A/N: Thank you so much for your reviews :D Personally, i don't think this chapter is that good. -shrugs- Ah well, I can always edit. I'll try and get the OVA's and first movie out soon for you :) I love Gai in this chapter, he truely cares about Lee.

Claimer: Kari-chan and all un-original Naruto material is mine.

Disclaimer: Kishimoto-sempai owns Naruto.

Masukono ushironi

Behind the Mask

What secrets lie,

Beyond that which is never seen?

-----x-----

"Ohayou!"

"Kari?" Kakashi asked surprised. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I've come to walk you home," she said happily, sitting on the bed and landing on his leg. It was mid morning, and she was in quite a good mood after a night being with Naruto. They'd had ramen, gone back to his and talked about random things while he mostly hugged her. It looked as though her affectionate nature was rubbing off on him. He'd insisted she wear his clothes to bed which she happily obliged to as they were so comfortable. They'd fallen asleep snuggled up closely, Kita comfortably at the end of the bed.

"Aa," Kakashi said with a chuckle, getting up from the bed. He'd been planning to leave shortly anyway. "Have you been to see Sasuke yet?"

"No," she huffed, folding her arms.

"You're still mad at him?" Kakashi asked.

"Hai."

"Why? What did he do?" Kakashi asked curiously. He was still surprised that Sasuke got punched in the face, and was confused when Sasuke smirked afterwards.

"Nothing," Kari said stubbornly. The air was crisp and people were bustling about getting ready for their day.

"It can't have been nothing," Kakashi said, deciding to go in the less used direction to his place. He was in a reasonable mood and didn't want to run into Gai. "What did he do?"

"Nothing," Kari said as she followed. Though she was still slightly annoyed at Sasuke for that, it was fun to see her sensei like a curious child, and even more fun to see him get frustrated when she wouldn't tell him.

"Kari," he said sternly.

"You don't want to know."

"Yes I do."

"No you don't."

"I know what I do and do not want Kari, now tell me what he did."

"This," she said giving her sensei's ass a firm squeeze. He must have jumped a foot in the air, and made a shocked squeal sort of noise which sent Kari into absolute hysterics. "Make that noise again!"

"You can't do that!" Kakashi said shocked while she laughed at him. He was beyond shocked, but was inwardly pleased she was laughing after he'd seen her cry. As long as she was happy… "So that's what Sasuke did?"

"Yup," Kari replied her laughter dying down slightly. She squeaked when Kakashi poked her sides, making her squirm. He was getting revenge by preying on her ticklish sides.

"And why couldn't you have just told me instead of scaring the life out of me?" he asked, smirking as she giggled and squirmed, his fingers drumming above her hips.

"No," she giggled trying to swat his hands away. She managed to grab on of his hands and hugged his arm, successfully putting a stop to the tickling torture. He placed his hands in his pockets and allowed her to continue holding his arm. They stopped when they reached his place.

"It feels un-gentlemanly, I should be the one walking you to where you need to go," Kakashi said looking down at her.

"You're not a gentleman, you're a pervert," she said simply.

"Coming from you? I don't believe I've groped you before?" Kakashi teased, placing a hand on her head when she stuck her tongue out at him. "Go easy on Sasuke, he's still getting used to his hormones, and he gets my explanations a little confused."

"Hai Kashi," she replied. "Be good and take it easy, or I'll come and look after you!"

"And burn down the building?" he asked smirking when she smiled awkwardly. "As nice as it would be to have you running around wrecking my place, you have other people to look after."

"Guess so, but I'm here if you need me," she said, wrapping her arms around his waist and pushing her face into his vest. "Why do you have to be so tall?"

"You'll grow. Just as long as you aren't taller than me."

"Hai, hai, I'll see you soon Kashi," Kari said, pulling him down and kissing his cheek before waving and running back towards the hospital. He watched her leave and felt a smile form under his mask.

-----x-----

"You waited for me?" Kari asked sitting on the edge of Sasuke's hospital bed. He was clearly ready to leave, so he must have known she was coming, yet waited for her to get to him.

"Hn." Sasuke hadn't slept all night. He'd tried, but had been restless and uncomfortable and now he was in a sour mood because of it.

"Cheer up Sasu," Kari said ignoring the glare he sent her way. A nurse came in and deemed him fit to leave and recuperate at home. Sasuke huffed and walked out, dragging Kari along behind him. "What are you planning on doing today?"

"Hn."

"That's not a reasonable answer."

"What are you doing today?" he shot back.

"Watashi wa? I dunno, look after you, train, go visit people," Kari said with a shrug.

"Hn."

"And what was with the groping yesterday?" Kari asked huffily, eyeing him suspiciously. Her eyes narrowed when his lips upturned into a cocky smirk.

"Payback."

"Payback?"

"For leaving me while you went with the dobe," Sasuke said simply. She sighed, still feeling unbearably guilty about that.

"Fine, but don't do it again."

"Or what?" he said, raising an eyebrow.

"Or I'll do it back to you."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Don't say I didn't warn you," She said simply. If he was going to be a perverted temee she'd have her revenge…

----x-----

Tsunade turned the page of the book, reading carefully. There were piles of books around her, and she was determined to find anything that could help. 'To activate each of the cells at once… If it were one at a time it would be easy but all at once will be difficult. Demo…'

----x-----

Lee hobbled up to the roof. He had fallen but pulled himself back up and managed to reach the seating area.

"Konohagakure no sato is in a crisis right now, so we have to work hard!"

