why him…..
She had headed to this place as fast as she could when the news reached her ears.
After years of dissappearance, Orochimaru returned. Attacked Konoha in the middle of the Chuunin exam.
And succeded in giving his curse to one of the last Uchiha.
To Uchiha Sasuke. One of her dear students –no- her dear ex-students.
Unconsciously, she gritted her teeth tightly as the long forgotten memories of the snake summoning Sannin resurfaced in her mind, making her forget the silent presence standing beside her – a nearly impossible feat given their last fight and all.
Orochimaru…… Even after all these years……
Why do you need to return here?
Was it not enough……making all of us miserable back then?
"Why are you here, Iruka-sensei?"
The sudden question made Iruka blink as she quickly turned to its source only to meet a familiar single dark eye staring back against her startled ones. "Yes…?"
"If I remember right, you should have been beside Sandaime, arranging all of the matches with the other exam officers."
You shouldn't be here.
Iruka immediately glared back at the figure before her. It had been days or weeks since she saw or talked to Kakashi and –judging from the jounin's emotionless tone and the equally emotionless stare- it seemed that their last fight was still fresh on both sides.
"And why can't I be here? I know Sasuke is your student now, but it doesn't make me worry about him less, Kakashi-sensei."
"That isn't what I mean, Iruka-sensei."
Iruka could feel her chakra rise ever slightly at the annoyed tone she could sense from the silver haired jounin – how easily she could read his mood was never on her mind. "I'm worried about him. Is there a problem with that?"
"You can't put your emotions over your duty, sensei. I already stabilized Sasuke's condition and he would be awake before his own match - I can assure you that." Kakashi glanced slightly at the still unconscious gennin in the middle of the circle seal he had drawn an hour ago. It had pushed his knowledge of over a thousand seals to find the right one to seal that inhuman curse Orochimaru put on Sasuke's neck.
And it was still incomplete…even by my technique. This sealing technique utilizes Sasuke own will as its main source. If he loses faith in his power and his will sways... the cursed seal will reactive.
Maybe I should ask Jiraiya to strengthten it later… Where is that pervert old man when you need him?
"I know that. I just want to make sure nothing worse might happen. This's Orochimaru's cursed seal we're talking about, Kakashi-sensei. I don't want to take any chances – not when –" Iruka suddenly stopped herself as she realized that she could reveal more than she wanted. It was as if something was pushing her temper on so she couldn't control what her mouth wanted to say before the jounin.
Shit…not like this…
Kakashi raised his eyebrows at the sudden silence the brown haired kunoichi held. The previously angry kunoichi was blinking and blinking for a while (and no, it wasn't adorable at all) – before finally snapping her mouth shut and shaking her head slowly.
Iruka took a long breath and said it in the calmest tone she could. "I….. Forgive me, Kakashi-sensei. I guess I'm just tired – with all these exams and matches. I don't think I have any right to yell at you. Moreover, you did help Sasuke-kun to seal the curse – I should have been more grateful to you. I'm sorry, sensei." The chuunin suddenly bowed low as the long brown strands covered her face – making it impossible for Kakashi to see her expression.
Kakashi blinked at the sudden change in the chuunin's attitude. The previously angered and hot tempered kunoichi who entered the hidden seal room a half hour ago was suddenly gone, replaced by the overly polite woman before him.
And Iruka stood back, a slight smile on her face as she stared at the jounin's vest – refusing to see his face at all.
Kakashi hardened his gaze at the sight before him.
The overly polite woman whose smile was as fake as her words.
It was far different than the usual smiles she reserved for him and team 7 in general.
It was restrained and empty.
It was obvious that something had agitated and stressed the usually gentle and calm woman and she tried –badly if he might add- to hide it from him.
Kakashi didn't like it. Not at all.
"It's not your fault, sensei. And you have a right being angry with me. I'm supposed to keep Sasuke, Naruto, and Sakura safe in this exam. But no, this has to happen." Kakashi sighed as he brushed his hair in frustration. It took a lot to admit to anyone that Sharingan Kakashi made a mistake.
"But…."
