A/N: This chapter is dedicated to Tsuyna, Ojay1307, biliamcollins680, TranquilPanda, and Square Mom Lover. Thank you so much for reviewing! I really, really, appreciate all of you taking the time to give feedback. :)

One day.

One day had passed since Kakashi Hatake had disappeared after killing Danzō Shimura. The council had immediately demanded that Kakashi be labeled a missing-nin, and Tsunade had no choice but to acquiesce. The entire village was in shock; his fellow shinobi betrayed; and already old names had begun to circulate among those who had always had suspicions about the enigmatic copy-ninja.

Cold-blooded Kakashi.

Killer Kakashi.

Tsunade clenched her teeth. Every time she heard the names, spoken in fear or mockery, it took all of her self-control not to pound the truth into their thick, idiotic skulls. But they didn't know Kakashi like she did. And, if she were honest, the desire to punch someone came from her need to vent her grief and frustration, not their stupidity.

But she was the hokage. The leader who had to hold it together for everyone else. And so, no one could know how she truly felt.

How her world had come crashing down when she'd found Kakashi's forehead protector on his pillow. How she had cried herself to sleep last night. How, even now, she felt nothing but a hollow emptiness inside. Why? she asked herself every few minutes. She knew why, but she couldn't accept it. Not yet.

Tsunade slid open the left-hand drawer in her desk, and stared at the gleaming forehead protector folded inside. She closed her eyes briefly. She still had all of Konoha to look after and protect, and she had no intention of letting them down... but this was going to hurt for a long time. And right now, she was barely holding on.

"You know... staring at it isn't going to bring him back."

Tsunade scowled down at the pug sitting next to her desk. She knew that, but being told so by a dog wasn't helping her mood. But for Kakashi's sake, she could put up with it. Pakkun had appeared outside of her home that morning, and had simply said that Kakashi had sent him, and that he wasn't leaving. For a moment, overwhelming rage had washed over Tsunade, and she had nearly sent the hapless pug flying across the yard. She didn't want a dog. She wanted Kakashi. But her anger faded the instant it arrived, leaving behind an aching sense of comfort. So, she had agreed to let the pug come to the office with her.

But, clearly, they were going to go through some growing pains. Tsunade tapped her red nails on the armrest. "Why did Kakashi have to send me the most irritating of his ninken?"

Pakkun blinked, though he didn't seem offended. Perhaps Kakashi had warned him about his new master's personality. Tsunade smiled inwardly at the thought, then realized Pakkun was talking. "Because Kakashi trusts me the most. I was the first of his ninken, and we have been together since he was four years old." If possible, his beady eyes seemed to soften. "He must care about you a lot."

Emotion clogged her throat, and Tsunade had to look away, unable to answer. Shizune was watching her, expression filled with sympathy, but she remained silent. Tsunade couldn't have been more grateful. She tried to focus on the papers on the desk, but her vision was too blurred to make out the—

The door burst open, and Naruto charged in, followed closely by one of the chūnin who was supposed to watch the entrance. "How could you let Kakashi-sensei go?!" His blue eyes blazed with all of the anger and grief Tsunade had hidden deep inside. "First Sasuke, now Kakashi-sensei!"

Tsunade stood, though her heart broke for him. How could she explain it, when she didn't even understand it herself? She sighed wearily. "Naruto..."

"No!" Naruto stopped in the middle of the office, feet planted wide apart, and stabbed his blunt index finger at her. "You aren't worthy of the title Hokage! If you're not going to do anything, then I'll bring back Kakashi-sensei and Sasuke myself, and you can't stop me!" He added fiercely, "Kakashi-sensei cared about you, Tsunade-baachan, so how could you let this happen to him?"

"ENOUGH!" At Tsunade's thunderous shout, Naruto shrank back. Shizune's and the chūnin's eyes widened in shock. Without taking her gaze from Naruto, Tsunade pointed at the door. "Both of you, out. I wish to speak to Naruto."

Naruto crossed his arms and scowled as Shizune and the chūnin slipped out, shutting the door firmly behind them. Tsunade stood tall, her spine ramrod straight, but inside she was crumbling. As hard as it would be, Naruto needed to know the truth. And if he still wanted to blame her after that, so be it.

