Chapter 21

Mr. Kidnapper had been dropping in and out of Kakashi's apartment for the past few weeks, usually with bought baked goods, handing them over as if they were some sacrificial offering. He didn't stick around for long, and Kakashi didn't mind the visits. In fact he appreciated them. He did tell Mr. Kidnapper if he'd be away on a mission with the pups, but otherwise things were working out fine. Mr. Kidnapper never alerted anyone, nor caused any trouble. He was just simply there to keep Kakashi company in the apartment.

And to sometimes have amazing sex with.

"You have an appointment with the doctor today?" Mr. Kidnapper frowned at the note stuck to his fridge.

"Yeah, Lord Third gave me that appointment yesterday and ordered me to get my first scan after I see the pups off to their exam." Kakashi smirked. "I've been avoiding all topics about the baby with the council, so now they're throwing a fit."

Mr. Kidnapper snorted. "Driving them crazy?"

"Doing my best." Kakashi grinned.

"Are you..." Mr. Kidnapper hesitated. "You will see the baby?"

"Yeah." Kakashi rubbed his arm nervously. "Worried?"

"Nervous." Mr. Kidnapper approached him, brushing his hair back with his hand. "How about you?"

"Same. But I just have to do my best to stay calm." Kakashi breathed in deeply. "Not that the pups are helpful with that. I swear, their team work got worse and I can barely tolerate it with my hormones acting up."

Mr. Kidnapper chuckled. "You'll handle it. You always do."

"I'd prefer strawberry cake. Yeah, strawberry cake and dangos."

"Those are your cravings now?" Mr. Kidnapper startled. "I knew about the dangos-"

"I had the most amazing slice of strawberry cake with my tea at a nice bakery at the other side of town." Kakashi beamed. "It was delicious!"

"You've become such a sweet tooth," Mr. Kidnapper nuzzled him, wrapping his arms around his waist.

Kakashi huffed. "I can't even button up my trousers anymore. I had to go up a size. I don't like it!"

"You told me it's good to gain some weight during a pregnancy," Mr. Kidnapper soothed, rubbing his back in small circles.

Kakashi settled against his chest. "Yes, but I didn't think it would be this early. My body is changing and I can barely keep up. And I'm always tired. I could sleep for a week and I swear I'll be exhausted still."

Mr. Kidnapper shifted his mask to plant a kiss on his hair. "You've been doing amazing, Kakashi."

"You're always complimenting me." Kakashi rolled his eyes. "You baby me too much."

Mr. Kidnapper purred. "You deserve compliments. Brave, sweet, amazing, Kakashi. My brave, sweet, amazing, Kakashi."

Kakashi flushed. "Fine, I'm blushing. You can stop now," Kakashi pleaded.

"I'll get you to accept compliments yet."

"Good luck with that," Kakashi snorted.

.::.

"Well, at least Kakashi's team saw through the genjutsu," Tenten said, smiling warmly.

"That hardly makes them a challenge," Neji scoffed.

"I want to fight..." Lee sulked, hanging limply in Neji's grasp as he dragged him along the floor by his shirt.

Neji had grabbed him the moment Lee tried to go after Kakashi's kids, dragging him back in line. Tenten nearly cried in relief. The idiot had been the first to suggest they lay low, then of course was the first to blow it.

She had expected Neji to be the first to mess up, because he didn't tend to play along with those kind of things, but Lee had failed her. And now was trying to pick a fight before the exams even started.

"Everyone is always talking about the Uchiha clan and how great they were. I want to see if it is true," Lee insisted.

"Izumi's an Uchiha and she kicks a lot of ass," Tenten reminded him. "Remember how she and Guy Sensei just went at that guy who kidnapped Kakakshi Sensei? It was ruthless! They didn't hesitate, even for a second, they just moved."

Lee beamed. "Yes! It was amazing and one day I wish to be just as strong. Izumi must have taught Sasuke Uchiha everything she knows, so if I can face him in a fight-"

"Just wait until the exams," Neji scolded, yanking Lee back when he tried to slip free. "Guy Sensei might be lenient enough to let you run about fighting, but I'm not!"

Suddenly Lee grinned, a sharp one, one that made Tenten shiver instinctively. That was a troublemaking grin, and Neji looked ready to knock Lee out. He never got a chance though, Lee pressed a big, slobbery kiss to Neji's cheek who cursed and let Lee go.

Lee was off in an instant.

Neji was frozen on the spot, twitching, as Tenten choked down her laughter.

"I'll kick his ass." Neji glared, but then that glare turned to her. "And you did nothing to stop him."

Tenten laughed sheepishly. "The last time he had that look in his eyes I couldn't look at you for a week, and I like looking at my mate."

Neji shook his head, but there was a softness to his eyes, and that made her smile warmly. She reached over, grabbing one of her cleaning cloths, and wiped his cheek clean. "Better?" she asked.

"Sure." Neji rolled his eyes. "But I'll feel great once I kill that fool."

.::.

