Musical Hands: chapter 4

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?

XXXX

"You make this look easy, Hinata-chan." Naruto whined at the Hyuga heiress as they sat in the tea room going over formalities.

Hinata giggled at Naruto's childness and learnt everything she needed to from Jiraiya, Tsunade and Naruto. "I've been learning the tea ceremony and lessons in etiquette since I was 4 years old, Naruto-chan. You're not going to master this in one sitting. It will take a while, but it is nice to see you like this again, Naruto-chan. How do you feel being yourself?" gesturing for Naruto to re-do the tea ceremony to learn discipline, control and posture.

Naruto sighed and did as Hinata wanted as she answered. "It's refreshing. I no longer have to shout, jump all over the place and be so hard-headed. I'm happy right now…" she faltered in warming up the tea cups with the hot water and paused.

Hinata waited patiently. "Take your time, Naruto-chan. I'm not here to judge you or to put you down in any manner."

Naruto stopped making the tea and looked at Hinata. "It hurts, Hinata-chan…" Naruto finally admitted as she whispered like a broken record.

Hinata didn't hesitate to push the tea set aside and pull Naruto into her soothing embrace. Naruto cried lightly on her should as Hinata stroked her hair blonde lightly. "I'm here for you, Naruto-chan. I'm here. Let it all out. It's okay. I know you may think I'm crazy for saying everything will get better in time, but it will, Naruto-chan. Let it all out Naruto-chan." Hinata held Naruto gently as the girl screamed and cried her heart out in fear, weakness and relief to be free. When the tea door slid open with a frantic Jiraiya holding a kunai in hand, Hinata shook her head at him and continued to sooth Naruto.

Jiraiya's eyes softened and nodded. Sliding the door shut and allowed Naruto to cry her burdens to a female her own age. Jiraiya couldn't compete with that, but he would always be her pillar.

Hinata held onto Naruto for at least an hour and whispered reassuring words to her best friend that Naruto was safe and she had the support of everybody she knew. Hinata waited till Naruto was calm in her embrace before pulling Naruto back and wiped the rest of her tears away. Her eyes were red and swollen that made Hinata frown and kissed each of Naruto's eyes. "How about we put your training aside for now and we go for some fresh air, Naruto-chan? Being in this room is too suffocating right now."

Naruto nodded her head and wiped her nose with a tissue Hinata offered. "Thanks, Hinata-chan."

Hinata only smiled. "Anything for you, Naruto-chan. Now, let's get you looking beautiful and head to this cute coffee shop I know of." She clapped her hands happily. "I assure you, you will love it, Naruto-chan. Come, come. Let's get ready." Pulling Naruto up and rushed her upstairs into Naruto's room.

Naruto laughed loudly at Hinata's enthusiasm and mentally thanked the girl for being there for her and distracting her racing mind. If it weren't for Jiraiya, Tsunade, Kakashi and Hinata, Naruto would have no idea where she would be after that incident. Naruto quickly got changed into the clothes Hinata tossed her way without question. Slipping into a flowing white skirt that reached just above her knees with a light green blouse with short sleeves.

Hinata nodded at Naruto's outfit and said. "Braid your hair to the side, Naruto-chan while I find some shoes for you." she could tell Naruto was enjoying letting loose like a girl should and went hunting through Naruto's closet for the perfect shoes to complete her outfit. It was a good thing Hinata came over to Jiraiya's place in her casual clothes. Wearing a light purple blouse and beige shorts that went over her knees. Together, Hinata thought they would look like beautiful yet respectable woman of Konoha. "Found them!" Hinata shouted as she spotted a pair of small heeled white shoes and handed them over to Naruto who was just tying off her hair.

"Thanks, Hinata-chan." Naruto grinned and slipped the shoes on. She had brought them in the Grass Country, but this was the first time she wore them.