"Let me make one thing clear: you are not going after Kakashi and Sasuke." Naruto opened his mouth, but Tsunade cut him off. "You are right. I never thought myself worthy of being hokage, and I doubt myself every day. But right now, I'm all Konoha has, and I am doing my best." So far, her best hadn't been good enough, but there was no point in saying that. She was barely holding herself together as it was. "I'm not supposed to speak of this to anyone, but I am going to trust you with it."

Tsunade walked around to stand at the side of her desk, resting one hand on the smooth, polished top to keep herself steady. Naruto watched her, blue eyes wide, but still guarded. She exhaled. She could do this. "Kakashi left because he had no choice. We discovered Danzō Shimura was behind the chakra-seal because he was against me becoming hokage and wanted the position for himself. Without my knowledge, Kakashi took it upon himself to kill Danzō... to protect me. If he hadn't left, the village council would have sentenced him to be imprisoned for life, if not executed, for such a crime."

Naruto gaped at her. Tsunade swallowed, and lowered her head so Naruto wouldn't see the tears threatening to spill free. "Sometimes, as hokage you have to make decisions you don't want to make and do things you—you don't want to do."

Small, warm arms wrapped around her with surprising strength, and Naruto's voice was unusually quiet as he murmured, "I'm sorry, Tsunade-baachan. I didn't mean it."

If she'd had any less strength of will, Tsunade would have broken down right there. Oh, Naruto. She hugged him back, soaking in the comfort of his small, but strong, body. And somehow, in that moment, she finally felt that everything would be all right. She could do this.

"Ah! May I join in?"

Tsunade lifted her head to glare at Jiraiya and his cheesy grin, though it was in jest. "No."

"Pity." Jiraiya's gaze dropped to Naruto, who had pulled away from Tsunade, looking more than a little embarrassed. She smiled. They had their moments, but boys were still boys.

"H-hey! What are you doing here, Pervy Sage?" Naruto awkwardly scrubbed a hand through his yellow spikes.

"To pick you up." Jiraiya nodded at Tsunade, but she didn't miss his quick inspection of her that he attempted to hide. But this time, she couldn't be mad. Jiraiya was infuriating at times, but he did care about her as only an old teammate could. Apparently, whatever he saw satisfied him, because he turned his attention back to Naruto. "Didn't Tsunade tell you?"

Naruto squinted. "Tell me what?"

Tsunade sighed. Idiots. Hadn't they planned this days ago? Whatever else they were, Naruto and Jiraiya were perfectly suited for each other. "Today you are leaving for your apprentice journey with Jiraiya. I'm sure that when you return, you will be ready to bring Sasuke back."

"Right!" Naruto beamed. "And I'll bring back Kakashi-sensei too. I won't let you down, Tsunade-baachan. Believe it!"

"Hai. A man always keeps his word." Tsunade smiled fondly, and with a pang, realized how much she was going to miss Naruto. But she couldn't make herself tell him that the only way Kakashi could come back was if the council decided to pardon him. And that wouldn't be happening any time soon, especially after they had dismissed her from the last meeting when she hadn't been able to listen to them disparage Kakashi any longer. Someday, she promised herself. Someday, he would return. He had to. Because she couldn't live with the thought of never seeing Kakashi again. They had a promise to fulfill.

Jiraiya grunted. "Come, Naruto. We should get going."

"Hai, hai." Naruto started for the door, but waved over his shoulder at Tsunade. "Bye, Tsunade-baachan! I'll be back before you know it!"

Tsunade smiled. "Goodbye, Naruto." Jiraiya started after his student, but she couldn't help calling his name, and Jiraiya turned. She swallowed painfully. "Keep an eye on him."

Jiraiya grinned, the big, goofy grin he'd had since childhood. It never failed to simultaneously annoy and reassure her, which he no doubt knew. "Ah, don't you worry yourself. I'll take care of him."

Tsunade nodded. She knew he would, but that didn't stop the ache in her heart from growing as Naruto and Jiraiya disappeared, the door closing behind them. So... this was what it felt like to be left behind. She sighed, and turned to walk back to her desk—nearly stepping on Pakkun. She glared at the pug, and when he merely stared at her instead of moving, she stepped around him with a huff. "What do you want?"

