DISCLAIMER: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters. All rights belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I only own my OC's (Original Characters), if any appear. Oh, and this particular fanfic. Thank you.

Chapter Ten: How Did You Get Your License?

"Oh…my…God…" Ino felt her breath tighten in her throat, as the male made his way to the front of the room. Ino had never seen anyone like this before. Not even in the dingiest parts of town. He was something else entirely.

He was tall, probably in his mid twenties to early thirties. He had an almost lazy way of moving, as he gave a quick bow to the class, before sitting down. He wore an opened grey suit coat, with a black polo necked shirt beneath it. The outfit was topped off by blue jeans and faded sneakers.

If his outfit was surprising though, it was nothing compared to his physical appearance. His hair was silver-yes, silver-and stood up in messy spikes, falling forwards and backwards over his head. He wore a navy blue bandanna with a strange metal plate over the middle, and it slanted down, covering his left eye. A face mask in the same shade completed the look. It covered his nose and mouth. He didn't seem to notice-or care-about all the awkward stares he was receiving, as he sat behind Ms. Levi's old desk.

The vice principal was beginning to fidget. This guy was so calm-it unnerved him. Clearing his throat, he tried to return the focus to the familiar subject of English. "Erm, sir, why-why don't you introduce yourself? Share a little with the class, and show off your credentials?"

The man raised an eyebrow. Glancing over at the expectant students, he leaned back in the chair and folded his arms behind his head.

"The name's Hatake Kakashi. I graduated from college. Age, none of your business, birthday, MYOB, hobbies, well…I don't really feel like sharing." His visible eye crinkled-he was obviously smiling. The vice principal was shaking as he stood next to him. This man was too lax for his own good!

"And…let's see here-anything else? Oh, yeah: don't get in my way, and I won't get in yours." He swung his legs up, propping them upon the desk before him. "There. Introduction done."

"R-right then…" The vice principal was as white as flour. He seemed ready to fall apart like the substance, too. "W-well, I'll leave you to it! Good luck, Hatake!" And in a flash, he was gone, scrambling out the classroom door.

The room was silent. Ino could feel the hairs on the back of her neck rise, as Kakashi looked to his left, then at the center, and then to the right. For a brief moment, they locked eyes, and the blonde could have sworn that the man nodded slightly. An unfamiliar feeling surged through her body. But then the connection was broken, as he returned his attention to his new chair. She let out a quiet sigh of relief. Next to her, Sakura was still snickering over his 'speech'. "What a smart-ass!"

"Hmm…" he scratched the back of his head. "So, what am I supposed to do with you? Teach you, or something?" Ino couldn't believe it. This guy had actually graduated from college-and managed to become a teacher? He didn't even know what he was doing there!

One of the female students timidly raised her hand. He pointed at her. "Yeah, you-with the pigtails." The girl blushed at the nickname. "U-um, we were reading the fifth chapter in our textbooks…it was a story, with q-questions to answer at the end…" she trailed off, unable to continue.

He cocked his head to the side. "Textbook. Huh. And your teacher had one, too?" A couple of students nodded. "It should be in her desk," one of the male students called out. "It's a teacher's edition." Seems like a few of them were actually beginning to enjoy having this guy around-giving out information could be fun. It was like being in charge.

"…oh, here we go. This thing?" Kakashi sat up, having been slouched over to reach one of the bottom drawers. The kids nodded. Flipping through the book, he made no indication of whether or not he was focusing on any of the content. Ino was still in disbelief. If they were going to get a new teacher, the least he could do was teach them! Wasn't that what he was being paid for?

"Yeah…okay, no." He threw the book onto the desk. It flopped down, cover flapping as it settled. "That thing is way too much. Too much to take in at this hour." He gave a bored gaze to the startled classroom. "So, why don't you all…" and he leaned back in his chair once more, running his finger over his covered chin, "just…I don't know, find something else to do?" He waved his hand dismissively. "Talk with each other-that's something you all like, right?" With the matter apparently settled, he pulled out a small orange novel from his coat pocket, and started to read.

Gradually, the stunned mass of seated students broke apart, switching places as they began to chat and gossip in hushed voices. It was strange, they had to admit, but…free time was free time. It was like an extra recess.

