A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Square Mom Lover, U3fan, MeticulousNotoriety, Ojay1307, Lara500, Miss Laury, and Alisa. I seriously have the best readers on this site, and there's no convincing me otherwise. XD Thank you all so much!

A small, warm hand gripped hers. "You'd better wake up, Tsunade-baachan. I'm not—not ready to be hokage yet."

"Tsunade-sama?" Shizune's suspicious voice penetrated through Tsunade's memories. "Is your report coming along well?"

Tsunade blinked, refocusing on the parchment in front of her. Two beads of ink had dripped from her pen, blotting out half of the single sentence she had written. She scowled. "I don't see why I have to write the report for Zabuki's attack. He impaled me; isn't that torture enough?"

Shizune cleared her throat. "Well... you were the one who fought him. As I recall, you forbade anyone else from assisting. Kakashi-san was only present for the last few minutes." She stepped closer; dark brows creased. "You look pale. Are you sure you don't want to spend one more night in the hospital?"

"No!" Her shout came out at a higher pitch than normal, and Tsunade cringed. Of course, Shizune didn't know what had happened in the hospital courtyard last night, but it didn't help that the heat of Kakashi's kisses were the first thing that came to mind. And the foolish smile that randomly seized her face would be a dead giveaway. "I am fine, Shizune. I was just thinking."

About Naruto. Which reminded her, she needed to go see him. Shizune looked doubtful, but Tsunade shrugged it off. As long as her assistant didn't guess what had actually happened last night, she could live with her nagging. Tsunade pushed back from her desk. "I need a break. I'll return shortly." Before Shizune could open her mouth, she held up a hand. "No drinking. I have an important meeting later today, remember?"

Shizune sighed with the resignation of someone who knew she had lost. "All right."

Tsunade answered with a wave as she strode out the door. Outside of the hokage tower, workers were clearing up the last of the rubble from her fight with Zabuki. She skirted around the damage, but several of the workers noticed her and bowed respectfully. A few even called out their gratitude for her protection of the village. She nodded in return, and continued on toward the orphanage with a smile. Moments like these reassured her that she'd made the right decision to become the Godaime Hokage. Forget Danzō. Forget the elders. This was where she was meant to be.

But her smile faded when she reached the orphanage. The very decrepit orphanage. Children lived here? Tsunade frowned as she mounted the creaking stairs. One of the sagging boards broke under her foot, and she cursed, barely catching herself from plunging through the gap. True, she'd been extremely busy since becoming hokage four months ago, but she should have made time to come here earlier. How had Hiruzen-sensei let the condition of the orphanage get so bad?

Well, at least she knew what she would have Shizune add to the top of her to-do list.

Tsunade knocked on a worn green door, and raised an eyebrow at the accompanying crash and yelp inside. A moment later, the door was flung open by Naruto, who was hopping on one foot, his face scrunched in pain. His blue eyes bugged out. "Tsunade-baachan? You're out of the hospital?" He hastily put his foot down and beamed. "You can come in if you want!"

"Thanks," Tsunade said dryly, and stepped inside. She took off her heels—and they dropped to the floor, forgotten, as she took in Naruto's room, horrified. "Naruto! What is all this?"

It was, for lack of a better word, a pigsty. Trash and leftover food covered the table, and random clothes were strewn around the room; on the bed, the chair, the floor. Wasn't there some kind of discipline here? Or were the children left to their own devices? One thing was for sure, she never would have Nawaki get away with this. And she wasn't about to let Naruto live in filth either.

"Oh..." Naruto scratched the back of his neck. "I would've cleaned up some if I knew you were coming. I don't, um, get visitors much."

Tsunade stilled, the pang in her chest sudden and aching. The poor kid never had anyone visit him? At that moment, she knew she would have Shizune make time in schedule every week to come to the orphanage. But she also knew Naruto didn't want her sympathy. So, she planted her hands on her hips and faced the room briskly. "Well, you have a visitor now. Let's get cleaning."

"Huh?" Naruto gaped her, his obvious excitement fizzling out. "But you're here—why do I have to clean?"

"Baka." Tsunade flicked his forehead, albeit gently. "We're going to clean, because I said so. Quit talking, and get to work. Your hokage has given you an order."

