Ok everyone, here is the fifteenth chapter of My Own Peace. I know what many of you are thinking, "finally going to get to read about Sasuke getting his well deserved woopin". Sorry, not happening here. This is the infamous fifth chapter after all. This is where I get to let you all know what else is happening to other character that may or may not come into play. This particular one was inspired through a review I got a while back, and I was more than happy to do it this time around. I ask all the time if anyone would like to see how other characters are growing, please let me know, this is what you get. As you read this it is in a different style. There is no dialoge, it is purely a story told. Thought I would try out this format to see what you all think. Happy to say though the next chapter if the big fight.

On another note I would also like to inform you that if you would like to take a look at my profile, you will see a current and reletive timeline comparrison for My Own Peace. I also have a rant there for all the authors out there, and a listing of just a few of my favorite anime's. Just as a heads up I would also like you to take a look at my second and new story, be warned it is greusome though. My wife also writes on this site, and she has two stories as well that you should look at over at Jadedren.

Shout Outs:

Kingkakashi: This chapter is for you. You will have to wait for the emo-beatdown. I will try to get a detailed as possible on the next chapter, but this is a showcase for Hinata really, and how far she has come.

Vort: Some cliff hangers are good, some are bad, some just leave you with "what the hell was that?"

acedude: Never thought of an omake as of yet, but will give it some thought.

ex-ellent: Naruto needed the current group right then and thier, even in shock somewhat, they would do what he says without question, esspecially Gaara. You will have to wait to see if Sasuke lives or dies, still in the air about that myself. Karin is an interesting character, that has been a one trick pony in the anime. I want to give her a heart and some insight, so I may keep her in it.

dragonball256: Sasuke's life has yet to be decided. Zetsu is a wild card in most cases, but I would be surprised if he watched over the whole thing. Crossing saltwater for plants is highly unlikely, it has been one of my main reasons for the lack of interference fro Tobi, so far.

Finally, I do not own Naruto. Also my deal on Hinata fell through, unfortunatly I now have a fear of shadow clones, *too much orange, ahhhhh*

A Kakashi Tale

The Infamous Day

A lone white haired jonin made his way through the residential district of Konoha, seeking a person he really didn't want to see right now. Now of all times, the village was in shambles, people's spirits were on shaky ground, and news would soon turn any hope they had left into the dust that blew through deserts. He was returning from his meeting with the Hokage, after giving his report before the council, now he would have one last task to do before he could curl up into any dark recess he could find to wallow in his own misery.

As the temporary shelter came into sight, thanks to Yamato using his wood release, he clutched the memento in his hand and made his way through the door. Waves of grief and despair washed over him, even with his mask on, and his left eye covered, people that saw him knew that he was in a deep state of depression. Winding through the people who rested on couches and cots he walked straight for a room as though death awaited him on the other side. In all honesty he wouldn't blame anyone if they struck him down with the news he had to bear. It was his choice to tell her, Lady Tsunade had offered to send someone else instead. But he felt responsible for the result of the mission, and he would not run away from the consequences.

He knocked on the door and waited to be invited in. Once he entered he saw her sitting on a bed knitting a small garment. Her dark hair framed her face, giving a contrast to the creamy pale skin that begged to be caressed. Her bright red eyes paid attention lovingly to her meticulous work and she wore a smile on her face that seemed could never be broken. If only that were the case, it would make this news that much easier to give.

Kurenai looked up at the man in front of her that had yet to say anything, or even move from the door. His head hung low and it seemed that the temperature in the room dropped twenty degrees. Something was wrong and she knew it deep down in her core. She looked at him from a distance for any possible injuries, but couldn't see any. Just as he started to walk forward she noticed he held something tightly in his right hand, something familiar. When he was standing next to where she was sitting she recognized the item right away. It was Hinata's forehead protector. Not her original one, but the one Kurenai had gotten for her as a replacement when hers was badly damaged during a mission.

Tears welled up in her eyes while she was looking at it, then she saw something shimmer as it dropped and landed on the floor. Looking down it was a single water drop already soaking into the wood floor. Looking up into Kakashi's face she saw the source. Tears were falling from his one visible eye in a never ending torrent, the other eye was crying also but most of those tears were being soaked up by the forehead protector that kept it covered. She could not remember when the last time she ever saw him cry, if she ever did for that matter, but the news she was receiving was just as potent for him as it was for her.

"I'm sorry," is all that he could say, over and over again. Kakashi fell to his knees and presented Hinata's forehead protector to the one person he thought Hinata would want to have it.

