A/N: This is the last one of the 'introductory' chapters - at first I thought of skipping them to make things short and sweet, but I enjoyed writing them so much! Also I believe that this development is necessary for what happens next :) Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Music: "GhostWorld" by Le MELODiST.
- Chapter 4 -
It's A Promise
Now that the rainclouds had almost cleared up, the sky revealed a coy, watery blue. The streets filled with people following their daily routines; some would glance their way, finding it rare to see a child so young at the side of a kunoichi.
There were women with their kids, buying what they needed for the day, only stopping here and there to chat. Others took their pick of the various goods that the shop owners advertised. Since traveling was no longer as life-endangering as during wartimes, the selection of fresh fruits and vegetables had been steadily increasing.
Captivated by the busy town folks and sights around her, Fuu seemed to have some difficulty to detach herself from the lively picture while Kurenai gently maneuvered her around the many obstacles.
Shaking her head with amusement, the kunoichi addressed the girl's questioning glance with a gentle smile, "Well… what would you like to eat, Fuu-chan?"
"I'm fine, Kurenai-sama" Fuu was quick to decline just as Kurenai picked up on the traitorous rumble of her stomach.
Sheepishly the girl hugged her tummy, a blush rising to her cheeks. Kurenai however only chuckled softly before leaning down to lightly touch the tip of Fuu's small nose.
"Hm. How about you drop the honorifics and in return I'll treat you to ramen? Being addressed with 'sama' makes me feel both uncomfortable and terribly old, you know?"
Fuu gave her a long hard look, trying to estimate whether the woman in front of her was actually serious about her offer. While Kurenai continued to smile unwaveringly, she thought to herself that this was not a mere display of shyness. The girl was actually quite wary of anything that was offered to her, be it words or actions. Especially if they didn't fit her set of rules.
"All right…" Fuu finally muttered, half questioning. When she still made no move to start walking anytime soon, the Kunoichi squeezed her hand before gently pulling her towards the entrance of Ichiraku's.
A short while later Fuu stared into the big bowl in front of her, not realizing that her expression contributed greatly to the amusement of the people around her. Even the shop keeper Teuchi leant against the counter of his kitchen whilst watching the girl devouring his ramen with her big eyes. His lips twitched slightly as if he was about to point out that this was indeed food and supposed to be eaten while still hot.
Seeing how the dark curls pointed in every possible direction and how skinny the girl was, Fuu indeed reminded Kurenai of a stray cat. Her observation steered her thoughts back to the gathering.
The kunoichi was well aware that while she was sitting here with Fuu, other shinobi would hunt down every shadow within the city walls. Surely another team was already screening through the list of suspects who were most likely to aid groups opposing the peace.
While Kurenai couldn't deny her own uneasiness, she was amused that Kakashi of all people, had been the one to find this sweet little thing.
Taking pity on the overwhelmed child, Kurenai gave the children's chopsticks at Fuu's side a small push, "Dig in! However be careful, it's still hot."
"It's- it's really delicious, thank you very much, Kurenai-sa… Kurenai" the girl exclaimed after taking the first bite — quickly picking up speed as she continued to stuff her face; for once forgetting her manners.
Absentmindedly Kurenai reached over to tuck a stray strand behind the girl's ear; relieved to see some color return to Fuu's cheeks. Despite knowing very well that it shouldn't concern her, the kunoichi still couldn't help wondering whether or not there was more to Fuu's story. It had been Kakashi and his decision to present her at the emergency meeting that had aroused Kurenai's suspicions.
The jonin couldn't possibly suspect the child of being in cahoots with the intruders, could he? But then again — how was it even possible that the girl had gone unnoticed during the search for survivors of that awful night?
Kurenai shook her head and turned towards the shopkeeper, wordlessly ordering herself a drink. Pondering about these kind of things always made her thirsty.
"Hey chef, I'm hungry" a loud voice announced the entrance of a small boy with blond hair.
A couple of heads at Ichiraku's turned with low whispers and two men left once they had quickly downed their drinks. The boy however just flashed the cloth stripes hanging at the entrance of the shop with an enthusiastic grin — one that Teuchi answered with goodnatured exasperation.
"And here I was wondering, if something happened to you, boy" the shop owner laughed as he started preparing a bowl of ramen for the newest arrival. "Grab a seat."
