Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

Underneath The Leaves	By : ChaCha92 Category: Naruto AU/AR > Het - Male/Female Views: 4797 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Don't own anything in the Naruto universe. Some dude in Japan does. Make no money on my stories either.

Chapter List
- 6
- 7
- 8
The day is not turning out to be a good day by any stretch of Naruto’s imagination. That morning she woke up in her own room with no memory of how she got there. Last thing she remembers was Kakashi and Yamato settling her onto the sofa and her telling her former sensei not to knock her out, which only serves to confirm he went against her wishes and did knock her out with a jutsu.
To say she isn’t pleased would be a severe understatement.
So she spends the better part of the morning taking her annoyance out on Kakashi by badgering him persistently to find out what he did to Genma. Finally, he stops cutting up the ham for breakfast to face the fuming redhead sitting at the table in the chair closest to the kitchen.
“I swear I haven’t done a thing to Genma,” he promises, boring into her eyes. “I stayed here the entire night in case you needed anything, Naruto.”
Eyeing him dubiously she huffs disbelievingly.
“If you haven’t done anything to him, then why haven’t we seen hide nor hair of him, hmmm?”
“Keep saying ‘hmmm’ and people will start thinking you’re the redheaded, female version of Deidara,” Kakashi retorts dryly as he turns back to his chopping, completely ignoring her glare.
“Smartass,” Naruto snaps. “Anyways, he’d feel guilty about making me fall last night, but he’s not the type to avoid facing up to his mistakes either. So, why hasn’t he come around yet?”
“I have no idea,” Kakashi mutters as he adds the ham to the omelet he’s making. “But you’re avoiding the fact you’ve got a checkup with Tsunade today. Are you trying to get out of it?”
Naruto sighs heavily before admitting, “Falling on my side gave me a really nice, big bruise on my hip and thigh. It’s blazing in all its purple, red and blue glory. And there’s no way I can hide it from Baa-chan.”
“Sounds pretty,” he states as he finishes plating their food and carries it over to the table.
“I doubt Baa-chan will appreciate its aesthetic value,” she snarls, narrowing her eyes at him. “The red, mangy demonic mop doesn’t want to heal it ‘cause too much accelerated healing is bad for me and it’s done a lot of that with the other injuries, especially my pelvis. That’s why it mostly left the bones in my leg alone, just healing them enough to start the process.” She pauses to exhale a frustrated breath. “Anyways, Baa-chan will definitely notice the bruise and make me tell what happened. Then she’ll skin Genma alive, salt his hide and use it for an area rug in her office.”
“I don’t think he’ll fit the décor,” Kakashi quips, earning himself another heated glare.
Taking a deep breath, Naruto ignores him to sulkily eat the rest of her food, keeping her head down to keep from accidentally seeing his face. It’s several minutes before she attempts to continue speaking civilly to him.
“I wouldn’t mind seeing Genma in a bruised, shapeless pile because of the shitty way he’s been acting lately, but I’m not sure Baa-chan will hold back, or that he can take what she’ll dish out.”
“Naruto, I don’t think you can avoid telling her,” he points out in mild exasperation. “She’ll only send someone out to drag you in for your appointment if you try missing it. Don’t worry about it, everything will be fine.”
“Guess you’re right,” grudgingly agrees.
Seeing she finished eating, Kakashi collects their dishes to carry them over to the sink. Returning to the table, he bends down to scoop her into his arms. Creating a clone to lock up, he carries her out of the apartment and down to the street before setting her on her feet to hobble the rest of the way to the hospital.
As predicted, Tsunade immediately notices the bruising during the exam.
“What the fuck happened to your leg?”
Withering a little under the harsh glare, Naruto unconsciously leans away as Tsunade looms in dangerously. Smiling weakly, she attempts to explain.
“Heh, well, Baa-chan, it’s kinda a funny story.” Her eyes widen as gold eyes narrow dangerously. “Would you believe it was an accident?” she asks weakly.
“Yamato was walking Naruto home last night when Genma approached them drunk. He yanked on her arm causing her to fall to the ground,” Kakashi helpfully reports in a cheery tone.
Naruto recoils a little bit at the killing intent radiating off Tsunade before scowling murderously at a still smiling Kakashi.
“Baa-chan, the butthead didn’t do it on purpose,” she tries soothing the irate blonde.
“How the fuck is yanking the arm of someone on crutches not doing it on purpose?” Tsunade snaps viciously.
“He forgot because he was drunk, Baa-chan! ‘Sides, he did it to me. I get first dibs to beat some sense into his ass.”
“Being drunk isn’t an excuse,” Tsunade growls before turning contemplative. “Maybe I should call him in for a special check up and give him a reminder of how painful it is to aggravate existing injuries.”
“Baa-chan…” Naruto protests before Kakashi cuts her off.
“Genma will likely feel guilty about his actions toward Naruto, Tsunade-sama.”
Both women turn to gape at him with a mixture of irritation and shock.
“Besides,” he continues, ignoring them. “Whatever problems the two of them have, they should work out themselves.” Tsunade opens her mouth to argue, but he cuts across her to point out, “You’re busy enough without having to get involved in the personal affairs of your shinobi. Plus, it might also look like favoritism.”
Tsunade sullenly backs down with much grumbling and continues the checkup while Naruto smiles smugly in triumph.
“Take it easy for the rest of the day, gaki. I expect you to report for work in the Mission Room tomorrow,” Tsunade states, finishing up the exam. “Shizune also stumbled across some documents that might be relevant to your investigation. She was still compiling them this morning and should have them ready by now. If you two have a few minutes, you can stop by my office in the tower to pick them up.”
