SALVATION

Chapter 11

Leaning over the map in front of him, Kakashi frowned angrily. It was still surreal that only hours ago, he had been in the Forest of Death with Anko training his students and now he was here, in front of Ame with his trusted platoon 7 ready to take back the village. 

They had put up their camp a few miles before Ame - or at least of what was left of the city - and he was currently planning their next step with the help of Mei, his second in command, and Itachi. He had send Team 7 to help the rest of the platoon to settle down, though Anko had stayed with him, despite his attempts to send her out. 

"The rain makes it impossible for our ninkens to detect anyone.", muttered Mei thoughtfully. "It also hinders the bugs of the Aburame. I don't know how we can scout the area other than in small groups. However, if any of the attackers are still here, we'll be incredible vulnerable if we split up."

"We could use my crows but the rain really is a problem.", added Itachi frowning. 

"What about my snakes?", asked Anko attentively. "The rain won't really bother them and they are small enough to get by unnoticed. As long as no one is directly searching for them, nobody should notice them."

Smiling at his girlfriend relieved, Kakashi brought Ankos hand to his lips and kissed her gently. Despite his earlier protest, he was glad to have her with him. Not only because he thought could protect her better than anyone, but also because she was his safe haven. When Anko was around, he wasn't afraid to break down because he knew she would always catch him. 

"That will work. Can you send them out now?"

Nodding, Anko left the tent, a red hue covering her cheeks. 

"You two are really sweet.", said Mei kindly. "I'm happy you decided to spend-

"Mei, please.", Kakashi interrupted her firmly. "Let's not talk about it right now."

"Nii-san is right. We should continue to plan.", agreed Itachi quickly, knowing that the topic was sensitive for his brother.

They continued to plan deep into the night, Team 7 and Anko had joined them later, until Kakashi thought it was enough. It had been a tiring travel, he had pushed them to their limits to reach Ame as fast as possible, and when Sakura fell asleep whilst standing he send them to their own tents. 

Later, when he lay on his makeshift bed with a certain purple haired kunoichi in his arms, he couldn't help but worry. So many things could go wrong, he could loose so many people, he could fail so badly -

"It's all going to be okay, Kashi."

Anko rolled over to look into her boyfriends eyes. 

"Maybe not now but one day. You don't need to be afraid, you're not alone anymore."

Smiling slightly, the time traveller hunched over her, his mask already pushed down, to kiss her lovingly. Anko always knew what he needed to hear. 

"I love you so much.", he whispered against her lips after they broke apart to catch a breath.

BOOM!!!!! 

Suddenly an earthquake shook the tent and Kakashi landed gracelessly on top of Anko. Cursing, he jumped down, staring worriedly at his breathless girlfriend. 

"Are you okay?", he asked her whilst his eyes flitted to the tent entrance. 

"I'm fine, go, I'm following you.", she told him as she got up groaning. 

The sudden weight had pressed all air from her lungs, especially since Kakashi had pushed his elbow into her side but he didn't need to know that. Thankfully, he ran out of the tent and Anko didn't have to hold back anymore. Leaning over the side of the makeshift bed, she threw up.