This chapter is dedicated to Miss Laury, Square Mom Lover, and Ojay1307. Thank you so much for continuing to review! It means so much to me, and it's one of the best parts of my day. :)

Even the sky was crying.

Kakashi tipped his face up to the dark, cloudy sky, letting the raindrops sprinkle the exposed skin above his mask. He still wasn't used to the full vision from both eyes, though he couldn't deny it was nice, if a bit unsettling to no longer have Obito's Sharingan to rely on.

Obito.

His teammate had been alive after all these years... and he hadn't known it. Kakashi closed his eyes. But he should have known. Should have been there for him. Instead, his friend had been left alone, to slowly succumb and be twisted by Madara's hatred, until he had been nearly unrecognizable. In the end, Obito had remembered who he once was. But now, he was dead. In the end... Kakashi had failed Obito again.

Kakashi opened his eyes, taking in the rest of the shinobi gathering for the mass funeral memorial from his unobtrusive spot in the back. In the end, they had won. But right now, with the grief of so many lives lost hanging in the air, it hardly felt like it.

"Hatake."

Kakashi turned to greet the toad sage as the white-haired man hobbled to his side, leaning heavily on a cane. "Hai, Jiraiya-san. How are you feeling?"

"I could be worse." Jiraiya shrugged his large shoulders, as if it didn't matter. But the set to his jaw said otherwise. "I only regret that I was unable to fight along the allied forces. I'm a man of action, you know."

"Hai." Kakashi kept his voice carefully neutral. Jiraiya wouldn't appreciate sympathy for what he saw as only doing his duty. Kakashi glanced ruefully at his left stump; the result of his choice, and his alone. "I understand. Not being as strong as I once was... is frustrating. But at the same time, I don't regret my choices that brought me here."

Jiraiya grunted. "And what choice are you going to make now, Hatake?"

Kakashi eyed his superior. Was this the real reason Jiraiya had sought him out? "What do you mean?"

"I mean her." Jiraiya nodded across the field of shinobi.

Kakashi followed his gaze to Tsunade, who was walking to the front of the gathered shinobi. She was wearing a black kimono, but over it was a long white and red haori he'd never seen before, with the kanji for Godaime down the back. And for the first time since her induction, she wore the hokage's hat. All was a sign of respect for those who died for what the hokage represented. He swallowed painfully. "I'm not sure I follow, Jiraiya-san."

"The war is over, Hatake. The war you fought in and helped win." Jiraiya faced him, as serious as Kakashi had ever seen him. "The elders have agreed to pardon Sasuke Uchiha."

Kakashi froze. Pardoned...? "Are you certain?"

"Hai."

Kakashi watched Tsunade position herself in front of the memorial stone and face the grieving shinobi. Her spine was straight and her face serene, but he knew she felt the loss as much as the rest of them. He curled his fingers into a fist. And he couldn't be there for her.

Jiraiya leaned closer and murmured, "So, what are you going to do, Hatake?"

Tsunade started her speech, and Jiraiya limped away, leaving Kakashi alone. He'd placed himself at the back of the crowd so he could slip away as soon as the memorial ended, but now...

Tsunade's gaze met his. Somehow, even across the hundreds of gathered shinobi, she had found him. Her words didn't falter, but in that brief glimpse, the crushing burden of grief and the strain of holding everyone else together, flickered through her shadowed eyes. She closed them briefly, and refocused on the crowd.

She thought he was leaving her. Again.

Kakashi's chest cramped. And he remembered that among the hundreds of reincarnated shinobi, Dan Katō had been one of them. How much had it hurt, to see him again and then watch him leave? And now she thought that Kakashi, too, was leaving.

No. Kakashi made up his mind. Tsunade had had enough taken from her. The war was over and the elders no longer had anything to hold over him. He'd do whatever it took to gain his pardon. And so, as soon as Tsunade finished her speech, he vanished into the rain.

Unaware that when she searched for him again, he was gone. And a familiar heaviness settled in her heart.

As an elder of Konoha, Koharu's expansive home was nice. Much nicer than anything Kakashi would ever have. He leaned against the wall, next to a tapestry that likely cost more than a year of rent. The house was dark, except for a single lamp in the corner, the light flickering on the red and gold threads in the tapestry.

