Chapter Five: In the Shadow of the Sannin
"Oy oy, Ero Sannin," Naruto pestered Jiraiya. "How much longer until we find her ne? Sasuke and Kakashi sensei…"
Jiraiya tuned the boy out. He knew that there were people back in Konoha that needed Tsunade. Konoha needed her. Jiraiya certainly wasn't going to become the next hokage. It really didn't suit him. "Oy Naruto, tell me about Kakashi's pretty girlfriend again," he drooled.
Naruto clenched a fist. "No! I already told you Haru san is off limits you pervert!"
"You could have at least introduced us." Jiraiya pouted. He had only seen Haru from a distance, but he had enjoyed the view. Jiraiya loved gypsies. They always dressed like they were going to a party.
"After Sasuke and Kakashi sensei are better! I already told you that!"
"Yeah yeah." Jiraiya was sure Haru would be excited to see her man revived. Maybe excited enough to jump up and down. Jiraiya grinned dreaming of the big hug the pretty gypsy would give him.
Iruka was worried about Haru. She dragged herself to work each day looking exhausted. He knew she hadn't been sleeping well. Haru spent her evenings at Kakashi's bedside. He had been to the hospital three times this week to try and coax Haru out to dinner with him. She had politely refused his offer all three times. She isn't eating and she isn't sleeping. How long can Haru san go on like this before she collapses herself? Iruka was desperate to help her. He hated to see her suffer like this.
Friday rolled around and Iruka took his lunch up to the records department to see Haru. She was working her way through her lunch hour again so that she could leave early. "Konnichiwa Haru san," Iruka greeted coming in.
Haru sat on the floor surrounded by piles of papers she was sorting through. She peeked up at Iruka briefly. "Oy Iruka, watch your step."
"Right." Iruka found a clean spot on the floor in front of Haru. "Where's your lunch Haru?"
Haru shrugged her shoulders as if that was answer enough and flipped through the pages in her hand. She found the one she was looking for and put it on top of the right pile.
Iruka sighed. "Don't tell me you forgot it again?"
"I've been busy."
"Too busy to eat?" Iruka frowned worried. "No lunch again, no dinner."
Haru flipped through the pages in her hand again. "I got something out of the vending machine last night."
"You can't live on a cup of noodles a day Haru san. It isn't healthy." Iruka dug into his lunch bag and pulled out his ham and cheese on wheat. He held it out to Haru. "Here, eat this."
She looked from the sandwich to Iruka. "It's okay, I'm not hungry."
"Humor me," he nearly begged. He studied the dark circles under her eyes, her sunk in cheeks.
Haru sighed tiredly and took Iruka's sandwich. "What about you?"
"I had a big breakfast." Iruka fished in his bag and pulled out an orange. He set to peeling it intending to make Haru eat some of it with him.
Haru didn't realize how hungry she was until she started eating the sandwich. She devoured it one big bite after another. She didn't even care that there was ketchup on it. "Pretty good Iruka."
He looked up at Haru and smiled. There was ketchup on her cheek. "Glad you approve Haru san." He set his orange down long enough to reach over and wipe her face with his napkin. "Just a little ketchup."
Haru smiled at her friend humbled. "I don't usually eat like a slob."
"I know." He finished peeling the orange and split it in half. He offered her the bigger half. "Here."
"I'm not going to eat your whole lunch," she took the smaller piece.
"Then how about having dinner with me Haru san? I'll make you whatever you want. I'm not that bad of a cook. Not as good as you, but not terrible." He looked at her hopefully willing her with his eyes to accept his offer.
Haru swallowed some orange. She couldn't even remember the last time she had a piece of fruit. "I'm going back up to the hospital right after work. I've been reading to Kakashi."
Iruka nodded. Haru was amongst those that believed coma patients could hear the world around them. "Oh, what are you reading?"
"The Ninth Night. It's a classic." She popped another piece of orange in her mouth.
Iruka chuckled. "You mean it's boring. I don't think Kakashi would mind taking a night off from that." Haru rolled her eyes but Iruka persisted. "Come on Haru, have dinner with me. You look like you could use a hot meal and some rest."
"You trying to tell me I look like shit Iruka?"
"Just worn down Haru san. Please, take a night off. Let me take care of you."
Haru stared at her friends pleading face. She had the feeling that he wasn't going to give up and a hot meal did sound pretty good. Better then a cup of noodles. "Alright," she sighed. "I'll be at your place at six."
"Make it five," Iruka pressed with a smile. "I'd love to have your help in the kitchen. There's a really cool kung fu movie on tonight too."
"I said dinner. I never said movie too."
Iruka blinked at Haru innocently. "But I thought you loved Chuck Norris."
"Chuck Norris ne?" Haru loved his movies. "Well, maybe. We'll see."
Iruka smiled fairly certain he had won the battle. "Whatever you say Haru san."
On the way home from the academy Iruka did some shopping. He picked up some assorted fresh vegetables for the stir fry he was going to make. Haru sure looked like she could use some vitamins. He picked up something else he thought Haru could use, booze for a nice stiff drink. Humming to himself Iruka went home to tidy up the place before Haru got there.
Haru spent a few hours reading to Kakashi after work. It was creeping up on five o' clock when she stopped. Haru set the book down and leaned over Kakashi. "I'm sorry Kakashi but I promised Iruka I would have dinner with him. He's been really persistent you know." She bent and kissed Kakashi's forehead. "I'll be back."
Haru made her way from the hospital to Iruka's place trying not to think about what movie might be on tonight. I'll just do the dinner thing and go. Haru knocked on Iruka's door. "Iruka, its Haru."
Iruka hurried to the door and greeted Haru. "Come on in Haru. I was just about to start cooking." He stepped back and Haru came in.
"You need a hand?" she offered looking at the vegetables lined up on the table.
He made his way back to the stove. "You can rinse the veggies for me." Iruka poured some olive oil into the pan he had warming.
"Sure." Haru set to washing the vegetables. "You want me chop these up for you?"
"No, I'll do it." he emptied a bowl of diced chicken into the pan. "I want you to relax Haru san. I can take care of it." Iruka sidestepped around Haru and pulled a couple of glasses out of the cupboard. "I picked something up for us too Haru san."
Haru lifted a brow watching Iruka take the glasses to the table. She finished rinsing the carrots and turned the water off. Haru turned to see what he was up to as she dried her hands. "Oh?"
Iruka grabbed the tall brown bag off the kitchen chair. Smiling he pulled the bottle of whiskey from the bag. "This is the kind you like isn't it?" He turned the bottle to show her the label. He knew this was her favorite.
Haru smiled crookedly at him. "You know it is."
He handed her the bottle. "Why don't you fix us a drink while I finish dinner ne? Mixers in the fridge."
Haru made them each a drink while Iruka chopped vegetables. They sat at the table having their cocktail while the veggies steamed. "So what provoked you to buy booze ne Iruka?" Haru asked as she swirled the ice in her drink.
"I thought you could use a drink Haru san. It's been weeks since you've hit the pub with me." Iruka sipped his drink. Haru had made it a little strong.
She sipped her drink and smiled. "It should be easier for you to pick up chicks without me around cramping your style."
Iruka chuckled. "You should know me better then that Haru san. I go out to unwind not to look for a floozy."
Haru giggled. The whiskey was relaxing her. "Somehow Iruka, I can't picture you with a flooz."
Iruka shook his head. "I happen to like nice girls."
"Oh? Got your eye on somebody Iruka?"
"Not at the moment." He relaxed back in his chair watching Haru. Too bad Haru's taken. A blush crept into his cheeks. Iruka tried not to think of Haru that way. He knew how happy she and Kakashi were together.
"Then why are you blushing Iruka?"
He laughed. "Because this booze you like is strong stuff Haru san."
They finished their first drink before dinner and their second with their meal. Iruka was glad to see the whiskey had given Haru a healthy appetite. He talked her into another after dinner and they moved to the couch in the living room. He turned the TV on low anticipating the kung fu movie. He was hoping that if she saw it come on Haru would stick around to watch it.
He asked her about her work was coming along in the records department. He told her he missed having her help with the census project. Iruka was getting to the last stretch of it and he wanted Haru to help him finish up. She told him she could rejoin him in another week or two. Most of the mess was taken care of upstairs; it was just a matter of checking folders to make sure the documents within were where they were supposed to be. Iruka mentioned his students missed seeing their nee chan and Haru promised to drop by soon to see them.
