Chapter 21

At long last only one more day of leisurely travel stood between Kakashi and the Leaf Village. As they traveled down the road, Orino suddenly stiffened mid-stride. Kakashi scanned for a threat and immediately spotted the shadow. Looking up, Kakashi saw a large black and white bird, that looked somewhat two-dimensional, soaring far above them. It circled them twice and then flew off.

"What was that?" Orino asked, his kama sticking out of his sleeves. Riku already had his sword unsheathed.

"Sai," Kakashi replied dismissively. He didn't even pause but continued to walk down the path. Mei followed him tentatively but the Mist men remained rooted to the spot, staring at Kakashi's back.

"What's a Sai?"

Kakashi stopped and turned around. He noticed their tension for the first time, preoccupied with his own thoughts. He shrugged. "Sai is a member of my squad. That bird was his jutsu."

Riku sheathed his sword. Orino frowned but he tucked his kama away. The party continued down the road. The closer they got to the Leaf the more familiar the road became to Kakashi.

How many missions has Kakashi returned from using this same path? Mei thought, glancing over at her husband. Despite that they were nearing his home, Kakashi had the same stoic look on his face that he often did while they traveled. What is he thinking about?

000000

Kakashi didn't know what to expect when they approached the main gates of the Leaf. He certainly hadn't been expecting a welcoming party.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted when they were barely within visual range. The gates were opened wide and several people stood in the entrance.

"And that would be Naruto," Kakashi said, sighing in exasperation. His eyes were crinkled in a smile however.

"Uzumaki Naruto?" Orino asked, clearly curious. Mei had met Naruto before on the battlefield. But to Orino and Riku, Naruto was half legend and half knucklehead that Kakashi told stories about. The character of the man/legend confused them immensely.

"The very same," Mei replied. She had also heard Kakashi's stories about his sensei's son. However, her experience with Naruto hadn't really matched up with her husband's stories until now. The figure in orange was practically jumping up and down.

Kakashi spied some other friends as well. Tenzo stood next to Naruto, likely hoping to keep him in check. Sai was walking up to join them. Guy sat next to Tenzo, Lee at his side. Not to mention the dozen or so figures that Kakashi could sense but not see scattered near the entrance. They were ANBU no doubt. Even the Fifth Hokage was there, arms crossed, green jacket shifting with the breeze. Something clenched in Kakashi's chest as he watched them all.

"That's quite a welcoming committee," Mei commented. She squinted at some of the faces as they drew closer. "I don't know all of them though." She turned to Kakashi for guidance. Although he had been helpful in navigating the countryside for the trip in general, they were now in his home. He knew it better than any of them. Mei intended to take his lead whenever possible.

"I'll introduce you when we get there," Kakashi replied evenly. "But I can tell you how I know each of them before we get that close. You all know Lady Tsunade and Naruto," he began. "The man who is standing next to Naruto is one of my old subordinates and friend. He'd probably prefer it if you called him Yamato." Mei wanted to ask what Kakashi meant by "prefer" but he was already moving on. "Sai is the pale one who just walked up. You saw his bird drawing earlier in the sky. The seated jonin is my best friend and rival, Guy. His student, Lee, is standing next to him." Kakashi fell silent after that, as if he'd said too much. The group continued toward the gates in a strained silence.

The Leaf jonin waited for the formal introductions until they were all closer. Even then, he let Tsunade lead the proceedings. Mei nodded and smiled to each as was appropriate. Kakashi was a little concerned about what Guy and Naruto would say but they greeted the Mizukage as warmly as the others. Mostly Kakashi was nervous about all the eyes on him. It was as if his friends wanted to drink in the sight of him. He knew this to be true because he was doing the same, but it was less obvious since he was only one person looking at several people. The last Hatake felt drowned in their attention, he wasn't used to it.

Much to Kakashi's relief, Tsunade and Yamato quickly offered to lead the Mist party back to the Hokage office. This was only allowed after Kakashi promised to see Naruto, Sai, Guy, and Lee again soon.

"I believe Kakashi plans to show you around the village himself?" Even though the Hokage was asking the Mizukage, her eyes were on her jonin. Kakashi nodded in answer and Tsunade continued. "But I'm sure you're tired from your journey. I have some tea waiting up in your rooms. Meanwhile, I hope you won't mind if I speak with Kakashi for a few moments in private?"

Riku's right eyebrow rose a fraction. The Leaf had anticipated their arrival, to the point that they had scouts out watching the roads. Then at the first opportunity they were neatly separated.

Mei smiled in such a way that Kakashi knew she minded very much. Still, the Mizukage replied, "of course not."