Naruto grumbled, but he obeyed. Tsunade removed her haori and hung it by the door. After ten minutes of searching, Naruto found a garbage bag to put all the trash in while Tsunade gathered up the dirty clothes. She took a single whiff and nearly gagged. She'd have to get these washed. Maybe twice.

An hour later, Tsunade looked around the room in satisfaction. They'd swept, dusted, and scrubbed. At least now it was livable. She braced her hands against her sore lower back and grimaced. Ugh. And she couldn't remember the last time she'd done this much menial labor.

Naruto, too, surveyed the room with the air of someone who had just conquered an enemy. "Hey, it looks pretty good, Tsunade-baachan!"

Tsunade smiled tiredly. "Hai."

"We deserve a reward after all that hard work!" Naruto declared, and walked to a small cabinet mounted into the wall. He opened it, revealing stacks of instant ramen. "It's my special stash," he added proudly. "Do you want miso or salt ramen?"

Tsunade opened her mouth to object to taking his food—but something in his expression stopped her. It reminded her of when Nawaki had saved up his money to take her out to eat on her birthday. At first, she hadn't wanted him to use his hard-earned money on her, but then she saw the pride in his face. And she'd understood. So, she sat in one of the chairs at Naruto's small table. "Miso, please."

"Good choice, Tsunade-baachan!" Naruto carefully warmed up both cups of ramen, then set Tsunade's in front of her with a grin. "Enjoy!"

"Thanks, Naruto." Tsunade returned his smile and peeled back the film to let the steam escape. Naruto was already hungrily slurping his. "I heard you came to visit me at the hospital."

Naruto reddened, but shoved ramen into his mouth before answering. "Oh, yeah. I wanted to make sure you were okay." He gulped his bite. "I waited with Kakashi-sensei, but he didn't talk much. He just stared at you."

It was Tsunade's turn to take a too-large mouthful of ramen. She sputtered and choked, finally forcing it down. Naruto stared at her, unblinking, through the whole ordeal, waiting expectantly. "Well... Kakashi isn't known for talking." But he excelled at kissing. She cleared her throat. Time to change the subject. "What do you say I come back to visit sometime? I could teach you some Taijutsu moves."

Naruto beamed, lighting up his entire face. "Sure, Tsunade-baachan! Just so long as we don't clean."

Tsunade smirked. "If you don't mess it up, we won't have to."

Naruto scowled, and turned back to his ramen. Tsunade glanced out the window. She'd have to return to the hokage tower soon, if she wanted to make it to her meeting with Danzō. But as she looked back at Naruto happily slurping his ramen, a warm peacefulness stole over her. A feeling she sensed she wouldn't be able to enjoy again for a while.

Perhaps she could stay a little longer.

Tsunade settled back on the couch in the private conference room and draped one leg over the other. She eyed the glaringly-empty table in front of her and sighed. If only sake was allowed in these meetings. It would make the tedious, headache-inducing hours much more bearable. But if she so much as mentioned sake in the presence of the elders during a council session, they would all likely die of heart attacks.

Still, she mused, that would solve a lot of problems. Tsunade shook herself in silent reprimand. That was a horrible thought. Besides, the elders wouldn't be here for this meeting. She'd only requested Danzō Shimura, and Kakashi and Shizune would be the only others present. Danzō had agreed to meet with her—not that he could refuse the hokage—but she hadn't specified the reason for the meeting. She hoped springing her accusations on him would give her the upper hand, for she knew all too well how slippery Danzō could be.

The door slid open, and Shizune entered. "Tsunade-sama, Danzō Shimura is here."

Tsunade nodded. If she could get through this without losing her temper, it would be a miracle. "Let him in."

Danzō shuffled in before Shizune could turn, bandaged face expressionless. His long, baggy robe almost gave the impression he was gliding, not walking like a mere mortal. Honestly, she didn't know how he kept from tripping on the ridiculous thing. He sat on the opposite couch and fixed Tsunade with his single eye. "Tsunade-sama."

"Danzō-san," she acknowledged. At least he'd had the courtesy to use her proper title.

A shadow darkened the doorway, and Kakashi slipped in as Shizune closed the door after him. The tension in Tsunade's neck eased. She'd known he would come, but it was still a relief to see him.

