Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Kakashi watched his mission partner Erina as she followed closely behind The Hokage towards their new student’s houses.

“Kakashi, hurry up.” She called to him, his feet immediately picking up speed.

“Now regarding the next group of Genin you’ll be in charge of – ”

“I’m going to be in charge again?” Kakashi asked with an incredibly bored tone.

“Don’t give me that upset look. Guy has already formed his squad and gone out on missions with them, you know.” The Hokage gave Kakashi a side glance as Erina rolled her eyes.

“Would you just get over it? We’re teachers, we teach, it’s literally in the title.”

“Aren’t you eager to set out on missions with apprentices of your own?” The Hokage asked Kakashi, partially worried of his answer.

“Well…” Kakashi couldn’t give one.

“In any event, I’m certain that this new batch of Genin will be able to hold your interest.”

They all continued towards a building that looked partially run down.

“Where are we?” Kakashi asked for both himself and Erina, looking up to a deck with a closed door.

“Naruto Uzumaki’s house.” The Hokage answered.

“The orphan Lord Fourth left behind?” Kakashi asked, a tinge of sadness lining his voice. “So that kid’s made Genin?”

The Hokage pulled his hat down slightly to cover his eyes, laughing, “Well, it seems that has captured your interest.”

They made their way up inside Erina resisting the urge to start cleaning. His bed was unmade, clothes hanging on lines, on the floor were bags of who knows what were in corners, the kitchen table was littered with bowls, empty ramen cups and empty chip bags.

“So, this is where Naruto lives.” Kakashi observed. He reached forward to the table, lifting a half empty jug of milk, shaking it then taking a small sniff. “This milk is way past its expiration date.”

Erina gagged in her mouth. Kakashi continued looking around the small living space, the sink filled with dirty dishes, cups spilling over, a rice cooker that was left open with rice still inside, flies everywhere.

Minato Sensei was so meticulous. I can’t believe this is his son. Kakashi smiled slightly under his mask, fondly remembering his teacher.

“He’s a fool, but it would be best if you looked after him. You have good instincts, Kakashi.” The Hokage complimented.

“If you consider his ‘good instincts’ the fact that I’ve gotten through his thick head, I agree.” Erina rolled her eyes, looking around, able to see Naruto inherited Minato’s favorite colors, though it appeared that was the only thing he inherited.

The Hokage stood, “And also, Sasuke Uchiha is on your team.” He walked through the door. “I wish you two good luck.”

“Understood.” They said in unison as he left.

Erina felt her memories come flooding with the mention of the Uchiha family.

Itachi… Obito…

Kakashi lifted the milk carton to his sight again, “This looks like it’s going to be troublesome.”

They soon followed The Hokage down the road to the next building. “Next, we have a kunoichi.” The Hokage walked slowly towards an archway in the building, stopping just before entering as an explosion came through the archway, nearly knocking them all over to the ground.

The huge cloud of smoke was parted by a woman with an eager look on her face. “Welcome Lord Third and Kakashi Sensei as well! Our little Sakura is going to be under your supervision, please come in.” She gestured to the stairs leading up the archway, her husband standing beside her.

The Hokage coughed into his hand, “I’m afraid that I am only here unofficially, if I accept an invitation to a student’s home, other parents may think I’m showing favoritism and frown on it.”

“Oh please, you don’t have to be so formal.” The woman smiled to the three of them.

“That’s right, thanks to you we live in peace and have hardly any worries, Lord Hokage. I really doubt that anyone would dare to complain.” The man began to escort The Hokage up the stairs.

“And you come along too Kakashi Sensei, after all you’re going to be our daughters sensei, come on, come on, come on.” She began to push Kakashi behind The Hokage. Kakashi only then realized that Erina somehow disappeared, she must have slipped away when Sakura’s parents introduced themselves.

“Well, this just keeps getting worse…” Kakashi mumbled under his breath, jealous Erina managed to get away before they noticed.

It luckily only took a few minutes for Kakashi and The Hokage to leave The Haruno house, Erina met up with them when they rounded the corner to Sasuke’s home.

“The last one is Sasuke Uchiha’s house.” The Hokage spoke to both of them.

Kakashi and Erina had flash backs of when nearly the entire Uchiha Clan was obliterated, betrayed by one of their own.

“At one time, The Uchiha lived in their own separate and autonomous district. Now only Sasuke is left.” The Hokage led them up to the balcony, stepping past the door to observe the bedroom.

“Sasuke’s father, Fugaku Uchiha was very strict. It seems the boy inherited his sense of discipline.” The Hokage stood motionless.

Kakashi and Erina once again shared the same memory, the night The Uchiha clan was torn apart, Itachi’s cold eyes, how close they all were at one point.

Kakashi recovered quickly, “His older brother Itachi was very meticulous, too.”

“Yes, I remember well.” The Hokage looked over to Kakashi, “I assigned him to serve under your command. Now I need you to look after the younger one. I’m asking in place of their father, Fugaku.”

“I don’t know how much looking after Itachi I really did; I didn’t have to teach him a thing. That Sharingan he had was significantly more effective than mine is. Erina was always closest with him when we were younger.”

Erina smiled.

“Well regardless, you are now the only Leaf Shinobi who has a Sharingan. We don’t know yet if Sasuke will be able to activate his. But if he does, you must be there for him.” The Hokage explained.

“Of course.” Kakashi agreed. A vision of Obito flashed through his mind, the last time they saw each other…

Obito… Rin…

Kakashi looked over to The Hokage, lifting the head band covering his Sharingan. “A shadow of tragedy follows this eye… I wonder if it might be best not to activate The Sharingan at all… but…” Kakashi leaned his head down to cover the Sharingan. “This eye, whether for the better or worse, holds the key to my feelings towards my comrades… some say the downside is that those feelings attract tragedy, to prevent such things, it’s my duty to ensure that my pupils treasure their comrades…”

The Hokage smiled to them, “It appears your judging criteria will stay the same this year.”

Erina walked over to stand beside Kakashi, taking his hand and intertwining their fingers, resting her head on his shoulder. He looked down at her, placing his chin on top of her hair.

Still… this room is quite a contrast from Naruto’s. He thought, seeing the differences between Sasuke and Naruto, how it paralleled from him compared to Obito when they were kids.

A few minutes later, The Hokage was sitting with them on a bench in a park.

Kakashi started thinking out loud, “Why?”

“What do you mean?” The Hokage asked, watching Erina stand from the bench to make her way behind Kakashi, leaning forward and resting her crossed arms on his head.

“Why them? I mean why put us in charge of those three?”

The Hokage took his time answering, “Because there’s a hopeless fool as well as a skilled protégé, plus a clever kunoichi. I’d say it’s much like Minato’s old team.”

Kakashi turned towards him, “So you chose us on purpose?”

Erina rolled her eyes, “Of course he did, you dork. He’s The Hokage, please don’t tell me you thought the similarities between our old team and this team were a coincidence?”

“Listen Kakashi, I’m The Leaf’s Hokage. I would never make any personnel decisions personal. I picked the right teachers for the right job, carefully considering each assignment. And I do so regardless of what the teachers of the academy believe. There are times when a squad’s composition greatly affects it’s shinobi, their actions and their success rate. Therefore, it is the duty of those who govern to maintain special teams with a variety of skills. For example, Guy’s team was formed last year, it lacks the balance academy instructors recommend, it’s a squad that specializes largely in Tai Jutsu and yet this year, they have really come into their own. I plan to form special military squad’s that use secret Nin Jutsu, too.”

Kakashi leaned forward thinking, as Erina continued to lean on his head, lost in thought. “So, as you see it, Naruto is the Nine Tails Jinchūriki and Sasuke carries the potential to activate The Sharingan.”

“As I said before, you are the only one that can give Sasuke advice regarding his Sharingan.”

There was a moment of silence between them, “I understand those two are special, but what about the kunoichi, Sakura?”

“I think she has the potential to be a brilliant kunoichi, but right now she is just average, however… talent draws people to it, men begin to notice women and in time, rivalry matures both.”

“Then you mean, you’ve even considered how this squad will develop?”

“Yes, of course I have.”

Kakashi remembered their days with Minato. Obito was desperate for Rin to notice him, but…

He snapped back to reality, “I get your logic behind this, Lord Third. However, I’ve already failed twice and with squads that you organized, just like this one. Maybe we both need to face that I’m simply not cut out to be a Jōnin leader.”

“Did you fail them because of your personal feelings?” The Hokage asked.

Kakashi paused, “… Well, no.”

“I see. It’s unfortunate for those students, but in our harsh shinobi world, it is better they learn such things when they are still young. Ultimately, I think this situation will prove to be a valuable lesson for them.”

“Maybe, but it wasn’t something I planned, it just happened to work out.”

