A/N: Wow so many chapters. I have to admit this has worked out better than I had thought.

Anyways since this part is done I'm also starting to draw up the comic for it, which will be on me 'homepage'. I'd say in a month or so something will be up. I'll keep tabs on it if anyone is interested in it. I jsut need to redraw some parts.

Important: A final note before I let everyone read this. This is the last chapter of this part. The next part will be called 'Worlds Appart'. Basically a continuation. I will be posting he first chapter some time in the next two weeks so look out for it.

Oh and one more thing. Thank you everyone who has supported me and my story I really loved the reviews and I hope to hear from you on my other part. Enjoy!

Chapter 24: Goodbyes

Genma stared as the entire camp seemed to be alive with enough angry energy to fuel several bombs. He felt the atmosphere get like this early in the morning when Kakashi and Akane started an argument about how things were going to progress for the rest of the mission.

As it stood Iruka was on Kakashi's side, as for Kaji he was convinced his sister could handle herself going home alone.

"I seriously doubt this is a good idea." Iruka seemed to be the calmest out of the three. No one expected it, most expected as much from Kakashi but today they seemed to have reversed roles.

"Why not? She's done solo missions before, and many of which crossed two shinobi countries." Kaji arguments always held merit while Iruka's held more emotion and gut feelings.

"The issue isn't if she's capable. I agree she is, but it's the situation that says otherwise." Kakashi growled. He was annoyed that no one saw just what it was he wanted to get at. Genma understood how he felt, Kakashi wanted to protect her; she was special to him, even if he didn't want to admit it.

"See. Think Kaji-san…we want to keep her safe, and be sure she's safe." Iruka interjected once again.

Genma rolled his eyes. Every thing they were saying now, they had said to each other an hour ago. It seemed all three were convinced that once the same thing was said enough, someone would cave in…only problem was all three were extremely stubborn men who when pushed never budged, in any situation. Soon everyone would get tired of talking and a fight would start, Genma wondered just who would start it first and who would end it. He was almost looking forward to it.

"Kaji-san as much as I respect you I can't let her go back alone. I had a chance to ask the summon what it wanted and if you ask me a snake the size of a building is a lot to send after one person."

Genma laughed. Kakashi was now trying to scare her brother. It was a good tactic if he was talking to someone else, but Kaji knew full well what Kakashi was talking about and he also knew his sister.

"If Orochimaru was really after her then he's going to send jounin level shinobi, and in her case he'll make sure they're ruthless. Now I want you to think what they would do to her if they caught her. I doubt they'd be very kind." Kakashi leaned forwards to make his point.

In the back Genma could see Akane cleaning up her gear. She was not happy that the three were trying to keep her safe when she herself sided with her brother on the issue. Still Genma was surprised she had stayed out of it; normally she'd be the one yelling and screaming, making as much of a scene she could. Somehow she seemed the be lost in thought for most of the argument, the last five minutes was the first time Genma had seen her glare at them defiantly like she normally did.

"Even if I sent someone they themselves would have to come to Konohoa alone."

Kakashi seemed to consider this when Akane growled in the background; pulled a scroll from Iruka's pack and walked to the entrance. Everyone heard the tell tale sign of a summon being called. Soon she had come back.

"There solved. Now get going." She screamed at Kakashi mostly, who just simply blinked back as though he knew she'd pick on him the most.

"Why are you intent on picking on me?"

Akane stopped and stared.

Dead man, dead man, dead man.

"You need to get going. If you're too late don't blame me."

"What did you do?" Again Kakashi was putting his foot in his mouth; everyone knew what she had done.

"I called my team to come and get me." Akane rolled her eyes. "It was a simple thing to assume but you three are really slow today." She sighed. Exasperated that neither one seemed to come up with it. Put together they could outsmart her…but not today like she had pointed out.

Kakashi seemed to be annoyed by her insult but shrugged it off. Genma waited as everyone got up ready to leave. Their packs had been rearranged the night before, incase they needed to leave quickly. Of course the opposite situation resulted.

"Are you sure you'll be fine alone?" Kakashi seemed to have second thoughts about leaving. Genma knew he would. After all Kakashi seemed to have a strange chemistry with her and leaving seemed to be causing a lot of strain on the tall man. Chances were Kakashi would try his best once he got home to forget her. Genma knew it was impossible for him though.

"I have enough food and weapons to last me. Not many people come here. If I sense anyone then I'll just go further into the cave. There's also a second entrance somewhere in the back. If I have trouble and my team isn't here by then I can always send for help. Once I get back home I can also send a small group to help Raidou-san home, I'd say we'll drop him off at Valley of the End. How's that? I'll go personally if need be."

Kakashi seemed to consider this for a while. "Alright sounds good. I'll meet you and the rest there since they know what I look like."

"Sounds good. Please be careful, everyone." Akane smiled but Genma knew she was also crying inside. She didn't want them to leave her. She finally got to see the friends she had left behind years ago, and now she has to leave them again.

"Oi Akane-san if you come past us come visit." Genma yelled as Iruka pulled him out of the entrance. He could see Kakashi was also having troubles leaving the spot he was standing in. Instead he just stared at her longingly…or so Genma assumed before Kakashi recovered and turned to leave waving one hand as a gesture of goodbye.

If only we could stay longer. She was literally driving him up the wall.

"Will do. I'll send you a message before hand."

"Ha!" Genma then got cut off as Iruka pushed him down the path. "Gezz no need to push me."

"If I didn't you'd stay there."

