Chapter 2: The thing about morals.
"What's up?"
"Nothing."
Genma rolled his eyes and removed the silver senbon from between his teeth. Kakashi continued ignoring him and kept his eyes firmly on his book. Of all the jounin he had come to know over the years, Genma was probably one of the few he would consider a friend. Not aloud of course, but enough to not shrug off his company. He didn't particularly want it now, but had inadvertently invited him over by waving as he caught site of the man heading towards the Hokage tower. He had jumped over and joined Kakashi on his roof top, dropping down next to him with a weary grunt.
"Tough mission?" Kakashi asked, flipping a page and not really caring.
Genma snorted in response. "Bunch of idiot chunin who passed the exam last week thinking they're the shit." He twirled the senbon between his fingers. "One of them nearly got himself killed. Honestly, is it just me or are these kids getting dumber?"
Kakashi huffed in response. He had been at the academy only a few days before as a favour to Iruka and he had definitely left wondering if Konoha's overall IQ would be diminishing over the years. The graduating class had been offered the chance to interview the village's legendary Copy Ninja and the best they could come up with was, "what's your favourite ice cream, Kakashi-senpai?"
"So, um, do you reckon Shizune is seeing anyone?"
Kakashi looked up at that. He fixed a grey eye on the man next to him and waited.
"I just- I saw her at the hospital the other day and she seemed pretty tired and overrun.. yunno, just thought she could do with a night out.."
Kakashi smirked. If any of the other women Genma had dated were to be believed a night out with him was blowing off a lot of steam before he disappeared the next morning. "I think it would be worth it just to see Tsunade's reaction."
Genma stuck the senbon back between his teeth and scratched his head sheepishly. "Yeah, maybe it's not such a good idea."
Kakashi huffed again and turned back to his book.
"Well, better be off. Still have to report back." Genma got to his feet with a grunt. "Ever think we're getting old?" He clapped the other man on the shoulders and turned to leave.
"Genma?"
He looked back at his haughty comrade.
"Do you think we're too old?"
He sat down again, stretching his legs out in front of him and staring at the man slightly confused.
"This isn't about the hair, is it?" He grinned.
Kakashi sighed and closed his book again, resting it in front of him on his knees. He looked out over the village. He loved it this time of day. The sun was just setting, shadows stretching out before him towards the east gate. There was always a buzz in the atmosphere this time of the evening. People were shouting happily to each other as they closed up their shops and the more eager shinobi headed towards the bars in the entertainment district.
"I've been given a mission." He scratched the back of his neck watching some shadows jumping across the rooves on their way out of the village.
He could feel Genma's eyes drilling into him, obviously curious. Kakashi sighed.
"And..?"
He stared towards the centre of the village. His favourite bar was over that way and he had already promised to meet some of the other jounin there later.
"You're coming for a drink tonight?" He asked idly.
"Yeah.."
Kakashi decided he would rather talk about this with a few drinks in him. Genma was not averse to giving his honest opinion when drunk and quite frankly, he would rather hear it in a way that would prove amusing if nothing else.
"I'll talk to you then."
He got to his feet and jumped off the tea house.
"Kakashi-san!"
He smiled and waved at the attendant who he had narrowly missed landing on and opened his book again, wandering in the general direction of home. A few people waved and called out as he passed, but he was in no mood to entertain. Not that he usually would have stopped anyway, but tonight he was feeling particularly vindictive. Drinking probably wasn't the wisest decision considering but it had been too long since he'd been out with any of the old crowd and they were starting to call him out on it.
"Kakashi-sensei!"
Plus he did kind of miss the amazingly messy fun that was guaranteed when a group of over-worked, stressed jounin got together over drinks. The opportunity to act like complete children one night a month was definitely appreciated. Kakashi had to admit missing the last two had been a bit disappointing on review. The first one he had been out of the village on a mission, and the second time he just couldn't be bothered dragging himself away from the couch. He had regretted it a little the next day, and even though he wasn't overly thrilled at the idea at the moment, he knew once he was out he would have a good time.
"Sensei!"
He found his way blocked by a pair of black heels. He looked up; taking in the close fitting blue dress and the exposed shoulders, before resting what he hoped was a happy eye on his student.
"Yo."
"Ignoring me isn't nice."
He smiled at her narrowed eyes and pout.
"Sorry, Sakura. The plot of this one is pretty engaging."
She rolled her eyes at the blue book before flicking a loose pink strand out of her eyes.
