When Worlds Collide

When Worlds Collide
Shikashinigami

Disclaimer: Yo Don’t own Naruto, don’t own the title either. Heheh… oh well, doesn’t mean I can’t have a little fun, ne?

Warnings: WARNING Yaoi Warning…. You don’t like then you don’t read, okie? Anywho there’ll be some swearing not too bad though and of course… lemon O_o. Maybe a tiny, little bit of angst… just a little though… Iruka/Kakashi and Sasu/Naru… only hint of the later though.

Dedicated to Chibi-Chibi

What’s really going on here… Chapter 1

A soft wind wound its way through the near empty streets of Konoha, leaves shaking for the last time before twisting gracefully to the ground below. Fall had come only too fast, and alas the weather was getting cooler and the days were getting shorter. It wasn’t even seven o’clock yet and night it seemed, had already set well in.

Iruka pulled his coat tighter around himself sniffing slightly, he had never been one for the cold… not that it bothered him, but he was always cold when it was cold outside. He sighed, a small white puff of condensation revealing his own breath to him. He scoffed slightly at the feeling of his nose running. Making him wonder slightly if there was anyway to just skip winter altogether and go strait to spring... spring was nice.

Iruka sped up his walking a little. He’d had a late night at the academy, yet again and had gotten himself stuck doing paperwork for the Hokage. He was a sucker when it came to saying no to her, Tsunade had grown on him… as well as the village itself. It had been nearly five years since Tsunade-sama had received the Hokage title and now she was, though it didn’t seem that way, a damned good one. He glanced sideways at the proud display of the Hokage mountain and a fair silouette of the infamous Tsunade-sama. He chuckled lightly at the innocent and proud looking woman on rock in comparison to the devil-woman he worked for.

Iruka looked up toward the sky, the stars were out… making Iruka smile a little. Naruto had always liked to watch the stars. He had once said, ‘the stars were the only things in the universe that never judge you... yet look at you all the time.’ Stange yes, but Iruka found the statement quite endearing.
Just as Iruka was about to re-enter his own thought process and grumble slightly about the distance to his house, several shouts and startling noise caught his attention... it seemed they were coming from the house he had just walked past.

“Kakashi ” Came a yell, Iruka sweat dropped… that voice had sounded quite familiar. Jiraiya…? Since when did he yell at Kakashi. “Get out ” Iruka blushed slightly at the sound of Tsunade’s voice.

Oh.

Oh!

Maniacal giggling was heard as the door opened and Kakashi all but pranced out… Iruka sweat dropped again at the childish behavior. Then again Kakashi had never been one for the seriousness that accompanied adulthood to begin with… and the guy was a mere two years older than him. Iruka resigned it to the fact maturity was based on personality rather than years lived.

Iruka sighed and began walking towards his home again, ‘got to get home before I freeze to death.’ He thought to himself, a shiver betrayed his body’s anger at the prolonged exposure to the cold night air. He was nearly certain he mirrored the children in their half-frozen glory of runny-nose-dom.

Kakashi giggled childishly a little more and decided to head home early rather than causing more trouble, he had a mission tomorrow, after all. He sighed, ‘boring reconnaissance.’ He spotted a figure just up ahead and recognized it.

‘What’s Iruka doin’ out so late?’ His one visible eye curved upward into mischievousness again as he called out Iruka’s name.

“Iruka ” The figure froze slightly and turned causing Kakashi to smile, yup it was Iruka. The guy had been... only slightly irritating when Kakashi had first met him, of course under the circumstances and now the realisation of Iruka’s relationship with Naruto, the situation was a bad first impression. Now… well Kakashi had to admitt the brunette had kind of grown on the white-haired Jounin. Iruka had been much too serious, but making the guy blush was so easy, it had become a source of endless entertainment for him.

Kakashi jogged up to the Chuunin greeting him. “What’re you doing out so late?” Iruka shrugged smiling a bit. “Late night at the academy… I was a bit behind on paperwork.” Kakashi nodded, ‘that makes sense’. Kakashi looked at Iruka again, feeling slightly sympathetic toward him... the poor guy looked like was going to shaky-shake his way right out of his clothing.

