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Chapter 43 – Setting Sail

"You saw, right?" Sakura asked as the three Genin walked home together after their long day of training.

"Yeah. Who knew Kakashi-sensei was actually interested in women," Naruto replied.

"What'd you mean by that?" The young kunoichi shook her head, trying to get rid of the images her mind produced.

"I meant I didn't think he was interested in dating. Why? What did you think I meant?"

She waved away his question. "Oh, nothing."

"I don't get why you two care so much. So what we saw them kiss? Sakura, didn't you say Amaya-sensei and Kakashi-sensei used to be together?" Sasuke could barely believe he was letting himself be dragged in even this much. He knew, though, that if he didn't contribute a little, he'd never be left alone. "She's been back what? Six months now? If they were going to get back together, don't you think it would've happened already? I'm sure this isn't the first time they've kissed."

Sakura wasn't convinced. "You two didn't see the way she pulled back. She wasn't sure about it. And she didn't follow him when he left. Oh, I know! If she's not sure about how she feels, let's give them both a chance to find out. Besides, if Kakashi-sensei has a girlfriend, that'd mean he might not want to do so many awful training sessions with us."

"So, what's your plan?" Sasuke asked, doing his best to hide the fact that he was becoming slightly interested. "Because I know I'm going to get dragged into it somehow."


Every fangirl worth her salt knew certain steps had to be taken for romance to blossom. Sakura knew this, but she was having trouble explaining it to the boys. She sighed, crossed her arms, and willed her patience to hold out a little longer. "It's not that hard."

The three Genin sat high in a tree near the Academy the morning after their training. No one would really think much of what they were doing, which was exactly what was needed when scheming.

"But why? What's the point?" Naruto asked, throwing his hands up in exasperation.

"As much as I hate it, I have to agree," Sasuke said.

The young kunoichi shook her head. How difficult was it to understand that every couple had to have a name? When she'd asked whether they liked Amashi or Kakaya better, they looked at her like she was crazy. She guessed she could understand a little; neither name worked well. Sakura sighed. "I guess we can skip the name."

"What's the next thing then? I just want to get this over with," grumbled the Uchiha, though truthfully, he relished the idea of playing matchmaker. Maybe it would give Amaya somebody else to try and fix instead of him. Not that he wasn't grateful for all she'd done for him, but there was only so much he could take.

"Next, we need to find out if they like the same foods or books or whatever. We need something to bring them together, to make them realize they have something in common. Let's split up for today and see what we can learn."


Amaya glanced around to make sure no one was around before walking into the book store. Why she'd let Kakashi talk her into picking up the latest Icha Icha for him was beyond her. Well, she admitted the fact that all his ninken were sick had helped his case. He'd been so dutiful, caring for them all night with a tenderness she'd rarely seen. How could she say no?

She plucked the book from the shelves, again glancing around to see if anyone had entered the practically empty store. Only her ninja reflexes saved her from running into Sakura, whose arms were full of teen romance novels. "Sorry. Didn't see you there."

"That's okay, Amaya-sensei. What're you buying?"

"Oh. This?" The Jonin waved the book self-consciously. "Just something I'm picking up for Kakashi. You know how he loves these books."

"Yeah. He's always reading them. Well, I should go pay for these. Good to see you, Sensei."

"Good to see you too," Amaya said, thankful Sakura hadn't thought she was really buying the book for herself.


"Wait, Amaya-sensei likes those books?" Naruto cocked his head, trying to imagine it. He hadn't thought she was a perv. He shrugged; what she did on her own time was her business.

Sasuke folded his arms. "Are you sure you're not reading too much into it? Maybe she was buying the book for Kakashi."

"No one gets that embarrassed over buying something for someone else," Sakura retorted. Didn't these boys read? She pushed thoughts of their ineptitude from her mind to focus on the task at hand. "Icha Icha is the only lead we have, since two certain people came back empty-handed. Hmmmm, I'll have to sneak a look at my mom's copies for ideas, but in the meantime, we need a way to get them to agree to a date."

The three Genin sat in their plotting tree and tossed ideas back and forth until Sasuke had a moment of insight. "What if we wrote notes as if we were them? I can use my Sharingan to forge Kakashi's handwriting, but I haven't seen enough of Amaya's to be able to."

