Love Triangle: Kakashi vs. Genma

55 | Hospitals and Honesty

Kakashi was admitted to the hospital immediately following his return to the village. He was so exhausted and his body hurt, everywhere. He knew he'd have a lengthy stay—again. But it hardly mattered to him. He needed to see [Y/N]. He needed to know why.

He had no doubt in his mind that was her. She was that fourth ANBU member. He'd almost missed seeing them at all—they all knew how far to stay back. It was a minuscule slip up and if he hadn't been facing that way, he wouldn't have sensed them or seen them at all. They knew him. It had to have been her and Tenzo. The other two... Genma and Raido? They didn't usually go on missions that far out, being a part of the Hokage's guard and all. But that would explain them in the mission room the other morning...

Kakashi sighed and stared at the ceiling. He couldn't get up to go find her. He would have to wait until she came to him. Was she even back in the village? Was she safe?

"Well, don't you look silly."

Kakashi was ripped from his thoughts by Jiraiya coming into his room through the window. Of all he needed now, this was not it. But Jiraiya seemed to have good intentions. Besides, he was here for a meeting with Tsunade and some guy called Yamato. It wasn't just a casual visit. This was business.

He had no choice but to clear his mind and be ready. He leaned over and picked up one of the Make Out Paradise books Jiraiya had laid on his bedside table. Might as well read them again, if it helped distract him.

Unfortunately, he only got about ten minutes before Tsunade knocked. When she entered, behind her was Tenzo, smiling like he was coming to visit an old friend. Kakashi's eyes widened. If Tenzo was back in the village, then [Y/N] had to be too. The ANBU mission hadn't lasted long at all. What could they have been doing? What is going on now?

"So, this is the Yamato you were talking about."

Yamato. What a ridiculous name. Kakashi decided then that he would probably never call him that.

But Kakashi couldn't dwell on that now. He needed to get through this meeting so that he could have a word with Tenzo.

Once everyone was up to speed on Naruto's latest situation, Tsunade dismissed everyone. She and Shizune turned to leave first, exiting quickly to attend to other business. Jiraiya laughed and waved. "I'm sure you'll give those books another good run through while I'm gone, Kakashi!" And then he was gone too. Tenzo remained in the room, standing completely still.

"What is is, Tenzo?"

"It's Yamato now, actually, remember?"

"Ridiculous."

Tenzo sighed. "I just wanted to see if there's any advice you had on dealing with Naruto's temper."

"To take it with a grain of salt. You'll figure it out."

"Right. Well, I'll take my leave then—"

"Your mission. The one with [Y/N]. What was it?"

"She told you then?"

"I haven't seen her."

"Then how did you... We got too close, didn't we?" Tenzo said, realization washing over his face. He'd thought that Kakashi had noticed them. But he chalked it up to paranoia and went on his way. Apparently, he wasn't just paranoid.

"You're not answering my question." Kakashi said, spite seeping into his words.

"I'm not allowed to answer your question. You know the rules—"

"Screw the damn rules, Tenzo! I need to know what she's doing! She went back to ANBU and it's no good for her! Why?" Kakashi grunted, his body protesting against his movements. Tenzo sighed again, moving to help his former superior to comfort. Kakashi let him help, his muscles relieved at not having to move on their own.

"Just... is she okay?" Kakashi whispered, catching Tenzo off guard.

"She's fine. She's probably resting up or something. I'm sure she'll be by soon. But... Kakashi... there's something you should know..."