“Yes, perhaps that’s true, I at least still had faith that it would work. You two are the strongest Alpha and Omega we have here in The Leaf Village, you are two of our best Jōnin, these students will need teachers like you. Considering Sasuke’s heritage, he will most likely become an Alpha, a very strong one. He must be taught how to control his urges, in everything. I trust in you Kakashi, just as I trust in Erina.”

Kakashi’s eye’s widened for a moment, “Lord Hiruzen…” The Hokage’s words touched him.

The Hokage continued, “It was the same with Minato.” He stated.

“What? Minato Sensei?” Kakashi was shocked to learn The Hokage had purposely placed Obito, Rin, Erina and himself on a squad, thinking the results would prove beneficial to the entire village. That both their sensei and Hokage had so much faith in them.

Kakashi was lost in thought again. Minato Sensei knew all along about my selfish and shallow strategy… but he had faith that one day… I would realize the truth…

The Hokage stood from the bench, “Believing in your students and watching over them is also part of being a teacher.” With those final words of advice for Kakashi, he walked away, leaving the Jōnin to their own devices.

Kakashi and Erina sat in silence for a moment, thinking.

Erina walked around the bench, grabbing Kakashi’s hand to lead him towards their apartment. They walked in silence still, opening the door soundlessly.

It wasn’t an overly huge apartment, basic one room, kitchen and bathroom with a small living room for a limited number of guests. Kakashi pulled his mask down, unzipping his Jōnin jacket to hang it up. Coming home like this was their comfortable routine, he enjoyed it very much… though sometimes he did want more.

They had grown up together, achieving the highest scores in their class, matching each other perfectly. For a moment they considered each other rivals, much like himself and Guy. But Minato knocked some sense into them, made them realize how great they worked together.

Erina had the ability to not only sense chakra – as most ninja could – she could also immediately identify the emotion behind the chakra, without having to lay eyes on the person.

She was born with a hereditary chemical in her brain, called ‘mirror – touch synesthesia’. She literally acted as a mirror to whomever she was facing. If he were to cut himself, she would feel the pain. If he were to look her in the eyes and let his romantic feelings for her show in any way, she would feel it. She could often diagnose an emotion someone felt before they had time to register it themselves.

It was lifesaving at times, but also took a huge toll on her. When they encountered ninja intent on killing, she would feel their hatred as if it were her own. She was able to resist the urges she would otherwise feel if she hadn’t grown up with it, but it was always the same when they returned home from a mission; she would lock herself up in her apartment for days, not eat, drink, socialize, anything. It was at that point he asked her to move in with him when they were barely twenty. He couldn’t stand knowing she was in so much pain when he could be there to comfort her. She was his partner in many ways, he cared for her. He realized he was in love with her a few years before they moved in together, thankfully by then he had mastered the ability to hide his emotions from her.

Whenever they returned from a mission that was hard for her, she would still lock herself up in their bedroom and just scream. He felt such a compulsion the first night they moved in together, the first night he saw her hurt, scared, tortured. The screams she released tore his soul apart as he watched her, on the floor gripping her head, the tears streaming down her face. He only had to meet her eyes for a moment, she was about to apologize, he could tell. He wouldn’t allow it. He wouldn’t allow her to apologize for who she was, something she was born with and couldn’t control. He fell to his knees, held her tightly as she screamed into his chest. He didn’t say a word, just held her, became her rock as she was so often his. To see her fall apart in his arms, shatter so thoroughly, knowing this is what she had been going through all her life… it made him sick. He wanted to protect her but the one thing he couldn’t protect her from was herself. He had to control himself twice as hard then usual when she fell apart, his Alpha instincts screaming at him to take her pain away, distract her the best way he could.

Her mind was so unique, it was both a blessing and a curse. The first night when he discovered what she battled after every mission, he made a vow to her: his life belonged to her and her life belonged to him. No one could ever touch their existence so long as the other was alive. They were a team, partners.

She was too kind a soul for this job but it was what she wanted, what she was good at. He wasn’t stupid enough to refuse to admit he would have died long ago if it hadn’t been for her.

They were rarely asked to go on many life — threatening missions anymore and with the new graduates, they were most likely going to become their teachers. He still feared their names being announced for a mission where they would have to inevitably kill someone and she would have to once again harbor that hatred. It was only a few months ago they were last called for a mission like that. Each and every time it stuck with him. The nights and days she spent screaming into his chest, crying until she couldn’t breathe, gasping for air, choking, wishing for death. Anything to release her from the torment she was born with. If she needed to, she could use him as her release. She would hit his chest weakly, angrily; he was able to take it as long as she needed him. She would scream, cry, drift in and out of sleep, wake up screaming again, trying to pull the hatred out of her head like it was a physical manifestation rather than an emotional one her brain created as a way to defend itself from enemies.

After she exhausted herself, she would fall into a deep sleep, their bed warm through the night from her heat, his arms wrapped around her protectively. He would always keep her safe, he owed her that much.

He would sneak in a kiss to her forehead, wishing her good dreams. Whenever he woke, he was surrounded by her scent, his face buried in her neck, her hair partially covering his chin. He may have stolen many touches in the past but he could never steal the one thing he wanted most. He wanted to feel her lips on his, taste her, know her in such an intimate way, like he never had before.

He gently closed the front door, watching her move through the living room, heading to place her jacket on a hook. He walked to the couch, sitting with his elbows on his knees, watching her, transfixed.

She wore black leggings that came up barely past her hips, everything she wore was deep blood red. A tight long — sleeved jacket zipped up a few inches above her naval, peeking out from right under where the jacket ended was a jewel that graced her naval, often swinging back and forth, always distracting him and forcing his gaze on her toned, tight stomach. Underneath her jacket, she wore a slightly darker red bra that extended down to above her waist. Her dark hair was down to her hips, sometimes concealed by her loose hood.

He stood, removing his shirt his mask was connected to, now only wearing his pants, kicking his shoes off, settling down on the couch again. She grabbed one of her books, sitting on the opposite end of the couch, propping her feet up in his lap. He started to absent mindedly massage her feet as she quickly became engrossed in her book. He leaned his head back on the sofa, starting to drift.

“Kakashi?” She whispered, waking him gently, tracing her finger down from between his eyebrows, down his nose.

“Mhmm?” He didn’t open his eyes.

“It’s past eleven, we should go to bed.”

He stretched and she grabbed his hand, lifting him gently from the sofa. They walked towards the bed room, she gently closed the door while he removed his pants, putting on a pair of sweats. He tossed her his favorite shirt; she quickly removed her clothing to put it on.

She turned the lamp off while he sat on the bed, his legs over the edge. She joined him as they both stared at his father’s broken blade, resting on a cloth in front of the window, memories of their past with Minato had been dancing in front of his eyes since The Hokage departed.

Father… I’ve spent my whole life denying you…

His memories flashed to Obito’s last day, his words always ringing in his ears, when he called The White Fang a true hero, reminding Kakashi that he did in fact agree with him. Those who break the rules and laws are regarded as sum, but those who would abandon even one of their friends, are worse than scum.

Lost in thought, Kakashi stared down at his hand, the hand that had taken Rin’s life. He made a fist, starting to shake.

“Kakashi.” Erina said his name gently, lifting the bells to his eyes. She was feeling his emotions, remembering the same events he was.

No… whatever happens, I can’t allow a tragedy like that to occur again with a new generation of shinobi.

He’d made up his mind, having the same optimism Erina did.

He smiled at her, gripping the bells in her hand, reaching down to knot them to his sweats. He pulled the covers back, waiting for her to tie her hair up in a high pony tail and join him in the sheets. He opened his arms as she happily wrapped hers around his waist, he pulled her tight to his chest as he allowed his head to rest on top of hers. He sighed, happy for bed.

She adjusted her position a couple of times, before she became comfortable, one of her legs entwined with his, his shirt gaping open at the neck to reveal her soft skin. Her breathing was slow and even, calm. She was asleep and he gently placed his face between her neck and shoulder, breathing her in.

This was enough. For now, he was happy to hold her like this every night.

The following day, Kakashi and Erina stopped at the memorial stone, staring at the names, remembering their friends smiling faces. Their lives stolen when they were still so young. They hadn’t realized how many hours passed.

Kakashi felt a presence, “Are you waiting for me, Tenzō?” He turned around, facing his comrade.

A man revealed himself from behind a tree, shaking his head that donned a mask. He lifted his fingers to remove it, showing a smile. “I wish you’d stop calling me Tenzō, Captain.”

Kakashi turned around, Erina waving to Tenzō with a smile, he returned it with genuine kindness.

“Yeah well, I wish you’d drop the ‘captain’ part.” Kakashi said in a bored tone.

