Like ordered of them, a week later, Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura made massive improvements on their chosen jutsu's and Kakashi was extremely proud of them for it "As I promised I'll teach you each an elemental jutsu" Kakashi informed.
Once they'd all gathered on their training field "Well you already know my element so that will be easy" Sasuke commented, pleased with his own progress so far, his chakra scalpel had reached the length of two inches and his control had also grown.
Kakashi crinkled his eye at him "Don't you want to know if you have any other natures besides fire Sasuke-kun" the Copy Ninja waved a piece of paper at the boy, smirking when Sasuke straightened charcoal orbs focused on the paper infinitely more interested now.
"These are nature sensing paper right…so we just have to focus chakra into it" Sakura questioned, ever the knowledgeable one, once she had a slip of paper in her hand, Kakashi ruffled her now short pink hair in answer.
Indicating that she was correct on her assumption "Cool….hey what does this mean" Naruto grinned, pushing his chakra into the paper only to have it rip in half on him, he wasn't to sure on the elements so glance to Sakura.
Whose paper got wet and subsequently crumbled "Wind Naruto, while I have water and earth" the rosette explained, going over the possibilities that had been presented to her with the revelation that she had two individual chakra natures that she could wield.
And she wasn't the only one as Sasuke turned to have lightning nature chakra along with his already known nature of fire before he could ask a book was thrown at him "Raiton: Thunderbolt" the raven requested.
Eager to get started on learning jutsu for his newly learned element, Naruto was next "Uh Futon: Multi-layered Gale Jutsu" the blonde shrugged, picking out what would probably be the most draining of jutsu's.
Why would he be worried however since he had lots of chakra to spare and last was Sakura who went with learning an earth jutsu "And remember to keep up practice on your other jutsu's or I'll start making you take D ranks on again" Kakashi reminded/warned.
Students scrambling away from him at that because they didn't want anything to disrupt their training time since Kakashi hadn't made them do any missions since they'd started back up with their training last week.
Four hours later they all wanted to scream in frustration "Now, now don't get upset, mastering your elements usually isn't something genin are taught so be honored and keep at it, you'll get it I promise" the Copy Ninja chuckled.
Inwardly amused at the destruction they'd caused "Sure whatever you say Kakashi-sensei" Naruto scowled, hating how he sucked at doing the most basic of things like using his chakra for anything other than shadow clones.
His eyes widened as he thought up an idea that would most likely accelerate his training hopefully "Kakashi-sensei's right Naruto, we can't give up, we just have to continue practicing is all, I mean haven't you gotten better at casting that genjutsu" Sakura jumped to his side.
Thinking he was depressed and doing her best to cheer him up like she always did "That's right compared to a couple weeks ago, now Sakura's working on healing a fish, I can extend my chakra scalpel by two inches and you've improved on your genjutsu like Sakura said" Sasuke nodded.
Naruto smiled at them in thanks as Kakashi dismissed them for the day and once he was gone from sight he rounded on his teammates "Can we go to the library so that I can look something up" the blonde requested.
"But you loathe studying" the pinkette gaped before dissolving into helpless giggles, she didn't deny him what he wanted however so the three of them headed for the library and once in they headed for the shinobi section after showing their identification cards.
The blonde headed straight for a bookshelf "So what exactly are you looking up anyway Naruto" the raven of the team asked, idly flipping through a book on anatomy while Sakura brushed up on mathematical equations.
Their knuckleheaded teammate paused, looking around warily as he did so "Stuff about shadow clones, they have to good for more than what I've been using them for so far right, so I want to look up some information about the jutsu" Naruto explained.
Using his inside voice that Sakura had been helping him develop "Knucklehead if you'd just asked we could have told you" Sasuke rolled his eyes, though he was slightly shocked Naruto had thought about what else he could use his shadow clones for all on his own.
And secretly proud of him for it "Yeah Naruto, like for instance recon, because anything a shadow clone learns the original retains…that's it isn't it" Sakura lectured, eyes widening in realization of why Naruto wanted to know what else he could use his shadow clones for.
"Precisely, with shadow clones I can work on both of my jutsu's, while accelerating my training at the same time cutting the learning time in half" Naruto admitted, abandoning his search for information now that he'd already learned what he needed from his teammates.
