Musical Hands: chapter 2

Summary: He heard the unique and soulful melody on the nights of his border patrols. He's listened for the past 4 years, till it stopped for three years. Believing that the conductor had passed, that was until he heard the beautiful melody once more. This time the music affected him emotionally as the musician for the first time played from the heart. What awaits Kakashi as his curiosity gets the best of him and hunts down the creator?

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"Smooth like water and then swift like wind, Narumi. Focus!" Kira voiced strongly to his goddaughter as they sparred with one another. "Make your limbs flow like liquid before snapping into free and sharp movements. You can do it, Narumi. Faster, faster, faster." Kira pushed Narumi as he easily slapped her arms away from his body, just before she landed a strike on his frame.

Narumi dashed towards Kira again with her hands at the ready. Following through with his orders. 'Smooth, smooth, fluid…STRIKE pierce cut, fluid, smooth like water. Around, bend. Smooth, jab, jab, jab, strike, grind, slice, cut, smooth, slow, smooth…' Narumi's actions flowed around moving between water and wind. Just like her elements, but it was hard combining the two styles together, yet Narumi never gave up. She added in a few surprise back kicks, flips and fast jabs, but Narumi couldn't find a hole in Kira's defence. Her mind was solely focused on attacking Jiraiya with her new katas that he was teaching her to get accustomed to her body. Narumi had to admit, it was easier with this fighting style. It was fluid yet sharp and still had room for her to add in her unpredictable moves.

Kira's purples eyes widen slightly as Narumi's movements got faster and faster as the look in her eyes was sheer determination to master her new fighting style and land a hit on him. Kira was in Narumi's position to get used to his new body measurement and inwardly cursed when his arms didn't move fast enough to protect his middle. Waiting for Narumi's palm to hit his free chest…but her hit didn't connect. Kira frowned and looked to the huffing blonde. "Why didn't you hit me, Narumi? You had the opportunity to land a direct blow."

Narumi looked up to Kira. Her eyes were mirroring his confusion too. "I'm sure I could've hit you. I should've hit you perfectly…but…" she retracted her arm and thrusted it forward once more. "I can't reach you. It's like my limbs are shorter."

"Stand up straight." Kira voiced and noted that Narumi barely brushed his shoulders. "You've cropped down by a few inches, Kid. No wonder you couldn't land a hit. We'll have to train harder for you to get your shorter limbs accustomed to your new fighting style too. Rather than before, your moves are graceful, like an enticing dance. Not a whirlpool of a hurricane."

Narumi sighed and looked to her hands. "How long do you reckon this will take, Ero-Kira?" Narumi asked and looked up to him. Although he was Jiraiya in heart, he wasn't able to give up his perverted tenancies. Narumi would've found him hard to be around if he didn't act slightly perverted. Even in disguise.

Kira rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, since you know the secret of Kage Bunshin, it would take about a week or so if we used them…" he looked her in the eyes and saw the annoyance. "Right, right. No cutting corners and no giveaways. Just practise hard and you'll get there."

"I understand why you told Baa-chan about my situation, but is she really serious about placing me in ANBU if my cover gets blown? I will admit that I'm not ready to reveal myself, but isn't her part of the deal over the top?" Narumi asked as she turned her back to Kira and began going over her katas. No point in wasting time.

Kira sighed heavily. "You know how protective she is of you, Kid. Danzo and the Council are ruthless people, Narumi and even more ruthless against you." He noticed her falter in her katas at his words, but she continued on smoothly. She understood that he was right. "Being under Tsunade's direct order will keep you safer from them indefinitely if they ever found out about you and the Sandaime's secret. If push comes to shove, I'll be taking you out of the village…for more than just three years for everything to blow over. Your father was very clear on your safety and if it gets really bad, you and I will be moving to Kumogakure permanently. The Raikage and I go a long way back. He owes me a few favours that I need to cash in anyway."

Narumi did a forward flip and turned swiftly to face Kira. Sliding into her starting position and nodded at her teacher. He got the idea and followed suit and both began to spar. "That's the worst scenario, right? Moving indefinitely." She asked.

