The way you move
While he was looking at his desk, completely covered with paper work that has to be done as soon as possible, Kakashi was cursing Tsunade and her flattering mouth. He's been hating doing paper work while he'd been a team leader and if he'd known this kind of duty was expecting him as a Hokage, he would have turned down Tsunade's offer. Although Tsunade would have found another way, he would probably be more satisfied if he had agreed to become Hokage after Tsunade's fourth plea instead of the third.
First time, she came up with the story how it would be for the best if someone else, who has never left Konoha for a long period of time and knows all of its shinobi better than her, stayed by her side until she becomes old or fatigued. Or maybe both.
The second time she was whining about feeling old and with so little time left, somebody else with more spirit and strength should agree to be her successor just in case some crises comes along, so the village doesn't have to deal with the loss of Hokage, as she was always putting others' safety before hers. Although she sounded very convincing, Kakashi refused to become Hokage.
The third time Tsunade was more determined than ever. Mentioning Kakashi's constant sacrifice on the battlefield for his team mates, she described a position of the Hokage as the one which gives a chance to decide in advance about shinobi's protection, meaning only the most responsible person could take over that role. Decisions on possible missions and its participants, knowing their strength and weaknesses, Hokage was the one to preserve as many people as possible from every potential danger.
To be honest, Naruto's training with Jiraiya and Sakura's wish to become medical ninja like Tsunade were making him feel useless as a team leader. Sasuke lost his interest long before them as Kakashi wasn't as skilled as Itachi. Then again, gaining more strength just to show off was never Kakashi's goal. He only wanted fighting if attacked in order to defend his friends, team mates, elders, the Hokage. His strength, combined with his experience and his wish to avoid unnecessary casualties, made him a great candidate to become Tsunade's successor. That's what he's been told. Everything implied Tsunade had spoken to Nara Shikaku, as he was the only one persistent with the idea of Kakashi becoming the Hokage. One of the reasons Kakashi had accepted to participate in picking the right shinobi for certain missions was Shikaku's idea of Shikamaru becoming Kakashi's close consultant. Just like Kakashi, Shikamaru needed some time to agree to sit in the office the entire day, using his talent to make a difference in a cruel ninja world.
Kakashi would never admit it, but if there hadn't been for Shikamaru and his calmness, he would have resigned a long time ago. Tsunade's speech made him feel important and unique, and he only got all of her boring paper work. Shikamaru was consoling him that she was the one who needs to deal with more demanding work and, in time, he will probably see for himself that's much easier to read about completed missions than choose who might not get killed during S-rank mission he'd decided to take.
After months of Kakashi's constant complaining about forms and letters he's been working on, Tsunade agreed to split the work in half. Unfortunately, she would completely forget about their deal when her best friends were around. That wasn't very often, but when Jiraiya would arrive, he was much happier than Tsunade to see him. That happiness would vanish after Jiraiya's announcement about his upcoming heroic novels.
At the moment, all of the three Sannin were in Konoha, minding their own business. When she wasn't at the hospital, most of the time spent on yelling at Orochimaru for trying to get himself killed, Tsunade was watching over Jiraiya to prevent him to disturb young and mostly innocent girls.
For some reason, Tsunade's been completely carefree and in an extremely good mood for the last couple of weeks. Although Kakashi was glad she was not grumpy, he disliked the fact she was so careless she didn't inform him about upcoming preparations for this year's chunin's exam. Well, Kakashi was also to blame as he's been acting spaced out after Jiraiya's promise about his new erotic novel!
Anyway, that six months old letter with very important information was on Tsunade's desk until yesterday and today Kakashi was trying to find the best way to provide more money to get everything done in time.
In any other moment, two or three IOS missions would cover all the expenses, thanks to Shikamaru's efficient tactics and trust he'd earned as its chief commander almost nine months ago. Kakashi's fastest way of taking care of the money problem was spoiled by Itachi's upcoming wedding as they'd agreed to take a break six weeks before the big day to avoid unnecessary complications. After having all the IOS members in a good mood, Tsunade suggested prolonged break six weeks after the wedding too. She'd proposed it so she could take a break from being worried all the time because they were getting injured even during training. Not only they didn't object, they seemed happy because of it. Kakashi wasn't surprised as Shikamaru wasn't thrilled about anything in particular, Itachi was the one getting married and Sakura was the most concerned girlfriend in the world, so Sasuke probably felt better when being at home than making her worry some more. The one who seemed the most fond of Tsunade's idea was Orochimaru and that was strange because he's never spent more than one week in Konoha being out of the hospital. Tsunade explained later that he would use the time off to find more efficient way to nearly kill himself again.
Three weeks have passed and Tsunade yelled at her suicidal friend only once.
''I'm tired of Jiraiya's childish behaviour! You will watch over him during the wedding!''
Orochimaru shrugged.
''If you don't care about Itachi's wedding, then I don't care, either!''
He shrugged again.
''Is this new kind of a forbidden jutsu that makes you speechless?'' she continued senseless rumbling.
''I really don't have anything to say on the wedding topic,'' Orochimaru looked as if Tsunade was boring him. ''Why can't Kakashi watch over him? They seem to have a lot in common.''
''Because Kakashi already has an assignment!'' Tsunade roared before Kakashi could say anything.
''So he is the one to blame if you get drunk?''
''Get out! And don't you dare showing up here barely alive! At least not for the next three weeks!''
''I will do my best.''
Kakashi really couldn't tell why Tsunade was yelling. She probably wasn't serious about the forbidden jutsu, as she herself left the village for a few days. He also didn't know why he ran into Orochimaru that same day, nevertheless, in the hospital. Maybe he really was taking medicine while Tsunade was off duty.
