Battousai's Daughter: Hunt For The Betrayer (Kakashi) 15

Chapter 17

Kakashi sagged back against the door. Every single inch of his body ached with unaccustomed weariness. Their search for Sasuke had come out as a failure like usual. That boy really didn't want to be found.

Groaning, he pried his feet loose from his mud caked sandals and stepped into the living room. A smile formed on Kakashi's face when he saw Kaori curled up in a ball on the couch. Life had been hard on her lately but she had been doing fairly well given the circumstances. Most people would have gone insane. He picked up the quilt thrown over the couch and gingerly draped it over her small form.

He didn't have the heart to move her when she was comfortable. Kaori slept badly as it was.

Kakashi brushed his lips against her forehead feather soft and crept toward the bedroom on silent feet and flipped the light switch in the bathroom, and turned the shower on. A billowing cloud of steam drifted into the room fogging up the mirror and the glass medicine cabinet.

He shed his clothes quickly and hopped into the welcoming warmth. The night air was unusually chilly and wet thanks to a recent storm and he was freezing. In all honesty he was getting tired of being sent on the same retrieval mission, no offense to Naruto. He lathered his hair with shampoo. Sasuke had been his student and up until recently he had been just as eager as the blonde to get him. However, after what he did to Kaori, Kakashi was no longer into sentimental tripe.

His brow furrowed in thought. On the other hand, if Sasuke was left to his own devices there was a good chance something would happen to Kaori and the twins. It was becoming more and more likely Sasuke would have to be killed. Kakashi wouldn’t say anything for Sakura and Naruto’s sakes until there was no alternative.

Kakashi tensed.

Water thundered around him but even with all the noise he was able to still hear the door opening and closing softly. The opaque glass blurred the outline of the person almost unrecognizably but then he glimpsed a flash of red hair and calmed. Kaori probably had another nightmare.

Letting out a weary sigh, he shut the water off and stepped out of the shower. Kaori leaned against the sink her eyes fixed steadily on her bare feet. Her pale skin was beaded with perspiration. Just as Kakashi assumed, another dream about her sister.

Kakashi reached for the towel by the sink but without warning she launched herself at him. He caught her and staggered backwards bumping into a wall. Kaori’s arms coiled around his waist and she rested her head against his chest.

Something was more wrong than usual. This time he knew this wasn’t about a nightmare.

His fingers curled underneath her chin tenderly and he tilted her head back so she would meet his gaze. “Kaori-chan?”

What he saw frightened him. Her violet eyes were sad and depressed. None of Kaori’s fiery spirit was there. Not even a spark. “Onegai, tell me what troubles you.”

“I can’t use Mitsu Rugi anymore.”

Kakashi blinked stupidly, not entirely sure if he had heard her correctly. “What do you mean?”

“I went to go train in the woods and drew my sword. My body wouldn’t stop trembling and all I could see was my sister’s face when I killed her.” Kaori choked off in a sob.

This was bad. The trauma from her newly emerged memories was greater than anyone had anticipated.

“I’m so lost I don’t know what to do.”

Kakashi’s stomach clenched painfully. She sounded so desperate and so confused. There was no choice. He would see himself released from his duties until Kaori was better. She needed him right now. He couldn’t go on missions that took him from Konoha for weeks on end. Tsunade would understand. She would have to.

He slid his hand around her chin to the side of her face and cupped her cheek. “I will not lie and say this will be easy, Kaori-chan. But I will promise I will help you every step of the way until you are yourself again.”

“What if I can’t return to normal again?”

“If there is anyone who is strong enough to claw their way out of such despair it is my beautiful Kaori.”

The red-haired woman relaxed, loosening her death grip on him. Kakashi took the opportunity to retrieve his towel and wrap it around his waist. “Come on, let’s get some rest.”

Kaori trailed behind him into the bedroom and flopped down gracelessly onto the bed while he searched through the drawers for pajamas.

Lately she depended on him for constant reassurance, but he didn’t mind. He was glad she trusted him enough to rely on him. Kakashi continued his search for a few minutes until he found a tank and sweatpants that met his satisfaction.

Modesty was always last on his mind so Kakashi barely spared a thought before he dropped the towel and stood there in all his naked glory. Kakashi started to pull his tank over his head when Kaori’s voice stopped him.

“Don’t Kakashi.”

Kakashi turned to look at her uncertainly. He had been a good boy over the past month and had made no direct moves on her. For her to say something like this out of the blue in her current state was shocking.

“I want to feel your body against mine with nothing between us. I need to feel you inside of me, onegai.” She pleaded in a desperate tone.

