A/N: Hey everybody! Time to get back to the academy. And also, the right hand turn this story is going to take is going to begin at the very end. Enjoy!
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Anko and Kakashi walked back to the academy. Anko asked, "So how did it go? Did she say you're normal again?"
"In not so many words. She's sending the formal diagnosis to Tsunade later. But there's something I want to ask you."
Anko turned to face him as they walked and said, "What? What is it?"
"Would you like a yui-no?"
Anko was shocked. She'd never even thought about having an engagement party. They were keeping their engagement a secret, so why the hell would they want to have an engagement party? She said, "We don't have any family who need to meet each other." Then she thought again and saw the importance of the yui-no. It was very symbolic and the gifts that were given to the prospective bride and groom were so sincerely given. But she wasn't even used to the whole marriage idea yet, so she decided that now was not the time for it. She said, "I think it's a lovely gesture, but I'm not even used to the whole other thing yet, so I think the more important question here is, do you want to have one?"
Kakashi didn't even hesitate. "I do. Eventually."
"Oh. Eventually is ok. I'd agree to one eventually."
Kakashi took her hand and said, "Good, it's settled then. We'll have an engagement party eventually – when you're ready for "the other thing.""
Anko squeezed his hand and said, "You're very good to me you know that?"
"Yeah, I know."
Anko tried to smack him with her free hand, but he leaned away from her. They were back at the academy before they knew it.
After they entered the academy, and checked the bulletin board, they went to Tsunade's office. It was close to noon by the time they got there. There was no sign of Shizune or Genma outside the office, so they approached and knocked, hoping Tsunade was there. A groan and a "Come innnnn," answered their knock. They opened the doors and went inside, where Tsunade was at her desk, her chin in her hand, Ton Ton on the floor in front of the desk. She looked at them and said, "Tell me you were at least there on time."
Kakashi said, "I was. Anko made sure I was, even though I tried to make her late."
Both Anko and Tsunade said, "KAKASHI!"
"What? I can't ruin my reputation of getting lost on the road of life now can I?"
Tsunade said, "Just shut up and tell me what Korekimi said."
Kakashi sighed. "She's going to send the official diagnosis later today, but I have a feeling I know what it's going to say."
Tsunade growled, "And that would be?"
"I'm ok. Ready to get back to work."
Tsunade said, "As soon as I get that diagnosis in my hand you WILL be back to work. In fact," she paused as she took out a small notebook, "your missions have been piling up."
Kakashi took the notebook and looked through the missions that were listed there. There was at least twelve; some B, some A rank missions. A few looked dangerous, and all looked like he was the only person who could pull them off. He asked, "Will anyone be assigned to go along on any of these with me?"
"On a few. But some are solo. Take the notebook with you, go study it, and see which ones you might be able to accomplish quickly so you can move on to the next. You get a good diagnosis from Korekimi, and you'll be heading out ASAP."
Anko said, "Tsunade, do you have any assignment for me coming up?"
She said, "Actually Anko, I do. But first, a lot of what you will be doing will hinge upon which mission Kakashi decides to take first. There are a few that I do believe you'd be perfect to accompany him on. As long as you two can act like NINJAS and not whatever the hell else you are."
Kakashi said, "We'll behave." Anko just rolled her eyes. She loved Kakashi, but her job, and her reputation as a deadly and efficient shinobi would not be compromised.
Tsunade said, "Alright. You're dismissed. Go review Kakashi's missions, and as soon as Korekimi sends back her diagnosis, I'll send someone to get you." Both Anko and Kakashi nodded to Tsunade and left her office to find a quiet place to study the missions Kakashi would have to tackle – eventually.
They sat in an empty classroom and looked over the missions, the ranks, the requirements, all the details and varying levels of danger that each posed. As they continued to study, Anko got quieter and quieter. Kakashi picked up on it and said, "Hey. What's going on?"
Anko said, "It's nothing."
"What is it?"
"I just got you back, and you're going to be gone again."
