A/N: My last two updates took longer, but thankfully this one was easier to write. If you'd like to see how I imagined Kakashi as Hokage and Anko in her matching Kimono, here it is:
sartorius77. deviantart art/The-Hokage-s-Girl-634504733 (Remove Spaces)
To be fair, I didn't create Kakashi's coat on my own. It's a pretty common representation in fanart. Not sure who the original designer of that style was, but it resembles Minato's coat. I did design Anko's kimono myself.
Chapter Thirty-Seven: The Inauguration
The day had finally come, the day of Kakashi's inauguration; the day he would officially become the Sixth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf. The village was abuzz, excited for the ceremony. Villagers hung lights and lanterns and streamers. Balloons and bubbles were given to children to celebrate the occasion. The Academy was closed, as were most of Konoha's businesses. Everyone was ready to greet the new era that came at this wondrous time of peace.
The official proceedings would take place at noon, but Kakashi and Anko had to be at the Hokage's residence by six that morning, an ungodly hour that had Kakashi complaining.
"When I set my own schedule, nothing will ever happen at six a.m.…" he grumbled as he slipped on his Jonin vest.
"Nothing?" asked Anko slyly.
"No, nothing."
"Not even…fabulous wake-up sex?" she teased with a wink.
"…Er…perhaps I'll have to make an exception for that one…"
She gave a slight chuckle and kissed his cheek. Together they left his apartment to head for the Hokage's mansion, the sun barely touching the early morning sky. Once they arrived, Kakashi was briefed and quizzed again on the order of events for the day. He was given the official blessing by the village elders, and formal congratulations by the other four Kage. He then met with Lady Tsunade, and she gave him the rundown of exactly what the ceremony itself would entail and his expected role in it.
Once the informational piece of the morning was over, Tsunade called for Shizune to take the two of them to the Hokage's suite so that Kakashi could ready himself for the inauguration. Tsunade had already completed the task of having her possessions moved out of the mansion, leaving it free for the next Hokage.
They were silent as they followed Shizune through the hallways that led to the mansion's private wing. Despite Anko's pep-talk the night before, Kakashi was nervous—mostly about the ceremony. He could handle the paperwork, and hell, he was sure he could handle the difficult decisions he would have to make as Hokage, but it unnerved him to contemplate the idea that he would be in the public eye from now until the day he transferred power to his successor. Every decision he made, every alliance he forged or disbanded, every personal preference he had would be scrutinized, not just by the village, but by all world leaders.
He glanced sideways at Anko, and he wished that he'd been able to marry her before he took office. No doubt the small wedding he'd prefer would be blown to an unnecessary scale, and instead of a quiet, enjoyable wedding night, he'd have to entertain guests looking to congratulate them, and field their never-ending questions.
Sensing his growing discomfort, Anko took his hand without saying a word. When he met her gaze, she squeezed his hand and smiled reassuringly, seeming to say that everything would be fine.
"Here we are," said Shizune as she took the key to the Hokage's suite and unlocked the door. She pushed it open and stepped aside to let the couple enter. Anko's eyes widened in shock, and Kakashi wasn't far behind her in his disbelief.
"It's huge," said Anko as they took in the spacious, fully-furnished apartment.
"There is a kitchen though the door off to the right should you prefer to do your own cooking. There are two bedrooms, one of course being the master bedroom complete with its own master bath."
As if he wasn't already overwhelmed, Kakashi couldn't seem to take in the scale and lavishness of the Hokage's private wing. He was used to his small little apartment with one bedroom and a little bathroom—and to think, they could order their meals to be brought to them by room service!
"Uh…is it too late to say I'd rather stay at my apartment?" he said uncomfortably, rubbing the back of his head.
"You can do whatever you choose, but you'll have access to these rooms as long as you're the Hokage," said Shizune.
"Are you kidding me? I'd trade my apartment for this in a heartbeat!" said Anko as she flopped onto the large sofa in the massive sitting room. "I could get used to this!"
"…Well, so much for my modest aspirations."