"You look nice," he commented. Nice was an understatement. She looked like she was out for flesh tonight. If the Hokage hadn't told him herself there would be no way in hell he could look at this girl and say she was still a virgin. To be honest, he was a little surprised. She was a pretty girl, and it was an occupational hazard for kunoichi to be virgins. He wondered if she even knew how to seduce a man. Surely there have been missions where that would be required? But he supposed if the Hokage was your master then you'd be pretty protected from the more degrading missions... Until now.
"Sensei?"
"Mm?" He blinked down at her.
"I asked if you were heading out tonight."
He considered her suspiciously. "Maybe.."
"Oh, good," she beamed up at him. She seemed genuinely happy, but he supposed it would make her job easier if he was around. That way she could keep an eye on him and still have fun.
"See you later, sensei!"
She waved joyfully over her shoulder and caught up with a blonde girl that could give Tsunade a run for her money in the breast department. She was Asuma's student, he knew that much. What was her name again? He had gone on that mission with her shortly after his old friend's death... Ino, that was it. She waved at him, looking a tad more mischievous than he thought was warranted. He raised his hand back and carried on towards home. If he was lucky, he could squeeze in a little nap before he had to go out.
"Ino, hurry up!"
"I'm coming, forehead!"
Sakura growled under her breath. Her patience had been wearing thin with the girl for the past hour. She must have tried on seven different dresses, and then gone through five different hair styles while Sakura had sat on her couch flicking through a magazine. The blonde walked out of the bathroom, and Sakura had to admit, however begrudgingly, that Ino looked stunning for her efforts. She wore a simple black dress that accentuated her pale blue eyes amazingly, and her blonde hair was brought forward over one shoulder.
Ino caught her friends look and grinned. "Pretty hot, hey?"
"Mmm," Sakura intoned, turning back to the glossy pages.
"Sometimes wish you had let your hair grow out?" Ino walked over to the table looking for her purse.
"Sometimes," Sakura replied, picking at her short pink hair and wondering if there was a way to make it any flatter in the back. Ino smiled at her before grabbing hold of her arm and dragging her off the couch.
"Pig! What are you doing?"
"Come on!" She said cheerily, pulling her into the bathroom. Ino sat her on the bath tub and pulled out some pins. She leant over, pins in her mouth and started pulling back Sakura's hair.
"You can try all you like but it does its own thing anyway." Sakura tried fixing her gaze anywhere but on her best friend's giant breasts, but lord help her they were everywhere.
"So is Sai coming out?" Ino asked nonchalantly, tugging, pulling and pinning her friend's hair. Sakura rolled her eyes before muttering that she thought so.
"He's pretty cute in that pale, mysterious artist way."
"If you say so." Sakura had never really considered Sai attractive and couldn't see what her friend's fascination with him was.
"There you go!" She patted Sakura on the head and moved out of the way so she could have a peek in the mirror.
"Wow." She blinked a little surprised at the head before her. Ordinarily Sakura had to fight her hair into a simple ponytail for the hospital, or else left it down, but Ino had managed to pin it back in an elegant swoop. A few strands of hair that were too short were tucked behind her ears, and she had to admit, she was impressed.
"Ino, it looks great!"
Her friend grinned smugly before walking into the living room. "Come on then," she called back, "before the clock strikes twelve and it all pops out!"
Sakura eyed her friends dress pointedly. "Are we talking about the same thing?"
Ino rolled her eyes and headed for the door. "We're going to be late!"
"And whose fault is that?"
Sakura shut the door behind her and followed Ino out to the street where a rather irate looking Shikamaru was waiting. "Really?" Ino asked upon seeing him, "you couldn't have put anything else on?" Shikamaru glowered at her.
"Took your time."
Ino laughed and looped her arm through his. "Now, now, Shika-chan! It takes time to look beautiful."
Shikamaru rolled his eyes and started walking. Sakura had to admit, most of the men she knew didn't divert much in their clothing, and Shikamaru's black pants and shirt were hardly a surprise.
"So we're having dinner first then heading to that bar in the village centre right? I hear the other girls at the hospital talking about it all the time. Apparently the drinks are pretty cheap and some of the older, attractive jounin go there."
Sakura rolled her eyes. Ino wouldn't go home alone if she could help it. And usually it wouldn't take long before she was surrounded by a horde of admiring males. Apparently though, she was growing bored of her usual pickings and wanted to try for someone older.
"Think about it, forehead," she had drawled; "older men have much more experience."
Sakura sighed. She didn't think her friend was wrong, but given her own lack of experience she didn't really have anything to compare to. Ino had been trying to set her up for years but Sakura just couldn't bring herself to follow through. She flirted well enough, and was always up for a little fun make-out session, but actual sex... She supposed she was just being old fashioned about it, but she always thought it should be with someone she cared about, however old or experienced Ino thought they should be...
"Hey, Sakura," Ino poked her in the ribs.