Naruto grinned. "Leave that to me."


Izumo yawned; the mission room was quiet, with only him working the desk this early. And he hadn't had enough sleep lately. Kotetsu had brought a different girl home nearly every night for the past week. The walls in their apartment weren't nearly as thick as he seemed to think. Maybe talking to someone about it would help him figure out what to do.

The Chunin yawned again, too tired to be startled by Naruto's sudden appearance in front of him. "Can I help you?"

"Can I have Amaya Kato's last mission report? She asked me to get it for her so she can change something."

"Sure," Izumo said through yet another yawn. He began sorting through the stack of unread reports. Amaya Kato. He knew her, knew of her at least; she was the one that always took time to help the younger students, someone you could tell your problems to and get actual good advice. Maybe she was still that way. Finding the Jonin's last report, the exhausted Chunin handed Naruto the paper. Maybe he'd see if she remembered him sometime soon if Kotetsu didn't stop acting like a damn rabbit.


When Amaya found the note slipped under her door, she thought maybe it was Kakashi. That thought lasted only a moment as she read.

My dearest,

I'd like to meet you this evening for dinner under the stars. There's a secluded clearing outside the village. Just follow the roses. I eagerly await your arrival.

Sincerely,

Your Secret Admirer

The Jonin finished reading and laughed, which drew Kakashi to her. He wrapped his arms around her stomach and leaned over her shoulder. His eyes ran over the note, written in his own handwriting. He couldn't help but smile. "It seems your secret admirer likes Icha Icha. This is almost word for word from the second book."

"And I think I know who it's from." She sensed the silver-haired Jonin's smile widen.

"From me, of course. This is my handwriting, after all."

Shaking her head, Amaya extracted herself from his embrace and turned to face him. "I think a certain group of minions are trying to play matchmaker."

"I say we let them. Play along with their scheme and then make sure they never want to intrude again."

"Oh?" the kunoichi said, raising an eyebrow. "And how do you plan on accomplishing that?"

The Copy-nin placed a kiss on her lips. "You just wear something nice and let me handle the rest."


"Naruto, sit still," Sakura scolded, keeping her voice low, not wanting Amaya to know they were watching.

"I can't help it! We've been here for hours and Kakashi still hasn't shown up."

Sasuke sighed. His teammate did have a point, but did he have to complain so much? None of them liked sitting in the bushes. Night had fallen, but the moon was bright. The candles in the clearing helped illuminate the auburn-haired Jonin as she waited patiently for her admirer to appear. She wore a short black dress and heels, her long hair tied into a braid.

Finally, a flash of silver hair heralded the arrival of their sensei. He wasn't dressed any differently than normal, but he had a dozen roses and a picnic blanket and basket. The roses he handed to Amaya and spread out the blanket. They sat, opening the basket.

The Genin watched with interest as the two Jonin ate, drank, and chatted for a while. Sakura couldn't keep the grin off her face. Nor could Naruto, but Sasuke managed. Barely. There was a flash of movement and the trio stared as Kakashi was suddenly on top of Amaya, pushing her dress up high.

A rustling of leaves told the Jonin their onlookers had fled. Amaya glanced at Kakashi, a sandwich raised to her lips. "What did you just make them see?"

"Nothing too bad, I swear. Let's finish up and get back. I'm exhausted. That genjutsu took more out of me than I thought."


As Amaya slid into bed next to Kakashi, she snuggled against the back of the already sleeping Jonin. His warmth was soothing and she relaxed. Kisses and gentle touches had been exchanged before they left the clearing. Why completely waste the Genin's hard work? The memory of his lips on hers still clung to her mind. She marveled at how different their relationship was now. Before, there would have been no hesitation to do exactly what the Genin had thought they saw. But now, while the want still very much existed, there was control. They both knew when the time was right, there would be no hesitation and so they waited.

Before she fell asleep, Amaya propped herself up on an elbow, leaned over, and kissed Kakashi's cheek. "I love you." As the whispered words left her mouth, a smile replaced them. For she knew without doubt that she meant them.