Kakashi didn't have to wait long until the door creaked open, and Koharu shuffled in, kicking off her muddied sandals with a sigh of relief. He made no attempt to hide his presence, and she stiffened. "Breaking into an elder's home isn't a good look for you, Kakashi Hatake."

Kakashi didn't move. Instead, he merely watched the elder's shadowed movements through half-lidded eyes. "You pardoned Sasuke Uchiha."

Koharu grunted. But she only started past Kakashi to the kitchen. "I'll make some tea."

Kakashi waited until Koharu returned with a steaming teapot and two cups on a tray, then sat on the couch opposite her. He accepted the cup she handed him and breathed in the fragrant steam. "Maa, thanks."

Koharu poured her own cup, but she settled back on her couch and stared at him instead of drinking it. "And you think you deserve the same pardon?"

"Hai. I do." Kakashi held her gaze as he took a sip of tea. His eyes widened. Whatever else Koharu was, she made excellent tea.

"I agree." Koharu finally lifted the tea to her lips.

Kakashi sensed a 'but' coming, but Koharu merely continued placidly sipping her tea. So, he smiled and set his cup on the table. "I'm glad we could come to an agreement, then. I'll go—"

"But," Koharu interrupted, as he'd known she would, "your situation is not the same as Uchiha's."

Kakashi slowly leaned back. "How so?"

"It is obvious to me that your feelings towards the Godaime are... shall we say, more than platonic. Feelings that she clearly returns." Koharu placed her cup down. "So, you tell me, Kakashi Hatake. Should you return?"

Kakashi narrowed his eyes. He knew what Koharu was referring to. Konoha had just survived a war, and needed Tsunade at her best. All of her attention, time, and dedication. Things that his presence might disrupt, in Koharu's mind. But she was only an outsider, looking in. She didn't know how having someone by your side, who loved and understood you, made you stronger and your resolve greater. "Maa, you are only looking at one side of this. But I think there is just one question that matters."

Koharu's mouth pinched, as if offended. But she only said, "What question?"

Kakashi leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee. "Do you trust Tsunade and myself to act in Konoha's best interest no matter the circumstances? That is our job, after all. If not, then perhaps you need a new hokage."

Koharu closed her eyes, but he didn't miss the anger that flashed through them. "You have made your point." She opened her eyes, expression serene once more. "But I haven't yet told you why we agreed to Sasuke Uchiha's pardon."

Kakashi's fingers twitched. He should have known Koharu would have one last trap to spring. "Then please inform me."

Koharu smiled. "It was granted on one condition: that he complete one last mission as a shinobi unaffiliated with Konoha."

Then the subject of the mission must be something Konoha couldn't—or wouldn't—condone. Tension tightened his muscles like a coiled spring and Kakashi gave a harsh laugh. "Am I right in assuming that the same conditions apply to my pardon?"

In answer, Koharu held out a small scroll. Kakashi took it, scanning the contents as she spoke, "This war was devastating to Konoha. I think you know that we wouldn't have won if it wasn't for the jinchūriki, Naruto Uzumaki. But victory came at a heavy price, and we would do anything to prevent another war."

We? Or just Koharu? Kakashi unfurled the scroll farther, and a sick feeling sank his stomach. It was all the same. A list of names. Most of whom he didn't recognize. "What is this list?"

"Those who helped or supported the Akatsuki through the years." Koharu laced her fingers and continued, "Your targets. You were once one of Anbu's top members, were you not? I expect you to go through this list and take care of them quickly and quietly. We cannot afford any loose ends."

Kakashi stared at the list numbly. How many of these had been coerced or simply tricked into helping the Akatsuki? He was supposed to assassinate them all in cold blood, regardless? He lifted his eyes to Koharu, who met his gaze calmly. Chills crept through his body. This list was something Danzō would have done. But now he wondered... in the past, how much had been Danzō, and how much had been Koharu? The scroll crumpled under his grip. "You knew I would come to you."

"Of course I did. You and Uchiha will not gain your pardons until that list is completed. Konoha will not condone assassinations." Koharu's voice softened a fraction. "Contrary to what you might think, I am not a second Danzō."

