Love Triangle: Kakashi vs. Genma

50 | Figure Something Out

Kakashi didn't hear from [Y/N] at all that night. He was curious about what the Hokage wanted with her and was hoping she'd come by. But the fact of the matter was that he hadn't heard from her at all in the last few days. Sure, he was now already mid-mission outside of the Hidden Sand, pursing the Akatsuki, but it still made him nervous. The last he'd seen of her was in passing as he, Naruto, and Sakura reported for their first mission assignment as a team.

She was seated at a table, a large cup of coffee and several books strewn in front of her. At the other three edges of the table sat Raido, Tenzo, and Genma. Kakashi's chest was tight when his eyes landed on Genma. He trusted [Y/N] more than anyone else, but Genma was a different story. Sure, he'd trust him on a mission or even with his life, but not his girlfriend—not when she just so happened to be his ex.

But he had more important things to think about now. This mission could not fail. They had to gain information on the Akatsuki, on Orochimaru... on Sasuke. Even as difficult as this was turning out to be, he headed this team now and there was no room for failure. He had to focus.

Meanwhile, [Y/N] regretted not having had the chance to speak with Kakashi before he left but was also grateful. He had no doubt seen her a few days ago in the reading room, splayed out of books with her new squad. He would have asked questions and he would no doubt know that she was lying. At least now she had time to really think about how she would dodge his questions.

Tsunade sent Team Kakashi out first and a few days later, Team Guy as reinforcements. Now, that same evening, she stood at the front gate with her new on-the-fly squad, designated as Squad Zero for the time being. The four ninja were dressed in ANBU uniforms, masks positioned over their faces. Tsunade eyed them over in approval. [Y/N] herself couldn't help but to notice that Genma's usual bandana was gone and his hair was tied back... she'd always liked it that way.

Tsunade cleared her throat, bringing [Y/N]'s eyes forward again. "You four do move quick. Good. Your mission is simple: recon and report. I want you to follow Team Kakashi and Team Guy but stay hidden and stay out of the fight. Unless you are required to intervene to save their lives, you are there to observe. I want you four monitoring the Akatsuki members you come into contact with. Track and follow them as far as you can, gather whatever information you can. Report to me as necessary. Now go."

She pointed out the gate and the four of them bowed before taking off. They had a while to go to catch up, but they were quick. In just a few days' time, they had caught up to the other teams on the outside of the Sand. Tenzo, who had been designated squad leader, split them off into two groups: Genma and Raido, and [Y/N] and himself. The first half was sent to pursue Team Guy while [Y/N] and Tenzo pursued Team Kakashi. The latter two knew Kakashi well and they knew what range at which he could sense them, so it would be easier for them to stay hidden.

"So, you and Kakashi, huh?" Tenzo said, trying to make small talk.

"Yeah, I'm sure he's mentioned it to you."

"Maybe once or twice, but nothing substantial. You know how he is."

"Yeah... I do."

"What is it? There's something bothering you."

"Kakashi would never in a million years approve of this. I mean we were booted out of ANBU for a reason—"

"Yeah, you two were becoming total jerks."

[Y/N] rolled her eyes. "Whatever. But he wouldn't like this. And he is just so perceptive, how the hell do I keep this from him? I mean we're moving in together! He's going to get suspicious..."

Meanwhile, Genma and Raido fell back and turned, going another direction. They'd just gotten out of earshot when Genma turned to Raido.

"They're actually moving in together. Like what the actual hell?" Genma complained, relieved to finally get his concerns off his chest.

Raido knew that Genma still harbored feelings for [Y/N] after all these years. Personally, he thought it was a bit unhealthy, but any "reasonable" talking to him just pissed him off. So he let it be and figured his friend would get over it eventually. "Yeah, they are. So what?"

"So what? So what? Raido, I was ready to marry that girl and now Kakashi gets everything I wanted with her. They'll be married before long I assume and she'll want to start a family. She'll be pregnant with his child."

"Well, that's usually how starting a family goes..."

"You're not getting it. Look, just forget it. I'll have to get over it eventually."

"Man, I don't think this is healthy. I know I've said it before, but you've really got to work something out for yourself now. She's gone man. She's not yours anymore."

"Right. I've got to work something out. Got it."

Genma sighed behind his mask and had only just noticed their path was convening with [Y/N] and Tenzo's. They'd all meet back up soon enough, so they needed to drop the conversation anyway. As if on cue, the other half of their team appeared next to them, all remaining quiet. They'd managed to settle into the trees and watch the fight before them.

There was some blonde Akatsuki member on a giant bird fighting back and forth with both Team Kakashi and Team Guy. They would have to make sure he didn't escape. He was the only lead left now that the other Akatsuki member—some puppet guy—was dead. Luckily, it didn't take long before the fight was over. [Y/N] had been scared to death for Kakashi, knowing damn well he'd overused that Sharingan of his. She had noticed him working with it more and more but he used up so much of his strength when he did that it took time for him to be able to try again.

"I wish they hadn't killed him. That was our only lead on the Akatsuki... There's nothing more for us to see here. Let's move out, see what we can find." Tenzo said, putting his hand on [Y/N]'s shoulder. She nodded before turning to move with the rest of her squad.

Kakashi had barely caught the movement. Tsunade sent ANBU out here? They didn't even try to intervene... They must've had a separate mission assignment. He recognized only one member immediately—Tenzo. He'd worked with him so much he could recognize him anywhere, mask or no. There were two others that seemed familiar, but he couldn't place them. The fourth was definitely female, given her build and stature. She kept her hair tied up and there was something about her—

No. It wasn't. It couldn't be. She wouldn't. What in the hell is going on?