Hinata went through Naruto's perfume collection and found one that would complement Naruto's style and personality. It was elegant, spicy and tantalizing. "Try this one, Naruto-chan. Neck, behind your ears, wrists and your crown."

Naruto took the perfume and did what Hinata said. "Smells…" Naruto couldn't find the words to fit the perfume and forgot where she picked up the vile. "Enticing."

Hinata nodded. "Then it's perfect for you, Naruto-chan." Handing over a light pink lip-gloss for Naruto to put on as the blonde's eyes were no longer swollen thanks to her regenerative prowess. Hinata took a step back to appreciate her work and nodded with a sweet smile as Naruto looked as if she was glowing with the sun surrounding her like a halo. "You look beautiful, Naruto-chan."

Naruto blushed as she grabbed her wallet. "Not as beautiful as you, Hinata-chan. Even in the Academy you were the prettiest in our class. Prettier than Ino and Sakura. You're like Royalty."

Hinata shook her head as she giggled. "Technically, I am considered a Royal as I am the Hyuga Princess, but you are true loyalty, Naruto-chan. If your parents were still with us, they would be smitten with their precious daughter."

Naruto turned a deeper shade of red. She was thankful that Hinata didn't treat her any different about hearing about her heritage and treated Naruto the same. "Mou, Hinata-chan…" Naruto decided to go with whining to cover up her embarrassment. Hinata was really beautiful in Naruto's eyes. In every aspect.

Hinata covered her mouth as she giggled lightly. "Come now, Naruto-chan. Let's go to that coffee shop. What time do you need to be back? It's 11 now." Checking the sun's position.

"I have to be back before 4 o'clock."

"Ahh right. Your date with Kakashi-sensei." Hinata teased lightly when Naruto released a strangled noise from her throat with wide blue-purple orbs. "Can't leave the Legendary Copy-Nin waiting for his Lady." She winked.

Naruto's face turned into a tomato. "It's not a date, Hinata-chan! We're just going to walk his dogs!" chasing Hinata out of her room as Hinata went running with laughter. "We're just friends! You gotta believe me, Hinata-chan!" Naruto continued to chase Hinata out of the house and down the road. Naruto started to laugh too as she chased her best friend and hugged her from behind as her long legs caught up to Hinata.

Hinata giggled with the two starting to walk towards the coffee shop leisurely. "Won't Kakashi-sensei's Ninken know who you are, Naruto-chan?" Hinata asked with slight worry.

Naruto laughed as she walked arm-in-arm with Hinata. "I was trained as a Master in Disguise, Hinata-chan. everything changes when I become a male-me. My chakra, voice, scent, expression…everything. It's why I'm not easily recognised because of my eyes. My hair and skin tone may be the same, but my eyes hold a different expression from my male self…despite my natural eye colours being blue and purple. I also don't have whisker marks and I hold myself different from my male-persona. Jiji and I worked really hard on disguising myself within male-Naruto while being in plain sight. I'll be fine, but I'm sure Shikamaru's dad knows I'm a girl. He's always wanted me to skip to jonin rank and train under him."

"Perhaps Shikamaru knows too." Hinata mused before shrugging her shoulders. "He's probably too lazy to do anything about it and keep your secret to his grave."

Naruto chuckled with a smile. "You gotta love a Nara. Such nice people."

"Then it's best you stay away from the Yamanaka clan, Naruto-chan. Especially Ino. You wouldn't want them in your mind and discovering your secret." Hinata warned for Naruto's safety.

"I promise, Hinata-chan." Naruto was well ahead in her plan to stay clear of the Yamanaka clan. They were the gossip clan of the Fire Country. "Now, where is this coffee shop you were talking about? I haven't had anything sweet in such a long time."

"Another five minutes and we're there." Hinata replied and began to lead Naruto through the streets. "Should I start calling you Narumi now?" she asked as people were gathering around to do their errands.

Naruto nodded and moved closer to Hinata as the stares were back. But Naruto knew she would be fine if she wasn't left alone without those she trusted.

