A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Tsuyna, Square Mom Lover, Lara500, MeticulousNotoriety, Dobbyhasnomastr, Miss Laury, Alisa, and U3fan. Aww, you guys! My heart! All of you are amazing, and I love reading your reviews so much. Thank you! And, of course, thank you to all of my new followers/favorites. :)

This just so happens to be my favorite chapter. XD I hope you guys enjoy it too!

The warm darkness of unconsciousness slowly faded, leaving Tsunade with a single thought. Had she died?

Tsunade didn't really see any other option, though she had a strange reluctance to open her eyes, as if that would hold off reality. Defeating Zabuki had been her last act as hokage, and while she didn't regret it... she didn't want to be dead yet. The thought surprised her; after all, for years she had wished she was no longer alive. Life hadn't seemed worth living without Nawaki and Dan.

But now... Tsunade curled her cold fingers into fists. She had a purpose. There was still so much she wanted to do as hokage; so much she wanted to do for Konoha. And Kakashi... an invisible tear wet her cheek. There were so many things she hadn't been able to tell him. Now, he, too, was gone. Tsunade firmed her chin. But her time was up. It was time to open her eyes and accept her new reality, whatever that may be. At least she would be able to see Nawaki and Dan again.

Tsunade opened her eyes... and blinked in confusion. She hadn't exactly expected the afterlife to look like a dark hospital room. Not that she had any idea what it should look like. "Hello?" Her voice rasped weakly, so she tried again, "Anyone here?"

"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune's face appeared over her, stricken with relief. "You're awake! How are you feeling?"

Tsunade stared at her assistant. As far as she knew, Shizune wasn't dead. That meant... an overwhelming feeling flooding her entire being. Unable to process, she finally managed, "I'm not—not dead?"

Shizune laughed, though it came out more like a choking sob. "Of course not! You have your Creation Rebirth, remember? But you used so much chakra fighting Zabuki that you have been unconscious for five days."

But the chakra seal... Tsunade grasped the hem of her hospital gown, then stilled. The dark, gnawing presence of the seal was gone. Kakashi's chakra-infused lightning must have neutralized it enough for her Creation Rebirth to finish it off. How strange to think it would have such a weakness. And she'd thought she had tried every—Kakashi. She pushed herself up, failing to keep the franticness out of her voice. "And Kakashi?"

"He is fine," Shizune assured her. "He only needed a couple days' rest. Zabuki, on the other hand, didn't survive."

Tsunade sat back, relaxing a little. Her last moments of consciousness were a bit fuzzy, but Kakashi was alive and that was all that mattered. Still, there must have been some concern she wouldn't recover, which led to the question... "Who did the council elect in my stead?"

Shizune winced. "Danzō Shimura."

So much for relaxing. She needed to get back to her position as soon as possible. Tsunade eyed Shizune and grimaced. But no matter what she said, Shizune wasn't going to let her leave. Still... there might be a way to get past her. She pressed a hand to her stomach. "Could you bring me some food? I feel like I haven't eaten in five days."

"Of course, Tsunade-sama! I'll be right back." Shizune hurried to the door, but glanced back sternly just before she turned the knob. "I have an Anbu guarding outside who is instructed not to let you leave. There's no point in trying anything while I'm gone."

Tsunade didn't try to hide her scowl as she sank back on to the pillows. Shizune knew her too well. She waited a good minute after Shizune's footsteps had faded, then slid her bare legs out of bed, cringing when her feet touched the cold floor. But not well enough, if Shizune thought she couldn't handle a single Anbu. Tsunade wobbled, then walked to the door, gaining strength with every step. She grasped the knob, and glanced down ruefully at her rather revealing hospital gown. Oh, well. She'd stop by her quarters to change before going to the hokage tower. Such intricacies weren't going to stop her from saving Konoha from Danzō Shimura. She flung open the door and boldly strode out to confront her Anbu.

But instead of the Anbu, an all-too-familiar-figure slouched against the wall next to her door, spiky silver hair flopping over his forehead protector.

Tsunade froze; everything screaming to a stop. Including her heart. Every moment of their fight with Zabuki flooded back, including Kakashi's last, desperate words as he'd held her broken body. When she'd thought—and accepted—that she was going to die. Being cradled in Kakashi's arms wasn't the worst way to go. But Kakashi's insistent voice, cracking with emotion, hadn't let her drift away.

