Archive of Our Own

Sukea was a young man who worked in his uncle’s, Jiraiya's bookshop. Nothing special, brown hair, greyish black eyes and purple paint across his eyes. Well, Rin, his adopted sister had purple paints on her cheeks too, and this was how they tried to show that they belonged together. He was an orphan and very much introverted. People talked behind his back even without him saying anything, so he stayed quiet. He loved the books, every kind of them, anything that was once published and he could put his hand on them was not only read but even memorized by him. He liked organizing them on the shelves and he even renovated some old ones too.
Of course once he dreamt about love, family, dogs even. Yes, he really liked dogs. His colleagues saw him with the books of their boss, that were explicit love stories - with way much more sexual content that could've been tolerated - but his secret obsession were fantasy love stories. Sure, who would have thought that Sukea Hatake, a grown up man, loved the stories of fairies and princesses and knights? Well, he at least didn't believe in Jinchuurikis and mages, like many of the others. Actually he never understood what should be the difference between them, both kinds were able to use magic. Theoretically of course. Jinchuurikis had contracts with the Tailed Beasts - another magical creature that didn’t exist - and they used their power. So when the others yelled excitedly that they saw the Moving Castle, he just rolled his eyes. Legend had it that the owner used the nine- tailed fox demon’s power to make the castle alive.
First of all, it wasn't a castle at all. It was just a house. Second, there was nothing magical in the fact that it was moving. Its chimney was steaming!!! Obviously it was steampowered.
Still, when nobody noticed, he glanced into the direction. The moving castle was supposed to belong to the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki, Naruto, who was the most powerful of the nine and people said that he ate human hearts.
How ridiculous it was.
Why only hearts? Other parts of humans are edible just as much. What a waste.
But of course, Jinchuurikis didn't exist so it was just theoretical.

He walked along the street, heading towards his sister’s workplace. Rin worked as a nurse and was really popular among men with his beauty and kindness. Sukea actually was worried for her. Her fiancé, Obito died a few years ago and since then the woman refused every applicant. It meant a real danger that once a man with a huge ego might take her refusal as an insult. And on top of all that, the big nations prepared for war, even he himself was obliged to join the army soon, although he really didn't want it. He always supposed that if someone joins the army that requires absolute submission to the government, those people volunteered to be a simple tool and he didn't know if he could do that.
As he was wondering about these questions, he bumped into two soldiers, or shinobi as they called them. He blinked up amusedly.
“Am sorry…” he mumbled and tried to walk by them but one of them put out his arm.
“What? You wanna just walk by? Where is your gratitude? You should thank us for fighting!”
He sighed. He really hoped that they were drunk because saying those things just made this soldier thing even less desirable for him. He was really capable of fighting, he excelled in more kinds of martial arts. But still he wouldn't present his skills against some soldiers. That would be really irresponsible.
“Let me through, please! I don't want any fuss.” He said politely but determinedly.
The soldiers laughed.
“He doesn't want any fuss! Like he could make any fuss!”
That moment the most beautiful man he had ever seen, hugged his shoulders, pulling him into a friendly hug.
“Sensei!” He yelled grinning, sparkling sapphires looking into Sukea’s onyx eyes. “You disappeared from us again! You promised to celebrate with us if you win the karate world championship!”
Kakashi just stared at him with wide eyes and tried to figure out something but before he could speak again, the blonde man turned towards the soldiers.
“My sensei won the karate championship for the third time! He’s so amazing, isn't he? I bet you’ll be happy that he’ll join the army soon!” He even winked with his mischievous smirk and Kakashi’s heart throbbed painfully. He examined the strange feeling curiously as the man started to lead him away, next to the shinobi who looked at him petulantly. As soon as they turned in the next corner, the man sneaked an arm around his waist and he couldn't help staring up at him with wide eyes.
“I’ll accompany you until you reach your destination. I hope you don't mind, Konoha is full of soldiers nowadays.”