With practiced ease the older boy climbed on the bar stool right next to Fuu. Having finished her bowl, she attempted to steal glances at the energetic boy without attracting his attention. Just as she raised one hand to free some hair that had somehow ended up inside her mouth, the other child noticed the movement out of the corner of his bright blue eyes.
Immediately his legs, which he had started kicking impatiently, stilled.
What then followed was an intense moment of silent staring before the boy eventually inclined his head, squinting his eyes while scrutinizing Fuu.
"Who are you? Never seen you around here before" the blond boy finally said and Fuu blinked genuinely surprised at his loud voice. "Just so know, I'm Naruto. The future Hokage, dattebayo!"
"My name is Fuu" the little girl whispered in return; continuing once Kurenai had slightly nudged her elbow from the other side, "This is my first time in this part of Konoha. I am… I mean, I was working in the Uchiha district."
For a moment the self-proclaimed future Hokage tried to find the appeal of this idea, before he interjected with a certain level of incredulity, "Working?!"
"I was training to become a servant of the highly esteemed Uchiha Clan" Fuu blinked as if this was the most natural thing to do for a girl her age; failing to notice that Naruto tried and failed to wrap his mind around the big words she used.
"Ain't that just borin'? Why become a servant, if you could train to be a ninja?" Naruto inquired, apparently unable to even consider her alternative.
Fuu seemed to wonder at his observation, quietly drifting off to her own thoughts. Eventually she replied with a small frown, "I was very happy to have a place to stay."
Taken aback by her honest answer, Naruto turned away to stare into the simmering pot behind the bar counter.
Not wanting to interrupt the conversation unfolding between the kids, Kurenai took a sip of her drink, savoring the flavor and enjoying the heat of alcohol running down her throat. It was a bit early to drink, but the two of them surely wouldn't squeal on her.
The kunoichi had been pondering on the question of possible relatives ever since the meeting at the Hokage's office. Fuu had not mentioned any relatives; not even when the Hokage informed her about assigning her a guardian. Also... the way she talked about Uchiha Yashiro it seemed natural that he had probably been acting as some kind of guardian before his death.
And Kurenai trusted Kakashi. He would have definitely made sure that Fuu was all by herself. Which was why she decided to wait for the Hokage's decision — instead finishing her drink before pushing the cup over the counter for Teuchi to refill.
Fuu copied the movement with her finished bowl while she tried to come up with an idea of how to cheer the now broodily frowning boy. Shifting uncomfortably in her seat, Fuu finally opted for a direct approach, "So you're going to be Hokage? Do you want to be an old man like Hokage-sama?"
Kurenai couldn't help the sudden snort; wondering how the girl could have possibly concluded that one needed to be as old as Sarutobi Hiruzen to become the Kage of Konoha. Naruto on the other hand seemed to be decidedly unamused.
"Eh?! No way! I am going to be even greater than that, stupid!"
Seeing how enraged the boy got over her words, Fuu was hardly able to stifle her giggle. Her plan to draw the attention off the topic had been a success.
Naruto stared at her pouting a little, before childishly retorting, "You surely don't have a dream, do you?"
"Of course I do" Fuu snapped suddenly, just as worked up as the boy had been only a moment ago. The loose curls danced around her agitated face as she gripped the edge of the counter.
Naruto then turned towards the little girl, crossing his arms with a challenging grin, "Well, let's hear it, dattebayo!"
Even Kurenai straightened on her seat. This was something she hadn't been expecting. With his childish provocations the boy managed to worm out quite some interesting information. On the other hand, Fuu sure knew how to pick a fight; especially for someone who should have had little contact with kids her own age.
"I... want to reunite with Futaba."
"Eh? Who the heck is Futaba?"
"Is she per chance your sister?" Kurenai decided to join their discussion with her softest voice since it seemed as if this was a rather sensible matter to Fuu.
The girl however only answered with tense shoulders and Kurenai decided not to push her any further. Surprisingly it was Naruto, who eased the awkward atmosphere.
"It's okay, I guess. Looking for you sister is important too" he admitted somewhat grumpily and finally started eating, oblivious to the gentle smile that appeared on Fuu's face.
