Chapter 5
It had been two weeks since Kakashi last saw Kana, two weeks for searching for her. The first week, the Anbu searched with the Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura. Kakashi was forced to stay behind in the hospital, because of Tsunade who didn't want him to make the wounds worse. Team 7 came by often, to rest, and visit Kakashi, always giving him full updates of the mass search party. Each time he was disappointed. By week two, Kakashi was let out of the hospital. He went straight to work. He had stopped seeing the kids, stopped coming home. The only thing on Kakashi's mind was tracking those guys. Finding them. Somehow.
Kakashi tensed. Feeling another two chakra presences behind him. He was in the forest again, where he had been since Monday of week two. Still searching for any signs of Brother, Soga or Kana. Each time Kakashi came up with nothing and had to go back to square one, he felt the 'giving up' option closing in on him.
"What do you want?" Kakashi said coldly, not turning around. There was a rustle and through the trees came Naruto and Sakura.
"Kakashi-sensei, there's…a letter for you. It's from Tsunade-sama…" Sakura tried to say without letting her voice crack. Naruto gently patted Sakura on the back, softly. Kakashi turned, and walked to them. He eyed Sakura's tear-stricken face and Naruto's stiff posture. 'This'll be good…' Kakashi thought grimly. He accepted the letter from Sakura, tearing it open and unfolding it.
It read:
" Kakashi, I realize that you're Team has not quite accepted the loss of Kana. Konoha grieves, but has also realized that searching is futile. On Monday, we will have a funeral procession for Kana. Please…take it easy till then.
Hokage Tsunade."
Kakashi growled. 'So, Konoha is giving up?" He looked to his students. Sakura was crying again and Naruto wrapped an arm around her small shoulder. Kakashi reached out and patted Sakura on the head, smiling for the first time in weeks. "Sakura, you know that I'm not going to give up right?" Kakashi asked, with fake enthusiasm. Sakura shook her head.
"Kakashi-sensei. We have given up. I feel terrible. But I have to realize that Kana-sensei is gone. She would not want us to search for nothing for the rest of our lives. I believe that she really…is gone." Sakura's response shocked Kakashi. He silently stood up, letting his hand fall to his side, taking a step back. Sakura left Naruto's side, placing a tentative hand on Kakashi's forearm. Her eyes pleaded with him to not be upset.
"I thought you three of all people would keep searching for you Sensei! She cared for you like you were her kids! Everything she did was to ensure that you three had a chance to survive, be successful. Everything! And now that she is missing, you are just going to leave her?!" Kakashi snapped, snatching his arm away from Sakura "She would have never given up if one of you were missing!" Sakura retracted her outstretched hand, placing it over her mouth, trying to stifle her crying, which had just started up again. Naruto angrily stepped foreward, replacing his arm around Sakura.
"Kakashi! It's not like we didn't try! It's true what you say, Kana-sensei wouldn't have given up on us. But… Kakashi-sensei, we heard you guys talking… the night before she…Kana-sensei made you promise something. Do you even remember!? 'Cause you're doing a hell of a job! And-"
"Naruto!"
Naruto, Sasuke and Kakashi looked around and saw Iruka and Sasuke approaching them. Naruto turned his glare back onto Kakashi. Sasuke went to stand with Sakura and Naruto. Kakashi snorted and turned on his heel, disappearing into the forest. Sakura couldn't hold back her crying any more. She burst into tears and sobbed against Naruto's shoulder. Sasuke didn't object when she took a hold of his hand. Iruka watched the three of them quietly. They reminded him of a small family. Team 7 was a family. Either way you look at it. The family had a father, who looked after them and taught them, Kakashi. Sasuke and Naruto fought like brothers with all their silly little squabbles. And Sakura was the innocent little one who could only try and stop them from fighting. She looked up to one and pounded the other at times. And then, there was their mother. Kana. She always tended to their wounds, always taught them whatever Kakashi couldn't, was protective and always loving. She was always there when the kids needed her. But, like all things, the happy family came to an end. Iruka realized, right then, that Kakashi had a duty now. He had to keep this family moving. He had to keep what Kana left behind intact. Iruka turned to follow Kakashi when Sakura called out to him.
