Hey! I only got 4 reviews, but I decided to update anyway!:) Thank you for those! This is a small continuation. Things did not work out for Kakashi. This is after chapter 238. Naruto leaves and Sakura trains with Tsunade. How does Kakashi feel about this and what will he do? Will he learn to break the walls around him? Find out! Please review when you are finished!

Chapter 2

He slowly opened his eyes. Morning had arrived, yet the silver sky was glowing fairly.. Rain drops dripped from the rooves, sparkling with no aid from the great sun. He rubbed his tired eyes, his sharingan glistening dangerously. He shifted his position to his back and wearily raised his hand to rest it on his forehead. His scarred body looked as if it had been sculpted by pure angels, but now it ached and felt incredibly heavy. He forcefully pulled himself out of bed and walked across the bare room.

After preparing himself for another long day, he hurried outside. He had added a scarf to his attire, as it was rather cold outside. The bitter air enveloped his body. The mist floated with divinity, consuming him, covering him, like a thin veil.. Did he have anywhere to go today?

'First things first.' He thought, narrowing his eyes.

'Obito..'

As he strolled solemnly along the dusty path, he surprisingly noticed Naruto accompanied with Jiraiya. He was fairly far away from them, but he barely registered that Naruto was wearing a gigantic rucksack. He ignored it, however, when he observed Naruto smiling brightly again, which pleased Kakashi. It seemed to him that they were going somewhere. Then he suddenly realized a certain possibility.

'Were they going to leave the village?'

As he silently watched them pass the village gates, he wanted to go over there and question Naruto.. He wanted to at least wish him a goodbye, but all he could do was watch him wave, shout and jump enthusiastically as he left the village..

'Farewell, Naruto..'

He took one final glance before turning around. He was slightly startled when he noticed Iruka standing a short distance away, staring at him rather coldly.

"Late again as usual?" He asked, irritated. Kakashi understood why he seemed annoyed with him, for Iruka was at the moment completely open, making it possible for Kakashi to interpret him freely. He was probably angry at him for not paying attention to Naruto's needs and not even being present when the boy was leaving the village for an unknown time. It could be days or even years. Kakashi let a faint sigh escape from his mouth.

"I did not know he was leaving the village.." Kakashi exclaimed, deeply. He reflected the same, hard glare.

"That's because you barely see Naruto.." Iruka answered, sharply. Kakashi was not in the mood for having an aggressive discussion with the chuunin, although he was indeed partially right.

"Actually, I have seen him lately. I stayed here in order to make sure he recovered." Kakashi persuaded, gently. Iruka's icy stare softened. Kakashi narrowed his onyx eye.

"You don't know anything about me or my relationship with my students." He continued, slowly. His voice was emotionless.

"Kakashi-sensei, why do you act like this?" He asked him, boldly. Kakashi evaded his abrupt question and let it float away.

"Sorry, but I have to go now. Later, Iruka-sensei." He proclaimed, cleanly. He walked cooly past Iruka, hands shoved deep down in his pockets. Iruka let him leave. It was just like him anyway, he thought.

'I am who I am. I don't expect people to understand that..'


He found it quite surprising when he met yet another person on the way to his destination. Sakura's pink hair was blowing gracefully as she stood before him. She looked rather serious, her jade eyes narrowed slightly.

"Yo, Sakura.." He greeted. When she did not respond, Kakashi felt the urge to push things further.

"What is it?" He asked, his tone more serious. His hard glare penetrated her.

"Kakashi-sensei, I have become Tsunade's apprentice. I may not be able to train with you so much anymore." She began, slowly. Kakashi was not really surprised and took it lightly. In his heart though, he felt disappointed. The whole team was disbanded and he put the blame more or less on himself. He had not protected them well enough. He was an incompetant teacher for letting this happen before him.

"If that is what you wish.." He whispered, heavily.

"What will you do now?" She asked, timidly. He closed his eyes. The only option he had left was to either proceed on the mission he was appointed to, or leave in search for Sasuke.

"I really don't know.." He answered, quietly. He looked at her strongly and as he stared at her innocent face, he remembered what Iruka had asked him earlier.. Maybe if he tried to open up a little, things would turn out more positively. He thought about Obito and the sight of his face gave him courage.

"Sakura, if I have in any way let you down, I am sorry." He said, his face painted with seriousness. She was surprised, but felt pleased. She was content to know that he had slightly opened up. She had always regarded him as a mysterious and closed person. She accepted that of course, but was always very curious to know more about him. Recently, he had been extremely secretive and it annoyed her slightly.

"What are you apologizing for?" She asked, smiling discreetly. He could say no more. Sakura found it so difficult understanding him. Why, she did not know. He was always so calm and emotionless, yet she knew there was something heavy weighing down his heart that he hid so well. Watching Kakashi's empty and dark eye, she wanted to ease his mind.

"Remember that time on the roof top?" She asked, suddenly. He nodded weakly, not having the will to answer.

"I was so afraid and you were the only one who comforted me. I felt at ease afterwards. You gave me courage.. You have only been a good teacher.. Thank you.." She whispered, sincerely. He felt happiness swirl in his heart. He smiled. It was the only way he could accept her appreciation and she knew that very well now.

"Good luck with your training." He uttered, more brightly. She watched him fade away in the misty distance..

Now, there he stood, watching the smooth stone glisten perfectly. He noticed his name inscripted on the memorial at once. He traced it softly with this fingers.

"What should I do, Obito?" He asked, gently. The angel could not answer. Kakashi believed Obito was watching over him, although nothing good had happened lately. Obito was the only person Kakashi trusted. Obito broke down his walls. He uncovered his heart. When he died, he recreated the eclipse.

He could barely hold on anymore, but he knew that he had to. He had to keep on going and remain strong.

'What shoud I do?'

Maybe he could change the course of team 7's future by trying to find Sasuke and bring him back.. He would do it for Naruto and Sakura.. He would restore the way things were before. It was the only thing he could do for them, for they had cracked the walls around him. They were important to him.

The powerful mist had vanished.. The black clouds gathered frantically in the great sky and soon, the rain began to fall monotonously like arrows. And as the heavens cried, his decision was finally made. His gaze was locked on the grey stone as he told himself that he would make it through, all for the sake of three young genins who unawarely touched his heart in many ways.

'I am coming for you..' He thought, boldly. And he stood in the rain for many hours, paying his respects to his fallen comrades like a true warrior..

So, what do you think? I know, the relationship is bitter between Iruka and Kakashi, but they really do not get along well in the series. Neither of them are fond of each other. Oh well! Keeping them in character is important! Okay, I'm going for a drive. Please review! That would make me so happy!!!!! Thank you for reading my story! Come with suggestions for my next one!

-Curlybear