Oh no… you know I'm right, Iruka…
Without thinking, Kakashi had his hand on the side of Iruka's face, rubbing on the soft skin slowly as a familiar blush rose immediately on his touch. "Don't wear that expression on me, Iruka-sensei. I deserve your wrath. And no, don't apologize if you don't mean it, sensei. Ever."
Now, THAT's a better expression on her face… She should blush MORE often…
Iruka blushed as she felt the warm big hand touching her cheek, forgetting for a minute the tension she had felt after entering this dark room. She slowly gazed up at the solemn dark eye staring down on hers. Upon closer inspection, it was obvious that the elite jounin looked beyond tired and it made Iruka feel horrible to let out her temper before the jounin.
He must be worn out after making those seals on Sasuke…
And I'm just blaming him…
"I'm-"
"Well…well….what do we have here……."
Iruka froze up at the slightly eerie voice as she noticed how Kakashi's dark eye widened as well at the voice. In seconds, they were already standing protectively before the still unconscious Sasuke in their fighting stances.
Orochimaru was smirking leaning on the pillar twenty feet away before their eyes. His yellow eyes shone brightly in the darkness of the room.
"Am I interrupting something…?"
SHIT……!!
"What are you doing here, Orochimaru…?" Kakashi silently asked as he focused on the man before them. His mind was busily plotting what jutsus and seals to use and how effective they would be against a Sannin.
Damn… There's no time to call the others… And we still have to protect Sasuke…
"Ah….Kakashi-kun. It has been a while since the last time we met. You can use sealing techniques now, hmm….?" The smirk grew larger as the thin figure stepped closer and closer to where the two stood protectively.
Orochimaru stopped as he stared straight at the headband covering the silver haired jounin's other eye. "You didn't have that a long time ago... That sharingan in your left eye."
Kakashi simply stiffened, taking a step ahead before the female sensei close to him. Orochimaru was never ever his favorite person in the world (that disgusting tongue always made his flesh creep in his younger days) . Even years after his disappearance from Konoha, it seemed that his dislike toward the snake-summoning sannin was still the same – or even worse.
Orochimaru continued, ignoring the raised chakra around the jounin before him. "I want it too... ... Uchiha's power that is."
Then his yellow eyes turned to gaze at her.
If possible, the smirk grew larger until Kakashi could see the fangs and that disgusting tongue.
"Ah….It's such a surprise to see you here as well…Iruka-chan."
Before Kakashi could blink at the nickname, he felt the air beside him shifted and the next thing he knew – Iruka had already launched at the Sannin with a speed that was impressive for a chuunin like her.
"Don't call me THAT!!"
"Iruka!!" Damn it!!
Iruka ignored his shout as the kunoichi threw –quite surprisingly- her bare fist directly toward the still smirking sannin's face. The long haired sannin simply jumped ten feet away as the fist met the floor, breaking the stones into pieces.
"My…my…. I see you still have that inhuman strength, Iruka-chan." Orochimaru chuckled eerily at the damage. It was obvious that he didn't take the attack seriously at all.
Kakashi jumped instinctively, holding Iruka's arm in fierce grip as he pulled the chuunin to their previous position near Sasuke, who was apparently unaffected at the Sannin's sudden presence – unconsious as he was.
"Let me go, Kakashi!" Iruka glared hotly as the jounin's bigger hand prevented her from attacking the Sannin who was standing with his ever disgusting smirk in place. She didn't want anyone to stop her from punching that disgusting face out of the window –or country if it was needed- even if it was Kakashi of all people!
"Calm down, Iruka! You can't attack without thinking! He's a Sannin!" Kakashi shouted back at the usually gentle Chuunin, turning the kunoichi to face him instead and trying to keep his rational mind in check at the same time. It was damn confusing to see how drastically the gentle & polite chuunin could change after Orochimaru's coming, but it wasn't the time now. The most important thing now was Sasuke – who was as defenseless as a two-year-old baby right now.
