Hey people! Chapter 4 is finally here! Pls enjoy and review! I'll try to update as soon as possible! Reviews are my source of inspiration!

Disclaimer: I do not owe Naruto.

0o0

Kakashi stood in front of the door. He couldn't believe how dumb his luck was. Somehow, somewhat, Sasuke got home during the time when he was out. That wasn't really a problem though but what's bothering him was the fact that Sasuke had actually locked the door. He even locked all the windows to prevent Kakashi from going in. And now, the poor copy-nin was standing outside the apartment, trying to figure out a way to break in. Jutsus and strength are out since he is now currently in the position of a commoner.

"So, basically I've no choices left." he let out a bitter laugh and walked away since there was no other thing he could do. Might as well find some place where he could sleep comfortably and maybe the following day, he could find someone else who could offer him a room. "Maybe Naruto or Sakura…"

Kakashi had been wandering around for almost an hour. After so much walking, he still couldn't find anything that fits 'comfortable'… he had tried the bench in the park, atop of a tree but nothing seemed right for him. His steps were getting heavier by the minute from the exhaustion. He didn't get enough rest considering that he stayed awake for almost a week before encountering with Jiraiya. His body was screaming in agony from the tiredness… He desperately needed rest, even if it meant sleeping in the open. He felt the ground. It was grass.

"At least it's better than the concrete surface…"

Using his bag of stuff as his makeshift pillow, he lied down on the ground and fell asleep with no clue as to where he was. He shall think of that when he wakes up the next day… Sleep is the first priority.

0o0

"S-Sumimasen…" A hand could be felt on his shoulder followed by a gentle shake, "You are going to get a cold if you sleep o-out here."

Kakashi slowly opened his eyes and met white. That made him sprung up in surprise, at the same time, his forehead crashed into that person's nose. He shifted backwards and hurriedly felt for his eye patch. It was still there. Good thing he didn't take it off or else he would be recognized for his Sharingan. Feeling relieved, he looked up to see who the intruder was but instead, guilt overcame him. He must've been so tired such that he did not even sense his presence… or rather, her.

"Gomenasai… Did I hurt you badly?" Kakashi wanted to call out her name but stopped when he remembered his current identity. The person he bumped into was a girl around 18 (A/N: Kakashi is 16 for those who had forgotten), long black hair hung around her shoulders and her nose slightly red from the previous impact of his forehead.

"I-its okay… its not r-really that serious." She blushed and rubbed her nose, "M-my name's Hinata Hyuuga, I've never seen you before, a-are you new?"

"My name's Arashi. I am an orphan so there's no surname for me." Kakashi returned her with a smile. He recalled that she was the student of Kurenai and was the girl who blushed a lot and had a great crush on Naruto. It seemed that she had grown up into a beautiful and strong kunoichi… Kurenai should be proud of her…

"W-what are you doing here, A-Arashi-kun?"

"She's trying to come up with a conversation." The copy-nin figured. There was no way he could answer that question. He didn't even know where he was in the first place. All he remembered was being locked out by Sasuke and sleeping in some random space. He looked around his surroundings. He froze immediately upon coming face to face with a stone tablet with a very familiar name engraved on it:

Uchiha Obito

The words struck him as he finally came to knowledge that he was at the memorial. He was suddenly overwhelmed by grief as he stared at the name. He had no idea that he was sleeping in front of him all along… and to think he called himself a friend. Hinata, who was looking at him, seemed to notice the sudden emotions that flooded into his eyes.

"Is he r-related to you? I m-mean if it's not too personal…"

Kakashi was pulled violently back into reality. It took a while for him to register what she had said before giving her a reply.

"Aa… If you promise not to tell…"

"H-hai!" she blushed some more. Kakashi chuckled at her nervousness; he knew he could trust her. After all, he needed someone to talk to… someone who can listen to his pain that hadn't stopped haunting him since that day, years ago. And it seemed that Hinata was a trustworthy kunoichi whom you could share your pains with.

"Uchiha Obito… (A/N: Sorry to readers out there, but I'm not going to put Tobi as Obito) He's my good friend but unfortunately, he died at such a young age…" Kakashi felt tempted to tell her about the part where Obito saved him and pour out all the misery but he restrained himself to it.