"Nothing." Pakkun shrugged, and flopped on his side with a grunt. "But now I see why Kakashi cares for you so much."

Tsunade sank into her chair, gripping the armrests. Were all of their conversations going to revolve around Kakashi? But her curiosity got the best of her, and she eyed the pug in her peripheral vision, clearing her throat. "Really."

"You have the Will of Fire," the pug stated simply. "Worthy of the title of Hokage, and worthy of Kakashi's love."

Tsunade suddenly found it hard to speak, and she blinked rapidly. How had a dog made her so emotional? Still, maybe having him around wouldn't be such a pain after all. She managed a grateful smile. "Thank you, Pakkun."

Pakkun only nodded. Then he held up a forepaw, exposing soft pink pads. "You can touch my pads, if you want. I've heard it's soothing."

Tsunade stared blankly at the pug and his pink pads, unsure if she'd heard correctly. "I... um..."

A knock on the door, and Shizune stuck her head inside. "Tsunade-sama, you have an important visitor."

Tsunade immediately turned from Pakkun, unable to hide her relief. Touch his pads? How did one even go about answering that? "Who is it?"

"The Anbu Tenzō."

Tenzō? Any thoughts of Pakkun vanished from her mind, and Tsunade straightened in her chair with a frown. If her most elite Anbu was here, it had to be important. "Send him in."

Tenzō strode in wordlessly, wearing his full Anbu uniform and porcelain cat mask. He stopped in front of her desk, and bowed. "Hokage-sama. Thank you for seeing me without appointment."

Tsunade tipped her head at Shizune, and her assistant slipped out the door, closing it firmly behind her. She directed her gaze back to Tenzō. "Of course. What brings you here?"

Tenzō shifted, then removed his cat mask, revealing his young, broad features. "I came here not as an Anbu, but as a shinobi with a request. You recall that I was once in Danzō's Root along with Kakashi Hatake."

It wasn't a question; just a confirmation. Tsunade nodded. "Hai."

"Now that Danzō is dead, knowledge of his experiments and deeds are leaking out in spite of our attempt to keep them secret." Tenzō's grip on his mask tightened. "As a result, the members of Root, though they are loyal to Konoha, are being ostracized and treated poorly as a result of being affiliated with Danzō."

Tsunade sighed. Danzō. How many times had she cursed that name since his death five days ago? Since then, she had discovered that Danzō's treachery ran deeper than even she had known. With the help of Shikaku Nara, Shizune, and her Anbu, they had begun the long, arduous process of going through all of his files—and everything that hadn't been in his files. It sickened her; both the atrocities Danzō had committed, and that her old sensei, Hiruzen, had allowed it to go on for so long. "I agree, it is a problem, but..." But there were so many problems that had arisen as a result of Danzō's death that she didn't even know where to start. "What do you think we should do?"

Tenzō blinked, clearly not expecting the question. But after only a moment of hesitation, he said firmly, "Kakashi Hatake."

Tsunade stiffened, then silently reprimanded herself. How long would it take before the mention of his name no longer brought an aching pain? She closed her eyes briefly to regain her composure. "What about him?"

Without missing a beat, Tenzō continued, "Like I said, I was in Root and an Anbu with him. I know he is a good man. Consider sending the Root members to him, at least until the village forgets or is ready to accept them. Many of them are still young, and they all know Kakashi and look up to him. He will take care of them."

Tsunade rested her chin on her fist and gazed at Tenzō. It was a good idea. A very good idea, actually. But before taking such an action, she should consult the village council—no. She straightened, slamming her palm on her desktop. To hell with the council. If they wanted to punish her for this, they could. "Go, then. I leave it your hands."

The barest hint of a smile creased Tenzō's stoic face. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama."

The Anbu left without another word, and Tsunade sank back into her chair with a heavy sigh as Shizune reentered the office. Was this how her former sensei had felt as the Sandaime? Overwhelming exhaustion and pressure from all sides? She tipped her head back and announced, "I'm going drinking tonight."

Instead of objecting, Shizune's gaze was sympathetic. "I won't try to stop you this time, Tsunade-sama. But only for today."

A knock came from the office door, and Tsunade narrowed her eyes at the entrance, suppressing another sigh. Did everyone have urgent matters to discuss today? "Who is it now?"