"Yeah duh I want to…" Of course he knew better

Be careful Akane-san no one will ever hear from you at this rate and it's going to be hard until we do.

Hidden in the trees outside the cave Kakashi waited for Akane's team to arrive. He had replaced himself with a clone so the others wouldn't know what he was up to. He just couldn't leave her alone, something about the entire mission screamed at him not too. A gut feeling maybe, or was he getting protective?

Please come soon…I can't fool them forever.

He had positioned himself a few yards away from the mountain, but still was able to see the cave entrance from where he was sitting high in the trees.

When he had first gotten to his current position he found himself caught in awe of the mountain they had spent so long living in. It was the highest mountain in all of Fire Country. He could tell from looking at it that this one particular mountain was a part of the Volcanoes that ringed the border of his country. Fire Country had long ago gotten its name from the ring of Volcanoes that were found along its borders.

He had had the chance to explore the cave deeper once he was able to move around. Akane hadn't known about it and he was glad she didn't. The entire time they were there she had made it clear to him that she didn't want him in the back. So of course what was he going to do? He went to go see just what it was.

Carefully he made his way through the cave. He knew he wasn't allowed there but who was going to stop him if they didn't know?

Stepping over a crevice he hadn't noticed just where the hell he had managed to wander to. Stopping he pulled out a small flare out of his pocket and lit it.

The chamber lit into a million colors. The assault on his senses was almost too much. Frozen he stared at the walls, floor and ceiling. It was completely covered in obsidian that shone in ambers, blues, whites and reds. He had never in his life seen a place like this.

Looking to his right he noticed a gash in the wall. It was small and he had the feeling it was made by a kunai. However as he followed it he noticed it had grown to the width of his arm and as deep as his hand.

"What the hell made this?" He rubbed the gash, the rock was polished smooth.

He knew enough about the natural processes of the earth to understand that the cave was not entirely natural. The cave opening yes, this section no. He had learned through the use of jutsu the capabilities of chakra and elements. However no amount of chakra could create a gash in a wall and polish it smooth at the same time. Normally chakra was an explosive force when used to leave a mark or destroy; it was very difficult to control.

"So something very hot lived in here then." He looked around once more and noticed the remains of a body.

"Poor man. I wonder what happened to him. There's not sign of struggle from him." Walking closer Kakashi knelt next to him and lifted the cap only to see a skeletal face.

"A warning I guess." He muttered dropping the hat back down.

Stopping where the floor stopped he noticed another entrance meters away. How was he to get across there? There was no floor and yet there was the sound of water.

"Something is weird about this chamber. The sound waves are echoing more than they should." Looking down he tried to understand just why there was a pit so deep in the center of the cave.

"Definitely off." He said as he looked up.

Stepping forward he held his breath. Seconds seemed to pass as if they were hours as he watched his own foot move over the pit and descend downwards. What was it about the floor that made his want to do this?

Lurching in case he fell, he felt his foot hit the floor. Stunned he checked the floor once more.

"Odd." Bending down he rubbed his hand over it.

"Glass? No this is like the wall…amazing." Rubbing it, he found it was smooth and perfectly polished. No one had even thought of crossing it in decades, that was clear.

"So that's how it's so protected." Stepping out to the center he looked up. Then looked down. A chuckle bubbled from his throat. "You almost fell for it!" He had been fooled like so many others. The floor was reflective and the ceiling was covered in crystallized stalactites. He had thought the floor was a pit when in reality it was a reflection of the domed ceiling.

"How the hell did this happen though." He looked around once more. Only a small corner was not crystallized. It was strange really, a small sliver of space, big enough for him to stand in and about half his height.

"Hmmm." Looking to the ceiling once more he decided to try something. He knew better than to mar the rock, there was enough evidence lying in a corner for him not to.

Walking to the wall he pours chakra into his feet and took a step to the wall and 'walked' up it only to stop to lean against a stalactite.

"Why didn't I see that?"

The sliver of space wasn't quite what he had expected. Still there was no way to be sure, but the small shape reminded him of something.

"So why are you hiding this from me?" He recognized it as the head of the phoenix picture he had seen on the back of Kaji's scroll. The location was even there.

He remembered the mountain. It was painted before a lake and stood tall with the sun setting on its left side. It was the location. Then this is where it was from.

Still Akane seemed to know too much for someone who had never been there before. She knew too much about Fire Country and its history, actually she knew more about any country. Was that why she was so valuable to her people?

He found her to be one of the most intelligent people he had ever met. Sure she seemed almost flawless at times, but her mistakes were many. She was human and it showed. She had sent her team away when she could have used them, she trusted other shinobi, she tried to take care of an injury she obviously couldn't, and to top it off she trusted him almost completely.

These things could have lead to her death or her capture. However in the end her mistakes always worked in her favor. He had protected her, he healed her injury, he trusted her as much as she trusted him, and over all she took his word and gave her own. This was what made it hard to leave her. She trusted him with her life and he felt the same way.

Why is it so hard to leave? I should be heading back by now, it isn't the first time I had a mission with a beautiful…but she's not like the others.

He heard a whistle from somewhere behind him. Glancing back he could see several ANBU approaching the cave. Kakashi still found them to be an odd group. At the moment as they moved some of them preformed acrobatics and some even threw weapons back and forth. If a normal person saw them they'd think these men were playing around. Kakashi though wasn't normal. He now knew why they had survived so long. This wasn't a game actually it was the opposite. These men were training. If they weren't in a fight or on a mission with foreigners they were training, and this was a constant. No wonder his pace never fazed them, the amount of energy these people spent was enormous and it explained the appetites as well.