Not another word was heard between the two for nearly an hour. They cried, just cried, trying to wash away the pain. Kurenai pulled Kakashi's head into her lap and let him release his emotions while she did so in turn, taking solace in him just being there so they may share their grief.

After the sobbing had ceased, Kakashi began to explain what had happened, with all the details. He explained the circumstances, even though it was still a classified secret, he'd be damned if the woman Hinata looked up to as a mother would be given the fabricated story that most of the villagers were soon to hear. He would gladly take any punishment they chose for him, even death, but he would not lie to Kurenai over her student.

Another round of tears came from the conclusion of the story, and a small smile decorated Kurenai's face as she realized that Hinata finally had her wish come true. Kurenai knew that above all else, she would want Naruto to truly know how she felt, and know he felt the same. It helped to take the sting out a little, but it did help.

As time passed and night took ahold of the sky, Kakashi started to take his leave when Kurenai asked him to stay. Her emotions were too raw to be left alone right now, and she felt she just needed somebody near. Kurenai lay down in her bed and Kakashi leaned against the wall with his eye shut. Not a word was said, no one could have begun to convey their thoughts. They drifted off to sleep knowing that each other was near, and would be present if the other needed them.

Two Months Later

Over the last two months Kakashi has been spending time helping Kurenai grieve and rebuild her life. During any time that he had available from his duties he would help Shikamaru rebuild her apartment and even assisted in decorating the baby's room. If he had free time in the afternoon while working he would often take her to lunch so they could reminisce about their two pupils. In the beginning this often led to tears on both their parts, Kakashi often hid his well, but as time moved on the stories got a little more light-hearted.

Kakashi would tell the tales of Naruto's famous pranks around the village, while Kurenai would speak of how many times, and the lengths Hinata would go through, to follow the blonde knucklehead. There were even times when Shikamaru would join them and tell of the times during their academy years. Times they would jump out of the window of class and hang out at one of the unused training fields. This gave a greater insight into why and when Hinata's crush started on Naruto.

Kakashi and Kurenai had become close during this time and enjoyed being near one another. Kurenai had even asked/suggested that Kakashi be her birthing partner. Originally Kakashi was very nervous at the prospect, as him and Asuma had been close. He didn't want to feel that he was betraying his deceased friend by taking part in something that wasn't his to be a part of. Eventually he gave in when Kurenai explained to him about how scared she was of being alone during that time, and didn't feel comfortable asking anyone else.

Most of his duties included breathing classes, birthing classes, and classes on breast feeding. This would often lead to a lot of embarrassment on his part. The other women in the classes would poke fun at him. This was due to how intimidated he looked in such a situation, one of the most powerful shinobi in all of Konoha was afraid of child birth.

The time had finally come, and Kurenai summoned Kakashi to help her. When he finally arrived at her apartment he was a mess. She opened the door as he burst in nearly knocking her over. It took him a little over a minute of calling her name into the apartment before he noticed that she was standing at the front door with a stern look on her face. Kurenai had already set an overnight bag along with a baby bag in the kitchen since it was near the front door. While Kakashi was leading her out of the apartment he grabbed her belongings. Trying to make it to the hospital as quickly as possible he didn't notice that he was dragging a pregnant woman, who was in labor, down the street. He stopped letting her calm her breathing when he finally noticed that instead of her overnight bag, he had accidentally grabbed the garbage bag. Leaving her standing there next to the street he raced back to her apartment to fetch the proper one. As he did so Kurenai looked at him run and smiled at how nervous he had become, and how serious he was about the whole situation. I am the one in labor and he is running around like a chicken with his head cut off, she thought sweetly of him.

The moment at hand was drawing near as they waited in the delivery room. Kakashi stood by the bed and held Kurenai's hand gently, while she tried to break every bone in it during a strong contraction. When she was dilated properly the doctors and nurses began to fill the room to start the birthing. Kakashi let go of her hand and started to make his way to the door. He had done his duty as a birthing coach, now the rest was up to her. Before he could leave her side he felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down. Kurenai had a grip on it and he followed her arm up to look her in the eyes. Those red orbs with tears swimming in them broke his resolve. They pleaded with him to not leave her side. She was scared beyond her wits. She would soon be a single mother, the father had died in duty. She just needed someone there to tell her it was all going to be 'ok'. Without a single word between the two he nodded and resumed his place by her side. He would give her all the support she needed during this difficult time.

It was a time of joy when they heard the sounds of a baby cry, while Kurenai panted trying to catch her breath. The nurses quickly took the baby to a prep table to check the vitals and wash before handing it off to the mother. When the baby was set into Kurenai's arms she wept softly. She looked up at her support and saw the wide smile from underneath his mask. "Kakashi, I would like you to meet my daughter, Hinata".

