A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Square Mom Lover, Miss Laury, Guest, Tsuyna, U3fan, and Dobbyhasnomastr. Thanks so much everyone! I totally have the best readers/reviewers on this site. XD This ended up becoming the longest chapter so far, so I hope you all enjoy it!
Sometimes, Kakashi wondered how he'd gained the title of genius. He sighed, regretfully gazing at the sun beams shining through the trees. It was times like this that he seriously doubted the judgement of his fellow shinobi. Asking Tsunade to dinner? What had he been thinking? The obvious answer, of course, was that he hadn't. When he was around her, it was as if he lost all semblance of logical thought.
But the harder question; what was he going to do? He couldn't very well take her to eat in Konoha. One glimpse of them together would start whispers that would last for weeks. An unfortunate side-effect of being known as a consistently-single, solitary ninja. Granted, they could both wear henges, but he had to admit the idea held no appeal to him. Why would he want to stare at another woman's face while eating dinner with Tsunade? No, he needed to think of something—
"Look out, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto's shout was followed by the whistle of a shuriken passing inches from Kakashi's ear.
Kakashi brought his attention abruptly back to his students, and rubbed his barely-unscathed ear. Well. That's what he got for letting his attention wander while Naruto was throwing sharp projectiles.
"Naruto!" Sakura yelped angrily, fists clenched at her sides. "You almost hit Kakashi-sensei! Watch where you're throwing those!"
Naruto reddened. "Sorry, Sakura-chan." He brightened. "Maybe you could give me some pointers?"
Sakura huffed, marching toward the furthest target. "I don't think so."
Kakashi watched Naruto slump despondently after Sakura. Sasuke still wasn't recovered enough to return to training, but he had figured it had been too long since Team 7 had worked together. Thus, he'd summoned Naruto and Sakura for an afternoon of target practice, of which he was a strong believer there could never be enough of. But if he were honest, he was far too distracted for any heavier training.
He mulled over his problem. Perhaps he could pick up food somewhere and just take Tsunade on a picnic. There was a nice place up atop the cliffs; not far from where they'd gone climbing, actually. Kakashi couldn't resist a smile at the memory—he broke it off sternly. Now was not the time to recall how it felt to have Tsunade's body pressed close to his. Or how—stop it, Hatake.
Kakashi rubbed the back of his neck with a sigh. Back to his problem. A remote picnic didn't solve the issue of taking her out in the first place. If she wasn't his hokage... if they weren't from different generations... if she hadn't lost her memories... He knew it was too many ifs. But he couldn't very well cancel it. He was many things, but he wasn't that type of man. And if he were honest with himself, he didn't want to back out. In fact, he couldn't remember when he'd looked forward to something so much. Well. That settled it. He'd pick up some food and take his hokage on a simple picnic.
Satisfied, Kakashi brushed off his hands. What could go wrong? Now that he had a plan firmly settled in his mind, he was ready to take action. He called Naruto and Sakura back, and took in their slightly ruffled appearance. Perhaps he should implement more team-building exercises in the future. "Maa, good work, team. I think that was an excellent practice. You're dismissed for the day."
Naruto scoffed. "How do you know? You weren't even watching, Kakashi-sensei."
"Shut up, Naruto!" Sakura punched his arm with a scowl, then smiled at Kakashi, though her green gaze focused past him, toward the hospital. "Thanks for the lesson, Sensei! I'd better be going now."
Naruto watched her go, blue eyes forlorn as he sighed, "Where d' you think she's going, Kakashi-sensei?"
"Hmm. I imagine she's going to visit Sasuke." Kakashi scratched the back of his head, distinctly uncomfortable at the realization he could now sympathize with Sakura's urgency. In fact, he was feeling it now.
"I bet you're right," Naruto grumbled. His fist tapped against his thigh in a nervous rhythm as he glanced up at Kakashi. "How, um, is Tsunade-baachan? I wanted to go see her yesterday, but Shizune wouldn't let me. I don't even know where she is! Do you know, Kakashi-sensei?"
"Hai. She is well." Kakashi slid his hands in his pockets, and eyed his scruffy genin. So, Naruto was still worried about her. And who could blame him? "But she still doesn't have her memories back, so no one is allowed to see her."
Naruto's blue eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Except you, Kakashi-sensei? You'd better be treating her decently, even if she falls for your charms."
Kakashi opened and closed his mouth. What was Naruto—? "Maa... what charms?"