Voices resonated between the close walls and low ceiling, the fluorescent tubes buzzed — shattering their cold light with every flicker.
As Kakashi walked past closed doors, medical-nin rushed to-and-fro on the narrow corridors. Distracted by thoughts on the last part of the conversation with the Hokage, he didn't get to feel quite as uncomfortable in this building as he'd usually be. Instead the emotions swirling inside him caused him to alternate between nervous and flustered.
When had his resolve to not involve himself in Fuu's matter turned into this?
He did neither want, nor did he feel the need for another person's company. Kakashi was perfectly fine by himself. It wasn't like he emitted much of an amiable atmosphere anyway, and now he had accepted to take care of a four year old girl, who was probably in desperate need of someone showering her with cuddles and affection.
'Perfect. I'mhardly able to spend much time around people, let alone talk to them and now I have a child to look after' Kakashi grumbled inwardly, taking a sharp turn. 'Surely she will be terrified. … I would be terrified. Am. I am terrified.'
"So…" Kakashi spoke up, closing the distance to the figure sitting on a chair in front of the hospital room. Kurenai followed him cautiously with her eyes, not sure whether she should point out just how terrible he looked.
"They tried to find out about her nature affinity, but she couldn't even focus enough chakra to activate the paper. As far as I know, they now try find out if there are any blocks in her pathway system" Kurenai informed her friend and Kakashi frowned upon hearing the news.
With yet another sigh he wanted to sit down opposite of the kunoichi, when suddenly, a high-pitched squeal rang in his ears.
Halting, Kakashi shot an alarmed look towards the closed door, only to be pacified by Kurenai with a hand on his arm and the corresponding smirk on her lips. "There's no need to get worked up. Fuu-chan is apparently very ticklish."
Toning down the mocking intonation a notch, she changed the topic, "Any news concerning the incident of this morning?"
"Not that I know of. The squad sent after the intruders has yet to return and there are still shinobi patrolling the streets. You may leave, if you want to. I'll pick her up after the examination" Kakashi offered slumping down on the chair opposite of her.
"I promised her to be here when she finishes and I still have some time on my hands." Throwing back her hair, Kurenai set her feet down and leaned forward. "Has the Hokage already decided whom he'll appoint as her guardian?"
Kakashi only inclined his head; silently implying that he knew her motives for asking such a question and on Kurenai's face appeared a mischievous grin before she continued, "Oh, I don't plan on applying. I was actually thinking about you."
Having expected a blank stare and the inevitable silent duel to determine who would break the silence first, Kakashi seriously considered her words before asking, "You actually think I'm suited for the role of her guardian?"
"Yes, I do. The fact that you also have taken it into consideration shows that you care — by your standards at least. But I guess we have to wait and see who will be chosen. Since we've all been taking quite a number of missions I doubt that any of us would be considered a candidate — plus we're too young and there are better suited shinobi" Kurenai mused, a soft frown adding some emphasis to her thoughtful expression.
It was however in the blink of the eye that her face brightened considerably — as if her worries were momentarily forgotten. "Oh, I was just imagining how little Fuu runs around calling you Hatake-sama!"
"You're enjoying this way too much" Kakashi observed, wearing that bored expression that Kurenai always considered to be his rehearsal for the time he'd be an old geezer.
"How about yes and no? It's kind of unfair that it's apparently so very easy for her to bring out the 'old' Kakashi. Haven't seen that one in while... But I guess, I shouldn't be too picky about the methods, right?"
It was a rhetorical question with the hidden potential for some good-natured provocation.
"Old? I am but twenty years" Kakashi mildly objected; completely ignoring the intention behind her words to make up for the fact that she was poking her nose into his business again.
"Twenty-one" Kurenai disagreed just to vent some of her frustration.
Raising one silber brow in warning, Kakashi couldn't help but point out, "Let's not start this again. Especially since I won't be the one getting all teary eyed over my age —cough twenty-three cough— and how I've dreamed about being married with kids by now."
"Oh, shut up, Kakashi! First and foremost I am kunoichi!"
Though this game was slowly getting old, Kurenai could hardly be stopped. She wouldn't want her friends to just stand by if she should ever turn into a coldblooded shinobi without any emotions — especially since she knew that Kakashi was hurting. Somehow, to her, it felt that he was only too steps shy of the point of no return. That's why she wouldn't allow herself to be pushed away.