"Come, I have something to show you."
Anko sat up at Shizune's request. She got to her feet, and she and Kakashi followed Shizune down a long, rounded hallway. They passed the other bedroom and the smaller bath before they reached the large doors at the end.
When pushed open, they revealed an oval-shaped room with two levels. The bottom level on which the doors opened contained a smaller, more intimate sitting area complete with a fireplace. To the left, a set of four stairs let up to the second level where a large canopy bed sat, its coverings red and white. There were wardrobes on both sides of it, and a mirror to the right. Off to the left side of the bed was the door to the master bath. Windows lined the side of the room opposite the large entry doors.
"Whoa," said Anko. She placed a knuckle to her chin in thought. "Gee, maybe I should seriously consider becoming Hokage…"
"It is nice, isn't it?" said Shizune. "But that's not what I wanted to show you."
They continued to follow her farther into the room, up to the second level to the wardrobe on the right. She stood aside and motioned to Kakashi. "Go ahead, open it."
After a brief hesitation, Kakashi stepped forward and reached for the handles. He pulled them open to reveal a custom-made red and white coat that looked almost familiar. His eyes widened.
"I-is that—?"
Shizune shook her head. "It is not the one that was worn by the Fourth Hokage, but it is of similar design. We thought you might prefer this style over the more traditional Hokage robes, and because Lord Fourth was your Sensei, it seemed additionally appropriate."
"I…I don't know what to say. Thank you."
"It was Lady Tsunade's idea really…"
"I'll be sure to thank her as well."
"There's something else."
"There's more?" asked Anko.
Shizune nodded and led the way around to the other wardrobe. This time, she motioned for Anko to peek inside. Curious, the snake kunoichi opened the second wardrobe to find a kimono that matched Kakashi's Hokage cloak. It was white with the red flame design along the bottom. The sleeves were longer than the ones on her festival kimono, but the skirt was roughly the same length.
"W-what's this?"
"Traditionally, the spouse of the Hokage has never had a very prominent role in the leadership of the village. However, times are changing, and considering how closely you've been working with Kakashi during his apprenticeship, we thought it best to make sure you were honored today as well. Lady Tsunade commissioned this kimono for you alongside Kakashi's cloak. Don't tell her I told you, but she's quite the romantic at heart."
"But we're not—"
"Not yet, I know. But soon you will be, and the village will undoubtedly look to you for guidance as well. Only Kakashi will receive the title of Hokage and the prominence that comes with it, but you'll be honored alongside him."
"This is certainly a surprise. Thanks Shizune…"
"Ah, I didn't do anything. It was all M'Lady's idea."
Kakashi stepped up beside Anko and placed his arm around her. "Looks like we've got a lot to thank her for."
Shizune smiled. "That's all I wanted to show you. Here are the keys to the suite. These rooms are now yours to do with as you wish. The ceremony begins in two hours. You're expected at the top of the tower a few minutes before."
"Got it. Thanks again."
"No problem. See you soon."
Even after Shizune had left the room, the two stood there in silence, not quite sure what to do. At last, Kakashi sat down on the bed, his arms resting on his knees.
"I…can't believe this is really happening."
"Yeah. It's weird, huh?" replied Anko, looking around the room.
After a moment, she looked down at Kakashi, seeing a distant look in his grey eye. She sat too, wrapping her arms around him and resting her head on his shoulder. Despite all the preparation, she knew this transition would be hard on him.
"It'll be okay. You'll do great, I know it."
"I know. It's just a lot to take in."
"…We don't have to stay here you know."
He smiled at her. "But you like it so well."
She smiled back. "Ah, I'm fine wherever."
Amazed by how well she could read him, Kakashi returned her embrace, beyond grateful that he didn't have to face this change alone.
X-X-X
One arm, and then the other. His headband lay on the bedside table, discarded for the ceremony and soon to be replaced by the ceremonial headdress. As he looked at his reflection in the mirror, it was like standing face-to-face with his former Sensei. In his head, Kakashi could hear his voice, pieces of conversations that seemed fitting at that point in time.