Sakura chuckled, slapping Ino on the back playfully. "Well, lookit that! Lucky you-you got a slacker this time around! Wish I'd had a teacher like that!" She crossed her arms, leaning against the window.

There's something wrong with him…Ino couldn't put her finger on it, but there was definitely something off about this guy 'Hatake Kakashi'. It wasn't just the attitude, or the disregard to the lesson plans-his very energy, itself, seemed to exude a kind of power…a force of sorts. She'd felt it when they had locked eyes earlier. Not like a demon-it was different. But still…it had her concerned.

Should I tell Sakura? The blonde looked up questioningly at her companion. She was focused on the scenery outside, watching as a little black bird flittered from branch to branch. Ino shook her head.

I'm probably just overreacting. This guy's weird, yes, but…that doesn't make him a monster. She looked back at the male, who was reclining comfortably in his chair. He flipped a page in his pocketbook, and shook with soft laughter. Squinting at the cover, Ino was shocked to realize that she had seen it before-on display in the red light district! It was a porno novel!

Her fists were clenched tightly, as she pressed them into the wooden tabletop. No, he's not a monster.

He's just a lousy teacher-and a lecher, too!

…

"…still can't believe that he managed to get away with it! I mean, hello-the warning was right there, on the front cover for all to see! I think this school is going to the dogs. Seriously."

It was first recess, and Ino was storming up and down the halls of the school. She hadn't been able to focus on her later classes, after that first encounter in the morning with Kakashi. Now she was venting, to anyone who would listen-namely, Sakura. The pinkette was actually in deep thought of her own-but of course, Ino being all worked up, was too busy to bother looking.

"Come on! I don't attend this place because it's fun-I do it because those are the rules! But if I'm gonna be forced to crack open the books, the least I'd ask for is to actually learn something!" She threw up her arms in frustration. "Don't you agree, Sakura? Sakura?"

"Umm…" The pinkette wasn't listening. She was currently mulling over the facts in her head. After that power spike earlier in the morning, the energy had disappeared-until they'd entered the classroom. It had returned again, stronger and in intervals. She still had no idea what was causing it, though. A specific kind of demon? Another bounty hunter? Or perhaps…

"Hey! Ha-ru-no! Wake up!" Ino was now planted in front of her companion, hands clutching at hips, baby blues glaring like a wildfire. Her nose was dangerously close to Sakura's own. Luckily, this particular hallway was deserted, so Ino didn't have to worry about looking crazy. Sakura blinked, green eyes wide in surprise.

Maybe…maybe it's her. Sakura had to consider all options-and from what she had observed on their last escapade, it was quite possible. Ino definitely had power-how strong she truly was, the pinkette couldn't be sure. But she was obviously packing some kind of heat. The fact that she hadn't died after being eaten whole by that bastard proved it. She was no mere 'Seer.'

So, were Ino's abilities growing? Sakura had no clue. She leaned forward to study the blonde, an almost expectant expression on her face. Ino, in turn, tilted backwards. "Oi, billboard, what the heck are you doing?" Was Sakura off on one of her weird trips again? Who knew what would happen next?

The girl pursed her lips. Ino noticed, for some odd reason, just how plump and pink they looked. For all her bizarre antics, Sakura could be very attractive when caught at the right moment. Catching her thoughts, the blonde slapped herself mentally-but stopped as soon as she realized that Sakura was drawing closer.

Ino gulped silently-perhaps Sakura was planning to finish what she'd started back in the graveyard? Heat began to rise into her cheeks rapidly. Her heart began to pound-did she really want to be kissed by this creature? Yes or no? For the first time, Ino didn't have a straight answer.

But instead of pressing her lips into the other girl's, she merely sighed, pulling back. Ino was baffled, as Sakura scratched her head. "Nope," she drawled, turning on her heel. "You're not special, Pig. Not at all."

