A/N: Once again, I'm back! This time, hopefully for good until the story is finished. Updates will be every other week for now.

This chapter is dedicated to Idle-ing, Dobbyhasnomastr, and Ojay1307. You guys are the best! Thank you so much for taking the time to review. :) And a huge thank you to all of my new followers/favorites. Thank you for reading!

Tsunade sat cross-legged atop the hokage tower, surrounded by the chakra released from her seal. She held the Ram seal as she kept her eyes closed, focusing on the hundreds of shinobi and civilians attached to Katsuyu's divisions. Every body had a different need; a different wound to heal. It was a constant flow and release, as Katsuyu left those healed, and found new patients to infuse with Tsunade's chakra.

But was it enough? Tsunade shook away her dark thoughts. She had to trust her shinobi to take care of Pain without her, at least until she was finished releasing the seal. Because she was the only one who could save these lives.

A familiar chakra signature caught her attention, partly because the subject was near dead. His life force faded before she could direct enough—

Kakashi.

Tsunade's eyes flew open, wide and unseeing. No. Not Kakashi. Not...

She hardly remembered moving. Hardly remembered her fist smashing one of the pillars around the tower. It shattered into a million pieces.

Just like her heart.

Strange how the fire of the afterlife crackled and warmed the skin, just like real flames. Did that mean life after death would feel the same as life among the living? Was it merely another dimension in reality? Kakashi closed his eyes, blocking out the light. Not that it mattered. His friends were fighting Pain, without him. Had they managed to defeat the Akatsuki leader? His chest ached. Was Tsunade safe? If something had happened to her because he was gone... he would never forgive himself.

Kakashi opened his eyes, and focused on his father's craggy features again. He was thankful for the opportunity to see his father again, but they had made their peace now. He still had a promise to fulfill with the living. With Tsunade. "What if... what if I'm not ready to die?"

Sakumo's face softened in the flickering light. "Why do you think I have waited here all these years, instead of moving on? I wasn't able to leave, or be at peace, until I saw my son again."

Kakashi gave a short nod, fighting his frustration. Then that meant he could do nothing but wait here for Tsunade. And he would wait. As long as it took. He curled his fingers into a tight fist. He didn't regret giving his life for Konoha... but he wasn't ready to die, either. Not when he had so much to live for.

Sakumo straightened, and a slight smile lifted his lips as he gazed at Kakashi. "It seems you are still needed in the land of the living."

A warm tingling filled him, soaking all the way to his bones. Kakashi looked down at the glowing chakra surrounding him, tugging him away. Tsunade. It had to be. Elation and relief flooded him like the surge of chakra. Somehow, she had figured out a way. When he returned to her—he didn't care who was present—he was going to kiss her with all that he had. No more waiting. No more—

"Thank you for forgiving me." Sakumo met Kakashi's gaze as his surroundings began to fade, his father's smile tender. "Now I can move on in peace. And finally... see your mother."

Kakashi opened his mouth to answer, but his father was gone. Black filled his vision. Rocks dug into his back, and dust and blood coated his teeth in spite of his mask. He coughed, opening his eyes to blinding sunlight.

Tsunade.

Kakashi pushed himself up to a sitting position, and took in the rubble around him. But... Tsunade was nowhere in sight. He frowned, then noticed a hand-sized Katsuyu next him, antennae waving gently. Was that how he'd—?

"Kakashi-san!"

Iruka Umino leaped over a mound of rocks, and landed next to Kakashi, his grin white against brown skin. "You were revived too! Thank the shinobi gods. Do you know what's going on? Was Pain defeated?"

Kakashi shook his head slowly, unable to think with the questions hammering his brain. Where was Tsunade? Was she all right?

"I believe I can answer your questions, Iruka-san," Katsuyu said placidly. "Naruto Uzumaki was able to find the hideout of Pain, and convinced him to stop his attack and revive everyone who was killed by Pain's hand. Tsunade-sama has healed the rest remotely, using me to transfer her chakra."

Kakashi relaxed a little. Then Tsunade must be all right. "Where is Naruto now?"