Kakashi had been so engrossed in the book he was reading as he lay in a hospital bed that he hadn't noticed when someone had entered the room. Quickly, he sat up.
"Minato-Sensei! I-I mean…Lord Fourth."
"You may address me as you always have, Kakashi," came the quiet voice of his mentor. After a brief pause, Minato said, "You know there are some people within the village who think I'm not qualified for this position and oppose me."
Kakashi had been privy to the arguments of nay-sayers, and at the time, he wasn't sure what he thought about his Sensei's new role. All he knew was that he couldn't fathom ever being given that level of responsibility, especially not when he couldn't even save his comrades…
"I want you to be my right-hand man, Kakashi."
Kakashi stared up at him in disbelief. "But…w-why me?"
His Sensei hadn't said a word. He'd simply smiled with a warm confidence that seemed to say, "I believe in you."
Another memory came to him, a memory of sound only. His eyes were closed, pretending to be asleep as he listened to the whispered conversation between Obito and Minato-Sensei the night before their mission went horribly wrong.
"Believe me," said Minato. "Kakashi means well."
Then another memory of Minato calling him to a higher standard.
"You need to be your best for this mission."
As his reflection came back into focus, he could see pieces, not just of Minato-Sensei, but of his father, and Obito too. They were all a part of him, and it seemed that the time to put together all they had taught him was at hand.
'Can you see me now, Sensei? Obito? Father…?'
They weren't the only ones by his side. He saw Gai, too—and Naruto, Sakura, and even Sasuke. He saw Lord Third and Lady Tsunade. He saw Anko. They were all with him, and as far as he knew, there was no one expecting him to fail. There were no nay-sayers.
This realization comforted Kakashi. It reminded him of how much he'd grown, and it told him that Anko was right. He already had a legacy, and he would continue to expand upon it during his time as Hokage. He also knew that he wasn't alone, either. With his friends by his side, friends that had become more like family, he would succeed.
And when the time came to relinquish his duties as the Hokage, Kakashi hoped with all his heart that he would be able to hand the village over to Naruto in a state of peace.
In fact, that's just what he would aim for.
Kakashi felt a hand on his arm, and he caught sight of Anko's reflection beside his own in the mirror. All the other faces faded away. He turned his head to look directly at her.
She was dressed in her new kimono, and she looked the picture of the Hokage's wife: dignified and reserved. He wondered, amused, how long she would be able to keep up such an appearance.
"You have no more doubts I hope."
"You know what? I don't," he said earnestly.
"Good."
She turned her attention to the mirror, and he followed her gaze. Perhaps they were not yet married, but he couldn't deny that they made a fine pair.
"We have five minutes," said Anko after a moment of contemplative silence.
He turned to her then. "Right. I guess we'd better get going."
She nodded, and together they left the private wing and headed for the top of the tower. When they arrived, Tsunade, Shizune, the village elders, and several top Jonin were waiting for them, including Gai, Yamato, Iruka, Kurenai, and even Ibiki.
"Wonderful. You're right on time," said Tsunade as she approached the pair, the delight in her eyes actually visible upon seeing them in their matching attire. "Are you ready?"
"As ready as I'll ever be," Kakashi replied. Then he said sincerely, "Thank you."
She smiled at both of them. "It was no trouble. It was the least I could do. With you two at the helm, I have no concerns about the fate of the village."
They bowed their heads respectfully. "Thank you, M'Lady," said Kakashi.
Tsunade chuckled and shook her head. "There's no need to address me so formally anymore. Today is your day, Kakashi."
Behind him, he could hear the congregation of villagers far below the tower. They were chattering in joyful anticipation, and he felt something he never thought he would as he stood there, moments away from biggest change of his life: excitement. They were all anxiously awaiting his anointment as the Sixth Hokage.
"Well, if we're all here," said Koharu. "Then I see no need to wait any longer."
"Indeed," said Homura. "It is time."
