Time seemed to be uncharacteristically on Kakashi's side this evening. Not only were the boys statements taken swiftly by Detective Haruno, the good plant store was still open. He'd even made it five minutes before closing.

"Why are we here? Shouldn't we be going back to the scene to meet with the medical examiner?"

"All in good time, Haruno." As they entered Kakashi made a beeline to the indoor potted plants, he was unfortunately all too familiar with this section of the store. "First things first, we need to find just the right one…"

"For what?"

Kakashi paused and considered his answer, and he really should answer properly. But it was alarmingly entertaining for him at this point to keep her in the dark. Part of it stemming from his general dislike of explaining any of his actions, but now it was mostly for his own amusement.

You're an asshole, Kakashi.

He smirked at the tone of Obito his conscience had taken.

The minutes passed in silence, he was in no hurry at this point. But if he preemptively purchased a plant now it would afford him a little time later on, and the more wilted it became in the back of his sedan the happier Yamato would be… Even if the man wouldn't admit to it directly.

It was sometime before Kakashi found what he was looking for. An almost depressing imitation of what was once a glossy leaved flower of some kind. Picking it up he nudged past Haruno on his way to the counter.

"That one's kinda sad, wouldn't one of these be better?"

"The sadder the better, Haruno."

The cashier shot him an odd expression, her long blond hair covering one eye but not enough to hide the disdain she obviously felt. Kakashi put on his best charming smile and it seemed to do the trick.

The ride back to the scene was in blissful silence. Sakura hadn't said a word, though he could tell she was merely waiting for an opportunity to ask again about the potted plant now safely belted into the back seat. Her eyes remained steely and concentrating on the road ahead of them, unwavering, almost too concentrated. When the car pulled up alongside the hoards of other vehicles now gathered at the scene, Haruno exited the vehicle so quickly that Kakashi took note.

Perhaps it was because she was brand new to the game, perhaps he was just feeling extra sentimental considering what today meant to him….But she became another puzzle, added to the case, that he would need to solve. And as a detective it was a need to delve into the unknown and reveal the truth.

Why she was so silent, so studious, despite this being her first case as a detective… it was all confounding to Kakashi. Without his express permission a mass recall of early memories as a young investigator flooded to his mind.

Those were the days, right Kakashi?

Obito hit the nail on the head, even if it was only his conscience and memory of Obito. How was Sakura able to keep so calm, so quiet? It was only when they paused briefly in the trek back to the lakeside that she said anything.

Sakura had been walking ahead of him, but stopped, placing her hand to the trunk of a tree. Kakashi wondered if she had found evidence of some kind but instead she took deep steadying breaths, and when he caught up it was obvious that her eyes were closed.

Kakashi almost smirked, this was inevitable for new detectives on a murder case. Or at least what appeared to be a murder. It was an unsettling nausea at the confronting sight that was death. Maybe she wasn't so unique after all…

"Alright there, Haruno?"

She took a deep breath, straightened herself, and smiled at him. All so unexpected, Kakashi was immediately taken aback again by her attitude.

"I'm fine. Just not used to your way of driving… It'll pass."

They began walking slowly, side by side, Kakashi feeling a little perturbed by her words.

"You get motion sickness, huh? That explains why you were so quiet."

"Mmm, not especially, just when hurtled at speeds above sane limits."

He huffed despite himself.

"Well next time, you can drive. How does that sound?"

"Only if you take the statements…"

Kakashi paused, confused.

"This isn't a bargaining situation, Haruno. I'm only offering so you don't get sick, out of courtesy…"

"Uh huh, and that would mean I'm doing all the grunt work for you. Driving, taking statements….You won't con me so easily, Hatake. We're in this 50/50."

"You know, you appear far too seasoned for this to be your first case as Detective. It has me awfully suspicious."

This time Sakura huffed.

"And you've obviously never been partnered with a woman before." How she was so short, and yet still managed to look down her nose at him as she spoke was a trick that defied logic itself. "Let's just say, I know your kind well enough."

There wasn't another opportunity for Kakashi to make a comeback, or to ponder at the tone of her voice and what it meant, they had reached the taped border of the scene. Nodding to the officers and forensics alike, Kakashi followed Sakura as she made a beeline straight to the medical examiner. Huddled with her back to them, Kakashi could recognise the woman from the shape of her head alone.

Tsunade had really pulled no punches with this one, calling in the very top examiner in the state. They had met several times before, the last being exactly one year earlier.