Getting in the mind of any of the three Sannin was impossible for Kakashi, just as it was the case with the Uchiha brothers, who were acting differently too. Unlike Orochimaru's, their change concerned Kakashi. Although it was a slight change, Kakashi noticed.
''Kakashi-sama,'' Itachi greeted as always, after entering Hokage's office, ''may I have a word with you?''
''Sure,'' Kakashi replied happily, as talking to Itachi was way more fun than dealing with the paper work.
''Is there a way to leave Konoha?'' he said plainly. ''For a mission,'' he added, seeing Kakashi pointing with his hand to the village gate.
Kakashi thought it'd been a hilarious comment, but Itachi's glare didn't change.
''The entire squad agreed to take a break,'' Kakashi explained, ''as your clan needs you.''
''I know. Any mission at all?''
''I think there's no shinobi in the village who would accept S-rank mission with you.''
Itachi didn't look like he understands the reason for that.
''They would all feel inferior, knowing you can probably handle the mission by yourself,'' Kakashi explained.
''Huh,'' he took a deep breath.
''Is something wrong? You haven't asked for a different mission in years.''
He didn't say anything. Kakashi expected that.
''Aren't you enjoying time off? I thought-''
''I was just wondering, that's all.''
''I see,'' Kakashi was looking for a file with the list of missions, while Itachi wasn't showing his impatience.
That wasn't an easy task thanks to million of different papers scattered around and Kakashi really wanted to find that stupid-
''I mean,'' he finally found it, ''there are few of them, but for a shinobi of your level, it would be a complete waste of time.''
''Huh.''
Kakashi couldn't believe it! He was really persistent to get a mission to have an excuse for leaving the village.
''Wedding anxiety?'' Kakashi asked carefully, knowing Itachi was much worse than Sasuke when it comes to talking about personal problems.
He didn't reply, as Kakashi'd expected.
''Just try to do stuff you always do,'' Kakashi tried to give him friendly advice, as he couldn't send him on a mission without Tsunade's consent and she was so glad they were all at home and unharmed.
''Stuff I always do?'' Itachi repeated. ''How will that help?''
''I don't know,'' Kakashi shrugged, as he himself didn't know what could bother the groom few weeks before the wedding, as he has never been one. ''To keep your mind off of whatever is bothering you.''
It sounded more like a question.
''Huh,'' Itachi nodded, ''I will try.''
''Good. Great,'' Kakashi didn't know how to respond to that.
Itachi sounded like he'd given up and decided to leave.
''Don't forget that training with Orochimaru-sama is out of the question!'' Kakashi said quickly.
''Very well.''
''And Sasuke, also,'' Kakashi added. ''You know how he overdoes it every time.''
Itachi nodded. Kakashi glanced at the mission list one more time.
''I know that's not usual,'' Kakashi said the second Itachi was about to leave, as he'd already opened the door, ''but how about a short trip?''
''More than two days?'' Itachi sounded like he wants it longer than that.
''I'll see what I can do.''
''I would really appreciate it, Hokage-sama!'' Itachi bowed and left.
Asking for something, even as plain as a mission, wasn't something Kakashi recalled Itachi has done before. Kakashi couldn't recall anything Itachi's objected to, either. He was one of a kind when it comes to his duty and Kakashi couldn't say what may be the reason for this request.
Putting anxious groom aside, Kakashi was a bit worried over Sasuke, as he's not been his usual self for the past few weeks.
He was never sociable type like Naruto, however, spending an entire day all alone on the training grounds and not doing any training but wandering around with a distant gaze instead, was strange even for him.
''Waiting for a sparring partner?'' Kakashi decided to find out if Sasuke's been thinking of leaving for a mission like his brother.
''Nobody stronger than me is allowed to train with me as you've forbidden it.''
''Huh. Why wasting your time here then?''
Sasuke didn't reply.
''You are still very young and have plenty of time to become stronger.''
''But I will never be the strongest one.''
That was nothing unusual, but Kakashi decided to give him more time to spill out what's on his mind for real.
''What is like to be the second Hokage?'' Sasuke asked after a few moments of silence.
''I'm not the second, I am-''
''I mean, not the one in charge,'' Sasuke explained.
''Not so bad,'' Kakashi shrugged.
''Really?'' Sasuke gave him doubtful gaze. ''It feels good to check everything with Tsunade-sama, or doing her paper work, or wondering when will you be good enough to take over her place?''
Kakashi gave it a thought for a few moments, as he had in mind what's been bothering Sasuke.
''I hate the paper work,'' he began. ''On the other hand, being able to help out in any way really does feel good.''
''So, that's fine with you? To be helpful?''
''Does this have something to do,'' Kakashi took a deep breath, ''with your brother?''
''My whole life has something to do with him!'' Sasuke snorted and rolled his eyes.
''Huh.''
''Do you know what is like to be the second best?'' Sasuke asked bluntly. ''All the time?''
''Well,'' Kakashi began, but Sasuke interrupted.
''Don't you dare giving me 'you are my favourite student' routine!''
''I didn't mean to,'' Kakashi said quickly, not trying to annoy obviously upset Sasuke.
''It won't work on me,'' he gave him glare. ''Not any more.''
''Who said you are the second best?'' Kakashi said happily. ''I can assure you that you are number one to many people!''
Sasuke put on even more fierce glare.
''What I wanted to say,'' Kakashi coughed to sound more serious, ''it's not the same if you are the second best to someone you really admire to or someone you dislike.''
Kakashi relieved as he could see he got Sasuke's full attention.
''Let's just assume you are the second best to Itachi,'' Kakashi said quickly to move on, ''to someone who you want to resemble as much as possible. Isn't that flattering?''
