A Shinobi Story

by Hack Interrupted

Team seven befriends a beautiful wanderer and she makes Konoha her home. Spoilers

4. Chapter 4

Chapter Four: Dark Days in the Land of the Leaf

Konoha bustled with activity as the day of the chunin exam approached. Haru noticed how nervous Iruka had become as the time of the exam crept steadily closer. Iruka was worried for the rookie genin, even though they all passed the preliminary test he himself had put them through. He didn't see why Kakashi Asuma and Kurenai had to be so impatient. Gai sensei had made his students wait a year to take the test, why couldn't they? Iruka was somber; he was convinced Naruto would fail the first part of the test. He was afraid it would discourage his former student.

Kakashi didn't say much to Haru about the exam. He suspected that if she knew everything the exam entailed she would get upset; probably go running to his team and try to convince them not to take the test. Kakashi reminded himself that if they were ready, his team would pass. They had earned the right to take the exam; the rest was up to them. He was sure that the written exam would be no trouble at all for Sakura; the girl was smart enough to think her way through almost any problem. It wouldn't take Sasuke long to figure out the most discrete way to cheat; the Sharingan would give him an advantage during the exam. That left Naruto. So long as he didn't lose his head and kept his faith in his team he should do alright.

Haru had been picking up the slack on the project she was working on with Iruka. Her friend had other duties related to the upcoming exam that stole away some of his time. Old man hokage's place was a buzz of excitement as the day of the exam finally arrived. Everyone seemed especially busy and excited that morning, it was catching. Haru found herself a little nervous too. She was quietly hoping that all of the rookie genin she had made friends with over the past few months would ace the test. Haru suspected that Sakura and Hinata were the smartest of the nine; maybe Shikamaru could carry his team too, if it wasn't too troublesome for him. She had not seen Kakashi this morning. He was already gone when she checked his room. Things between Haru and Kakashi had been going splendidly. Dating the jonin had turned out to be more then she imagined it would be. He treated her like a princess, like a lady. She knew if only she could speak with him he would ease her worried mind.

It was still early when old man hokage asked her to take some files over to Iruka at the academy. Haru hurried out of hokage's office and made her way toward the school. The village streets were busy this morning too. Haru saw many people with foreign head protectors making their way toward the academy. Some of them looked pretty tough. Haru arrived at the school and started toward Iruka's office. She couldn't resist just a tiny peek at the documents the old man had for her friend. She slipped the top sheet out of the top folder and gave it a read. Nothing exciting, just more guidelines for the project they were working on.

Haru was reading and walking, a bad habit of hers that occasionally caused her to bump into doors or people. The halls of the school were peppered with genin making their way up to the third floor. Haru barely noticed them and then it was too late. She collided with something. The folders in her hand went flying and Haru went backwards knocked cleanly off her feet. She had the briefest moment to think I'm going to land on my ass in front of everybody and then Haru was caught before she could hit the floor. She snapped her head up to the person that had caught her.

"I'm sorry. Are you alright nee chan?" Kabuto asked Haru in a pleasant and apologetic tone.

The guy that had caught her was sort of familiar looking. She had seen him around, but had never talked to him. She couldn't even remember his name. "Yes, I'm fine thank you." He steadied her on her feet and Haru stood up on her own. "It was my fault. I wasn't watching where I was going."

Kabuto smiled at the friend of Uchiha Sasuke. "Neither was I." he laughed a little trying to act nervous. Behind his smile his calculating mind was taking in every detail of the young woman.

Haru returned the young man's smile. "Are you here for the exam?"

"Hai." Haru nodded and squat down to gather up her scattered folders. Kabuto did the same picking up the folders out of her reach. "I guess I'm a little nervous. I'm sorry for bumping into you. Are you sure you're alright?"

"I'm fine really. Don't worry about it." She straightened a few folders in her lap. "I guess we were both spacing out ne?"

Kabuto passed the folders he had picked up to Haru smiling sheepishly at her. "You're Haru san right?" Of course he knew who she was. He had been watching her for a while. She worked at both hokage's and here at the academy. She was friends with many of the rookie genin taking the exam including Uchiha Sasuke. Haru frequently went over to Sasuke's house. She cooked for him and took care of his place while he was away. Recently she had begun a more personal relationship with Sasuke's sensei Hatake Kakashi; a dangerous and clever jonin of this village.

Haru stood up with her folders. "Yes, I'm Haru. Please forgive me, but I can't quite remember your name." She was a little embarrassed. Haru tried to know all of the ninja here in Konoha, but there were so many it was hard to know them all.

Kabuto had stood up with Haru. His smile never faltered. "I don't think we've met, at least not formally. I'm Yakushi Kabuto. It's a pleasure to meet you Haru san." He dipped his head in a polite bow and the woman smiled at him.

"It's nice to meet you too Kabuto san." Haru bowed her head in return. She felt a little awkward. She was sure it had been her fault that they had bumped into each other. She shouldn't have been reading while walking down such a peopled hallway. Kabuto looked older then her genin friends; closer to Haru's age then theirs. But he's here to take the test… "Kabuto san, could I ask you a question?"

"Sure," he adjusted his glasses to hide that he was sizing her up. Haru was certainly an attractive woman.

She let out a small sigh. "Is the test really hard?" Haru was worrying about Naruto again. Choji wasn't exactly a genius either.

He tried to sound a bit dismayed. "Yeah, it can be. Sometimes it depends on the instructor giving the exam. I've taken the test seven times myself, but something always comes up and," he faked a nervous laugh, "I always end up flunking one way or another."

The young man in front of her didn't look stupid. His glasses made him look more intelligent if anything. "Oh shit," escaped her lips before she could stop the words. Immediately she was embarrassed for cussing in front of someone she just met. Her cheeks darkened. "Uh… I mean…"

Kabuto shook his head "It's alright Haru san. I guess you have some friends taking the exam that you are nervous for ne?"

"Yeah, I guess you could say that."

"Daijoubu Haru san. I'm sure your friends will do just fine. I have a good feeling about this exam. I think even I will pass this time." Kabuto laughed innocently to calm Haru's nerves. The last thing he needed now was her freaking out and trying to stop Sasuke from taking the exam.

She was just going to have to take his word for it. Kabuto was the one who had experience in this matter, not her. Haru didn't have time to stand here and chat all morning though. She had her own work to do. "I hope so. Well Kabuto san, good luck. It was nice meeting you." Haru had to go.

"It was nice meeting you too Haru san. Perhaps we'll meet again" he kept his grin from turning devious, "under different circumstances of course."

Haru laughed. Kabuto seemed like a pretty nice guy. He was kind of cute too. "That would be nice. Ja ne." Haru moved past Kabuto and headed for Iruka's office to see if he was still in there. If not she could find him in his classroom.

Kabuto turned and watched Haru go. His smile disappeared as he stared at the woman walking away. It was possible he might see her again; he doubted he would have to kill her. The woman wasn't a ninja and so long as she didn't get in his way she might live through the exams. If she finds a place to hide when we attack that is. It be a shame for such a piece of…work to die so young. Kabuto chuckled quietly to himself and headed up to the third floor to take the written part of the exam.

It was a nail biting morning for those waiting for the genin to emerge from the testing room. Haru was unable to concentrate on her work and she paced Iruka's office nervously. Some time later there was enough noise in the outer hall that Haru thought the test was over. She made her way to the foot of the stairs and waited. It perturbed her that not one of the jonin sensei had come to greet their students. Jeez, don't they even care if their students made it and became chunin!

After what seemed like an eternity Haru finally heard Naruto's excited babble. She took it as a good sign. Naruto bounded down the stairs ahead of the rest of the rookie nine. Haru lifted a hand and called out to him. "Oy Naruto!"

Naruto hurried to Haru. "Haru nee chan!" He took her hands hopping up and down excitedly. "Look Haru, we all passed the first part of the chunin exam! Isn't that great!"

"First part?" Haru had no idea that there was more then one test. Her hopes sagged but she tried to sound cheery. Well if Naruto made it this far… "Congratulations! All of you," she flashed a big smile at the genin coming down the stairs.

"Oy oy Haru nee chan," Naruto begged her attention again. "Where is Kakashi sensei?"

"I don't know. I haven seen him all day."

"Nani?" Ino sounded disapproving. "Isn't he supposed to be your boyfriend nee chan? What a jerk not making time all day to see you."

Haru's cheeks turned as pink as Hinata's. She laughed nervously. "Yes well, I'm sure he was pretty busy today."

"Keh," Kiba scoffed. Akamaru barked once from on top of Kiba's head. "Our sensei's probably sat around doing nothing all day while we sweated our way through that damn test."

"You shouldn't say such things Kiba kun." Haru put her arms out for Akamaru and the adorable puppy jumped to her. "I'm sure your senseis were all very busy today," she defended as she cuddled Akamaru.

"Oh yeah? Then where are they now," Kiba watched his dog rub noses with Haru. You damn lucky traitor Akamaru.

"Hokage's place," Shino said matter of factly. "By now they have also been informed that we have passed the first part of the exam as well."

Hinata pushed her index fingers together nervously. "Maybe we should go look for Kurenai sensei," she said barely above a whisper.

"We better go look for Kakashi sensei too," Sasuke sounded serious. "He's supposed to tell us the location of the next part exam."

