Disclaimer: Again, I don't own anything or anybody except Tomoko, her family, and Nagareboshi Cafe. Any concepts/ideas mentioned in this fanfiction that seem to be borrowed from another media/piece of continuity - note that I don't mean to plagiarize anything or anybody in any way! This fanfic was made for entertainment purposes, not for pissing off others! So yeah!
The theme for this chapter is HypochrondriacPiano's cover of Terra's Theme from Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep. As of this chapter, I've covered both Ventus and Aqua, but not Terra! So with the drama going on here and the upcoming conflict that is to come, I thought this would be fitting.
Please enjoy!
Chapter 39: Hearts are Weird
Tomoko was smiling at him again. Even though it wasn't her normal, cheerful smile, it was a smile nonetheless.
"So, you're heading out again?" She said quietly.
Kakashi slipped on his sandals while nodding solemnly.
It had been a few days since the last mission. Minato-sensei may not have gotten them another one out of his vow to give the team a week-long vacation, but that didn't mean delaying training.
The last thing Kakashi wanted was to feel like that ever again. That past self of his, who could do nothing but watch as so many civilians met their deaths.
Helpless. Weak. Shocked and frozen. All of those things.
He hated it.
Still, Tomoko had that sad look in her eye as she clasped her hands behind her back, leaning in to look at him gently. "Are you sure you're going to be okay? Do you want me to come by later with some lunch?"
He tried to smile. At least, as much as one as his mask could allow. Lub-dub, lub-dub. His heart added in quietly. "... Lunch sounds nice, Tomoko."
But Kakashi couldn't answer her first question. He wasn't sure if he could.
He wasn't fully okay, but he wasn't finished with what he had to do either.
The Third Shinobi World War was still raging on outside of Konoha's walls, no matter what he felt on the matter. And when seeing his best friend, staring at him with that thoughtful, solemn look in her blue eyes, Kakashi knew.
He had to train again. Especially if he wanted to protect her.
"... Kakashi?" Tomoko was looking at him again, tilting her head while leaning into his personal space a bit too much. With her unconvinced sapphire orbs, Kakashi found himself frozen. "Are you really sure about that?"
Lubdub, lubdub, lubdub. His heart went again, faster this time.
FUCK! He found himself inwardly cursing. Why?! Why is my heart -
Lubdub, lubdub, lubdub, lubdub. It went again, almost mockingly in his chest.
Tomoko blinked. "Kakashi?"
He gulped and opened his mouth. "I-It's fine, Tomoko. Don't worry about it."
"Hmm~?" Tomoko leaned closer again, a small teasing smile tugging at her lips. "Really?"
Kakashi forced himself to look away, hand landing on his mouth in an attempt to hide the short breaths leaving him. "Y-Yeah, Tomoko. Really."
A few moments of silence, with those same blue eyes boring holes into his head.
Then, Tomoko sighed, pulling away while straightening herself. "Okay," She replied simply, an exasperated huff leaving her lips. "Just promise me one thing before you go."
He blinked, finally feeling his heart slow down at the newly created distance. "What?"
Tomoko smiled at him, and the new angle made her appear almost sad. "Take care of yourself, okay Kakashi? I know that I plan to be with you for a long time, but I won't be able to head out onto the battlefield with you or set out with Team Minato. So…" She trailed off, averting her eyes before finishing. "Promise that you'll be safe doing whatever you do, okay? And come back."
Oh. Kakashi found himself smiling softly before resting a hand on her shoulder. "Of course I will."
I don't plan to leave you either.
Those same blue eyes widened in surprise before softening, warm happiness showing in them again. The girl was smiling again. "Well," Tomoko then reached over, pulling him into another hug. "I'll see you later."
"Yeah," Kakashi patted her back, the familiar rosemary tickling his nose. "I'll see you later this afternoon then."
A soft giggle. Then, Tomoko's breath brushed his ear. "I love you, Kakashi."
His heart could've stopped at that moment alone.
Tomoko let him go before he could think on the words, taking a step back to wave at him cheerily. "Don't do anything stupid, okay?"
Kakashi took that moment to dart out past the door, absently waving back in an attempt to hide the red on his face.