Asuma on the other hand always seemed to roll with the punches, only sometimes taking Kurenai's side to appease her, and Gai apparently really believed that occasional contests and his declarations of rivalry would suffice to… revive the strength of youth.
So much for support and backup.
But why was it so damn hard to approach that silver haired jonin? The fact that he knew his friends wanted to help him, only complicated things further. The whole concept of allowing others to help had zero appeal to the copy ninja. He pulled up more walls around himself, shutting them out without giving it a second thought.
That's why moments like these had become regrettably rare and it hurt Kurenai to see her friend like this.
Eventually relenting, the kunoichi closed her eyes. "And no, I don't gloat over the fact that you've been put on standby for a week. You look terrible by the way."
"Guess what? I kind of expected it. Being given leave that is" Kakashi muttered, shoving his hands into the pockets of his pants; kicking his legs out in front of him. "Nothing happened but it was and still is possible."
"The Third is just worried about you…"
Before Kakashi could come up with an answer to that, the door next to Kurenai opened, causing both shinobi to rise from their seats. A little whirlwind peeped through the crack of the door, brightening to find them both waiting for her.
"Thanks for waiting Kurenai and good afternoon to you Hatake-sama" Fuu greeted them and was about to leave the room as a voice called her back, reminding her of the backpack she had left behind.
"Not that it bothers me unduly… but how did you manage to have her drop that honorific?" Kakashi whispered leaning towards the kunoichi who merely snorted tauntingly — not even rewarding him with a glance.
Before Kakashi came up with a way on how to trick Kurenai into answering his question, Fuu already reappeared together with a female medic who was taking notes on her terminal board. As soon as the woman finished, she flipped through the pages before finally meeting the expectant gazes of the two ninja before her. "How about you two join me inside for a second? Please wait outside for a bit, Fuu, I promise it won't take too long."
Obediently the girl trotted towards one of the chairs and climbed on top of it. Kurenai gave her a reassuring smile, before following the medic-nin and Kakashi inside.
Back inside the treatment room, the iryo pulled down her face mask, revealing a firm expression as she set her board aside. "I'll come straight to the point. Fuu-chan here has no detectable chakra. Something which itself is impossible. None of her chakra points have been blocked, her coils seem fine and her blood tests returned negative too. To me it's a mystery. In the medical sense, this girl should be dead."
Next to Kakashi, Kurenai stifled a gasp. When he shot her a sideways glance, he saw that it affected her deeply. The jonin knew that his friend had always been easily attached to kids, even if she usually tried to hide it.
But Fuu had been in her care at most three hours.
To avoid his inquiring stare, Kurenai turned to the other woman who now leant against the desk, "How is that possible? She's clearly made of flesh and bones and I've never heard of a jutsu like this."
"I agree. But there was something else I wanted you to know. For a second, I thought I felt another presence" the medic mentioned as if she wasn't sure how to properly explain it. "It was when I found the scars."
"What scars?" Kurenai prompted immediately, urging the iryo to continue.
"You probably haven't noticed. They are rather small and with her fair skin very difficult to spot. But above the main ports of her chakra system, there are circular yet shallow cuts and the biggest — about the size of five millimeter — on the exact position of her Shimon, the gate of death."
Upon hearing the news, Kurenai paled and slightly shook her head. Almost as if this could invalidate what the medic's words implied. Kakashi, who had deemed himself to be the one less affected, still felt how his stomach tightened at the prospect of someone controlling the life of this child.
"How about you have a look, Hatake?" the female iryo suggested; motioning for Kurenai to call Fuu back inside.
With a soft whisper the kunoichi briefly explained to the girl what was about to happen, while Kakashi slowly pushed his headband up to reveal the scarred Sharingan eye. Fuu's own eyes widened at the sight of the dancing black dots and her lips mouthed something inaudible. Kakashi assumed that she had seen the Sharingan before. After all she had grown up around the members of the Uchiha Clan.
When Kurenai knelt next to her —watching her carefully— Kakashi took a deep breath to ready himself for the pain. Using this technique while running low on chakra always gave him aches for about two days. Shoving his hands in the pockets of his pants to hide their trembling, Kakashi focused on the girl; the few hours of sleep he had managed to catch up on running through his fingers like sand once the power of the sharingan unleashed itself.