Haru gave Akamaru one last nuzzle and handed him back to Kiba. "You guys better go then." She thought that maybe now she could get a little work done; after she reported to Iruka that the rookies had all passed part one that was.

"It doesn't start until tomorrow," Naruto was looking for an excuse to linger.

Sakura frowned at Naruto. "Let's just go find sensei."

The kids took off to find their teachers and Haru hurried down to Iruka's classroom. The students were just being dismissed for the day when Haru rushed in. "They passed Iruka!" she informed running to him.

Iruka blinked at Haru. He figured she would be there to greet the genin when they were let out of the exam room. "Who did?" he asked eagerly.

Haru laughed excited. "All of them! All nine rookies and Gai sensei's team too!"

A big silly grin spread across Iruka's face. He took Haru's hands in his much like Naruto had just moments ago. "All of them? That's great!"

"I guess I was worried over nothing."

Iruka laughed. He didn't want to tell her that they had made it through the easy part and the dangerous part of the exam still lie ahead. He would leave it up to Kakashi to break it to Haru. Five days in the forest of death. Haru san isn't going to like this at all.

Iruka took Naruto out for ramen and Haru made a big celebratory dinner for Sasuke. It wasn't until later when she had retired to her room that Kakashi finally made an appearance. In truth, he had been avoiding Haru today. He didn't want to have to tell her about the next part of the chunin exam. He was pretty sure that she would flip her lid when she found out about the survival portion of the exam. He would rather wait until the genin had entered the 44th training area before breaking the news to her.

It was after ten when Kakashi finally knocked on Haru's door. "Haru san, it's Kakashi." He heard her call 'come in' so he did.

Haru was sitting on her bed with an open folder in front of her trying to catch up on the work she had slacked off on today. She smiled up at Kakashi. "And where have you been all day ya turd."

He chuckled stepping over to Haru. "Nice to see you too love." He tugged his mask down and gave her a quick peck on the lips. Kakashi sat down on the bed with her. "I had a lot of forms and shit to fill out before the second round starts up in the morning."

"I'm so glad they all passes!" Haru was still excited. "Is the next part of the test terribly difficult? A longer more detailed exam?"

Shit, what am supposed to tell her. "Not too bad, but it is time consuming. Don't worry about it Haru, everyone will do just fine."

It was a relief to hear him say so. "Good, I'm glad."

Kakashi looked down at what Haru was working on. "Bringing work home ne Haru san? Don't tell me you slacked off today," he teased changing the subject.

Haru closed the folder. "Who me?" she smiled innocently.

"Yes you." He picked up the folder between them and flung it over to her desk. He slid closer to Haru. Her cheeks were turning pink. "You're lucky you're so beautiful. If I slacked off hokage sama would bitch my ear off."

She giggled at his flattery. "So the old man's got good taste, what can I say," she teased back sliding closer to Kakashi.

Kakashi just wanted to enjoy what was left of the evening with Haru. He didn't want to think about his team or the Forest of Death. He certainly didn't want to think about Haru's reaction to the whole thing. He smiled as he wrapped Haru into his arms. She could be as pissed at him as she wanted to be, but it could wait until tomorrow. "I have some pretty good taste myself Haru." He ended a potentially troublesome conversation with a kiss.

The next day turned out to be just short of disastrous for Haru. She woke up late after hitting snooze too many times on her alarm clock. On the way out of her room her skirt snagged on the door and ripped from the bottom clear up to her thigh. Cussing to herself she changed quickly and headed out. Kakashi wasn't in his room; he had already left for work. She arrived at hokage's place almost an hour late. Ebisu was just inside the door when she came in and he spent ten minutes balling her out for being late.

She finally got to her desk to start translating the scroll she had been working on and her pen exploded staining her fingers blue black. She managed to scrub off most of the ink and got back to work. By now her aggravation level was reaching a high. She was hoping that her friends taking the test were having a better day then she was.

Haru heard someone in the hall talking about the chunin exam and caught 44th training area. She finished up the scroll around lunch time and left her desk. On the way out of hokage's place Haru stopped to check the maps to find out where 44 was. She wanted to be there when her friends finished the test. The anticipation was nerve racking. To her utter dismay the large wooded area was dubbed 'The Forest of Death'.

On her way out Haru ran into Kotetsu. She asked him for an explanation about the forest of death and the second part of the chunin exam. He gave her a brief summary. Poisonous flora and fauna weren't the worst of it. During the five days that the genin taking the test had to spend within the confines of 44, they were allowed to kill each other. Every genin taking the test signed a waver so that Konoha wouldn't not be held responsible for their demise. Haru swooned and nearly fainted. Kotetsu dropped the sandwich he was holding to steady Haru and it landed on her feet. Haru ended up with mayo between her toes. It was enough to pluck her last nerve.

Haru tore out of hokage's place. She wanted to find Kakashi and give him a piece of her mind for leaving her in the dark like this. The problem was she had no idea where he might be. It just made her angrier. She might not know where Kakashi was, but she knew exactly where to find Iruka. He had kept this information from her too. Some best friend! Haru made a bee line for the academy.

Iruka wasn't in his office nor was he in his classroom. Haru looked out the window and saw him outside with his students having lunch. Seeing people eat made her stomach growl. That pissed her off too. She had no time to eat anything today. Haru went out of the classroom and made her way outside.

Iruka was enjoying his bologna sandwich when he looked up and saw Haru headed his way. He lifted a hand and waved, but she didn't wave back. Iruka swallowed hard. Haru looked pissed. Uh oh. Don't tell me she found out about the Forest of Death. Iruka set his sandwich down and got up to meet Haru. "Konnichiwa Haru san," he tried as she came over to him.

"Don't you konnichiwa me you prick," Haru growled.

Iruka cringed. "Haru san?"

Haru pointed a finger at him. "You knew. You knew and you didn't tell me. You let me go on thinking that the next exam was just another test!"

"Well, it is a test. Survival and mission completion," Iruka tried to explaine.

Haru's hands balled into little fists. "Forest of Death? Allowed to kill each other? What the fuck is wrong with you people?"

"Haru san, please calm down." Iruka had started to sweat. The bologna sandwich turned to lead in his stomach.

Behind Iruka Moegi was watching sensei and nee chan. "Konohamaru kun, look at that. Nee chan looks mad at sensei."

Konohamaru and Udon looked up and watched the on goings. "Sensei's got woman trouble alright," Konohamaru observed and then giggled.

"Are you out of your mind? Is Kakashi out of his mind? What about Sakura? What about Hinata and Ino? They could die!" Haru raved.

"Don't you think you're overreacting Haru?" Iruka tried to sound placating. "They passed the preliminary test; they should all be just fine. There's no reason to," Haru cut him off with a kick to the shin. "Oww!"

"You jerk! You big fucking jerk! Why didn't you tell me about this huh?"

Iruka lifted his leg and rubbed at his shin. "Oww Haru san that hurt!"

"Suck it up ninja boy!" she snapped. "You tell me right now Iruka, why did you keep this from me?"

Iruka sighed and shook his head. "I had to. You're not a ninja. That and you would have tried to stop them from taking the test."

Konohamaru and his friends were enjoying the show. "Why is nee chan mad at sensei?" Moegi questioned and sipped her juice box.

"I bet he did something perverted," Konohamaru guessed.

Haru took a deep breath and tried to calm down. "Is there any way to stop this? To get them out of there?"

Iruka let go of his aching shin and straightened. "No. They'll be in there for five days."

No way to stop it. Haru was crushed. Angry tears started to well up in her eyes. "How could Kakashi do this?"

Even though she had kicked him, Iruka still wanted to comfort Haru. He stepped closer to her keeping a wary eye on her feet. Iruka rested his hands on her shoulders. "Haru san, diajoubu. Everyone will be alright. Have faith in them."

She felt like crying. There was nothing she could do now for her friends but believe in them. "This is so stupid," she sniffled.

Iruka could see how worried and heartbroken Haru was. It tugged at his heart. "Haru," Iruka pulled her too him and hugged her. She sagged against him. "It will be alright. You'll see. Everyone will be just fine."

Moegi finished her juice box. "Looks like they made up."

Konohamaru couldn't resist. "Kiss her sensei!" he yelled. "Kiss and make up!"

Iruka sighed as his class broke into giggles behind him. "Come on Haru san, let's get you inside. You can relax in my office for a while." Iruka steered Haru toward the door. Over his shoulder he hollered to his students "Finish your lunch wise ass! I'll be back to deal with you!"

Iruka settled Haru in his office with a hot cup of tea. Over the course of the afternoon she tried to concentrate on her work. She needed to think of something other then the danger her friends could be in. The afternoon dragged on until shortly after three when Kakashi appeared in the door way. He was already aware that Haru had found out about this next part of the chunin exam and that she wasn't happy about it. Kakashi braced himself and stepped into Iruka's office.

Haru heard someone come in and she looked up. Kakashi stood between the door and the desk looking down at her. Haru straightened. "Kakashi."

"Can I talk to you Haru?"

She guessed that he was aware that she had found out about the five days her friends would spend fighting for their lives. "How could you do this Kakashi?"

He took a deep breath. "I know that you find it hard to believe Haru, but they will be alright. They are well trained and they have each other to rely on."

