Love Triangle: Kakashi vs. Genma

72 | Arrangements

Kakashi couldn't believe his ears... Asuma was... dead? No, he can't be...

Where was [Y/N]? How was she taking it? Who told her? Was she okay? How did it happen?

Immediately after receiving the news, Naruto went off to find Konohamaru, to make sure the kid was okay. Kakashi was thankful that Naruto had somewhere else to go. He didn't need to deal with him right now. Instead, Kakashi and Yamato headed straight toward the Hokage's office, seeking answers.

Once inside the office, Kakashi found Genma, Izumo, Kotetsu, Raido, and Shikamaru. The office was dim, the sun setting behind them and no one bothering to turn on a light. The mood was heavy and no one was speaking.

"Well, what happened?" Kakashi asked finally, unable to deal with the silence.

Tsunade kept her head in her hands, staring at her desk. Izumo and Kotetsu refused to look at anyone. They felt an immeasurable amount of guilt for the outcome of the situation. Genma and Raido stood with their arms crossed, waiting for the same answer. It was Shikamaru that finally spoke up.

"Our platoon consisted of myself, Izumo, Kotetsu, and Asuma. It was ours that intercepted the two Akatsuki members. They were tough combatants with powers unlike anything I've ever seen. Asuma was killed in action. He sacrificed himself and died to protect us."

Kakashi let out a breath he didn't even realize he'd been holding. One of his dearest friends was dead. He would not see him or speak to him anymore. It was as if the news had just sunk in and really took hold on him. Another friend was gone.

Yamato finally cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. "What of [Y/N]? She's not here. Has anyone told her?"

"She's not in the village." Genma spat, partially directing his anger toward Tsunade. When Genma heard the news of Asuma, he immediately sought out [Y/N]. When he couldn't find her, he came straight to Tsunade, Raido tailing him. He had never seen red with anger before until Tsunade told him all about [Y/N]'s mission. It took everything he had (and some of Raido's own strength) to hold him back. If it hadn't been for Kakashi and Yamato coming in, he probably wouldn't have been able to stand down.

"What? What do you mean?" Kakashi asked, stepping forward, eyebrows furrowed.

"I sent her out on a mission a few days ago. It was an S-rank ANBU mission." Tsunade started. "I didn't think it was anything she couldn't handle—"

"Wait, you sent her out alone?! You knew about the Akatsuki's movements here and you sent her out alone?" Kakashi asked, now understanding the hostility Genma had directed toward their Hokage. The two may not get along, but [Y/N]'s safety was something they could both agree on as a priority.

"Like I said, I didn't think it was anything she couldn't handle." Tsunade said, her voice laced with a venom that dared anyone to speak to her like that again.

"But?" Yamato pressed forward (in the most respectful manner he could, as he didn't really want to be the object of Tsunade's wrath).

"But... she was due back yesterday morning and I've not heard from her." Tsunade sighed. The weight of the world was on her shoulders. She very well could've just wiped out two of the most powerful remaining Sarutobi clan members in less than a week's time.

"I assume you've sent a squad out to find her then." Kakashi said, his tone still somewhat demanding. He couldn't believe it. On top of Asuma's death, now [Y/N] was missing? How could Tsunade have made such a reckless call?

When the Hokage didn't answer, Kakashi and Genma both moved forward, their anger overtaking their actions.

"Tsunade." Genma said her name through his teeth, all formality out the window. "Tell me," he took a slow, deep breath to try and  maintain his anger, "Tell me that there is a squad out there searching for her."

"...There's not."

"Well why the hell not?" Genma slammed his fist down on her desk, any fear of the Hokage out the window with the formalities.

Even Tsunade herself jumped. She hadn't expected such a rise from even Kakashi (who she knew had been something a thing with [Y/N]), let alone Genma. "I don't have the man power."

"Don't have the man power? Are you kidding me? You could've pulled me days ago! I'm just watching people fix a damn wall!"

"Genma, enough." Tsunade stood up, slamming her own hand against the desk. "Asuma was my godson. [Y/N] is my goddaughter. I've lost Asuma and I very well may have lost [Y/N] too. Do you not think that I'm trying my best?"

Genma stood down, dropping his hands to his sides. Kakashi himself buried his hands into his pockets, afraid of what he might do if he didn't restrain them. He hadn't been this angry in a very long time.

Tsunade sighed and closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She was still the Hokage through and through. She needed a plan.

"We will hold Asuma's funeral tomorrow. That gives all of my shinobi forces time to recuperate and pay their respects. After the funeral, I will call forth a team to search for her."

"M'lady..." Kakashi started, only to stop as soon as Tsunade threw a death glare at him.

"Enough. I've made up my mind. This is final. You are all dismissed. Go."