He tried to keep the conversation away from Kakashi or Sasuke. Haru was in a good mood and Iruka didn't want to spoil it. The movie came on and Haru's eyes floated over to the television. Iruka turned up the volume and the pair watched Chuck kicking some bad guy ass. Haru agreed to stay for the duration of the movie; it was one of her favorites. Iruka made them each one more drink. He was feeling a little buzzed. He was sure Haru was too. Half way through the movie she started yawning. Before ol' Chuck rescued the damsel in distress Haru slid closer to Iruka and rested her head on his shoulder. Iruka put an arm around her and smiled. Iruka looked down at Haru from the corner of his eye. He knew how tired she was. His eyes moved back to the TV. By the time the credits were rolling Haru was asleep.
For a while, Iruka just stay put. He didn't want to move and wake her up. He sat waiting for the weather report listening to Haru's soft snores. When he was sure that she was out cold Iruka slipped away from her and went to his room. He felt a little guilty that he had to get Haru tipsy to get her to sleep, but he was sure she would forgive him. He got out of his uniform and into his pajamas. Iruka turned his bed down for Haru. At least for tonight she would get some decent sleep in a bed and not a stiff hospital chair. He grabbed a throw blanket for himself. Iruka didn't mind the couch at all. It was lumpy but comfortable. He made his way back out to the living room to get Haru.
Iruka was as gentle as possible lifting Haru into his arms; he didn't want to wake her. She stirred a little but didn't wake. He carried her to his room and laid her in his bed. Iruka covered her up and Haru rolled over on her side snuggling into his pillow. My Haru, you really are exhausted aren't you? Some of her hair fell into her face; Iruka reached down and tucked it back behind her ear for her. His hand lingered for a moment in her soft hair as he watched her sleep. Haru san…so beautiful.
He knew that he shouldn't, but Iruka couldn't resist. His hand slipped from her hair to her warm cheek. As he had always suspected her skin was smooth as silk. His heart ached for her. He knew that Haru had been having a hard time with things since the attack on Konoha. Losing hokage had been hard for her. She had come to see the old man much like Iruka did; as a second father. And then Kakashi and Sasuke…
Iruka sighed quietly. He and Haru were close, but he probably shouldn't be fussing over her like this. It was making him think too much about things that a friend had no business thinking. He stared down at her wondering what it would be like to kiss her smooth cheek or her rose petal lips. He wondered if Haru and Kakashi had become lovers yet. He shook his head and forced the thoughts from his mind. He had accomplished what he wanted for the night, Haru was sleeping peacefully. It was best to leave it at that so he did. Iruka backed out of his room and went to sleep out on the couch.
Haru woke up disoriented and confused. She sat up in the early morning light blinking at her surroundings. This is…Iruka's room? She slipped out of bed. The door was open and she heard snoring coming from the living room. She realized she had fallen asleep watching TV. Iruka must have put her in bed. She crept out into the living room; Iruka was asleep on the couch. Haru looked down at her snoozing friend. His blanket had fallen to the floor. Iruka slept with his mouth open, he was drooling a little and Haru smiled at him. Iruka…
She picked up the blanket and covered him back up. She was backing away when Iruka reached up and grabbed her in his sleep. He pulled her down on top of him and mumbled, "Come on baby, let's make love." Iruka buried his face against Haru's neck.
Haru was a little startled. She had never heard Iruka talk like this. That must be some dream you're having Iruka. She tried to fight the giggle, but it bubbled up and out. She tried to pull away without waking him, but Iruka stirred and opened his eyes. They were nose to nose and Haru was staring into his half lidded eyes.
"Nani?" Iruka grumbled half way between his dream and reality. He blinked at Haru; her face was inches from his own. He wasn't sure he really was awake until she giggled at him. Iruka realized with a sudden monumental embarrassment that he had a hold of her. He let go of her at once wide eyed and red faced. "Haru san!"
Haru stood up still chuckling at Iruka. "Oy Iruka, you were having some kind of sexy dream ne?" she couldn't resist teasing him. Haru was still sleepy herself and when she was groggy she was silly.
Iruka froze. His face felt like it was on fire. His dream was still fresh in his mind. He had dreamed that he had crawled into his bed with Haru. "Uh…" Holy shit does she know?
Iruka looked damn near mortified and Haru laughed again. She lowered the pitch of her voice and imitated him. "Come on baby let's make love." Iruka's mouth fell open and Haru busted up laughing. "So who is the lucky girl ne Iruka?"
Iruka sat up and put his feet on the floor. "I don't know what you're talking about Haru san," he blurted. "I wasn't dreaming at all."
"Oh?" she bent towards him. His face was bright red. Haru thought it was hilarious. "Then you were talking to me?"
"No!" he nearly wailed. Haru was laughing at him. Iruka wanted to crawl under a rock and die. He rubbed at his face nervously. "I don't remember my dream," he lied.
Haru sat down on the couch next to him. "Sure ya don't Iruka." She was smiling at him. Even his ears were beet red. So Iruka does have his eye on someone then ne? Or maybe he was dreaming about an old girlfriend.
Iruka took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He thanked the gods and his ancestors that he hadn't woke up with morning wood. He probably would have had a heart attack if Haru had seen such a lecherous display. "If you're done picking on me Haru san I'll make you breakfast." He wanted a change of subject post haste.
Haru just couldn't resist such a golden opportunity to tease her usually prim and proper friend. "Maybe I should start breakfast while you go spank the monkey ne?"
Iruka snapped his head around and stared at Haru aghast. "Haru san! Shame on you! A lady shouldn't say such things!"
"Yo, god made your arms that long for a reason you know." Iruka's face fell and Haru fell back on the couch giggling wildly.
Iruka cleared his throat and stood up trying to regain his dignity. "Yes, well… If you're done tormenting me I'll start some coffee." Iruka hurried to the kitchen leaving Haru to her laughing fit on the couch.
Another week came and went. Haru made it a point to bring a lunch and eat with Iruka in his office. She didn't want him worrying about her anymore. It appeared he had forgiven and forgotten about the morning she had teased him into an embarrassed fit. The thought of it all still made her chuckle. She wondered if she knew the girl of Iruka's dreams.
Keeping to her routine Haru headed to the hospital to sit with Kakashi. She had finished reading The Ninth Night to him and moved on to Oasis in the Sun. She had no idea as she made her way up to Kakashi's room that Naruto had come home. As she approached his room Haru noticed that the door stood open. She looked around for the med nin that should be attending Kakashi but there was none. Haru felt her heart dive into her stomach. Something is not right. Has something happened to Kakashi?
Haru ran the rest of the way to Kakashi's room. She feared the worst. No…Kakashi. No! "Kakashi!" She reached his room and looked in. For a moment Haru couldn't breath. Not only was Kakashi still alive, he was sitting up and looking at her.
"Haru." It felt like it had been a thousand years since he had last laid eyes on her. My Haru. I'm so glad…
Kakashi is…Haru ran to her man as the happy tears sprung up in her eyes. "Kakashi!" She flung her arms around his neck and nestled her face against his. "Yokkata Kakashi!"
Kakashi wrapped his arms around Haru. "Daijoubu Haru. Everything is going to be alright now." He reached up and tugged his mask down. More then anything he just wanted to hold her and kiss her. I'm sorry about this Haru. I'll never make you worry like this again. I promise. Kakashi kissed her and he knew. He had found something he wanted to live for, someone he wanted to share his life with. With that in mind, Kakashi had some things to do.
Kakashi had to be checked out by the nin that had been looking after him before he could leave the hospital. It was going to take some time for him to go through their battery of tests so Kakashi sent Haru out to find Naruto. He was sure that she had missed her young friend. Naruto would be happy to see Haru too.
Haru found Naruto walking with an older man not far from the hospital. "Oy Naruto!" she called running to him.
Naruto stopped in his tracks. "Nee chan?" He spun around and saw Haru running to him. "Haru nee chan!"
Beside Naruto Jiraiya watched Haru running to Naruto. Yosh! The boy hurried to her and the two embraced excitedly. Jiraiya smiled. He would get his introduction now. He couldn't help but be happy for the two of them; they were thrilled to see each other. Jiraiya cleared his throat stepping over and interrupting their joyful reunion. "Naruto, I think it's time you gave us a proper introduction."
Naruto let go of Haru and stood between her and Jiraiya. "A promise is a promise ne Ero Sannin?" he chuckled at Jiraiya's frown. "Oy Haru nee chan, this is Jiraiya sama. Jiraiya sama, this is Haru nee chan."
