Matchmaker, Matchmaker

Chapter Six

“Chichi wake up, wake up.” Katsumi demanded as she shook Ibiki as hard as she could, “Today’s the day, wake up.”

“What day is that sweetheart?” the scarred man rumbled as he stretched.

“My first day at the Academy.” the silver haired girl whined in frustration, “I’m all ready to go and you and Iruka are still asleep.”

“Well . . . Iruka IS a teacher, so if he’s asleep maybe you’re a bit early.” the interrogator pointed out. “Have you had breakfast?”

“I ate a ration bar before I got dressed.” was the short reply. Ibiki took the time to really look at his daughter. It may have been her first day at the Academy, but she was outfitted for an S-rank mission. Full pouches of kunai and shuriken were strapped to each thigh, scrolls stuffed into a pouch at her waist. Tiny fingerless gloves with metal plates on the back adorned each hand while her feet were encased in standard issue sandals. What really stopped him short, however, was the black singlet with attached mask . . . a mask which was currently pulled up to hide her nose and mouth in an eerie reminder of her famous father.

“Very intimidating.” the interrogator said drily, “But a bit overkill for your first day of school . . . and why are you wearing a mask?”

“My Otousan wore one, so did my Ojisan . . . I’m a Hatake, we wear masks.” she said surely, “I need to make sure no one can identify me.”

“On missions, certainly.” Ibiki explained, “But here, in the village . . . your father kept his face covered, but I think it would be better if you didn’t. Kakashi was very lonely for most of his life, I don’t want that for you.”

“He had you Chichi . . . why would he need anyone else?” the silver haired girl asked solemnly.

“I understand what you’re saying sweetheart . . . but your father was over 30 when we met . . . and no one had seen his face in more than twenty years.” The scarred man weighed his next words carefully before getting down on one knee and wrapping a massive arm around his tiny daughter, “I know you know the shinobi rules. What does rule 25 say?”

“A shinobi should never show emotion.” the little girl trilled, “That’s easy Chichi.”

“What’s hard sweetheart is learning how to feel emotion without necessarily showing it. Your father thought rule 25 meant he couldn’t get close to anyone. He had to go to war when he wasn’t much older than you . . .between that and losing everyone he cared about . . . well, he decided it was safest not to care for anyone.” Ibiki ran a hand over his face and shut his eyes for a moment before continuing, “It’s very hard to lose someone you love. I miss your otousan every day. We only had two years together . . . I’ve missed him for longer than I had him. Despite that, I never regret loving him, no matter how badly it hurts that he’s gone. Don’t be afraid to live your life now because of what may or may not happen in the future.”

“Hai Chichi, I promise.” Katsumi replied seriously, “Can we go train until it’s time for school?”

“Of course, just give me a minute to get dressed and leave Iruka a note.” the scarred man replied as he pulled on a shirt, “Where’s Bull?” he asked curiously.

“He’s waiting in the garden . . . he thought you’d be mad at me for waking you up.” the little girl replied honestly, “Are you mad at me Chichi?”

“How could I be mad at you for being excited sweetheart . . . that wouldn’t be fair.” the interrogator said with a smile, “Although, I may just have to torture you so you don’t do it again.” With that he snatched the squealing child into his arms and began to tickle her furiously, smiling broadly as she shrieked and squirmed.

Soon Ibiki was dressed and he scribbled a hasty note for Iruka before the pair headed out to the training grounds, Bull padding comfortably along beside.

As soon as their feet hit the designated training area, Katsumi attacked, dropping to try and sweep the tall man’s feet before making some hand signs and teleporting to the other side of the field, sending a barrage of kunai and shuriken his way. The battle surged on back and forth until the sky finally began to lighten. “Enough.” Ibiki called, raising his hand and gesturing his daughter over, “Very good ‘sumi. It’s time to get going . . . we can stop at the memorial and say hi to your father on the way.”

“Hai.” she replied eagerly, grabbing his hand and yanking him in the direction of the Academy. She chattered away brightly about their training session and the new move Gai had taught her, never noticing the looks she garnered as she towed the stoic torture master towards the memorial stone.

“Hello ‘kashi,” the scarred man rumbled, “we just wanted to stop by and say good morning . . .”

“Otousan,” the little girl broke in excitedly, “today’s the day, I start at the academy! Chichi, Ruka and Gai have been training me . . . I’m gonna be a jounin before you know it.” She leaned close to the stone and brought her hand up to partially cover her mouth before whispering conspiratorially, “Chichi doesn’t want me to wear my mask to school, just on missions . . . what do you think?”