That was exactly what he thought. Kakashi clamped his eyes shut. Asking him to do this was one thing, but how could they do this to Sasuke? The boy had just left the dark and forcing him to do this could very well send him back. He exhaled slowly. He couldn't let that happen. He couldn't fail Sasuke like he had failed Obito. "Then prove it. I will accept this mission, on one condition."

Koharu stiffened. "What is it?"

"I want to do it alone. Give Sasuke his pardon, and let him make his choices freely." Kakashi met her gaze, drawing on every last bit of coldness he could summon. "I am more experienced and he will get in my way."

Another slow smile flickered across Koharu's creased lips. "You are more softhearted than you appear, Kakashi Hatake. Very well, I will accept your desire to protect your former student. This mission will be yours." She lifted a finger. "You cannot speak of this to anyone, especially the hokage."

Tsunade.

Bile churned Kakashi's stomach and he pressed his fingers to his aching eyes. What would she think if she knew what he'd agreed to? He inhaled slowly through his mouth, so he wouldn't vomit all over Koharu's table, though she deserved it. Would Tsunade even want him with this blood on his hands? The blood he'd shed in the past was one thing; agreeing to do it again was another matter entirely.

But he had to, for Sasuke.

Kakashi lowered his hand and stared at his pale fingers dully. How long until they dripped with blood again? Worse, he knew he couldn't tell Tsunade what he was going to do. He wouldn't be able to bear it if she saw him for what he was: a killer. He'd endured from his friends and colleagues, and even enemies, back when Rin had died and he'd joined Anbu. But not Tsunade.

Besides, with the end of the war she already had enough to deal with. It would be better if she didn't know.

Kakashi met Koharu's calculating gaze, and his heart squeezed painfully. "Agreed."

Exhausting. Tsunade trudged up the stairway to her office, heels clomping dully on the wooden steps. That was the only word to describe the past seventy-two hours. Holding everyone together—holding herself together—after all the destruction, all the death, had completely drained her. And even though she was finally alone, she doubted she had the strength to cry her unshed tears.

Yet here she was, going back to her office after everyone else had returned home from the funeral. Tsunade opened the door, wearily rubbing her eyes as she made her way to her desk. But she couldn't bear to be in her dark, empty home. Not now.

Not after the memory of everything she had lost remained fresh in her mind.

Not after the Tsukuyomi.

Tsunade sat heavily in her chair and set her still-damp hokage hat to the side, but was unable to focus on the pile of papers in front of her. She groaned. No. She didn't want to remember. But the memories pounded against her skull incessantly, begging her to remember. Because for a moment, a beautiful, perfect moment, she'd had everything.

Nawaki had sat at this very desk, grinning when he saw her. He'd grown into a fine man, and the hokage's hat rested atop his light brown hair, as if it had always been there. As if it belonged there.

Orochimaru stood on Nawaki's right in an advisor's position, gazing down almost fondly at his former student, and ignoring Jiraiya as the sage tried to shove his newest book in his teammate's face. Hiruzen-sensei sat in the corner, watching their antics and smirking as he smoked his pipe. But always ready to interject a stern word if needed.

A warm hand slid into hers, and Tsunade had looked up into Dan's smiling face. A blond child was perched on his shoulders, giggling as he played with his father's long silver-blue hair.

Perfect. Just like she'd always want—

Wait.

Tsunade's eyes flew open, wide and unseeing. Where—where was Kakashi? She hadn't thought of him even once during the dream. It was as if he'd never existed. Her chest tightened painfully. Didn't the Tsukuyomi show what you wanted most? But... but there was nothing she wanted more than Kakashi. Everything in her dream was impossible, and she had come to peace with it. Or so she'd thought.

Tsunade stared at her fists, clenched in her lap. Could that be it? The Tsukuyomi only gave her what was impossible? Then that meant... a future with Kakashi was still possible. And Naruto—he hadn't been in her dream either. She sank back into her chair, lightheaded with relief. Yes. After everything, she still had two men she loved. And they were everything to her.

Strange how the dream that had tormented her for the past three days now gave her a sense of comfort. Her dream—her new dream—was still safe.

Tsunade shifted her gaze to the paperwork waiting in front of her, and sighed. She was too tired to get any work done tonight. But she had no desire to go back to her big, empty house either. Especially not when she remembered… remembered looking to the back of the muddy field for Kakashi at the end of the funeral, needing the comfort his presence would give her. But emptiness had greeted her. Kakashi was gone again, and this time he hadn't even stayed to say goodbye. So, the aching hollow in her stomach remained.