Tenzō walked towards them, his shoulders shrugging, “Sorry, but you’ll always be ‘captain’ to me. That’ll never change, even if you’re no longer with the ANBU.”

“So, what did you want?” Erina walked in front of Kakashi’s half turned body, looking to Tenzō with curiosity.

“We’ve heard rumors it’s been difficult trying to find his replacement.” Erina asked.

“Or did you come all this way just to laugh at me? ‘The Great Genin Babysitter’.” Kakashi said with a somewhat disappointed manner.

Erina smacked his chest.

“Not at all, that was all such a long time ago. But you haven’t changed a bit, Captain.” Tenzō held his smile.

Kakashi gave a nod, “Listen, I’m sorry, but we’re really busy today.” He began to walk away. “We can’t just stand around and chat.

Tenzō laughed as the two of them walked by, “Yeah, though it’s way past the time when you were supposed to go meet your Genin.”

Kakashi gave a small laugh, nodding once. “Well, see ya.” They walked away, heading towards the building.

“You’re hours late.” She said with a bored tone.

“It’s called being fashionably late, thank you very much.” Kakashi was finally able to relax, he only ever felt this safe and comfortable with Erina.

“Mhmm, I can’t wait to see what the kids will say to that.”

“Do you remember the plan?” He asked, turning towards her, looking down.

“Yeah, yeah, you’ll give them the bell test and I’ll introduce myself afterwards.”

“If they pass.”

“I wouldn’t put it past them, Kakashi. They may surprise you.”

“You know the goal of the test is not to see if they can actually obtain the bells.”

She smiled, walking a step closer, “Yes, I remember well.” She shoved him around the corner where their new students were waiting.

“Now hurry up, they must be getting impatient.”

He walked away as she followed behind, leaning against the wall to listen to the conversation.

Kakashi placed his hand on the partially open door, just when he was about to open it all the way, he stood still.

She raised an eyebrow in confusion. He stood frozen for a moment, his head only peeking through the door, not saying a word. She heard something hit the floor.

“Hahahah! I totally got him! He fell for it!” She heard a young boys voice ring out through the slight crack while Kakashi stood there another moment.

“I’m sorry sensei, I told him not to do it, but he wouldn’t listen to me! I’d never do anything like that.” A young female voice rang out through the door next.

Kakashi leaned down and picked up whatever had hit him on the head.

“Hmm… how can I put this?” His voice was low and unimpressed. “My first impression of this group… you’re a bunch of idiots.” He said slowly to them, no doubt trying to bring them down a few notches from their high of recently graduating the program.

Easy, Kakashi.

From there, he started to lead the students out the door onto a terrace a few hallways down. She stayed where she was, leaning against the wall.

She locked gazes with Sasuke as he walked by. She felt her chakra seeping through him, trying to analyze him, it was a natural occurrence; one she really couldn’t control. He didn’t feel threatened by her, he continued to follow his new instructor.

She followed them out shortly after, hiding on the roof below the terrace, absorbing some sun. She had a feeling this would be the last time she got to relax for a while.

Kakashi began to speak with an incredibly bored tone, sitting against the railing with his arms crossed.

Can you at least pretend you want to be here, moron?

“Alright, why don’t you introduce yourselves. One at a time.”

“Introduce ourselves?” Sakura repeated his words. “Well, what are we supposed to say?”

“Things you like, things you hate, dreams for the future, hobbies. Things like that.” Kakashi answered.

“Why don’t you tell us stuff first, I mean before we talk about ourselves, so we can see how it’s supposed to work.” Naruto suggested.

“Me?”

Good luck, kids. Erina nearly laughed.

“I’m Kakashi Hatake, things I like and things I hate… mhmm, I don’t feel like telling you that… my dreams for the future… never really thought about it… as for my hobbies, I have lots of hobbies.”

“That was totally useless, all he really told us was his name.” Sakura mumbled to Naruto.

You’re such a dork, Kakashi.

“Okay, your turn. You on the right, you first.”

“Believe it, I’m Naruto Uzumaki. I like instant ramen in a cup and I really like the instant ramen Iruka sensei got me at the Ichiraku Noodle shop. But I hate the three minutes you have to wait after you pour the water in the ramen cup. My hobby is eating different kinds of ramen and comparing them. And my future dream is: to be the greatest Hokage. Then the whole village will stop disrespecting me and start treating me like I’m somebody. Somebody important.” The emotion in Naruto’s voice made Erina think he genuinely believed he could accomplish this dream. She smiled slightly.

“All right. Next.” Kakashi said.

“I’m Sakura Haruno. What I like…. Uh, I mean the person I like is… uh… my hobby is uh… my dream for the future…” Erina heard Sakura giggle slightly.

This must be a joke… it’ll be a miracle if they can even function together with her swooning over the Uchiha… although it is a family trait. The Uchiha men are extremely physically attractive specifically to continue their line…

“And… what do you hate?” Kakashi asked her.

She wasted no time in answering, “Naruto!”

Ouch… that was harsh.

“Last one.”

“My name is Sasuke Uchiha… I hate a lot of things… and I don’t particularly like anything… what I have is not a dream, because I will make it a reality… I’m going to restore my clan… and destroy a certain someone…”

Silence followed Sasuke’s ‘introduction’.

Kakashi leaned backwards slightly, looking down to meet Erina’s eyes, a silent message passing between them. They each nodded to each other, preparing for the future that was sure to come from the youngest Uchiha.

He returned his attention to the students, “Good. You’re each unique and you have your own ideas. We’ll have our first mission tomorrow.”

Naruto perked up immediately, “What kind of mission are we going to have?”

Kakashi responded with an ominous tone, “It’s a task that the four of us will do together.”

“What, what, what, what?”

“A survival exercise.”

“Huh? Survival exercise?” Sakura repeated.

“I thought we were supposed to have a real mission, not more practice. We already did this stuff at the academy, that’s how we got here.” Naruto tried to argue.

Not like this, you haven’t…

“This is not like your previous training.” Kakashi said, voicing Erina’s thoughts.

“So, what kind of training is it then?” Naruto asked a little afraid.

Kakashi laughed, just bordering on menacing. Erina rolled her eyes at his dramatic flares.

“Hey, that’s a legitimate question, what’s so funny?” Sakura asked, confused.

“Well, if I tell you the answer, you’re not going to like it.” He kept laughing. “Of the twenty – seven graduates who just came here only nine will actually be accepted as Genin, the other eighteen will be weeded out and sent back to the academy. In other words, this is a make – it – or – break – it – pass – fail test and the chance that you’ll fail is at least sixty – six percent.” Kakashi hid his face partially with his hand, trying to be menacing.

Be careful, Kakashi. If they do pass, they’re going to find out how much a dork you are.

“See? Didn’t I tell you; you wouldn’t like it?”

“That’s crazy! We worked hard to get here! Believe it! What was that graduation test for anyway?”

“Oh, that? That was just to select candidates who might become Genin… or not.”

“What?!” Naruto cried out.

“That’s how it is.” Kakashi said simply. “I decide whether you pass or fail. Be at the designated training spot at five A.M. and bring your ninja gear.” He directed.

The kids didn’t say anything in return, most likely too stunned to believe they were being tested again so shortly after proving what they had learned at the academy, not fully understanding why it was formatted this way.

Kakashi stood, turning his back to them, catching Erina’s eye again. “That’s it, you’re dismissed.” He said with a wave of his hand. “Oh, tomorrow you better skip breakfast, or else… you’ll puke.” He jumped away with that final warning and disappeared.

Erina gave one last look up towards the kids even though she couldn’t see them. She had faith they could do it, they just had to use their heads.

She jumped after Kakashi into the book store, quickly finding him at the romance aisle.

“You’re such a drama queen.” She said, snatching the book he was looking at.

“Hey —” He tried to grab the book she returned to the shelf.

“You already have three you haven’t read, finish those than you can buy more, you hoarder.”

“Hoarding has to include multiple things; this is more of an —”

“Obsession?” She cut him off.

He sighed, turning away from the shelves.

“Think they can do it?” He asked, curious of her opinion.

“Yeah, with the proper guidance and training, I think they could surprise a lot of people.” She nodded, starting to walk towards the grocery store.

“If they do pass, we’ll have to keep an eye on the Uchiha.” He said quietly.

She nodded again in agreement, tightening her fist in concern as well.

“It won’t happen for a while, Sandā.” He whispered so only she could hear.

She smiled, “You haven’t called me that in a while.”

“If we’re going to be working on missions regularly, we need to ensure your identity is kept secret.” He eyed her carefully, watching as she walked into the store. He waited, familiar with their routine; he always carried the grocery bags.

When she walked out, she only handed one to him, carrying the other herself.

“Aren’t you going to give me both bags?”

She shook her head, “Now that we’ll be around children, we need to be careful of the message we give them.”