Kakashi arches a brow as Naruto blinks in surprise at the news before nodding. With his help, she slides off the exam table. Once she’s ready, she hobbles out of the room with Kakashi walking next to her and follows after Tsunade.
The trio arrives at the tower several minutes later. As they make their way through the Mission Room to Tsunade’s office, Iruka steps out from behind the desk and approaches Naruto.
“Were you hurt by the fall?” Iruka asks in concern, carefully pulling the baffled redhead into a hug.
Taken aback she awkwardly returns his hug, wondering how in the hell he knew since it just happened last night and hadn’t seen him yet. When he releases her, dawning realization lights her eyes. Slowly she turns her acidic gaze towards Kakashi who innocently peers back at her over the top of his Icha Icha.
Before Naruto can open her mouth, Izumo and Kotetsu enter the room, making a beeline right towards them. Kotetsu snatches her into a hug that nearly knocks her off her feet, earning a sharp smack on the head from Iruka.
“Be careful or you’ll knock her down again, baka!” Tsunade scolds.
Releasing a wobbly Naruto, Kotetsu rubs the spot Iruka nailed.
“Sorry,” he apologizes sheepishly. “I was just worried about our mascot.” At everyone’s questioning looks he shrugs. “Not only is Naruto like everyone’s kid sister, but she’s also like the mascot for Konoha. She’s always cheering others on and supporting them.”
Naruto’s eyes narrow dangerously as she raises one of her crutches up threateningly.
“Don’t make me bash your head in with my crutches, Kotetsu.”
“Leave him alone, gaki. You shouldn’t be overexerting yourself,” Tsunade smugly scolds with a smirk on her face.
Naruto opens her mouth to retort when Izumo pipes up.
“Were you hurt when you fell, Naruto?” he asks. Without giving her a chance to answer he gestures between himself and Kotetsu. “After work we plan on reminding Genma about the proper treatment of an injured comrade.”
Naruto gapes dumbstruck at the duo while Tsunade pipes up.
“Naruto was only bruised by the fall. And if I could only get my hands on Genma, he’ll be suffering from a lot more than that,” she growls, causing some of the others to shiver.
“I’d like to be next, if you don’t mind, Tsunade-sama. Followed by Yugao. However, Anko may have already beaten us all to the punch since she’s already hunting down Genma,” Iruka explains.
“Dammit,” Kotetsu groans. “Anko’s going to be selfish before anyone else gets a chance.”
“How the hell does everybody know so fast?” Naruto loudly demands when she finally finds her voice.
When no one volunteers to answer and avoids her gaze, she slowly turns to level another icy glare at Kakashi. He immediately throws up his hands in surrender.
“This is the first time I’ve been out of the apartment today,” he assures her.
Opening her mouth, Naruto stops herself when she remembers Yamato. Kakashi smiles and ruffles her hair.
“You said not to retaliate against Genma, not to keep what happened quiet,” he points out helpfully.
It’s Tsunade’s turn to smile smugly in triumph at Naruto.
“Good job, Kakashi,” she nods approvingly while Naruto scowls murderously at him and he continues smiling benignly at her.
“Genma being a forgetful idiot doesn’t warrant whatever hell Anko has in store for him,” Naruto forces out through gritted teeth.
“Don’t worry, gaki,” Tsunade waves dismissively. “We have the best medics on staff at the hospital. However, if Anko hurts Genma too badly I’ll have to wait on sticking him with guard duty and other choice assignments for a while.”
Everyone laughs while Naruto continues scowling. The laughter quickly subsides when they notice she appears extremely upset.
“I would’ve been toast if it weren’t for Genma,” she succinctly points out in a low voice. “He may be out of line at times, but he’s still a damn good shinobi and doesn’t deserve this much torture.”
“This is why Naruto is Konoha’s mascot,” Kotetsu declares proudly to the others.
“It isn’t fucking funny!” Naruto yells, whirling on him and causing the others to cringe a little. “Why are you guys so hell bent for Genma to pay for one stupid mistake?”
“Naruto, Genma hurt you. Why are you defending him?” Iruka asks calmly, frowning slightly in confusion.
“I’m not!” Naruto snaps at him. “If anyone bothered paying attention, I’m not defending or excusing what he’s done. I’m just trying to keep everyone from going overboard.”
“All we’re trying to do is to get a little payback for you,” Izumo points out defensively.
Snapping her attention to him, she asks, “Since when have I ever wanted revenge on anyone like that?” When no one answers she continues. “And why in the hell would you guys think I’d want you to get that kind of revenge for me, huh?”
After a few moments of silence, Kotetsu starts arguing with her.
“Genma crossed the line, Naruto. He needs to be taught a lesson.”
“And how many does it take to punish one man for a stupid mistake? Huh, Kotetsu?” Naruto demands then continues without waiting for a response. “The lesson loses it’s meaning and takes on a whole different one when it’s beaten into the ground like that.” Her voice drops low. “I know ‘cause I’ve had plenty of experience with that shit.”
Without another word Naruto hobbles off toward Tsunade’s office while a guilty silence settles over the group before Kakashi and Tsunade follow her.
Naruto enters Tsunade’s office without giving anyone a chance to open the door for her. She hobbles to stand in front of the desk and waits in tense silence. Having stashed his book away, Kakashi takes his place next to her, watching her out of the corner of his eye as Tsunade settles herself behind the desk.
“Sit down, gaki,” she gestures at a chair.
