Chapter Four
-X-
"Kakashi-sensei!"
"Hokage, Naruto, you need to call him the Hokage now." Yamato corrected for around the fourteenth time that day. The said Hokage sat back, his thick white clock almost hiding him entirely, drawn mouth hidden behind a blue mask. The large Hokage hat shaded his face from the sun piercing through the window. The temptation to jump through it was growing.
"Naruto-kun," He acknowledged, "How's the search coming?"
There really was no other reason for Naruto to be back in action, and he was having trouble finding meaningful work for the still injured hero. Kakashi was sure it would take Naruto longer than three hours to find him what he wanted, and he sighed deeply at his own faulty planning. Since the end of the war, he had kept him busy, and mobbed with work to keep his mind off of Sasuke being the lone ranger and boredom.
He was scraping the bottom of the barrel with this one.
Normally Kakashi Hatake, the Sixth Hokage of the Leaf Village, would leave subtle matters to more suited persons capable of, well, subtly. For example, it might have been better to ask a realtor to look for a temporary apartment while the Hokage's residence was being rebuilt. Someone quiet, who wouldn't tell anyone that the Hokage was the client. Because when people knew where he lived, they never stopped coming by, thinking him a veritable slave. Whether or not it was true, he was unwilling to compromise sleep over it.
But here he was, currently sleeping in a spare bunk in the academy because he was receiving so many callers. Most weren't dangerous, but waking up in the middle of the night to strange women coming to steal your underwear was an unpleasant situation best avoided.
Naruto was not the ideal choice. However, since he was slowly training to become a Jonin he needed practice learning how to handle subtler tasks. In a show of good faith Naruto may not be aware off, Kakashi asked him to search for an apartment with three criteria:
Near the town center. Accepts dogs The fewer people, the betterSo with these three things, and with a mandate to not reveal the prospective tenant, he was off.
Naturally, he didn't tell him he had no intention of following through with whatever Naruto found, but why kill his steam? He could sleep in the coat closet if it suited him and since the bored middle-aged women were getting more vicious occasionally found himself doing that.
Perhaps he would take the apartment if Naruto somehow succeeded.
But when Naruto handed him a book instead of an apartment voucher, Kakashi was officially perplexed.
"Sorry Sensei, I'll go back to looking, but I wanted to show you this. It's by one of the Pervy Sage's writing disciples and I think you'll like it." Naruto seemed pretty excited, and any writer connected to Jiraiya was someone with potential.
Life had been terrible without any new Ichi Ichi books, so this may fill that passion he was seeking. Intrigued Kakashi picked it up, only to have Yamato start to cough. Loudly.
"Naruto-kun, when the Hokage gives you a mission, it's important that you treat it with the utmost importance!" Yamato said, taking paperwork from one pile to take back to the ANBU. "Besides, the Hokage doesn't have the time to sit around and rea-"
Kakashi had finished the prologue before Yamato finished his sentence.
"Oh, don't worry Yamato-sensei! The reason I'm bringing it is that the author has an apartment she looking to rent."
"She?" Both men said together.
"Oh, yea. Mihoko bargained her way under Pervy Sage's wing after she caught him peeking in the bathhouse. Something happened, but the bottom line is that he taught her how to write, and even ghost-wrote some of his previous books."
Kakashi's mouth fell open behind his mask.
"Excellent job Naruto. Keep this up and you'll be jonin in no time!" Yamato's face hit his desk. Kakashi ignored it, titters of excitement filling him. An apartment and a new book series? The chapter that he skimmed was good. Really good.
A brilliant idea hit him! If he lived close enough to the writer he could potentially have an endless supply of entertainment. Faced with the uncomfortable realization that he was being slightly reckless, he went forward anyway.
He really, really enjoyed his *ehem* romance novels.
-X-
"The Hokage is playing wingman! How romantic is that!" Etsuko swooned for Mihoko, who rolled her eyes. "I ship it!"
"The drama keeps unfolding! How will the heroine continue to intrigue her love interest? Will her friends intervene?"
"Don't please," Mihoko said, pushing Kyou's feet off her table. Her house was a wreck, a rotating stream of dogs and friends causing mischief to her organized chaos. She swatted Bisuke's bottom as he attempted to steal the sock in her hand. "We talked about this. Just because you're adorable doesn't mean you can eat my clothes." She said sternly, motioned to the ragged sock.
His fake apology was lost as her friends cooed at him, negating her.
"So cute! Please tell me you at least made-out with him! You're such a prude!" Kyou exclaimed, adding nothing to the conversation in Mihoko's estimation. Bisuke huffed, laughing and bolted as she went to tickle him, disappearing. The dogs knew her place better than she did.