Tsunade nodded, her own fake smile in place. "Yamato, would you show our guests to their rooms please?"

"Of course Lady Fifth," as Tenzo pulled out of his bow Kakashi caught his eye.

Keep them safe, Kakashi signed to his old subordinate. He knew Mei had seen the movement. The last Hatake mentally promised to explain it to her later.

In the meantime, Kakashi didn't know how safe his friends and wife would be in his home village. Although he'd kept in touch with a few jonin in the Leaf, it was hardly a network that could be used to gauge the temperament of his peers. If there were any threats, specifically to Mei, Kakashi wanted Tenzo to put them down either by force or words. ANBU tended to be very protective of their own and their show of force when they silently greeted the travelers wasn't something that Kakashi found to be particularly encouraging. He didn't want anyone to try anything foolish in some half-baked attempt at taking him back from the Mizukage.

Tenzo's eyes widened only the slightest bit before he made the quick sign of acknowledgement. After that brief exchange, the Mist guests and the ANBU Captain departed Tsunade's office.

Tsunade began speaking a moment after the door closed. She huffed irritably at the formalities as she turned to face the last Hatake. The Hokage wasn't wasting any time. "Brat, are you in love with your wife?"

Why does everyone keep asking me that? Kakashi agonized. Then, this is what she wanted to speak to me about in private?

"Because Sakura sent this letter," Tsunade continued. She picked up a piece of paper that Kakashi could see had been folded and refolded as if read multiple times.

Kakashi felt like throwing something across the room. Maybe if he threw it hard enough it would travel to the Stone Village and bash some sense into his gossiping student's head. Despite these personal fantasies, Kakashi's posture remained at attention. He replied using his calmest voice. "I'm aware of what Sakura believes about our relationship."

"Kakashi," Tsunade said. She put down the mangled letter and leaned over her desk, hands splayed on the top. "Are you in love with your wife?"

"It's complicated," Kakashi responded curtly.

Tsunade's delicate eyebrows shot up. She was more astonished than angry. It was one thing to read Sakura's theories but this, this would certainly change a few things. "How so?"

"I-" Kakashi stopped before he even started, at a loss for words. He scratched the back of his head. "I don't know."

Tsunade watched Kakashi intently. She had known Kakashi since he was a child but had never seen him so flustered. A small smile adorned the Hokage's face. "You know Kakashi, it's okay to fall in love with your spouse. It doesn't compromise your reason for being in the Mist, quite the opposite in fact."

"I am not in love with her," Kakashi protested. He ran his fingers through his hair and avoided Tsunade's gaze. "At least I don't think I am."

"Well I suggest you find out," Tsunade smirked. "Sakura says you're in denial."

Kakashi scoffed and crossed his arms. He reminded the sannin so much of his younger, stuck-up self that she almost laughed aloud. Instead her mind turned to more serious matters. If Kakashi and the Mizukage were developing a relationship then it was possible that Kakashi had changed his mind on some other things as well. "And I'd like to remind you that the Leaf council has no right to limit any potential relationship you two may have so long as you want to have one." She paused, waiting to see if he'd broach the subject himself. When Kakashi didn't say anything, she continued, "you can even have the procedure reversed if-"

Kakashi stiffened and his demeanor darkened, effectively cutting Tsunade off.

That topic is off limits then. Alright, moving on, Tsunade silently agreed with him and reverted back to the previous issue. "It's okay if you two enjoy each other's company you know. Haven't you ever enjoyed a mission?"

The jonin mulled the question over, happy for the subject change. He'd had to guard an ill child once. Her father's reasons for hiring him for such a mediocre assignment had been forgotten over the years. However, Kakashi remembered that he had taught her how to make shadow puppets. It had made her laugh. Kakashi dispelled the memory with a shake of his head. "Any feelings I may or may not have would complicate my reason for being in the Mist."

Tsunade sighed. "The way things are going, the world could use a little complication. A complication or two could be what gives this peace some traction. The villages have been too separate for too long."

"But what if she-"

Tsunade held up a hand. "Brat, the 'what ifs' in love are what make it worth the effort." The room was silent for a moment. Then the Hokage continued, "now I know with my track record I'm hardly an authority on what you should do if forced to make a choice between the village and your heart. But, I don't think it'll go that far, otherwise I wouldn't have let any of you leave the village walls."

Tsunade's words echoed in Kakashi's head as he left her office. Instead of heading to the guest rooms where he knew Mei and the others were staying, Kakashi's feet took him elsewhere.

000000

"Why isn't he back yet?" Mei railed. "It's been hours." She paced the room irritably. Riku and Orino had long since stopped trying to answer her questions. Their theories only made it worse. The pair quietly played Go in the corner.