"Iruka-sensei… why is Kakashi-sensei…different? He has never once…" Iruka looked over his shoulder at her, finally seeing how actually fragile Sakura was. 'Good thing she still has those boys… I don't know when Kakashi will heal from this…'
"Kakashi loved Kana very much, Sakura. When you love something so much… and it dies or you can no longer be with that person, your heart can't take it. Cant accept it. Even though he won't show it or admit it, Kakashi is in a lot of pain right now. His heart is telling him that Kana is gone, but his mind and soul won't accept it. Right now, Kakashi is waging war inside of himself. A death of a loved one will do that to you… You, the three of you, will feel this kind of pain. It may not be on the same level as it is for Kakashi, but you will feel it. I think you're going through it right now, Sakura. Even if some of you won't admit it, you three loved Kana as a mother. Your heart will hurt, because it knows Kana is gone and because it knows how much she meant to you." Iruka explained softly, feeling his own pain from the loss of one of his best friends. "Even I feel it. I loved Kana, she was a friend, a sister even. We shared so many good times together…"
"B-but…If the world loved Kana so much… then why did it take her away!? It's not fair!" Naruto screamed out, biting back his own tears. Sasuke clenched his jaw, to keep from showing emotion. Naruto burned holes into the ground from his intense glaring. He hated acting like a child… but that was how he felt.
"I know its not fair Naruto… Life isn't fair… Death is something we all have to deal with…once you learn to cope with it, you'll be stronger. Be strong Naruto…tomorrow don't cry for Kana's death. Cry because you can't see her anymore to make more memories. Cry because you can't laugh with her anymore at stupid stuff, mistakes, or silly jokes. Cry because…you love her and can't tell her anymore. She wouldn't want you to cry over sadness of just sadness. She wouldn't want you to focus on the negative. That girl…she was always able to see the silver lining in every cloud…"
"Now, I have to go find Kakashi. Please look after one another. I'll see you all tomorrow." Iruka gave a soft smile before dashing off to confront Kakashi. Sakura watched Iruka go, before turning around to face her comrades. She detangled herself from Naruto and wiped her tears off her face. She thrusted her fist in the middle of their little circle.
"We have to make a pact! We have to look after one another! I vow to look after you guys to the best of my abilities!" Sakura looked at them with a new fire blazing in her eyes. "For Kana-sensei!" Sasuke nodded, placing his hand over hers.
"I promise." He felt his lips give a soft tug. Sakura blushed a little, as Sasuke smirked at her. "For Kana-sensei" Sasuke lowered his smirk and turned his attention to Naruto. Naruto grinned at his teammates, then slapped his hand on top of theirs.
"For Kana-sensei!" The three of them exchanged looks of comfort. Sasuke was the first to take his hand back. "Let's get out of here…"he said softly, returning to his usual emotionless state.
"Ok!" Sakura said gleefully, she laced her fingers into Sasuke's left hand, holding her right hand out to Naruto. "Come on! Let's go Naruto!" Naruto nodded hurriedly, grabbing Sakura's hand. It was peaceful… until…
"LET'S GO GET SOME RAMEN!!" Naruto shouted.
"No…Naruto, no!" Sakura whined as Sasuke groaned.
Somewhere in Konoha ForestKakashi raced through the trees, letting the tall greens become a blur around him. He was headed to the same place where Team 7 was ambushed. Suddenly, Kakashi stopped running. Instantly, old memories came bursting into his thoughts.
Flash Back
Today was the day Kakashi was going to be assigned a team. And…he was late. Kakashi raced through the village, skidding to a stop at the Hokage Tower. He slammed the door open and rushed up to the Hokage's office.