I'll be, I never thought of that. The next time I have Naruto and Sakura for training I should try this out. It may fix some of their problems. I'm pretty sure Sakura would get the hang of this…Naruto though might get the hang of it too much…oh well no harm in trying.

He watched as the leader met them at the entrance. Wearing her mask she glanced to the glade he was hiding in. He knew she saw him…there was no way she couldn't sense him. Her mask still glowed when she wore it. It was a different mask and Kakashi had wanted to ask her just how she did that. Not only was it calming but it was also frightening at the same time.

He ran as fast as he could, his lungs burning, his legs screaming. There was no way he was going to let her get away from him. He felt the thrill of the chase coursing through his veins; the heady feeling was what he used to urge his tired body on. He was going to prove to her he could keep up and surpass her, even if he felt like passing out.

Still he used the thrill coursing through his body. At times they would collide and battle but the woman would leap away and run again. It was a game of cat and mouse. Only he was the cat and she the mouse.

"Still to slow Hatake!" She teased. He used that as well. The more anger he felt the more energy he could use to go faster.

Suddenly she was gone. Still running Kakashi knew this game well, only this time he wasn't going to give in.

And like he was expecting the face of a bird he had never seen flooded his vision.

His heart stopped. He could feel his blood vessels pounding in his ears as he stared at it. Fear began to race through his body. The tension in his legs now became trembles.

How was she doing it?

Taking a step she came closer, he stepped back trying to get away slowly.

She came forwards again, he moved back.

And again.

'Whack' he tripped on a root and fell to the ground unceremoniously. Grumbling he was relieved it was only his pride that was hurt. Still he felt fear as he looked at her. Was he ever going to get used to it? He was sure he would.

Sadly he never did. Kakashi still feared the glowing masks she wore. He had learned to hide it and even ignore it, but somehow that weird glow incited fear into even the bravest of men, only an idiot would not feel fear near her. Those who showed no fear died and quickly, he had seen her kill and he had to admit he was glad she wasn't after him. She was good, not the best but she knew her resources, her skills, her faults and the enemies' strengths and weaknesses. This made her one of the best, just like he was one of the best.

Still he didn't like leaving her. She was somehow important to him and he still didn't know how or why. There was something about her he felt that made it impossible to forget her. He had been close to her before now but this, this was almost overpowering. It was as though he had to be right next to her all the time.

Either way he knew he couldn't stay with her, help her or even talk to her anymore. The mission was over and she was still technically the enemy…in a way. He had his responsibilities and she had hers. He protected one village and she another. He could be sent to kill her and she him. Either way both were unapproachable to each other.

I can't stay here longer and think about her…the sooner I forget her the better.

Turning he couldn't help but glance back at the direction she had left. He hadn't even noticed when she left, but he knew she was gone. He couldn't sense her anymore.

He had no choice but to return home, where he was needed just like she had to go home as well to protect them. It seemed their lives were almost the same. Only she had family and he had no one.

Walking down the path Kakashi pulled the necklace he had bought when he had walked with Nariko in the markets. He ran his fingers over the feathers, they were just like the ones Akane always had in her hair. He could almost imagine touching them. Stopping he clutched them tighter and looked back, he only hoped she would live long enough for him to see her once more, he only wanted to see her one more time to be sure…of course chances were he would never see her.

Putting the chain away he ran down the trail to replace the clone and take his place among his friends. If only he had a choice.

Tsunade paced behind her desk glancing nervously out her window after every third round. She had been doing it for hours and Jiraiya found it annoying. It was as though the old woman was fretting over her children.

I'm sure they're fine.

He was sure they were when he had heard the destination they were headed for. Canyon Country wasn't allied with Konohoa but they weren't necessarily enemies either. Rather the diplomacy between the two was strained. The reason was simple. Konohoa was allied with Sand, as was Canyon Country; the issue was Cloud, Canyon Country regarded them as allies while Fire Country regarded them as enemies.

Shinobi battles happened but rarely and when they did no one would be killed, at worst a broken bone but nothing more. Tsunade's concern was unneeded and should be placed somewhere else.

"I'm sure they'll be back any minute."

"I know that." She snapped.

"Hey relax I'm on your side." He waved his hands defensively as she glared at him.

Oh common really…Maybe Sake would help her…nah she'll just get worse.

A knock on the door disrupted his thoughts. Glancing over to Tsunade he couldn't help but take not of the vein pulsing at her temple.

"Come in."

In stepped Genma. Jiraiya smiled as the man came in cautiously. Getting up Jiraiya crossed the room and leaned to whisper in the younger man's ear.

"If I was you I'd be very careful in my explanation." He patted the man's shoulder as he left.

Stopping in the hallway he saw Kaji standing against the wall almost casually, as though he had never left Konohoa.

"Well well, you look as relaxed as usual."

"Yes I guess I am." He smiled. "I haven't seen you in months, everyone at home was wondering where the free loader went." Kaji joked laughing.

Jiraiya didn't find it very funny but laughed anyways.

Little punk, he's as bad as his sister.

"Watch it boy." He said as he messed up the young man's hair. He knew Kaji since he was a child and so far he liked how the man had grown. His sister on the other hand was more unruly than Naruto. She seemed to be the epitome of free spirit.

"Ahhh Kakashi…." He stopped. The man was leaning against the wall as well, lost in thought…and no book.

Strange. He looks odd for some reason. Was this mission harder than he had thought originally…and where is his book?