"I believe he is on his way back to Konoha." Katsuyu's head turned to Kakashi, and her already-soft voice lowered, "But you should know that healing the entire village took a great strain on Tsunade-sama's body, and she now lies in a coma. Her chakra levels are almost non-existent, and I fear she may not awaken."

No. Kakashi was on his feet before he realized what he was doing. "Take me to her."

"Of course, Kakashi-san."

Katsuyu started up his leg, so Kakashi carefully picked her up and placed her on his shoulder. He turned to Iruka, but the academy teacher was already nodding, gaze serious. "I'll find Naruto and make sure he gets back."

"Wait." Kakashi let out a slow breath before continuing, "Don't tell Naruto about Tsunade yet. He deserves to enjoy this victory first."

Iruka nodded again, and sprang away. Kakashi faced the remains of Konoha, gut churning. He refused to let himself think about Katsuyu's diagnosis. Tsunade had recovered from greater wounds before. But as he leaped through the rubble, with Katsuyu whispering directions in his ear, he knew that sometimes, the worst wounds weren't physical. The pain he felt at the sight of his home in ruins around him was proof of that. But Tsunade had saved the people. He had to remember that.

Kakashi climbed the rim of the crater and rounded another mound of boulders. He hardly heard Katsuyu's whispered "Here," as his gaze zeroed in on Tsunade's prone form lying on a blanket. Sakura and Shizune were both kneeling next to her, though Shizune stood at the sight of him. He strode to her, unable to take tear away from Tsunade's face. Her youthful transformation was gone, further proof of her chakra depletion. Her chest rose and fell, but other than that, she was motionless.

"Kakashi-san..." Relief and worry struggled across Shizune's face, but she seemed unable to say anything else.

And that was when Kakashi knew this was worse than anything Tsunade had gone through before. Even after her fight against Zabuki and the chakra seal, Shizune had possessed an air of confidence in her mentor. It had been difficult, but they had known Tsunade would recover. A vice clamped around his lungs. This... was different.

Sakura sniffled, and brushed strands of blonde hair from Tsunade's face. Unlike Shizune, she didn't even attempt to speak.

They needed a direction. Kakashi already felt as though he were sinking in a bottomless black sea, unable to claw to the surface. But he dug his nails into his palm and forced himself to focus for their sakes. "We need find a tent for protection, at least until other shelters are put up."

"Hai, you're right." Shizune nodded a bit too briskly. But as he'd thought, a job seemed to restore her spirits a little. "I'll go find one."

Shizune departed, and Kakashi sank down next to Sakura. He longed to take Tsunade's hand; to touch her and let her know he was here, but he couldn't do that with Sakura's presence. Besides, he sensed Sakura needed him more right now. "Maa, how are you doing, Sakura?"

Sakura bit her lip, short pink hair tossing in the wind. "She held us together, Sensei. What are we going to do now? Konoha is gone, and we—we don't have our hokage." She shuddered. "She taught me so much, but... I—I don't know if I can do it without her."

Kakashi closed his eye. It had been so long ago, but he still remembered losing Minato-sensei like it was yesterday. He'd never felt so lost, not even when his father had died. Because at least then, he'd still had Minato-sensei. Minato had been his last lifeline... until he'd met Tsunade. But if these painful memories could help Sakura, then he wouldn't push them away. "She isn't gone yet, Sakura."

Sakura finally looked up at him, her green eyes red-rimmed and wet. Kakashi gently set his hand on her shoulder, surprised at the strength there. Tsunade's training had helped his former student more than he ever could have. "And even if she—" his voice caught, but he forced himself on— "even if she doesn't wake up, she won't leave you. Her guidance taught you how to be strong kunoichi. So, every time you use those skills, she is with you." He smiled at her. "Tsunade held us together, and now it is our turn to hold Konoha together for her. We won't let her sacrifice be in vain."

Sakura straightened; fists clenched, and looked at Tsunade with determination. "You're right, Kakashi-sensei. Tsunade-sama never gave up on me, so I won't give up either."

Kakashi, too, let his gaze rest on Tsunade. She was still so beautiful, and his heart ached with every throb of his pulse. She had given her all for Konoha, and though he wouldn't want anything less... he wanted her with him. Desperately. He'd been brought back from the dead, and for what? To watch the woman he loved fade away?