What was going ON with him?
The walk to Training Ground Three was quick. Almost far too quick for Kakashi's liking, considering his heart had yet to stop beating so hard in his chest.
Lubdub, lubdub, lubdub, lubdub, lubdub, lubdub. It seemed to go in his ears.
Then, the wet grass greeted his sandals.
Kakashi looked up.
Nearby, standing underneath the shade of a tree, Uchiha Obito looked at him, grinning solemnly. "Hey Kakashi,"
"Hey," He responded curtly, walking closer to his teammate. "Is Rin not here yet?"
"No," Obito shook his head, grin fading for a blank expression. "Last I checked, she was restocking up on some medical supplies. Since we're training and all."
"Huh," Kakashi said, standing underneath the shade too. It was easy to see why this would be a good place to stand and wait - it was cool and provided easy protection from the glaring sun. "Have you been here long?"
"Nah," Obito was grinning again, a bit more sincere instead of the usual goofiness. "After some of our talks, I decided to come a bit early. 5 minutes, really."
"Nice," Kakashi decided to then lean against the tree trunk, looking up to take in the leaves above him. They rustled softly in the early morning winds, almost cheerily as the sun peeked through the cracks in the branches.
It seemed peaceful.
And then Obito had to say it.
"So, Kakashi, do you like Tomoko-chan?"
The Chunin nearly choked, and instead found himself hacking out some saliva that got caught in the wrong tube, bending over to get it out. His heart had started up again, and it didn't look like it was going to stop anytime soon.
Lubdub, lubdub, lubdub, lubdub, lubdub, lubdub, lubdub.
"W-What…" Kakashi coughed again, putting a hand over his mouth. "What brought THAT on?!"
Obito grinned again, a tint of mischievousness in the dark eyes. Even with his bright orange goggles, the smirk wasn't hard to miss. "Seriously Bakashi, I would've thought that a Chunin like you would've seen the signs already!"
He was NOT up for this. Kakashi glared at the Uchiha, absently cracking his knuckles. "Explain. Now."
Obito held up his hands in surrender while still grinning. At least he was sweating now. Kakashi had yet to lose the power of glaring. "Think about it, Kakashi. Tomoko-chan always seems to gravitate towards you, hugs you without you protesting, and didn't she say "I love you" during the sleepover?" The Uchiha was smirking again. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you've got it bad."
Kakashi found himself frowning deeply.
Him? Liking…
A warm smile flashed through his mind.
"Kakashi!"
LUB-DUB. His heart answered loudly in his chest.
Fuck. Kakashi found himself turning red as Obito took one glance at his masked face before bursting into laughter.
This wasn't happening, was it?
It couldn't be…
He couldn't be like Obito, who couldn't get his eyes off of Rin, could he?
He couldn't like…
Warm blue eyes shined in his mind's eye again, almost teasing him.
"Kakashi!"
"... Just shut up, Obito." He decided, crossing his arms and turning his head away while choosing this time to ignore the cackling Uchiha.
There was no way it could be possible.
Him and Tomoko?
No.
No no no, NO.
There was no way.
Lubdub. His heart said.
Namikaze Minato wasn't looking forward to the upcoming trip to Training Ground Three. How could he? Even if he could see his three cute students, after the fiasco that was their first trip out to the front lines, he wasn't even sure if he could even face them.
Especially after what Judai and Sakumo had to say about it.
He could STILL feel the aches in his ears from how much the men yelled at him.
Thank goodness that Hikari-san herself didn't contribute. Even though he could see the clear anger in her blue eyes.
How could he face them - teach them - now when he knew that he nearly failed them?
It was that thought in mind that Minato found himself jumping from treetops, relying on his chakra senses alone to find his team while concealing his own presence.
He wasn't even sure if he could be there today.
But then, when landing in Training Ground Three, the resulting sight calmed all of his skepticisms.
"GET BACK HERE, UCHIHA!"
"NEVER! GOTTA CATCH ME FIRST!"
Obito, running from what seemed to be an angry Kakashi. The Chunin himself was waving an angry fist around, gaining on the Genin's heels pretty quickly.