"Lee-san, if you have Tsunade-sama take a look at you I'm sure you'll get better."

"You should quit being a ninja and pursue a new path."

He looked down, becoming lost in his memories. When he was first sorted into a team, and had to introduce himself to his team-mates and sensei at this very spot.

"Yosh, starting today, all three of you are now Genin. I'd like to hear what your goals are," Gai said, looking to Neji.

"I don't want to answer," the young Hyuuga replied.

"Boku wa! Boku wa!" Lee cried, raising his hand. "Even if I can't use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu, I want to prove that I can still become an excellent shinobi! That means everything to me."

"Hn."

"What are you laughing at?! Lee cried, jumping to his feet and pointing accusingly at Neji. "I'm serious! Even if it's only with Taijutsu, I'll carry out the job of a ninja splendidly!"

"If you can't use Ninjutsu or Genjutsu then you aren't really a ninja are you?" Neji said with a smirk. "They said it was the first time someone graduated from the academy with only Taijutsu right? That doesn't mean it's amazing, it only means it's rare."

"You guys, if you're hot-blooded that may not be so," Gai said grinning. "If you enjoy your youth with a good rival, by competing with each other and improving, then I'm sure you can be an excellent ninja. However that requires effort! Ha ha ha ha!!"

'Hot bloodedness… At that moment I became captivated by my sensei, by his words and actions.'

And then there was Gai-sensei's rivalry with Kari-hime's sensei, Hatake Kakashi. But that was before she came into their lives.

"You're late! You're late by 17 minutes and thirty-two seconds!"

"Let's not do it today," Kakashi said uninterested, his nose buried deep into his icha icha book.

"We are currently tied at 48 wins, with this match one of us will take the lead!"

"Hm, looks like no is not an answer…" Kakashi said, putting his book away for the moment. "It's my turn to decide the event this time right?"

"What would you like to do? A Taijutsu battle? A 100 metre race? Snorkelling? I don't mind if it's an eating contest," Gai said enthusiastically with various poses and actions.

"Hey now…" Kakashi said embarrassed by his 'rivals' excitement. "Well then…"

"What is it?!"

"Janken."

"Rock paper scissors?! You're going to settle it with something like that?!"

"Like they say, luck is also a part of someone's strength. Plus it requires insight and reflexes. It's a great match," Kakashi explained.

"I-I see…" Gai said.

"Isn't he just talking him into it because anything else is too troublesome?" Neji asked.

"Looks like it," TenTen sighed.

"I'll accept your challenge!" Gai cried. "I won't lose! If I lose I'll do 500 laps around Konoha on just my hands!"

"Talking rubbish again…"

"It's a promise!"

"There it is again, his forte, his own rules…"

"You cant do something like that, how stupid," Neji scoffed. "He's like a child."

"You're right, even if it is Gai-sensei, he won't be able to do it," Lee agreed.

"A more fitting word would be reckless," Neji said. The two Jounin prepared themselves.

"Janken!"

"So you were here after all!" Lee was brought out of his thoughts to see Gai standing in front of him.

"G-Gai-sensei why did you come here?"

"I know everything there is to know about you," Gai replied. "Kari-hime was looking for you."

"Sou ka, is she well?"

"Youthful as always," Gai replied. "I heard you missed your rehab session today and yesterday, you shouldn't do that," Gai said poking him in the forehead. Lee looked down sadly.

"Right here, when I first became a Genin, I shared my dream… I pledged everything. Back then, even though Neji laughed at me, I was serious. Back then you told me that if you compete with your rival and enjoy your youth, someday you'll become an excellent ninja, and that requires effort. Hearing that made me happy. Even during my days at the academy, there wasn't a single person that would say that to me. Hearing that made me feel at ease. To me, who didn't know what to do, it opened up a new path. All I had to do was put forth the effort. When I complained that the effort alone could not beat genius, you said to me that I am a genius of hard work. That's when you taught me the importance of believing in myself." Tears ran down his face. "Demo! This time, even if I put forth effort or even if I believe in myself, it doesn't look like it's going to help! Gai-sensei, please tell me! Why am I the only one who turned out like this?! What should I do?! Please tell me!"

'He was making his way to becoming an excellent ninja with only Taijutsu. That was all that was on his mind until now. It must be tough… your dream and every wish is about to be unreasonably taken away from you.'

"Lee," Gai said. "If you want to release yourself from your suffering you should prepare yourself."

"To prepare me for giving up on my dream?"

"If you lose your dream you'll suffer even more than you are now. You're a baka who won't be able to live if he loses his way of the ninja. I am as well," Gai paused for a moment. "Go through with the surgery Lee!"

----x-----

"How is the cell activation technique coming along?" Shizune asked, bringing Tsunade some tea.

"It all boils down to the Chakra in the end. Even if you say 'cell', there are various types. For example, the skin, internal muscles, the organs. To activate all of it at once is a bit difficult." Tsunade replied.

"Oh? So it's just a bit?" Shizune asked.

"Are you testing me?"

"Iie! You have my utmost trust," Shizune said happily.

-----x-----

"A short while ago, I was reminiscing about the time when you and Kakashi-sensei were fighting with Janken. Back then he said luck is also a part of ones strength. The success rate of the surgery is also fifty percent. But this is different from Janken!" lee cried, wiping his eyes.

"Do you remember what happened after that Lee?" Gai asked.

As it turned out, Kakashi chose scissors and Gai chose paper.

