Love Triangle: Kakashi vs. Genma

12 | Protective

The next morning went by quickly as the four of them were traveling forward. Asuma, having heard what [Y/N] said the night before, made more of an effort to speak with Genma. And to be honest, after hearing what Genma said, he didn't mind it. He wanted to get to know him better and see if he really meant what he said. With the two of them preoccupied, that left [Y/N] and Kakashi following behind them. The two were deep in conversation when Kakashi suddenly lashed out, his hand grabbing [Y/N] and pulling her to the side just as a kunai flew right where her head would've been.

When she regained her balance, she got into a defensive stance and realigned her senses with her surroundings. Asuma and Genma had stopped on a branch just ahead of them. Behind them, there were eight... no, nine... other ninja. She barely had time to adjust before the battle started.

They were all surprised at the talent and speed these other ninja had. It wasn't until the last few were left conscious that they realized these ninja bore the mark of Orochimaru. This is what their mission had been. It was rumored that Orochimaru had a hideout somewhere around here—they were to find it, observe and report. Apparently, they were much closer than they'd thought and these ninja were here to protect their leader.

The four Leaf shinobi were all tired and worn by this point, all dangerously low on weaponry and chakra. The other ninja, two of them now, were seemingly fine. They seemed to have an ongoing supply of chakra and weaponry. One of them lurched forward, launching a knife of some sort at the four of them. It was easily deflected by the jonin, though they had nothing with which to retaliate. The enemy seemed to realize this and started working their way closer. Genma and Kakashi jumped up to the trees, trying to get an angle to work from.

[Y/N] ducked another kunai and groaned in exasperation. "Someone throw something back!"

Asuma grunted, eyes trained on the approaching enemy. "I don't have anything to throw!"

[Y/N] sighed and tried desperately to come up with something. Anything. There had to be something— "Asuma, use me."

"What?!"

"Use me!"

Kakashi and Genma watched as [Y/N] took off toward her brother in a full sprint at the same time the enemy ninja did. She made it to Asuma, their arms linking together. He used his chakra and spun around twice, gathering his strength and lifting her from the ground before letting her go and flinging her body toward the enemy. His sprint combined with the force from Asuma made [Y/N]'s foot hit his face twice as hard as it would've otherwise. The impact made a sickening crunch and she knew immediately that his jaw was broken.

She used the impact to kick upward, forcing the now unconscious ninja to the ground. In midair, she located the single remaining enemy. He had watched the entire thing as well and had now launched himself toward her. [Y/N] resisted the urge to panic, realizing she had nothing else to push off. She was essentially a sitting duck. She drew her arms in to her chest, fists ready for impact.

She barely registered the whooshing noise that passed her ear just as she watched a senbon strike the ninja's throat. It wasn't a lethal strike, but it was enough to throw the ninja off course as he grabbed his neck. Genma came from behind her, arm wrapping around her waist and pulling her forward with him to another branch. Kakashi came from above and kicked the ninja in the stomach, sending him flying to the ground, where he now laid unconscious too.

[Y/N] looked at Genma and realized the senbon he usually kept in his mouth was the one that had struck the enemy's throat.

"Damn, did you really spit that senbon that hard?" She asked, breathlessly. He looked at her incredulously, a small smile playing at his lips as he tried to catch his own breath. "That's what your biggest concern is?"

She shrugged and jumped down to stand with her brother and Kakashi, Genma following suit. The four of them stood together, raggedly breathing and observing their surroundings. Around them laid all nine opponents, all unconscious.

"Asuma, did you really just throw your sister?" Kakashi asked, breaking the silence between them.

"Hey, it was her idea and it worked, didn't it?"

The four of them moved to start gathering information and detaining their opponents for questioning, laughing a little to themselves at the ridiculous situation.

~~~

"Unfortunately, there was little evidence proving the existence of a hideout. We gathered what information we could and returned to the village. The details are in our paperwork. Additional reconnaissance recommended." Asuma finished reporting as he, [Y/N], Kakashi, and Genma stood before the Hokage.

"I see. Very well. You're all dismissed. [Y/N], would you stick around and talk to your old man for a bit?"

They all bowed and turned to leave, except [Y/N]. She watched as the others left, not bothering to say goodbye, knowing she would probably see them later that evening. When the door closed, she turned back to face her father, who gestured for her to come and sit with him.

"It's just us now, you can drop the formalities. I'm still your dad after all."

"Right, sorry. What did you wanna talk about?" She asked, taking a seat next to him and turning her chair in to face him.

"I want you to tell me about Genma. From what I hear, you two are something of an item. Now, I know him as an exceptional shinobi, but I want to hear about him from you. Does he treat you well?"

"Oh, daddy! Do I really have to?"

"If you want to continue to see this man, then I suggest you start talking dear."

[Y/N] sighed and rolled her eyes, but smiled nonetheless. She couldn't decide where to start. Genma was amazing. He was respectful and caring and funny... As she spoke, her father couldn't help but to smile at the shine in her eyes, talking about this man she loved.

Meanwhile, Asuma, Genma, and Kakashi all made their way out of the Hokage's office building in silence. Once they'd made it outside, Kakashi quickly bid the two farewell and was on his way. Asuma noted that he seemed to be in a hurry.

If he was being perfectly honest, Kakashi was just tired of being around Genma and [Y/N]. He had heard their conversation from a few nights ago too and he hated it. Genma was a perfect gentleman it seemed and [Y/N] was absolutely smitten with him. What hope did he have now? They were great together and honestly, Kakashi didn't want to see or hear about it again.

Asuma figured it was something of that sort and shrugged, sitting down on a bench, lighting a cigarette. He noticed Genma still standing by the door. "You're waiting for her then?"

"What kind of man would I be if I left her here alone?"

"Why don't you come have a seat with me and wait?"

Genma debated saying no, that he was fine standing, but his feet were aching from their trip and his muscles were tired. So he hesitantly agreed and sat down on the far end of the bench away from Asuma. He watched Genma sit and stretch his legs out before finally just speaking his mind.

"So, did you mean it?"

"Huh?"

"I heard you and [Y/N] talking the other night. You said you wanted to give her the world, that you didn't ever want to hurt her. Did you mean that?"

"I did—with everything in me. I know that you want to protect her, but trust me, I really do love her Asuma."

"That's all I can ask for then, I suppose." Asuma puffed on his cigarette. "But I still mean what I said too. If you hurt her, I will kill you."

"Noted."