Why did Naruto call him pervert? Haru smiled at the sannin. "Jiraiya sama, you are the one that brought Tsunade sama back to Konoha?"
Jiraiya smiled at Haru. "Hai Haru chan. I am," but he didn't have time to finish. The pretty young woman flung herself at him and hugged him hard.
"Thank you Jiraiya sama!" Kakashi had explained to her it was Jiraiya that had tracked down Tsunade. It was thanks to him that Kakashi was alright.
Naruto scowled at the goofy grin on Jiraiya's face. I think Ero Sannin likes to be thanked too much. "Oy Haru nee chan, we were just going to go have some ramen. Why don't you come with us?"
Haru let go of the red faced sannin and stepped back. She turned back to Naruto. There was time before they let Kakashi out and she was anxious to hear about his travels with the sensei of Kakashi's sensei. "You bet!"
To Haru's dismay and Jiraiya's chagrin, Naruto left nothing out. He proudly boasted about his Rasengan and excitedly recounted the battle with Orochimaru and Kabuto. Haru lost her appetite half way through her ramen. She smiled as she excused herself so Naruto wouldn't see how terrorized she was. Haru made her way to a quiet alley and tried to bring her shaking body under control. Orochimaru…the one that killed old man hokage…and Kabuto…He tried to kill Naruto! She pounded a fist into the wall she was leaning against. "Kuso!"
"Take it easy Haru chan," Jiraiya said appearing at the head of the short alley. Haru looked up at him and he fixed his eyes on hers. "Naruto is alright and Tsunade has taken care of Sasuke and Kakashi. This is the time to be happy not angry or afraid."
Haru frowned at Jiraiya. "Orochimaru killed old man hokage," she growled. "And Kabuto…" her hands balled into fists that shook.
Jiraiya's powers of deduction were excellent. "You've had some kind of an encounter with Kabuto yourself ne Haru chan?"
She blinked at him surprised. "How did you?" Haru shook her head. "It doesn't matter. I was just like Naruto. I thought he was a friend. It was hard to believe that he was a traitor. I never saw the danger hiding behind his smile."
Jiraiya shrugged his shoulders. "Why should you have? You're not a ninja Haru and even the ninja around him never suspected that he was a spy."
"He almost killed Naruto didn't he?"
"Naruto won't die so easily."
"Because of the nine tails," she thought aloud. Jiraiya startled but Haru didn't see it. She was staring at her feet lost in her own thoughts.
She knows? But how…why? Jiraiya wondered if he should have a chat with Naruto's sensei about his pretty gypsy girlfriend. He decided he would later, before he left Konoha again. For now he just let it go. "Haru chan, shouldn't you be with Kakashi? They should be letting him go from the hospital any time now."
Haru stopped spacing out at the mention of Kakashi's name. "Yes… Kakashi." As she passed by Jiraiya she looked up at him. "Thank you Jiraiya sama for bringing Tsunade back. She's brought Kakashi back to me."
Jiraiya watched Haru go. You're a lucky guy Kakashi. I wonder if you know just how lucky you are.
Haru returned to the hospital and checked on Sasuke. She was happy to see he was awake and sitting up too. Sakura had gone to find out what Sasuke could have to eat now that he was revived. Haru assured Sasuke that she had taken good care of his home for him. Even though she was busy with work and watching over Kakashi Haru had kept up on Sasuke, Naruto and Kakashi's places for them. She wanted them to come home to clean homes and waiting rooms.
Haru's devotion worked a smile out of Sasuke. He could guess how busy she had been these past weeks. She wasn't the type to turn her back on a job just because the work was difficult, time consuming or tedious. She seemed to be mostly over her grief for their fallen hokage. Maybe it was just that keeping busy gave her little time to dwell on the sad things. Sakura had spent a lot of time at Sasuke's side, but Haru had as well. She really was like the big sister Sasuke never even knew he wanted until he had her. It seemed almost fitting that she should be with his sensei; Haru watched out for all of them as much as team seven supported each other. Overall life was easier and a little less lonely with Haru nee chan around. Sasuke thanked her for seeing to things.
He favored her with a smile he could not show Sakura. He couldn't encourage Sakura's obvious crush on him right now. Sasuke needed more training and she was his team mate not his girlfriend. Itachi had tormented and humiliated him. His older brother had beaten his body and mind. For now what mattered was getting stronger. He would be ready, must be ready the next time he encountered Itachi. Sasuke had to prepare to kill his brother; the brother that acknowledged that idiot Naruto instead of him.
Naruto presented a whole new set of problems for Sasuke. If Sasuke became stronger in leaps, Naruto became stronger in bounds. The fight with Sabaku no Gara was proof of that. His awesome chakra, the kuchiyose no jutsu. Sasuke had the chidori, but it had not defeated his brother. It was just as Kakashi had warned him. He was too open to attack. It would have been alright against any other opponent because Sasuke had Sharingan eyes, but Itachi's eyes were fully developed. Itachi had mastered his eyes; Sasuke and Kakashi had not.
Sasuke wondered what more Kakashi could show him, how much stronger could sensei make him. Kakashi was the only one that could use the Sharingan that Sasuke could learn from. It was frustrating for Sasuke because Kakashi was not Uchiha. The chances of his Sharingan ever being capable of doing what Itachi's could were almost nil. Kakashi was an excellent ninja, but he did not have the blood to let his left eye live up to its full potential.
Haru offered to make him dinner when they sent him home. Sasuke accepted and Haru went to see about Kakashi. Sasuke wondered if Kakashi would drop in on him. He didn't think he would tonight. Haru had probably told Kakashi that Sakura had Sasuke all taken care of. Sasuke was sure his sensei would be three shades of sick of the hospital. Kakashi wasn't going to hang out here any longer then he had to. Sensei was probably going back to Haru's place. At least getting laid put Kakashi in a good mood. It made him better company.
Sasuke lay back and tucked his hands under his pillow. He stared up at the ceiling and let his mind work over just what Sasuke was going to do next.
Kakashi thought about checking in on Sasuke before he left the hospital, but the kid needed to get some rest. Sakura would fuss over Sasuke enough for all of them tonight. As soon as the med nin gave him the okay to go, Kakashi took Haru and left. He led them back to his room. Kakashi wanted a peek at his calendar. He had marked the day Charu had pups. It was probably past time for them to leave their mother; he hoped there would be at least one left. His mind was already made up that Haru should have a companion. A puppy would be some extra work for her for a while, but Kakashi would help to train the ninken. Haru would never be alone again.
Kakashi noticed how clean his room had been kept. Haru had taken care of things for him. She sat on his bed waiting for him. Haru still hadn't lost her grin. She was glad to have him back. He was glad to be back. He slipped off his head protector and his gloves and left them on the desk on top of his calendar. He tugged his mask down as he went to his woman waiting on his bed. Kakashi's long hibernation had left him feeling a little weakened but not enough to stop him from taking Haru in his bed. It had been long enough since Kakashi had last touched Haru; Kakashi couldn't think of a more perfect exercise. Haru didn't make it back to her room until morning.
Kakashi and Haru both had things to do in the morning. Haru went to the academy and Kakashi went to talk to Tsume. He caught up to her and Kuromaru as they were headed toward the kennel. "Ohayo Tsume," Kakashi greeted catching up.
Tsume had heard of Tsunade hime's return to Konoha. "Kakashi, it's good to see you up again. What brings you?"
"I was wondering about Charu's pups. Might there still be one available?"
"Sure she's still got one. The runt, a little female. Hana named her Happi. Don't you have enough dogs though Kakashi?"
Happi ne? "It's not for me actually but I will be the one doing most of the training."
"Oh," Tsume already knew exactly who the puppy was for. Kakashi had himself a cute little girlfriend. Kiba and Akamaru loved Haru. Haru chan was no fighter; Kakashi wanted his girl to have a little extra protection. As far as Tsume was concerned, the two of them taking a pup together was one step away from parenting a child of their own. "You're getting pretty serious with this Haru chan ne Kakashi?"
His cheeks darkened. He was sure Tsume and her ninken detected Haru's scent on him. Tsume's nose was as keen as her mind. "Well, it does appear to be heading in that direction. I have some concerns about Haru's safety. She's a tough lady but she's no match for a ninja. You have probably heard about her encounter with the traitor Yakushi Kabuto."