Naruto declines with a stubborn shake of her head.
“Just because you’re mad doesn’t mean you should be irrational,” the older blonde glowers at her irritably.
“I’m standing ‘cause I’m tired and don’t intend to stay long,” Naruto bites out. “Getting in and out of a chair takes a lot of effort.”
Tsunade sighs in resignation as Shizune walks in and hands her a file. Before she leaves, Shizune turns to Naruto.
“You weren’t injured badly in the fall were you, Naruto?”
Instead of answering, Naruto fires a particularly nasty look at Kakashi as he sighs wearily and closes his eye briefly. Sighing softly, Tsunade promptly drops her head into her hand. Glancing between the three and sensing a potentially dangerous atmosphere, Shizune quietly makes a quick exit.
Before anyone else can interrupt, Tsunade picks up the folder Shizune gave her and glances at the contents. After a few moments, she hands it over to Kakashi before speaking.
“Shizune has been transferring old personnel files to the computer, civilian as well as shinobi records,” she begins explaining. “That includes payroll, medical and general information on each individual, whether they’re active, retired, missing or deceased. The database originally just covered the last fifteen years. Anything prior to that is stored in paper format. That’s what Shizune has been entering into the system. Since we share personnel with the council, she has been working on their files as well. While entering information on several, deceased shinobi, an error message flashed across the screen stating some of the names have active and current payroll accounts with the council. The most intriguing part is that they are all Uchiha.”
Tsunade pauses to let the news sink in while Kakashi and Naruto gape in shock. After a few moments she continues.
“Shizune gathered all available information on each shinobi for you to go over as possible leads in your investigation.” She pauses again to pin Naruto with a hard glare. “This does not mean to dive right back in. As it is, you may be slowed down further even after you’re cleared medically. Although Sasuke has proven himself by adhering to his probation and has successfully become a chuunin, that doesn’t mean he’s completely won over the remaining rank and file. Part of being a chuunin is being able to work alone or on a team. Until the attitude among the other shinobi changes, he’ll have a great deal of trouble on the group missions. So, to alleviate that problem somewhat I’m reforming Team Kakashi.”
Naruto blinks as Kakashi mulls over the news before nodding his agreement.
“It’s a good idea, Baa-chan,” Naruto nods, finding her voice. “But Sasuke will be the only chuunin on a team of jounin.”
“We did the same thing for you when you returned from your training trip with Jiraiya,” Kakashi points out reasonably.
Naruto’s only response is an extremely dirty look before turning away from him in a huff. Rolling his eye heavenward, Kakashi sighs again in resignation.
“Sasuke should have little trouble keeping up,” Tsunade continues as a distraction. “I’m restricting your team to ‘B’ and ‘C’ ranked missions until he becomes a jounin. He will be assigned missions with other chuunin as well to get the rest of the rank used to him, but the majority of his missions will be with your team for the time being. We have to see how things progress, but it will also help you two in keeping an eye on him and on the right track. Go home and rest, gaki. You’re both dismissed.”
The two jounin nod and leave her office in strained silence. Tsunade watches them, wanting to apologize to Naruto, but knowing she isn’t ready to accept it yet.
As they walk through the Mission Room, the look on Naruto’s face gave a clear warning to anyone thinking of approaching her to stay the hell away. Iruka worriedly watches her from behind the desk, but wisely remains seated, considering possible options of making it up to her later.
Leaving the tower Kakashi decides to try engaging Naruto in conversation.
“Are there any errands you need to take care of before we head home?”
The tense silence stretches out, making it clear she’s not going to answer or acknowledge him in any way. Pulling out his Icha Icha again, he keeps pace besides her, keeping a close eye on her since she looks drained and exhausted.
“It’ll be faster if I carry you and you can conserve your energy,” he offers several minutes later.
Her only answer is a low, threatening growl.
Assuming that’s a ‘no,’ Kakashi settles back into the silence. She didn’t try running him off, so he takes that as a sign she isn’t too furious at him. The trip remains uneventful until they nearly reach their building and Yamato approaches.
“Good morning, sempai, Naruto,” he waves cheerfully. He stops to wait until they’re closer before asking, “How are you feeling, Naruto?”
Yamato’s smile drops when she pointedly ignores him to hobble on past.
“’Morning, Yamato,” Kakashi greets, stopping to stand next to the younger man as Naruto slowly makes her way towards the building.
“What’s wrong with Naruto?” Yamato, frowning in confusion.
Sighing heavily, Kakashi briefly explains what happened that morning in the Mission Room. Looking alarmed Yamato turns and quickly catches up to Naruto.
“Naruto, I’m sorry,” he apologizes when he reaches her, keeping pace since she doesn’t stop for him. “I didn’t mean to upset you and didn’t realize telling the others would bother you so much.”
Finally Naruto stops.
“I’ve already forgiven you because I figured out Kakashi manipulated you into telling everyone,” she finally answers in a low voice without looking at him. “I’m still mad at him, but not the rest of you guys. I’ve already forgiven everyone regardless if they’re truly sorry or not. I just don’t like that you guys would happily go that far in retaliation for something so stupid.”
Without another word, Naruto continues moving toward the staircase of their apartment building. Having heard everything, Kakashi comes to stand by Yamato as he watches her hobble away.
“I’m probably getting the silent treatment for the next few days. And she just got done being moody about Sasuke too. Now she’s back into it full swing,” Kakashi grumbles irritably.
Yamato sighs heavily, nodding in agreement.
“Do you need any help getting her into the apartment?” he asks as they watch her slowly start maneuvering up the first flight of stairs.
