Kakashi P.O.V

The village was a mess. Danzo was making a grab for the hat, and Kakashi was not prepared for all this mess along with trying to come to terms with his conflicting emotions regarding his old student. Because he did betray them, the village may be unaware, but he and only three others knew the truth. But, worse, was the knowledge Itachi had made the biggest sacrifice, to ensure the survival of the village.

All these years, alone, in enemy territory, never being able to let down his guard. Just a boy, who died a unknown hero. But if anyone was ever going to do it... he supposed it would be Itachi. He'd been a double agent for almost his entire career.

"You look tense" Guy's voice came.

"There's a lot happening" he admitted turning to look at his best friend. The slight pull of his thick brows, the pull of his lips as he folded his arms and leant against the doorframe. Was all Kakashi needed to know Guy knew something besides the rebuild was happening.

"Just tell me what you need"

Kakashi gave a weary nod, knowing he could trust Guy. If Kakashi was honest, which he rarely was, Guy was the one ninja he trusted completely. While Kakashi trusted some with his life, it was Guy he trusted with more than that, something Kakashi valued more than his own life, possibly the village. The Village was only fortunate that Naruto was completely and utterly devoted to its protection too.

"It could get messy" Kakashi admitted resting his arms on Tsunade's desk. "I may have to be something our friends and students aren't accustomed to" he looked to Guy pointedly, feeling bad to see the light dim in his eyes a little, as he understood.

"Kakashi" his tone was pleading as he shook his head and closing the door. He remembered the mission Guy saw how truly ruthless Kakashi had become. The horror in those eyes that held such optimism and faith, watching him with fear, like he had no idea who was in front of him anymore. Which he didn't.

"It's a possibility, and I want you to be prepared. Shikaku and Shikamaru are coming up with a plan, if we're lucky, I won't be needed in that capacity"

His hand rested on his shoulder, over his tattoo. He remembered the day he got it. He was in a dark place, and Minato thought some direction would help him. Kakashi even at the age of thirteen was no stranger to pain, physical or otherwise. So the tattoo hadn't bothered him so much.

Kakashi never regretted the decision to become Anbu, or the act of sin that surely damned his soul. If he was compmetely honest, the only blood on his hands he ever struggled to deal with, was Rin's. But he couldn't ever think of doing that to any other child in the village. But then again, they weren't at war, things were different. It wasn't as if the Ninja were ever really children, but steps were in place to ensure their safety until they are at least a year or two into Genin. Still considered to be probationary, nothing that would keep them bound to the job until they were sure and ready.

"I will ask they try then" Guy admitted coming into the office. "Anything I can do now?"

"I want you to shadow Sasuke"

"Why? He has come back a hero, killed two S Rank rogues..." Guy trailed off, the look Kakashi giving him all he needed to know. "You got it." He finished

"Just for a few days. See how he... acclimates being back in the village"

"With the team" Guy said pointedly.

Kakashi did like he didn't need many words with Guy. After the Green Beast left Kakashi sat in the office, in the seat he never wished to sit in. He wasn't made for being bound this way. He was made for being active, helping the village in the capacity of an active ninja. Politics was not his forte.

-

His eyes unfocused as his mind wondered back to the invasion, he had been ready to die, he had long accepted that he would. And he had managed to save an important clan heir in the process. He had regrets of course, Naruto was still not safe, the village was under seige, and he'd never get to see Naruto be openly happy the way he had deserved.

Seeing his Father was not what he had expected to see. Though he should not have been surprised, but it hurt his heart to think of his father waiting in limbo, because he felt guilt for his actions. He still couldn't say if it was real or not... but given the unbelievable things he'd seen in his life, he was inclined to believe so. He had meant what he had said, he forgave him a long time ago. So he truly hoped his mother and father were together now. He was angry when he was younger. And it almost ruined his entire perspective on what a good ninja was. Then he met Obito and Rin. And suddenly, like his very own chidori through his chest, he understood why his father did what he did. And the peace that gave him was like a weight had been lifted off his chest. Until Obito died... Until Rin cut out his eye while he was alive, then cut out Kakashi's to replace it with Obito's. But it changed him that day. Changed him for the better it just hurt it took for his friend to die. He sighed shaking his head of the painful memories.

The issue with being interim Hokage was the inability to shadow Naruto, last he saw he was hovering over Shikamaru, before going to catch up with Sasuke properly. Would it be too much to send a clone? There was a knock on the door pulling him from his internal debate.