He searched her face for some clue as to what she was thinking but her expression was set in stone. She was entirely serious about this for whatever reason. Sex wasn’t the miracle cure for Kaori’s problem but it might help her to an extent. Sometimes sex could be comforting to a person that was hurting. They would lose themselves in the moment, temporarily forgetting about their pain.

Kakashi sank down on the edge of the bed. Kaori crawled over to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders hugging him from behind. She kissed the side of his neck, sucking the skin gently. A pleasurable shudder danced down his spine. Her delicate pale hands roved over his chest and downward as she worked at his neck.

Kakashi forcibly jerked himself out of the trance she was putting him under and moved out of the circle of her arms. As much as he enjoyed what Kaori had been doing, this was not how he envisioned their first time together in over a month.

He instantly regretted his actions when he saw the hurt look in her eyes.

“Do you not desire me anymore because of my past?”

“Iie, that is not the reason. I love you and will stand by you no matter what.”

“Then what is your reason?” She asked, dejectedly.

“I have something else in mind.” Kakashi gave her a gentle shove backward onto the mound of pillows and clambered on top of her.

The hurt receded slightly and was replaced with fragile hope. He would not disappoint her, not now when she needed him so badly. The nightgown she was wearing was short and skimpy. With Kaori laying down the hem had ridden up several inches, to the point Kakashi could tell she wasn’t wearing any panties.

He spread her legs further apart, just enough to give his hand room to maneuver. Kaori met his gaze dark with the knowledge of what he was about to do. Kakashi traced her opening with a finger and smiled when she made a small sound in the back of her throat.

She was so beautiful. Not even a goddess matched up in comparison. No matter how many times he made love to her he never stopped finding her reactions thrilling. Many women had shared Kakashi’s bed in the past but he had never experienced the same immediate connect with any of them that he had felt with Kaori their first time together.

He plunged three fingers deep within her sweet warmth and began moving them in and out at a quickened pace. Kakashi wasn’t concerned about Kaori lasting because if he had his way he would bring her several times tonight. His thumb brushed against her clit occasionally and she soon dissolved into moans of pleasure from his ministrations.

“The night is young, my fiery haired goddess. This is only the beginning of what’s in store for you.” Kakashi said huskily.

Kakashi awoke with a groan and glanced at the clock. 7 AM blinked innocently back at him. He wondered what had woken him so early. The two of them had only fallen asleep around an hour ago.

Kaori was curled up against him sleeping peacefully. Her head was resting firmly against his chest. Crimson hair spilled all around her face and shoulders.

Whatever had jerked him awake had had little effect on her. Kakashi didn’t remember the last time she had slept so soundly since her memories were unlocked.

A crash almost like thunder resounded throughout the bedroom. Well, the twins were up. Only those two would make as much noise as an elephant so early in the morning. Looks like he would have to get up and cook them breakfast. There would be no more relaxation for him the rest of the day.

Praying the twins hadn’t wrecked anything too valuable, Kakashi uncurled himself from Kaori. She mewed in protest and reached out toward him in her sleep. He grabbed one of the bigger pillows and slipped the pillow into her arms. Kaori quieted but there was still a faint frown line between her brows.

Outsmarting her was nearly impossible even when she wasn’t conscious. Hopefully, the pillow would serve until he got back from taking care of Hiko and Obito.

Kakashi gave her a quick kiss before scrambling to pick up the tank and sweatpants he never wore last night. He dressed then exited the bedroom shutting the door quietly behind him. Sure enough, the twins were making mischief. Hiko and Obito were standing on one of the kitchen chairs in front of the stove, staring down in puzzlement at a heavy cast iron pan lying upside down on the floor.

“So, that was the noise.”

The twins jumped guiltily.

“We were just trying to make breakfast, but the pan mommy cooks eggs in was too heavy.” Obito whined, sticking out his lower lip in a cute pout.

"You two are not old enough to be working with cooking equipment. Its too dangerous. You should leave it up to your mother or me." Kakashi chastised gently and ruffled their hair. "Now, go get dressed and I'll have breakfast ready by the time you return."

"Okay."

He bent over and picked up the pan and righted it on the stove. This was going to be an interesting day.

Indeed, the day was just as interesting as Kakashi had anticipated. It was mid afternoon by the time he arrived at the Hokage's office. He had to make sure the twins and Kaori were settled with Sakura before he could leave.

Tsunade scowled at him in annoyance. She was in a worse mood than usual. He marveled as to why. "Kakashi-san, I admire your loyalty and concern for Kaori-chan but I cannot grant your request. The fact remains you are the best jounin Konoha has. None can match you. I cannot pull you from the field for mere sentimental reasons."

