AN: Hi all, this story came to me after a conversation about how Kakashi deserves his own happy ending. Also, I edited some formating things in this chapter, so if you've read it once, you only have to read it again if you want too.


Chapter 1: Dreams


Being the Captain of the ANBU Black Ops for the Village Hidden in the Leaves is both a great honor and a pain in the ass, in my opinion anyway. While it is quite an accomplishment to be the first kunoichi to lead the legendary force, I still pale in comparison to the younger generation's Sakura Haruno. Though I am currently on guard duty for the lazy, smut reading, silver-haired, pain in my ass Hokage. I don't doubt his skills on the battlefield, but the office is a whole other ball game. Still, I worry about Hokage-sama, he seems to be down all the time despite the worst is over. "Hokage-sama, pardon my interruption, but is everything alright?" I ask knowing I'll get some half-truth. "It's not as though I was working anyways, Wolf. The war is over, peace has been achieved, the village is healing. That is alright in my opinion." Wolf. My ANBU Code name. I am so used to hearing it that I often take a moment to respond to my given name. "I know the village is alright sir, I was inquiring about you," I replied testing the limits of his sharing. "I see. Sometimes I feel that others, my comrades, my students, even civilians, are moving on. And I am not." Hokage-sama replies not looking up from the paperwork on his desk. Oh, so that's what's bothering him. Interesting. "I understand. Change is hard. Especially good change after years of hardship. But if we do not accept change, we can never accomplish our dreams." I know all too well of the hardship that a shinobi life has to offer. "Wolf, my dream is part of the problem. It is old and most likely unattainable." Hmm, that's a new one. Never heard that before. Idiot. Kakashi Hatake is so dense. "That is a bit hypocritical of you Hokage-sama," I replied knowing it would boil his blood. "And why is that?" he asked, finally turning to look at me. "You have spent the last six years of your life training three students who all have, what would be to most, unattainable dreams. Naruto Uzumaki, the kyuubi host, the once hated son of the legendary 4th Hokage. His dream is to become Hokage, and he is closer than ever before. You are still helping him to achieve that dream. Sasuke Uchiha, while his dream was a bit twisted he achieved it, and that was partially due to your guidance. His other dream, to restore the honor of the Uchiha clan, what in the name of Kami do you think he's doing on his atonement journey? And Sakura Haruno. The once useless member of the team turned to the most fearless kunoichi in the village. She brought Sasuke-san home. And you just approved her proposal for a children's mental health clinic. All of those dreams used to be unattainable. They are achieving their dreams, it's about time you work on yours, Hokage-sama." I am getting fired for this. But seriously the man needs a reality check. Though I don't think that's my job but hey someone has to do it. "Thank you, Wolf. But I have had the same dream since I was 7 years old, and though it's evolved. It still scares me." Scares him? Besides losing people, I didn't think anything scared the great Kakashi Hatake. "Pardon me, but what could possibly be so terrifying that it rattles you, Hokage-sama?" I ask, now genuinely curious about his dream. "My dream is to have a family, I have my students, and in some ways they are my family, but I wish to have a wife and children. People to come home too. It scares me because I am the Hokage. I already have a target on my back, and so would they. They would be targeted simply for being people I love. And I would never forgive myself if I lost them." Hokage replied, picking up his signature green book. Who would have thought that Hokage-sama is a secret family man? This definitely increases my respect for him. Well time for some unsolicited advice. "I see. Can I ask you something? Maybe it will help with your dilemma." I replied. "Go ahead. I've already poured my heart out to you anyway." He replied signing a paper. "Is it better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all? Find the answer for yourself and then you will know if your dream is worth fighting for." And with that, I left the office. My shift is over.


Kakashi's POV

Wow. I was not expecting that. Wolf is wise for a woman her age. Though I've never actually read her file so I'm not sure exactly how old she is. Whatever she still schooled me and usually I am the one doing schooling, I am a sensei after all. Cat, another elite ANBU took his post as Wolf's shift is over. Damn her question is all I can think about. Seriously that's actually a good question. I can think of the answers others would give Wolf. Despite everything that has happened, all of my students would say it is better to have loved and lost. For Sasuke and Sakura, losing people made them want to become stronger. In the end, that strength saved them. And Naruto, though he lost his parents so young, it meant he grew to love others as a family. He learned that even though it's hard, being with people is better than being alone. Gai and Kurenai would both say it is better to love and lose. Hell, most people in this village probably would. Except maybe Orochimaru, but who knows if they are even human. Would I be better off if I had never even cared for Obito, or Rin, Minato-sensei, my father? No. That would have been a life unworthy of living. Losing them made me who I am. I would have never agreed to become a sensei and my students are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I know the answer. It's better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. I think that Wolf was trying to tell me that my dream is worth fighting for. Interesting. Maybe I should read her file. Yes.