Gradually, he realized Sakura had turned to him. He blinked, refocusing on her, but Sakura wore a strange expression as she studied him. Something in her eyes softened, and she murmured, "Sensei..."

Thunderous cheering rose from the crater, and Kakashi gladly turned away from Sakura's probing gaze, though from his position he couldn't see the cause of the commotion. Sakura jumped up and walked to the edge of the crater to peer down. She gasped. "Naruto's back! He's all right!"

Ah, good. Iruka must have found him, then. Kakashi glanced at Sakura. "Go, celebrate with your teammate. I'll stay with Tsunade."

Sakura hesitated, clearly torn. "Are—are you sure, Kakashi-sensei?"

"Hai. She'll be safe with me."

Maybe it was something in his voice, but Sakura nodded without further argument and leaped down the side of the crater.

Kakashi listened to the cheering and cries of elation as he shifted closer to Tsunade. Finally, he was able to take her hand in his, curling his warm fingers around her cold, fragile ones. He didn't take his gaze from her face. "Naruto did it, Tsuna. He's a hero now. Your belief in him was true."

Tsunade's breathing continued; slow and even. Kakashi fought to keep his voice from breaking as he forced himself to continue. "But he still needs you. And—and so do I. Please, come back to us. Please."

Two weeks had passed since Pain's attack.

Kakashi trudged through the rows of tents, the crunch of his sandals on the gravel the only sound in the crisp morning air. The rebuilding was going well, led by Yamato and his wood-release, and the sight of Konoha's villagers and shinobi coming together to restore their home was more than encouraging. The Will of Fire was still strong.

But a cloud hung over the Village Hidden in Leaves. Kakashi could see it in the subdued conversations, furrowed brows and pinched mouths, and the occasional glances toward the center of the makeshift camp, where the hokage's tent was pitched. Because Tsunade remained in her coma, and still gave no sign of awakening.

Kakashi stopped outside of Tsunade's tent, and gazed heavily at the entrance flap. He never failed to visit her every morning and evening... just like when he used to visit the graves of his other precious people. He harshly shoved away the thought. Tsunade was still alive. There was still hope. Kakashi braced his shoulders and stepped inside the tent. Shizune was present, of course, and she nodded to him as she nibbled at her breakfast in the corner. But to his surprise, Naruto sat at Tsunade's side, head bowed.

Naruto looked up at him, blue eyes bleak. "I promised myself I would get strong, so this wouldn't happen to Tsunade-baachan again. But it did." His bottom lip trembled. "I saved Konoha, but I couldn't save her."

"Maa, don't think about it that way, Naruto." Kakashi crouched next to his former student as Naruto stared at him in confusion. He had to word this carefully, but it needed to be said. "Would you have been able to defeat Pain and save Konoha if it wasn't for the sacrifices of Jiraiya and Tsunade, and countless others?"

Naruto lowered his gaze in thought, fists clenched in his lap. "I... no, I—I guess not."

"Mmm." Kakashi gave Naruto's shoulder a brief squeeze. "They did it willingly. Instead of blaming yourself, honor what they did for you. Remember, in this village we are all as one."

"You're right, Kakashi-sensei." Naruto scrubbed at his eyes, and took a deep breath. "But I—I still want Tsunade-baachan to wake up. There's so much I want to tell her, and... I want her to be proud of me."

"She is proud of you, Naruto-kun. Prouder than you can know," Kakashi said firmly. He looked at Tsunade, and his throat tightened. "I want her to wake up too. More than anything."

Shizune sniffled in the corner, and both Kakashi and Naruto turned her way. She blushed. "Sorry. But—but that was so beautiful!" She walked to Tsunade's other side, and swiped her eyes. "Tsunade-sama, if only you could hear how much everyone needs you! I know you would come back to us."

Kakashi stiffened, hope he didn't know he had surging through him. "Shizune-san, you think she can still awaken?"

"Of course." Shizune knelt next to Tsunade and brushed a strand of blonde hair from her cheek. She lifted her grim gaze to Kakashi. "It isn't that she can't. I think... I think she doesn't want to."

