It wasn't that Kakashi didn't like cats, he just didn't believe they could be trusted. Dogs were always so easy to understand, there was never an issue when it came to telling where their loyalties lie. Cats were harder to read and even when they rubbed up against him, purring contently, Kakashi could never shake the feeling that there was an ulterior motive behind it. So as he stared daggers down at the black pile of fur currently sleeping in his lap it wasn't personal, he was just expecting it to wake up at any moment and use his thigh as a scratching post.
"So..you and Sakura..?"
Kakashi's attention was drawn back to his surprise visitor. He wasn't particularly fond of Iruka's visits which were often full of awkward questions but he never turned the younger jounin away. Iruka was regularly gone from the village for months at a time on specialized missions to other shinobi nations. Answering a few questions was the least the copy-nin could do for him.
"Yeah, for a couple years now."
"How did you two end up together?" Frowning, Iruka cocked his head. It was clear from his expression that he didn't approve.
"She drugged me." Kakashi began to stroke Schmellow's back without notice.
Blinking, Iruka's brow furrowed as his lips formed a question. After a moment of thinking on it the man shook his head before looking away from the copy-nin. This was fine by Kakashi, he wasn't particularly fond of explaining that story.
"Naruto's really gone then..?" Iruka whispered.
"Unfortunately. He took a lot of the younger ones with him when he went. They're all in the bingo book now, expect for Naruto himself." This was another subject Kakashi didn't relish talking about but he expected the question.
"So it's true.." Iruka shifted, running a hand across his forehead. "Did..did Danzo really threaten to use the nine-tails against the other nations?"
Kakashi's hand began to dig into Schmellow's fur causing the feline to rouse and give a slightly annoyed meow at his white-haired pillow.
"It's true." the copy-nin replied in a terse tone. "The only reason he isn't in the bingo book is because Danzo doesn't want the other nations to know his trump card is gone."
"Knowing Naruto he's staying hidden for the same reasons. Konoha would surely be attacked after a threat like that if the other nations found out Naruto was gone." Iruka's tone was sad and soft, Kakashi's heart went out to him.
"Danzo always hated Naruto for being the Kyuubi's vessel yet he's not above using him for war. He's disgusting." Iruka looked back at Kakashi then. "Why do you just accept all this Kakashi? Why not do something about it?"
"There would be no point in a rebellion."
"I'm not talking about a rebellion. Why don't you just kill him?" Iruka asked.
Kakashi frowned. "You think killing a Kage would be so easy?"
"Damnit Kakashi, you could kill him and you know it!" Iruka's tone surprised the copy-nin. He had never heard him grow angry.
"No Iruka, I couldn't. Not on my own. Besides, I kill him and then what? I become Hokage and change things back to the way they were? What about all the ninja loyal to Danzo, and the new ones being trained in the academy right now? Chances are they would do the same thing to me and then the village would be back where it was." Kakashi's voice was dispassionate and cold.
"You don't know that. Maybe everyone who left would came back again and support you."
"If they aren't already dead." Kakashi reminded him.
Standing up suddenly, Iruka headed for the door. "What happened to you Kakashi? When did you become a dog?"
"I don't see the point in risking my life for a worthless cause. There is no one, no future generation, worth saving."
"How can you say that? How you can you think saving those children from Danzo isn't worth it? What about Akiko?"
"Those children are under going training at the academy right now. They are being molded into perfect little ROOT agents and once Danzo's done brain washing them there will be nothing we can do to save them. So like I said, they are not worth saving."
"And Akiko?" Iruka pressed.
Kakashi said nothing, merely turned his head to watch the rain as it continued to fall. It never seemed to stop raining anymore.
"Bastard." Iruka whispered before leaving, slamming the door loudly behind him. Schmellow jerked awake and let out another disgruntled meow at being awoken twice in the span of an hour. Jumping down from Kakashi's lap the feline padded away to find some food, leaving the white-haired jounin to his thoughts.
He had thought of killing Danzo on more than one occasion but what purpose would it serve? The damage to the village had already been done and the best any ninja could hope for now was to live out the rest of their career undisturbed by ROOT agents and a warm body to keep them company at night. A tingle of guilt spread through Kakashi at that thought.
Sakura was not simply an outlet for his physical needs. However he had never found a name to give to their relationship. They cared about and took care of each other and that had been enough for them to exist together. Sometimes Kakashi would look at her and be consumed with an urge to take her in his arms and tell her how much he loved her. But then their eyes would meet and he would see once more how jaded they had grown and the moment would pass. In reality it was better this way. They had a good thing going, why ruin it with a sentiment that might not be returned? Things were better as they were.
It was the same thing Kakashi told himself every time he had an opportunity to kill Danzo that he didn't take.