Outside of Konoha Hospital: Tea Avenue

Walking along the dirt streets of Konoha, Kakashi observes the area. As a personal vow and job requirement, Kakashi observes his walks. Strolling from the hospital to his studio in the Jonin Station, near Lady Tsunade's mansion, he secretly watches the village for potential danger, and hazards. So far there was nothing strange, or out of the ordinary. Merchants sell their goods as customers purchase them. Kids playing in the middle of the road, or jetting around shops and adults, acting as if they were ninja. Gossip could be heard over his head as older women beat laundry, and cackle at their jokes. Two elderly women were picking on each other, calling bluffs, and talking about their families. They've been friends since Kakashi could remember. He forgot their names, but he remember their behavior towards one another.

It was a warm day, but a gentle wind occasionally picked up, cooling off the village. The wind gently tossed clean laundry from their lines, along with the smell of fresh dirt and oak trees. For the past couple of days the weather has been leaning towards the warm side. It's early spring, so it's a little strange having heat this time of year. The storm clouds by the Valley of the End will soon roll in. Hopefully the village will experience cooler days before the typical hot and humid summers.

Continuing his walk down Tea Avenue, Kakashi could smell the dumpling shop's special: pork and spinach. Sitting at one of the dumpling shops tables, a conversation between four Academy students could be heard. They were discussion about the end of the year exam. No one knew what they'll be tested on, but each had their own theory. Diagonal from the students where two middle aged men. They were playing a game of Shogi. Under the table one of the men slide a gold general from his sleeve. Before his partner could catch his friend cheating, the shops waitress walks over to their table with their meal. Turning his attention towards the waitress, his friend made his attack, and put his secret piece on the board without anyone noticing. Well, except Kakashi.

Without intention, a memory creeped into Kakashi's mind. He remembered when Sasuke and Naruto were constantly bickering with each other. Fighting to be the better ninja. Naruto would challenge Sasuke to a sparring match, and instead of giving an answer Sasuke would say something to aggravate Naruto. Usually Sasuke's comment were to make Naruto say something that would make him look foolish. Naruto would get angry and do exactly what Sasuke intended. Naruto would fall for the teases, and look like a fool in the end.

Weeks after Team 7 was created, the two were always picking fights. Naruto would lose on a regular basis, while Sasuke apathetically claimed the victory after victory. Suggesting Naruto was the weakest link in the group, Sasuke typically ignored Naruto's sparing advancements, but that never stopped Naruto. As time progressed, so did Naruto's ninja abilities, and their friendship. They spared when they weren't training, but the friendly fight always ended up as a tie, or lack of time. They were rivals, but held each other accountable, and worked as a team. As time passed, it was as if Sasuke would forgot about Itachi, and Naruto would feel like he had a brother.

At the hospital. On the rooftop. The hate in Sasuke and Naruto's eyes when Kakashi halted their fight. Either they had intentions to kill each other, or they were unaware of their true strength...quickly pushing the memory back, Kakashi refocuses his attention back onto the safety of his village. Pakkun trotted alongside Kakashi, doing his best to keep up with his longer strides. Kakashi seemed to be picking up his pace. Something must be bothering him.

Turning the corner, Kakashi and Pakkun pass the Red Lantern. After Orochimaru's attack on Konoha, less Shinobi have been seen at the local bar. Usually the Red Lantern is filled to the brim with Jonin, considering it's in close proximity to the Jonin Station. What seems like ages ago - when Naruto's class from the Academy as assigned to their teams - Kakashi was given the privilege to leave Team 7, while Kurenai lead Team 8, and Asuma lead Team 10. After their first day with their teams, the three ended up meeting each other at the Red Lantern. Considered to be one of the less social of the bunch, Kakashi considered abandoning the engagement, but instead felt nostalgic, and stayed. It was 2 AM when the three left. Kurenai and Kakashi had to carry Asuma back to his room at the Jounin Station. Thankfully Karenai was there to help haul Asuma up the stairs. It was easy carrying an unconscious, or wounded person for miles, but a drunk, loud Jounin who had a mean right hook? It wasn't really easy.

Before 2 AM, Asuma decided to challenge a co-worker to a drinking contest, and, surprisingly, won. He could hold his liquor, but he wasn't known for drinking. The victory was an interesting one. Kurenai stayed with him the whole night. She wanted to make sure he didn't hurt himself, and had an open opportunity to tease him while he was hungover. Unfortunately, there were no Jonin taking breaks. More missions, and less able bodies, resorting to doubling up on missions. Kakashi couldn't remember the last time he had a day off about Orochimaru's appearance, nor could be remember a night like that at the Red Lantern.