There was silence. Then she spoke.

"I-it must have b-been painful for you… someone c-close to you dying, leaving you alone in this world without a-any one to care for you," she paused to think, "But still, you h-have to live on, continue on with life, getting stronger everyday, little by little, you will get stronger. There are no shortcuts in life and I believe Arashi-kun will get stronger. A-and Obito-san would be grateful that you've finally move on instead of always brooding over his death. He may have already gotten tired of looking at your depressed face."

Hinata let out a smile; her eyes always shone in the same manner; soft and encouraging. Kakashi was taken aback. Those words indeed had left an impression on him and for once in his entire life, he felt touched. He never knew Hinata was such a person when he was still a sensei… he came to realization that, when a person changes, his perspectives changes as well.

How can Naruto be so oblivious as to not know that such an impressive woman had a crush on him?

"Hinata-chan…" Kakashi whispered out, gaining her full attention, "Arigato."

A gust of wind blew across them both as they remained in their postures. Hinata finally let out a squeak as her face went a few more shades of red.

"A-as long Arashi-kun f-feels better, I-I am g-glad for you too."

"Hinata-sama." A voice came from behind her. She gasped in surprise and turned around.

"N-Neji-kun! W-what are you d-doing here?" The girl asked and suddenly realized what Neji had just called her. "P-please, j-just 'chan' will do…"

"I should be the one asking you why you are here… I had a hard time looking for you."

"G-gomen… I j-just feel like t-taking a walk…" she bowed her head in apology.

Neji's eyes softened and his mouth curled up slightly, "Don't worry; Hinata-chan. Tsunade-sama was just looking for you about some matters."

Hinata nodded and hurried off to the Hokage's tower. Neji turned and looked at Kakashi who was still sitting at his original place. The copy-nin stood up upon reaction and smiled at him which fortunately, Neji returned it with a smile of his own. Sometimes it's safer to make friends rather than enemies… especially with people like Neji.

"My name's Arashi, 16 this year."

"Hyuuga Neji, Age: 19. I've heard of you, Arashi-san, I hope you like it in Konoha."

"Yea… Konoha's a great place. It seemed that news travel fast; I've only been here for one day."

"Of course, with Naruto around, news spread exceptionally fast. Furthermore, I was present when Sakura-san asked Tsunade-sama of your financial assistance. I assume that you are going to become a ninja?"

"Yea… Naruto forced me to enroll in the Ninja Academy."

"Mmm… It's never too late to become a ninja though… you should take this chance to put your abilities to good use. It requires lots of skill to become a ninja… and lots of determination."

"Like Naruto and his wish to become Hokage…"

Kakashi was about to open his mouth when an ANBU appeared behind Neji. He whispered something into the Hyuuga's ear before disappearing in a puff of smoke. Neji remained silent for awhile before diverting his attention back to Kakashi again.

"That's an ANBU member, short for Ansatsu Senjutsu Tokushu Butai. They are specially trained ninjas that deal with assassinations and conducting high-risk missions into enemy countries. I am aiming to become one and serve the village with all that I have."

"I'm sure you will be able to reach your goal considering your potential…"

"I will be going now… There's a mission that requires my assistance. See you around, Arashi-san."

"Jya…"The copy-nin held up his hand. The Hyuuga nodded his head and leapt away in the distance, leaving Kakashi alone. He proceeded to picking up his stuffs and head in the direction of Ichiraku Ramen, where he will be able to find Naruto and Sakura easily. First thing he needed to do was to settle his lodging problem.

"Rest well, Obito." He gave the stone one last look and continued his road. Everyone had move on and maybe, he should move along in life too…

0o0

He was a kilometer away from the Ichiraku shop when he was spotted by a certain blonde. For some reason, Naruto started running in his direction upon sighting the copy-nin, his face displayed panic and worries. Kakashi halted in his tracks and watched Naruto approach him in a manner similar to a bullet train. It saved him the trouble of looking for the Kyubii anyway.

"ARASHI-KUN!! YOU'RE LATE!" Naruto grabbed him on the wrist and dragged him away, leaving a trail of dust behind them. Everything was going too fast for Kakashi to comprehend what was going on. Firstly, he wanted to look for Naruto. Secondly, Naruto saw him and dragged him along in his marathon. Just what the hell was going on?