"Ow!" Sakura glared at her, thinking of how fun it would be to punch her in her pretty face and ruin her plans for the night. "What?"
"Isn't that your sensei?"
Sakura followed her pointing finger and watched her sensei walking down the street towards them, nose in his book, as always.
"Yeah."
"Hmm..."
Sakura glanced at Ino, noting the smile creeping across the blondes' lips.
"What?"
"Do you reckon he'd be cute under that mask?"
Sakura rolled her eyes. Her sensei's face had been on her mind all day, and just when she was starting to think of her night ahead, of course Ino would bring it up. It didn't matter if the cheeky blonde wasn't privy to the conversation Sakura had had earlier with Tsunade, it was still annoying.
"Do you think I would be able to get him to take it off..."
Sakura shot her friend a hostile glare. Shikamaru shook his head.
"Ino, I swear to God, you go anywhere near my sensei I will beat you so much no man will look at you again!"
Ino rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You should see if he's coming out tonight though."
"Why?"
"Well," Ino mused, "there's no reason you couldn't try peeking under there."
"Ino!"
"What?" The blonde turned wide, innocent eyes on her friend. Sakura snorted, not buying it for a second. Innocent and Ino were two words that were NEVER meant to be in the same sentence. She couldn't even believe this was happening again. Why were people trying to get her to seduce the mask right off of her sensei all of a sudden? She glared at the pig, which earned her an impressive eye roll.
"Look, even though I bet he would be hell fun, why not just see if he's coming out, and if he is, we can just ply him with drinks and hope the opportunity will arise."
Shikamaru sighed heavily. Sakura couldn't help agree with the sentiment. She had never personally seen Kakashi drink, but she was willing to bet the man wouldn't succumb to their foolish attempts to unmask him.
Ino poked her in the ribs. "Just ask! It could be fun."
Sakura swiped at her friend's hands and turned to glare at her, but that mischievous grin was on her face. Sakura couldn't help but laugh. One thing Ino never denied her was a fun night, and if this was what she was going to latch onto, Sakura would run with it. Who knew, maybe it would actually work? If not it would at least make a fun story.
"Kakashi sensei!" She trotted over waving, but he didn't even look up. She groaned to herself. It was impossible to believe that stupid book, which he had probably read a thousand times, could possibly hold his attention so thoroughly, which probably meant he was ignoring her. Why would he be ignoring her? She slowed down, worrying her lip with her teeth. Had she done something to upset him? Surely he wasn't angry she had kicked his door down. He had seemed fine when she left, so that couldn't be it. Maybe he was just wary of the fact Tsunade had ordered her to keep an eye on him. She snorted. There was no way she was giving up her night out to babysit the Copy Nin and he was deluded to think otherwise.
She stopped directly in front of him. See if he could ignore her now.
"Sensei!" she snapped.
His eyes dragged up her frame, seeming almost to linger in places, and she shifted a little, remembering the first time he had seen her out on the town. That was a nightmare she would soon like to forget. She tugged a little on the bottom of the dress in a way she hoped was subtle before accusing him of ignoring her and getting a reply referring to Icha Icha as having an engaging plot. Yeah, right. She was just gearing up to admonish him for his ridiculous taste in literature, if it could even be called that, when he caught her off guard.
"You look nice."
Sakura took in a little breath. She could feel her cheeks getting warm and prayed he hadn't noticed. Why was he commenting on her appearance? He didn't need to, and he usually wasn't one to indulge in her obsession with looking good. To be honest, she could probably count on one hand the amount of compliments he had ever given her and if it happened it would surely relate to her skills as a ninja, not an outfit. Shaking herself slightly, she forced her mind back on track.
"So I saw you and was wondering whether you would be heading out tonight? I thought I could pay for a drink or two, considering you helped me out with that run to Suna the other month and you didn't have to." She silently praised herself on remembering that. She had said when they got back to the village she would owe him something in return. Perhaps make him a homemade meal, considering she doubted he had many of those. Buying him a few drinks in light of Ino's latest adventure seemed like a way to repay a favour, even if he wouldn't like the outcome if Ino got her way. Speaking of, she caught sight of the blonde grinning like a kid in a candy shop as she passed by with Shikamaru. Sakura ignored her as best she could and looked up at Kakashi, waiting for a reply. She felt her eyebrow twitch as she realised he wasn't listening. He had a faraway look in his eye and she was pretty sure he had no idea what she had just said.
"Sensei?" She praised herself again for how calm her voice sounded.
He blinked and smiled at her. "Mm?"
"I asked if you were heading out tonight?"