‘No Bad Kakashi ’ He cursed his own lecherous mind as they continued to walk. “Hey... you want to stop by for some coffee before you walk the rest of the way to your house, my apartment is just around the corner there...?” Iruka blinked and looked at Kakashi, who seemed to be grinning judging from his upturned eye... following his outstretched arm which pointing him in the said direction. After one last shiver that made its way down the back of his left arm, Iruka decided to accept the offer.

Iruka laughed at the impishness of his friend. He even jogged up the stairs to the front door of his apartment. Iruka laughed and sweat dropped, following Kakashi inside, ‘at least Kakashi’s in a good mood..’.

As Iruka entered, he was slightly surprised to see Kakashi’s apartment was spotless. Everything was cleanly put away and tidy... though there was little to be organized to begin with. He blinked and followed the Jounin into the kitchen where he was directed to sit at the kitchen table while Kakashi poured water into the container for and switching the small machine on after grounds had been added.

Iruka suddenly looked up catching whatever was thrown at him as Kakashi turned around, “how ‘bout a game of cards while we wait.” Iruka blinked at the pack of playing cards in his hand… “I’ve never really played...”Iruka looked slightly put out for a moment before shrugging. ‘He’s cute when he looks confused...” Kakashi walked over and sat at the table blinking at Iruka while silently chastising himself for thinking at all. His eye curved upward again and he nodded. “Then I’ll just have to teach you.”

He took the deck of cards from Iruka’s hand before shuffling them and laying seven cards neatly in front of him.

Iruka shrugged as Kakashi proceeded to lecture on the game play rules.
Kakashi silently thanking the heavens for his mask and it’s determination to cover any and all blushing. Deciding his mind apparently thinks what it wants when it wants and he was in no position to stop it or interfere at any point in time...

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Three hours later...
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Kakashi slammed his head on the table, causing Iruka to blush slightly and laugh… putting his hand behind his head in mock apology. Iruka had won every hand since they had started playing. The guy had amazing luck Kakashi had already lost half of his last paycheck.

“I think we should stop.” Iruka suggested, seeing the dejected look Kakashi had. After four cups of coffee Iruka was feeling warm again and judging from the hands on his watch it was nearly midnight. “I should be getting home…” Iruka muttered while standing slowly and placing his cards into the pile on the table. Kakashi looked at the clock, contemplating silently. “Oh… okay.” He had lost track of time. He stood as well, deciding he needed to get some well deserved rest anyway. He was disappointed however at the required absence of the Sensei. ‘It’s too bad he can’t just stay...’

Iruka walked through the door and outside, pulling his jacket together again, determined to get home before he began to shiver. “Iruka Wait…” Iruka turned to see Kakashi walking towards him again. “What is it?” Iruka blinked cautiously as Kakashi walked close.

“Er... I was,” Kakashi blinked looking slightly confused... or so Iruka thought, it was difficult to tell what was going on behind that mask... “Well, I think...” He stopped again, searching for the words.

Kakashi wasn’t sure if he really wanted to do this… but, ah… what the hell. He slipped a hand under Iruka’s chin and tilted his face up slightly, kissing him through the cloth of his face mask.

Iruka broke into blushes and blinked a few times. Numbness running through his brain down to the base of his spine, sending pleasant electric tingling over his lips, just thinking vaguely how soft the face mask was. Just as he was about to say something Kakashi vanished suddenly in a cloud of smoke.
Iruka blinked again.

“What-” He blushed again… slowly bringing a hand up to his lips. Smiling slightly as he turned and began once again for his house, feeling immensely flustered. This time with a slight bounce in his step, Iruka didn’t even notice the cold.

Kakashi, who was cleverly hidden in a tree across the street smiled broadly. He didn’t mind…? He had been thoroughly convinced Iruka would’ve surely punched him or something for that… but, he hadn’t minded at all. In fact he was positive he’d seen a smile. Hmmm…. Thoughts for another time, now he had to go to sleep and dream of all the dirty things that were currently running through his inherently lecherous mind.