“I…don't mind. I was heading to visit a friend. She works at the hospital” He whispered and tried to return the blonde's soft smile. “But… who are you?”
“Hehe, you don't know me? I’m Naruto!”
Kakashi's brain shut down. The Jinchuuriki?
He was about to argue when strange, white people crawled out of the shadows.
“White Zetsus!” Naruto hissed with clenching teeth. “Keep walking!”
Sukea obliged because he really didn't have any other choice. Yes, he wanted to know what white Zetsus were, but he had no time to ask. As soon as they got surrounded, the cloak around Naruto started to glow with some golden light and they arose from the ground into the air and… walked away. Or levitate away. He had to walk. And he tried to not look down just gripped into the man’s, Naruto's arm.
Soon they landed on the top balcony of the hospital building.
“Promise me, you’ll take care!” Naruto said, leaning so close to Sukea's cheek that he felt his burning breath.
“I promise!” He answered.
“Good boy!” The blonde smirked and then he jumped off the building and disappeared.
Sukea almost collapsed right there. That would have been the Jinchuuriki who ate hearts? He saved him. But why? Why would he do that?
After a few minutes Rin ran out to the balcony.
“Sukea! They said you landed here but how? Did you learn to fly or what?” She asked excitedly.
“Mah, no, nothing like that, sister.” Sukea smiled shyly. “I… met with Naruto.”
The woman gasped and plastered her hands on her mouth.
“No way…”
“Rin, he… saved me! Shouldn't he try to eat my heart? At least according to the myth.”
The woman just shrugged and leaned to Sukea's side, embracing his arm as they looked at the view from the tall building.
“Maybe he wasn't hungry.”
The man chuckled.
“I don't think it works like this.”
“And what did he look like? They say that he's one of the prettiest people.”
“Rin… I’ve never seen anything more beautiful like him.” Sukea sighed, grinning. “He looked divine…”
“Mah, you're so lucky, brother! I wish I could’ve seen him too…”
“Hey, Sukea…” Rin started hesitantly. “I was wondering… are you happy in that bookshop? I know that Jiraiya loves it, but…”
“He worked hard to provide a good life for us when we were children. I don't want his efforts to vanish into the past. And you know I love books.” He smiled softly.
“I know but you used to dream about traveling and becoming a shinobi.”
Sukea laughed out loudly.
“You still remember? Rin, that was ages ago!”
“Point is, you never wanted to work in an old bookshop!” Rin insisted defiantly. Eventually Sukea leaned in and kissed her forehead.
“Thank you for worrying! I love you!”

As Sukea returned to the bookshop, he huffed tiredly. He had a long day with a lot of excitement and even though Rin remembered a more enthusiastic kid, he grown up into a calm adult.
The bell over the door rang and he blinked in surprise. He walked out from the shelves and noticed a tall man with long black hair and red eyes. Two white Zetsus - whatever those humanoid things were- stood next to him.
“I’m so sorry, I thought I closed the door properly!” Sukea said with a kind smile. “Sadly the shop is already closed but if you could come back tomorrow, I could prepare the books you are looking for!” He offered and even took a pen and a notebook into his hands. But the man just walked up to him, looking around in the room with disgust.
“How disappointing…” he said with the deepest voice Sukea ever heard. Naruto’s voice was like velvet and silky flowing around him, wrapping him up and lulling but this voice sounded like a harsh metallic cut on the fabric of time and space. “This shop is so boring. You are boring too.”
“I… beg your pardon?”
“There's nothing special in you!”
Well, thank you? What could he answer for that? He was boring and grey but he really didn't need a strange man with those cringe white things to say it into his face! He raised his chin and walked to the door to open it wide.
“Sir, I think you should leave now!”
“How dare you to speak like that to the great mage, Madara!” The man hissed, his eyes widened and black dots started to dance around in the red orbs. Sukea felt dizzy and his face crunched, it felt like someone would've skinned him alive. He groaned in pain and got his hands to his face. Madara’s cold laugh filled the shop.