“Which would be?”

“That we’re not involved. Everyone our age knows what we are, but the kids won’t understand our situation unless we explain it to them. There’s no point explaining it until they pass this test and they may not pass.”

“Hmm… I guess you have a point.” They continued to walk together to the apartment.

They strolled through the door, heading towards the kitchen, unloading the groceries. Kakashi quickly got out of Erina’s way, letting her cook dinner with the kitchen to herself.

Kakashi sat down in his usual spot on the couch, removing his Jōnin jacket. He sat back, allowing his body to relax for the first time since the morning. He was concerned about Naruto, if The Nine Tails would over power him at some point; if Sasuke would become a lost cause in the future, if he ever found out the truth about his brother, Itachi.

“Could you set the table?” Erina shouted from the kitchen.

“Oh, yeah.” He smiled, walking over to the cupboards.

He sat back down, the sound of her cooking becoming white noise as his thoughts continued to wander.

“Kakashi, what’s going on with you?” She asked, kneeling between his legs.

He gasped, startled by her position.

“Are you okay?” She stood, walking towards their cabinet filled with different kinds of saké.

“Yeah, just thinking a lot.” He took a deep breath, getting control of his thoughts, standing to follow her to the small table.

She poured the saké and served their dinner, sitting down on the other side of the table.

“Thank you, Erina.” He smiled, starting to eat.

“You don’t have to thank me every time I cook us dinner, Kashi.” She smiled back, taking smaller bites.

“Yes, I do. If I don’t, you’ll yell at me.” He teased.

“I only yell at you when you buy multiple Icha Icha books when you haven’t even finished reading the ones you have.” She teased back.

“I can’t help it, they’re so good.”

She rolled her eyes, “Why don’t you read something educational?” She took a sip of her saké.

“Because I don’t want to?” He responded, giving a small smile at his silly answer.

She laughed and finished with her meal, not bothering to continue the subject.

“I’m probably going to head to bed, since we have a ridiculously early morning tomorrow.” She glared at him.

He sighed, “I forgot about that.”

“Then why did you set that time?”

“To make sure they can fight through exhaustion.” He finished his meal and crossed his legs under the table, reclining in his seat, placing his hands behind his head.

“You’re unbelievable sometimes. You know you’re going to be late.” She continued glaring.

“Will not.”

“Will to.”

“Nuh uh.” He poked her knee with his foot.

“What are you, eight?” She laughed and lightly kicked him back.

“Yes, but I read at a ten – year – old level.” He smiled while she continued to laugh at his joke.

She sighed then, placing her feet firmly on the floor to stand and clear the table, their meal finished.

Kakashi watched her, slowly standing a few minutes later. He yawned, stretching, his feet slowly following Erina to the bedroom.

They followed the same routine, he stripped his shirt and mask, crawling under the covers, wrapping their arms around each other. He lightly inhaled her scent, immediately calming his worries of their potential students. He just wanted things to not be a disaster, like they were with their old team and Minato Sensei.

Erina sighed in content, glad to be in bed.

“If you’re late tomorrow, you’re making dinner for a week.” She threatened.

He smiled into her neck, “Shush, I’m sleeping.”

She poked his side, making him laugh.

She adjusted her position, her breathing slowing. She passed out quickly, while Kakashi was still lost in thought. He lifted his head slightly, looking down to Erina’s sleeping face, gently running his fingers down her cheek, stopping just below her lips, holding her chin.

He felt his Alpha nature try to compel him to kiss her, claim her for his own, he resisted. Thanks to the training from the academy when all shinobi were children, they were taught how to ignore the instincts safely, only giving in to them every few months so they weren’t entirely suppressing them.

He took a deep breath, dropping his hand beneath the covers again, closing his eyes and finally drifting.

“I’ll meet you at the training site, I’m grabbing breakfast with Kurenai.” She said from her standing position in the bathroom.

“Mhmm…” He didn’t want to wake up yet. It was still too early. He missed her warmth. He rolled over and greedily hogged all the blankets, throwing the pillows around to cover his head from the harsh light of the lamp.

He heard the shower start, wondering if he should take one after she was finished.

Too tired… He thought. He could take one later.

She finished quickly, brushing her hair, getting dressed, she walked over to his hidden form beneath the blankets and pillows.

“Don’t be late.” She said in a calm tone.

He didn’t respond, she waited for a moment then heard his snoring.

She rolled her eyes and pulled the blankets off him to reveal his bare chest and sweats that had ridden down his hips, revealing delicious defined abs and strong hips.

He didn’t budge.

“Fine.” She said quietly, placing her knees on the bed to pull away all the pillows and expose his eyes to the light again.

“What?” He groaned, covering his face to try and hide.

“I’m leaving, don’t you dare be late. Your breakfast is in the oven keeping warm, you better eat before you show.” She said with a strict tone.

“Yes, mom.” He said with obvious attitude.

She gripped a pillow and hit him in the face with it, somewhat hard to jolt him more awake.

“I’ll see you later.” She walked out the door and he leaned over the mattress to turn the light off and bring the covers and pillows back up to hide himself.

He missed her warmth all over again and wished she had stayed until they had to leave to meet with the students.

He drifted…

After her breakfast with Kurenai, she walked towards the training site. She thought it odd Kakashi had chosen this particular site, considering the memorial that was there.

She chose the tree she would watch the students from, one far enough away they had many other choices to hide and wouldn’t be able to spot her easily. She saw the three students lazily walk towards the training ground, Naruto definitely the most tired of all of them. Sakura was slightly slowed down and Sasuke was somewhat the same, except for dark circles under his eyes.

“Get ready, kids… use your heads.” She whispered to herself.

Five minutes went by… ten… fifteen… forty – five… one hour…

“Kakashi, you’re making dinner for the next month.” She mumbled, irritated that she even woke him up before she left and made him breakfast to ensure he wouldn’t be late.

Another hour passed… another four hours… until she finally felt his chakra reading and rolled her eyes. He was six hours late; it was now eleven in the morning.

“Morning everyone.” He said, still tired, not bothered at all by the fact that he had kept everyone waiting.

“Ready for your first day?” He asked with a casual wave.

“Hey! You’re late!” Sakura and Naruto yelled at him with accusing pointed fingers.

She smiled and lightly laughed, enjoying the fact that they called him on his crap.

“Well, a black cat crossed my path, so I had to take the long way.” He said lamely.

Dork. Erina thought.

Sasuke watched, unimpressed with his arms crossed while Sakura and Naruto looked almost ready to throttle him.

“Well…” He cleared his throat. “Let’s get started.”

He walked towards a stump sticking from the ground and placed a timer, pushing the top button.

“It’s set for noon.”

The students watched him, curious.

“Your assignment is very simple,” He pulled out the two small bells, holding them up, “you just have to take these bells from me. That’s all there is to it.” He made the bells jingle somewhat mockingly. “If you can’t get them by noon, you go without lunch.”

“Ah!” Naruto seemed terrified.

“You’ll be tied to those posts and you’ll watch while I eat my lunch in front of you.” He said with a small smile underneath his mask.

The kids looked traumatized already and starving. They figured it out that Kakashi had told them to not eat their breakfast so it would be so much more difficult for them.

But you guys are also missing the fact that he told you not to eat to make sure you’re even more motivated to get the bells.

“Wait a minute, there’s three of us. How come there’s only two bells?” Sakura asked with genuine curiosity.

She’s quick. Erina approved with a nod.

“So that way, at least one of you will end up tied to a post and ultimately disqualified for failing to complete the mission.”

Maybe try to not sound like a complete sadist, Kashi. Erina shook her head, wondering where Kakashi got his dramatic flair from. He sure didn’t learn it from her.

“That one goes back to the academy.” He continued, swinging the bells teasingly.

The kids stared at him with anger and analytical gazes.

“Then again, all three of you could flunk out, too. You can use any weapons, including shuriken. If you’re not prepared to kill me you won’t be able to take the bells.” He finished, tossing the bells into his hand and making a fist.

“Those weapons are too dangerous, sensei!” Sakura argued.

Naruto laughed, “Especially since you couldn’t even dodge that eraser.”

“Class clowns are usually the weakest links, you can safely ignore them, lowest scores, losers.”

Erina shook her head again at Kakashi’s comment.

“When I say start, you can begin.” Kakashi watched them carefully.

Naruto growled in irritation and pulled out a kunai, twirling it quickly in his fingers, running directly at Kakashi. No doubt his comment setting Naruto off.

It happened too quickly for them to process, Kakashi appeared behind Naruto, his left hand on his head, gipping just tight enough so Naruto couldn’t get away, his right hand gripping the hand Naruto held the kunai in and had it twisted around to have the weapon aimed directly at the back of Naruto’s head.