We should take Sasuke away from this place first. There is no telling what Orochimaru wants to do with Sasuke after knowing he's survived that life threatening curse…
Instead of blinking and nodding in understanding as he had expected the usually rational chuunin would, Iruka simply glared back with something filling those unusually hard brown eyes. It reminded Kakashi how those eyes stared back unblinkingly at him weeks ago at the Hokage's room.
"You don't understand, Kakashi. It's because of him… because of him… sensei… I have to fight him for them! Just….just move it!"
Before Kakashi realized what was happening, Iruka had already pulled her hand free with the inhuman strength he had seen in the yard days ago. Kakashi's single eye widened as he was thrown by its power; he could only see the kunoichi's back as Iruka apparently lauched herself at the smirking sannin again.
Iruka!! No!!
"Tsutenkyaku : Painful Sky Leg!!"
Iruka threw a kick down from the air, intending to break Orochimaru's head as the Sannin evaded the attack a millisecond before. "Now…now….my dear… Don't be like that. Contrary to what you think right now, I'm not interested in fighting both of you. Although I'm reallycurious about how much you've grown up… Iruka-chan."
"If you're curious that much, I'll be glad to show you myself, Orochimaru. Stop being a coward you and face me, you bastard. " Iruka hissed as she stood directly a few feet away in front of the Sannin.
"Well…well… I'm a bit disappointed to see how impatient you are. I suppose you take after your sensei Tsunade too much, hnn…?"
Kakashi widened his eyes in surprise at the sannin's words, immediately taking a quick glance at the kunoichi's back. He couldn't see Iruka's expression now, but he could sense the rising chakra around the female chuunin, circling protectively around her as if preparing for the battle before them.
Tsunade-sama…? She is Iruka's SENSEI…?
Wait a minute……
It makes sense…… her fighting stance……her inhuman strength……even her temper…
No wonder Jiraiya looks so protective of her.
She reminds us of Tsunade-sama.
"Don't you dare say her name like that! Katon: Karyu Endan - Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!!" Iruka shouted as she formed the handseal and shot an enormous ball of flame in the shape of a dragon from her mouth, toward the sannin.
Orochimaru simply jumped out of the way as the flame ball barely touched his clothes. "Hmm…. Apparently that news is right after all. Your dear sensei has been gone for how long, Iruka-chan?" He chuckled.
"That's none of your business." Iruka hissed.
Kakashi simply watched as the chuunin and the sannin seemed to ignore him. It was obvious there was something between them in the past and it hadn't gone well at all.
Shit…this's not the right time for that, Iruka.
"Orochimaru. If you didn't come here to fight, then what do you want?" Kakashi suddenly asked, trying to return their attention back to whatever topic before Iruka's anger took place; he still didn't drop his guard though.
Orochimaru turned to glance at him and smirked. "Ah…Kakashi-kun, I simply want to see how my dear child behind you two is. Apparently you put a seal over mine. Should I be grateful?"
"Drop that friendly act. It's disgusting. And Sasuke will never be your child." Iruka glared back at the Sannin, hatred filling her every word.
Orochimaru simply shrugged as his smirk grew larger and –if possible- crueller. "That's what you think. I don't need to take him myself. He will come to my place himself, Iruka-chan."
"Don't you dare call me that!"
Kakashi seemed to pick up on what the Sannin said more than the obviously angered kunoichi. "Why do you think that?"
"I can look inside his eyes, Kakashi-kun. He has a heart that seeks power no matter how evil it is. He possesses that kind of disposition. That boy is an avenger."
Kakashi sharpened his own glare at Orochimaru's words. "I won't let you get any closer to Sasuke…. even if I have to sacrifice my own life."
With that, he immediately let out his own chakra – thrusting it into his own palm ; the bluish electric ball shone clearly in the darkness of the room as Kakashi had never moved his eye from those yellow orbs. "Sasuke won't do that."
"Eventually… he will seek me out."
"RAIKIRI!!"
"Seek me out for power, that is."
And the Sannin was gone, leaving Kakashi and Iruka alone in the darkness of the room as his cruel laugh rang clearly inside their ears.