''Flattering?''
''Well yeah,'' Kakashi continued. ''There is only one person better than you, not thousand. And you admire him in every way as he deserves to be called the best, leaving your envy behind.''
Sasuke still wasn't convinced.
''Me as the second Hokage, next to Tsunade-sama, made me very anxious at first. Not because I wanted her to retire, but because I wasn't sure if I was the best person for it. You shouldn't know this, but she begged me three times,'' Sasuke smirked after hearing this story, ''and I knew there was nobody else who she trusts more than me. And I can assure you it does feel great, even though I'm not in charge.''
They were silent for a few moments.
''It's not about Itachi.''
''I'm glad,'' Kakashi commended, ''because he would hate himself if it was.''
Sasuke shrugged.
''Besides, aren't you his best man for the most important wedding ever?''
Sasuke nodded.
''See? There is no one else but you,'' Kakashi said happily. ''And there's certain pink-haired kunoichi thinking the same.''
Sasuke couldn't help but smirk.
''How about a sparring?'' he suggested.
''Hell no!'' Kakashi chuckled. ''If all IOS members fail to kill me in case I hurt you, Sakura will succeed for sure!''
''Fine,'' he shrugged, but didn't seem angry.
''I can always summon Naruto back for some reason,'' Kakashi said before leaving.
''Let him get stronger some more,'' Sasuke was about to leave too, ''but thank you for your offer, Kakashi-sensei.''
It's been awhile since Sasuke'd addressed Kakashi as his sensei and Kakashi knew something's not right.
Kakashi decided not to bug anyone of them with his suspicion as the team's chief commander wasn't showing any worry at all, and Kakashi was assured Shikamaru would have told him if something serious had happened.
Although Shikamaru was the same as always, and that meant trying to talk Kakashi into doing more paper work, today he seemed unusually quiet.
Kakashi glanced at Shikamaru's desk next to his over one huge pile of paper. All he could see was Shikamaru's hair. Kakashi sighed looking at a paper document in front of him which had more pages than all of Icha Icha books all together! He refused to even think about Jiraiya's upcoming novel as he won't be able to read it in the next few years thanks to all of the paper work!
''Shikamaru?'' Kakashi called for his help.
He didn't answer. That's what he was always doing while he's been focused on reading something very important.
Kakashi smirked. He was lucky Shikamaru was working hard on every task assigned to him. Kakashi wondered if he could take over extremely boring new set of rules Tsunade'd given him to study.
''Shikamaru!''
''Huh?'' Kakashi heard very quiet sound.
''Are you reading something that can't wait?''
''Huh.''
''I wonder if you could-''
''Huh.''
''I see.''
''Huh.''
Kakashi looked at the first page before him and sighed. It was his choice and Tsunade was at the hospital at the moment, so he couldn't complain too much.
He was reading the first sentence for the fourth time when the strange sound, coming from behind Shikamaru's pile of paper, got his attention.
''That boring, huh?'' Kakashi asked, assuming Shikamaru's loud breathing was caused because of the documents he was obligated to read till the end of the day.
Kakashi didn't get an answer and Shikamaru's annoyed breathing continued.
''Maybe we should take a short break?'' Kakashi proposed.
No answer again. Kakashi found it strange as Shikamaru's never objected to his idea to stop working.
He got up in order to prevent himself from sleeping. He couldn't move on from the first page as it was the most boring reading material Kakashi's ever seen! Standing up, he could see what was annoying Shikamaru so much.
''Shikamaru!''
''Huh?'' Shikamaru didn't lift his head from the desk.
''I thought you were working hard and you are sleeping!''
''Huh.''
''That's not fair, Shikamaru! I can't let you sleep with this much work to do! You arrived later than usual, you spent your break in the office and when I propose a break, you can't take one as you're already asleep!''
''Huh,'' Shikamaru mumbled, holding his head on his palms on the desk.
''I really don't understand what's your problem. You got rested from your last mission, your beloved one doesn't have to go on missions either, I even let her train the young genins because you've asked me to. All I want in return is a little help from you so Tsunade-sama doesn't get mad at me very much.''
Shikamaru slightly opened his eyes to peek at Kakashi.
''If I tell you, will you let me sleep?''
''Right now? I can't do that-''
''I didn't sleep for three weeks,'' Shikamaru's head was on the desk again.
''Three weeks?'' Kakashi repeated. ''Since you got back from the mission? Are you saying Temari is keeping you awake at night for the last three weeks?''
''You don't know the half of it,'' Shikamaru sounded sleepy.
''If that's the problem, I can send her on a mission.''
Shikamaru lifted his head. Kakashi grinned, expecting that kind of reaction.
''If I tell you,'' Shikamaru said seriously, ''you mustn't show them you know!''
''Them? Shikamaru, are you-,'' Kakashi paused when Shikamaru stood up and began searching for a certain paper among whole bunch of papers.
''Can you check if Ino's at the hospital tonight while I-''
''No way!'' Kakashi interrupted, hearing Ino's name. ''Temari will kill you!''
Shikamaru looked at him and sighed.
''If she is, then I have to get some sleep before I get home.''
''Now that's a really strange affair you have,'' Kakashi said.
''Just go while I check something,'' Shikamaru ordered, ''and then we're off!''
Kakashi thought this would never happen with Shikamaru. Although he was more interested in Shikamaru's explanation now!
Luckily for him, Tsunade forgot something in her office and Kakashi ran into her on his way out of Hokage's tower.
''Tsunade-sama,'' Kakashi said, walking by her side back to their office, ''when is Ino supposed to be at the hospital?''