Enough of this. Tsunade pushed to her feet, throat tight. Perhaps she could sleep on the couch in the conference room. As long as she woke up before Shizune—

A scrape. A presence at the window—Tsunade spun, her heart lurching. It couldn't be...

A familiar slouched silhouette filled the open window, and Kakashi jumped down to the floor. He slid his hand into his pocket. "Hai, Tsunade."

All it took was the sound of his voice. The walls she had relied on the past seventy-two hours to hold in her grief, her fear, to keep going, crumbled. Tsunade stumbled around her chair, eyes only for him. "Kakashi..." Unable to stop herself, her voice caught in a sob. "You're—you're here?"

Kakashi's expression shifted, and he strode forward, meeting her halfway. The next moment, Tsunade had wrapped her arms around his warm, solid body, and she buried her face in his chest, even as her tears finally streamed free. A single phrase repeated through her mind, filling the cold emptiness with warmth: He was here. Kakashi's arm pulled her closer, and his chin rested atop her head, shifting slightly as he murmured, "Of course I came, Tsuna. I couldn't let you be alone."

Tsunade smiled through her tears, though he couldn't see it. Of course, he would be gone again by morning, but she couldn't let herself think about that. She needed him right now, and he was here. "You don't know how glad I... After—after everything…"

"I know." Kakashi's hand moved to stroking her hair, and Tsunade closed her eyes, relaxing with the soothing motions. He didn't try to move, so she stayed where she was and just let him hold her.

After soaking in his warmth for a few minutes, Tsunade finally regained enough control to pull back and look up into his face. "I thought you left."

"I had some business to deal with." Kakashi frowned and tipped her chin up, gazing at her face intently. "Tsunade, you look exhausted. Come, I'll take you home so you can sleep."

"No." Tsunade pulled free and walked away, toward the conference room. By some miracle, her voice remained steady. "I'm not going home tonight." Besides, if Kakashi took her home, he would leave. She wasn't ready for that. She would never be ready for that. She stopped next to the couch and clamped her eyes shut. "After—after everything, I can't just go to sleep. So many of my shinobi are dead, Kakashi."

Kakashi had followed her silently, as she'd known he would. His hand rested on her shoulder and he gave a gentle squeeze, pushing her forward. "Tsunade. Sit on the couch. Rest."

Tsunade shook her head, but she sank onto the couch anyway, too tired to argue. "I don't want you to leave."

Kakashi sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her close. His chest rumbled against her. "I'm not going anywhere."

"Liar," Tsunade muttered, but that didn't stop her from curling into his side and resting her head on his shoulder. She breathed in the familiar scent of pine and metal, and relaxed. Maybe... maybe she could sleep for a little while. But the fear that Kakashi would leave as soon as she did kept her eyes open.

"You did everything you could. All of us did." Kakashi rested his cheek on her head. "But war always brings death."

"I know." Tsunade's mouth pinched. In a way, she could almost understand Orochimaru's driving desire to cheat death. Because if she could find a way to keep those she loved from it... She sighed. No. Death was a part of life. "But that doesn't make it any easier."

"No. It doesn't." Kakashi straightened, studying her. He seemed almost... tense. "I heard Dan was reincarnated."

"Hai." Tsunade slid a glance at him, tempted to smile at his adorable, worried expression. But she didn't want to tease him. Not about this. "We spoke. It was good to gain closure after all this time. He is proud of me for becoming hokage."

"I see." Kakashi's voice held a note of relief, but his gaze flickered away from hers, clearly trying to hide his questions.

This time, Tsunade did smile. She placed her hand on Kakashi's thigh, and his gaze jerked back to hers, startled. "And he said that he wants me to move on with someone who will make me happy, because that's all he's ever wanted for me. To find a new dream and live it."

"Hmm." Kakashi pulled her closer, so that she was almost in his lap. Her cheeks warmed, but she was too tired to object. At least, that's what she told herself as Kakashi's intense gaze held hers. "And what did you tell him?"