Hinata decided to take Narumi's mind of the stares and said. "We should also visit the Inuzuka store and buy snacks for Kakashi-sensei's Ninken. It's your first time seeing them and why not gets into their good graces with a little treat. Kakashi-sensei's has eight Ninken, remember that for when we get to the store."

Narumi nodded. "Good idea, Hinata-chan."

Hinata and Narumi arrived at the coffee shop without a fuss and sat outside after ordering and paying for their bubble-tea, cinnamon buns and sweet pastries. They chatted about their lives with earnest and laughed every now and then as Narumi began to relax and enjoy being in her body. They had chatted for almost two hours when Hinata updated Narumi on the dating statuses of everybody.

Kurenai and Asuma were finally out about their relationship and engaged.

Shikamaru had something going on with Temari.

Ino already had her claws dug into Sai much to Sai's oblivious emotions.

Gai was dating Yūgao.

It wouldn't be long before Neji and Tenten got together.

Lee was courting Ayame. Youthfully.

Shino and Kiba was an item.

Narumi had choked on the last information and started laughing. "I knew it! I knew Kiba didn't swing for our team. Aww, but those two are cute together really. They rile each other up and complement each other well." She wasn't the one to discriminate gays and would support Kiba and Shino's relationship. "What about you, Hinata-chan? Is there anybody you've got your eyes on?"

Hinata shook her head lightly as she released a light sigh. "No matter who I look for, there's no connection."

"Why not Iruka-sensei then?" Narumi pointed out. "He's kind, great with kids and knows when to take lead. He has a big-heart and is completely loyal to his partner. Iruka-sensei will also be approved by your clan as an ideal husband. You should try talking with him and I assure you, Hinata-chan, you won't regret it and find yourself a nice man."

Hinata took Narumi's words into consideration with a nod. Narumi always knew what she was talking about and wouldn't ship her off to a bad person who wouldn't fulfil her or her clan's needs. Iruka was a nice man and had a splendid track record. He was even good with kids and had that dreamy smile that Hinata used to adore on male-Naruto. Hinata never knew she was blushing while thinking about Iruka.

Narumi only smirked. Iruka was at the age to get married anyway. "Let's go, Hinata-chan." Narumi pulled Hinata back from her thoughts and both left the coffee shop. Both heading over to the Inuzuka store to by treats for Kakashi's Ninken. Quickly entering the store and brought what Narumi needed before heading back to Jiraiya's home. Both were chatting happily and didn't notice a two pairs of envious and hated eyes being directed at Narumi till her spine shivered.

"Narumi-chan, are you okay?" Hinata asked when Narumi stopped walking and had a slightly pale. Holding onto the dog-treats tightly in her arms. Hinata went to lightly touch Narumi's shoulder and caught the girl's startled gaze. "Are you okay, Narumi-chan?"

Narumi looked to Hinata and said clearly in a quiet voice. "I need you to listen to me and not argue right now. Hide in the shadows and don't come out till I give the okay. Now." Narumi hissed when Hinata opened her mouth to argue.

Hinata shut her mouth and didn't want to hear her idol plead with her and did as she was asked. Hinata slipped into the shadows and watched Narumi carefully.

Narumi looked around the pathway and noticed that the people were just out of hearing range. Narumi frowned and looked to a tree. "You two can come out now. I know you've been following me for a while now." Narumi's eyes widen as she held onto the pack of dog treats till her knuckles went white and her face lost its tan. "W-what do y-you want with me?" she whispered as she took a step back as the two followers appeared before her. One was Sakura, but her eyes were not what Narumi remembered. Usually filled with joy and intelligence, now filled with envy and hatred. Next to Sakura was the large drunk that Kakashi had saved her from and Jiraiya had punched hard. Her arms started to tremble when she saw rage and lust in his eyes. They stepped closer. "S-stay away from m-me!" Narumi attempted to shout at them, but it came out like a trembling cry. Her eyes started to sting again as ill-intent rolled of the man in heavy waves.