“Don’t be in such a hurry. I didn’t say start yet.” Kakashi said in a calm, mocking tone.

Sakura and Sasuke stared between them in disbelief. They backed away, trying to not anger their sensei since he proved what he can do with hardly any effort.

Naruto was able to get free of Kakashi’s grip.

“But you came at me with the full intention of destroying me, so… how can I say this?... I’m actually starting to like you guys.”

She saw the blush start to creep up the kid’s cheeks, even Sasuke’s. She smiled, happy Kakashi was starting to take a genuine interest in their students.

“Get ready… and… start.” Kakashi gave the order and the three students took off in different directions.

The students were granted a few minutes to hide, until Kakashi started speaking again.

“Ninja must know how to conceal their movements and hide effectively…” He paused looking around. “Well they understand that much. They’ve hidden well.” Kakashi stood in the middle of the clearing mostly muttering to himself.

Except for one… Erina thought as she watched Naruto stand in front of Kakashi, arms crossed and ready to fight.

“You and me, right now! Fair and square! Let’s go!”

Kakashi stared at Naruto, completely surprised at his stupidity. “You know compared to the others, you’re a little bit… weird.” He said with an unimpressed look in his eye.

“Oh yeah, the only thing weird here is your haircut.” Naruto fired back in anger.

Erina giggled.

Naruto started running to Kakashi, shouting angrily.

Kakashi watched in boredom and reached a hand into his bag on his hip, pausing for a moment.

Naruto saw this and jumped back when he was within three feet of his sensei, expecting an attack.

Kakashi leaned his head back slightly, increasing his voice to project to wherever Sasuke and Sakura were.

“Shinobi battle techniques, part one. Taijutsu. The physical part.” Kakashi started to remove his hand from the bag, bringing out what he was searching for.

Erina leaned forward, eager to hear how Kakashi instructed them, taught them.

He pulled his hand out completely and brought out the Icha Icha book he was currently reading.

Erina sighed in partial defeat until she got a closer look.

That’s one of the books he was looking at in the store. That jackass, he went there this morning to buy the new books he didn’t have. Ugh, he’s going to be making breakfast and dinner for a month. She rolled her eyes, ignoring the partial irritation at her mission partner, trying to stay focused on what was happening.

“What are you waiting for? Make your move.” Kakashi said bored again. He stood with his hand in his pocket and the other holding the book up to his face, completely uninterested.

“What – why are you reading that book?” Naruto asked, unsure he understood what was happening.

“Why? To find out what happens in the story of course.” Kakashi didn’t raise his eyes away from the page as he explained himself with the dumbest excuse she had ever heard. “Don’t let it bother you. With your weak attacks, it doesn’t really matter if I’m reading or whatever.” Kakashi taunted Naruto.

She could tell by how much Kakashi was teasing his student that he already wished this was over, just wanting to go back to the apartment and read.

I should try to get back before him and hide all his damn books.

Naruto grew angry again, running at Kakashi, “I’m going to crush you!” He went for a punch aimed at the back of Kakashi’s head, Kakashi easily blocking it with his free hand and Naruto immediately responded with an attempted kick to Kakashi’s stomach – which Kakashi ducked out of the way from, his face still completely hidden behind the book.

Naruto didn’t stop, he turned around and thought for sure he had his sensei, bringing his fist up for a punch straight to Kakashi’s face. Even if Kakashi stood, Naruto would at least be able to hit his stomach.

“Now you’re mine!” He threw his fist in front of him… only to hit empty air. He paused, completely confused by what happened.

Kakashi materialized behind him, a hand sign indicating the teleportation Jutsu and his book now closed, still crouching down.

“Don’t let your enemy get behind you all the time.” He said calmly to Naruto,

Sakura perked up from her hiding place and called out to her team mate, “Naruto, get out of there quick, he’s going to destroy you!” Naruto looked over to her in confusion.

“Too late.” Kakashi said quietly, while he quickly started to stand up and raise his fingers towards Naruto… who was still facing with his back to his sensei.

“Leaf Village Secret Finger Jutsu.” Kakashi raised his fingers quickly and powerfully, to land right between his students’ legs. He forced Naruto up into the air with the force of his ‘attack’, pushing him away to land in the water. “A thousand years of death!”

Really?... Is that actually the reason you want to be known as The Copy Ninja? You idiot.

Kakashi watched as Naruto landed in the water and started to leaf through his book again. “Okay. Where was I?” He stuck his face in between the pages again, continuing where he had left off.

She watched the water, waiting for Naruto to make his move. The other students kept hidden, aside from Sakura who must have been continuing to stay in her now reveled hidden spot because it was close to Sasuke.

The water shifted and two shuriken came at Kakashi with speed, he didn’t budge, simply lifting his free hand and caught them, while they continued to twirl on his fingers.

Naruto began to climb free from the water, gasping and coughing while Kakashi just stood towering over him, still reading, a completely bored look on his face.

“What are you doing now?” He nearly groaned. “You know you won’t get lunch unless you take a bell by noon.”

“I know, I know, you told us already!” Naruto yelled back.

“You look pretty wobbly for someone who’s going to surpass The Hokage.”

Naruto’s stomach growled, “You told us not to eat breakfast, how can I fight when I’m starving to death!”

Kakashi started to walk away while Naruto continued to shout, “So you caught me off guard! That’s all it was! Believe it!”

Seven more Naruto’s emerged from the water and aimed for his sensei.

Kakashi turned around with slight interest.

Impressive, he’s mastered the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Erina thought to herself.

“You’re overconfident, sensei! That’s why you weren’t ready for a Shadow Clone attack! My best Jutsu.” Naruto ran at Kakashi with all his might.

“Hmm…” Kakashi turned and started to speak to himself. “It looks like the stories are true, he can create Shadow Clones. It’s a forbidden skill and he defeated Mizuki with it.” Kakashi had now returned his book to his pouch, Naruto gaining his full attention. “Great technique, but I don’t think you can maintain it for very long. You talk like you’re the best, Naruto. But you’re still the worst student. You can’t beat me with this Jutsu.” Kakashi explained, bored.

Erina smiled while she watched Naruto sneak up on Kakashi and latch on to his back while the clones continued to run at him.

Naruto laughed thinking he had won the challenge. “Didn’t you say don’t let your enemies get behind you? Good advice sensei.” The clones began to grab onto whatever body part of Kakashi’s they could, making him immobile. One of the clones jumped into the air and aimed for an attack, “This is for nailing me in the butt earlier! You’re mine and so are those bells!” The clone pulled a fist back and aimed for Kakashi’s face… only to hit himself instead. He only faltered for a moment, then started rambling. “It’s you, you’re Kakashi sensei, aren’t you!” He pointed an accusing finger towards the clone, “You transformed into me using a Jutsu!” All the Naruto’s started fighting amongst themselves, hitting and kicking each other.

You have to give him credit for determination… Erina thought.

All the clones fighting amongst themselves started yelling at the real Naruto to undo the Jutsu, thinking there would then only be two Naruto’s left and he would be able to easily tell which one was Kakashi. They all disappeared, only leaving Naruto behind.

Naruto took a moment to collect his thoughts, until something shiny caught his eye. He looked down and saw a bell, waiting near a tree.

“A bell? I must have got to him with my attack! He dropped a bell!” Naruto laughed as he bent over to pick it up, until a rope grabbed hold of his feet and propelled him up to the tree swinging him back and forth. “Hey!”

Naruto continued to try to reach for the bell from the tree, nowhere near accomplishing his task.

Kakashi appeared and sighed, leaning down to pick up the bell and watch Naruto dangle helplessly. “Think before you use a Jutsu. Or else your opponent might use it against you.” Kakashi stood and Naruto let out an exasperated groan. He flipped the bells up into the air to catch them with a smile, “Oh and also, if the bait is obvious… don’t take it.” Naruto grew angrier. “A ninja must see through deception.”

Naruto began to flail his arms, shouting at his sensei, “I get it!”

Kakashi turned towards Naruto. “I’m telling you this because you don’t get it. You think you get it, which is not the same as actually getting it… get it.” Kakashi stood with a hand on his hip, “Won’t you ever learn.” From behind him, multiple shuriken and kunai came at him in a rotation pattern to hit him from the side. “Uhn!” He cried out as the weapons hit him and took him down, his body now falling to the dirt and blood pouring from the wounds.

“Are you out of your mind Sasuke, you went too far!” Naruto shouted to where the weapons had emerged from, watching as his sensei fell.

Before he could hit the ground, smoke formed around his body and revealed a stump that had the weapons embedded in it.

Was the blood really necessary?

Kakashi had a clone waiting out in the open reading his book, while Sakura ran to catch up to Sasuke who knew he had to move quick in order to compensate for revealing his position. Erina watched as Kakashi followed the young girl, she came to a halt and saw the clone believing it was actually him.

