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Chapter Text

There is something heavy on Kakashi's chest as he walks towards the Hokage tower. Today was different. Not the way it was supposed go. There's something that isn't right. Something is out of place. He could feel it creeping up his skin. The Hokage sent for him , so early in the morning. There is no emergency. He had just returned from a S - ranked mission and submitted his report last night . Yes , he had met the Hokage then as well. He didn't mention anything then.

What was so urgent that happened in last hours to call for Kakashi? It was a good question. A question that can only be answered by meeting the Hokage himself. Kakashi picked up his pace as he switched the walking with jumping over the rooftops to reach the destination. He was wearing his green vest and blue uniform , something inside of him told him to go prepared for some sort of mission. Whatever that something was , had sure never checked in with his body that was exhausted from the previous mission. He had went to Kiri for a undercover assassination and had had a run in with some unreasonably powerful nins near the border which ended in him getting into a unfair fight of ten to one. It wasn't that hard a fight but one of the nin had managed to inflict a good blow his back and that had been hurting since then. The medicine that they gave him was only making him more tired and his whole body wanted to crash down and sleep the exhaustion off but that wasn't a choice . Hokage had called for him at this ungodly hour , this must be something important.

Kakashi entered the Hokage's office through the open window. There was Sarutobi Hiruzen, in the white clothes of the Hokage , his face wrinkled and aged smoking a pipe as moved around the room in anger. His old face was filled with killing intent, this killing intent Kakashi had seen the old Hokage carry during the last war.

"Kakashi " the Hokage stoped to face the Copy Ninja taking out his pipe.

"Hokage Sama " he returned the courtesy.

"I may ask why I have been called ?"

Hiruzen took one puff from his pipe and moved near the window , and pointed his finger out to the asleep village he lead , Kakashi followed his gaze.

"You see Kakashi "Hiruzen began , "I had failed yet another. Kushina - san you remember, when she died she entrusted me too protect her child and I gave her my word but it seems that I got myself caught up in this village's affairs and forgot that there was child who I had been entrusted with"

"What happened to Naruto ?" There was unwarranted worry in Kakashi's voice and Hiruzen's silence didn't help.

Sure , Kakashi had maintained his distance from the only family he can say he had left but he was doing it for the sake of the boy. He wasn't very fond of children and if he suddenly started visiting a certain blonde , it wouldn't take a genius to figure out , Naruto's real parentage. But in all these years , he hadn't completely ignored the boy. How can he ? It was after all his baby brother. He looked out for Naruto from behind the shadows. Keeping the boy safe when Naruto decided to go on some exploits around the town. Leaving the boy with food so doesn't starve to death. Putting toys near his pillow as he watched the blonde sleep. He constantly took more shifts to watch Naruto while he was in ANBU so he could stay close to the boy.

Kakashi 's reputation in the ANBU required him to take long mission's outside the Village and long missions often meant that he wouldn't be able to look out for Naruto. Before long missions he would go over to Naruto's Apartment , when the boy is asleep ofcourse. It's a shame that he can't meet the boy. He walks around the messy apartment fixing stuff up and cleaning. After doing the chorus he feels he should , he sits beside the sleeping boy that resembles his dead Sensei strongly. He softly caresses the boys blonde floppy hair and says his farewell for the mission. He promises to the sleeping boy that he would come back and look out for him and then he smiles and leaves.

Something had happened to Naruto.

"Naruto was wandering the streets late at night and he stumbled into the wrong part of the town. It was late and the area was filled with drunkards and de - commisioned shinobi's who seemed to have held a grudge against the Kyubi and the took their anger out on Naruto but one of the ANBU found him and stopped the crowd before they could beat him further , they brought him here " Hiruzen explained to a very angry Kakashi.

"Where is he ?"

As soon as Kakashi heard the infirmary and the room , he dashed out of the office without sparing a glance at the head of the village. He reached the room and slowly turned the knob before opening the door and entering. He stopped as soon as he entered. His eyes fell upon the small frail figure lying on the infirmary bed, covered by a blanket up chin. His forehead was wrapped in a large white bandage dressing that was covered by his floppy blonde hair. Kakashi moved near the bed , the moon light flickered from the nearby window onto Naruto's face , the tear stains were dried up , the boy had cried himself to sleep. All alone in a hospital bed , covered in injuries and in pain , surely scared and so much in need of comfort.

Kakashi moved his hand to gently caress Naruto's hair and the boy relaxed in his touch. He pulled back the blanket to check for more injuries. He slowly pulled up boy's shirt to find bruise marks around the stomach. Kakashi wanted to kill those bastards who had dared touch his brother. Naruto whimpered in his sleep , and curled into a ball . Kakashi pulled the blanket over the boy and kept caressing his hair gently untill the boy had fallen asleep again.

"This has happened twice now that I have been away " Kakashi said , without looking at Hiruzen who stood near the door and watched the Hatake comfort a sleeping Naruto.

"And that is why I have called you right now. I put the law of keeping you away from Naruto for a reason but now it seems that the situation worsens day by day" Hiruzen said.

"It seems to you , it is worsening"

"I understand, Kakashi and that is why I have come up with a solution. You are a former ANBU Captain and one of Konoha's most powerful shinobi and therefore , I Sarutobi Hiruzen, The Sandaime Hokage of Konoha , hereby officially declare you , Hatake Kakashi , as the Sensei and guardian of Konoha's Jinchuruki Uzumaki Naruto" Hiruzen said , pulling a file from beneath his cloak and passing it over to Kakashi.

"You mean if I sign this , I get to take Naruto home , officially " Kakashi said looking down at the adoption papers he was just given.

Finally he had the chance to take Naruto with him. To take care of the boy like he was supposed to. He took a pen from the nearby drawer and immediately signed the papers. The weight on his chest , the guilt seemed to lessen a bit as he looked down at the adorable face of his new student. He was supposed to do this a long time ago , he owed this to Minato Sensei. That man had gave him family after he had lost everything in his life. Minato wanted him to be Naruto's Nii - San , at first Kakashi had frowned at that idea , he wasn't related to Naruto by blood but Minato Sensei had told him , it was nonsense. Kakashi was Naruto's big brother and that was it. Now it was Kakashi's time to pay back. And he was going to do it.

"I assume you would be spending the night here" Hiruzen's voice broke his line of thought.

Kakashi looked up to see the Hokage leave the two brothers alone in the room. Kakashi sat down on the chair near the bed. He watched as Naruto's sleepy face scrunched up in discomfort and boy began shifted sides in bed. It was so sudden that Kakashi didn't understand what was the problem. When suddenly it clicked him and he smiled. He put his hand on the boy's head and slowly began caressing his hair and that made the little boy settle down again. It was the absence of the caressing that made the boy uneasy and made Kakashi smile. Maybe he could do a good job with the kid.

But this is a sleeping child , he thought . What happens when Naruto wakes up. That's a whole different level , isn't it.

Chapter Text

It was about two hours before the sun came up that Kakashi had fallen asleep in the chair next to Naruto's bed. His neck is sure gonna hurt when he wakes up but right now he asleep , the exhaustion had taken over. The sun had come up for about half 'n hour now and the injured boy in bed had began stirring and fluttering his big blue eyes open.

Naruto slowly sat up in bed and slowly rubbed his eyes as he looked around the room , a yawn escaping his mouth. He turned to face the man lying asleep in the chair next to his bed. He furrowed his eyebrows up and glanced at the man. He had seen him somewhere. That hair. That silver hair. He knows that hair. He definitely know who this man is. A bright smile crept up Naruto's face. Inu - San . Naruto knows it's Inu - San. The silver haired who always seemed to be around Naruto. Naruto remembers him.

Inu - San is good. He leaves Naruto food and toys. He cleans up Naruto's apartment. He doesn't like meeting Naruto. But it's okay Naruto thinks , atleast he cares. There have been so many times when Naruto had been saved and brought back home when he was barely conscious, but he remembers glimpses of Inu - San carrying to the apartment . He was always gentle enough trying not to wake Naruto up. He would clean Naruto with a soft wash cloth and bandage his wounds. Naruto remembers the soft humming as a he was changed out of the dirty clothes into fresh ones and then finally tucked in bed with a hand gently caressing his hair as he fell in deep slumber. Naruto didn't know who Inu - San was but Naruto knew that his presence meant warmth and protection. He could feel Inu - San's chakra and could tell it apart from others. This was Inu - San.

Naruto took a good look at him. So that's how he looked beneath the mask. Naruto noticed that he was sleeping without a blanket so the boy slowly got down from his bed and took his blanket with him. His small hands held the blanket as he slowly tip toed towards the man. Naruto was about to lay the blanket on Inu -San when the man shot up in reflex action as if under attack, Kakashi grabbed Naruto's wrist tight and stood up to his full height in alert ANBU mode. The sudden response had Naruto in shock.

It all happened in a split second. Naruto felt the tight grip on his wrist and the killer intent on Kakashi's face. It was enough for the boy to be send in a state of fear , his face went white and tears started rolling down his cheeks and a sob escaped his lips as he tried to pull away from the grip. This brought Kakashi out of his reflex and he let go Naruto's wrist. The boy immediately ran and hid beneath the bed , covering his head with his hands , the boy was full out sobbing.

"Please don't hurt me" he repeated behind the sobs.

It took a minute for Kakashi to understand what was happening. It was not even four hours of Naruto being in his custody and he had managed to scare the boy and destroy any chance of building any trust. Kakashi didn't know what to do. First he got his senses in place. Ofcourse Naruto was scared , the boy was physically abused not the night before any Kakashi grabbing his wrist didn't help.

Kakashi bent down to look at Naruto. The boy was curled up in himself , his face was red and puffy and tears were streaming down his cheeks as he repeated for 'please don't hurt me'. Good job Hatake! Look what you have done.

"Hey, buddy , I am sorry I didn't mean to hurt you"Kakashi spoke in a soft tone as he kneeled down to look at Naruto.

Kakashi felt bad looking at boy. His shaking frame made Kakashi angry at himself. The small fists that covered his eyes moved and a pair of baby blue eyes looked into Kakashi's dull black orbs.

"You not gonna hur' me " Naruto's words slurred beneath the sobs. His eyes hopefully looked at the older man.

"Never Hurt You , I promise"

Naruto slowly crawled out from under the bed and looked up to Kakashi , his teary eyes and puffed cheeks made him look adorable. He held up his little finger.

"Promise" he said.

Something pulled at Kakashi's heart.

"Promise "

Kakashi entwined his little finger with Naruto's and smiled at the childish gesture. Kakashi couldn't help himself at the boy's innocence and moved his hand to sweep off the stay tears on Naruto's cheeks and then ruffling his hair as the boy doubled up in joy.

"Now Mister , why'd you scare me ?" asked Naruto standing up.

"It's an reflex action"

"Re...re..refla..what?"

"See when you touch something really warm and it burns you suddenly pull your hand away , it's like that"

Naruto nodded as he watched Kakashi pick up the tossed aside blanket and fold it.

The door was flung open and there stood the Hokage of Konoha. He slowly entered the room but was met with a smile lit Naruto with his hands wrapped around his waist .

"Naruto , do you know why Kakashi was in your room."

"No , Jiji" Naruto said , standing beside the old man.

"Well , Kakashi here has decided to adopt you"

"Re..really"

Naruto looked up to Kakashi with his adorable little face gathering all the hope in world and it was enough to melt the Hatake who moved towards Naruto and crouched down to his height put both his hand on the boy's shoulders.

"Really" said Kakashi.

"But why? Nobody wants me " Naruto spoke looking down at the floor.

"Well you are wrong Naruto because I do want you " Kakashi said , trying to meet Naruto's eyes ,"And I won't ever leave you alone "

Tears were rolling down Naruto's face , it was first time in his entire like life that anybody has told him that they want him and that they won't leave him alone. All he has ever had was a lonely apartment and disgusted looks from the villagers, all the adults looked at him with some sort of malice. Even when he was in the orphanage, they had tossed him aside to beaten and starved. He was always alone and scared but now somebody wanted him. He didn't know what to say , tears were automatically falling from his eyes. Then he suddenly felt a hand sweep the tears from his cheeks and he looked up to see Kakashi with his glassy tear filled eyes trying to ask him what happened.

Naruto suddenly moved forward and wrapped his small arms around Kakashi's shoulders , burying his face in the crook of the man's neck trying to control his tears. He felt Kakashi wrap his big strong arms around his small frame and pull him in further , rubbing his back with hand and lifting him off the ground with the other as he stood up. Naruto has never felt this safe. Kakashi was trying his best to comfort the boy who had so trustingly fall into his embrace.

A few minutes later Naruto had finally stopped crying and just lay against Kakashi.

"Sorry " Naruto murmured in Kakashi's shoulder.

"And why's that"

This made Naruto look up at Kakashi who had a smile on his face , Naruto could tell inspite of the mask.

"It seems that you both will get along good" said the Hokage who was watching the whole scene.

"We will heading home then" Kakashi said , setting Naruto down to his feet.

"Sure" said the Hokage before taking his leave.

Kakashi turned to Naruto and looked at the boy and said ,"Let's get your final check - up done and then we can leave , we will drop by your old apartment later bring the stuff you would like ".

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The check - up was done with quick and Naruto had changed into some clean clothes that Kakashi had bought in the meantime. After the check - up they were all set to go.

"Want a good ride home ?" asked Kakashi to the boy , who was looking at curiously.

Naruto nodded his head thinking ' I can't be demanding , I should whatever he says.' Taking Naruto's nod as a yes Kakashi crouched down , back first infront of Naruto.

"Hop on " he said.

Naruto complied and what happened after that was one Naruto's favourite moments in life. It was like as if he was flying through the rooftops of Konoha. Kakashi was super fast and held a firm grip on Naruto so the boy doesn't fall off. In no time they had reached Kakashi's apartment. No not Kakashi's. It was both of their. Home.

Chapter Text

Kakashi's apartment was in humble words a space for only one person and two if you squeeze one more in but that won't work well. It was a small apartment, a standard jonin one , it had a living room with a kitchenette , a tiny hallway if you call the little space that led to Kakashi's bedroom , a hallway. There was a bathroom opposite to his bedroom and a small storage space at the end of the hallway. It was pretty plain apartment with no much to display.

Taking in Naruto was such a sudden change that Kakashi was not prepared for it. He had brought Naruto with him to the apartment but he hadn't thought where the boy would live now that he was to stay with him. It was one bedroom apartment. Kakashi thought he'll figure that out later , right now he would take Naruto with him and make him feel at home and safe.

The journey home was a nice one. Naruto seemed to have enjoyed it. Kakashi had heard the boy laughing and smiling brightly as he moved faster through the town , jumping rooftops. Kakashi himself smiled beneath the mask, he could do this all day if it meant Naruto would smile like this. But they needed to get home to. As soon as they reached home , Kakashi opened the door and entered with Naruto still on his back.

"Welcome Home " he said , depositing Naruto on the couch.

Naruto nodded his head and looked around the apartment, taking in the fact that this was home. It was better than his own anyway , it was neat and tidy. He trusted Kakashi , afterall it was Inu -San. He knew he was safe here. Naruto thought , so finally he liked to meet me. It was good. His head hurt a bit but it was alright, he can't be a bother to Inu -San ,he thought. Naruto knows people don't like troubled kids , if he causes problems like this , Inu -San will kick him out like the others. He needs to be good. Anyway he had been hurt before , it always goes away , Naruto knows that. He knows that if kept quiet and shut up it would go away. Maybe he should sleep , no , he should help. Nobody likes a useless kid , he thought again.

His train of thought was broken when he saw Kakashi wave his hand in front of Naruto's face . He was talking , saying something.

"Naruto , you alright? Does it hurt?" Kakashi asked crouching to Naruto's level.

Naruto immediately shook his head , he was good he slowly whispered but it hurt in his head real bad. He could handle that. Kakashi didn't seem to take the answer.

"You should lay down for a while , maybe I could make you something to eat , what'd you like?" Kakashi said smiling at the little blonde.

" I feel good , Inu -San. Thank you" Naruto answered as politely as someone his age could but his answer didn't seem to hold any effect on the Hatake who kept insisting that Naruto lay down for a bit.

After a fifteen minute battle and Naruto's head hurting more badly , he agreed for a small nap. Kakashi helped him settle in his bedroom. He turned off the light and covered the windows, there was cool and dark in the room as Kakashi left the blonde to sleep. Naruto turned to the side and tucked the blankets closer to his body , the bed was big and comfy , the mattress could swallow Naruto , it was that soft. Naruto tried to sleep and even dozed off after about ten minutes.

Outside Kakashi began preparing for a good old brunch , he prepared the ingredients and thought that he make the food when Naruto wakes up , so they could eat fresh food. In the meantime Kakashi had decided to take a quick hot shower. He had returned from the mission last night and the water heating system of the building was being fixed , so he took a cold shower but now with his neck hurting from sleeping in the chair and his tiredness coming back , he thought that a hot shower is the best remedy to his tired body.

After the shower , Kakashi changed into some black lowers and a white t-shirt. He sat on the couch reading the latest edition of Icha Icha Paradise, Jiraiya had send him a signed copy of the book just a day before it was officially published as a thank you for the help in Kumo. While reading the book it felt relaxed and at home when he suddenly heard a scream. It was so loud that even Kakashi's hand shook and he immediately got up from his seat , ready for a fight when it came to him. Naruto. It must be Naruto.

He ran towards the bedroom and flung the door open , flicking the lights on , he was graced with a scene , Naruto sat in the middle of the bed , his knees pulled to his chest , his hands clutched his head , he was screaming , ' It hurts ' at the top of his lungs , tears were streaming down his cheeks and from the looks of it he had managed to mess with the white dressing bandage. Kakashi quickly moved towards Naruto and put his arm around the sobbing figure sitting down and pulling him closer , he started rubbing Naruto's arm.

"Shh..shh it's gonna be all okay , right"

"Hu...hu.hurts weally b..b..bad" Naruto's heavy gasps were messing his words.

At the presence of Kakashi near him Naruto moved closer to him , and pressed himself further in Kakashi's side , something told him that Kakashi could stop it from hurting. He felt Kakashi pull his hands away from his head and pull in closer wrapping both his hands around Naruto. He gently pulled the boy into his lap and held him , rubbing his back and whispering words of comfort but nothing seems to work the pain was too much.

The doctor had told Kakashi that this might happen and had given him a tablet for it. But since Naruto had shown no signs of pain and distress , Kakashi had thought that he was healing quick and good but he was wrong. This is what the doctor was talking about. Kakashi needed him to take the tablet but he was sure it was going to be a hard task with Naruto like this.

An idea came to him. Kakashi slowly began getting up from the bed , with Naruto still in his arms. Damn the kid was very light. He needs more food in him. That is for later. As Kakashi stood Naruto followed the change in position and wrapped his legs around Kakashi's waist and arms around his neck, burying his face in Kakashi's shoulder. Kakashi paced around the room for a while trying the sooth the sobbing child in his arms but to no avail . He slowly moved out of the room to the kitchenette and pulled out tablet from the drawer. He held Naruto with one hand and filled a glass of water with the other , then he crushed the tablet and mixed it in the water.

"Naruto" he said softly , rubbing the boy's back ,"it's gonna stop hurting if you drink this"

Naruto slowly pulled himself back and turned to look at the glass of water , his eyes red and cheeks puffed , he then turned to Kakashi and said , "weally " . His big eyes looking directly at Kakashi who nodded with a big smile. Inside his heart melt at the little boy's cuteness. Kakashi grabbed the glass and put it up to Naruto so the boy could drink it. Naruto quickly gulped down the medicinal water and now quietened down with silent tears flowing lay back against Kakashi who had put the glass in sink.

Kakashi held the boy in his arms , rocking him as he walking . Naruto was now against his chest and seems to be in a very sleepy state. His eyes were almost shut. Kakashi sat down on the couch with the blonde who had fisted his tshirt and seems to be clinging to him , now asleep. Kakashi looked down at his baby brother and wiped the tear stains on his face. It must have hurt really bad for him to cry like that. But it's alright , as long as Kakashi was here , he was willing to do anything for the kid. It was nice to know that Naruto was safe and sound , asleep in his arms than all alone in that dreaded apartment.

Kakashi looked up , content with the kid in his arms , his eyes landed on a picture. It was him when he was about Naruto's age , already a chunin for four years, it after a mission and Minato Sensei had insisted on taking a picture to commemorate Kakashi's 50th successful no near death incident A - ranked mission. Kakashi already had his hands blooded so many time when he was Naruto's age. He was taking missions and fighting in enemy territory. It was war. God forbid if he ever cried like that even when he suffered a ghastly cut . He never got the chance to be a child. A normal one. He was always the genius. The prodigy. And his father had trained him since the day he could walk. Crying was never an option. You man up and fight.

But now that he looked at little Naruto , he felt fear thinking about this little boy , all by himself fighting against enemy nins ten times his size or even going on simple missions because there was likely chance that he could be hurt. The boy was too innocent and pure to be put out in a world full of blood shed and pain. Kakashi knows that even if he wanted to he can't keep Naruto away from the shinobi world all his life but he could try to preserve the boy's innocence and light for as long as could. He tightened his hold around Naruto and looked down at the adorable face. Kakashi smiled.

' I never going to let anything happen to you ever ' Kakashi said in his head looking down at Naruto, ' Anything that tries to hurt would have to go over my dead body to even touch you.'

It was all great and good untill Kakashi realised that the boy was so much peacefully asleep that he had drooled over Kakashi's white t-shirt. If there were cute and adorable moments in caring for a kid then there this things as well. Kakashi grabbed a kerchief and cleaned up Naruto's face before getting up and going to the bedroom. He bend forward to lay down Naruto but the boy's grasp on his t shirt became more tight he didn't wanna let go. So Kakashi decided to lay down with him. He pulled the covers over both their bodies. Naruto was fast asleep on his chest , clutching his t-shirt . What Kakashi found even more adorable was the fact that while Naruto had fisted him t-shirt, he had firmly planted his thumb in his mouth. The kid was truly adorable. But Kakashi made a mental note to wean the kid off this habit but right now it didn't matter.

Right now anything that gave Naruto comfort was going to be allowed.

Chapter Text

It's been a week since Naruto had partially recovered from the injuries. The bandages were removed , his bruises mostly recovered and he seemed to be getting back in good shape. His first week with Kakashi had been a sweet mess , the first few days were spent in buliding trust because Naruto seemed to think that Kakashi will leave him any minute and Kakashi had to spent a hell lot of time making sure that Naruto understand that he will never leave. The adjustment for now was that Naruto slept on the bed while Kakashi slept on the couch but that was just a ruse because only God can explain how they both ended up on Kakashi's bed with Naruto snuggled to his side while he held the boy in his arms as they both slept.

On day two , Kakashi decided to take Naruto back to Naruto's old apartment to pick up a few things that the boy insisted on taking with him to his new home. They picked up a frog looking purse that Naruto had named Gama - Chan and few other things , all were put together in a box and taken to the new home. It was hard to find space for them. In a matter few minutes Kakashi's apartment looked a storm had struck. After labouring for about half an hour, they managed to find a place for everything. Naruto seems to be opening up to Kakashi in the past few days , as the boy recovered and began trusting Kakashi , he had switched from calling him ' Inu -San ' to calling him 'Nii - San' , which if you ask Kakashi sounded better as it gave him a sense of family. The Hokage has given Kakashi a month's time to settle with Naruto and then return to his duties. The settling process had proved to Kakashi that he needed a bigger place for the two of them. Naruto was growing child and Kakashi himself tired of the tiny space that they had to share , don't get him wrong he loved the kid to death but he can't exactly reach his infamous novels when Naruto was always around him.