Kira nodded as he grabbed her fist and flipped her backwards. She caught herself easily and both moved to attack. "Yes, worst case scenario. Best case scenario, we manage to get you merged back into Konoha's ranks with ease. It will be harder since you are a female and a Jinchuriki no less, but we can do this if we play our card right." Dodging her timely thrust of a palm and went to swipe her legs.

Narumi back flipped on one hand and used the other to try cause damage to his leg to little avail. "I see. I'll be careful then. What do we do now then? Train to get my body accustomed and then what?"

"You haven't been trained in female etiquettes, Kid." Kira pointed out as he moved into offence and made solid strikes to the younger blonde. "You've been raised as a boy and taught as a boy. Learning how to present you would be ideal for future references."

Narumi hummed as she weaved around Kira's large fists. "I can ask Hinata for help. Hinata knows about me ever since we were in the Academy. I didn't want to give her the wrong impression when I found out she liked me. She took the news well for a girl that admired an illusion and kept up her act in-order to help me out."

"She will have to teach you at my place. Have to be cautious around the Hyuga. Especially the Elders. They wouldn't hesitate to try and con you into marrying into the Hyuga household if they found the truth."

"Is me being a female really that bad?" Narumi leapt right away from Kira. Both gazing to each other.

Kira asked a simple question. "Who are your parents, Narumi?"

"Oh right…" Narumi's eyes widen slightly and placed a hand on her belly. "And also being a Jinchuriki to the Kyūbi as well…" She didn't finish the sentence. Narumi didn't want to think that anybody would harm her so much as to get her pregnant to offer an offspring and heir. It was also risky for her being pregnant as a Jinchuriki and leaves her vulnerable.

"It's going to be hard, Narumi, but if we take it one step at a time, everything will be okay." Kira offered a few supporting words. Tousling her hair and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "So, mind telling me why you have been avoiding Kakashi for the past two days, kid?" pulling back and saw the pink dust her cheeks. Kira chuckled. "Well?"

"It is weird." Narumi said at first and explained. "Kakashi-sensei is all…attentive and talkative. It's really weird, but it's cool, I guess. He talks about random things to try and make me feel comfortable in his presence."

"And do you feel comfortable around him?"

Narumi shrugged her shoulders. "I guess you could say that." Narumi looked to the skies when she remembered something. "Ah! I have to buy more groceries today. Let's go, Ero-Kira." Grabbing her godfather's hand and dragged him along to the market district.

"Ahh slow down, Brat. You're ripping off my arm." Kira hollered, but his goddaughter wouldn't listen as they were speeding through the crowd to get the good deals.

"If you want to eat well, then we have to hurry. Otherwise we'll have to eat instant food if I can't find nice fresh ingredients." Narumi explained and quickly made their way to the vegetable stalls. Easily dealing and haggling with each vendor for food for a lower price.

Kira sighed as his arms were piling up with food and followed Narumi around diligently. It took them a good hour to get all their groceries, yet there was no meat and Kira's arms were about to fall off. "Kid, I'm going to drop these off at home."

Narumi froze with the smile dropping of her face. Looking to Kira with fear in her two-toned eyes. "Don't leave me alone. I'll come with you then." She whispered and automatically clung onto his arm.

Kira wanted to allow Narumi the comfort, but sighed and released her hand. "Narumi, you'll be fine." He spotted somebody in the distance before returning his gaze down to the blonde. "You'll be fine. Trust me." he leaned down to reach her eye level and offered a reassuring grin. "Nobody is going to hurt you if I leave right now, Narumi. Isn't that right, Kakashi?" flickering his eyes to the shinobi that finally walked over to them and stood by the blonde's side.

Narumi relaxed slightly and looked from Kira to Kakashi. "Are you okay shopping with me, Kakashi-san?" she asked carefully.

Kakashi slipped his arms around the blonde and felt her relax under his touch. "I don't mind, Narumi-san. First, I have to apologise for not being around lately. Missions have been piling up lately, so I'm free right now to escort you around."