It did chaff him a bit however that he'd wasted a trip to the library when they could have gone home where Sakura would already be cooking them lunch "Come on Naruto, lets go home, I have to check on Chishi anyway" Sakura snickered.
Grabbing his wrist as was the norm "I wonder how Shisha and Kansen are doing" Sasuke mused as they began a leisurely walk back to their shared apartment, unaware that they were being followed by the blonde banshee.
Right as they were turning into the building Ino came out of nowhere, slamming a fist into the back of Sakura's head "What's the matter ugly billboard brow not woman enough to hit me, yeah I thought so your still pathetic" Ino taunted.
Unaware that she was treading very dangerous ground as Sakura slowly rose, body trembling with barely suppressed rage "Be careful of what you ask for Ino because you might just get it" Sakura growled just before launching herself at Ino.
Fortunately she wasn't able to deal any damage to the idiotic blonde as Sasuke grabbed her around the waist "Yamanaka I suggest you leave or I'll let her go to beat your ass into the ground" Sasuke snapped while inwardly hoping they wouldn't have to visit the hospital again.
Or this time the lobby receptionist would really nag at them "Go ahead Sasuke-kun that pathetic excuse for a kunoichi wouldn't be able to lay a finger on me" Ino intoned arrogantly and Sasuke had to tighten his hold on Sakura in response.
What Ino didn't realize was that it was taking all of Sasuke's strength to keep Sakura from attacking her and that was without the pinkette enhancing her muscles with chakra "Really Ino leave or are you just that stupid" Naruto scowled.
Hoping that someone would come along, "Everything okay" luck was shining down on them as Anko appeared on scene, she took one look at the smirking Ino, noted the way Sasuke was struggling to hold onto Sakura and understood the situation.
All without them having to explain or say a single word to her "No, Ino came out of nowhere and punched Sakura then started taunting her, egging her on, but that would have just gotten Sakura-chan in trouble" Naruto glared at Ino.
Who kept up with the cocky attitude "That so….well then perhaps I'll tell your Father about your despicable behavior towards fellow shinobi what do you think about that Yamanaka" Anko put a hand on her hip, sneering down at the younger kunoichi.
Immediately Ino lost her arrogance "B..But that ugly billboard brow started it, she threatened to punch me last week so I was just finishing it" Ino stuttered, face flushed with anger over the fact that she was the one getting a dressing down and not that stupid forehead girl.
"Did she actually punch you….no, then you don't attack someone for simply uttering empty threats, you were probably being annoying anyway" Anko rolled her eyes unimpressed with Inoichi's daughter.
Realizing she had no case Ino burst into tears and fled down the streets from where she came "Now are you okay Pinky or do you still want to go around in which case I'm perfectly happy in indulging you with a spar" Anko turned on Sakura.
She was no longer struggling to escape from Sasuke's now loose hold on her waist "I'm fine Anko-sensei, next time however she's not getting away with her bullshit" Sakura snarled after the fleeing blonde.
Anko then got a look at what Sakura was wearing and burst out laughing "I've corrupted you" the purple haired interrogator cackled maniacally at seeing the white trench coat the girl had on and the slightly more revealing clothes.
"More like Sakura was already like that before we met you" Sasuke scoffed, not being mouthy, just stating the truth, prompting an eye roll from Sakura before it turned into a wince immediately worrying him and Naruto.
Even Anko grew concerned when the pinkette gingerly felt up the back of her head "Brat really got you didn't she….come on to the hospital, you could have a concussion and I won't be blamed for doing nothing if you accidentally fall into a coma" Anko ordered.
Directing the girl back down the streets towards the hospital "Great and now that receptionist lady is really going to nag at us and think this is all our faults again" Naruto groaned, really hating the hospital at this point due to the amount of times they'd had to be healed there.
"Sorry Naruto but it's better to be safe than sorry" Sakura apologized, feeling a little unbalanced now and finding it hard to stay awake, warning her that something was off, a concussion like Anko suspected probably.
Just like they thought the minute the four of them entered the hospital lobby that receptionist started shrieking at them "THIS IS THE FIFTIETH TIME, what did you do now crack a rib, honestly don't you know how to treat each other better than that" she scowled.
