Was rewatching Naruto episodes and here are some thoughts:
Episode 142 - do Izumo and Kotetsu survive - do you think?
The fight in which Genma and Raido get beaten soundly (hehehe! forgive the pun!) by Orochimaru's 5 evil henchmen. Do THEY survive?
I would seriously go into withdrawl if the four didn't.
Izumo, Kotetsu, Genma and Raido: Now, now, Nanny-chan, we will always be in your heart!
Background Music: 'My Heart Will Go On'
And what about Episode 20 (?). Check out Iruka's blush! Why would he be blushing as he talks to Kakashi about seeing Naruto? They actually have a nicechat!
Fangirls: Awwwww! Iruka issooooo cuuuute blushing!Yeshe is! Come to mommy! Theylaugh so well together!
I do not own Naruto….. it will never belong to me either….. sniff sniff!
Bombay: Discomfort Begins…. Now!
When Bombay arrived – or rather – when the train arrived in Bombay, Kakashi felt incredibly relaxed. Not that Kakashi wasn't normally laid back – but in the Fire Country, every Leaf shinobi lived a life on the edge – especially since the Orochimaru fiasco. Especially with the war against Sound.
For once, in a VERY long time, Kakashi felt at ease – for once, he knew that nobody was going to jump out of the shadows and kill him.
Well. Okay. At least, nobody COMPETENT would come out of the shadows and kill me. The criminal masses here look like you could knock them over with a feather.
Looking out of his taxi, Kakashi smiled, remembering that morning.
Picking up his pack, he kissed her quickly and pulled his mask up under his hitae-ate, which was already tied over his eye.
Aiko smiled and, picking up her pack, walked out of the door he held open for her. Emerging from the train station, an hour later, Kakashi and Aiko smiled at each other.
"We won't see each other again," Aiko said, remembering his words.
"I'm here to work, not play," Kakashi said. "It's best this way."
Aiko nodded.
"Well, it was great – MUCH better than what I normally get."
"Hoe?" asked Kakashi.
"RAJ! There you are!" Aiko called, looking past Kakashi and waving wildly.
Kakashi sweat-dropped as he turned to face a built, tanned Indian who was regarding the shinobi with a fishy eye.
"Who's this?" asked Raj, sizing up Kakashi.
Kakashi backed away, slouching with his hands in his pockets, and produced an I'm-an-innocent-passenger-and-totally-harmless look.
Raj wound his arm protectively around his hot, Chinese girlfriend.
Kakashi's eagle eyes immediately spotted the man's wedding band. And Aiko's wedding band.
She must have put it on just after customs. Geez! This is troublesome. I'm in serious shit!
"Now, Raj, be nice!" Aiko said, kissing her hubby on the cheek. "Kakashi was sitting with me – and we got to talking since he likes Make Out Violence, too!" She pouted. "He doesn't like to talk much – but, if his baggage speaks rightly – he's more …. A man of ….. action…."
Kakashi, fielding her wink, sweated and paled. Raj raised his eyebrows – and, giving Kakashi a once over, nodded.
"So what DO you do?"
Kakashi smiled and laughed nervously.
"Ummm… I'm in the line of…. Uh… security, really…"
"Security?"
"Protection services…. Bodyguard duty and all that."
Kakashi trailed off.
What the heck am I doing explaining my actions to total strangers! I'm seriously compromising the mission here!
"So…." The silver-haired Jounin said, uncomfortable. He glanced at a large clock nearby. "Speaking of which – I really have got to go and meet my client. She's not going to be impressed with my tardiness – bye!"
Kakashi shot off in a cloud of dust.
"What an unusual man," Aiko said, shaking her head.
"What was in his baggage?" Raj asked.
Aiko laughed.
"It took him awhile to get out of Customs – he was carrying all these metal things.
"Metal things?"
"This."
Aiko held up a kunai.
"Be careful," she cautioned. "It's sharp."
"Yeah…. How did you get this?"
"I snuck one out."
What's this?
Oh that…. Something you shouldn't worry about….
It looks dangerous…
That's the way life is.
So you live life dangerously?
Well….
Don't worry. I could tell right away.
Eh?
Maybe it was your mask… no, it was the eyes. Well… eye. But don't worry, I like that in a man.
Life lived continually in danger, though, is no life at all.
You seem to speak from experience.
I have no intention of saying more so let's talk about something else.
Like why you like the lights out?
Ummm… that's off limits too.
Or what's with your eye?
………
I see now why there is no ground between us. But let's forget life and celebrate something else instead.
This isn't life?
Well… do you want it to be?
For this moment, yeah.
What are you waiting for?
I don't know.
What are you doing?
I'm going to keep this.
What?
As a momento.