“There! Much more exciting! True that you look like a scarecrow… yes, that's a good name for you, dear! You shall be named Kakashi after that. You shall not speak about my curse or your true identity!”
Sukea, or Kakashi now, felt a seal burning in the back of his tongue and he gagged from the strange metallic taste. “Tell Naruto that Madara sends his greetings!” And with that he left the shop, the bell ringing angrily over the shutting door.
At first Sukea didn't know what happened. He straightened and looked around. Suddenly he noticed a man’s reflection in the mirror. The man who stared back at him with wide eyes had silver gray hair that stuck out messily, one of the eyes was red with an ugly scar across it and his face was covered with ugly warts. The man in the mirror was a monster. A… scarecrow.
“What happened to you, S…” he tried to sigh loudly but as he tried to say his name his throat closed up and refused to produce any sound. He tried again and again, never getting out more than the S. Eventually he locked eyes with his foreign reflection and he whispered out his new name: “Kakashi…”
He thought that it can't last forever. Maybe he was only hallucinating. He went to bed, trying to sleep off that whole day.

When he woke up the next day, suddenly he didn't even remember the curse. He stretched and smiled until he saw his reflection. He blinked in surprise.
“So it’s true…” he whispered.
“Son! Son!” He heard Jiraiya yelling. He always called him ‘son’ and called Rin ‘daughter’ and they both loved him for this because they knew he meant it in the best way. For two orphans it was the most heartwarming thing they could ever imagine.
“I…I'm sorry, uncle Jiraiya! I don't feel too well today…” he yelled out, pulling the blanket over half of his face. “Could I stay in bed today?”
“You're ill? Oh, sure, should I get you something? Tea or eggplant miso soup?”
Tears sprung into Kakashi's eyes. The man wanted to get his favorites. He loved him so much but he couldn't see him this way. He yelled with a hoarse voice:
“No, thank you!”
Jiraiya left but Kakashi heard how he hesitated, his hand hovered over the doorknob for a while. When the man left, Kakashi got up and faced the mirror with a heavy sigh. He put on a mask that covered the lower half of his face and tied a bandana around his head, covering his new eyes and the scar across it. His silver locks stuck out on the top of his head and under the bandana. Well, he was true to his name, right?
He got his backpack and put some food into it and water and he left the house, sneaking out through the backdoor. He had to leave the town although he really didn't know where to go. He walked to the hospital and watched how Rin talked to the patients. She was beautiful and kind and smiling just like every time and Kakashi sighed heavily. He couldn't go there, couldn't say goodbye. And this hurt him so much.
He turned around and left with heavy steps and an even heavier heart.

He walked for at least two hours when he started to feel hungry. He sat down and sighed, packing out his bread and cheese he brought for the route. He looked around and searched for any living soul but didn't see anybody so he pulled off his mask and started to eat. The food tasted dull and dry but he had to eat, he needed the energy. As he chewed his food slowly he watched how the wind played with the long grass. Here in the mountains nothing else grew, only grass among the rocks as big as cliffs and of course the legs of dolls…
… Wait, what?
He realized that between two giant rocks a pair of legs are hanging out like parts of a huge marionette doll.
Kakashi climbed closer to it. It looked lifeless and its green and orange paint looked like a uniform. He grabbed onto the wooden limbs and noticed that they are stiff and aren’t moving at all like a marionette. He pulled. Pulled and pulled until it moved finally, coming out suddenly from the crack. Kakashi fell on his butt and looked up warily. Suddenly a man sized nutcracker stood in front of him in his painted green suit and black hair that looked more like a bowl on his head and the thickest brows he had ever seen.
“You were stuck really deep…” Kakashi mumbled.
“Rrrrrrival!” The nutcracker shrieked and Kakashi blinked in surprise.
“Can you talk?” He asked. The nutcracker opened his mouth and shrieked again:
“Rrrrrival!”
“Mah, I guess this is the only word you can say…” the man said and scratched the back of his head.