"You are precious to me. I can't lose anyone else that I... love."

Tsunade swallowed thickly, struggling to regain her composure. No. She was not ready to see him. She couldn't—couldn't handle this right now. Or ever. If she let herself think about it... she would crumble. And that wasn't an option right now.

Kakashi straightened and dipped his masked chin, bringing her focus back to the present. "Tsunade-sama." His gray eye met hers, then quickly flickered away. "I'm glad to see you are awake and well."

Tsunade straightened in an attempt to inject some steel into her spine, and prayed her voice wouldn't tremble. "Ah, hai. So am I."

"What are you doing out here?" Kakashi was looking at her again, this time with his half-lidded gaze and hands in his pockets, for all appearances his normal, collected self.

But Tsunade's profession required her to be a master at reading body language. Though Kakashi stood easily, every muscle in his body coiled with tension. She sighed. There was no point in trying to deceive him. "I'm leaving."

Kakashi tilted his head. "Maa, well, that's a problem, as I've been ordered not to let you leave under any circumstances."

Tsunade scoffed, more to hide her inability to come up with an answer than anything else. "You're not Anbu."

"Former Anbu," Kakashi corrected, his eye creasing in a smile. "It's an easy mistake."

Tsunade glowered at him. This was getting nowhere. And with every passing moment, her pulse beat faster and she increasingly felt like she might vomit. She lifted her chin. That left her with one option. So, she started past Kakashi, straight for the exit. A firm hand caught her shoulder. Kakashi's grip didn't hurt, but it was strong and unyielding, forcing her to stop. Tsunade shot a glare at the infuriating, stubborn man. "Kakashi, I am leaving."

Kakashi studied her, apparently considering her statement. He released her shoulder. "Maa, all right. If you're so determined to get out, then I will let you go. If you pass my test to prove you're strong enough."

Oh, the arrogance. Tsunade didn't try to keep her annoyance from clipping each word. "What test?"

Kakashi shrugged casually. "A one-on-one Taijutsu match."

Tsunade opened her mouth, then closed it, speechless. Of all the... he was doing the same test she'd given him back in the hospital so long ago. She narrowed her eyes. Was this some kind of joke? But Kakashi seemed to be all seriousness, and it would be her fastest way out of here. Why not? "Fine. What are we waiting for?"

Kakashi led her down to the hospital courtyard without a word. Long shadows from the setting sun cast across the grass, shrouding half of the empty courtyard in darkness. A cool breeze rustled the leaves, and Tsunade shivered in her thin hospital gown. Bother. She certainly wasn't wearing the best clothes to spar in, but at the moment she didn't care. She just wanted to get this over with. And get away from Kakashi. He stopped a couple of feet away, and faced her. Tsunade frowned. He wasn't giving himself much room to maneuver. Nor did he make any move to attack. She huffed. Fine. He was asking for it.

Tsunade struck first; a hard jab directly at Kakashi's chest. But he made no attempt to dodge it. Instead, he caught her fist with both hands, his warm fingers wrapping around hers... almost cradling her hand. As if his touch had taken control of her body, Tsunade's arm went limp. The fight drained out of her, and she lifted her confused gaze to Kakashi's. And realized they stood much too close. But strangely, she couldn't make herself move away.

Fool. Tsunade shook herself, hard. She pulled her hand back, and crossed her arms to give herself a barrier. Just to be safe, she kept her tone sharp and direct. "Didn't you bring me down here for a Taijutsu match?"

Kakashi lifted his shoulders in a shrug, and slid his hands into his pockets. "No. I brought you down here so we could be alone."

Tsunade's thoughts promptly turned into an incoherent mush. Heat flooded her body, so constricting she could hardly breathe. What—why... was he...? Somehow, she managed to say evenly, "Well... we're alone."

Kakashi nodded, finally looking away. "I discovered who was behind the chakra seal."

Tsunade blinked slowly, his words registering. Of course. The chakra seal. A sharp, acute disappointment pierced her chest, but she forcibly pushed it away. Idiot. She had no reason to be disappointed. At least, no reason she wanted to admit—no. She would not think about it. "Who was it?"