Though Naruto's injuries were not a matter of concern anymore but the incident left a mark on the boy who always refused to go outside and when Kakashi insisted that they go out , Naruto would cling to his side as if his life dependent on it , he flinch at loud sounds , once he wrapped himself around Kakashi's leg when he thought someone was gonna attack him , all this often led to Kakashi picking up the boy in his arms and Naruto burying is head in Kakashi's shoulder, never to look up. That beat the whole point of going out. The only place that Naruto let go him was at Ichiraku Ramen, where the boy suddenly develops a appetite of nearly four grown men and quite literally inhales his food. Kakashi finds it amusing that this kid who refuses to eat all and any sort of vegetables that Kakashi had been trying to feed him could inhale that much food. Their experience of buying clothes was a pleasant one. Kakashi entered the shop that he himself used to buy clothes from when he was younger, he set Naruto down and asked the old lady to find him some clothes for a ten year old. The lady brought out a shirt to see the fit but as it turns out the shirt was too big on Naruto. The lady scolded Kakashi because Naruto was too small for a ten year old and after an giving an earful of lecture and some nice cookies to Naruto to took them both to a corner part of the shop to find Naruto something that might fit.

They ended up buying four pair of pants , six shirts , four shorts , two jumpsuits , four t-shirts and two pair of shoes and for the first time in many years Kakashi's purse felt light. But he didn't mind , he didn't spend a lot of money and had a huge amount of wealth stored away as the last Hatake alive. They spend their day buying Naruto essentials and then ended the with ramen.

At the end of the week Kakashi realised that now he had no there option than to find some other place to live where both him and Naruto can live comfortably. So after much though Kakashi came to a conclusion. He will reopen the Hatake Compound but that thought was scratched and then he came to the solution that he will refurbish the house that his mother left him. It was a beautiful house that his mother had purchased before he was born and before she had married his father when she was single kunoichi. After marriage she had taken the Hatake name and moved in the family compund with his father but she never sold the house , she wanted her first born to have it. Then Kakashi was born and she died few months later. All that was left by her to him was the house. He rarely ever entered the house , only when his father was alive that they both would go to occasionally clean up the house and after his father's death , Kakashi had never went that way.

The house was big enough for a family of six and huge for Kakashi and Naruto. It was six bedroom five bathroom house. Why his mother brought this house when she was an active duty shinobi is beyond him? It has a large kitchen and living room , a study , a huge library of scrolls and a big backyard and a beautiful front porch and garden. It was the perfect home to raise Naruto. After Minato and Kushina had married , they were looking for a house in the suburbs to start a family and Minato often dragged Kakashi with him to tour houses with the excuse of 'you will be the official big brother of the kids , ofcourse you will have a room at the house too' , and Kakashi would argue with ' I don't even live with you ' , to which Minato would reply , ' But you'll always have a room waiting for you'.

Kakashi smiled when he remembered those words. Who knew that Minato and Kushina would never get see their son grow up , they will never know Naruto's first steps , his first words , his first everything, they never see him graduate , they will never be witness to all those moments that parents look forward too. Kakashi will try his best fill the void but even he himself knows that he can't.

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Kakashi streached his arms , his hand was aching from all the paperwork. Shifting to his mother's house was more work than he thought. Years of tax piled one on other , wealth tax , municipal tax and what not , then the renovation expenses, application for water and gas supply , connecting the wastage line to the main one , a lot of paperwork regarding the adoption and after three hours Kakashi hand was aching. He looked down to see Naruto sprawled all over the rug , flat on his stomach , white sheets of paper were lying all over , crayons were everywhere , as the little blonde boy was scribbling and doodling on the paper. Naruto had tugged on Kakashi's arm several times when Kakashi had began working , asking him question and trying to help , finally Kakashi decided to give him few papers and crayons to occupy the boy.

"Naruto , what did you draw?" Kakashi asked the boy .

"Nothing " Naruto said , using his arms to hid the paper he working on.

"Oh ! C'mon, can't you show me ?"

Naruto hesitated a bit then he stood up with the paper clutched in his hand , he moved to stand in front of Kakashi and extended the paper to the older man. Kakashi took the paper , his eyes glistened with tears as he pulled the boy into his arms and wrapped the boy in a big hug. He pulled the boy into his lap , Naruto's back against his chest , both looked at the picture that Naruto had drawn.

It was more of a doodle than a picture but it was understandable. There was a sticky figure fighting what Kakashi presumed to be bad guys , the sticky figure had yellow hair and the doodle read , ' Cool Hokage'. It was drawing of Minato Sensei. Just a day ago Naruto was playing around the house when his eyes caught Kakashi genin team picture and then Naruto began pestering Kakashi to tell him more. Kakashi was reluctant, he didn't wish to relive his grief but the kid was too insistent, so Kakashi made him a deal , if he ate his vegetables then Kakashi would tell him a story about his team , each night at bedtime. Kakashi's story sessions had made Naruto belive that the Yondaime was the coolest Hokage to ever exist and he became Naruto's hero. Naruto pointed to Kakashi that he had the same hair as his hero. It pulled in Kakashi's heart , that he can't tell Naruto that it was own father.

Seeing the picture of Minato brought unwarranted tears to Kakashi's eyes. He held Naruto close to him. He owed it Minato. Naruto who was bit confused at the reaction , gently wiped the tears on Kakashi's face with his small hands , which brought Kakashi back to reality.
He looked down at Naruto and smiled.

"It's beautiful"

"Can you tell more ?" Kakashi pointed to the picture.

" It's the Yondaime sama , the coolest Hokage , here he's beating some bad guys , he's fast dattebayo he beat 'm all up alone and then ," Naruto looked up , " he saved the whole village ".

"That's super cool"

"Yup , and you know Nii -San when I am big like you and him , I become even stronger Hokage , dattebayo " Naruto said , producing a toothy grin , his fist in air.

"Ofcourse you will"

"Now , kiddo tell me how'd you feel about seeing the new house ?" Kakashi leaning on the couch.

"Can we go now ?"

"Sure , go get you jacket and shoes "

Kakashi cleaned the living room in a second , he's fast (Minato's student afterall) , he changed his clothes , helped Naruto put on the jacket and shoes , then they locked the doors and started walking. Kakashi held Naruto's hand in his. Since the incident Kakashi always insisted on having the kid in his sight all the times and holding his hand whenever they were out. Naruto was usually a hyperactive kid but after that night , he preferred to cling close to Kakashi. They walked a little outside the main village , past the Inuzuka Compund and a little farther , when the house came.

Naruto ran towards the door , his smile was big , this was their new house. It was big , like really big. He turned to give Kakashi a toothy grin. Kakashi followed after as they both ascended the porch steps too the front door.

"This is our house, it's really big , Nii -San"

"Wait till you see the backyard , kiddo"

Naruto was pumped up , as soon as Kakashi opened the door the boy ran down the hallway straight to the backyard , Kakashi faintly smiled and yelled for Naruto to slow down but the boy would listen as he ran to backyard. It was big backyard with a tree that had a swing , and Naruto loved swings. He ran to the swing and sat on it , pushing himself back and forth. Kakashi stood on the patio looking at the kid , Naruto looked so happy , it was huge yard , and after being couped up in the small apartment it was usual for the kid to run around. Kakashi had heard that having a kid was tiring , kids were big balls of never ending energy , they were messy , loud and needed space to play around and after spending a week with Naruto he can partially agree.

His biggest task in the apartment was to entertain the ten year old , who got bored easily . Kakashi gave him papers to draw on but that didn't last long , than the kid started running around the house just to fall and hit his already injured head on the coffee table , that was a good hour of Naruto bawling his eyes out and Kakashi trying his best to comfort the kid , then Kakashi decided to take him to buy some toys to keep him occupied, that worked well but in a matter of an hour his whole living room was toys , toys everywhere , even after all this the boy was still not one but tired and Kakashi felt like crashing down. After a lot of critical thinking he decided to take Naruto to the park near the third Street , where there were usually less people and Naruto would feel comfortable. The boy took the opportunity and after what felt like an eternity, a very tired looking boy marched up to Kakashi , slowly rubbing his eye with his fist , he mumbled, 'wanna go home ' , Kakashi took the cue and scooped the boy up in his arms , soon Naruto was asleep.

The visit to the house was successful, Naruto had tired himself out and Kakashi had to carry the kid all the way back at home. He tucked in Naruto and then changed himself. He eyed the clock, it was only half past four , Naruto could use a afternoon nap , and he could work in silence and maybe if he could complete the work before Naruto got up then they can go out for dinner tonight. After all , they will be moving in the new house in about a four days to be precise.

Chapter Text

Kakashi finished stacking up the paperwork and secured them all in a file before arranging the said file on top of his stack of other mission files on his desk. He had finished the work faster than he thought he would , the silence that graced the living room since he put Naruto down for a nap was effective in providing him just the right environment to finish the work. He decided to check on the boy before starting to work on dinner.

Kakashi walked towards his room and slowly opened the door , the room was fairly dark with sun slowly fading in the evening , he glanced at the small figure that lay under the covers and smiled. Naruto lay sprawled horizontal across the bed , the comforter under which he was put lay tangled in his feet , Kakashi knew that the boy was not a still sleeper untill he had something or someone to hold onto , so Kakashi had put extra pillows on both sides of the bed to make sure that Naruto didn't hit his head of happens to roll over and fall. Kakashi swiftly moved forward to adjust the boy back in the right position and left him with a soft kiss to his forehead.

He had just began preparing dinner when he heard noises outside his apartment door , he put down the bowl and walked near the door. There were many people outside , talking , laughing , jabbing and joking among eachother, Kakashi squinted his right eye and peeked through the peephole , he sighed as saw the crowd.

" Hey Kakashi ! Open the door, will ya ! We know you are home " , Asuma's voice came from the other side as he banged his fist on the door , his cigarette in his other hand.

"Don't bang the door , Asuma " Kurenai said , the sensible one , Kakashi thought , untill , " Hatake ! If you don't open the damn door , I will knock the whole thing off it's hinges"

"Kurenai tells the truth , my eternal rival , we are here to see the little ball of youthful energy that you have adopted " came Gai's voice , over energetic as usual.

"Yeah Hatake ! Open the door" came another voice , that belonged to Anko.

Kakashi sighed , his so called friends were gonna wake Naruto up just by their loud mouths , he opened the door and the crowd pushed pass him into his own apartment, in little to no time , the living room was filled with people. Gai , Kurenai and Asuma sat on the couch , Genma , Hayate and Yugao took the sofa , while Anko settled herself in the bean bag , that Kakashi didn't know he had , there was no place left for him so he pulled a chair from the kitchenette and took a seat.

" How come you didn't tell us you were taking in a kid " It was Anko who started the conversation blatantly .

" Because I didn't feel the need too"

"Oh come on Kakashi ! My love , don't act so rude just because we didn't do it last night" Anko spoke cheekily, she had made it a habit to play this joke with Kakashi. He didn't get mad and sometimes he even played along.

" Correction baby , You didn't do it , I on the other hand had a hell of a night with a uptown beauty" Kakashi played along.

Asuma and Hayate hooted , as Gai got up to get everyone beer. It was a sort of tradition among the Jonins , especially Kakashi's classmates who made it there unofficial mission to try and include Kakashi in a semblance of social life , so whenever they gathered unannounced as the friends they are , none of them bothered before going up to the fridge to grab a beer , they knew Kakashi didn't mind , infact he kinda liked it having people around , but he wouldn't admit it but still he kept enough alcohol in the house to last his friends , because he knew they somehow always showed up. It was also a running joke , ' we come here to drink free beer ' , once Asuma had said. They had laughed.

As soon as Gai got the beer , the mood was set , Yugao pulled out a deck of cards and a game of friendly gambling had began with notes lying on the kitchen table , they were laughing , yelling , and all in all having fun. In between the conversation after the initial discussion about Naruto , the party seemed to have forgotten about the napping boy . They were all swayed into the feel of the game, the beer and the songs that a very drunk Genma had started singing. The dinner lay forgotten in the kitchen, even Kakashi had succumbed into the feel of the time. Forgive him to enjoy a little , afterall he was young himself , twenty five , to be exact.

All this loud noises made the little blonde boy stir in bed , he slowly sat up , squinting his eyes he looked around the dark room , he must have fallen asleep he thought. He pulled the covers off and slowly got down , he could hear the loud voices from the living room but he still wasn't fully awake , his eyes squinted , his hair tousled , he slowly began walking towards the living room. Naruto had woken up abruptly from the noises and he still wasn't fully awake , he wanted to find Nii -San.

"Nii -San" Naruto called for Kakashi.

The voices of his friends were so loud that Kakashi couldn't hear the little voice calling for him , he sat firmly in his place , he had just gotten a good hand and he wasn't gonna loose to lousy Hayate in the final round , it was his money in the bowl , not that he cared about it , but he still had a inborn streak to win.

Naruto made it to the living room and upon seeing the crowd he hid in the hallway, he was half - asleep and he wanted his Nii -San, all these people drinking, the dimmed light, the cards , all formed a flashback back of the night he was beaten , it send Naruto in a state of paralysis, he felt as if was right there again , in the middle of the angry mob , too weak to defend himself , too small to fight back , he was all alone , he was going to die. Pain struck him , he sat down on the floor and pulled his knees to chest , covering his head with his arms , his breathing hitched , he was gasping for air , his eyes were filled with tears.

All the Jonins in the room perked up at the new presence in the room and it was Kakashi who quickly got up upon seeing his baby brother in this state , he was quick to understand what was happening to Naruto , he knew this scene was too similar to trigger an panic attack , he yelled at himself for forgetting about Naruto.

Kakashi reached the boy and rubbed his back , telling him to breathe slowly, but it didn't work , Kakashi pulled the boy into his arms and stood up , balancing the boy in one arm and using the other to rub soothing circle around Naruto's back , he was shushing the boy with words of comfort , telling him to breathe with him. All the other Jonin in the room were dumbstruck to see the Copy Ninja comforting a little boy. None of them had expected Kakashi to take the role of a loving guardian but he seemed to fit into it naturally. He got Naruto settled down , and eyed his friends to clean up the mess. He was rocking the boy as his friends cleaned up.

"Shh...it alright...I've got you , no one's gonna hurt.. Nii -San will keep you safe " , Kakashi was whispering to Naruto in soft tone to soothe the boy as he held him. Naruto had calmed down enough , his breathing had come back to normal , now he lay his head on Kakashi's shoulder , tears dried up on his cheeks as his older brother paces around the room with him , ordering around the bunch of unknown people.

After the room was cleaned up , and there was no trace of alcohol left , everybody settled in their seats , all the Jonins eyed little Naruto. Kakashi sat down on the couch with Naruto in his lap , the boy hid his face in Kakashi's chest , he didn't like the strangers, he fisted Kakashi's shirt , in turn Kakashi wrapped his arms around the boy , hiding him in his embrace.

"Guys , this is Naruto , Naruto these are my friends" Kakashi introduced each one of them to Naruto , as Naruto popped his little head out of hiding and looked at them before hiding in Kakashi's chest once again , this actions made the Jonins coo at the adorable boy.

"Don't hog the kid all to yourself, Hatake " Anko said , before snatching Naruto right from his arms into hers . This was a bad move. Naruto wasn't very receptive to strangers and this sudden momentum had Naruto on the brink of tears , reaching his arms out to Kakashi , he wanted his Nii -San , his half asleep state made him even more adorable. When Naruto struggled and didn't get out of Anko's grip , few tears rolled down his cheeks, 'wan Nii -San ' he cried , Kakashi took the que and grabbed Naruto , settling the boy back in his previous position. Everybody in the room awed when Naruto snuggled into Kakashi's chest.

"Look , my eternal rival's youthful baby brother is extremely adorable , I must say your love for my eternal rival is so pure" Gai said. Everybody agreed.

It took a little while for Naruto to warm up to the people in the room. Though he had turned to face everybody, he still refused to leave Kakashi's lap , he eyed each one of them , he nodded shyly whenever they started a conversation with him , he didn't like many people , and right now there tiny living room was filled with people. Naruto looked up to Kakashi as he engaged in a conversation about the there new living arrangement.

"So you're opening the Compund" Yugao asked.

"No , we are moving to the suburbs down the Inuzuka Compund"

"You still got that house" Hayate asked , little bit surprised before he could say further a look from Kakashi silenced him.

"So it's settled then , drinks on Kakashi this weekend" , it was Anko who spoke.

"What drinks ?"

"She is right my eternal rival, you are moving and it goes unasked that we will help you to move"

"Consider this our price , Hatake " Asuma said.

"Oh ! I'll help you redecorate the house if you want , you know work the female magic " Kurenai added.

"Sure , since all of you have invited yourself , than meet me tomorrow at the ramen shop at lunch"

"That works , none of us have any missions till the next week" Kurenai said.

"Good " Everybody added.

The conversation went for another hour , it bored Naruto to the point were the boy had began playing with hem of his own shirt , fiddling his finger waiting for the guests to leave , he even played with Kakashi's hand in the meantime. His actions though he thought were subtle caught the attention of everyone in the room. They all cooed and awed but only Kakashi sensed the uneasiness of the boy. So , he quickly wrapped up the gathering and politely ushered his friends out with the reason of lots of work.

He stood in the hallway with Naruto in his arms , he waved his friends hoping Naruto would the action but the boy kept his head buried in Kakashi's shoulder . All of them left and Kakashi entered the house. He sat Naruto down of the sofa and kneeled down to his level.

"I am sorry for that kiddo , they are not bad people but that must have been too much " he apologized to the boy who accepted his apology with a wide grin and a quick hug.

" So , how was your nap , you slept well?"

" Yep , but 'm hungry"

Kakashi looked at the clock and then turned to Naruto.

"Why don't you play with your toys while make us some dinner , huh " Kakashi said , ruffling the boy's hair.

Naruto nodded before he ran off to the corner in the living room where the box that held his toys was kept. He sat down on the floor and in a matter of mere one minute, there were lots of toys sprawled all across the living room floor. Kakashi began making dinner , he took glances at Naruto every once in a while , smiled , the boy was enjoying some game. The food was prepared in an hour's and half.

"Naruto ! Dinner's ready " Kakashi called up .

The boy ran to the kitchenette, Kakashi made him wash his hands at the sink , before he set a plate of food in front of Naruto. They both ate their food and after dinner , Kakashi sent Naruto to change to his night suit , while he himself cleaned up the living room. Naruto changed quickly and walked into the living room , to follow their bedtime ritual. It went something like this , after dinner Naruto would change into night suit , while Kakashi completes the cleaning , then Kakashi would guide the boy to brush his teeth and go use the washroom , after that Kakashi would tuck in the boy and tell him a bedtime story till the boy fell asleep. They completed the bedtime ritual and after Naruto was well tucked in and sound asleep , Kakashi walked into the living room and sat on the couch.

He pulled out his infamous novels, god knows where he is hiding them , with a very curious Naruto running all round the apartment. He began reading them with leisure, enjoying every part of the alone time. He had thought about putting a different cover on the book and reading it around the house , but cancelled that idea , even the thought of pure little innocent Naruto looking at this inappropriate literature made Kakashi's soul shiver, he almost imagine , Kushina descending from above and beating the hell out of him for corrupting her little baby.

After finishing a chapter Kakashi shut the book and it was sealed in its secret place . After changing himself , Kakashi entered the room , Naruto was on the edge of the bed , his foot was hanging down. Kakashi smiled and gently moved the foot back on bed before laying down on Naruto's side. As soon as Naruto felt his Nii -San 's presence, he turned around and buried himself in Kakashi's chest, Kakashi wrapped his arm around the boy , trying not to wake him up.

"Sleep well , little one " Kakashi pressed a kiss to Naruto's forehead and let sleep take over him with Naruto securely snuggled into his chest.

They both slept well.

Chapter Text

Moving day was half hilarious and half tiring. With seven to eight people helping with their ninjutsu , scrolls and seals , the moving was complete by the evening. Kakashi treated everyone to a fine dinner , that was ordered from Ichiraku Ramen. Talking about the day , it was hilarious to watch Asuma trying to light up even a single cigarette in the house before Kakashi came out of the blue and took the cigarette crushing it under his shoes and telling Asuma , 'there is a kid in the house for god's sake'. Kurenai had redecorated the house in a such a neat and beautiful manner that it was wonder that a woman had helped because no man can come up such ideas. Gai had taken it upon himself to fix the fences in the backyard and had spend the entire day in the glaring sun fixing up the front and back yard , Yugao and Hayate had taken it as there responsibility to fix whatever problem that they may find in the room they walked in , Genma and Anko had declared themselves the proud responsibility holders of the kitchen and dinning area , while Kakashi had found himself supervising and making sure his friends don't add up on his expenses.

That left Naruto to his own devices but that didn't work well because seeing the crowd he again clung close to Kakashi. Kakashi tried to gently nudge the kid to go play in the backyard and it proved to be a successful plan untill Kakashi decided to go check up on Naruto only to find him having befriended Gai and an over enthusiastic Gai tossing the kid high in the air and catching him before he hit the floor. That scene had Kakashi near a heartattack as he ran towards them and grabbed Naruto from Gai . He spent a good hour lecturing Gai that's not how you handle kids after that he took the boy to the an empty room and gave him a bunch of crayons and paper told the boy to draw.

"It's not how you fix a broken cupboard " Asuma said holding a screwdriver in his hand.

"I've been fixing stuff since I was five , Asuma , please enlighten me with a better way " Kakashi spoke , tightening the last loose screw.

They were in a petty argument about handyman stuff since lunch , Asuma believed he was better equipped with the knowledge while Kakashi boasted of an experience of fixing stuff since he was five. They were both in a sort of race to fix the most things in the house and by now that had opened and fixed four perfectly good basin pipes , six plug inlets , five doors and every single creaky cupboard in the house. Now finally they arguing over the kitchen cupboard which Kakashi fixed , hence giving him a lead by three.

"Doesn't matter the right , it's fixed that's all it matters " Kurenai played the peacemaker.

"Fine " both of them replied.

Yugao and Hayate walked into the kitchen and pulled out two chilled beer from the cooler that Kakashi bought with him.

" Taking a break already? " Genma asked .

"It's like nearly four thirty"

" Yep and it's too hot"

"Pass me one too" Anko streched her hand.

Kakashi moved to the cooler and pulled out a chilled beer himself and gulped it down in a matter of few seconds.

"WOH ! WOH! Kakashi no need to be hasty , there's gonna be penalty for everyone, you know " Kurenai said.

"Not being hasty Kurenai , I gotta get Naruto to eat something too and that's a battle in itself"

"How hard can it be to feed a kid " Asuma laughed , his arm around Kurenai.

"Have you ever tried feeding Naruto , that kid won't eat anything apart from ramen "

"Come on it can't be that hard , he is like what five , get him some orange juice and animal crackers kids love that "

"Oh just wait and watch. I bet you a months paycheck , he won't eat without putting up a fuss "

"Alright, and if I get him to eat without a fuss , you will pay me thrice the price of every single cigarette of mine you have wasted today added to the pay check "

"Deal"

Both men shook firm hands.