Meanwhile Iruka was beginning to feel like a stupid giddy schoolgirl as he unlocked the door and walked into his apartment.

“He kissed me…” The word he had been louder than the rest, but gave no lasting impression. And Iruka had not really minded. “Crazy…” He said aloud as he walked into his bedroom. He laughed and fell on his bed. What a wonderful night, Iruka had secretly hidden Kakashi’s money in a drawer in his kitchen… he didn’t want it, and Kakashi did it seemed so he had just left it there. Iruka laughed again, turning on his side.

Iruka caught a glimpse of the stars again as he looked out his window, it had definitely been a good night. He sighed rather loudly and rolled onto his other side curling comfortably into the soft blankets on his bed. Dreaming peacefully as he drifted to sleep.

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Kakashi sighed softly as his alarm clock went off. He stretched and got out of bed. Four in the morning is far too early to get up But, he had to… that stupid mission. He wondered slightly what Iruka was doing, but then shook his head. He couldn’t let his crush distract him, he shook his head slightly and cleared his thoughts. ‘Gotta stay focused…’

He walked rather slowly down the street towards the Hokage’s office, he couldn’t be early… he had a reputation to hold after all. He was to leave for his mission at around seven… although he was still trying to clear his thoughts of Iruka. He looked up at the clouds, watching them pass... he pictured Shikamaru... the boy had a thing for watching the clouds.


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Iruka woke up late, it was a Saturday so he didn’t have to get up at any particular time and didn’t have to go to work also, he had finished his paperwork the night before… for once He shuffled his way into the bathroom and looked in the mirror. He laughed at his hair, when the band that usually held it was removed his hair did strange things… He laughed fluffing the flat side and trying to flatten the side that had taken to sticking in every which direction pulling it back with a brush, vowing to take shower before he went out.

After a shower and some breakfast Iruka was finally awake, he had some errands to run, but nothing that couldn’t wait. He sat in the living room and pondered away some boredom. Suddenly Iruka remembered last night and burst into blushes again. A slightly enraged Iruka hit himself. “Quit with the blushing ” He shouted at himself, he was damned determined to loose that habit. But, it seemed the task was not as easy at it sounded.

He wandered into the kitchen and scrounged in the ice box for something to eat. “Breakfast, breakfast... what to eat for breakfast.” He pulled out some milk, deciding on his favorite cereal, in place of a more traditional breakfast he usually preferred. He was feeling lazy today. As he ate he ran through a list of the things he needed to do today.

‘Let’s see... I’ve got to: get some groceries, and wash the laundry... hmm, of I’ve got to pick up that video I leant to Sakura... I hope she enjoyed it.’ Lost in his thoughts Iruka was shocked when his clocked chimed, indicating the time to be nine-thirty.

After showering and pulling his hair into a proper pony-tail. He walked outside locking his door and retreating down the street towards the market. Shouting and bright blonde hair caught his attention, one of his favorite... though loud, people. Naruto… Iruka tried to stifle his laughter as Naruto bickered with the salesmen on the price of an item, while Shikamaru was accompanying him. He looked bored as usual...

Iruka approached and coughed... causing Naruto to turn his head. “Iruka-sensei ” Naruto turned fully and glomped him. “How’ve you been?” Iruka laughed, the kid never lost his energy. He’d been doubly busy lately. He had been Chuunin for nearly two years now and he was doing missions that should be reserved for Jounin of Kakashi’s level.

Speaking of Kakashi, the guy was no where to be found… He had checked his apartment and had walked by the Hokage’s residence… but, still there was no sign of him.

Naruto blinked, “Oi? Iruka-sensei is something wrong?” A serious look crossed Naruto’s face and Iruka blinked thinking to himself… ‘he looks just like the fourth when he does that‘. Iruka smiled, “have you seen Kakashi-sensei anywhere?” Naruto blinked. “Kakashi-sensei had a mission for the weekend, he’ll be gone until Monday afternoon, I think.”