"Shizune!" Sakura called, surprisingly chirpy, it was such a happy greeting that Kakashi slowed in his steps.

"Hmm, oh, Sakura! It's lovely to see you!"

The pair began to titter away about something not pertaining to the case, Kakashi didn't really care to listen. Instead he approached them and cleared his throat in a rather auspicious way.

"So it's true, you were paired up with Hatake. I'm so sorry, Sakura. Just try your very best not to pick up any of his bad habits…."

"Nice to see you again too, Shizune. Now, what can you tell me?"

It was nice at least that she wasn't treating him with kid gloves like the others had done after Obito… but some civility would have been a better start. It didn't matter. In any case he tried to ignore the dramatic eye roll and huff as she crossed her arms and crouched near the skull again.

"I'm not a miracle worker, Kakashi. There is some tissue clinging to the inside of the skull, so I don't believe she was in the water for long, though we won't know for certain until tests come back."

"She?" Sakura and Kakashi both choroused.

"Judging by the rounded forehead and smooth supraorbital ridge, as well as the general size of the skull itself, strongly suggests female. I may be able to extract DNA from the tissue that remains, depending on how degraded it is. But with nothing to compare it to, and no teeth to make a dental comparison either, she's going to be Jane Doe for a while."

"Age?" Again, Sakura and Kakashi spoke in unison, this time it prompted a quick exchange of the eyes before focusing back on Shizune. Who was harboring possibly the most demonic look Kakashi had ever seen on the medical examiner.

"Again, I'm not a miracle worker. My guess is under thirty judging by the cranial suturing that is visible but I'm not gonna know more until we're back at the lab."

Kakashi was almost hesitant to speak now, opening his mouth to do so before pausing. And as if to confirm his suspicions, Haruno asked the question that had been on his lips.

"Is there anything hinting cause of death so far?"

"Not sure yet, there's some markings on the skull, could be blunt force trauma. At this stage those could be from rolling around on the river bed. It's anyone's guess at the moment." Shizune paused, jotting down something in a pad quickly before returning that demonic eye to ogle them. "You two are polar opposites but you already work so well together…"

The comment caused Sakura to blush, something he caught in his peripheral vision, but Kakashi was seasoned enough to this behaviour. He rolled his eyes rather dramatically before replying.

"Calm down, Shizune. We don't all put out on the first date…" He turned slowly, satisfied at the yelping that followed.

"Genma told you! I can't believe that man, when I get my hands on him I'll skin him alive…"

"Nice seeing you!" Kakashi called over his shoulder before making his way back to the trail. There was small commotion to be heard behind him, but he wasn't paying much attention to that. In the waning light he tried his utmost to take in the surroundings and anything that could be useful later. But forensics would pick up that slack for him, and he could always come back later.

Crunching of leaves and twigs behind him, followed by the wafting scent of something sweet, Haruno had caught up.

"I don't think I've ever seen her that angry…" Sakura half stuttered as she tried to keep his pace, her shorter legs making twice the work for her.

"You'll get used to it. Believe me." Kakashi paused for thought, deciding to just be outright with the question even if he didn't really care if she answered. "You already familiar with the medical examiner?"

"Mmhmm. Shizune was one of my professors."

"I didn't realize she lectured criminology…"

"That's because she lectures in forensic mortuary practise."

They had just reached the car, Kakashi throwing Haruno the keys before opening the passengers side. Sakura shrugged, almost falling into the driver's seat before adjusting it for her stature. Kakashi made a mental note that he would need to adjust it all the way back before he next drove, or he would never be able to fit in the vehicle.

"You studied medicine?"

Usually he wouldn't be quite so fastidious about clicking the seat belt to his waist, but there was a nagging thought in his mind that he may be needing the protection today.

"Mmhmm. Are you going to tell me exactly where I'm driving to? Is there another plant store open in the county that we need to hit urgently or will gas station flowers satisfy your need?"

"Haha, very funny Haruno. There is method to my madness, you'll learn soon enough. Speaking of which I thought perhaps, seeing as we'll be waiting on forensics now, that I would show you the true meaning of detective work back at the precinct…"

"Really?" It came out more skeptical than an actual question, deadpan as she started the motor.

"Don't sound so cynical. I am first and foremost a detective, with a reputation to uphold too, I'll add."

"Alright then…"

Sakura still appeared to be dubious as they drove at a safe speed through the village. There was just a hint of a smile on her face that Kakashi could see in his peripheral, and it pleased him to no end that she had fallen for the line.