Nodding, Tsunade stepped away from the Konoha Counsel, walking forward toward the edge of the tower. For now, Kakashi and Anko stood in front of the village elders, watching as Tsunade motioned for the ceremony to begin. As she spread her arms wide, the villagers below gradually quieted until silence reigned.
"For the past six years, I have been honored to serve as the Fifth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. When I stepped into this role, it was during a time of great sadness and mourning in the wake of Lord Third's death. Because of his sacrifice, there was still a home for me to return to, still something left to fight for. I have done my best to serve and protect this village, and I could not have done so without the help of each and every one of you, as well as our allies.
"Over the last few years, the Hidden Leaf has seen much war and devastation; but it has also seen heart, courage, and determination. Because of a united effort, the Shinobi world is enjoying a measure of peace that it hasn't known in a very long time. However, there is still much work to be done.
"My time as Hokage has come to a close. I have taken this village as far as I can. Today, it is time that I step down and place our beautiful city in the hands of a Shinobi who has proven himself loyal to this village and to each person who calls this land home; a man who is seen by one and by all as devoted, responsible, honorable, compassionate, humble, and wise. Today we celebrate the appointment of the Sixth Hokage; Kakashi Hatake."
The villagers and their honored guests cheered as Tsunade turned and walked back toward the others. She approached Homura, who gave her the ceremonial headdress before she faced Kakashi, Anko still standing at his side.
"Kakashi," began Tsunade. "Are you prepared to take up the mantle of responsibility as the next Hokage?"
When Anko looked up at him, he looked more sure and confident than she'd seen before. When he spoke, his voice reflected that confidence.
"I am."
"Are you prepared to place the needs of the village above and before your own?"
"I am."
"Are you prepared to put your own life on the line, to sacrifice yourself to protect this village should the need arise?"
Anko's heart twisted painfully in her chest. Both Lord Third and Lord Fourth had sacrificed themselves to save the village, as any Shinobi would do, but she prayed that Kakashi would not need to do the same.
"I am," he replied with much conviction and without hesitation.
As much as she hoped it would not have to come to that, the sound of his iron-clad resolve made her that much more proud of him.
Tsunade reached out, and Kakashi knelt before her as she placed the headdress on his head.
"We're all counting on you, Kakashi."
Carefully, he stood and answered her with his head held high. "I will carry out my duties to the best of my ability."
She and the elders, along with the Jonin that stood behind them, all bowed their heads.
Slowly and confidently, Kakashi turned and walked toward the edge, feeling the weight of his new responsibilities and feeling for the first time as though he could carry them. When he peered out over crowd, their cheers began anew. He let their vocal excitement go on for a moment or two before he raised his hand to silence them. When they had all quieted, he began to speak, giving his first ever speech to the village as a whole, and his first speech as the Sixth Hokage.
"Friends…comrades…Shinobi and civilians alike: You all know me. You know I am not ambitious. There are many who hold the dream of becoming Hokage close to their hearts, and every day of their lives, they strive toward achieving that dream." He scanned the crowd and saw Naruto toward the front, right where he knew he would be. Then he looked out at the others once more. "I was never one who partook in such dreams, but not a day goes by when I wouldn't lay down everything, including my life, for every single one of you.
"Hashirama Senju was the first Hokage, and the first teacher of the Will of Fire. In our time, Lord Third worked to guide each one of us to take up the Will of Fire and carry it in our hearts. It took me a long time to learn what that meant, but eventually I came to understand.
"We have recently seen a war, one that easily rivaled the last one and far surpassed it. Today we still mourn our losses, but today we are stronger than ever. With our allies standing beside us, we have achieved a newfound peace, and with the Will of Fire, we will continue to foster love and nurture that peace, just as the Five Hokages before me have willed it.
"I don't know what legacy I will leave behind, but I vow to do whatever I can, to give all that I have, to lead this village and its allies into a brighter, more prosperous future."
Again, they cheered, and Kakashi closed his eyes and bowed his head. When they quieted again, he looked up once more.
"Today I have officially become the Sixth Hokage. But I'd like to take a moment to recognize a few special people, for without them, this day would not have come.