That's pointless.
No. It'll remind me of you and what you said.
Whatever.
Let's celebrate.
"Aiko?"
"Hmmm… you spaced out there…."
Aiko fingered the four-pointed, star-shaped metal.
"I was wondering. I think it's a weapon. How would you use it?"
"I don't know."
"It's rather small…."
"I don't know…." Raj placed it back in her purse. "But he got through?"
"Yeah, some phone calls were made and by the end of it, they acted so odd…. Whispered about him. Wouldn't talk about him. And kept several feet away from him after that. They were …. scared….."
"Hmmm…. I knew there wasn't something good about him. He had a look to his eye. You should be careful of the men you talk to, Aiko, you are too naïve and innocent to know that men, when they see an attractive woman, have only one thing on their minds."
"Hmmm…." Aiko smiled, demurely. "That is the way with some women too."
"Eh?"
"He wasn't bad – they would have arrested him there. But he was dangerous. Maybe a government paid bodyguard or something."
"Who knows? Who cares. Leaving that dumb ass – what about seeing a movie – you up for something like that? Or do you want to catch up on your rest?"
"A movie sounds great," Aiko said. "Let's go see something exciting. Isn't there a new ninja flick out?"
An hour later, Kakashi found himself dropped off at a resplendent hotel. Looking up at the seemingly sky-high building, with a huge façade made up of pillars and statues, he felt a little apprehensive.
As a shinobi, such heights would cut off exit and entrance possibilities.
If she's on the top floor. Let her not be on the top floor.
Staring about himself, casually, Kakashi was amazed.
Going through the city was like peeling away at an onion. There were the criminals. The low classes. Working people. Business people. And now, here I am standing with the elite.
He could hear Tsunade in his head as he checked out the weird suits and dresses the men and women strutted about in.
"And, Kakashi," Tsuande said. "This is very important for Konoha – so please take this seriously and put your all into it. Don't draw too much attention to yourself, either. Some places you'll be going to, ninjas are unheard of. Understood?"
He sighed and casually walked in, hoping that his (admittedly) bizarre uniform wasn't too odd.
Breathing in the air-conditioned air of the spacious lobby, he breathed a sigh of relief and content. The fumes of all the automobiles had nearly overwhelmed him when he had been trapped in the taxi. If he'd known the layout of Bombay, with his speed, he no doubt could have arrived at the hotel sooner. But, galling as it was to admit, he did not have a clue as to how to reach the hotel. The illiterate taxi driver had a better knowledge of the city than he did.
Easily remedied with a map. Number one thing to get today.
Wandering over to a huge marble topped desk, he looked down at the seated secretaries, one was talking on a – he guessed, a phone – and the other tapping at a board with a lot of buttons. He watched as words appeared on the screen she was looking at.
What the heck? I've heard of phones and things called faxes… but this is seriously new technology! And here I thought the Snow Country was ahead of the times!
For once, Kakashi felt dumb and countrified. Then he shrugged.
Geez. This is silly. You are who you are. These people would die at the sight of Orochimaru. It's a good thing there are people like us. With or without technology.
He coughed. The two secretaries kept on talking and tapping.
He shuffled his feet and moved around.
They still didn't notice him.
"Excuse me," he said.
"Aieee!" The nearest secretary squeaked, jumping up in fright. "Oh my! You gave me a heart attack! What do you want?"
The other secretary stopped talking and looked over at Kakashi. Her eyebrows rose.
"Uh….. I need to find Yukimoto-san. Yukimoto Megami?"
"Ahhhh…. You must be…."
"Hatake Kakashi."
"Right. We've been waiting for you for hours."
"Things got complicated."
"Well, then you really must get going – take the elevators up to the fourth penthouse. They're over there."
Kakashi looked in the direction of her finger and, without another word, went over to the opening and shutting doors and shuffled in with a whole bunch of people. The group of men and women looked at him curiously as he hefted his knapsack and small carry bag and got on.
The elevator was packed.
Kakashi frowned as the door shut and he found himself back to back with a man in a business suit and front to front with a beautiful woman clothed in a dress with a plunging neckline.
Don't even think of going there, Hatake!
"Ummmm…." A short man with fake hair asked, voice quavering. "Which floor do you want to go to?"
All talking stopped as they waited for Kakashi to answer.
Kakashi, feeling even more odd then usual, scratched his head absently.
"The fourth penthouse, please and thank you."
The short man pressed the button.
The elevator slowly rose. Kakashi grabbed a corner.
This is the most dangerous, idiotic invention yet. If we were to be attacked in here, well…. I don't see many exits…. The chidori could cut through the doors, walls and stuff. But if whatever is holding this up broke, we'd all be dead before I could say, "Godaime."
