Aftermath (Kakashi Hatake)

Part 18: Goodbye's & Hello's

The child introduced himself as Gaara and when we finally parted ways I couldn't help but think about him. I arrived at the Inn and found Kakashi awake. He wasn't too worried about me as he knew I couldn't sleep last night and was likely to wander at some point out of boredom. "How are you feeling?" He asked as we joined Jiraiya in his room for breakfast after changing. "Tired." I admitted. "Really sore. My body hasn't recovered as much as it needs to for all of this action. I have new bruises on my legs and chest." I responded, tugging down the collar of my shirt to show him the purple spreading across my collar bones. He frowned under his mask. "We need to find Lady Tsunade soon. If you got into a fight in this state one hit could cause some serious internal bleeding." I nodded. We locked hands and knocked on Jiraiya's door. He welcomed us in and we ate some waffles and fruit delivered to our room. Right after our meal we received a summons to the Kazekage's office. The shinobi who delivered it led us there and left as soon as we entered the room. 

"The council has decided that your actions have all been in self defense. The ninja who confronted you is awake and responsive. She told quite the story of her helping you capture some man that was clearly the 'Benefactor' from your story. It came as quite a shock to her friends and family that she had an 'infatuation' with you as you called it." The Kazekage explained. "Her aunt brought her to the village as a child and she recently became a Jonin. She's been known for her incredible stealth and I am impressed that you have managed to lure her into a trap without revealing your plan." We all bowed in respect at his compliment. "With this information you are dismissed from the village and asked to stay away if possible until the bounty is removed from your head." He finished and we all agreed. It is fair that he would not want to host a wanted nin in his village and put them at risk. "If there is one thing I can ask before I leave?" I asked as Jiraiya and Kakashi started to leave the room. 

I was glad that the Kazekage seemed more amused than angry that I had asked him for a favor. "Yes?" He asked and I bowed my head a little in submission. "I would like to say goodbye to Gaara." I said monotone and still at my attention stance, feet apart, hands slightly behind my hips and chest up. "How do you know Gaara?" He asked and I quickly recounted our encounter as well as apologizing for leaving my room despite orders. He waved off my insubordination agreeing that as long as Gaara was the only one to see me I had done no harm. I couldn't help but frown under my mask as he spoke of his son with a tone of hatred but nevertheless he agreed to have Gaara waiting for me at the gates in a few minutes so I could say goodbye. 

"You're something else, kid. Not that I'm all that surprised." Jiraiya stated as we exited the Kazekage building. I shrugged and led the way to the gate seeing as we had gathered all of our things before leaving the Inn this morning, aware of the fact we would likely be leaving. "How can I not be surprised that you not only admitted to breaking his rules but also requested to say goodbye to the literal Kazekage?" Kakashi asked as if thinking aloud. I shrugged again. "It worked." I reminded him and he shook his head in despair as Jiraiya let out a booming laugh. True to his word we found Gaara standing beside another man waiting for us. I smiled at the sight of him and squatted down so he could hug me. "I'll see you soon alright?" I said as he began to look like he might cry. "I don't want you to leave! You're my only friend." He said and I felt my heart break for the little boy. "Well, just because we are apart doesn't mean we can't stay friends."I assured and an idea came to mind. I pulled a little wooden carved lion and placed it in his hand. "Here. This is all I have left of the village I came from. I want you to take care of it for me until I see you again okay?" I asked and he looked at before nodding with determination on his face. "I promise." He swore and I smiled before holding out my pinky. He linked his with mine and I let go, ruffling his red hair. "See you around, Garra-kun." I said and he smiled as a tear fell from his eye. "See you later, Asa-san."