"G-Guys, aren't we supposed to be training?! C-Calm down already!"
Rin, standing nearby and trying to placate the two of them with a panicked face.
"LATER RIN! I NEED TO CATCH THIS IDIOT FIRST!"
"AAH! WHY ARE YOU PULLING A KUNAI OUT?!"
"JUST STOP AND YOU'LL FIND OUT!"
"GUYS!"
Minato chuckled before whisking himself away.
It was going to be okay after all.
He still had a chance to make things better.
"Tomoko-chan, you're slowing down! Keep up a constant speed!"
"Haa… Haa… I'm TRYING, Papa!"
"Try HARDER, sweetie!"
Urgh.
Running WITH weights on was already a pain.
But AROUND the village at least once? It felt a bit like domestic torture.
However, it wasn't right to call it that now, was it?
It was training to help with my stamina and self-defense. After the whole 'drunk man incident', there was NO way I wanted a repeat.
That didn't make the ordeal I was going through any less physically painful and ridiculous for civilian standards.
"Haa… haa…"
"You can do it, Tomoko-chan! You got this!" Papa shouted cheerfully from the rooftops, jumping at a leisurely pace.
Nearby, I was sure I could hear Uncle Sakumo's deadpan voice. "... Judai, don't you think this is a bit much? Tomoko-chan is still ten."
"A-Almost eleven!" Papa and I screamed in unison. While Papa chuckled while mid-jump onto ANOTHER roof, I just tried to keep running.
"... Not the point," Sakumo deadpanned again. "Don't you think this is a bit overkill?"
"... Says the former White Fang who taught a whole class of youngsters how to kill?" Papa said back.
"... You're spending too much time monitoring the bar now, Judai."
"Hah. I still win. I'm STILL absolutely flawless."
"... Judai."
Did these two… just start something out of the Yugioh Abridged series?
I could SWEAR Papa sounded like ShadyVox for a second. But nonetheless.
This is utterly RIDICULOUS. Hisako mumbled dryly. Training is one thing, but this looks so STUPID.
… Hisako, Vy biked 40-50 miles in one day. This isn't much off course.
She grumbled. Still.
I just kept running, trying to keep up a constant pace while making sure my breathing didn't sound like I had just come out of the hospital.
The last thing I was expecting was for a green blur to pop up next to me.
"TOMOKO-CHAN?" I tried to not wince, and turned only to see a shiny bowl cut.
"Haa… haa… hello Guy-kun…" I said, clearly feeling my lungs burning.
Sure enough, the Green Beast himself was jogging up next to me, tilting his head at me in curiosity. "What are you doing this fine morning?" Even when running, he was barely pushing a sweat, grinning happily as if nothing was going on.
… Even though my legs felt like they would give in at ANY moment now.
I'll count it off.
Hisako, no! Let my pride LIVE.
Tch, fine.
… You're getting some satisfaction out of this, aren't you?
A whistle sounded in my mindscape instead.
Outwardly, I tried to grin back despite feeling sweat bead my face constantly. "R-Running a-and… haa… T-Training, G-Guy-kun… W-What…. Haa…. about you?"
"My morning jog!" The Green Genin announced proudly, lightly beating a fist against his chest. "But you? Training? That's extremely youthful of you, Tomoko-chan!"
"Y-You… huff… Think so?" I said, feeling my legs ache painfully again.
"Yes!" Guy seemed to brighten even more now, and I SWORE I could've saw some waves splash behind him despite being NOWHERE near a beach. "A civilian like you - training her hardest in the mornings! I, Might Guy, must live up to your example!" And then he went on to swing his arms in the same motions I was doing, only with more vigor as he grinned pearly white teeth.
"T-That's… huff…. Great…" Finally, finally I could see Nagareboshi come into view, and with Guy right next to me, I forced myself to run a bit faster, pushing my legs further.
Come on…. Come on!
"Tomoko-chan!" Mama was waving at me in the distance, a bright encouraging smile on her face, and I forced myself to go faster. She was getting closer… half a mile… a few meters… I could see her kimono obi…
"M-Mama…." And with that said, I ran fast enough to where I barrelled into her completely, my legs spent and my breathing finally DONE.
