Naruto Fan Fiction / Yu Yu Hakusho Fan Fiction ❯ A Strange New World ❯ Rules of Engagement ( Chapter 5 )

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Rules of Engagement

Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

'This is the third time this week that we have been training with Iruka-sensei's group. I wonder why we're doing this and not going on missions." Sasuke thought as he blocked Yusuke's punch, his owb being blocked in the process. Kakashi said that it was so they could all practise their Taijutsu skills, however it bored Sasuke easily. What use was Taijutsu against his brother, Itachi? Yusuke grinned at the sight. sasuke had gotten used to the speed he was fighting at, now to raise his pace a little. Bit by bit the frequency of the attacks increased as Yusuke sought out exactly how fast Sasuke was able to go. The change in speed surprised Sasuke, and he was forced to go out of his comfort zone. No longer was he able to defend and attack as he had been able to, but now he was totally on the defensive. Yusuke laughed, seeing that Sasuke could only defend himself. The Uchiha han't expected the blows to change in speed.

Kurama, found it difficult against the shorter Naruto. He was used to fighting those of a similar height, and even then he never fought in hand-to-hand combat unless he had no other choice. He could always call on his rose whip if he needed it. However now he wasn't allowed to use anything but taijutsu, leaving him at a disadvantage. A disadvantage that Naruto took full advantage of. Using his shorter stature, he was able to deflect the hesitant attacks from his body, before landing his own attacks. Kurama found himself at a loss as to how to cope with Naruto's skill. It embarassed him.

Hiei was faced against Sakura, the pair hadn't even attacked once since they started Hiei rarely used hand-to-hand combat, as he prefered having his katana bloodied than his hands, however he had no choice in the matter. His advantage was his speed, with that he could end a fight before it began. This was merely a test to see how he would react in a situation that required taijutsu to be used. Sakura could see the confidence in Hiei's eyes, the red eyes that was so similar to Sasuke's Sharingan that it was hard to believe that the pair weren't related. However she knew that she would have to fight him sooner or later. She could feel the gaze of both Kakashi-sensei and Iruka-sensei on her. With a single thought sheran towards the apparition, only for him to disappear when she almost touched him. Instead, Hiei's leg connected with her stomach, and a moment later her legs were swept from below her. She landed with a thud on the ground. "If this were a real fight," Hiei said as he poked her in the neck "Your life would be in my hands."

Iruka and Kakashi watched the three fights. "Hiei and Yusuke are more talented than Shuichi is." Iruka said, smiling at Kakashi. "Why don't we push up the difficulty a little, and make them fight on the water? It will help their chakra control greatly, they could use any ability that they wish to, as long as they don't end up in the water. The moment that they are in the water, then they lose, their opponent a victor." Kakashi grinned under his mask and nodded.

"I must admit, that is very tempting, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said with a smile in his voice and his eye closed. "Although I would like to see you fight in such an environment too." Kakashi's eye opened again. "What do you say, will you fight me?" Iruka blushed at Kakashi's question. "You do that a lot too, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said as he draped an arm around Iruka's shoulders. "Shall we give our Genins the bad news?" Iruka nodded as he leaped from the tree, with Kakashi following behind.

"You may stop now." Iruka said, bringing them to a stop. "We have decided that we want you to try something different, haven't we, Kakashi-sensei?" He looked at Kakashi, who had pulled out 'Icha Icha Paradise'. "Kakashi-sensei?" Kakashi looked up.

"You never answered my question about facing me, Iruka-sensei?" Kakashi said, as he flipped through the pages to find out where he had finished reading last time. "Honestly, I would like to fight you. I believe that we both would enjoy it, not only us, but our subordonates too." Kakashi walked over to Iruka and leaned down. "Why don't we show them how it should be done once they're finished fighting, hmm?"