"He's my tenant , I'm not going to languish like some heroine in a book." Urushi helped her make this point by dramatically letting in tongue fall out of his mouth, raising his paw in a mock death scene. The canine had some acting chops.
Kyou wasn't deterred.
"That's exactly what a heroine would say! Besides, his dogs are using your house as they're own now-"
"I'm aware they now think they own my place as well." A well-aimed glare sent little paws scattering off her counter. "Pakkun, I told you, not the desk! " Urushi chuckled from her room, and Bull sat in the doorway, causing a massive traffic jam. Etsuko laughed as Mihoko tried to carefully step over the giant sleeping dog, and was forced to take another path.
"He's set you up good," Kyou smirked, gesturing as if the dog laying across her lap getting major cuddles wasn't capable of repeating her words. "You're going to need a bigger place." Most of the dogs nodded in agreement.
"A king-sized bed for you, us, and the boss," Uhei stated calmly, causing her friends to coo again at what a clever boy he was. Oh great, now his pets were setting her up.
"He's just a friend. Don't put lies into their heads!" She accused as if the dogs were his children who believed she was now their property as well... Darn her weakness for pets and buying yummy treats. Soon all of Sukea's rent would go to feeding them!
Etsuko sighed at them. "I'm so jealous. I spend the evening arguing with a stubborn man who thinks I'm a child, and you end up cuddling up with my mysterious stranger!"
" Tenant. "
"You even play shogi together like an old married couple." Kyou winked suggestively, as Akino nodded as he chased his tail, agreeing.
"They do."
"We've only played a couple of times!"
Etsuko moaned in romantic misery, putting her face in her hands. " Stop , you're already dating and you've only talked to each other for like a week! He even trusts you with his dogs."
"It's not like that! They just show up, even when I lock everything." Kyou stuck her tongue out as the dogs laughed.
"Of course, lady. We're ninja dogs, remember. Elegant, sexy, ninken-" Pakkun protested, trying to reach the curtain over her sink as Mihoko out her hand on her head in distressed humor. "And it's not like your security is any good. You're lucky we're here to guard you!" She breathed out, placing him down on the ground. Kyou gave a laugh and was joined by Etsuko in sitting, Uhei placing his head on her leg as she scratched behind his ears.
"Lie all you want to his puppies-" Kyou started, and several of the dogs protested, stating that they were not puppies. Except for Pakkun, who heartily agreed. Both were ignored. "But since he saved your ass that night you've seen him practically daily! He even brought flowers after that competition!"
"Except that was Gai-san, who later very loudly announced that he sent me flowers. I think he was just embarrassed and got chewed out by Sukea for harassing me and his dogs." The dogs nodded in agreement.
"You're in major denial." Etsuko pronounced as if she was a doctor diagnosing a difficult patient, "You'll make him feel bad if you don't come to terms with that soon."
"You're making me feel bad!" She grumbled, collapsing onto the couch only to have Guruko immediately claim her lap, beating Shiba to the punch. Shiba nipped at his competition, causing her to put a hand on his head to give a scratch.
There was a knock at the door, and Mihoko jumped up, almost sending Shiba to the ground.
"Hey, careful!"
She ignored him and beat Etsuko to open it. Just as she had hoped, Sukea stood on the other side, looking awkward, hand behind his head. She slipped through the door, shutting it behind her so her friends couldn't cat-call out.
"I was on my way out, but I seem to be missing my ninken." He inclines his head to the door, as if in apology. "And I couldn't help notice the dirty paw prints on your door."
"Sukea-kun." She gave a tired huff, affirming his question. "Let me get them," She was about to turn around and stomp back in, but his hand caught her shoulder, stopping her. It was a brief touch, but it caused her stomach to do flips. He crossed his arms, looking very cool, lips quirking as if he wasn't used to manually hiding his emotions.
It caused her to shift like a schoolgirl, moving her weight from her toes to her heels a few times.
"Are they bothering you?" He asked frankly. She was surprised at the causal question, feeling for some reason it held more weight than his usual light banter. "I tried to tell them to not too but... Well, I can tell them to stop."
A pause.
Despite thinking that a pet would ruin her life, delay her work and distract her, she was wrong. It was only two of those. They were funny in their own way, interested, and did make her feel safe.
"It's too late," Mihoko stated, huffing imperiously as she tried to hide her smile, "They know where I keep the peanut butter." He put his hands to his face in mock horror.
