I DO NOT OWN NARUTO
Anko panted as she tried to keep up with Kakashi. He had set a brutal pace back to the village after they finished their mission. She knew that he was worried about Hinata's safety, so she didn't whine like she normally would have about how her legs were beginning to feel like noodles. Truthfully, she didn't want to give him any ammunition to tease her about the superiority of male ninjas versus female ninjas. She let out a tired sigh as she transferred more chakra to her legs. Good thing we are almost home. I am worried about what he is going to do once we get there. While I would LOVE to see Haishi Hyuuga get the beat down he so richly deserves, I don't want Kakashi to get punished. It's a serious offense to attack a clan leader…
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Kakashi POV
I've pushed Anko about as far as I can, I am just lucky that she has decided not to whine. I think she is worried- after all she was there the last time I got this mad at someone. If he has hurt her because of me, I am going to kill him! I don't care what happens to me as long as she is safe.
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Hokage's Office:
"Don't you think that this is a little extreme, Lady Tsunade? What if Kakashi does not agree to this?" Shizune questioned her mentor.
"Shizune, we both know that bastard isn't going to stop until Hinata is either permanently injured or dead. She isn't strong enough to fight for herself anymore-you saw the test results. She is going to need someone strong to protect her." Tsunade said wearily.
"Still-Kakashi settling down for one woman? Not to mention the fact that he is ten years older, and completely out-classes her in experience and skill…" Shizune said condescendingly. Tsunade turned to her assistant with a tiny hint of laughter in her eyes. It was a well known fact that Shizune was a member of Kakashi's fan club, though she was not as obvious about it as most of them were.
"Look-I know that you think the man is the best thing since sliced bread, but Hinata is a lovely young woman. She is kind, gentle, beautiful, a good cook, and well on her way to being an excellent medical ninja. If anything, Hatake will be getting the better end of the deal! What young woman wants to be tied down to an older man who is perverted, practically emotionless, not to mention late to everything.." She was cut off by Shizune.
"My Lady!" she cried indignantly, upset that her friend was insulting her crush. She blushed when Tsunade laughed at her, realizing to late that she had played right into the older woman's teasing. She glowered slightly as she waited for Tsunade to stop laughing at her expense.
"Seriously though, if what Neji told us was true, Kakashi already feels highly protective of her. Despite his reputation as a ladies' man, this is the first time that Hatake has been indiscreet. There have to be some sort of feelings there. I think that he will agree to the marriage. It was the best plan that Nara and I could come up with. I just hope that he gets back from his mission soon- I can't stall the council much longer." She said worriedly.
"I still think that it is a bit extr-" Shizune broke off her sentence when Kakashi hopped in through the window.
"Yo." He said as he raised his hand in greeting.
"Your mission was successful?" Tsunade questioned.
"Yes. Anko is going to write up the report after she recovers." He said with a touch of shame.
"Recovers? Was she injured?" Shizune inquired.
"Not really." He replied ambiguously.
"Just what does that mean Hatake?" Tsunade said, annoyed by his vague-as-usual reply.
"Her chakra is low-we returned to the village a little too fast for her. Well, if you will excuse me, I have to help my neighbor with her-" he trailed off as he prepared to leave. He was trying hard to act with his usual casual attitude, but he was extremely anxious to find out if Hinata was safe.
"Hatake-wait. I have something important to discuss with you. It concerns Hinata Hyuuga." Tsunade said sternly. She was not really surprised when he straightened up and lost his languid attitude.
"What about her? Has something happened to her?" He asked tensely. It took quite a bit of self-control for Tsunade not to laugh at the look of jealousy and disappointment on her assistant's face at the obvious concern Kakashi was displaying towards Hinata.
"She is currently in the hospital, under my personal protection. Her father beat her so badly that a guard had to sneak her out of the compound to save her life." She paused as an enormous amount of killing intent thickened the air, making it hard to breathe. Her eyes widened as she realized that she had grossly miscalculated the level of Kakashi's attachment to the young woman. His face went completely blank, and chakra began to collect in his hand.
"THAT SORRY SON-OF-A-BITCH! I AM GOING TO KILL HIM!" He yelled as he darted for the window. At the last second, Tsunade managed to grab his leg and she quickly slammed him down onto the floor, knocking him out.
"Shizune!" She barked out to her stunned assistant. "Summon an ANBU and take Kakashi to the hospital. I want him in a private room with full chakra restraints." She ordered rapidly. As the young woman rushed out to follow her orders, Tsunade starred down at the unconscious man with worry. Hmm, whether he knows it or not, the man is in love. I can't let him go on a rampage-I'll keep him restraints until he calms down. I am sure that he will agree to the plan now. She smirked to herself as she thought of the look on Haishi Hyuuga's face when he realized what she was plotting.