"Very well, Kakashi-sensei, if that is your desire." Iruka said as he tilted his head back, his nose brushing over Kakashi's mask-covered lips and against his nose. 'He is so close.' Iruka's mind whimpered. He heard a sharp intake of breath from the other man, who pulled sharply away, as though he had been bitten. To cover some of the embarassment, Iruka pretended that the scar across his nose was itchy. "Who shall go first from your team, Kakashi-sensei?" He asked, breaking the silence. "From my team, I choose Minamino Shuichi."

"From mine will be Uchiha Sasuke." Kakashi said, as both comatents approached eachother, Kakashi stood between them. "We never said where you would be fighting though." He said as his eye closed. "Don't be so hasty." He looked at Iruka. "Follow us to your arena." The two teams followed their Jounin senseis to the lake. "You will fight on top of the lake. Using fine chakra control, you will make the lake surface your arena."

"However there is a few rules you need to follow. To win, you must be the last one on the surface. You are defeated when you cannot remain on the surface for any reason." Iruka said as he walked up a tree to watch from a vantage point. "You cannot kill your opponent, or mean to kill your opponent after all this is a sparing match. Any technique that you can accomplish can be used, including Bloodline Limits."

Kurama gasped. He knew that Sasuke could use the Sharingan, even if he wasn't as accomplished at using it as Kakashi was. It meant that he could be in trouble during the fight, and he had never been fond of water plants. Their cellular structure was different from the earth-based ones that always answered his commands. Water flora tended to be sluggish, and that could cause him to lose the fight. Next he thought about was ninjutsus. They would be much better to use in a fight, however whatever he could do, could be mimiced by Sasuke easily, and the Sharingan could see through illusions. That left only one option; taijutsu. He feared that the fight would be over before it could begin. He cursed his difficulty at hand-to-hand combat, even as he stepped onto the lake's surface, his chakra keeping him from sinking.

Sasuke followed cautiously. He knew of Kurama's plant-based attacks, and knew that being on the water to fight with him would be difficult. He couldn't destroy the water plants with his fire jutsus, not unless they were out of the water first. However he had enough time in his fight with Yusuke to take note of the other taijutsu fights and knew that it was probably Kurama's weakness on the water. As long as he kept Kurama busy blocking his attacks, he wouldn't be able to use any plant at all, or at least that was what he thought. Then again there was that rose whip, that whip, however, could cut through anything it seemed. He would have to take care of that first. He faced off against Kurama. "Sharingan!" The black eyes turned red as the Sharingan was activated. For a moment the chakra on Kurama's feet fell, but was quickly picked up once more when he remembered that he wasn't allowed to go in the water.

'This is, indeed, going to be difficult.' Kurama thought as he prepared to attack Sasuke. He called on the plants in the water for aid. However, as he suspected, they were reacting slowly. 'Damn it!' He thought, trying decide whether he should keep trying with the plants or try with the taijutsu. However Sasuke wasn't going to gibve him the choice. If he allowed Kurama to dictate the terms of the fight, then he would surely lose. Kurama could see the look in Sasuke's eyes, he would have to choose now, if he wanted to keep in the fight. suddenly making up his mind, Kurama charged at Sasuke, surprising the Uchiha enough that he managed to get the first punch and kick to hit Sasuke. However that was soon replaced by many powerful strikes from Sasuke.

All of a sudden a deadly urge rose within Kurama, as his other half, Youko Kurama, tried to make an appearance. However Kurama had to force Youko back down. At the Academy they had been taught about the Kyubi that attacked the village some 12 years before, and Kurama knew that if Youko were to show his face there would have to be a lot of explaining to do. 'Let me go, Shuichi.' Youko said in his cruel voice. 'We both know that I would be better at this.' Kurama landed on his feet, panting heavily from the effort of keeping Youko supressed.


While he watched the fight, Naruto could feel a strange aura forming around Kurama, an aura that seemed to make the Kyubi inside him angry. 'Our Ichia!' The Kyubi growled, it's emotions and desires flooding through the seal, the Kyubi's chakra mixing with his own. Naruto had the urge to run over to Sasuke and prove to this stranger who 'owned' the Uchiha that was fighting. 'Our Ichia!' The Kyubi repeated, even more angry than the first time.