Naruto stabbed a finger at him. "Don't act dumb. I heard Guy-sensei talking about it. Tsunade-baachan is too smart for that, but she doesn't remember anything." He wrinkled his nose. "You're always watching her and talking secretly to her in the dark. And I know you were thinking about her while we were training, 'cause you were distracted. The only things that distract you are Pervy Sage's books and Tsunade-baachan."
Naruto looked pleased with his deductions, but Kakashi found himself at a loss. "It's... not... that is..."
"Don't worry, I won't say anything, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said dismissively, flapping his hand. "Anyway, Tsunade-baachan is happier when she's with you, and I want her to be happy. Believe it!"
Kakashi stood, frozen. Tsunade was…happier around him? He shook himself, hard. Now was not the time to be thinking of such things. "Maa, thanks for keeping quiet, Naruto."
"Sure." Naruto gazed in the direction of the hospital wistfully. "I guess I could go visit Sasuke too, right Kakashi-sensei?"
Kakashi exhaled in relief. "Ay. Go ahead, Naruto."
As soon as Naruto scampered off after Sakura, Kakashi flashed up into the trees. It was nearly seven, and he still needed to get food. A dismal thought occurred to him. He'd never actually been on a picnic before, especially not with a girl. It would take all of his improvising skill not to mess this up. And it meant he needed to buy a picnic basket and blanket as well.
Twenty-six minutes and sixteen seconds later, a panting and disheveled Kakashi walked quickly toward his apartment, arms full with a packed picnic basket and a nice, soft blue blanket. But just as he reached the stairway, he stopped in his tracks. This wasn't a date—certainly not, no matter what Naruto said—but he didn't exactly look presentable for a dinner with anyone, much less his hokage.
Kakashi's arms tightened around the basket and blanket. This was a dilemma. Should he be on time... or look nice for her? Neither option was preferable. He glanced down at his full arms, fighting his growing panic. Not to mention he should already have the food and blanket already set up at their destination, like he'd put a lot of thought and care into it. And with the growing dusk, maybe candles too? No, no. That was much too romantic, and would send the wrong idea. Besides, in his current state, he would probably set the entire forest on fire. Kakashi silently cursed himself. He was a jōnin, for crying out loud. A supposed genius, and he couldn't even figure this—
Shadow clones. Of course. He really was an idiot.
Kakashi set down his bundles and formed the sign. Two clones appeared; one identical to himself, and one without his flak jacket and gloves, plus a pressed uniform and slightly less messy hair than usual. He sent his identical clone off with the basket and blanket, then faced the apartment. Once his better self got Tsunade out of the apartment, he'd sneak in to take a quick shower and clean up. Then, he'd catch up to his clone and distract Tsunade long enough to switch places. The plan was perfect.
And it was seven. Kakashi nodded to his clone. "Go."
As the clone headed up the stairs, Kakashi silently leaped to the rooftop to watch and wait. His clone knocked, and waited. Kakashi's fingers tightened on the roof gable, suddenly wishing it was him, instead of a clone, down there to greet Tsunade. Annoyed, he shook his head. Was he really jealous of—
The door opened, and Tsunade stepped out. Kakashi's stomach dropped. Clearly, Tsunade had no idea how her skirt and cut-off blouse showed off her toned figure flawlessly. Kakashi exhaled slowly. If anyone had been blessed with a perfect body, it was Tsunade Senju. It was more obvious than ever why she was called the most beautiful kunoichi in the world. He smiled ruefully. And if she knew his thoughts right now, she'd knock him senseless.
Kakashi sighed. Which was why he needed to stop this inappropriate train of thought immediately. No matter how attractive he found her, nothing would—could—come of it. Never mind that he was having a harder and harder time convincing himself of that. Not that it was all his fault. Tsunade's handhold crumbling on the cliff? A coincidence. Granted, there had been no need for him to hold her so close, but the heat of her body and the scent of her hair had pulled him in, as if he were a helpless fish on a reel. Really, he thought he'd showed great self-control by not kissing her. Because with her face inches from his, that had been the only thought in his mind.
Kakashi blinked hard, ridding himself of the memory. Idiot. He had no right, no right at all, to be thinking about kissing Tsunade. He needed to do better in keeping himself out of these situations.
Below, his clone offered his arm. "Well, are you ready, Tsunade-sama?"