Kakashi couldn't believe what the blonde was telling him. Tsunade was good friends with Kaori and he had hoped she would sympathize and allow him to stay with her. "She needs me, Hokage-sama. I won't abandon her now."

Tsunade rose with a dangerous look on her face and slammed her hands down on her desk. The wood splintered right down the center from the force of the blow. "Do not test me Kakashi. The Akatsuki are just biding their time to get Naruto and there is the matter of Sasuke's rebel group to contend with as well. You will be needed. The elders will not except your withdrawal to comfort your emotionally wrecked fiancée. Kaori-chan is my friend and I want what's best for her but my hands are tied."

Kakashi exploded and started yelling at her without concern about how it would look for a jounin to argue with the Hokage. "If Kaori is your friend you would fight hard with those decrepit old fools to see that she gets the aid she needs. Apparently, that is not the case. You care too damn much about politics and saving face that you would let Kaori wither away-"

A sake bottle went sailing through the air and connected with his head. Kakashi staggered backward and tripped over a chair and ended up sprawled spread eagle on the floor. He laid their dazed for a few moments before coming to his senses.

Snorting exasperatedly, he stood and brushed himself off.

"You have become too impetuous, Kakashi-san." The Hokage said stiffly. "I wasn't finished yet. I have made plans for Kaori-chan."

"What kind of plans?" He demanded sagely, still angry with Tsunade for throwing the sake bottle.

"I assure you, she will be well-cared for." Her large brown eyes shifted to the door behind him. "Shizune-chan, send them in."

The door swung open and three people filed in and lined up in front of the desk. Kaori's brother Kenji, Jiraiya, and Gai. Kakashi understood the presence of the first but the last two puzzled him immensely. What could Gai and Jiraiya possibly accomplish in Kaori's recovery?

"The strategy is simple. Kenji-san has kindly offered to take Kaori-chan to Hiko-kun's old hut in the north mountains of Kyoto. There she will stay meditating and reviewing the lessons of her late Shishou."

Kakashi jerked his thumb in Jiraiya and Gai's direction. "Where do these two come in?"

"They will be joining Kenji-san and Kaori-chan."

"I thought you couldn't spare any jounin for Kaori, Tsunade-sama." Kakashi mocked. It was childish and so unlike him, but he was feeling petty.

Tsunade arched an eyebrow. "I said that you couldn't be spared, Kakashi-san. Your talent is needed on the field. Jiraiya will go among the people of Kyoto when he is not with Kaori-chan and the others and acquire any intelligence available on the enemy. Their role is crucial in her recovery. Coddling, Kaori-chan is simply not working. What is needed is a more direct method."

"How are they crucial in the recovery process? You know how she feels about those two. She despises them."

"That is precisely why I chose them."

"Nani?"

"Spending time in close quarters with Gai and Jiraiya is sure to drive her to anger. Kaori-chan by nature is a fierce person so it is no surprise it will take anger to draw her out of her despair." The Hokage explained.

Kakashi was skeptical. He didn't think angering her was such a good idea. They might make her snap so completely she would be driven into a killing rage. He voiced his trepidation but Tsunade dismissed them with a wave of her finely manicured hand.

"We have considered this already. I think two talented upper-ranked shinobi can subdue an ex-samurai who has progressed very little in her chakra training. However, I have great reason to be hopeful. I believe this will work, Kakashi-san."

Gai winked and threw an arm around his shoulders. "Don't worry my eternal rival. We will protect our wilting flower and see to it that she blooms anew more magnificent than before."

"Kaori-chan is sexy. What man would complain about being stuck with her in the wilderness? She will be create inspiration for my next novel." Jiraiya added.

Kakashi's eye twitched. There was no way he wanted these two around Kaori for Kami knows how long. He wasn't worried about Gai doing anything untoward to her. Jiraiya, on the other hand....He didn't want the notorious pervert anywhere near her.

"Jiraiya won't seduce her into bed in her vulnerable state, Kakashi-san. Will you Jiraiya?" Tsunade growled menacingly, baring her teeth.

The old man gulped. "Wouldn't dream of it, Tsunade-chan."

"Good, then it's settled then. The three of you and Kaori-chan will head out in two days. Dismissed!"

So, much for his promise to Kaori. Tsunade had cornered him with rules and regulations. He would love to say rules and regulations be damned, but as a shinobi he had little choice but to obey. Or he would be punished severely. Then where would that leave, Kaori and the twins? It appeared Kakashi had no choice but to accept Tsunade’s plan whether he liked it or not. Saying he was unhappy was an understatement of monumental proportions.