Ok, that didn't take long… Here is a new chapter. No Kakashi and Sakura interacting with each other, but you can be sure they are thinking about each other. However, we have many special guests, hope you enjoy them.

I really want to thanks all those that have been reviewing, its really inspiring. Hope you like this chapter. Im just trying to bring some new elements to the story…

I want to hear from you. Read, enjoy, review if you can.

Day 15

Kakashi approached the tea house with an uninterested expression on his one exposed eye. After all, he didn't want them to think that he had been watching them, as he certainly had. In truth, they were never very good with the tracking abilities, specially when it came to know if someone was tracking them. And they were inside the village. They should know better than just get distracted, but… Well, when together, Kurenai and Asuma never seemed to pay attention to anything else but each other. Sighing, Kakashi made his way in, with the hope that Asuma would take notice of his presence.

"Kakashi!", he heard after no more then a few seconds, "Hey, Kakashi!"

Kakashi turned to face the owner of the voice, a casual – and fake – look in his eye.

Slowly, he aprouched their table. "Asuma, Kurenai… What a surprise. Didn't know you were back from your missions already…"

"I returned last night." Kurenai said. "Asuma just got here."

"Oh… I see." Kakashi knew that. He saw Kurenai entering the city the night before; he was on the roof of the Hokage's building, reading and waiting for Sakura. He even considered talking to Kurenai then, but thought it would be a good idea to wait for Asuma to be back. After all, he wanted to ask them both about that day. And he didn't really know what Asuma could think when told that Kakashi engaged in a long conversation with Kurenai during his absence. Caution is always the best way with the affairs of the heart… Specially other people affairs.

"Want to join us?" Asuma waved towards the empty seat across him.

Kakashi smiled:

"Ah, I don't want to interrupt… Im sure you have lots to catch up with…"

As he knew she would, Kurenai's face showed irritation and a light blush. "Like a teenager…", was Kakashi's amused thought.

"Kakashi… Again with your insinuations!"

Asuma laughed. "We are just exchanging information… Our missions were related, you know?" He glanced at Kurenai, and, still with a smile, insisted: "Its nothing that cant wait. Please, take a seat!"

"Oh, if you put it like that…"

Just as he took his place, Kurenai asked:

"So, Kakashi… Are you completely recovered from…"

"Yes." He answered abruptly, not wanting to go into that subject. He certainly didn't need to be reminded of the agony and despair he was put in by him. Those days he was like that, suffering from the pain of Itachi's genjutsu, those were the worst days of his life. Just the memory of that made him shiver, as he could again feel the cold steel penetrating his flesh…

He shook his head. "Im fine, now."

"Are you really?", Asuma questioned him. "You don't seem so great… Im sorry for saying that, but you havent been yourself for quite a while…"

"I have been busy."

"That's not what I heard." Again Asuma manifested. "You know, from what I heard, you havent been on any missions since the Uchiha boy was taken…"

Kakashi's expression remained the same, but a turmoil of emotions consumed him. He and Asuma were close friends, or at least as close as he could be to any of his colleagues, these days. More than that, they trained rookies from the same year, both becoming senseis at the same time, and always sharing impressions on that matter. In the last year, Kurenai and Asuma were the people he spend more time with, his students aside. And they could imagine perfectly how he felt about Sasuke and Naruto leaving.

However, Kakashi wasn't in the mood for sharing things. He really had avoided conversation with those two since Tsunade cured him. After that, all he wanted was to forget those moments, the pain, and, of course, the shame for what happened. They were there… They saw how easily Itachi had beaten him. To occupy himself, he went into missions - actually, one mission, since soon after that Sasuke went to Orochimaru. And everything changed. Now, Asuma and Kurenai still had their teams, still had their students, still had each other. And Kakashi…

He now had a goal. Something he had to achieve, no matter what.

"Its not the missions that have been keeping me busy…"

Asuma gave him a suspicious look, but Kurenai was the one that closed the issue:

"Im tired of missions… I don't want to talk about work, even about sad things. At least for half an hour." Her red eyes went from Asuma to Kakashi, and back again. "Please, lets just enjoy our tea."

"You are right. We shouldn't spoil the little free time we have."

Kakashi saw how Kurenai's hand briefly touched Asuma's leg, so fast and discreet that most people would never notice. "Hm… Three is a crowd."

"Right. You are right, Kurenai. I just need you guys to answer a question, if you can. Than, I promise, you will not hear me say a thing about work."