Shizune peered out. A moment passed, and she glanced back over her shoulder. "It's Sakura Haruno, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade stared at Shizune blankly. "Who is that?"

Shizune cleared her throat. "The last member of Kakashi Hatake's team. I believe you met her at the hospital?"

Oh, right. Tsunade pushed away a surge of guilt. The pink-haired girl who had been so concerned about Sasuke Uchiha. And with Naruto, Sasuke, and now Kakashi gone, she should have thought of the girl sooner. "Let her in, then."

Sakura Haruno shuffled inside; one skinny arm wrapped around her stomach. Wide green eyes met Tsunade's, and she stammered, "H-hai, Tsunade-sama."

Tsunade couldn't help raising an eyebrow. This girl was training to be a kunoichi? She needed to get herself a heaping dose of self-confidence. She pinned the girl with a steely stare. "Hai. What brings you to my office?"

Sakura's mouth opened and closed. "I—I wanted... that is..." She straightened her shoulders and blurted, "I want you to train me!"

Tsunade frowned. Was she serious? She glanced at Shizune, but her assistant looked as confused as she was. She'd never considered taking another student, but maybe it would be good for her. She studied Sakura Haruno. Assuming there was more to this little genin than met the eye. "Why?"

Sakura stared at her feet, then seemed to remember herself and swung her gaze back up to meet Tsunade's. "Because—because both of my teammates are gone and training to get stronger. I want to get stronger too." She shifted, and her voice faded to a whisper, "I don't want be a burden anymore."

Interesting. Tsunade rested her elbows on her desk and laced her fingers. "And you think I'm the best person to teach you?"

"Hai!" Sakura lifted her chin in determination. "Everyone knows you're the most powerful kunoichi in the world, and I want to be like you."

Tsunade fought a smile. "Is that so? If you want to be like me, you will have to work harder than you have ever worked in your life. And you have to want it with your whole heart. Can you do that?"

Sakura's green eyes widened with hope. "Hai, Tsunade-sama!"

Tsunade eyed her for a long moment, though she'd already come to a decision. If nothing else, she owed it to Kakashi to look out for his last student. Though she'd meant to make Sakura sweat, the pink-haired genin didn't fidget. In fact, she didn't even seem to be breathing as she stared at Tsunade intently, waiting for her answer.

The door flew open and a blonde girl stalked inside, her pale blue eyes fixed on Sakura. "Forehead! What do you think you're doing? You heard I was going to ask Tsunade-sama to train me, didn't you? So, you just thought you'd get here first, didn't you? That's so wrong!"

Tsunade blinked. This girl had nerve, bursting into her office like that. She was Ino Yamanaka, wasn't she? The female member of the new Ino-Shika-Cho team led by Asuma Sarutobi.

Sakura flushed red, her gaze darting between Tsunade and Ino. "No! Well... I—I did hear you say that, but I already had the idea. It's not my fault you're so slow, Ino-pig!"

"Ugh! First Sasuke, now Hokage-sama." Finally, Ino faced Tsunade and seemed to realize what she had done. "Oh! I'm so sorry, Tsunade-sama. I didn't mean to—I mean, I saw Sakura coming here, and I couldn't let her steal my spot." She shot a glare at Sakura. "And I'm not slow! You're a cheater!"

Sakura clenched her fists, looking like she wanted to take a swing at Ino. "I got to Tsunade-sama first, so deal with it!"

"Quiet, both of you." Tsunade stood before the arguing could go any further. The girls froze, staring at her. She fought to keep her face stern, though she found the entire situation amusing. It seemed Sakura did possess a backbone, and Ino had found it. "I don't tolerate pettiness." Though she could be quite petty herself, but that wasn't the point. The girls stammered apologies, but she ignored them. "However, you both seem to push each other, which I think is needed. So…I will train both of you for one month." Ino brightened and Sakura's face crumpled in relief, but Tsunade continued before either could speak, "Then I will decide if either of you have what it takes to be my student."

Sakura clasped her hands. "Thank you, Tsunade-sama!"

"I won't let you down!" Ino added, determination settling over her features.