Damn it……
In seconds, Kakashi pulled back his own chakra – right before he realized the chuunin's condition beside him. The kunoichi suddenly dropped to the floor –and if not for Kakashi's jounin reflex – would have kissed the hard cold floor.
Kakashi cursed lowly as he cradled Iruka's fallen form in his arms. "Damn it…Iruka!? Are you alright?!"
Iruka simply nodded as she tried to sit, cradling her suddenly heavy head. She ignored the growing headache as she tried to pull away from the jounin's grip. "I'm…fine."
Shit… This's why I don't use them too often…
The sudden use of that much chakra doesn't bode well with my body…
I guess... I need more training huh?
"You obviously don't look fine at all to me."
"Sasuke…. we have to take him to hospital first… I have to … tell Jiraiya-sensei as well…" Iruka, ignoring Kakashi's words, managed to grit out those words as she tried to stand up and walk toward the still lying Sasuke.
Kakashi nodded, pulling her arm around his neck and supporting the kunoichi's back as he tried to process the recent event.
Orochimaru……
Sandaime has warned all the jounins before that he would come…… But I never expected he would choose Sasuke of all shinobis here……
"Iruka?"
"Yes…?"
"You should have been more careful. We, all shinobis, need to think more clearly in all battles. Your anger –and temper- will be your downfall one day."
Kakashi blinked as he heard the chuckle came from the obviously tired chuunin.
"Jiraiya-sensei …… used to say that all the time to me. I've done what he told me to do…. but I failed him at the most important moments…. Yet I don't regret it… this time." The kunoichi wiped the blood out of her mouth –she bit her lips too hard.
"Kakashi…?"
"Yes?"
"Keep an eye on Sasuke. If Orochimaru decided to do something, he will do it…. no matter how many people are hurt because of it…"
People like you, sensei?
"I don't want to see….anyone hurt…anymore"
"Wha-"
"HATAKE! UMINO! YOU TWO IN THERE!?"
"Kakashi-san! Iruka-san!! Are you alright!!"
Kakashi blinked as the previously closed door opened in a wham, showing Zabuza and Haku who immediately ran toward them.
For the first time in a while, Kakashi simply curved his eye at them. "Glad to see you two again."
"What happened? We sensed a foreign chakra in this room a minute ago!"
"Just take Sasuke and Iruka first. I need to go tell Sandaime something. It's important."
"Alright... thank you for telling me this, Kakashi." Sandaime nodded at the silver haired jounin's words. His eyes had never left the battle between Sakura and Ino down there as his mind processed the recent news from Kakashi.
"Hnn..."
"How're Sasuke and Iruka now?"
"They're being taken into the treatment room at the moment by Zabuza and Haku. Both of them are worn out but I think they'll be alright soon. Sasuke wants his own match after all and I don't think people here will appreciate to know that the Uchiha is disqualified due to...some unplanned things."
"... I see. Hopefully you're right, Kakashi. Now you better go down there then. This's your student's match, Sakura, after all.."
"I'm planning to."
"Before you leave... I just want to say something, Kakashi."
"What is it, Sandaime-sama?"
"Take care of your students. And whatever happens between you and Iruka, please settle it as soon as possible."
Sandaime could feel the shadow behind his seat vanish in seconds, but not before letting out a whisper only he could hear.
"I'll try... Sandaime-sama."
Even in the middle of tension and confusion thrown by Orochimaru's infiltration, Sandaime couldn't help but smile ever so slightly at the answer.
Well...well... hopefully both of them will realize it soon...
A FEW HOURS LATER – THE END OF THE THIRD TEST OF CHUUNIN EXAM
The third test of the chuunin exam was finished an hour ago, leaving them eight gennins to battle against each other a month from now on the second –and last- part of the chuunin exam.
Naruto vs. Neji
Gaara vs. Sasuke
Kankurou vs. Shino
Shikamaru vs.Temari
It was a surprising yet pleasant thing to realize his students had grown far stronger (than he predicted of course) –and hopefully wiser - in this exam. He knew beforehand that they would get something in those battles even though they would lose against the much more mature and older gennins with their fewer experiences – that's why he agreed to make them enter the exam in the first place. After all, shinobi like them always learned faster and better in the real situations- in the real battles like this chuunin exam provided.