Anko blinked then snorted realizing Naruto hadn't been exaggerating "Actually Yamanaka's daughter tried to crack Pinky's skull it wasn't their fault this time, though I would like to get her in to see a medic, now even, she doesn't look to good" Anko explained.
Regarding Sakura warily who paled and began looking sick to her stomach Naruto thrust a trashcan under her chin in the nick of time to just before she became violently ill into it "Definitely a concussion" the receptionist muttered, tutting at their self abuse.
But thankfully mere seconds later a medic appeared, the same one who'd examined Sakura a week ago, leaving the rest of them in the lobby "Anko-sensei are you going to tell Ino's old man about what she did" Naruto inquired.
Tugging on the sleeve of her tan trench coat gently to get her attention "Probably blondie because that behavior is completely unacceptable and I know Inoichi taught his brat better manners than that" Anko nodded.
Patting his unruly blonde hair as she did so "Good because she doesn't deserve to get away with almost putting Sakura in a coma" Sasuke sneered, only relaxing when ten minutes later Sakura was returned, concussion healed.
At this point Sakura however was not in the mood to cook lunch so they headed for the tea shop, Anko leaving them to eat as she headed for Yamanaka Florists "Ah Anko what brings you here" Aiko was out front, Inoichi no where to be seen.
"Looking for your husband, I have something to say that I think he needs to hear" Anko commented being vague for now just in case the little brat was hanging around though she didn't sense the girls chakra.
Concerned Aiko put out a sign indicating the shop was closed for the rest of the afternoon before gesturing at Anko to follow her into the back where Inoichi was "Anko-san is everything alright down at T&I" Inoichi questioned upon seeing the purple haired interrogator.
She nodded her head thankfully "Your daughter Inoichi gave one of Kakashi's genin a concussion earlier, your welcome to take a peek into my head to affirm the truth and go visit those brats of course but I just thought you'd want to know how your daughter is behaving" Anko informed.
Understandably dubious Inoichi used his jutsu to look inside of Anko's mind only to be suitably horrified at Ino's actions towards a fellow genin "How disappointing, where might I find Kakashi-san's students, for further evidence of course" Inoichi sighed.
Wondering how he could have missed the signs and he and Aiko had thought their daughter was the kindest and most forgiving girl "Those brats live at this address, apartment 107" Anko scribbled the address down for the man before vanishing in a puff of smoke.
Leaving Inoichi to head for the address listed "Yes….oh Inoichi-san what brings you here" Sakura frowned upon opening the door only to find Ino's dad on the other side in the hallway, when he gestured into the apartment she moved to the side allowing him entrance.
"I heard Ino gave you a concussion, I'd like to see the confrontation if you don't mind so that I can properly scold her for doing that" Inoichi explained once he was sat on the couch in the small living room.
Sakura blinked before shrugging and letting him conduct his business, he pulled out of her head with a wince "Yeah, she hit Sakura-chan with enough force to crack her skull" Naruto grimaced seeing the horror in the man's eyes at what his daughter had done to Sakura.
Inoichi shook his head, disappointment clear on his face at his daughters actions "Don't, your not responsible for her unwarranted attack, Ino should be the one to apologize not you Inoichi-san" Sasuke cut in when he saw the man opening his mouth.
Earning a chuckle "True…and an apology you'll have once I'm through scolding her" Inoichi assured, returning home to wait with his wife for their daughter to come back from whatever she was doing.
The moment Ino walked through the door however she knew she was in trouble when she got nothing but silence "Dad, Mom everything okay" Ino asked, hoping that she was just imagining things.
Of course she couldn't be that lucky when her mother shook her head "We are severely disappointed in you Ino-chan….you could have killed her, Sakura-san I mean" Aiko rebuked harshly wearing the deepest frown imaginable.
Ino opened her mouth to argue back but her father stopped her "No, I saw what you did Ino…you attacked her unprovoked and that's not becoming behavior of the clan heiress, if your attitude and behavior does not change I'll have no choice but to….." Inoichi trailed off.
Taking a deep breath "I'll have no choice but to ban you from taking the Chunin Exams in a couple months time, should your sensei enter you into it anyway, for now go to your room and think about your actions young lady" the Yamanaka Patriarch declared.