Kakashi thought it was some kind of prank and allowed Naruto to continue his feat. The copy-nin was still clueless as to where the blonde was dragging him to, but not for long when he saw the building that Naruto was heading for… the NINJA ACADEMY. His instincts told him to run away as far as possible but unfortunately, his body won't move- Probably from suffering too much shock. Sakura was already at the door, waiting for the two's arrival. She was pacing in circles and glancing out in the distant occasionally. She finally stopped when Naruto's view came into sight.

"Took you long enough to find Arashi-kun… Lessons are starting in five minutes time." Sakura took over from there and it was her turn to run and drag Kakashi to the classroom. Sakura was in her chuunin vest, Kakashi noticed. She must have retaken the test during my absence… But there was something else that was bugging him at the back of his mind. And that thing soon came to Kakashi's realization when the both of them stepped into the classroom.

"You are my teacher?!"

There was no answer so Kakashi took it as a 'yes'.

"Sorry I'm late, students! We have a new student here with us that will be joining us this spring. He will be giving us a self-introduction now." Sakura announced to the whole class, meanwhile trying to pull Kakashi into the room. Kakashi stood beside Sakura. All eyes were in him now, waiting for him to give his speech. Never in his life have he ever felt so embarrassed: having his own students as his teacher and now, him joining a class that consist of people a few times younger than him. He remained silent until Sakura nudged him.

"I'm Arashi. No surname. Age: 16. Dozo Yoroshiku."

"Please take a seat, Arashi." Sakura tried her best to look professional in front of him but found it hard considering the age gap to be only 2 years. He was more like a friend compared to a student in Sakura's eyes. It was all Iruka-sensei's fault for falling sick… and me being so dumb to give in to his request on replacing him.

Kakashi walked up the steps and sat in an empty row. At least he would have some peace without anyone to bother him especially children… he do not have to patience to tolerate them. He watched Sakura's movements as she walked to and fro, scribbling some notes on the blackboard and going on with the lesson. He had already known everything that was being taught in the Ninja Academy…he graduated from there at an age of 5 and became ANBU at 13. He's not called a child prodigy for nothing.

"Sakura sure had grown…" His lazy eye scanned his former student, showing a glint of pride, "both physically and mentally."

Sakura read out the information that she had wrote out and further explain into depths to the students. Actually, she was feeling uncomfortable inside. Every time she moved, she could feel Arashi's eye on her, even when her back was facing the class. Every gesture she made was all being seen and it made her feel vulnerable. She took a swift glance at him and gulped. That single eye alone with that eye patch reminded her terribly of her old sensei. The ability to make someone nervous just by looking at them was one of his specialties.

"I wonder what's under that eye patch of his…" Sakura thought, at the same time, trying her best to continue with class in a composed state.

0o0

Finally after what seemed like eternity, class finally ended. Sakura let out a sigh of relief. Never in her medical life had she felt so stressed. For almost the entire time, Arashi was staring at her, making every ounce of her feel uncomfortable. She waved to the students that were bidding her farewell and managed to force a smile in return. Every one of them had left the room except for Kakashi. He was waiting for her.

"Let's get going, Arashi-kun."

"You look tired, Sakura-chan." The copy-nin commented, not knowing that he was the cause of the phenomenon, "Do you need any help?"

"Ahaha… I-it's okay. Naruto's waiting for us!" she gave a nervous laugh.

Kakashi looked unconvincingly at her before approaching the exit, with Sakura behind him. Silence hung between the both of them as they walked through the corridors. It wasn't the kind of tension-filled silence whereby you felt very awkward. It was more of… comfortable silence. Sakura couldn't help but fix her glance at Kakashi's back. He was taller than her by a head despite her being older and he was more mature than any other 16 years old boy.

"How is he able to do that? He can make you nervous just by staring at you but when he relaxes, it feels kind of warm. His eye no longer possess the effect back then during lesson time. It's almost like… Kakashi-sensei. Even his hair resembles him too…"

Sakura let out a whimper upon the thought of the loss of her teacher. It was shocking news to her and it certainly dealt a great blow to her. She had always respected Kakashi-sensei as a teacher who cared for his students greatly. Even sometimes, she had seen him as a friend, especially during the period when Sasuke was missing. Kakashi was the one who helped calm her down other than Naruto.