Tsunade let Kakashi's embrace pull her forward, and she leaned against his strong chest, her head resting in the crook of his neck. "I told him... I already have."

"I'm glad to hear it." Kakashi sighed, as if he, too, wanted to forget the events of the day. "This feels familiar, doesn't it?"

Tsunade shivered, and it wasn't from her rain-damped clothes. "What are you talk—?" And then it came to her. Years ago, in Kakashi's apartment, where she'd been drunk and clingy. The tingle of embarrassment spread from her face and down to her stomach. Gods. Even worse, she didn't remember anything from that night besides fragments of walking to his apartment and Kakashi holding her on the couch. "I was drunk, Kakashi. Maybe you remember, but I don't—"

"Maa, that's too bad." Kakashi glanced at her, then fixed his gaze on the opposite side of the room. Was he... blushing? He tilted his head, though he still didn't look at her. "You said you liked my hair."

Tsunade straightened, a slow smile overtaking her lips. It had been too long since she'd been able to tease him, and they both needed a distraction. She leaned in, only inches away, and slid her hand around his neck to play with the short silver hair at his nape. She lowered her voice to a purr, "I do like your hair."

Kakashi swallowed audibly, and his voice had a slight rasp, "Then you said that I didn't have to hide myself from you, and..."

"And?" Tsunade asked innocently. Their bodies were pressed so close together all she could feel was the heat of his skin and every pulse of his wildly beating heart.

"You..." Kakashi's gaze dropped to her mouth and his sentence ended in a stammering, "...m-my mask..."

"Never hide yourself from me," Tsunade whispered, moving in so close Kakashi seemed to stop breathing. With slow, deliberate movements, she found his mask and pulled it down, letting her fingers trace down his flushed cheeks and lips. She paused and smiled, the movement brushing his lips, breath mingling with his. "You know... you're cute when you're blushing."

"Wha...?" It was Kakashi's turn to react drunkenly; his movements sluggish as he lifted his gaze to her eyes.

Tsunade pressed her lips to his. Kakashi jerked, then he returned the kiss with a groan in his throat. "Tsuna..."

She may have been the one teasing him, but only now did Tsunade realize how parched she had been. She drank in Kakashi; the taste of him the only thing that could quench her thirst. She deepened her kisses, drowning in the sensation of his warm lips on hers and never wanting to come up for air.

But she had to.

Tsunade shoved away her unwanted thoughts, but when she kissed Kakashi again, the taste of salt betrayed her. Kakashi must have caught it too, because he pulled back, panting. Tsunade's eyes stung, but she forced it back. No. She wasn't ready. She would never be ready.

"Tsunade?" Kakashi's eyebrows furrowed in concern and he reached up to wipe moisture from her cheek. "What is it?"

Tsunade bit her lip hard, but her hands trembled in spite of herself. "That was goodbye."

Kakashi stared at her. "Tsuna—"

"You don't have to say anything." Tsunade close her eyes to regain control. "I know what you have to do. What we have to do."

And come morning, she would be alone again.

"I heard Sasuke was pardoned." Kakashi's voice was low and unreadable.

"Hai." Tsunade wasn't sure why he was changing the subject to that, but she was grateful. "But he won't be staying, at least, not for a while. He wants to give those in Konoha space after everything he's done and travel for a while. To 'atone for his actions' are his words."

"Ah." Kakashi lowered his head for a long moment, then lifted his gaze back to hers. "Tsunade, I found a way to gain my pardon too."

"Wh-what?" Tsunade searched his face frantically, but he was all seriousness. Then... did that mean...? "How? When? Are you—are you...?"

"That was the business I had after the funeral." Kakashi's jaw clenched and unclenched, his eyes stormy. "The war is over and Konoha is safe. I wanted to be here, with you. Jiraiya-san told me Sasuke had been pardoned, so I went to Koharu to gain my own." His gaze flickered away, as if he was unable to look at her. "They don't trust Sasuke, so they asked me to go with him when he leaves, to keep an eye on him. When we return, we will both have our pardon."

He still wouldn't look at her. Tsunade straightened, anger pulsing hot. How dare the elders put such demands on him? She was still the hokage, and she would... Realization halted the barrage of thoughts. Why he couldn't face her. Her anger seeped away as quickly as it had come. "You want to go with him."