"You'd better not be taking me anywhere questionable, Kakashi Hatake." But in spite of her words, Tsunade smiled and took his clone's arm. She did look happier. Or maybe he was imagining it because Naruto had addled his brain. Only then did Kakashi notice she was wearing her pink lipstick. The mix of the old and new Tsunade... he liked it. He liked it a lot—Stop it, fool.
His clone cleared his throat. "I ah, hope you don't mind, but I thought a picnic would be nice. I know a good spot up atop the cliffs."
Tsunade rolled her eyes, but her slight smile lingered. "Why would I mind? A picnic sounds nice."
Kakashi squeezed his eye shut, cursing everything he could think of. Including his clone. Why, why, had he done this? When he opened his eyes, Tsunade and his clone were already halfway down the street. There was no time to lose. Kakashi leaped down and rushed inside, showering so quickly he hardly felt the water. He dressed in his cleanest pants and uniform shirt, but left off his flak vest and gloves, like his clone. He ran his hand through his damp silver hair a couple of times, then reached the door in two steps and flung it open.
Revealing Jiraiya standing in the doorway, his fist raised to knock. The sannin blinked. "Ah, Kakashi. Good timing." Jiraiya took in Kakashi's fresh uniform and damp hair, and raised an eyebrow. "I heard Tsunade was here, and I would like to speak with her. Where is she?"
Not good. Kakashi found his voice. "Ah, about that. She's not here."
"Not here?" Jiraiya frowned. "I thought she wasn't supposed to show herself in the village. Her memory is gone, isn't it?"
If Jiraiya found out why Tsunade was gone... Kakashi swallowed. No, this wasn't good at all. Not to mention Tsunade and his clone were likely almost to the cliffs by now. "Hai, but she knows that. She just wanted a bit of, ah, alone time." He shrugged for added effect. "Who am I to stop the Godaime when she has her mind set?"
"I see." Jiraiya studied him, and a slow smile crept across his face. "And you're taking the opportunity to go see a lady friend, eh?" He laughed uproariously. "And here I thought you were the solitary type."
"I, well—that is—not exactly—"
"Ah, don't worry, Kakashi-san." Jiraiya clapped a hand on his shoulder. "I understand. You like to keep your life private. So..." He leaned in close, eyes gleaming. "Who is she?"
Kakashi's mind promptly went blank. All he could focus on was the need to get away from Jiraiya and find Tsunade. Resolve filled his chest. "Maa, well..." He winked at Jiraiya, and slipped past the Sannin to leap over the rail, calling over his shoulder, "Tsunade, of course!"
Confidant that would throw Jiraiya off, Kakashi ran through the streets with a heart-pounding urgency he'd never felt before. Tsunade and his clone had to already be at the picnic his other clone had set up. Frustration tugged at his steps. So far, his plan was definitely not going how he'd hoped. Kakashi reached the bottom of the cliffs in record time, and bent his knees to start his ascent. He still wasn't sure how he would take his clone's place, but he intended to have a plan by the time he reached the top.
"Ah, Kakashi!" Guy's cheerful voice boomed behind him. "I see I have caught you at a good time."
Kakashi had never been brought to the point of wanting to pull his hair out. Until now. His fingers twitched, but he turned, somehow managing his usual bored tone. "Maa, what is it, Guy?"
Guy's grin was blinding. "A new challenge, rival! I heard you were back from your mission, so naturally, it seemed the time to prove, once and for all, who is the superior shinobi."
"Naturally." Kakashi longed to glance up the cliffside, but didn't. Knowing Guy, he would take that to mean the next challenge would be racing to the top. Right in front of Tsunade and his clone.
"...then we will—" Guy stopped his spiel. He leaned forward, sniffing Kakashi suspiciously. "I say. You smell of the freshness of youth. Are you going somewhere... special?"
Kakashi seized the opportunity. "Maa, well, I'm meeting with someone."
"Ah!" Guy's eyes glowed and he gave a big thumbs-up and flashing smile. "I see the passion of youth has gotten to you at last, my friend! Don't be afraid to hold back! Shower your lady with all you love and affection!"
Kakashi could only stare as Guy jogged off, too stunned to come up with a response. Both Guy and Jiraiya... he was going to have a big mess to clean up—once he fixed his even bigger problem. Chakra surged through his feet, and he sprang up the cliffside, flying from ledge to ledge. Kakashi reached the top and slipped behind a tree. He moved forward, shifted from tree to tree, until he was about thirty feet from the small, open space next to the cliff where he'd had his clone set up the picnic. And where Tsunade and his clone stood, gazing out at the spread of Konoha. Most of the food was gone. Tsunade's back was to him, but there was something about the set of her shoulders—
Tsunade struck out with her fist, colliding with the back of his clone's skull. The clone flew out into empty air and vanished in a puff of smoke. Without turning, Tsunade said flatly, "So. You finally showed up."
