Author's Notes

Almost another month has passed, so it's time to update!

optimistic-snoopy: glad that you like it...

Rosebunse: thanks

Prescripto13: seems you and Kakashi think more ahead than I am, as when I made this setting, I did not think of those issues =.=/ while obviously you have. haha

Kashilover3:Tenzo was the father and for Oba-sama, you will get the hint in this chapter. [Hint: Oba-sama can be translate as grandma]

Anyway, as always, looking forward to see your reviews! Lovin' that!

Vi.

O

After breakfast together, Kakashi bought the children to Tsunade straight away, since the said Hokage has only met them when they were three years old. Tenzo stood at the genkan uncomfortably.

Kakashi grinned softly, as to him, his kohai was like a book; far to easy to read. He leaned forward and kissed the mokuton user by his cheek. "Daijoubu, Tenzo. Just Tsunade -sama, and I am pretty sure our children will do well, no matter what places they are in."

"Hai, sempai..." Tenzo kneeled down and pulled Sanae into his embrace, "I have faith in them too..." He spoke softly, "since they are our children, otousan of course has faith in you, Sanae- chan and Kazu- kun."

"Otou-san, Sanae-chan will do my best," the girl countered firmly, "daijoubu. Oka-sama said that he will be with us for the whole day."

"That's great," Tenzo grinned. He smiled more cheerful as he felt his son's gaze. Truly, Kazuko was Kakashi's son; the boy was a replicate of the man. They looked so alike together; and that the boy reminded him more about the days when they were in ANBU.

Kazuko placed his gloved hand on Tenzo's shoulder, "I am sure we will be alright, chichiue."

Kakashi added, "see... Kohai... You made our children worried. We have walked a even more difficult path, and we have survived; I doubt they would not manage. Come, we're getting late. Tsunade sama would not be impressed."

"Hai..." Tenzo replied softly.

"Ittekimas," the children said in union.

"Itterasshai," Tenzo replied in return, when Kakashi placed a soft masked perk by his cheek again.

The Copy-nin murmured, "we will be back tonight."

OoOoOoOoO

Once the three Hatake were out of Tenzo's sight, the mokuton user closed the door gently behind him. He walked into the study in the far end of the house. Since they decided to move back to the old Hatake house, they have placed their study at the far end. They used the place for their ANBU uniforms.

He slipped into his ANBU uniform swiftly and placed his cat mask. He drew out his katana to take a final check. He placed the sword back to the koshirae and readjusted his pouches. He inhaled deeply and then left the house though the back door.

It was not a high ranking mission, but since Tsunade labelled it as an ANBU mission, then Tenzo would follow without haste. He jumped though the woods and his mind was spinning. Since he escorted his, and Kakashi's children back to Konoha, his old, hidden memories decided to visit him once again.

He was not sure whether his senpai has noticed it or not, but he was afraid to ask. The old memories were tearing him apart. He has not have a submissive nature, but seems all the events were shaping him into that. He remembered the time when Sandaime asked him whether he was regretting, or whether he wanted to let go. He answered firmly and positively, in front of the old man. However, he knew that it was not the case.

He could still recall the heat of his own tears, sliding down his cheek, when he pushed his head under the cold shower. The cold water washed away his body heat, washed away his mind. His heart was cold; not because he was cruel, but because he was upset. He has no hope. He wanted to give up. But then, he was stubborn. He has his pride. If he did not try, he knew that he would regret. His tears were the only evidence of his true feeling. He looked at the drainage mindlessly as he saw his tears draining along with the cold water.

'Tenzo, my child...' the deceased man, Sandaime spoke to his masked ANBU, 'Kakashi was a stubborn child. I have witnessed his growth all these years. It is unnecessary to follow all the decisions that Kakashi has made. Even though I know that he treats you differently, it doesn't mean that you have to be that considerate.'

'Iie, Sandaime. I am alright and that I am more than willing to listen to Kakashi senpai's decision.' He remembered his answer to their leader.

'Even if his heart is still with Minato?' Sandaime could not held back but pointed out the most brutal fact. 'I have aware of that for all these years... Minato... He really should not...'

'It does not matter, Sandaime,' he stopped the old man impolitely, 'senpai has appointed me as his children's father. I am, yes, concerned, but also honoured. Out of all the talented jounin in the village, he has chosen me, his valued kohai. I am pleased, truly.'

Sandaime raised his hand, but dropped it tiredly. 'Sometime love is truly a burden. My only advice to you is to let go... But I know, you are as stubborn as Kakashi, therefore I will give you the permissions, and Kakashi to take leave. Take this scroll to the Hatake, as I don't think Kakashi would have done so.'

While he was stilling thinking of the meetings regarding their children, Tenzo arrived at the small village where he has picked up his children. He slid opened the front door and stepped into the genkan. "Oba-sama," he called softly.

A silver haired old woman approached the genkan graciously. "Cat, what can I do for you?"

"Oba-sama," Tenzo bowed slightly, "Tsunade-sama sent me to collect the necessary documents, and to repair the Tempo."

"Mataku..." she murmured, "Tsunade-chan... Really unnecessary." She turned slightly, "I will get a maid to get a room ready for you, Cat. I thought you could stay at the Tempo instead, but since Tsunade-chan sent you as an ANBU, I doubt it is the right move."

"Gomenasai." Tenzo replied, "it is Tsunade-sama's instructions."

"I understand. Compare to Hashirama-san, she is far too inexperience. If Minoru did not bring Sakumo along to Konoha, there would not be any Hatake in Konoha. The shine of the hakko would have stayed here."

"Oba-sama."

"Hai... All have happened and nothing we could change. I know that all along. Since Minoru-nii chan decided to leave the village, I have foreseen the future." She paused as she slid opened the door to the Tempo. "I will prepare the documents, and so please get on with the repair work." She turned and looked at Tenzo, with her face hid under the shadow. "I may not have ever express it, but I am pleased and thankful. Your decision made our blood continued. It is almost the end of Senju and Uchiha. But our blood, the name of Hatake stayed."

"Oba-sama... It's not just because of that..."

Obasan stopped him, "I know. People who have eyes would have known. Your love to Kakashi is evidential. No matter how Kakashi sees it, but I hope you have realised that I have accepted you as my son, a part of the Hatake clan. Ever Hatake will come back to this land on day, and I hope you are coming along."

"Oba-sama..."

"My child, it was the darkest before dawn; and I can almost see the first beam of the brightness. Let the new generation to guard the future; I am certain Kakashi would complete the task perfectly."

"Hai, oba-sama." Tenzo nodded softly. "Please excuse me, I need to check the roof first."