"Ah, Kana, there aren't enough genin for you to have your own team. So, would you still like to train a group? I would have you work with another Jounin. How does that sound?" The 3rd Hokage asked, speaking calmly to the young girl standing in front of his desk. She wore a green jounin vest, over a black long sleeve skin-tight shirt. She had dark green pants to match. The Hokage was proud of her, she had become a jounin a few months ago. She stood tall in her new attire.
"Yes! Of course! I will treat them like family!" Kana responded smiling.
"Good. Well, the jounin that will be working here is-" the Hokage was interrupted when the doors burst open.
"Uh…Am I late?" Kakashi asked, bounding into the room next to Kana.
"Actually, you're right on time. I was just-" The Hokage was once again interrupted by a gasp from Kana.
"Oh my gosh! You're the Copy Ninja! What was it…what's the name…"Kana trailed off trying to remember his name. Kakashi looked at her, observing the girl standing next to him. Long thick black hair that went down to the middle of her back, she was slim and lithe, and had the most captivating eyes. Kakashi couldn't stop staring into them. Her left eye was a crystal blue hue, while her green eye was a deep forest green color. Kana suddenly noticed that Kakashi was leaning into her, his one visible eye switching back and forth between her two eyes. She felt him bump noses with her and she blushed a deep red.
"Um…" she stuttered " What…are you looking…at?" she asked awkwardly. Kakashi eye smiled and leaned away a little bit. He held out his hand.
"It's Kakashi. My name is Hatake Kakashi." Kana eyed him cautiously, then slowly slid her small hand into his large one.
"Yes…my name is Kana. I think…we are going to be working together." Kakashi frowned and forced himself to tear away from her gorgeous eyes to look at the Hokage.
"Working together? I came here for my genin team. She isn't a genin." Kakashi stared the Hokage down, waiting for an explanation. The Hokage opened his mouth to speak but Kana stopped him.
"May I?" The Hokage slumped in his chair and shrugged. Kana smiled and returned her attention to Kakashi.
"Hatake-san, We will be…sharing a genin team. I will assist you in training them. Konoha doesn't have enough genin for me to have my own squad. So I am going to work with you on your team!" Kana smiled happily. Kakashi took a deep breath.
"Well Kana. Could I talk with the Hokage for a minute?" Kana sent a glance to the Hokage, who nodded. She bid farewell to Kakashi, and walked out of the room, closing the doors behind her.
"What is it-" The 3rd Hokage started to ask when suddenly…
"WHY DO I HAVE A PARTNER!?" Kakashi hissed loudly, trying to keep his voice low enough so she wouldn't hear him from outside.
"WHY DO I KEEP GETTING INTERUPPTED!? LIFE'S NOT FAIR KAKASHI! DEAL WITH IT!" The Hokage snapped back, just as loud.
"Sir, with all do respect, why not put her on with Gai's new team? Why is she with me!?" Kakashi asked, trying to regain his composure.
"Well I figured, a cute girl like that would be welcome on your squad Kakashi. You don't think she's going to burden you right? I know she's a new jounin, so I put her with the best. I think you'll end up liking her on your team. I think you could do with a little love anyway, you sour-puss. She's a sweet girl that one. She'll grow on you. I just know it. Now, here are your team files. Look them over with Kana. Spend time with her. Get used to her way of thinking. Trust me, she's stubborn." The Hokage handed Kakashi three files. Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke, and Uzumaki Naruto.
"The last Uchiha and the Nine-Tails?"
"Yes" the Hokage said rather dryly "Those two keep fighting. But they push each other to become better than the other. It would be rather wasteful if they weren't on the same team. Besides, Uchiha needs to work with you. After all, you have the Sharingan. Anyway, off with you." Kakashi nodded and turned to leave. "Oh and Kakashi. Kana has no place to stay. Iruka already agreed to let her stay at your apartment. So…just a heads up if she follows you home."
End Flash Back
Kakashi smiled, 'I almost hated her then. But the 3rd Hokage was right. She did end up growing on me'.