She had and Tsume nodded. Happi would be in good hands with Kakashi and Haru. Kakashi would train and Haru would nurture. Happi would fulfill her duty as a ninken and have someone to serve and protect. "Happi is the smallest, but she's had the benefit of being with Charu the longest. If she takes to you Kakashi, then she's yours."
Kakashi nodded and followed Tsume to Charu's room. He had deliberately skipped his shower this morning so that he was still covered with Haru's scent. He had done so to evaluate the pup's reaction to those that would become its master without bringing Haru with him. The ninken pup would either accept him and Haru together or not at all. He stepped to the middle of the room and Charu yawned. From behind her little Happi peeked out at him.
Kakashi hunkered looking at the pup. She had the markings of a Shepard but her ears were floppy and her nose was more blunt. Happi was defiantly one cute mutt. She would grow into a pretty dog. Haru would love you puppy face. Happi came around her mother for a better look. She sniffed at Kakashi and came closer. He put his hand out to her smiling behind his mask as Happi came to him. The pup sniffed his hand. "Oy Happi, how would you like to come home with me and meet Haru ne?"
Happi chose Kakashi to serve. She licked his hand barked once and scurried up into his lap. Tsume laughed. "Well there you go Kakashi."
Kakashi stood with Happi in the crook of his arm. They were staring at each other. "Haru san is going to love you." Happi barked her agreement.
First Kakashi took Happi back to his room to let her do some acclimating to her new environment. He would give the pup all the time she needed to sniff every inch of his room. Kakashi watched her with a smile. The pup was sniffing out his life story. Aside from Haru there was another that Happi should meet. Kakashi used a kunai from his pouch to nick his thumb. He wondered what Pakkun was going to say about this as he moved through the hand seals. "Kuchiyose no jutsu!"
Pakkun appeared in a puff of smoke on Kakashi's bed. "Yo Kakashi what's up?"
"Oy Pakkun." Happi barked up at Pakkun in greeting and went back to sniffing.
Pakkun looked from the baby to his master. "Nani yo Kakashi? What's with the squirt? Don't tell me you've taken up babysitting."
"This is Happi Pakkun. I got her for Haru. I'll be training the little runt to look after Haru for me when I have to be away. Happi," Kakashi called her attention. "This is Pakkun nii san. You can learn a lot from a ninken as great as him."
He liked his master's flattery, but "Nii san?" Happi barked wolfed and yipped her hellos. Pakkun looked back at Kakashi. "Oy oy Kakashi. You didn't tell me you and Haru were having a puppy together. You're certainly marking your territory in a major way ne?" Pakkun could smell what had been going on in his master's room.
Kakashi chuckled. His dog was a little surprised and perhaps just a bit jealous. "Happi will be a proper ninken not a spoiled baby Pakkun, I assure you. Happi has a job to do. She will learn from me, from us actually the best ways to protect her mistress. Haru can teach her whatever she would like as well to make Happi more of a companion for her."
Pakkun was sure he was getting suckered. He had never had to train a pup himself. "Well I can certainly teach the squirt how to use that excellent nose of hers. As far as fighting goes," Pakkun lifted his nose indignantly. "I don't do that."
"That will be my job," Kakashi consented. "If Haru would like to take Happi and spend some time with Kiba and Akamaru to learn some teamwork…"
Pakkun frowned. "We have excellent teamwork Kakashi. Haru and the squirt don't need to learn anything from a couple of kids."
Pride goeth before the fall ne Pakkun? "You think it would be more beneficial for Haru and Happi to observe and learn from us then do you Pakkun?" he had played his dog right into his hand. Sure Haru would take the pup on her own time and visit with Kiba and Akamaru like a play date for the kids but Happi would learn mostly from Pakkun; the best ninken in all of Konoha. His dog was a genius.
Pakkun was getting aggravated now. "Of course Kakashi." Pakkun hopped off the bed and went to the missy sniffing his master's chair. The pup turned to him immediately; her tongue hung out and she pant at him excitedly. I'll show you Kakashi. "Alright then kid, let's set a few ground rules."
Kakashi sat back and watched Pakkun lay down the law to Happi. She sat listening to the big dog attentively. Happi barked affirmatively in all the right places. Kakashi was just as pleased as his dog, more so really. He waited for Pakkun to finish with her and hop back up on the bed. He thought Pakkun looked smug. "It looks like you'll make a good sensei Pakkun. I knew you could do it."
"Yes well, the squirt seems smart enough to know who is top dog around here." More flattery, but Pakkun wasn't going to let Kakashi off so easily. "You could have told me you and Haru were having a baby Kakashi. So, when's the wedding?"
Kakashi was all smiles. "Easy Pakkun, you're getting ahead of yourself. I told you Happi will be a proper ninken. We can both see to that."
Pakkun stared his master down. Happi becoming a talented ninken or not, Kakashi was quite deeply involved with Haru. Pakkun wondered if his master knew just how in deep he was getting himself. The dog was almost certain now that his master had found his perfect mate. Humans were primarily monogamous creatures. Kakashi and Haru would be together for a long time. Pakkun suspected that today it would be baby ninken but soon enough the humans would have a baby human of their own. "So I get to be there when you present the little miss to Haru san then ne?"
"Sure if you want," he kept his tone casual but Kakashi could see Pakkun was reading him with his nose. "There is one other thing you should know about Happi. She's your sister Charu's pup. Happi was the runt and stayed with her the longest."
Pakkun turned his nose on the puppy that had moved over to sniffing Kakashi's bed. "The squirt is my niece?" he sniffed her and studied her as she sniffed her way along Kakashi's bed. Keeping it in the family ne Kakashi? My dear sister Charu always was my favorite. "Well of course she is. You can see the adorable family resemblance. Someday she might be as cute as her exceptional uncle or at least nearly as smart. I bet Haru can teach her to read."
Kakashi dropped his hand on Pakkun's head and gave him a good rub behind the ears. "That's my boy." Happi put her paws up on the bed and whimpered.
"She wants to come up," Pakkun translated.
"Can she jump up here herself?"
Pakkun looked down at the squirt. Happi was giving him sad puppy dog eyes. "She's waiting for our approval. She wants to come up and sniff. That probably includes us."
"That alright with you Pakkun?" Kakashi wanted to see Happi make the jump.
As long as the squirt didn't get too excited sniffing him, "I guess so. Might as well get it over with ne Kakashi?"
Kakashi pat the spot between him and his dog. "Come on up then Happi."
Pakkun held his breath watching the squirt. She backed up sizing up the spot she had to land. The puppy wriggled and then sprang. For a moment Pakkun didn't think the runt was going to make it, but she landed beside him and yipped excitedly. Happi promptly turned her nose on Pakkun. Her quick little sniffs tickled his ear. "Alright you did it. Don't get so excited kid," Pakkun chuckled.
Kakashi pat Happi on top of her head and she turned her sniffer on him. Kakashi laughed. "You know Pakkun, you used to get this excited too."
"Nonsense Kakashi. I was never a puppy."
"I remember otherwise." He laughed again and Happi sniffed her way behind him to the pillows. Kakashi watched her nose go from the one he slept on to the one Haru had used last night.
"If anyone has been getting excited around here lately it's you and Haru san." Pakkun tried to look authoritive but Kakashi just shrugged his shoulders. Pakkun shook his head. "You're a shameless pervert Kakashi."
His mask hid his huge grin. "Nonsense Pakkun. I'm no pervert."
"Oh bullshit Kakashi. You haven't even washed her off yet ya slob." That got Kakashi laughing and the squirt looked at them curiously. "You keep it PG in front of my niece you hear me Kakashi? The poor kid would be scared for life seeing assholes and elbows. Happi would probably think you were hurting Haru san."
"Naw," Kakashi chuckled. "You can defiantly tell by the little noises Haru san makes that she's enjoying herself."
Pakkun flat eyed his master. "Shameless pervert." Kakashi busted up laughing again and Pakkun sighed. "My poor niece." Pakkun turned his head to hide his smile. Pakkun was happy for them. His slob of a master defiantly seemed happy. Happi would have a good home with him and Haru san.
Kakashi took them to Haru's room to let Happi sniff it over. Kakashi lay back on Haru's bed reading his book. Pakkun thought his master looked quite comfortable in Haru san's room. The ninken guessed Kakashi spent more time in here then in his own room anymore. Pakkun wondered how long it would be before Kakashi moved the tribe into a place of their own. When it got closer to lunch time Kakashi scooped Happi up to take her to meet her mistress. He made his way to the academy with Pakkun at his heels.