Two Months After Hinata Was Born

During the time he had off, which was often few and far between, he would sit in his home late at night reading the short series of novels from his late favorite author. He had contemplated following in the sannin's footsteps, to continue his work. On this particular night, he had already gotten through helping Kurenai with Hinata, taking out the garbage, and getting groceries. His shinobi duties were also complete, so the night was left to him. He sat at his desk with some paper and ink trying to figure out how to start writing. He thought about the books Jiraiya had written and how the flow of the stories went through chapters. Jiraiya's descriptive qualities were second to none, as he described emotions and scenery. His ability to describe the female body was one of true astonishment. He could paint a picture in the readers mind that made it seem that as you progressed through the story you could feel and even smell the character. This is what made his books famous, and coveted by men, while being hated by women.

Deciding he needed some inspiration he left his house to wonder through the village, trying to adapt his mind to take in the details of everything he glanced at. He would stop and feel the leaves of bushes to understand the texture. Look into the streetlights to describe the color and hues that they gave off as he passed by in contrast to the night sky. It had been three hours since he left his home and set his senses out intent on discovery when he heard some laughing nearby. Looking for the origin he saw that he was standing by the bath house. Nervously he thought to himself about how the Ero-sannin gathered his research for his female cast.

Would he? Could he? It couldn't be that hard to not get caught; after all I am a jonin of the highest caliber. They should never be able to sense or see me coming. Quietly he made his way through some bushes toward the fence where he heard a few women talking.

In the bushes he found a small crate that someone had placed there previously, obviously with the same intent he had. Kakashi's reasoning though was that he was doing it for research purposes, to continue the work of a great man. Quietly he stepped upon the crate to get a better view, and low and behold there were beautiful women in the outdoors bath. Most of them ranged from late teens to mid/late thirties. Some wore towels, while others walked around unashamed of their physique. Kakashi pulled out a small notepad to write down everything he observed. There was short hair and long hair, large breasts and small breasts; and some were shaven…

He couldn't believe what he saw; women had actually shaved down there. Of course he had heard stories about this before, but he had never seen such a sight. Even though he had experienced women in the past, just the couple he could count on a single hand, none of them had taken such an extreme measure to display their womanhood.

The steam from the bath rising upon him was already making him light headed a little. Add to that the visual stimulant causing blood to pool to other areas of the body, while leaking from his nose, and he was sent into a severe state of dizziness. He started to sway a little on the old crate and it tipped forward. There was a loud crash as his body broke through the fence and he landed in one of the warm water pools. Fortunately, or maybe unfortunately, he had a soft landing. As he looked up into the face of a woman in her twenties, he realized his head had landed between her breasts, and his hands were placed high on her hips, pushing into her soft skin.

It seemed like time stood still for a moment as everyone tried to come to grips with what had happened. Soon the night was filled with the angry screams of women, screams that would resemble the howls of banshees out to take their vengeance upon any man they crossed. Leaping from the pool he made a quick dash for the new hole in the fence. Once he was on the street again he looked back to see a horde of women coming from the same hole he'd exited. The civilian women he could easily outrun and fool, but this was a shinobi village. Most were packing some weapons of varying styles and lethality. Kakashi did the only thing he could think of, he ran.

Running through the streets he looked for any place to hide. Then he remembered that Kurenai lived not that far from the bathhouse. He made a mad dash for her apartment hoping she would be up and offer him sanctuary to save his life, or at the very least his manhood. As her place came into view he leapt for her front door and quickly knocked on it. It didn't take but a few moments for the door to open and he burst through heading straight for a dark corner.

Kurenai barely recognized that Kakashi pushed himself into her apartment with a look of dread in his one visible eye. Before she could close the door she heard screams from the road below. The voices were calling out for blood, and certain parts of a male's anatomy. Looking more intently at the mob Kurenai noticed that a lot of the women were wearing towels or coats trying to cover their nakedness while on the hunt. She shut the door realizing what had happened she turned to Kakashi.

Ashamed, Kakashi broke his silence to Kurenai after she threatened to call the mob back. He explained what he was doing and why. Much to his surprise she smiled while she left the room. Inside he was feeling a bit nervous at the thought of her going for a weapon, thinking him a pervert, and finishing him of for the mob. What shocked him more was when she came back into the living room, with a small stack of books. Immediately he recognized the titles of the books but the covers were different than the ones he had. She then explained that these particular prints were the originals from the publisher. Also upon the cover was the clearly written signature of the author, addressed to her.