The sleeping figure before him was not moving at all, but Kakashi could sense her very soft and slow breathing filling the silent room.
According to the medic nins there, the brown haired kunoichi was simply tired out and stressed too much – that's why they gave her sleeping pills to make her rest easier. Kakashi didn't disagree with their treatment, he knew Iruka was tired out with all the chunin exam preparations – not to mention the sudden encounter they had had with Orochimaru. The kunoichi deserved the break.
He was surprised that she didn't wake up and rush to see Naruto's match against Kiba immediately a few hours ago – given Naruto was her favorite gennin and all. Still he couldn't blame her. Noone could fight against the effect of those evil medicine things flowing into their blood vessels – especially with those medic nins to make sure to make it happen – with or without your consent.
That's why he didn't like hospitals. He would rather face a neon pink skirted Gai (complete with those frilly things) in a taijutsu fight for a full week than stay for a day in these deathly white rooms with evil medic nins ready to puncture your skin with anything they thought suitable.
Kakashi raised his eyebrows at the mental image of Gai in the said attire.
Okay... maybe I'd rather NOT. But you get my point, right?
So was why he here...?
He needed to talk to the sleeping chuunin sensei about Sasuke's cursed seal. Maybe Iruka's past experience with Orochimaru (which was obviously implied from their earlier 'conversation') would give him some information about the cursed seal placed on Sasuke. And he needed to ask for Jiraiya's opinion as well (where the hell was that pervert sannin when you needed him??)
He needed to find out more about the real identity of Kabuto, the disguised gennin who recently almost took Sasuke's life in this same hospital. Even the ANBUs Kakashi himself stationed there to guard the still unconscious Sasuke were no match for the eye-glassed gennin. If Kakashi himself wasn't there on time, there was no telling what would have happened to Sasuke. It was obvious that Kabuto was Orochimaru's man but what that boy wanted to do was still mystery – even to Kakashi himself. For now, he decided to have more ANBU guards on Sasuke's side – Sandaime already agreed.
Moreover, there was a far more pressing problem with the Sand's shinobis. It was obvious there was something up with them, especially with the appearance of that red-haired gennin, Gaara of the Sand. He had one-tailed Shukaku within (thanks to Kazekage's crazy idealism; Kakashi personally disliked that man – who in his right mind would sacrifice his wife and his child to make an ultimate heartless weapon for a village?). From the other Sand shinobi's treatment of him, it seemed that Gaara was a very important figure and –if Kakashi could add- a very dangerous gennin as well. He didn't know how strong the red haired gennin was, but he didn't doubt the Shukaku within him had an important role in making up that kid's strength.
And the upcoming match between that kid and Sasuke didn't ease Kakashi's feelings at all.
There were many things that had happened recently (thanks to Orochimaru's infiltration and Sand's involvement) that needed his attention as one of the high jounins in the village.
Yet here I am... waiting to see those brown eyes open for a reason I can't explain. What am I thinking?
A sharp intake of breath pulled his stare to its source, breaking him for a moment from his thinking. He could feel his lips tightened at the sight of Iruka's face as pain and worry filled the usually smiling face. It was obvious to him that the sleeping kunoichi was having a bad dream or something close to it.
A low mumble escaped those thin lips and Kakashi's sharp hearing could make one word out of it.
"Sasuke..."
Kakashi sighed.
Even in her sleep she won't rest...
You worry too much, sensei...
Carefully he brushed the bangs away from Iruka's forehead, feeling the soft hot surface under his touch. With his other hand, he took a wet cloth in the sink beside the bed (prepared by those medic nins – but where were they in the first place?), dried it off slightly with a careful squeeze, and put it on the skin slowly. Iruka simply mumbled and turned her face toward him, maybe sensing his presence or something. She turned silent in seconds.
Kakashi stared at the sleeping face for a moment. He hadn't had a chance to do it for quite a while – thanks to his fights with the still sleeping chuunin.
But now...