Soon enough that smile would be wiped clean.

Thwack.

The stack of files hit the desk with an audible thud, Kakashi satisfied with the slightest of jumps from Sakura.

"What is…"

"This, Haruno, is the true meaning of being a detective." The way those big eyes of hers shot to his was perfect timing for delivering the final blow. "Paperwork."

"You've got to be kidding…"

"I am... this is only half of it. The other half is done through our online systems now."

"So these are…"

"Just the missing person reports for females aged early to late twenties in the area. But seeing as we're doing this 50/50, I'll take half the stack, sound fair?"

"Yeah, but how do…"

"Good."

With a forced smile that was all smugness and perverse joy Kakashi took half the pile of folders and walked over to his own desk before she could finish asking her question. The online system they were using was nightmare enough with years of experience using it under his belt. It delighted him more than it should, watching her muddle through, trying to log in and failing immediately. He scoffed, picking up his own papers and lazily beginning the process.

It was going to take weeks just to get anything close to an identity of the victim. These new detectives thought it was all sleuthing, gun toting and catching serial killers. But this was the heart of bureaucracy and detective work.

If only Obito had stayed at his desk that day...

The thought entered as quickly as it left and it was here that Kakashi felt a pang of guilt. It was still the anniversary after all, and here he was torturing a new recruit instead of honoring his best friend's memory. There wasn't any need to be a dick about it. It was just that moody helpless feeling taking over, lashing out on those around him, that frustration at the way the world had to be now without Obito there to guide him.

With a sigh of indignation Kakashi looked over to Haruno's desk. She was very carefully going through the files, and though he couldn't see her face, he imagined she was deep in concentration. Maybe he didn't need to babysit her all the way, maybe he'd been right in his instinct to throw her in it and make her work. It had worked for Kakashi anyway, Captain Minato had been meticulous with his training regime in every aspect. It was just a shame that it hadn't saved either of his partners... Obito, Rin, the former Captain himself. All gone now. He was the only one left.

So maybe things did need to change, maybe there was a way he could train Haruno to be not only be a great detective, but one that lived. Succumbing to the wave of nostalgia Kakashi kept his gaze on the back of her pink head of hair.

Well, at least there's no risk of losing her in a crowded area.

This time his thoughts had taken Obito's voice once more, causing him to exhale loudly in amusement before turning back to his work. For now at least Obito's voice and heart were alive within him and that would be enough to keep him going until he could finally lay him to rest. Until he could finally serve justice.

His mind threatened to drift from the case that was in front of him, and for Kakashi that signaled it was time for dinner.

"Haruno, you hungry?" Kakashi rummaged through his desk for his keys and wallet, there was no answer from Sakura. "Haruno..."

Still no answer.

"Sakura?"

"Hmm? What, oh sorry, I was just... ugh..."

"You were caught up in the case, I get it. You will need to eat though. Hungry?" He was already standing and putting his jacket on, surprised to find Sakura shaking her head and diving right back into whatever it was she had been reading. "Your loss."

Leaving the building with another sigh he considered his options at this point. The murder case wasn't exactly going to lead anywhere quickly so it wouldn't be out of the question to drive back home and get a fresh start in the morning. But that meant leaving Haruno, a new detective on her first murder case, to her own devices. His conscience (and Obito for that matter) couldn't justify that action in his mind; even if it was the anniversary.

As Kakashi headed to the Chinese takeaway down the street, on foot, he considered that perhaps Haruno had only been feigning interest in something else. That after his behavior she just didn't want to spend any more time that necessary with him. And while she was a veritable stranger, that thought still bothered him more than it should. It began to eat at him.

He needed to do better, be better.

But what was the point? As soon as this fiasco was dealt with, he would be diving head first back into the now cold case of his former partner's murder. That was the only case that mattered...

But Sakura isn't a case number, Kakashi.

He paused in his step. As usual, Obito had hit the crux of the issue, he'd always been more knowledgeable when it came to subjective matters like thoughts and feelings. Kakashi was grateful that at least some of Obito's good nature had worn off on him a little, enough to be able to function in normal society anyway.

First things first, food, then apologize to Sakura.

He wasn't so old that he should be fighting change so much. While 39 didn't exactly make him a spring chicken in any case it was definitely not old enough to become the grumpy embittered veteran of the precinct. Tsunade wore that hat well enough thank you very much.

Unsure what Sakura would want to eat, Kakashi settled for a combination of the best the place had to offer. And if she turned him down he would feast like a king for the rest of the week.