"Tomoko-chan…" She seemed to smile even more now, despite holding a very sweaty me. "You did wonderfully, sweetie. For your first village run with weights, that was great." Mama's hands immediately went up into my hair, brushing out the tangles that resulted from my small hairband messing everything up. "I'm very proud of you, dear."
I called it. About… 40-45 minutes before you keeled over? Nice job, Tomoko-chan.
… You were SERIOUSLY still counting it off even when I said NOT to?
Hey, Tomoko-chan, let me get some fun, okay? How else can I motivate you? Trash talk?
I took that as my signal to ignore her and just focus on getting some feeling in my legs back. The weights on my calves seemed to weigh EVEN more on me now, and I found myself slumping to the ground if not for Mama holding me up.
"A most YOUTHFUL job well done, Tomoko-chan!" A rough hand slammed itself into my shoulder, and I tried not to wince. Instead, I looked up from Mama's kimono to see Guy's happy face, black eyes sparkling. "What a brilliant finish!"
"Guy-kun…" Mama started dryly.
"I mean it as a compliment, Hikari-san!" He retorted hotly. I was honestly wondering how he was still able to sound polite while doing so.
In response, I just raised a tired hand. "Yeah…"
The ninja thankfully understood what I was asking for and gave me the high-five I was expecting. Hard, but well-earned.
The sound of sandals landing near us reached my ears, and then another pair of arms were holding me up. "You did great, Tomoko-chan." Papa's voice, more fatherly and Papa-like than the strange ShadyVox-general sergeant thing he was pulling a while back. His arms were clearly holding me up by the undersides of my arms while Mama held onto my waist, so it felt like I was an anime figure attempting to be posed. "Let's get you inside for some water and some time to cool down, okay?"
Uncle Sakumo loomed over Papa's head soon after, shaking his head in fond exasperation. "By chance, Guy-kun, do you want to join us too? The cafe is open."
"I thank you for the offer, Sakumo-sensei, but I can't!" Guy stood up to give another youthful pose, caught between what I think was an early version of Lee's salute and a fist bump to his chest, mouth set in a straight line. "I have to start training of my own again! My team just got back from the front lines, so I must continue if it means keeping up my father's name of Might!"
… Father? … What…?
"... Guy-kun?" I started tiredly, trying to get to my feet while raising a hand in the air.
The Green Genin looked at me, inclining his head. "Yes, Tomoko-chan?"
Er, Tomoko-chan, I don't think that's a good idea -
"... What happened to your father? Uh… Might Dai-san?" I said before Hisako could complete her sentence.
It was as if a storm passed through the street. Guy's eyes seemed to darken with some unknown hue almost immediately as his bowl-cut bangs shaded his face, and my heart recognized the border before I even realized it.
I found myself waving my hands around. "U-Uh, you don't have to say anything if it's a bad subject! I-I was just wondering what happened, since he was with you when you first visited -"
"Tomoko-chan," Papa interrupted gently, hand landing on my head. "That might be how you feel, but you still need to work on your timing."
"... No, Judai-san, it's fine." Guy sounded uncharacteristically somber now as he looked up with a smaller, almost sad grin. I didn't miss how he wasn't meeting my eyes and instead looking in Uncle Sakumo's direction. "Is it alright if I can take your offer to come in then, Sakumo-sensei?"
The former White Fang let out a soft grunt of approval as he walked over to put a hand on the Genin's shoulder. "Of course it is, Guy-kun. Let's go inside."
I wasn't surprised afterwards when Mama started carrying me inside the cafe too, rushing to get me to a shower.
Had to get all the sweat out before starting on the bad stuff.
The last thing Kakashi was expecting when coming back home was the sight of his self-proclaimed 'Eternal Rival' sitting in the main chair closest to the piano, eagerly chatting up something with… her.
Tomoko.
It should've been a normal occurrence. Heck, Kakashi had been living with the civilian for almost three years now, knowing her for about six, so it should've been a normal afternoon, walking home after a long day.
So then why in all FREAKIN' HELL was his heart pounding again?