A betting pool began as Kakashi left to get Naruto.

Kakashi walked into the room that he had left Naruto in but the boy nowhere near in sight. There were papers , doodles and crayons everywhere but there was no sign of the kid. Kakashi moved to check in the adjacent bathroom but still no sign.

"Naruto"

"Naruto"

Kakashi yelled for the boy but no response came. Hearing Kakashi everybody came into the room.

"I left him here , he must have wandered off somewhere in the house , everyone spread out and search" Kakashi ordered.

Everyone was looking for Naruto , every room was inspected , every nook and corner of the house was checked but the boy was not found. Kakashi was worrying now , it wasn't evident on his face but he was still worried like hell. Where was the boy ? Was he alright? Did he hurt himself? Did need Kakashi? There were numerous questions but no answer.

"Found him" came Kurenai's voice and a sense of relief washed over Kakashi.

Kurenai walked into the living room with asleep boy in her arms and handed him over the Kakashi , who inspected the boy for any scratch at all before hugging him tight to his chest and pressing a kiss to his forehead , he slowly whispered to the kid , ' don't scare me like that '.

"So where'd you find him?"

"He was curled up asleep in the fourth bedroom"

"He must've tired himself out by playing with Gai and it was afternoon noon anyway , a nap was inorder"

Kakashi slowly rubbed the boy's back to wake him up , Naruto stirred a little before he opened his eyes and looked at Kakashi. Naruto was not a big fan of waking up mid nap and Kakashi was well aware of that , but he needed to get food into Naruto. Today had done a good job of acquainting Naruto with most of his friends. Naruto liked Gai , Kurenai and Genma , he sort of liked Yugao and Hayate , Asuma had taken up to teasing the boy , and Naruto felt angry at Anko because she tried too cling close to his Nii -San, which Naruto didn't like.

"Hey buddy, how about we eat something, huh? " Kakashi spoke softly as he walked towards the kitchen with everyone following suit.

Naruto who was pretty much still in a bit of sleepy state was sat on the kitchen counter as Kakashi reached for a box in the cooler. He pulled out a plastic container which had cut up fruits in it and an apple juice box . Kakashi sat Naruto on a stool before putting the now open container of fruits in front of the boy.

"No , not that , first you eat some fruits " Kakashi said , taking the juice box in his hand as Naruto reached for it.

Naruto looked at Kakashi , sporting a cute pout before he reached in the container and ate few pieces of cut up fruits.

"No more " said , Naruto , the container still more than half filled.

"Finish it up kiddo" Kakashi said , putting the juice box back in the cooler.

"But I am full " Naruto argued , folding his arms in a defiant fashion.

Kakashi smirked , it was the beginning of disaster, he turned to Asuma , who took the que of his turn.

" Let me handle this " Asuma said , " Listen here , Naruto , if you eat up the whole container than I'll tell you a secret"

Naruto looked up to Asuma and thought a bit , while Asuma smirked and turned to glance at Kakashi, who himself was sporting a content sly smile.

"NO ! NO SECRET!" Naruto yelled and covered his ears with his hands.

"Then what about candy ?" Asuma added to the bait.

Naruto looked at Kakashi and then at Asuma and then at the container. He wanted candy but also knew from spending the day with his Nii -San's friends that Asuma was big meanie to him and was teasing him since morning , so agreeing to anything Asuma said was big no no to Naruto. And anyhow Naruto was full , he just wanted the juice.

"No! " Naruto bopped his head in refusal.

Asuma surrendered and Kakashi re - entered the battlefield. First he made all his friends leave the kitchen , his chances with Naruto agreeing were a lot higher when it was just the two of them , then Kakashi pulled a stool and sat beside Naruto , turning the boy so that Naruto was facing him.

"Alright, how about I eat one and then you eat one and it will all be complete in no time and then you can have your juice " Kakashi suggested.

Naruto nodded.

This plan went good for a while but then when there were only like pieces left Naruto turned his head in refusal . No more he said. Kakashi tried to feed the last three pieces with his hand , he held them to Naruto's mouth but the boy wouldn't budge. After hard work and tears , the container was empty and Naruto had tears rolling down his cheeks as he chewed up the last piece of watermelon. Kakashi rubbed his back as he ate , trying to console him with the promise of the juice box. After it was all finshed Kakashi shut the container and put it back in , he picked up the boy and held the juice box to him.

"Good Job " he said , ruffling the boy's hair as he set him on his feet and handed him the juice box .

______________________________________________________

After dinner everyone had left and Naruto and Kakashi were on there own. Kakashi was cleaning up the leftover dishes that were used , and Naruto was playing in the living room. After finishing his work Kakashi came to living room and sat on the couch. He looked at Naruto , the kid needed a bath. He was covered in dried up sweat and dirt , a consequence of playing in the backyard with Pakkun and the others. Kakashi decided to add a bath to today's bedtime ritual, so he got up and went upstairs to turn on the geezer. While the water was warming up , he decided to prepare the bed.

After some fifteen minutes he yelled , "Naruto ! Time for bed ".

He heard the boy race upstairs and yelled again for him to slow down , they had doctor's appointment tomorrow and he didn't want to show up with a injured Naruto.

Naruto got upstairs, he helped the boy take off his clothes and get into the tub. It was not new to Kakashi , he had done this before as well when the boy was injured , and Naruto didn't mind either. It was sort of comforting for Naruto to have someone who was always looking out for him , and Kakashi was hell bent on giving the kid a semblance of family , love , care and belonging. Naruto always made Kakashi smile with his childish request of bath toys. Four days ago when they were the market buying essentials , Naruto had shown a liking to the 'Floating Kunai Boat' and Kakashi hadn't thought much before buying that and some other bath toys. If Naruto liked it then he didn't have a problem. As the sat in the bathtub, Kakashi passed him the 'Floating Kunai Boat' and the Water Chunin. Naruto took it as his job to sink the boat but no matter how much he tried , it still came up. Kakashi took a mug and poured water over Naruto's head , soaking the boy's hair.

"The evil 'Floating Kunai Boat' is attacking , BAM ! BAM!", Naruto held the boat in one and the Water Chunin in other , "Here comes the Water Chunin, KAPOW! ", Naruto splashed the water as he hit the water chunin toy straight into the boat.

Kakashi laughed as water splashed out of the tub onto his shirt , he quickly finished the bath and pulled the boy out of the tub and wrapped him in a fluffy towel before taking another towel to dry his hair. He helped the boy into his nighttime clothes and then they finished rest of the bedtime ritual. After that Kakashi picked up a very sleepy kid and walked to the boy's new room , he pulled the sheets and lay the boy down before tucking him in. Kakashi sat beside him , his hand caressing the blonde hair as began the story by the time he was midway he saw the boy sleeping soundly. Kakashi stood up and bend to press a kiss to Naruto's forehead , he put the pillows around the boy , turned off the light and left.

______________________________________________________

Kakashi himself changed clothes and was preparing the file for tomorrow's doctor appointment, gathering receipt of medicine, doctor's prescription and x - ray , scan results , test results. A mid his work he heard the door bell ring , Kakashi put the file aside and jogged downstairs to open the door.

Knock .

Knock.

"Coming"

Kakashi swung the door open to find a very distressed and nervous chunin standing at his door with little gift wrapped box in his hands.

"Sorry for the inconvenience, Hatake -San , I am Umino Iruka " , the chunin spoke.

"Sure , Naruto's academy Sensei " Kakashi extended his hand.

They shook hands but Kakashi seemed to have overpowered the firm grip.

" Naruto hasn't been comming to the academy so I thought I check up on him , but when I went his apartment it was all empty , then Hokage Sama told me , Naruto has been adopted by you , so I came here to visit him with a little gift "

"Thank You Umino - San , but Naruto is already asleep , come in for some tea if you don't mind "

"Oh no. no.no. Thank You for the offer Hatake - San , but I'll just drop this by for Naruto and leave "

Iruka extended the gift.

"How about you come and give to him tomorrow when he is awake , afterall I can sense you want to make sure that he is alright here "

Iruka pulled back the present , nodded his head and took a leave. Kakashi shut the door locked as he saw the chunin going away.

______________________________________________________

After finishing his work Kakashi lay down in his bed , reading the Icha Icha Paradise novel in the light of the lamp , when he heard a voice in the hallway. Kakashi sighed and put the novel in his bedside drawer before getting up and walking into the hallway. There was whimpering Naruto , tangled in the blanket , walking slowly , hugging his pillow to his chest , tears rolling down his eyes as he called out for Kakashi.

Kakashi moved to the hallway and flipped the lights on , he picked up Naruto and deposited the tangled blanket in the boy's bedroom before taking the kid to his own. He crawled under the covers with the child in his arms , rubbing the boy's back as he shushed him. Soon Kakashi managed to settle the boy back into slumber but the kid ended up sticking his thumb in his mouth , Kakashi tried to pull it out but the boy whimpered and put it back in , Kakashi decided it was a matter of question tomorrow with the doctor.

Pulling the boy to his chest Kakashi, shut the lights off and fell asleep himself. Tomorrow is doctor's appointment.

Chapter Text

Kakashi streched his arms as he made his way to the bathroom to freshen up. He had woken up later than he thought he would. And when he did woke up , it was hard to get off the bed with Naruto snuggled to his side, clutching his t-shirt, he had heard time slowly trying to uncurl the little boy's grip , not wanting to wake him up and finally after fifteen minutes of tedious quiet work , he had managed to free himself. Kakashi decided that he would wake Naruto up after he had himself freshened up. Kakashi did a quick job of brushing and showering and getting dressed for the day in the standard jonin uniform, within an forty five minutes.

Tying his hitai - ate to cover his sharingan and styling his sliver hair , Kakashi walked out of the bathroom and eyed the clock. It was nearly ten in the morning. They had to be at the appointment at eleven, so this meant , he had an hour to wake up Naruto and prepare some breakfast before they have to go. Kakashi made a quick action plan in his head , they will be ready to leave the house fifteen minutes before eleven.

Kakashi moved near the bed and sat down , he moved his hand to gently rub Naruto's back.

"Hey kiddo , time to wake up " , he tried to keep his voice as gentle as possible.

" 'nno , wan more sleep" Naruto spoke , burying his head in the pillow.

"I made your favourite breakfast" Kakashi threw some bait.

"Ramen" Naruto suddenly sat up , looking at Kakashi.

Kakashi chuckled.

"Yup , but it would get cold if you don't freshen up and come downstairs for breakfast"

That was enough encouragement for the boy who jumped off the bed to the bathroom to freshen up. Kakashi also made his way downstairs fast to make good on his promise. He pulled out two instant ramen cups from the cupboard and heated up some water and began preparing some coffee for himself. He was just about done preparing the breakfast when he heard Naruto running down the stairs.

"Naruto , don't run" Kakashi yelled from the kitchen.

Naruto entered the kitchen , he was wearing an off white t-shirt with the red uzumaki swirl on the back and a blue pair of pants , he was sported a big smile as he walked past the kitchen island and wrapped his arms around Kakashi's waist to hug him.

"Good Morning, Nii -San", Naruto said.

Kakashi wrapped his free arm around the boy to hug him back.

"Good Morning to you too Naruto" Kakashi said smiling.

Kakashi set the breakfast on the island and both of them sat down to eat.

"So Naruto , today we are going to the doctor's remember?"

" Why Nii -San, I am all good", Naruto mumbled.

Kakashi knew that the boy didn't like going outside much and not to the doctor's especially because they weren't nice him. Nice was very far away word , they were downright cruel to Naruto. Kakashi had done his research for the doctor , he had contacted his old friend from ANBU , who retired from her ANBU career and was working at the hospital as a pediatrician. He had told her everything about Naruto and she had happily agreed to do a check up . He knew that she was not like the other villagers and she won't be treating Naruto badly. The only task now was to convince the boy to go the hospital.

"I know you are all good kiddo , but a check- up wouldn't hurt anyone , even I will have one , and after that if you like we can go to the park" Kakashi spoke trying to convince the boy.

Naruto stopped eating and thought for a moment , he was weighing the cons and the pros in his head.

"Can we get some popsicle after ?" Naruto asked looking at Kakashi with his adorable big blue eyes.

"Ofcourse "

And so it was set , they were going to the doctor's. They both finished up eating and Kakashi cleaned up after he told Naruto to go grab his jacket and wait for him at the door. After cleaning up the kitchen , he moved to the foyer , where he saw Naruto putting on his shoes. Kakashi himself put on his own shoes and then helped Naruto put on the jacket after which he locked the door and moved down front porch taking Naruto's hand in his his.

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Kakashi firmly held Naruto's hand as they both walked towards the village, the boy had a tendency to run off when he found they were in a quiet area or when he saw something that caught his eye and it happened so much often when they were in people less places like this that Kakashi had to made sure that the kid doesn't run off from his sight into the forest , or fall and hurt himself or worst get lost.

They walked to the village and as they neared the crowded areas , Kakashi could feel Naruto clinging close to him , the boy's free hand was fisting Kakashi's pant as the boy tried to hid his face in Kakashi's side. To an onlooker who was new to the village , it seemed like a extremely adorable and cute sight to see the little boy trying to hide in his older brother's side but Kakashi knew better ,it was because of the disgusted and cruel look on the villager's faces , the whispers that caused Naruto to feel uncomfortable and afraid , that made him wanna hide. Kakashi felt anger surge through him , he loved how his little brother trusted him enough to cling close to him but he hated the fact that the villagers would treat Naruto in such a manner. He was just a little boy who didn't even understand why they all treated him with such malice , why they hated him so much ? The look that Kakashi gave the villagers spelled his intenta clear , ' Touch my kid and I'll rip you to pieces '.

As they moved down the main lane towards the hospital , Kakashi picked up the boy in his arms. Naruto was silent , his arms were wrapped around Kakashi's neck while he lay his head of Kakashi's shoulder, Kakashi held the boy with one hand and balanced him with the other. Kakashi wanted Naruto to regain his carefree persona , unafraid and always pulling pranks. It's not like he hated carrying the kid , heck he loved it , he loved to hold his baby brother in his arms , he loved the kid but he wanted the boy to retain his earlier personality of not being afraid and again develop that loud and hyperactive personality of his. The incident had left a huge mark on the boy and it was affecting him.

They soon reached the hospital. It was eleven correct. The man on the reception told them that Dr. Hasegawa was waiting for them in her office , sixth room on the first floor. Kakashi moved through the busy hallway towards the pre designated room where the door plate read ,"Dr. Michiko Hasegawa". He entered the room with the boy in his arms.

"Ohayo, Michiko - kun" , Kakashi said , extended his hand.

"Ohayo, Kakashi - kun", Michiko said , returning the handshake.

"This is Naruto " , Kakashi spoke , introducing his little brother who buried his head in his older brother's shoulder.

" Well it looks like , Naruto - chan doesn't like me much Kakashi - kun " Michiko said , with chuckle.

Naruto jerked his head up at the comment to look at her , his face was looked adorable as his floppy hair covered his eyes.

" Sorry , Michiko - San , 'm didn't wanna hur' u " Naruto spoke .

His made both the adults in the room smile.

"You didn't hurt me Naruto - chan " Michiko said , ruffling the boy's hair.

"Alright , let's begin with the check up, firstly Kakashi - kun you have put Naruto down , so I can examine him" Michiko said looking at the pair of brothers.

Kakashi set Naruto down on his feet for the check - up but the boy refused to let go of him , his hand fisted Kakashi's vest and he looked up at the older man with a look of hope and cuteness mixed in one that Kakashi's heart melt , he looked at the doctor , "can't there be a way I could hold him and you could still do the check up ".

"Well , you can hold the kid during blood - test but after that he has to stand alone " .

"So let's begin with the blood test , then"

Kakashi picked up the boy again and sat down on the chair that the doctor pointed to , he sat Naruto in his lap sideways , the kid was pressed against his chest. As the doctor moved towards them , with wet cotton she asked Naruto to strech out his arm , he did and she rubbed the wet cotton on the place where they find nerves. After that she reached for her syringe and as she was about to take Naruto's blood the boy jerked his hand back to himself.

Michiko was used to such reactions, so she gently grabbed Naruto's arm and pulled it out to get the boy's attention.

"Naruto - chan , I won't lie to you , it will hurt a little bit , just like a pinch but then it will go away " , she said , " And to tell you a secret, I am the fastest medic nin around here , so you won't even notice how fast this test is done "

Naruto nodded his head . Kakashi pulled his arm around the kid to hold him in position, while the kid hid his face in Kakashi's chest , and like Michiko said , it took less than thirty seconds to complete the blood test , though a few tears were shed and then sweeped off, it was over. After the blood test , Naruto was set down to his own feet , it was time to take his height and weight measurements and then do the scoliosis test among other things , Kakashi sat on the chair he was sitting before while the doctor completed all the test , Naruto seemed to take a liking to her and opened up , she encouraged him after every test , ruffling his hair and smiling, Naruto felt good and so he complied with her. After taking all the test , they sat down for a talk waiting for the blood results , Naruto was sent off to the other room with some paper and crayons while the two adults talked on his health.

" So , what do you think ?" Kakashi asked.

" Well , his body has healed completely from the beating that night , which should be credited to the nine tails chakra healing but looking at his other health condition, he has some development issues , he is short and light for his age , an average child his age should be about 4 feet seven inch but he lags behind by three inch which I think he will recover once he hits puberty and as for his weight , it alarming, he is just two kg away from falling in the 5th percentile. To recover his physical health , I suggest I suggest eating nutritious food , vegetables, lean meat and milk. He is in the growing stage right now , So I suggest you make sure he drinks a glass of milk at breakfast and before bed , minimize on sugar and junk food and add fresh fruits to the diet"Michiko explained.

"I need to ask you something more , you see I don't know much about kids but I think that kids should stop sucking their thumb by four or five , right ?" Kakashi asked her.

"You are right, that is true but you see in Naruto's case I would say it's a coping mechanism, when adults go through something traumatising and mentally straining, they take to drinking and smoking as coping mechanisms but with children it's different, they can't process what's wrong and they seek comfort , it can be in any form , some kids prefer to have a plushie to sleep with , or they may even wet their bed , for some kids it's thumb sucking and I think dentally speaking, it's better to wean the boy off that habit".

" I see , so there's nothing wrong with him, right"

" Physically , he is going to be fine , but speaking of his mental health , as you told me he refuses to go outside and even when he does he refuses to let go off you , that is a concern , it seems that a fear has grounded itself in the boy's mind , he thinks that if he goes out he's going to end up in the same situation and you are not helping his condition either" Michiko said , eyeing the blood test report that was just given to her.

"What am I doing wrong ?" Kakashi asked.

" Well , for starters, you can't carry the kid around for the rest of his life , his dependency on you will not help him grow , you need to let him walk by himself. I know that you're concerned, hold his hand if you must but avoid carrying him unless he's tired or can't walk himself. He needs to gather back his confidence to be by himself in public. You are with him now but what happens when he goes back to the academy, he's going to be by himself and if he becomes a full time shinobi , then he can't have his big brother baby him , can he ?"

" I know you are right. But he's had a difficult life , he has never gotten the affection and love that every child takes for granted , he had never had anyone fuss over him and if I can give him the childhood that he deserves that I won't back down" , Kakashi said looking his friend in the eyes.

"I understand what you're doing, Kakashi but know this, he's young right now so it doesn't matter that you coddle him but in a few years when he hits teenage, there's gonna be certain skills that he would be expected to have and you coddling him would result in him not learning those skills. Coddling children ends up spoiling them or worse making them too much dependent on their caretaker, both of which are bad" she explained.

"So you're saying that I shouldn't love him?"

" No , I am saying that you should keep a firm hand raising that kid , he's not a normal kid , he's the Jinchuruki of Kyubi and whether we like it or not he's gonna have to fight for himself and if you raise a little spoiled baby than it's not going he good for the kid or anyone , love him I say and coddle him if you want for a few years but make sure you don't spoil or make the kid dependent".

" Alright "

" As for the blood test results , he isn't suffering from anything serious , no diseases were found , he's good to go but make sure you bring him in for check ups every once in a while".

" Thank You , Michiko - kun " , Kakashi said , extending his hand.

"No problem, Kakashi - kun" , she said , returning the handshake.

They both moved from the office to the room where Naruto was. Michiko opened the door and both of them stood at the entrance looking at the kid who was too engulfed in his drawing that he didn't notice the two adults looking at him.

"Naruto , it's time to go" Kakashi said , smiling at the boy.

"Coming" Naruto said , gathering the paper and crayons.

That surprised Kakashi, Naruto never gathered his papers and crayons at home , he often left behind a mess for Kakashi to clean up but right now the boy gathered his papers and crayons and stacked them neatly before putting them on the desk in the corner before coming up to Kakashi. They all walked out to the office.

" So , Naruto - chan , since you were a good boy throughout the check - up I belive you deserve a candy", Michiko said , grabbed a candy from her desk drawer and extending it to the boy who stood clutching his brother's pant and hiding behind him.

"Go on take it " said Kakashi, when he saw that Naruto was looking up to him for approval.

The little blonde boy shyly extended his hand and took the candy and put it in his pocket. He then tugged at Kakashi's vest , who looked down to see the reached his arms with a 'pick me up' gesture with a little whisper of 'up' that only reached Kakashi's ears. He bend down and picked up the kid in his arms while earning a look from Michiko that he profusely ignored.

"We'll get going then" Kakashi said , looking at her before he shunshin - ed from the hospital with Naruto.

______________________________________________________

They reached the park as Kakashi had promised. He took Naruto to the park in the Second Street, there were less people in the park. He set the boy down to play while he took a seat on the bench overlooking the slides and swings. He watched as Naruto climbed up the bars and down , he kept an eye out for the kid to make sure he doesn't fall off the bars. After a while Naruto left the bars and went to the slides. So , Kakashi pulled out his book and began to read.

"I hope you don't reach such material in front of Naruto, Hatake - san" , came a voice.

Kakashi looked up to see Iruka coming his way.

"Iruka , take a seat" , said Kakashi putting the book back in as Iruka sat beside him.

" I heard that you and Naruto were here and I was on break so I thought , why not meet you both here"

"Sure , no problem, we came for Naruto's check up and then as I promised him to the park "

"He seems happy with you, Hatake - San" , Iruka said , looking over to his favourite student who hadn't yet noticed his presence.

" I try my best "

" I know I don't have a reason not to trust you but I have seen how people treat that boy and I know that I myself haven't been there for him all the time but I have tried my best. People tend to ignore him but he's a good kid , he just needs family and people who care about him"

" You care about him , I care about him and I am sure as he grows up , he's gonna have a lot of people on his side "said Kakashi.

"I hope so too , I wanted to take him in but my job didn't allow me to afford for a kid and they wouldn't approve me for adoption but now you have done it so I hope that you do a good job with him and never hurt him" Iruka said , looking straight into Kakashi's eyes.

"Are you threatening me , Iruka ?" Kakashi said jokingly as he stood up to his full height.

"No , no , Hatake - san , I just care about him alot" , Iruka said standing up himself.

"That's better" said Kakashi.

Both of them didn't notice that Naruto had seen Iruka and was now running in their direction.

"Iruka - Sensei!" yelped Naruto happily as he crashed into the chunin's waist.

" Nice to see you too , Naruto" , Iruka said , ruffling the boy's hair.