Pointing "And no more gallivanting around, the minute your done training and finished undertaking missions with your team you are to come straight home is that understood" the Yamanaka Matriarch announced.
Laying down the law essentially "Understood" Ino nodded, already crying big fat tears as she rushed to her room, not understanding why she was the one being punished when it was all that stupid forehead girls fault.
Meanwhile the genin of Team Seven finally managed to make it home without incident this time only to find their sensei stood outside their apartment "You know, we should really make it so I can get into your apartment when your not here" Kakashi huffed.
Having gotten electrocuted again because he'd forgotten about the elemental seal on the door "Oops sorry" Sakura grinned sheepishly, unsealing the door for the four of them and she immediately got to work on making it so Kakashi could access the apartment as well.
"Don't see why it matters in a few weeks we'll be moving out of here and into a house can't you wait until then Kakashi" Sasuke snorted, watching as Sakura set up shop in front of the door adjusting her seal.
Kakashi lifted a silver brow in response then looked to Sakura "We haven't decided on a house yet, the ones we looked at yesterday were to expensive and didn't have the room we needed anyway" Naruto chimed in.
Crowding into the little foyer "Every house we've looked at has been to expensive you mean" the rosette scowled, redrawing the seal for the third time and finally getting it right, then she gestured for Kakashi to add his chakra to it.
Followed by her, then Sasuke and lastly Naruto "And with that all I have to do is pulse chakra into the door to get in right" the Copy Ninja inquired, amused at how cautious Sakura was though he was glad she was, it saved him from doing all the hard work himself.
What with Danzo sniffing after his kunoichi, the old war hawk was curious about the reason Hiruzen had placed Sakura under an anbu guard, something he was hesitating on telling her about but he knew he would have to soon.
Or Sakura would be unprepared for the elder "Yes Kakashi-sensei that's all you have to do now so no more waiting for us" the blonde knucklehead nodded, answering his question as they settled on the furniture in the living room.
Here Kakashi knew he couldn't put off telling Sakura any longer "Listen Sakura-chan, last week, I had to tell Hokage-sama about your you know what and he placed you under an anbu watch" Kakashi informed.
Waiting for the outrage and it came from Sasuke "The hell would he do that for, does he think that Sakura's going to go rogue or something" the Uchiha spluttered angrily, mood darkening at the thought of it.
"No Sasuke, but he had to take precautions just to be sure…anyway his old friend an elder on the council Danzo Shimura learned of this fact and has been going out of his way to try and meet you the past few days" Kakashi shook his head.
Continuing on with his explanation "This elder dude doesn't know the reason does he" Naruto frowned, sliding closer to Sakura, fearful that something was going to happen too his best friend again.
Kakashi sighed "Thankfully no since Hokage-sama didn't put the information on your permanent record, I just wanted to let you know so that he didn't catch you unaware Sakura-chan" Kakashi admitted to their relief.
Sakura eerily silent "Okay, thank you for telling me Kakashi-sensei, I even understand Hokage-sama's reasoning for doing so, it's natural to be afraid of the unknown after all" Sakura said, still not use to her new status herself.
'Of course she'd be mature about the whole thing' Kakashi thought to himself "Also I might be able to help you with your house situation" he offered, deciding it was the least he could do for unloading unnecessary stress on his students like he just had.
Each of them perked up at the offer "Really….that's awesome you know" Naruto chirped getting a nod from Kakashi, who stood leaving them to laze about for the rest of the day if they wanted while he sought out his friend.
To his surprise Tenzo was not that hard to find, being rather close, which indicated the younger man was part of the anbu guard detail assigned to Sakura "Greetings Kakashi-senpai" Tenzo gave a wave to his friend.
When the silver haired nin appeared next to him on the roof opposite the apartment building "Tenzo…see anything interesting today" the Copy Ninja asked, flipping open his Icha Icha Paradise book.
Tenzo shot him a dirty look in response "Inoichi's daughter tried to give your kunoichi a concussion earlier, Anko came to the rescue however" the wood user announced, earning a frown, clearly Sakura hadn't told Kakashi that little tidbit.