Tsunade sat back in her chair and crossed one leg over the other as she observed her new apprentices practically bouncing on their toes. Hmm. Perhaps it was necessary to let them know what kind of teacher she was. "Keep in mind, I am not going to go easy on either of you. In fact, you will both likely wish you are dead."

Sakura paled and Ino blinked rapidly. But Ino straightened and bowed her head, and Sakura followed suit a moment later. In unison, they said, "Hai, Sensei."

Tsunade watched the two girls leave the office, and Shizune shut the door behind them. Strangely, she had another urge to smile. At that moment, the next month didn't look bleak. She pushed to her feet and walked to the window overlooking Konoha. The sunset streaked the sky with pink and gold, and set the rooftops aglow. She sighed. Was Kakashi watching this same sunset, and thinking of her as she was thinking of him?

Shizune appeared next to her and made no attempt to hide the concern in her gaze. "What is it, Tsunade-sama?"

Tsunade crossed her arms as she lowered her gaze to watch the people of Konoha moving peacefully along the streets. The sight warmed her, and this time she gave in to a slight smile. "Well... life goes on, doesn't it?"

Shizune returned the smile, and turned her own gaze to the village. "Hai, it does."

Tsunade stood at the window and watched the sun set over Konoha in silence until the last sliver of light vanished behind the horizon.

One week.

One week since he'd left Konoha. Kakashi stepped over a fallen tree and scanned the small clearing. This would do. Of all the places he'd camped the past week, he'd rate this one in the top three. Satisfied, he summoned a shadow clone to scout, and sat heavily on the dead tree to rummage through his pack for food.

Unfortunately, all that resulted from his search was a canteen half full of lukewarm water. Kakashi sighed, and absently massaged his aching left arm above the stump. Tomorrow he'd have to find a way to get supplies. He gave up on giving relief to the pain in his arm, and pressed his forefinger and thumb to the bridge of his nose. What was he doing? He'd been wandering aimlessly for the past week. And if he was honest, he knew it was because he hadn't cared where he ended up. What was the point? He'd done what he had to do, and now… he had nothing. No missions to occupy his time. No reason to train. No graveyard to visit.

But hadn't he come to peace with all of that? He'd thought so... until he had realized how alone he was.

Kakashi huffed a laugh. Solitary. That's how most of his fellow shinobi would describe him. How he would have described himself. And it was true. But now... he knew he hadn't been truly alone. He'd had his team and his friends. His memories, no matter how painful. And for too short a time, he'd had Tsunade.

He missed them. He missed her.

Kakashi ran a frustrated hand through his hair. What was he doing? He still had them, still had her. Though he couldn't see them, they were in his heart. He couldn't forget that. Hadn't he promised himself that he would see Tsunade again? If he wanted to keep that promise, he had to live like it. He couldn't—

Intruders.

Kakashi lifted his head, noting the several shadows across the clearing in the trees. He let his hand dangle between his legs, ready to kawarimi in an instant. He stretched out his senses, but as far as he could tell, there was no one behind him. Which meant... they wanted to be seen. He stood. "Show yourselves."

A moment of hesitation, then sixteen figures gradually moved out into the clearing. Kakashi frowned. Most of them were younger, but a few were around his age. They walked carefully, as if unused to being out in the open. Every face was blank, void of any emotion or thought. An expression he recognized all too well, because he'd had it himself back in his years with Anbu and Root.

"Kakashi Hatake." One of the taller shinobi stepped forward, his dark hair hanging in his face. He held out a scroll. "We were sent to you by the Godaime Hokage. This message is from her."

Tsunade? Kakashi took the scroll a little too quickly. He should check for anything suspicious before opening it, but he caught a hint of jasmine and sake. Tsunade's scent. He unfurled the scroll, unable to stop a tremor from seizing his hand.

Kakashi,

These shinobi are formerly of Danzō's Root. I have sent them to you in hopes that you can help them until the people of Konoha are ready to accept them back. They trust you. And so do I. I leave them in your hands, and I know whatever you decide will be in their best interest. They understand that Danzō's death was what is best for Konoha and bear no anger toward you for it. Stay safe. Konoha awaits your return.

-Tsunade, Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure

Kakashi's fingers tightened and the paper crackled. Tsunade's underlying message was a as clear as she could make it. She'd forgiven him. The pressure in his chest released, and he was able to breathe freely for the first time in days. He rolled up the scroll and slipped it into his pouch. He'd read it again later.