As usual, whenever Detective Hatake had a spare moment these days, he took his time. While he walked slowly back towards the precinct it gave him time to form a script of sorts in his mind. By the time he had reached the doors the plan in his mind was iron clad and ready to be unleashed. An hour might have passed since he'd left, maybe more if you counted the small detour he'd made to the corner store for a pack of cigarettes. When his desk and Sakura's came into view he was slightly perturbed that she hadn't moved one inch. She was holding that same piece of paper and appeared to be as still as a statue.

Damnable curiosity spiked, Kakashi approached cautiously.

"Ah, Haruno."

Again it was like she had fallen into a trance and words were not going to reach her easily.

"Sakura. You were staring at that page when I left... Are you alright?"

She nodded slowly but her bulging eyes would not leave the sheet of paper. Kakashi hated asking that question but he hated not having a direct answer to it even more. Despite his own annoyance, he dared to look at the paper that had her so enraptured, recognizing the skull they had found staring back at him.

Call it detective's intuition, or some other unknown and mysterious force, but a familiar prickling sensation occurred on the back of his neck. It was the same feeling he'd had once, long ago... when Obito would come up with an idea that was too crazy not to work.

"Found something?" He asked cautiously.

This time the question had reached her, green eyes turned to his with sudden clarity as if they only just realized he was there. She nodded faster this time. Kakashi deposited the bag of food behind him onto his own desk before wheeling a chair closer to hers.

"What have you got?"

"Well, Shizune sent me a photo of the skull after she'd cleaned it a little, hardly the best quality but it was all I could do with this stupid system that..."

Kakashi cleared his throat, get to the point.

"Right, anyway. It was impossible to zoom in any further..." She tapped away at her mouse on the screen to bring up the same image that was on the paper. "And I thought at first that it was a printing fault, but I'm certain, see this..."

She indicated to what appeared to be a slight nick on the bone, Kakashi nodded.

"This mark appears in a few places, this one is the most clear, but there are other marks... Here and here..."

"Cause of death?"

She shook her head no.

"These nicks are not uniform in pattern and there's two distinctly different ones. About a dozen of each. Which tells me that two different tools were used..."

"Someone hacked the flesh off our vic..."

Sakura nodded again, her eyes wide on Kakashi while he grabbed the photo to bring it closer to his face. One day he might tell her of the unfortunate case that had desensitized him to this kind of vile act, but it would not be today. She was right, he could see it himself, it also explained why all the teeth were missing. They had been pulled from the jaw. After a moment of reflection he turned his attention instead to the brilliant mind that had figured this out on her first day on the job.

"How did you find this so quickly?"

"Well, when I worked surgical, we would get patients in who had been in accidents with farming equipment, you name it basically. We had one dolt who put alternating blades on his rotary hoe, made them himself... You can't imagine... Anyway, the point is, the cuts on his bones in the xray were similar."

"You didn't just study medicine then, you practiced?"

"Well, yeah. I was a surgeon for five years at Konoha Grace."

"You can't be older than 25, surely..."

Sakura had a flair of her nostrils at this point that reminded him so much of Tsunade that Kakashi was tempted to guard his loins.

"Not that it's any of your business, but I just turned 30. I'm allowed to change my vocation when I see fit, and it's not up to anyone else..."

"Sakura, nice work."

The complement was honest, it came from his own thought patterns as they descended into this case before him. Both the murder, and the mystery of why she was really here and not practicing. Working her up had not been his intention, in fact he had only approached her to apologize to begin with.

Those words seemed to stop her momentum. Though her brow was furrowed in a kind of skeptic stance, she softened.

"Thanks."

"I mean it. You've saved me days of work."

"Saved us, Kakashi, us." She stood and stretched with a noise. Being stuck in that craned position for hours had taken its toll. "Oh, you brought food! Excellent, I'm starved."

"What are you doing?"

Kakashi stood just as she was leaning over to inspect the contents of the bag.

"I thought..."

"Dinner is going to have to wait Haruno." He was already donning his jacket, he scooped hers off the back of her chair and tossed it at her.

"But..."

"We need to get moving. That skull's been defleshed, which means it might not have been in the water very long, which also means the trail is still hot. The more time that passes the less..."

"The less likely we are to catch the killer. I went to that class too." Sakura sighed and shrugged her jacket on just in time for Kakashi to throw the keys at her. "Where are we going this time?"

"Plant delivery." He smirked at her slack jaw, but a magician never reveals their tricks before the show. "Let's go."