AN: Well here is another chapter! Woo so close to the end but already over 30,000 words. So my second completed fic will definitely be longer than my first, Ramen Soup for the Soul. Thanks to the two reviewers and Yengirl.

My Soul is Spartan: Thank you, I am happy you liked the poem.

Nerissi: Thank you I am glad Gai's slightly cheesey poem moved you. He is cheesey but adorable :D Sorry to hear you have been feeling bad but I am happy this fic made it a lil better for you. I am also glad I got you into a GaiKaka teehee. Yeah, I wondered about how the portrayal of Genma and the chuunun would go down, but I kind of liked the idea of Genma being cheeky and a bit naughty like this. I also impinged him to be a bit of a gossip! They weren't trying to hurt anyone they just got carried away.

Chapter 25

"Maito, please calm down let's talk about this rationally!"

"It's all a misunderstanding!"

Gai only cracked his knuckles and walked closer to them. Kotetsu and Izumo hid behind Genma. "Do something, Genma!"

"Me?!"

"Yeah, you're a special jonin!"

"So?"

"So you can take him, right?"

"Are you insane? I'm not taking on a raging Maito Gai! Have you seen that man, he's built like a brick shit house! Guys, I'm good, but I'm not stupid."

As Gai closed in and the three edged back, the two chuunin pleased with their friend again.

"Well, can't you talk some sense into him? You used to be team mates!"

"Ha! He never listened to me back then either, right Gai?"

Gai said nothing, he only smirked. The three realised too late that it was the calm before the storm. There was a sudden flare of chakra, and then before they could even blink Gai was behind them delivering a round house kick into Kotetsu's back. Being the last in the chain hiding behind Genma, the force of the kick knocked him into Izumo, which is turn pushed him into Genma, and all three fell into a pile on the floor.

They all moaned in pain and surprise. Next thing Kotetsu knew he was being yanked up by his vest to Gai's eye level.

"Oh my-"

Wham. Gai's fist filled Genma's vision before striking its target.

"OW MY NOSE! NOT AGAIN!"

Kakashi was running across the rooftops with incredible speed. Shit, he just couldn't believe it. Gai had actually gone to apologize that idiot and give him his blessing. Of the stupid, irritatingly noble things to do- but that was Gai all over, wasn't it? Putting Kakashi's feelings before his own, sacrificing his own feelings for Kakashi's.

Stupid, sweet man. So frustrating. He sighed.

How on earth had he been so oblivious to Gai's true feelings and devotion this whole time? Kakashi had always though he had been good at reading people too…

The girls were struggling to keep up behind him as they clamoured nosily across Konoha. All of them for the same destination: the village gates. Kakashi just hoped he wasn't too late for whatever was in store for him there.

Within seconds of jumping from the closest roof and landing in the clearing though, he could see that he was. However the sight that greeted him really wasn't what he had expected. Not that it didn't have its charm of course.

Genma, Izumo and Kotetsu were all limping and moaning, arguing amongst themselves. Kakashi was somewhat amused to see that Kotetsu's nose was once again bleeding and swollen.

"This is all YOUR fault!" he yelled thickly through a mouthful of blood.

"Mine?!" Genma defended. "How the hell is this my fault?" The special jonin was leaning against a wall, wincing from some unknown ailment.

"You're the one who initiated the bet!"

"Yeah, because you were so deluded you thought Hatake would let you fuck him. Why not make a bit of money out of something so ludicrous?"

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"Oh come on, shut up you two. We had that coming really. Maito could have done far worse than that." Izumo said rubbing his back and glaring at the other two.

"Gai did this?" Kakashi interrupted, making them jump. For moment they had thought the Green Beast was back for round two.

"Yes, you're crazy 'rival' did this!"

The sound of a kunai being drawn alerted them also to Tenten's presence.

"Oh no not another one! We really have to keep our mouths shut," Izumo whined.

"So let me get this right," Kakashi said, aura growning dark as he took a threatening step towards the three. "First you use me in some bet, and second you insult the one who defends my honour?"

Kakashi held out a hand, chidori suddenly forming.

The eyes of the three troublemakers widened in terror. Shit Hatake was pulling his most dangerous move, this was serious.

"You three obviously haven't learnt you're lesson," Kakashi finished menacingly and took a fighting stance.

Suddenly, it dispersed and Kakashi fell back laughing.

"Wh- what? Aren't you…"

"As if I would use such a move on any comrades, even if they did deserve it. Besides it seems Gai has already knocked a bit of sense into you."

"You were just messing with us?" Genma demanded.

"And you deserved a whole lot worse for the trouble you've caused, so just be grateful. Seriously though, the look on your faces!"

Genma grumbled, embarrassed.

"Sakura-chan, Ino-chan, please do your best to help these, ah, gentlemen."

"Where are you going sensei?"

Kakashi turned away in the direction of Gai's house. He didn't want them to see him blush, but he wanted Kotetsu to hear this. "To find my man."

All of the girls squealed. Genma covered his ears.

"Then you'll need to head to the training grounds," Tenten said. "Gai will be there blowing off steam after dealing with these three."

"Good luck, Kakashi-sensei," Hinata smiled shyly.

"Go get him, sensei," Sakura and Ino cheered.

"And if you ever hurt him," Tenten warned happily. "I'll make you regret it."

"Oh don't worry, I'd never underestimate you girls."