Sakura just laughed. "Stay away from you? I believe you are in no position to make demands, blondie. What I say goes, got it?" Sakura hisses and laughed when the blonde woman flinched and hugged herself tighter.

"Oi just let me at my capture." The staggering man voiced with desire coating each word as he eyes the blonde beauty before him. He just wanted to tear into the girl after what that blasted one-eyed bastard and old man did to him.

Sakura ignored the man as her eyes were solely on the terrified blonde woman. "Listen, blondie. I'm only going to say this once and if you don't listen, who knows what my good friend here will do to you." Sakura gestured to the hyped man as the blonde's eyes started to water as she trembled visibly. Sakura enjoyed the look of pure horror on the woman's face. "Stay away from my man, bitch."

Narumi was confused. Sakura had a boyfriend? "Y-your man…?" she muttered meekly and hunched her shoulders closer together when Sakura took a step forward.

"Yes, my man!" Sakura hissed venomously as she looked to the dog treats in her arms. She sneered and slapped the blonde across the face hard. Making the dog-treats spill all over the ground as the blonde fell too and touched her bright red cheek in shock. "Stay away from Kakashi, bitch! He's mine!" she picked up a dog treat and grabbed the blonde's face tightly. "Trying to cosy up to Kakashi through his dogs. How pathetic."

"N-no…p-please stop…" Narumi begged as she saw that look in Sakura's eyes. It was delight at seeing somebody suffer. Narumi had seen those eyes too many times. She had never seen Sakura so cruel before. "P-please…"

Sakura sneered and slapped the blonde again with the dog treat smacking into her cheek. Crumbling against the blonde's flawless skin. Sakura grabbed the blonde by her collar and hefted her up into the air. Making her legs dangle as the blonde tried her best to hold back her tears. Sakura only smirked. "I have eyes on you, bitch, so stay away from my man or else." She threatened and slammed a fist into her middle as a warning.

Narumi crumbled on the ground and held her middle fearfully as Sakura walked away with the beefy man that threw her one last lustful look and cried silently. Narumi stood up painfully and stumbled a bit till she waved her hand up with Hinata catching Narumi immediately as she fell forward. Narumi whispered desperately. "P-please don't tell anyone, H-Hinata-chan…please…" she whispered once more as she held onto Hinata like her life depended on it.

Hinata couldn't help but feel a growing anguish towards Sakura for treating somebody like this. She helped Narumi stand upright and began walking back to Jiraiya's place before anything else happened. "I know you see Sakura well, Narumi-chan, but that girl has always been like that." she could feel Narumi's chakra still in shock and explained. "With Sasuke, Sakura had always been violent towards those she deemed as a threat towards her courtship. Ino was the only girl that wasn't afraid of Sakura back then and pursued Sasuke together. When he left, Sakura had no man to dig her claws into, but then I guess she found Kakashi to pursue. Kurenai-sensei told me that the Haruno women can be fearful when it comes to their courtship…"

"Hinata-chan…" Narumi whispered and stopped walking as she looked into Hinata's eyes. She could see the anger and guilt for not stepping in. "Thank you for listening to me and not interfering. There are some things that I need to handle on my own. I hope you understand, Hinata-chan. I didn't know Sakura would go that far for her man."

Hinata's eyes widen and immediately said. "Sakura and Kakashi-sensei are not together, Narumi-chan. You shouldn't let Sakura bully and threaten you like that."

Narumi let out a hollow chuckle. "I'm not afraid of her, Hinata-chan. That man with her…he's another story. I'll get stronger, I swear and then I can look after myself and not look so pathetic."

Hinata shook her head. "You are never pathetic, Narumi. Never in my eyes." she whispered and moved once more to Narumi's place. It was a good thing that Jiraiya wasn't home and Tsunade was busy with her job, so Hinata easily helped Naruto upstairs and into her room. Laying the tired blonde down and smoothed her bangs away from her face and whispered. "Do you need anything, Naruto-chan?"