Narumi threw a told-you-so look at Kira about Kakashi being weird, but nodded to the jonin. "Thank you for this, Kakashi-san."

Kira clapped Kakashi on the shoulder and said sternly. "Take good care of my Angel, Kakashi-san. Since you're escorting my girl, how would you like to stay over for dinner?" ignoring Narumi's warning look.

Kakashi didn't notice the subtle gestures the two gave each other and looked to the woman in his arm. "If it is fine with your goddaughter, then I'd be more than happy to have dinner with you two."

"Then you better set another plate, Kira-Ji." Narumi gave the disguised Jiraiya a sharp glare before walking off towards the butcher with Kakashi trailing after her.

Kira shook his head in amusement. It was definitely puppy-love on Kakashi's part and a new discovery for Naruto. "They grow so fast." Remembering when Kakashi was a brat and cared for only the rules to when he turned into a cool pervert. From when Naruto was a hyperactive brat that matured into a polite and hot-tempered Kunoichi. Ahh times were changing fast with the next generations.

Narumi and Kakashi:

"You seem tense, Kakashi-san. Did something bad happen?" Narumi started up the conversation when she couldn't handle the heavy atmosphere anymore. Slowing down to match his pace and lightly touched his arm to pull him from his thoughts. Gaining his eye and squeezed his arms. "Is everything okay?" she questioned him once more and with the look in his eyes, she could see that his…over-thinking was causing him more pressure. "We don't have to buy meat, Kakashi-san? If you're sick, we can go home and I can make you something warm to eat." She suddenly felt a wave of worry fill her muscles.

Kakashi shook his head and patted her head. "No, let's go buy that meat for dinner." he chuckled when he saw her frown with a disapproving pout. "How about I tell you after dinner then?"

Narumi looked him in the eye and nodded. "Okay then. Let's get that meat then. How does a hotpot sound?" Grabbing Kakashi's arms as she would to Kira and lugged him through the busy streets to get to her favourite butcher shop.

Kakashi felt like his arm was going to rip off, but just chuckled at the enthusiastic girl. She was getting comfortable around him. "Hotpot sounds great. So, what have you been up to for the past two days, Narumi? Apart from playing the piano, of course." Catching up to her side and gently released his arm from her death grip and placed it comfortably around her waist. She never minded or noticed whenever he did this.

"Nothing that great. Just the usual, like cooking and Taijutsu training."

"Training? You're a shinobi, Narumi-san?" Kakashi looked to her in confusion and interest. She didn't seem like a shinobi to him. Then again, he shouldn't underestimate people by their initial looks.

Narumi ignored Kakashi's look and focused on dodging people's gazes. They were…lingering. "Why else would I stop playing for years, Kakashi-san? I've been granted leave for a period of time."

Kakashi knew what –a period of time- meant. It meant the Narumi recently returned from a long-term mission not unscathed either physically, mentally or emotionally. Kakashi pulled her closer to his side when he noticed her tense shoulders and the lingering looks. Whispering soothingly in her ear. "You're safe with me, Narumi-san. Don't forget that." feeling her ease under his words made him happy that she was warming up to him more after knowing each other for a short period of time. "If you'd like, Narumi-san, I can help train you too."

Narumi looked up to Kakashi in shock and shook her head. Seeing Kakashi frown, Narumi explain. "It's not that, it's just that you've done so much for me already, Kakashi-san. I don't want to be a burden. I may look like this, but I can be quite the shock later on. I'm sure you have other things to do than run around after a shinobi pianist like me."

"I don't mind. I did tell you that I'd like to get to know you better, Narumi-san." Kakashi insisted. It gave him another excuse to meet up with the pianist instead of just teaching each other an instrument. "Whenever I'm free, there is teaching each other our respective instruments and we can also take breaks in-between to train."

Narumi stopped walking and faced Kakashi with a raised brow. "You must be a busy shinobi, Kakashi-san. How about a deal then? I'll allow you to help me train if you take some of your free time to relax. It's not good to be constantly active, Kakashi-san. That is my term. Deal?" holding out her hand with a stern look for him to accept.