Haru stood up and glared at Kakashi. "I saw some of the other genin taking the exam. Some of them looked pretty tough to me."

He had an idea what her source of anxiety might be. "Naruto and Sasuke wouldn't let anything happen to Sakura. She's stronger then you give her credit for Haru."

"The genin are allowed to kill each other and no one is there to stop them from doing just that. I know about the waivers they all signed."

"They've been on dangerous missions before Haru and they've come home very much alive." Kakashi sighed tiredly and stepped closer to the desk. "I wouldn't put them into a situation I didn't think they were ready for. You're going to have to trust my judgment on this one Haru."

She supposed she should trust Kakashi but, "Kakashi…"

"Have a little faith in your friends Haru. They can do this. They are ninja of Konoha."

For a long moment she just stared at him. Finally Haru caved. "Alright but they all better come out of there alive and in one piece or I'm gonna kick your ass."

Kakashi laughed a little. "I'll bend over and let ya do it."

Haru shook her head at his demented sense of humor. "You'd probably enjoy it."

Kakashi wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Probably." He extended a hand to Haru. "Come on, let's blow this joint. We'll take a nice long walk out in the fresh air, have a little dinner, go back to your place."

She lifted an eyebrow knowing full well that he was grinning beneath his mask. "Oh? You don't think you're getting lucky do ya buddy?"

"Of course not Haru san," Kakashi chuckled. "Can't blame a guy for trying ne?"

She rolled her eyes and took his hand. Kakashi led Haru out.

The days seemed to tick by slowly. Haru had trouble sleeping and had all but lost her appetite. She tried not to worry, she tried to believe in her friends; it didn't keep her from skipping out on Iruka and heading to the 44th training area on day five though. Haru was wearing a rut in the grace pacing back and forth when finally someone emerged from the gate. She recognized the fair haired young man in glasses and moved his way. "Kabuto san?" she called.

Kabuto stopped and turned toward Haru. Worried about your little friend's ne Haru. Kabuto put on a charming smile. "Oy, Haru san. Fancy meeting you here."

She looked Kabuto up and down. He looked a little roughed up, but nothing serious. "Is it over? Do you know who passed?"

"They're doing a preliminary competition now to determine who will make it to the finals."

"They're fighting? Now?"

"Hai," Kabuto nodded. "Was there someone in particular you were worrying for Haru san?"

She let out a sigh. "The nine rookie genin and Gai sensei's team. Did they make it? Are they alright?" Just thinking about it gave her goose bumps.

Kabuto smiled. "Yes, they all made it just fine. They'll be competing now for a spot in the finals. You'll be glad to know that they're all doing well. A bit tired perhaps, but nothing some rest wont cure."

It was a huge relief to hear. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment. "Really!"

Kabuto nodded still smiling. There was no need for her to know what had happened inside the training area. "Yes really."

Haru laughed excited. She thought she was going to explode with relief and joy. "Thank you Kabuto san!" She couldn't help it. Haru was so happy she flung her arms around his neck and gave him a big hug. "I'm so glad to hear it!"

Kabuto startled and his eyes got large. She's hugging me! Haru was excitedly rocking on her feet while she squeezed him. She was actually jiggling against him. His mouth fell open and for the first time maybe ever Kabuto felt a blush creep into his cheeks. He didn't know what to do. He pat her back a few times. "I'm happy for you Haru san."

Haru let go of Kabuto and stepped back. She was so relived and happy she was practically dancing. Her body wouldn't stay still. She smiled at Kabuto. "How did you do Kabuto san? Did you pass too?"

He laughed nervously. "Well sort of. I backed out of the preliminaries though. I think I may need more training."

That froze her in her tracks. "What? Why?"

Kabuto shrugged his shoulders. "Don't worry Haru san, it wasn't that the competition looked too terribly fierce, it was a personal decision on my part to step down." He was almost disappointed to see her stop jumping around.

"Oh, I see." She wondered why he still doubted himself after he passed, but she didn't want to pry. "Well congratulations on passing anyway Kabuto san," Haru said with a smile. "I'm glad to see that you're alright."

The sad part was she probably meant it. If only you knew who I really am Haru. You wouldn't be hugging me; you'd be running away as fast as you could. Kabuto laughed. Not because of Haru's kind words but because he thought about how nice it would be to see Haru running. I'd chase you babe. "Thank you Haru san. You're so kind." Naive is more like it. He laughed a little again.

Haru was glad to see Kabuto in such high spirits after giving up on becoming a chunin. Well at least he knows himself, his limitations and that he needs more time and training. "Not at all. You should be praised. I'm proud of you for passing and even more so that you knew yourself well enough not to push it. I hope my friends don't push themselves too hard."

"Sasuke Naruto and Sakura are good friends of your right?" He didn't ask because he needed an answer he asked because he wanted to stand here and talk to her. He wanted to see what kind of reactions he could get out of Haru.

Haru blinked at him surprised. "Yes, how did you know?"

"We all made our way to the tower together. I got to know them a little bit."

"You were with them?" It almost sounded too good to be true. "So then you know that they're alright!"

He liked watching her get excited, it was almost exciting. I wonder if that stuck up bastard Kakashi is fucking her yet. Kabuto smiled. "Yes, they're fine. Defiantly in need of a hot bath but fine."

Haru took in a deep breath and let it out in one long sigh. They're okay, they're really okay! "They could probably use a hot meal too I imagine." She was up for cooking for all of them. Whatever they wanted.

"Yes probably. Surviving on fish and whatever else you can find in the woods gets a little tedious after few days." If she's going to cook for them she'll be at Sasuke kun's house later.

Haru tried to sympathize. "You have someone to make you a nice hot meal ne? Your mom or your girlfriend?"

He tried to sound a little gloomy. "I don't have either. I'm on my own."

Smooth move miss tactless. "I'm sorry. I wasn't sure how old you were. You look older then Neji kun and Lee kun."

His smile returned and he tried to keep it friendly. "You're what? Twenty, twenty one? You and I are the same age Haru san."

"Oh?" Haru supposed it should come as no surprise; she was just too used to thirteen year old genin. "I guess I really suck at guessing peoples ages." Haru smiled apologetically.

"Well most guys my age are already chunin." He pushed his glasses into place with one finger. "You're not originally from Konoha are you Haru san?"

She felt the blood rushing to her cheeks wondering what made it so obvious. "No, you could tell?"

He let himself flirt just a little. It amused him to think he was toying with Kakashi's woman. "I don't believe that I have ever seen a woman in Konoha with a fashion sense like yours Haru san." He lifted his eyebrows and looked her up and down once to make his point. Much to his delight Haru was blushing.

"Do I stick out that much? Should I change the way I dress?" she was wildly embarrassed now.

"Absolutely not," he assured her and then he laughed. He got Haru to laugh a little with him. This is too easy. Too much fun. He decided to push his luck a little further. "So what are you doing Saturday night Haru san? Would you like to have dinner with me?"

Wha…? Haru's mouth fell open in surprise. Holy crap he just asked me out! "Uh… actually I uh…"

"Aww, don't tell me you have a boyfriend?" his act was perfectly believable. Kakashi's girlfriend was totally frazzled.

Haru smiled red faced. "Yes actually I do."

"Is it serious?" he teased.

"Well maybe eventually."

He smiled politely. "Lucky guy. Anyone I might know?"

"Sasuke Naruto and Sakura chan's sensei."

Kabuto feigned surprise. "Copy Ninja Kakashi?"

It sounded weird hearing him called by that name. She was searching for a way to answer when the gate behind them banged open. Haru turned and saw a team of medical ninja's bringing someone out on a stretcher. As the moved closer Haru realized she recognized the person lying on the stretcher. "Sasuke kun!" she screamed.

Kabuto eyed Sasuke. He didn't look so good, but Kabuto doubted that he would die right away. As the medics moved closer Haru started their way. Kabuto caught up to her and took her by the hand. She turned to him with wide terrified eyes. "Haru san, you shouldn't get in their way."

"Sasuke…" she looked back at her friend being hauled away. "Sasuke kun…."

Kabuto wondered if maybe he should check it out for himself. He might as well use Haru for what he could while Kakashi was busy with the preliminaries. She should at least be able to find out the boys condition. "Haru san, may I escort you to the hospital?"

Haru turned to Kabuto. The only reason she hadn't gone running after Sasuke was because Kabuto grabbed her hand. He was still holding her back, giving the medical team enough time to get ahead of them. Kabuto looked concerned, but Haru was on the verge of panic. "Yes, let's go."

Hand in hand Haru and Kabuto hurried toward Konoha hospital.

Things went from bad to worse. While she was waiting for word on Sasuke's condition Hinata was brought in. There was blood leaking from the corner of Hinata's mouth. Haru started to shake trying to hold back her tears. Kabuto put an arm around her to comfort her. Not long after Hinata came in the medics brought Lee kun through. He was unconscious and looked seriously wounded. She might have collapsed had Kabuto not been there to hold her up.

Finally a nurse came and told Haru that Sasuke was going to be fine and that he was resting. The waiting pair was relived to hear it. Kabuto decided he better get out of here before Kakashi showed up. He told Haru that he hoped to see her soon and took his leave. Haru waited alone for word about Hinata and Lee.