"Danzō Shimura. I don't have confirmation, but I used to be in his Root organization. I know it was him. Leaving no trace... the fact that it was meant directly for you... I only wish I had realized it earlier." Kakashi shook his head. "But I'm not entirely sure why he would do it."

Danzō. Tsunade fumed. Confirmation or not, she trusted Kakashi's instincts. And it made sense. "I'm not surprised that snake is behind it. He never approved of me becoming the Godaime, and he's made that very clear."

Kakashi watched her intently. "Will you confront him about it?"

"Of course," Tsunade snapped, though her anger wasn't directed at Kakashi. Danzō had had his dirty hands in Konoha's affairs for too long. He was nothing more than a disease, one she intended to get rid of. She focused back on Kakashi. As someone who used to work for Danzō... "I would like you to be present when I do."

Kakashi inclined his head silently. The darkness had grown so much she could barely make out his features. How late was it? Tsunade sighed, suddenly bone-weary. "Is that all?"

Instead of answering, Kakashi stepped closer. He stood so close the intensity in his eye seemed to burn through her. And then she knew he hadn't brought her here because of Danzō. He'd brought her out here for this. His low baritone sent shivers down her spine as he murmured, "Ask me."

Tsunade couldn't swallow past the lump in her throat, and gripped fistfuls of her hospital gown to keep her hands from trembling. "Did you—did you mean it?" Her whisper came out as barely more than a rasp. "That I am... precious to you? That you... " Love me. But she couldn't make herself finish. Nor did she know what she would do with his answer.

Kakashi dipped his chin, bringing his masked face closer to hers. His voice was low, but firm with absolute resolve. "Hai."

Hot, prickling pressure built behind Tsunade's eyes, and she blinked rapidly, forcing her emotions back. She needed to stop this. Now. "Kakashi, I... care about you too, but this—this can't happen."

Kakashi's unwavering gaze fixed on hers. "I meant what I said, Tsunade. I love you."

If he had ripped her heart out, it couldn't have hurt any more. A part of Tsunade wanted to cry at hearing the words she had longed to hear. But the other half wanted to scream at hearing words she had never wanted to hear again. Her chest heaved as she struggled to hold her tears in. Why did this have to happen?

Kakashi's eye searched her face, nervous and... hopeful. "I couldn't tell you for a long time. But when I realized I might—might lose you, I knew it was my last chance. I had to say something." He awkwardly ran a hand through his hair. "Maa, it seems crazy, doesn't it? But—"

No. She couldn't let him say anything else, or she would crumble. "Of course you're attracted to me." Tsunade pointed at her face, hand trembling. "I—I look like this. You aren't the first, and you won't be the last."

Kakashi stared at her, but instead of getting angry as she'd expected, his gaze softened. "Then show me."

Why did he do this to her? Tsunade could only whisper, "What?"

Kakashi took another step toward her, gaze and voice steady. "Show me... you."

Terror stabbed Tsunade to her core. No, no, no. She turned away, unable to look Kakashi in the eye, and somehow managed a weak laugh. "How can you ask that of me? I haven't even—even seen your face."

Kakashi didn't answer. A breeze rustled the leaves overhead. At last, Tsunade couldn't stand the silence any longer. She forced herself to face Kakashi. Her stomach dropped.

No... he hadn't. He couldn't.

But Kakashi gazed back at her, expression vulnerable and open, his mask pulled down around his neck and forehead protector in his hand.

Tsunade couldn't swallow past the painful cramp in her throat. He was attractive, of course. That had been obvious even with the mask on. But the other things... the curve of his lower lip. The beauty mark below his mouth. Somehow... they almost seemed familiar. As if she'd seen his face before. But that was impossible. She knew he'd never shown anyone his face before. And that made the pain even greater.

"Kakashi..." Tsunade whispered, every syllable cutting her deeper. "It's not what you think. I don't—I don't even look fifty. Every time I use my Creation Rebirth... it ages my appearance many years over."

Kakashi closed the gap between them, and took Tsunade's hand, sending a tremor to her core. "Maa, do you really think I'm that shallow?"