"500 laps…" Gai reminded himself. "That's a promise here goes!"

Lee watched his sensei as he travelled around the village again and again, villagers laughing at him as he struggled walking on his hands. He stood in front of his sensei after nightfall, having had enough.

"Doushita ne, Lee?"

"Nande? No one's watching you, not even Kakashi-sensei so why?"

"Since I made a promise while acting cool and posed like a nice guy, I'll keep my promise even if I die!" Gai said sweat rolling down his face. Lee chuckled. "Doushita ne?"

"Why do you make up such weird rules before you do anything?"

"Thanks for asking Lee, you noticed something really nice!" Gai said, flipping back onto his feet. "Yosh, I'll tell you. But don't tell the others."

"W-what is it?"

"To put it simply, it's training to bring victory, my rule. Listen up, the point of this rule is to make a handcuff before you do anything, in order to force yourself into a harsh situation. For example, the meaning behind this rule is that by completing 500 laps, I will be able to win against him next time even if I lose in a game of Janken. This idea is filled with the power to change the future."

"H-hai."

"In other words, by creating the handcuff of doing 500 laps you can even take a worthless game of Janken seriously. And even if I lose, by doing 500 laps, it trains you. It's a contingency plan."

"I see!" Lee cried in understanding.

"Well then, I'll be doing a little more." Both were now on their hands, starting to walk forwards.

"I'll accompany you too! My version of my rule is…"

"Hey, don't go overboard Lee."

"If I can't keep up with Gai-sensei I'll put forth more effort. In other words, if I aim to be like you and put even more effort into it, that means I can eventually become an excellent ninja."


"Yosh, then I'll add a bonus rule too. If you can't keep up with me till the end, then I'll train you with all my life! If I train you with all my life, I'm sure you'll become an excellent ninja. That's a promise!"

"That's right, that's when you first taught me my rule." Lee said with a smile. Gai nodded.

"Your surgery that you will put forth all your effort into will definitely succeed. I'm sure you'll call forth the future. If per chance—No, if it fails, which is a one in a million chance, then… I'll die with you." Gai said sincerely. "Ever since I met you, my nindou was to train you to be an excellent ninja. That's a promise."

"You're a baka who won't be able to live if he loses his way of the ninja. I am as well."

"Gai-sensei!!" Lee sobbed, throwing his arms around his teacher, his idol.

"Bad time?" Both looked round to see Kari had finally found them.

"Kari-hime!" Lee cried going to wipe away his tears but she shook her head and walked over, wiping his tears away instead.

"Silly sempai," she said softly cupping his cheeks and brushing away each new tear. "Lee-kun is strong, I admire you." She smiled when his tears came again. "I admire Lee-kun because he is strong, kind and is the most dedicated shinobi I have ever met. You taught me so much, through Taijutsu, morals, honesty, integrity, self-belief, loyalty… If anyone can survive this you can."

"K-Kari-hime…" Gai smiled down at his students' apprentice. She must have been nearby the whole time, yet let them have their time.

"Not that you'll need it, but I'll wish you all the luck in the world anyway," Kari said and brushing away his bangs she went on her tiptoes and kissed his forehead. "A very wise and powerful medic told me that brings good luck."

Lee wrapped an arm around her and pulled her into the hug. She smiled and embraced him back. Gai's smile widened, Kakashi was lucky to officially have this treasure in his team, she had successfully softened Neji and Kakashi's hearts (he'd heard that she'd had success with the Uchiha too). It was rare to find someone as pure as her, filled with such love for her comrades.

"Do your best Lee-kun."

"Hai!"

"Let's go!" Gai said happily.

"Hai!"

-----x-----

Shizune yawned and woke up. Sitting up groggily she realised Tsunade wasn't there. She looked around curiously and spotted some notes. The fifty percent had been scribbled out and re-written as fifty-eight percent.

"Tsunade-sama," she said with a smile.

-----x-----

"Ne! Ne! Sasuke get up! Get up!" Kari cried bouncing on the bed. "We have to go to the inauguration!" He grumbled and grabbed her, rolling over and pinning her under him to stop her jumping around. "Sasuuuuu!"

"Urusai," he grumbled burying his face into her neck. He hadn't slept the night before last and had been in a coma before that! He deserved a break!

"Onegai!" she cried, squirming.

"What do I get if I do?" he asked smirking. Might as well irritate her.

"I don't care, wait, scratch that, something within reason! Please!" Kari cried, desperate to go and cheer Tsunade on. He ignored her and wrapped his arms tighter around her, amused at her protesting. "Sasuke!!"

"Ugh fine, I'll bring it up again once I think of something I want," he said rolling out of bed.

"Arigatou Sasu-kun!"

-----x-----

A large crowd had gathered outside the Hokage mansion, Tsunade standing on the top with the advisors and Jiraiya, with the Hokage hat on her head. Kakashi chuckled as Kari practically bounced with excitement. She was complaining of how she couldn't see so he lifted her onto his shoulders.

"Starting today, I will govern Konohagakure!" Tsunade cried removing the hat to reveal her face. "I am Godaime Hokage!" Cheers erupted from the crowd, Kakashi almost deafened by Kari's cry of approval. She almost fell off but Izumo and Kotetsu steadied her. She waved up at Tsunade who smiled in return.

-----x-----

"Ne, don't you want to see it?" Naruto whispered. Sakura gave him a puzzled look while Sasuke looked bored. Kari was thinking about how strange it was being over six, wait no probably over seven feet tall on Kakashi's shoulders. He'd disappeared somewhere after their mission and left her with her team. "He's been hiding it from us for long enough already."