“Rival, rival!”
“Alright, I get it! Well, I thought you're not alive. I guess you must be cursed too.”
“RIVALLL!”
“You know, two days ago I didn't believe in curses or magic at all… and now… now I do…” he sighed. He wanted to talk about what happened to him but he couldn't say it. “Whatever. I have to go, I have to find accommodation for the night. I don't intend to freeze to death.” Although it would solve some problems - he added mentally. But as he turned around, he heard the nutcracker jumping after him with great elan. “Hey! Don't follow me, Bushy Brow!” He yelled back over his shoulder but the wood figure kept following, shrieking ‘Rival!’ at every second jump. It became annoying within seconds and Kakashi didn't find the patience to bear with it right now.
“Look, Bushy Brow! I don't have time for this. I really need some place to stay and stuff. Okay?”
It looked like the nutcracker understood him, he shrieked a happy ‘rival!’ and left.
Kakashi sighed. Maybe it wasn't a good idea. The nutcracker was strange for sure but at least he had company. He liked being alone but now he couldn't enjoy it.
He kept climbing on the rocky side of the mountain. When he reached a plateau, he heard loud creaks of metal gears and the whistle of steam. He looked up and saw how the huge house was approaching him with slow but long strides, wobbling to each side. On the countless chimneys steam shot out with angry puffs and high pitched whistles. It creaked so much that Kakashi would've feared it would fall apart if he wouldn't have known better.
In front of the castle - alright, it might have been a smaller castle - jumped the nutcracker, yelling loud ‘rivals’ like he would explain something to the house. Kakashi froze on his way.
Bushy Brow - how he named him- jumped to him and around him jovially.
“Bushy Brow! This is Naruto’s Castle! Why did you lead it here? Did you think I meant this when I said accommodation?!” He asked, paling as the creaking monstrum halted over him.
“RIVAL, RIVAL!” The Nutcracker shrieked.
The silver haired man looked at the wooden face and back to the castle that positioned itself so the small and hidden front door was exactly in front of Kakashi.
“Well… Naruto probably wouldn't eat a monster’s heart, right?” He mumbled petulantly and stepped on the staircase. He turned back one more time.
“Thank you, Bushy Brow! Take care of yourself and avoid cracks!” He yelled, waving as the castle started to move again. He still heard a faint ‘Rival’ as they left. He stepped into the house.
It was messy, dirty and looked abandoned.
He thought that maybe with a little care, with a little cleaning it could be a cozy home. Then he noticed the fireplace that looked like a nest. He walked closer and saw that the fire was actually nine wagging foxtails made of fire. And in the fireplace there lay a red fox, obviously owner of the nine tails, curled up nicely and watched him with his yellow eyes.
“That's a nasty curse you have on you…” he growled with the deepest rumble Kakashi had ever heard. It felt like it would've belonged to a huge creature and not to a cute, tiny thing like that fox.
Kakashi tried to answer but his throat closed up again.
“Oh and you can't even talk about it!” The fox laughed out loudly, almost barking.
“Thank you for your empathy…” the man said sarcastically and sat down on the chair in front of the fox. “Are you the demon?”
“Bijuu.”
“Beg your pardon?”
“I’m a bijuu. I’m kind of a demon, yeah, but not the classical type.”
“I see. And can you help me?”
“Well… we can make a deal. If you help me to get rid of Naruto, then I will help you!”
Kakashi watched the fox grinning, tiny but sharp canines shining in the dim light of the house. It wanted to feel wicked, intimidating but this way he was just… cute. Like a mischievous little boy. The man smiled, even the corner of his eyes wrinkled.
“Well, we’ll see what happens. I don't have enough information yet.”
He took his favorite book from his bag and started to read.
“Oi! Don't you dare to ignore me! Don't you know how mighty I am?” The fox yelled angrily. Kakashi just hummed.
“Mhmm. So you're saying that Naruto is even mightier? Since he’s able to force you here.”
“What? That brat?! No way!”
