A ninja must see underneath the underneath

Chapter 25 - True feelings leave deep marks

As Kakashi stepped into the hallway, he immediately leaned heavily into the wall. He had a lot of fun messing around with Naruto, but now he was discovering the consequences of his banter. He pulled himself together, and stumbled forward, ignoring his protesting muscles. He sighed deeply when he came to the stairs.

When he had finally reached Jiraiya, the Sannin gave him a not-so-very-friendly pat on the shoulder. Causing Kakashi to jolt forward and moan painfully.

"You deserved it," Jiraiya said dryly.

"What can I say. The kid grows on you." Kakashi replied while trying to rub his sore shoulder. He suddenly felt very aware of the hickeys and love bites that Naruto had left on his skin.

"Hmpf. I guess so. Though I didn't think his idiocy would be contagious."

Kakashi sighed. "It just might be."

"You are acting different Kakashi, and it doesn't take a Sannin to see it either."

"Different? It was just a temporary bit of fun. The kid's been working hard, so I thought..."

"I'm not talking about your little game out in the halls," Jiraiya said patiently. "I'm talking about you."

Kakashi sighed and pulled out one of his Icha Icha books. Clearly showing disinterest in the whole conversation. He didn't feel like being remembered about how his life was before he had a relationship with Naruto.

Jiraiya ignored his little gesture. "I think it has been good for you to travel with Naruto. It seems to suit you better than ANBU or S-ranked missions."

"I'm not going 'soft' if that's what you're getting at," Kakashi said confidently, not looking away from the pages. "But it's been a nice change of pace." He admitted.

Jiraiya hummed in reply, acknowledging Kakashi's statement.

"So you'll be taking over his training tomorrow?" Kakashi asked to change the subject.

"Yes. Tsunade and I have been discussing what to teach him, and we've made up a good training schedule and lesson plan. I will be taking him off your hands for about a month, depending on how quickly he can learn."

"I see. So what am I supposed to do in the meantime?"

"Tsunade didn't specify. But feel free to join the training sessions."

"I'll think about it. I do need to leave town for a few days though."

"How so?" Jiraiya asked with piqued interest.

"It's Naruto's birthday soon, and I'm planning on buying him a gift. The thing is, I need to go across the border to get it."

"I've never seen you put so much effort into anything Kakashi, especially not into a social event," Jiraiya said while skeptically lifting an eyebrow.

"Like I said. He grows on you. We've become rather close, and I want to reward him for the progress he has made."

"I see. Alright, I'll keep an eye on him during your absence."

"Thanks. Don't tell him why I'm away though. I'll tell him it's for a mission or something."

"Fine."

"So what will you be teaching him exactly?" Kakashi asked with a little interest, peeling his eye away from his book.

"Basically, Tsunade and I think it would be a good idea to train him in senjutsu. That way, he can make use of natural energy and Sage mode. It will make his techniques a whole lot stronger. Most of the time, I will transport him and myself to Mount Myōboku, but we'll return every now and then so that I can keep in touch with Tsunade. As I said, you're welcome to tag along."