Kakashi placed himself behind Danzō, and leaned against the wall, arms crossed. He knew tactics, and his position was no accident. The opposer was between them, and only she could see him. He was giving her the best support he could. His posture was all business, which she appreciated, but the brief glimpse of warmth in his gaze was all for her. And that was all it took to bring back the memories of heated kisses, the closeness of warm bodies, and whispered promises. He loved her. He loved her for her. Her pulse throbbed in her throat. And that was a love worth waiting for.

Tsunade firmly directed her gaze back to Danzō. For heaven's sake. She had to focus, or this meeting would not go her way. Still, she indulged in the warmth spreading through her body for a moment. After twenty-seven years, she had almost forgotten that feeling. This... must be how it felt to no longer be alone.

Clearly, Danzō hadn't missed Kakashi's presence either. Without turning, he rasped, "It's been a while, Kakashi Hatake."

Kakashi didn't answer, and Tsunade knew he was deferring the floor to her. "Danzō-san." As his attention turned back to her, she continued, "We know you were behind the creation of the chakra seal that could have destroyed Konoha, and ultimately, nearly took my life. What was your purpose?"

She half-expected him to deny it, but Danzō didn't miss a beat. "I had my doubts about you becoming the Godaime Hokage, not the least of which is because you are woman. The council refused to listen to my concerns, so I decided to test you myself." His creased lips lifted in a mocking smile. "And, you passed."

Of all the arrogant men she'd met... Tsunade clenched her teeth. But before she could speak, an icy chill swept over her from the other side of the room. Kakashi was rigid, and his eye, hard and cold as steel, fixed on Danzō.

Unease prickled the back of her neck, and Tsunade focused back on Danzō before he noticed Kakashi. "You put all of Konoha in danger with your test. You had no authorization to do such a thing, and such behavior will not be tolerated while I am hokage. I have every intention of bringing this before the council."

Danzō snorted. "The elders follow my guidance, and are even more inclined to do so after all the problems you have caused." His eyelid drooped. "Do you really want to throw Konoha's leadership into chaos with such an accusation so early into your term as hokage? I'd hate for you look a fool... especially with so little evidence."

Tsunade's red nails dug into her palms so hard they bled. But no matter how much she wished it wasn't true, Danzō was right. She had no evidence. It would be her word against his, and it didn't take a genius to know whose side the elders would take. Stirring up the council even more than she already had would accomplish nothing. She stood, unable to do anything but fume. "I will be keeping my eye on you."

Danzō rose to his feet, eye glittering in triumph. "I expect no less. And, of course, I will be returning the favor, Tsunade-hime."

How she longed to put her fist through that smug face. "You are dismissed."

Danzō glided out without another word, and Shizune shut the door behind him, face pale. "Tsunade-sama, please don't destroy the room."

Tsunade ignored her, instead pacing furiously in front of the couch. "If only I could get that snake off the council. The nerve of him," she added fiercely, spinning to face Kakashi and Shizune, "setting up such a trap for me. How does he even have access to such sealing jutsus?"

Kakashi pushed off the wall stiffly. "Danzō had access to a lot of things; things he gained while the Sandaime was in office."

Tsunade rubbed her chin. That made sense. "Hiruzen-sensei always did have a soft spot for such shinobi. Orochimaru, as well, got away with many things." She set her mouth grimly. "Danzō won't find me so easy to deal with."

"Just tread carefully, Tsunade-sama," Shizune begged. "You heard what Danzō-san said. You're already on thin ice."

Tsunade sighed. "Hai, hai, I know." But how long would she have to deal with Danzō doing as he pleased? For all she knew, he could be plotting another way to get rid of her. She ran a hand down her face. "I just wish I didn't have to worry about him sticking a kunai in my back. Konoha is already unstable as it is."

Kakashi strode across the room, closing the gap between them, and grasped Tsunade's upper arms firmly, his touch heating to her core. Her stomach lurched at the intensity in his gaze, and she couldn't look away. He growled, "I won't let him hurt you again."

Kakashi released her and vanished from the room, leaving only a lingering scent of metal and pine. Tsunade gaped after him, knees weak. What on earth...? Suddenly, she remembered Shizune was still present, and promptly shut her mouth. Curse that overly-attractive man. She could only hope Shizune hadn't noticed her reaction. Or the fact that she was so flustered and hot she couldn't think straight.