He gave her a flat look that made her avert her eyes to her shoes. She had regretted their decision since leaving the house, but she couldn't deny the opportunity to wear ridiculous heels. It wasn't as if she could wear them on a mission, after all.
"Maybe."
She smiled up at him, a little surprised. She knew he didn't go out all that often, so she thought it was pretty lucky to have caught him tonight. "Oh, good." Before he had much of a chance to say anything else, she bounded off after Ino and Shikamaru who had stopped to wait for her, shouting her goodbye.
"Well?" Ino asked, excitement pouring off her.
"He said maybe." Sakura replied, encouraging them to keep going. They were already running pretty late and if they didn't get there soon Choji would start without them, and then who knows what would be left.
"Yes!" Ino whooped. "If he wasn't he would have just said no, right? This is going to be fun! We'll have to get the others to offer drinks as well; otherwise he'll just get suspicious. You'll help, right Shika-chan?"
"No." The boys response was so flat Sakura flinched a little, waiting for Ino to round on him.
"Why not?" Ino fixed her best butter-wouldn't-melt-in-my-mouth look on him. Shikamaru sighed and massaged his forehead. "You're so troublesome."
Ino giggled happily, evidently satisfied she had him on board.
After a further ten minutes, they found themselves outside of their favourite grill house. Stepping inside it was easy to recognise their party, as they were the largest and by far the noisiest group in the place. This was mostly due to Naruto and Lee who were talking loudly, a suspiciously empty bottle between them.
"Hi, Sai-kun!"
Sakura rolled her eyes as Ino squeezed in next to the mildly surprised man. Sakura sat down next to Hinata, who smiled her greeting.
"How are you, Sakura-san?" Sakura smiled understandingly at the obviously embarrassed girl. It was hard not to be, with every eye in the restaurant on them.
"I'm great Hinata, you?"
"I'm glad you're here," she laughed nervously, pale eyes darting towards the boys.
"Sakura-chan!" Naruto nearly knocked his bottle and a few appetizers flying as he reached over the table to hug her.
"Naruto!" She smacked him on the head. "Sit down!"
The boy blinked at her, before taking his seat and smiling sheepishly. "What are you drinking?" Sakura asked, suspiciously.
"You should try it, Sakura-chan!" He grabbed another bottle from in front of Kiba and hastily poured some of the dark red liquid into an empty glass, spilling some over the white tablecloth. Sakura groaned, thanking the Hokage's she hadn't worn the pale silver dress she had originally planned to that night.
"It's the house special tonight." Tenten explained, smiling over at an obviously frustrated Sakura. "It really is good." She raised her own glass to show she was also drinking it.
"Cherry wine, Sakura-san." Lee explained, before taking a massive gulp from his own glass.
"Umm," Sakura eyed the boy warily. "Is someone keeping an eye on him?" She really did not feel like helping to carry him home again. Master of the drunken fist indeed, he had nearly put her head through a wall last time and it took four of them to pin him down.
"Don't worry, Neji is keeping an eye on him!" Tenten nudged the grumpy looking Hyuuga next to her, who nodded.
"You're not?" Ino asked, helping herself to some deep-fried shrimp.
Tenten grinned happily from across the table. "Hell no!" Sakura laughed. Clearly this stuff was good if more than half their party were starting to get tipsy. In fact, everyone but Hinata, Neji and Shikamaru had a glass in front of them. Choji looked like he was settling into some beef soup, Sai was shakily taking sips of the wine whilst trying to politely answer Ino, and Kiba had two glasses in front of him, apparently taking Shino's from him. She fixed him with a pointed glare and he shrugged, grinning.
She took a sip and blinked in surprise. "Wow." Hinata looked at her.
"Is it really that good?" Sakura felt like her mouth was in heaven. "Hinata," she smiled, "you need to try this."
"Oh no," the girl looked positively mortified. "I'm afraid I can't drink much. Have to set a good example for the House and all."
"Is your house here?" Sakura demanded, slamming her hand on the table and taking a bigger sip this time. She saw Hinata's eyes flick over to her cousin, who just shrugged at her.
"He doesn't count," Sakura said dismissively. She summoned the waitress over with a wave of her hand. "Can we get some more bottles of this cherry wine?"
"Certainly," the woman replied, smiling at the cheers from around the table.
"Right, Hina-chan," Sakura said, draining off the glass. It really was good, and it went down so easy. "Tonight, you're going to help Ino and me with a mission, and we all need this wine to fuel our efforts."
"Mission?" Sai asked. Ino frowned at having his attention diverted, but then caught on.
"Yes!" She squealed. "Everyone, we need your help as we embark on the most perilous mission any of our teams have ever faced..."