Lub-dub. It went, almost mockingly. This time, it seemed a bit angry when bringing Guy into the picture. LUB-DUB.
Kakashi tried to squash whatever-it-was in his chest to instead walk closer, raising a hand. "Yo." He settled for simply.
Whatever conversation was immediately interrupted as Tomoko looked up, blue eyes widening with familiar sparkles at the sight of him. "Kakashi!"
LUB-DUB. His heart went loudly in response.
And before he could even process it, Tomoko was jumping on him in a hug.
HOLY SHIT -
Kakashi made sure to spin on the balls of his feet so that he didn't slip when catching her, but the civilian was still a force to reckon with as always. He couldn't help the surprised "Oof" escaping him as the force barrelled into his chest, and his nose was immediately assaulted with warm rosemary.
The collision may have lasted for mere moments, but it felt like an eternity.
Finally, finally Tomoko was pulling away to look up at him happily. Kakashi didn't even realize he was sitting down on the floor of the stage until he could see her clearly beaming at him. "Everything go well today? What happened? How's Obito and Rin-"
"Tomoko," He interrupted, resting a hand on her head. It was the least he could do with his own thoughts a jumbled mess. "Too many questions. Just start with one."
The girl flushed a light pink as a black hair strand chose the moment to lightly draft her cheek. Tomoko then sighed, leaning her head against his shoulder. "Alright…" She said dejectedly, looking up at him with a sheepish smile again. "But are you really okay, Kakashi? Mama started making dinner upstairs."
"I'm fine, it was just another day." He shrugged, internally hoping that she couldn't hear his heart. It was REALLY getting on his nerves today.
Lub-dub, lub-dub, lub-dub. It added helpfully.
"By the way…" He averted, raising an eyebrow.
"Hmm?" The civilian hummed.
Kakashi just raised a steady finger upwards towards the Green Beast in the room with increasing irritation. "Why is Guy here?"
"Yo, my Eternal Rival!" The Genin added happily.
Tomoko blinked before glancing behind her at the ninja. "Oh…" She turned back to Kakashi again, same sheepish smile on her face. "The thing is, I went out on my morning jog today and Guy-kun ended up joining me. So Uncle Sakumo decided to invite him in for dinner tonight."
… Why?
Apparently the irritation was coming out a bit too much for his liking because Tomoko inclined her head at him with a worried gaze. "... Is that okay?"
Kakashi tried to not freeze up and instead shake his head. "It's fine, Tomoko."
Once again, she was smiling that same, happy smile at him.
Lub-dub. His heart said softly.
Kakashi tried to grin back, noting how the girl had yet to let go of his waist.
Rosemary. Lotus flowers. Soft black hair.
They were all so close...
"... What a YOUTHFUL relationship you two have!" Guy interrupted with a fist pump.
Annnnnd there went the moment.
Kakashi tried not to facepalm as Tomoko giggled nervously. She then pushed herself off him before offering a hand.
He looked up, meeting warm sapphire blue.
"Hey, let's go inside for dinner now, okay?"
Hoshino Judai found himself taken aback for the second time that day.
The first was when Sakumo of all people decided to humor him earlier in a small verbal debate on how to train their kids.
The second, on the other hand?
"... Papa?" Tomoko said softly, a hand lightly tugging on his sleeve.
"... Yes, Tomoko-chan?" He said back instinctively.
"Did they…" She trailed off, looking in the direction opposite of her from the dinner table while still holding onto his sleeve. "Did they…"
"Kakashi, I bet that I can eat more food than you!"
"I'd like to see you try."
"AH! So hip and cool of you, my Eternal Rival! I will do my best to beat you!"
"As long as you don't throw up, by all means. Make my day."
"... Yes, Tomoko-chan, the boys started an eating contest." He deadpanned.
Nearby, Hikari was caught between a grimace and a smile, left clearing away any plates that Kakashi and Guy were leaving behind. "... I don't mind the amount of attention I'm getting towards my cooking, but I can't help but wonder." The civilian woman sighed. "Whose idea was it to invite Guy-kun, again?"
Judai just leveled a stare at the only other ninja adult at the table.
The former White Fang just blinked before meeting Judai's gaze with much hesitance, immediately going back to his rice bowl and scarfing the food down at a faster pace.