"Iruka - Sensei , meet my Nii -San, he's super strong and powerful and Nii -San meet Iruka - Sensei, he is very nice and good " , Naruto introduced two of the most important people in his life.

"Nice to meet you , Iruka " Kakashi extended his hand as he played along for Naruto.

"Nice to meet you too , Hatake - San" , Iruka said as he caught on the play.

" Iruka - Sensei , do you know that Nii -San bought lots of things , new clothes, new toys and we even have big house and Nii -San have lots and lots of dogs , who play with me and do you know Iruka - Sensei , we come to park alot too ," Naruto blabbered on telling Iruka every single detail of his new life with Kakashi.

The chunin listened with very much interest and nodded and commented every now and then.

"Naruto , I bought something for you?" Iruka said , pulling out a small box that he brought yesterday to the house.

"What is it ? What is it ? Tell me ?" , Naruto got excited.

" Here , open it " , Iruka said , giving it to the boy.

Naruto ripped through the packaging and opened the small box , it was a 'Omamori' , dark blue with golden embroidery.

" I want you to keep this on you all the time , it will protect when I can't " , Iruka explained as he tied the omamori to Naruto's jacket.

Naruto nodded as his sensei explained to him what it was and Kakashi smiled in the background as he saw the chunin and his little brother talk. After tying the omamori and telling Naruto to go off and play because Iruka needed to talk to Kakashi.

" Hatake -San, I am here for official duty as well " , Iruka said , " The Hokage has called for you tomorrow , he had asked for you to drop by his office".

"For what it may concern?" Kakashi asked.

" I do not know but had asked for you to come and not bring Naruto with you" , said Iruka.

After informing Kakashi , Iruka took his leave and left. Kakashi sat on the bench and spend the next hour reaching before he stood up and called for Naruto. The boy rushed up to him.

" Iruka - Sensei, left " Naruto said pouting.

" Why did you need something?"

" No I was gonna ask him to come with us for the popsicle" said , Naruto.

" Well , it looks like a popsicle wasn't in his luck , it's just the two of us then ", said Kakashi picking up the kid and walking to the popsicle stand.

After buying Naruto a popsicle, they both shunshin - ed to the top of the Hokage Monument where both of them are their popsicle. Kakashi looked at Naruto , he could see that the kid was tired , his eyes were becoming heavy and he was dozing in Kakashi's side , so Kakashi wrapped his arm around the boy. They sat there like these for ten minutes more before Kakashi felt that the boy has dozed off.

He looked down to see the boy's face. His mouth and hands were sticky and he had managed to drip the popsicle on his tshirt , there were little stains on his pants too from popsicle , Kakashi sighed , this will warrant a hell of a washing trip. But even though the boy was messy , it made him look adorable and innocent. Kakashi grabbed a kerchief and wipped Naruto's face and hands and then gathered the asleep boy in his arms. He looked up to the sky , as if he wanted someone to peek from up there to down here. He smiled further when Naruto unconsciously fisted his vest and burrowed further into his chest. Kakashi did a quick job of getting home and changing the kid's clothes and putting him down for a nap. It was nearly three in the afternoon and Kakashi thought it was fair anyway for the kid to nap right now afterall today had been a busy day.

Kakashi himself changed clothes and got up to doing chores around the house. He had to schedule for tomorrow. He thought that he could go to meet the Hokage tomorrow after putting Naruto down for a nap or he can ask Iruka to babysit the kid while he met the Hokage. Maybe he can get one of his friends to babysit. Well , he'll think about it later because he's got another important think tomorrow.

Tomorrow he was going to take Naruto to the graveyard and then to the memorial to meet his old team. He had debated within himself wheather he should or he shouldn't take Naruto to the graveyard but then he had decided that Rin and Obito and his Sensei and Kushina and his father all deserved to meet the boy. He wanted to tell them that he had done the right thing. He wanted Naruto to meet the family Naruto would have had had they not all passed away. He was after all a week behind in going and cleaning up the graves and changing the flowers.

Chapter Text

Kakashi filled the small wooden bucket with water and then put the ladle in , he turned to see Naruto standing near the door , still a bit asleep , dozing as he leaned on the door frame , looking at Kakashi with squinted eyes. Kakashi had woken him up very early , almost an hour before the sun came up , the boy had whined and burrowed further in his pillow but Kakashi had managed to get him ready and downstairs. They had be at the graveyard before six , and they need to pick up flowers on the way. Today , Kakashi had decided to follow Michiko's advice , he will not carry his baby brother today , no , no matter how much the boy gives him the puppy dog eyes , he won't.

"Buddy , why don't you stand at the foyer while I get a few things and then we can head out ", said Kakashi turning to his brother , who nodded and sluggishly walked towards the foyer.

Kakashi grabbed the bucket , balancing it , as not to drip water on the floor , he moved to the kitchen and grabbed a jute bag , he had prepared for the visit the day before. He had already ordered for fresh set of white lilies from the Yamanaka flower shop , Yumi Yamanaka had told him to pick up the flowers on his way to the graveyard. Kakashi has been her daily customer for over a decade , she found no problem in completing his orders of flowers at unusual times. Kakashi moved towards the foyer, where his eyes landed on Naruto who was dozed off , leaning against the coat closet , Kakashi smiled.

"Naruto , Naruto ", Kakashi shook him gently after putting down the things in his hands aside.

The boy stirred a bit and with squinted eyes looked at Kakashi , " Nii -San " , Naruto spoke , barely in a whisper before he streched his arms up to Kakashi in the universal carry me gesture.

Kakashi looked at him , in his mind a debate going, he had decided to follow Michiko's advice and not coddle the boy but his face and his little request made Kakashi want to scoop him up in his arms but no , Kakashi decided the kid should walk , he can hold Naruto's hand .

To not upset the kid , Kakashi gently said , "Nii -San can't carry you right now Naruto 'cause he's got lots of stuff to carry ", he reached his hand to ruffle the boy's hair.

Naruto nodded his head and dropped his arms. Kakashi felt bad as he looked at the boy's face , he was tired and just wanted his big brother to carry him but Kakashi needs to let go of the habit of carrying the boy , bit by bit and slowly. In order to compensate for not carrying the boy , Kakashi knelt down and helped him put out on his jacket and shoes , seeing that Naruto wanted to sleep it was Kakashi who did all the work. After that Kakashi stood up himself and put on his own shoes and grabbed the wooden bucket and the jute bag in one hand and opened the door , when both of them got out he locked the door and then grabbed Naruto's hand with his free hand and began walking.

" Naruto , do you know where are we going ?" , asked Kakashi.

"To visit your sensei , Obito - nii , Rin - nee chan and your tou - chan " , Naruto answered quickly , his sleep disappearing as they walked further down the road.

Kakashi had told Naruto all sorts of stories about his days with Team Minato , how Obito was a goofball idiot but was the best friend anybody can ever ask for , how he used to wear googles like Naruto does , well truth was that it was Kakashi who had left them as a gift to Naruto. He told her about Rin , how she wanted to be a medic , how nice and caring she was and how she always forgave Obito for his tardiness . He told Naruto a lot of great stories about Minato's heroics , how great he was , how powerful and cool and above all how good of a man he was. Kakashi even told Naruto stories of his own father when the boy insisted on hearing about the man who looks same as his Nii -San in the picture that Naruto found stumbling through a locked room downstairs. Kakashi made sure , Naruto knew every single one of them as they could have been his family.

They both walked talking about more stories as they reached the Yamanaka flower shop. Yumi Yamanaka was already standing outside wearing a light pink apron , her hair tied in a bun as smiled at the approaching brothers.

"Ohayo , Kakashi - san ", she said smiling at them.

"Ohayo , Yumi - san " , Kakashi returned the gesture with his signature one eyed smile , then he tucked Naruto forward , " Naruto , what do we say ? "

" Ohayo , Yamanaka - san ", Naruto said shyly , before he dived to hid behind Kakashi's legs.

"Ohayo , Naruto - chan " , Yumi said , a soft smile on her face as she bent to his height.

Naruto nodded his head shyly and hide his face behind Kakashi , gripped his vest with both hands , Kakashi moved one hand to put it on Naruto's head , " Sorry , Yumi - san he's a bit shy ".

"Oh , no worries , " Yumi spoke , flapping her hand , " my sister's daughter used to be very shy , some children are , I am sure , little Naruto - chan here would grow our of it ".

"I hope so too " , Kakashi said.

" The flowers are ready , just let me get them for you ", Yumi said before disappearing in the shop.

Kakashi and Naruto stood outside.

"Not a very people's person are you ?" , Kakashi said , caressing Naruto's hair.

"I don't like lots of people but Yamanaka - san seems nice " , Naruto said , tucking his head in Kakashi's side.

" She is " , said Kakashi as he gave Naruto an one arm hug.

Yumi brought out the flowers , white lilies to be specific, it was Kakashi's order every time he came by , she packed the flowers and moved to the outside of the shop where Kakashi and Naruto stood . Kakashi looked at her as she came outside , holding the flowers in one hand and something else in another , when Kakashi saw it he smiled , it was fresh flower crown. He knew this because , Yumi 's young daughter, Ino used to make those and Yumi would tell him about it all the time when he came by to buy some flowers and she would even give him some , he had no use of it but he would take to be polite. It was Yumi's way of showing that she cared about you.

"Here's the flowers , Kakashi - san " , Yumi said , handing him the flowers , " and I have got something little extra for Naruto-chan's first visit to the shop ".

She looked at the boy who was hiding behind Kakashi with glimmer of hope , she found the kid adorable. Since her own daughter had grown up into a moody twelve year old who doesn't like spending time with her mother to make flower crowns anymore , she kinda craved the absence of her adorable child. Looking at Naruto , Yumi thought , when was the last time Ino ever fisted her dress to hid behind her , when she smiled that shyly that she looked adorable.

Naruto peeked his head from behind Kakashi to look at Yumi , who was holding the fresh flower crown.

" You like it , Naruto - chan ", she said , encouraging the boy to come forward.

Naruto smiled , she was nice to him , he moved forward , one hand still fisting Kakashi's vest , " it's nice", he said , giving her the brightest smile .

" It is , isn't it ? But I can't make them anymore it's the last and I want you to have it ", Yumi said, with sad face putting the flower crown on Naruto's unruly blonde hair, who looked absolutely cute.

Naruto's face scrunched up in confusion, " It's really pretty , why can't you make more , Yamanaka - san ?", Naruto asked .

"Well, you see I don't have anybody to help me " Yumi made helpless face.

"Oh ", Naruto reached his small hand and tugged at Yumi's dress seeing her helpless face , " can I help you , Yamanaka - san ?"

Yumi felt like squeezing the little boy's cheeks , he was absolutely adorable as he tugged at her dress.

"You would , Naruto - chan ?" , she asked.

" Yes , but only if Nii -San says it's alright" , Naruto said , turning to look up to Kakashi.

Kakashi who was earnestly observing the whole conversation looked melted at his brother's response. He looked down to see Naruto was looking up to him for a response.

" I see no problem with you helping , Yumi - san , Naruto ", Kakashi said , patting the boy's head.

Naruto excitedly turned to Yumi , " Nii -San says it's alright Yamanaka - san , now don't worry , " Naruto pointed his thumb to himself , " Naruto will help you make the pretty things ".

" O ' thank you , Naruto - chan , I'll tell you when I need help and then you can have your nii - san drop you here" , Yumi said , smiling at the boy who proudly had his chest puffed.

Yumi ruffled the boy's hair , making sure the crown doesn't fall off then she turned to Kakashi ," I am serious when I say this , Kakashi - san , you can drop little Naruto - chan at our house anytime , I'll be happy to babysit him , afterall it's been a long time with no children playing around the house ".

" I'll be sure to drop bring him by , Yumi - san " , said Kakashi.

They took their leave and went off on their way to the graveyard. Kakashi held onto Naruto's hand , the boy was fully awake now , trying to run ahead but Kakashi slightly tightened his grip on the boy's hand. They were nearing the graveyard , it was morning and not a lot of people were around , infact apart from the graveyard's keeper , Aburame Masaru , there was no one there. Even Masaru was hard to notice , thanks to the Aburame clan's tendency to go unnoticed. Kakashi led Naruto through the rows of cemented graves towards the one in the forth row , third from left. It read , ' Nohara Rin'. The flowers were rotted and the dust had settled in.

Kakashi knelt infront of the grave and changed the flowers. Then he ladled the water out of the wooden bucket onto the grave. After finishing this he stood up and took a hold of Naruto's hand who just stood there looking at his older brother.

"This is where , Rin nee - chan sleeps right , Nii -San", Naruto asked , looking up to Kakashi.

Kakashi didn't know what to say , he just nodded his head. Naruto's concept of death was that of a child his age. He understood that when someone died they didn't come back atleast that's what his Hokage - jiji told him about his parents. The Hokage told Naruto that his parents were in a deep sleep and aren't comming back , as the boy grew a bot older he realised the Hokage meant his parents were dead. Once, Iruka - Sensei was visiting his parents graves and took Naruto with him to visit the graveyard and told him that when people died they went to heaven and there bodies slept here. Naruto had been carried that concept of death since. Kakashi had no intention of changing it.

"Rin , " Kakashi began , " I am sorry , I haven't been coming here lately , I was out on a mission and then I came back and alot has happened since but I brought someone with me today , it's Naruto ", Kakashi pulled the boy in front of him and put both his hand's on kid's shoulders.

" Hii , Rin nee - chan ", Naruto waved his hand , " I am Uzumaki Naruto the future Hokage dattebayo , Nii -San told me alot about you . I hope your happy up there ".

Kakashi smiled at the boy . Naruto wiggled out of his grip and bend to his knees and put his head near the grave , " Good Dreams , Nee - chan " , after that he bopped his head to see Kakashi staring at him and he felt the need to explain himself , " Nee - Chan's sleeping".

Kakashi felt his eyes glistened , he pulled the boy in a hug , " sure , let's let her sleep and moved ahead ".

He grabbed Naruto's hand and walked to his father's grave , following the same procedure as he did at Rin's grave.

" Tou - san , I brought someone with me to meet you , this is Naruto , Naruto this is my father , Hatake Sakumo ", Kakashi said grabbing the boy by his shoulders.

" Hii Oji - san , I am Uzumaki Naruto ", Naruto waved with the same energy he showed at Rin's grave.

Kakashi moved to grab the jute bag that he brought along with himself, he pulled out a bottle of sake from it , he gently poured the sake in a choko and then he pulled out another choko in which he poured water and very tiny bit of sake , after that Kakashi put the bottle of sake on the grave and took the choko filled with sake himself and gave the one with the water to Naruto. With a swift movement of his hand , Kakashi poured the sake bottle on his father's grave and then gulped down the sake in his choko. Naruto looked at his brother and followed the same process. They both stood there in silence.

" Bye, bye Oji - san , don't worry up there okay ", Naruto said as they were about to leave ," Nii -San's not alone here , I am with him ".

Kakashi looked at the boy for a moment before he took his hand and they both walked towards the Konoha Memorial , this was the most dreaded part of the walk , knowing that he is taking Naruto to his biggest regret in life. There was on that stone engraved the name of a boy who dreamed the same dream as Naruto did , who in so many was the same as Naruto , who didn't get the chance to ever live the life that he wanted. There was also the name of Kushina and Minato , Naruto's parents , the people Naruto should have grown up with , not Kakashi. If Kakashi sat down to think of it , he would say , Obito would have made a great brother to Naruto , they were so alike while Kakashi himself was stuck up prick at that time.

They reached the memorial , Kakashi followed the same process he did at Rin's grave. Then he stood in silence for a bit before doing his sake ritual , he often thought about it , had Obito not died he probably would have become Kakashi's drinking buddy , somebody who was willing to listen to Kakashi's words as they both got hammered after a intensely long and tiring mission. Obito would have been his best friend had he not died. And Minato and Kushina were like his surrogate family , they would have made a big happy family had they all been alive.

" Obito , Minato Sensei , Kushina - san , I brought Naruto here to meet you all ", Kakashi said , pushing the boy forward towards the memorial.

He had talked about Naruto to them alot but this was the second time that they would see Naruto. He had brought Naruto here before when the boy was two , Kakashi had scooped up the baby from his crib and wrapped him in a blanket before jumping through the window in the orphanage and bringing the boy here to the memorial. Kakashi had cried that night holding the baby in arms , silent tears rolled down his face upon seeing the orphaned boy.

Naruto reached his hand on the memorial stone , tracing the names of the dead shinobi with his little fingers , he was trying to find the names he knew. He could find them his height didn't allow him to look up further, and his face frowned , untill suddenly he felt himself being lifted in air to face the upper part of the stone, he turned his head to see that Kakashi was holding him up from under his arms , he smiled and reached his hands to trace , Obito's name then Minato's and then Kushina 's all soaked in the expensive same.

"They were really brave right , Nii -San , that's why they put there name on the stone ", Naruto said , turning his head to Kakashi.

" The were the bravest people I knew "

" You know what Nii -San, I'll get my name on there to , I'll also be really brave and then they'll have to put my name on there as well ", Naruto said , proudly.

"Never , I don't want your name on there ever ", Kakashi said , pulling the boy against his chest , " All of these brave shinobi's are dead Naruto , killed in action ."

Naruto realised what Kakashi meant and his lips curved downwards , he reached his arms around Kakashi's neck and returned the embrace , he put his head on Kakashi's shoulder and slowly said , " Don't worry Nii -San, I won't die , I gotta be Hokage, dattebayo".

Kakashi pressed a kiss to the boy's head before he set him down , " Come on , we gotta get going now ".

______________________________________________________

After the visit to the graveyard , Kakashi took Naruto to eat breakfast at a restaurant that wasn't Ichiraku Ramen, Naruto was in a happy mood so the boy didn't complain but he sure did a good job in clinging to Kakashi , but this time Kakashi made sure not to pick up the kid , he did that for about an twenty minutes before he gave in to those adorable big blue eyes that were on the verge of tears , clutching his pant and he picked up the boy. He had to let go , bit by bit , slowly. After the breakfast , he deposited Naruto to Iruka's house who agreed to do some last minute babysitting as he had a day off. Naruto loved Iruka so it wasn't a problem. And with Naruto off him , Kakashi made his way to Hokage's office.

"You called for me , Hokage - sama?" , Kakashi said , standing in front of the head of the village.

" Ah , yes Kakashi , I have some work for you ", Hiruzen said , tossing a file to the elite jonin who caught it with ease.

" Hokage - sama with all due respect I have to refuse ", Kakashi said as soon as he looked at the file , " I even have Naruto now , I can't do this job ".

" This one Kakashi, you can't refuse ", Hiruzen took a puff at his pipe , " This is a special case ".

" What's so special this year ?"

" This year , Uchiha Sasuke is graduating the academy , top of his class as expected from the last Uchiha ," Hiruzen explained , " he's the last of his clan and hence Konoha's last natural sharingan wielder , he'll soon waken his clan's kekkei genkai and you know it as well as I do that you're the only man who can train him to use his sharingan ".

" I didn't know that Sasuke Uchiha was graduating this year but even so I don't plan on dividing my attention between taking care of Naruto and managing a bunch of genin ", Kakashi plainly answered.

" I understand your situation Kakashi but you said yourself that there won't be any lack in your duties after Naruto " , Hiruzen stood up.

" Becoming a jonin sensei implies that I'll have to spend majority of my time with this genin team and we'll likely take C ranks outside the Village very often , that will create a problem with Naruto under my care ", Kakashi told his side.

" That is why I present you with a solution that benefits both parties ", Hiruzen said , " Naruto can take the genin test early and then we'll have him put on the same team as Sasuke and you can then be able to care for Naruto and train the Uchiha as well."

"Your solution doesn't benefit both parties, Hokage Sama ", Kakashi said , " Naruto's too young to become a genin , he's not ready to become a shinobi not yet , his basics are not clear , he's fast from the genin test ".

" Then teach him will you , I appointed you his guardian as well his sensei, he'll learn , and he ain't that young Kakashi , you were five when you did the test , we have had exceptionally great shinobi's at young age in Konoha "

" That was a time of war , Hokage - sama ", Kakashi tried to argue , "and we all know how that lasted".

" So what do you want then ?"

" I say you take Naruto out of the academy system and give his full educational responsibility to me , he'll appear for the genin test when I say he's ready but till then he'll be with me all the time , his education will not be the traditional academy one but on field that way I can keep an eye on him and he won't be obliged to the rules of a standard shinobi who wears a Konoha headband " , Kakashi explained.

" So , you want me take Naruto off the records and still let him join you on missions that you'll take your genin team to ", Hiruzen looked at Kakashi .

" Exactly "

" If I agree to this , you'll be a jonin sensei to Sasuke Uchiha's team "

" Yes , Hokage Sama ".

Hiruzen smiled and took a smoke , he has been leading this village since before Kakashi was even born , he turned back.

" I agree with the proposed arrangements but there will be a slight change , Naruto will take the test at end of this year and if he fails he'll go back to academy system and as for your genin team , it'll consist of the Uchiha boy , a girl second to the Uchiha in grades and you third member, quiet the problem ", Hiruzen said.

" Problem?"

" Danzo insists that he wants a member of the root to keep an eye on the Jinchuruki , something to do with fact that one person can sway the Jinchuruki and take his advantage , so to conclude, there be a member of the root on your team posing as a student , " Hiruzen said , " but I want you to keep an eye out on the root member , Danzo 's recent actions have been suspicious ".

" As you wish , Hokage - sama "

They finished the conversation and Kakashi took his leave from the Hokage office with the file secured in a scroll , he made his way to pick up Naruto from Iruka's. There was lot going on in Kakashi's mind , a genin team was a lot of work , he had failed every single genin team ever assigned to him but this time he had a obligation to train the Uchiha boy. This was too much he thought , there was genin team all the troubles that can with being a jonin sensei and then there was Naruto. How was he supposed to care for Naruto as well. He proposed a arrangement that will benefit both the parties.

Having Naruto with him all the time without the Konoha hitai - ate meant that he could train the boy at his pace , it meant Naruto carried no obligation to follow the rules of a standard shinobi. It is a law that once you become a genin then you are bound by the shinobi code which forces you to grow up to fast , with blood and gore. Kakashi wanted to preserve Naruto's innocence and childlike nature for as long as possible, making him a genin this young would destroy that. He can't imagine the boy wearing a Konoha headband with a kunai in hand covered in blood no that was bad , he closed his eyes it was just yesterday night that Naruto hurt himself while playing with ninken and Kakashi nearly freaked out when he heard the boy's cry. It took him a minute to realise that Naruto managed to get a little cut on his forehead that was bleeding , it healed quickly but the boy was in tears and Kakashi did his best to comfort him , that night he even played with kid in the living room. It was nice to see the child in the house , it was heart warming to see Naruto with his heart of gold , uncorrupted and pure with his wide smile.

______________________________________________________

Kakashi reached Iruka's apartment , he knocked on the door and a very tired looking chunin opened the door for him.

" Iruka , you look exhausted" , Kakashi said , as he entered with house behind Iruka.

"It's nothing , Hatake -San , recently there's been alot of work at the academy with graduation exam coming close ", Iruka explained taking a seat in the living room.

Kakashi saw the mess of paperwork sprawled across the table and then glanced at Iruka's tired face.

"That's alot of paper , don't you think " , Kakashi said , taking a seat opposite to Iruka.

