"So you didn't find anything at all?" Tsunade huffed.

"No, unfortunately not. We have no idea where they may be right now," Kakashi added.

We had spent weeks looking for Sasuke and Orochimaru. We both summoned dogs, and yet we couldn't track a single scent from either one of them.

It was as if they had disappeared completely.

I stood there quietly, staring at Tsunade with a blank face. I hadn't been back since I learned about Itachi, and I wasn't going to pretend I was fine with it.

My feelings for Kakashi changed absolutely nothing when it came to how pissed and distrustful I was.

"Y/n," Tsunade finally returned my gaze. "Would you like to talk?"

"I have nothing to say to you."

Her eyes narrowed at me, "I shouldn't have to remind you that I am still the hokage."

"There isn't an ounce of dignity or honor left in that title as far as I'm concerned," I snapped back at her.

"Y/n," Kakashi huffed out in a serious tone, ushering me to watch the attitude with just a single word.

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, pursing her lips a bit as she glared at me, "Then tell me Y/n, why are you even back?"

I was seconds away from exploding. Was she really not even going to recognize how terrible this all was? Is no one going to take any accountability?

It wasn't just Itachi's life that was ruined. An entire clan was brutally murdered... On orders that came all the way up from the hokage and his inner circle.

I know it wasn't Tsunade's doing, but still... It made me sick to think about. I never would've thought my dad or Hiruzen would've been capable of that, and I was already wrong once.

"I'm here to make sure something like that never happens again. Hopefully restore some honor to our pathetic village," I snarled at her.

She smirked, "Good. That's what I was hoping to hear. I'm giving you a promotion."

My eyes widened. After I just disrespected her like that, I was not expecting anything but more scolding.

"A-a promotion?" I stuttered out.

She crossed her legs as she sat there smugly, "Well, you're the future of the Nara clan after all. I need to make sure you're ready for what's coming."

I glanced over at Kakashi who was staring at me intensely. I still couldn't read him when he chose to hide his emotions. He was just too damn good at it.

"And what's coming?"

She shook her head softly, "I'm not sure exactly, but with the way things are going... Orochimaru, the Akatsuki, their attack on the Hidden Sand. I can only imagine we're on their list somewhere."

I felt myself suddenly unable to breathe. I wasn't ready for anything like this. My life was still just a long list of failures along with people I couldn't save...

I talked big, but what if I couldn't actually protect anyone?

"What's first?" Kakashi spoke up.

I clenched my jaw as I waited for Tsunade's response. I was so close to crying. It seemed with every day that passed, I had less control over myself and my emotions.

"Kakashi, are you still ready to train Naruto?"
she asked. "He needs to be able to protect himself."

"Right. I already have some ideas."

"Then Y/n will start with you there."

More training? Didn't seem like much of a promotion... Not that I minded. At least I was comfortable with Naruto.

"But Y/n," she looked at me. "You need to make amends with your clan."

"I have no issue with my clan."

She sighed, "Are you going to make this more difficult than it needs to be?"

"Why don't you just come out and say what you really mean, Tsunade."

"Fine. You need to make amends with your father."

"No."

She smirked at me, "So you are going to make this difficult..."

I gave her a blank stare. I had nothing to say to him, and there was no reason for me to change that.

"What about Shikamaru?" she asked.

"This doesn't concern him."

"Really? You don't think he's worried and confused as to why you attacked your father then disappeared?"

"What am I supposed to do, Tsunade? Tell him the truth? Make him hate this village as much as I do right now?"

"I've had enough of your immaturity, Y/n!" she yelled as she threw her hands on the desk. Kakashi just let out a loud, disappointed sigh.

"Your clan doesn't trust you! Your own brother doesn't trust you! Hell, I don't even know if I really trust you! I'm really trying, but you're not giving me much to work with!!"

I kept my voice as calm as possible, afraid to snap at any moment, "Feelings mutual."

"This is serious, Y/n! Does anyone trust you at this point!?"

I looked over at Kakashi, waiting for him to say something. He trusted me, right? He had to... After these past few weeks together, how could he still have any doubt left?

But he avoided my gaze and stood still, completely silent.

I was seconds away from popping off when the door to Tsunade's office flew open.

My expression softened as I saw Shikamaru walking in with Asuma trailing behind him.

Shikamaru walked over to Tsunade's desk, dropping a heavy file on it, "Chunin exams are finished." His voice was ice cold.

As he turned to look at me, I was surprised to see a soft smile curl up on his lips, "I trust you, Y/n. I always have."