"You've caught the dog-itous then!" He replied humorously. "Is it curable?"
"I doubt it." She smiled, laughing. It didn't hurt they were good cuddlers. "But I don't mind."
He grinned.
"It can't be helped. But I've heard that the condition can be improved-" He leaned in conspiratorially, arms crossed. "By letting the owner take the afflicted to eat."
Wooh, smooth.
She bit her lip excitedly but remembered that he had been doing something that required ninken. "Uh... well, I don't want to sidetrack you." She had thought about reaching for the door, but his handsome smile stopped her, making her seize up in wonder.
"They'll manage, but I'm sure you could use a break."
Yes, but mostly she just wanted to be around him, because he was interesting. He exuded a sense of the unknown, and there had to be some sort of story behind his rugged physical appearance.
She nodded, and he held open the door to the outside, winking naughtily. "No time like the present."
Yes, they'd be fine without her.
Without turning back, she let him lead her outside, his eyes twinkling with pleasure.
They talked all the way to the end of the village, and she noticed that Sukea took a longer route, as if to extend their time together, and see fewer people. She didn't mind. Occasionally they brushed shoulders, going through thin alleyways, laughing like a bunch of pre-teens at the little things they both pointed out.
"Do you contract the Hokage regularity check up on your dogs and do your dirty work? Or was that just an excuse to keep me flustered?" He burst out in laughter, a deep, real tone that lifted her spirits, and made Mihoko feel like she was flying.
"You caught me. The Hokage and I are pretty close. Speaking of which, do you even know his name? Most people call him the Sixth Hokage or Hokage Kakashi." She flushed at the question, giving him a push at the tease.
"Unlike some people , I don't enjoy being front and center. Nor gossip." He chuckled as they passed a magazine stand, showing photos of the said Hokage. Sukea looked sheepish again, and almost unthinkingly put a hand on the small on her back to push her forward. It sends swirls of pleasure through her back..
"Funny for a writer in the weekly paper."
" Recipes . Hardly something flashy." She playfully twisted, walking backward. "For a photographer, you have yet to show me a single picture." For a moment his face dropped, as if he hadn't thought of that, but recovered, a sly look on his face. He grabbed her hand and turned her before she could trip over the change in pavement height. With a squeeze he released her.
"It would have been a little pretentious of me." She leaned forward, letting her hair cover her playful smile. But Sukea had sharp eyes, returning it. "I never said I was good."
"Fair enough, but I'd like to see some since you've already seen my work. If you know the Hokage I would assume you have some talent."
He winked, stopping before a small restaurant she had never entered. "More than you know. If you agree to go on a second date, then I may reveal some of them."
Was that... a sex joke ?
Oooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhh!
"You haven't even told me how you got the plate!" She laughed, diverting while entering the place, face bright red at the innuendo. "Besides, you may not want a second date!" Or anything physical. She was fairly average, why would a cute guy like him be interested?
But he once again put a hand on her back, bright pink on his own cheeks. She barely noticed the traditional interiors, her attention totally focused on her date. How long had it been since she liked a man enough to do that?
"That's what this one is for. I'll show you some photos another time." Oh, cute! He was shy about his work!
Thankfully, the capillaries in their cheeks were given a rest as a server approached. She seated them in a back table, quickly pouring them some water, and soon after taking their orders. As soon as they sat down the casual mood stiffened with Sukea folding his fingers together, placing his chin on top of them to gaze at her. His leg brushed hers in the booth, and suddenly all her fears and insecurities were raised again. It had been years since she had actually been on a date. His eyes were very sharp as if he could see into her soul.
She looked down, feeling ashamed. What was she doing here? Her finger tapped her glass, letting a pristine drop of water slide down, and the ice to shake. With a deep sigh, she shifted uncomfortably, desperately wanting to tell him, but her fear of rejection was so engraved, the anxiety that even those closest to her could betray her that it made her face go through a series of fervent emotion.
"I know that look." She bit her lip, looking up. "it's the 'why am I here look'."
"It's not that." Mihoko sighed. "I haven't... done this in a while, and well, I really enjoy being with you and don't want..." He gave another one of his brilliant smiles which she couldn't help blushing at.
"To tell the truth, I'm nervous as well." He reached forward with his palm open, an invitation. "But my desire to know... you have taken over my thoughts." She halting put her hand up. His hand grabbed hers, and a wave of peace fell over her. Safety encompasses her so fully that she couldn't help relax. His thumb brushed across her palm.
They intertwined fingers, both flushing. It was unsaid, a barrier they were crossing together, an exclusivity they were hinting at.