Iruka blinked, ‘Oh. That would certainly explain things’

“Say, say, sensei. You want to go get some Ramen with me?” Iruka laughed. “Sorry Naruto, not today. I don’t have the money for it.” Naruto laughed. “I’m inviting you sensei, that means I pay.” Naruto turned, “are you coming?” Iruka shrugged. This was new. But, the question was who had taught Naruto any etiquette at all.

Iruka’s question was answered when who of all people should he see… but Sasuke, who walked by and smirked sideways at Naruto. Naruto in turn blushed and said a quiet ‘morning Sasuke.’ Iruka blinked, interesting. After his return Sasuke had been placed on probation... not allowing him to take the Chuunin exams with Naruto. Instead Naruto took it upon himself to ensure his sanity and for a short time Gaara had even visited. Sasuke had made Chuunin last year and since then the two had been revered as the perfect team. And of course whenever the sand had a mission request, it was Naruto and Sasuke who were requested.

Who would’ve guessed. . .

Those two were beginning to gain a strong reputation of being Konoha’s new strongest members, there generation was even revered. Even Hinata Hyuuga had improved extensively. Which was a little frightening considering how strong she was to begin with. Fortunately Neji had finally warmed up to her and was helping his cousin along with her training, especially with the Byuukugan and fighting in general... in turn her confidence had bucked up and she was a great deal stronger in personality is well.

Naruto and Sasuke though… those two could easily do an S class mission together. It made Iruka a little angry that they had yet to be promoted to Jounin. They certainly did their share of work But, Naruto was happy… and that made Iruka happy. Due to his rapidly increasing power as Jiraiya taught him tricks and techniques, he had also gained a higher level of respect from the community.

Which was something to say, after all they had put him through.
It seemed people where finally realizing Naruto didn’t do anything to anyone, and it was hardly his fault he was stuck with the Kyuubi. Tsunade helped by also showing a great deal of respect to Naruto and treating him very much like the little brother he reminded her of.

Iruka laughed aloud at the thought of the way the two bickered.
Naruto just looked at him curiously as they walked up to Ichiraku Ramen.
“A bowl of Miso-Pork Ramen please ” The old man who owned the restaurant turned, “Naruto My best customer… where have you been hiding lately I haven’t seen you in a couple of weeks.” Naruto laughed sheepishly and answered. “Jiraiya-sensei has been keeping me busy with training, and Tsunade-Sama has been keeping me busy with missions. I’m wasting away ”

Iruka laughed at the enthusiasm of his former student gone proper, surprised by the respectful titles rather than the usual Perverted Hermit and Granny Tsunade.

It seemed Naruto had a bit of respect for them as well. Only he wouldn’t let them know… that would ruin his trouble maker reputation, which had been slowly depleting over the years. Naruto was growing up…

Iruka wasn’t sure why he was sad… but he was. Naruto was a Chuunin… and probably stronger than any of the Jounin, save Kakashi and a select few, in the village. Iruka sighed… lost in thought when he was nudged.

“What’s got you so down Iruka-sensei?” Iruka blinked at Naruto. He didn’t have the answer to that question, he wasn’t sure himself what had gotten his depressed in the first place. “Nothing at all Naruto…” Iruka laughed it off, deciding to spend his time enjoying Naruto’s company rather than sulking in his own mind… he could do that later when he was bored. He fluffed Naruto’s hair and laughed again at the expression that read… ‘Don’t I’m not a little kid anymore.’

After six bowls of ramen, two which were Iruka’s… Naruto had decided he was full and Iruka was finishing his last bowl, he wondered every time he saw him eat, where Naruto’s appetite came from. “Hey, Iruka-sensei would you like to come with me and visit Ero-Sennin?(1)” Iruka blinked and smiled… he really didn’t have anything else to do…

“Sure, why not?” Naruto jumped in the air with a little ‘Yoshu ’ Making Iruka laugh again… Naruto was his own form of entertainment and Iruka felt the same way, life would be very dull had he never met Naruto. They walked through the town to the other side near the edge of the forest and through some of it.