"See what?" Sasuke asked.

"See what? Isn't it obvious?" Naruto asked. He pulled out a torch and lit it under his chin while pulling a scary face. "Kakashi-sensei's, true face!"

"EE! What do you think you're doing?!" Sakura shrieked, thwacking him on the head while Kari and Kita couldn't help but giggle.

"Ne, Kita-chan, why don't you go visit Kurenai's team?"

"Hai!" and Kita was gone, safe from any horrors they might encounter.

"Hn, what nonsense. I'm out of here," Sasuke scoffed. "We've finished our mission for today so let's go home."

"You're right!" Sakura cried. 'What? It sounds so interesting too!' she couldn't help but think.

"Ne! I want to know!" Kari said, agreeing with Naruto but was cut off when Sasuke grabbed hold of her tail and started dragging her with him.

"Maybe he has thick lips?" Naruto said sneakily. Sasuke froze, still gripping Kari's tail. She tried to pull it out of his grasp, but to no avail. Kari's mind was invaded by an image of Kakashi with bright red blimp lips. It made him feel dizzy, heck was he swaying? "Or buckteeth?" Naruto said, pressing a little more. And then a Kakashi with teeth that would put beavers to shame struck her mind. It gave Sasuke shivers.

"Stop thinking!" Kari cried, lightly smacking the back of his head. Well, looks like Sasuke's in anyway.

-----x-----

Kari was left with the delightful task of asking Kakashi to Ichiraku's, because according to the others (mostly Sasuke) she was Kakashi's favourite.

"Ne Kashi, our team wants to go to Ichiraku and I'm supposed to invite you because the others are too lazy to do it."

Due to super acting skills, he agreed.

"But it's really unusual for all four of you to treat me," Kakashi said. He left out Kita because she couldn't treat him as far as he knew. "Maybe it's going to snow and a huge pile of snow will fall on me and in my bowl, or I'll reach for my chopsticks and the ramen will explode on me, or as I go to eat and a huge red rubber glove will strike me, sending me flying into the wall opposite, something like that? Or are you scheming something?" Kakashi asked.

"Kashi, you have a great imagination, you could write a book," Kari said laughing. "Matte, maybe that's not a good idea…"

"W-w-what are you talking about dattebayou?!" Naruto cried nervously.

"I-It's just to celebrate you coming out of hospital!" Sakura cried while Sasuke forced a painful looking smile. "S-s-s-s-saa, saa! Eat up!"

"Sou ka, then I think I'll eat it," Kakashi said, grabbing some chopsticks.

"Here you go, we've given you extra meat!" And the bowl was in position. The chopsticks were separated and he reached for the top of his mask. Kari sighed as they all tensely stared at Kakashi. Mou, will their heartbeats calm down, one of them is going to have a heart attack.

"Mmm. Ittadekimasu." Kakashi said, just about to pull down his mask when…

"Sasuke-kun, what a coincidence!" Ino cried jumping on Sasuke's back and pulling Chouji and Shikamaru with her, blocking Kakashi from sight.

"AAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!"

"Get lost Ino-pig!!"

"What did you say?!!"

"Aa!! Watch the tail!"

"I can't see dattebayou!!"

"Thank you for the food," Kakashi said, bowl empty, mask back up. "That was good."

"H-haya…" That was so fast…

"Huh? Is something wrong?" Kakashi asked seeing their odd positions and facial expressions. Sasuke had Chouji in a headlock, while Naruto had Chouji in an arm lock. Sakura and Ino were each pulling each others mouths and grabbing hair and Kari had jumped on Shikamaru's back for safety glaring at them all, her tail with at least three footprints on it.

"I-it's nothing!" Sakura said.

"Huh?" Naruto said noticing Ayame and Teuchi's loved up expressions directed towards Kakashi. They were blushing with hearts in their eyes!

"I REALLY want to know!"

-----x-----

"Ahou! Ahou!" Kari waved at the crow as it flew off. The crow usually appeared when something stupid happened, and would crow at people calling them morons.

"Now I want to see it no matter what dattebayou!" Naruto cried. They were back to where they started, and with even more curiosity.

"But how are you going to catch a glimpse of it?" Sakura asked. And yet again the torch and scary face comes out.

"That is… do something about it," and he was yet again punched.

"It's this something that I'm asking about baka!" Sakura shrieked.

"Then do you have an idea Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked.

"Well that's…"

"We'll pursue him, mark him completely," Sasuke said. "If we do that, he'll eventually take off his mask."

"As expected from Sasuke-kun, you're smart!" Sakura complimented.

"What the hell is that? That's a really basic plan!" Naruto scoffed.

"Did I hear something?" Sakura asked dangerously.

"Well, it's fine," Naruto squeaked.

-----x-----

"What is Kakashi sensei doing?" Naruto asked. Kakashi had been humming carrying his groceries when he paused, leg horizontal in the air with a ballerina point, dropped his bags and pressed himself against a bookshop window, crab walking up and own it while gasping in delight.

"Yappari…" Kari sighed.

"I'm disappointed in you…" Sakura grumbled at their ero-sensei. He looked round and they quickly ducked.

"He noticed us!" Sasuke cried.

"Baka Naruto! You blew our cover!" Sakura cried.

"Eh?! It's not my fault dattebayou!"