"Come on, Sasuke!" Naruto shouted, trying to ignore the animalistic instinct to run over the water to Sasuke and start licking and nipping at his skin, like the Kyubi wanted to do. "You can defeat him!" Naruto's eyes were flickering between blue and red as he wrestled the Kuybi for control.

Kurama could sense the presence of another kitsune, one of equal, if not greater, power than Youko was. The feeling of dread he got from his inner self allowed sasuke to land many hits, forcing Kurama to become defensive. The speed of the punches and kicks were slowly forcing Kurama's grip of his chakra down as he tried to concentrate on trying to get to an equal footing with his Uchiha adversary. He managed to catch a kick, but he never realised that Sasuke wanted him to do that until it was too late. Sasuke's foot connected with the side of Kurama's head. The shock disorientated Kurama, affecting his chakra control, a punch to the abdomen making him cough blood. He fell backwards, and unable to move the chakra to support his body quickly enough, he ended up under the water. With the acknowledgement of his victory, Sasuke released his chakra and dropped into the water to give Kurama a helping hand to the edge.


"A predictable outcome." Iruka said to Kakashi as they watched the group from their vantage point. "Group!" Iruka shouted getting everybody's attention. "That's a quick reaction, Kakashi-sensei." He said to Kakashi. "That was well fought, congratulations, Uchiha Sasuke. One point to Team Kakashi. However I think that we can win the next match. My choice is Uchiha Hiei."

"Similarly I believe that my own team can win this match up also. That is why I am choosing Naruto to fight from my team." He smiled. "Both are strong fighters. This will be fun, won't it, Iruka-sensei?" Iruka remained silent. "I do believe that Iruka-sensei is worried." Kakashi said happily as he looked down at the fighters that were already on the surface of the lake. "Begin when you're ready."


Naruto drew out a kunai, throwing it at Hiei to check his reaction. Hiei waited until the last second to make his move. With an upwards hit from the palm of his hand, the Kunai was in Hiei's hand. Channeling his youkai into the kunai, Hiei threw it straight back at Naruto, who leaped back just in time as the kunai hissed against the water. However Naruto went straight into his next attack. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" Ten shadow clones of Naruto appeared beside him.

"You will need more than that to win." Hiei said quietly, his red eyes glittering. "Fighting ten of you is a waste of my time. At least make it interesting." He saw no reaction from Naruto. "Very well, it looks like I will just have to prove it to you." Hiei drew his katana. A moment later and all ten shadow clones had disappeared. "My actions are much quicker than your eye can behold. Maybe I should quit fooling around. Sasuke-kun is always telling me that I shouldn't play with my foes." With that Hiei started to feed his youki into the water before making the hand seals for one of the Uchiha family specialities. "Katon: Gno Jutsu." Hiei said, exhaling a long stream of fire, which lit the youki infused water surrounding Naruto, which Hiei calmly walked through. "This is my arena now." He said as the circle started closing in on them, and Naruto tried leaping free. "Tut, tut." Hiei said as the fire shot up, creating a dome. "The only way that you can get through this is to bow out, or knock me unconscious. Or you could wait until my chakra runs out, by then I'd have had my fun." Hiei punched Naruto once, sending him into the flames, which Naruto tried to leap from, however he noticed that the whole lake was covered in fire. Defeated he had no choice but to release his chakra and drop into the water.

Seeing that he had won, Hiei left the arena, the fire flickering out of existance. The whole attack had been a genjutsu from when he put his youki into the water, but Naruto didn't know that. After a few minutes, when Naruto didn't surface, the others became worried, Sasuke taking to the water to drag out his team mate. Once free of the water, Sasuke checked for a pulse, and although it was very weak, there was one there. However Naruto wasn't breathing. Taking a moment to remember what Iruka had taught them in the Academy, he knew what he had to do. Making sure that Naruto was flat on the ground, Sasuke tilted his head back before pinching his nose and opening his mouth enough so that his own mouth could form a seal, and then he exhaled, forcing air into Naruto's lungs.