"It's a deal, Narumi-san." Kakashi chuckled and shook her hand firmly. "Now, go buy that meat for dinner." opening the butcher's door for her and was about to follow her in when he heard the voice of Sakura call out to him. He looked up to Narumi as if asking for her permission to stay outside.

Narumi spotted Sakura making her way over and gently, yet hurriedly pushed Kakashi towards the pinkette. She would be fine if Kakashi was nearby. She wasn't going to get hurt with Kakashi around.

Sakura caught up to Kakashi and greeted him with a sweet smile. "Afternoon, Kakashi-sensei! I've been looking all over for you."

"Afternoon, Sakura." Kakashi replied and bit back his sigh. His arm was cold from not having Narumi in his arm and wanted to get in the shop, but he didn't want Sakura to meet Narumi and vice-versa.

Sakura beamed under the greeting and voiced. "Since we've been busy with missions lately, I was wondering, are you free tonight, Kakashi-sensei? Would you, perhaps like to join me for dinner tonight?" looking shyly up at the Hatake through her coated lashes.

Kakashi sighed, wondering why Sakura was thinking about dinner than rather what Tsunade had told them earlier. "I have plans tonight, Sakura. I'll be busy." He replied firmly.

"Mou…" Sakura whined. "You're probably going to read your book all night, Kakashi-sensei. It's just one meal, please come with me to dinner, Kakashi-sensei." Blinking up at him with large and hopeful emerald orbs.

"Actually, I'm not lying this time. I already have plans for tonight and can't change them. Tonight is important for me, Sakura. Perhaps next time when I have free time. Why don't you go with Yamato or Sai? I'm sure they'd enjoy your company for tonight." Kakashi rebuffed Sakura's attempts to go to dinner. He was looking forward to eating with Narumi's family and getting closer to Narumi.

Sakura was determined not to give up and was about to open her mouth when fearful scream was heard from the butcher's place.

"KAKASHI! AAHH~" A chilling and hair-raising scream sounded before being silenced.

Kakashi didn't hesitate. Breaking down the Butcher's door and flew into the shop with his hands ready to defend. His eye darkened as he saw a fearfully crying Narumi being pinned to the wall by the shop owner as the assistant had a hand over Narumi's mouth and his hand trying to tear at her pants. Kakashi moved in an dash and ripped the assistant away from Narumi and kicked him through the shop's windows and out onto the street. Gripping onto the shop owner's neck and pried him away from Narumi and instantly broke his arms and ignored his shrilling scream. Landing a sickening punch to his face and sent him flying into the concrete wall. Kakashi quickly pulled the stricken and collapsed Narumi from the wall and pulled her close to his chest. His anger washing away as soon as she was in his arm safe and sound. This girl wasn't safe by herself no matter where she went in public.

"Sshh I'm here now, Narumi. They won't hurt you. I'm here for you, Narumi. I'm here." Kakashi cradled Narumi gently in his chest, but she was struggling against him as her sobs were getting hectic.

"N-no…I-I h-have to g-get out o-o-of here…l-let g-go…I need to f-find Kira a-and b-be there…I h-h-have to l-leave…" Narumi was in shock to register that Kakashi was holding her and hiding her eyes from the mess that he caused. All she knew was that she had to find Kira and be in his embrace. He was safe. He was her temple of solace.

Kakashi continued to hold Narumi in his arms so she wouldn't harm herself. He stroked her hair gently and nuzzled into her neck near her ear. "Narumi, you're safe now. I swear on my life, nobody is every going to hurt you for as long as I live. Please, come back to me, Narumi. I'm here for you. I shouldn't have left you alone. We're going to have a nice big dinner with Kira-san, remember? We were going to talk about each other and have a wonderful night to get to know one another better." He patted her back and felt her lean into him as her shaking hands curled into his jonin vest. Her head snuggling into his chest and took deep breathes. Kakashi sighed in relief and pulled her into his lap as he whispered. "Do you remember me, Narumi?" Screw honorifics. Kakashi wanted to be there for the girl right now and help her.