However, the small frame of Fuu only blurred slightly — in the middle of it: the unwavering green of her eyes. Kakashi quenched his body, clenching his teeth, and for about a split second the blur solidified to the form of a person standing behind Fuu, overlapping with her outline. Like a reflection on a steamy mirror…
"Kakashi? Is everything alright?"
The image disappeared so quickly that he was no longer sure that he had seen it at all, had seen her at all.
"… Nothing unusual" Kakashi decided, slurring his words.
Just as he raised his hand to cover his eye again, he felt beads of sweat on his forehead. Thankfully the medic only send a stern look his way, yet chose to remain quiet as she pushed herself off the desk to guide them outside.
When they walked down the corridors, she called over her shoulder: "Nonetheless I will assign regular check-ups and if there's anything out of the usual — like fatigue, no appetite — bring her in immediately. I will report this to the Hokage and hopefully I'll be able to do some research. Hatake. Yuhi — Be careful Fuu-chan" and with this the Iryo excused herself to leave the three of them in front of the hospital entrance.
In front of the glass doors the rain-slicked street glistened in the light of the first sunbeams of the day as the door opened for a visitor.
"Well… " Kakashi started, turning towards the girls, only to be met with expectant looks on both their faces. "We are supposed to return to the Hokage's office. Want to tag along, Kurenai?"
"I am afraid, I can't. Since this took longer than I expected, I now have to go home and get ready for my next mission. I am sorry Fuu" she added, crouching in front of Fuu with an apologetic smile.
The girl blinked at her, showing a hint of bad conscious for having drawn upon her time, before a small smile lit up her heart shaped face. "Thank you, Kurenai."
"You're most welcome, Fuu-chan. I really had fun today! How about we'll have some ramen again some time? Or we could try something else?" the kunoichi proposed cheerfully and her red eyes sparkled.
"I would like that very much" Fuu agreed and after a moment of hesitation Kurenai nudged her nose, making the child giggle softly.
She really had grown fond of the girl in such a short time. It felt so natural, although Kurenai would have spoiled her even more, if it wasn't for her being so modest.
"Keep an eye on Kakashi for me. He's a hopeless case" Kurenai informed Fuu to which the girl agreed with a happy nod. The silver haired jonin on the other hand raised an eyebrow at that and finally Kurenai turned to him with half a smile. "See you around, you old sourpuss."
Fuu watched the shape of the kunoichi disappear in the crowd, before she turned with a troubled expression towards him, catching him off guard. She bit her lips, before muttering, "You will now take me to Hokage-sama, so I can meet my guardian right?"
"Well… that's the plan" Kakashi admitted, unsure what to say to make her feel better.
But Fuu just stepped next to him, grasping three fingers of his hand trustingly with her own. It required quite a lot of the jonin's self-control to not flinch at the touch, but the child let go before he could show his discomfort. Kakashi had been wondering whether he would manage without Kurenai and her motherly instincts, yet to his surprise and immense relief, Fuu seemed to be content enough with him around.
Slowly they walked out the hospital doors and made their way back to the huge building at the end of the street in companionable silence. Of course the people starred at the odd duo, mainly because the silver haired shinobi forgot from time to time to slow down. Trying to keep up with his long stride, the girl scurried after him and the clattering of her sandals merrily followed them on their way.
When they arrived at the office, Kakashi took a deep breath and touched her forehead with his index finger.
"You know… before I went home this morning, I accepted a mission" Kakashi started and Fuu looked up to him, wondering what he was about to say. He himself had no idea what, but he didn't want her to be scared. Disappointment would settle soon enough, so he'd try and postpone those inevitable tears as long as he possibly could.
"Whatever happens from here on, I will keep an eye on you. Surely Kurenai will do the same, so don't worry, okay?"
"Really?" Fuu asked and hope lit her green eyes.
"It's a promise" Kakashi returned solemnly, wondering where all this words came from. They felt foreign on his tongue but at the same time he instinctively knew that they were calming her down.
Suddenly the girl's nerves made her small frame bounce up and down while she treaded on the spot. Kakashi waited — patient only because he had no idea how to interpret her curious behavior. Eventually Fuu chose to extend her hand with her little finger raised. A gesture which caused the jonin to furl his eyebrows as he alternated between staring at the slowly despairing face of Fuu and her trembling hand.