“Then why don’t you get rid of him yourself?”
The fox fell silent and glared at him, offended.
Kakashi chuckled as he peaked at him over the edge of his book.
“You made a deal with him too, right? You're bound together.”
“So what?” The fox grumbled and turned away, curling up.
“Do you have a name?”
For a second there was no answer until finally he heard a hoarse reply:
“Kurama.”
“I see. Kurama, do you want me to read this story for you?”
The ears of the fox perked up with interest.
“What is it about?”
“Knights and dragons and princesses… mah, I understand if you’re not interested of course…”
“Well, not like I would have anything else to do…” Kurama said generously and turned back to face Kakashi. “I allow you to read.”
The man chuckled and started to read.

After a while he saw a little boy with brown hair and eyes settling on the staircase and listening to the tale. He pretended not to notice him but continued the story a little bit louder. He was halfway in the book when they heard hard knocking on the door. Kurama raised his head and yelled:
“Door to Konoha!”
The boy suddenly jumped up and hurried down. Kakashi watched how he put on a cloak and a fake beard. He turned the doorknob to the right and opened the door to an unfamiliar street, but the village was without any doubt Konoha. Two shinobi stood there with masks on their faces.
“Is this the home of the Jinchuuriki Uzumaki?” One of them asked. The boy nodded and they handed over a scroll to him. “The Hokage, Lady Tsunade and the Daimyo wish to see him!”
“He will attend!” The boy reassured them and closed the door. Suddenly there was a knock again. Kurama yelled again:
“Door to Amegakure!”
The door knob turned to the left twice and as the door opened Kakashi saw cloudy sky and metallic buildings. Again two soldiers stood at the threshold but this time they wore another uniform.
“Is this the home of the Jinchuuriki Namikaze?”
The boy nodded again.
“Pain-sama and Konan-sama wish to see him!”
“He will attend!” The boy said again and closed the door.
“So… which one is Naruto's name?” He asked the boy who took off the cloak and the beard.
“Both and none!” He said nonchalantly. “Who are you?”
“Kurama invited me. My name is Kakashi.”
“Kakashi, ne? Well, you look just like one! I’m Konohamaru. I am Naruto's assistant.” The boy fumbled on the crumbled table and pulled out a piece of bread and cheese. “Lunch?” He offered. Kakashi stepped closer and noticed some eggs and bacon.
“I can bake it for you!” He offered and gathered the ingredients. “And as I see there's some tea too!”
“But Kurama doesn't allow me to use his flame.” Konohamaru shrugged.
“Mah, Kurama, could you be so kind?” Kakashi turned to the demon.
“Never! I’m not a cooker!”
“See, we don’t exactly have a cooker here…” the silver haired man pointed out.
“It’s not my problem!”
“Well, I know how the story ends…” he sang then shrugged and he already turned away when the fox said much more silently.
“Wait… would you really deny it from me?”
“I’m willing to make a deal!” The man answered, waving the pan in his hand.”
Kurama huffed, turned away in an offended way and held out one of his tails.
“It’s so embarrassing!”
Kakashi chuckled and started to make lunch.
“Kurama lets you do this?” Konohamaru asked in awe.
“We’ve made a fair trade.” He explained then his gaze trailed to the door. “So, red is Konoha, blue is Amegakure. Yellow is the real location of the castle. And the black?”
“Only Naruto-sama knows.” The boy shrugged as he peaked over Kakashi's arm and almost drooled at the sight.
Suddenly the door knob turned over and stopped by the black sign. As the door opened the tall blonde walked in. “Naruto-sama! Welcome home!” Konohamaru yelled.
“Hello, Konohamaru!” The familiar velvety and silky voice filled the room and wrapped up Kakashi whose heart throbbed just as much as the first time. Suddenly the man was behind him, his arms reaching out and caging his body as he gently took the spoon and the pan out of his hands. “Who are you?” Naruto asked beside his ear and he shivered.
“My name is Kakashi. I am the new janitor and cook too.”
