I like the way everybody calls the news the H-bomb. Hahaha.

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Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

-o-o-o-

(f) Hinata stepped back but Ko reached for her arm, yanking it towards him with a little force than needed. It was the first time that Hinata saw her Ko-Niisan that angry and she mentally hoped that Kakashi stays out of this. Ko was emitting killer intent and it was dangerous.

"Hinata-sama." Ko almost growled. "You should not be here at this time. Hokage-sama said that you are on a mission so why are you here? And where is Yamanaka-san?"

"Ko-Niisan…"

"I don't want your father to punish or scold you. Do you want him to take your proper place as heiress again and give it to Hanabi? Hinata-sama. You are making it harder on yourself." Ko started dragging her with him and Gai stared dumbfounded. The green beast was not expecting something dramatic was going to happen.

No… he was not expecting this at all.

Gai, ever the gallant, placed a hand on Ko's shoulder. The girl was growing pale by the second and Ko was growing redder. "Hey there Ko… no need to be so rough with Hinata-chan."

"Gai-senpai." Ko shook his head. The last thing that he wanted was a lecture of 'youth'. "Do not mess with something you are not a part of." The words were said with such anger that even Gai took a step back. It was the first time that Gai saw Ko in such a state that it made him wonder if this was more serious than he thought.

All he wanted was to borrow a book… that was all.

Hinata yelped as Ko's grip unconsciously tightened around her wrist. She understands Ko's anger and concern and she even felt guilty for lying. Ko just wanted to protect her from the clan's ridicule and the village gossip because just like Neji, he loves her like a younger sister.

Ko was the only person that stood by her from the very start. Unfortunately, he doesn't understand that her feelings with Kakashi was more than teenage admiration."Ko-Niisan… please—"

"We have to get back before anyone sees you." Ko said with a shake of his head. "Hiashi-sama won't let it pass if he hears about—"

"Hey Ko… don't just drag her like that." A voice from behind said and Hinata paled. She was hoping that he stays out of the scene because it would obviously only bring them trouble. Hinata scrunched her face when she felt Ko turn his head, knowing too well who the person behind them was.

"Kakashi-senpai."

Kakashi pocketed his hands, one eye glancing at the pale Hyuga girl a second too long. Ko caught the exchange of looks and it only enraged him more. If the Copy Nin thinks that his Lady Hinata was some sort of plaything, some sort of a prize to be won over because of her status, he was wrong.

Ko was going to make sure to make him know that.

Gai smiled but it was strained. "Oh Kakashi my friend! I have something I need from you. You have those—"

"Let her go Ko. She can return back to the Hyuga compound without you holding her like that." Kakashi did not even listened to Gai, who ended up sweating buckets because it was obvious where this scenario was going. Kakashi lolled his head to the side and looked at Hinata.

The girl gave him a look of warning and she shook her head.

"She's under my protection while she's inside the village. I have been personally appointed as her guard by Hiashi-sama." Ko pulled Hinata closer. He suddenly doesn't trust Kakashi, who looked nothing but menacing in his eyes. Men like these don't want love and companionship from a woman. No… they were married to their work and there was no place for a woman in their lives.

Ko knew what Kakashi wanted from his Lady Hinata… and it was demeaning.

Kakashi was just calm, but everyone could feel his sudden spike of chakra. "I am just saying Ko… just let her go."

"I'm sorry senpai. You are in no place to order me."

"Ko. Let Hinata go."

"Don't test me Copy Nin."

Gai raised his hands up. "Ah… who wants to go back to the pub and drink sake? I'll buy!" (f)

"Alright." Tsunade smiled mentally, loving the way Hiashi froze on his seat and the other Hyuga elders—the old crones— shifting uncomfortably on their places. Yamanaka Ino giggled beside Hinata who did nothing but stare at the silver haired man. Gai suddenly wept like a maniac and Ko's jaw strained, his chakra flickering dangerously along with Neji's.

Shizune threw a sharp look at the sannin's direction. Tsunade failed to mention this little fact.

"Actually…maybe a good prospect." One of the elders—the oldest one— muttered but closed his mouth when Hiashi cleared his throat. The clan head gestured for Tsunade to take a seat on one of the tatami mats, giving her the place of honor in the middle.

Kakashi, although surprised by the sudden public declaration, just sat on his place and remained quiet.

"Congratulations." Hiashi tilted his head to Kakashi. "Future Rukodaime… though I am surprised because I am expecting the future Hokage to be Minato's son. It is no secret that the Uzumaki boy is being trained under you Hokage-sama."