"No problem", Asuma agreed, "go ahead."

"The day we fought the Akatsuki…"

Both Asuma and Kurenai went pale, and the kunoichi even bit her lower lip. "Well, at least Im not the only one who gets disturbed by the subject…"

"That day, I really don't remember it very well."

"You don't?" Asuma's glance was skeptical.

"No…" Under the table, he couldn't avoid his hands to close in fists. The pain… It had almost made him insane. After that, and until the day Tsunade helped, all was under this fog of confusion and angony. "I heard Gai tried to help, but…"

"Tried to help?" And Asuma laughed. "That's really unfair. He saved us!"

"Saved? Really…?" Kakashi's tone betrayed incredulity and mockery.

However, Kurenai's tone was severe:

"Now, Kakashi, you shouldn't speak like that." She even pointed a finger at him. "Gai was the only reason you were not taken by those guys. We couldn't have stopped them, and, if it wasn't for him, who knows what could have happened to you…"

"I know…" Asuma said. "You would be dead in no time, but not before they had played a little with you, those sick bastards... You know better than us, Kakashi... I don't think you or anyone could resist that Itachi's torture…"

"Ok, ok… I get it…!" Kakashi had no intention of examining the possibles and terribles outcomes of an abduction by the Akatsuki.

"Do you? Because, honestly, I don't think you have even said 'thanks' to Gai."

"Kurenai is right, Kakashi… You owe him one."

"'Owe him one'… Gai?" Even though he couldn't disbelief Asuma and Kurenai, he wasn't still totally convinced:

"But how could Gai fight Itachi…?"

Both Asuma and Kurenai laughed, and the kunoichi said:

"You cant imagine? Please, Kakashi, you are Gai's greatest rival…"

"Meaning…"

"He has tatics to fight sharingan. Even Itachi's sharingan."

It was Asuma that said:

"I realize what you are looking for… But you know what, Kakashi? It´s to another person you should be asking this…"

"Gai, hm? What a dark perspective…"

"OUCH! Be careful, what do you think you are doing?"

"Me?" Sakura didn't hide her indignation. "What are you doing, screaming like that? Its just a superficial scratch, Ino-pig…"

Ino was Sakura's first patient that morning. Tsunade thought it would be a good idea for the girl to practice some of the medical-jutsus she had just learned, and Ino was, as she claimed, her "first victim".

"Oh, just look at that… So much blood…"

Sakura shaked her head in disapproval. Ino was making a big deal about that wound, a small cut on her palm.

"It isnt even bleeding…"

"Because I don't have blood in my body, not anymore…"

"You do know you would be dead if that was true, don't you?"

"Are you saying Im going to die?"

Sakura laughed. "Ah, Ino, you are joke…"

The blond girl answered to this showing an outraged expression, acting like what Sakura just said offended her deeply: "How dare you…?"

Sakura knew better than to take seriously Ino's moods.

"You are just making a scandal because Im the one that is treating you…"

"Its not my fault you are such a terrible medical-nin."

Both girls smiled.

Sakura concentrated chakra in her palms, and pressed her hand over Ino's cut. Almost immediately the wound started to heal.

"Wow… That is pretty amazing, Sakura! Never thought you could do it…"

"And you will not have a scar... How great is that?"

"I did it!" Sakura was exultant. Medical jutsus required an unbelievable concentration, and a great ability to mold chakra. She was surprised with her own succes. Even Tsunade told her it could take a while before she could learn how to perform those jutsus, but Sakura managed to surprise the Hokage herself. How about that? "Kakashi-sensei would be proud…"

She caught herself thinking about him again.

"Sakura… Sakura… Hey, SAKURA!"

She turned her attention to Ino, who looked annoyed.

"Ah, sorry… Got a little distracted."

"You know, that's not a good thing in a medical ninja… Letting your thoughts wonder away from you patients… during treatment!"

"Yes, you are right." She wrapped Ino's hand in bandages. "What were you saying?"

"You really didn't hear me, did you? And I thought you were joking…" The girl turned his eyes to the ceiling and back. "I was just saying we could use you in our training sessions…"

"What? You and I? Training together?"

Ino looked at her, her eyes saying she wasn't joking, and that it was a serius matter to her.