“No,” Kakashi declines with a shake of his head. “She’ll just refuse our help. I’ll make sure she doesn’t fall until she becomes too tired to continue climbing and finally lets me help her.”
“Alright,” Yamato nods. “See you later, sempai,” he waves, continuing on his way.
Kakashi swiftly catches up to Naruto.
“It’d be easier and safer if you let me carry you upstairs,” he offers only to be ignored again.
Focusing chakra into her right hand to keep from slipping off the railing, she holds both crutches together under her left shoulder as she slowly pulls herself up step by step. She raises her right foot on the step above the one she’s standing on and drags herself onto it before placing the crutches on the step. It’s a long, arduous process.
Reaching the second floor landing she rests for a few minutes before starting to ascent the next flight of stairs. Reading his Icha Icha again, Kakashi follows sedately behind.
Naruto makes it as far as the third floor, but is reaching the point of complete exhaustion. Refusing to give in, she rests for a few minutes before stubbornly attempting the fourth floor.
Halfway up her eyes widen when she loses her balance and starts falling backwards.
“Shit,” she mutters before gasping in shock when Kakashi scoops her into her arms.
Without giving her a chance to protest he carries her the rest of the way, setting her down when they reach the front door. Unlocking and opening it, he ushers her inside.
“Thanks,” she quietly mumbles while hobbling away towards the bedrooms.
Watching her leave, he sighs softly while closing the door behind him.
Later he tries getting her to come out and eat lunch only to find her deep in exhausted sleep. Deciding to leave her alone, he periodically checks on her as the day wears on, finding her deeply asleep every time. Eventually he opts to wait until she wakes up on her own to try coaxing her into eating.
Having stretched out on the sofa to waste the day away reading, a knock sounds through the apartment. Opening the front door he expects Iruka to be standing outside, but is mildly surprised to see Genma on the threshold instead. He spends a few moments scrutinizing the uncomfortable looking jounin, trying to decide which is more surprising; the fact he appears completely unscathed or that he’s daring to show his face on his doorstep at all.
“Can I come in and see Naruto?” Genma asks, breaking the uncomfortable silence.
Arching a brow, Kakashi calmly answers, “She was asleep when I checked on her an hour ago.”
Genma’s head drops down a little as he closes his eyes briefly before meeting Kakashi’s inscrutable gaze again.
“Would you please wake her? I’d really like to talk to her. This really can’t wait.”
Kakashi eyes him for several moments.
“If I don’t, will you try climbing in through her window?”
Genma shakes his head.
“If I can’t see her now, I’ll just come back again tomorrow. I’ve already caused enough trouble.”
Arching a brow, Kakashi considers the situation before silently stepping aside and gesturing toward the sofa. He then goes down the hallway to Naruto’s room to see if he can wake her. If he’s lucky, maybe she’ll refocus her ire on Genma instead.
Entering her room he’s not surprised she’s still sound asleep. Kneeling down next to her futon he reaches out to gently shake her shoulder. It takes a couple of tries before he’s able to rouse an irritable Naruto.
“What the fuck do you want?” she demands irritably.
“Genma’s here and wants to talk to you,” Kakashi explains quietly.
Naruto stares at him for a moment before closing her eyes briefly.
“Fine,” she nods.
“While you’re up, do you want something to eat?”
“Yeah,” she agrees.
She lets Kakashi help her up onto her crutches then follows him to the living room. Instead of joining a guilty looking Genma on the sofa she settles herself at the table across the room from him. Rising to his feet, Genma settles into a seat her while Kakashi heats up a plate of stew for her that he made earlier for dinner.
“Would you like some stew or some tea, Genma?” Kakashi offers.
“Tea sounds great,” Genma accepts.
Naruto refuses to look at or speak to Genma, making him break the silence first when Kakashi brings the tea and food over.
“I’m sorry for being such an ass and causing you to fall last night, Naruto. Were you injured?” he asks softly, frowning slightly concern.
Naruto glances at him briefly before answering.
“I’ve got a nice big bruise, but nothing else.” Genma sighs in relief as she continues. “You’re lucky I’m not in the mood to give you a matching one in a very sensitive place,” she states succinctly, earning her an audible gulp from the man.
“I’m really sorry, Naruto. I only wanted to talk to you, but wasn’t thinking when I grabbed you like that,” Genma states sincerely.
A tense silence falls over the trio again as Naruto picks at her food. Kakashi had joined them at the table with his own food. She didn’t ask him to leave and it was his apartment too.
“Why does it take you getting smashed before you decide we need to talk about our relationship?” she asks several minutes, pinning Genma with her gaze. When he doesn’t answer she presses on. “Okay, maybe this one is easier. Why did you think we needed to discuss our relationship in the first place?”
Genma tries stuttering out an answer while glancing nervously at Kakashi. Fed up, Naruto cuts him off.
“I always try to be open and honest, hoping others will be the same back. A lot of people aren’t like that and treat me like something I’m not without bothering to give me a chance. But of all the lies they say about me, no one has ever accused me of cheating.”
Her words capture Kakashi’s complete interest as he watches the exchange. Genma continues shifting nervously under his gaze and tries focusing on Naruto, struggling to hold her hard glare as she continues.
“I don’t know what the hell makes you think I’d cheat. Especially with my friends, but I don’t really give a fuck. Whether you believe it or not, I’d never do that. It took me a hell of a long time to find my cherished friends and family, but I sure as fuck not going to give them up. Not even for you. I’ll dump your ass before you can shit. If you’ve a problem with that, tough shit, you’ll have to think long and hard about whether you can accept that.”