''She is doing double shift tonight because –,'' Tsunade began, but stopped suddenly. ''Why do you want to know?''
''Shikamaru wanted to ask her –,'' Kakashi began telling his lie, but Tsunade interrupted him.
''I think she'll be there around nine o'clock,'' Tsunade said and rushed to the office.
Shikamaru opened the door the same second Tsunade wanted to enter.
''What are you doing to him, Kakashi?'' Tsunade scolded him, checking out Shikamaru. ''He looks exhausted!''
''That's how the paper work is for us, Tsunade-sama!'' Kakashi replied and, together with Shikamaru, left Hokage's tower.
Shikamaru was in a hurry and Kakashi followed him.
''Well?''
''At the hospital.''
''Then we have to be really fast!''
Kakashi still didn't get anything. It didn't make any sense when they took a path to the training ground near the forest.
''If they spot us,'' Shikamaru stopped to warn Kakashi, ''I will get in big trouble.''
Kakashi nodded.
''You will watch and I will sleep.''
Kakashi was becoming impatient. If Shikamaru had something to show him, why were they in the office until now?
''I don't think they've started, so we have to be extra careful not to run into any of them.''
''Any of them?'' Kakashi repeated. ''How many people are we going to spy on?''
''You will!'' Shikamaru glanced at him. ''I will sleep. And you mustn't tell anybody!''
''Tell what?''
Shikamaru was about to say something, only a sound of an angry female voice made them both startle.
''I am not wearing that!''
Shikamaru sighed and went in the voice's direction. Kakashi followed him. Soon they climbed up the tree near the glade deeper in the forest.
Kakashi grinned as now he understood Shikamaru'd been looking for shinobi's duties for today. All the training grounds around this area were empty at the moment and nobody except Shikamaru and Kakashi could hear Temari objecting to put on something that looked like a black dress.
''Come on, Temari! Why do you have to be against everything I suggest?'' Ino asked, holding the black dress in front of Temari who was obviously very angry.
Sakura was holding the blue one and Hinata the purple one.
''When you're in the kitchen, you wear an apron. When dancing, you have to wear an appropriate dress!''
Ino did a pirouette to prove her point and her red dress moved along with her body.
''Wearing those sluttish dresses won't make them learn to dance faster!'' Temari refused to cooperate.
''Actually, it will! Like sexy underwear makes you strip faster!'' Ino persisted. ''But I know you never wear it, so how would you know?''
''I don't need that!''
''Because you are too sexy already, I know!''
''Shikamaru,'' Kakashi whispered, ''what is going on?''
''You will find out the second Ino and Temari stop fighting.''
''Will they strip?''
''If they do, you won't see it!''
''But didn't you bring me here for-''
''You will get what you want, but I can't let you –''
''Fine,'' Kakashi sighed.
On the other hand, if he was not allowed seeing them stripping, then what was better than that? Kakashi supposed Shikamaru was pretending to stare at the ground when they all obeyed Ino and began changing, but to be honest, Kakashi wasn't feeling comfortable enough to check out their panties. One of them was Shikamaru's girlfriend, Sakura his former student and Hinata about to get married!
''Long story short,'' Shikamaru yawned and Kakashi could see dancing dresses on the girls, ''Ino will teach Hinata and Sakura how to dance,'' he looked at Kakashi. ''If you notice something unusual, you won't discuss it with me or anyone else. Wake me up if I start snoring.''
Kakashi nodded and Shikamaru found comfortable position close to him, ready to sleep.
''We are doing it for Hinata, don't forget that!'' Ino said happily, trying to adjusted Temari's dress around her breasts as it seemed too tight.
Sakura was fixing Hinata's hair, presuming she was probably feeling awkward wearing a dress which was revealing too much of her shoulders and partly- Well, Hinata's hair covered that part.
''I don't see how Hinata can feel comfortable in this!'' Temari got closer to Hinata.
''Just lift it a bit, it's long enough!'' Ino put her hands on Hinata's waist to pull the dress up.
Kakashi took a deep brath. Apparently there was something better than stripping!
''So, Temari, I suggest your dancing partner will be Hinata and-''
''I won't dance.''
Hinata said something and Sakura embraced Ino's hand. They stopped yelling and the voices were really quiet. Kakashi wanted to know what was going on between them, so he removed his headband.
''What do you think you're doing?'' Shikamaru hissed the second Kakashi opened his left eye.
''I don't hear what they're saying and thanks to sharingan, I can read lips.''
''Are you insane? Cover that red eye! If they spot us, Temari will kill me for telling you!''
Kakashi hesitated for a moment.
''But they are just dancing!''
''She will know I told you!''
''Yeah, yeah, and she will get mad and she will stop keeping you awake at night.''
Shikamaru didn't say anything. Kakashi sighed and put his headband over his left eye.
''I thought you wanted to sleep more,'' he said, while trying to find a place his red eye couldn't be seen.
''I do,'' Shikamaru was trying to sleep again. ''I planned doing it now and not at home.''
''You are so lucky. It must feel great to be that young and carefree and-''
''Not being able to sleep because perverted Hokage wants to know more dirty details,'' Shikamaru sounded annoyed by Kakashi's constant questions.
''Look who's talking!'' Kakashi sneered. ''At least I'm not complaining! And I wanted to hear them, not you.''
''Fine, you can!'' Shikamaru sighed. ''After you open your left eye, you mustn't move one bit! It can be seen from anywhere.''
Shikamaru couldn't see Kakashi's wide grin.
On the improvised dance floor, Ino ignored Temari's objection and put her hands around Temari's neck.
''You will dance the man's part, because Hinata will never be the one who is leading.''
''And how will I lead if I don't know how to dance?''