"Come in" he called

Shikaku entered, face as unreadable as ever, but thanks to all the time shadowing his son, Kakashi could decifer a little. And the look on his face told Kakashi the man was stressed.

"The feudal Lord almost took the hat from you. It took a while of debate but I managed to get him to take my words seriously. Danzo is not pleased"

Kakashi relaxed sitting back in his chair. That was a relief, the last thing the village needed was for Danzo to get a more prominent seat in power.

"Bet the elders loved that" he sighed looking up to the Nara. The cold, slightly annoyed eyes were all the answers Kakashi needed. He needed Tsunade to wake up soon.

"We have Intel about the Akatsuki. If we are to add up the remaining survivors, it seems there are only two left. The girl Naruto told us about, and this masked man Tobi. If Konan is true to her word we have nothing to worry about. From Sasuke's report Tobi is a threat, but I do not believe we need to worry about any sort of support. The crucial threat to Naruto may be over"

"But we cannot assume that to be the case" Kakashi said the words Shikaku didn't want to say.

"I wish for my son to not have to hide" Shikaku declared "but I need to know it is over"

"So will Naruto, he won't let anyone know until he can be sure Shikamaru won't be targeted because of him"

They had no way to really track the unknown Uchiha, and it may take time. Which Kakashi hated. He needed it to be over, Naruto needed it to be over. He spent his entire childhood abused and ostracised, he was almost an adult and he was still under threat. If this masked man truly was an Uchiha, who survived everything, Kakashi didn't see him being anyone to take lightly.

"Shikamaru and I will work on the plan regarding Danzo. We will get back to you tomorrow"

"Perfect" Kakashi nodded.

-

Naruto sat on the couch, legs crossed and a constipated look on his face. It didn't give Kakashi any sort of comfort.

"What is wrong with you?" He asked looking good back to the documents from the Raikage. Dispite the strain between the villages, the others outside of The Hidden Sand had unexpectedly sent support and donations. In the Raikage's case, an additional thank you to Naruto and the leaf nin for removing a large threat against his brother. Given most of the Akatsuki had been killed by the leaf.

"The Raikage tried to kidnap my mum, right? It feels weird having him thank me for anything"

Kakashi nodded and waited, that wasn't what was bothering Naruto.

"Sasuke is off. I can't place it." There it was. Kakashi sat back and looked up to Naruto.

"He's been through a lot. And learnt all he knew was a lie, he won't be the same"

Naruto shook his head.

"That's not it" the constipated look intensified "he's always been gloomy, and a little rough. But he's... quiet"

Kakashi raised his brow, because Sasuke was always quiet, except when their competitive sides clashed.

"Not Sasuke quiet" he waved his hand looking frustrated "something is bothering him, something he clearly can't deal with. I can't explain it but I can feel it. He's just come home and I don't want to push it"

"What do you think it is?"

Naruto pressed his lips together tightly as a sign he wasn't going to say. Which was evident enough for Kakashi.

"Ah, Sakura" He supplied and smirked under his mask as Naruto's mouth fell open in shock.

"You knew!?"

"I suspected. Hard to tell with Sasuke so I wasn't sure. I suppose it would be difficult for him. He probably never imagined he'd ever be redeemed in her eyes... or the villages for that matter"

Naruto pouted and glared at his crossed ankles.

"He was so sure he'd never have to be around us anymore, to forever be a rogue and..." he trailed off "she's happy, and Lee is happy. They kind of belong together and I don't want them to break up. I just... I just wish I could help Sasuke"

Kakashi chuckled and shook his head.

"You've already done more than anyone else would have. This will just be something he will have to let go of, it'll take time. But I've heard that helps in these situations"

Naruto looked up and the intensity he had, gave Kakashi's heart an unexpected jolt.

"It didn't for me" he whispered so lowly, Kakashi almost didn't hear it. Kakashi had never been in love, but he has loved plenty. And he'd be a liar of he said any of it faded. But he'd always assumed it was different. People in love fell out of it often. But he never thought that something Naruto could be capable of. And the Nara's have one of the lowest divorce rates out of all the clans save the Hyuuga, but that was for entirely different reasons. Hyuga had their own... somewhat dated rules. So the statistics didn't really apply there.

"Sasuke is not you. He may move on, he may not. Uchiha are unpredictable in that sense"

"I thought they loved so hard losing that anchor was-"

"They can and do..." Kakashi trailed off, an uneasy feeling scratching at the corner of his brain "and Sasuke proved as much with how far he went after the loss of his clan. That loss hurt more than the loss of Sakura, the voluntary loss" Kakashi emphasised, but they both knew it was different. Sakura was happy and alive.