Naruto chuckled.
“Well I see that you could tame Kurama… little red traitor…”
“I didn't tame him, I just made a fair trade.”
“Fair trade! You're using my flame to bake eggs!!! My mighty flame!!!” the demon shrieked.
Naruto didn't move from behind him just put his chin on Kakashi's shoulder.
“Your scent is familiar. Do I know you?”
“No!” He said way too quickly.
“Oh? But your face is covered. I can't tell this way. Would you show me your face?”
Kakashi shook his head.
“I’m too ugly to be seen…” he whispered. Naruto finally stepped away, next to him and bumped his shoulder, signaling to step aside.
“Well,I can't judge it by myself so I have to believe you. But we always think that we are uglier than in real life so I think your opinion is an exaggeration. Hand me some more eggs! And if you make lunch with Kurama's help, always feed him!”
With that he gave the eggshells to the demon who chewed on them happily.
Kakashi watched the man with his siren expression, soft smile. He had whisker-like scars on his cheeks and Kakashi couldn't recall if they were there before or not. The man had a spiral earring in one of his ears and a necklace with three crystals. An orange cape with black edge was around his wide shoulders over the white shirt and orange pants. On the back black letters said: “Jinchuuriki”.
Kakashi still couldn't believe that this man with his elegantly messy blond locks, mischievous sapphires and airy moves was real. But so many strange things happened with him already, this was really just the tip of the iceberg.
They sat down at the table and started to consume their food. They didn't speak for a while and Kakashi had to turn away to actually eat but the other two didn't mention it.
When he finished and turned back to the table, Naruto raised his blue orbs at him.
“You have a message for me. In your pocket.”
Kakashi blinked confusedly and reached into his pocket to find a piece of paper there.
“I didn't know that it's here.” He mumbled and held it out. As soon as Naruto touched it, it fell onto the table and burnt itself into the wood surface, forming strange signs Kakashi didn't recognize. “What's this?”
“A searching seal. You’ve met with Madara, haven't you?” Naruto answered his eyebrows furrowing worriedly.
“How did you know?”
“It’s his chakra. I can nullify it, don't worry. But I see that he never gave up on finding me.”
“Well he said I should tell you his greetings. But why's he after you if I may ask?”
“You may.” Naruto answered smiling meanwhile he pointed at the seal and a small wind swirled out of his fingertip. It erased the seal from the table. “But I won't explain. The short version is that he wants Kurama. Let this be enough for now!”
Kakashi nodded but still felt uneasy about the situation. Mostly that he wasn't aware that he was used by this mage. Sure he heard how mighty the mages are but he always thought that they are only fairy tales. Now he started to suspect that the rumors about Lady Tsunade being a white mage might be true as well.
“It's okay!” He heard Naruto's voice and he raised his eye at the other. “I don't think it would be your fault. Madara used tricks. Now rest, if you really want to clean this place, you’ll need your strength!”
Kakashi nodded and thanked for the food. He got a comfortable couch in the other room where he could sleep. As he wanted to lay down,he heard Naruto and Kurama talk about him. He knew that eavesdropping wasn't really polite but he couldn't say he trusted them enough to skip it.
“Did you notice his curse?” The fox asked.
“Yeah. I don't know what Madara did to his face but it must be terrible for him if he covers it so much.”
“Appearance is overrated.” Kurama said. “His soul matters.”
“Oh, you like him!” The blonde chuckled.
“Shut up! I like his book, not him!”

Kakashi blushed slightly, hearing how flustered Kurama was. So the little devil started to like him indeed. He smiled to himself and climbed into his makeshift bed.

The next day he started to clean out. Saying that it was a huge job would have been a big understatement.
The house was dusty and dirty and needed some fixing here and there. Naruto just laughed as he left and said that he could see the logic in the chaos so Kakashi shouldn't reorganize everything.