"... Sakumo-kun." Hikari started dryly.
"... I felt bad, okay?" The White Fang admitted amidst another mouthful of rice. "After everything the kids have gone through, something like this is needed every now and then."
Judai had to concede the point there. The retired nin just shook his head.
"... Shouldn't we do something though, Papa?" Tomoko added, her voice higher in pitch again.
The cellist looked in the boys' direction again. And immediately, a random fleck of rice flew over the table to land on his other hand that wasn't being gripped by his adorable daughter.
Judai looked at it before flicking it off.
"... Augh, I can't eat any more…"
"Serves you right."
Strange how a masked Chunin such as Kakashi could look so triumphant while doing something as simple as rapidly chewing a piece of fish.
Then again, Hikari DID make Kakashi's favorite broiled saury fish again.
Judai just chuckled.
"Nah, let's just leave the boys be. They'll suffer eventually."
Kakashi felt a shiver go up his back in response.
"... Ugh, that was too much…" Guy groaned in his seat at the couch, slumping into the green cushions. If Kakashi didn't know any better, the Genin could've easily blended into the furniture without much trouble. The bowlcut was a huge crack in the image, however.
Instead, Kakashi tried not to deadpan, instead giving the Genin a side glance.
"... Why did you eat so much? You didn't have to challenge me to a contest over it." He prompted.
"Hikari-san's food was wonderful! There's no way I could waste it!" The Genin responded hotly, shooting up from his seat only to grimace again. "Augh…" Guy slumped back into his seat again.
"I told you…" But Kakashi still reached over to pat the Genin on the back, a half-smile on his face. "Did you at least enjoy yourself?"
Being the weird ninja you are? His thoughts added in quietly.
Guy, despite looking as green as his jumpsuit, looked up at the Chunin with a large grin. "Y-Yeah! T-Thank you for asking, my Eternal Rival! You are very kind!"
"... Kind?" Kakashi echoed, caught off guard.
Him? Kind?
The ninja never really thought about it. Instead of pondering on it further, he turned towards the Genin again.
"Still, Guy, why did Dad invite you in for dinner? Tomoko never got around to telling me."
Since she seemed to avoid the topic with the same sheepish smile whenever I asked…
"It's not my place to say, Kakashi! Just enjoy yourself, alright?"
Her words echoed in his mind.
Guy blinked, getting some healthy color back into his face, before slumping into the couch again. Unlike the first time, he was clearly downtrodden by something other than his bulging stomach, his mouth hidden by the bright red scarf tied around his neck.
Kakashi waited. The tension said more than enough.
"... See, Kakashi," The Genin started, hands in his pockets. "Today is… today is the first week anniversary of my father's death."
Oh shit.
Kakashi tried not to freeze up and instead focus his attention on his comrade as Guy slumped further into the couch with a sigh. "It was a simple mission on the front lines. Setting traps with Genma and Ebisu so that the enemy wouldn't pass through." The Green Beast fingered his scarf almost longingly. "The last thing we were expecting was to see all Seven Ninja Swordsmen of Kiri to meet us near the end."
OH SHIT.
"Guy…" Was all Kakashi could say.
"Even with all our youthful efforts, it seemed hopeless. Reinforcements were too far away, and we were at the edge of our teeth." Guy then smiled, a sad glint to his normal pearl white teeth. "But then Otou-san came… sacrificing himself to save us by activating all Eight Gates. For the…" He trailed off, and Kakashi could easily see tears start to stain the red scarf around his friend's neck. "For the sake of protecting someone precious to him…"
The Genin then sniffled, turning his head away.
Kakashi felt his heart ache in his chest as he immediately reached over to put a hand on Guy's shoulder. "... I'm sorry for your loss, Guy."
He hoped saying that was enough.
Losing a family member would be hard on anyone.
Kakashi probably got close to that once before, considering how… how Sakumo nearly went out, but if not for the Hoshinos, then he would probably be like Guy…
Or how would things have been if Sakumo left?
Kakashi didn't want to think about it and instead squeezed his friend's shoulder in what he hoped was a sign of comfort.