The waiting was the hardest part, it always was for Haru. It felt like she had been pacing the waiting room for a century when she heard a familiar voice from behind.

"Haru nee chan?" Sakura said in a small voice.

Haru turned around; for a moment she was frozen in horror. Oh my god…Sakura… Haru moved toward her friend on legs that felt weak. "Sakura chan." She reached her roughed up looking friend and wrapped the shaken looking girl into her arms. "Your hair," she mourned. Haru broke into tears and Sakura followed her lead.

Haru and Sakura were standing in the waiting room hugging and consoling each other when Kakashi came in. As he beheld them a sadness and guilt tugged at his heart. "Sakura, Haru," he got their attention. They turned to him. As he expected Haru looked hurt and angry. Crap she's really pissed. He proceeded to them addressing Sakura first. She would be easier to control and reason with then Haru. "Sakura chan, Sasuke is going to be fine. He's resting now as you should be. I want you to go on home. There is nothing more that you can do here tonight. Get some rest and come back in the morning."

Sakura sighed tiredly and nodded. "Hai Kakashi sensei." She looked at Haru one last time. "See you tomorrow nee chan."

"Get some rest Sakura," Haru gave her a hug good by and watched her go. She waited until Sakura was gone before she turned to Kakashi. "You…" she was so angry she couldn't find the words to begin.

He knew she was upset and he didn't want to fight. "Haru," Kakashi stepped up in front of her and took her into his arms before she could back away from him. "I know you're upset, but Sasuke is fine. Hinata and Lee are going to be alright too. I don't want you worrying anymore about it tonight."

"How do you know about Hinata chan and Lee kun?" she squirmed in his hold trying to get away from him. She didn't want to be coddled and held by him.

"I spoke to Kurenai and Gai upstairs. It's alright Haru. They'll both be fine."

Haru frowned up at Kakashi. "You call being beaten to a bloody pulp fine? Fighting to the death, kids putting each other in the hospital is alright!"

Kakashi took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "They aren't just kids Haru, they are ninja. This is the path they have chosen whether you like it or not. It is the way of the ninja." He stared down into her anxious and wounded eyes. He had more news she was going to hate to share with her. "Haru, both Sasuke and Naruto have earned a spot in the finals. In one month there will be a tournament."

"Are they allowed to kill each other during the tournament ne Kakashi?" her tone was angry and accusing.

"The examiner would intervene should it come down to that." He left one arm around her and started to steer them toward the door. If they were going to argue he preferred not to do it here with everyone watching and listening. "Come on Haru, let's get out of here. You can visit tomorrow if you'd like."

She hated giving in to him right now, but there was no reason to stay here in the hospital. She let Kakashi lead her out into the fresh evening air. For the moment she stayed quiet waiting for him to tell her more. She had the feeling that he had more to say. She wanted to find comfort in the arm he had around her but she was afraid to give in to her heart, not until Kakashi told her everything.

Kakashi knew Haru well enough to know that she was waiting him out. He decided to wait to tell her he would be going off to train with Sasuke. It would keep until tomorrow, the day after if he was lucky. Kakashi pointed them in the direction of home. "You alright Haru san?" he gave her a squeeze.

A walk in the cool evening air was calming her. She let it sink in that her friends were going to be alright. "I was just…really worried."

"I know." He gave her another squeeze. "It's alright. You worry because you care. I'm sure that everyone will appreciate your concern."

"I want to see them tomorrow." Haru took a cleansing breath. She was starting to relax.

"I bet they will all be happy to see you Haru." Haru was settling back to herself. The shock and panic was ebbing away. He was looking forward to getting Haru back to her room and kissing the last of her worry away.

She thought so too and the ghost of a smile appeared on her lips. "I'll bring them all something they'll like. Maybe I'll make cookies in the morning. Chocolate chip."

That's my Haru. Kakashi smiled behind his mask. "Sounds good." Haru's hand came up and rested over the one he had on her shoulder. Kakashi laced their fingers together. "So, how was your day ne Haru san?" he laughed relived.

Haru smiled. Normalcy had returned to the couple. "I'll have you know I got asked out today," she teased a little.

Kakashi raised a brow and looked down at her. "Oh?"

"Yeah, and he was cute too."

"Really? So am I going to have to hurt this guy or did you inform him you have an overprotective and extremely jealous boyfriend ne?" he teased back.

Haru giggled and let the last of her anxiety fade away. "Don't worry Kakashi, he knows who you are."

Maybe he was just a little bit jealous. "I see. He knows me it's only fair that I know who the deviant that was hitting on my woman is."

She giggled again. "One of the genin taking the exam; Yakushi Kabuto."

"And has this cute Kabuto creep bothered you before ne?"

Haru swatted at him playfully. "Kakashi!"

"A wise man knows his rival Haru san." She laughed again and Kakashi hugged her closer. For tonight everything was alright.

The next day things seemed to return to normal. Haru decided to get her work done at hokage's place first and then see to her hospitalized friends. Little did she realize that afternoon as she borrowed Sasuke's kitchen to bake chocolate chip cookies her cute new admirer was confronted by Kakashi in Sasuke's hospital room. Oblivious to the danger, Haru packed up three containers of cookies and headed over to the hospital.

She visited Hinata first. Kiba and Shino were sitting with her. Hinata looked much better today though she admitted she was still feeling a bit sore and weak. She shared her cookies with her team mates. Kiba picked out the chocolate chips from one cookie and let Akamaru have a taste. He knew enough to be aware that chocolate can make his dog sick. Haru cuddled the pup while her friends snacked on the cookies and praised her baking skills. Haru thanked them and left the room in a much better mood.

She stopped off to Lee's room next. Neji was there but Lee was asleep. Neji explained to Haru that the medication Lee was on made him very tired. He also informed her of the severity of Lee's condition. Her heart sank at the thought of Lee giving up his ninja lifestyle. She knew that all he ever wanted was to be the best. She almost cried and Neji put an arm around Haru to comfort her. He assured her that his stubborn team mate would find a way to bounce back from this. From what she knew of Lee Haru had to agree with Neji. Lee would find a way to overcome his damning injuries.

Haru took her last batch of cookies and headed to Sasuke's room. Just outside of his door was a man wearing a strange mask. He stopped Haru from going in to see Sasuke. She frowned at him, panic threatening to creep up on her again. "Who are you? Why can't I see Sasuke kun?"

Kakashi heard Haru in the hall and came out of Sasuke's room. "Haru san."

"What's going on here Kakashi?"

Kakashi nodded at the ANBU guard and he stepped back. "Sasuke is resting," he said slipping the box of cookies from her hand. He passed them off to the masked man and put an arm around Haru. "Take a walk with me Haru; I have to talk to you."

Haru was confused and a little nervous but she let Kakashi lead her away from Sasuke's room. "Who is that guy outside of Sasuke's room?"

"A guard." He moved them down the hall to the elevator. He pressed the button to go down. "There was an incident earlier in Sasuke's room."

She felt her heart speed up. "What do you mean an incident?" The elevator opened and Kakashi herded them in. He waited until the doors closed before he responded.

Kakashi turned to Haru and rested his hands on her shoulders. "Haru san, have you seen Yakushi Kabuto today?"

Haru shook her head. "No not today. Is something wrong? Is he in some kind of trouble?"

"He murdered several ANBU members and tried to kill Sasuke earlier today."

"What!" Haru was stunned. "You can't be serious!"

"Kabuto is a traitor of Konoha. He's dangerous Haru."

She couldn't believe it. That guy! It didn't make sense. Kabuto had been kind and consoling to Haru just a day ago. "Are you sure you have the right guy? I mean Kabuto is…" she didn't know what to say.

"I suspect that he has fled Konoha, perhaps even Fire country but if he is around and you do see him I want you to stay away from him Haru. Do you understand me?" Kakashi was more then a little unnerved that the spy had been flirting with his woman less then twenty four hours ago. Haru had been in real danger without anyone even knowing it. It made his stomach turn.

Haru could see Kakashi was indeed very serious. "I …understand." The elevator came to a halt and Kakashi turned them to step out. He slipped an arm around her waist and hurried them toward the hospitals main entrance as soon as the door slid open. She held her tongue until they made it outside. Once away from potential eavesdroppers she asked, "Why would Kabuto do such a thing? I thought he had made friends with Sasuke."

"His motives are still being investigated. Three more bodies were discovered; genin that had come to take the chunin exam."

Haru was reeling. Bodies? Kabuto killed people! "Kakashi, what the hell is going on?"

"We're piecing that together now Haru san. It appears that a former shinobi of Konoha is behind this." Kakashi didn't want to tell her about the legendary sannin Orochimaru. He didn't want to frighten her anymore then he already had.

"Why would anyone betray Konoha? It's such a peaceful place." Haru was sinking in a sea of disbelief. Someone that was once a ninja here? It doesn't make sense!

Because he resents hokage Kakashi thought miserably. "I don't want you to worry about it Haru. Some of the best ninja in Konoha are looking into this matter as we speak. For now I just want you to be aware, I want you to be safe Haru san." It was the truth. It aggravated him to no end to think that Kabuto had been with Haru yesterday. That fuckin kid. How dare he touch my Haru.