Kakashi crinkled his nose wondering why the woman seemed invested in his students but knew he'd probably never get a straight answer if he asked "Anyway I came to ask you for a tiny little favor" Kakashi said.
Getting to the point of his visit "Lets hope it doesn't have to do with going on a mission in your place again you don't even know how much paperwork that caused Hokage-sama" Tenzo eyed Kakashi warily.
Who shook his head "Building a house actually for my students and I know just where to put it, don't worry I'll ask for permission first this time from Hokage-sama" Kakashi informed, deciding it was high time he pulled his weight where his genin were concerned.
In order to protect them from vultures like Danzo or Orochimaru, even Akatsuki "Pardon you want me to make your genin a house" Tenzo spluttered in surprise because this was the most bizarre thing Kakashi had ever requested of him.
"Yes…..to protect them Tenzo, Danzo's already suspicious of Sakura-chan, Orochimaru might be after her and Sasuke in the future and the Akatsuki are hunting down Jinchuuriki, that's all three of my students who are targets for dangerous people" Kakashi glared.
Friend holding up his hands "Valid point Kakashi-senpai but no need to snap at me, I'll make them a house if you ask for permission first" Tenzo grimaced from behind his mask, realizing how far Kakashi had fallen since taking on genin.
No one would ever believe Kakashi Hatake, the lone survivor of the Hatake Clan, the White Fangs Son, and the Copy Ninja would have come to care for his students on such an emotional level that he would actively do whatever he could to ensure their protection, it was laughable.
But he didn't dare laugh knowing how said man would react if he did "Good, I've actually been meaning to request something of Hokage-sama anyway" Kakashi nodded relieved that Tenzo hadn't fought him over this idea.
As he body flickered to reach the Hokage Tower "Ah Kakashi-kun what a pleasant surprise, if your wondering I'll be rescinding my order soon so Sakura-chan doesn't have to worry about being under anbu watch any longer" Hiruzen declared.
Having been watching through his crystal ball this past week "Thank you Hokage-sama I'll be sure to tell her that….as for why I've decided to visit you there are two matters I wish to request of you regarding my students" Kakashi sat.
Attaining a more serious air than usual "Well then ask away Kakashi-kun and depending on what they are, I may or may not grant your requests" the Hokage said, gesturing for the younger man to begin speaking.
"First, I'd like to tell Naruto and Sakura that their adoptive siblings, they deserve to know their family to one another after growing up with each other anyway it's only fair I believe" the Copy Ninja announced.
The Hokage chuckled in response "It's not something that should have been kept from them in the first place so request granted, I'm just glad its you telling Naruto-kun and Sakura-chan" Hiruzen relented easily.
So now came the second matter "And second as Sasuke-kun kindly told me they intend on moving out of the apartment their living in together into a house, I'd like permission to have Tenzo build a house on a particular training ground" Kakashi informed.
Leaning back in the chair as he waited for an answer "Danzo isn't it….and on your team training grounds right…very well, on two conditions you buy the entire land so it belongs solely to you and your team and two, don't let anyone else know" Hiruzen said.
Throwing in his own demands "Easy enough, will this pay for the lot" the Copy Ninja asked, pulling out what he'd taken from Gato's base, glad to finally find a use for the money since it had simply been burning a hole in his pouch.
"More than enough, tell Tenzo he is relieved from his watch duty so he can make the house to your specifications" the Hokage nodded, handing back quite a lot which would probably be used to help misdirect people away from Team Seven's real address.
A deed to the land he'd just bought was thrust into his hand and with that Kakashi headed off to meet up with Tenzo again "Did you get permission" Tenzo questioned when his senpai returned from meeting with the Hokage.
Kakashi smirked "I'm a smooth talker so of course Tenzo, Hokage-sama agreed to everything, he also said your relieved from your duty of observing Sakura-chan since there's no more reason to watch her" Kakashi declared.
That was a surprise to Tenzo, so the two headed off to training grounds seven "Alright Kakashi-senpai how do you want this done" the wood user asked ready to make the house to Kakashi's specifications.
His friend was quiet for a moment "Lets make it no higher than the tree's, I don't want anyone being able to spot it from the path, so at least two floors high, with maybe a small attic for storage" the Copy Ninja began.