They made their way up to the records department. Haru was placing folders in their correct slot in the filing cabinet. "Oy Haru san," Kakashi greeted coming in.
Haru slid a folder in place. "Give me just one minute Kakashi." She tucked the last folder in place. Haru turned first noticing Pakkun at Kakashi's feet and then; "Kawaii! Where did you get the puppy? Is it yours?" Haru hurried to Kakashi.
"Haru san, this is Happi. Pakkun and I are going to be training her," his smile broadened, "for you. Happi is your dog Haru."
Haru blinked at Kakashi surprised. "Wha?" Happi yipped at Haru excitedly. "She's... mine!" Haru held out her arms like she did for Akamaru. Happi squirmed out of Kakashi's hold and jumped to her new mommy. Haru cuddled the puppy. "Kawaii!"
"Oh boy," Pakkun sighed from the floor. "I can see some spoiling in my dear niece's future. Oy Kakashi, you better nip this in the bud."
Kakashi laughed. Happi was licking the giggling Haru's nose. "Haru san, Happi is a ninken. No spoiling now."
"You hush Kakashi." Haru held Happi protectively against her. "She's just a little baby. Nothing wrong with showing a baby some affection."
Kakashi tugged his mask down and showed Haru his smile. "Oh? Then how about showing your dearly devoted man that got you such an adorable baby a little affection ne?" Kakashi leaned in and kissed Haru. Happi barked approvingly.
Pakkun sat watching his master. He could see how this was going to go. Haru san was going to turn poor little Happi into her baby. Well… it is their first child. I suppose it's alright that they be a little excited. Pakkun took a deep breath; it was starting to feel like they were one big happy family. "Oh boy…"
Kakashi and Pakkun worked with Happi every day up until the ceremony that officially made Tsunade sama Godaime Hokage of Konoha. Then the missions started to pour in. Kakashi left Happi to Haru and got back to work. Soon after Godaime summoned Haru to her office. Haru waited outside hokage's office with Happi in her lap. Shikamaru came out of the office and stopped to see Haru.
"Oh Haru nee san. What's with the pup?" Shikamaru thought there was something familiar about this dog. He put his hand down and the pup nibbled his finger.
Haru smiled at Shikamaru. "This is Happi my puppy. She's Pakkun's niece. Kakashi brought her home to me. Isn't she cute?"
No wonder she's chewing on me; she's related to that dog. "Puppies are cute but troublesome." He let Happi chew his finger. She was a cute pup.
"What are you doing here Shikamaru? Is Tsunade sama assigning missions to genin too?"
Shikamaru laughed a little embarrassed. "Well actually hokage sama just made me a chunin. It seems I was impressive enough during the exam that the higher ups thought it was time for me."
"A chunin? Really!" Haru stood up with Happi in one arm. She hugged Shikamaru with the other. "Congratulations Shikamaru! You were the only one to pass this time ne?"
Shikamaru fought to keep the blush from his cheeks. Hugging girls was troublesome too, especially the ones built like Haru san. "I guess so."
Shizune peeked her head out of Tsunade sama's office. "Haru san?"
Haru looked Shizune's way. She had met her once already. "Coming. See you later Shikamaru." Haru left her newly promoted friend and headed in to see Tsunade sama. She stood in front of the desk like she had a hundred times before when old man hokage had been sitting where Tsunade now was. "Tsunade sama, Shizune sama." Haru bowed and Happi yipped.
Tonton perked up in Shizune's arms "Pwooy pwooy!"
"Tonton wants to meet your ninken Haru san," Shizune set the pig down.
Haru set Happi down and watched her go sniffing her way over to the pig. "This is Happi. Kakashi got her for me."
Tsunade grinned watching the animals come together to meet. Sou da, Kakashi got her a puppy then. It looks like Haru is going to stay in Konoha. Good news for me. "Haru san, the ninja in this village are very busy these days. Konoha cannot refuse any missions right now. I'm sure you understand that."
Haru straightened. "Yes Tsunade sama."
"It's not just my jonin that are very busy, my chunin are doing a lot of missions too. In fact, I need more ninja. I'm going to have to start sending the chunin instructors over at the academy on missions."
"What about their classes Tsunade sama?" It wasn't as if Iruka would just want the kids to take a week off while he was on a mission. They had to continue their studies.
Tsunade leveled her eyes on Haru letting her hand drop to the book open on her desk. "That's what I have you for Haru san. You've been working at the academy since you got here. You're going to be my new substitute teacher."
Haru blinked at Tsunade. What? Me? "I'm not a ninja Tsunade sama."
"That's not a problem Haru san because I was thinking that you would teach a different sort of class. History, literature, appreciation of the arts. You're smart enough to do that ne?" Tsunade had her hooked. It was time to reel Haru in. "Sandiame left many notes about you. I'm sure that he would approve. I trust you will have no trouble coming up with a lesson plan."
"Uh…" for a minute she was stunned. Teach the kids? Konohamaru?
Tsunade snapped her fingers impatiently. "Oy Haru san, you can do this ne?"
"Yes Tsunade sama." Haru didn't have time to think just what she was getting herself into. Haru was always ready to help out.
Tsunade smiled satisfied. "Good then I will expect a lesson plan by the end of the day tomorrow. You start Monday."
By tomorrow? Jeez she really does push her people pretty hard. "Yes Tsunade sama." Haru needed to get busy. She bent for Happi and the pup trotted over.
"Looks like we're both going to be staying in Konoha ne Haru chan?" Tsunade teased. Tsunade felt like she already knew Haru, Naruto had told her plenty.
Haru stood with Happi in her arms. She smiled at the new hokage. You sure aint the old man lady. "Hai hokage sama." Haru took Happi and headed to Iruka's office to figure out a lesson plan.
Shizune sighed. "You certainly railroaded her Tsunade sama."
"A hokage's gotta do what a hokage's gotta do."
Haru was expecting Kakashi back, but she had been busy getting things ready to start teaching a class in three days. She was leaving the academy with Happi at her heels when she saw Sakura up ahead. Haru hurried her way. "Oy Sakura chan."
Sakura turned toward the sound of Haru's voice. "Nee chan."
Haru knew at once something was wrong. Sakura wasn't smiling, she looked worried. "What is it Sakura? What's wrong?"
Sakura had just left the hospital. Sasuke and Naruto had been in a nasty fight. Kakashi sensei had arrived in time to break it up, but it was pretty bad. It looked like they were serious. Sasuke and Naruto were really going to hurt each other. Naruto had gone one way, Sasuke another. Kakashi sensei had gone after Sasuke. Sakura said she was going home and suggested Haru do the same. Kakashi sensei would be looking for her when he finished talking to Sasuke.
Haru let Sakura go. It was clear she didn't want to talk. Haru picked up Happi and went back to her room. She waited for Kakashi to find her there. It was getting late when he finally arrived. He assured Haru that everything was just fine. She could check on both Sasuke and Naruto for him tomorrow. Kakashi had to leave almost immediately for a mission. It was urgent but he wouldn't be gone long. Kakashi had dinner with Haru and then he left. When Haru woke up the next morning there was no Sasuke to check on.
By the time Haru arrived at hokage's place to find out what was going on Sasuke was long gone. Tsunade sama had no choice but to send a search party after him lead by Shikamaru. Haru hurried to the main gate to find out who was going after Sasuke. Why did Sasuke leave here? What the hell is going on with him! Haru could still see the card she flipped over for him the night at the way station so long ago. The Tower. This is bad, really bad. I hope Kakashi hurries up and gets back.
Haru saw Lee hobbling back into town and she hurried to him with Happi at her heels. "Lee kun please wait! Did you see who went after Sasuke? Who was with Shikamaru and Naruto?"
Lee stopped and let Haru san come to him. "Daijoubu desu ka. Shikamaru had a fine team assembled. Naruto kun, Neji kun, Kiba and Akamaru and also Choji. They will be fine Haru san. They will bring Sasuke kun back. Naruto kun promised Sakura chan in the nice guy pose." Lee smiled at Haru and gave her the thumbs up. "No need to worry at all."
But Haru did worry. It didn't make things at all easier when night fell and they still weren't back yet. Haru paced in her room. Why Sasuke… why did you run away from Konoha? Was it the fight with Naruto? Are those two really going to be okay? Happi sat on the bed watching her mistress. The pup could sense Haru's anxiety. That night Haru let Happi up in bed with her. She couldn't sleep without having another heartbeat close by. Happi didn't mind at all.