"So," said the beautiful woman, who smelled like lilies. "What's with the mask? I hope you aren't a terrorist or something…." She laughed nervously with the passengers.
Kakashi raised an eyebrow as he looked down on her.
Everybody leaned forward.
Are these people always this direct? And what's with her accent? She cannot be Asian judging from the colour of her skin. Are all Westerners this forward? Or is she trying to get something else out of me…..
Kakashi envisioning her as a spy frowned.
The woman leaned back. Everybody drew in a breath.
The door opened, six people quickly left, Kakashi moved to the back as five people got on.
Terrorists? They must be fearsome…. Are they like the Sound I wonder?
Kakashi looked away, then grinned, putting everybody at ease.
"I hope you aren't inferring something…" Kakashi said, with a smile.
"We're asking because most of us all know that the fourth penthouse is the present home of the great singer Yukimoto Megami and that she has been attacked several times this month by what seem to be terrorists or something…."
This time it was a man in a business suit with a large briefcase. "People walking around with masks – well they're up to no good, you see…"
"If I was up to no good, why did you ask me though?" Kakashi asked, puzzled.
These people are really stupid. When am I going to get to this penthouse?
The new people froze at the mention of terrorists and the mask.
These terrorists must be pretty nasty, Kakashi thought. Aren't there law enforcers to take care of this problem? Kakashi thought.
After a while, the door opened and a whole bunch of people got off.
Kakashi's question remained unanswered for awhile.
"I'm just checking," said the woman with the lily perfume. She placed a hand on his blue sleeve. "Men in masks can be terrifying… but the right ones… can be… intriguing."
All women in India are crazy. Sex crazed. That's it. Sorry, Iruka, but there's no way I'm safe in this country.
Kakashi stared at her hand as if it were an insect.
"Well, it –"
"Think about it," she smiled and placed a card in his pocket.
He hated her. The way she treated him, disregarding his personal space – not that personal space was possible in an elevator….
"Say hello to Megami for me," she said. "Name's Ayame."
By the time Kakashi had reached the penthouse, nobody was left on the elevator. Walking past the sliding doors quickly, Kakashi felt relieved – he had feared being trapped in the elevator forever.
From here on out, that Ayame woman is to be evaded like the plague.
The penthouse suite was open and teeming with people. After a quick once over with a security guard, walking past groups of people waiting to see the famous celebrity, Kakashi was escorted into a large sitting room.
"WHY DID YOU HAVE TO DO THAT, LI?"
"HE WAS A SHIT HEAD! He deserved it."
"HOW COULD YOU CALL HIM THAT?"
"Easy – I tell it like it is."
"YOU'RE NO BETTER!"
"Shut up, SHITHEAD!"
"STOP CALLING YOUR BROTHER SHIT HEAD, LI! IT'S REALLY PISSING ME OFF!"
"MAKE ME!"
"FINE, the next time you crash your damn car, you'll pay for the replacement!"
The deep silence was broken by muttered curses from Li.
Kakashi walked in slowly. Before he could open his mouth, the singer broke into another rant.
"REN! GINA! IZASHI! MAI! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU GUYS?"
Four people rushed into the room.
"Gina, call up that guy – What's-his-name – and cancel my appointment. I'm going to relax this afternoon. There's no way I'm going to spoil my looks for tonight by standing out in the hot sun socializing at a hellish tea! Idiot fans!"
"Yes, Yukimoto-san."
"Ren! Izashi! You've got the day off until the evening, of course. And NOT A MINUTE LATER! I'll fire you guys if I catch you coming in later – I need you here at six sharp! And you! Ren! No more grabbing guys in the street! It's embarrassing. Keep your hands to yourself and Izashi! Hear me?"
"Yes, Yukimoto-san."
"Of course, Yukimoto-san."
"Mai, I want you to sort the mail with me. Get me a cup of tea and send Li and Raiden off to wherever they are to go to. Kick those people out of my apartment."
"Yes, Yukimoto-san."
"Gina, I need a long-distance call placed to that village thing – I need to know what's happening with the whole body guard thing. Is the guy coming? Blah blah blah…."
"Huh. What's so special about this bodygaurd?" asked Li.
"You don't know what you're talking about, shut the hell up, boy," Megami retorted.
Kakashi winced.
What a foul-mouthed woman! People actually come to hear her sing?
"Yeah, Li, shut up," Raiden smirked.
"You too, Rai," Megami turned to her younger boy, who sulked and frowned at her.
"Ohayo!" Kakashi said, suddenly.
"AAAAIIIIIEEEEEEEE!" The four servants shrieked along with Li.
Raiden jumped up and Megami stood swearing.