But Shizune's curious gaze darted between Tsunade and the ajar door. "That was... interesting, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade bit back another curse. There were no good conclusions Shizune could draw from this. "What are you talking about? Personally, I think he's too over-protective. Annoying, isn't it?" Except it had been anything but. Tsunade turned away before Shizune could catch her incriminating expression, unable to hold in a smile. She walked to the door. "Come, Shizune. Let's get back to work."

Thankfully, Shizune followed silently with no further mention of Kakashi. Likely, she didn't want to risk Tsunade's willingness to work.

Tsunade's smile faded. But the coldness in Kakashi's gaze when he'd looked at Danzō concerned her. She'd never seen him with such an expression, and it bothered her more than she cared to admit. That coldness... it wasn't the Kakashi she knew.

Surely, he wouldn't do anything stupid. Tsunade sighed, and sat heavily at her desk. Nevertheless, her uneasiness persisted.

All would have taken was a moment; a moment and he could have been across the room, his Chidori through Danzō's chest. The desire to do so had almost been more than he could bear. But he hadn't. For Tsunade's sake. He couldn't let her be associated with such an act. Not after everything she'd already gone through.

Was he truly ready to do this? Kakashi ran his thumb over the photo of Tsunade's face, which he'd taken from her file yesterday after the meeting with Danzō. Just the thought of that man filled him with cold rage.

Kakashi gritted his teeth. He'd made her a promise—one he intended to keep—but there were other things at stake now. As soon as Danzō had confessed his failure to kill Tsunade, Kakashi had known he had to make a choice. Though, really, it hadn't been a choice at all. Would he selfishly stay with Tsunade while waiting to fulfill their promise, risking her life and Konoha's safety in the process? Or would he do what needed to be done and accept the consequences, no matter how painful?

As he'd stood in the hokage's conference room, he'd already known his decision. So, he'd taken the picture of Tsunade to underscore his resolve. She might hate him after this, but he had to keep her safe. That was more important than anything else.

Kakashi sighed, and lifted his gaze to the sparse surroundings of his apartment. How often had he sat here, the acute pain of loneliness piercing every fiber of his being? He'd been fine with it, wallowing in the past and his guilt. Thinking he deserved it. Until Tsunade. Until she became his dream. Until her kisses.

Her kisses. Kakashi closed his eyes. Gods, help him. How quickly she had become his everything... and that was why he had to do this. But first, there were a few things he had to take care of. If he wanted to move on with Tsunade someday—and he did, more than anything—he had to let go of the past. More than that, he had to forgive himself. No matter how hard it was. Kakashi opened his eye. Stared at Tsunade's picture; memorizing every detail of her face. His chest tightened painfully, and he tucked the photo into his shirt, next to his heart. He would need it to keep going.

Kakashi straightened his forehead protector and pulled on his flak jacket, then headed out to the hokage building. It was time to let go, and he wanted Tsunade with him. He didn't know if he could do it without her. The doors to the hokage's office were closed and the murmur of voices inside stopped him from knocking. So, Kakashi leaned against the wall in the corridor to wait, hands in his pockets. Almost unconsciously, he began picking out the different voices with his sensitive hearing, thanks to his Inuzuka blood.

"... are you certain we have three years?" Tsunade, of course. He would know her voice anywhere.

"Hai. When I confronted Orochimaru, he told me what he knows of the Akatsuki, and he seemed sincere." Jiraiya, sounding uncharacteristically serious. He had returned from Sound, then. "I would like to take Naruto to train with me. He needs to be ready when the Akatsuki make their move, and it will keep him occupied while Sasuke is gone."

"It's a good plan, Tsunade-sama." Shizune.

"I know that." Tsunade sounded tired. "I just think..."

The voices faded, and Kakashi didn't try to listen any longer. Strangely, he only felt relief. At least Jiraiya had returned safely. Naruto would be taken care of. But Sakura... who would take her on when he was gone? He frowned. He should have thought of that earlier.

The door opened, and Jiraiya strode out. His eyebrows lifted slightly when he caught sight of Kakashi, but he only offered a nod and continued down the hall. Kakashi watched him go apprehensively. Did the white-haired Sannin know about him and Tsunade? Everyone knew that Jiraiya had harbored certain feelings for Tsunade for a very long time. Feelings that Tsunade hadn't returned. Still... Jiraiya spent plenty of time with other women, so how strong could his feelings for Tsunade truly be? Kakashi shrugged it off. What did it matter? Jiraiya could live how he wanted.