Tsunade closed her eyes. Why was she fighting so hard? Once she showed him what she truly looked like, it would be over. Wasn't that what she wanted? Besides, he'd removed his mask for her. Only her. She wanted—needed—to return the gesture of trust, no matter how painful.

All right. Tsunade exhaled, and opened her eyes. But she fixed her gaze on her hand in Kakashi's as she released the transformation. She couldn't bear to see his face when he saw hers. Her skin wrinkled and sank, exposing veins. Whatever softness she'd had was gone, replaced by bony, withered fingers. Tsunade bit her lip, shame creeping over her. She knew what the rest of her looked like.

"Tsuna."

Kakashi's gentle, intimate use of her name sent her pulse racing. He ran his thumb across the back of her hand, and Tsunade shivered. Finally, she lifted her gaze to his, hating what she knew she would see. But Kakashi's lips were curved slightly, and his eyes held nothing but tenderness. "Do you think I fell for you because of how you look? This..." He lifted his free hand, and placed it against her cheek, his palm warming her skin. "This shows what you have given up for others."

Tsunade blinked back tears. She opened her mouth, but no words would come out. Why did he have to—

Kakashi released her hand, and slid his around her waist, his touch leaving burning trails across the bare skin of her back, exposed by the opening of her hospital gown. He pulled her close, pressing his body against hers, closing every space between them. Tsunade gasped, the warm pressure of his hips and chest sending fire through her veins. But she made no attempt to pull away. Instead, she gave in to her longing, leaning into his embrace. Why did it have to feel so... right? As his gaze pulled her in, she gave in to the words she'd wanted to say for so long. "Kakashi... I love you."

Kakashi's gaze dropped to her lips. He leaned down, whispering hoarsely, "Tsuna..."

Tsunade couldn't hold herself back any longer, nor did she want to. She tilted her face up and rose on her toes, meeting him halfway. When her lips met Kakashi's, warm and firm against hers, she forgot everything. Everything but Kakashi. She melted into him, unable to help the moan in her throat as she returned his kiss with all the feeling and emotion she had repressed.

And for the first time in twenty-seven years, the cold emptiness in her chest was gone, filled with glowing warmth. This... this was what it felt like to be completely, blissfully, happy.

Kakashi's fingers tangled in Tsunade's hair as he kissed her, never wanting to let her go. After she'd made the little moan in her throat, there had been no going back. If he had his way, he'd keep kissing her forever. She loved him. This... this was what he'd always wanted.

Finally, Kakashi pulled back, incapable of doing anything but gasp for breath. He kept his eyes closed, savoring the warmth of Tsunade's body. "Do you—do you remember when you asked what my dream was?"

Tsunade shifted closer, her voice breathless, "Hai."

Kakashi breathed in the scent of her hair, the silky strands brushing his face. "I couldn't answer you then, because I didn't have one. But now I know." She looked up at him, cheeks flushed, and his words faded to a rasp as he lost himself in her golden-brown eyes. "You, Tsuna. You are my dream."

Tsunade's gaze pulled him in, and her fingers slid along his jaw to frame his face, guiding him back down. "And this," she murmured, "was mine."

She kissed him again, and a warm fullness such as Kakashi had never felt before flooded his body; a sensation he didn't know how to describe. No, he did know. It was a feeling he had longed for, but had eluded him for the past twenty years.

Contentment. At last, he was at peace.

Tsunade shuddered against him, and abruptly pulled away. Kakashi reached for her, but she shook her head, eyes glistening. "Kakashi... we can't do this. I can't do this. I'm the hokage, and I have chosen Konoha first. I can't let myself put you before my duties, because if we—if we did this, I would.""

Ah. He should have expected reality would set in sooner rather than later. Kakashi nodded, though he'd known she would say that. Prepared for it, even. In fact, he would have been disappointed if she hadn't. But he knew what he wanted. He only hoped—with all of his heart—that Tsunade would want it too. "Hai, I know. But you won't be hokage forever."

Tsunade stared at him, eyes widening as she realized what he was saying. "Kakashi... I could be hokage for ten more years. Or longer."

"I know." Kakashi ran his thumb along her impossibly soft bottom lip, and brought his gaze back up to hers. "And I will wait. I'll wait for you as long as it takes."