Kurenai felt a little embarrassed to show them off but their friendship had grown to a point where she didn't feel she had to hide who she was in front of him. After an hour or so of talking she had come up with a solution for the white haired jonin, she offered to help him write his first book. She would give him ideas and details without it becoming too personal.

It had only taken them around two weeks to write the first book and get it published. With them working together and collaborating, the book was done and they were celebrating. Kurenai had bought a bottle of fine sake to celebrate the occasion, and Kakashi had the publisher split the initial payout into two halves so he could share it with her. She had become an inspiration for him and she deserved at least half if not more than the proceeds.

After a few drinks during their celebration Kakashi presented Kurenai with the check written out in her name along with a first autographed print giving her credit in the introduction of the book. Though currently she would blame it on the sake, she jumped up in joy at the honor he had given her with credit for helping him write the book, and kissed him forcefully. Both had a blush of deep red, almost matching the color of Kurenai's eyes. The rest of the night was filled with talk about what they would do with their share of the money.

Three Months After Being Published

After the book's outstanding reception the two spent a lot of time together while not working. Kurenai went back on active duty status and was currently doing small missions while waiting for a new set of genin to graduate from the academy. Kakashi had refused the prospect of going back into teaching after what he felt was a complete failure from his last team. One of his students had turned traitor, one had died, and the last one in the village had received most of her training from the Hokage. Kurenai made one attempt to convince him, but quickly withdrew from the argument when she had seen the pain of the memories he had from his last team. As a result he started to take on normal missions that he had done in the past before becoming a teacher.

The time they spent together was nice and they often talked about life, with very few occurrences of talking about their tragic students. Although on some somber days they would guess what life in the village would be like if those two were still around. They would often shiver at the idea of what the most unpredictable knucklehead ninja would do as far as pranks were concerned with the power and talent he had.

It was on a very chilly night that there was a knock on her door and she saw a young medical kunoichi with pink hair standing there with a downcast look. It was strange to see Sakura in this area of the village, let alone at her apartment. She had come to tell the genjutsu mistress that something had happened to her friend on a mission near the land of waves, he was severely injured and in a lot of pain. Without questioning why Sakura thought she needed to be notified, Kurenai quickly packed up Hinata and a bag, leaving for the hospital. When she arrived she was allowed to visit him for a short while. When she looked upon her closest and dearest friend, the man that had been there for her through thick and thin for nearly a year, she was brought to tears.

He had two different I.V.'s running into his arms. His right shoulder was heavily bandaged, according to the report a sword had nearly sliced through the entire shoulder blade. It could have taken his whole arm if it had gone any further through his body. There were patches on his abdomen where several kunai had been removed. Despite the outward physical damage, the worst injury was not so visible; he had been poisoned with a lethal dose of a toxin. It would have normally killed anyone in any other village, but the Hokage had developed an antidote in record time. He would pull through that aspect, but the pain would be excruciating as his body forced it out.

She set the carrier with the sleeping Hinata by the bed and went to sit beside Kakashi. She looked upon his unmasked face as he slept appearing serene in whatever dream he was currently watching. She reached down gently taking his hand in hers while tears fell to the sheet that covered his body. The machines made a multitude of sounds letting everyone know that he was still alive, at least for the time being. Something tightened around her hand causing her to hold her breath in a gasp. She turned her face to his and saw his right eye half open with a small smile playing across his lips. Emotions ran high as she let her breath go, and a new heavier wave of tears began to pour. Without thought she jumped at him, kissing him as passionately as she could. Her apprehension from her last love had faded and she had slowly allowed Kakashi into her heart without knowing it.

Even in pain from the pressure she was putting on his wounds, he still raised his arms and wrapped them around her to return the kiss just as passionately. He had wanted to do so before, but had felt guilt over thinking of such things with the woman his friend had loved. Thinking about his friend, he only wished that Asuma would understand when they met on the other side. He was not trying to forget or replace him, but to show her that love was still out there, and that she could still be loved.

Eight Months Later

Kakashi and Kurenai had been dating officially for the last eight months after his return and injury. Upon her confession to him while lying in the hospital bed they decided right then and there that what their beloved friend would want from them the most was to be happy. Asuma had lived while being plagued by the past during his youth, mainly with resentment toward his father. It took years to pass before he could live in the now and enjoy life. He had often talked to Shikamaru on the subject, and Kakashi along with Kurenai saw how happy he had become when he let the past go. They told each other that they would not forget him, and agreed if the relationship was to blossom into anything more they would raise Hinata with the stories of how great her biological father was.