"Kakashi-san?"

Kakashi blinked, and turned toward the office. Shizune stood in the doorway, staring at him. How long had she been calling his name? Shizune tilted her head. "Were you wanting to speak to the hokage?"

"Hai." Kakashi dipped his head. "It will only take a moment."

"Come in, then. She has time to see you now."

Kakashi followed Shizune in, and she closed the door behind him. Tsunade stood by her desk, rubbing her temples. Her gaze locked on Kakashi, and though she tried to hide it, he sensed her surprise. "Kakashi? Did you need something?"

All too aware of Shizune watching behind him, Kakashi slid his hands into his pockets. "I have a request, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade's blonde eyebrows lifted. "What is it?"

"I need a half-hour of your time." Kakashi cleared his throat, hating how asking for help made him feel. "I have something I want to show you."

Concern flickered through Tsunade's golden-brown eyes before she turned to Shizune, masking it with an indifferent, "Shizune?"

Shizune nodded eagerly, looking altogether too much like she was watching a favorite drama. "You have time this evening, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade's gaze narrowed dangerously at her assistant. Shizune shrank back, apparently realizing her mistake, but she failed to hide a smug smile when Tsunade turned back to Kakashi. "Where do I meet you, then?"

Kakashi hesitated, but it was too late to back out now. "The... entrance to the cemetery."

Shizune's smirk vanished as she looked between Kakashi and Tsunade, clearly perplexed at the rather unromantic rendezvous. Kakashi might have found the situation amusing if he didn't feel the heaviness of what was to come weighing on his shoulders.

Tsunade studied him, but unlike Shizune, her careful expression revealed nothing. "I will be there at sunset."

"Thank you, Tsunade-sama." Kakashi bowed, then took his leave.

Kakashi leaned against a tree outside of the cemetery, watching the sun set in fiery shades of red-gold, pink, and purple. A breeze whispered through the leaves, surrounding him with a peacefulness he didn't feel.

Still, considering this would likely be his last night in Konoha, the sunset was very majestic, indeed. After he left the hokage building, he'd made it a point to speak to all of his comrades who were in the village. Guy and Asuma, who had just returned from missions, Genma, Anko, Iruka, and Sakura—who had mentioned she wanted to start learning medicine, to his great relief. Only Kurenai was still absent on a mission. And though he had searched high and low, he hadn't found Naruto anywhere. After his meeting with Tsunade, he'd go look—

"Hey, look! It's Kakashi-sensei!"

Kakashi lifted his head as two figures approached. Naruto, running toward him excitedly, followed by Jiraiya. "Maa, Naruto. It's good to see you."

"Hai!" Naruto bounded to a stop in front of him, grinning hugely. "Guess what, Kakashi-sensei? In a few days, I'm leaving to travel and learn new jutsus with Pervy Sage! We'll be gone for three years, so don't expect the same old Naruto when I get back! I'll probably be even stronger than you."

Kakashi smiled and ruffled Naruto's blond spikes, ignoring the pang in his chest. Would he ever see his student again? "Maa, I'm sure you will be. Jiraiya-san has a lot to teach you, so make sure you listen."

"You bet I will! Believe it!" Naruto rubbed his stomach. "And we're going to eat lots of ramen, right, Pervy Sage?"

Jiraiya chuckled. "Sure. Along with lots of research." His piercing gaze settled on Kakashi. "A nice night, isn't it, Kakashi-san?"

"Hai. That it is." Kakashi wasn't fooled. Jiraiya clearly sensed he had more plans than lounging around the cemetery. Perhaps he had even guessed what Kakashi intended to do. He held Jiraiya's gaze. "The kind of night I like to recall when Konoha is far away. Though I fear this time, the absence will be even longer for me."

Jiraiya's white brows lowered, as if his suspicions had been confirmed. But Naruto squinted in confusion as he tried to follow the conversation. "Are you leaving on a long mission too, Kakashi-sensei?"

"You could say that, Naruto-kun." Kakashi swallowed past the painful clamp around his throat. "It might be a while before I see you again."