Unlike some stubborn people he knew, after thinking it over and over again, he could admit –at least to himself- that he liked the sleeping sensei much more than he should have. Much more than anyone else he could think of.
Even though he knew there was something wrong with the said sensei.
Eyeing the still sleeping kunoichi from head to toe, Kakashi could say that Iruka was rather more of a sweet than pretty female. Iruka wasn't a woman who liked to show her feminity like most of females Kakashi knew (he knew the woman disliked having make up on, especially on that adorable horizontal scar across her face).
Still, after seeing her smiles, Kakashi understood why there were some males trailed behind her back. It really made her look far better than most females Kakashi had ever encountered.
And let's not talk about that adorable blush of hers...
coughs
Aside from the physical aspects, Kakashi could tell that people liked –no- loved Iruka due to her personality. She was kind, honest, innocent-looking, polite, well-mannered, respectful, and many other good natures you could think of.
She wasn't easily angered (except by her students of course).
She could cook very well.
She was very very well-mannered (Even Hyuuga Hisashi would be proud of her manner.)
She was a very loving person.
If Kakashi didn't know better, he could say Iruka was a perfect example of a woman a man could ask for.
And that was the problem.
The Iruka he had known until now was far different than what others said about her nearly perfect self.
Oh yes, she was a kind, honest, innocent-looking, polite, well-mannered, respectfull one. Kakashi could agree with that.
Still...
Unlike what others thought, Iruka was very easily angered. And a very dangerous one to triffle with.
If you pushed the right button of course. (which seemed to be Kakashi's gift of all things)
She was very very well-mannered person. Oh yes.
If she chose to be one at the moment.
Still, to certain sharp people (like himself for example), it seemed that Iruka didn't – couldn't make herself to be less-mannered even for a moment , except on times where her temper gained too much control of herself.
For Kakashi, the one who never bothered to show anyone anything but his lazy yet emotionless self, these differences were too... strange.
He earlier assumed that Iruka was a rather shy, introverted person who hide herself except to the ones closest to her (which wasn't far from the truth as he thought about it now).
But after seeing the said chuunin battle against Jiraiya, a Sannin, with astounding speed, accuracy, strength, and skill, he couldn't say he thought the same anymore.
The shinobi Iruka he knew for years was a chuunin manning the mission desk every day after teaching brats-slash-gennin-wanna-be in the Academy. The one who smiled so much that Kakashi had never thought she could hurt a fly with her kunai.
And then suddenly there she was, launching A-level-ninjutsu toward a Sannin of all people. And won.
Now that I think about it...
It started from there on...
The Iruka he knew for years was changing in mere weeks – days even.
Her very unusual ninja skills.
Her sudden break down after beating Jiraiya that day.
Her politeness.
Her closeness with Jiraiya.
That ANBU jutsu of hers.
Her threat.
Her sudden temper.
Her destroying most of the training grounds.
The more he learned about Iruka, the more he was confused with all those things he saw or heard of her.
After careful thinking, he could say that there was several sides of Iruka he knew now.
The polite well-mannered gentle woman.
The resolute yet playful sensei.
And behind all of those smiles and adorable blushes, there she was.
The high-tempered dangerous kunoichi with so many intriguing skills which nearly no one knew about.
Until recently.
Now that he thought of it, it was normal for shinobis to hide their true nature behind a false 'mask' – whatever it was.. It was their only way to regain their sanity back after being a killing machine for how long after all.
Kakashi did it himself. Hiding behind those dear porn books of his.
But for Iruka's case... it seemed to be more complex than that.
There were so many many layers covering Iruka's self, hiding her true self from most eyes outside – and she made sure no one found out about it.
There were so many things he still didn't know about Iruka. Kakashi finally realized that.
The rational part of him, the one which made him deserve the name of Sharingan Kakashi in the countless battles for years, told him to find out more about the sleeping chuunin's background. It would be very easy for a high profile jounin like him to break into the staff room and search Iruka's files. Or if he didn't want to waste any strength, he could simply ask his ANBU friends to investigate the matter and report the result to him (Being one of the more senior ANBUs had its perks after all).