Ino tried not to choke. Was Haruno reading her mind? The rage of being invaded, or simply led on, began to boil over, as she clenched her fists tightly. The pinkette turned around. "Ino, I was"-

'WHAM'

Sakura fell to the floor, as Ino marched off, angrily calling back to her floored partner. "AUGH! And to think-I actually thought you were attractive! You look like a giant fish!" She disappeared around the corner, as once again, Haruno was left massaging a bruised cheek. "Yeesh…what got under her knickers this time?"She chuckled. "Heh. Knickers. Rhymes with Snickers. Which reminds me…"

Slowly rising to her feet, Sakura stretched, rubbing her sore face. "I'm hungry." She headed off in what she remembered to be the direction of the lunchroom. She could steal a candy bar from one of the vending machines. It would take her mind off of the pain-and the strange energy source.

"Wonder what she meant by 'attractive'?" The pinkette mused over this aloud, not noticing the shadowy figure that'd been behind a wall, listening to the entire exchange. They said nothing, sliding away down the empty hall. The bell would be ringing soon enough. And they had work to do.

A lot of work.

…

'CLNK' 'SHF' 'TAP'

"Hey, have you heard about the new English teacher?"

"The one who took over for Levi? Yeah, my girlfriend's in his first class!"

"I heard that he's totally cool! Like, he doesn't even make you do work or anything-it's like having a free period!"

"He just sits there, reading this little book! I think it's a manga."

"Levi would have chewed us out if anyone had tried a stunt like that."

"Ha ha! He's alright, but he looks so grungy! Like a homeless guy, or something! Eew!"

"Maybe he's not even a teacher at all-that's why they were able to find a replacement so fast!"

These were the snippets of general conversation Ino picked up on, as she sat at an outside table, munching her lunch. After such a stressful morning, she thought that some food might ease her nerves, and take her mind off of everything.

But so far, the food was only helping to make her queasy. And the chatter of her classmates was only a reminder of what she'd hoped to escape in the first place. She dropped her fork on the plastic tray, waiting to stand up and dump out the contents. The line was still pretty long, and she didn't have much interest or patience today to wait around.

"Jeez…right now, I actually miss that pink-haired loony. At least she'd try to make me laugh." When she'd stepped into her next class after recess was over, the girl was nowhere to be found. Nor had she shown up at the next period, either. Ino was feeling guilty now. Perhaps that punch had been the final straw? She couldn't help it-she wasn't used to expressing herself properly with words. She'd been raised to keep her emotions bottled up inside. People didn't need to know what you were feeling. Most of them didn't even care. So when her true feelings bubbled to the surface, she responded with violence and rude retorts.

She barely remembered the conversation they'd had that set her off in the first place. She'd thought Sakura was a mind reader, or something. She wasn't-her statement had just caught the blonde off-guard. Perhaps because it hit so close to home…

"Alright. I should probably go look for her." Standing from her seat, Ino picked up her tray, and headed into the line. Once she was finished there, she went into the main building. Sakura had to be inside somewhere.

'CREEEAK…'

"Hello? Sakura? You in here?"

Ino had never heard the double doors sound as ominous as they did then. The inside of the school seemed dark, as she crept down the halls. Was everybody really outside eating? She could have sworn that at least a small handful of students would stay inside to goof off. That's how it was usually.

Usually. But today hadn't exactly been one of the most ordinary days, either.

'TMP' Ino stopped at the base of the first floor staircase. Had she already walked that far? It didn't feel like it. She thought to herself-should she keep searching on the first floor, or head up now? Decisions, decisions…

As she stood there thinking, a long shadow sidled up behind her. In the still air, a thin hand plopped down on her right shoulder. "Boo!"

The scream that erupted from Ino's mouth was off the charts. She was surprised that no one had come running, as she squealed, swiftly cupping a hand over her mouth. Her heart was skipping, as she whirled around, and found Sakura reeling on the floor. "Uhh…who taught you how'ta yell like that?"

Ino huffed, face a bright shade of strawberry, even in the semi-darkness. "I-it serves you right, you weirdo!" Her throat felt raw-that shriek had taken a lot out of her. "A-and what were you doing, sneaking up behind me, anyway? Where were you after break?"

Sakura grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, Ino-Pig…I thought you'd be able to handle the joke. You don't recognize my voice yet? I know yours like the back of my hand." Hearing this, Ino's blush grew. She hadn't expected Haruno to spring such a statement on her without any warning-and after all that had happened earlier, too. The guilt in the pit of her stomach grew.