"Ehh into a movie?!" Kakashi squealed reading the billboard they were conveniently hiding against. 'Icha Icha Violence, the movie.' "I'm going to reserve tickets!!" and he rushed off excitedly.

"He's started moving again!" Sakura cried.

"Let's follow him!"

"Aa!"

They quickly jumped down and ran stealthily into the alley, only to find it empty.

"Huh, he's not there!" Sakura cried.

"Shimatta, he got away," Sasuke growled.

"K'so, where did he go?" Naruto cried. Kari could still smell him, which meant he was probably still nearby.

"What are you four doing?" Kakashi asked, appearing behind them with his groceries back in hand and scaring the life out of them. "Do you want something from me?" Kari's team mates shook their heads rapidly.

"N-nothing!"

"Hmm? Have you got anything good?" Kari asked looking at his bag. He handed her a piece of bread and pat her on the head. She smiled and thanked him.

-----x-----

"Na, why were we noticed dattebayou?" Naruto grumbled. Once again, they were back where they started.

"That's because there was too many of us," Sakura said.

"Eeeeeh? If we mask our presence numbers won't matter, dattebayou," Naruto said. Kari was only half paying attention chewing the bread Kakashi gave her. It was pretty good actually. She almost choked when Naruto got the torch out and pulled the scary face again. "Or is it that you've forgotten how to Sakura-chan?"

"You're the one who's forgotten!" Sakura screeched punching him. Deja vu much?

"Following him will be good training," Sasuke said. "Next time, we'll go one at a time."

"You're right let's leave Naruto!" Sakura said happily. She smiled awkwardly at Kari, noticing the blonde kunoichi's depressed aura. She kept her presence masked, honest… Matte, this is for Sasuke and Sakura's love! Kari grinned at Sakura and decided she could go see Neji again for some more teaching, and maybe TenTen will let her try some archery! But she's got yummy bread to enjoy first.

"NEEE?!"

"Have fun," Kari said simply, but Sasuke grabbed hold of her tail, dragging her along with them.

-----x-----

"Hm… 'At that time Junko said 'Oh I think I'm going to lose sight of you'" Kakashi read as Naruto stalked him. He disappeared transporting somewhere else.

"Are? Are? Are?!" Naruto cried confused, looking around but unable to spot him.

He came back to see the other enjoying tea, they looked round expectantly while he laughed awkwardly and scratched the back of his head.

"He got away…"

"You're as clumsy as ever," Sakura scolded.

"Usuratonkachi," Sasuke said.

"Sakura's turn," Kari said, wanting more tea.

-----x-----

Sakura sat hiding in a bush spying on Kakashi looking at the memorial stone while it rained. The small shower had come unexpectedly, but for the most part she was sheltered by the leaves. But that hadn't helped when she was stalking him here. She was cold, wet and bored.

"Mou, what is he doing?" Sakura mumbled. "Standing still…" She gasped. "Masaka?!" She ran over to her sensei only to find that he was a scarecrow.

She returned to see the others drinking tea, Kari sandwiched between the two boys. They turned to look at Sakura expectantly making her smile and blush awkwardly.

-----x-----

Kari was sent next, and really couldn't be bothered. She went to her sensei's apartment and knocked on the door. As it opened, she walked straight in.

"Kari? Do you need something?" Kakashi asked puzzled. He'd just gotten back and still had his mask on. She sighed and sat down.

"Iie, I just can't find anyone to train with," Kari said simply.

"Weren't you with Sasuke? Train with him," Kakashi said, also sitting down.

"He pulled my tail, so I'm annoyed with him," Kari said with a frown. Seriously, did he not realise it was attached?

"Sou ka, by any chance is our squad following me?"

"I dunno, I don't understand them half the time," Kari said with a small giggle. Kakashi sighed, flicking open his book.

"And you ate the bread I gave you?"

"Hai, it was good."

"Good, you need a more balanced diet," Kakashi said simply smiling at her huff. He went to his kitchen and handed her a piece of mochi. She smiled, hugged him, and left him in peace.

-----x-----

"Baka, he bribed you with food?" Sasuke asked incredulously.

"Mochi," Kari replied. It was a popular (and extremely yummy) Japanese dessert; it's a special type of rice that's been pounded to the consistency of marshmallow and rolled into balls and/or stuffed with various ingredients. Kari loves it. "Your turn Sasu, I want tea to wash it down."

"You'll end up fat," he mumbled and got a light smack to the back of his head while Kari went to ask for more tea.

-----x-----

"Sasuke-kun, how'd it go?" Sakura asked when Sasuke reappeared. It had turned sunny for him, and Kari sighed thinking how it would be her turn next.

"I quit, no more trailing him," Sasuke said huffily. They all hung their heads in disappointment.

-----x-----

They ended up having a mission the next day, out of the village much to Naruto's delight. Kari sighed and adjusted her bag, why did she feel like this was going to be a disaster?

'Our mission today is to help out at the ranch…' Sasuke thought.

'The mission itself isn't really that hard,' Sakura thought.

'I'll definitely see it dattebayou, Kakashi- sensei's real face that is!'

"What's up with you guys? You seem eager today," Kakashi said, looking to Kari in hopes of an explanation. She shrugged, the whole thing feeling tiring to her.

"We're really eager!" Naruto and Sakura cried while Sasuke made his typical 'hn'.

"Oh, that's nice," Kakashi said simply walking around them. Kari's ears twitched and she looked up into the trees.