After a few breaths, Sasuke could feel Naruto trying to cough up the water that had been trapped in his body, and pulled back as he turned Naruto onto his side. He then proceeded to gently slap Naruto's back to help him cough up the water that he breathed in. "Hiei-kun, that was nasty." Sasuke said to the apparition. "That could have caused Naruto's death."

"He should have known that fire couldn't burn on water though." Hiei said. "I know that I'm talented, but not even I can cause that to happen." Naruto glared at Hiei. "I never expected him to try and breath water. However I am glad to see that something like that could possibly work in a combat situation. Thank you, test subject, Uzumaki Naruto."

"Well, Kakashi-sensei, what do you have to say about that?" Iruka said, teasing the other Jounin. "That brought us even." He smiled, knowing what the Jounin would say. "It looks like out fight could draw the fights or one of us could win outright." Kakashi looked at Iruka, who smiled. "Shall we call the next match, Kakashi-sensei?" Kakashi nodded. "Yusuke and Sakura, your turn on the water."


"Don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're a girl." Yusuke said as the pair faced off. "You would be best to give up before you begin."

"No chance." Sakura said as she moved into a fighting stance. "You will have to defeat me." Yusuke sighed. He thought that he would have to. He didn't like fighting girls. They were nastier than boys were when angered. "I am sure that I can give you a good fight." That was what Yusuke was afraid of. He wasn't reassured that she was a poor fighter, because Keiko was a poor fighter, but she had a mean slap, and a nasty aim with a shoe. "Shall we start, Yusuke-kun?" Yusuke gulped and nodded. The sight of Yusuke's nervousness was reassuring for Sakura. This boy wasn't as confident as he made out. "Excuse me for a moment." She said as she removed her sandals and threw them at the bank, and with a startled scream Yusuke's control dropped like a stone, dumping him in the water.

Everyone was shocked that Sakura had won so easily, none more so than Iruka and Kakashi. So much for getting a good fight. Yusuke lost the battle like a lead balloon. Iruka groaned, he had hoped that Yusuke would win, so that at least they would draw, however he had no such luck. He was against the Copy Ninja, who was reputed to have learned, or stolen, over a thousand techniques. Kakashi leaned over to him and said "I do believe that it is our turn to fight." Then Kakashi jumped from the tree, a blushing Iruka following. "Well done, Sakura." Kakashi said. "Now myself and Iruka-sensei shall show you how two Jounins battle, right Iruka-sensei?"

"Of course, Kakashi-sensei." Iruka said with a smile. "Although I do have one request. I want to face you complete with Sharingan, Kakashi-sensei. Call it a whim if you would. I am sure that I would be one of the few people in Konoha that would have experienced such an event. I'm curious." Kakashi chuckled under his mask at the request. "It isn't as though you will turn against Konoha, you are too... noble dto do something as bad as that. So if you just so happen o learn something from me that you haven't already got, then it still stays within the village." Iruka said as Kakashi raised his forehead protector until it lay where it should, and slowly he raised his eyelid, showing the Sharingan to Iruka.

"You have your wish, Iruka-sensei." Kakashi said as he walked onto the lake's surface. "Now come long, I would like a good fight." Iruka followed Kakashi onto the water. 'He is unusual, even in the village nobody wants to spar with me because of the Sharingan, however Iruka is different.' Kakashi thought as he stopped and faced Iruka. 'He honestly seems interested in how he would fare against the Sharingan.' Iruka watched Kakashi closely.

'If I don't move, he can't predict what I will do.' Iruka thought. 'However, it is likely that he won't do anything either.' It was then that he saw Kakashi reach into his equipment pouch and pull out something. It was a copy of 'Icha Icha Paradise'.