"Besides…I was hungry." Haruno chuckled, as a growl came forth from her abdomen. "I had a few candy bars, but…"

Ino sighed in frustration. "Sakura…" She meant to tell her off, but looking up into her green eyes, she found the response stuck in her throat. There had been enough angry words for the day. Instead, she found herself replying "Candy isn't a meal substitute-why didn't you come outside? I could have given you my plate lunch…next time, stay with me, okay?" The pinkette stared, obviously shocked at the offer, but nodded in acknowledgement.

Where-where is all of this coming from? Ino had no idea what was going on. First, she's angry at the girl, and now she's offering her an invitation to lunch? Was she going crazy? Was she about to start her monthly flow? Or was it…

'PING' "Oh!" This time, both girls felt it-that sharp burst of energy. Ino whirled back towards the stairs, and Sakura wasn't too far behind. "You sense that?" Ino nodded briskly. "It's somewhere up there…whatever it is, we have an obligation to find it!" Again, the nod. The two bolted up the stairs in record time.

Ino wasn't sure if she was ready to face another monster just yet. But whatever happened…at least it would be a welcome distraction.

…

"Well…'pant' 'pant'…no-go. We've looked all over…and nothing."

Sakura and Ino stood at the foot of the stairs on the second floor. They'd been running around like madwomen, searching every shadowed and dusty corner, trying to find the source of the surge before the lunch bell rang. But even with their combined superhuman speed, they found nothing. Now both girls were exhausted and frustrated. The bell would ring in about ten minutes, maybe less. And something was still lurking inside the school.

"Ah, whatever." Haruno cricked her neck. "We'll get another chance tomorrow. So we can try again later."

"Later? Easy for-for you to say!" Ino took in a deep breath, and let it out noisily. This wasn't Sakura's school; none of her friends were here. She didn't have to worry if someone got hurt. But what if one of Ino's friends was targeted?

'FLICK' "Huh?" Out of the corner of her eye, the blonde noticed a light. Had it been on the whole time? Or had someone just turned it on now? Curious, she walked over, doing her best to keep her steps light and quiet.

"What is it, Pig?" Sakura followed closely, as Ino stopped at the door to a classroom. Her brow furrowed in recognition, and she crossed her arms tightly. "Never mind. It's his room."

The two girls peered inside. Kakashi's class was just as it had been when they'd been inside-immaculate, spotless, with not a book in sight. The only difference was the absence of students, and the backpack behind the teacher's desk. Ino snorted.

"What does he need that for? He's not even following the lessons! What's he got to carry-more pornos?" Sakura giggled, and the sound somehow brightened Ino's mood. She continued on. "And who has silver hair-when they're in their twenties or thirties? Did he mess up a dye job-or was he born that way? If so, I feel sorry for his parents." Again, Sakura let out a snicker.

"And he's not even in his classroom! I'll bet he went off campus to grab lunch, and won't even remember to come back! He's such a loafer!" Sakura burst out in laughter now, as she imagined a shoe with Kakashi's face at its front. Hearing her laugh made Ino crack up as well. "He's…he's a total perv! A total, lazy"-

"Who's a total lazy perv?"

Ino's blood ran cold. Beside her, Sakura continued to chortle on. Ino wasn't concerned about her-she was invisible to humans. But Ino wasn't. And standing directly behind her was none other than the butt of her jokes himself, Hatake Kakashi. Terrified, she turned around. It felt like everything was going in slow motion.

Kakashi stood there, eye crinkled in another smile. Ino got the distinct impression of a predator waiting to strike. In one hand was his little orange novel; the other held a paper bag. Had he been grocery shopping?

"You know…Miss Yamanaka," at this, Ino broke into a sweat-he knew her last name!-as he stepped around her paralyzed form, opening the door with a key, "it's not nice to talk about other people behind their backs. Especially when you make such particularly horrendous jokes at their expense." She was forced to face him again, as he gave her a small wave. "You've got a long way to go if you're hoping to break into show business." He headed for his desk, seemingly satisfied by Ino's state of shock.