"Hmm?" He looked up, not startled but surprised. Jiraiya could see dark circles around the man's eyes; he looked as though he hadn't slept in at least three days.

"How was the mission, any information I can use before I leave?" He needed what he could.

"About what women or Orochimaru?" Jiraiya laughed nervously and told him he wanted to know about Orochimaru.

"Well I think you know Akane-san, judging by how you spoke to her brother, so it may be useful to tell you that Orochimaru is after her. I don't know why though…maybe you could check into it? I know you're off to locate him again but it would be also good if we keep tabs on his targets." Kakashi was always one to plot and plan. He liked the boy for that reason. Sure he read his books and was one of his biggest fans but Kakashi had many layers to his habits.

"Ahhh yes that one…she's quite the woman neh?"

Kakashi sent him a nasty glare. Jiraiya needless to say froze on the spot. He had never seen the man act like this; normally he would agree and leave it at that. Now though he looked upset.

"I'm sorry…you didn't deserve that." He apologized.

"No kidding."

"To answer your question, yes she's something…I'm not sure what though." He seemed to take the question the wrong way. The innuendo hidden in Jiraiya's question was completely lost on the taller man…it confused Jiraiya greatly.

I think I need to leave him alone for a bit, he seems upset about something.

He continued to walk down the hall when a chuunin ran right past him.

"Wait!!!" Panting the man stopped at Tsunade's door. "Forgive me Tsunade-sama…Ahh…Naruto stopped me and he wouldn't let me past him until I promised him ramen for later." As he apologized Kakashi walked in past him.

Ah…who was that man? Is he the chuunin sensei Naruto always talks about? I've seen him teaching…his skills are above normal chuunin, hmmm.

Making it to the door Jiraiya smiled. It was a nice sunny day, a perfect day for the hot springs and some pretty girls, after all a writer should keep up with his data.

Tsunade steepled her fingers and set her chin on them. She had been waiting a month and three weeks for them to return. Now that they finally have she found out that Raidou was missing? How did this happen and where was he?

"So what happened where's Raidou-san?" She glared at Iruka.

"Forgive me for not sending a message, but Raidou-san will be back sometime in two weeks from now. We had to leave him behind for back up. Unfortunately we had to leave right away from where we had found Kaji-san…He'll be escorted out of Canyon Country and back to us within two weeks." Iruka bowed politely.

"So this is him?" She waved her hand to the tall man standing a few feet in the back. She couldn't see his face, the bird mask covered it.

He was at least Iruka's height with long brown hair, which was tied back in a tight ponytail. Two strips of cloth were tied into the long hair. He was thin but his muscles were well defined. From just looking at him she determined he was in perfect health.

"Yes Hokage-sama that's him." Iruka smiled. "Luckily for us he was already in Fire Country when we found him."

"What!?" She glared. "Did he have an official mission here, papers?" Every shinobi carried passports and papers when entering another Country. They had these incase they were question on their purpose. If the mission was allowable then they would be left alone. If the mission was against that country, the ninja catching them could kill them on sight.

"Forgive me Hokage-sama." The boy bowed low. She found that in itself winning her over. "I did not. The mission was one I chose to give myself. I felt it important enough to risk my life and that of my men." The men he mentioned of course were left outside under guard.

He's polite I can give him that but I still don't know this kid.

Narrowing her eyes she watched him closely. "And what was this mission?" She asked watching for anything that would giver her any clues about him.

"I…" He paused as though deciding if it was wise to tell her. "I was looking for a sword, one that it important to my clan. I had found the location it used to be hidden but instead I had found a scroll written in a dialect I don't understand. Iruka-san has offered to help me translate it and locate the missing object. Of course I hold any other missions over this one but I find it to be very important to the survival of not only my entire clan but also your people."

"I don't understand."

How can one weapon be that important?

Once Kaji had mentioned the sword she had noticed Kakashi become more alert. He had come in looking somewhat haggard which in some cases was normal, however the other members of his team looked fine and in perfect health.

"For centuries the Akahoshi clan as lived here in Konohoa, even before the village was built. The estate on the outskirts is the very place we all used to live." He smiled as though remembering the place he spoke of.

She had heard of them and even worked with them. The Akahoshi clan specialized in ANBU operations. Every member was expected to spend at least five years serving. They were the best and were rarely captured. She had also worked with many of their medic, and many of them surpassed even her in skill. Tsunade had heard many stories about this ancient clan's abilities and many of their talents. It was these very people that held the village together before the wars and after. However when the Kyuubi attacked many of them had disappeared without a trace, even the main family in which the purest of the clan were born.

"Our purpose is to protect Konohoa and Fire Country. I have no intention of placing you or anyone in the village at risk."

"Good to know. But are the rumors true?" She had to check this.

I had a feeling back then they weren't. Their specialties lie in leaving no trace of the cause of death. What happened back then was too gruesome even for them.

"No. What people blamed us for; the bodies. Was all Orochimaru's doing. He wanted us out of the village because he feared us." The last part was spat out with so much hatred Tsunade could almost feel it.

"I came because I was told to. I was asked to help protect these people and that is what I am here to do. People are nervous around us because of those rumors, and because of the jutsu we specialize in. Either way I will have to leave once this is over and I will without complaint. However as long as I am here I expect full cooperation of the people here. I don't want to deal with any accidents." He glared.

Tsunade nodded. She liked him. He was straight to the point and he knew what he had to say to get what he needed.

"I'll see about the living arrangements. By any chance do your men have any relatives here?"