But for now... Kakashi faced the former shinobi of Root. "Maa, nice to meet all of you. As you know, I am classified as a missing-nin, but my absolute loyalty lies with Konoha and the Godaime Hokage. If any of you don't feel the same, now is the time to leave."

None of the shinobi moved. Every eye was fixed on him, unblinking. Hmm, he should have guessed that reaction. They had been drilled to follow orders their entire lives, and punished profusely if they didn't. They would have to learn how to live their own lives—ah. Now he understood Tsunade's reason for sending them to him, besides the obvious. She knew he had already experienced what they would face, and she was trusting him to guide them through it.

I know whatever you decide will be in their best interest.

Kakashi rubbed his masked chin ruefully. He certainly wouldn't consider himself the best option for helping others overcome trauma, but apparently, Tsunade did. He sighed. Very well. He would do his best for her. He studied the shinobi in gathered in front of him. Deadly killers and spies they may be, but at the moment they looked like no more than lost little genin meeting their sensei for the first time...

Kakashi plopped back down on the fallen tree. And in a way, they were. This, at least, was an area in which he had experience. "You are no longer in Root. You're a part of my team now. So, I think we should get to know each other." All he got were blank looks, and he grinned. "I'll go first. I'm Kakashi Hatake. I like reading, and I dislike... hmm... sweet food. My dream for the future would be..." His throat unexpectedly tightened, and he swallowed. For the first time, he was looking forward to the future with all of his being. "Returning to—to Konoha. As for hobbies... I don't have any. Yet." It could be his imagination, but the shinobi seemed to be relaxing. "So. Who wants to go next?"

A long silence followed the question. Then a pale boy with shaggy black hair, who couldn't have been more than twelve or thirteen stepped forward. His face was expressionless, but his left hand twitched nervously. "I am Sai. I don't know my real name. I like drawing, and I don't know what I dislike. I don't have a dream for the future... but... but I wish I could see my brother again."

"Good." Kakashi gave the boy a slight nod. As the rest of the shinobi introduced themselves, the sun set over the clearing. Kakashi watched the gold rays sink below the trees and curled his fingers into a fist. Did Tsunade know how much he missed her? That she was always on his mind? He refocused on the former Root shinobi. But even if he couldn't see her, he would keep her and Konoha safe.

Absently, he touched the cloth he'd tied over his Sharingan. Now was his chance to train and grow stronger; to be ready for what was to come. It was time to reawaken the Mangekyō.

A/N: Ugh. This chapter gave me so much trouble, and I'm still not entirely satisfied with how it turned out. But regardless, I hope you all still enjoy it! As some of you might have guessed, the next chapter will start after a 2 and a half year timeskip. So, basically, it'll start around when Naruto and Jiraiya return to Konoha at the beginning of Shippuden.

Tsuyna: Thank you so much! These last few chapters are still giving me trouble, so hopefully they will turn out as well as I want them too. I think if this situation only involved Kakashi, he would probably stay regardless of the elders. But since it involves Tsunade too, he doesn't want to risk it.

Ojay1307: Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it. :) Haha, if I can figure out these last chapters, I certainly will try!

biliamcollins680: Aww, thank you! Don't worry, I'll definitely be finishing this story. I agree, I totally wish this ship was canon in the anime. Or even just showed them interacting more. But, oh well. That's why I wrote this story. XD I don't want to give away spoilers, but I live for happy endings. ;)

TranquilPanda: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! :D Honestly, I think it's because this isn't one of the more popular pairings, which is too bad. But I'm glad I could win you over! XD There's so much potential with these two characters, and they go together really well, in my opinion.

Square Mom Lover: I'm pretty sure those were Tsunade's exact thoughts as well. XD The next few chapters are pretty much going to be Tsunade and Kakashi's few interactions through the years while he's a missing-nin. Assuming he does eventually come back, he's going to be gone awhile. I'll definitely be writing more with this pairing. There's so much more I wanted to do that I couldn't with this story. Actually, the next story I'm writing will have this pairing, though I'm not sure if I'll have anything ready to publish before next year. Aww, thank you! Much love to you for your support and encouragement every week. :)