''I can move you around only if you stop resisting so much!''
Temari rolled her eyes when Ino took her right hand and grabbed her left shoulder.
''Don't just stand there, embrace me!'' Ino ordered.
Temari, looking very annoyed for some reason, embraced Ino's waist so firmly that Ino found herself very close to Temari's face.
''Well, Temari,'' Ino grinned, ''I had no idea you want me like that!''
''Do you mind? Is this too much for you?''
''Not at all! You will just have more to tell to Shikamaru.''
Kakashi glanced at Shikamaru. He was looking asleep. If Temari really plans to tell him what she's been doing with her hands on Ino's body no man would dare to touch in public, no wonder he wanted to sleep now. Not to mention fast stripping in spite of not appropriate underwear. Kakashi felt a bit disappointed when Temari'd released her grip and Ino'd stepped a bit away from her.
''So when I step forward with my left foot, you go backwards with the right one,'' Ino began. ''When I go left, you go right. After you learn the steps, I will show you the turn.''
They all nodded.
''The fastest way is practice, of course! But don't hold me so tightly, I have to be able to move!''
''And what if I want to be held tightly?'' Sakura asked.
''And what if I don't?'' Hinata asked before Ino could answer.
''We are starting with going backwards, with the left foot,'' Ino ignored questions.
Temari nodded and slowly made a small step back as Ino'd ordered.
''Good, now right foot!'' Ino followed her. ''And to the left!'' Ino ordered after one more small step.
''That doesn't seem very complicated,'' Sakura said.
''No,'' Ino said, ''but it doesn't look great either.''
''What do you mean?'' Temari asked.
They stopped that silly synchronized walking, as that couldn't be called dancing, remaining in the dancing posture.
''It is supposed to look like two bodies moving as one,'' Ino explained, ''and you are moving like you are afraid of me!''
''Well, I'm sorry I didn't take private dancing lessons like you!'' Temari let go of Ino and stepped away.
''Don't get mad right away!'' Ino said and took Temari's hands. ''You need to relax more! Let's try it again!''
''I still don't get it why you can't ask Shikamaru to teach us all,'' Sakura said.
''Because he already knows too much,'' Temari replied and made Ino let go of her hands.
''What do you mean? What did you tell him?'' Hinata asked, looking worried.
''Nothing,'' Ino smiled to calm Hinata down. 'Jjust about the kiss.''
''Oh no!'' Hinata covered mouth with her palm, looking more worried.
''It's not a big deal, Hinata,'' Ino put Hinata's hair behind her ears like she was interested in her neck. ''Did you feel the guilt after the last time?''
Hinata smiled shyly and shook her head.
''See? If someone finds out, you will say it was just that one time and in the heat of the moment. Like Temari did.''
''But it was more than one time. Should I lie then?'' Sakura asked.
''No, you will include more details like why, when, did it have a purpose, something like that,'' Temari replied.
Kakashi frowned. When Shikamaru had told him he's been sleepless for weeks first thing that'd come to his mind was Temari. When Shikamaru'd mentioned Ino, Kakashi had presumed Ino's been his lover. The only thing Kakashi could conclude, after hearing all of this, Temari'd cheated on her boyfriend only once, same as Hinata, and Sakura obviously has an affair she's been hiding very well! Not only that, but Ino seemed supportive of their actions instead of judgemental. Although he really wanted to know more, Kakashi decided not to wake Shikamaru as one thing didn't make sense. If all of that was true, why would Shikamaru want him to find out?
''And Shikamaru knows all of that?'' Hinata asked.
''Not everything!'' Temari said quickly, as Hinata was looking terrified.
''That does it!'' Kakashi whispered in anger. ''Shikamaru!''
''Huh?''
''Temari didn't tell you something!''
''Huh.''
''And is it true she -''
''Yes, with Hinata. Shut up, I'm trying to sleep.''
There was no need to tell Kakashi to shut up as he was just staring at Shikamaru's too calm face after saying something so unbelievable! Kakashi knew that nothing interesting will come out from his sleepy consultant, so he checked out what's up with the girls.
One glance and Kakashi felt the need to rub both of his eyes, in spite of Shikamaru's order, because he had to make sure he was seeing clearly.
He opened his eyes. The characters remained the same, only their places have been switched.
''You don't have to be on top all the time!'' Ino was chuckling, lying on the ground.
''You did it on purpose!'' Temari, sitting on top of Ino, wasn't so cheerful.
This time Kakashi couldn't avoid seeing their panties as their dresses lifted thanks to strange position Ino and Temari were in. Hinata was covering mouth with her palms and Sakura was looking angry.
''You heard her, Temari!'' Sakura said. ''Move! And I don't think she did it on purpose! You suck at dancing!''
''I don't suck at anything!'' Temari said, while getting up and adjusting her dress.
''I'm sorry, I thought you were ready for more!'' Ino said, while Sakura was giving her a hand in getting up.
''Are you okay?'' Hinata asked.
''Of course! I'm a kunoichi! I fell so many times that-''
''That's your problem, Temari! We are not fighting now! We are dancing! You don't have to prove you are stronger than me while I'm trying to teach you how to dance!''
Temari frowned, but didn't say anything, still upset because of her lack of dancing skills that made them hit the ground somehow. Having Ino on top of her wasn't something she liked one bit, as Kakashi could see a few moments before.
''Don't be mad,'' Ino said and put a hand on Temari's shoulder. ''It's not your fault you are too strong for me.''
''Stop touching me!'' Temari grabbed Ino's hand. ''I'm not dancing again!''
''Fine! You don't have to!'' Ino rolled her eyes. ''Then you are letting me to be Hinata's partner?''