-----x-----

"I've finally found you… Hatake Kakashi!" the man hissed. "Kakashi, you're out of luck to have met me here, I'll get you back for my long standing grudge."

"Aniki, what's this grudge you're talking about?"

Thwack.

"Baka! Have you forgotten?! I'll never forget. It happened in the spring three years ago…"

-----Springtime three years ago-----

"Iieeee!!" a girl screamed, running away from the two men.


"There's no need to be frightened!"

"Iie!!"

"Our aniki said he had something to talk to you about!"

"A-aniki?"

The ropes were pulled and the boss rose up on a log, a red lose between his teeth.

"I love you, will you marry me?"

"Aniki, you're so cool!!"

"Iie," the woman said cringing.

"There's no need to be embarrassed. Just be honest with your feelings and embrace me--AAH!" and he fell off the log and onto his face.

"IIE."

"It's okay, I may look like this, but I have money." The rose promptly transformed into two coins.

"Iie, I tell you!"

"Nani? Do you think you can decline my proposal in this situation?" he cried only for the log to smack him in the back of the head and send her flying onto the girl, only to be kicked off.

"Iie means iie!"

"Mouuu… I even set up such a romantic scene for you…"

"IIE MEANS IIE!!"

"How about you stop it right about there? Tada," Kakashi's head appeared out of the bush his Icha Icha Violence appearing a second later. "Look, she doesn't want to, and no matter how I look at the situation, you're being dumped." The girl nodded.

"You sure have guts there! Who do you think I am?" he quickly stood up. "Are you picking a fight against me knowing that we are the famous Moyanin three?"

"Moyanin? Never heard of 'em," Kakashi said simply. They had even struck poses that spelt out Moya.

"You don't know of the Moyanin?!"

"Making fools out of us, you…!"

"Temee! Who the hell are you?!"

"My name isn't really worth telling you," Kakashi replied, stepping out of the bush. "But, I'm Hatake Kakashi."

"You ARE telling us your name!!"

"Oi temee!"

"I'll make you regret this!"

"You interrupted my love!"

"Love? Don't you mean annoying, one-sided love?" Kakashi asked.

"Urusai! Guys, let's get him! Yon, san, ni, ichi! Hustle, hustle!"

Needless to say, they were easily defeated, tied up, and left hanging between two trees.

"Please! Someone! Someone help me! I don't like high places!" the boss squealed.

"I'll walk you home," Kakashi said to the girl who had hearts in her eyes in admiration for him.

"Don't be talking, oi!" The girl giggled and hugged Kakashi's arm. "Don't ehehe me! leaving me are you?!"

-----x-----

"Well, that's how it was," the boss said smugly.

"Don't brag when you lost!!"

"So this is revenge for what happened three years ago?"

"So aniki who has become stronger in the last few years are going to fight him head on! Such drama!" he was smacked on the head. "Ite-e!"

"Who'd do something that dangerous?! If we're going to do this, let's do it sneakily, from the shadows… Secretly that is…" he chuckled evilly.

"So… cheap…"

And the ahou crow flew overhead.

-----x-----

"Yosh!" the lady cried excitedly. "Irrashaimase! Irrashaimase! Irrashaimase! Irrashaimase!" she squealed stepping back and forward. Kari smiled awkwardly as they were shuffled inside.

"Sugoii!" Sakura squealed as Naruto drooled at the amazing feast before them.

"It looks delicious dattebayou!"

"Take your time," the woman said. The door closed and the mask was removed to reveal the boss of the moyanin."

'Kakashi, eat up, this will be your last meal! I've poisoned the food with an odourless, tasteless drug that I've created that will give you hiccups forever! Take your hiccups and die in pain. That suits your death…'

"Hm? Doushita? You're not eating" Kakashi asked.

"Oh nothing, why don't you eat Kakashi-sensei?" Sakura asked.

"Oh, I'm on a diet right now, so…"

"Baka…" Kari sighed.

'So that's how it is, no matter what, I'm going to see your face dattebayou!' Naruto thought.

"A-aah! My hand slipped!" Naruto cried, grabbing the teapot and throwing it at Kakashi. Kakashi swiftly upturned the table, protecting himself from the hot tea, and successfully piling all the food on to the floor. "AAAAAH!" Naruto screamed.

"What have you done?!" Sakura screeched.

"Aa, sumimasen, Sumimasen, I just unintentionally…"

"DON'T 'UNINTENTIONALLY' ME!!" Kari's team-mates shrieked at her poor sensei.

"Aaaahhh the food!" the moyanin cried. "What a cruel thing…"

-----x-----

"Ne, what are we going to do now?" Sakura whispered.

"Relax, I have an idea," Sasuke said.

"An idea?" the rest echoed.

-----x-----

"Sou ka, strangely enough you've though this idea through Sasuke," Naruto said, bubbles surrounding his mouth as he talked underwater, his nose above the surface so he could breathe. "You'd usually take off your mask when you take a bath, right?"

"Just be quiet usuratonkachi."

Behind some rocks, the moyanin were hiding.

"Hehehe, Kakashi, using this poisoned blow dart that makes you laugh forever, you will die laughing. That suits you best."

On the other side of the wall, Sakura sighed with disappointment.

"Mou, I wanted to see too," Sakura complained. "Kari-chan aren't you getting in?" Sakura asked, seeing Kari was still wrapped tightly in her towel. Kari sighed and motioned for her to turn around. Realising she was shy, Sakura turned her head so Kari would get in.