Sakura laughed as she accepted another bottle from the waitress and poured herself and Hinata a glass. The shy Hyuuga picked it up and sniffed it tentatively. Sakura encouraged her with a smile, and she took a sip. Her eyes widened slightly as she lowered her glass.
"That's amazing."
Sakura grinned and took another sip. She looked around the table at the various responses to Ino's 'perilous' mission. Naruto, Lee, Tenten and Kiba had all agreed enthusiastically, whilst Sai sat there looking perplexed. Neji actually raised an eyebrow, looking a little interested, and Shikamaru rolled his eyes. Shino sat in the corner and didn't show any reaction at all.
Hinata hiccoughed. Sakura's eyes widened as she noted the girl's glass was already empty.
"I think we should do it!" The shy Hyuuga piped up.
"Hell yeah!" Naruto cheerily filled her glass as Hinata's cheeks flushed a little.
Sakura grinned around the table, eyes locking with Ino's. The girl returned her look of burgeoning victory. How could they not succeed? All they needed were a few bottles of this stuff, and if not, everybody had their token alcohol. It wouldn't be hard to find out what Kakashi's was, especially with everyone on board.
Sakura turned to a giggling Hinata, delighted at how quickly this wine kicked in.
Tonight was definitely going to be fun.
Genma's raucous laugh echoed around the bar and several people close by looked over with goofy grins. Everybody was clearly letting their inhibitions fly tonight and the man was the centre of attention as always. Kurenai giggled into her drink, cheeks pink. Kakashi was glad to see her out with them. She usually had trouble finding a babysitter but had coerced her latest genin team into keeping an eye on the most capable genjutsu user in the 5 year bracket Kakashi had ever met. He almost felt sorry for her students.
Shizune was sitting opposite him, shaking her head at Genma's latest tale of conquest whilst trying to hide a smile behind her hand. It had been a good one, complete with him running home without pants. Gai was sprouting off some garbage about the beauty of youth (no surprise there) and Iruka just rolled his eyes, unimpressed.
Kakashi had to admit, he was having a lot of fun. He was a little disappointed his kohai hadn't shown up but Tenzou had only just returned from a mission an hour ago and was apparently exhausted. However, Genma had been paid pretty well for his last mission and had bought a bottle of whisky to share. Kakashi wasn't an overly big fan of the stuff usually, but tonight he didn't mind the slight burning sensation every time he swallowed.
He had attempted somewhere around their third glass to bring up his latest mission, but he found Genma's response of, "just nail her," to be lacking wisdom. Gai, surprisingly, had been more encouraging, pointing out something to do with youth being shared and beauty knowing no age. Somewhere in the back of Kakashi's mind his more logical self had pointed out that Gai's response was ridiculous, but the fuzzy, happy, eye-creasing Kakashi had silently told his miserable half to shut up. Kurenai and Shizune had been more interested to know who he was talking about. He realised they may figure it out eventually, especially as Sakura worked closely with the other medic and they were bound to talk, but he had distracted them by buying the most brightly coloured drinks he could, some strange purple thing that faded into pink at the bottom. They had accepted it appreciatively and then Genma had taken the attention off him thankfully.
Or so he thought.
"So," Shizune turned her eyes to him. "You never said who you're supposed to be prepping for this mission."
Genma openly snickered. Shizune looked at him, curiosity turning to mild disgust as she realised what he found funny. "Grow up," she drawled, eyes rolling.
"Classified." Kakashi shrugged.
"You think you're too old?" She obviously wasn't going to drop it.
"Yes."
"And she's a virgin?"
"Yes."
"Damn," she breathed.
"You sure Tsunade wasn't drunk at the time?" Genma offered, his grin widening.
Shizune spared him a glowering eye before turning back to Kakashi.
"I guess if it's for the good of the village..." she shrugged.
"It's still a little unfair of the Hokage to ask you to do this though," Kurenai added, gazing at the Copy Ninja sympathetically.
"What?" Genma asked, incredulous. "He's been ordered to sleep with a young, pure, and I'm assuming beautiful, woman. What's the issue?" he turned to the man next to him.
"Just because you have the moral capacity of a sake cup" Shizune spat.
Genma snorted into his drink, taking a sip before continuing. "Look, he's been told he needs to do this. Sure, Kakashi may enjoy tearing himself apart over things he can't change-" Kakashi glared at him. He vaguely recalled enjoying his friends alcohol induced honesty earlier but wasn't averse to sticking that senbon in dark places if he carried on- "but there are definitely worse things he could be asked to do. Frankly, this mission is a walk in the park, and there is no reason why he shouldn't enjoy it."
"I don't think the age thing is that big a deal," Kurenai offered with a smile.