Erina didn’t hear what Kakashi had said, but the next thing she knew Sakura was screaming as she turned around and saw the real Kakashi.

Naruto in the meantime was basically fuming at Kakashi’s ‘lessons’.

“A ninja must see through deception,” Naruto said making a mockery of Kakashi’s voice, “Yeah, yeah, how am I supposed to do that?” Naruto pulled himself up and cut the rope, “Well I’m sure not falling for any more of his traps.” He freed his legs and fell to the ground with a gentle thud, smiling to himself… only to be caught in another one of Kakashi’s traps. A second rope gripped Naruto’s foot and brought him up. Naruto shouted in anger, “I fell for it again!”

Erina switched her attention to where Kakashi and Sakura were, while Kakashi made a Jutsu signal bringing Sakura under a spell, to make her see whatever he wanted. He disappeared in the process, leaving her alone in the opening to hide in a tree.

Sakura came to a moment later, “Oh my… someone there… I think I felt something what was it?” She whipped her head around frantically, trying to understand what had happened.

“…Sakura…” A weak voice could barely be heard from behind a tree and Sakura whipped around, shouting Sasuke’s name with happiness. Until she saw Sasuke’s form emerge, on his knees, covered in kunai and shuriken, bleeding profusely. “S—Sakura… help me… please help me…” She stared at Sasuke, terrified.

She screamed and fainted, the sight too much for her.

Erina stood on the branch and jumped over to where Kakashi was, his eyes barely processing what was happening. She stood beside him while he knelt on the thick branch, her arms crossed in slight irritation.

“I think I over did it a bit…” Kakashi said.

“You think?” She responded, watching as he turned a page.

“But she’s gotta learn to see through these things.”

“That’s all well and fine, but maybe don’t traumatize them into a damn coma before their training is even finished.” She said jumping up higher onto the tree to be closer to the test. Now that the students were distracted with their training, they wouldn’t think to look for an extra person.

“Shinobi battle skill number two. The Illusion Jutsu, Sakura studied it in class, but she still couldn’t see it coming.” He stood and the bells rang almost mockingly to Sasuke.

Kakashi jumped away a few feet and landed against a tree trunk behind Sasuke, who sensed his presence.

“I’m not like Sakura and Naruto.” He simply said, somewhat angry.

“Say that after you get one of these bells… my Sasuke.” Kakashi imitated Sakura’s voice and laughed to himself, standing upright away from the tree, still holding the book as he walked towards the Uchiha.

They studied each other a moment until Sasuke threw some weapons at his sensei, Kakashi easily dodging them. “There’s no point using normal attacks…” Kakashi landed on the ground while Erina saw Sasuke smile as he threw a kunai up into the air, cutting a rope.

“A trap?” Kakashi said, interested.

He slowed his feet down, gripping the dirt beneath him and jumped out of the way as more weapons cascaded towards him, as he jumped away just in time and they hit a tree trunk. Sasuke materialized behind him, trying to catch Kakashi off guard and aimed a kick at Kakashi’s head. Kakashi blocked it but was surprised the young student had thought up such a trap for a simple challenge. Kakashi then gripped Sasuke’s foot, in response Sasuke brought his fist down to Kakashi’s head but his sensei gripped his fist blocking that attack as well, which then made the Uchiha twist his body around to try to bash his knee into Kakashi’s head, Kakashi was also able to easily block it by bringing his arm that gripped Sasuke’s hand up to stop any threat Sasuke’s leg gave.

Erina was impressed at Sasuke’s skills.

The position that Kakashi had put Sasuke in gave Sasuke the perfect angle to reach for one of the bells hanging from Kakashi’s hip, startling Kakashi to jump away.

This kid… Kakashi thought, he’s fierce… I won’t be able to read Make Out Paradise now…

Kakashi stood a healthy distance away, analyzing his opponent.

Erina turned her attention to Sakura when she heard the feminine voice crying out for Sasuke in fear for his life.

She turned her head the other way and saw Naruto still hanging by the rope in the tree, his arms crossed and contemplating his next move. She saw then that his attention was captured by something. He started laughing.

“Well, you are different from the other two, I’ll grant you that.” Kakashi’s voice brought Erina’s attention back to the two standing in the clearing.

Sasuke grunted with anger and started to make hand signs.

When he stopped, Erina gasped.

He shouldn’t be old enough for that Jutsu. She thought to herself, hoping Kakashi was ready for what was coming.

Sasuke opened his mouth and breathed fire, aiming for where Kakashi was. He couldn’t see but Kakashi had already disappeared.

It was nearing noon and Erina knew that Kakashi was going to start wrapping up the training.

Sasuke turned around looking for his teacher, wondering where he had disappeared to.

“Where?” Kakashi’s muffled voice rang out through the earth beneath Sasuke’s feet as his hand reached up from the dirt and gripped Sasuke’s foot. “I’m where you least expect me.” Kakashi yanked Sasuke down into the earth and effectively trapped him there, only the students head sitting above ground level.

Kakashi leaned down to speak to Sasuke, “Right under your feet. Earth style, Head Hunter Jutsu.” Sasuke started to grunt in response. “Can’t move, huh? That was Ninjutsu, the third shinobi battle skill. You have talent and you were right, you are different from the others, but… different isn’t always better.” Kakashi stood and turned away from the Uchiha, taking out his book again. “They say the nail that sticks up is the one that gets hammered down.”

“Great.” Sasuke muttered to himself extremely angry to be stuck in such a position.

Kakashi walked away, confident the training was almost over.

Erina watched his form, until he felt her eyes on him and he looked up to what she was trying to tell him.

She met his eyes and jerked her head towards the clearing where the memorial was, where Naruto had last been caught.

He nodded back, understanding what she was trying to tell him. He jumped away to find Naruto sitting on the memorial site, where the lunch boxes Erina had prepared for them were sitting.

Erina followed Kakashi since there was only minutes left, she figured it was a good time to gather near everyone. Things weren’t looking good for any of the students.

Naruto laughed to himself, “Sensei told us that if we don’t get a bell then we don’t get any lunch, but if I eat my lunch now, there’s nothing he can do. It’s chow time!” Naruto got ready to dig into the food while Erina stopped on a branch, jumping down to the ground softly, as Kakashi sat atop the memorial site and startled Naruto, “Hi there.” He peered down at Naruto.

Naruto immediately started to try to save face, “I was just joking sensei.”

“Nice try.” Kakashi nearly smiled.

A few minutes later, the alarm rang and it was over.

Kakashi had Naruto tied to the middle post, while Sasuke and Sakura were sitting beside him on the ground, the lunch boxes in front of them.

Their stomachs growled so loudly, Kakashi could hear them. “Uh oh, stomach’s growling, huh? That’s too bad. Oh, by the way about this exercise… well I’ve decided I won’t send any of you back to the academy.”

Erina leaned forward in curiosity, unsure what Kakashi was doing.

Naruto began to rejoice, while Sakura asked “What? I passed? But all I did was faint and fall over. Do you get points for that?”

Sasuke on the other hand waited, grunting in his understanding that there was more to the story.

“Yes… all three of you… are being dropped from the program. Permanently.” Kakashi said with a deadly even tone, standing away from them with his hands in his pockets.

They all gasped.

Kakashi, what are you doing? Erina began to worry, wondering what the hell would possess Kakashi to expel all three students when they didn’t do anything wrong and Sasuke even touched one of the bells, caught Kakashi completely off guard.

“Drop us from the program? That means we can never become ninja! You said if we couldn’t take the bells, we’d be sent back to the academy! You can’t just change your mind and kick us out! Why would you do that?” Naruto began trying to free himself from his restraints, while Sakura began to grow nervous and Sasuke waited patiently to understand what was happening.

“Because you don’t think like ninja. You think like little kids. Like brats.”

Sasuke winced at the comment having reached his edge and made a lunge for Kakashi, reaching for a kunai.

Kakashi just waited, making his move when Sasuke was close enough. Sasuke was now on the ground, one arm behind his back while Kakashi sat on him with one of his feet on Sasuke’s head.

“You think it’s all about you.” Kakashi said with minor anger while Sasuke grunted from the pain.

“You don’t know what it means to be a ninja.” Kakashi had turned his attention to the other two students now. “You think it’s a game, huh?” He asked trying to make them understand what the point of this lesson was. “Why do you think we put you on squads? Did you consider that question for one moment?”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Sakura said unsure where their teacher was going with this.

“I mean you never realized what this exercise was all about, not even close.”

“What it’s about?” Naruto was really confused.

“Yes, that’s what determines whether you pass or fail.” Kakashi tried to stay calm, disappointed that yet another team of student’s didn’t understand the fundamentals of being a ninja.