"So, are you going to tell me one of your many secrets?"
"I may. But I do require one more thing." He said, pointedly.
"Huh?"
With his untwined hand he pointed to his cheek, making her giggle like a dork.
"Really?" He nodded, leaning in.
" Really really."
Her cheeks flushed and she leaned in. She softly pressed a gentle kiss against his cheek, her heart fluttering lightly while doing so. If this had been a movie, soft piano music punctuated with bells would have started, as well as soft backlit lights. But as this was 'real life' it was a short moment.
It was such a forward move that she could hardly believe it! He raised a finger, laughing at her.
However, when Sukea began giggling like a little girl she put them down. "Sorry, I can't resist. You looked so concerned! Cute and adorable!"
"Ok! No more distractions," She said fiercely as her cheeks heated up, "Tell me how you got the plate!" He shrugged, still looking a bit too pleased with himself.
"Oh, that's easy. Once I discovered who your father was, I took advantage of an assignment near one of the Lords of Fire, one who was conveniently going bankrupt. I noticed the plate, as your father's style is fairly distinctive, and offered him an amount that he accepted."
"My father's plates go for five million yen."
"It was a steal. He was somewhat desperate to let me have it." She knew he wouldn't tell her any details if he didn't want to, no matter how hard she pressed. "Now it's my turn. So tell me, missy. How did you escape a debauched life of marriage and become a writer?"
"Well, it's a long story..."
"I have all day." She laughed as he settled into his seat. Their food still hadn't come out, so why not?
"Well... It started with an old perverted man." Mihoko huffed, looking as if she was still offended by the thought of him. Sukea had the wickedest grin as she said it.
"Oh," He said with relish, "Do I know him?"
"I'm not sure you'd believe me." He agreed but didn't press the issue. She sighed. "His name is... was Jiraiya. Well, I was in a tight spot with my grandmother-"
"Ah, so-" he said with a smile, indicating a familiarity with the author and Sage. She flattened her lips. "Sorry, go on."
"Yes. Well, I caught the old guy taking a peek at me and some other girls. Well, I rushed him, stole his notebook, and threatened to go straight to the Hokage. It was ridiculous because we were at my family's compound like fifty miles away, but he took me seriously. Despite being a ninja he was a pushover and sort of nice. After we had talked for a while he offered me an editing job. Follow him, take care of his student and sharpen my writing."
Sukea whistled, looking fascinated. "Interesting."
"I think he saw me arrive with a creep, but I sure didn't leave with the creep. As a matter of fact, he offered to take me right there, and recklessly we left. He bought me some basics, gave me independence, and I became an editor for some of his books. One thing led to another, and here I am."
"Did you like him?" She snorted loudly, causing a few of the other people in the restaurant to side-eye them. "Your mentor?"
"No way. The old man needed a firm fist, and I think he was lonely. After some time he took in a kid and set me loose with a loan." Mihoko had seemed fairly firm, but her expression must have given away more.
"You miss him though." She nodded.
"Unfortunately he passed away right before my father. He was the one who told me to go reconnect with my old man, and I did." Sukea nodded,
"Sounds like he set you up on a better path." She nodded.
"Yes, you're right. I owe that pervy sage a visit."
"Can I come?"
-X-
Iruka approached the Hokage's desk, and almost immediately noticed him engrossed in a large book. Usually, that meant he was thinking of a solution, stressed, or procrastinating. However, the contents of the book made his raise an eyebrow.
It was named ' How to take Inspiring Pictures'.
For Kakashi, it was a pretty dry read, and he seemed unusually engrossed in the pages, flashes of real happiness, confusion, fear, and interest visible, despite his mask. He noticed a fairly expensive camera on the desk, looking worse for wear.
"It might be hard to take up a photography hobby while serving as the Hokage." Kakashi jumped up, slamming the book down.
"It's... it's nothing!" He said too quickly, the way he should be acting reading the porn books in public, the ones that never seemed to phase him. "Just... I'm just expanding my knowledge. I have a friend doing an exhibit and... ANBU things..."
It was a suspicious amount of rambling for the normally cool man. Iruka raised a hand, not wanting to know all that much more.
"It's fine. I just have some documents from the school I need to be signed off on." Kakashi nodded, hand out to grab the papers and carefully look over them. A thought struck Iruka.
"Hey, doesn't Daikoku Funeno do photography on the side?" Kakashi whirled on him so fast that Iruka automatically shifted into a defensive position.
"I NEED HIM... uh... for a mission."
"Oh...okay."
Iruka cursed his helpful nature.