Kakashi looked up, the forest allowed enough light to get through so he could average the time. 'Mid afternoon…'
Another memory came into his thoughts.
Flash Back
"Hey Hatake, wake up! We gotta go. The kids said that we CAN'T be late for this!" Kakashi awoke to three loud knocks on his door. 'Oh shit! That's right, team pictures are today…' Kakashi rolled out of bed, and grabbed his jounin jacket off of the floor, quickly throwing it on. He had slept in his clothes last night, only bothering to take off his jacket. He sleepily made his way out of his room. Kana was sitting on the kitchen counter. She looked up when she heard him close his door. Kakashi slouched as he made his way to her. He didn't even greet her, he just rested his head on her lap.
"Aww! You shouldn't have been out so late with Iruka-san if you knew we would be up now. Heh, it's not even early, its middle afternoon! Are you really really tired? She asked laughing a little bit. Kakashi just groaned at her. He closed his eyes as she started running her fingers through his unruly hair.
"Tsk, Hatake, you really should try to look a little more lively. I hope that you aren't going to be this tired when we take those silly pictures." Kana sighed resting her other hand on his shoulder. Kakashi stood up to his full height, which was barely eye level with her on the counter.
"Can't we take pictures later?" He whined. She giggled and cupped her hands around his face.
"Nope! We have to do it now…ish. Speaking of which we should head off, I think I want to pick up Sakura first, then Sasuke, and then Naruto. Save the loudest for last." Kana hopped off the counter, in front of him. She dragged her hands down his clothed face to his chest. She readjusted a few buttons then placed her hands flat against his vested chest, before looking up at him.
"How do you manage to still look so sharp after waking up only a few minuets ago?" she asked, with a slight scowl.
"Trade secret." He mumbled leaning into her hair, taking in that favored strawberry smell. He smirked when he heard her breath catch in her throat. His arms snaked their way around her waist, holding her there.
"Hatake, we really should-"
"Kids need to learn to be patient. And, for the 150th time, it's Kakashi!" he whispered into her hair.
"Right. But it's habit."
"Well, change is a good thing. This would be an area you should make a change too."
"Right. But can we go now?"
"Five more minutes…" Kakashi closed his eyes and leaned totally against her, supporting himself on the counter behind her. He felt her sigh into his vest, before resting her head against him as well. Everything was quiet except for their hushed breathing. He could tell by her slower breathing that she was actually starting to falling asleep.
"Kana-sensei?"
"What?" Kana mumbled. Kakashi and Kana went rigid. Only three people called Kana "Sensei".
"Oh crap" Kana and Kakashi whispered at the same time. It was Naruto. Kana leaned back.
"Right well, Hatake-er-I mean Kakashi, it seems like all of your um buttons are still there. I don't know why you couldn't just look at it on your own." Kana said loudly patting his vest as if to secure the 'buttons', while detangling herself from Kakashi, trying to make the situation look diffrent from what the kid were guessing. It didn't work well. Not only was Naruto there, but also Sakura and Sasuke. The three of them giggled and Kana huffed, blushing like mad. Kakashi pushed off the counter and turned around to face them. He poked Kana in the cheek.
"You're blushing…" he eye smiled at her.
"Feh, like I can't tell…" She snapped. "Alright, fun's up. Let's go now that you're all here." Kana grabbed Kakashi's wrist and forced his hand away. Kana grabbed her apartment keys and opened the door.
"Let's go children, who sneak in through windows..." The three grinned at her as they passed. She faked a smile to each one and she held the door for Kakashi.
"Well?" she asked, in a testy tone. Kakashi grinned.
"One less thing to hide from them" he chimed. "Be happy…It's a good thing." Kana groaned at that last comment. Then she smiled and looked up at him. 'I'll try to be happy that those kids think their teachers are dating...oh joy...' She thought lamely.