"Since this match looks like it will be a long one, I hope you don't mind me reading." Kakashi said as he turned the page, closing his left eye. "I got to an interesting part last night and I want to know what happens next. Iruka-kun, maybe you need to borrow them." Kakashi winked. "Maybe they may help you with your love life." Iruka could feel his blood begin to boil. 'I think that got under his skin a little.' Kakashi thought as he he could see the gentle Jounin's facial expression change. 'Maybe something will happen now.' Iruka's hands flew through seals, knowing that Kakashi was watching his every move, and once he had finished, he held both hands out in front of him as his chakra formed into strange 'gloves'. From those gloves extended two watery blades, and the inside of thes seemed to condense into solid ice. "Interesting." Kakashi said. "Family talent?"

"Yes, or rather one of them. Like the Uchiha Clan's fire, the Uminos used water." Iruka said, looking over the situation. He had never expected to fight Kakashi in the past, but now he was certain that he would give the other Jounin the fun he asked for. Iruka ran forward, just as Kakashi knelt down. Using Kirigakure no Jutsu, Kakashi created a medium density mist, allowing him to keep an eye on Iruka, while baffling the Jounin. 'Ninjutsu, a hiding technique often used by mist and rain ninjas.' Iruka thought as he closed his eyes in concentration. 'Kakashi definately knows his stuff, not that I expected otherwise.'


"What is happening, I can't see!" Naruto shouted from the edge of the lake. "How are we meant to watch how real ninjas fight if all we see is mist!" He felt a hand on his shoulder and saw red hair.

"This is how real ninjas fight, isn't it?" Kurama asked, amused. "The best way to attack is when your opponent can't see you." Kurama stared into the mist. "Some people can see through mist clearly, surely you can modify your anatomy so you can do so too, after all you have a kitsune within you." Naruto gasped. "I thought that it was you. I doubted that it would have been the girl, and it certainly wasn't the Uchiha." Kurama's green eyes changed to the gold of Youko. "Myself and Shuichi are interchangable, but your own is trapped, maybe that is the problem." He looked at the lake and saw Kakashi sneaking up on Iruka. "Kakashi-sensei is right behind Iruka-sensei, and lower to the ground, in his blind spot." He said.


Iruka's sensitised hearing picked up a slight sound behind him. 'Smart move, Kakashi-kun. You did say that you wanted a good fight.' Iruka thought before throwing himself forward, doing a flip that would turn him 180 degrees, his spikes giving him extra grip. "Kakashi-kun, why did you make a noise on puropse?" Iruka asked, then he felt an arm go around his neck.

"Because I knew how you would react, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said as he touched the kunai to iruka's throat, only for the ninjutsu to disappear. "Replacement technique, that's good move to have done, Iruka." Kakashi said as he dropped the fish into the water, seeing Iruka grinning at him. "Well well, you can be tricky. The flip allowed you the chance to use the replacement technique. Impressive, you're not just a pretty face after all." Then Kakashi seemed to melt away. "Although you have a pretty amazing ass too." Iruka heard Kakashi say from behind him. "However this ends now, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said as prepared a kunai as if to strike, however Iruka pressed the spike against Kakashi's thigh before the point could be set against his throat.

"Don't be so hasty, Kakashi." Iruka said as he started preparing another jutsu. Slapping his palm against the water, the jutsu took effect; the water of the calm lake turned as violent as the sea, the only part that remained calm was where Iruka stood. "Nizunami no Jutsu!" He never noticed the kunai that Kakashi threw at him until it was too late, leaving him the choice to jump back or to take the hit. If he left the area he would likely end up in the water, however if he remained he would get hit by the kunai, causing him to have to release his control over the jutsu, allowing the water to return to being calm. His mind was made up a moment later by his body's reaction as he leaped out of the path of the kunai into the turbulent water. 'I should have dispelled the jutsu.' Iruka thought, too late to do anything but to surface. He felt Kakashi's hand grab his and pulled him out of the water.

