CHAPTER 2

Iruka couldn't help noting that it had been two hours since Kakashi had disappeared in the Hokage's office the councilors now frequented. He was having more and more difficulties keeping his thoughts in proper order. There was endless stack of reports to go through but every now and then, when no one needed his attention, his mind tended to drift to random subjects.

A steady flow of ninja had been coming and going. Iruka had handled some urgent reports from returning shinobi and more from around the village. Iruka had also handed a stack of missions to others working behind the desk and they had done a good job of distributing them. Missions consisted mostly of finding supplies and taking them to hospital or other central locations. They had also been assigning people to help regular hospital staff and sent some shinobi back to the field to collect more information. One especially pressing question was, where was their Hokage and when would she return.

Iruka's head was starting to throb. He hadn't really slept since waking up from the infinite dream. And when was the last time he had eaten something? Oh yes, at noon that sweet elderly lady had brought them a huge platter of onigiri! But that was hours ago.

He doubted anyone was doing any better. They could distribute soldier pills to everyone but that would be only a brief remedy. Afterwards they would be even more tired than without the pills. It would be better to order people to go home and rest. One or two of them could man the room for the night and take care of emergencies. Everything of lesser importance could wait for the morning.

Iruka suppressed a massive yawn.

"I have a message from the hospital, Iruka-sensei!" Loud voice woke Iruka up from his musings. Konohamaru was standing in front of his desk panting and offering a scroll to him.

Quickly dismissing his embarrassment for having a genin to surprise him, Iruka took the scroll and smiled to Konohamaru: "Thank you, Konohamaru-kun."

He was just going to query the boy if he had had any rest or nourishment for a while, when a strict and authorative voice announced loudly behind Iruka: "May I have a moment of your attention, please."

The whole room quieted immediately and everyone's focus snapped on Hatake Kakashi. He stood in front of Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. Despite his drenched uniform, he looked very formal.

"As you all must now there hasn't been any word of our Hokage-sama. The councilors have decided that in present situation we need a leader in her absence. I'll be substituting the Hokage until she comes back."

He was standing very tall and straight and there wasn't a tiniest hint of humor or tardiness in his voice or posture. Iruka could easily picture him in Hokage's hat and ropes.

"My first order is that every one of you will go home and rest for the night. You are of no use if you collapse out of exhaustion. I will stay here and take personally care of urgent matters. Thank you for your hard work. Tomorrow I will expect to see you at your best performance once again."

There were bows and murmurs of "yes, Hatake-sama" and "yes, Kakashi-sama." After that last reports were quickly reported, a few notes were taken, stacks of papers were straightened and last bits of confidential information were filed away.

One by one the shinobi left and soon only Kakashi and Iruka remained. The councilors had disappeared soon after Kakashi had made his announcement, only nodding their acceptance.

Iruka had supervised the closure of the day's business. He didn't want people leaving behind unfinished or displaced reports. It was better to do things well now than start the next day fixing mistakes. Everyone needed the rest but it was no excuse for sloppy work.

"Iruka."

Iruka raised his eyes from the papers he had been leafing through. Their newly appointed leader was standing in the very same spot where he had made his announcement fifteen minutes ago. Had he been there the whole time others had buzzed around and finished their tasks?

"Hatake-sama?"

"I think you should go to hospital and pay a visit to Naruto."

Iruka stared dumbly at the man.

Kakashi raised his hand and continued before Iruka had even time to think about countering him. "Listen me out. I heard from the councilors how the Infinite Tsukuyomi affected you and others. I believe you are trying to distance yourself from people and I think I can understand why you do that. But Naruto expects to see you. He will worry if he won't see you. You are family to him."

Iruka couldn't decipher the expression on Kakashi's face. If he had to guess, he would go with earnest with a hint of warmth and sadness.

After few seconds the meaning of Kakashi's words finally sank in. "Thank you, Hatake-sama!" Iruka bowed deeply with a radiant smile on his face. He felt very light, almost dizzy with relief and happiness.

Without another word Iruka took a few quick steps and jumped out of the nearest window. He landed on the roof and continued his run. Kakashi had said that Naruto would worry for him. It meant that the boy was in a good enough health to be capable of worrying. It also meant that his relationship with Naruto wasn't only part of the dream. Kakashi's words had been very clear about that. Naruto thought him as family. His little brother was living and breathing and waiting for him. Then and there that was all Iruka needed to know.

TBC.