Kakashi hadn't realized he was gaping until he snapped his mouth shut. She had just... knocked him off the cliff. He stepped out from the tree, stomach churning. This was not going to go well. How long had she known he was a clone? "I'm sorry, Tsunade-sama. I—"
"And stop calling me that. I'm not your hokage. Not now." Tsunade faced him, eyes blazing. "Let me guess. You had too much to do, so you thought I wouldn't notice if you sent a clone in your place. Is that it?"
Kakashi halted ten feet away, the void in his chest throbbing. He sensed she probably didn't want him any closer, and he couldn't blame her. How could this have gone so wrong? "No. I finished at seven, but I wasn't—I didn't think I was presentable. I sent the shadow clone with you while I cleaned up, then I intended to catch up before you reached the cliffs. I didn't want you to think... I didn't want to be late."
Tsunade stared at him, mouth tight and golden-brown eyes glistening. "Do you think I would have cared if you were a little late?"
Kakashi hesitated. He couldn't very well admit this was his first time going somewhere with a girl, and... he might have panicked, not wanting to mess up. What would she think of him then? "I'm sorry. I thought the clone—"
"I didn't want to spend my evening with your clone! I wanted to spend it with you!" Tsunade flushed, as if realizing what she'd said, and she spun back to face the village, fists clenched at her sides.
Kakashi stared at her, slowly processing her words. In spite of himself, a surge of hope rose in his chest. Naruto was... right? She truly wanted to spend time with him? Had wanted, he reminded himself. His idiotic choices had seen to that. He approached Tsunade cautiously, searching for the right words.
But Tsunade beat him to it. "You know... it's strange to see the village when we're not at war. I've never seen it so peaceful."
Kakashi winced at her abrupt subject change. He stopped behind her, so she didn't have to see him. Still... maybe he could salvage this. He studied Konoha over her shoulder. In his opinion, nothing was as beautiful as his village in the sunset. He glanced at Tsunade's profile, blonde hair tossed by the wind and set aglow by the fiery sun. Well, except for one thing. "You helped bring about this peace."
Tsunade stiffened at his voice, but she only folded her arms and huffed in answer.
Kakashi eased a little closer. "These days, you are known as the one who created the modern system for medical-nin. Your ideas and rules for medical-nin are responsible for saving many lives, including mine."
"So... they finally listened to me." Tsunade's shoulders relaxed at last. She glanced back at him, expression void of anger. Instead, a careful neutrality had settled over her features. Which, in his opinion, was even worse. Tsunade hardly ever bothered to hide her feelings, so if she was making an effort to do so... Kakashi swallowed as Tsunade added flatly, "We should head back. It's getting dark."
Kakashi dipped his head, silently cursing himself. The evening was over, and he had no one to blame but himself for missing it. And he knew without a doubt he wouldn't get another opportunity. This had been his one chance to spend time with Tsunade, and he'd ruined it for both of them. He sighed. Well. Perhaps it was better this way. What had he wanted to happen? Nothing could come of it, and he knew that. Still, in spite of everything, a small part of him had hoped...
Kakashi led the way back down the cliff and approached Konoha. Neither spoke, but he knew he deserved every ounce of discomfort he felt. He clenched his teeth. Why had he thought the shadow clone would be a good idea? He was an idiot. An idiot who had ruined the evening for Tsunade too. After everything that had happened, she'd deserved a break. And he'd somehow managed to make it even worse.
"I can hardly see anything in this dark," Tsunade grumbled, finally breaking the silence as they entered the unlit back streets of Konoha. Then her hand slid into Kakashi's, startling him so much he forgot to breathe. Wasn't she... angry at him?
But Tsunade only smiled faintly, her features barely visible. "Since you're half Inuzuka, you can see in the dark to make sure I don't fall, right?"
Maybe he had somehow salvaged this. Her touch was sending spasms through his brain, but Kakashi managed a strangled-sounding, "A-ah, hai."
Asuma was right; no matter how skilled a ninja became in observation and prediction, there was no understanding the mind of a woman. Not that he wasn't relieved with Tsunade's mood change. But in case he was misreading her, he decided to apologize again. "Maa, I am sorry for using shadow clones. It was—is—my first time doing this, and I didn't want to mess it up for you." He cleared his throat. "I wasn't anticipating running into both Jiraiya and Guy. I was looking forward to, ah, spending my evening with you, too."
