Those Little Moments (Hatake Kakashi)

14

After being back in the Hidden Leaf for a few weeks, I felt fully settled in. I had many friends, mostly jonin I'd met through Kurenai, and I had dinner with Naruto almost every night, with Kakashi as my ever-present chaperone. By now, it had become almost annoying that he was constantly around me. How was I supposed to train knowing that he was watching me? It was so embarrassing! What if I did badly and he was watching? That would be the end of our rivalry forever!

During Team 7's training time, I would do my best to discreetly practice on my own, summoning the adamantine chains that had once been my sister's specialty out of eyesight of Kakashi, and at other times, I would constantly be playing with kunai knives and shuriken, fidgeting with them so I could never forget the feeling of them (sometimes throwing them at the ceiling while I lay in bed, hoping Kakashi wouldn't come investigate).

I followed my precious nephew, my roommate, Sasuke, and Sakura after another D-ranked mission, which Naruto was getting quite tired of, to the Hokage's office, where, once again, I was made to wait outside while they got their mission. It was getting frustrating, not being able to do anything, but being able to cheer Naruto on from the sidelines was enough for me to get past my boredom.

After some time, the door opened and I was ushered in.

"Yes, Lord Hokage?" I asked, as this was the first time I'd been asked to come in.

"Team 7 is going on a C-ranked mission that will take them outside of the village. Due to your current status, I cannot have you accompanying them. Since you are currently Kakashi's charge, we'll have to find someone else to fill in for him while he's gone." The Hokage explained.

At first, my face fell, and I realized that I would be left behind while Kakashi and Naruto and their whole team would be going, and I would be here useless. "Will I have to move out of Kakashi's apartment then?"

Naruto pointed a finger at me accusingly. "What! You're living with Kakashi-sensei! Since when?!"

Sakura punched him in the side. "Haven't you paid attention at all? They've been living together since she got here."

While the kids settled down, the Hokage shook his head. "No, you won't have to move out. You've earned enough trust to be alone at night, at least. Now, here's a list of jonin that could take you as their charge. I'll let you have someone you're friends with while you're still adjusting."

I grabbed the paper eagerly and skimmed through it. When I saw his name, I grinned as an idea came to me. "Could Might Guy be my superviser, please?"

Kakashi almost seemed to tense out of the corner of my eye, but I ignored it, hoping to put my plan into action.

"That would work." The Hokage nodded, then sent for a chunin to fetch Guy.

We, including the man Team 7 would be guarding, went outside and started walking towards the gate, where Guy would meet me.

"Ahh! Naruto, it's your first C-rank mission! I'm so proud of you!" I squished Naruto against me in a hug and, it seemed it was a little too tight as he started pushing me away. Or, maybe he was just embarrassed. 

Pulling out the lunches I had made, I handed one to each of the kids, ruffling their hair, though Sasuke tried to push me away.

"Good luck, all three of you!" I cheered, looking at them fondly. Of course, I loved Naruto the most, but I had really started liking Sakura, and, having heard about him from his brother, I cared about Sasuke for Itachi's sake.

When I didn't pull out another lunch, Kakashi asked, "Where's mine?"

"Uhh, I ran out." I chuckled sheepishly, though Kakashi only stared me down. "Well, the ones I gave to Sakura and Sasuke were originally for you and me, but I can't have the kids going hungry on their first C-rank mission, can I?" Kakashi only sighed in disappointment, and I felt myself wanting to laugh. "I'll make enough next time, promise."

I waved goodbye as they started walking out and Guy appeared next to me, his three Genin behind him.

"Hey Guy!" I grinned, excited for my new plan.

"Emiko!" Guy yelled, picking me up in a hug while two of his students deadpanned. The third, which looked suspiciously like him, seemed to idolize everything he did. "You look so youthful and beautiful today!"

I laughed, patting his back for him to put me down.

"Finally seen reason and agreed to marry me, my love?" He asked, getting down on one knee and pulling out a bouquet of flowers.

I sweatdropped in sync with his two normal students, though I could feel my cheeks blushing. "Uhh, actually, I just thought you'd be a good training partner if I want to get my job back at any point. Thanks for the flowers though!" 

I grinned as he gave his signature pose, handing me the flowers. "Of course! Who better to take up Kakashi's role than his eternal rival himself?"

I frowned, pursing my lips. "Who says you're Kakashi's rival? I've been competing with him since the academy!"

Guy stopped posing, and his face grew serious. "Are you challenging me to be Kakashi's eternal rival?"

I crossed my arms, noticing the two students facepalming. "I guess I am, Guy."

The students sighed, trudging after us while we went to a training area. The Guy-look-alike was skipping, and cheering Guy on for the whole walk.

Once we arrived, we faced off, staring each other down. The second I saw his eyes narrow, I was flying at him, punching and kicking and slashing with my kunai. He avoided everything easier than I would've liked. 

For the first half, he was just dodging, even as I started using Earth release to change the ground at his feet, but my synchronization between ninjutsu and taijutsu was just barely off, so he caught his balance easily and was able to send a kick to my side that I couldn't dodge. And, ow, he could really hit hard. But yet, I was grinning, and so was he.

I managed to block a lot of his hits, but that didn't stop them from hurting like hell, so I was weakened gradually until I was pinned and I had to tap out.

Guy smiled at me and I grinned weakly back. "Well, I'm definitely out of practice, but we'll fight again at the end of the week after you've helped me train, how about that?"

The serious boy, one of Guy's students, scoffed. "As if you could beat him. The weak can't surpass the strong. It's destiny."

Looking at the boy, I couldn't stop myself from bursting into laughter. "Once upon a time, I was one of the most talented ninjas in my year. This is my first fight in over 14 years, so hold your judgement until the end of the week. You'll see then."

"The power of youth is so strong in you, Emiko! Please marry me so we may be youthful together forever!" Guy cried out, being echoed by his mini me.

I shook my head at him, smiling. "I look forward to training with you, Guy-sensei."