Haru took a deep shaky breath. Kakashi was leading them back towards the academy. "I'll keep my eyes open." Deep down Haru was afraid. Yesterday she had held hands with a murderer. Kabuto had hugged her, sat hip to hip with her in the waiting room at the hospital with an arm around her shoulders. Haru shuddered at the thought.

He hated to scare her like this, but he had no choice. Her safety had to come first. "It is unlikely Kabuto will show his face in Konoha again, but if you see him Haru stay away from him. If he tries to approach you, run. Make a big scene to draw attention to yourself and find the nearest jonin."

Haru felt cold. The nearest jonin. That means Kabuto is seriously dangerous. "I understand."

Kakashi could see how tense she was. He hugged her closer to him. "It's alright Haru. I just want you to be safe." There was something else he needed to tell her, but first he wanted to speak to Iruka. As soon as Sasuke was on his feet Kakashi would have to take him to train for the tournament. That meant being away from Haru for nearly as month. He didn't think she would be too happy about it. He was nervous himself about not being here to protect her. Iruka will look after Haru. He'll watch her; make sure that she stays safe. Kakashi sighed quietly and took them to the academy.

Kakashi settled Haru into Iruka's office under the pretense that she should do a little work and went to find Iruka. Class had just been dismissed and Kakashi weaved through the students to Iruka. The chunin was gathering up his lesson plans and books. "Yo Iruka," Kakashi greeted getting his attention.

Iruka looked up at Kakashi. "Oy Kakashi." Iruka lowered his voice some so the students still making their way out of the class room wouldn't hear him. "I heard about what happened in Sasuke's room. Is he alright?"

Kakashi nodded. "He's fine." He glanced over his shoulder. The last of Iruka's students were filing out the door. "Sasuke is fine. Unfortunately his attacker got away. Do you know Yakushi Kabuto?"

Iruka frowned in reflection searching his memory. "Not exactly the most outstanding genin if I remember correctly."

"Apparently he has been hiding his true skill level. He took out ANBU members with ease. Little bastard even got away from me. It appears he is a rather skilled medical ninja. Kabuto is the boy that was brought back to Konoha from the Kikyo pass."

"I see." Now that he thought about it, Iruka could remember Kabuto.

"He escaped; I imagine he's no longer in Konoha. He has probably left Fire country and slithered back to his master. Hokage sama thinks that Orochimaru may ne involved."

Iruka startled. "Nani? That guy?"

Kakashi slipped his hands in his pockets. "This could be very serious. If Kabuto is a spy of Orochimaru Konoha could be under threat. We're gathering intel now but it could take some time. That being the case I have a favor to ask of you Iruka."

Iruka straightened holding his books against his chest. "I'll certainly do whatever I can."

"Yesterday Kabuto was with Haru." Kakashi watched Iruka's eyes widened in surprise. "He met her outside of the 44th training area and accompanied her to the hospital. He played the part of the consoling friend while they waited for word on Sasuke's condition. It sickens me to even think about it."

A chill ran up his spine and Iruka suppressed a shudder. Haru was that close to that guy? "Did he harm her or threaten her? Is Haru san alright?"

Kakashi shook his head. "No, quite the contrary actually. The little fucker was all over her. He even had the nerve to ask her out."

"He was after Haru?" Iruka felt his protective nature swelling his chest.

"He was likely using Haru to obtain information about Sasuke. It stands to reason that he has been watching Sasuke for a while. He must have known Haru was Sasuke's friend from the first moment he met Haru. He accidentally bumped into her before the first part of the chunin exam." Kakashi doubted it was unintentional. Kabuto had probably targeted Haru weeks ago. The little shit had probably been watching her.

"It was no accident was it? He had intentions of using Haru san to get close to Sasuke?"

"Probably. It brings me to the favor I must ask of you Iruka."

Iruka had an idea what it was. "You want me to watch Haru san for you?"

Kakashi took a deep breath. "Hai," he breathed out. "I am going to have to take Sasuke to train for the tournament. I haven't told Haru yet. I think she'll probably be pissed, but I also know that she's scared right now. I think we would all feel better if Haru has someone watching over her for the time being. There is no guarantee that Kabuto won't return and try to approach her."

"Haru's not a ninja. She can't even defend herself." Iruka frowned at the thought. He fixed his serious stare on Kakashi. "Of course I will watch Haru san. I will protect her with my life."

Kakashi hoped that it wouldn't come to that. He hoped there wasn't a reason for Haru to need such protection, but he had to consider the possibility. Unfortunately Haru was an easy target. She had no ninja skills at all. "Thank you Iruka. I knew that I could count on you." There was something else Kakashi had in mind to keep his woman safe. "Tsume tells me Charu will be having pups soon. I've been thinking of getting Haru a ninken."

Iruka brightened. It sounded like a great idea. A dog could alert her to possible danger, ninken senses were legendary in Konoha and Charu was an excellent dog. "She would love it! Haru san is always smothering Akamaru."

Behind his mask Kakashi smiled. He had seen Haru cuddle Akamaru more then once himself. "I could help her train the pup. It wouldn't be that hard and it would give Haru some extra protection when I have to be away."

"You think she's going to be upset when you tell her you're going to go to train?"

Upset was probably an understatement. Haru had been stressed lately. "She may feel a little abandon. Perhaps you can make her understand if I fail to do so."

"Sure I will Kakashi." Iruka thought Haru might be somewhat upset to see her sweetheart take off for the better part of a month, but she should understand the way of the ninja by now. "I'll look after Haru for you Kakashi. Don't worry about her. You just concentrate on getting Sasuke ready to kick butt in the tournament ne?"

"Thanks Iruka. I knew I could count on you."

Kakashi and Iruka made their way back to Iruka's office. Iruka gave Haru the rest of the day off, he wanted her to be able to spend some time with Kakashi before he had to go. Kakashi spent the afternoon and the evening that followed with Haru. He didn't mention his leaving; he didn't want to spoil their good time.

A new day dawned and Sasuke had left the hospital. It was time for Kakashi to go. He had to meet up with his student and get to work training the boy for his fight with Sabaku no Gara. Naruto was already mad at him for turning his training over to Ebisu; Kakashi braced himself for Haru's wrath. He intercepted her coming from hokage's place on her way to the academy. "Oy Haru san," he called catching up to her. "Got a minute? I need to speak with you."

They made their way to Iruka's office so Kakashi could speak to Haru privately. Before he began he tugged his mask down and kissed her. He was going to miss her lips. With Haru still in his arms Kakashi began, "Sasuke has left the hospital."

"What? Already? Is that alright?" Haru worried.

"Don't worry Haru, Sasuke is alright. He needs to begin his training right away. He's facing Gara in the first round of the tournament."

"Gara!" Haru had heard all about the preliminary matches this morning. Everyone at hokage's place was talking about it. "He's the one that put Lee kun in the hospital!"

Kakashi frowned a little remembering the fight. "How did you know about that Haru?"

"I work at hokage's place Kakashi. Everyone was talking about the fights this morning."

He could hear the tension in her voice. "I see."

"You can't allow this Kakashi. Gara is too dangerous. You have to call the fight off!" Gara crushed Lee's arm and leg! Sasuke can't fight such a monster!

"I can't do that Haru."

Haru pulled out of Kakashi's arms. "That boy is a monster! You can't let Sasuke fight him. What if he does to Sasuke what he did to Lee!"

Crap this is bad. "That isn't going to happen. Sasuke and I are going to be doing some special training. He's already headed out."

Haru's stomach dropped. "What do you mean Sasuke's headed out? Where is he?"

It was time to tell her all. "The training Sasuke and I are doing can't be done here in the village. I'm leaving immediately to go to Sasuke and begin his training."

Haru shook her head. "You shouldn't be training him you should be talking him out of a suicidal fight!"

"Sasuke will face Gara. I will have him ready to defeat Gara by the time we return to Konoha."

Return to Konoha? Sasuke and Gara! Haru was stunned. "What the hell does that mean? Return to Konoha? What are you saying Kakashi?"

Kakashi took a deep breath. "I'm leaving Konoha to train Sasuke. We'll be back in time for the tournament."

Haru went from shocked to totally mortified. Not only was Kakashi going to allow Sasuke to fight the sand ninja, Kakashi was leaving Haru just days after a murderer had his arm around her. "What?"

Kakashi took Haru by the shoulders. "It's imperative Sasuke be ready to face Gara."

"Sasuke shouldn't be fighting that guy!" Haru protested. "And you, you're just going to leave me here all alone?"

"It's alright Haru. There's no reason to be afraid. You're safe here and Iruka has promised to look after you," he tried to sound reassuring.

She couldn't believe it. He's really going to leave me…he's going to make Sasuke fight that… "You can't do this! To Sasuke and to me! You can't just leave me here!"

Haru looked just as frightened as she did angry. He hated to leave her like this but daylight was burning away as he stood here with Haru. He had to catch up to Sasuke. They had to start their training today. Every second counted now. "You're going to be fine Haru. Sasuke and I will be back the day of the tournament."

Haru stepped back pulling free of Kakashi. A painful sort of fury made her body flash from cold to hot. Kakashi wasn't just leaving for a few days; he would be gone for weeks. He's abandoning me and he's putting Sasuke's life in danger. Haru's hands balled into fists. "I asked you a question Kakashi. Sasuke barely made it through the forest of death. How can you make him fight?"