Ibiki fought back tears as he listened to Katsumi speaking so familiarly with Kakashi. I wonder what you think too, sweetheart, he echoed silently, reaching out to run his fingers over the beloved name one more time. “We need to head out ‘kashi, I’ll stop by later.” he murmured before reluctantly dragging his hand away. “Come on sweetheart, you don’t want to be late.”

“You don’t need to go in with me Chichi.” a tiny voice near his knee piped up, “I’m a big girl.”

“I still want to know who your teacher is going to be.” the scarred man rumbled, “You can’t ditch me that easily . . . unless you don’t want to be seen with me?” he added sadly, knowing perfectly well that he was a terrifying sight for most of the children.

“Silly.” she said, slapping him on the thigh, “You’re the head of ANBU . . . the only thing cooler than that would be if you were Hokage.”

“They asked your father to be Hokage.” Ibiki replied absently, “He turned them down.”

“Why?” she practically shrieked, “Otousan could have been Hokage . . .” she continued in an awe struck tone, shaking her head, “was he crazy, that would be so cool!”

“‘kashi didn’t feel worthy of the honor . . .” he began, unsure of how to explain his reasons in a way a child could understand. Tensai or not, Katsumi was still only five, after all. Before he’d collected his thoughts he was startled by a hand on his shoulder.

“‘Morning Ibiki, ‘sumi-chan.” Iruka said with a broad smile, “Couldn’t wait for your first day, huh.” he said, poking the little girl in the ribs and making her giggle.

“Shikamaru’s going to be her teacher this year.” the chuunin remarked, “I’m sure you’ll get plenty of calls about how ‘troublesome’ ‘sumi is.”

“I want you to be my teacher Ruka.” the little girl whined.

“I’m sorry ‘sumi-chan, but I teach the advanced class.” the chuunin replied with a smile, “You’ll like Nara-sensei.”

“I’ll be in your class soon Ruka.” Katsumi declared with a nod of her head.

“I’m sure you will angel.” the teacher replied, “You are your father’s daughter.”

“Duh.” she replied with an expressive roll of her eyes, “I’m going to be late.”

“Oh and ‘sumi-chan,” Iruka declared with a smile, “Weapons, jutsu scrolls, ninken and masks,” he reached out a finger and tugged down the soft fabric, “are not allowed in the academy . . . sorry Bull.” he added as he turned to the large hound.

“That’s okay Boss.” the large hound rumbled, “She’ll be safe here with you.”

Halfway through the morning the door to Iruka’s classroom creaked open and a small voice rang out, “Told you Ruka . . . I’m in your class now.”

“Hatake Katsumi,” the teacher’s voice boomed, “That is not how you speak to your teacher. Class, this is Katsumi, she’s transferring here from Shikamaru-sensei’s class.”

“But she’s just a baby.” a large boy in the back protested, “This is the advanced class, we’re getting ready to graduate . . . she’ll only hold us back.”

No sooner had the words left his mouth than he found himself securely trussed and hanging upside down from the ceiling, eye to eye with a pair of piercing grey eyes and a shock of silver hair. “From where I stand it looks like you’re the one holding us back.” Katsumi declared haughtily, crossing her arms over her chest and putting on her best air of bored superiority.

“Katsumi,” Iruka bellowed, “is that any way to treat a classmate, a teammate? Maybe he’s right, maybe you are too young for this class. Should I call Ibiki and have him come to get you?”

“But Ruka . . .” the little girl whined, “he called me a baby. I’m not a baby. I’ve been training hard, I know tons of jutsu.”

“I know sweetheart . . . but that’s not all there is to being a ninja. Your father believed in the importance of teamwork, he would be disappointed to see you acting like this.” the chuunin replied as he dropped to one knee in front of her, “Let Kenji down and apologize and then take a seat.”

“Yes sensei.” she mumbled, releasing her classmate and mumbling “Sorry.” before quietly taking a seat.

The rest of the morning lesson passed quickly and soon the bell rang for lunch. Iruka watched as the kids streamed out into the yard, unsurprised when he felt a tug on his leg. “Where do we eat Ruka?” Katsumi asked, bento in hand, “I’m hungry.”

“I eat in the teacher’s lounge . . . and you eat outside with your classmates.” the chuunin replied as he gently steered her towards the door. “They’ll be your teammates one day,” he continued before she could protest, “you need to get to know them.”

“But they think I’m a baby.” she whined, “Please?”

“No angel, you need to show them, without violence I might add, that you’re not a baby and that you’ll be a strong ninja and a good teammate. You can’t do that if you hide from them.” With that he pushed her out the door and shut it behind her, peeking out the window just in case.