Thankfully, the Genin wiped his tears away with a bandaged arm before grinning up at the Chunin again. "Thank you, my Eternal Rival, for listening."
"No problem," He answered, trying to smile. The gesture seemed somewhat forced, but the feelings at least were real.
Guy allowed himself one last sniffle before looking down at his scarf. "It was because of that event, I think, that Sakumo-sensei invited me over. He seemed to understand faster than anyone else at the time."
Kakashi had a lingering feeling of dread in his chest. "By chance," He started. "Did Tomoko… Did Tomoko ask you about him? About Dai-san?"
The civilian WAS notorious for that sort of event, after all.
Guy simply nodded, smile sad again. "The thing is, Tomoko-chan didn't mean anything bad by it. She was just worried… about Otou-san… about me… It just went beyond my personal boundaries for a moment." He shrugged, shaking his head. "But the strange thing is, when I told her and the Hoshinos the same story, they didn't hesitate in playing something for me. 'A concert', just for me, they said. It was… it was the most youthful thing I have heard in the past week."
Relief and knowing flooded Kakashi all at once. "Hey, did the lyrics start with something like…" Kakashi paused, wracking his head.
Soon, the lyrics came back all at once, and he found himself lightly humming the tune before speaking again.
"Let's Just Live, day by day, and not be conquered by our sorrows?" Kakashi said finally.
Guy seemed to finally get his signature youthfulness back, looking up at him with understanding. "Yes, those words exactly."
Kakashi just sat back into the couch next to the Genin with a knowing sigh.
Of course she would do that…
"That's why… That's why I think I'll take the Chunin Exams this year." Guy finished, looking down at his lap.
Kakashi was taken aback for the third time that day as he immediately turned his head to look at the Genin. "This late? There might be more competition, Guy."
Especially since Obito and Rin tried before with… Kakashi held back a grimace at the name. That didn't work out.
"It's because of that alone that I want to try!" Guy clenched a fist tightly. "Otou-san fought so valiantly to protect us back then - I can't just stand around and let something so sorrowful happen again! I must get stronger!"
"W-We can't just leave it like this!" Obito's voice echoed in his mind again.
Kakashi looked down at his own hand.
Guy was right. This wasn't the time to sit around.
War was still looming, after all.
In the end, Kakashi steeled himself for the upcoming response, opening his mouth.
"Guy, how do you feel about helping Team Minato as a temporary third member in the Exams then?"
They couldn't fail.
A few months passed, and Uchiha Obito was bored of the normal routine.
Another ring of his alarm clock, another slamming of his hand into it, and then another day.
What happened usually depended. Sometimes it was the occasional D-Rank. Other times, it was heading out near the front lines, scouting out the enemy or setting traps. But most of the time, it was training.
Training with Kakashi and Rin, making sure their teamwork was solid.
The Chunin Exams were coming up again.
But the third member was still an issue they had to address.
Who would it be?
That morning, he wasn't expecting an answer.
"Obito!" Rin was calling for him again in that cute voice of hers, and he opened an eye only to blink.
Behind her was Kakashi, Minato-sensei, and…
"Hello Obito-san! I'll be working with you for this year's Exams!"
A green jumpsuit, orange leg-warmers, and a red scarf.
Obito tried to hide a grimace in exchange for a grin.
Might Guy had just joined the fray.
This was going to be interesting.
Author's Notes: Honestly, I have nothing much to say except an apology. This chapter took so long because I was dealing with a combination of writer's block, school work (which included a recent bout of midterms), and finding the right words to describe all the plot elements I squeezed in here.
But still, I want to thank all of you who reviewed Chapter 38 beforehand and sent kind words. It really helped in my bringing this out. I'll try to be a bit faster with Chapter 40, but we're REALLY getting into deep territory. This is only the prologue leading into the second try of the Chunin Exams, so it will be a thing!
Thanks everybody, and this is Writer-and-Artist27 signing out with a warm thanks to brainstorm and write Chapter 40 ASAP! As of May 20th, 2017, we have 672 reviews, 953 favorites, and 1,183 followers! Thank you all so much! I love you!
See you guys in the next chapter!