'Oh my' Kakashi finally realized, lowering himself to her height to allow her little finger to encircle his own. For a short moment Kakashi wondered just who had taught her about pinky promises, before he straightened again, "I am going inside now. I'll call for you in a second."
The second passed by quickly and Fuu stole glances at the clock hanging on the wall to see the hands crawling forward. After about twenty minutes the girl walked over to the window and attempted to self-consciously comb her hair with her fingers. She tried to imagine what her guardian would look like and at the same time she already knew what she wished for.
Even if the people around her were likely to think that she was dupable and easy to settle into a new environment, Fuu knew all too well that not every kid was welcomed just anywhere. Leaning against the cold surface of the window, Fuu stared into her own eyes. Images flashed before her, painting her own memories in the approaching darkness of the night.
There were kids playing in one of the backyards of the Uchiha districts. She always tried to sneak close enough to watch; not daring to step out of the shadows while they practiced jutsu and handled kunai — laughing and enjoying the benefits of being born to the proud and strong Uchiha Clan. Though the only thing she knew was how to hide her presence, they would always notice her eventually and then scare her away. The servant girl, the kid without parents, stray, yes, that's what they called her. The stray they chased around when they were bored. Because the stray couldn't defend itself, because the stray had no friends.
Fuu closed her eyes and suddenly there was warmth around her, arms light as feathers embraced her and though it was very faint, it was almost like there was someone humming a soothing tune. Fuu knew that once she opened her eyes again, no one would be around. Yet she couldn't help whispering in recognition, "Futaba."
"Who is Futaba?" was the curious question in response and Fuu spun around.
Kakashi was standing right behind her, the door to the Hokage's office left ajar. Her heart nearly leaped out of her chest, but she regained her composure surprisingly quick. Hatake-sama definitely posed no threat to her.
"My guardian spirit" Fuu answered, this time without the blush or hesitation. Although she was a little sad that the presence had already faded.
"Uh-huh."
Kakashi gave her a measuring look, but Fuu sensed that he was jumbled as well. Something must have taken him by surprise and he now needed yet to recover. Otherwise he would have probably inquired further.
"Please come inside" called the Hokage from within the room and Kakashi turned with rather stiff movements to open the door, letting Fuu and himself inside. Looking around, Fuu found themselves alone with the old man, who now welcomed her with that wrinkled smile, "How was the visit to the hospital, Fuu?"
"Fine, I guess. I enjoyed being in the care of Kurenai, Hokage-sama" Fuu muttered still looking around, searching for the person who was supposed to be her guardian. Earlier Kurenai had explained the concept of guardianship and that someone would come to take care of her.
"That's good to hear. You know, I called you back here to announce your guardian, Fuu. I know the idea of living with a stranger must be scary for you and I was sure that you would prefer someone you already know. So I asked Kakashi here, if he would let you stay with him for the time being. Since he already agreed, it's now up to you."
This announcement was followed by an uncomfortably long moment of silence.
Fuu gaped at the Hokage with her mouth opening to express her surprise before she slowly turned to the person in question.
'Please don't cry' Kakashi pleaded silently as he tried to read the many emotions passing over her small face.
By no means had he expected that the girl would actually live with him. He had firmly believed that he'd only spend some time with her, check up on her condition — maybe keep guard duty at night… But apparently the Hokage had different plans.
Still the girl stared at him before the words finally returned to her, "Would you really… ?"
"Ehm... yes, though I am sure you'd prefer to stay with Kurenai since you two get along so well—" before Kakashi could continue, there were short arms hugging his leg with all their might.
Judging by the muffled sounds coming from somewhere near Kakashi's right knee, the strong front Fuu had put up all day was finally crumbling. Even as the Hokage smiled knowingly, Kakashi tensed before hesitantly and awkwardly petting the girl's head.
The genuine bewilderment at Fuu's reaction was clearly showing on his face, but slowly a very soft expression replaced the utter shock.
Hiruzen felt just as relieved as he was sad.