''Why can't Sakura be her partner?''
''Because she'll learn the wrong steps, and it's as important for her as it is for Hinata to show her dancing skills during the wedding party!''
''Me? Why? I'm not ready yet for that much attention!''
''Well, if we only could get started, you would master it in no time.''
Temari took Hinata's hand, still frowning,
''You can dance the man's part, Temari, as you will have Shikamaru who will lead. You can't allow Hinata to step on Hokage-sama's foot while dancing with him!''
''Hokage-sama?'' Hinata startled.
''It's a tradition,'' Sakura began. ''As the bride, you will have to introduce yourself as the new Uchiha, and dance with Fugaku-san, Hokage-sama, Kazekage-sama also.''
''But they all know me already!''
''Of course they do, but it will be the only occasion to show it to the world they are all approving your marriage,'' Temari said.
''It was either that or the vows,'' Sakura said.
''It's really better to dance than saying nonsense,'' Temari smiled encouragingly to Hinata.
''That's right!'' Ino said. ''If you know how to move on the dance floor, you will look more confident. And have more time to chat casually with your partner and smile to everyone to show your happiness!''
''It sounds better to have a fake smile,'' Hinata's anxiety was replaced with sadness, ''than be obligated to say fake nonsense.''
They all glanced at Hinata and smiled briefly. Was this Shikamaru warned Kakashi about? Hinata seemed unhappy, like she's doing it all because she had to, not because it was her choice. On the other hand, her obvious thrill when Temari'd embraced her hand proved Shikamaru's statement. Something happened between them!
''Go on, now,'' Ino ordered to Temari. ''Put your hands around Hinata!''
Temari slowly stepped in front of Hinata and embraced her right palm. Hinata smirked and put her left palm on Temari's shoulder. It looked like Temari hesitated where to put her other hand, unlike with Ino.
''You are impossible! Should we leave you alone to get over with this faster?'' Ino chuckled.
Hinata shrugged while Temari couldn't yell at Ino and look at Hinata at the same time.
''What kind of dress will you have, Hinata?'' Ino asked while looking at Hinata's back.
''Very beautiful one,'' Sakura looked sad.
''I meant,'' Ino crossed Hinata's shoulders with her palm, ''how much skin will be exposed?''
''Very small part,'' Temari gave her glare, as Ino was standing behind Hinata, peeking at Temari over Hinata's left shoulder.
''Huh. And hair?'' Ino lifted Hinata's hair in the air.
''Down!'' Hinata said and put her hair back in a way that it was covering everything.
''That might be a problem.''
''Why?'' Hinata looked at Ino, now standing on her right.
''Well,'' Ino took Temari's hand to put it on Hinata, under her hair, ''as you can feel it for yourself, this is not very pleasant.''
''You will tangle her hair!'' Sakura said, coming closer to them.
''And if your dress is like this one on you,'' Ino continued, ''well, the part on the back, your partner won't know how to hold you.''
Ino took Temari's hand again and put it really low on Hinata's back. Well, that wasn't back any more.
''Hey!'' Temari pulled her hand. ''Nobody will touch her there!''
Surprisingly, Hinata didn't say anything to that unexpected caress.
''You haven't seen Jiraiya-sama very drunk,'' Sakura rolled her eyes.
''It's fine, Hinata!'' Temari said, noticing Hinata's stunned face. ''You can reject anybody!''
''Unlike the bride's maids! They have to dance with everybody!'' Sakura added. ''So nobody will bug you!''
''Then all of this is in vain.''
''Nothing we ever did was in vain.''
''Maybe it is vain,'' Sakura persisted. ''One glare from Itachi-san, and nobody will think about coming closer to Hinata!''
''Good point! Step back, Temari!''
They all chuckled, even Temari.
''This is just friendly!'' Hinata smiled.
''Right now, it is. There are many countries allowing only single women to dance with anybody as the dancing is being treated the same as foreplay.''
They all looked at Ino, waiting for more information.
''Well, it's obvious!'' Ino rolled her eyes and quickly took Sakura's right hand and embraced her around her waist.
''Like this?'' Sakura asked, while being held by Ino very close, embracing her shoulders as she was about to put her head between Ino's neck and her left shoulder.
''See?'' Ino glanced at Hinata and Temari standing beside them.
Ino's right hand went lower than Sakura's waist and she put Sakura's right hand on her waist.
''If you want to be extremely explicit,'' Ino smirked and tapped Sakura's left hip. ''Lift it like you want to wrap it around me!''
Sakura gave her a doubtful gaze, but lifted her left leg. Kakashi could see her panties very clearly.
With her left leg exposed like that, it really looked like Sakura wanted Ino to touch it. Ino did it. She lifted Sakura's dress a bit more and slowly began caressing Sakura's thigh moving her hand down. Sakura was feeling so freely in Ino's arms she leaned backwards while Ino was holding her with her left arm. That made a perfect position for Ino to-
Kakashi's eyes widened.
''Satisfied?'' he heard Shikamaru's quiet voice on his right.
''Sakura's having an affair with her blonde best friend.''
''Did they kiss already?''
Kakashi glanced at Shikamaru. His eyes were still closed.
''How did you-''
''Your breathing gets different every time something happens. Like when they'd said something that made you think Temari's having an affair.''
''Why didn't you tell me? Until now, I thought the wedding would be cancelled and Sasuke would have to kill whoever put his hands on Sakura!''
Shikamaru shrugged and continued pretending to be asleep.
Kakashi couldn't believe it! It was like in some novel by Jiraiya! Not only Ino felt up Sakura's thigh and bottom, but thanks to low cut dress Sakura was wearing, she kissed all of the exposed skin Sakura was revealing below her neck. Those weren't quick friendly kisses, but tender, sensual and slow kisses! And not only Sakura hadn't objected, she was looking like she was enjoying it more than anything!