It was a cool night as they had finished dinner at a nice restaurant and began to walk hand in hand throughout the village. The outward observer would see a couple walking while enjoying each other's company with nowhere in particular to go. Kurenai was enjoying the night away from the baby to have some bonding time with Kakashi; Shikamaru had volunteered to watch Hinata for the evening.

When Kakashi came to an abrupt stop she thought something was wrong and began to look around for the threat. When she noticed Kakashi hadn't moved to indicate a threat she looked at him, and to her surprise he was smiling and giggling. She wanted to know what was going on. He pointed to a house she never really paid attention to and he told her that they had arrived at their destination. He started to pull her to the house while she questioned him about who lived there. When he responded that it was his home she nearly tripped, realizing she had never known where he lived or what type of home he had. Thinking back upon it, he had always been at her place, and even left a few changes of clothing there in case he needed some or stayed late due to extracurricular activities.

He began to explain why he had always kept people from knowing where he lived and about his past with his father. He had never brought anyone here because of his past as it was still a sore spot with him. But as they agreed to move on together it was time for him to do as he gave his word to her to do and let it all go.

It was a spacious two-story home with a large yard to garden or entertain. When she entered the home it was as she thought it would be, a little stale and lacking of life. Things that decorated the area were of the functional kind, and it gave the rooms a just a little more life than one would find in a hospital room. He decided to give her the grand tour starting with the backyard. It was large just as the front with plenty of shade trees. The next area was the kitchen and it had more personal touches than she had noticed anywhere else. It had marble countertops and plenty of space with a finely crafted dining table. There was a multitude of appliances that she was sure would take a year to learn how to properly use them all. The living area could hold a medium size party with close friends and still be comfortable. There was a couch and a table, but not much else. The rest of the rooms downstairs were mostly barren.

They made their way upstairs and the first room they came to was the bathroom, with nothing descriptive in it. It was a plane bathroom with a shower/tub and a double vanity. Only a single towel hung on a rack and even that was white blending with the walls. As they made walked down the upstairs hall they passed a door that Kurenai thought they would be looking into next, but didn't and found it strange that he was unwilling to show her that one in particular.

At the end of the hall they came to the last room. When Kakashi opened the door it opened up into a large room with a lot of extra space that was unused. There was a single large bed pushed against the wall. Even the bed had only the basics, such as two pillows and a comforter, but all the linen was white as well. Throughout the rest of the room was wooden furniture to hold clothing and side tables to hold personal items next to the bed. Just off the room was another bathroom with a large soak tub and rinse area. It had a raised wooden slat floor so the water would drain underneath it, and stools where someone would sit to scrub before entering the tub. On the opposing wall was a large sliding door that opened up to the outside balcony, overlooking the backyard.

Now that Kurenai had seen most of the house, she noticed how void of personality it was. It almost seemed as if no one lived here, but merely existed, much like a clean slate. It gave off a feeling of depression, like one was a tenant in an institution. She wondered how Kakashi lived in such a place that spoke nothing of his personality. It was true that most people never truly saw him under the mask he put forward, but she knew who he truly was, and this house did not speak of him.

Leaving the master bedroom they made their way back down the hall. Instead of heading back down the stairs Kakashi stopped at the door that they passed over just a few minutes ago. Smiling under his mask to the red eyed beauty, he opened the door to show her the final room. Instead of the blinding light of white walls that were seen throughout the house she was met with soft colors. The walls were painted in lavender and pastel pink giving a feeling of comfort and warmth. The furniture in the room was of high quality and must have cost the buyer a good amount to acquire. There was a large crib filled with a crib set with matching colors the same as the walls. There were accessories for holding children's clothes and toys. Pictures were hung in an open manner and depicted far off lands where fairytale dreams lived in the imagination of the dreamer. It was the only room in the house that had any real character to it and it baffled Kurenai greatly as to why Kakashi would have a room such as this.

She turned to Kakashi who was smiling but had a hint of nervousness in his eye. He had explained that this was for Hinata and the rest of the house was hers to decorate as she saw fit, if she wanted to stay with him. As she started to weep he made his best attempt to tell her that the house had always been a blank slate and he was tired of living alone in the self-imposed institution of his past. She had made him happy and he would like to have the opportunity to live like a family for once in his life.

Kurenai nodded vigorously while crying through her smile. Pulling the mask from his face she kissed him deeply and proceeded to push him back down the hall into the master bedroom. She had a clear intent on breaking in the place with the sounds of passion that was soon to follow for hours.