Naruto was silent for a moment, apparently digesting that information. Before Kakashi realized what was happening, his hyperactive student had wrapped his arms around Kakashi's waist and squeezed. "Goodbye, Kakashi-sensei!" Kakashi was too stunned to do anything besides give Naruto a couple of pats on the back. Naruto pulled back and flashed a wide grin. "I'll remember everything you taught me!"

Unexpected warmth filled his chest, and Kakashi smiled fondly. Maybe he hadn't completely failed as a teacher. "Become a great shinobi, Naruto. And an even greater hokage."

"Hai, sensei!" Naruto turned and started down the pathway. "C'mon, Pervy Sage! You said we'd get ramen tonight!"

Jiraiya started after Naruto, but Kakashi called after him in a low voice, "Jiraiya-san."

The white-haired Sannin turned, and Kakashi clenched his fingers into fists. "Take—take care of her."

Jiraiya studied him, the shadows making the Sannin's creased face look older than his fifty-one years. He crossed his arms over his thick chest. "She may not forgive you for this."

"I know." The words hurt even more than the painful constricting in Kakashi's chest. "But I have to do it."

Jiraiya sighed wearily. "I understand. Do what you must, Hatake. I won't stop you."

Kakashi gave him a nod, and watched silently as Jiraiya strode after Naruto. The last light of the sun cast long shadows, and only a minute passed before he sensed Tsunade approaching behind him. Suddenly, the ache grew so much he couldn't breathe. Did he truly want to do this? He closed his eye. He could still feel the weight of Tsunade's dying body in his arms, her ragged breathing piercing his soul.

He opened his eye. Yes. He was sure.

"Kakashi?" Tsunade stopped a couple of feet away, her arms folded. This time, she didn't attempt to hide the concern in her voice. "Is something wrong?"

"No." The partial lie left a bitter taste on his tongue. Kakashi faced her, letting his gaze linger over the way the moonlight highlighted her blonde hair, cheekbones, and soft lips. "I'm ready to say goodbye. And I wanted you with me."

Tsunade looked past him to the cemetery, and her expression softened in understanding. "I see." She moved to his side and slid her hand around his arm, giving him a gentle squeeze. "I'm here."

Her closeness warmed him, and Kakashi let out a slow breath. Maybe this wouldn't be as hard as he'd thought. They walked into the cemetery, and he led the way to Minato-sensei's grave first. He stopped in front of the smooth headstone, set next to Kushina's, and swallowed. "Goodbye, Minato-sensei. I might have failed you when it mattered most, but I will use everything you taught me. Thank you."

Kakashi blinked hard, but he turned to head to the memorial stone. He'd already spent too much time here, in the past. He didn't want to linger here any longer. Tsunade stayed at his side as they walked through the dark trees. She didn't say anything, and she didn't need to. Her presence was all he needed.

The moon shone down on the solitary memorial stone in the circular clearing. Kakashi brushed his calloused fingertips across Obito Uchiha's engraved name, and bowed his head. "Obito, I am the shinobi I am today because of you. Thank you for showing me what is most important."

Kakashi lifted his head and Tsunade's fingers around his arm tightened. The burden on his shoulders had eased, but the next one would be the hardest. He placed his hand over Tsunade, and the warmth of her touch gave him the courage to keep moving. At last, they stopped in front of Rin's grave.

Kakashi pulled away from Tsunade, and crouched in front of Rin's headstone. Regret and grief threatened to crush him, but he lifted his gaze to her name, though it was hard to see through the blur of unshed tears. "Rin..." he rasped. His throat seized, and he couldn't speak. He had killed her with his own hand. How could he let that go? How could he say goodbye, when he was the reason she was gone?

A hand rested gently on his shoulder, and Kakashi looked up at Tsunade. Her golden-brown eyes glistened with tears, and shone with compassion, understanding... and love for him. "It's time, Kakashi. You can let it go."

Kakashi held Tsunade's gaze for a long moment as he gathered his strength. He exhaled shakily, and faced Rin's headstone, every muscle tense and knotted. Tsunade was right. It was time. "Rin, I—I will always regret I could not save you. But for your sake, I will move on. I will give Konoha what you could not."

Something released deep in his chest, and this time, Kakashi couldn't stop the tears. He lowered his head, shoulders trembling as tears fell freely to the grass. Tsunade knelt next to him, and her arms wrapped around him, pulling him close. As if her touch had broken the last barrier, Kakashi turned and buried his face in her chest, finally letting himself cry. Tsunade didn't move, just silently held him.