"This is what he wants." It was the truth but a harsh one for Haru.

"To die?" she retorted.

He wanted to reach for her again. He didn't want to part on bad terms. "Sasuke will compete in this last part of the chunin exams. It is what he wants. This is the life Sasuke has chosen just as I have Haru. This is the life of a ninja."

It was if he had stuck a kunai in her chest. "The life of a ninja," Haru was crushed. He doesn't give a fuck about me or Sasuke either! All he cares about is playing ninja! She narrowed her eyes at him. "Then maybe I don't need a ninja in my life!" She pushed past Kakashi and threw the door open. Haru stormed out into the hall and took off running before Kakashi could see that he had made her cry.

Her words hit him like a slap in the face stunning him for a moment; long enough for Haru to get away from him. Did she just…did Haru just dump me! Kakashi blinked out of his stupor and tugged his mask up as he hurried to the door. He looked to his left and right looking for Haru in the hallway. There were a few kids still making their way out, but Haru was nowhere in sight. "Kuso," he cursed under his breath. Haru was gone.

Kakashi thought about looking for her, chasing after her and making her understand but there was no time. He had to get going to meet up with Sasuke. They had to start training today. There would be time to make amends with Haru after the tournament. He hated to leave her like this, but Kakashi had to go. Haru please, try to understand. With a heavy heart Kakashi started out. He didn't see Haru as he left the academy. Wait for me Haru. I promise I'll make this up to you. Kakashi disappeared in the trees.

From the faculty lounge Haru stood at the window and watched Kakashi go. She kept her back to the few teachers gathering up their belongings and readying themselves to go home. She didn't want anyone to see the tears streaming down her cheeks. She heard the door and the trio head out and then there was silence. Haru sniffled and wiped her cheeks with one hand.

Iruka had come in when the others stepped out. He stood near the door quietly watching Haru. She's crying… Iruka guessed that Haru was more then just upset Kakashi was gone. "Haru san, are you alright?"

The concern in her friend's voice brought fresh tears to her eyes, "Iruka…"

Iruka hastened to Haru's side. He rested a hand on her shoulder. "Daijoubu Haru san."

There was some consolation knowing Iruka was still here for her. Haru leaned into him resting her head on his shoulder. Iruka wrapped his arms around her as she fought the tears. "Iruka."

He felt sorry for her. "It's okay Haru, I'm here. I'll take care of you. I'm not going to let anything happen to you." He meant every word he said. Iruka had grown to love Haru, she was his best friend; a beautiful and wonderful woman. Haru wrapped her arms around his middle hugging him back. My poor Haru. He rested his cheek on top of her head. Iruka smiled wistfully. "Don't worry Haru. I'm going to take care of you."

Iruka did.

The weeks seemed to drag by for Haru. She spent most of her evenings with Iruka. They cooked together, went to the bar together, Iruka walked her home every night. He tried to make things fun for Haru, he never brought up the tournament Sasuke or Kakashi, but he would listen quietly when she vented over it. To Iruka's chagrin it sounded to him like Haru had broken things off with Kakashi. It was sad because he knew how much they cared for each other. On the subject of her and Kakashi Iruka was mute.

Training Sasuke kept Kakashi busy sunup to well after sun down. It didn't leave him much time to pine for Haru or think too much about their possible break up. He thought about her every night when he lay down to sleep. He would look up at the stars and wonder if Haru was doing at the same. The depth of his feelings for Haru was sobering. He cared for her much more deeply than he had expected. He was beginning to think that he had fallen in love with Haru. It was more then he had bargained for when he had asked her to be with him. He wanted to have a good time with Haru; he never suspected that he would lose his heart to her so completely.

Though she tried not to let it show Haru missed Kakashi terribly. She found herself lingering in his room long after the dusting and cleaning was done. She would often sit on his bed and stare at the picture of team seven on his headboard. She thought that maybe she had lost Kakashi and it hurt. She kept up a strong front in front of everyone, but some could see through her forced happy smile. Iruka could and so could old man hokage.

It was mid morning and Haru was working on a scroll when hokage appeared in front of her desk. "Haru chan, take a break and come for a walk with me," hokage bade. Haru did.

Usually old man hokage led her up to the roof so they could gaze at the faces in the rock, but he didn't take her that way today. He led them to a quiet part of Konoha, to the monument with the names of Konoha's fallen inscribed on the stone. Haru walked silently a step behind the old man she had come to think of as her second da.

"Haru, do you know what this place is?" the old man asked pulling out his pipe.

"This is the monument to the fallen."

Sarutobi nodded. "Look closely at the names. Tell me if you see something you recognize." Haru looked at him curiously as he lit his pipe.

Haru stepped closer to the stone and started reading through the names. To her dismay there were a lot. She recognized some names alright. There were two Umino, Iruka's parents. There was also an Uchiha Obito. "Iruka's parents and Obito was on Kakashi's team once right?"

"Kakashi didn't tell you how Obito died did he?"

Haru straightened and faced the old man. "No."

"Then I doubt he told you he comes here every day to pay his respects, to punish himself." Sarutobi sighed. "It was Kakashi's first mission as a jonin. Fire country was at war then. During the mission their team mate Rin was captured by the enemy. Obito refused to leave her behind and so he and Kakashi made a rescue attempt. They were able to save Rin, but Obito," he puffed his pipe. Haru hung on his every word. "He was crushed beneath a rock; dieing. Rin was a skilled medical ninja. She took Obito's left eye and gave it to Kakashi."

It made Haru's skin crawl to hear such a thing. "Why are you telling me this?"

He leveled his eyes on Haru. "Because you love Kakashi. You love Naruto and Sasuke as well. As a person who loves them who takes care of them, I want you to know these things Haru."

Haru felt cold all over even though the warm sun was shining down on them. She wasn't sure she wanted to hear anything else the old man might have to say. "Why?"

"So that you may better understand the ninja in your life. I'm going to tell you everything Haru." And so he did. He began with Kakashi's father Konoha's White Fang. His failed mission and resulting suicide had shaped Kakashi from an early age. He was a chunin at six, a jonin at thirteen and he had been a member of ANBU for some time. Sarutobi didn't stop at Kakashi, he went on to Sasuke. He told a horrified Haru all about the Uchiha massacre, Itachi and all that Sasuke had gone through. By the end of his story Haru was shaking but there was still more. Finally Sarutobi told her about the attack of the nine tails on Konoha. Iruka's parents were killed and Yondaime hokage, Konoha's yellow flash and Kakashi's former sensei sacrificed his life to seal the demon inside of the newly born Naruto.

Haru swooned and neatly fainted. She felt the old man holding her up. Wow he feels pretty strong for an old guy…

"Haru chan, pull yourself together!" he didn't want to be harsh with her, but there was no other way.

Haru shook her head and steadied herself on her own two feet. The horror story old man hokage had just told her began to sink in. "That's all so…" Haru's shaking hands clenched into fists. Kakashi Sasuke Iruka and Naruto… "Why did you tell me this you old fuck? How could you even let theses things happen!" Haru railed.

Sarutobi waited for Haru to catch her breath. He didn't even mind being called an 'old fuck'. She was just letting some of her frustration out. The more the better because Haru was just going to have to deal with the truth. "You are the one person that takes care of all of them now Haru. To love them and to serve them in the best way that you can you must know everything about them. I told you so that you will understand that your friends are ninja, strong and brave ninja of Konoha. This is their life. If you love them then you must accept that this is also part of who they are. They have inherited the will of fire. I am proud of my ninja."

Haru stared at the old man as he took another leisurely pull from his pipe. "You really are just like my da," Haru said finally. "Whenever I was acting like an idiot, he called me out on it too."

"Sometimes our heart makes us act like we have no head," Sarutobi said with a sad smile. "But you understand now don't you Haru?"

She nodded. It pained her, but this was the life they had chosen. They all had their reason for becoming ninja. It was what they wanted. Sadly, she could understand. "Yeah, I understand."

Sarutobi puffed his pipe thoughtfully watching the reality of it all conquer his favorite scribe. He wanted to turn her mood and end their talk on a good note. Haru had a lot of thinking to do. He wanted to give her just one more thing to think about. "Maybe I'm just a meddling old geezer," he caught her attention. "But I think that you and Kakashi are a good match Haru. Your children would be geniuses."

Haru's mouth fell open and her cheeks turned red. Our children? She had certainly never thought that far ahead. Haru had never even been with Kakashi like that. "Hokage sama!" she gasped wildly embarrassed.

Sarutobi chuckled at her flustered reaction. "It's just something to think about Haru. It is my duty to see that Konoha flourishes and prospers. For that to happen there must be strong ninja and the Hatake family has produced some of the best." He smiled at Haru. She was practically squirming self consciously. "I wouldn't mind if that brilliant mind of yours jumped into the Konoha gene pool either Haru chan."

This old fart! "Kakashi and I," she stammered. "We don't….do that."

Sarutobi shrugged his shoulders grinning. "Well there's always tomorrow." He couldn't hold back the laugh. A minute later the red faced Haru was laughing with him.

Haru didn't know it at the time, but this insightful conversation with Sarutobi hokage would come to be her most precious memory of her second da.