" Oh , I completed most of it last night but then - ", Iruka stood up to grab some tea for both , "- never mind , where are my manners , would you like some tea ?"

Kakashi nodded his head in polite refusal but Iruka was already up and bringing some tea.

" I shouldn't have dumped Naruto on you today , I didn't you had so much work ", Kakashi said , taking a sip of his tea.

" Naruto is a small hurricane ", Iruka said.

" Looking by face , I think your doubled paperwork seems to be Naruto's fault ", Kakashi chuckled.

"He wanted to help me but instead he ended up spilling juice all over the finished papers , they were soaked in orange juice then he tried to dry them before I got there and ended up tearing most of it up ", Iruka told the story to a very amused Kakashi , " then he was apologising and crying and then he fell asleep and I had to do the cleaning and then re - do the paperwork".

" I feel sorry for you Iruka , but thanks for taking care of Naruto ", Kakashi said , putting a hand on Iruka's shoulder, " How about I compensate you with ramen for dinner ".

Iruka nodded his head in agreement he could use some ramen. It was a disaster taking care of Naruto today. The kid made a mess out of most of the paper work and it took all of Iruka's patience to not beat the shit out of the kid. He loved Naruto but this paperwork, he had been doing it all night , he was jumping in excitement when he thought that it was over but no , something had to happen. He nearly felt his death , doing all of it again.

At Kakashi's offer , Iruka changed his clothes and turned to see Kakashi helping Naruto with his jacket before he took the boy's hand.

"Let's get going" , Kakashi said , as they stepped out to the road.

The trip to Ichiraku Ramen was great. The managed to get a bill of half the money in Iruka's wallet but Kakashi paid it with ease , he reached his walled before Iruka and extended the money while the chunin's hand was still in his pocket. Naruto had eaten a lot and was now tugging at Kakashi's sleeve for desert , so from the ramen shop they went ahead for some ice cream. As the night came on ahead , the village market was twinkling with series of lights , a soft breeze flowing that ruffled their hair. They bought the ice cream and walked to the little road side magic show , there were a lot of people.

Kakashi grabbed Naruto from under his arms and put the boy on his shoulders , so he could see the show , Naruto giggled as he grabbed onto Kakashi's head for balance . The boy jabbed his small legs against Kakashi's vest clad chest everytime he giggled and pointed at something, it was endearing to watch the two , Iruka was happy to see Naruto happy. Kakashi was good man , Iruka decided. He really cared for Naruto.

By the time they were finished it was well past Naruto's bedtime , heck even Iruka looked like he wanted to crash but he was happy. He looked at the two again before leaving, Kakashi held a asleep Naruto in his arms , the boy was dozed off , head on Kakashi's shoulder as they walked out of the market place. Iruka firsthand saw how much Kakashi cared for the kid he fussed over the Naruto, Iruka wasn't expecting that , Kakashi was like a mother hen more than Iruka was , he was prepared . Iruka saw that tonight, Kakashi pulled out kerchief out of no where to cleanup Naruto's sticky hands from the ice cream and even wipped the boy's face , if Iruka was protective of the kid then Kakashi was overprotective.

They parted their ways and Kakashi and Naruto left for their own home. Kakashi did a quick job of tucking Naruto in bed before getting changed himself. Kakashi changed himself he was thinking of going to bed early himself . He entered Naruto's room just to check up on the kid and frown graced his face , the kid had his thumb in his mouth again , Kakashi gently pulled Naruto's thumb out , but the kid whined and scrunched up his face , the boy again tried sticking his thumb in his mouth but Kakashi held on to it.

Naruto whined and woke up , with squinted eyes he looked at Kakashi, he moved to fist Kakashi's tshirt, " Nii -San, please stay ".

Kakashi looked out at the boy and then got in the bed next to Naruto , the boy was soon curled up against his chest with Kakashi rubbing the boy's back in an attempt to lull him back to sleep and soon Naruto was asleep and not later on Kakashi himself dozed off.

Chapter Text

Kakashi flipped the eggs on the fry pan , he was making a full breakfast this morning. Naruto was snoring in the bed upstairs and Kakashi held no intention of waking up the kid till breakfast was ready. He was thinking of using his last days before returning to being an active duty shinobi as time to train Naruto some simple jutsus that might come in handy. After breakfast, the can go to the backyard and see how far Naruto stands as per his training at the academy.

Kakashi had seen the boy in the academy and he was abysmal. Naruto didn't pay attention to what was being taught but the boy put a lot of hardwork in practicing by himself after the academy. He tried to improve his skills but without a proper instructor all of that was in vain. Kakashi fathomed that Iruka might have taught Naruto something but then again , the chunin was too busy with handling his classes that there was no time for personally training Naruto. Well , whatever that may be Kakashi will see how Naruto fares in their first training session together.

Kakashi was broken out of his train of thought by a knock on the door. He walked to the front door to see who it was. And as he swung the door open , there stood a very civil like dressed brown hair hair young man.

" I wasn't expecting to see you in such a domestic state, senpai ?" , the brown haired man snickered at the sight of Kakashi in a light blue apron.

" Yare yare , Tenzo , no respect for your superior ", Kakashi said , inviting the young man into his house.

"So what brings you here , Tenzo ?" , Kakashi said , sitting down.

" I was at the root headquarters for some work when I overheard your name , I investigated a bit and found some new " , Tenzo said , looking at his former captain.

" Is that so ? And what did you happen to hear ?"

" There's been talk of a root member joining your genin squad , and I also heard that Danzo's planning something big so I thought that those two things might me connected ", Tenzo explained.

" Hmh , well you didn't just happen to come here to inform me of that , you are here for something else , aren't you?" , Kakashi said , eyeing his kohai.

Tenzo nodded his head. He knew Kakashi can read him like an open book. It's been that way since he joined Anbu as an kid.

" Team Ro is being send on a suicide mission to the land of lightning, our chances of survival are negative , the order came directly from the Hokage , we are to leave in a week , but I think that whatever Danzo is planning, he is trying eliminate us before he gets on with his plan by now we are the only team in Anbu with unquestionable loyalty to the Hokage ", Tenzo said , with a worrying face.

" Ma , that's troubling. Don't worry , I think I have something in mind ", Kakashi spoke with a smile as he got up leaving a confused Tenzo.

Tenzo followed suit and spoke , " Senpai , I believe in your prowess but things are not good , there's a lot to worry ."

" Ara Ara Tenzo , have some faith in your captain ?", Kakashi said hanging the apron.

" I do have faith in you , if you could just tell me what's that you'll do then I'll stop the worry ", Tenzo said , following Kakashi.

" We are going somewhere in about ", Kakashi eyed the cloak on the wall , " an hour and half ".

" And what exactly are doing for an hour and half?"

"You know the normal , eat breakfast and get ready for the day ", Kakashi spoke , " take a seat yourself have breakfast ".

Tenzo looked at his senpai and then followed him as he walked upstairs. They passed the three door that first came and the Kakashi opened the fourth that showed a neat and clean bedroom , that Tenzo can swear belongs to Kakashi seeing the way it was kept. Then Tenzo's eyes fell on the asleep boy on the bed.

" Is that - ", Tenzo was about ask when Kakashi cut him off.

" Yes , that's Naruto "

Both him and Tenzo had done shifts watching Naruto back in the day. The only other person that Kakashi trusted with Naruto was Tenzo. He was good towards the boy and liked spending time with him like Kakashi did. Maybe Tenzo saw them as his only family. Afterall , all he had after leaving root was Kakashi, the only person he knew. They sort of shared the brotherly dynamic. Kakashi was the mild bully but overall nice older brother while Tenzo was the hardworking and hero worshipping younger brother.

Tenzo saw as Kakashi moved to wake up the boy gently by rubbing his back. That was the Hatake Kakashi who murdered people with just a flick of his wrist , he was the sort of man who had make you piss your pants with his mere presence back in the days when he was in Anbu , seeing him now like a whole different change of personality.

Naruto stirred a bit and sat up with squinted eyes , he looked at Kakashi and then at the new man in the room. Naruto was startled by the new presence and immediately gripped on Kakashi's shirts , inching closer to older brother and away from the man on his left side. Kakashi laughed at that and Tenzo gave a embarrassed look.

" Ma , Naruto this is my kohai , Tenzo ", Kakashi said , introducing Naruto to the strange man in his room.

Naruto ducked his head from Kakashi's chest to look at Tenzo who trying give him a warming smile but those big eyes creeped Naruto out.

" Ohayo , Naruto - chan , I am Tenzo ", the young man said.

" Ohayo , Tenzo - san , I am Uzumaki Naruto", Naruto said.

" Well since , introductions are over , Naruto why don't you go freshen up and come downstairs for breakfast while I and Tenzo wait downstairs", Kakashi said , as Naruto let go of him and ran to the bathroom.

Kakashi and Tenzo walked down.

" You've gone soft , Senpai ", Tenzo said , with a smile.

" Haven't I always been like that ?"asked Kakashi , crossing his arms behind his head.

"Comforting kids , no " , Tenzo scoffed.

" Ma , I remember comforting a kid once whose spirit seemed to have left his body when he entered a brothel for the first time in his life ", spoke Kakashi with a glee.

" Hey ! You can't hold that against me , I was sixteen for kami's sake , and that place was horrifying and it didn't help what Genma told me about the last mission involving a brothel", Tenzo defended himself.

" Ma , Tenzo whatever you say , but I still can't believe you have never seen a naked woman before that ", Kakashi said.

"Well , sorry senpai if everybody is not a closet pervert like you " , Tenzo lightly yelled.

" Calling me a closet pervert huh , would a closet pervert do what I did , I still remember, you clinging to me and crying , ' senpai save me , I don't wanna be here' , if I wanted I could have left you there and spend a night with that lady in red , you remember her ,right?" This time Kakashi snickered.

"Don't remind me of that ", Tenzo's face went all red.

Kakashi chuckled at that , " Don't get riled up now , sit let's have some breakfast ".

As soon as Tenzo sat down , they heard a over enthusiastic Naruto dashed downstairs and crash right into Kakashi's waist wrapping his arms around him and tucking his head in the older man's stomach.

" Ohayo , Nii -San ", Naruto said.

" Ohayo , Naruto ", Kakashi said , ruffling his hair.

They all sat down for breakfast.

" Naruto , I have to go get some work done today , how about you spend the day with Iruka , huh ?" , Kakashi asked looking at the boy who was slurping his milk.

" 'o pr'blvem", Naruto said , with a mouth full of half fry egg.

"Don't talk while there's food in your mouth ", Kakashi scolded lightly.

After they finished the breakfast, they all got ready to go. Kakashi locked the house and grabbed Naruto's hand as they began walking to the center of the village where all important buildings were.

______________________________________________________

They made it to Iruka's apartment to see him leaving in a hurry and at that moment Kakashi realised that he got to find another babysitter for the kid. So , he thought about Yumi - san's offer back at the flower shop. He weighed his options and thought that it was better to leave the boy with Yumi Yamanaka , Naruto liked her , she was a nice lady and Kakashi was sure that she could take care of the boy till he returned. After sending Tenzo off with some orders , he grabbed Naruto and walked to the Yamanaka flower shop.

"Well , Ohayo to my favourite pair of brothers ", Yumi said , with the a smile.

" Ohayo , Yumi - san ", Kakashi greeted back.

"Ohayo - Yamanaka - san ", Naruto greeted with a bright smile.

" Well, how do I owe the pleasure , Kakashi - san ? Want me pack some fresh lillies ", the woman asked.

" Oh no , thank you Yumi - san , well I came to ask for a favour ", Kakashi asked , he was bit hesitant about it.

Yumi could tell from his face that he wanted to ask her to babysit Naruto but he was hesitant to ask on such a short notice.

"Well, Kakashi - san , I have a favour to ask you , I was hoping that little Naruto - chan here can help me with the flowers today , can you Naruto ?" , Yumi asked , looking at Naruto.

The boy bubbled up with joy , he wasn't used to such warm behaviour towards him from the villagers , he glanced at Kakashi. Kakashi produced a thankful smile to Yumi , he knew she understood the situation and he was grateful that she was willing to help.

" Ofcourse, Naruto. Thank You Yumi - san ", Kakashi said.

Naruto jumped in joy , " Naruto is gonna help you make the most beautiful flower crowns , Yamanaka - san ".

Yumi smiled and looked at Kakashi who spoke , " I'll get him by four , at latest five , and I am grateful for the help ".

" No problem, Kakashi - san ", she said.

Kakashi kneeled down to Naruto's level and put his hands on the boy's shoulders , looking him eye in eye.

"I'll get you by four or five alright , behave well ", Kakashi said , putting his right hand on Naruto's head.

" I be on my best , Nii -San, don't worry , dattebayo ", Naruto said , his thumb up with a toothy grin gracing his face.

Kakashi chuckled and pressed a kiss to his forehead before he stood up and took his leave.

Yumi took the boy by his hand and led him inside the shop , she gave him a tour of the shop , telling him about all sorts of flowers and bouquet settings and everything. Then she took him to small futon type thing were there fresh flowers layed out with strings and beads , she sat him down and taught him how to make flower crowns and necklaces and bracelets. They enjoyed to together , it was fun.

" Yamanaka - san , see ", Naruto said , holding up a patchwork of his first flower crown.

"It's beautiful, Naruto - chan , and I told you darling you can call me , Oba - san ", Yumi said , looking at the boy with a smile.

" Okay , Oba - san", Naruto said , bopping his head.

Yumi loved the time she was spending with the boy. He was adorable and cute. He excitedly showed her every little development he made while making the flower crown , after showing him how to make them , she was sitting at the reception of her shop to tend to customers , every once in a minute , Naruto would walk up her , tugging her dress with hand to show her his new craft with a broad smile and she would compliment him and tell him a new way of doing the craft , he would listen to her eagerly, nodding his head up and down and then he would run back to futon to get back on his work , she would smile at him.

It had been a long time since had spend her time like this with Ino. The last time she tried to show her daughter a new flower arrangement, Ino had stormed out of the house with the excuse of hanging out with her friends. She loved how Naruto tugged at her dress , asked her questions about every little thing , followed her instructions with that big adorable smile of his.

Yumi looked at the clock , it was nearly time for lunch , it was two o'clock afternoon , she looked at the boy who was working hard on his crafts and smiled. She knew that he wouldn't ask her for lunch , so she got up from her place and turned the sign on the door from open to closed as she shut the glass door.

She walked passed Naruto into the small room , inside the shop where there was small kitchen/ sitting area , she opened the fridge to see , a plate filled with onigiri and two four bento boxes packed in. She always kept atleast four bento boxes because Ino often dropped by the shop with her friends during lunch hours. She took the warm it up.

After that she put the food on the table and walked out to see Naruto.

" Naruto - chan , it's time lunch , come on ", she said , sitting next to the boy.

" Just a second , oba - san , it's just done ", Naruto said , tying the small necklace that he made out of beads and flowers.

"It's beautiful, Naruto - chan " , Yumi said , taking the necklace in her hand.

They were talking when the glass door was pushed open and two people who were talking or , more or less mildly arguing with each other entered the shop. Yumi looked up to see her daughter and her pink haired best friend, debating over some sort of issue.

" Mom !" , yelled Ino , " where are you ?"

Naruto ducked his head at the shrillness of Ino's high pitched voice and Yumi wrapped her arm around the boy , " Don't worry , Naruto - chan , that's my daughter and friend , let's go meet them ".

She gently took the boy's hand and began walking to the main room of the shop.

" You shouldn't be yelling Ino , it's afternoon ", chided Yumi as she walked to the girls.

"Konnichiwa , Yamanaka - san ", Sakura greeted her friend's mother.

"Who's that ?", asked Ino looking at the boy , who clutching her mother's dress and hiding behind her.

" This is Naruto - chan , " Yumi said casually, patting the boy's head and encouraging him to come forward , " and Naruto - chan , this is my daughter , Ino and her friend , Sakura ".

"Konnichiwa, Ino - nee chan ", the boy said , his adorable blue eyes shinning, he then turned to Sakura , " Konnichiwa, Sakura - nee chan ".

The boy still kept his grip on Yumi's dress and tucked himself to her side , as if he was trying to hide.

" Kawaii ", both the girls cooed at the same time.

" Let's sit down for lunch ", Yumi said , grabbing Naruto's hand , " Go wash your hands ".

They all sat down around the table to eat. Ino and Sakura keep glancing at Naruto who blushed at the attention and tried to stay closer to Yumi.

"So , Naruto - chan , how'd you end up here ?", Ino asked the boy who was avoiding eye contact with her.

"Well, Naruto is here to help me with the flowers ", Yumi said on the boy's behalf.

" Hai ", Naruto spoke up ," Nii -San said I could help Oba -san with the flowers ".

" I haven't seen you around before Naruto - chan ", asked Sakura.

" He is Kakashi - san's little brother ", Yumi said.

Both the girls nodded and the lunch went on with chit chat of all kinds. The latest at the academy and the upcoming genin test and everything. While they were talking suddenly the phone rang up and Yumi got up to answer.

" So, Naruto - chan , do you go to the academy?", Ino asked the boy who was silent most of the conversation.

Naruto bopped his head in a yes.

The girls cooed at his cuteness. His fluffy blonde hair were tousled and he his big blue eyes were bright , he looked so adorable . They both wanted to pinch his cheeks but he stuck close to Ino's mother. Yumi walked back in and cleaned up everything, she eyed the clock and then at the girls who were trying to strike a conversation with a very shy Naruto.

"Girls , why don't you look after Naruto - chan here while tend to the shop , can't keep it closed can we ?" , Yumi said , with a smile as she walked out leaving Naruto with the girls in the small room.

The girls ended up coming on friendly terms with Naruto. Ino suggested a game called , ' Strick the Ninja'. It was game her father used to play with her to keep her occupied , he would cast a mild genjustsu enough to fool a child , then he would give her a few wooden shuriken , her task was to hit all the ninjas that she saw.

When Ino suggested the game , Naruto agreed with glee. He didn't have any friends to play with and these girls wanted to play with him. He would play anything if it meant that he had friends. He seemed to have take a liking to the girls , they were nice to him.

They began the game with combined genjutsu efforts of Ino and Sakura , Naruto was quick to grab the wooden shuriken and throw them at the ninjas that he saw. They made the game more fun by chasing and running and jumping. Naruto was having fun in that little room. Yumi came in once when she heard loud noises but seeing the kids play she left to sit at the reception of the shop. The game went on for about three hours , every participant had fun , but soon Ino and Sakura 's genjutsu gave out and Naruto was clearly tired.

" Arigatō, nee chan", Naruto said , and hugged them.

"Anytime ", both of them said , wrapping the boy in a embrace.

Naruto was tired , his eyes were drooping, one could tell by looking at him that he was sleepy. Naruto sat down on the ground and soon layed down and closed his eyes , he was asleep while the girls talked on with each other.

"Ino , look ", Sakura nudged Ino.

" What ?" Ino asked annoyed.

" See ", Sakura said , pointing to the sleeping boy.

" Kawaii ", both spoke again at the sight on Naruto curled up with his thumb in his mouth.

Ino got up and grabbed a blanket and covered Naruto with a blanket then she and Sakura quietly shut the door of the small room and walked outside , looking rather tired themselves.

" Where's Naruto -chan ?", asked Yumi.

"Asleep ", both girls replied before heading out.

Yumi slowly walked to the small room and slid the door slightly open , she smiled at the scene before her and shut the door again before going back to her seat.

______________________________________________________

It was half past hour when Kakashi entered the Yamanaka shop with a box of freshly baked cookies from the Yamada's sporting a grateful smile.

"Is that what I think it is ?", Yumi said.

"Freshly baked from Yamada's", Kakashi said , giving the box to Yumi.

" You didn't have to you know", Yumi said .

" I insist , after saddling you with last minute babysitting, it's the least I could do ", Kakashi said , giving a one eyed smile.

Yumi took the box and put it on the counter.

"It wasn't a problem ", she said.

" Where's Naruto?" asked Kakashi, looking around the shop.

"Come with me ", Yumi said .

Kakashi followed behind her as she led him to a small room in the back , she quietly slid the door a little and let Kakashi glance in , after taking a look at his asleep little brother , Kakashi smiled.

"Ino and her friend came by , he had fun playing with them , then he got tired and fell asleep , so we just let him be ", Yumi said.

Kakashi entered the small room , "I'll take him then no need to wake him up ".

Kakashi moved forward then gathered his baby brother in his arms before he turned to face Yumi Yamanaka and followed her outside.

"Today was lovely, Kakashi - san , if Naruto - chan wants play with the girls again , please bring him by to the house ", Yumi said .

"Sure , Thank You, Yumi - san ", Kakashi said.

After that he bid his farewell from the shop and began walking to the market to grab some dinner for himself and Naruto. He adjusted the boy in one arm as the boy buried his face in Kakashi's shoulder. They walked to the ramen shop and Kakashi had four bowls of ramen parceled to take home. He then went to get some ice cream before heading home. All this while , the boy was soundly asleep on his shoulder.

As they were passing the Inuzuka Compund, Naruto stirred and straightened up , rubbing his eyes with his fists , he looked at his older brother.

"Where are we , Nii -San?", Naruto asked , fisting Kakashi's vest.

" Going home kiddo ", Kakashi said , chuckling at the tired kid.

"Wanna walk ?", Kakashi asked him.

Naruto nodded his head. Kakashi put him down to his feet and grabbed his hand as they walked on.

" I heard you had fun today "

" Yep , Ino nee chan and Sakura nee chan were really nice " , then Naruto went on tell Kakashi all about his day.

"Hey kiddo, do you wanna train with me tomorrow ?", asked Kakashi.

" Super yes , Nii -San", Naruto jumped up in joy , "oh oh , can you show me a super cool jutsu , like really cool one ?"

Naruto blabbered on all the way home , tugging at Kakashi's sleeve about traning and all sorts of cool jutsus and Kakashi added to conversation with small quips that made the little blonde boy giggle out loud.
Tomorrow they were going to train for the first time together.

Chapter Text

Kakashi took long strides keeping a fast pace as he walked towards Training Ground 14, hiding a chuckle being the layer of black mask that he wore , glancing at the boy trailing behind him with puffed cheeks and big pout folded arms trying to overtake him with the fastest speed his short self could muster.

The morning had began fairly normal and had been in the very same manner till breakfast, after finishing the dishes , Kakashi took Naruto to the backyard to see how far Naruto was in skills as a academy student and from where they'll need to pick up. So , they moved to the backyard to test Naruto's existing skills.

Looking at the boy before him , Kakashi furrowed his eyebrows at the sight of the legendary Yondaime Hokage's son's abysmal shinobi skills. He was doing all the wrong hand seals, his basic knowledge was in dusts and his theory was non - existent. To sum up Naruto's skills , his knowledge of being a shinobi was so off to the point , where he called 'chakra' as 'catra'. This one was what angered Kakashi.

He knew that the teachers at the academy were indifferent to Naruto. They set him aside and didn't like teaching him and some vicious bastards even taught him wrong but Kakashi had somewhat believed that Iruka may have tried to fill up the gaps in Naruto's education but right now looking at the boy , the answer was pretty obvious.

"Naruto ", said Kakashi, gesturing his hand for the boy to stop making hand seals.

"Yes , Nii -San", Naruto said , looking up to the older man.

"We'll start with the theory first , alright ", Kakashi said ,taking a sit on the chair.

Naruto nodded his head.