“But that… I mean I wanted to ask you about that from the beginning…” Sakura grew shy.

“Pfft, use your head, three people on a squad, why do you think we would do that?” He tried to help them figure it out on their own but with the exhaustion of the challenge, lack of sleep and mal nutrition, they weren’t thinking clearly.

“How are we supposed to know why you pick three people? We didn’t make the rules!” Naruto shouted.

“It’s so basic… team work!” Kakashi raised his voice slightly at them, trying to get it through their heads.

“Just working together is that what you mean?” Sakura asked, while Naruto and Sasuke were speechless.

“That’s what I mean. It’s too late now, but if all three of you had come at me you might have been able to take them.” Kakashi raised his head and straightened his back, still sitting on Sasuke. “Well, it’s over.”

Sakura paused a moment, “You set it up with three people but only two bells. If we worked together and got the bells, only two of us could keep them. That would lead to group conflict and the squad would break up.”

“Exactly.” Kakashi said, bored again. “I purposely pitted you against each other, I wanted to see if you could overcome that and put the squad ahead of yourselves. A Genin should have a natural feel for team work. But you, it never even crossed your mind… Sakura!” He turned his attention on her, “You obsessed about Sasuke who was gone while Naruto was right in front of you and you wouldn’t lift a finger to help him.” Sakura slumped in humiliation at Kakashi’s analogy. “Naruto, you do everything on your own. Everything.” He pressed his foot down harder on Sasuke’s head, driving his face into the earth, making Sasuke wince in pain, “And you Sasuke thought the others were so far beneath you they were worthless. Arrogance. Ninja missions are carried out in squads, of course you need individual skills but team work is the most essential element. Every shinobi understands this. When individuals put themselves above the squad this can lead to failure… and death.” Kakashi reached to his pouch and produced a kunai placing it against Sasuke’s throat, “For example, Sakura. Kill Naruto now or Sasuke dies.”

Naruto and Sakura gasped; Naruto worried she may actually try to kill him.

Kakashi kept the kunai on Sasuke’s throat another moment, then pulled it away, “That’s what happens on a mission,” He twirled the kunai around his finger now, “the enemy takes a hostage and you’ve got an impossible choice and someone ends up dead.” He replaced the kunai to its pouch and stood to walk away, “On every mission your life is on the line.”

Sasuke didn’t get up, just stared at his team mates.

Kakashi walked over to the memorial site, “Did you look at this stone? The names engraved on it?”

Erina looked away bowing her head.

“They are all ninja honored as heroes in our village…” Kakashi explained looking at the monument with sympathy and regret.

“That’s it, that’s it, that’s it! Now I know! I’ve decided I’m gonna have my name engraved on that stone!” Naruto said with renewed energy. “I’m not gonna live and die for nothing like a dog, I’m gonna be a hero! A hero!” Sasuke walked over to Naruto, his shoulders slumped over in disappointment.

Kakashi turned to the students, “They are… a special kind of hero.” He explained.

“Huh? What kinda heroes are they? Come on, tell us!” Naruto begged.

Kakashi didn’t respond at first until Naruto pushed him further, “They are all… K.I.A.”

Naruto smiled, “That sounds real cool!”

Sakura turned to him, “It means killed in action, they all died.”

Naruto paused, feeling like an idiot.

There was a moment of silence as the young students absorbed what was being explained to them, honoring the deaths of the ninja on that stone.

“This is a memorial stone… the names of my closest friends are engraved here…” Kakashi said quietly, the pain lacing his voice.

Erina closed her eyes and resisted the urge to comfort Kakashi, remembering alongside with him those painful memories of their past.

He turned to the students, “All right, I’m going to give you one more chance. But I’m going to make it much harder on you, you’ll have three hours to get a bell. Eat lunch now to build up strength but Naruto doesn’t get any.”

Erina smiled, knowing what he was up to.

Naruto got upset, “It’s your punishment for breaking the rules and trying to eat by yourself,” Kakashi said walking over to them, “and if anyone tries to feed him, that person will immediately fail.” He leaned over to scare them.

They stared wide eyed and afraid.

“I make the rules, you follow them, got it?” He said, the intensity of his voice making Erina shiver.

He jumped away without another word leaving Sakura and Sasuke to eat.

Erina walked towards where Kakashi had popped up, his arms crossed.

“You were much stricter with them than you have been with any other students.”

“They need to learn.” He said closing his eyes.

“You were never really going to drop them from the program, were you?” She smiled.

He gave a small laugh, “Sometimes, I forget how well you know me.”

They walked towards the shade of a tree and Erina sat down while Kakashi lay his head in her lap, they closed their eyes, resting.

“By the way you’re making breakfast and dinner for the next month.”

“What?” He jumped up, “Why?”

“Because you made me wait for six hours this morning and you bought those books.”

“No, I didn’t.” His voice grew small.

“Don’t lie to me, Kashi. I saw the cover of the one you were reading while training them, I know it’s a new book.” She eyed him carefully.

He slumped his shoulders and returned to laying his head in her lap.

“Fine, I guess that’s fair.”

“And don’t even think of purposely making dinner horrible, because I know you can cook.” She started to absentmindedly play with his hair. The softness of it calming her anxiety, worrying if the students would understand what he was trying to tell them.

“Fine.” He pouted and turned over.

She watched the students through the small clearing of space in the bushes, able to see the backs of Sasuke’s and Sakura’s heads.

Minato sensi had faith in me. Erina has faith in them. Should I, as well? But what if I’m wrong to begin with?... It’s true, I’m still just trying to stick to my rules… Obito, you stepped up for the sake of the team and compromised that day, if only I had accepted the offer of friendship you extended to me… If I’d embraced that little sign, you gave me…

His memories were still consumed with their old team, Minato, Obito and Rin. Erina was all he had left.

A few minutes went by until she saw Sasuke lift his lunch box to Naruto then Sakura started looking around left and right, like she was searching for someone.

Sakura held out her lunch box now to Naruto, as if she was giving a peace offering.

“Kashi.” Erina smiled and looked down at him. When he met her eyes, she nodded.

He smiled, leaning his head back, “Finally.” He sighed.

“Better get over there and traumatize them some more.” She said with a small giggle.

“That was an accident.” He defended, standing to walk towards the students slowly.

“No, it wasn’t, you drama queen.”

“They need to learn somehow.” He shrugged.

“I almost got dizzy from how much I was rolling my eyes at your ridiculous tricks.”

“I would have caught you if you fainted.” He said turning his back to her.

“Mhmm…” She grew happy again, knowing these students had finally passed his true test.

We’ll never forget you Obito, or Rin… but I think that for now, we’re going to move forward with some new comrades. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, I’m going to believe in you.

“I’ll meet you out there in a few minutes.” He smiled before teleporting away.

Erina stood and started to walk towards the clearing, secretly looking forward to his most dramatic show yet. She got close enough she could see and hear what was happening while Sakura was feeding Naruto.

Kakashi appeared in a violent burst of smoke and scared the three kids, causing them to freeze in their places.

“You!” He stared them down. “You broke the rules; I hope you’re ready for the punishment.” He started making hand signs, the clouds above them turning grey and stormy. “Any last words?” He stood there at his full five — foot ten height, the ground beginning to shake.

Erina tried to hold back her laughter at the ridiculousness Kakashi was pulling.

“B — but you — u said –-” Naruto started to explain.

“Yes?” Kakashi encouraged.

“You said that there were three of us! That’s what you said and that’s why Sakura and…” His voice trailed off.

“We’re all on this squad and we’re all in it together.” Sasuke finished, meeting Naruto’s eyes.

“Yeah, that’s right! We gave our lunch to him because the three of us are one.”

Kakashi walked forward menacingly, “The three of you are one? That’s your excuse?” He dropped the hand sign and leaned forward, meeting their terrified gazes.

He waited a moment, for dramatic effect then smiled underneath his mask, “You pass.” He said with a happy tone.

Naruto and Sakura questioned it completely, sure this was another trick. Sasuke waited for an attack to come out from anywhere.

“You… pass.” Kakashi repeated himself slowly.

“What do you mean? How did we pass?” Sakura questioned still somewhat defensive.

“You’re the first squad that ever succeeded. The others did exactly what I said and fell into every trap. They couldn’t think for themselves. A ninja must see through deception, in the ninja world those who break the rules are scum, that’s true but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.” Kakashi told them pride drifting through his voice.

All three of them began to relax, accepting that the day was finished.

“The exercise is over, everyone passes. Squad seven start’s its first mission tomorrow.”

The kids nearly started to cry from how thrilled they were, now becoming proud their sensei was so tough on them.

“First there’s someone I’d like to introduce you to.” Kakashi walked forward and untied Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura standing at full attention now.