"That was a good fight." Kakashi said, barely wet. "You almost had me, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said with a smile in his voice. "Let us get back to the shore and get you a change of clothing. We don't need you to catch a cold, do we?" Iruka laughed as they walked back to the edge as Kakashi replaced the forehead protector over his Sharingan eye, his right arm draped over Iruka's shoulders. "I never realised that you were attuned to water, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said then suddenly stumbled a little, getting a worried look from Iruka. "I'm fine." He answered the unasked question. "The Sharingan just drains my chakra faster than fighting you normally would cost me." It was then that Kakashi felt Iruka's arm go around his waist keeping him close to the shorter man.

"I don't care if this normally happens. I am not going to let you injure yourself, Kakashi." Iruka said. "You can rest at my place, it's closer anyway." Kakashi nodded. "You can stay there as long as you need to, Kakashi-kun. I'm not likely to turn you away, am I?" By then the pair was on the ground. Iruka looked at the two teams. "Traning is over for today, I'm sure that you want to go and change out of your wet clothing as much as I do." Iruka took a sly glance at Kakashi. "Not to mention that Kakashi-sensei needs to rest after our match." He silently added. 'He wouldn't have needed to if the stubbourn bastard told me that using the Sharingan caused this weakness in him.'


As the group split up, Kurama caught Naruto's arm. "Come with me." He said, motioning towards the forest. Once they were amongst the trees, Kurama paused for a moment as he picked a flower from the ground, using some of his youki to return it to a seed, and placed it in his hair. "I heard what Youko was telling you earlier, and I have thought of a way that would allow you to at least converse with him." Kurama said. "I don't know how successful it will be, but things may be much easier with you if both yourself and your inner fox are on speaking terms. Sit down and close your eyes, concentrating on the fox. I'll be there with you once you have managed to get to him." Naruto sent a glare in Kurama's direction before doing what the other said. A moment later and he was standing in front of the all too familiar 'cage' with the kyubi on the other side, and a moment after that and a silver fox was beside him.

"Why'd you bring this thing here?" The kyubi said roughly, its voice grating against Kurama's ears. "It is not welcome in my place."

"Well that is too bad, brother, because you are going to see a lot more of me." Kurama said. "I sacrificed four of my tails to gain what you obviously lack, a better form, and better inteligence." The Kyubi laughed from its side of the seal. "That is why I share my host's body and you are trapped, idiot. The more he gets used to you, the better off you'll become. Imagine the joy of marking the one that you desire, of sharing the body of this boy. You wouldn't regret it for a moment, because I never have." Kurama said, almost delighting in the feelings of superiority. "Give him all the power that he can handle, and I am sure that you will be rewarded." With that Kurama left Naruto's mind, leaving Naruto and the Kyubi alone together.

"I can't believe that he has a kitsune in him too." Naruto said after a while. "They seem to live in peace with each other. Kyubi, I would like that existence with you." Naruto said, almost embarassed to ask such a mighty creature to take an interest in him. "I don't even know if you have a name other than the fact that you are a kyubi." Naruto said as he touched the gate that represented the seal imprisoning the kyubi. You were trapped within me to negate your power, but I don't want to keep you forcefully imprisoned. However as long as you pose a threat to my home, I cannot free you either."

"Kit, my name is Seiryoku." The Kyubi said as he stared at Naruto through the bars. "I will help you on my terms, not on those of another, lesser, kitsune." The kyubi's speech becoming clearer and more defined than it had been. "You intrigue me, so I won't kill you." Naruto smiled. "For allowing you access, I want to be allowed to do what I wish when we are in danger. I don't want you to get in my way." Naruto could only nod, shocked at the Kyuubi's... Seiryoku's decision to help him. "Now go before I change my mind." With that Naruto turned his back to leave, however a chain of chakra wrapped around him. "A present for you, the ability to alter your body so it takes on a slight appearance of my own, when required. However if you use it when it is unnecessary I may revolk that privilage. It also allows us to communicate effectively. Now you may go."