Genma guiltily stares into his teacup in silence.
“I’m surprised you’re in one piece,” she adds after a few minutes.
“Raido warned me the others were gunning for me, especially Anko,” he explains, meeting her gaze again. “So we went for a nice, long training session in the forest until things cooled down.” Naruto glances away guiltily. “I already know you didn’t put them up to it,” he assures her, drawing her attention back to him. “Kotetsu and Izumo cornered me earlier this afternoon after we got back and told me what they had in mind originally, but explained what you said and how upset you got.” He glances down into his teacup again before continuing. “I’m not surprised everyone wants my head on a platter. I don’t blame them. Even Raido wanted to kick my ass, but thought it was wiser to hide me from Anko instead. Honestly, I’m surprised Kakashi didn’t kill me on the spot when I showed up,” he finishes with a smirk.
“I couldn’t decide on the method of death,” Kakashi drolly states. “Then I remembered that would go against Naruto’s wishes and I try to never repeat the same mistakes.”
Kakashi’s comment elicits a rare, inscrutable stare from Naruto before Genma draws her attention back to him again.
“Thank you for standing up for me.”
Hearing the surprise in his voice, she asks, “Why are you surprised?”
Unable to adequately answer her, Genma asks a question instead.
“Are you still interested in still dating me?”
Arching a brow, Naruto decides not to push him into answering her question.
“That depends on you. I’m tired of being jerked around and accused of things I don’t do. I give you a lot of leeway and don’t demand a thing. Other girls wouldn’t do that and you know it.”
“I want to continue dating,” Genma nods. “But maybe I should stay away from you for a few days while things cool down.”
“If that’s what it takes for you to pull your head out of your ass and clean the shit out of your ears, fine,” she retorts as Kakashi chuckles and Genma nods in agreement. “You better cut the crap,” she warns. “I don’t deserve it and will definitely beat your ass next time.”
“I promise to do better. I’ve got to get going, but I’ll contact you in a few days,” Genma promises. Rising from his seat he leans in to kiss her before thanking Kakashi for the tea and leaving.
Kakashi sees Genma out and returns to the table while Naruto nibbles on a few bites of the now cold stew.
“I get you guys care and want to jump to my defense like that,” she quietly breaks the oppressive silence without looking up. “As sweet as that is, I’m still having a hard time getting used to it after going it alone for so long. But the sweetness fades when you guys randomly dismiss me like you guys did earlier. You especially.”
She pauses to level her hard gaze at Kakashi.
“You’ve been doing that a lot lately. First, when I tried understanding you and Sasuke, then when you blew me off when I said don’t go after Genma. Granted you only manipulated Yamato to tell the others what happened, but you knew what would happen. Then you played me for a fool when you pretended to back me up with Baa-chan, using my own words to get her to back down from going after Genma, only to turn me into a great big joke afterwards. If my opinions mean so little, then maybe it’s time to get my own place ‘cause it’s obvious I overstayed my welcome.”
Kakashi studies her as she continues picking at the stew.
“Sometimes it seems like you tolerate too much. You stand up for yourself, but you’ll take things you shouldn’t sometimes. We underestimated you, thinking you were letting too much slide.”
Naruto finally looks up at him, her gaze a mixture of pain, anger and disappointment.
“I’m honestly wonder if I’ll ever become Hokage ‘cause if you guys still doubt me, how in the hell is anyone else supposed to believe in me?”
Without another word Naruto struggles to her feet and leaves Kakashi alone with his thoughts to return to her room.
Kakashi intended to give Naruto as much space as she needs to get over her anger with him, but can’t resist checking on her when he notices her alarm keeps ringing for several minutes the following morning. Entering her room, he silences the annoying buzzing before attempting to wake her up to prepare for work.
It again takes several gentle nudges to her shoulder to finally rouse her, but she doesn’t wake up enough for any suitable coherency. Allowing her to slip back to sleep, he determines she’s not in any condition to go into work. Rising to his feet he leaves her to rest, heading into the front room to send a message to the Hokage excusing her from work.
Before he has a chance a knock on the front door captures his attention. A chuunin messenger delivers a note summoning him to see the Hokage at his earliest convenience. He spends the next few minutes after the messenger leaves, weighing his options.
Not wanting to leave Naruto alone, he makes up his mind and summons Pakkun.
“Yo,” the little pug greets while scratching behind his ear.
“The Hokage summoned me,” Kakashi explains. “Naruto isn’t feeling well and is resting in her room. She’ll probably stay asleep, but I don’t want to leave her alone, so I need you to keep an eye on her.”
“Sure think, Kakashi,” Pakkun nods before trotting down the hallway towards Naruto’s room.
Relieved, Kakashi heads for the tower. Minutes later he saunters into Tsunade’s office. Without a word she hands him a file folder. Arching a brow his gaze drops from her to open it and examine the contents, prompting her to finally speak.
“Shizune encountered more names of deceased individuals with active payroll accounts with the council. All of them are shinobi. However, none are Uchiha, but it may still be connected somehow.”
“You could’ve had the messenger deliver this since the documents aren’t classified,” he states pointedly, eyeing her while holding the open file in his hands..
“I thought it was best to continue being discreet,” Tsunade replies innocently.
“You just want an update on Naruto.”
“Shit, busted,” Tsunade mutters in annoyance. “How’s the gaki doing?”
“Somewhat okay,” he begins.