"It's a good thing Lee would never break her heart" Naruto sighed leaning back into the couch.

"How is Shikamaru?" Kakashi asked

"He's better, Sakura healed up his leg, and he's been busy with figuring out a plan. I sat with him for the entire afternoon yesterday, he didn't move, just in his thinking pose for hours"

"Bet that was fun for you"

"It was oddly... comfortable. I did eventually have to leave because I was getting jittery"

"Any plans for an official date?" Kakashi enquired more invested than he liked to admit.

"What do you think? We still have that guy out there. Kurama is uncomfortable with that, he won't say why. Just that he has a bad feeling" The constipated look was back. "I wish he'd just give straight answers" his eyes rolled "and I appreciate it but you can't be cryptic with me 95% of the time" his voice turned whiny and it took Kakashi a moment to realise, Naruto was talking to the fox.

"I hope you don't do that in public" Kakashi teased keeping his concern under control.

"Like anyone would be worried. Nobody exactly thinks I'm normal" he scoffed.

There was a knock on the door. Both of them looked to the doorway and Naruto straightened up, a wide grin taking g ober his face. Kakashi refrained from rolling his eyes.

"Come in"

In entered Shikaku, Shikamaru, Sasuke, Sakura Yamato and Sai. Shikamaru and Sakura sat either side of Naruto, while Sai and Yamato took to standong behind the couch, Shikaku remained standing next to Kakashi's desk, and Sasuke closed the door and leant against it. Kakashi understood what Naruto meant. Just looking at him it was obvious something was off. But he bowed his head then folded his arms and waited.

"We have a plan" Shikaku announced

"Including Sai?" Kakashi asked calmly, he was a root member, this was sensitive Information about his very own leader. It seemed somewhat reckless.

"I would like to help, but I cannot. However I have heard and it will only be a matter of time before I am compelled to tell him the truth" he explained and opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue. Kakashi was horrified to see the curse mark. He shouldn't be surprised though. Yamato only looked at his feet guilt clear.

"So you came to surrender yourself?" Kakashi asked unable to hide his surprise. Sai only nodded.

"Naruto is my friend. And Danzo is equally a threat for him as the Akatsuki. If he gains the power he wishes I do not think Naruto would be safe. And..." he trailed off clearly struggling "I do not wish for Ino to experience the kind of training Danzo may implement"

Naruto's face immediately softened.

"She won't" he assured Sai "and hey, I'm not an easy target. It means a lot you actually care though"

"I do not think Danzo could have foresaw the affect you'd have on me. I was void, the best choice to keep an eye on you. Now I wish to help you... but I want her to be safe most" he frowned.

"I'll talk you through that" Naruto gestured to him "when this is over"

"I appreciate it" Sai bowed.

Yamato looked up and cleared his throat to pull out the chakra sealing eye mask and cuffs. Naruto and Sakura stood up immediately looks of outrage clear.

"You can't just lock him up and take away his-"

"The curse seal runs on chakra. While the binds won't cancel it out, it will douse the impulse to warn Danzo. And it also cuts him from his jutsu to escape should it still work" Yamato explained.

"You must make it tight. I have left all my tools at the front desk, but I can easily break my thumbs. Make it bite into my skin to reduce the chances of my getting loose" Sai advised. "And have an higher Anbu watch me. I am more skilled than i have lead you to believe"

Yamato looked to Kakashi.

"Captain?"

Well, it was true Kakashi was one of if not the most skilled Anbu at the Leaf's disposal.

"I will see who I can find"

"Actually" Naruto raised his hand "what if Ino watched him?" All eyes landed on him.

"If the mark compels him to escape she won't be-"

"But it dulls around her" Naruto argued and looked to Sai who nodded slightly looking confused. "How many times have you delayed orders to stay with her a little longer?"

Sai's face turned red. Naruto grinned "do you think having her there to talk with you will help?" Sai nodded.

"I could stay with them?" Yamato offered

"Do you think you're up to the challenge of holding him back?" Kakashi asked

"Yes, Captain"

Kakashi waved them off with an approved nod.

"Sakura if you could go get Ino. Take her to the Interrogation building to help, then return here."

"Yes, Sensei" she seemed hesitant but left at the encouraging nod from Sai.

"Thank you, Sakura" He said as the eye mask was put over his eyes. Yamato put on the cuffs but Sai instructed them be tighter. Sasuke sighed pushed off the door so Sakura could pass before pushing Yamato aside and closing them with force. Sai's cheek twitched as he twisted his wrists.

