A/N: This was the entry for Naruto100's "Icha Icha Trilogy" contest, and the winner for said contest. Enjoy.
Expectations of a Copy Ninja
Kakashi didn't know what to expect for the second season of Icha Icha Paradise. He was excited, thrilled, that his favorite series was continuing on, but on the other hand, he was also filled with trepidation concerning the new author. He knew the man would do his best, but would it be good enough? Would Icha Icha Paradise ever be the same? Jiraiya had settled fully into his comfortable retirement and had passed on the mantle of Icha Icha author to another, but would the other live up to Kakashi's expectations?
With quaking hands Kakashi reached for the volume on the shelf, his one uncovered eye sizing up the cover. He held it close as he paid for it, weighing it, eyeing it up and down. It looked suitable, but would the contents be worth it? Or would his beloved Icha Icha Paradise truly be gone for good? Walking home, Kakashi was deep in thought, brooding so much that he failed to even notice Gai sneaking about behind him.
Opening, closing, and locking his door, Kakashi slumped into his well worn armchair, pulling down his mask and raising his headband above his sharingan eye. With a hint of reluctance, nervousness, and a quiver of excitement, Kakashi slowly opened the book, his eyes falling to the pages and beginning to read…
It wasn't until the next day that someone found him, slumped over the back of an armchair, dried blood crusted over his entire face and still dribbling from his nose. When he finally regained consciousness, Kakashi was dumbfounded. Naruto was an even better writer than he had expected.