Narumi nodded timidly. Looking up through her bangs and touched Kakashi's masked chin with a delicate touch. "K-Kakashi-san."

Kakashi smiled and nodded. Pulling her head into his chest and kissed her crown without a second thought. He released a heavy sigh. "That's right. It's Kakashi. I'm Kakashi." holding her tightly as her shaking started to calm down with her tears drying up. Kami, Kakashi just wanted to kill those fools for just laying their eyes on Narumi the wrong way. No wonder Kira beat up that drunkard last time. It was to leave a message. Kakashi mused that it was a regular occurrence with Narumi and ran his fingers through her soft tresses. "Kakashi will protect you."

Narumi's spine shivered and allowed herself to be comforted by Kakashi. She never expected to be attacked in broad daylight with Kakashi right outside like this. Then again, the owner of this butcher shop were different from who she remembered. They were the kind elderly couple. 'They must've retired.'

Kakashi pulled Narumi up to her feet and tucked a strand of loose blonde hair behind her ear. He smiled gently and caressed her plump cheek as he said. "I'll have to tell Kira-san about this, Narumi."

Narumi's eyes widen. "N-no, you can't do t-that…" her throat was dry from the tears and fears, but Kakashi had a soothing effect on her much like Kira. Perhaps it was their chakra.

Kakashi shook his head. "I said that I'd protect you and I didn't. I have to tell him and face the consequences, Narumi. I wouldn't be able to face you or Kira-san ever again if I didn't." Kakashi grabbed her hand and moved over to the counter. Grabbing the meat that was wrapped up and said to Narumi. "Let's go home now that we have the meat for dinner." he saw her hesitance and released her hand to caress her hair. "I'll be fine, Narumi. Trust me." leaning down and once more place a small kiss on her crown to ease her worry. It worked as she nodded at him and allowed him to reclaim her hand.

Sakura had witness everything that transpired. Not a flare, but a fire of jealousy raged within her and as soon as her green orbs spotted a familiar shade of blond hair, she marched over to the couple and screeched with her fist cocked. "BAKA! What the hell is your problem?!" throwing her fist to un-expecting blonde with Sakura finally being able to see the face of the idiot's wide and fearful blue-purple eyes that were filled with elegance and innocents. Sakura's eyes widen and stopped her fist from making contact with the blonde female and blinked several times. Sakura blush bright red and retracted her fist before bowing at 90 degrees. "I-I'm soo s-sorry, Ma'am. I thought you were somebody else! I'm terribly sorry. So sorry." Slapping her hands together and peaked up to the stunning woman with forgiveness.

Kakashi growled at Sakura once he felt Narumi move closer to him and trembled in his arms. Giving Sakura a look of disappointment and lead Narumi away from the cause of her fright. Everybody in the street watched the duo, but Kakashi paid no attention as he tried to make Narumi comfortable again. Her muscles were tense and she hadn't spoken much. Kakashi was worried and found a quiet place in the park and sat her on the park bench under a shady tree. Grabbing her hand carefully and rested the meat on his lap so he could use his hand to make Narumi look at him. He easily spotted the wariness in her eyes along with animal's caution. "Shall we go play before going to your place?" he asked her and saw her eyes sparkle. Kakashi chuckled and nodded. "Hold on then."

Narumi nodded and grabbed the meat before holding onto Kakashi's arm as he weaved a few handsigns and soon found herself in her sanctuary. She handed the meat over to Kakashi before running down the pier and towards her piano. Her blonde locks chasing after her frame.

Kakashi chuckled and sealed the meat away so it wouldn't go off and walked calmly over to Narumi as she started to play a soulful tune. Whenever Narumi played, she seemed like another person to Kakashi. An untouchable gem. An angel that he wasn't allowed to be acquainted with. She didn't seem like a shinobi, but a regular everyday civilian. She was too precious to a shinobi in Kakashi's eye, but he shouldn't make judgements just like that. Whenever they spoke, she was like a wise friend and when she laughed Narumi was like a bird…free.