''That if you are a guy,'' Ino said after having enough of Sakura under her lips. ''Since you are girls, when he steps forward, you step forward with the opposite leg , rubbing you thigh between the gap! Like this!''
Sakura did what Ino'd said and soon it seemed like she didn't mind Ino's leg between hers, even though she wasn't a guy.
''Let's see what turns you on so much!''
Kakashi startled when Shikamaru moved closer to him to get a better view. When he saw the same as Kakashi, he didn't look like he hated it.
''Yeah, Ino and Sakura,'' Shikamaru sighed. ''It's much dirtier when Temari's retelling it.''
''You lucky bastard!'' Kakashi whispered sadly. ''I would like to be sleepy because of something like this.''
''Luckily, I don't have to teach them how to dance, I don't think I would be able to concentrate.''
''No way! You refused?''
''No. Temari wanted to know when I'd thought Ino to dance, so she wanted to be sure she will do it better than me.''
''You were dancing with Ino like that?''
''No. She is my best friend! And I used my Shadow Imitation Technique.''
''But you still listen about her!''
''And you are spying on your former student!''
Kakashi shrugged as he didn't know how to explain his behaviour. His mind was telling him it was wrong, then again, he was just a man, like any other.
''And Hinata?''
''I don't know,'' Shikamaru shrugged, ''she is too-''
''Innocent, I know. It's hard to imagine that she kissed Temari.''
''She didn't. I'm not sure what happened, but both of them are making a big deal out of it.''
''It's better that Temari does it than you. She is great, you know. Telling you everything and being worried about too much touching with some other girl.''
''And that girl's Hinata!''
''You really are lucky, Shikamaru.''
He shrugged and Kakashi didn't feel like talking any more as it was Temari and Hinata's turn to repeat the steps Ino'd showed them a few moments ago.
''Don't stand that far away from each other,'' Ino said. ''You are not complete strangers!''
''But what if I step on Temari-san's foot like you did?''
''You won't. Even if you do, you won't end up like us as you are scared to move at all.''
''Relax, Hinata,'' Sakura smiled at her. ''Temari will move you around and you just have to follow her!''
Hinata nodded and soon Temari was dragging her all over the place.
''Wait!'' Ino ordered. ''I told you to stand closer! You are too far away and it looks like Temari is trying to run away while you are not ready to let her go!''
''And what if we want to keep someone on the distance?'' Hinata asked.
''Easily!''
Ino embraced Sakura again and put Sakura's hands on her shoulders. They were away from each other for Sakura's arms length.
''If you stretch your arm entirely, like you are pushing someone, he won't be able to get closer. If someone is really persistent, use your strength! Nobody should make you feel uncomfortable. Especially not on your wedding day!''
''The same is with his embrace,'' Sakura added. ''If he doesn't know where to put his hand, you gently move it on a place you like!'' Sakura smiled at Ino and moved her right hand from her shoulder to her waist.
''Well, Sakura, I can't wait to see you dance,'' Ino smiled at her.
''Is Ino trying to separate Sakura and Sasuke by winning Sakura's heart instead?'' Kakashi chuckled.
''That sounds like one of your novels.''
Kakashi sighed, knowing he will never find something like this in any novel.
''Speaking of Jiraiya-sama, I don't think it would be wise to tell him about this.''
''Or Sasuke.''
Kakashi didn't like the idea how Sasuke might react to Sakura's new kind of relationship with Ino.
''Or Itachi!''
''You are the only one who knows!'' Shikamaru hissed. ''And I hope it will stay that way!''
Kakashi nodded. It was getting dark and he was aware that his red eye can be spotted easier during the night. Although thanks to it, he could see clearly what's going on.
Both Hinata and Temari were staring at their feet, moving around slowly, while Ino and Sakura were standing a bit further away to give them more space. They were moving slower than Ino and Sakura, but by their embrace, which seemed gentle, Kakashi could say they were feeling more comfortable than before.
''You can't look at the ground like that!'' Ino scolded them. ''You can look only if you are not too obvious!''
They both smirked as they didn't want to stop looking at the ground. Hinata, as the more determined one, let go of Temari's left hand and put her right palm a bit above Temari's waist. Temari looked at her and, instead of objecting to it, she placed her free hand around Hinata's back. That way they got closer and both of them could look at ground as their chins were placed on the other one's shoulder and their necks weren't revealing their lack of confidence. That way they could observe other couples dancing too, in case they forget the steps.
''Thank you, Temari-san.''
Kakashi was certain Hinata whispered that so only Temari could hear it. Temari smirked and rubbed her cheek briefly against Hinata's hair which was covering her cheek. It was completely different kind of closeness than one between Ino and Sakura.
''Now that was beautiful!'' Ino commended.
''Perfect for some love ballad,'' Sakura added.
''With your beloved ones!'' Ino chuckled, noticing Temari's stunned face. ''Although you will probably hug like that every emotional or drunk single female who will complain about not having a boyfriend!''
''That means you!'' Temari said.
''I am not-,'' Ino began, but smirked instead. ''You are right. I won't get drunk and I will be fine!''
''Now that's sad. I will dance with her,'' Kakashi said. ''Just to ask what made her switch her attention from Sasuke to Sakura,'' he added quickly, not to give Shikamaru more of his silly thoughts.
''You, as the Hokage, can dance with all of them. On the other hand, you have to be polite.''
''I know,'' Kakashi sighed.
