Chapter 2
The hallways at the Academy were empty and silent. Class did not begin until 8:30 a.m.; as such, the children had yet to arrive. No doubt the instructors were enjoying a moment of calm.
Kazumi sighed softly as they passed her former classroom. It had been two years since she occupied the space. Though the choice to resign had been her own, there were moments when she missed teaching.
"Something on your mind?" Kakashi asked.
"I often regret the choice that I made," she admitted. Kazumi was known for speaking her mind; she rarely withheld information from those closest to her. "I've enjoyed my time in the field, don't get me wrong – but the work isn't as rewarding."
Kakashi nodded but did not reply. It seemed that he was waiting for her to continue.
"When I taught, I could share my learning with students. I fostered them – helped them grow – and it just felt right." Kazumi tousled her curls before tying them up in a bun. "And when I complete a mission now, I've no one to share it with. Does that make sense?"
"It does," Kakashi said. "If that's how you feel, it might be worth a change."
"I don't want to seem ungrateful for the opportunity." Kazumi walked in front of Kakashi, eager to approach the staircase. "It would be nice if I could find a compromise."
"I think that's what you need, Umi." Kakashi hung back a few paces. He did not want to crowd her as she climbed the stairs. "Maybe we can look into it."
"Yeah," she replied. "I'd like that. Thanks, Kakashi."
"What're friends for?" he mused, beginning his ascent.
Friends, she thought, glancing at the ceiling. Had he ever wanted more? The two of them danced dangerously close to that line in the past; the timing, however, had never been right.
"There you are! Kakashi, I am surprised to see you on time."
The Third Hokage waited for them beyond the stairwell. Kazumi was surprised to find him there; it was almost as if he knew when they would appear. Instead of questioning him about it, Kazumi greeted him with a bow.
"Good morning, Lord Hokage," she said. A few curls toppled out of her bun as she straightened. Kazumi frowned and tucked the unruly locks behind her ears. Perhaps she should have spent a few minutes on her appearance beforehand.
"Good morning," Kakashi echoed, bowing in kind. "You must be comparing notes with Kazumi. She said the same thing to me on our way here…"
The Hokage chuckled and turned in the direction of his office. "We all have our faults," he said kindly. "But enough of that. We have much to discuss."