"If she's over eighteen and she consents there isn't really a problem," Iruka agreed.
"What about her delicate purity?" Gai demanded, apparently outraged this was being overlooked. "You must promise before us all, my rival that you will treat this lady with the care and respect she deserves!"
Kakashi inwardly sighed, but decided it would be better to placate the rambunctious fool than having him throw a table through the window again. He had been amazed the bar owner had agreed to let them back after that stint. Drunken Gai really did not like losing at poker, especially to him. "I promise."
Genma smirked. "Forget that, rile her up, turn her round and give her what she needs." His glass exploded against the wall after shizune slammed it out of his hand. "What?" He blinked begrudgingly at the furious medic.
"How the hell you pick up, I'll never know." She snapped, picking up her own drink and glaring at the man.
"Like to find out?" he offered with a smile. Kakashi leant slightly away from him, wondering if he was stupid. Shizune just gave a derisive snort he was thinking came as a consequence of working with the Hokage. "Please," she drawled, "I have a little thing called self-respect."
"That's what they all say," Genma grinned at her. She rolled her eyes and turned pointedly to engage Kurenai in conversation. Kakashi chuckled softly to himself. He had seen this play before, and if Shizune didn't watch her drinks she may be eating her words come morning.
He sat back, content for now. Nobody around the table seemed to think he was doing anything wrong, which was comforting. Except... they didn't know the whole story. He couldn't really think of a subtle way of putting it, and the whisky was advising him to just spit it out.
"What would you do if she and given the mission to you?" he asked the table at large, but mostly was looking towards Gai, Kurenai and Iruka. They were teachers as well, of course.
"I'm surprised she didn't," Genma blurted out.
"Probably because she knows you're a pig who would take advantage of the poor girl," Shizune threw at him. He raised a newly filled glass at her; "touché."
"I would do my bit to ensure Konoha's safety!" Gai, of course.
Iruka shrugged at him. "Suppose it would be a bit awkward but like Genma said, there are worse things to be asked to do." Kurenai nodded in agreement and Shizune added, "I wouldn't normally touch a virgin with a fifty foot long katana, but I'd do it if the Hokage said it needed to be done."
Kakashi nodded at them and scratched his chin, wondering if it was a good idea for his next sentence to-
"What if it was an old student?" So much for thinking that through. He glared at the whisky in front of him, aware everyone at the table had frozen.
Genma was the first to break the silence. "This is to prepare her for a mission coming up, right?" Kakashi nodded glumly.
"I'd do it."
"What?" Kakashi looked up to see an outraged Gai glaring at the brown haired man. He was also aware of the several curious faces that had turned towards them and was actually wondering if he could make it away from their table and out the door before the tirade began and a whole lot more people became aware of the conversation.
"Kakashi-san! You cannot possibly think it is ok to sleep with a student!" Kakashi actually put his head on the table after receiving some mortified looks from a pair of kunoichi sitting at the next one.
"Ex-student," Genma corrected, "it's not the same thing. If she was still his student, it would be sick, sure, but she hasn't been for like, what? six-ish years?" Someone must have nodded above him because Genma continued. "She's a jounin; she is expected to be able to seduce enemy ninja and what not, and being a kunoichi at her age and a virgin isn't healthy."
That's what Kakashi had thought...
"You have a point," Iruka put in, "but it would still make me really uncomfortable. I mean, I know these kids from the academy, I don't think I would ever be able to..." he let his sentence trail off, obviously disturbed by the idea.
"It is morally wrong! You helped raise and mould Sakura-san into the epitome of youth and skill she is today! You would be taking advantage of your position as her sensei!"
"Ex-sensei!"
Kakashi cringed as Gai and Genma continued to argue. Hearing his idiot rival say her name had somehow made it so much worse.
So much for the hypothetical angle.
He probably hadn't helped himself by being silent, but he honestly didn't know what to say, and hadn't he decided to bring this up so he could glean a more thorough perspective from them? He took a deep breath, noticing absentmindedly the table smelt like a rather potent mix of whisky and vodka. He coughed slightly and raised his head. Gai and Genma were still arguing, Iruka watching and nodding along thoughtfully. Shizune and Kurenai, however, had fixed him with look he couldn't quite decipher.
"You need to be careful, Kakashi-san," Kurenai said eventually. "This is a big deal for a woman. Sakura appears to be a late bloomer as far as kunoichi are concerned and she may seem old enough but if she is emotionally unstable you could potentially ruin her."
Kakashi groaned. Since becoming a mother, Kurenai had developed the irritating ability to pick out someone's biggest worry. If her past was anything to go by, Sakura was an absolute mess when it came to boys, Sasuke being the obvious example. He nodded his head at Kerunai's deep red eyes, before turning reluctantly to Shizune, whose stare was drilling its way through his head.