"First, I'd like to thank Lady Tsunade for all that she has done as Hokage over the past six years, and for preparing me to take on the this monumental responsibility.
"I would like to thank Lord Fourth and Lord Third, may they rest in peace, for without them, none of us might be here today."
He looked down at the blonde boy again. "In the same vein, I'd like to thank Naruto Uzumaki…the hero we needed, and the unlikely person who continues to inspire hope and confidence in each one of us, and especially in me."
Naruto stared up at him with wide blue eyes, and Kakashi smiled down at him. With his Sharingan, he was easily able to make out the boy's expression, which was full of surprise and longing.
'Watch me closely, Naruto,' he thought. 'Soon it will be your turn.'
His eyes scanned the crowd once more as he continued. "I would like to thank Might Gai, who…despite his eccentricities, is always there when I need him. I couldn't have asked for a more loyal, more trustworthy friend.
"And finally…I may not be standing here before you now if it wasn't for my own little piece of the Will of Fire. I have entrusted my heart to her, as well as my life, and she will surely fight for this village as valiantly, as fearlessly, and as selflessly as I will."
He placed his hand over his heart as he paused briefly. "She is my hope, my strength, my future wife, and my friend. She means the world to me, and you all deserve to know that is within her that I will confide. The weight of responsibility does not fall only upon the Hokage, but on each one of us, and I am pleased to announce that Anko Mitarashi will become an honored member of my counsel."
Touched and pleasantly surprised, Anko felt the heat rise in her cheeks as she continued to stare at his back while he spoke. She had planned to be with Kakashi on such an important day, but she'd had no idea that he'd prepared part of his speech in her honor. She had thought she'd known the depth of his love for her, but to hear him proclaim it, as well as his faith in her, in front of the entire village left her without words.
Kakashi turned to look back at Anko, motioning for her to step forward. That hadn't been part of the plan either. Although it was unlike her, she suddenly felt a pang of nervousness. She hadn't planned on being in the spotlight whatsoever, for it was Kakashi's time in the sun, but now as she slowly approached him, she understood the overwhelming force of being the center of attention—the same overwhelming force that Kakashi had been struggling to withstand for months.
As she reached his side, she glanced up into his eyes and found that they were sparkling, full of love, hope, joy, and determination. Kakashi reached up to remove the headdress, holding it out to her. She took it, and together, they lifted it high above them.
"The future is bright, and it is ours," said Kakashi. "Let us carry the Will of Fire into a new era—together."
The noise carried far and wide, higher and higher, as the villagers down below sang the praises of Hokages past and present. Shouts of "Hooray for the Sixth Hokage," and "Hokage Hatake" rang out across the masses. Even Anko's name was shouted in joy and praise, and she and Kakashi shared a glance that said nothing, and yet everything.
Behind them, Tsunade, Shizune, and Kurenai fought back joyful tears. Even Iruka had to wipe a few from the corners of his eyes. Gai, on the other hand, was rather shameless and bawled like a baby, and Ibiki shot him a disgusted look.
"Would you get it together?" he growled. "You're embarrassing."
"It's just too beautiful!" cried Gai.
"I agree," said Kurenai with a sentimental smile.
Shizune nodded. "Mhm."
Tsunade said nothing. There was nothing more she could say. She knew she had made the right choice, and the proof now stood before her. If anyone could lead the village now, it was Kakashi.
Once the ceremony had officially ended, they headed back inside, Kakashi's headdress hanging behind him and Anko holding onto his arm. He breathed a sigh of relief as they walked.
"You didn't tell me about my part in all of this," Anko whispered beside him.
He smiled. "Haha, surprise."
Anko giggled.
When they reached the bottom of the stairs, Kakashi was instantly bombarded by two sets of arms as Naruto and Sakura rushed forward to hug him. Anko smiled wide as she stepped back to allow his students to shower him with attention.
"Congratulations, Kakashi-Sensei!" shouted Sakura. "It's so great you're the Hokage now!"
"Yeah, and it was totally cool what you said about me, you know?" said Naruto.