Grabbing a notebook and pen Kakashi handed them to Naruto , "Now , I'll teach you basic Chakra Theory, you'll take notes and ask questions where you don't understand, got it ".

Naruto bopped his head in a yes.

"At the end of the day , I'll take a quiz and if you get all the answers right , we'll move on to the next topic and if you can't then ", Kakashi stopped leaving the sentence unfinished.

" Then ?"

"Well , let's say you wouldn't wish for a then ", said Kakashi in a commanding voice putting forth a intimidating countenance.

Kakashi's word and countenance had a sudden impact on Naruto who seemed to back off a few steps. Naruto had spent his academy days , with teachers who didn't like him and at best hated him to the core but he felt lucky when they ignored him or were just indifferent to him , that way atleast he was safe but then again there were a few who were physically abusive towards him. After suffering horrifying beating from his former teacher , Akuma , Naruto had been hospitalized for a whole week , and the angry Sandaime Hokage had suspended the teacher and made sure that he was punished. Kakashi didn't know about that , when all this was happening he was away on a six month mission outside the Land of Fire , and the Sandaime never considered telling him.

Kakashi looked at Naruto backing off , and a sudden realization struck him , ofcourse Naruto would think worst of the anticipating then , how can he not realise that if those bastards were indifferent then they might even have been physically abusive too. Naruto had backed off , he was shaking in the knees as the anger became evident on Kakashi's face.

Kakashi wanted to smash the teacher's face in with a shovel who ever lay a hand on his brother or better yet he wanted to crack open the skulls of every single person who ever lay a hand on his brother. But that was for later.

Kakashi suppressed his anger and smiled , reaching his hand to ruffle Naruto's hair and said , "Don't worry I am not gonna hit you , but we'll have to repeat the lesson if can't get the answers right ".

After three hours of lessons on the basic theory of chakra , Naruto was exhausted to his bones. It was boring as hell , to the point where he didn't even bother taking notes anymore. The session began with Naruto sitting beside in the chair next to Kakashi , listening diligently and taking notes , tugged at Kakashi's arm everytime he had a question and then following the same routine but after thirty minutes , Naruto had exhausted his attention span and he couldn't sit still anymore. First , he let go of the notebook and stood up to pace around the table as Kakashi spoke , then he moved to sit on the swing and then around the backyard , but not in one place.

It wasn't Naruto's fault either. Kakashi seemed to have forgotten that he can't teach a kid like he is giving a lecture to a bunch of professionals , he went on and on about the most complex details of the theory and after a hour and half , every man in Konoha could bet that the lecture Kakashi was giving could go over the heads of all the chunins put together. Kakashi was prodigy and had learned at fast pace than most but Naruto wasn't one and after the first half hour everything that Kakashi was saying was going over his head.

Seeing Naruto move around so much , Kakashi got up and grabbed the boy by his arm and pulled him to sit in his lap. Naruto who was not a tad bit willing and extremely bored , leaned in Kakashi's chest while the older man wrapped an arm around him.

" 'tis borin' when will we train", Naruto mumbled as burrowed his head in Kakashi's vest.

"We'll train when you can tell apart different seals and there uses ", Kakashi gently chided.

"No , I want to train now ", said Naruto sitting straight in Kakashi's lap.

"After you know all the theory "

"NO I WANT NOW ", Naruto yelled in temper as he pushed the book out of Kakashi's hand and it fell to the ground.

Kakashi looked at the kid who now was standing facing him , his arms folded in defiant manner as he puffed his cheeks and stomped his foot while yelling , 'NO THEORY! WANT TO TRAIN NOW !'

Kakashi bent down and picked up the discarded book and then leaned back and sat in his chair , looking at the blonde boy who was throwing a full blown temper tantrum. Had this been his father in Kakashi's place , this kid would have received immediate punishment but it was Kakashi and he wasn't going to hit the boy just after he told him that he won't. Now , Kakashi understood that Naruto was tired of the theory and that was why he was so irritated , so he decided to let the tantrum pass because he had a different approach of dealing with this.

Naruto looked at Kakashi with his puffy red face and when he saw that Kakashi was ignoring him , he reached his hand to pull at Kakashi's shirt to get his attention but the Hatake stood up and left the yelling child alone. Naruto stood there , tired and irritated and even more angry , he had began crying at this point , his face red , he angrily stomped into the house , and reached the living room where in the corner there were his box of toys , he threw all of them around the room not caring where they hit and what they hit. After making a mess of the room and still not getting a reaction out of Kakashi who silently stood and watched , Naruto melted down to the floor and cried some more after a some ten minutes, he felt a hand rub his back , he looked up see his older brother standing there with a kerchief.

"You done ", Kakashi said , using the kerchief to clean Naruto's face.

Naruto looked at him expected a scolding and more probably some sort of corporal punishment but it didn't come.

"Now , what was all that about?" , Kakashi asked in a gentle tone.

"I didn't want to read theory anymore , I wanted to train like a real ninja ", Naruto said , looking down at the floor.

"Do real ninja throw tantrums like that Naruto ? ", Kakashi said looking down at the boy ,"we would have trained after the theory but you decided to throw a tantrum instead of asking nicely and then you made a mess of the living room and then you threw all your toys , now tell me what good did it do for you ?"

" 'm sorry , Nii -San , I won't do it again ", Naruto said , not meeting Kakashi's eyes , " I don't deserve to go to training with you ".

" Well , who said anything about cancelling training, but", said Kakashi emphasising on the but he continued," first up , clean up all the toys from the living room and you aren't allowed to play with them till the next week and after you finish up the cleaning you better gather your note book and the theory book and sit your butt down in the corner and complete the notes and then we'll head for training, got it "

Naruto nodded his head and moved to began his work.

He picked up all the scattered and thrown toys and put them in the box after that he walked outside and picked up the books , he gathered them in his arms and walked into the drawing room and plopped down cross legged in the corner , opening the books and began to study. It was half past three , Naruto's eyes were drooping as he rubbed them to stay awake , he wanted to train today and he had the greatest streak when it came to being hardworking, he would finish it no matter what and then he would train.

Kakashi was watching as the boy cleaned up everything and then sat down to study , so Kakashi decided to leave him to his own devices , with free time on his hand Kakashi looked around the house for any chorus that needed tending and when he saw pile of clothes that needed washing , he took to the task.

After washing and drying the clothes , Kakashi walked into the leaving room to check on Naruto , a smile crept his face. Naruto was cutely dozed off on the floor , his books lay closed before him , Kakashi slowly walked up to the boy and bend to pick up the books.

"He finished it ", Kakashi quietly mumbled , running his hand gently through Naruto's hair.

He then gathered the boy in his arms and lay him down on the couch , covering him with a thin blanket. He then picked up the books and put them in their place. Kakashi decided that Naruto had deserved to train today , so he was going to take the boy to a very special place to train. He quickly changed into his jonin uniform and dressed his hair before he jogged down the stairs . Kakashi awed when he saw the little boy curl and hug the pillow that Kakashi had put under his head.

"Oh ", left Kakashi's mouth as he saw the rolling down from the couch , he would have hit the floor has it not been for Kakashi's perfect timing in catching the kid and sitting him on the couch.

He rubbed the boy's back , "Hey , kid , wake up , don't you want to train with me ?"

At the words train , Naruto was suddenly pumped up and opened his eyes , he looked and Kakashi and mumbled that he was just gonna change and come downstairs in a minute. Kakashi looked as Naruto dashed up the stairs and came down the stairs in mere five minutes , he hand on changed his clothes , and fixed his hair little bit with his hands in a hurry. He walked up to Kakashi who helped with jacket before the both walked out of the house.

_________________________________________________

Kakashi who was holding Naruto's hand could feel the boy was still in a sleepy state and wasn't keeping up with the pace. He needed a awake Naruto on the training ground not a sleepy kid. Suddenly , an idea came in the older man's head , he let go of the kid's hand and started walking in long strides in a fast pace. At the lose of the his older brother's hand , Naruto scrunched up his face and opened his eyes , as tried to pick up his own pace to match with that of Kakashi's , he huffed and puffed , now fully awake as he tried to follow the older man , Kakashi smiled , it was a good warm up and he was walking in much faster pace then what Naruto could keep up with , so as to get him warmed up for the session.

They reached the training ground , it was vast open part of an forest , there was river flowing and huge trees surrounding the ground , Kakashi stood looking down at Naruto who was taking in breaths and steadying his composure.

"Tired already , Naruto - chan ? We haven't even began yet ", Kakashi spoke in a sarcastic patronising manner , reaching his hand to ruffle the boy's hair.

"No , dattebayo", Naruto proclaimed standing straight , he crossed his arms , " I can train ".

"Is that so ?"

The boy shook his head.

" Alright ", Kakashi cocked his head , "let's began the lesson".

" A ninja , when in field has these three to rely on : ninjutsu, genjutsu and taijutsu. We will begin with ninjutsu and the most basic in that , the shuriken jutsu," Kakashi explained pulling out a shuriken from his bag of supplies , " now listen carefully , you can only use these shuriken when I am around to supervise and not alone ".

"I have used shuriken at the academy, Nii -San, I know how to handle them ", Naruto said looking up to the older man.

" These are not your basic academy shuriken , Naruto ", Kakashi said , " these are custom made shuriken , equipped with the ability to cut through steel if thrown the right way , on the edge they are laced with latent venom which is activated on the chakra command of the user ".

Naruto wowed as he saw the shuriken in his brother's hand , he wanted to use it.

They began the training with Kakashi showing him the stance , the technique and how to aim at the target , Naruto followed suit as he tried to copy the older man. Naruto was a bad aimer but it slowly improved as Naruto tried harder and harder , Kakashi stood leaning his back on the tree as he watched the blonde try on harder target and on the same time at three different targets.

"You know , one of these days , I might start thinking that your skills are going down , huh Michiko - kun ", Kakashi said , looking up at his friend who jumped down to stand next to him.

"Well , sitting in a clinic will do that to you too , Kakashi - kun ", she said with a smile.

"I see , so you've decided to take my approach with Naruto ,. it's good to see the boy train " , she said looking at the boy engraved in his training.

"You've got the file ", Kakashi said , without looking at Michiko.

She handed him the file.

"As sharp as ever in gathering Intel , I see ", he said , "seems fair that Tenzo was not happy to loose you from the team ".

She smiled at that.

"Hey Kakashi ", she said looking at him , "can I ask you a favour ?"

"Sure" , he said.

"One spar for old times sake , I might just polish up my skills a bit ", she asked , hoping for a positive answer.

"Sure but not today ", Kakashi said , " today's Naruto's day , meet me tomorrow right here at five in full gear ".

"Full gear ?"

"Yes , I won't back down , Michiko - kun , you are one of the best Anbu that I had the pleasure of working with and if you think that this spar would anything less than that , well , then you are underestimating me", he said with a smirk.

"It better be , Hatake ", she said as shunshin - ed out of there , leaving a swirl of leaves behind.

Kakashi smiled to himself , before he glanced up to check on his brother. Sudden panic struck Kakashi , where the hell is Naruto ? , he eyed the abandoned shuriken, the empty field and vacant targets but no sign of Naruto. The kid must have slipped while he and Michiko were talking.

"Naruto ! Naruto !", Kakashi yelled at the top of his voice.

He looked around , there was no sign of the kid.

______________________________________________________

Naruto was practicing the coolest shuriken jutsu he had seen in his entire life of nine years when he got a bit tired and decided to sit down for a bit. He turned his head to see that his older brother was talking to the nice doctor that he had went to for check up. Naruto wasn't aware when she came to the training field , maybe she had walked in while he was training, who knows.

He had sat down , catching his own breath , he was looking at the thick dark forest when his eyes landed on this strangely peculiar blue bird , that was chirruping on the field. The boy was fascinated by it and hence he stood up to look at it a bit closer. As he walked near the blue bird , it flew further into the forest , he sung his hand in the air to catch it but it flew ahead. Naruto followed suit , and ran after it. It was nearly ten minutes later that he lost sight of the bird and realised that he was struck in the middle of a unknown dark forest filled with wild and deadly animals who wouldn't hesitate to eat him for dinner.

Naruto hit himself on head.

' Baka ' , he said to himself , ' what am I gonna do now?'

He looked around the forest , he didn't know the way out but he had little optimism inside his body.

"Nii -San!"

"Nii -San!"

There was no answer.

Naruto looked around one more.

He looked up to see the fading sun , it was evening. Naruto was not one to be scared in the forest , he liked forests , when the other kids were mean to him he would run into the forest to play by himself but he never liked the forests at night time. At night , the forest was scary , dark. As if some monster was lurking behind the huge trees , hiding in the dark.

Naruto ran straight , hoping that he would pass the forest through and come out of the cluster of trees but all that action of his achieved was getting further stuck in the forest. Soon , Naruto was tired , his feet gave out as he sat down , pulling his legs to his chest , he sat against a tree , he was crying now , his eyes raining tears and sobs left his mouth.

There was loud growl.

An animal.

Large from the sounds of it.

It was coming towards the little boy.

Naruto suddenly jerked his head up at the growl , he looked into the dark forest , there were eyes of a beast looking at him , it was a huge tiger ,saliva dripping from the sides of it's jaw , it was prancing around the little boy who was even more scared and curled in on himself.

The stripped beast lunged at the child who yelled at the top of his lungs , "NO !"

Everything went quiet , there was sizzling sound and smoke around the seen.

Naruto who had covered his eyes with both his hands , slowly peeked from behind the palm of his hands , there lay in ashes the beast that had threatened his life, as the smoke before him cleared he saw a figure standing before him.

"Are you alright , kid ?"

Naruto nodded his head.

"What are you doing here this late ?"

Naruto wipped his tears with sleeve of his dirt covered jacket and looked up at his saviour , " 'm lost ".

"What's your name ?"

" Uzumaki Naruto , dattebayo", the blonde boy spoke in sobbing hiccup.

"Uchiha Sasuke ", returned the other.

Chapter Text

Sasuke Uchiha was known for keeping to himself and tended to spend most of his time training, this training field was his first preference, he had not entered in the Uchiha Fields since last four years , it often brought back memories that he had managed to squash down in his brain , never to be remembered. The reason he preferred this field over others was because of it's geography, it was way outside the village for someone to come , it had deadly animals among it's large trees and no genin ever entered here. The chunins preferred the third field and the Jonins often spared in the elite ground south of the Hyuga Compound , even the Anbu had a preference for the Forest of Death , that meant there were barely any who thought of this place to train.

He would get here after the academy , with a few of his family scrolls secured in his bag. The shade of the tall tree near the fountain was his favourite , he sat there with his scrolls sprawled open , trying to comprehend the complex jutsus that many of his ancestors invented in their commendable shinobi careers , his desire to gain more power to be strong , stronger than the man he ought to kill one day was the fuel that led him to train for ungodly hours.

Despite being called a prodigy in his class , Sasuke knew he wasn't one. His skills weren't something that he was born with or that he was naturally perfect at anything he did , all that intelligence in class and that edge in training was the result of his hardwork behind the scenes. He was far behind all those who were considered prodigies , there were naturals at what they did , he wasn't. He worked hard but kept quiet , he wasn't one to speak when not needed. And it's wasn't like he had anyone to speak to , anyone who cared for his wellbeing , anyone who would ask him of his day at the academy or anything remotely resembling even a drop of care for his person.

Not that he asked for it.

He had the Uchiha pride in his veins.

Sasuke was following his routine in the training field when he heard a scream. The scrolls in his hand fell to the ground , he was on alert.

He glanced around , trying pin the source.

Whoever it was needed immediate help.

It took Sasuke a minute or two before he pinpointed the source , it was not far from here.

He dashed through the forest , something in his head told him to prepare for a fight , his hands were ready to make hand signs in a blink of eye.

He pushed past the bushes to see a little boy curled up against a tree , crying and screaming for his life while a huge tiger pranced about him , eyeing his prey with saliva dripping from it's sharp toothed jaw.

The tiger growled and the boy sobbed cowering.

Just as the tiger was about to jump in for the kill , Sasuke moved his hands in seals and produced one of the biggest fireballs of his short life , with a loud sound the tiger fell to the ground , dead , it's flesh melted off it's body and blood splayed all over the ground , the sound of sizzling and heat was audible to the two.

Sasuke stood in his place still in alert , eyeing the tiger before his eyes turned to the boy. He quickly moved past the slayed tiger and stood in front of the boy , for some reason Sasuke thought it right to cover the body of the slayed tiger by standing in front of the kid and blocking his view so the kid wouldn't see the gore and the filth.

After the initial introduction , the older of the two boys spoke , " You shouldn't come near the forest alone at this time , it's nearly night ".

The blonde boy looked at him with his big blue eyes , half mumbling to himself he said , " 'm wasn't alone , had Nii -San."

Sasuke barely heard the kid.

"Where do you live ?" , he asked the younger boy.

Naruto suddenly scrunched up his face in confusion. He knew the way back home from past the Inuzuka Compound but before that he was blank. It was always his Nii -San who led the way , holding his hand , so wouldn't get lost and as a result he never paid any attention in the village or the way they were going. It struck him that he didn't know his own address.

Naruto felt a hand shake him and looked up to see Sasuke asking him his address.

"You do know where you live right ?" , asked Sasuke , already imagining the trouble ahead if the boy answered no.

Naruto who had no answer give , fiddled with his fingers and looked down on the ground at his feet.

"I take that as a no ", replied the Uchiha.

Naruto shook his slightly and then added , " I live with Nii -San".

Sasuke didn't know how to react to that , should he smile at the innocence of the boy before him or should hit him over the head for wandered here and running into him and increasing his trouble. He looked at the boy who was looking at him with hope , his tousled blonde hair fell on his face covered his big blue eyes , the kid was adorable and Sasuke didn't want his conscience to feel guilty for leaving him here to fend for himself.

"Alright ", he said , " I'll take you to the village and we will find help there ".

Sasuke turned with that and began walking , he thought that Naruto would take that as a cue to follow him but the boy was planted in his position. Sasuke looked at him and then it came to the Uchiha , the kid was looking at the dead lion , the blood and the gore. Out of pure instinct, he yanked the kid by his wrist and pulled him forward and began walking his out of the forest.

Naruto didn't utter a word and dragged his feet as the older boy pulled him by his wrist , the body of the tiger was imprinted in his head , he was quiet and tired. He looked up to see the darkening sky and the almost set sun. Naruto wanted to cry but he couldn't, he was alone in a forest with a stranger , he had lost his Nii -San and he didn't know how to get home , and then to top it all of with a cherry on top , he had seen the insides of the tiger , the burned flesh and the blood splayed , there was some on his clothes as well.

They both were walking rather slow , in normal circumstance Sasuke would opt to travel fast but with Naruto in tow he was walking rather slowly. He glanced back at the boy who was surely getting tired , his face was all red as if he was holding back tears trying not to cry infront of him , Sasuke kept a firm grip on the kid's wrist and picked up pace , they were nearing the open road that led straight to the village.

Suddenly they head a loud voice.

Someone was yelling.

"NARUTO!"

Naruto perked up his head at the sound of his name , "Nii -San", he whispered.

Sasuke turned to look at the boy who was bopping his head in all direction to find the source of the voice.

Sasuke was quick to pinpoint the source , he pulled Naruto to walk in the direction and they both walked fast.

There was a sudden drop , someone landed just behind them , it was shinobi for sure , they turned around and by instinct Sasuke pushed the smaller boy behind him , he eyed the shinobi , it was an Anbu.

The Anbu , pressed at his ear piece and spoke , " I found the boy , 1 mile south of the fourth gate ".

He then turned to the two boys.

"Uzumaki Naruto , come with me , I have been tasked to bring you back to the village ", the Anbu , spoke as he moved forward to grab the boy.

Naruto didn't know who this man was , he hadn't seen him in his life , so when the man reached for him , he staggered back and hide behind Sasuke who he thought was better of the two.

"We don't have time kid , your brother is the one who send me , come fast ", said the Anbu , reached past Sasuke to grab the little boy's forearm.

His hand was pushed away by a glaring Sasuke.

"Naruto ", said Sasuke , " do you know this man ?"

Naruto shook his head in negative and fisted the back of Sasuke's blue shirt.

"You heard him ," said Sasuke with anger ," he doesn't know you and he isn't going with you ".

" I don't have to time to play with you kid ", said the Anbu ," get out of my way and let me take the kid , it's orders from an Anbu captain ".

" Get ! AWAY ! ", yelled Sasuke , fire appearing in his fist, "I said he isn't going with you , get it ".

"If I am defeated by a kid like you , do you think I would be an Anbu ", said the man , as he pulled a kunai out.

Naruto whimpered as the situation accelerated for the bad , his grip tightened and his eyes closed , his long stopped tears sprung at the corner of his eyes as he clutched his own t - shirt.

"ENOUGH !", came a deep and authoritative voice.

Both Sasuke and the Anbu whipped there head to left to see , a angry man standing with his arms folded to his chest , his killer intent was dripping from his aura.

"Sir ", the Anbu said , pushing the kunai back in his pocket , " I was just doing as you asked of me ".

"Did I ask of you to threaten children ?", said the man , now standing next to the Anbu.

Sasuke wanted to argue at the fact of being classified as a child but kept his mouth shut eyeing the man who towered over the Anbu.

"No Sir ", said the Anbu , clearly aware of the fact the man can obliterate him of the face of this planet.

"Good , I take over from here ".

That was enough for the Anbu to leave.

Sasuke eased a bit but still kept an arm extended infront of Naruto behind him and the man in front of him , as if his arm would prove to be a defence.

The man smiled at the sight and crouched down.

"Naruto ", he spoke softly.

It was familiar voice , the little boy perked up his head to look the man.

He slowly let go of Sasuke and looked at the man , it was his brother. Naruto had tears streaming down his face , snot coming down his nose , his cheeks red and puffy , he immediately barreled into the man's open arms.

"It's alright bud , I got you", said Kakashi, wrapping his arms around the boy , he rubbed his back and held him tight , " it's alright , nothing worry , huh ".

Sasuke looked content , Naruto knew this man , so now he can leave.

He turned around and began to walk.

"Sasuke ", said the man.

Sasuke stopped and turned , his face gave a questioning look.

"Would you like to join us for dinner ?, take it as thank you for saving Naruto ", asked Kakashi hoping the kid would agree.

Sasuke turned his head ,"I didn't help him for anything in return ".

"I know that bud ", said Kakashi softly , "it's late and I take that you live by yourself , you gonna go home and make dinner , rather I say join us dinner , Naruto would appreciate it ".

Sasuke thought and little and then nodded in agreement.

"Then it's settled , to Ichiraku Ramen we go ", announced Kakashi standing up with Naruto in arms.

Sasuke still didn't speak much just nodded and walked beside Kakashi.

He observed the other two quiet keenly. Kakashi was fussing over Naruto , he cleaned the boy's face with a kerchief and then pressed a kiss on his forehead , he rocked the little blonde untill he had settled down and even the tiniest whimpers and sobs had disappeared, the kid was still pressed against the older man's chest , the boy's head on his shoulder , while Kakashi consistently moved his free hand to rub the boy's back and head , patting him in between.

This reminded Sasuke of his own older brother , though he wasn't like Naruto , he had great rapport with his brother , he was in the true sense a hero worshipping little brother , constantly following Itachi around , and Itachi would often dote on him. Though they weren't as explicitly physically affectionate as these two , but still they were. Sasuke had fond memories of his brother carrying him on his back all the way to home , his mother preparing the most delicious dinner and his father teaching him the Uchiha techniques. They were mere memories now. Looking at these two made him wish that he had someone who cared for like that too.