Being the only single girl, Ino didn't seem unhappy. Actually, she was the most cheerful one. But Sakura was keeping up with Ino's thrill. Temari seemed worried and Hinata the same as always. Maybe she seemed a bit more relaxed around Temari, happy because of Sakura's compliments and grateful because of Ino's effort.
''Do your brothers know how to dance?'' Ino asked.
''You want to flirt with Gaara?''
''It was a simple question, Temari! Why can't you answer like that?''
''I think he doesn't, and for Kankuro I'm not sure.''
''Great. Now Hinata has one person less she has to dance with.''
''Oh. How considerate of you,'' Temari shrugged.
''But you are free to dance with whoever you want, Ino-chan!''
''Don't worry about her, Hinata,'' Temari said. ''I told her how to behave around him.''
''And we won't dance!'' Ino chuckled. ''His hair is too long for me to ignore it and his height is perfect and-,'' she paused and looked at Hinata. ''You won't get mad if I leave a bit earlier, will you?''
''No, Ino-chan. It's sad you have to hide all the time.''
''It's important for you to find some inexperienced brat of your age to be your date for the wedding!'' Temari said. ''Since calling you young would make the Sannin feel old!''
They all chuckled.
''Yes,'' Shikamaru said when Kakashi opened his mouth to ask the obvious, ''most important reason Jiraiya-sama mustn't know anything.''
''What about Naruto?'' Temari asked. ''Will you turn him down for a dance?''
''Yes!''
''No!''
''You have nothing to worry about, Sakura,'' Ino said. ''I don't think he can dance.''
''You don't want him to step on your dress, Hinata,'' Temari said.
''I think it would be impolite to turn him down,'' Hinata shrugged. ''I mean, he is coming back to attend the wedding.''
''Whatever you decide, nobody should look closer to you than your husband,'' Temari said.
''Except Temari, maybe!'' Ino smirked.
''Can we dance together?'' Sakura asked.
''I'm not sure,'' Temari said. ''Sasuke might be jealous!''
''I'm leaving as Temari expects me to be at home. If you are staying, I will kill you if you reveal yourself!''
Shikamaru left and Kakashi was all alone looking at four gorgeous young kunoichi chuckling over something. He envied the entire IOS team at the moment as he couldn't decide which one was more alluring. Maybe it was because of the unusual thing they've been doing for weeks, as he could conclude from Shikamaru's incomplete information. Maybe because they were not afraid of trying something new and kind of forbidden. Maybe because he wanted a vacation so he could forget all about horrible paper work he didn't do today as he was busy with more interesting kind of work.
''Do you have some more tips for us, Ino-chan?''
''Just relax. Your partner, whoever that is, is nervous as you are. It won't be the end of the world if you do something out of the ordinary.''
''As long as you don't perform the same dance you did with Sakura!''
''No, that's for Sakura only,'' Ino smiled at Sakura. ''And nobody should do that in public! Ever!''
''Then why did-''
''Because you were irresistible!''
They all chuckled.
''Maybe it was because of the dress you gave her,'' Temari said.
''It is great to have my clothes back!'' Ino grinned. ''But you can keep them.''
''No way!'' Temari shook her head. ''I don't want anyone to think-''
''It's not the dress you have!'' Ino adjusted her dress to cover more of her body. ''And you can smile all you want to make everyone think you enjoy dancing with someone!''
Sakura smirked when Ino stood behind her and went with her hand through Sakura's hair.
''You don't have to lose your mind when having a bad hair day,'' she whip her ponytail.
''As none of that will show what you really feel or want,'' Temari added.
''Hinata, all you must think about when dancing is the way you move!''
Ino wrapped her hands around Hinata and they all could see she was smiling nervously.
''Run!'' Ino ordered.
Hinata easily broke Ino's embrace, but Ino was still holding one of her hands firmly. She lifted her hand in the air.
''Now you'll do the turn!''
Hinata nodded and made three steps towards Ino in a way she'd learnt and did the turn. Her dress was following her body curves perfectly and while turning around, her hair moved and exposed her beautiful young skin. The second she was back at her place, Ino bowed in her direction and did the same with Sakura. Sakura was chuckling the entire time just like Hinata, who was dancing again with Temari.
''If only we could be like this at the wedding,'' Hinata said.
''We should be going now!'' Sakura said and they headed to the spot she'd folded her clothes.
Although Kakashi wanted to deflect his gaze not to feel even more awkward, he couldn't keep his eyes off of Ino and Temari.
Ino made one turn by herself letting her hair move freely through the air. Suddenly, Temari stopped her by embracing her waist from behind. Ino smiled when Temari came closer like she was about to bite Ino's neck. Ino cupped Temari's head to lean towards her ear.
''You still owe me one dance,'' Ino said and Temari lowered her hand towards Ino's thighs.
''This one?''
''Uh-huh.''
Kakashi had no idea what kind of relationship the two of them had, but it was extremely awkward to see two girls, who seemed to dislike each other, showing their true feelings so arousing.
''You can't undress me,'' Ino chuckled. ''I don't have spare clothes!''
Temari frowned and let go of Ino.
In a flash, all the girls had their usual clothes back on and were on their way towards the village centre.
Kakashi stayed at the same spot for a few moments trying to put his thoughts together. He couldn't decide will it be comfortable to see them together again or it will be the longest three weeks to wait to see them dressed up for the wedding. He had to make up his mind on dancing with all of them. Or maybe just the bride. Or his former student. Or try to make Shikamaru angry. Although he will probably have to practice remaining calm around Jiraiya not to reveal anything. Although it might be a good topic for his new book.
Kakashi headed home. He needed something more interesting than paper work to keep his thoughts away from white, pink, red and black panties he's been drooling over the entire afternoon.