Finally, the Mizukage had had enough. She'd wanted to give the ANBU a false sense of security by letting him think she didn't know he was there, but Mei was at the end of her patience. "Excuse me?" She spoke toward the ceiling. "Yamato? I know you're there. Would you come in here please?"

Yamato teleported from his hiding place to a respectful distance from Mei. He bowed. "What can I do for you Lady Mizukage?"

Mei put her hands on her hips. "I would like to know what is taking the Hokage so long with my husband?"

"Kakashi-senpai left Hokage Tower hours ago," Yamato replied flatly.

Mei blinked at him. Riku and Orino rose quickly, as if pulled by strings. Although they had pretended to be indifferent, this was too much for them to maintain their aloof demeanors. "I'm sorry?" Mei asked, anger replacing her impatience.

Yamato repeated himself, not changing his tone or his stance.

Riku and Orino joined Mei as she stared the Leaf jonin down. Yamato gazed back at them, solid as an oak. "I heard what you said, I simply do not understand. Where is he?"

Yamato's expression hardened. "I have an idea, but I do not know for a certainty. Senpai only asked that I keep you safe. He did not explain where he planned to go, if he had a plan." The man's tone implied in the last sentence that Kakashi could go where he pleased. Yamato was happy to note that that didn't seem to be what concerned the Mizukage.

Mei's anger diffused somewhat but fear replaced it. "Could you take us to him? Is he still in the village?"

It was Yamato's turn to look surprised. He could only guess at Kakashi's whereabouts but he knew that his senpai wouldn't leave town. "Of course he's still in the village. Although if he is where I think he is, I don't believe he would like me to lead you to him."

"Well I don't like him leaving for hours without saying anything," Mei countered.

Yamato nodded as if to say, that's fair, and turned to the door. He opened it and waited for them. The Mist ninja grabbed their footwear and headed out.

Yamato led the trio through the bustling streets of the village. Mei in particular caught more than one dirty look from both civilians and ninja. She almost became angry but then reasoned the emotion away. She supposed that their reaction was only natural. Kakashi was one of the most prominent ninja in the Leaf. His presence guaranteed a certain amount of fame, security, and income to the village and the military force therein. Not to mention the rumor Orino had intercepted about Kakashi being Tsunade's chosen successor. Mei found that one to be particularly disturbing. The Mizukage couldn't imagine what she'd do if someone demanded Chojuro become a permanent resident of another village. These thoughts, and her concern about where Kakashi had gone to, distracted her for the rest of the walk.

Eventually, Yamato led them to a grassy area bordered by trees. Kakashi stood before a stone set off to the side. The fact that the grass nearby had been maintained and cut back told Mei that it was probably a monument of some sort rather than a sculpture or distance marker. Kakashi didn't move when they approached, he just continued to stare down at the stone.

"Kakashi?" Mei tried, a little less apprehensive now that she'd seen her husband again. She also felt the tide of guilt rising within her. The Mizukage pushed it down. Kakashi turned to them in response, hands in pockets.

The silver haired man blinked. His gaze traveled to Tenzo, then Mei, then Orino and Riku, then the sun. The last was much lower in the sky than he thought it should be. "Did I miss dinner?" Kakashi asked, his gaze returning to his wife.

The tension in Mei broke and she nearly laughed at his joke. "No, but you had us worried." She looked at the stone, reading the heading on the memorial. Understanding hit her and the guilt deepened. "Have you been here the whole time?"

Kakashi nodded. Mei moved to stand next to him. Yamato, Orino, and Riku faded into the background. If Kakashi had then realized the danger of letting those three have a private conversation, he'd have stopped them right there. However, he was only aware of Mei standing beside him.

"Your friends?" Mei asked, her voice soft.

Kakashi nodded. He reached out, brushing some names with his fingertips as he introduced them in turn. The sad duality of the introductions at the gate versus the stone was not lost on Mei. The names on the monument easily exceeded the welcoming people at the gate. The couple stood there together for another hour until Yamato coughed, reminding the duo that they would be late for dinner if they didn't hurry.

Yamato watched the pair with fresh eyes. The worry in his chest eased. Senpai may have found someone after all.

000000

That night, as promised, Kakashi introduced Mei to how the stars showed themselves at night in the Leaf. This, of course, had to be done properly.

"Kakashi, where are we going?" Mei asked. He was leading her through a meadow dotted with trees, then they began to climb a steep hill that rose right out of the canopy. Twilight was coming on and the sun was just dipping below the horizon. The view made Mei's breath catch but Kakashi didn't let her stare. They quickly worked past the loose rocks and dirt and started climbing actual stone.