"Ok! I'll be happy!" He laughed and followed the kids, Kana locked the door and followed him. When they got there, the only other team that was there was Gai's team. And they had just finished up. Sakura and Kana were busy chatting, while Kakashi and the boys went to find out when it was their turn to take pictures, when Gai and Rock Lee approached them.
"Ah! The loves of our lives!" They both launched into rants on beauty and blessings. Gai grabbed Kana's hand and held it in his two. "M'lady, how are you on this day which has become even more beautiful now with your lovely presence?"
"Ah…I'm fine, Gai." Kana replied, slipping her hand out of his. "How are you? How did your pictures go?"
"My team looked spectacular! Like real champions… Say, are you busy now? Would you grace this poor soul and take a picture with me?" Kana could see Gai's eyes welling up with tears. She quickly brainstormed ideas for an excuse. Then, the excuse came to her…literally.
"Hey Gai, what's up?" Kakashi came from behind and wrapped an arm around Kana's torso, right below her chest, causing her to gasp.
"Kakashi!" She squealed out just as Gai responded.
"I'm doing just fine…My Rival in everything…" Kana saw what Kakashi was trying to do.
"So, are we ready to take pictures with the squad?" Kana asked Kakashi with a slight nervous edge to her voice.
'Yep, that's why I'm here…love." Kakashi made a special emphasis on the last word.
Kana opened her mouth to speak but Gai began a rant on losing every time to Kakashi. Rock Lee left Sakura's side to come over to Gai's telling him he's not a loser. After about a gallon of tears and a cheesy smile, Gai said a farewell to Kana and Kakashi. Once they were gone Kana struggled against Kakashi.
"Ok…He's gone, thanks for the rescue now, lemme go!" She whined, struggling even more as his grip tightened.
"Hmm….no." He whispered and buried his head against her hair.
"Kakashi!"
"…what?" he asked innocently, Sakura and Naruto smiled at them.
"Why do you do this!? Just let me go…everyone is staring a us…" Kana whispered, looking around at everyone in the general area. Kakashi smirked and twirled Kana around, catching her so that she was facing him and pulling her close enough that their foreheads bumped slightly. He held her up slightly since she was shorter then him, her arms went around his neck.
"So…let them stare. I don't care." Kana blushed. And smiled, leaning against Kakashi, making their noses touch.
"I guess if you don't care…then I shouldn't... right?" Kana smiled with Kakashi. Out of the corner of Kana's eye, a camera lenses popped up and suddenly a bright flash was ignited. Kakashi and Kana turned and looked at the photographer. It was Sasuke.
"It was too good to miss." He replied casually.
"Whatever…" Kana smiled, ruffling his hair. Team 7 got their names called a few moments later. The first three pictures were of all the entire squad. The next three were of the young genin only. Once they were done, Kana and Kakashi walked up to them.
"Ok, time to jet!" Kana said cheerfully.
"Nope, sorry. I need a few of the two teachers." The photographer half smiled "Which shouldn't be a problem, since you two take such good pictures…" he added. Naruto and Sakura beamed at them while Sasuke just barely smirked.
"Fine. But only two." Kana said. Kakashi smirked.
"Agreed. But I get to pick how it's taken." Kakashi eye-smiled.
"Heh, as if!" she replied at the same time the photographer said "Sure"
"Y-you can't be serious, I mean he will just… be perverted!" Kana yelped in surprise.
"Yeah, Kakashi-sensei, don't over do it!" Sakura said. Sasuke nodded. And Naruto threw a punch in the air.
"Alright!"
"Ready?" Kakashi asked, he took Kana's two arms and wrapped them around his neck, with him in front, then he stood up to full height. Kana instantly wrapped her legs around his waist and he hoisted her up.
"This is how you want a picture?" she scowled. He laughed and walked over to where the photographer was directing them. He winked at them from over his camera. Kana rested her head on Kakashi's right shoulder, cheek to cheek. She smiled her best and he just eye-grinned. Kana relaxed all her muscles, her arms hung casually around Kakashi's neck. The photo wasn't a full body photo, just from Kakashi's shoulders up. It was a cute picture anyway.