"This explains Tsunade..." she mumbles and shook her head. She took a breath, seeming to consider her words carefully. "Look," she started, "you need to understand I've gotten to be really close to Sakura. I may even know her better than you." Kakashi didn't doubt it. Sure he knew the in's and out's of her ninja abilities, he could read her mood swings so accurately he could plan training sessions to make sure they avoid the first day of her period, but they didn't exactly sit around painting their toenails and gossiping about hospital personnel. He nodded his agreement as she let out a breath.
"But, I actually think you'd be good for her."
Genma's senbon fell to the table with a clatter. They all looked at her, stunned. Gai looked like someone had just kicked his puppy, or maybe his favourite student. Kurenai was looking at her thoughtfully, and both Genma and Iruka were gaping at her. Shizune ignored them and fixed her eyes upon the one of Kakashi's she could see, and smiled at the evident surprise she saw there.
"I know you would struggle with it," she began, "and I think the reason why is pretty obvious." All of his comrades nodded their agreement. "But the thing is, Sakura isn't a little girl anymore, and she's damn smart, too. She isn't just going to walk into a bar and ditch her panties. She cares about you, and if anyone has to do it, it should be someone who cares for her, as well." Warmth lit up her eyes as Kakashi rubbed the back of his head, trying to make himself realise that he was being told that this was ok. He felt like Shizune was scrubbing all the dirty old man thoughts he had been having away... then concentrated on her face instead of the image that had just popped into his head of medics in little uniforms and sponge baths.
"You care for her, right?" she asked.
"Of course." What kind of question was that? He had spent the last eight years protecting her with his life.
Shizune shrugged. "It's not love in the sense Sakura probably expects, but I'm sure with your help she'll come to realise it's better than losing it to someone she thinks she loves now but breaks her heart eventually rather than someone she knows is going to care about her for the rest of her life."
Kerunai smiled. "So true," she murmured. "There are no regrets when your first time is a close friend." She turned appreciative eyes on the man in front of her, almost as if she were proud about what he was doing. That couldn't be right.
"Wait a minute," Iruka cut in, "not only are you ladies saying you're ok with it, but you actually think it would be better for her than it being someone she's in love with?"
"Of course," Shizune shrugged, "Sakura would know Kakashi genuinely cares about her, so there is no worrying about whether he just wants to get in her pants and leave her the next morning."
"Right," Kurenai added, "and there will be no regret on her part, I'm sure. As long as she doesn't get carried away..."
"Why?" Genma seemed genuinely intrigued by a woman's insight into the female mind.
Kurenai smiled demurely into her drink. "I'm not speaking from experience, of course, but I'm sure Kakashi-san would be a caring and attentive lover for someone he cares about."
Genma smirked at his friend before Shizune added, "Plus, older guys are more experienced. Sakura would be lucky to have such a mind-blowing first time."
"Oh, yeah," Kerunai agreed, grinning.
Kakashi turned a smug eye to Genma, who was looking at the kunoichi like they had stolen his whisky bottle.
"Don't encourage the old bastard," Genma said, pointing to Kakashi's silver locks to emphasise the 'old.'
"I'm mind-blowing."
Genma groaned dramatically before taking a swig from his nearly empty glass. Gai, who had remained silent through the kunoichi's conversation, turned to his rival with seriousness etched on his features. "The points my beautiful comrades make indeed seem well-founded, however, I believe you need to tread carefully. This is a young, pure woman and you must be sure she doesn't confuse your actions to mean love."
Kakashi stared at him. It wasn't an unusual occurrence; he had stared at him plenty throughout the night. At least Kakashi had made some effort, donning a light grey, button-up shirt and removing the material from around his black slacks, but he was pretty sure all Gai owned were those stupid green jumpsuits. This time, however, it was more to do with his words.
"Well, shit." Kakashi deadpanned.
"Ouch," Genma added, albeit a little cheerily.
"True, she is a virgin." Shizune cut in, before Kakashi could execute the threat his glaring eye promised towards Genma. "She isn't, however, an idiot."
Kakashi turned back to Shizune. He had never been so thankful to have her around as he did tonight. The woman's insight into Sakura's personal feelings was an absolute godsend. As was her agreeable attitude. Of everyone at that table she was the one he thought he was going to be fending off and avoiding accepting drinks from on the off chance she slipped poison in them for the rest of the night. He looked at her expectantly, almost begging for her advice.