He saw Naruto giggle as Kakashi tickled him , letting out his cute laughter , all the tears from Naruto's face had disappeared, he was joyfully enjoying playing with his older brother.

A sad smile appeared on Sasuke's face.

Kakashi noticed it.

Without a warning , Kakashi swung his arm around Sasuke's shoulder in a familiar manner , "Well , now that you are all good again Naruto , what do we say to Sasuke ?"

"Arigatou , Sasuke - nii", said Naruto with a bubbly smile.

They reached Ichiraku Ramen and sat on the stools along the bar , it was a busy night , Kakashi had.seen two stools at the end of the bar and immediately took them , he sat on , holding Naruto in his lap and offered the other to Sasuke.

They ordered their respective ramen.

"Say , Sasuke , what do you think about ordering onigiri", asked Kakashi looking at the twelve year old.

Kakashi knew that onigiri was one of Sasuke's favourite food. Now , before he is labelled a stalker , he would like to clear that years of working with Itachi and thanks to great memory and that kid's ability to go on and on about his brother , had been the reason that Kakashi remembered that Sasuke liked onigiri.

Sasuke nodded his head and Kakashi placed the order.

The food arrived and they began to eat.

"Sasuke are you graduating this year ?", asked Kakashi looking at the boy.

"Yes ", replied Sasuke.

"Cool , you'll be a ninja like Nii -San, and one day I'll be too ", Naruto entered the conversation.

"Well , Mr.Ninja don't make a mess of your shirt ", said Kakashi with smile as he pulled Naruto back because the boy was about to fall from his leaning in the side.

Sasuke was quietly eating his onigiri, listening to Naruto go on and on about his academy and training and what not. Kakashi would join the conversation with some quick joke that would make Naruto giggle and then tune out of the conversation. Sasuke felt nice to have company for dinner.

They finished eating and Kakashi paid the bill , then they walked outside.

"Come on , "said Naruto grabbing his Sasuke's arm , "we gotta get dessert ".

Sasuke who was about to leave looked at Kakashi who smile at him ," We do dessert after dinner".

Sasuke obliged and walked along with them. He wouldn't admit but he was enjoying spending time with them. Kakashi talked to Sasuke about his school , his training, told him a few tricks for maintaining his weapons and asked about his general well being all the while keeping a firm grip on the hand of hyperactive boy who was bouncing in all directions.

It felt nice to have a adult care about him even if for a little while.

They reached the small shop in the old part of the market and stopped in front of a shop named ," Nohara Treats&Sweets ".

It was old fashioned shop and a bell rung as they entered.

An old woman was sitting at the counter , she looked at Kakashi and smiled.

"Kakashi ", she said , standing up and coming over to the other side ," did you bring my favourite grandson ".

" I am here , Granny ", said Naruto walking up to the old woman.

She embraced him in her arms and planted few kisses on his head , " My lovely Naru - chan , how have you been ?"

"I got lost granny ", said Naruto , as the old woman tucked him in her side.

"By Kami , how ?"

"Nii -San and I were training at the field and I went in the I.......", he told her the full story with all the dramatics , hand gestures and sounds , " and then Sasuke - nii save me ".

"Is that so ?", she said , looking at the boy beside Kakashi.

"Yes , Granny ", said Naruto with his adorable smile.

Sasuke saw the old woman looking at him and felt the need to introduce himself.

"Sasuke Uchiha", he said.

She gently smiled , "you Uchiha's all are nice and good people ".

She turned to Kakashi , "it's the same as when Obito saved little Isume - chan from falling over the monument ralling ".

Kakashi gave a sad smile at the mention of his martyred teammate.

"Who's up for some dessert ?", came a voice of an old man who entered the shop with a tray in his hand with two glasses on it.

Naruto dashed towards the man and grabbed a glass with both his hands while the old man passed the other to Sasuke.

"Sasuke - nii , you'll love it , this is grandpa's best dessert ", said Naruto already reached his glass to his mouth.

Sasuke looked down to see the special dessert , and then smiled. It wasn't dessert , it was milk , chocolate milk to be exact.

Kakashi saw Sasuke's face and said , " It's a way to get him to drink milk more than what he volunteerly would".

Sasuke nodded his head and gulped down his glass.

The last time he had went out of dessert was so long that it was just a blurry fickle of a memory.

It was nice.

Today was nice.

Tonight was specifically nice.

______________________________________________________

Kakashi walked downstairs after tucking his little brother in bed for the night.

His living room was filled with people who were talking among themselves a little too loud.

"Keep it down people , we have a kid sleeping", said Kakashi as he moved to be in the centre of the gathered party.

"Senpai , I gathered everyone as you asked for ", said Yamato , standing beside Kakashi.

"Good job , Tenzo ", said Kakashi.

A sort of pride swelled up in Yamato's heart. He may have become an Anbu captain in his own right but everytime he was with Kakashi he somehow reverted back to the role of his senpai's most trusted subordinate.

"Youji , what is the current status of the clan council ", asked Kakashi in Anbu captain voice.

"There's going to be a vote on the current gape of law enforcement in the village , since the Uchiha Police was well wipped out , the law enforcement on local level had never been given a proper structure , chunins and Jonins and few Anbu squads had managed the system here and there but no proper solution had been brought , "Youji explained , "Recently, Danzo undermined the Sandaime's proposition of a diversified police force and had proposed that 'The Root' , should take over domestic law enforcement ".

Youji was a member of the Aburame Clan , his older brother was clan head , and hence he had excess to the clan council meetings and inside lobbying on vote.

He continued , " The Huyga support Danzo , while the Ino - Shika - Cho trio on the advice of Shikaku Nara are with Sandaime , the Inuzuka are along with the Huyga while us , the Aburame side remain neutral , the only votes left are the Uchiha and then your own Hatake , means we can swing the clan council in our favour ".

Yuugou interrupted, " But that doesn't make sense , you don't call for a vote untill you have the vote ".

"Exactly ", said Kakashi and then he turned to Kou , " go on".

"Danzo's main aim is to overthrow the Sandaime ", began Kou , " this upheaval in clan council is just a distraction to serve as a red herring , the real trouble is brewing in Sunagakure and Amegakure . Danzo has been taking part in underhand deals with our traditionally enemy villages for latter gains , if Michiko's Intel is to be trusted and from what my contacts have found , he is planning to back an invasion of Konoha ".

Atari rubbed his head , " I take that Danzo is crazy but invasion of Konoha is streching it too much ".

"Actually it isn't ", Yuugao turned to face him , " this gives him just the right opportunity to kill the Sandaime and any or all who will stand between him and his seat of Hokage , death of many in a home invasion won't give rise to suspicion".

" Because , a single death is a tradegy but hundreds dead is just a statistic ", said Hayate.

"And where do we fit in this equation, Team To ?", asked their Captian.

"We are the most elite team in Anbu and we directly report to the Hokage , our loyalty to the Sandaime is unquestionable , " said Yamato ,"we also have access to the most secret of Konoha's facilities and documents and we'll pose a future threat to Danzo and his deranged plans of taking over Konoha , that's why he wants us out of the way by sending us to our literal deaths in the Land of Lightning to retrieve a document of utmost importance which we all are well aware isn't there ".

"Well I think this covers most of the issues ", said Kakashi," now team , here are your orders , Tenzo will file for Form Z (19 e) , asking for disbanding of the team on temporary basis , Yuugao will file for a solo mission in the village of Amegakure, Kou will be assigned official duty with Sandaime , Youji's insects will spread out all over Konoha , I need every detail , every talk , every word and every whisper that goes around Danzo , Hayate and Tenzo will take a mission to Sunagakure, Michiko will be in Konoha with me , understood ?"

"Hai , Taicho ", yelled the rest in unison.

Soon , the meeting was dispersed , everyone left but one.

"Senpai , things are not going well ", Yamato said , his tone low.

"When have they gone well ", replied Kakashi sitting on the couch.

"Since you have retired from the Anbu , Commander has been under great pressure from Danzo , Sandaime doesn't listen a word against that man , and now he is bringing a war home ", Yamato said , not worrying that he was showing an active display of displeased emotion infront of Kakashi.

"That why we are here , as long as we work together , there is no threat great enough to plunge Konoha into the repeat of the past "said Kakashi his eyes closed.

Yamato out of habit got up and walked to kitchen , and pulled out two chilled beer from the fridge , he walked back into the living room and put them both on the table in front of Kakashi.

"Senpai ", he said , as if telling him to look.

"That's why you are my favourite little kohai , Tenzo ", Kakashi said with chuckle , reaching his hand to ruffle Tenzo 's hair in a teasing manner.

Yamato gave an indignant look but let his senior tease him.

______________________________________________________

Standing upon one of the tallest shingled roof of a bathhouse stood a huge man with white hair , and big stature , his one eye squinted shut while the other gazed upon the beautiful ladies through the spyglass , his nose visibly bleeding.

A toad jumped on his shoulder and spoke to the man in a low tone.

The big man stood straight , his spyglass tucked away in his huge haori , he pulled out a small of piece of paper and scribbled on it before he passed it to the toad who disappeared in a blink of an eye.

The man jumped down on the road and adjusted his clothes.

"A trip to Uzushiogakure is in order but I might just make little stop in the leaf to pick up a little birdie ".

He smiled to himself and walked ahead.

______________________________________________________

Chapter Text

Iruka streched his arms and let a huge yawn escape his lips , the dark circles under his eyes were clearly visible on his tan skin , he shuffled about his work table in the academy teacher's staffroom , gathering all the files that lay scattered across the table. Iruka is a tidy person when it comes to work but the last few days have been especially hard with Genin graduation and team assignment coming up. He had worked double shifts in the missions department to earn a little extra dough and then the Hokage had bombarded him with the genin graduation paperwork.

Grabbing the team file and stacking the others in a neat bunch , the chunin stood up and cracked his knuckles.

A slight smile visible on his face as he tucked the file under his arm and began walking towards the Hokage's office.

______________________________________________________

Kakashi lay streched on the couch of the living room , his eyes were bleary , covered by a light blue open weave blanket , he covered his face with the back of his hand to protect himself from the rays of sunlight that penetrated through the blinds and attacked his eyes.

" For Kami 's sake", Kakashi groaned , "shut the curtains !".

An empty stack of bottles lay on the coffee table and a very bedraggled Yamato was deep in the sea of black , his head buried in a small pillow on the second couch , unable to hear his superior's reason for agitation.

Suddenly Kakashi felt the light disappear , his lips curved in a satisfactory smile and a slight whisper of ' Thank You ' left his mouth.

"No problem", replied a sweet and gentle voice.

Kakashi sprang up straight in haste with a kunai in hand , his senses took a while to adjust themselves , he opened his sharingan , in full defence, he kicked Yamato to wake up , even half asleep Kakashi was sure that there was no one but him and Yamato downstairs , who the hell closed the curtains and spoke to him.

"What senpai ?", Yamato asked , scratching his head as he groggily opened his eyes and stood next to the older man.

"There's someone here ", Kakashi spoke , his voice low and his eyes scaning the room.

Yamato soon gained his senses and reacted to Kakashi's reply , he grabbed his kunai in his hand and stood back to back with his captain , his eyes though not as skilled as Kakashi's sharingan were still plenty helpful in dim and near dark situations.

"I can't here anything ", said Yamato , straining his ears , to catch even the slightest movements.

"The house is big ", Kakashi replied , his voice still low.

Kakashi crooked his fingers in a few gestures , they were instructions from the Anbu code , Yamato understood what his captain meant. They will split up , one downstairs, and the other upstairs , and search for this intruder that Kakashi had so uncermoniously kicked him awake for.

Kakashi slowly stepped up the stairs , his heart for some reason was thumping against his chest , he had never feared anything , and a intruder was the least of his fears if he ever made a list , but this time he had a bad feeling clouding his head , he alone can take on an army without a worry in the world but he had Naruto to look after and with a intruder in his house , who could possibly kill , no , he needed to clear his head.

Kakashi made his steps swift and silent , he sped up the stairs and entered Naruto's room with caution , he was in a ready to kill stance with his kunai held in a manner to inflict life threatening damage on the intruder if they happen to be in this room.

With one hand Kakashi opened the door and entered , the room was lit with a night light and the rays of sunlight peeping through the open curtains , Naruto lays sprawled on the bed horizontally, the quilt that covered him lay half on bed , half on floor , the boy was curled up with a his newest stuff toy , Mr. Flash , named after his hero , the Yellow Flash of The Hidden Leaf.

A smile graced Kakashi's face , this was a gift from Michiko in her efforts to help Naruto separate himself from depending too much on Kakashi.

Seeing his baby brother peacefully asleep , Kakashi lowered his kunai and moved towards the bed , he pulled Naruto in straight position and drapped the quilt over him , running a hand through the boy's blonde hair who whimpered in his sleep at the disturbance and snuggled closer to the stuffy , he mindlessly moved his other hand and fisted Kakashi's shirt , who felt even more happy and the sight of his safe and peaceful charge.

The door swung open and Yamato walked in.

"I looked everywhere , there is no one , no sign of forced entry or break in ", he said , seating on the edge of the bed , and taking in some breath.

"I heard someone , and the curtains ", said Kakashi, still caressing his brother's hair.

"You were drunk senpai , you could be mistaken , and the curtains can easily close due to the wind ", said Yamato , looking at the older man.

"Maybe ", accepted Kakashi.

In his head , he could swear that the curtains were open when they fell asleep and it took little effort to pull them close and even if he pushed all of that aside , he could swear on Naruto's life that he had heard a voice , he couldn't right away recognise it but he had heard it. But with no solid proof there was no point in arguing over a matter so trivial.

Looking at his superior's ambiguous face , Yamato said, "Anyway there is no sign of forced entry , for someone to be here they got to enter and I am sure we closed everything before we sat down , there is no chance for anybody breaking in without leaving traces".

"Sure ", replied Kakashi.

"And if you still don't belive me senpai. Then this intruder of yours got to be a ghost to enter and go without leaving a trace ", chuckled Yamato at his own little sarcastic comment.

"You are right , I am being paranoid ", Kakashi said , standing up ," let's clean up and then I'll prepare some breakfast for all of us ".

"Alright ", Yamato said , standing near the door.

Kakashi bent down to press a kiss his little brother's forehead and secured the quilt around him , before gently closing the door and leaving.

"You were afraid that something might happen to him?", asked Yamato as they both descended the stairs.

"You can't blame me , he's a little kid and we both know that there are people out there who would pay a hefty sum to get there hands on him ", Kakashi spoke , walking into the living room and looking at the mess.

______________________________________________________

Sasuke Uchiha slung his bag over his shoulder and pushed his hands in his pockets before he began walking towards the academy. Today was the last day of his academy life , today they would announce the genin teams , he was one step closer to achieving his goal of retribution.

He eyed the streets as he walked , there were little children shuffling in front of their houses , ready to leave for the academy , there were mothers handing them packed lunches , with sweet goodbyes and promises of a favourite treat on return. He turned his head , he didn't pack a lunch , woke up too late , there was no time. He ate the onigiri that Kakashi made him take home with him for breakfast , and nothing more.

There was lunch box in his apartment , his mother used to pack it when she was alive , he on the other hand didn't acquire the skills of cooking and hence it was never a good chance for him to be able to pack his own lunch well. He had drastically improved from the no idea seven year old and now he had the ability to make simple dishes and a few complex one's. But he still couldn't figure out how to tie the lunch box so that the clan creat came on top.

Sasuke walked into the academy and sat in a corner seat , away from the jittering crowd. They were all indifferent to him since the massacre, be it the sympathetic looks or the general disgust of the Uchiha hatred that rose since the Kyubi's attack on Konoha , both looks Sasuke scorned at to his utmost abilities.
He hated the pity that they showed him , treated him as someone diffrent , someone broken , someone alone , the looks of pity , glares of sympathy, reminding him at every turn and step that he had no one.

The fangirls in his class were another headache that he dealt with on dailey basis. He had done everything in his power to show that he had no interest in any of them but they never took the hint. He had tired to be silent about it , ignoring them was his first move but they didn't budge , then he moved to harsher measures, using a insulting tone and being mean in his words , that didn't nothing but make them like him even more and he managed to earn himself the title of the broody one.

"Ha , ha , you Ino - pig , I made it first ", said , the pink haired girl jumping in joy as she slid next to Sasuke.

"Yeah well , you can sit next to Sasuke - kun all you want but he and I will be in the same team and you would be rotting somewhere in some dust pan of a team ", Ino said , with a wide smirk on her face as he sat next Shikamaru on the empty seat.

"This is troublesome " , scoffed Shikamaru , buying his head in his folded arms.

All in class fell silent when Iruka walked into the class with a folder tucked in his arms. He began the class with the mandatory lecture of the passing class and then moved to sit on chair and opened the file , to read aloud the names of the team.

" Team 8 , Inuzuka Kiba , Hyuga Hinata , Aburame Shino"

"Team 10 , Nara Shikamaru , Akimichi Choji , Yamanaka Ino "

Ino banged her head on the table , " Not these two ", she murmured.

Sakura yelled , "Take that , you Ino , who won ha ".

"Enough !" yelled Iruka .

"All of you'll be receiving further orders from your assigned Jonins leaders , till then you are to stay put ", Iruka said closing his file.

"Umm , Iruka Sensei ", Sakura said raising her hand , "mine and Sasuke - kun's name were not taken ".

Sasuke too perked up his head waiting for the chunin's reply.

"Yes , both of you meet me in the staff room ", said Iruka before he left the class.

A confused Sakura followed behind Sasuke who got up and began following Iruka out of the room.

"There's been some slight changes ", said Iruka sitting down on the desk , " you two are part of Team 7".

"What about our third teammate ?" asked Sakura.

"Yes that ", Iruka said , " a new student shall be joining you , his name , Abe Ichiro, he's not from the academy but a special case through Hokage's approval, he will be your third teammate ".

"Where's he ?" asked Sasuke.

"You'll meet him tomorrow ", Iruka explained, " the jonin leader assigned to your team is on leave and join tomorrow, you team is to gather here then at this exact time , for now you have the permission to leave ".

Sasuke and Sakura both nodded their head and left the room.

______________________________________________________

Kakashi sighed as he fixed Naruto's coat for the zenith time , the boy was pulling on the collar too much and making a mess of the perfectly fine piece of clothing.

"Naruto , what's wrong ?"asked Kakashi pulling the boy's hand away from his collar.

"It's itchy ", said Naruto , trying to pull back his hand from the grip of his older brother's hand.

"Okay , let me take a look ", said Kakashi , he pulled the zip down and pulled open the collar.

There was a plastic covering the rim of the collar that connected it to the rest , it was slightly torn and scratching against Naruto's skin leaving the spot red and creating a tempting sensation to scratch it. It was probably a tiny reaction to the plastic and nothing more but Kakashi knew better , he knew that the kid won't stop squirming and might scratch to an extent causing further problems.

Kakashi grabbed both of the boy's arms and spoke,"You're right bud , let's take that off , it isn't that cold anyway ".

Naruto quickly took off the jacket and handed it over to his brother.

The blonde was smiling even brighter than usual today. He swung his free hand and hobbled in joy as they walked through the street. Kakashi looked at the boy earnestly, holding his hand with gentleness and hanging the little orange jacket on his forearm. They were going to get Naruto some custom made weapons for his training.

Walking with more speed than usual , both brothers walked past the busiest areas of Konoha in haste to reach a traditional wooden exterior shop , the oldest in the whole of Konoha , established since the founding of the village , the family that owned it had been making weapons for shinobi's since the time of clan wars.

Kakashi pushed open the door and entered with Naruto in tow.

"Konichiwa , Hatake - San ", came the petite voice of a young women standing on the reception .

"Konichiwa, Ayako - San ", greeted Kakashi , pulling Naruto to stand in front of him , putting both his hands on the boy's shoulder , " This is Naruto ".

"Ah , yes , I remember", she replied looking at the little boy ", Naruto Uzumaki isn't it ?"

"Hai", came the high pitched voice of the little boy.

The women turned to Kakashi again.

"Tou - san , is in , you can enter Hatake - san ", Ayako said , gesturing to the door that lead to the inner room.

Kakashi nodded his head and entered the room.

There stood the owner of the shop , the old Tomiyashi Minamoto , bald head and thick moustache, holding a fine specimen of a kunai in his hand , showing it's excellent metal work to a very young customer of his , who took much interest in the blade and the story of it's making. Swinging the kunai in air the old man gleefully displayed the state of art work he had done on the beautifully carved blade.

"SASUKE - NII ! ", yelled Naruto with excitement, as he rushed forward towards the older boy , freeing himself from Kakashi's grip.

"You don't have to yell Naruto , Sasuke can hear you just fine ", spoke Kakashi , looking at the overly bubbling kid.

"Hatake -san, you're early for once ", spoke the old man putting down the kunai in hand , " I was just showing young Uchiha - kun , his new kunai ".

"Please continue Minamoto - san , we aren't in a hurry ", Kakashi said with a little smile as he pulled a chair for himself and sat down.

"This kunai is made of a special iron that we import from the land of lightning, it's created especially for fire and lighting style users , the properties of this iron as the finest to blend with fire and lighting type jutsus", explained the old man ,"I've been forging these for the Uchihas for generations".

With a zeal to show the kunai at work , the old man picked it up and tossed to Kakashi who caught the kunai with ease.

"Hatake -san here , is an proficient fire and lighting style user , he can test it out for us ", said the old man looking at Kakashi.

Kakashi nodded his head and with a few hand signs that happened in the blink of an eye , there was flames around the kunai but it's grip remained intact , as the intensity of the fire increased the metal didn't melt like most would , in a split second Kakashi changed the fire with lightning much to Sasuke's shocked face who was already in awe at the speed with which Kakashi did the handsigns.

"Woh , that's superfast Nii -San", giggled Naruto ,"you gotta teach me how to do that ".

" Sure when you learn how to walk up a tree or on a lake ", said Kakashi extinguishing the lighting an putting down the blade.

"Impressive as it is , I feel sad but we can't continue this much , though I will forge the whole set by the end of this week , "said the old man looking at the young Uchiha and then turned to Kakashi, " I have made a few samples as you asked me to , I'll bring them out then you can choose whichever one that might best the boy after that I guarantee you that the whole set will be ready by Monday ".

With that the old man turned and went inside his inner workshop to get the samples.

"Say Sasuke , I thought the Uchiha clan had an ample supply of arms ", said Kakashi , leaning against a wooden beam.

"Most of them are old and rusty due to lack of maintenance ", Sasuke kept it short and simple before choosing silence.

"Sokka ,"said Kakashi and then paused for a bit before he continued, "though , that kunai won't fit for you , it's made for the hands of an adult , you won't get the same grip and you might end up injuring yourself in a fight."

"What do you want to say ?"asked Sasuke turning his head towards the older man.

"If you wish I can teach you how to handle weapons that are bigger for you ", said Kakashi with a hopeful face.

Naruto who was overjoyed by the idea spoke before Sasuke could utter a word , " That sounds great Sasuke - nii , you can join us in the training sessions and then we can eat together later and then you can show me that fire jutsu you did in the forest and - "

"Naruto calm down , let Sasuke speak ", Kakashi said , fondly reaching his hand to ruffle the blonde's hair.