Kakashi stood, unable to comprehend Shizune's statement. How could she even say such a thing? "What do you mean? Tsunade would do anything for Konoha. She would never—"

"It's not that," Shizune said quietly. "You were killed, Kakashi. You died, and Tsunade was unable to save you. You, among many others. She doesn't know that Pain gave his life to restore all the ones he took."

Kakashi stared down at Tsunade, numb except for the burning pain in his chest. Of course, Shizune was right. How had he forgotten? Lightning crackled on his fingertips, but he curled his fingers into a fist, extinguishing it. To Tsunade, her greatest fear had come true. She had failed everyone she loved. Somehow, he had to find a way to—

The tent flap rustled behind him, followed by three sets of footsteps. One weary, but sure, the other two shuffling. Kakashi didn't turn from Tsunade, instead fixing his gaze on her still face. But dread pooled in his gut, chewing like acid. There was only one reason why those three would be here.

"Naruto-kun," Shikaku Nara spoke first. "We need to speak to Kakashi Hatake about private matters, if you don't mind stepping out. Shizune-san, you can stay. As the hokage's aid, this concerns you too."

"But..." Naruto glanced at Kakashi, then pressed his lips tightly and nodded. He pushed to his feet, and walked out.

"Kakashi Hatake." Koharu's voice held a twinge of annoyance. "You will face us for this discussion."

Kakashi flexed his hand, almost wishing the lightning would return, then faced Shikaku and the two elders. "I know what you are going to say. But I cannot—will not—leave with Tsunade-sama in such a state. Konoha needs me right now." Tsunade needed him too, but he couldn't say that.

"We know." Homura slid his hands into his wide sleeves, gazing at Kakashi with heavy-lidded eyes. "That's why we have come to ask you to become the Rokudaime Hokage."

Kakashi blinked, barely able to stutter, "The—the Rokudaime?" But he was a missing-nin. Anger surged through him. And Tsunade... they would give up on her so easily?

Shikaku nodded, expression grim. "I know what you are thinking. But Konoha is desperate right now. We need a strong leader, and all of the five great nations know your name. War is coming, Kakashi-san. There will be a kage summit in two weeks, and we want you to represent Konoha there as the Rokudaime."

Kakashi shifted to glance at Tsunade again. Just a glimpse of her felt like a kunai twisting in his heart. "What about Tsunade?"

Shikaku was silent for a long moment. "Shizune-san hasn't given us much hope. And we don't have time to wait. Konoha needs a leader. Now."

"As much as it pains me to say it, Shikaku-san is right." Koharu sighed behind him. "We are begging you to accept, Kakashi of the Sharingan."

Kakashi closed his eye. Becoming hokage was the last thing he wanted. But he also knew that Shikaku and the elders were right. He was the only option Konoha had left. Asuma was dead, Jiraiya was still bedridden and his future as a shinobi uncertain. And Tsunade... he opened his eye and blinked away the tears blurring the sight of her motionless body. Strangely, all he could think about was her face, set with determination as she sat in his apartment so long ago, and her words: "I want you to become the next hokage."

How could he refuse, when Tsunade has asked it of him? She had chosen him, and he had to trust in her choice.

Kakashi faced Shikaku and the elders. "I will do it."

The relief emanating from the elders was palpable, but Shikaku only nodded, as if he'd known Kakashi's answer all along. "Good. We leave tonight to meet with the Fire Daimyo and present you as Tsunade-sama's successor."

Kakashi bowed his head, so the elders couldn't see his barely-concealed anger. How cruel fate was. Only when Tsunade was gone did he gain his pardon. In fact, was the reason for it. But then, when had fate ever been on his side? "Hai. I'll be ready."

The elders led the way out, and Kakashi turned away, his gaze only for Tsunade. He barely noticed Shizune slip out after Shikaku, but he was grateful for the moment of privacy as he sank down by her side. "Tsuna..." He rested his palm against her cheek, stroking her soft skin with his thumb. "I've agreed to become the Rokudaime Hokage. But I... I just want you to come back. I—"

The tent flap opened behind him again, and Kakashi pulled his hand away from Tsunade, silently cursing. Why did Shizune have to return so soon? But when he glanced back, Sai and Ino stood in the entrance.