Yet...
The words from others rang back in his head, reminding him again why he was here in the first place.
"Keep telling yourself that, Hatake. People are not blind...Especially after that fight in Hokage's room. People're betting when you two will get back to each other like some sappy romance movie. Females gossip behind you two and giggle every time your names are mentioned, which is a lot. It's hell."
"If you're really serious about her, just believe in her, Hatake. If you don't, kindly stay the hell away from her before you two get any fucking closer than now."
"What we really mean is that if you care about her, please wait until she tells you herself, Kakashi-san. She has gone through so many difficult things in her life… we don't want to make things a lot more difficult for her."
"Take care of your students. And whatever happens between you and Iruka, please settle it as soon as possible."
And her own words back then...
"Jiraiya-sensei …… used to say that all the time to me. I've done what he told me to do…. but I failed him at the most important moments…. Yet I don't regret it… this time."
"I don't want to see….anyone hurt…anymore…"
Kakashi could feel something tightened inside him, imagining those bloodied lips smiling in such bitterness.
And he recognize that feeling. He knew.
Yet...
I don't want to.
For whatever reason ...
I just don't want to see her sad at all.
The proof of those words was himself. Right now.
He was a very experienced jounin, an ex-ANBU, the Sharingan Kakashi who used to live alone, stayed away from everyone except for missions, did not bother to think of anyone but missions and his dear books and his dogs.
But now, here he was, waiting for a certain chuunin to wake up and tell him that she was okay. Right after visiting his equally unconscious Uchiha student and the other two students to make sure they wouldn't cause trouble (Naruto had a gift to do that on his own).
Something IS changing inside of me...
And I only can hope it is to the better...
He stared at those closed eyelids and he could feel his gaze soften at the sight of the slight smile on Iruka's face.
What she hides down there...
Why she does all of those things...
It doesn't matter.
I guess…..I can admit thatI've fallen deeper than I expected...
Finally making his decision, Kakashi lowered his head and kissed the soft cheek under his mask slowly.
His whisper was low and barely heard in the quiet room.
"I'm sorry...Iruka."
I'll wait then...
And Kakashi smiled.
Tbc...
A/N : Well ... apparently Kakashi isn't as stubborn as we think, ne? It only took 3 chapters to decide that he LIKE Iruka –snorts-. Hopefully both of them will admit TO EACH OTHER soon! –laughs- So...Like it? Hate it? PLEASE REVIEW!!
...!! READ PLEASE !!...
First, for u who often leave me ur opinions, I really thank u and I hope u continue to do so. Hope u'll keep enjoying this story until the very end –smiles-
Now... It's a bit ironic that only a few days ago I found out about this. My ff-net account states that now I have 9286 hits, 2 C2s, 41 favs, and 61 alerts for this fic only, yet I just have more or less ten reviews each chapter. I think at least half of those alerts ( 30 or so people) follow each my update, but it seems that most people were too lazy to give me their thought over each chapter they read.
Your opinions –good or bad- are what inspire me to continue & develop this story. I don't mind if u simply want to greet me in one-two words or give me ten paragraphs worth of ur thought over this story. I simply want to know if u enjoy this story or not. Believe me, as a medic student with exams, researchs & books around me every day, I have better things to do than writing this fic. Yet, here I am.
Knowing my own very limited time (thanks to my medic college), I can't update often (by now I can assure u at least I can do it once a month) , but I make up for it with the length of every chapter (which was ALWAYS more than 5,000 words –except the first chapter-, far too many for a chapter if u ask me) and I hope that's enough for u all.
I don't ask for your money. I simply wish u can give me a few seconds to click the review button & tell me –even only one word- that u read this fic. I just want to know my readers and what u all think of this story. Is that too much thing to ask?
- Izky
Preview for the next chapter :
Like them, the sky was crying, letting its drops fell down on the earth and wash away the tears on each face slowly. There were no one smiling at their victory over their last win against the Sound.
It was time of mourning.
"Why you can keep smiling like that, even when you're nearly breaking inside...?"