Naruto smiled and snuggled into Hinata's hand. She glanced over to her clock and noted it was already two o'clock. "Do you mind finding Kakashi for me and telling him that I can't go with him? I'd like to sleep."

Hinata nodded and didn't try and reason with Naruto. The girl was incredibly stubborn to argue with. "I'll get you an ice-pack and go. You know where to find me, Naruto-chan." standing up and went downstairs towards the kitchen to get Naruto what she needed. Wrapping the ice-pack in a paper towel and headed back to Naruto's room. Hinata's eyes softened when she saw Naruto sleeping and moved to pull off her shoes and placed the ice-pack over Naruto's fiery red cheek. Leaving the house with a vengeful look on her face. That man that frightened Naruto was going to have a wonderful visit to the hospital once she was done with him.

Kakashi: Almost 4pm

Kakashi walked down the street with a slight bounce in his step. Why? He was going dog-walking with Narumi. He had been waiting all day to spend the afternoon with her and hopefully dinner too at a nice restaurant he overheard Kurenai talking about to a bunch of other Kunoichi. Kakashi couldn't wait for his pack to meet Narumi and vice-versa. His pack was the only ones he wanted to meet Narumi. Kami knows what would happen if Kurenai, Asuma or Gai would do once they found out he was spending his free-time with the blonde pianist.

"Should I bring something over?" Kakashi mused as he entered the market district. What should he bring to Narumi as a sign of friendship yet a steady courtship? Flowers seemed too much and Kakashi had no idea what type of chocolates to buy since he didn't like sweet foods. "Maah, well a fruit-basket never went south." Kakashi decided and headed over to the fruit vendor when he heard his name being called. Kakashi looked down the road and saw Hinata walking over to him with a well-satisfied look in her eyes. "Maah and what would Hinata want with me?" he mused allowed and greeted the heiress with a curt nod. "Hinata, how can I help you?"

Hinata bowed politely to Kakashi. "I am here to deliver a message to you, Kakashi-sensei. It's from Narumi Yuki."

Kakashi's eye narrowed. How did Hinata know about the pianist?"

Hinata ignored Kakashi's suspicious look and explained. "I'm a family friend of the Yuki family, Kakashi-sensei. Narumi-chan told me to find you to let you know that she won't be available today for your meeting."

Kakashi sensed something off and shifted the weight in his legs. "What happened?" he immediately asked.

Hinata just smiled lightly. "Nothing important, Kakashi-sensei. I have been training Narumi-chan in etiquettes and it has tired her out mentally." Hinata decided to slip something in after the talk she had with the Hokage early in the morning. "To be honest with you, Kakashi-sensei, I'm surprised Narumi-chan has been in the village this long." Hinata tapped her chin in thought, knowing she had hooked Kakashi.

"Village this long?" Kakashi's mind was spinning. His day went south know that he couldn't meet with Narumi, but still felt something off with Hinata's explanation. She was hiding something. "What are you talking about, Hinata?"

Hinata blinked up at Kakashi. "I mean, that Narumi has never stayed in the village for an entire week before. Only a few hours at the most before she disappears." Hinata wasn't lying either. Narumi didn't like being in her natural state inside the village, but since she didn't have the henge seal protecting her anymore, everything was different. Hinata shrugged her shoulders. "Anyway, that's none of my business. I just came to find you to relay the message, Kakashi-sensei. Please take care of her." Hinata bowed before leaping off to see where her victim ran off too. It angered Hinata to find out that the man was Sakura's uncle. A damn Haruno.

Kakashi frowned in confusion. Something was seriously wrong and disregarded Hinata's message from Narumi. He needed to see Narumi and see if she was okay.