Iruka watched as she strode, back ramrod straight, to the large tree in the center of the yard and sat down at its base, opening her bento to inspect its contents. He was shocked, however, when she took one look inside, flashed through some hand signs and vanished, only to reappear moments later.

Katsumi resisted her urge to flee and stood with her back pressed tight against the tree as her classmates surrounded her, waiting for them to attack and wishing she had her weapons. She was astonished when the boy who had taunted her earlier clapped her on the shoulder yelling “That was awesome!! Where’d you learn that jutsu? We never get to learn cool things like that.”

“My Chichi taught me.” she replied nonchalantly, “He’s head of ANBU.”

“Nuh uh.” a girl with pigtails replied nastily, “Morino Ibiki’s head of ANBU . . . your name’s Hatake.”

“That’s right, my Otousan was the copy-nin, sharingan no Kakashi, son of the White Fang. He was married to my Chichi, Morino Ibiki.” Katsumi retorted vehemently, “Any of you have a problem with that?”

“So where’d you go?” Kenji asked curiously.

“I had Chichi’s lunch . . . I hate umeboshi!” the much smaller girl declared with a shudder, “So I went to swap with him.”

“Cool, come eat with us.” the boy entreated, and she quickly stood and followed him. Iruka smiled and headed off to grab a bite before the kids came back in, confident that everything was under control . . . at least for the moment.

Contrary to Iruka and Ibiki’s wishes, the council and Tsunade made sure Katsumi graduated with the rest of the class at the end of the year. The little girl was ecstatic to receive her hitai-ate, rushing to the memorial and babbling excitedly. “Otousan, I did it, I graduated. I’m a genin now, a real ninja. I’m going to make you proud of me, I’ll be as good as you were.”

The interrogator eavesdropped on his daughter’s conversation at the stone, heart clenching when she proclaimed her desire to follow in Kakashi’s footsteps. “‘sumi-chan,” he said softly as he stepped into view, “can I talk to you?”

“Of course Chichi, I was just telling Otousan how I’m going to be just like him.” the silver haired sprite declared with a smile, “I want you both to be proud of me.”

“We’re already proud of you sweetheart.” the scarred man rumbled as he dropped to one knee and studied the tiny girl critically, “But I know your Otousan would agree with me that it’s important not to grow up too fast. The life of an elite soldier is not easy . . . I know the things he was required to do often tormented Kakashi, I don’t want to see you in the same pain, so please just . . . slow down. Enjoy your time with your genin team, appreciate your D-rank missions . . . believe me, they’ll yank them from you far too soon.”

“Hai Chichi.” she replied with a brisk nod of her head, “I love you too.” She wrapped her arms around Ibiki and hugged him tight before running her fingers over the stone and murmuring a brief “Bye Otousan.” Katsumi turned and declared “I’m going to find my friends, see you at home.” and ran off with a perfunctory wave.

“She’s still so tiny ‘kashi.” the interrogator sighed after their daughter had gone, “I tried to keep her in the Academy for at least another year, Iruka did too, but the council was adamant. Iruka assigns the teams though, he plans to pair her with two weak teammates so they can’t push her through the chuunin exam this year.” He ran a weary hand over his face before continuing, “I wish you were here sweetheart, I don’t know how long I can protect her . . . but I’ll never give up trying. See you tomorrow.” he husked, running his fingers over the kanji one last time before stepping back and jutsuing home.

“Guess who?” a voice chuckled as large hands covered Iruka’s eyes from behind.

“Genma?” the teacher said with a chuckle, “Maybe Asuma?”

“Iruka, I’m hurt.” the large figure sagged dramatically, “It is I, your boyfriend.”

“I know Gai, I’m just teasing.” the chuunin chuckled as he leaned over to give the taijutsu master a kiss, “What are you doing here?”

The tall man dropped to his knees, clutching Iruka’s hand tightly. “Marry me Iruka.” he begged, “Katsumi’s on a team and Ibiki’s as healed as he ever will be . . . it’s time for you to start living your own life.” He pulled out a small box and opened it, showing the teacher the slim gold band it contained.

“I don’t know . . .” the teacher chewed his lower lip as he thought, “‘sumi-chan’s still so small.” Gai fidgeted nervously while the teacher considered his proposal, breaking into a wide smile when Iruka looked up and nodded. “Yes Gai, I’ll marry you.”

Ibiki came home from his daily stop at the memorial to find the pair cuddled together on a bench in the garden, waiting for him. The teacher hesitantly explained the situation, “I feel terrible running out on you like this, Katsumi’s still so young, but she’s out of the Academy and beyond anything I could teach her.”