Erina walked out and the students stared at her in disbelief. Sasuke immediately gasped catching her attention.

“You…” He said on a whisper recognizing her from earlier.

“Sasuke Uchiha, I’ve heard a lot about you.” She said quietly.

“Sensei, who is this?” Sakura asked.

“She is your other sensei, we come as a pair.”

“A pair? Is that normal?” Naruto asked.

“Not really but for us it is. We’ve been together since we were children, doing missions and training together.” Kakashi explained while Erina took off her mask and lowered her hood.

Naruto gasped now, “Wow! She’s pretty!”

Erina smiled, “Thank you, Naruto.”

“What’s your name?” Sasuke walked towards her with curiosity lining his features. Erina’s mind immediately started to analyze him, study him, diagnose what his emotions were. There was curiosity, yes. As well as fear, insecurity, confusion, and familiarity.

There’s no way he could remember me…

“This is Sandā.”

“Sandā?” Naruto and Sakura repeated at the same time.

“Yes, she’ll be accompanying us on missions and doing other forms of training with you guys.” Kakashi held his hand out as if he was presenting Erina to them.

Sasuke glared, his thoughts processing. “That’s not your real name, is it?” He scowled, trying to figure out where he had seen her before.

“No, it’s not. It’s an alias but it’s what everyone knows me as. Kakashi and The Hokage are the only ones who know my real name.”

“Why does only Kakashi sensei know?” Sakura walked towards them as well, standing beside Sasuke. Naruto jumped beside her not wanting to be left out.

“You’ll understand soon enough.” Kakashi said quietly, hoping the students would let it go.

There were a few moments of silence between them, until Naruto’s growling stomach broke it.

Kakashi smiled, “Come on, let’s go home.” He said to everyone, turning away with Erina falling into step beside him.

“Don’t you think the name ‘Sandā’ is a little weird for an alias? It just means ‘thunder’, it’s not actually a name.” Sakura whispered to Sasuke.

“Hn…” Sasuke watched her walking beside Kakashi, still unsure of how he felt about her. Something in his gut told him not to trust her appearance, that there was so much more to her than she let on. And the fact a woman like her was with Kakashi… it didn’t make much sense to Sasuke. Naruto wasn’t kidding when he commented she was pretty, she was beautiful, anyone could see that. So why was she with Kakashi, but they weren’t married? Sasuke didn’t like it when things were hidden from him intentionally. He swore to himself he would find out her true identity and where the hell he had seen her before.

The three Genin followed after their sensei’s, two of them just happy to have passed while the third watched Erina’s every move.

When they arrived in town, Kakashi instructed them to meet at the same spot eight tomorrow morning

“Just a heads up, when he says eight, he means ten at the earliest.” Erina smiled.

“So that six hour delay this morning is normal for him?” Sakura asked.

“Oh yeah, it gets really irritating the longer you’re around it.” Erina laughed.

Kakashi rolled his eyes and placed his hand on her shoulder, “And this one enjoys torturing me on a daily basis, so you guys should try to not get on her bad side.”

Sasuke soon departed the company without a word, retreating to his home where no one waited for him.

Erina watched him carefully, always keeping track of his emotions, his body language and chakra reaction. When he walked through the door, she dropped her guard making a mental note that she would have her work cut out for her with the youngest Uchiha.

“Thank you Kakashi sensei and Sandā sensei!” Sakura and Naruto waved good bye while they went off in their own directions to home.

“I’m going to have to ask them to drop the sensei, I don’t like it.”

“I quite like the sound of Kakashi sensei.” Kakashi placed his fingers on his chin, thinking it over.

“Come on, I want dinner.” She said, grabbing his hand and starting off to their own apartment.

“Awe, come on, I’m tired.” He whined.

“I’m the one that’s actually been awake since four – thirty this morning.”

“Yeah, but I did all the actual training.” He argued.

“You just stood there and read your book, doing a couple Jutsu’s now and then.” She pulled him along, while he tried to break her grip.

“Come on, please? I want to go to the book store and see what’s been released.” He looked towards the open doors longingly.

“You were just there this morning!”

“Yeah, but they have new stuff come in every afternoon.” He pouted.

When they passed an alley way, Erina pulled them down through the shadows, pushing Kakashi up against the wall.

“Kashi, we made a deal.” She said with a breathy sigh, bringing her hands up to grip his and place them against the wall near his shoulders. He looked down at her trying to control his emotions, praying she wouldn’t see how much she aroused him.

“Please, Kashi? I want to relax tonight, take a bath and rest before we have to start a daily routine of missions.” She begged with a sultry tone to her voice.

She was targeting him; he knew her tricks. She used her sexuality to gain what she wanted, but she had never done it on him before.

He tried to control his breathing and heart rate, something much more easily said than done when she was pushing herself up against him, her knee coming up to part his legs just slightly.

He wondered if maybe she did return his feelings, maybe he could be honest with her.

“Please?” She whispered, looking at him with hunger in her eyes.

Out of nowhere, he smelled the most incredible thing he hadn’t smelt in years. Is she in heat? She was normally so responsible with taking her medication to ensure her heat wouldn’t attract any Alpha’s, especially with students around that were possibly just starting to come into their Alpha instincts.

He often times forgot she was an Omega; her symptoms were so rare and they were both so careful. He was certain she was his mate, no other Omega affected him the way she did, he never wanted another one, even when others were in heat near him.

He had to get her home, away from any other Alpha’s that may be reckless. The village was usually responsible with all Omega’s taking their medication to dull their scent and symptoms, the Alpha’s given special training when they were young to control their primal instincts, but it only took one to ruin everything.

“Uh…” He sighed, “Fine.” He groaned and she smiled, releasing his hands.

“I’ll see you at home.” She disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Not before I go to the book store. He smiled to himself and started to walk towards the open doors.

He reached for his wallet to count how much cash he had on him… only to find it wasn’t in its usual pocket.

He started searching for it frantically, worried he had lost it.

“Wait…” He thought back to when Erina had him pushed against the wall, her hands holding his, her legs coming up to part his own… he was so transfixed by her eyes, he hadn’t noticed she had released one of his hands momentarily to reach into his pocket and swipe his wallet.

“Erina…” He groaned, his head tilting back in slight annoyance but also pride. She was too damn good at thieving.

He made his hand sign to teleport home and when he walked in through the door, she was nowhere in sight. He walked into their bed room, noticing the bathroom door was closed and locked, flickering lights coming from underneath the gap in the door.

She must be taking a bath.

No matter, he’d get her to tell him where his wallet was eventually. In the meantime, he was going to continue reading the book he didn’t get to finish while training the students today. He reached into the pouch where he kept it and felt it wasn’t there. He wondered if maybe she had simply picked it up and placed it down somewhere in the apartment. He started to look around and when he was running out of places to look, he went back into their bed room, looking at the spot where he always kept all of his Icha Icha books, only to find none of them were there.

“No…” He searched frantically pulling aside the bed covers, moving their clothes around in the dresser, moving the chairs and shoes, anything he could possibly think of where she might have put them, “She didn’t…” He started scrambling, turning the place upside down but could find none of them.

“Erina!” He shouted banging on the door in terror, “What did you do with my books?” He picked the lock on the door, walking in to see her lounging in the tub, bubbles everywhere to cover her body completely and candles lit with a charming vanilla. He didn’t smell her scent anymore; she must have taken her medication.

She smiled and locked gazes with him, “I hid them.” She said blankly.

“Where are they?” He asked, breathing heavily.

“I’m not telling.” She grinned while he walked towards the tub and gripped her hand, pleading with her. He pulled his mask down, locking eyes with her.

“Please Erina, I need my books and wallet back.”

“Nope.”

“I’ll make you dinner for a week!” He begged and bargained.

“I believe we already agreed that you would be making breakfast and dinner for the next month.” She said, splashing some water on him.

He groaned, “Please, Erina?”

“That’s what you get for being an ass and making people wait six hours for you, dork.” She raised her eyebrows at him, daring him to annoy her further.

He wanted to argue, but knew she was right. His shoulders slumped forward and he bowed his head in defeat. “What would you like for dinner?” He mumbled.

“I don’t care, so long as I don’t have to cook.” She leaned back and released her hand from his, pushing her feet out of the bubbles to hang them off the edge of the tub.

He groaned and stood to walk out, turning around to watch her a few more moments.

“By the way, I want a massage after dinner too.” She opened her eyes and smiled, planning on taking full advantage of where she had him.

He sighed, “Fine.”

“And don’t even think of skipping out, you know I’ll find you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” He closed the door behind him, hoping that she didn’t notice his headband was lifted just slightly enough for him to reveal his Sharingan and commit the image she presented to memory.

He smiled, excited for the next time he was alone.