Kakashi gave a nervous laugh as they nearly squeezed the life out of him. Sasuke and Sai approached much more calmly and coolly, but they each had smiles on their faces as well.
Izumo and Kotetsu stood off to the side, and Izumo spoke up to answer the unspoken question of what the four of them were doing there.
"We know it's been crazy and all, but when they asked if they could come in and see you, we couldn't exactly tell them no."
"Right," said Kotetsu. "Really, our hands were tied."
"Saps," chuckled Anko.
"Th-that's alright," said Kakashi, not minding at all.
"Hey, are you guys going to join in on the group hug, or what?" shouted Naruto.
Sasuke gave a funny look before finally giving in.
"Come on, Sai!" said Sakura.
"Oh…well I wasn't one of Kakashi's students, so I thought—"
"Just get in here!"
"Uh…ok."
Kakashi grunted beneath the force of their affections. "Uh…haha, thanks guys, but could you lighten up a bit?" he chuckled.
"Oops, sorry!" said Naruto as they loosened their grip on him.
"We're just so excited for you!" said Sakura, clasping her hands in front of her.
"I see that."
"I guess this means we should call you Lord Hokage now, doesn't it?" asked Sai.
"Oh, no, please, there's no need to be so formal," Kakashi insisted, waving his hands in dismissal. "I'm still the same old me."
"Great, because I was still gonna call you Kakashi-Sensei anyway," Naruto announced.
"Big surprise, considering you never call anyone by their proper titles," said Sasuke.
"Yeah," said Sakura. "Pervy Sage, for example. Or Granny Tsunade…"
"I don't care what you call me, as long is isn't Grampa Kakashi…"
Behind him, Anko snorted, and the rest of Team 7 laughed.
"Nah, you're not nearly old enough for that," said Naruto loudly with a wide grin. Then he stopped. "Wait…how old are you anyway?"
"Ahhhhhh! Come here, you!"
Just when he'd thought he was free, Kakashi was attacked again, this time by Gai.
"You were great out there! So great, you moved me to tears, and I just know you're going to be an amazing Hokage!"
"Er, Gai…I…can't breathe…"
Anko grabbed his ear, forcing him to let go of Kakashi. "Hey, back off! Can't you see he's trying to have a moment, here?"
"Gah! My apologies!"
"Ah, it's no problem," said Naruto.
"No problem at all," said Kakashi with a chuckle. "He's just like one of the kids."
"What! You take that back!"
Kakashi put Gai in a headlock and ruffled his hair. "What? I thought you always wanted eternal youth. It should satisfy you to know you've successfully held onto yours."
Gai broke free from his grip. "Oh no you don't! Just because you're the Hokage no doesn't mean I'm going to live the rest of my life under your thumb! No sir, you will not strip me of my dignity!" he proclaimed. "Not today, not tomorrow, not ever!"
"You have dignity?" asked Anko flatly.
Gai put his arm over his face to hide his overly-emotional reaction. "You guys are so mean…"
"Sure he does!" said Naruto. "Gai-Sensei is so cool! I mean, he's even cooler than you, Kakashi-Sensei!"
Gai shouted in victory as Sakura slapped her own forehead. Kakashi looked deflated.
"Wow. You really are an idiot," said Sasuke.
"I concur," agreed Sai.
"Alright, everybody out!" came Tsunade's booming voice. "Come on, move it! You four aren't even supposed to be in here!"
"Aw, come on! We wanted to see Kakashi-Sensei!" Naruto protested.
"He said it was okay," said Sakura.
"You've seen him, and you'll see him again later. Right now, you need to leave."
"But…you're not the Hokage anymore!" said Naruto.
"I said out!"
"Geez, always so bossy…"
Naruto and the others grumbled as they turned to head back out of the mansion while Gai chortled next to Kakashi. Tsunade turned on him next. "And you, if you're going to be disruptive, you can leave too!"
"I-I-I'll behave! I promise!"
"Heh, what do you know?" said Anko. "For once, I'm not the trouble-maker."