Old man hokage had asked Haru a favor just days before the tournament. He asked that she spend all day at the academy. His excuse was that the teachers and students may be distracted by the on goings in town; Konoha had become quite busy over the last few days. He wanted Haru to be there to lend a helping hand. Reluctantly, she agreed. Haru had considered going to the tournament, she knew Kakashi would be there, but she was hesitant about watching the fights. Just because she could accept their choice to be ninja didn't mean she wanted to see the carnage.

The day of the tournament Haru got to the school as the students were arriving for class. She had time for a cup of coffee with Iruka before he had to start the school day. She occupied herself with work all morning and then she and Iruka had lunch with the class outside. They talked about the tournament just a little. Naruto and Neji were fighting first. Haru thought that maybe the kids were a little distracted. Konohamaru seemed to be off in his own little world today.

She returned to work after lunch. After a long stretch of fact checking Haru got up to stretch her legs. She wandered the hall staring out at the sunny skies of Konoha. It was then that she noticed a strange plume of smoke rising into the bright blue sky. She froze where she was suddenly realizing how quiet the academy was. Something's not right. Haru hurried toward Iruka's classroom peeking in on one class after another. Iruka wasn't in his classroom, in fact none of the teachers were. Haru remembered hearing a voice as she passed the faculty room and headed back that way.

Iruka stepped out of the faculty room and saw Haru hurrying down the hall. "Haru san," he called to her.

"Iruka!" She hurried to him. Haru frowned at the nervous look on his face. "What is it? What happened?"

Iruka fixed Haru with a serious stare. There was no reason to hide the truth from her; he probably couldn't even if he wanted to. "I need your help Haru. We're evacuating the students. We're going to tell them it's a drill, but the truth is Konoha is under attack."

Haru's eyes widened in shock. "Konoha is…!"

"Enemy ninja have infiltrated the village, we have to evacuate now." He knew Haru could understand he was serious, but there was disbelief and terror in her eyes. He knew she would be worried for the genin at the stadium, for Kakashi. "Haru san, please come with me now."

She blinked at Iruka. Enemy ninja in the village! What about the tournament? What about … Kakashi. "Hold on a minute Iruka," she tried to protest.

Iruka barely heard her objection; he was lost in his own thoughts. Hokage sama told Haru to stay at the school today. I thought he was trying to keep her from seeing a fearsome battle between the candidates, but maybe that's not it. Maybe he knew this was going to happen. Iruka reached over and took Haru by the wrist. "Now Haru, and stay with me." Before she could further argue, Iruka started them down the hall to his classroom.

Iruka took the lead and Haru brought up the rear of his class. The situation became worse, more intense as they hurried the students into the hidden passages. Haru's heart was beating like a drum in her ears. Above and around them there were explosions. Some of the children started to scream or cry. Haru held her tongue between her teeth to keep from crying out herself as one explosive bang after another shook the tunnel. Her body wanted to freeze up in fear, but she forced herself to go on. After what seemed like an eternity the troupe came to a stop at their hiding place, but not before catching a peek at the battle raging in the village.

Haru waited until Iruka had reassured his students that all was well before she went to him. Haru wrapped her hands around Iruka's arm and clutched him tightly. "Iruka," she whispered in his ear. "What the hell is going on out there?"

Haru's fear was damn near palpable. Her nails were digging into him a little. She kept a straight face though; she didn't want to scare the children. He stepped them back toward the door. Iruka spoke quietly in Haru's ear. "It's alright Haru san. We're safe here. This is a secret place specifically designed for such an emergency. All of the civilians are being evacuated. The best ninja in Konoha are fighting to expel the enemy right now. It will all be over soon."

Best ninja in Konoha… "Kakashi?" she looked at Iruka with wide eyes.

Iruka nodded. "I'm sure Kakashi is fighting. He was at the stadium. It appears that was ground zero. The attack on Konoha was signaled from there." It pained him to tell her so much knowing how afraid she already was, but he had to be sure Haru understood the situation they were in.

"Old man hokage was at the stadium watching the tournament." Haru felt the hair on the back of her neck and arms stand at attention.

"Hokage sama is fighting too. He may look like nothing more then a simple old man to you Haru san, but he is our hokage. Sandaime is the strongest of all Konoha ninja."

Haru didn't know how strong an old fart like hokage could really be, but Iruka seemed to have total faith in him. "What do we do now Iruka?"

"We sit tight and we wait. Once the village has been evacuated we will counter attack and drive the enemy out of our home. Just stay put and be brave Haru san."

Haru did.

The attack on Konoha began just as the sun began to sink and ended before full twilight. When it was over Iruka and Haru led their shocked students back into a wrecked village. The damage was extensive, Iruka and Haru saw just how much so as they escorted their students to a rendezvous point to meet up with their parents. With the children seen to Haru followed Iruka back to the academy. She slipped her hand into his as they walked through the darkening streets. Power was out all over town.

Iruka and Haru stood outside of the academy staring at it in disbelief. It had taken some damage; windows were shattered, there were holes in the roof and in a few walls. They looked like two children in a fairy tale holding hands and staring at the witch about to devour them.

Kakashi was exhausted and miserable as was Gai. They made their way through the streets littered with debris to the academy. They had to inform the ninja that would gather there after such an emergency of hokage's passing. As they approached the school Kakashi laid eyes on Haru for the first time in weeks. He swallowed the lump in his throat and forced himself not to go running to her.

"Iruka sensei," Gai called out to him as they got close enough for Gai to make out the chunin in the dim. Iruka and the gypsy woman turned toward the sound of his voice.

Iruka stepped up to meet Gai and Kakashi with his heart in his throat. "Gai sensei! Kakashi sensei! Daijoubu desu? "

Gai fixated on Iruka, but Kakashi looked past him to Haru. They stared at each other each checking the other over for sign of injury. Gai nodded. "We are alright, but many are not. The Sand betrayed Konoha, they sided with the Sound in an attempt to wipe us out," Gai informed solemnly.

Iruka was stunned. "The Sand betrayed us?" he shook his head. "The Sound?"

"The ninja of Hidden Sound, the subordinates of the legendary sannin of Konoha Orochimaru. Orochimaru fought with our hokage. Hokage sama," Gai set his sad eyes on the chunin. "He died defending Konoha."

Iruka gasped and behind him Haru choked "Old man hokage?"

Kakashi saw the color drain from Haru's cheeks. He moved before the others noticed and caught Haru as she fell into a faint. Iruka spun around and gaped at Kakashi holding Haru up. "Daijoubu she's just fainted." Kakashi held her closer thanking the ancestors she could even be in his arms again.

Iruka's jaw hung slack. "Haru san…"

Kakashi lifted Haru into his arms. "It was too much for her I guess. Haru has never experienced war first hand." He looked up at Iruka. "She was alright with you."

Iruka's shoulders sagged. "She was a big help with the students even though… I could see she was afraid." Iruka sighed deeply. His thoughts turned to his fallen hokage. "Hokage sama asked Haru to stay at the school today. He knew didn't he? He didn't want her someplace dangerous."

Gai nodded. He felt bad for Haru; she was a very kind woman. She visited his adorable Lee every day in the hospital to encourage him. He remembered talking to Hokage about her as they admired the rock faces in the sunset. Hokage would have wanted Haru someplace safe; she was no ninja, she couldn't fight. "Hokage sama protected Konoha and everyone in it. He knew Haru would be safer at the school then at the stadium."

Iruka hung his head. "Hokage sama…"

Gai looked from Iruka to Kakashi. Kakashi was staring down at the woman in his arms. There was a look in his rivals eyes like none Gai had ever seen before. You really do love her don't you Kakashi? "Kakashi, perhaps you should see Haru san home. It appears this day has taken its toll on her. Haru is far too soft hearted to deal with such tragedy. She'll need some watching over."

Kakashi rolled his eyes up to Gai. He and Iruka were looking at him. Iruka looked miserable, but Kakashi could see that Gai was telling him to take Haru and go with his eyes. "Yeah," He adjusted Haru in his arms. Her head lolled against his chest. The sight of her like this was heartbreaking. He didn't say anything else, he couldn't think of what he might say to his friends anyway. With Haru cradled safely in his arms he headed off toward the dorms.

Kakashi got Haru to her room and lay her down on her bed. He slipped her shoes off and set them at the foot of the bed for her. Power was out; thankfully Haru had about a dozen scented candles all over her room. Most of them were labeled Relaxation or Inspiration. He lit a few and went down to the men's locker room. Kakashi cleaned himself up; he didn't want Haru to see blood on his hands and face. He found a clean washcloth and wet it with cool water. He returned to Haru's room and put the cool compress on her forehead. Kakashi tugged his mask down and took a deep breath as he watched Haru for signs of life. The color was returning to her cheeks and after what seemed like forever she stirred.

Haru groaned as she came awake. She realized she was lying down before she even opened her eyes. Where am I? Her eyes fluttered open. Kakashi hovered over her watching her intently. Kakashi…Haru suddenly remembered everything from their fight the day he left right up to Gai telling her and Iruka that old man hokage was dead. "Kakashi," Haru sat up quickly. The compress on her head fell into her lap. She stared at him with wounded eyes.

"Haru," Kakashi said softly. He reached over and held her face. "I'm so glad you're alright."

"Kakashi you," he looked tired and a little roughed up. How many enemy ninja did you fight today? She fought the urge to cry.