By this time, Sakura had recovered from her laughing fit, and was now looking back and forth between the two of them. She was like a spectator at a tennis match. Noticing Ino's horrified expression, her eyes narrowed. Looks like she'd have to show this guy who was boss, too.

"Alright, Mr. Funny Bone! Time to pay the piper!" She marched in confidently, as Ino could only gape in awe and fear. Was Sakura actually trying to defend her from this-this sarcastic perv?

"Here we go!" The pinkette stood at Kakashi's desk. He had pulled out a fresh loaf of bread-he had been at the supermarket-along with some chips, peanut butter, and jelly. Spreading the two substances onto two halves, he dumped out some of the chips as well on the sandwich. Pressing the two pieces together, he prepared to remove his mask.

"Uh-uh! Not today, Jethro Tull!" And with a sharp 'SWSH', Haruno had yanked the sandwich from the man's hands. He blinked in surprise. It took him a few moments, before he realized that his lunch was now floating in mid-air, above his desk. Ino felt like screaming and laughing. In your face, old man! she wanted to shout.

Kakashi wasn't frightened, though. Nor was he upset. He simply stared at the hovering food, as if watching a show. The pinkette turned towards Ino. A big grin was on her face. "Well, Pig? Did I pop his cherry, or what?" Ino had to bite down hard on her tongue, then-Sakura's strange sayings were too much.

But suddenly, to both of their surprise, the silver haired man quickly grabbed the levitating meal from Sakura's grasp. She was stunned. Ino was panicking. What was going on?

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, glancing in Sakura's direction. "It's not very nice to steal someone's food, Sakura." The pinkette's jaw was hanging. Ino's insides were knotted and churning. He couldn't. He shouldn't.

He's not supposed to be able to see her!

"Yes, I can see you, Haruno." He still hadn't removed his face mask. "And by the way…popping one's cherry refers to virgins and sex." He chuckled. "Just thought you'd like to know. For future reference." The color had now completely drained from Sakura's features, as she looked over weakly at the blonde. Ino had no answers, though.

We're busted. We're totally busted! Sunk! Dead in the water! Hook, line and sinker! She felt like tearing off her ponytail. She had no idea how, but for whatever reason, Kakashi could see Sakura. Not only that, he knew her name. And from the way Haruno was freaking out, she obviously didn't know him.

So…so what the hell's going on?

'BRIIIIIING' The bell interrupted her thoughts. With no other options on hand, Ino bolted from the room. She didn't know if Sakura was following her. And she had no desire to check.

Why me? Why me? Why me, God, why me? "Damn it!" Ino's flats slipped against the floor-someone had been mopping recently, which didn't help, either-and she cursed, hugging the corner tightly for support.

How was she going to face him again? Now that he knew her secret, things were a lot more complicated. What about Sakura? What was she planning? Was he going to reveal them both to the whole school?

She lifted her head up, forcing back the tears and scream that threatened to erupt from her mouth, as students began filing into the building. A few gave her funny stares as they passed by. She didn't care. She had a whole new set of problems on her hands.

Now, not only could she see ghosts, and was forced to partner up with a psychotic pink haired menace, but her secret had just been discovered-by none other than her pervy slacker of an English teacher! Could things get any worse?

"Rgh…" Trying to collect herself, Ino hurried to her next class. As much as it pained her to accept this fact, she had to. Kakashi knew. And now, it was up to her and Sakura to discover whether he was friend-or foe.

And to do so, they'd have to get to know him. Which meant…

"Aw, crap!" Looks like she wasn't going straight home this afternoon. It was time for an early student-teacher meeting.

With an alien.

Lucky me…not.

A/N: Hey, everybody! Hope you all had a Happy Thanksgiving! I'm currently on the mainland, trying to get my shit together. XD I only have 'net access when I go to a cafe. So, I've been spending a LOT of time working on my fics. And here is one of the fruits of my labor!

Let me know what you thought of this chapter-funny, interesting, satisfying, bland? It's your call. I tried to be as faithful to Kakashi's character as I could, but...it is an AU fic. A few changes here and there were necessary. (Like the weird sandwich ;p)

More SakuxIno interaction will be coming up soon enough! So hold tight! And enjoy the rest of your holidays!

=^.^=