Kakashi watched gleefully as his students met Guy. Yes, he was supposed to be waiting for them outside the doors to the exams, where Asuma's and Kurenai's teams were already been and gone through, but still. This was far more entertaining. Sasuke, Naruto and Sakura looked horrified, and Kakashi barely smothered down his laughter. He clung to the railing on the floor above, grinning wickedly as Guy and Lee embraced. After of course Guy punched Lee.

Naruto smiled. "Y'know, it actually is kinda sweet the way they are all huggy and stuff."

Sakura gasped. "Are you serious? You have to be kidding! This is crazy!"

That was the definition of Guy.

"Now take off! I want you to give me a hundred laps around the practise field-" Guy yelled.

"Guy," Kakashi called him back, startling him. "He's got his exams."

"Kakashi Sensei?!" Naruto cried.

"Oh thank goodness..." Sakura sighed in relief.

"Kakashi?" Guy beamed. "Hi! Wait a minute, need to speak to Lee, okay?"

"Sure, sure," Kakashi agreed, waving him off dismissively.

"Lee, you disobeyed me and disrupted the Chunin exams. For that I believe a more severe punishment is in order for you, so let's say five hundred laps! How does that sound?"

"Outstanding, sir!"

Kakashi sighed. "That's not what I meant."

"They're insane." Sakura slumped in defeat.

"Probably, but never mind them, what's the deal with that turtle anyway?" Naruto asked.

Kakashi noticed Guy was studying his squad while Sakura freaked out about being stared at. Kakashi rolled his eyes. Dramatic pups. Seriously, he had bushy eyebrows, there were far stranger people out there.

"So tell me, how are you doing with Kakashi Sensei?" Guy asked.

"Urgh, don't you call me that," Kakashi groaned.

Guy laughed.

"You know each other?" Sakura frowned.

"Indeed we do!" Guy smirked. "People say he and I are arch rivals for all eternity."

"People?" Kakashi scoffed. "You're the one who stared it when I was like four?"

"THERE'S JUST NO WAY!" Sakura and Naruto both screeched.

Sasuke looked as if his brain had been fried.

"Of course it's true!" Lee insisted. "They always have tests of strength through their competitions!"

"Well we've never seen them!" Sakura scoffed.

"Actions speak louder than words, Lee." Guy smiled. Then instantly moved to appear behind the pups. Kakashi rolled his eyes at the sheer drama of it all.

"The record is fifty wins and forty-nine losses, which is one better than his by the way."

The kids whirled round. "What?" Naruto cried. "You're kidding, how can this guy beat you, Kakashi Sensei?"

He won a pissing on pregnancy test competition. But Kakashi was in the lead for the book reading, only one week left, and Kakashi had stormed through the pregnancy books. It was mostly trying to look up cheats for dealing with pregnancies, and actually there had been some handy tips.

"The fact of the matter is I'm stronger than Kakashi, and faster."

"But I'm prettier," Kakashi joked.

Guy grinned. "Oh yes, my hip and cool rival!"

Sakura and Naruto were still in disbelief, but he could see Sasuke analysing the situation, and the pup was growing nervous and angry by it.

"I'm sorry for the trouble Lee caused you. Please accept my sincerest apologises." He dislodged whatever pinned Lee's bandages to the wall. "Now, Lee, you should accompany these fine young students to the exam room. And remember to give it your best all of you!"

He disappeared in a puff of smoke, but before Kakashi could gesture for the pups to follow Lee faced Sasuke, and of course said about Sasuke being practise and of course that just riled up Sasuke's hurt feelings-

Urgh. He needed a break.

"Oh for the love of-" Kakashi rolled his eyes. "My generation were in a war during our exams and I swore we were never this dramatic."

"Ah, sorry, Kakashi Sensei." Lee bowed. "I wanted to be honest."

"Yes, yes, now I want to chat with my squad. I'll see you around, Lee."

"Yes, and it was good to see you again, Kakashi Sensei!"

Lee quickly retreated.

"Oh, Sasuke..." Sakura cooed softly, trying to comfort him.

"Ha! Well look at that. Looks like the Uchiha clan aren't as great as everyone thinks they are," Naruto mocked.

"Says the one who got knocked out," Kakashi said coldly. "Now, you three are going to shut up and listen."

They all froze on the spot.

"Did you see Lee's hand?" Kakashi asked.

They all nodded.

"Good, it was obvious," Kakashi agreed. "He trains way harder than any of you. Along with that, he studies, both physically and mentally, and respects his team mates. Now, which of you can I name that do all of that?" he asked dryly. "Right, none of you."

Two opened up their mouths to protest. Sasuke twitched, his hands shaking.

"Naruto, what the hell are you doing, laughing at your team mate who was beaten up, right after you were knocked out by the same guy? You're acting like a brat, and I don't like brats," Kakashi lectured. "Sasuke, you should learn to not underestimate people because of their looks, you're a ninja, learn to analyse the situation properly. The same thing goes for you Sakura, and instead of standing on the sidelines you could in fact help your team."