Naruto earnestly grabbed Sasuke's sleeve tugging at it and his hope filled big blue eyes staring straight into the dull black Uchiha orbs.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt "spoke Sasuke.

"Yesss ", jumped Naruto.

"Good , meet us in the morning at Traning ground 15 , sharp six ", said Kakashi.

Sasuke nodded his head and then turned to see the old man entering with samples , he turned his head to both the adults in the room before he took his leave much to Naruto's disappointment.

The oldman put on the table three kunais , each built with a different metal , slight difference in designs with a leather grip.

"I wasn't aware of the nature of the boy's chakra but I made a few educated guesses ", the old man said as Kakashi looked down at the samples.

The first one was built from Edo metal found in the south of the village hidden in the mist , it was specifically made to be used by water nature types due to it's tendency to not rust when exposed to water for long periods of time.

The second one was slightly bigger , with scratchy surface , built from metal brought from the Hidden Cloud , it was said to be the lightest of all metals used to make kunai , it blends perfectly with the force of air that a lot of wind style users use in their jutsus.

The third was small , a perfect fit for Naruto's little hand , with shinning metal that seemed not all that strong , it was built with a metal brought from overseas, especially suited for earth style users.

Naruto walked over to the table and Kakashi's word picked up the kunais one after another , the first two were slightly big in his hand , the third fit perfectly. Kakashi was suspicious of what Naruto's chakra leaning be , he had thought that it could be both Minato's wind style or Kushina's earth style.

He could have easily conducted a chakra litmus test with Naruto and he did but the paper showed not result which was certainly odd but Kakashi pushed it off as expiry. Kakashi had made up his mind to buy both the wind and earth affinity weapons and having two natures had never hurt anybody.

"We'll take these two ," Kakashi said picking up the wind and earth affinity weapons, and handing them to the older man.

Naruto looked up as the weapons were passed , it was the first time that he would have proper weapons instead of handouts or bad equipment . He would've bought them himself when he lived alone but good quality ones were expensive and even with the help of Iruka Sensei he couldn't do much. Right now his eyes were gleaming with happiness.

Naruto was pulled out of his thoughts with a hand that gently shook his shoulder ," Naruto , Minamoto - san is asking you , how would you like to customise the grip?"

The boy was stunned , never given a choice , he looked up, first at his older brother then at the old man , a few tears made their way to the brink of his eyes , he tired to stop them but to no avail , the slipped down his cheeks.

"No need to get all worked up over a grip boy ", said Minamoto - san , as he gathered all the samples in his hands and gestured the two brothers to follow him.

A hand gently wiped the tears off the little boy's face ,"What's up bud ? Why all these tears ?"

Naruto looked up to see his brother was crouching down to his level. With a sudden urge taking over him , he rushed in for a hug and wrapped his arms around the older man's neck and murmured something in his shoulder.

"What is it , bud ?", Kakashi asked , his tone gentle , not quiet catching what the boy was saying.

Naruto pulled back his head from his older brother's shoulder and looked him in the eyes ," Arigatou, Nii -San".

A soft smile draped over Kakashi's lips as he pulled Naruto in his embrace , holding the boy against his chest , his eyes glistened as he realised what it meant for Naruto , he looked up , as if hoping to see Minato's face peeking at them from the heavens and then whispered to himself , ' Sorry Sensei , I wish I didn't take this long .'

Gathering himself , Kakashi stood up and took Naruto's hand , " Let's go , you've got to customise the grip".

Naruto nodded his head and followed his big brother inside the other room.

" So , tell me boy , what sort of colour would you like on the grip , I've got all sorts , pitch place with a splash of silver or clean white with clan symbol", the old man said , putting a catalogue on the counter.

Naruto peered over the counter which was high , having difficulty to the look at the catalogue, untill he felt himself being lifted into his big brother's arms who held him so he could look at the catalogue with ease.

"Which one is it , bud ?", asked Kakashi.

Naruto leaned further , his face showed utmost concentration , Kakashi out hand under the boy's armpit to hold him from falling over into the marble countertop headfirst.

" Canihavetheorangeoneplease ", Naruto spoke as fast a the speed of light.

"We didn't quite catch what you said , kiddo ?"

Naruto sheepishly turned his head , still wary of expressing his choices in such expensive places , he buried his face in the crook of his older brother's neck and slowly spoke , " Can I have the orange one please ".

Kakashi laughed , rubbing the boy's back with his hand," All that commotion for such a petty thing ", he said then he turned to the man behind the counter , " he'll have the orange one ".

"Orange , an odd choice , even first to be honest ", said the old man , " And I assume to leave space for an inner seal ".

Kakashi nodded his head.

______________________________________________________

They were walking towards their house , Kakashi was holding Naruto's hand with his other hand occupied in carrying the freshly baked batch of sweet mochi that they had picked up for dessert after the dinner.

Naruto felt a slight pang in his head , he slowed down a bit , silently walking alongside Kakashi who had loosened the grip on his hand leaving Naruto free to run ahead as they neared the house.

The slight pang turned into a clashing of chains and ringing in his head.

He felt his sight darken.

A sudden horror struck the boy.

There was darkness all over.

Steam.

A face.

A monster.

Naruto jerked open his eyes , his heart pounding against his chest , he rushed his hand to grip Kakashi's, wanting the comfort of his brother's presence.

Chapter Text

The dinning table in the kitchen was ornate with the finest Japanese breakfast delicacies and a mildly warm glass of milk sat near a nearly placed plate , waiting for it's owner to come and eat. Kakashi sat on the opposite side of the table , reading the file that Sandaime had some genin bring to his doorstep. It was a eloborate description of his about to be genin team , he was reading through the details carefully.

Today was Kakashi and Naruto's first day back to their normal duties and Kakashi had went all out when it came to breakfast, he got up early and had prepared everything he could , he even went as far as to prepare a bento box for Naruto to take to Academy. He wanted the boy to have as much normalcy in his life as possible , and the dish he made for the bento was something that was quite a delicacy in Uzushiogakure, he had learned that from Kushina who made it for Minato's genin when they visited sometimes.

"Naruto ! , breakfast's getting cold , hurry up", Kakashi called , sipping his tea.

"Coming ", came a voice from upstairs.

Kakashi heard shuffling about the stairs.

"Don't run on the stairs ", Kakashi chided without glancing up from his file.

"Was not ", replied Naruto.

"Sure", said Kakashi with a smirk.

Naruto entered the kitchen , he had bathed , his hair were still wet and down falling over his forehead, he was wearing blue shorts and a cream coloured t - shirt, he quickly walked around the dinning table and tackled Kakashi in a hug from behind.

"Good Morning , Nii -San", his voice as hyper as he usually had.

Kakashi moved an arm and pulled the boy in an embrace by his side , "Good Morning to you to , kiddo".

Soon , Naruto sat down to eat , he at first thought wanted to dump the glass of milk down the nearest sink , wishing that Kakashi would so engrossed in the file to notice that Naruto had not drank the milk but as those thoughts entered his mind and he moved his hand to grip the glass , he found that suddenly all of Kakashi attention was on him.

Naruto took a sip of the milk and scrunched up his face , it tasted horrible , nothing compared to the choclate milk they had at the sweet shop , but Kakashi insisted that Michiko had told him that Naruto needed to drink milk to help him stay healthy. Kakashi eyed the kid , Naruto quickly gulped down the entire glass and let out a sound of annoyance.

"It's not that bad ", Kakashi said , looking at the annoyed face of his little brother.

"It's yuck and if it's so good why don't you drink it , huh Nii -San", Naruto said , glaring and folding his arms over his chest.

"I drank my fair share when I was a tiny brat like you ", Kakashi said , chuckling at his baby brother's try at intimidating look.

"No fair", Naruto said , turning his head.

Kakashi closed his file and began to eat.

"Why aren't you dressed for the academy?" , asked Kakashi looking at the boy , "I thought you were excited to go back ".

Naruto looked down at his feet , his face suddenly drained of the happiness , " I guess..".

This got Kakashi's attention. Naruto was extremely excited at the prospect of going back to the academy when Kakashi spoke to him about it last night , he went on and on about how his class would a got ahead in lessons and that now he's got lots of homework to do and that he hadn't met any of his friends for a month nearly. He was talking so much that Kakashi thought that the boy might continue whole night instead of sleeping, so he used a good strategy, he tucked the boy in bed and sat by his side listening to everything he blabbered about while gently stroking his fluffy blonde hair , within an hour so the little boy was fast asleep.

"Something bothering you Naruto ? ", asked Kakashi in a gentle tone , " you can tell me ".

"I just....you know... it's just... you'd probably think it's stupid", Naruto said , his voice was small.

Kakashi went around the table and placed his hand on top of Naruto's head ,"If it bothers you then it's not stupid and if you had anything to say I am always here to listen no matter what it may be ".

"I want to go but I also don't want to go", Naruto said , looking up to Kakashi with his big blue eyes.

"Hmm ", left Kakashi mouth , "you worried about something ".

Naruto nodded his head.

Kakashi looked him in the eyes , encouraging him to speak.

"You won't be there ", Naruto mummered, low and small.

Kakashi's smiled at that , wrapping an arm around his shoulders.

"It's just a few hours bud , and I will be standing outside to get you when it's over ", said Kakashi , tightening the side embrace.

"Not that ", Naruto whispered.

"It's just that since I have been with you , I feel like a I belong , that I am safe and they can't hurt me , because you're always there and I..I", Naruto struggled a bit , " I know I am not a baby but I don't want to be alone there for so long and what if it's all a dream ? and what if you don't come back ? what if they hurt me again ? and -"

His eyes teared up and his words choked.

"Shhh , it's alright", Kakashi said , pulling the boy against himself ," No one gonna hurt you , alright. And it's not a dream Naruto , I am here and I am not going anywhere, I'll walk you to the academy and I'll be standing outside when you come out to take you home".

Naruto nodded his head that was buried in Kakashi's midriff.

"And don't you want to meet all your friends and Iruka and everyone who's waiting for you at the academy , and you don't want to fall behind the others do you ?" , Kakashi asked softly.

"No ", Naruto spoke slowly.

"Well then , Naruto you better get going to the academy and learn to be a ninja fast so you can come to missions with me ", Kakashi said , slowly rubbing his back.

Naruto pulled away , his teary eyed face still glancing at Kakashi.

"Crying doesn't make you a baby , you'd be surprised to notice that alot of adults cry alot too , they just like to call it emotional breakdown ", Kakashi said to the boy wipping his face.

"That means you cry too sometimes", Naruto said , looking at his brother.

"I did when I lost a lot of people in my life ", said Kakashi , then he moved his hand to ruffle his little brother's hair , " Crying shouldn't bother you that much you're still a little kid ".

"Am not ", Naruto said , puffing his checks.

"Sure ,bud ", Kakashi said smiling, " now go get ready fast , you gotta go to the academy ".

______________________________________________________

Danzo eyed the ROOT operative before him , his eyes indifferent , the boy , no older than thirteen may be , stood in respect of the superior before him.

"Abe Ichiro, that will be your name from now on ", Danzo said looking at the boy.

"Hai , Danzo - sama ", replied the boy.

"Your mission , is to monitor the Kyubi's vassal and capture him when needed and dispose of him when it is asked of you ", the village elder was clear with his words.

"Hai , Danzo - sama"

"Your duty is to the village and to me and no one else ", Danzo said.

"Hai , Danzo - sama"

Danzo waved his hand and the boy disappeared with a swirl of air.

______________________________________________________

Sakura sat on the wooden bench , she was huming to herself a song that she had heard her father sing when often when he cleaned the roof , it was quiet as ever. They had been told that their jonin leader will meet them here in the morning but now it was noon and nobody was here. She was the first one to arrive , she had her weapons neatly placed in her pouch , she was wearing her new dress that her parents had gifted her for her genin graduation.

Sasuke arrived after her , he was as usually was , the same brooding look on his face , same white shorts and the same blue shirt with the Uchiha crest , he stood by the tree first and then after an hour or so moved to sit on the other end of the bench. Sakura tried to start a conversation with him but his inability to carry a conversation squashed that chance of them talking.

Since both have sat in silence , Sakura humming and Sasuke definately not listening to her voice.

"Who's that ?", suddenly Sakura said , pointing towards a blurry figure walking towards them.

Sasuke turned his gaze.

A boy was walking towards them , his hair were short and brown , his face pale as a ghost , with both his hands in his pocket he walked up to them.

"You guys must be my teammates", he said , with a smile on his face.

"You are the new guy , nice to meet you", Sakura spoke , extending her hand she continued , " I am Haruno Sakura".

He shook her hand , " Abe Ichiro , Nice to meet you too".

"Uchiha Sasuke ", came the cold and short voice of the self sworm avenger.

"Well , nice to meet you too , Sasuke ", said Ichiro extended his hand to shake Sasuke's.

Sasuke returned the gesture with mild annoyance.

Sakura began to talk to Ichiro and Sasuke was sidelined in the conversation, they both went on and on about almost everything under the sun. The boy , Ichiro , he was too friendly for Sasuke's sake.

"Ichiro , you didn't tell us why you weren't at the academy?", asked Sasuke , looking at the boy who was standing near Sakura.

"Sasuke - kun's right , tell us ", Sakura said , turning to the boy.

"Well , I was born outside the village , my ka - san was from a minor village where my tou - san had long term mission and then they had me , so I grew up there but then tou - san wanted me to become a Leaf shinobi , so he talked to the Hokage - sama and here I am ", Ichiro explained to the suspicious Sasuke and the interested Sakura.

" Well that -", Sasuke was cut short , when Kakashi appeared out of nowhere.

"Lazing around I see ", Kakashi spoke his book in his hand.

"What are you doing here ?", Sasuke asked the man he knew.

"Well , what a small world , Sasuke ", Kakashi said , "I guess I am your jonin leader".

Kakashi asked them follow him on a high roof top , where they were to introduce themselves.

"I start you give you kids a gist of what to say ", then Kakashi began , " I am Hatake Kakashi , my likes and dislikes are none of your concern , my hobbies , you are too young to know and as for my goals , I never thought about it ".

"The only thing we found out is his name ", scoffed Sakura.

"First up , you emo kid "

"My name is Uchiha Sasuke , I do not particularly like anything and I hate a lot of things , my hobbies is to train hard and my goal , is to kill a man and restore my clan ", Sasuke spoke in the gravest tone that could come out of a twelve year old.

"Next you , pinkie"

"My name is Haruno Sakura , I like reading and I like my friends and I dislike bullies and that Ino - pig when she competes with for... ", Sakura blushed then looked at Sasuke , " my hobbies are learning to play musical instruments and my goal is to become the strongest kunoichi ever ."

"Last you grey jacket "

"My name is Abe Ichiro, I like the countryside and I dislike frozen winters , my hobbies is to paint and write and my goal is to accomplish every mission given to me", Ichiro said , with a smile on his face.

After the introduction happened the infamous bell test of Team 7 , they were exhausted to there cores and Kakashi had run them down to their last ounce of strength. It was Ichiro who had figured out that the goal was not the bell but the teamwork , he rushed to Sakura and together they met up with Sasuke and derived a plan to counter the superior jonin.

Kakashi played with them and never really fought because if he did these kids would die at his hands. He was quick to make an oberservation of that ROOT kid and remained on guard because Kakashi wouldn't put it past Danzo to not try to kill , he also kept an eye out for the other two in case they were targeted instead of him.

When Kakashi saw that they had caught on that the test was about teamwork he let them exhaust themselves out , trying different strategies to get the bells from the Jonins ended in utter failures and in the end the timer went up and Kakashi passed. It wasn't like he had a choice to fail these kids , he was bound to pass them , especially the Uchiha boy.

Kakashi looked at the exhausted kids before him , he had made them skip their lunch , they had passed but looked like they could just die here. He may have exhausted them a little too much. He knew that Sakura would have a nice dinner at home because she came from civilian family but Sasuke had no one. He would have to drag his tired self and prepare something to eat for himself. Kakashi knew how that felt he had been in Sasuke's place a million times as a kid having to come back to an empty house.

"You kids look like you could pass out , since I have put you through this , I think owe you a little treat , for formation of Team 7 ", Kakashi said , with his typical one eyed smile.

"Where , sensei ? " , asked Sakura.

"To Ichiraku Ramen, but first we got to make a little stop ", Kakashi said.

The young teens grumbled and got up , patting of dust off their clothes as they followed there sensei.

______________________________________________________

It was evening , half by two , the time when academy was over , Kakashi walked fast , it would be five minutes before they let the kids out , the younger ones. Kakashi had promised to be there when Naruto comes out and he was going to keep his word. His young students followed behind him as they walked to the academy.

"This isn't the way to Ichiraku Ramen, it's the road to academy", Sakura pointed out.

"Maa , I said we need to make a little stop ", Kakashi said to the girl as he walked reading his book.

Sasuke contemplated , they were probably in their way to pick up Naruto , he remembered that the boy was in the academy and it didn't take a genius to guess that Kakashi and Naruto were each other's only family.

They reached the academy and stood beside the swing with Kakashi still reading his book.

The ground was filled with parents standing there to pick up there children , suddenly lots of children spilled out of the doors , future shinobis Sakura would say.

She turned to see that her sensei had put the book back in his pouch and was standing there as if looking for someone.

She was a kid.

The same blonde kid she had seen at Ino's shop.

______________________________________________________

As the time neared , Naruto was getting giddy , his day had been good , he had met his friends and Iruka Sensei and everyone was nice to him which was a surprise. But as time was nearing to go home , he was becoming increasingly nervous.

What if it was all just a dream ?

What if Kakashi didn't want anything to do with him ?

What if he would be left all alone like he was before ?

He was so deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice that the class and his teacher had left.

He sat tight in his seat.

His eyes closed.

He felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Naruto what are you doing here , don't you want to go home ?"

It was Iruka.

Without hesitation Naruto spilled all his worries to Iruka.

Iruka had been his go to person for a long time.

"I can tell you Naruto , that when you walk out of that door , Kakashi - san would be there and if it helps you I can go with you ", Iruka spoke gently.

Naruto walked out with Iruka his hand clutching the chunin's.

They walked through the main gates.

There were lots of children and parents.

Naruto turned his head , his eyes searching for one person in the crowd.

He turned to the lonely swing where he saw the man he was looking for.

He let go off Iruka's hand and a sudden childish urge took over him , he ran towards Kakashi and the man crouched down to catch him. Within a blink , Naruto was caught up in Kakashi's arms and the manhad lifted him up.

"You came ", Naruto whispered in the crook of his neck.

"Ofcourse I did ", Kakashi replied.

Iruka followed behind and walked near the two with a smile on his face seeing Naruto's happiness.

Kakashi mouthed a thanks to Iruka as he adjusted Naruto in his arms to carry him with ease.

"Naruto , I would like you to meet my genins ", Kakashi said , swinging Naruto's bag over his own shoulder.

Naruto looked over from Kakashi's shoulder , there were the three of them looking at him. He quickly recognised Sakura and Sasuke.

He jumped down from Kakashi's arms and rushed to hug Sakura who returned the gesture.

"Sakura nee - chan ", Naruto said , hugging her ," how are you ?"

" I am good , Naruto - chan ", Sakura said , hugging him back.

"Well it seems that you know eachother and you know Sasuke as well , but still , this is Naruto , my otouto", Kakashi said.

______________________________________________________

The bunch after introductions had went their merry way to Ichiraku Ramen , Sakura and Naruto were walking ahead , Sasuke was being pulled into conversation by Naruto and Ichiro had already been befriended by Naruto. Kakashi was wary of the ROOT kid , he made Naruto walk between Sakura and Sasuke, and Sakura had picked up on her sensei's overprotectiveness over his brother and had reached her hand to grab Naruto's, which made Kakashi smile.

"Here's your order of Miso Pork Ramen ", Teuchi said , putting the bowls in front of his customers.

The kids dug in , Naruto was always brighter than the sun as soon as he entered this shop. He laughed and ate with a biggest smile on his face and Kakashi liked that and that was why he often brought the kid to this shop.

"Having a party , I see ?" came a voice from behind.

Kakashi turned his head to see his old friend , " Seeing you here at this time of the day ".

"Michiko - san ", Naruto said , turning to the nice doctor, "join us ".

Before she could reply Kakashi spoke up , " Yes , join us , the treat's on me ".

"Well , how can I say no when such a cutie pie had asked me ", Michiko said , pinching Naruto's cheek.

Seeing that there was no seat at the bar , Kakashi grabbed Naruto from under his arms and pulled him to sit in his lap , while he offered the now vacant seat to Michiko.

"Don't rob , Naru - chan off his sit , Kakashi ", Michiko said , looking at the empty seat.

"Don't worry , Michiko - san, I don't mind sitting with Nii -San you can have my seat ", Naruto said , slurping on Kakashi ramen.

Kakashi chided the boy for speaking while eating as Michiko sat on the sit chuckling.

"These are my genin ", said Kakashi," Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke and Abe Ichiro".

"Nice to meet you guys ", Michiko said with a smile.

"Nice to meet you , Michiko - san ", the genins almost said in unison.

After they ate , the genins had thanked and left while Michiko and Kakashi sat at the bar with Naruto.

"So , what brought you here ?", Kakashi asked , sipping some tea.

"I was on break and thought I might just eat something nice but then I ran into the guy who owes me a spare ", she said looking him the eyes.

"I forgot ", he said , " we can maybe have it tomorrow, what do you say ?"

"Whenever you are free ", she said ,"Anyway I am always happy to see , Naru - chan.".

"Tomorrow it's then ?"

"Yep , tomorrow early morning , I have late shift , I'll come by bring breakfast with me ", she spoke , looking at him.

"You don't have to , I can cook "

"Don't worry , once in a while you should have Michiko special ", she said , looking at Naruto , "shouldn't you ?"

"Yes " , Naruto said , with a smile.

"You gotta be bored with his cooking aren't you , Naru - chan ", Michiko said to the boy , " A change of taste might be good ".

"Nii -San's the best cook ", Naruto said , with his arms cross his chest.

"Is that so ?"

"Yes ", the boy puffed.

"You sure have brainwashed him , haven't you ?", Michiko said , ruffling Naruto's hair.

"Well , what can I say "

They talked for hours when Michiko noticed that it was too late. She liked talking to Kakashi , he was just the man with whom she could talk all sorts of non sense and he would still listen , there different fileds of work often meant that they didn't cross paths and she was so exhausted by the end of her shift that nothing seemed more important to her than sleeping.

She realised that they had been talking for hours when she saw Naruto dozing off. It was four in the afternoon, the kid probably took a nap if he was home and they had been going on and on about all sorts of things and Naruto had not interrupted them once , he was listening diligently and then he moved to do something in his notebook , some fifteen minutes, he had climbed into Kakashi lap and was now dozing off.

"It looks like it's time to go ", she said , gesturing towards Naruto.

Kakashi looked down and immediately gathered the kid in his arms lest he falls off.

"I guess ", said Kakashi looking her in the eyes.

They bid there farewell to each other and there separate ways.

______________________________________________________

It was late at night.

The Konoha hospital was almost quiet.

Michiko gathered her files , she was about to leave.

There was shuffling behind her door.

"Come in ", she said , putting away the last file.

"What the hell are you doing here ?", she almost yelled.

All blacked out.