"But if it's in the hot springs…" Kari began.

"I want to see too!" Sakura said frustrated. "Surely you do too Kari-chan?"

"I'd rather not risk seeing anything else," Kari said simply, a blush coating her face when she remembered Naruto prancing about in his birthday suit.

"Kakashi-sensei! Ready yet?!" Naruto cried impatiently on the other side.

"Yeah, I'll be right there," Kakashi said simply.

"I really wanna see!" Sakura cried swimming to the edge ad grabbing her towel.

"Ne, ne! What are you doing?!" Kari cried shocked.

"He's here!" Naruto cried he and Sasuke raising their heads out of the water.

"Yosh!" the boss cried, readying the dart.

"I can't see anything!" Sakura cried, trying to peer through a hole in the wall. Kari looked at her horrified. She sank further down, eyes darting about in case they too were being spied on.

Naruto and Sasuke stood up impatiently as Kakashi drew near, becoming clearer through the steam.

"Sorry to make you wait," Kakashi said, flannel like his mask and hitai-ate still on. "Just a bit, okay?"

"AAAAAAAAH!!" Naruto screeched as he and Sasuke fell over. "Why did it turn out like this dattebayou?" Naruto's voice gurgled from underwater.

"Now!" The boss cried, blowing the dart.

"Hm, is something wrong?" Kakashi asked, bending his head and avoiding the dart. "Even if you say that, I'm getting in." The dart completely missed him and instead hit a frog, which began laughing and gribbit-ing hysterically.

"What happened? I want to see?!" Sakura cried. "Eh? Kari-chan?" Sakura asked looking around and seeing the kunoichi gone.

Naruto and Sasuke ran out, throwing towels around their waste and opening the door, gasping for air.

"Mou, what is Kakashi-sensei thinking dattebayou?!"

"What happened? Are you okay? I heard you scream!" Kari cried running towards them. She stopped a few feet in front of them and blushed awkwardly.

"Iie, he was wearing a flannel dattebayou!" Naruto cried, not at all bothered by Kari being soaking wet and in a towel. "Were you worried?" Kari smiled and looked the other way, wishing to disappear. Well, this was embarrassing; she thought they were being attacked! She squeaked when she felt Naruto's arms wrap around her. "Aww, gomen dattebayou!"

"Usuratonkachi, she's practically naked," Sasuke said, quickly closing the door and looking away, feeling the blush on his cheeks. No, it was probably just the heat.

"So what? We've taken a bath together before dattebayou and we weren't wearing anything!" Naruto said stubbornly. Kari felt the blood rush to her face and felt even worse when she saw Sasuke's horrified expression. All the stress made her eyes roll to the back of her head and she blacked out. Naruto caught her and held her close to him. "You embarrassed her dattebayou!" Naruto cried accusingly.

"Me?! It was you declaring you'd seen her naked!" Sasuke cried, still unable to believe it. She refused to take a bath with him naked, she had to wear swimwear! Well, so did he, but that's beside the point.

"Maa, what's all this fuss?" Kakashi asked walking in. Naruto squeaked and tried to hide Kari. While Sasuke tried to stand in the way to shield her from sight. "Why's Kari here, and unconscious?"

"Well, she heard us scream when we tripped and she got worried and thought we were being attacked dattebayou, so she came to see if we were ok!" Naruto cried.

"And at the sight of you she passed out?" Kakashi asked.

"Iie, it was Sasuke-temee having a fit because me and Kari-chan have had a bath together before!" Naruto said while Sasuke shot him a dirty look.

Aa, sou ka," Kakashi said. 'They'd had a bath together? No wonder she fainted when it was brought up, she's incredibly shy when it comes to her body.' He picked her up out of Naruto's arms. "So she's here because she was worried, and she fainted because you embarrassed her and most probably checked her out ne?" Both boys looked away embarrassed. Kari mumbled something and opened her eyes.

"Ohayou!" Kakashi greeted making her squeak and blush an alarming shade of red. She was being held by a half naked, wet Kakashi! A half naked, wet Kakashi, with very nice muscles! "Oi, oi Kari you need to breathe or you'll pass out again."

"Nani? Nan de?" she squeaked confused.

"You should go back and see Sakura, we don't want any perverts bothering you," Kakashi said, glancing at the two male Genin. She nodded, jumped down, and ran off blushing. "Saa, now that's sorted, I'm going back in for a while," Kakashi said simply, walking back out.

The moyanin came out later than the others, only to find their clothes stolen.

-----x-----

"Come again! Come again! Come again!" the hyperactive host lady cried as they walked off. Unable to look at any of the guys without blushing awkwardly, Kari was sticking next to Sakura. The pink kunoichi didn't mind at all, and chatted away, not noticing Kari's awkwardness.

The moyanin followed, hiding in a barrel. Good thing they brought spare clothes.

-----x-----

"Yosh, everyone go to your post and start working," Kakashi informed. "Move out!" Kari quickly went to her post, not wanting to be near the male members of her squad for a while. She was still mortified that she had fainted in a towel and embarrassed of how gorgeously toned Kakashi was. She headed to the barn, first up was tending to the sheepdogs, then the horses.

"I can't go o much longer, I'm stressed out dattebayou," Naruto grumbled. The mocking crow flying over crowing 'Ahou! Ahou!'

"I'm almost at my limit too," Sasuke admitted.

"Sasuke-kun, to tell you the truth, I am too," Sakura agreed.