"I did it." Naruto said, sounding surprised. "What did you do?"

"Nothing much, there was nothing underhand done..." Kurama said with a sweet smile. "I just pointed out how good it is to be free, he did the rest himself. Not to mention that he definately has it bad for Sasuke-kun, which helped a lot. Let's get back to our respective homes, we're both wet and need a change of clothing."


Iruka helped Kakashi to his bed, and helped to remove the other Jounin's clothing before offering him a pair of over-sized pjs that Naruto had got him, which looked about Kakashi's size. 'Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.' Iruka thought when he remembered that he only had one bed. However Kakashi caught his hand as he was about to leave.

"Iruka-kun, I am sure that there is more than enough room for us both." Kakashi said, figuring out Iruka's thoughts. "I don't want you to go to such lengths as to staying awake, especially since this is your home." Iruka blushed. "I'm sure that I have said it before, but you're sort of cute when you blush." Iruka couldn't believe his ears, Hatake Kakashi was inviting him to sleep with him, not only that but Kakashi thought him cute when he blushed. Soon all Iruka could think about was Hatake Kakashi in his bed and almost passed out.

"I... if that is what you would... like, Kakashi-kun." Iruka said hesitantly, now wanting to seem too pleased by Kakashi's request. "Are you hungry, Kakashi-kun?" Seeing Kakashi nod was all Iruka needed to make his escape. 'Come on, Umino Iruka, pull yourself together.' Iruka thought as he made sandwiches for himself and Kakashi. 'It isn't as though he is a stranger, and I actually like his company. It would be different if it was... say... Genma.' He looked at the sandwiches, yes, that would be enough. "Kakashi-kun, what would you like to drink?" He shouted, getting sake as a reply. Warming two bottles of sake, he then brought their small meal to the bedroom. "I hope you don't mind sandwiches, Kakashi-kun." Iruka said with a smile. It was something quick to make.

"Not at all, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said as he bit into the sandwich he had taken from the plate. "I don't think that I could eat much anyway. You are so kind doing this for me." Iruka sat beside Kakashi and started to eat too. "Naruto never stops talking about you, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said, watching Iruka out of the corner of his eye. "It is almost as though you were his father."

"I simply acknowledged his existence, Kakashi-kun." Iruka said once he swallowed what he was eating. "Although I have become rather attatched to Naruto too." He looked at the Sharingan-user. "He always talks about you when he is with me. You have done a good job training him, Kakashi." Kakashi placed a hand on Iruka's shoulder.

"He is only doing so well because he had a good foundation, Iruka-kun." Kakashi said as he took another sandwich from the plate. "Had it been any other teacher, he'd probably still be in the Academy, or else be a major pain in the ass to whoever had him. Never put yourself down, you were one of the Academy's best teachers because of your way with children. You did your job well, so be proud of yourself."


As the night rolled on, the more Iruka found out that he liked Kakashi, the Sharingan user became even more engraned in his heart than he had been. "Iruka-kun, aren't you going to get ready for bed?" Kakashi asked, looking at Iruka's bedside clock. "It's getting pretty late." Iruka looked at the clock. Indeed, the clock said that it was almost midnight.

"Doesn't time fly when you're having fun?" Iruka asked as he stripped, getting ready for bed. He could feel Kakashi's hot gaze on him, however when he looked, Kakashi's eye was closed. However he felt the gaze on him the moment that he turned around again, and sighed. If Kakashi wanted to watch him as he got ready for bed, there wasn't much that he could do to stop him. 'Pervert.' Iruka said in his mind, almost affectionately as he slipped his pyjama pants over his hips before slipping under the covers beside Kakashi, their bodies pressed against eachother's. 'I need to get a bigger bed.' Iruka told himself as his eyes slowly closed. 'I'll have to see about that once Kakashi leaves.'