Only yesterday Kurenai had inquired about Kakashi leaving ANBU again, only to be refused by him. It was an unspoken promise between Kakashi and the Third that he would let the shinobi remain part of the Anbu as long as it was for the benefit of Konoha. After the young Hatake had told him about Danzo's conspiracy, he had gained Hiruzen's trust.
For the old man it wasn't about his life but Kakashi's utmost wish to protect the village as the talented shinobi he was. But seeing how his elite ANBU now awkwardly attempted to soothe the little girl, made it abundantly clear that Kakashi needed something aside the battlefield and its haunting memories.
Of course the Hokage had planned everything thoroughly. The report of the hospital still lay in front of him and just looking at it he felt a menacing aura.
It all reminded him so much of what his former student had done. Yet, if Orochimaru was indeed involved with her, why would he let her go? Was it to plant her in Konoha?
Hiruzen highly doubted that this girl could have managed to break out on her own. But it probably would take some time for her secret to be discovered.
"I take that as a 'yes', Fuu?"
There was a rather vehement nod and Kakashi looked towards the Hokage. He knew that it was his duty to keep an eye on her and that this was not only about her wellbeing but for the peace of Konoha.
"During Kakashi's missions someone will watch over you, Fuu. But you'll have a week to get settled before I'll send for him. For today we're finished, you just need to sign here, Kakashi" the Hokage mentioned offhandedly and after Kakashi had detached the girl from his leg — calming her with a few whispered words — he went over the sign the papers.
It was already late when they arrived at the apartment and Fuu was sound asleep in Kakashi's arms.
Being on one's own for such a long time, always worrying and hiding, before then suddenly meeting so many people on one single day must have exhausted her. Her eyes were still a little red from crying but she had finally nestled herself into a comfortable position; using his shoulder as a pillow.
If it wasn't for the mask, the curls in front of his face would probably have caused Kakashi a sneezing fit by now, but he was afraid that any movement might wake her.
Earlier on their way Fuu had stumbled over her feet and assuming that she wouldn't dare to ask, he had simply picked her up. Just like this morning in the rain. Holding her in his arms felt oddly natural. He definitely wasn't somebody touchy-feely — actually the only time he had come into contact with others over the last month was when he had send them flying with a kick or got to slice their skin with a kunai.
Now Kakashi numbly fished the keys out of his pocket, careful not to wake the girl as he pushed open the door. Standing in the hallway he looked down at her peaceful expression; thinking that her deep and peaceful sleep was something to be envied. He then walked them through the living room area, past the open kitchen unit, towards the stairs.
On their way back to his home, he had decided to place her inside his own room while moving to the one of his father — a step he had always shuffled off his consciousness as it had not been necessary until today.
Fuu mumbled something in her sleep as he wanted to put her down and one of her little hands caught his hair, clinging to it tightly. Sighing he bent down and lifted the covers, tugging the girl in before carefully untangling her grasp on his hair.
Kakashi still wasn't sure how he felt about becoming her guardian and he definitely doubted that he was cut out to be. But somehow, it had been impossible for him to turn a blind eye to her situation. Maybe it was the first time since the attack of the Nine-Tails that he believed he could protect someone. He failed so many important people in his life but if he managed to take care of this little girl… maybe it would be all right. It shouldn't be that difficult right?
Pulling up the covers, Kakashi watched how Fuu drifted off further to the dreamworld before he slipped out of the room.
This way however, he missed how Fuu suddenly started moving, stretching that small frame of hers below the covers. At first it appeared like she was merely stirring in her sleep, but then her limbs suddenly almost reached the bedposts at the end.
The body below the covers clearly wasn't that of a four year old anymore which became even more apparent as she set up and the dark curls covered curves, which the small yukata could no longer cover. Glancing around with a mild curiosity, the ghost of a smile played around the woman's lips.
"Well, well. You sure managed to catch quite some guardian, Fuu. The very Hatake Kakashi."
Thanks to Be_Mindful for the review! I am so happy that you like new chapter. But I'll guess it'll take some time before you'll find out about the secret of little Fuu ;)
As well as a warm thanks to Tremblers for pointing out some mistakes I made - it really helped me a lot! And of course I am glad that you like this story so far :)
Lastly, a special thanks to jocelynyates18 for favoring!
/... / So, finally it's getting interesting! =) I would love to hear your opinion and thank your for reading!