Naruto:

As soon as Hinata had left the house, Naruto had fled into the forest and found a reasonable tree to lay her anger on. Naruto had no idea how long she had been outside, but she was damn frustrated. "Next time…" Naruto swore as she practised her katas on the wounded tree. "Next time I'm going to kill the drunken bastard!" she growled and threw her hits harder and harder till her hands bleed. Naruto ignored the pain and continued to release her frustration. The image of that man kept appearing in her mind with those eyes filled of dangerous lust. This made Naruto angrier and brought her fist back. Unknowingly, overpowering her punch with chakra and threw her fist towards the tree with a fierce roar. Naruto closed her eyes when her fist was stopped just inches from hitting the tree and sobbed as a strong arm encased around her body. Turning her into their chest and held her tightly. "I'm so weak, Kakashi." she cried into the copy-nin's chest.

"Sshh, you're not weak, Narumi. You're human." Kakashi stroked her hair and frowned as he looked to the damage to the tree. If he hadn't stopped her punch with the damages to her hand, she would've broken her fingers. It was a good thing that he came looking for her and looked in the forest behind her home when she couldn't sense her chakra in the house. Kakashi hugged the girl tighter before pulling back and cupping her face. What he saw made him livid. Her left cheek was red and swollen. "Who did this to you?" he voiced coldly as he caressed her hot cheek.

Narumi flinched at Kakashi's light touches and whimpered a little. "It's nothing, Kakashi." when Narumi heard him growl dangerously, she knew he didn't like her answer. "Please, leave this alone, Kakashi. Please." She whispered as she looked up at him with pleading two-toned eyes.

Kakashi growled again, yet he nuzzled into her cheek gently and rubbed her sides to let her know that he would let this go, just this once. For her.

Narumi sighed in relief and tilted her neck a bit as Kakashi kept tickling her abused cheek. "Thank you, Kakashi. Thank you."

Kakashi noticed how she bared her neck to him just a little and resisted the urge to bite her. She was submitting to him unconsciously and Kakashi found this dangerous. Kakashi moved his hands from her side to her middle and felt her tense and hiss in displeasure. Kakashi frowned and nuzzled her to look at him. He saw a guilty look on her face and whispered soothingly. "Let me see, Narumi."

Narumi looked away in shame and lowered her guard. For some reason, she couldn't deny her former-teacher and team leader.

Kakashi took that as his cue and unbuttoned her blouse just enough for him to see her middle. He growled more ferociously when he noticed the large blemish on her middle. When she flinched away from him, Kakashi hummed gently and kissed her crown. "I'm not mad at you, Narumi. I'm not mad." She relaxed against him with Kakashi re-buttoning her shirt and wrapped his arms around her shoulders gently. "I'm not mad." He whispered more tenderly.

"Kakashi…" Narumi whispered and looked up to Kakashi. "My hands hurt." She blushed lightly in embarrassment.

Kakashi chuckled and had her sit down at the base of a tree as he pulled out a first-aid kit. "I know a basic healing jutsu to help with the swelling on you cheek. You want to hide this from Kira-san, I presume." He looked to her as she nodded. "Then let me heal up your cheek first, okay?" he grabbed a healing cream to help speed up the process and gently as he could, smeared some on her cheek.

Narumi winced, but made no noise of pain. "Thank you for everything, Kakashi."

"Well, what are friends for?" Kakashi muttered as he weaved a few handsigns and began to heal the swelling of her cheek. "Is this why you told Hinata to tell me you didn't want to meet? Because of this?"

"I knew you would get mad." Narumi admitted. "You were furious at the butchers, Kakashi and you can't keep going around beating up every man that hurts me. I have my Kunoichi pride too, you know." She smiled gently when Kakashi frowned. "It won't always be like this, Kakashi. I'll get stronger one day and when that day comes, we can walk your dogs in public with ease."