At last, Kakashi took in a shuddering breath. His eyes and throat ached, but he felt…lighter. Lighter than he had in years. He straightened, and his gaze fell to Tsunade's bare skin, glistening wet from his tears. The tears he'd never let anyone see before. He raised his gaze to Tsunade, hoping he could convey what he felt. "Thank you." He took both of her hands in his and helped her to her feet. "You have showed me there is more to life than the past. It is... freeing."

Tsunade smiled, and shifted closer to rest her head against his shoulder. "There is nothing harder than letting go. But there is nothing better than being free, and living the life you were meant to live."

"Hai." Kakashi wrapped his arm around Tsunade's waist, holding her close. If he could stay here forever with Tsunade next to him, he would. But he couldn't. Still, he let the moment linger a few seconds longer before he reluctantly murmured, "We'd better go, or people will begin to wonder where we are."

Tsunade sighed. "Hai, and I still have a mountain of paperwork to finish."

Kakashi swallowed past the ache in his chest. Though she didn't know it, this was his goodbye to her too. And he couldn't let her leave like this. He faced her, and tipped her face up to his, letting his hand rest against her jaw. He stroked her impossibly smooth cheek with his thumb. "Thank you, Tsuna. For coming with me."

A blush darkened Tsunade's cheeks, and a soft smile curved her lips. She covered his hand with hers, sending a tingle down his arm. "Of course." She pulled back, leaving his hand cold and empty. "Goodbye, Kakashi."

Kakashi watched Tsunade leave, her last, lingering glace over her shoulder saying everything she couldn't. He continued staring after her even after she vanished in the darkness, searing the image in his mind. He stood motionless for a long moment, then spun with a wordless cry, punching the nearest tree trunk with all his strength. The bark split under his fist and crumbled to the ground. Panting, he slammed his fist into the bare wood again and again, until his knuckles dripped with blood.

Tsunade was worth it. Even if he never saw her again, she was worth it.

Kakashi closed his eye, summoning the coldness he'd needed as an Anbu, but hadn't used in years. He'd never thought he would need it again, but the familiar chill came back easier than he'd thought.

Kakashi opened his eye and pushed up his forehead protector, revealing his Sharingan. He gazed at the buildings of Konoha, shrouded in darkness. Just like the shadows, he would move unseen to complete his mission.

Danzō Shimura's time was up.

Square Mom Lover: Ahhhh, thank you! :D I'm so, so happy you loved it! But no dying, please. XD Honestly, I could never figure out why they didn't deal with Danzō sooner in the anime. Plot, I suppose. I'm glad you thought their decision was realistic! I was hoping it would seem that way. You have no idea how pleased I am that you loved it, lol.

U3fan: It's been a long wait, hasn't it? XD We'll see how well Kakashi's plan to deal with Danzō goes... Thank you for reviewing!

MeticulousNotoriety: Thank you so much! :D This chapter was actually one of the first I plotted out when I was brainstorming the story, and it's also where I got the title from, lol. Yay, I'm so happy you love it! :)

Ojay1307: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Certainly! I would be glad to help you out. I sent you a pm.

Lara500: Aww, thank you so much! :D I'm thrilled it's your favorite chapter. I was hoping you would like it! Sorry not sorry for all the heartbreak. XD

Miss Laury: OMG, thank you so much! Your review made my day and made me so happy. :D I'm liking your predictions! But I'd better not say anymore on that, bc spoilers. XD Yeah, I think her relationships with Kakashi and Naruto are the main reasons for new meaning in her life. Strange how they both kind of fill the holes left by Dan and Nawaki, huh? Heh, yeah, Shizune definitely knows something is up. XD I admit, I also love it when Tsunade is flustered around Kakashi. It's fun to write, especially since she doesn't get flustered by anything/anyone else. (It's totally destiny) And they're a couple in my heart, too. XD Can I just say how happy your tears made me? It's very fulfilling. 'So close, yet so far.' Very true. ;) Thank you! I hope you and your family stay safe as well. :)

Alisa: Thank you so much! :D I'm so glad you're enjoying it! It won't be easy, for sure. But no great thing comes without hardship, right? XD For some reason, your review isn't coming up on the site yet, but I did get the email notification.