Kakashi slid on the seat with Narumi as she patted for him to sit down. He watched as her fingers glided over the keys, but felt like there was something missing. He looked at her and saw her looking at him with a nod. Kakashi understood that he was to play along with her. This was dangerous. Playing with an untouchable gem, but her reassuring and encouraging smile got Kakashi to flex his fingers and play slowly alongside with her. He knew that Narumi was playing slower for him to pick up the keys she was playing and found it easy to follow after with all his years of experience of being a shinobi. Kakashi decided to up the stakes and played faster, taking the lead. He heard her giggle and pick up her pace that made him grin.

Narumi laughed lightly as she tried to pick up the pace Kakashi was setting. Music gave her freedom and sharing that freedom with somebody else was electrifying. She was having fun as the each time she hit the keys of the piano, her previous plight was dispersing within her body. She laughed more when Kakashi continued to pick up the pace, even though he was hitting the wrong keys on several occasions, it was fun.

Kakashi couldn't wipe the grin of his face at making Narumi laugh as they played and chuckled when Narumi couldn't keep up with his pace and stopped playing. "I win." He teased her with his eyes widening in shock when Narumi hugged his arm in a playful manner with a large smile on her face and a strong sparkle in her eyes.

"Not fair. You have years of experience as a shinobi to follow people's movements."

Kakashi chuckled as he replied. "Maah, you have years of experience as a pianist and I 'know' that I played a few wrong keys."

"A few!" Narumi exclaimed in mock shock. "Half the keys you played were wrong, but I'll accept your win since you're a rookie."

"Maah, I may be a rookie now, but one day I'll be able to play on par with you." Kakashi added. Truthfully, he did want to be able to play side-by-side with her.

Narumi laughed. "Yeah, but if you keep learning from me, I'll never know how to play the guitar. You'll have to pay up soon, Kakashi."

Kakashi noticed how she dropped the honorific too. She was opening more up to him. He wasn't there completely, but it was enough for now. "Then you'll have to come over for dinner at my place one day and I'll teach you then."

Narumi titled her head and hummed. "You swear?" holding out her hand.

Kakashi gasped and held a hand over his heart. "Why…you don't trust me, Narumi? This is the second time you've done this to me, in the same day, no less. We'll I'll say I'm feeling betrayed by my new friend."

Narumi bursted into laughter at seeing Kakashi's carefree and humours side.

Kakashi laughed along with Narumi and shook her hand to seal another deal. It meant more time together anyway. "You're lucky I like your company enough to agree like this, Narumi."

"I'm grateful." Narumi replied with a soft smile. "Have you ever gone swimming under the full moon?"

Kakashi looked confused with the sudden change in subject and question. Thinking over his memories and replied. "At night I have for missions, but never during a full moon or leisurely before."

Narumi released Kakashi's hand and turned in the seat to face the lake with Kakashi following suit. Narumi pointed to the middle of the lake and said. "I have only once after I got into the Academy." Her eyes softened sadly. "It was a rough day and I ran away. I didn't make it far being young and all and I ended up stumbling across this place. The stars were out and the moon was reflecting right in the middle of this lake. Everything was magical and mesmerising when I was younger and being curious back then, I wanted to see if I could land on the moon and ended up swimming to the middle. I floated and looked to the sky and felt at ease as if the water and sky got rid of my bad day at the Academy. I decided then and there that this place was my safe haven and the next time I went swimming under a full moon was with somebody I wanted to share this place with for a long time." She looked to Kakashi with a small smile. "Maybe, just maybe, you might be that person, Kakashi."

Kakashi's breath hitched. Their personal greeting was short, but it was enough from the years of listening to her play. Kurenai was half correct on her analysis when they chased after Narumi's music. Kakashi knew he was 'falling' for Narumi and he had it bad for the blonde pianist. This wasn't going to be easy for him without scaring Narumi away.