He couldn't stand to see the worried sad look on her face and Kakashi wrapped his arms around Haru. She hugged him back and Kakashi pulled Haru tightly to him. He almost wanted to cry himself. "Haru san, I've missed you so much," he said burying his face in her hair. "Thank the gods you're alright."

She clung to Kakashi forcing herself not to cry. "What about…" she was afraid to ask.

"All of the genin and their sensei have made it through this alright Haru. It's okay."

Haru sighed relived and miserable at the same time. Old man hokage had not been so lucky. "What about you? Are you alright Kakashi?"

He didn't want to stop hugging her but he wanted her to look at him. He pulled away from her enough to look down into her eyes. "I'm alright Haru. You don't have to worry about me."

Haru looked from the scratch on his cheek back up into Kakashi's eyes. There was a tired sort of kindness in his stare. "I'll worry all I damn well please," she retorted weakly.

Kakashi reached up and pushed the hair out of her face. "Then I won't stop you."

"Old man hokage…" She saw the faces of those she had loved and lost. Her father that wouldn't let her mourn him mostly. "Why Kakashi? Why did he have to die?"

"He was protecting Konoha, he loved everyone here Haru. That gave him the strength to fight and to save the village. He was our hokage after all."

Haru knew how much Konoha and its people meant to the old man. He really did love his people. Love… She could remember the stroll she had taken with the old man not so long ago. He knew…he knew I love Kakashi… "Kakashi…"

He wanted to hold her and kiss her but he wasn't quite sure where he stood with Haru. The last time they were together they had a fight. "It's alright Haru. Everything will be alright. Things may seem really bad now, but it will pass. You'll see. Konoha will get back on its feet in no time."

Haru nodded. She didn't doubt it. The people of this village were a stout hearted bunch. "I know." Still, the old man's words haunted her. you love Kakashi. You love Naruto and Sasuke as well. It was the truth.

Kakashi sighed tiredly. "Haru san," he began, but she cut him off.

"Kakashi, there's something I have to tell you."

Kakashi braced himself. He figured that this was the part where Haru would tell him to go fuck himself and get out of her room. "What is it Haru san?"

"Old man hokage, he told me everything. About you, your father, Obito," Kakashi's eyes grew wide but Haru didn't stop. "The Uchiha massacre, Sasuke and Itachi, Yondaime sealing the nine tails monster within Naruto."

Kakashi took Haru by the shoulders. He was stunned. "Why? What did he tell you all of that shit for?" Haru knows…everything?

Haru smiled sadly. "Because you guys mean the world to me."

Kakashi was taken aback. "Haru san…"

"I did a lot of thinking after I talked to him. I…I realized…" It was hard to say it out loud. She hoped that Shanihmaru would forgive her, she thought he would. "I've fallen in love with you Kakashi. I'm in love with you," she spoke softly as a blush crept into her cheeks.

Haru…Kakashi felt his heart skip a beat. "Haru," he stared down into her eyes. Haru nearly glowed in the soft candle light. So beautiful…my Haru. It was time to fess up or get out. Kakashi's heart decided what it wanted for him. "I feel it too. I've lost my heart to you." Kakashi wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "I love you Haru." Kakashi pressed his lips to hers and kissed her for the first time in what felt like forever.

His words made her heart beat faster. He loves me. Kakashi really loves me. It felt good to be in Kakashi's arms again. It felt right. Kakashi, I never want to fight again. I never want for us to be apart again. I love you so very much. She wrapped her arms tightly around him and kissed him back. She showed him with her kiss how much she wanted to be with him. With their chemistry it didn't take long for their kiss to become passionate. Haru lay back on her bed pulling Kakashi down on top of her.

Haru was all Kakashi wanted or needed right now. He loved the feel of her warm body beneath his own and Kakashi fought to keep his hands from roaming. In the end it was a battle he was to lose. Kakashi had always been most respectful to Haru but he couldn't combat his overwhelming desire to touch her. A traitorous hand slid down her backside as he kissed her heatedly. Kakashi grabbed cheek. Haru's not wearing any panties… She didn't resist his advances and his other hand worked its way from her waist up to the swell of her breast. Haru moaned into his mouth when he touched her and Kakashi shuddered. He broke his lips away from hers to catch his breath. "Haru san," he panted in her ear.

Haru was a little out of breath herself. Kakashi had never been bold enough to touch her like this before. It felt incredible. She felt his hot breath and then his lips on her neck. It had been a long time since Haru had been with a man like this. "Kakashi…" His mouth found hers again. Kakashi kissed her deep and slow. Haru felt her passions rising. Her hand moved between them and Haru pulled the zipper on his flack jacket down.

He felt Haru unzip his jacket. A second later she was trying to tug it off of him. He could see where this was leading them, but he felt powerless to stop it; the reality of it was he didn't want to stop. Kakashi sat up enough to pull his jacket off. He threw it to the floor, his head protector and gloves followed. Kakashi grabbed Haru's bare waist with his naked hands. Her skin was warm and smooth. Kakashi stared down into Haru's flush face. Her eyes reflected her own desire. "Haru," Kakashi couldn't keep the words back and he told Haru exactly what he was feeling. "I want you…I want to be with you."

Haru realized that this was the last chance either of them had to stop themselves before they ended up as lovers in her bed. Kakashi wanted Haru as much as she wanted him. She didn't want to stop. Haru wanted to be with the man that held her heart in his hands. She stroked his cheek as she gazed deep into Kakashi's eyes. "Then make love to me Hatake Kakashi," she said softly.

His heart beat stronger in his chest at her words. "Haru," he kissed her again as he deftly undid the buttons of her shirt with one hand. The other slid behind her and Kakashi lifted her to sit up. He slid her shirt off her shoulders and it landed on the floor beside his jacket. Haru pulled his shirt up and off over his head, Kakashi discarded his mask while Haru tossed his shirt off the side of the bed. A moment later her bra was added to the growing pile of discarded clothing on Haru's bedroom floor. His hands slid into the waistband of her skirt; it was the next thing to hit the floor.

For a seemingly long and slightly embarrassing moment Kakashi just stared at her. Haru looked up at Kakashi in the soft glow of candle light. She reached up and rested a hand on his warm chest. She could feel his heart pounding as he lifted his eyes to hers. She smiled at him a little. "My Kakashi."

Kakashi closed his hand over the one Haru laid on his chest. "You are so beautiful, my Haru." He kissed her again kicking off his shoes as he lowered them back down onto Haru's bed.

That night as crews worked to restore the power in Konoha, as parents comforted their distraught children and the people of Konoha came together to help their friends and neighbors; Kakashi and Haru gave themselves to each other. Well before the sun came up they had finally become lovers.

Konoha mourned its fallen ninja and their beloved hokage. All of Konoha turned out for the funeral services; even the sky wept for the lost that day. It was a long and hard day for all. After the services Kakashi went to have a word with his genin. Iruka took Haru back to his place and they shared their fondest memories of Sandiame over cups of hot tea.

Iruka and Haru had one thing in common, they both thought of the old man as a second father. Haru broke down and told Iruka about the conversation she had with old man shortly before he died. The chunin was somewhat surprised that hokage had divulged so much restricted information to Haru, but he understood his reasoning. Hokage had made Haru part of Konoha, one of his own. Haru may not have been born to inherit the will of fire, but now she could understand it.

In the days following the funeral services the people of Konoha worked diligently to restore order to their village. Within a week the academy was deemed safe for students to return. There was still quite a mess, but it was more records and documents then glass and plaster. Haru went to work at the academy trying to bring clerical order back to the trashed department of records. The days were long and often frustrating, but the nights with Kakashi made up for it.

Kakashi and Haru were very happy together. It brought him a comfort and joy like none he had ever known to wake up beside the woman he loved. Kakashi gave up on sleeping in his own room. It was much more enjoyable to go to Haru's bed every night even if he did get less sleep. It made for some groggy mornings, but he wasn't too tired to notice two suspicious characters sitting in the tea house. His heightened sense of observation led him into a damning encounter with the mass murderer Uchiha Itachi.

Iruka and Haru were having lunch in his office when Gai showed up with unhappy news. As calmly as possible Gai explained the jonin's encounter with two members of the Akatsuki. Kakashi managed to keep them from having their way in Konoha, but it came at a price. Kakashi had been brought down by a Mangekyo Sharingan technique; Tsukuyomi. Gai explained that this devastating technique allowed Uchiha Itachi to torture Kakashi nearly to death. As a result of suffering through three created days of unimaginable pain, Kakashi collapsed. He was presently unconscious and no one knew how to counter the effects of the jutsu and wake Kakashi from his unnatural sleep.

It didn't get any better from there. Sasuke had run off to stop his brother from finding Naruto and Gai was heading out after him now. He had stopped her on his way out of town to tell Haru what was going on. "I'm very sorry Haru san. Please look after Kakashi for now." With his rival's love filled in Gai bowed and set out.

Iruka got up and extended a hand to help Haru to her feet. Her face was very pale. "Come on Haru san. I'll take you to Kakashi."

Hours later Gai returned to Konoha with Sasuke. He had also been exposed to Itachi's Tsukuyomi. Sasuke had fallen into the same coma like state as his sensei.

With Kakashi and Sasuke in the hospital Haru's long vigil began.