She chuckled to herself, clearly thrilled that Hatake Kakashi had to ask her for help. "Trust me," she said, twirling a redundantly small umbrella around her drink. Honestly, Kakashi wondered what kind of purpose those pathetic little things had. Surely they wouldn't be protecting someone from rain any time soon... He forced himself to pay attention to Shizune again. His mind was going to get the better of him one of these days.
"Even if you were successful, I don't think Sakura would run away with herself after the whole Sasuke debacle. I think it hardened her a little. She isn't going to fall head over heels for you and even if she did, she wouldn't force her feelings upon you."
"If he's successful?" Genma asked, almost indignant for his friend.
Shizune snorted. "I'm sure you're good, Hatake, but I've seen what Sakura does to men who try to get fresh with her."
"I bet you two hundred ryo he beds pinky."
Shizune snorted. "I'm not Tsunade, at least make it interesting."
Kakashi stared in disbelief between the two.
"Let's pool," Iruka suggested. "Two hundred each, I reckon Sakura will refuse." The man at the centre of the bet fixed the academy teacher with his most intimidating glare. Iruka gave a nervous laugh and shrugged apologetically.
"I'll take it," Kurenai chimed in. "I think he'll win. Older man, hidden behind a mask, all mystery and potential experience..." she grinned at him, "she'll be putty in your well-trained hands." Kakashi shook his head but grinned despite himself. He kind of liked the sound of that.
"I believe she will not succumb, being madly in love with my student!" Kakashi rolled his eyes at Gai. Lee was deluded if he thought he had a chance with Haruno Sakura.
"You already know my standing," Shizune shrugged.
"Alright! Two hundred each." He put his senbon back in his mouth and leaned across the table, a wicked smile curving his mouth. "And just to keep it interesting, if I win, you come out to dinner with me." Kakashi chuckled at the shocked look that crossed Shizune's face before she steadied her gaze and replied offhandedly, "fine."
Kakashi leaned back against his chair mulling things over. They seemed to think it was ok, in general. Gai was Gai, so he ignored that for the most. He had no qualms with admitting that, if this got out, then he might get some more reactions along the same vein, but he could deal with them. The only opinions he cared about were the people sitting at that table. Well, his students as well, but hopefully Sakura would be swayed and Naruto... he winced. Naruto might be an issue. Hopefully how to deal with the blonde hurricane would become evident at the required time, but for now... he smiled around the table, grateful for their understanding.
He was definitely feeling better about himself. He wasn't one hundred percent happy with the situation, of course, but he felt he might better handle it now. She was attractive, and he may as well try and have some fun with it. Sakura might get angry if she were to find out her virginity was just a mission precluding to a bigger picture, but besides her temper leading to the contrary, he knew she could be rational after she had calmed down. Besides, Shizune was right, she was a smart girl. He looked up and smiled at Shizune, who seemed to be reading his mind.
"She can handle it," the woman said smiling. "Sakura is one of the brightest, most intelligent-"
BANG!
Kakashi and Genma both jumped and looked around at the entrance door that had just swung open. A large and very loud group of shinobi had just entered, and at their front, two girls were hanging off each other laughing hysterically. The blonde one managed to control herself for a second, straightening herself up before pushing her pink-haired friend in front of her and proclaiming to the entire bar; "Who wants to sex up this pink pussycat!"
Turning at the audible slap behind him, Kakashi laughed at Shizune, who had slapped her hand to her forehead and was now holding it there.
Genma grinned at her before turning gleaming eyes to Kakashi. "Now might be a good time to lay some ground work." He winked.
Kakashi turned uncertainly towards the group again, noting Naruto was among them, along with students of both Gai and Kurenai. He couldn't imagine what was going through Iruka's head, given he had taught all of them at some point. He glanced over at the man who was quietly shaking his head. "Where did we go wrong, huh?" Kakashi asked with a smile. Two of the other three teachers nodded in agreement. Gai, however, got up, exclaiming with joy that he would share a drink with his beloved student.
"How do you reckon I should start this?" Kakashi asked, rubbing his chin through his mask. If it was any other woman in the world, he would have known exactly how to play his cards. He supposed he should do what was natural and thank whatever god's had provided him with this opportunity, even if he was still a little reluctant to start.
"I'd start by saving her," Shizune growled. Kakashi eyed her cautiously. Did she mean from herself? He looked at Kurenai bewildered, who smiled and pointed. Following her indication, Kakashi noticed several men had begun making their way over to the two girls who were now using the bar as support. They had a predatory look Kakashi knew only too well, and his eyes narrowed slightly. Even if he hadn't been given this mission or just been granted the ok by his friends, nobody looked at his ex-student like that.
Genma caught his eye and chuckled. "Oh, tonight is going to be fuuuuunn."
Kakashi grunted in response and got to his feet.