“It’s fine Iruka.” the interrogator rumbled, “I’m happy for you both . . . I know Kakashi would be too. Take good care of him Gai.” he mock threatened.

“I will guard him with my life.” the taijutsu master replied sincerely, bringing a smile to the ever stoic Ibiki’s face.

“What do you mean you’re moving out?” Katsumi shrieked, “You can’t leave us Ruka, we need you . . . I need you.” voice dropping at the end to a husky sob.

“Angel, I’ll only be six blocks away at Gai’s. We want to get married and married people live together. Don’t you want us to be happy?” the chuunin pleaded with the distraught child.

“Then get married and Gai can move in here . . . then you don’t have to go.” she reasoned.

“Oh ‘sumi,” Iruka sighed as he got down on the floor and pulled the little girl into his lap, “I’m afraid that would make Ibiki miss your Otousan even more. I don’t want him to be sad, and I‘m sure you don’t either.”

“You can come visit us anytime.” Gai offered, “You’re always welcome in our home.”

“Can I stay with you when Chichi is away on missions?” she asked hesitantly.

“Of course you can.” the teacher soothed, “But Ibiki doesn’t take many missions . . . you never have to be alone ‘sumi, lots of people care about you, never doubt it.” He thought for a moment before rising gracefully and heading into his room, coming back a few minutes later with a scroll.

“Come here ‘sumi-chan.” he urged as he knelt in the middle of the floor and unrolled the scroll. “I was going to wait until you were older, but I think now is the right time. This,” he continued, indicating the parchment in front of him, “is a summoning contract. The right to summon the pack is your birthright as a Hatake . . . and I think it’s time for you to claim it. Nick your thumb and sign your name right under mine, then perform the jutsu.” he explained as he slowly went through the hand signs, riveted by watchful grey eyes.

“Whaddya need Boss?” Pakkun asked as he appeared, mouth dropping open when he realized who had summoned him.

“Hi Pakkun.” the silver haired child replied, “Iruka says the pack belongs with the Hatake’s . . . can you guys teach me how best to use you in battle?”

“Of course whelp.” the pug replied with a broad grin, “We’re gonna make a great team.”

The next couple of years settled into a easy rhythm, with Katsumi and her team taking low rank missions around the village, while Ibiki toiled away in the tower. She easily made chuunin at seven, and there was talk she’d make jounin by ten . . . beating her famous father by three years.

The young chuunin was surprised, therefore, to come home one day to find Ibiki sharpening kunai next to a half full pack. “I’ve got a mission.” the scarred man rumbled darkly, “I should be back in about a week. I talked to Iruka and Gai . . . they’re going to come stay here with you while I’m gone.”

“Chichi, I’m a chuunin.” Katsumi proclaimed with a dramatic roll of her eyes, “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“I know that sweetheart.” the interrogator replied honestly, “But it will keep me from worrying, and I don’t need any distractions when I’m on a mission.”

“Hai.” she agreed readily, “I’m sorry for arguing.”

“That’s alright ‘sumi, I didn’t mean to snap at you.” Ibiki replied distractedly, “It’s just been a while since I’ve been out in the field, I don’t want to forget anything.”

“Don’t worry about me, I promise to be careful on my missions and listen to Iruka and Gai.” the young girl replied sweetly, “You just promise to take care of yourself and I’ll see you in a week.”

“I will sweetheart.” the scarred man rumbled just as the bell rang. “Go let them in and I’ll be there in a minute.”

Katsumi raced to the door and flung it open, throwing her arms around Iruka and burying her face in his stomach, “Ruka I’ve missed you.” she cried dramatically.

“I saw you yesterday ‘sumi.” he replied with a laugh, “You are such a drama queen.”

“Doesn’t mean I miss you any less.” she retorted, “You too Gai.”

“I look forward to staying here with you Katsumi.” Gai said with a grin, “I believe it is time for you to take your father’s place . . . it’s been far too long since I’ve had a good challenge.”

“Oh really?” the teacher replied drily, “I’m sure I can come up with something.”

Their banter was interrupted by Ibiki’s appearance in full ANBU gear except for mask, pack slung over his shoulder. “Thanks again for staying with ‘sumi guys.” he rumbled sincerely, “I should be back in a week.”

“Take care.” the chuunin said softly, pulling the interrogator into a tight hug, “Come back to us.”

“Bye Chichi.” the silver haired child piped in, throwing her arms around the large man as well, “I love you.”

“Love you too sweetheart.” Ibiki husked, kissing her head and ruffling messy silver strands before striding out into the night.