Only a few customers sat at the bar. Mainly construction workers. Nothing seemed out of place, nor was anyone picking a fight. Considering it was past noon, Kakashi hoped that the construction workers weren't drinking heavily during this time of the day. Walking away from the Red Lantern, Kakashi continued towards the Jounin Station until: "Kakashi, shouldn't you check in with Lady Tsunade about the mission?" Asks Pakkun.

Taking a deep breath, Kakashi replied, "that wasn't a mission authorized from the Hokage."

Pakkun's ears perked up, along with widen eyes. He looked up at Kakashi with a shocking expression. "Wait, so you mean to tell me you left the village without authorization?"

"That seems to be the case, doesn't it?" Kakashi said blandly. Kakashi knew he was going to receive a lecture from the Fifth Hokage the moment he even thought about going after Sasuke and Naruto. The worst Lady Tsunade will do to him is patrol duty, along with more missions. At least it will keep him occupied.

Giving Kakashi a disgruntled look, Pakkun accepts Kakashi's smartallic remark. He knew why Kakashi went after Sasuke and Naruto. He couldn't blame him, but being in the dark through the whole ordeal wasn't very helpful either. Sighing heavily, "well, at least give me a heads-up next time when you decided to go against you Hokage, alright?"

"No problem," Kakashi said with a faint smile. The two continue on their walk to the Jounin Station.

"What do you think will happen to you when you do check in with her?" Pakkun asks.

"No idea, but it won't be that bad," Kakashi replied, "maybe grunt work, but at least it's work."

The two chuckle.

Jonin Station

Pulling out his keys from his pocket, Kakashi stands at the front door of him home. It was small, but functional. All he needed was a bed, and a roof over his head. He was also able to save his money while living at the Station, considering he didn't have a family, or children to raise. That was also a good thing too. He heard that children were expensive, along with mortgages. He didn't know how Nara, Akimichi or Inoichi could handle their kids. Especially Ino. At the time, Kakashi was kind of relieved that Ino wasn't assigned to Team 7, but no one needs to know that.

Before Kakashi could unlock his door, Pakkun started growling. Immediately on guard, Kakashi started scanning the hallway in search of any threats. "What do you smell?" Kakashi asks.

He was stupid. He didn't even notice it until Pakkun started growling. This is what happens when he starts thinking about the past, he drops his guard. Sniffing the air, Kakashi curses himself again. There was a new smell in the hallway. Kakashi couldn't recognize the smell, but Pakkun suggests it as a threat. The neighboring door beside Kakashi rattles. No one has been in that room for nearly two years, nor has there been a ceremony, or meeting for any new Jounin being housed at the Station. Guy hasn't changed rooms, nor have any other Jonin. The door unlocks, and gently swings open. Quickly reaching for his kunai holster, Kakashi draws his knife, but keeps it by his side.

A black cat the size of Pakkun walks out of the room.

It took Kakashi a second to realize what was going on, but once he did he couldn't help but be annoyed by Pakkun. "Are you serious?" With an exasperated sigh, Kakashi stands up straight. Kakashi sheaths his kunai knife, and crosses his arms over his chest. Kakashi wasn't a cat person either, but this was a bit ridiculous.

"Pakkun, it's just a cat. Relax an-," but before Kakashi could finish his sentence Pakkun began chasing after the cat. He spoke to soon. It was about to become more ridiculous.

"Pakkun! No! Stop!" Kakashi yells frantically as he hastily runs after Pakkun.

Pakkun chases after the screaming cat down the hallway, and around the corner to the stairs. Kakashi following not to far behind. Without taking into consideration that there might be another person coming up the stairs, Pakkun and the cat run under the feet of another ninja. Surprised by the chase, the ninja looses her balance as her loses her grip on her two bags. Falling backwards, Kakashi rounds the corner and instinctively grabs the other ninja.

It only took a second to lock eyes, and another second for the two to topple down the stairs as Pakkun and the cat run under their feet, and back up the stairs. This wasn't going to be comfortable. Tumbling over each other, the two ninja roll down the stairs until their limbs, and bags eventually tangle each other up in a big, confusing heap.