“Naruto, I thought you said we were going to visit Jiraiya…?” Naruto stopped and turned blinking. “We are, this is where we train.” He said blankly, looking more like Yondaime again, that was getting creepy. No wonder Jiraiya looked forward to training Naruto he looked just like Jiraiya’s favorite student… heck Naruto was probably his new favorite student.

“Ero-Sennin ” Naruto called out looking around for the old lecher. Iruka looked around the clearing they had just entered… it looked like a disaster zone. Iruka was stunned for a few seconds until he realized it must be Jiraiya and Naruto’s battles that caused the area to look so torn up.

Iruka looked up just in time, to see Naruto’s hand come up and catch a kunai about 3 centimeters from the tip of his own nose. He… he hadn’t even sensed it coming and Naruto had just…

Naruto steamed… “Bakayaro! Iruka-sensei is with me ” Jiraiya poked out of a tree upside down. “Oh…”

He dropped down and walked up to them. “Oi Iruka-sensei. Are you hurt?” Iruka shook his head, and Jiraiya nodded a wordless, ‘good’ after doing a brief sight check over Iruka. He turned and glomped Naruto on the top of the head. “Hey What was that for?” Naruto whined… shouting at Jiraiya.

“Moron… you should never bring anyone with you here… they could be killed ” Naruto huffed and turned his head to the side. Jiraiya laughed, dropping his serious expression.

“If you want me to leave…” Iruka apologized. “No ” Naruto shouted, “I want Iruka-sensei to see my improvement ” Jiraiya laughed hitting him again. “Showoff ”

Naruto smiled, glaring at Jiraiya’s back once it was turned. Iruka just laughed. “Iruka, if you’d like… you can take a seat over there,” he pointed to a log off at the side of the clearing with some water and sake next to it. Iruka coughed and went over to sit.

“Oh, Iruka…” Iruka turned to see Jiraiya wink at him. “Don’t interfere…” The serious expression Jiraiya had taken on during the statement was gone as quickly as it had come and his familiar friendly expression took over his face once again.

Iruka looked as surprised as he felt. Though as they began to spar Iruka started to realize why Jiraiya had given him the insight. Jiraiya was still quite a bit stronger than Naruto… to be expected. But the more Jiraiya pushed the more Naruto’s strength increased. Iruka noticed then something strange…

Jiraiya landed a punch and Naruto stopped moving looking only down, Jiraiya got a serious expression on his face and summoned his favorite frog summon… Iruka blinked this was getting weird and things were still escalating.

Jiraiya tapped the frog on the head… “He’s using it…” The frog nodded and took a fighting position. Iruka was still mostly confused, that is until Naruto looked up.

Iruka heart beat painfully as he looked at Naruto… the one he himself had deemed so innocent.

His eyes a deep violet red, intense and vibrant… slit pupils giving away his most intimate secret. The scars on his cheeks more intense, darker. His hair a bit longer and more elevated. Nails longer and sharper… he had finally mastered it. The art of using the Kyuubi.

This was why Jiraiya didn’t want Iruka to step in? He didn’t want him to try and stop Naruto? But the Kyuubi!

Naruto laughed and turned, putting his hands behind his head. He had noticed the concern etched upon Iruka’s visage. ‘He probably thinks the Kyuubi’s taken hold of me…’ Jiraiya also turned to look at Iruka. He smirked and turned back to Naruto, who disappeared… Iruka tried his best to follow the seals but could not, ‘so fast’.

Iruka at that moment felt immense pride and knew for a second why Jiraiya was so proud to be called Naruto’s instructor, the kid was amazing…

A few hours passed and early morning turned to afternoon. Naruto reverted and waved to Jiraiya to signal the end of the fight. Jiraiya nodded and announced. “That’s enough for today.” Iruka was stunned silent at Naruto’s improvement… he had been wrong, he may very well be stronger than any jounin in the village.