The next day seemed to drag by. Kakashi had not returned yet; neither had the team that went after Sasuke. Haru and Iruka had dinner at the Ichiraku Ramen shop. It would be the first place Naruto would go once he got home. Iruka assured Haru things were going to be just fine. The boys would all return safe anytime now. Unfortunately that wasn't to be the case.
Choji and Neji arrived back in Konoha first in critical condition. Haru was at the hospital when Shikamaru, Lee, Kiba and Akamaru returned home with the Sand ninja Tsunade had been smart enough to send after Sasuke's party. Leaf and Sand had a mutual enemy now; Orochimaru. It was to him that Sasuke had run. Haru was crushed. Her friends had all been through hell, Naruto was still missing and all because Sasuke was going to old man hokage's murderer. Sasuke you…this is all your fault! How can you do this!
Night fell and as the rains came Kakashi arrived home carrying Naruto with Pakkun at his side. He took the boy to the hospital and wasn't surprised to find Haru there. She had been waiting to make sure all of her friends were alright. She had been expecting them. Kakashi turned Naruto over to the medical ninja and went to Haru. Her eyes stayed on the boy until he was wheeled out of sight. She looked as mortified as Kakashi felt right now. "Haru."
Haru looked up at Kakashi. "Who did that to Naruto?"
Kakashi sighed. By now Haru knew what was going on. "Sasuke did. I think you know that." Kakashi stepped up beside her and put an arm around her waist. "Come with me Haru, we need to talk." Kakashi steered them outside. He found a quiet moonlight corner for them to have a word. The dogs sat at their feet; Happi sniffing the story out of Pakkun.
Hokage sama once told Haru everything. If he could do it, then so can I. "This is my fault Haru san. I put too much faith in Sasuke to do the right thing."
"Why?" Haru was beside herself. "Why did Sasuke go to Orochimaru? Why did he run away and hurt his friends? Did Itachi," she hated to speak his name. It gave her the creeps. "Did he fuck up Sasuke kun's head or something?"
"It wasn't Itachi that did this to Sasuke, it was Orochimaru. During the chunin exams when they were in the forest of death, they met Orochimaru and he put a cursed seal on Sasuke. The seal can make Sasuke…stronger. Orochimaru is able to perform a jutsu to transfer his mind and his soul into another body. He is after the Sharingan; he has selected Sasuke to be his next container."
Her face felt numb. "Excuse me, container? Are you saying Orochimaru is going to …what body snatch Sasuke?"
"Yes." Happi lay down at Haru's feet. Crap this is bad. I wonder if Hokage sama sweat this much when he talked to Haru. "There is more."
"More?" this is…just fuckin great…
"Orochimaru is powerful even as he is and he has power enough to give. The cursed seal he gave Sasuke will make him into a monster. The monster that did this to Naruto. The monsters that hurt all the genin. Orochimaru will give Sasuke the power that his avenging heart desires, but it will come at a price. Sasuke will likely survive and become much stronger. There will come a time when Itachi will be slain but by that time Orochimaru may be the one doing the slaying. Sasuke has traded himself to Orochimaru for the power that he seeks."
"This is…Itachi's fault…and Orochimaru and…" Sasuke…this can't be happening why didn't "you see this Kakashi? Why didn't you stop…this!"
Kakashi thought he could understand how his deceased hokage felt about the student that fell from Konoha. "I was too late to catch Sasuke. It was over when I got there. I had to…Naruto needed to be in the hospital."
Haru straightened. This whole thing was almost beyond belief. "How does a kid with the chakra of the nine tails, that fought alongside the sannin, how does he get so banged up that he needs…" Sasuke really hurt him that badly…like Kabuto did…Sasuke was…. "Was Sasuke going to kill him?"
"He could have, but he didn't. Sasuke left Naruto. I found his head protector beside Naruto. Sasuke is…" Sasuke is gone. Sasuke has…become a monster and he's gone. "I failed him. I failed Sasuke." I couldn't stop him…I wasn't here for him…
Haru dropped her eyes to Pakkun. "Is it too late to find Sasuke now?"
"The rain has washed away Sasuke's scent," Pakkun answered glumly. The smells coming from the humans were sad and frustrated.
Haru took a step closer to Kakashi. She looked up into his eye and saw the hurt and frustration there. "Sasuke is… gone then? He's…"
Kakashi wrapped his arms around Haru and hugged her. "He isn't coming back." He hated to say it, but Kakashi had to admit it to someone.
Haru hugged Kakashi back. She was sure he felt horrible, probably worse then she did right now. We lost Sasuke… "Let's wait here a while. I want to make sure that Naruto is going to be alright." She wanted to run home and cry, but it would have to wait until later.
Kakashi stood in the dark holding Haru listening to the melancholy song of the cicadas. It was alright to stand here like this for a while. Once they had settled Naruto in Kakashi and Haru would check on their boy that remained. After Haru saw that Naruto was resting, Kakashi would take her home. "Sounds good Haru san."
Pakkun lay at Kakashi's feet with his chin on his paws. Happi was sad eyeing her mistress. Pakkun felt the heartache coming from his master too. It was like part of Kakashi was empty or missing. Haru san will have to take care of Kakashi now. It must be hard to lose a kid. Pakkun looked at Happi. He vowed then to always keep an eye on her and to make sure she turned out to be an excellent ninken.
At first it seemed like a dream. Haru went to Sasuke's place twice a week and cleaned just as she did when he was away on missions. Kakashi didn't stop her; he was busy on missions a lot himself. Weeks went by and Haru started teaching at the school. All of the children loved her puppy and Happi was very good. She even watched what Haru wrote on the chalkboard for the students. A month went by and the kids took to calling Haru 'Haru sensei'. Another month went by and Haru had grown used to it.
It was a Friday and Haru was expecting Kakashi back tonight. He would have the weekend home and maybe then some. She was gathering up her things to head home when Tsunade sama dropped by on Haru's classroom. The last of the students shuffled out and Haru greeted the hokage. "Konnichiwa Tsunade sama."
"Konnichiwa Haru chan. So how is it going?"
"Good. The students seem to have an interest in history and foreign culture." Class had been going splendidly. Haru colored her lectures with tales of her travels. The kids found it quite interesting to study the places Haru sensei had been.
Tsunade nodded and looked down at Happi. "She gets bigger every time I see her."
Haru smiled at the dog at her feet. "She's getting there."
"A dog needs a yard." It was time for Tsunade to railroad Haru again. "Haru chan, you've been keeping up Uchiha Sasuke's place ne?"
Haru nodded. "Yeah I …" but there really was no explanation. She had come to accept that Sasuke wasn't coming home.
"I want you to move in there Haru. Take Happi and make that place a home again. Keh, move Kakashi in too if you like. I could sure use the jonin rooms in the dorm. Happi needs a yard and the two of you need some privacy ne?"
Move in to the Uchiha house…me and Kakashi…. "Uh, Tsunade sama?"
"Consider it an order." Tsunade smiled at the baffled school teacher. There was still more Kakashi and Haru could be doing to help Konoha out. Hatake made excellent ninja and Konoha was going to need all the best it could get. Konoha is in need of some baby ninja. Come on you guys and help a hokage out. Tsunade laughed and turned to go. "Move in this weekend okay? Ja."
Haru watched Tsunade go and finished gathering up her things. "Move into Sasuke's place?" the idea was a little creepy. It was a murder house after all; perhaps the tower Sasuke fell from. Haru had never been scared there, but there was now way she was moving in that place alone. Me and Kakashi living together ne? Haru smiled, she bet it was going to be good.
Haru and Happi were in her room when Kakashi got back that night. Haru put down what she was reading as Kakashi came over to the bed and kissed her hello. "I have news for you Kakashi," Haru sad still holding him.
Kakashi smiled at Haru. He had missed her. "What is it Haru?"
"Tsunade sama…she told me, ordered me really to move into… the Uchiha house."
"Oh?" Tsunade must have noticed Haru still taking care of the abandon home.
Haru smiled sheepishly at Kakashi. "You're not going to make me and Happi move in there all by ourselves are you Kakashi?"
Live with Haru…A home with Haru… Kakashi stared into her eyes. "Live together ne Haru san?"