"Good"

Yamato took him away.

-

It was simple as far as plans go. But getting Danzo away from the village was going to be difficult. Sasuke wanted a shot at him alone, and Kakashi was inclined to let him.

"You will have backup, if it seems you need it, thats when we will follow the second part of the plan" Kakashi explained "but you will have to be patient. We need more proof, more information before you can take your shot"

Sasuke gritted his teeth so hard you heard them grate across each other.

"How long?"

"Well, we're on the clock. There is no way to know if the chakra restraints will keep Sai cooperative." Shikakamaru explained. "So, that's where my clan, the Yamanaka, and Abarame are going to come in. Bugs can get anywhere and everywhere. Yamanaka can get into almost anyone's head. And the Nara have their own tricks"

Shikaku and Naruto gave matching smirks.

"If all goes to plan, with Danzo out of Root trying to make a grab for power we have a chance to get hold of lots of proof. I would say a week" Shikaku explained. "But you need to make him uncomfortable with your presence in the village. Enough that he will follow you on your first 'mission' out of the village. Make him believe you are going g to confide in Naruto and you'll get proof or you will come for him. Threaten his place not his life"

Sasuke relaxed more as Shikaku instructed him.

"I can do that"

"You have to wait. Do not let your need for revenge make you act prematurely, if you kill him before we have proof for the council and elders you will be punished" Shikaku warned.

Sasuke looked to Naruto, the indecision clear and then Sakura walked back in. Watching his shoulders sag as he kept his face betray was all Kakashi needed to know. She was his anchor, and she was one hundred percent the reason he left. Because he could not do what needed to be done if she was near. Because he may have hurt her in his rage. Especially back then.

"Alright" Kakashi declared. "Shikaku get anyone you think will work and be successful ready, we start first thing. Naruto and Shikamaru, go catch Sakura up. I need to have a chat with Sasuke"

Once they were all gone, Kakashi stood up from his seat and came around the desk. Leaning on it he folded his arms.

"How are you doing, being home?"

"Out of place" he looked out the window and Kakashi followed his line of sight. His teammates and Shikamaru leaving the building. "Like an outsider"

"They've welcomed you home with open arms, you just need to accept it"

Sasuke scowled.

"It's different. They're different, I am different"

"They're the same. Sakura still cares deeply for you and Naruto loves you. You're still his best friend and brother"

Sasuke looked to Kakashi's eyes. And Kakashi saw the brief moment of hope.

"I doubt that. Sakura rightfully moved on. And Naruto replaced me for someone who stuck around" he shrugged.

"Naruto never replaced you. No matter how much people tried to convince him otherwise. No matter how much I tried to convince him to let you go. People just aren't replacable to him" he didn't seem convinced "you are Sakura's first love. That'll never change and she will always care"

"I don't deserve that" he looked angry by the very knowledge. "She shouldn't come... when I fight Danzo"

That's what Kakashi thought.

"She will want to be there, and she isn't the same as she was. She is strong, reliable and smart. Well on her way to being equal or maybe even surpasing Lady Tsunade. Not only is she a skilled medic by far above many of her peers, she is a formidable offensive fighter too. Do not underestimate her"

"Are you sure?" Sasuke asked

"She was the one to kill Sasori of the Red Sand" Kakashi shrugged "saved all of the poisoned Sand victims from the unknown toxins and Gen jutsu doesn't work on her"

He saw Sasuke give a very small smile.

"Good"

"Plus, she has Lee right there next to her. Not to mention you and Naruto should she really need it"

That seemed to help. And Kakashi was satisfied that he'd get no arguments about her insolvent.

"You know I don't deserve this don't you?" Sasuke asked putting his hands in his pockets.

"I do. I'll be honest, I'm conflicted about your return. Naruto went to great lengths to ensure your welcome return. Dispite the fact you almost killed him. But he is giving you a chance" Kakashi held his gaze, straightened ing up "Do not make it a mistake" he warned. The intent cleared and Sasuke only seemed accepting.

"I won't. I'll... After Danzo I hope to be able to move on. Not be so angry at the village. I want to try and earn back their trust. Your trust" he admitted before leaving.

This was going to be a long, very slow week, Kakashi thought letting out a tired groan.

Okay! Only took four months but i give you Chapter 20! I thank you all for your patience. (because as a reader I have none).

Hope you enjoy it and i have another chapter much quicker for you guys.