"No…Unfortunately my team is not from here. It's my twin who has the men from here. That is the reason I ask for the cooperation. None of my men know about the accusations nor would they react appropriately when pushed."

"Understandable. May I ask what her name is?"

She can't possibly be the dead woman on the list.

He looked back to Iruka anxiously as though asking permission. Slowly Iruka nodded.

Strange he's taking cues from Umino…why.

"Her name is Akane, Hokage-sama." Tsunade's eyes grew wide.

So it is her. Their deaths were staged but why. Did the third have a reason for protecting the young woman?

Quickly she glanced over to Kakashi. At the corner of her eye she noticed Kakashi's head snap up once more when the woman's name was said. It seemed he had almost lost interest in the entire meeting. His behavior was strange enough to have Tsunade worried.

"Hmmm…well no matter, I'll work those arrangements out. If it's alright with you I would like to speak to these men alone."

Nodding Kaji made a final bow and left.

Strange kid that one.

"Report." It was down the business now. "Why are you so late? This mission was expected to take at least three weeks."

"Sorry Hokage-sama there was some major complications."

"I can see that." As she said this she glared at Kakashi in particular.

Genma fidgeted as she questioned Iruka. He envied Kakashi. The man seemed totally oblivious to what was going on. He just stood there totally aloof with his hands in his pockets watching the window behind the Hokage.

"Well the mission went alright from the beginning until we found warnings on the border."

"Warnings."

"Well kind of." Genma muttered.

"Speak up Shiranui If you have something to say."

"Sorry. Yes there were bodies everywhere and patrols from Canyon Village everywhere."

Tsunade glared at him. "You traveled in two teams as requested?"

"Yes." Iruka nodded. Genma could see the sweat forming on the man's brow.

She's grilling him; he's not used to this.

"We made it to Canyon Country two weeks into the mission. The terrain was difficult to maneuver in but we managed to get there with enough time to locate the target." Iruka was trying his best not to stutter.

She nodded. It took about two weeks to get that far, she seemed to know this already.

"So the complication?"

Oh here it comes. I'm so sorry Kakashi she's going to have to stick you away for a bit.

"Well I found out before Genma and Kakashi-san that Kaji-san had gone missing and no one knew where he had gone off to."

"Luckily you found him…" she raised an eyebrow. Genma swallowed. He could tell she was mad.

Iruka coughed nervously. He was so tense Genma just wanted to tell her himself.

He's such a worrier.

"Well Kakashi-san was infected with a disease…." He opened his mouth as though about to say something but stopped when Tsunade's eyes snapped to Kakashi.

"How did this happen?" She asked the ANBU standing with his hands in his pockets.

Slowly he pulled them out and took the long glove on his left arm off, revealing a scar that looked exactly like teeth.

"It's designed to make the victim crazy." He sighed as he spoke slowly.

"But that wasn't all that happened." Iruka sighed. "We were also attacked by Orochimaru's summon. Kakashi-san took the brunt of the attack and nearly died."

It was amazing Iruka never once mentioned Akane's name or that she helped. Genma was sure he would have. She deserved the credit but the more he thought about it the more he realized it was better she remained hidden.

I'm sure the walls in even her office have ears and knowing Iruka he'd know this better than anyone.

Kakashi was already looking at the woman seated at the wooden desk nervously. Genma knew full well what she was going to do with him and he was sure either he or Iruka were going to pay for it later.

"You're to report to the hospital as soon as you step out my door. If you don't leave I'll examine you here. If you don't show up I will come to you're apartment, and if you're not there I will personally hunt you down. Is that understood?" Slowly Kakashi nodded.

"Yes Hokage-sama." Strangely enough he mumbled this as though he were somewhere else.

What's with him?

"Genma-san?"

Genma looked up and stared at her fully alert. He could see concern written all over her face.

"I want you to bring me a detailed report. Include a day-to-day description of events as they passed. I need to know everything. This may be important." Turning she smiled at Iruka. "You did a good job and I can see you've become comfortable in you're old role." Slowly Genma noticed the color drain from Iruka's face. "I want the same from you as well. Also I want you to tell me if any of it was Orochimaru's doing. From the sounds of it these people have no clue what's going on."

Iruka suddenly frowned. "They do know what's going on though. That's the thing. They don't have the resources to protect themselves properly or the money to ask for help." Then he swallowed realizing he had spoken without being addressed.

"I doubt that, if you want include it in the report."

Genma frowned. This was odd. She seemed to not understand at all. Akane knew full well what was going on. Or did she mean Canyon Village. Then yes they don't know.

If she means Canyon Village then I need to speak to Iruka.

Then she glared at Kakashi.

"I want a report as well from you but I want you to tell me later in the hospital." She glared. "I know you well enough not to expect a written one until three weeks have passed, and it'll be illegible." At this Iruka nodded knowing the man's mission reports by heart, Even Genma knew them.

"Yes Hokage-sama."

"Good I won't send any of you for any missions for a week so use your time wisely. Iruka-sensei unfortunately you are needed at the academy but I'm sure you'll want to be there?"

"Yes Hokage-sama, thank you." Iruka bowed curtly. Genma wanted to smack him over the head for being such a suck up, but the younger man was always like that.

"Good then go." She waved them out.

Once out of the Hokage's office Iruka let out a shaky sigh. He hadn't expected her to focus so much on him. It had been years since he had led a successful mission and this one almost failed.