Tsunade shrugged. "The boy is too young. Eighteen years is not enough for the burden of Kageship. He will learn a lot from a future sannin." She gave the Hatake a look. "Nobody could deny that Kakashi is heading that way."

"No one ever will." Hiashi said with a tight smile. In his mind, he was having a suspicion that Tsunade was somehow backing the Copy Nin up. She was vouching for the Hatake and it was obvious by the way she smiles at everyone. "But still, clan matter is clan matter and I am afraid that our future Rukodaime here is not in good terms with the Hyuga clan."

The elders shuffled on their feet.

"Ah, may I know what the Copy Nin did?"

Hiashi nodded. "Of course, but first, I have to ask. Is there really a mission that I have been inclined to believe since Yamanaka-san came to fetch my daughter? Even asked for my nephew's help in scourging the library at this untimely hour?"

Ino looked down and Neji looked at her sideways. Hinata folded her hands together, formulating excuses inside her head and ready to defend the Yamanaka in any case possible just to get her out of the mess. Tsunade acted knowing, nodding her head as she crossed her arms.

"I did."

Ino and Hinata exchanged looks.

Hiashi nodded. "Now that part is clear. Second, I want to discuss about my daughter's relationship with the Hatake. I am not really against it but I am also not that thrilled. Hinata is an heiress and I am not sure if the Copy Nin is serious about this. He is an S-class nin after all and—"

"With all due respect Hiashi-san. I am dead serious." Kakashi said and everyone's eyes fixated on him. Ko gritted his teeth but otherwise said nothing. Let the Hatake speak because it was his time to speak. "I may be older but I care for your daughter… no… I love her. I am willing to prove it."

Hiashi looked thoughtful. "Love…" He threw Hinata an impassive look. "I heard that before."

Kakashi was not really the dramatic type like Gai or the corny one like Yamanato, but the Copy Nin knew that he must convince the Hyuga clan head of his intentions…whatever it takes. "And I would like to ask for her hand in marriage."

For the second time that night, everyone turn dead silent.

"If a man asks for my daughter's hand I marriage… he is willing enough to take the burden of being beside her when she bears the weight of the clan." Hiashi said wisely, white eyes studying Minato's former student. Minato was Hiashi's friend…a former classmate… and the clan head was there to witness every single effort from the Yondaime's behalf in order to train the Hatake into a better Shinobi. "Copy Nin, clan matter is no easy burden. One wrong move could wipe it out like what happened to the Uchiha… "

Kakashi nodded. "I understand."

"And remember that you also have to understand that future children aside from the firstborn will have the mark of the cage bird."

Kakashi's lips tilted to the sides in what was meant to be a smile. It was covered by the mask though, so no one saw how more of a scowl it was. "Forgive me but…no man touches a child of mine Hiashi-san, if ever I'm going to have one."

"Okay… stop talking about non-existent babies when you two haven't reached any conclusion yet." Tsunade smirked. "Hiashi… so what's your say in this matter? I personally vouch for your agreement because letting a marriage proposal from the Rukodaime pass is too…uhm… impractical, don't you think?"

A few hours later, Kakashi stood in front of the Hokage inside the Hokage tower with suspicion in his visible eye. He watched as Tsunade pinched her nose and dry-swallowed a pill that was for hangovers. The Hokage pretended not to notice his gaze so he cleared his throat.

The meeting with the Hyugas was over. There were a few casualties of course, like Ko's bruised face and Kakashi's busted lip, but other than that, everything turned out in a positive way—although Kakashi could not understand what the hell was positive in spending a few moths doing chores for the Hyugas.

With Hyuga Ko and Neji to watch over him.

It was Hiashi's deal. Kakashi has to prove that he was sincere enough about his intentions for the heiress so he has to work on the fields that belong to the clan and other D-rank chores. It was obviously going to be hell and that if his 'watchers' don't get him first.

Kakashi knew that Hiashi was just rubbing it in his ego that the future Hokage has to work like a mule in order to have his daughter. It was also a way of showing off to the other rival clans—which was a poor attempt for power advertisement but Kakashi had no choice but ride on with it.

The prize was worth it anyway.

"Ah… Hokage-sama."

"What?"

Kakashi looked upwards. "Are you my fairy godmother or something?" After the meeting, it became so obvious that Tsunade was doing everything in her power to even the odds between him and the Hyuga clan, why in the world was she doing that for, Kakashi has no idea.

He was not complaining but it was damn confusing.