Searching as he did so "Build it there, on the first floor, will be a large spacious kitchen, a dining nook with room for at least six people to fit, a comfortable living room, and a room for a bathroom, perhaps also a connecting room off to the side to put their training equipment" Kakashi mused.
Gesturing to a spot as they came upon it, there was a lake conveniently just beyond a copse of trees which would prove advantageous should the kids want to improve their water walking skill "On the second floor…hmm at least five bedrooms" Kakashi said.
"Each of them with balconies, except for one, and one of the bedrooms will have a smaller room connected to it, and a bathroom, two other bedrooms will have bathrooms attached to them as well, while the last one will be a guest one and I think that's it" Kakashi finished.
With a few quick hand signs the very house he'd just finished describing was stood before them "Go check it out Kakashi-senpai so that I didn't mess up on anything" Tenzo suggested, growing tree's out of the room to make sure know one saw it from above.
Since Kakashi was being pretty secretive when the man returned Tenzo sighed in relief when his friend gave him a thumbs up "Perfect, all that I have to do now is buy whats needed and set up the house over the next couple of weeks thanks Tenzo" Kakashi nodded.
Pleased with the newly built house, he wasn't done however so after swearing Tenzo to secrecy about the location of the house, Kakashi headed back to the apartment his students currently resided in.
Rather grateful when he was able to simply walk in without getting shocked from the elemental seal on the door, upon entering the living room he found all of his students sprawled out on the couches reading each with a different book in hand.
Less than a second passed before Sakura noticed himself standing there in the living room doorway "Kakashi-sensei back already, you must really like us, even though you said you hated us when we all first met" Sakura giggled.
In some sort of mischievous mood "No, no I didn't…..did I" Kakashi denied, barely remembering saying his first impression of them was that he hated them, Sakura shot him a deadpan look in response, Naruto and Sasuke nodding along.
"Yeah you so totally did Kakashi-sensei" Naruto pointed an accusing finger at the man, playing along with Sakura who decided she had wanted to mess with their sensei a little bit for some reason, it was all in good fun though.
Even Sasuke got in on it "Sakura and Naruto are right, your exact words were I believe my first impression of you is…I hate you" Sasuke declared smugly, glanced to Sakura and then the three of them promptly lost it by dissolving into helpless laughter.
Kakashi rolled his eyes in exasperation "Fine, but things are different now" Kakashi relented, admitting that much "As for why I'm back, there are a few things we need to discuss" the silver haired Jonin informed.
Taking a seat in the empty arm chair since his kids were taking up the couches, once he was sure their attention was completely on him he began "First I have something to tell you Naruto, Sakura…congratulations your adopted siblings" Kakashi declared.
Sakura creased her forehead in confusion then understanding dawned on her "The couple that took me in, they were Naruto's parents….so all along I've had family, not biological sure, but family all the same" Sakura squealed.
Launching herself at Naruto to hug the life out the poor boy who had been her little brother all along "Your not pulling our legs are you Kakashi-sensei" Naruto asked just to be sure as he hugged Sakura back for all he was worth.
"It's not a joke, your parents took in Sakura-chan a month before you were born…don't ask because I can say no more on the subject, just be content with what you know now" Kakashi assured, adding the rest because he knew Naruto would ask.
So quickly nipped that desire in the bud "Next, I found a house for you three and in two weeks it will be all ready to move into….that's where things get complicated, you cannot let anyone know where you live once your in the new house understand" the Copy Ninja warned.
"Because of that Elder right" Sasuke questioned, inwardly vowing to do anything to protect his teammates including sacrificing himself if need be, he wouldn't tell them that of course as he leveled a cool look at their sensei.
Who nodded "Unfortunately its not just Danzo you three have to worry about, Orochimaru and an organization called Akatsuki possibly in the future, that's why don't tell the complex manager that your moving out, misdirection will become an essential part of your lives from now on" Kakashi informed.
With that the serious conversation for the day were done and over with and hours later after a delicious dinner courtesy of Sakura, Kakashi took up residency on the couch again while his students took showers and headed to bed, and soon the apartment was filled with the sound of snoring from its sleeping occupants.