"Ah…that was rough." He sighed taking a moment to get off his feet and flopped down into one of the chairs down the hall. He watched as Genma came towards him, obviously nervous. He was also dragging Kakashi along by the sleeve. The poor man looked confused out of his mind.

Since they had left Akane behind the man hadn't been the same. He was quiet and usually staring into space. He still got annoying at times but it was strained and almost half hearted.

"Iruka-sensei…we can't tell her about Akane-san…not ever. If they know she's alive. Don't think for one minute ROOTS won't get the reports." Genma had added his old title to his name, mostly since he was back to being an academy teacher. Iruka liked the sensei title more than the other, mostly because it was more familiar to him.

"I know….You understand this?" He asked Kakashi who nodded in return.

"More than you know." He sighed and started walking. "Well I'm off."

"Where are you going?" Iruka asked before Kakashi was out of hearing range.

"I think I'm going to visit someone and then go to the hospital. I might as well get it over with." He shrugged before he turned and walked away.

Heh, he still tries to get out of it.

"Always one to take it easy." Genma muttered. "I wish I could be like that."

"Me too." Iruka mumbled, "Is he okay?"

"Well how would you….damn." Genma looked at him wearily.

I didn't tell anyone I knew.

"Its okay I already know. He kind of gave it away when he went delirious at me." Iruka smiled. "I don't feel upset about it anymore."

Then something caught his attention down the hall. He hadn't really focused on it until it stopped and waved.

Waving back he smiled at the young woman.

"I see."

"What?"

"You already had your sights on someone else….or did you just figure that out on mission."

"A bit of the latter actually." Iruka laughed as he rubbed the back of his neck, blushing. "I doubt I can tell her though." He laughed. "Ha but if Kakashi tells Akane-san then I can tell anyone anything."

"I bet. Yeah he's agonizing over leaving her."

"Well he made sure they had come to get her." Iruka had sensed the replacement the second Kakashi left. Normally he wouldn't have noticed but he was worried for his teammate and paid closer attention to him than he normally did.

"He sure did. So I guess we'll never tell him we knew."

"Nope, not a word." Iruka was happier inflating Kakashi-s ego than deflating it. He'd rather Kakashi feel good about fooling them and seeing her off alone in his own way, even if the entire group knew.

"Okay then."

Kakashi opened his apartment door and stopped. He had been away for a day, for tests Tsunade wanted to perform on him. He understood her concern but would have rather not gone though it. He hated hospitals and the smell they had was enough to make him wish he'd gag. Most of all he hated the poking and prodding every time he came back from missions where he either wound up poisoned or sick. Of course every time he got back it was over with, so why do they constantly bother him with these stupid tests?

Of course they were needed, no one wanted him to come back and spread something. Still some of Tsunade's tests left him feeling a little more violated than usual. All the while she kept questioning him, asking him why he seemed out of it. Well considering the events of the mission and what he had gone through any one would have been 'out of it'.

Overall he was happy to be home again, to his apartment where his bed was, where he could sleep the week away.

"What's this?"

Bending down he picked up an envelope. Inside was a piece of paper.

I thought I'd send you this. I have little use for it and it's quite recent so I thought you might enjoy it more than me. Oh and I hope you kept your mouth shut about her. If you ever want to talk to me please feel free; I liked having a conversation with someone who wasn't asking me for ramen or beating Sasuke for a change.

Iruka.

Pulling the paper out he found a photograph. Flipping it over he saw Akane sitting in her sister's garden among the roses. She was wearing a dress that hung to her every curve. The fabric of the dress was black with a few embroidered flowers decorating it. The dress was definitely borrowed; Nariko had said that her sister owned very few civilian clothes and none were nice.

Looking at her face he chuckled. It was obvious who had taken the picture. Akane was captured snarling at the camera. He had to admit it was a side of her he loved to coax out when it got to quiet. The fire in her eyes always made his heart race, and at times he felt like he was younger when he used to chase her. She seemed to make him want to tease her and play around. It was hard now to be like that but she somehow brought it out of him.

Kakashi couldn't help but feel his face warm up. This was what he was dreading but also hoping for. He wanted a memory and this was one he would never forget.

He seems to know everything. He says I act like a know it all but he picks up on everything I do. In a way I'm thankful for this and in another I hate him for it. I can't throw this out.

Sighing Kakashi only wished he had told her everything like he had planned but he still had a feeling it would be useless to tell her. She had her life and he his.

"Hmm. I should invite him for dinner once. He's not my usual choice for a friend but I believe Akane-san was right it's nice to have one friend in the world you could talk to and depend on." He walked in and shut the door.

She smiled, like she always did. He couldn't stop looking at her, not that he had much choice.

"You looked lonely so I had to talk to you."

"You had to?" He had never been one to cause anyone to do anything.

"Yep." She nodded still smiling. "Sometimes we all need someone to talk to."

"I agree, sometimes though people like to be left alone."

"Uh…yes but you've been alone all day." She sighed. Her smile vanished.

"I have? I hadn't really noticed." Which was true, he was sleeping.

She stared at him as though she was reading his mind. The intensity made his heart race, his face felt warm.

"You were sleeping." Again he stared at her. "You sleep way too much. It's all you do."

"I'm sick…I need rest, once I can stand up without losing every meal then we'll see if I sleep all day hmm?"

"Yes I guess." She pouted.

"I noticed how close you are with Iruka-san." Saying san after Iruka's name was hard but the man wasn't there as a teacher but rather a comrade. Kakashi felt it safe to treat him as such.