"You must fight for what you love, no matter how long it takes."

And he intended to.

Tsunade paled, though the flush on her cheeks grew deeper. "Kakashi, I can't ask you to do that. What if—"

Kakashi silenced her with a kiss, and let his lips linger on hers, tasting her euphoric sweetness. But it was also bittersweet, knowing this would be their last for a long time. At last, he pulled back and rested his forehead against Tsunade's. "Tsuna. You are worth however long it takes. Will you wait with me?"

A tear traced down Tsunade's cheek, but her tremulous, beautiful smile set her eyes aglow, and he knew her answer before she whispered, "Hai, I will wait. As long as it takes."

Kakashi closed his eyes as he tightened his arms around her. Suddenly, the years ahead seemed like a lifetime. He savored the feel of Tsunade; the scent of her hair, the warmth of her skin. But if there was one thing he was certain of, it was worth it.

A/N: So, I know some of you might be disappointed that they're waiting before getting into a relationship, and I get that. However, after a lot of thought while I was plotting the story, this seemed like the decision their characters would make. Throughout the series, we constantly see them put their duties to Konoha first. I felt that if there was anything that might get in the way of that, they would set it aside. Anyway, just thought I'd let you guys in on my thought process behind that. :)

Tsuyna: Thanks for reviewing! Kakashi getting there in time is a first, isn't it? XD Ahem, yeah, sorry I didn't do a better job of explaining how the lightning chakra was a weakness for the chakra seal. Such things are not my forte. Aww, thank you! I hope it'll be worth looking forward to.

Square Mom Lover: Then my life is complete. XD But same, I totally adore Tsunade too. Please don't apologize! I'm sorry about your depression, and I understand. I'm glad I can give you something to look forward to! You're right, Kakashi will have deal with his past with Rin sooner or later. Well, looks like you won't have to wait for the kiss any longer. :) I hope it was worth the wait! OMG, you have no idea how happy you made me when you said you've been rereading this story. I'm thrilled you enjoy it that much! Thank you so much for always reviewing! :)

Lara500: Ahhh, thank you! Agreed! Hopefully this chapter at least somewhat gives you what you've been looking forward to. :) It was very satisfying to write.

MeticulousNotoriety: Thank you so much for your reviews! I really appreciate all of your complements. And yes to Tsunade and Naruto's relationship! I definitely wish they showed more of that in anime, but at least we've got fan fiction. Haha, I hope you managed to avoid most of the spoilers. You're right, that is the fic I was referring to. Thank you! Would it be wrong to say that your tears bring me happiness? XD I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!

Dobbyhasnomastr: I agree, Tsunade deserves all the happiness. I think even Kakashi hasn't realized how far he's willing to go for Tsunade (yet). Poor guy, she puts him through a lot. XD Sadly, we haven't seen the last of Danzō. Thank you so much for reviewing! :)

Miss Laury: Awww, yay! Your review gave me so many feels. That's the kind of thing writers love to hear. XD Great insights on Kakashi. You're spot on. I definitely agree about the Third Hokage. He's a very complex character, for sure, and I find it fascinating. Haha, I'm glad you got my Star Wars reference. As for the part when Tsunade was stabbed with the blood iron to protect Kakashi, that scene was actually one of first I had when I was plotting the story. I'm very pleased it brought on the feels. :) I'm liking your predictions! We'll see if any of them turn out true. And amen to everything you said about Sakura. Her character could have been unique and so much better, but instead she basically became a weaker version of Tsunade. Thank you so much for all of the complements! I'm very honored. I'm excited to see how this story ends too, especially since I'm still figuring out how to tie everything up. XD I agree, it's very important to enjoy what you're writing. Thank you for your thoughtfulness!

Alisa: Thank you so much! I actually didn't ship Tsunade with anyone either until I stumbling across Underneath Things by Jest'lyn Tal while looking for fics about Tsunade, and fell in love with the pairing. It made so much sense to me, so naturally, I had to write a story about it. XD

U3fan: Sometimes it takes the most dire of circumstances to make people realize what matters most and to finally do what needs to be done. I think that's what happened to Kakashi. XD Thank you! Honestly, I've been looking forward to you guys reading this chapter (26) since I published the story, lol.