Impossible to Forgive

Chapter 12: Yamato

I was not happy about the large amount of time that I was spending in Kakashi's office. One of the perks of my job, I guess.

Kakashi and I were going over Team 8's most recent report when there was a knock on the door.

Without looking up Kakashi called out, "Come in."

A jounin walked in; he had brown hair and almond-shaped eyes. He was wearing the standard jounin uniform and had a happuri-style forehead protector similar to the Second Hokage.

"Ah, Yamato, back from your mission already?"

So this was the "Captain Yamato" that Kakashi's team had talked about.

"Yes, I have completed the mission; here's my report." Yamato handed a scroll over to Kakashi.

"Well the mission was given a timeframe of two weeks, but you took only one. I'll give you the extra week off. Besides, the rest of your team is out on another mission right now."

"Thanks, Senpai."

Yamato left, and I turned to Kakashi, "What mission did he have?"

"Oh, a simple reconnaissance mission. Well, I think that this concludes all that we have to do for today." Kakashi started gathering up the scrolls and grabbed his Kage headpiece and headed for the door. "You should take the rest of the day off too, Kaiyo. You really shouldn't overwork yourself." I started to self-consciously rub the dark circles under my eyes. I really should get more sleep.

"Hmph, fine." I brushed past Kakashi and decided to go on a long walk for the rest of the day.

I was picking my way through the forest outside the village and marveling at how still and calm it was. It was hard to imagine that it was so close to the growing, bustling village that is the Leaf. I stopped in a clearing and stood still, letting my face absorb the warm sun with my eyes closed.

"Hello there."

I jumped out of my skin and whipped around to see Yamato sitting on a plain, wooden bench with a large book about architecture in his lap.

He stood up and outstretched a hand to me, "Hello, you're the other ninja that was in Kakashi's office earlier today. I'm Yamato, it's nice to meet you."

I took his hand, "Kaiyo Nakahara, likewise." I narrowed my eyes, "I couldn't help but notice that you called Kakashi your senpai."

"That's because he is my senpai. Kakashi took me under his wing back when we were in ANBU."

That piqued my interest, "Were you in ANBU together for long?"

"Yes, we were on a team together for around six years. But I really shouldn't say more than that."

I nodded since it was still classified. "Well, it was nice meeting you. I'm going to continue on my walk now."

"Have a nice day." He sat back down into his bench with a wave and I headed off.

After walking for a little bit, I turned back to look into the clearing and Yamato and his bench had disappeared. I shook my head to clear it. I really needed to get more sleep; my sleep deprived state must have ruined my sense of direction.