"Then we'll use our last resort dattebayou!"

"Last resort?"

-----x-----

Kari happily refilled water bowls and groomed the dogs. She should have brought Kita, she'd have loved this. But at least she was looking after Hinata, Kari hadn't seen the young Hyuuga in ages and Kita enjoyed socialising with everyone, and Akamaru was good in teaching her the ways of the canine. As long as he didn't teach her to be vulgar. Now onto the horses.

-----x-----

"This is?" Sasuke asked

"Can't you tell by looking at them?" Naruto asked. They were in the clothes he had stolen from the hot spring. "They're shinobi uniforms."

"When did you prepare them?

"Ah, na, na, na, na, that doesn't matter!" Naruto said avoiding the subject.

"What will we do in these?" Sasuke asked.

"We'll rip his mask off by force dattebayou!" Naruto cried.

Kari tacked up the horse to take it for exercise, having cleaned it out and put fresh hay and straw in the stable. Kakashi was repairing the fence, and she wasn't too sure what the others were up to. She mounted her steed and with a light squeeze she was off to explore.

"Don't go too far," Kakashi reminded her. She huffed and blushed and urged the horse forward, picking up canter to get away from him before she embarrassed herself.

-----x-----

Kari sighed, heading back to the farm. She decided to explore the farm on horseback, after a great ride around where she got rid of the tension she'd had lately. She'd have to find a horse summoner to teach her how to summon them. She came to a stop and looked at the odd scene in front of her.

"Damn that Kakashi," the boss said from the barrel.

"Aniki look at that!" one of his two partners cried.

Kari raised an eyebrow puzzled when Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura, complete with odd uniforms headed over to Kakashi, who was still working on the fence.

"Oi, Hatake Kakashi!" the one she recognised as Naruto cried. The uniforms were huge on them, what in the world were they doing?

"Huh? What happened to you three?" Kakashi asked. Yup, he saw straight through it.

"What are you talking about?! We're just ordinary ninja! It's not like we want to see what's under that mask or anything!" Kari slapped her forehead. He was pushed over by Sakura.

"Baka! Don't say anything unnecessary!" Sakura cried.

"That is…" the boss said.

"Aniki! There are more people with grudges against Kakashi!"

"Now's our chance, let's go!" They burst out of the barrel and struck their poses. "Kakashi! It's about time we settle things!" the boss announced. "With this poison I created that will make you cry forever!" he gasped and dropped the bottle. Kakashi had tied Kari's team-mates up and was holding them above his head.

"Phew, I was wondering how much longer you'd be sneaking about in the shadows," Kakashi said as Kari nudged her horse, instructing it to walk over to the others. "But you've finally come out," he said putting the tied up Genin down. "But before that, Sasuke, Sakura, Naruto," the afore mentioned squeaked. "Why are you wearing that?"

"Well, um, you see," Naruto began.

"You fell for it!" Sakura cried, pointing at the moyanin. "We knew you were after Kakashi-sensei all along!

"Nan da to?! Then you were aware of our plan from the beginning?!"

"Of course, this was a trap to lure you guys out!" Sakura cried. Kari sighed and turned her horse around, giving it some running distance and then jumped the fence, before jumping off and removing the tack quickly. She placed it on the fence and jumped back over, the horse poking its head over lazily, which she stroked. "You fell for it!"

"So I walked right into a trap?! K'so! I underestimated you guys because you're kids!"

'I wasn't informed of that!' Naruto thought.

'Nice one Sakura!' Sasuke thought.

"I don't quite get it, but oh well," Kakashi said simply.

"Ne," Kari said walking forwards. "Who are you guys?" She cringed when her hands were suddenly grabbed.

"I, beautiful girl, am one of the moyanin," he said it what she supposed was meant to be a seductive voice. He pulled a rose out of nowhere and her eye twitched. Kakashi walked forwards but Kari acted first and kicked the guy in the balls.

"I'm twelve! You're older than Kashi!" she cried while Kakashi patted her on the head. He continued walking forward and they squirmed back, bowing desperately.

"Please forgive us! Please forgive us!"

"There is no use talking."

-----x-----

In an unbelievably quick time, they were hanging in the barn door.

"This is the same as what happened three years ago! We're hanging on one rope and we're swinging like we did before! We're sharing the same rope and since I can't find the end of the rope, it's hard to get out!" the moyanin whined.

"Come to think of it, who are you?" Kakashi asked.

"He doesn't even remember us!" they sobbed. "Matte! Kakashi!!!"

"Ne, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto asked. "What's under the mask?"

"Nani? You want to see what's under this mask?" Kakashi asked.

"Hai!"

"Then you should have said so earlier," Kakashi said simply.

"Then will you show us?" Sakura asked hopefully.

"Sure."

"EHH?!" they squealed bunching in front of him. Kari jumped on Naruto's back, being small and unable to see.

"What's all the commotion?" Kakashi asked. "All right then…" he reached for his mask, their hearts pounding in their chests.

'Is it the thick lips?' Sakura wondered.

'Or the buckteeth?' Sasuke thought.

'Or a small mouth?' Naruto thought.

"Under this mask is…"

'Under this mask is…?' they all repeated mentally. He pulled it down.

"There are times when there is another mask underneath!" Kakashi said, revealing a lighter mask.

"AAAAAAHH!!" and they plummeted to the ground in horror while Kakashi laughed.

"WHAT'S UP WITH THAT DATTEBAYOU!?!"

"Ahou! Ahou!"