He launches into a brief summary of everything that’s happened since Tsunade saw them yesterday until this morning. Tsunade visibly relaxes when he mentions Naruto has already forgiven everyone except him, but frowns when he states Naruto pushed herself too hard.
“Just to make it official, Naruto is not coming into work today,” he finishes.
“I wish for once she’d actually follow my instructions,” she grouses. “Shit, I’m not surprised the gaki’s doubts about becoming Hokage are resurfacing, though,” she finishes wearily.
“She’s had these doubts before?” Kakashi arches an incredulous brow.
Tsunade grimly nods.
“She only started having these doubts recently. With the Akatsuki becoming more aggressive and Sasuke returning to capture her for them, certain members of the council have been pushing to permanently restrict her to the village. The two main proponents are Homura and Koharu. They have the best interests of the village in mind, but they refuse to realize how this affects Naruto.”
“How in the hell did Naruto became aware of all this?” Kakashi asks in stunned disbelief.
“Wasn’t from me,” Tsunade clarifies. “When Naruto wouldn’t cave to their more subtle requests, Koharu and Homura began pressuring her harder to retire. Since she’s of age they’ve been encouraging her to find a husband and settle down, explaining she’s done more than enough for the village. When she asked them how can she become a good Hokage without sufficient field experience, they said she should reconsider her priorities because she doesn’t have the strength of character to handle the position.”
Kakashi blinks at Tsunade before muttering, “No wonder she was so upset with me.”
“With all of us,” the blonde corrects him. “We’re all guilty.”
“No, I’m the one instigated the whole mess, that makes me responsible.”
Cocking her head slightly, Tsunade considers it.
“That’s true, so you better figure out how to fix it.”
Kakashi glares at her.
“I’ll take care of Naruto, but the council is your problem, you old hag.”
“Oh, alright,” Tsunade grudgingly agrees. “Koharu and Homura quieted down once Sasuke returned and you two got tied down with the investigation. However, they started campaigning again when the gaki was injured in the explosion.”
“Some of the council should’ve been happy she was almost killed,” he muses thoughtfully.
“The number of people eager to see that happen is much smaller than you think,” she points out. “Most of the council is of the mindset that if Naruto dies the Kyuubi will be released. As a result, they’re calling for her to be placed in protective custody and be stashed away in a safe house.” Kakashi stares at her in disbelief as she continues. “Koharu and Homura have even gone so far as to talk to Naruto about it when she was recovering in the hospital, suggesting if she truly cares for the village she’ll comply with this for everyone’s safety.”
Kakashi’s expression darkens.
“They’re calling for her imprisonment,” he growls.
“That’s why I severely restricted Naruto’s visitors. The only reason they haven’t tried forcing the issue is because she is staying with you.”
“Then I better get to work on earning her forgiveness,” he sighs heavily.
“Of course the gaki will forgive you,” she frowns in confusion.
“Not when she believes she’s overstayed her welcome and is thinking of moving out because she feels I’m being dismissive of her feelings and opinions,” he explains.
Tsunade nods her head in understanding.
“Well, it’ll be better if she remains with you because if the council has their way and she’s forced into a safe house, they’ll be far more effective in destroying her than the Akatsuki ever could. Do what you can to convince her to continue living with you, Kakashi.”
Kakashi nods and leaves her office with the folder tucked neatly under his arm.
Minutes later he returns to the apartment and is promptly greeted by an agitated Pakkun.
“Where the hell have you been?” the pug demands.
Looking down at the small dog, Kakashi arches a brow.
“In a meeting with the Hokage.”
“I’m good at guarding and tracking, but being a medic is outside my area of expertise,” Pakkun grouses.
“What’s going on?” Kakashi asks, suddenly rigid with tension.
“Naruto developed a fever and it’s been getting worse,” the concerned pug explains.
Without another word, Kakashi drops the file folder on the kotatsu and heads straight to Naruto’s room where he finds her wrapped up in sweat soaked sheets and shivering. Reaching out a hand, he feels the heat radiating off her before even touching her forehead.
“I noticed her temperature rising not long after you left. It was slow going at first, but it started getting worse in the last twenty minutes,” Pakkun explains, eyeing the sick redhead worriedly.
Kakashi doesn’t answer as he considers his options. He could take her to the hospital, but she won’t be happy to find herself back there again. He could send Pakkun for a medic, but they’ll probably insist on taking her to the hospital anyway rather than treat her here. The best thing to do is to take care of her and hold off on taking her unless it gets worse. Making up his mind he turns to Pakkun.
“I’ll take it from here. If I need you, I’ll summon you.”
Pakkun nods before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
Turning his attention back to Naruto, Kakashi untangles her from the sheets and scrutinizes her. Her leg is swollen again and her skin is flushed from the fever. Placing a palm against her brow before moving it to cup the side of her face, he can tell her fever is already dangerously high. It’s risky to bring it down too fast, but can tell it’s already at the point where if he takes too long to reduce it, it’ll be life threatening.
Still holding his hand against her face while considering his options, Naruto slowly open her eyes with a soft grunt. He smiles down at her when her gaze locks onto him. Before he can say anything, she hurriedly scrambles away from him, backing herself into a corner.
“Naruto, what’s wrong?” he asks, alarmed by her behavior.
Naruto doesn’t answer. Instead she attempts to pull her legs close to her chest. She grunts in pain when she tries bending her left leg.
“Naruto, stop before you hurt yourself worse,” Kakashi orders.
Realizing she doesn’t recognize him, he remains crouched by her futon to keep from scaring her further. Unable to bend her left leg, she huddles around her bent right leg as she continues shivering violently.