Kakashi finished healing Narumi's cheek and moved onto healing her hands when he looked to her in confusion. "What are you saying, Narumi?" He tilted his head slightly in thought. "You don't want to see me anymore…" Kakashi voiced and saw her confusion. Apparently he said something wrong and added on. "In public."

Narumi nodded. "That would be best. I understand if I sound selfish, Kakashi, but I'm nowhere near ready to be seen out in the open eye. For now, I'll always be in this forest and at the sanctuary." Narumi grabbed Kakashi's hands when he moved to heal her middle. She caught his gaze and shook her head. "I need this wound to remind myself what I have to work towards."

Kakashi released a clipped sigh. "Why are you so stubborn?"

Narumi shrugged her shoulders. "I think my stubbornness is a redeeming quality. It's not like you're innocent too. You're like a mule, Kakashi."

Kakashi snorted as he shook his head and packed his kit away before helping Narumi up to stand. The words Hinata had said to him were still plaguing his mind and asked. "You know, I've never really seen you in the village before. I'm sure I would've noticed you somewhere, Narumi." Kakashi was free to caress her healed cheek as he slipped an arm around her waist. Pulling her close to his frame. Having her in his arms made Kakashi at ease and reduce his anger and need to hunt down the bastard that harmed his precious mate and skin that asshole alive. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa! Mate? Where the hell did that come from?

Narumi looked up to Kakashi and quickly eased out her story. "I was always in disguise to get in my character before a mission. That's why you've never seen me before. I blend into any crowd either undetected or with attention. I official retired from this part of my job just last week to join the regular forces once I pass the Hokage's evaluation." Narumi had been thinking over a few things too and asked Kakashi. "Why do you keep touching me like this, Kakashi?"

"Don't you like it?" Kakashi asked as he controlled his panic at being caught. Although being caught days later at what he was doing, he was still caught.

Narumi shook her head. "Surprisingly, it's comforting. I calm down quickly being in your arms. Sometimes, it's like hugging a giant teddy-bear."

"Is that a compliment?" Kakashi looked to Narumi in confusion. Narumi only gave him a mysterious smile. "I'll take it as one then. You know, I was going to bring you a fruit basket when I was going to pick you up."

"Really? I was going to buy dog-treats with Hinata for when you picked me up." Narumi rephrased her day.

They both chuckled.

Narumi looked to the sun and noted that it was quarter-past four and that Jiraiya would be home soon with a new teacher for her.

Kakashi followed Narumi's gaze to the sun and muttered. "You have to leave." He stated rather than asked.

"Even though today didn't go as planned, I'm glad you found me, Kakashi." Narumi admitted and untangled herself from Kakashi's arms. "Thanks again for everything." She bowed and began to walk away. Only for Kakashi to capture her upper-arm. Narumi looked over her shoulder to Kakashi and arched a brow. "Yes?"

"Take this." Kakashi handed over a slip of paper. "It's my address and since I have a day off tomorrow, I think it's time I began teaching you my instrument of choice. I'm sure with your skills you can get to my place undetected. Come around sometime after 10."

Narumi took the slip from Kakashi and read over the address before burning the paper. "Got it memorised. See you tomorrow then."

Kakashi nodded and turned to walk away. Only for Narumi to grab his upper-arm and turned his head to look at her with a raised brow. Kakashi's biological eye widen when he felt her soft lips touch his cheek and looked to her with panic and happiness. She was smiling.

"See ya, Kakashi." Narumi waved before running off back home. Sakura's threat meant nothing to Naruto. She wouldn't just drop somebody because of petty jealousy and Haruno threat. Naruto swore to get strong and show Sakura why she shouldn't threaten whomever she wanted. Naruto rushed up the patio of her home and entered through the back door with her body tensing as a familiar scent entered her nose. Naruto looked up with her eyes widen seeing the familiar stranger making tea for two in her kitchen.

"Welcome home, Naruto." the man's deep and silky voice wafted throughout the house. "We have much to discuss."

Naruto was left breathless. "Itachi…"