"And why not? We are one member short in our group most of the time, you know? After all, now Shikamaru is a chuunin, and an academy teacher, so hes not training so much with us…"

Sakura thought for a moment: "No… No, I couldn't, I mean, its your team, and I don't want to intrude…"

"Ah, stop right there!" The blond said it in high tones. "Don't come with the 'intrusion' excuse. Of course you wouldn't be intruding! Im inviting you!"

"Yes, I know, but what would the others think?"

"What? Do you think they would mind?" Ino laughed gracefully, the laugh that usually charmed all the men around her. "If they can deal with me, handle you shouldn't be a problem… And, anyway, the boys think high of you. Shikamaru said you are the smartest person he knows - after him, of course -, and Chouji thinks you are something great after that chuunin exam."

"They didn't…"

"Im telling you!" Ino raised her eyebrowsto put emphasis in her phrase. "I know you are practising to be a medical ninja, but you shouldn't neglect other abilities… You still have to work your speed, learn new ninjutsu, improve your tatics… And Im sure the Hokage is a busy person, she would be glad if you could train with another team and give her a break. To be with you all day? Poor Tsunade-sama…"

"Are you sure I wouldn't be…"

"Stop it, I told you already!" Ino stared at Sakura and said, an unusual serius tone in her normally playful voice. "We are all ninja from Konoha. We should help each other at all times!"

For the first time in many, many days, Sakura felt tears in her eyes that were not from sadness or pain.

"Thank you, Ino. Thank you very much."

"You are welcome, Sakura. That's what friends are for."

Day 16

"I cant belive what Im doing…"

That was the most constant thought Kakashi had all day. Now, as he stepped inside the training area, those words in his mind almost made him regret his decision. After all, it had been a long time since Kakashi needed to thank someone for saving his life, and even more since he had to ask for training tips. But, worst of all, even when he had to do it, those things never before involved his rival Gai…

He couldn't really tell when the rivalry between them started, but he admitted that he had never tried to end it. Even though he complained and claimed to dislike it, Kakashi knew in his heart that, if it had came to that, it was his fault. After all, when younger, he really was a… yes, a bastard, yes, he was a pain, he was always looking down on everyone. And he was always glad to show people how much of a failure they were.

Gai was one of his victims.

Now, Gai also had his share of blame, of course. In his defense, Kakashi could say that he had never picked a fight with Gai – mainly because, when yougsters, he despised him, but still… Since they were boys Gai was always making challenges, always testing himself against Kakashi… Why? When young, Kakashi thought Gai was a moron that envied him because he was such a genius, while Gai was… well, Gai. A hard-worker, but not a talented one. Since Kakashi wasn't a lazy guy himself, it always seemed pretty obvious the outcome of their fights. He never belived Gai could win. Of course, time showed that things change, just as Kakashi himself had changed. Even though he still trained and gave his best to improve his abilities, he really didn't care anymore if Gai would win their fights, or even other stupid challenge. Oh, who was counting, anyway?

Ah, yes… Gai was.

"And he saved me…? So ironic."

Gai was doing push-ups. He was at the incredible count of seven thousand.

Kakashi got closer, close enough to see the sweat dripping from Gai's forehead. Other than that, the man didn't seem tired at all. He kept his rhythm, up and down, his breathing wasn't heavy, he didn't tremble or hesitate. One could think he did seven thousand push-ups every day…

"Does he? Geez, that's absurd!"

Even though Kakashi's presence couldn't be more evident, Gai made no sign that he had noticed him. "He hasn't seen me? Impossible." Kakashi knew this game too well to not play it. Fortunately, he had came prepared.

"Waiting is never a problem if you have good reading to do…" A book, with a distinct orange hardcover, came from his backpocket.

Apparently, this had an effect on Gai:

"Kakashi", he got up with a flick movement, "have you came all the way here just to read your dirty book?"

"Hm? Oh, hello Gai…!"

In response, Gai jumped back, and took a fighting position.

"Did you come looking for a challenge? Do you want to pursue a tie in our confronts?"

Kakashi put the book down.

"Actually…"

"Im ready for you, my rival!"

"No, Gai, listen…" Kakashi raised both hands, showing his intentions of peace. "I don't want to fight."

"Oh…" Gai let his head down, his chin touching his chest, disappointment showing in all of his features.

"Yes, Im sorry. But I came for other reasons."

He had thought this through. He knew what to say. He had practiced it inside his head a million times. Was really so hard to admit that you are not perfect? That you can lose? That you can't protect everybody? That, sometimes, you may need some help?

