Love Triangle: Kakashi vs. Genma

49 | Tsunade's Request

[Y/N] had been in the middle of packing when Jiraiya and Naruto returned to the village. She decided that she could put packing on hold to visit with them—and watch to see if Naruto and Sakura could really get those damn bells from Kakashi ([Y/N] had done the same challenge with Kakashi before as a game—it took her four hours and the mention of sex to actually get the bells from him).

"Jiraiya, he has improved so much!" [Y/N] sat on the branch next to the toad sage. "Kakashi really has his work cut out for him now!"

Jiraiya laughed as he usually does, loudly and fiercely. "Sure, Naruto is growing up. He's still a bit of a hot head though, kind of like you were when you were younger."

"Hey!"

"She still is!" Tsunade called up to them, having overheard the conversation.

"Alright, alright. You know what? My father taught you all better respect than that. Calm down." [Y/N] huffed, causing Jiraiya and Tsunade to go into a fit of laughter. No sooner had they caught their breath then Sakura and Naruto managed to snag the bells off of Kakashi's belt. [Y/N] couldn't help the laughter that escaped her lips at her boyfriend's ashamed expression. That stupid old book surely did him in this time.

Tsunade quickly briefed Sakura and Naruto on their new ranks before sending Team Kakashi on their way. [Y/N] had started after them when Tsunade called her name. She nodded in acknowledgement before glancing at Kakashi. Their conversation was silent and quick, nothing more than the exchange of a few eye movements.

Jiraiya instead followed the team, leaving [Y/N] to stand with Tsunade and Shizune.

"Yes, Tsunade?" [Y/N] turned to face her entirely.

"This isn't what I originally wanted to discuss, but while my interest is piqued, what was that exchange with Kakashi?"

"Nothing more than a platonic friendship, Lady Hokage."

"I'm not sure I believe that. Anyway, let's head back to my office. There's a few things we should discuss about your rank."

"My rank? Is there a problem, ma'am?"

"Not necessarily a problem. It's just some things that need to be discussed."

[Y/N] nodded and followed along to the Hokage's office. The entire walk was silent, save for Shizune making a few comments here and there about Naruto and Sakura's outstanding improvements. [Y/N] could hardly pay attention. What could be so important about her rank that it couldn't wait? Was she being demoted? She hadn't done anything to call for such harsh action, but it couldn't be promotion—jonin are the highest rank.

By the time they'd reached the Hokage's office, [Y/N] had worked up a nice little sweat. She was prepared to fight tooth and nail, no matter what Tsunade said. She hadn't done anything wrong and this was outrageous.

"It's about time. I thought that you'd never be back."

That voice. She heard it as soon as they entered the room. [Y/N] knew it all too well. It was Genma. He stood leaning on the wall at the side of the room. Sitting on the ground next to him was Raido and... Tenzo!? He was here too? What was going on? Tsunade ignored Genma's comment, crossing the room to sit at her desk.

"[Y/N], come in here."

She did as she was told, immediately locking eyes with Genma. Sure, they'd remained friends over the last few years, despite their failed relationship, but since she got closer and closer to Kakashi, Genma seemed to get farther and farther. They hadn't spoken now in quite some time, except perhaps general pleasantries in passing.

It wasn't that Genma hated her or anything now. It was that he couldn't stand to watch her and Kakashi. He couldn't stand to know she'd found someone to take his place—someone who apparently knew how to make it work with her. He was still in love with her. He hadn't moved on or dated or anything in the last few years. At most, he had held a few one night stands, but that too had since stopped—he couldn't wake up the next morning and look himself in the mirror for the guilt that gnawed at him. Of course, the guilt was unwarranted as he wasn't in a committed relationship anymore, but nevertheless it returned each morning he woke up with a new woman in his sheets.

The pair were ripped out of their respective thoughts and their eyes flew to the ground at the sound of Tsunade's voice.

"Okay, [Y/N]. I pulled you here to discuss your rank. This meeting is entirely confidential. You can share this with no one, understood?"

"Yes ma'am."

"[Y/N], you know the Leaf is under some strain right now. Though we've improved, we're still under a tight ship and short-handed. I need a team ready at a moment's notice to move out. I've pulled the others here for that team. However, I still want a typical four-man squad."

[Y/N] looked at the other jonin around her. Genma and Raido were rarely pulled for such things, but their direct connection to the Hokage with that flying thunder technique—or whatever it was called—was probably reason enough for this. Or maybe they really were just that short-handed. Tenzo, an old comrade from ANBU, was highly skilled himself, but was still an ANBU member—rarely were they pulled to work with anyone outside of ANBU—oh.

"[Y/N]."

She jerked her head back to Tsunade.

"I would like you to consider rejoining ANBU. It may not be permanent, but I need you for this team. It will function as covert, ANBU operatives. Your target is the Akatsuki."

"My father would turn over in his grave." [Y/N] blurted out, earning a few muffled laughs from the others. She was stunned. She'd always missed ANBU, but she hadn't ever considered it an option again. Kakashi would not be pleased... but then, she wasn't allowed to tell him, and what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him...

"With all due respect to the Third, he is dead. His reign is over. The rules have changed. [Y/N], I need an answer. If you agree, we will start tactical planning now. You'll likely be here all night. I need this team ready as soon as possible. What is your answer?"