DISCLAIMER: UNFORTUNATELY, I DON'T OWNED NARUTO. IF THAT HAPPEN, I WOULDN'T HAVE TO BE PARSIMONIOUS. Hehe…! You know what I mean…! Money's so hard to get these days…!

Note: The italicized sentences are thoughts… you might find it confused…! It's my first fanfic… have mercy…! Enjoy and God bless!

CHAPTER 2: LAME EXCUSE FOR DEPRESSION

"Neh, Sakura. Why's Sir Kakashi always late?" Naruto said while scratching his head. Sakura looked to his direction annoyingly. "I don't know, Naruto. Get used to it. Sir Kakashi's always late. Hey! There he is." Sakura ran to Kakashi as he walked to the direction of Sasuke. "Sorry for being late." Kakashi said while tapping Sasuke's shoulder. "I have a long time getting here."

"Long time getting here? That's a very lame excuse!" Naruto shouted.

He's right. That's a lame excuse. He told himself."Honestly, Hokage-san called up for a meeting for all Jounin and Anbu. That's why I'm late." Sakura looked at him doubtfully. Naruto scratched his head again. "This time is real, right?" Sasuke asked in sincere tone.

"Yeah. It is."

"Why did Tsunade-sama called up for a meeting, Sir Kakashi?" Sakura asked. Her bright green eyes were in awe. Tsunade never called up for a meeting for all Jounin and Anbu only. "Is there any emergency?" She asked in anxious tone.

"No. There's no emergency, Sakura." He said as he invited his students to seat beside him. He stared at the waterfalls. "Then, why did Tsunade-sama call up for a meeting?" Naruto asked. His bright blue eyes widely staring at Kakashi.

There's a long, deafening and unsettling silence after Naruto spoke. Kakashi was looking for the people preparing for a feast. Sakura noticed what Kakashi was staring at. Sasuke decided to break the silence. "Sir Kakashi, what's the event? Looks like there's a feast going on."

"Yeah. There is."

"Huh? There is! What event? I don't remember anything to be celebrated today." Naruto retorted. "There's no special occasion or feast to celebrate, but Hokage-san would like to have to celebrate the homecoming of The Three Iron Maidens from their recent mission."

"The Three Iron Maidens?" Naruto asked.

"You don't them, Naruto?" Sakura asked. "Don't be too much bothered about that Sakura. Naruto don't know anything. Get use to it." Sasuke said. "You… idiot!" Naruto shouted.

"Then, I'll explain it. The Three Iron Maidens are three lady ninjas trained by the three legendary ninjas. These three lady ninjas came from different shinobi countries, and each of them possessed extraordinary bloodline limits. They were sent to find Akatsuki's location five years ago." Kakashi said, but his head bowed down after explaining.

"Five years ago! That's too long!" Sakura snapped. "We're talking about Akatsuki, Sakura. What happened to them, Sir Kakashi?" Sasuke asked aggressively. There's a glint of revenge and anger in his black eyes.

"According to the message from one of their Anbus, there's war declared by the Akatsuki to the Three Iron Maidens, and Hokage-san wants them to go back before they wage war. Also, the other shinobi countries want to see and talk to them personally. One of them has taken an important scroll from the Akatsuki. Hokage-san wants every Jounin and Anbu to be preparing for the welcoming ceremony. All the kage in all shinobi countries will be here for the ceremony." Kakashi said in very low and depressing tone. "Neh, Sir Kakashi… something wrong?" Naruto asked. "Nothing. I'm just sad because I forgot my favorite book at my apartment." Then, he gave his students a weak smile. His students felt his anxiety and depression. He gently stood up from the log, and invited his students to follow him.

"Hey! Sir Kakashi is sad today." Naruto whispered to Sakura. "Yes, you're right. I never see Sir Kakashi so depressed before."

"Would you just keep quiet? He already told you that he is sad because he forgot his book. Would be contented by that?" Sasuke said indifferently. "Shut up, you heartless imprudent!" Naruto shouted.

Kakashi knew that his students felt his depression. If only I could turn the time back, I'll just… But he knew he can never turned back the time. He wouldn't be depressed or worried like this if he's with Mizaki, and he knew permitting her was wrong.

Mizaki… why did you accepted the mission? If you just permitted me to come with you…

Kakashi wanted this regret and anxiety to fade, to vanish, to disappear. Just like the dust… carried by the wind away from the ground. He would never forget the nights and days were all that he think of is Mizaki. He knew she's strong and clever, but he's worried about her, too much worried about her.

I know she's strong… she's cunning and very much tactical. She has the abilities of what should a S-rank ninja should be. Why I'm so worried? So depressed? Well… I couldn't blame myself from being anxious. After all…

She's my girlfriend…

He smiled.

That's all for now… Please review this chapter... I really need it... Tell whatever you want... If there's anything to improve and the like... I'll appreciate it... Thanks and God bless!