‘Let’s just hope he doesn’t pull a Sasuke on us…”

He slapped himself mentally, Naruto wasn’t that unstable. He would never betr- go against Konoha’s well being.

Naruto jogged over… and tugged on Iruka’s shirt. “What do think Iruka-sensei? Have I improved a lot?? Huh?” Iruka smiled at the boy. It seemed a bit awkward to have Naruto… who was now nearly Kakashi‘s height, tug on his shirt as he had done when he was twelve.

“That’s an understatement Naruto.” Jiraiya stood by a tree on the side of the clearing smiling proudly. ‘Naruto was his student after all.’

Iruka was immensely proud of Naruto, he really was… he was just surprised at the amount of potential Naruto showed now, more than ever. No wonder he and the Uchiha prodigy were rivals… or were they? Who knew.

He had left the two after Jiraiya had offered to treat Naruto to Ramen for his hard work that day. Naruto never could turn down a bowl of Ramen.
Now Iruka was taking his time walking home again. The leaves were getting more and more brown. Yuck, sure fall was pretty at first with all the different colors of leaves but… now it was gross. Everything was brown… the only green was that of the grass. It wasn’t enough to be honest.

Over dinner Iruka wondered vaguely how Kakashi was doing on his mission.

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A shadowed figure clambered into an open in the rock wall it had been leaning on.

“Dammit ” Kakashi had stumbled into a cave, out of the rain that would give him a bad case of pneumonia for sure. It was cold enough as it was and now he was regrettably wet. He let his head fall back against the wall after he got himself situated and a nice little fire built. It had taken longer than usual…
Three against one was just not fair!

Kakashi pouted as he wrapped his arm flinching a little when he set the bone he was now sure was broken. He splinted it and stuffed the proof of his success of the mission into his pack. He had gotten done a whole day early He would be able to head back to Konoha in the morning. Now… he needed some well deserved sleep.

He shifted uncomfortably against the rock wall behind him, finally finding an impression that was suitable for his back and where he still had decent exposure to the warmth of the flames.

>Morning<

A soft grunt was heard as Kakashi rolled onto his injured arm, he sat up and rubbed the injured area delicately with his non-injured arm. ‘Ow, ow, ow, ow, ow…’ He looked at his arm… he hadn’t had a broken bone since he was in Anbu.
He sighed slightly pulling his pack over to him, when he noticed the blood on his clothes… ‘yuck…’. He must have not noticed the condition of his clothing last night and he’d already changed his other set of clothes which were wet from the rain… leaving him with nothing to change into. He yawned, ‘oh well.’

He stood and poked his head out of the cave he had been resting in. He looked around happy to see no sign of anyone… or anything. Who knew in this world.
He pulled out his map and took a glance, heading for his beloved Konoha. He pulled the tag out of his pocket and looked at it. “Ai”… hmmm. He had pulled it off the last target’s wrist when he had killed him. It was pretty, silver and just the delicate Ai symbol, he had wondered slightly what it had meant to the guy…
But he had decided not to give it too much thought… orders were orders after all. If they wanted revenge they were welcome to seek it.

He looked up into the thick branches of the forest above, glad to see the sun was out and he wouldn’t get soaked just trying to get through the shrubbery. Actually, and better yet… He leapt upward and strait into the lower braches of the trees. This would take him less time.

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It was already two o’clock and Iruka had finished filing all of Tsunade’s paperwork for her… all his school papers were graded and he was now completely out of things to do. He sat at the Hokage’s front stairs pondering quietly to himself when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

‘AH ’

After a minute of breathing, it had seemed like Iruka had calmed down, Tsunade shrugged to herself who knew the guy would startle so badly, ‘let’s ask a derogatory question’. She looked at the Chunin. “Iruka is something bothering you…” He laughed slightly, “that easy to see through, am I?”

Tsunade smiled at the Chunin when it came to her… why not Jounin. Ah… it was none of her business.

“What’s bothering you Tsunade?” She laughed… “Well if you don’t mind me asking an intrusive question…” He nodded and shrugged telling her it was fine. “Why didn’t you go for Jounin…?” Iruka sighed.