She thought Kakashi sounded happy; maybe he was even excited too. Her cheeks were turning pink. "I think it might be good Kakashi."
Their own home would give them all the time and privacy they could want. Kakashi thought it would be great. "You bet it will Haru." He pulled her close again and kissed her. Things really were taking a serious turn for Kakashi and Haru, but Kakashi welcomed the change. Missions didn't take up all of Kakashi's time and his students were learning from sannin, all of them. There was time for Kakashi to start a life now with Haru and so he did.
The next day Haru and Kakashi moved into the Uchiha home.
Kakashi turned Naruto over to Jiraiya sama. The two left Konoha to do some training. Jiraiya wanted to be sure that Naruto would be capable of protecting himself from Akatsuki; they would be after the boy again in a few years. Naruto was practically family to Jiraiya; his students' student's student. The sannin thought it almost laughable. He would have Naruto ready to face anything in two years.
Sakura was also studying under a legendary sannin. She had shown great promise as a medical ninja. Tsunade was teaching Sakura personally. Kakashi always knew it was Sakura that had the best control of her chakra; it shouldn't come as no surprise to find her well suited to become a medical specialist. Sakura Kakashi and Tsunade were all pleased with how quickly Sakura advanced in her training.
For the first few months Kakashi still had a lot of missions. It gave him a lot of time to think. He thought about Sandiame quite a lot. Kakashi found himself to be the sensei very much in the position the old man had once been in. Team seven and the sannin hokage had senseied had turned out to be the same. They were even learning from each other. Ironic and sad that Kakashi would repeat the old man's mistake. For now Kakashi would just have to leave his team to the sannin. Sasuke and Naruto would both be safe for a while and they were all learning.
Kakashi still remembered Sandiame fondly. Hokage had given his life for Konoha. He stopped Orochimaru. Kakashi wondered what Sandaime saw at the end. He could guess. Orochimaru at the awkward and troublesome age of thirteen probably. Kakashi wondered if he would ever see Sasuke again. His heart told him the answer to that was most defiantly yes, but he was unsure just what Sasuke might have in mind when next they should meet. They weren't on the same team anymore. It was unavoidable to wonder if he would have to kill him. Would he put a stop to Sasuke before he literally became Orochimaru? Would Kakashi have to do what his hokage could not?
Happi seemed to get bigger each time Kakashi came home. The ninken was smart learning to read from the first day Haru wrote words on the chalkboard. She said her first word in human at six months old. Of course it was Pakkun. Haru and Kakashi followed about a week later. Soon after Happi started to speak Kakashi's mission schedule slowed down enough so that he was home at least four nights out of the week. Pakkun was able to spend some time with his niece. Happi was bigger then Pakkun was now.
Pakkun thought the life of a house dog was pretty easy. His niece had it made here with Haru and Kakashi. He was pleased that she was learning to read. Haru had noticed early on and read to Happi often. Haru even let the dogs watch TV so long as it was educational programming or a Chuck Norris movie. The humans seemed to be happy. Pakkun bet that if Haru wasn't eating one of those weird pills every day Kakashi would be well on his way to being a daddy. His master was a shameless pervert indeed. The dogs didn't even sleep in their bedroom anymore; they stayed out with the TV on loud enough to drown out the sound.
Kakashi noticed the changes in the house over time. Bookshelves in the living room, pictures of family and friends. Eventually Haru had lugged the rest of her stuff from back from the carriage that took her and her da around the world. Haru's things were everywhere. They never bothered with Sasuke's room though. Haru cleaned in there once a week and left it exactly as he had, picture laying face down and all.
Iruka was a frequent guest. He often carried Haru's books home from school for her. She rewarded him with cherry cool aid. Kakashi thought it wasn't the cool aid Iruka came for, it was the gossip. The pair of them were like a couple of old ladies. Iruka was happy for Haru and Kakashi. Sakura came by too. At first it was a little strange for her being in Sasuke's old house, but she got used to it in time. Sakura usually had good gossip too. She got her dirt from Tsunade sama and hokage knew everything. Sakura was happy for her nee chan and sensei too.
Haru made Sasuke's house their home. Happi loved the yard and Haru loved the kitchen. Kakashi got used to coming home to Haru making dinner. He loved her cooking he loved her company and he loved her in the king size bed they put in their bedroom. Kakashi decided that before Happi was full grown he would ask Haru to marry him. Their friend's favorite question seemed to be "When's the wedding?"
It was the night before a two day mission when Kakashi decided to test the waters a little. They were in bed and finally ready to get some sleep. Before he turned off the light Kakashi rolled over on Haru and looked down at her with a smile on his face.
That was a look she wasn't sure she could trust. "Ne Kakashi? I thought you said you were all tired out."
Kakashi laughed. He fixed his eyes on hers. "Hatake Haru. How does that sound ne?"
Hatake… Haru was pleasantly surprised. She laughed herself. "Hatake Haru? It has a nice ring to it ne?" Haru smiled up at Kakashi.
Yosh! "Yes, it does." He leaned over and kissed her. Soon Kakashi would propose to Haru for real.
Kakashi was gone on his mission so Iruka accompanied Haru walking Happi in the woods. They talked about work a little as they walked. Iruka could tell by Haru's smile that she had been hiding something good all day. "Alright Haru, spill it. What's put that grin on your face ne?"
Haru's eyes were on her dog ahead of them. She was thinking about Hatake Haru. She smiled. "I think Kakashi," Haru laughed.
"What?" Iruka was excited. He had an idea what she might say. He and Kakashi had talked about the jonin making an honest woman of Iruka's friend.
"I think he is going to ask me to marry him."
"Oh?" Iruka leaned over a little. "And what do you intend to tell him Haru san?"
She giggled. "Yes, of course."
Iruka clapped his hands together. "Well it's about time!"
Haru pushed at Iruka. "Oh quiet you."
"I swear you two just enjoy taking your own sweet time with everything making all of us sit around and wait to see what you're going to do."
"Nobody asked ya to."
Iruka laughed. "Oy, I speak for me and Sakura and a lot of others when I say it's about time the two of you got yourselves hitched."
Haru laughed too. "What's the big deal with getting married ne?"
"It makes things sort of final Haru." Iruka had the same idea his former hokage did. "Your children will be geniuses."
Haru rolled her eyes. "Don't tell me you think I need to hurry up and have a baby Iruka. If you do I swear I'll kick you in the nads."
Iruka fell back a step. He didn't doubt she would. "No of course not Haru san." He noticed Happi had stopped a few yards ahead. She seemed to be sniffing at something in the trees. Suddenly Iruka felt it, they were being watched. He grabbed Haru's arm and halted her. "Be still Haru san."
Haru turned and looked at Iruka. He was watching Happi and trying to look where she was looking in the trees. "What is it?"
Happi took a few steps back towards her mistress. "Strangers. Four strangers."
"Kuso," Iruka growled under his breath. Happi was moving back toward them.
"Surrounded," Happi yipped to the chunin.
Iruka pulled a kunai from his pouch. Happi was covering their front, Iruka faced the rear. "Stay close and keep your head down Haru san," Iruka instructed quickly. He straightened and spoke up into the trees. "We know you're there show yourselves."
Not far from Iruka Kabuto appeared in a blur. He smiled at the surprised looking instructor. "Iruka sensei. It has been a long time." Behind Iruka was his target. "We meet again Haru san."
"Yakushi Kabuto," Iruka frowned at the Sound ninja. "What are you doing in Konoha? You're wanted for murder here you know."
Kabuto adjusted his glasses. "Like I care."
"What are you doing here?" Behind him Haru appeared to have frozen up. She wasn't moving. Happi started growling.
"I've just come to pick something up for Sasuke kun." Kabuto flat eyed Iruka.
Sasuke kun… Haru stared at Kabuto. "You…you have Sasuke?"
Kabuto flicked his eyes up to Haru. "Hai. Sasuke is with Orochimaru sama, but you already know that don't you Haru san."
Iruka had begun to sweat. There were still three more in hiding. He wondered how many Happi was ready to handle on her own. Iruka could probably draw them out if he attacked Kabuto head on, but Haru would be left defenseless if Happi was fighting too. Shit godamn it! "What do you want Kabuto? Why don't your men show themselves?"
Kabuto frowned at Iruka. "I am enough to deal with all of you myself. Someone at your skill level and a dog, hardly worth my time."
From what Iruka had heard about Kabuto, he would be a difficult opponent. Hard to get close to because of his hands. "I can't let you leave here. You're a wanted criminal."
