Chapter Text
Chapter 1
I had been summoned by Lord Third for another mission. Only just getting back from a 2-week long mission with Genma and the others, I felt like I deserve a break.
Apparently, Lord Third and I did not think the same way.
It had been like this for a few years now since I started to get more annoyed in not being able to tell Naruto the truth. He would send me away on long missions hoping that I would never tell the boy.
Of course, it was hard, every time I looked at the boy all I saw was him.
Minato.
Pushing the door open to the Hokage's office, I could see he was in deep thought. Maybe he even looked sad, but who could know with this old man.
“Welcome back Namikaze”
Yep, just by the way, he said my name. He was sending me away from him, again. “Lord Third, I was summoned?”
“You have been selected for an S-Rank protection mission”
Annoyed, I started to kneel. I haven't even heard the details yet and I knew. This was going to be a long mission.
“ Yes sir ”
“You will act a body double for the twin princess in Ahgase. This will be for three years. Protec - ”’
Did he just say THREE YEARS?? No
“ I decline”
This would be the longest I would be away from Naruto. Who would he talk to, who would randomly give him groceries or help fix things in his house? He was my family, I couldn't leave him like that. He was about to graduate from the academy.
“ Namikaze, you can not decline this mission.” his voice laced with annoyance
He was not even looking at me. His damn back was facing me, like a coward. My anger was rising, my hands were hot.
“And why not, Lord third with all respect you have sent me out on more missions than possible. For what? To keep me away from Naruto? Is it not bad enough that he has no idea that I am the only family he has left. I will not leave the village for three years.”
“ It is not to keep you away from the boy. I know that you would never go against my wishes and tell him. He has grown attached to you and how you treat him. However, you are the only one who can pull this mission off.”
He turned to look at me, I felt like a child all over again. His eyes looked sad in a way, or maybe it was just my eyes.
Listening to the details of the mission, I realized he was right. Only I could do this, my mix of skills was perfect and the price was just right. I had no choice, it was my duty to serve the Hokage, to serve my village. Three years, I would be back and he would be a chunin. He would be older.
“ When do I leave” I tried not to sound sad, but it was so hard. The last time I left the village for even a month, I lost my brother.
----
Walking back home my feet seemed to have their own destination. I was at their grave.
“I’m sorry, but looks like this time I won't be able to watch over him for a while.” Tears started to stream down my face.
“ That wrinkly old man is sending me away again, this time for three years maybe more. Don't you guys worry though, I'm going to make sure he's got warm blankets and all things before I leave. Have you been watching? He's grown so much. He looks just like you did Minato all those years ago. Little slow-witted though” laughing away the tears on my face I kneeled down.
“Kushina doesn't worry ok, he is going to be ok. I'm sorry I can't watch over him for you sis. I miss you guys.-
Jumping up I turned, someone was watching me. Looking at the trees and all around, I could sense it was him. He was probably here to do the same as me, talk to his ghost.
“Kakashi” almost whispered his name.
He was going to see my puffy face, I was going to have to tell him. Three years was a long time, I had gotten so wrapped up in thinking about Naruto I forgot all about Kakashi.
Like a flash all the what-if thoughts started to run through my head.
What if he met someone while I was away. What if I come back and he's fallen in love with someone that's not me. My heart hurt at the thought.
I never actually realized I loved him till I lost Mintao. We both lost the only family we had the day Mintao died. He was my best friend, all I had left other than Naruto.
“ Hey small fry” his words interrupting my thoughts. I didn't even realize when he had walked over. He had concern in his eye, most likely from seeing my tear-stained face.
I couldn't look at him, I was embarrassed. I’m supposed to be a shinobi and here I was crying because I have to carry out my duty.
“He's sending me away again, this time for three years maybe a few more depends” Gosh could I sound anymore like a sad child.
Gathering the courage I looked at Kakashi’s face, seeing if maybe I could see a sense of sadness. Of course with his half-covered face, all I saw was a slightly raised eyebrow.
“ When do you leave” his voice sounding somewhat calm
“ I leave in two days, so I have to make sure to pack some stuff to give to Naruto. Maybe try to treat him to some ramen or prep some meals for him so he won't survive on instant noodles and ramen. Yah know?”
I tried to laugh it off but he just kept looking at me like he was waiting for me to cry.
“They would be proud of you, you know. For caring for him and still keeping your promise to the Hokage”
Rolling my eyes, I started to turn to walk back into the village.
“ I doubt this is how they would be wanting their son to live, they would be pissed and you and I both know it. Kushina would have burned this place down and everyone who has ever yelled at him” I burst out in laughter, thinking about my sister in law beating the villagers.
My laughter seems to relax Kakashi as he starts walking at the same pace as me.
“ Be safe small fry, me and Naruto will be waiting for you”
My feet stop dead in the track and he looks back at me confused.
“ Promise me you will watch over him while I'm gone. I don't care how or what you do but do not let anything happen to that boy while I'm gone” My voice cracks, I'm sure he can see my fear.
He walked towards me, his face looking as serious as could be. Kakashi grabs my shoulders
“ ( y/n) I won't let you lose your family again, I promise you I will look after him.” his voice stern.”
“ Thank you” is all I can muster as we walk back into the village.