"I can do this. I have to. Camon, not for you. Don't let your pride interfere. You need this! You need to, it's the only way you can help them… her…"

In his mind, Sakura's face was discernible, her eyes, beatiful green eyes. Tears were coming out from her eyes, yes, she was crying, and he smiled at her. He smiled, confident and playful. And he was saying, like he said to her so many times: "Don't worry, Sakura. Everything is going to be alright. I promise you…" He promised her. More than once. He promised her! He told her everything was going to be alright, that things would turn out fine, he did that, and yet…

Things were not alright. He didn't do what he promised. He failed her. He said it, and couldn't keep up with his word. How could she ever trust him again?

"Do it, Kakashi!", he commanded to himself.

"Gai…" He forced his voice out. "You went up against Itachi?"

"Hmm?"

The dark hair jounin seemed surprised.

"I mean, Asuma and Kurenai, they told me you did."

Gai nodded his head in an affirmative gesture. "Yes, I did… But they escaped… You know, Itachi and… what's his name?"

"You see, Gai, the reason I came is because I want to ask you for a favor."

For a second Gai's eyes widened, and his mouth opened at least an inch. However, the jounin managed to quickly regain his pose.

"A favor, is it?" He scratched his chin. "And what would that be?"

Hands in his pocket, Kakashi used his coolest tone of voice, since he didn't want it to sound like a big deal: "I wish you could help me with my training… A training to fight the sharingan."

"You, the great genius Kakashi, want help with your training?"

He knew Gai would make a big deal out of it… But doesn't he always?

"Yeah, that's right… You see, just for a weak or so… It should be enough…"

He was interrupted by Gai's sonorous laugh.

"HA! Konoha's Prideful Green Beast and The Copy Ninja, Sharingan Kakashi! Together! What an event!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah… You know, I don't want this to be an event…

"The rivals… together as one!"

"Now, take it easy…"

Like those last words had slapped him on the face, Gai turned to Kakashi with a grave look.

"Kakashi!"

"Oh… what?"

"We must have rules!"

"Rules?"

"Yes! Training rules!"

Kakashi shivered. "Well, Gai, Im actually not very good with rules…"

"That's the First Rule!" He showed Kakashi his stretched finger. "We must have rules! Otherwise, no training!"

"What have I done…"

"Ok, ok, fine…"

"Wonderful!" An agitated Gai started to walk.

"Where are you going?"

"I have training plans to do, of course!"

"Oh, I see…" He pulled his book again. "Guess I'll see you later, then."

Gai's shocked expression brought a bad feeling to Kakashi.

"Later? Later? No, Kakashi, my rival, there is no later for us! For you and for me, Kakashi, there is just now!"

"Whose idea was it, again? Oh, yes, mine… Well, I guess there is no one to punish but myself…" With that bitter thought, Kakashi followed Gai.

Now, here are a few explanations this chapter should have.

First, I wanted to show more characters other than Sakura and Kakashi, since I like many of them, and it also give us a chance to see how much they are doing things for each other and thinking about each other, even when they are not together.

Second, I would like to explain this Kakashi Im writing. For me, Kakashi is the cool, quiet guy, but only on the surface. Anyone that read Gaiden saw how he was… Im always thinking of him as a person moved by his duties and also by his guilt.

It was based in the Gaiden that I built this idea of how Gai/ Kakashi rivalry was born. He really was a very proud boy, and he tended to look down on people, or ignore them. Even now, I don't think that Kakashi really gets what Gai is all about. As we can see when the manga/ anime show us one of their "confronts", Kakashi demonstrates nothing but contempt for Gai's self-imposed rules. At that time, I think that even though Kakashi knew Gai was a powerful ninja, he still was too critical on Gai's methods – and personality, of course.

I also thought that Kakashi showed a lot more respect for Gai in the part two of the manga. And in part two, we see the brief moment I describe, when Kakashi asks Gai about how he went against Itachi. I will say no more, since you guys may not have read it yet. Anyway, I think those two and a half years made Kakashi acknowledge Gai a little more, and I wanted you to know what I think happened (no GaiKaka, however).

Finnaly, Im planning more KakaSaku for the next chapter, of course. Please, be patient… I think we might see some action soon (and by action I mean KakaSaku, not great shinobi fights).

Hope you enjoyed this one. Please, let me know.

P.S.: Kakashi Gaiden is the story of young Kakashi. Really good.