"Orochimaru sama sent me after a gift for Sasuke kun Iruka sensei. You don't think you will actually stop me do you? I do not fail my master."
Iruka slid his foot back and got ready to spring. Happi I'm counting on you. "Deme you little brat! You'll go no further!" Iruka charged at Kabuto. He was fast, but Kabuto had the quickness of a snake.
Kabuto ducked down and grabbed Iruka behind the knees severing his tendons. The chunin screamed, staggered and fell over. Shuriken came flying from the trees at the other side of the clearing. The ninken did her job. She blocked nine of them from her mistress with her body. Two hit Iruka in the back. The dog yelped and Iruka screamed again. He struggled to roll himself over and see what was going on as three kunai were flung at the downed ninken. Iruka opened his mouth to call out but it was too late. Haru stepped in front of the kunai and saved her dogs life. She threw herself down on top of Happi. Two stuck Haru in her shoulder and one stuck out of her arm.
"Yamero! Stop it!" Iruka yelled.
Kabuto turned toward the trees frowning. "Damnit idiot! You weren't supposed to hit her!" he turned his angry eyes on Haru. She was pulling the kunai from her back with the arm that still worked. "Forgive me Haru san. Orochimaru sama wanted you treated as Sasuke kun's guest."
Haru turned her head and looked at Kabuto. "Sasuke's guest?"
Kabuto nodded. "Hai Haru san. Do you not wish to see Sasuke kun? Orochimaru sama saw fit to invite you to visit Hidden Sound. I'm sure you want to go ne?"
"No!" Iruka bellowed. He pulled himself Haru's way with his arms.
Kabuto turned to Iruka. "This is not your decision to make Iruka sensei." He started toward the chunin and Iruka stopped to face him.
Iruka realized with a sudden cold horror just what was going on. Kabuto, servant of Orochimaru had come to Konoha for Haru. "Why would Orochimaru want Haru?" he screamed angry and panicked. "What are you going to do to her!"
Kabuto kept walking. He would put dear Iruka sensei out of his misery. "You should be more concerned about what I'm going to do to you. How about I kill you with the move that almost killed that kuuybi brat Naruto ne?" He raised his hands grinning, letting the chunin see what was coming for him. "You can't run. I've taken care of that. I'll kill you before you can perform a jutsu. Say good by to this world Umino Iruka!"
It took every bit of her will to move, but somehow Haru did. She put herself between Iruka and Kabuto. "Don't kill him." She swayed on her feet. "Leave him and Happi alone. Leave them alive, leave now and I will go with you. I won't… give you any trouble."
"No Haru wait!" Iruka protested. He tried desperately to think of a way out of this mess. There was no way he could let Haru leave here with Kabuto. "You can't go with him!"
Kabuto focused on Haru. The silly bitch was bleeding her scent into the air. It would be troublesome to hide her if he couldn't stop the bleeding. In the interest of saving time and nipping a potential problem in the bud, Kabuto agreed. "Very well Haru san. You come with me of your own free will and we shall leave this very moment. If you accept my invitation to Sound," he held a hand out to her. "Come to me now Haru san."
"Don't you do it Haru! Run away!" Iruka railed. Haru moved toward the sound ninja. Iruka could see bloodstains spreading on her shirt. "Haru god damnit! Stop it!"
Haru stepped forward and reached for Kabuto's hand. "You promise to leave Iruka and Happi alone?"
"You have my word. Come to me and we shall leave here at once." Kabuto stood his ground. Haru stared hatefully at his hand as she came forward and reached for it. Behind her the chunin was still screaming his protests. Haru gave him her hand and Kabuto pulled her close to him. Her eyes widened in surprise for a moment. Kabuto hit the back of her head with just enough pressure to knock her out. Haru fell forward and Kabuto moved to catch her. With the unconscious woman over his shoulder Kabuto took one last look at Iruka.
He's taking Haru and there's nothing I can do about it! No! "You," Iruka hissed at Kabuto. "You little bastard! Put her down godamn you! Put her…!" before Iruka could finish the sound ninja disappeared in a blur.
For what felt like a long moment Iruka wasn't even sure his heart beat at all. Haru was gone, Happi was injured and Iruka couldn't walk. This...can't be happening. Iruka did the only think he could; he opened his mouth and he yelled. "Help! I need some godamn help here! Enemy ninja attack!"
Once he was sure that they had made it far enough away to stop for a moment Kabuto did. He lay Haru down and moved quickly to work her out of her bloody clothes. He gave her shirt to Kenichi and sent him west. Kabuto dug into his pack for bandages. He would treat her wounds more properly once there was more time. For now it was enough to stop the bleeding. It was likely Konoha would send ninken looking for them. Kabuto was counting on it. He pulled Haru's skirt off and handed it to Jenichi. Kabuto sent him east under instruction to shred the skirt and scatter the pieces.
Sinichi stood guard as Kabuto slipped off his purple shirt. He worked it over Haru's head. He would conceal her scent with his own sending the search parties on a wild goose chase. By the time the shinobi of this country tracked Haru's scent to her clothes, she would already be gone. He slipped his belt off and used it to tie her knees together. He doubted Haru was going to wake up anytime soon, but there was no need to take any chances. If she woke up, she couldn't run. Kabuto stood up and stepped back. "Take her Sinichi. Let's go."
The Sound ninja picked Haru up and balanced her over his shoulder. He followed Kabuto north. Home to the village of Hidden Sound. Sasuke's friend wasn't too badly injured. Kabuto could see to such mild wounds when they got home. Orochimaru sama would be pleased.
Iruka recovered in time to join a search party looking for trace of Haru or the traitor Kabuto. After a day and a half all that had turned up was bloody and shredded clothing. Happi had been taken to Hana's place. The vet was looking after the ninken for now. A storm was rolling in and they were running out of time when Kakashi arrived back in Konoha. Pakkun detected Iruka in the woods with a search team and led Kakashi that way.
"Who's missing Iruka?" Kakashi asked catching up to the search party.
For a moment Iruka just stared at his friend. "It's Haru Kakashi…Yakushi Kabuto he came and…Hana has Happi and Haru… Kabuto took her to Orochimaru and Sasuke."
Kakashi felt his world come to a sudden grinding hault. "What!" Kabuto took Haru to Sasuke? Happi is… "Pakkun!"
Pakkun put his nose down searching for Haru's scent in the woods. "I'm on it Kakashi."
They didn't make it far from where Kabuto had bandaged Haru before the rains fell. Once again Kakashi had arrived too late to keep someone he loved from disappearing to Hidden Sound. Kakashi tipped his face up to the rain. Sasuke…so help me god kid, you better not let anything happen to my Haru. Standing in the rain with his dog was going to get him nowhere. Kakashi was going to have to find out everything he could about Sound if he was going to go looking for it. With his heart in his throat Kakashi went to check on Happi. Pakkun offered to sit with his niece while Kakashi went to talk to Tsunade hokage.
Tsunade's door was open and Shizune was peeking out in the hall. She saw Kakashi coming and announced him to Tsunade. Kakashi hurried in to hokage's office. "Tsunade sama, I request the mission to find the location of Hidden Sound."
Tsunade had been preparing herself for Kakashi. "That mission has already been given to someone else."
"Tsunade sama."
"Back off Kakashi, you're too close to this. First Sasuke kun and then Haru chan."
Kakashi's hands balled into fists at his side. "Haru did not want to go! She did not want to be taken to Orochimaru and you know it!"
"Kakashi," Tsunade warned.
"Do you know what is going to happen to Haru, Tsunade sama? Do you understand why she was abducted by the Sound? You of all people should know that Orochimaru wants a perfect set of Sharingan eyes. Do you know Tsunade sama, how Uchiha Itachi completed his eyes? Do you remember Uchiha Shisui?"
Tsunade frowned. She knew what her jonin was getting at. "We're looking Kakashi."
"I'm going to be looking too." He wasn't going to let his hokage push him away from the search for Haru. "I don't want Sasuke to become like Itachi anymore then I want him to become Orochimaru. Haru will not become the sacrifice he needs for his eyes. Sasuke didn't kill Naruto when he had the chance; there is still time to save Haru. Orochimaru has taken Sasuke from me. I won't let him have Haru too." Kakashi turned and went out of hokage's office. He had some serious studying to do. It was time to find out everything he could about Orochimaru and Hidden Sound.