"Now," Kakashi continued. "As for the situation with Guy, Lee's Sensei. It's true, he's stronger and faster than me-"

Sasuke flinched.

"But I'm smarter and deadlier." Kakashi stared down hard at the kids. "We both have our strengths, and when we work together hardly anyone can beat us. You three have your own strengths too, but put you together? Any good Chunin could take you out. I think you have what it takes to be an amazing team, and in the end, I think you can all achieve your goals in life-"

Naruto gasped. "You mean it?"

"Yes." Kakashi nodded. "But you have to fight for it. Nothing will just be handed over to you on a silver platter. None of you are nobility."

Now Kakashi smiled, glancing over at Sakura. "Now, I'm glad you're here, Sakura. You can all officially register for the Chunin exams."

"Why?" Sakura frowned. "What do you mean?"

"You see, only groups of three are allowed to apply for the exams, unless in special circumstances where the rules change," Kakashi explained. "If you hadn't shown up, I wouldn't have allowed the others to go through."

"But, Sensei, you said it was up to the individual!" Sakura protested.

"Indeed, and it is. This is no walk in the park, especially for you, Asuma's and Kurenai's squads. All three of you are the rookies. The others have been at this for at least a year or two, perhaps even longer. I didn't want the other pressuring you to join in if you didn't feel ready, and I didn't want your feelings for Sasuke, or even Naruto, to affect your decision."

"But it doesn't matter now," Kakashi said, smiling. "You're all here and for the right reasons. Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura, I'm proud of all three of you for taking such a big leap. Good luck on the exams."

He lead them to the door, and shut them in.

"You went from angry to straight up supportive," Izumi joked, appearing out of nowhere. Her invisibility was such a handy thing.

He smiled. "Mood swings possibly?"

"How you feeling about this?" she asked softly.

"Unsure. I don't think their chances of becoming a Chunin are very high, but this could be a good way to show them what real skill and team work look like."

Izumi smiled. "I agree. Sasuke especially could use this. He's been told all his life by his teachers and peers how good he is and it has went to his head a little bit too much."

"It did for me too," Kakashi agreed. "Hopefully this will help all of them."

"Sure, but you were crazy about training." Izumi smiled. "I remember Obito trying to match you for it. Itachi and I would watch sometimes. He'd bring cookies his mother baked for us to snack on..." Izumi deflated. "I... I really wish we could go back to those days sometimes."

"I know," Kakashi said weakly. "I do too."

"But we can't." Izumi breathed in deeply. "All we can do is keep going."

Kakashi nodded. "Exactly."

He automatically brushed his hand against his stomach, and heard his Omega purr from within him. Their life was moving on, and fast. This time next year he would have a baby in his arms. He would be a mother.

He never thought he would be a parent.

Izumi's hand grasped his own, and he paused. She smiled warmly. "You're not alone, Kakashi."

Guy had said the exact same thing.

Kakashi breathed in and smiled. "Thank you."

.::.

The rookies were putting up a fuss. Neji rolled his eyes, but studied them closely. There was Asuma's team, a team formed to hold the enemy back and gather information. They wouldn't be overly strong. Quick and smart, but he couldn't imagine the Alpha Akimichi pup being fast, and the pup Beta girl was cooing over Sasuke Uchiha.

How immature.

The Nara Omega pup looked fed up and bored. He was probably just as weak then. Typical.

Kakashi's team. Lee had already roughed up the Omega Uchiha pup, but the Uchiha probably still had a few tricks up his sleeve. The Alpha pup girl looked as useless and lovesick as the Beta girl, and the blonde Alpha pup seemed to be all bark and no bite.

Then Kurenai's squad. Shino Aburame, he was someone Neji had no idea about. Not even his gender. He couldn't smell his secondary gender from here. Usually there are at least some kind of scent. The Alpha pup was an Inuzuka, and would be very good at tracking, but fighting capabilities? Perhaps not so much, not until his pup grew. There was only so much he could do with his partner being so young.

Then there was her. Lady Hinata.

He paused on Hinata and barely restrained a growl. Tenten took his hand though, and her scent, soft and soothing, but sharp and bloody, smoothed away his anger.

"It's not her fault, Neji," Tenten said firmly.

"Yeah," Neji grumbled. "You've told me."

"Then stop glaring at her. She looks like a nervous wreck already with everyone else already glaring at her group," Tenten urged.

Then of course three idiots showed off their speed. They raced through the crowd and attacked a silver haired Beta. Hilarious. The spiky haired Alpha guy provided distraction, the Beta girl hung back, and the other Alpha attacked.

They had just shown that to everyone.

"It was some kind of sound based attack that came from his arm," Tenten noted. "It must be some kind of machine? I'm not sure, it's not a weapon I'm familiar with."

A burst of smoke clouded the front of the room where the black board was. The smoke quickly cleared, revealing what Neji assumed would be the proctors of this exam.

Well then, it was time to begin.