Sakura was lost in her thoughts that she did not see that Arashi had stopped. Resulting in her bumping into him. Finally regaining some senses, she took a step backwards and apologized. Kakashi looked down at her. He had known her long enough to see that something was going on in her mind. The whimper that she gave out was also captured by his ears.

"Don't hide it, Sakura-chan, there's something definitely wrong with you."

"Just some thoughts… about my sensei…" Those words immediately woke Kakashi up. He was curious to know what she was thinking about him. It wasn't something you could hear on a daily basis.

"What about him?"

"Oh… nothing much though… His name was Hatake Kakashi, the legendary copy-ninja. He was Naruto, Sasuke, and my sensei during when we were still genins. 'Those who don't follow rules are trash, but those who don't care about their friend are worse than trash'. He would risk his life just to protect his comrades and that was what I respected him for. Although he's a pervert, going around reading those smut books of his, inside my heart, he will always be a great sensei… even, a friend." Sakura said, a hint of sadness could be heard in her voice.

"But recently, he was sent on a mission and due to that 'comrades are more important' theory of his, he was declared MIA which was also another way of labelling him as dead." Tears were now brimming at the edge of her eyes. She tried to control her emotions but failed horribly, once the first drop fell onto the cold, hard ground. She couldn't stop crying.

Kakashi felt as if his heart was stabbed by a thousand knives. He had always thought that Sakura would only shed her tears for Sasuke. And in her eyes, he's nothing but just a sensei to her. At that moment, he wanted so badly to shout out that he really is Kakashi and that he is still alive. But he couldn't. All he can do now is to give her words of consolation. Not to mention, he needed to restrain the whirlwind of emotions rampaging about within him.

"Don't cry, Sakura-chan… Haven't you ever thought that he might be still alive? He may be still living somewhere out there-" Kakashi was interrupted.

"You don't understand, Arashi-kun… Those people that were claimed MIA never ever came back to this village. They were all dead. And Kakashi-sensei is…" More tears dripped down her cheeks.

"I understand, Sakura-chan… I have friends who are claimed MIA too. And not one ever came back."

Kakashi let the medic-nin cried her heart out before speaking up.

"Naruto's waiting for us, Sakura-chan."

"Arashi-kun, please don't tell anyone about me crying… I don't want Kakashi-sensei to be upset over me crying for him." Sakura whispered out. He agreed and reassured her that he wouldn't leak that piece of information.

"I won't be upset, Sakura. In fact, I'm glad to have such a caring student like you…"

Kakashi stretched out his hand as she looked at him. Timidly, she held out her hand and met his which was instantly being pulled upwards. The copy-nin helped her up as the both of them headed towards the exit where Naruto was waiting… for them.

"Took you guys long enough… I've been waiting here for hours!" The blonde complained.

"Hai, hai… I shall treat you to ramen for being so patient, okay?" Sakura laughed when Naruto started bouncing upon the mention of his favourite food.

"She really had grown mentally… and her acting skills are still the best in our team."

"Joining us?" She asked Kakashi.

"Yea…"

"C'mon Arashi! I'll race you to Ichiraku!" Naruto shouted as he ran off with Kakashi running behind him. Sakura just walked behind, another thought in her mind.

"Why am I able to open up so easily to Arashi-kun? Is it due to his resemblance to Kakashi-sensei? He does have grey hair and a single eye after all…"

She pondered for a while but soon dismissed it when she heard her name being called by Naruto.

"Maybe it's just because of his trusting personality…"

TBC

0o0

I would like to thank the following non/authors for reviewing my stories:

Kakashifan915

Fanimation-x-

Rika24

NireSanam

Rodick

I apologize on the behalf of my friend who used my account to review my story. It was an accident. She wanted to review under anonymous but didn't see that I was logged in so in the end resulted in using my account to review my own story. Ahhhh… I hope that will not cause any misunderstanding. And if anyone know how to delete reviews pls help me… T.T Thanks!