Tsunade glanced up at him. It was hard to tell, but he was fairly certain her expression had softened. But she only said, "Jiraiya? What did he want?"
"He wanted to speak with you." Kakashi scratched his chin uncomfortably. "I'm afraid he didn't say about what."
"No matter." Tsunade smirked. "I wonder how age has treated him. Tell me, is he as perverted as ever?"
"Ahh, hai. I'm afraid so." Kakashi sent her a sideways look. "He was also the one who suggested you for the position of Godaime Hokage."
Tsunade's blonde eyebrows lifted. Then she scoffed, "Likely so he could avoid the position himself. He did the same thing when Hiruzen-sensei was deciding the leadership of our team for a mission. He never has liked leading."
It was the first time he'd ever heard Tsunade talk about her time in Konoha's legendary team, and Kakashi couldn't help his curiosity. "Who became the leader of your squad, then?"
Tsunade shrugged lightly. "I did."
They walked up the apartments, and Kakashi silently savored the last few seconds of feeling Tsunade's hand in his. He might have ruined their evening, but at least he would have one good memory from it.
Tsunade stopped at the foot of the stairs and sighed, lifting her eyes to the sky. His heart lurched when she didn't release his hand. Almost as if... she didn't want it to end either. "The stars are beautiful tonight, aren't they?"
Kakashi let his gaze linger on the gleam of her blonde hair and the curve of her neck. If she caught him staring, these could very well be his last moments. But right now, he didn't care. "Hai. Beautiful."
And then he realized her words hadn't been just a comment, but a hint. Kakashi hesitated, and swallowed painfully. But no. He should end this. This, that should have never begun. But after twenty years of grief, darkness, and regret... he longed for at least a moment of happiness. Was that too much to ask?
Kakashi tightened his grip on Tsunade's hand. Just this once. "Maa, well... would you like to look at the stars for a little while? The roof should have a fairly good view."
Tsunade smiled, and to him, shone more than any star. "I would like that, Kakashi-san."
Kakashi smiled back, in spite of his mask, though a pang in his chest reminded him of the teasing way Tsunade had called him Kakashi-kun on their mission. But she didn't remember any of that, and if she did, she certainly wouldn't be going up on his apartment roof to stargaze with him. Guilt surged through him as Tsunade released his hand to leap up the apartment building, and he followed close behind.
Were his actions betraying who Tsunade had been—and would be again, once she regained her memory? Was he taking advantage of her? Kakashi settled on the rooftop next to Tsunade, gut churning. He'd thought that Tsunade—before her memory loss—might have felt something for him, but he'd gotten to know her well enough to guess she wouldn't have acted on it.
What was he doing?
Tsunade's murmur interrupted his thoughts. "You know... no one has ever done anything like this for me before." She glanced at him, then her gaze darted away. "So, um, I wanted to say thank you."
Her words hit harder than one of her punches. Of course. She didn't remember Dan or anything she'd shared with him. Kakashi cleared his throat. "Maa, it's nothing." Guilt prompted him to add, "Have—have you thought about trying to get any more of your memories back?"
Tsunade shivered, and shifted closer. She rested her head on his shoulder, and Kakashi froze, unable to move or breathe. "Maybe," she whispered. "But I don't want to think about that now. I want to enjoy... this."
Kakashi gazed down at her blonde head, aching, everything in him contradicting, his emotions ripping him to shreds. He couldn't help but wonder; was this what it would have been like if they'd grown up in the same generation? Unhindered by status, age... and their pasts? Anger boiled up inside of him; anger at what was, what had been, and what couldn't be. He was sick of it. He'd decided to enjoy this moment with Tsunade, hadn't he? He would never get another. The finality of the thought sank in, and with that, Kakashi threw caution to the wind. By all the shinobi gods, he wasn't going to blow this chance.
Before his surge of boldness left him, Kakashi moved his hand a few inches to cover Tsunade's, lacing his large, rough fingers through her small ones. "Hai, it would be a shame not to enjoy such a peaceful night."
Though with Tsunade's warm body pressed against his side and the wild, erratic beating of his heart, he was feeling anything but peaceful.
Tsunade tipped her head up just enough to gaze at him. "I've been wondering... when did I first meet you?"