“Naruto, it’s me, Kakashi,” he reassures quietly. “I’m here to help you.”
After several minutes Naruto blinks several times and stares at Kakashi uncertainly.
“Kakashi?” she asks hesitantly.
Sighing in relief Kakashi smiles at her and nods.
“Are you going to take me away?”
“What do you mean, Naruto?” he asks, frowning in confusion.
“The fossils on the council want to lock me up so the Kyuubi won’t get loose. Are you supposed to do that?” Naruto asks as another violent shiver courses through her.
Remembering what Tsunade told him earlier, Kakashi holds her gaze.
“I wouldn’t do that,” he emphasizes clearly.
“Liar!” Naruto snarls heatedly. “I know my talking to the fox worries everyone. And no one wants me to be Hokage. They think I’m the beast walking around in human skin and ‘cause they think they can’t kill me, they’ll solve all their problems by locking me away.” She pauses to fearfully curl tighter over her leg as her voice softens. “They’ll stick me in a cage somewhere deep and dark. No one will miss me and they’ll probably throw a big party to celebrate.”
“Naruto,” Kakashi begins firmly. “I swear I won’t let that happen. You know my promises are important to me. Do you remember our mission to protect the bridge builder Tazuna?”
Naruto stares at him blankly for a few minutes before slowly nodding.
“Do you remember my promise not to let my comrades die?”
Slowly she nods again.
“Can you remember me ever breaking that promise?”
This time Naruto slowly shakes her head, prompting Kakashi to continue.
“I want to see you succeed. I know you’ll do a great job as Hokage. I’m not going to let anyone take that away from you.” Kakashi pauses to take a deep breath before quietly adding, “I’m sorry for making you think I doubted you.”
Emotionally wrecked from the fever Naruto couldn’t stop the tears as Kakashi eases closer and slowly engulfs her in a hug. He immediately notices her shaking becoming worse.
“Naruto, your fever is too high and we have to bring it down quickly. The best way is for you to take a bath,” he explains quietly.
Unable to speak she nods against his shoulder, allowing him to carefully lift her into his arms and carry her into the bathroom.
Settling her down on the rug to lean against him, Kakashi reaches over and turns on the tap. After setting the water to slightly warmer than room temperature, he pushes the built in plug on the drain in before proceeding to remove her clothes. On the verge of passing out again, she’s too overcome with the fever to notice.
Leaving her underwear on, he gently lifts her up and carefully lowers her into the filling tub.
“Ah! No! Stop!” she cries out in pain when her hyper sensitive skin touches the water.
Thrashing around in his grip, Kakashi leans further over the side of the tub and gently presses her head against his shoulder.
“It’s okay, Naruto,” he soothes.
“No, please,” she sobs, weakly pushing against him. “It hurts.”
“Try to bear it. It’ll help you feel better. I promise.”
As the tub slowly continues filling up, her struggling gradually weakens with her sobbing until both stop altogether. Glancing down, Kakashi notices she passed out, simplifying his task.
Adjusting her body until she’s submerged up to her neck, Kakashi supports her head with one hand while reaching into a nearby cabinet for a washcloth.
Gently wiping her flushed, whiskered cheeks with the soaked towel his mind wanders everything that’s happened lately. He recalls how upset she was with him because he wouldn’t help her understand how Sasuke could feel so disconnected with the village. Thinking back on it now, he realizes she understood more than he gave her credit for. She may not understand the circumstances both men grew up in, but she knows their loneliness better than anyone.
Reaching out again he turns off the water before resuming his ministrations and musings.
In retrospect, they are the ones who don’t understand her. Sasuke recently wondered why she’s still dead set on becoming Hokage. The village has always treated her poorly, yet she’ll lay her life on line for them. Kakashi smiles ruefully at the memory because Sasuke actually hit the nail right on the head. They can never really understand can they? Both of them lived through hell and survived it, yet she’s still living in hers. Yes, it’s improved, but it hasn’t ended has it? Yet, she doesn’t complain and continues trying to help those she cares about. Kakashi sighs into the stillness, realizing that’s why she puts up with Genma.
Actually, it’s why she puts up with all of them. Especially him.
Checking her forehead it feels like the fever is going down. Kakashi decides to leave her in the water for a few more minutes just in case. Picking up the washcloth again he continues brooding.
Naruto understands Sasuke better than she realizes. If anyone has the right to become an avenger, it’s her. Yet, that’s the one thing she never for one moment considered. She could’ve easily succumbed to the power of the Kyuubi years ago and taken her vengeance out on the village. Perhaps that was the driving force behind her efforts to stop Sasuke from becoming an avenger; she already knew it would lead to nothing.
Kakashi slowly shakes his head in resignation as he pulls the plug on the tub and grabs a bath sheet out of the cabinet. Lifting Naruto out of the draining water, he wraps her in the huge towel, cocooning her in the fluffy terry cloth.
As he carefully pats her dry he thinks about how upset at the stunt he pulled yesterday. She was right, he didn’t think she was capable of handling things and didn’t give her enough credit.
Carefully tucking the towel around her, Kakashi climbs to his feet and carries her into his room, laying gently her on the bed. Going into her room, he digs out a t-shirt, a pair of shorts, and underwear from the dresser drawers.
Returning to his room he props her into a sitting position against his chest and repositions the towel where it’s loose yet still covers her body. Without looking, he unclasps her wet bra. Grabbing the t-shirt he slips it on over her head. Laying her flat on the bed he readjusts the towel to cover her lower half before removing her panties and dressing her in a dry pair and shorts.