“I know what Jounin are required to do Tsunade-sama… they are sent on missions to kill… assassinate… whatever else they are ordered to do. I never had the heart for that… or more accurately I have too much heart for that. Yesterday Naruto showed me what he had learned and…” He trailed off slightly, Tsunade blinked and added up the suggestion. “The Kyuubi?” Iruka nodded.

“ I was afraid… afraid that there would be another possibility the Kyuubi would break free and destroy even more that I love… he’s like a little brother to me you know…?” Tsunade smiled… “Yes… Iruka I do know.” Iruka looked up at her and smiled. “How?” Tsunade laughed slightly closing her eyes, when she opened them Iruka thought she looked vaguely sad and serious.

“That boy has saved my life more than once, every time I look at him I see my own little brother who I had thought I’d lost so long ago…” Iruka smiled, that would explain why Naruto and Tsunade were so close.

“Yesterday, I thought the Kyuubi had taken over, until Jiraiya had looked at me and smiled…” Iruka laughed slightly. “But, Naruto’s personality hadn’t changed at all, even in the fused state of the Kyuubi… and I had doubted his abilities. That’s when it hit me. All this time, since he had left the academy I had been doubting his abilities… well he certainly proved me wrong…”

Tsunade nodded in comprehension, he had also proved Tsunade wrong on multiple occasions. He had even worn the necklace all this time and never once did he even ‘almost’ die…

Tsunade looked at Iruka, leading the life of a ninja was not an easy path… it wasn’t as easy as it looked to become a mindless killing machine, because ever after the evolution of man and the continuation of time… ninja would always be tools of war. It seemed Iruka understood that all too well.

“I can tell there is something else, my dear sensei.” Iruka blushed at this… causing more interest to stir in Tsunade. “What is it… a girl?” Iruka laughed… “Heheh… not exactly.”

“A guy then?” Iruka stopped laughing and his face turned a nice hue of brilliant candy apple red. “Uh…. Heheh… well you see.” Tsunade laughed… it seemed he was new to such things… “You don’t have to tell me who Iruka.” Although she already had a pretty good guess as to who the lucky person was.

“Just tell me the problem… I am the Hokage after all…” Iruka smiled the blush having not receded… “Well, uh just a few days ago they well,” He brought his voice down low and whispered. “They kissed me…” Tsunade nodded restraining herself from her laughter.

He was waaaayyyyy too innocent for Kakashi.

She leant in closer, deciding to be a little evil. “And then he poofed into thin air and went on a mission leaving me quite and very confused….” Iruka coughed as though he had began to choke on something…

Something about the size of a watermelon actually.

“H-How?” Iruka stuttered out the question. Tsunade burst into giggles, she just couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Hey, what’s it to me if you want to be corrupted by that pervert Jounin.” She nearly died laughing at the new definition of red that spread across Iruka’s face. It seemed she had hit the nail on the head.

She smiled winking at Iruka while standing, “a nice choice though… if I do say so myself.” As she walked back inside she heard a vague new fit of coughing and sputtering. She laughed all the way up to her quarters.

She opened the door to her office to find her head Anbu standing by the window. “Aniki? What is it?” He turned to face her and sighed. “Copy Ninja Kakashi has been spotted near the borders of the A-2 section of Konoha’s northern forest… things don‘t look good.” He stopped and took off his mask. “He’s been severely injured. I sent out guides to bring him back, and well… he’s in the medical building right now.”

Tsunade was gone before the man could close his eyes to blink. Tsunade cursed herself why the hell had she let him go alone. That stubborn… sarcastic, annoying, lecherous, Jounin!

He himself had requested his independence in this mission She had specifically told him not to get injured and come back half dead, had he done it despite her?

By the time Tsunade reached the hospital she was in fumes. A small plume of smoke rising from her head. “Where’s Kakashi ?” She yelled at the receptionist who looked altogether frightened. The woman pointed down a hallway and said ‘318’.

Tsunade stormed down the hall and opened the door, what she found there shocked her more than she would have let on, had there been someone in the room.