Tsunade looked thoughtful and after a brief pause of contemplation, she opened a drawer and pulled out a hardbound book which was so pitiful looking Kakashi wondered if the Hokage was going to ask him to discard it or use the pages to light a fire. Tsunade placed the said book gently on the desk and looked at him.

Kakashi looked back. "Uh… need a comb?"

"Shit. My hair's that bad?"

"Yeah…"

Tsunade tried to comb her hair with her fingers but after a few seconds, she returned her gaze on the book and cleared her throat. "So Rukodaime… since you are going to be taking over after a few months, I think it is time for you to know a little secret."

"Secret….right."

"This book." For emphasis, Tsunade tapped her thumb on the cover. "Is called the Hokage's journal. Every Hokage has one in his keeping and if there are things that are, let's say… new or important, the Hokage has to write it down. This journal belongs to the fourth."

"Minato-sensei."

"Yes, your teacher. If a new Hokage takes the reins, the journals of the past kages are given to him for reference. A guideline…" Tsunade pushed the book nearer to the Copy Nin. "Take the Yondaime's journal. I think you are going to find interesting things written in there. I think you will find answers too."

Kakashi took the book. "Remind me to buy you a bottle of sake everyday for the rest of your life."

Tsunade smiled. "I'll hold you to that."

-o-o-o-

Hinata rubbed her eyes as she leaped onto the branches to prevent herself from feeling drowsy. It was her turn to be a night watcher and it was still a few hours before a new one would take her place. She was currently in the east side of the forest, checking for anything worth reporting.

There was none and she stopped on a branch, channeling some of her chakra on her feet to keep her body on place. The air was a little too cold for her liking and Hinata regretted her earlier decision not to bring her jacket. Her father insisted upon proper uniform wearing when on duty so she had no choice but to follow.

But it was so cold…

"Hi."

Hinata turned sideways and saw no one. A slight rustling of leaves from above her head made Hinata jumped back and looked up. There on the tree branch was a Shinobi, playing with his senbon and grinning at her mischievously.

It was Genma Shiranui.

"Genma-san…" Hinata smiled but she was feeling a little peeved. She was training hard every day with her Neji-Niisan to improve her sensory skills but it was still not enough for the likes of Genma. As a Byakugan user, she must not rely on her eyes alone because there was a possibility of going blind. "G-good evening to you."

Genma chuckled at her surprised expression and jumped down, landing on another branch in front of Hinata. "Don't look so disappointed Hime… I know I am no Kakashi but hell… I am hotter."

Hinata blinked as her cheeks heated up. Genma was obviously joking but she can't help but be embarrassed if the crack pun was about her and Kakashi. "Ano…"

"Kidding."

Hinata giggled lightly.

Genma smiled. "Engage huh? When's the wedding?" The news about Kakashi infiltrating the Hyuga clan's residence in order to ask for the hand of the Hyuga princess was now a popular tale among the locals and Shinobi. Of course there are a lot of versions but the point was the same.

The Hatake was inlove.

Hinata looked down on her feet. "No date yet… ano… we are not in a hurry. K-Kakashi just wanted to make his point to my father so he brought up the marriage."

"Wow… you really manage to catch the uncatchable huh?" Genma pocketed his hands and sighed as if it was the most disappointing thing in the world. "We hot men are growing extinct."

Hinata giggled again. Now that she pondered about it, Kakashi and Genma have a lot of common. They are skilled nins but also very vain. It was funny though, and she was not complaining. As she was still giggling at the older nin's jokes, Genma found the opportunity to leap again and this time, landing too close.

Hinata took a step back; the branch was too small to hold for both of their weights.

"Genma-san, the branch is—"

"It will hold. Now I just want to try something that has been bothering me for years." Genma motioned for her to stay still as he removed the bandanna from his head. Without his bandanna, Genma looked a lot younger but a little less mischievous. To Hinata's surprise, Genma reached for her and tied the bandanna around her eyes.

"Holy crap." Genma laughed.

Hinata frowned and removed the cloth from her eyes. Now what was this old mischievous Jounin up to?

"You look just like… her." The tone was accusing and Hinata just stared blankly.

"Every woman is the same to you Genma… now leave my woman alone." Hinata yelped when a strong arm encircled her waist and hoisted her up. Air was knocked out from her lungs when the person that was holding her jumped a few meters away from the Shiranui. When she looked to the side, she saw silver hair.

Genma squinted his eyes. "Now that I think about it… you did not accidentally hit me with a pen cap that time in the archives room am I right Kakashi? Something was already brewing between you two."