Kakashi knew what she was talking about, because he wasn't in any hurry to leave any time soon. But both of them knew they had jobs to do. The village needed their services, and they both knew it. Kakashi said, "But I'm coming back home again. Back to our home."
Anko liked the sound of that. Their quiet moment was short lived as Izumo entered the room and interrupted them. "Hey guys – Tsunade says the verdict is in."
Anko said, "Thanks 'Zumo. We'll be right there." She turned to Kakashi and said, "Ready?"
"Yeah. Let's do this."
They got up and went to Tsunade's offices. They entered as soon as they arrived because they knew Tsunade was expecting them. Tsunade said, "You're back in business Kakashi. Korekimi is very impressed with your progress. She said you can handle anything now. So are you ready to get started?"
Kakashi felt confident and secure as he said, "I am." Anko on the other hand, wasn't quite ready to let him go yet.
Tsunade said, "Have you chosen which mission you'll start with?"
Kakashi answered, "Yeah, I think the escort mission is a good way to start."
Tsunade looked at him strangely and said, "But I thought escort missions bored you?"
"They do, but they are necessary. I'll start there."
"Then you'll go alone. Two days out, two days back." Anko was relieved to hear that he'd only be gone four days instead of over two months like he was gone on his sabbatical.
Kakashi said, "I'll handle it."
Tsunade looked at him and said, "I'm sure you will. Just beware. The man you are escorting is a political prisoner. A lot of people want him dead."
"It's not like I've never done this before."
Tsunade said, "That's why you're doing it now."
Anko asked, "Do you have an assignment for me then?"
Tsunade answered, "I will by the end of the day. I need to talk to Shizune about it. That girl. I swear her head so far up Genma's ass . . ." Kakashi and Anko looked at each other warily.
Tsunade continued, "Kakashi, come back later. I'll give you your mission details, maps – everything."
"Hai."
"You're both dismissed." Both ninjas left the offices of the 5th Hokage and started to discuss the upcoming mission Kakashi was to go on alone.
Tsunade sat at her desk and wrote a note back to Korekimi thanking her for sending Kakashi's diagnosis so quickly. She also told her that he'd be leaving on his first official mission in two days' time. Again she thanked her and suggested that they get together for some sake one evening. When she finished writing out her note, she folded it and put it in an envelope. She called, "Shizune! I have an assignment for you."
Shizune appeared out of nowhere and strode into the office of her mistress and said, "Yes Tsunade-sama?"
"I want you to take this note over to Korekimi's office. It's important that she get it right away. It's about Kakashi and I want her to add it to his file."
"Yes Tsunade. I'll leave now."
Shizune turned back to her mistress and before she could speak, Tsunade bellowed, "YES, you can take Genma with you if you want!" Shizune smiled and practically skipped out the door to find Genma. Tsunade sighed and thought; I swear to God, I'm going to send that fuck on a month long mission, just so I can get my assistant back! That girl . . .
Shizune didn't have a hard time finding Genma, and they were soon on their way to Korekimi's office with Tsunade's note. As soon as they arrived there, Shinju welcomed them, "Shizune! Nice to see you. What brings you here today?"
"I have a note for Korekimi from Tsunade. It's important that she get it right away. It's about Kakashi and she wants her to add it to his file."
Shinju said, "She's stepped out for a moment, I'll take it for you and give it to her as soon as she returns."
Shizune said, "Just make sure she gets it right away."
Shinju nodded and said, "Don't worry; I'll make sure the information gets in the right hands immediately."
Shizune and Genma waved and left the office.
Kakashi and Anko finished the rest of their day at work and went home to dinner together. Both were adjusting to spending even more time together. Anko was thrilled to have Kakashi back and with her all the time, while Kakashi couldn't have been happier. He knew he'd be leaving in two days time, but the two days he had to spend at home with his fiancé he was going to make the most of.
Meanwhile, a courier was on his way to deliver a packet of information into some very angry hands.
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A/N: He he he. I love cliffys. Or at least eluding to the unknown.
Next up: The courier delivers his information, and soon a plan is hatched. See you soon!