"I have to." Kakashi exhaled, his head drooping in defeat. "I failed him once, and I can't do it again... not like I did with Obito. Sasuke is powerful, more powerful than I'll ever be, but he's still just a lost kid. Tsunade, I can't—I can't let him go back to the darkness. I know how easy it is."

Tsunade's heart broke at the torment in his voice. Clearly, he felt like he was choosing between her and Sasuke. But she understood. And she couldn't let him live with any more guilt. "Kakashi." She placed her hands on either side of his face, raising his head. "I know. I won't stop you. Go with Sasuke. He needs you."

"Tsunade..." Kakashi stared at her, expression anguished. "I don't know how long it will take. I could be gone for ye—"

"And I will be here when you return." She held his gaze steadily, and gradually, his eyes softened. The tension left his body, and he melted into her with a sigh. Tsunade wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close, close enough that he couldn't see the tears silently running down her face.

She knew he was hiding something, but she couldn't make herself ask him what it was, not when it was already causing him so much pain. She clamped her aching eyes shut. No, she wouldn't ask Kakashi. But one way or another, she would force the details out of the elders, and they would regret hiding it from her.

"One month," she murmured, the soft silver hair behind his ear tickling her lips.

"Hmm?" Kakashi's breath warmed her collarbone, but he didn't lift his head. If anything, he seemed to pull her closer.

"We have one month. That's when Sasuke Uchiha will be allowed to leave." Tsunade closed her eyes, inhaling his scent. For one month, she would have Kakashi at her side. She still had a lot of work to do, but— "Ack!" Tsunade jerked back, hand automatically lifting to her ear in shock. Had—had Kakashi just nipped her ear? A hot blush rose to her cheeks. "Kakashi! What—what are you...?"

Kakashi smirked, a gleam in his eyes she hadn't seen before. "You know... you're cute when you're blushing, Tsunade-sama." He brushed a strand of hair from her face, warm fingers lingering on her skin. "Maa, I wonder how many times I can get you flustered in a month?"

"Kakashi!" Tsunade smacked his hand away. Gods. Now she was hot all over. She slid off his lap, just to remind him who he was dealing with, and huffed. "I'd like to see you try."

She flushed. Wrong choice of words.

Kakashi only tilted his head—though he was clearly struggling to conceal a smile—and placed his large, warm hand over hers and laced their fingers. "I'm sorry, I forgot my place. Please forgive me."

"As you should be. I am your hokage, after all." Tsunade didn't attempt to hide her own smile, and she raised herself enough to kiss Kakashi's beauty mark at the corner of his mouth. "Your place is with me. And don't forget it."

Kakashi's response was to lean forward, capturing her lips with his own almost desperately, as if afraid he might lose her. But she wasn't going anywhere. As Tsunade lost herself in the blissfulness of the kiss and the taste of Kakashi, she couldn't help another smile.

One month.

A/N: Well, guys, we've reached the final arc! It should be about four more chapters (hopefully). I can't believe it's so close to the end. As always, thanks for reading! :D

Miss Laury: Thank you! :D I'm glad you could tell how Kakashi and Tsunade are feeling in their absence, because I didn't want to go too overboard with it. Though there is a lot about Jiraiya that I don't like, he's certainly a fun character to write. Same. I'm always rooting for them to kiss. XD Yeah, Tsunade punching the pillar in canon was too good to leave out. I mean, she didn't do anything like that when other shinobi died... Haha, they don't have the best luck, do they? But then, what else could you expect from Tsunade, the legendary sucker? XD Aww, thank you! I'm glad I could make you emotional, in a good way, lol. I agree, Ino is definitely underrated! She's one of my favorite characters, honestly.

Square Mom Lover: Thank you so much for reviewing! :D I admit, the idea of killing off the elders is very tempting. But they do serve the plot well, lol. And yes, they are retired shinobi. If memory serves correctly, I believe they were on the same genin team with Hiruzen Sarutobi under Tobirama. I feel for your frustration, and I'm sorry about that... kinda. XD But I'm afraid we haven't seen the last of the elders' meddling. Everyone has an agenda, and unfortunately for Kakashi and Tsunade, they are always caught up in it because of who they are.

Ojay1307: Thank you so much! :) I really appreciate you always leaving reviews. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well. :D