"Kakashi-senpai?" Sai moved closer, but didn't question Kakashi's presence. Ino trailed behind him. "We came to see Tsunade-sama. How is she?"

Kakashi pushed to his feet, and offered Ino a nod. "Still... sleeping." He couldn't make himself say coma. It sounded too permanent. He exhaled slowly to regain control, a control that was rapidly crumbling.

Ino continued past Sai, and stopped next to Kakashi. She wiped a tear from her cheek, and breathed, "Oh, Tsunade-sama..."

Sai's mouth compressed into a hard line. "Does Shizune-san think she will ever awaken?"

Kakashi hesitated. How could he tell them that Shizune thought their mentor and hokage didn't want to wake up? If only she knew... he stilled. "Ino-chan, can you enter the mind of someone who is unconscious?"

Ino's pale blue eyes widened. "H-hai. It's actually easier if the target isn't conscious. Why do you ask?"

Kakashi's pulse pounded in his ears. Was it too much to hope...? "Tsunade doesn't know that Pain revived those who died and that Naruto succeeded in saving Konoha. If we can tell her that—give her hope—I think she might awaken."

"Truly?" Ino looked back at Tsunade. "If it might bring Tsunade-sama back, then I am willing to try it. But..." She winced. "Directly speaking to someone's consciousness is much different than merely taking over their mind. Breaking through the barriers any person has in their mind is very difficult. I don't know if I'll be able to do it. If it was someone she trusts implicitly and has a strong relationship with... they would have a much better chance."

Kakashi nodded slowly. Then, there seemed to be only one option. "Can you take another person with you?"

"Oh... I don't know. It's never been done before. Taking another consciousness with me would require a lot of chakra control, at the least." Ino smiled slightly. "Fortunately, Tsunade-sama made sure I had plenty of training in that area. I would be willing to try, considering the circumstances. Why? Who do you have in mind?"

Kakashi locked eyes with her. "Me."

Ino blinked rapidly. "You? But—no offense, Kakashi-san—you've been gone for a few years. Wouldn't someone like Naruto be—"

"Ino."

Sai set his hand on Ino's arm, and she stopped, clearly bewildered as she looked between the two of them. "Well... all right."

Kakashi sent Sai a grateful glance over Ino's shoulder. He wasn't sure why Sai had taken his side, but it was a relief not having to explain himself to Ino. Knowing her, everyone in the camp would know about his feelings for Tsunade by the end of the day. "Thank you. Sai-kun, can you find Shizune-san and tell her what we intend to do? I want a medical-nin present when Tsunade wakes up." When, he silently repeated. Not if.

Sai inclined his head, and gave Ino's shoulder a gentle squeeze before he left the tent. Ino cleared her throat nervously, and sat at Tsunade's head. She patted the ground next to her. "Come, sit here and put your hand on my arm. Close your eyes, and when you feel my presence, don't resist it."

"Hai." Kakashi sat cross-legged next to her, and offered what he hoped was a reassuring smile. "You can do this, Ino-chan."

Ino exhaled shakily and smiled in return. Then, she closed her eyes and Kakashi placed his hand on her thin forearm, and followed suit. After a moment, a tugging sensation probed his mind. His first reaction was to push it away, but he pushed his instinct down, instead imagining the tugging was Ino's hand reaching for him. He grasped her hand, and was pulled after her. Tingles flooded his body and all he could see was black. Or was it because his eyes were still closed?

Kakashi's feet settled on something firm, and a mucky dampness soaked his sandals. The scent of rain clung to his nostrils. He frowned. Where were they? Was it possible for someone's mind to have such sensations?

Ino tugged on his hand. "Kakashi-san, you can open your eyes."

Kakashi did so, and took in their surroundings. They stood in an endless field of mud, and a dark cloudy sky roiled overhead. It seemed... almost familiar. Uneasy, he adjusted his mask. "This is inside Tsunade's mind?"

Ino wrapped her arms around her bare midsection and shivered. "Hai. But this isn't her conscious thoughts. Just... a part of her identity. Often, the visible structure of someone's identity takes shape of an important memory, usually one that plays a big part in defining who she is."

"Amegakure." Now Kakashi knew where he'd recognized the landscape. "From when she fought in the Second War. This is where she defeated countless shinobi and became one of the Sannin."

