Chapter Title: Something About Him
When asked for his thoughts on Umino Iruka, Kakashi's standard reply was 'There's something about him...'
Which there was.
There was something about him which annoyed Kakashi; his insubordination. Kakashi doesn't care how good a teacher or how talented a chuunin Umino is, he had no right to go around yelling at his superiors, about subjects he was out of touch with, in situations that didn't concern him. Umino has no respect for those of higher rank and no awareness of his own position in the hierarchy that keeps the village together. Maybe his remarks to Umino were a bit harsh, but it was the truth, and Kakashi had no patience for shinobi with delicate feelings.
There was something about him which troubled Kakashi on a daily basis; Naruto's attitude. This was clearly Iruka-sensei's influence; who knew that disrespect was contagious? Kakashi knew that Naruto's big mouth was also Iruka-sensei's fault; someone had been giving that boy far too many big ideas and made him far too opinionated. Iruka-sensei was most definitely coddling the boy. However, after taking note of the pristine, standard uniform Iruka-sensei wore on a daily basis; even Kakashi couldn't blame him for the orange.
There was something about him that unsettled Kakashi; his emotions. Iruka was so expressive, so ready with a smile that Kakashi was glad that they would never be sent on a mission together. It would worry him to fight alongside someone who would very likely develop some sort of sympathy for the enemy. It was dangerous to care.
There was something about him that scared Kakashi; his presence. Too many shinobi saw Iruka-san's presence as the one thing they could rely on when they returned to the village. Some even found his emotional displays and disregard for rank… refreshing. The more recent batches of gennin (who were now becoming chuunin) and practically every little ankle biter in the academy held so much respect for this bizarre man it was quite unsettling.
But what really bothered Kakashi, what really got under his skin, was that…
There was something about him that Kakashi… liked.
A/N: Thank you so much to ZeldaFitz and CuriousDreamWeaver for taking the time to reveiw the last chapter, and to those who have added me to alert and favourite lists; it's really great of you!