"Watching you leave the village, standing by as you confronted our father, I knew you had a good reason. Even if you can't tell me what's going on. I know you. I know what you stand for."

He looked back at Tsunade, "And I will always trust her. More than I trust anyone else."

I was shocked when he walked over to me and pulled me in for a hug, but I quickly returned the gesture.

"Shikamaru..." I trailed off as the tears I had been trying to hold back finally fell. I was speechless.

"We're family right?" he said softly as he held me. "We gotta stick together. We're all we have."

I wiped my tears and gave him a reassuring nod after we pulled apart.

"Well, we'll be at the barbecue restaurant if you want to join," he smirked before walking out of Tsunade's office. "Asuma's treat!"

I laughed as I looked at Asuma, "Really?"

He shrugged, "Told our teams I'm buyin. Help yourself."

"I'll help train Naruto starting tomorrow," I called out to Tsunade before returning my gaze back to Kakashi. His eyes were already so much softer than they were a few moments ago.

"And in case you need an example," I said to him. "That's how you stand up for someone you claim to love."

I stormed out of the office, ignoring as Kakashi called out my name. What the hell was that even about? Why wouldn't he tell her he trusts me?

After everything... I didn't know what else I could do to show him how much he means to me. Did he really not believe it?

At least Shikamaru had my back. And he's actually the one with the most reasons not to trust me.

•••••

**Kakashi POV**

"Y/n!!" I yelled out as she stormed out of the office and down the hall.

Fuck... I really messed up.

Of course I trust her. Just watching how she was reacting to everything with Tsunade caught me by surprise. I didn't know she was still hung up on stuff with Itachi.

We were together, and we loved each other, right? So why did she care so much about him? About what happened with him?

I didn't understand why she was still so mad..

"When you love someone?" Tsunade asked with a smirk on her face.

I sighed, knowing full well she would never let this go until I told her, "Y/n and I, well, we're together."

"And in love?" she kept a grin on her face as she sat there.

I hate talking about this stuff. Especially now that Asuma was here too.

"Yea," I muttered out. I could definitely feel my face heating up, and was so grateful for my mask.

That's why I wore it. I didn't want anyone to ever know what I was really thinking or feeling. I've been trying to hide since I was young.

And I was pretty good at it, except when it came to Y/n.

"Damn," Asuma smirked. "Well after that little stunt, you better make sure that's still the case. I know if I hesitated like that with Kurenai, she'd probably beat my ass."

Tsunade laughed, "Thanks a lot! Now I owe Jiraiya money."

"What does that mean?" I shot her a glare.

"We made a bet," she teased. "He said you two would be a couple by the time you got back. I said it would take at least another couple months."

I was no longer flustered, just annoyed and a little pissed off.

Asuma chimed in, "Kurenai thought the same thing. But I knew as soon as they spent some time alone, it'd be game over. She now owes me too."

"You can't be serious," I grumbled. "Don't you all have anything better to do with your time?"

"Not really," Asuma smirked.

Tsunade laughed loudly, "Relax Kakashi! We're all just excited for you two!! It was getting painful to watch honestly. I'm glad you both finally let it happen."

"Unless I just blew it," I huffed as I thought about Y/n's dramatic exit... She always was so fucking dramatic. Is it weird that I actually kind of loved it?

"Mm, Asuma, let's make another bet," Tsunade smiled. "I bet she forgives him the moment he apologizes."

"No way! She'll make him sweat it out at least a day or two. She's too hot-headed," he teased back.

"Normally I'd agree with you. But she has a soft spot for Kakashi. I don't think she'll be able to stay mad at him."

I watched in annoyance as they went back and forth. I get it. I'm 28 and never dated anyone seriously. Y/n's only relationship with was an international terrorist.

We're not exactly a normal couple. But really? Making bets?...

"I'm done with this," I muttered as I turned to leave.

"Aw Kakashi! Where you goin!?" Asuma laughed.

"Kakashi! Make sure you tell us what happens! We need to know who wins!" Tsunade called out after me.

I shook my head as I walked down the hall, but I couldn't help but smile a bit. As annoying as that was, I was so happy that they knew about us.

Y/n's everything I've ever wanted... And I wanted everyone to know she was mine.

I sighed to myself... I hope Tsunade wins the bet. I really don't want Y/n to stay mad at me.

•••••

ok, serious question, does anyone know kakashi's real age in shippuden? i can't remember ☠️

also.... zaddy 🥵