"You might want to use chakra from here on out," Kakashi called back as the path became ever steeper. At first Mei scoffed at the idea but when the path became a vertical surface and Kakashi did not slacken his pace, she relented and used her chakra to grip the sheer cliff. Free climbing was dangerous enough during the day.

As they crested a ridge, Mei realized what it was they were climbing. They were on the side of the Hokage Mountain. The presence of such a monument made the Mizukage think that maybe the Leaf had a niche for sculpting. However, the longer she looked at the figures carved into the mountain, the more the idea slipped away. She knew her kage history was rusty and she wasn't overly familiar with the Hokage in general. She'd only seen them once or twice during that final battle. However, none of the previous Hokage's faces looked like how she remembered them. She'd just seen the Fifth not too long ago and, Mei tilted her head, Tsunade's sculpted likeness was only slightly better than the others. No, Mei decided, sculpting was not the Leaf's strong suit.

When they finally they reached the top, Kakashi offered Mei a hand up at the last step. She reluctantly took it, still not sure how she felt about the action. She didn't need his help but it was nice to have it. Mei wanted her hand to linger in his but he let it go as soon as she was on solid ground.

Even though they'd reached the top, Kakashi continued to move, traversing Tsunade's locks and jumping the part in her stone hair. Mei followed, wondering where they were going. The sun had set and a cool wind blew over the stoic faces. Mei briefly considered how the Hokage of old would feel about the Mizukage wandering nearly unsupervised in their village. Probably the same way the first of the Mizukage would feel about a Leaf jonin living peacefully within the Mist's gates. She smiled at the thought and continued chasing her husband.

Soon they were jumping from the Fifth to the Fourth head in line. It was here that Kakashi stopped. Namikaze Minato, Mei thought, Kakashi's sensei and Naruto's father.

"I used to come up here a lot to think," Kakashi said as he laid back on the flat top of Minato's stone hair. "Sensei was always so soothing in life." He stopped speaking suddenly, as if the wind had whipped the rest of his words away.

Mei mentally wrestled between her curiosity to hear more and the need she felt to give Kakashi space. This was, as far as she could tell, a special place for him. She didn't want to push. Eventually she chose to say nothing and instead laid down next to her husband. The stone was still warm from the afternoon sun. It was a pleasant contrast to the cool evening air.

"Do you like them?" Kakashi finally asked, reminding Mei what they'd been up there for in the first place.

Mei looked up and took the night sky in. The black expanse winked with stars, some mere pinpricks, others were like smudges of several lights blurring together, and still others blazed bright and lonely. Mei gazed up at them in wonder. The sky was so vast and their world was just a tiny part of it. All of that out in the distance was happening independently of the little problems she had in her village and in the surrounding lands. But she did not feel alone, could not feel alone, with Kakashi lying next to her.

Mei reached out and squeezed his hand. "They're beautiful," she replied.

Author's Notes:
1. PSA:It has come to my attention that Malaysia has banned fanfiction. net. So if your writers or readers from there have gone silent, that's why. I just thought I'd mention it since I only found out about it by accident.

2. If you read The Kakashi and Mei Conglomeration then you probably already know that my Mist timeline is officially messed up by the new databook. Although the new databook hasn't been published in English yet, the wiki is already adjusting their information due to the changes/clarifications. The canon timeline for the Mist is still broken but it's less broken than the one I chose back when I started this and The Conglomeration. I chose my timeline based on the information I had at the time and it seemed just as likely as the route canon has taken. Having said that, I'm going to keep on using the timeline I've established. It really isn't that relevant to my story besides the passing comments people make about the Fourth Mizukage and who was controlling what and so on. I'm sure you guys will be able to roll with it just fine.

3. So this is Mei's soft introduction to the Leaf. I'm thinking they'll be leaving the Leaf by around chapter 24 so we'll all be spending a little time here. Anyone want to guess what's the Leaf's cultural niche? Hint: this part of Leaf culture appears frequently in canon.

4. A warm thank you to my editing help, DimiGex and my gracious benefactor. And thank you to all of my favoriters, followers, readers, reviewers, and lurkers! If you lurk, that's okay, my husband is a lurker too (lurker here meaning that he reads stories but doesn't favorite, follow, review, or interact with the site or authors in any way).

5. This week's plug goes to LinSetsu's Nakama. Read the new one that's being rewritten, not the ten year-old version. LinSetsu has hit a block in the rewrite and could use some encouragement. It's an AU focusing on Kakashi while he's on Minato's team. The differences from canon are listed in the story's description and there are a few more than I would typically be interested in, but the emphasis on Kakashi as the AU continues to unfold is a pleasure to read. I hope you enjoy it as much as I am.

Have a good week!