"Ah, go easy on them," said Kakashi. "I wasn't innocent either—"
"If you're going to be the Hokage, you have to learn how to act the part! You can't be fooling around like a five-year-old! If you don't want to take this job seriously, then I'll take it back!"
"B-But—"
"I don't want to hear it!" she shouted, pulling him down the hallway. "We still need you to finish signing official paperwork, and you need to have your picture taken!"
The others were left standing there, looking on in bewilderment, disbelief, and exasperation.
"Man, who spit in her tea this morning?" asked Anko.
"Wait a minute," said Gai. "Didn't Kakashi just become the Hokage? Is she still allowed to order him around like that?"
Anko shrugged, amused. "Someone's got to keep him in line."
Shizune gave a nervous laugh. "She'll always be the same old Lady Tsunade…"
X-X-X
Though the village's celebration went on into the evening, Kakashi and Anko were able to leave the festivities much earlier. Kakashi agreed to stay in the Hokage's private wing that night, and so they skirted round the festive crowds to grab a few things from his apartment before returning to Hokage Tower.
Presently, Kakashi stood at one of the windows in the master bedroom, grateful that they faced the tree line and he could relax in the near darkness. He hadn't changed out of his cloak, but the headdress sat beside his headband on the nightstand on his side of the bed. The moonlight shone into the room, and a lamp remained lit on the opposite nightstand. Beyond that, he could hear the water running in the bathroom sink, then it went silent.
Her footsteps on the soft carpet were almost inaudible, and a moment later, he felt her gently hug his side.
"Are you okay?" she asked quietly.
He continued to gaze out at the wooded area beyond the window. "I am," he said, his answer sure.
"I'm glad."
"Part of me had been dreading this day, but it went very well. I enjoyed it."
"It seems as though everyone did." She paused. "You gave a wonderful speech. You know, you're better at this public speaking thing than you think."
"I never said I was bad at it, just that I don't particularly enjoy it. But, we all have to do things we'd prefer not to."
"The village loves you, Kakashi."
"So it seems. That does make things easier."
Anko wrapped her arms around Kakashi from behind, resting her head between his shoulder blades. "You know I love you, too. And I'm proud of you."
He closed his eyes, grateful that the day was coming to a close, and he was able to simply bask in peace that came when he and Anko were alone again at last. No matter how tumultuous the outside world became, and no matter what difficult situations he would have to deal with, he was certain he could count on the warmth of her arms at the end of the day to calm him.
"So what now…Lord Hokage?" she said, and he could hear the teasing smile that surely graced her lips.
He gave a slight sound of amusement before turning in her arms. He pulled down his mask, lifting his hands to her face before placing his lips on hers with a gentle tenderness.
"I suppose," he said, his voice almost a whisper. "We should try out our new bed."
"Oh…" she breathed with a smile, toying with the collar of his cloak. "It looks as though I have an insatiable Lord on my hands…"
"I know my Lady can keep up with me with no trouble…"
She giggled and pulled him toward the bed, lowering herself onto it. Kakashi leaned over her until she was lying on her back as he began to shower her with beautiful kisses.
A/N: Did I say that the next Ibiki/Kurotsuchi scene would be in this chapter? Sorry, I meant the chapter after this! Haha! It's already written, but I'll wait a few days to post it.
I know at times it seems as though this story is more about Kakashi than it is about Anko, and I apologize for that. I wanted to keep it canon with him becoming the Sixth Hokage, and it really is a time for her to step back, but I did my best to keep her toward the front of the action anyway. I guess I could have kept this story in Anko's POV, but I'm terrible at picking one POV and staying with it. I love to explore the inner workings of the minds of all major players in the stories I write. Probably one of the main reasons I'd be a terrible author. XD
Thanks to the "King of Pride Rock" ending score from the Lion King for giving me the vision for this chapter! Seriously, listen to the second part of this while envisioning Kakashi's inauguration and tell me it doesn't totally work…
www .youtube watch?v=r5uYB9T_GlY
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!