Once finished, he covers her with a chenille throw he keeps on his bed before grabbing the towel and wet garments and carrying them into the bathroom to spread them out to dry. Grabbing a smaller towel he returns to his room and positions her head and shoulders across his lap so he could finish drying her damp hair. Picking up her hairbrush he brought with him, he gently brushes the tangles out of her hair. Then he stretches her out on his bed again and tucks the throw around her.
Staring down into her serene face, he reaches out and gently caresses her cheek. He doesn’t want to care. Means another person to lose; yet here she is forcing him to do exactly that. She deserves better than him, but will stubbornly cling to him like static. Silently he vows to do better and to continue protecting her and her dream.
Naruto finally wakes up later that evening. Blearily glancing around, her eyes widen in alarm because she isn’t in her room. Attempting to sit up, she feels the world shift and the room begin lazily rotating around her. With a groan she squeezes her eyes shut and drops back onto the pillow.
“How are you feeling?” Kakashi asks, entering the room.
Daring to briefly crack one eye open she succinctly replies, “Like shit.”
Kakashi moves to settle on the bed next to her.
“You’ve been feeling like that a lot lately.”
Naruto opens both eyes to glare at him.
“And you’ve been doing that a lot too,” he cheerfully comments.
Not feeling up to fighting, she snorts and rolls her eyes.
“Whatever. Why am I in your room?”
“You had a high fever earlier and soaked your bedding with sweat. Your fever needed to be brought down and I thought you’d be more comfortable in a dry bed after your bath.”
Dumbstruck Naruto gapes at him.
“You gave me a bath?” she slowly asks in horror.
Kakashi cheerfully nods.
“Since your clothes were also soaked with sweat I had to change you, including your underwear. I didn’t know you preferred thongs so much,” he muses thoughtfully. Leaning in closer he adds, “Did you know it seems your freckles completely disappear when you turn that shade of red?”
Dismayed and horrified, Naruto groans and yanks the throw over her head. Chuckling Kakashi pulls the throw back from her face.
“I managed to do it without peeking. Although I felt in the mood for rereading the latest Icha Icha afterward.”
Naruto grabs a pillow and covers her face mumbling, “Too much information!”
Yanking the pillow away Kakashi smiles down at her.
“Are you hungry?”
“Fuck yeah, I’m starving!” she declares without hesitation.
“Do you feel up to sitting at the table?”
Naruto considers it for a few moments.
“I can, but I’m not sure I can walk to it.”
Without missing a beat, Kakashi startles her by picking her up and carrying her into the other room.
Once she’s settled in at the table he asks, “Is it all right if dinner is leftover stew? I was busy washing your bedclothes in case you wanted to sleep in your own futon tonight to make anything else.”
“I don’t care,” she shrugs. “And thanks for washing my stuff.”
Kakashi smiles as he walks into the kitchen and quickly heats their food up. A few minutes later he settles himself into the chair next to Naruto after setting their food down. They eat in silence for a while before Kakashi finally breaks it.
“I’m sorry.”
Naruto stops eating and stares at him.
“I understand why you were upset at me. I had no right to ignore your feelings,” he states solemnly, meeting her stunned gaze. “I will keep my promise.”
Baffled Naruto blinks with a slight frown on her face.
“Don’t you remember earlier?” Kakashi asks chuckling.
It only takes a moment for her remember and start blushing furiously again, prompting Kakashi to lean in closer and carefully scrutinize her face.
“Now I’m certain. Your freckles do disappear when you blush that hard.”
Ignoring her blush, Naruto narrows her eyes and smacks his arm. Recovering slightly she sullenly mumbles about keeping her big mouth shut the next time she has a fever.
“That seems to be the only way you share what’s really bothering you,” Kakashi arches a brow at her.
Before Naruto can respond, he briefly tells her about his meeting with Tsunade earlier that morning.
“She told me about the shit the council’s been pulling on you,” he gazes at her pointedly. Why didn’t you tell us the council was pressuring you to give up everything?”
Naruto sighs and stares down at her plate.
“Everyone has their own problems. It wasn’t really important and I didn’t want to whine about it.”
“We all care about what happens to you,” he sighs in exasperation. “That’s why we wanted to kick Genma’s ass for hurting you.”
“You’re one to talk,” she snaps, giving him a frosty glare. “You’re not exactly one to share much of yourself. Hell, anyone’s lucky to get more than your name when they first meet you.”
“True, and that isn’t likely to change anytime soon,” he smiles.
Naruto rolls her eyes.
“Are you still thinking of moving out?” he asks, becoming serious.
Naruto’s gaze drops briefly to her plate.
“Don’t know. Ignoring our fights, I know I’m encroaching on your privacy. I can’t lie and say I don’t miss having my own place.”
“It may be better if you continue living here. We still don’t know who’s trying to kill you and Tsunade-sama says you staying with me has shut the council’s mouth on the topic for now,” Kakashi points out.
“Then that’s the answer right there,” Naruto sighs softly.
“Good,” Kakashi smiles. “It’d be too quiet without you.”
A/N: Ah, Genma, Genma, Genma. Just so you guys know, I’m not trying to make Genma evil in this. Most of you already caught on that’s he’s a decent guy who has a tendency to be a jerk at times. Naruto should know better, but I’m basing her attitudes and reactions toward Genma’s behavior off of real life people I know. I can think of three who you’d shake your head and wonder why in the hell they would put up with someone like Genma. But they do until they finally wise up. Besides, Naruto’s stubborn and isn’t willing to give up on him yet. Silly girl.
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Underneath The Leaves