"That makes sense. She mentioned that this war was the main reason she realized the need for medical-nins." Ino started forward, the mud sucking at her feet, and cringed. "Eww, yuck. I would hate to fight here. Anyway, this is only a part of her. To find her consciousness, we need to find her center."

"Hai." Kakashi trudged after her, straining to find anything besides the desolate field. Everything was dark and dreary, but he understood it. He and Tsunade both had been defined by dark moments in their pasts.

Thunder rumbled, and rain fell from the sky. Kakashi didn't think anything of it, until his nose caught the sharp, metallic scent, and Ino shrieked. He lifted his hand, and stared at the droplets of blood, dark against his skin.

Ino shuddered, hands shielding her face. "Why—why is it raining blood?"

Kakashi handed her his flak jacket to hold over her head, and grimly continued on. "I think... this represents the blood of all her comrades who died. The ones she couldn't save."

"That's horrible." Ino quickened her pace, until she was jogging. "We need to find her center, and get out of this!"

Kakashi nodded. The sooner they found Tsunade, the better. They both broke into a run, squinting through the downpour of blood. At last, Ino pointed ahead triumphantly to a dark, towering shape. "There! The center!"

As they got closer, Kakashi frowned as he took in the familiar curving red walls and height of the hokage tower. But... it wasn't quite the same. The roof was free of rust and the coat of paint fresh, as if it had been built recently. He stopped at the entrance. Was this the hokage tower back from the days of the Shodai Hokage?

"Let's see if we can get in." Ino strode to the door. She tugged fruitlessly on the handle, and after a few moments of grunting and yanking, she spun and kicked it with enough force to make Kakashi wince. But the door didn't even rattle.

They needed a new strategy. Kakashi walked to the door and studied it. "Is this the first barrier?"

"What?" Ino panted, swiping her forehead.

"The first barrier. You said only someone she trusts completely can get in." Kakashi brushed the bronze handle with his fingertips. The door swung open silently, revealing nothing but darkness beyond.

"Hai." Ino bit her lip. "But I doubt that's going to happen for either of us. We'll have to find a way to force ourselves in. I just hope it doesn't cause her any damage."

She didn't see it. Kakashi let out a long breath. Which meant it had only opened for him. Did that mean he would have to navigate the depths of Tsunade's mind alone? "The door opened for me when I touched it."

"What?!" Ino looked from the door to Kakashi. "She must... really trust you, then." Speculation glinted in her blue eyes, but she only gave a brisk nod. "All right. You'll have to go on without me, then. I'll wait here to pull you out when you return."

Kakashi sent her a sideways glance. "Maa, anything I should know before I go in?"

"It's hard to say, since every mind is different. But you will likely see many things in there, from memories to fears. Just remember, you're looking for Tsunade-sama. When you find her, don't let her out of your sight until she's willing to talk to you." Ino pressed a hand to her forehead. "Gods, I can't believe I'm doing this. Chichi would kill me if he knew I was sending someone without training into a foreign consciousness."

Kakashi paused just before he stepped through the doorway. Tsunade wasn't foreign to him, but Ino didn't need to know that. "Thank you, Ino-chan." He smiled. "And don't worry, I'll return soon."

With that, he walked into the darkness of the tower.

A/N: The Yamanaka clan's jutsu isn't dwelt on very much, so I took a few creative liberties with this one.

Idle-ing: Honestly, I went back and forth between Jiraiya surviving or not so many times. But I'm glad I went with him living, too. :) I'm afraid it'll be a few more chapters before things settle down a bit, but I'm looking forward to writing it as well. XD Thank you so much! And thank you for reviewing! :D

Dobbyhasnomastr: Thanks for the review! :) I wanted to take a different perspective of the aftermath of Pain's attack in this chapter and the next, so hopefully it works.

Ojay1307: Thank you! Most of the events in the Fourth War aren't impertinent to this story, so I won't be focusing on it much. I'm glad you're looking forward to it. :D I appreciate the request, but I'm afraid I'm not really a fan of reading lemons, so I doubt I could write one even if I tried. Sorry about that! Thank you for reviewing!