"Uh. No."

"You pedophile."

Kakashi put Hinata down but his arm was still curled around her waist possessively. "Coming from a man who sneaks around in dark alleys every night to—"

"Rukodaime…" Genma said and placed his hand on his waist. "I am not afraid of you."

Kakashi smiled. "I know. You love me."

"Oy." Genma rolled his eyes. "Don't bring back the past Copy Nin. Our relationship's over."

The playful banter continued until Genma could not take Kakashi's jokes anymore. Giving an excuse of checking the west side of Konoha's forest, Genma excused himself but with a warning that 'making out' was prohibited in the forest… and bugs might enter their ears.

When they were alone, Hinata turned to Kakashi and frowned at the small red dots on his forehead. "What happened to you?" She touched the skin gently, letting her forefinger brush over it. Kakashi removed her hand but held it in his. "They look like bug bites…" Hinata's eyes turned rounder. "Did Shino-kun…?"

Kakashi chuckled. "I like your teammates… they are growing creative in their attacks as the days went by."

Hinata sighed. "What did they do this time?"

"Uh… letting a swarm of bugs attacked me as I plowed one of the fields that belong to your father." Kakashi answered nonchalantly. "That I could handle… you know what's worse? Naruto and Sasuke joined in the fun. Those two nimwits laughed as they watch me rolling on the mud."

"How about the bruise on your neck?" Hinata asked, eyes on the said bruise.

"Ah… your Ko-Niisan 'accidentally' threw a stone at me while we were fixing the field's irrigation. That's pretty creative of him too."

"I'll… I'll talk to them." Hinata has the urge to just encase the Scarecrow in her arms. They were in the forest thought so she thought better of it in case a few night watchers pass by. "I'll tell them to—"

"Hime." Kakashi pulled her to him. "You looked so cute when you're concerned."

"But—"

"Leave them… their anger will soon pass. Actually I'm also having fun." The girl was close to pouting so Kakashi tried to appease her with a slight smack on the lips. Her eyes widened and he chuckled. "I can sense presence from miles away."

"I have rounds… I can't stay long Kakashi."

A shadow clone appeared beside them and Kakashi shrugged. "Let my shadow clone do it for you…"

"N-no. It's unfair for the others."

"Said the future Rukodaime?" Kakashi wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "I miss you Hime. I have to spend lot of my time in the fields and between Jounin duties. I don't see you often these past weeks." She was still making slight protest so he finally silenced her with a deep kiss. He was still wearing his mask but he has no intention of pulling it down in the middle of an open place. By that time, the shadow clone already left off, leaping into the darkness and disappearing behind the trees.

"Kakashi… you know how important my duty is for me." She told him gently.

"Just this one night… eat dinner with me. I already talked to the Hokage and she's fine with it."

"I n-never knew you and Lady Tsunade are so close…"

"We have our times."

"And w-why are you eating dinner so late? Just a few minutes and it is morning."

"Overtime… your father has given me pretty hard labor."

That made Hinata sympathize. "A-alright… just this once."

Kakashi held her hand and they took off together to the direction of his apartment. He could tell that she was cold because she kept on shivering and her fingers were icy. When he asked her about wearing something warm, she told him that Hiashi wanted her to wear the standard uniform.

He frowned at that.

She just smiled.

When they arrived in his apartment, he received a short scolding because of the instant foods Hinata found in his cupboard. She told him that it won't do him any good and doesn't even taste as delicious as homemade. Kakashi shrugged and told her that he was going to follow whatever she says.

Hinata looked at him suspiciously.

He crossed his heart.

After that, they stared at each other and cracked up. It was not that funny but it sure funny to them at the moment. After wiping the tears of mirth from her eyes, Hinata started rounding the kitchen like an inspector, noting that she could only make him soup and egg rolls because he doesn't have much stash of food.

"You have to buy more vegetables." Hinata said.

"I hate going to the market."

"I'll g-go with you then."

Kakashi watched Hinata as she cooked, liking the way she looks so familiar in his mini-kitchen. He then realized that it was normal for her to be familiar because they lived here together once…just in a different era. Hinata started breaking the eggs. Kakashi stood up and pulled a bowl and beater from one of his cupboards then gave it to her. When she started beating said eggs, he was heating a pan on the stove.

"This is nice." Hinata murmured, chopping the carrots. It would go well with the soup. Beside her, Kakashi was peeling the potatoes expertly.

"Yeah."

"Old times…"

-o-o-o-

Here ends the chap! Good news guys… just one more chapter left!

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-crazychan