"He's my best friend. It's important to have someone like that around. They're people you can tell anything to and trust almost fully. For me it makes everything seem better. If I feel down I can talk to him and he'll try to make me feel better. I'd do the same for him." She smiled.

"Like what you do for me?" He asked.

She thought it through and smiled. "Yes I suppose. I'm a friend." She laughed. "You're a strange man Kakashi-san."

Akane waited tapping her foot as she glared daggers down the trail. He was late by two hours and for her it was two hours of travel time back he was wasting. It wasn't like she was in a hurry, but some curtsey for the others would be nice.

"Akane-san please relax I can handle the wait." He smiled. Raidou was nice but he was also too calm for her, and to damn quiet.

"I will I know." She sighed.

She wasn't that tense was she?

I'm getting nervous waiting for him to come…I hate that. Why the hell am I nervous?

Akane stopped tapping her foot when a shadow appeared across the divide. She stared as it too had the shape of a jounin. He wore a hetai-ate at an angle over his left eye. His hair stood on end, being held up by the headband. A first she had no clue who he was until he opened his mouth.

"Ahh Raidou-san I see she brought you back in one piece." Akane bristled.

"HEY!!!!"

"Maa…Akane-san I didn't really notice you." The man smiled. Akane wanted to wipe that look off his face. He was doing it on purpose.

"LIAR." She spat as she marched over and stomped on his foot earning a grunt but nothing else.

"I'm sorry." He sighed. "I've been busy these past three weeks. It took you longer than you thought to come."

"Yeah." She looked behind her, "The disease is bad enough but now that new strain is showing up making it hard to control. Right now we have it sectioned off but I ran into two more of those suicidal shinobi. I swear they were brainwashed. I would have never fallen for it."

With just one eye visible his stare seemed intense, either that or he was actually looking at her intensely. Sensing the atmosphere between the two, Raidou seemed to disappear behind her and moved to a spot somewhere behind Kakashi. She hadn't really noticed him just the shift in his chakra as he moved away from the conversation.

"I doubt it too; you're too stubborn to fall for anything." He laughed as he reached over and gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. For a moment though his hand hadn't moved.

"Thanks." She muttered looking to the side. The hand was still on her shoulder. She tried hard not to blush.

Do I seriously like him this much?

Then he moved his hand. Akane let out a quiet sigh of relief when suddenly she held her breath. He had placed it under her chin and turned her face so she was looking into his one eye. She found it weird not being able to see the other one, even if it was always closed.

"I meant it as a compliment, not an insult. I would never insult you unless there was a reason." He stated this boldly as he intensified his stare.

She felt her body become warm as he smiled at her. "I….brought your pack…" She stammered unsure of what to say.

Oh now that was smooth, you go girl. Iruka would slap you silly for that, better yet he'd make you do all your katas a hundred times until you fix that.

"Really?" His eye went wide in surprise. "And there I was thinking you wanted my books so bad." 'Whack' She hit him across the face. She had hit him hard enough that out of surprise he had taken a step back.

"I HATE THEM!!!!!" She screamed defiantly with both fists at her sides.

Rubbing one ear Kakashi waved a hand telling her to keep it down. "No need to wake the dead." He sighed. "Thank you. I was worried I'd have to go and buy a new one."

"Not like it matters." She muttered turning away and crossing her arms. She knew she was being foolish, putting him on the spot as though she was expecting him to admit to something; something he wouldn't.

He glanced at her for a moment as though to say something but just stared at her. Akane could feel it but ignored it. She was not like that there was no way she was going to let him see it. It wasn't there.

Nope don't feel it rolling down my cheek, it's not there, that's the wind…yes wind…that's not there…damn…I know rain? No none of that…crap!

Finally she felt his presence behind her. Slowly he placed his hand on her arm and turned her around so he could see her.

"I made you cry?" He stared at the tear for a moment then looked back shocked.

In all his life he had seen lots of people cry; shed them for joy, pain sorrow; many things but none like this. This made him feel at a loss and horrible. He had made her cry, he did; or rather the fact he was acting as though there was nothing there. She may not have been telling him out loud but all the signals were there. She didn't want to leave him.

I feel the same way but there's nothing I can do. I live here and she lives across the border.

"Cry? I'm…I'm not crying I have no clue what you're getting at." She tried to look away but he suddenly grabbed her chin again.

Kakashi looked into her eyes deeply. He could see them literally fill with tears and yet she held them back only so she could appear strong for him.

"Akane-san…you can cry if you want to."

"No…I'm weak then."

"No you're not." He pulled her close and hugged her to his chest. He could feel the fist knot in his flack jacket. "You're the strongest person I know. Please don't hold things back." He looked down at her. She wasn't a short person, average in most cases. As he held her he felt the back of his hetai-ate get wet. Was Obito crying too?

Leaving her hurts now even after being away for three weeks. All the while I couldn't really eat or think clearly.

"How can I be so strong?" The pain in her voice was hard to ignore. Was there really something there? If there was then he was stupid to not tell her, but at the same time he knew he couldn't.

"Because you are who you are and never hide it." He smiled his eye arching. "I consider you my best friend." To her it meant a lot and at the moment it meant much more to him than she would ever realize.

I'm dying to tell her but I just can't

He could feel his heart quicken and his hands go clammy.

"Thanks, that means a lot." She looked towards the trees. Kakashi found it annoying how she avoided his gaze.

Reaching into a pocket he pulled out the chain he had bought months ago.

"I want to give you something." He smiled. "It's a thank you of sorts."