"Aww! They are so cute!" Sakura giggled.
"Yeah" Naruto agreed.
"..."Sasuke nodded, watching his teachers.
"Ok" Kana said, finally off Kakashi's back, "What's your next picture?" Kakashi smiled and held up his hands lamely. Kana scowled again and placed her hands up against his. His larger hands gently closed themselves around hers and he spun her around using only his left hand, catching her and holding her close. She blinked for a second. Her arms were wrapped loosely around her and their hands were still connected in front of her tummy. Her back was against his chest, and he held her close. It was a cute pose. And the photographer whistled for their attention. Kakashi did another of his famous eye smiled while Kana smirked, with a noticeable blush added, another great picture.
All the photographs were developed quickly. Each kid got a full squad photo, and a photo of just them, while Kakashi and Kana got a full squad photo, a 'kid' only photo and then one of the photos they took together.
"Which one do you want?" Kakashi asked as they walked on home, finally done for the day. They had dropped each kid off at home, saying good byes and see you tomorrow's.
"Eh, I don't really care. Pick your favorite." Kana replied, looking at the one they all took together. It was Kakashi and Kana in the back, then Sakura in the middle with Sasuke on her right and Naruto on her left. Kana had a hand resting on Sasuke's shoulder while Kakashi was ruffling Naruto's blond hair. Sakura was just smiling as usual with a hand on her right shoulder covered by Kana's other hand.
"What an awesome picture…" Kana whispered. Kakashi leaned over her shoulder to inspect it.
"Yeah… I guess it is."
"This is my family…I love these kids…with all my heart." Kana said looking at the one of just the kids. Again, Naruto was on the left and then Sakura and then Sasuke. Sakura had her hands behind her back while Sasuke had an arm around her shoulder with his other hand in his pocket. Naruto also had an arm around her shoulders, slightly on top of Sasuke's and his other hand had the favored 'V' sign for victory. Each of them held a smile or at least a smirk.
"If they are your family, then they are my family too. I care for those kids…" Kakashi muttered, sorta shyly. Kana sighed happily and put the photos back into the paper casings. These were definitely going to be hung up. Kakashi took the package from her and took out their pictures.
"I would like this one, ok?" He wiggled the one with him standing behind her, arms wrapped around her. Kana looked at it for a second, then nodded, smiling.
"Cool, 'cause I like 'em both."
End Flash Back
"..Kakashi…" A voice behind Kakashi made him turn around, ending his memory flashes.
It was Iruka.
"What…do you want?" Kakashi asked, trying to sound bitter, he failed horribly. Instead, Kakashi sounded remorseful.
"Did you mean what you said to Sakura?" Kakashi looked at him.
"No…" he replied flatly. "It was…more like…she just caught me at the wrong time. I was more upset with the fact that Konoha is giving up."
"I see." An awkward silence fell upon them.
"I was…just remembering the past. Kana and I, when we first met and when we had to take the team pictures…" Iruka half smiled.
"Yeah, I remember those pictures too." He said softly.
"Have you…given up too Iruka?" Kakashi asked.
"In a way, yes. I know that I will always be looking for her…just the way I know the kids will and I know you will. Next time you're out on a mission, I know you will try to pick up clues and try to track those bastards down. I would too though searching like that isn't the exact best way, but it is a way. But if you do it like that, then you can also keep the promise you made to Kana, Naruto told me about it. Kana would want you to focus all of your attention to the kids. In fact, I agree with her. You should." Iruka sighed.
"Come on Iruka, let's go home..." Kakashi sighed, running a hand through his hair. Kakashi took one last look around, before following Iruka home.
A/N: Hey, sorry for the LONG wait. I had an almost relocation. So i was busy with that matter, then i had to finish school, then all this shit happened. Oh well. At least Chapter 5 is here. Ha, i'm already writting Chapter 6. Know that it's being worked on. I'm on vacation so i can keep writing with no disruptions. Oh and please review. please.