Kakashi was hooked to several machines, two of which were reserved for especially tedious cases. This was not good, not good at all.

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“Wh-where? Where am I?” He looked about himself. It was dark.. Everywhere. Had he gotten himself knocked unconscious again? He couldn’t be dead… could he?” ‘Nah…’

‘…’

He sighed and sat down on the ‘floor’ waiting for whatever would be the trigger to pull him out of his state of unconsciousness. Last time it had been Tsunade. She had pulled him out of the Magekyou’s grasp. This time… he had no idea what or who it would be.

He pulled his knees up to his chest and tried to remember what had happened.

>Flashback<

He stumbled slightly. It was hard to get through this brush and shrubbery with only one arm to hold onto stuff with. He sighed and leaned against a tree, just a little break.

He had jumped down from his elevated path, when a branch had come into contact, rather harshly, with his injured arm.

Crack

Kakashi’s eyes snapped open, a twig? Who… had been following him ?
Laughter rang out through the forest around him and Kakashi turned to look behind him his eyes widening slightly as he looked upon the one who had been following him. “I believe you have something of mine…” Kakashi pulled up his Hitai-ate band and looked at the man with his Sharingan. “How is it… that you are alive…” Kakashi said calmly. The man laughed, “my will to live cannot be underestimated ”

The man lunged at him while Kakashi jumped sideways.

… shit.

He couldn’t form hand seals with a broken arm Looks like Taijutsu this time. They fought and clashed as Kakashi’s strength slowly wore down, until finally Kakashi managed to get the guy across the throat with his Kunai. Kakashi sighed and looked down slightly, wincing at the pain that had suddenly consumed his chest.

The man snickered slightly at the sight that greeted his enemy.

Kakashi winced again at the sight of the kunai that was now lodged particularly deep into his chest. It hadn’t hit anything too serious it seemed. But, if it were to be pulled out he was most likely bleed to death.

The man laughed as Kakashi coughed. He would ignored the pain for now, and he would be fine as long as he didn’t pull the damned thing out… he took a step back after the man let go of the offensive metal and watched him fall.
Kakashi staggered his way another half mile into the forest, in the direction of Konoha’s northern forest. He coughed again and staggered a bit… ‘got to get back… to… Iruka…”

He stumbled and fell, catching himself with his broken arm, pushing him further into the darkness that was slowly enveloping him… “Kakashi?” He blinked softly as his brain foggily recognized the people he had now encountered, they were Anbu, of Konoha… he closed his eyes.

>End Flashback<

Tsunade gasped… had she just heard…? Kakashi… he had spoken, softly but spoken nevertheless. He had called for Iruka…?

---------------------------------------

Iruka stiffed his hands into his pockets, sighing softly… he was wondering aimlessly again. He had just wanted to go for a walk and the best way to do that was to wonder aimlessly… or so it would seem. At least you didn’t have to think when you did so. It was almost Five o’clock and he was getting hungry. Naruto should be at Ichiraku at this time… perhaps he should go join him…

Iruka walked up to the well lit building and noticed someone was already there with Naruto… Sasuke. Interesting, he was feeling a little mischievous… and he was in the mood to make someone squirm.

“Oi Boys…” Iruka smiled brightly walking up to the two Chunin. “Iruka-sensei ” Naruto smiled and welcomed Kakashi while Sasuke pouted slightly.

‘Damn Iruka… ruining his fun…’

“Iruka ” All three turned to see a rather distressed Tsunade… “you must come with me…” Tsunade ? What was wrong and why had she come to look for him ? Had something happened… to Kakashi? No… that was a stupid thought. But as they neared the medical building his heart began to hurt more and more…

Tsunade pulled him down a hall and into a room… “He said your name…” The warm and soothing hand on his shoulder turned to ice as Tsunade did the impossible.

She opened the door. Revealing to Iruka something he’d never thought he’d come to see.

“Ka… Kashi…?”

A/N: Oh no!!! What will happen? Hmmm? Review and I will work faster... hehehehehe.