Akane pulled away and stared. "I don't need anything from you." She looked worried; he hadn't meant to worry her.

"No no let me give you this." He then stopped. "Close your eyes."

"What?"

"Trust me just do it." He sighed. Enough was enough.

Closing her eyes Akane stood anxiously.

Unclasping the chain he could feel his hands shake. He waited to give her this since the day he had bought it.

"There. Whenever you need help just pour chakra into it."

Akane looked down at the necklace in awe. She obviously knew it was expensive.

"No...no way, you shouldn't have spent so much."

"Its fine I don't have anyone besides myself to spend money and rent, for me it isn't as much as it is for others. I've had the same place since I was ten."

"But…"

"Shh…just remember if you're in trouble pour chakra into it."

"It would take you forever to get to me."

"Not if I know Iruka-san now is it." He smiled. He knew he could use Iruka's summons to get to her as fast as possible. Two weeks journey would only take the birds an hour maybe less to get to. "I had it for a while and it bothered me that I didn't give it to you sooner."

"Why?"

"I felt it was the right thing to do, for all you've done and the help."

"But."

"It's a gift and I'm not taking it back." He sighed. She was stubborn but he was going to win this.

"Okay okay. Well you have Raidou-san….I should probably return before something goes crazy at home." She stepped back. He wasn't going to let her get away though.

"Yes I know. Please try to keep me informed. I want to know what you know, especially with Orochimaru. He has my student and it's about time Konohoa got its Uchiha back neh?"

"Yes definitely. How does once a month sound? By then the news will be fresh."

"Good then." He smiled. Backing up. If he didn't chances were he'd end up going with her.

She turned away walked to the trees and looked back. Kakashi felt his heart literally shrivel. He hated goodbyes like this when she was involved. They hurt too much.

Be strong Akane-san. I need you later for the battle. I'll make sure to ask that you help out even if it ruins my credibility.

Iruka stood nervously in the hallway waiting for Kakashi to open his door. Apparently it took five minutes for one in Kakashi's opinion. No wonder he was always late.

He had brought sake with him, mostly because he felt he needed to loosen up the jounin. Why the man had asked him to talk to him was a mystery.

Watch your back Umino he could be up to something…maybe brining sake was a bad idea…I don't know what he's like drunk…hopefully not like Genma

Under normal circumstances Genma was a lot of fun to talk to but Iruka found that he got a little to friendly when he was drunk.

Slowly the door opened and Kakashi's messy head popped into sight scaring Iruka.

"Maa…you're on time too much. I was hoping it wasn't going to be like that."

"Not everyone runs by their own clock Kakashi-sensei." Iruka ground out flatly.

"You brought sake?" He eyed the bottle hungrily.

No not another one. He's going to get himself drunk tonight and then I have to listen to it.

Rolling his eyes up Iruka nodded slowly.

"You can come in then….feel free to sit where you like…" then he disappeared. Iruka stared at the empty space where the man was a moment ago…did he blink?

He's strange. Why did I agree to this?

Walking in Iruka looked around. Kakashi's apartment hadn't changed much since the last time he was there. Walking to the couch he could see into the bedroom and saw Kakashi's battered old pack sitting on the floor, his books sitting on the bed.

"I see she gave it back to you when you went to get Raidou-san."

"Yes she did" Kakashi's voice called back.

Walking further in he noticed something new. Everything else had been the same as the first day he had been there except the one object he was looking at.

"Well I'll be…" Iruka walked to the nightstand and picked up the frame.

There nestled in between the glass and the wooden backing was the picture he had sent to Kakashi the night they had gotten back.

He loves her so much that he places her between these two other pictures.

The message was clear. He loved her as much as he loved his teammates and his students. She was so important to him that he placed the picture where he kept all that was personal to him.

"Normally I'd say it's rude…but you know too much as it is."

"You liked it I see."

"Of course I did." He smiled. "She looks stunning in that picture."

"I know when I first saw this; I wanted to go back in time." He smiled as though he were seeing her as he did then. Of course he didn't anymore. Things had changed. His time was over with her. She was now his closest friend and nothing more. To Kakashi she was more, much more than a friend and the difference was they were always like that.

Kakashi watched as Iruka picked up the photo.

"She's more important than any of us know." Kakashi murmured as he took it from Iruka.

How much he wished he could be with her that day. He would have loved to have a photo of himself with her. But he never told her. Chances were he never would.

Maybe one day I can tell her, when everything gets quiet…if I live long enough.

He knew deep down the day would come when he would have to tell her, or else loose her forever.

Kakashi smiled.

I promise you I will come and get you out of that hellish country and back here to where life is more enjoyable and less painful for you.

Placing the picture down he absentmindedly ran his finger down the glass and over her face. He'd give anything to touch her again, but he'd have to put up with the photo.

"Ahh.." He sighed, "We should eat neh? If we run out of sake I think I have more, that is if you're interested."

Smiling Iruka nodded. "I'm sure we'll need it tonight. It's been a crazy few months."

"Yes it certainately has been." He smiled. He may have said it was crazy but he also found it fun.

The way he teased her, the way she teased back. The mind games were fun. He had never had a chance to talk to someone as witty as her. The single photo though as nice as the gesture was; Kakashi was sure his happiness would fail as soon as it gets old and he begins to crave the real thing and when he does he knows he'll have to be careful, very careful.

TBC?...

So as said before, look out for 'Worlds Appart'. This will have many more chapter too it and a lot of action.

Thank you everyone who has read this far. If you are still confused by something in this aprt please feel free to ask or email me.