With her looking at him like that, Kakashi found it hard to summon the will to refuse her. Besides, telling her one thing from her past wouldn't hurt. "Maa, well, it was in the Third Shinobi World War. I was on a mission, badly wounded, and surrounded by enemy shinobi. I thought I was going to die, but you appeared and took out all of the Iwa-nin. You healed me, and we went our separate ways. After that, you left the village for several years. But..." He hesitated, and cleared his throat again. "I never forgot you."
Tsunade didn't answer, but she pulled her hand free of his and nestled closer to his side.
Kakashi blinked at his cold and empty hand. Then, feeling like a fool, he realized what she wanted. Carefully, he extracted his hand from between them, and, holding his breath, slid his arm around Tsunade, pulling her closer. He winced inwardly. Gods, he was so bad at this. What if she didn't want to be that close to him? What if—
Tsunade sighed contentedly, and leaned into Kakashi's embrace, sending warm currents through his body. Behind the safety of his mask, he was unable to stop a foolish, sappy grin. Maybe he wasn't completely hopeless. And he'd even managed to do it without drawing from the inspirations of Icha Icha.
Tsunade murmured sleepily, "Will you show me your favorite stars?"
Kakashi obliged, first pointing out the smaller, but constant, constellations. There was something about permanence that drew him, perhaps because he'd never had it in his own life. Then he moved on to the larger, brighter stars—inwardly comparing them to the passionate fire in Tsunade's eyes—though, really, there was no comparison. He smiled ruefully to himself. And how often had he gained amusement at Asuma's expense when the latter made such comments about Kurenai?
Kakashi glanced down, and found himself gazing at Tsunade's closed eyes and slightly-parted lips, her breathing slow and even. Hmm. How far into his talking had she fallen asleep?
Kakashi gathered Tsunade into his arms, and softly leaped down to his apartment. After getting the door open, he carried her into his room and lowered her into bed. He tucked the blanket around her—and after a moment's hesitation, quickly exited the room before his thoughts ran away from him. Kakashi closed the door behind him, and stared at it for several seconds, as if that would make the ache in his heart go away. He closed his eye, and sighed deeply. Well. That was it.
At least he'd had tonight.
Square Mom Lover: Ahh, thank you! I really enjoyed writing the rock-climbing scene, especially since Kakashi had already asked Tsunade once, not that she remembers it. If she did, she would definitely realize it's a date, lol. Well... I'm not sure how much longer your happiness will last, so enjoy it while you can. XD I'm so glad you're rooting for them! That means I'm doing my job properly. I admit, sometimes I feel bad for putting them through all of this... but not really.
Miss Laury: Aww, thank you so much! My goodness, 2 am. I'm honored, but I also feel a little bad for making you wait so long. If I get the chapters edited in time, I'll try to post them an hour or two earlier from now on. Don't apologize for long reviews! Long reviews are the best, and I absolutely love reading them. I also really appreciate how you let me know everything you like/noticed about the chapter. It gives me all the feels! As for 'the kiss' chapter... maaaybe. I feel like any answer beyond that might be spoiler-y. ;) I do agree that they are bit cowardly, lol. And no questions are silly! But yes, Tsunade is definitely my favorite character in Naruto. I've done my fair share of ranting about how underrated she is. XD I'm a bit of stickler for finishing what I start, so I actually had a lot of the story written before I published it, purely so I could update consistently, as all I'd have to do was edit chapters before I post them. And it would give me breathing room in case I had days I couldn't write, which has been the case recently. Thank you for your appreciation!
Guest: Yes! I totally agree with you, both with Tsunade and Naruto. She's the best written character, in my opinion, and was the main reason I continued watching the anime. I know, she definitely deserves more praise than she gets. As for the Jiraiya part, what I added helped the story a lot, so thanks! I always want to hear what you guys want to see in the story, as it often helps me think of things I didn't consider before. Obviously, I won't always do it, but most of the time it helps me add to the story. :)
Tsuyna: Thank you so much! I really appreciate your review and the complements. :) I'm so glad you're enjoying the story, and hopefully it will continue to get better.
U3fan: Tsunade is good a destroying things, isn't she? XD I think Kakashi is beginning to realize that being alone all the time isn't the best way to live your life, so we'll see what he does with that. As for Tsunade... I have a feeling her memories will return at the most inopportune moment.
Dobbyhasnomastr: It's about time, right? XD I hope you enjoy it, it was fun to write! Thank you for your review!