"Who the hell are you?" She asked, picking up a Ming vase.
"My name's Hatake Kakashi, elite Jounin from Konoha, reporting for duty."
"Ahhh… and can't you people tell the time? You're half a day late!" Megami asked.
The four servants jumped out of the way as the vase went flying. Kakashi felt the impact of the vase hitting the wall with a large crash right next to his head.
Although he didn't flinch, Kakashi sweat-dropped.
Holding his hands up, palms out in a pleading gesture, he smiled.
"Hai, hai! I'm so sorry…. The traffic was bad and I was held up in Customs…."
Geez! This woman is going to be troublesome. She's like Tsunade! Strong and has a wicked aim! Why do I have to always protect clients with the most attitude?
Megami stared at the silver-haired man.
his man is weird. Most people run away as soon as I pick up things. He didn't even flinch! Well. I guess Kazahana Yukie was right – she better have been right – I paid a whole bunch for this guy. Still…. He doesn't seem the type to be able to do anything. And his clothing…..
licking her dark hair away from her face, Megami gave him a once over before turning to her two sons, both sprawled out on the large sofa. Both looking disgruntled.
"These are my sons, Li and Raiden. Boys, this is Hatake Kakashi, a ninja from a hidden village in the Fire Country."
Kakashi nodded and bowed ever so slightly.
"He's a NINJA?" asked Raiden with a load of contempt in his voice. "He looks nothing like that guy from the movie!"
"Well, I'm sure he'll work his worth – he'd better. Or I'll sue his village."
Kakashi sweated again.
This woman has waaaay too much money and anger to be good for her. And it looks like her kids are going to take after her. Sheesh! It's like Sasuke all over again!
"Well, get him to show us some stuff," Li said, sizing up Kakashi. "Do something, ninja boy."
Kakashi merely raised his eyebrows.
Tsunade-sama, there's no way in hell I'm going to perform something in public. Sorry. But no.
Megami seeing a dangerous spark in Kakashi's eye, turned to the boy.
"Shut up and leave him to me, Li." She sat down and flicked a hand at a lower stool. "I've got to talk to him."
"He looks weak," Li said. "I'd be able to take him on any old day."
In your dreams, brat.
Kakashi stifled a curse as he set down his pack and seated himself.
Megami smiled and said in a brooking-no-nonsense tone. "You'll sleep with Ren and Izashi here at the hotel. Gina and my staff will show you everything. Come to me tomorrow for details – I'm too busy today for talk."
She didn't stop talking though.
"Right. This is Ren and Izashi."
The two men smirked at Kakashi, Ren in particular couldn't seem to take his eyes off of Kakashi.
"Izashi is my hairdresser – right, darling?" Megami drawled, languidly waving a fan, her eyes full of lust as she checked out new bodyguard for the fourth time. "And does my manicures and pedicures and such."
Kakashi scratched his head and nodded.
Okay. Whatever.
"Ren does my make up and figures out my costumes and clothes and such. Gina is our secretary and general organizer. Mai keeps our stuff in order, cleans, cooks sometimes, takes care of Raiden most of the time and does many things for me."
Megami leaned back.
"Welcome to the crew," Izashi said. "Glad you're here to sort out our problem."
Kakashi at Megami's dismissive nod stood, picking up his two pieces of luggage, relieved to get away from her stares and her fan.
Raiden and Li glared at their mother.
Megami leaned forward with a frown.
"Oh! By the way, Izashi and Ren, I want you to give Kakashi instruction on how to behave around here – and Kakashi – do me a favor? Be a dear…."
"Eh?" Kakashi asked.
"Lose the mask. The uniform and everything really must go. I'd like you to blend in – not stick out like a sore thumb."
Kakashi's eye widened.
"And, uh, is that slanted head thingy a fashion statement or is it supposed to hide a scarred eye or something?"
"Uh…. Sort of….. not really… no."
Kakashi felt as if he'd been hit by two ton bricks.
No mask! No uniform! No hitai-ate! Holy shit!
"Izashi and Ren will help you pick out something suitable," Megami went on. She stopped. "That it for now."
Kakashi nodded nonchalantly – disguising his heavy annoyance.
Geez! What a selfish woman! Every body has to basically bow to her wishes! I bet she micromanages everything around here!
As he left, he could hear her complaining to Mai, a demure beaten-down woman, about the traffic which kept her up.
Fangirls: (beating up Megami) Evil woman! Tormenting Kakashi!
Kakashi: (no mask) I feel... naked... AAAAAAHHHHHH!
Evades stampede of rabid fangirls, headed by Nanny-chan.
NEXT TIME: An extreme makeover, extreme lifestyles and extreme seduction in a limo! No time to fight the bad guys!