Konohamaru and Kurama watched at first curiously what he was doing but as the dust and moldy stink was aired out and the place started to look more like a home, Konohamaru wanted to help him. Kurama didn't leave the fireplace but was willing to scrape out the ash from beneath him.
“Now it’s only the hard floor! It was cozy with that pile of ash!” He grumbled but when Kakashi handed over a thick piece of wood for him, he shut up and snuggled to it with a satisfied purr. The man just laughed and went upstairs to continue his job. As he opened the window of the bathroom, and looked out, he saw a huge gap under them. It was amazing how the huge building wobbled on a small path. He ran back to Kurama.
“You are truly amazing, Kurama!” He yelled. “It’s unbelievable!” The fox got flustered and hid behind the log.
By the evening the whole house was sparkling and Kakashi cooked ramen for dinner, with the help of Kurama.
When Naruto arrived home, he saw Kakashi sitting by the fireplace reading from the book. Konohamaru and Kurama watched him with wide eyes and gaped mouth, visibly really excited about the story. The blonde had to grin. The sight was so domestic and heartwarming. And the house looked spotless. He stepped to the table and lifted the lid of the pot to find it still half full with ramen.
He inhaled deeply the smell and tasted it.
“It’s amazing…” he mumbled to himself and grabbed a bowl, to scoop some soup into it.
Kakashi noticed him but didn't say a word about it and just continued the story about heroes and dragons.

Next day they noticed two way too familiar wooden legs hanging out from one of the castle’s cracks. Kakashi sighed but his sigh ended in a small laugh. With Konohamaru’s help they pulled out the nutcracker that shrieked immediately: “RRRIVAL!”
“I’m happy to see you too…” Kakashi laughed and Konohamaru looked at him funnily.
“How do you know what he says?”
The silver haired just shrugged jovially.
“It’s just a feeling. But Bushy Brow, why did you follow us?”
The wooden figure started to shout Rivals like he would be offended and sad at the same time.
“Okay, okay! Well, I guess you can travel with us, although it’s not my place.”
“It is, Kashi-san!” Konohamaru insisted vehemently. “It’s your home now too!”
The older man looked at him gratefully and smiled up at the nutcracker.
“Well then, I guess we can make a place for you on a balcony.” He chuckled.
“RRRRRRIVALLLLL!” The nutcracker shrieked with such happiness that they all started to laugh.
“You're welcome!”

Maybe two days passed peacefully and Kakashi became their favorite new member. He even went out to get groceries with Konohamaru in Konoha. He asked him to walk by the hospital and the bookshop so he could see Rin and Jiraiya. As they walked by the bookshop the older man stepped out of the shop and he almost bumped into them. He apologized and Kakashi looked up at him with sorrow in his eye. The tiny wrinkles between the man’s eyebrows, the slightly gaping mouth showed that he might have recognized Kakashi or at least he suspected something, but he couldn't let that be so he just mumbled an “I’m sorry too” and rounded the man. They hurried away and stopped only by their door.
“Are you alright?” Konohamaru asked worriedly and he just nodded, swallowing his tears.
“Was he someone important to you from before your curse?”
He stared wide eyed at the boy.
“How…?”
“I’ve heard Kurama and Naruto-sama talking about it.”
“I see. Yes, he was…” he smiled sadly.
Suddenly a smoking vehicle rolled through the gates and numerous injured shinobi grunted from pain on it. People started to rush towards them.
“They came back from the battlefield! Call the paramedics!” They shouted and Kakashi's heart throbbed. Maybe he could see Rin too!
But then he noticed some white humanoid things not too far from them. “Freeze!” He whispered. “They are Madara’s creatures!”
They both froze and waited hiding in the mess for the disgusting creatures to leave. When they finally did, Kakashi and Konohamaru hurried through the door.

Naruto fell through the door tiredly and smelly from bombs and blood. He was still half in his bijuu mode, four foxtails still hanging behind him, his canines hung long and sharp and his eyes glowed red with a black slit in the middle.
“Once you won’t be able to change back!” Kurama growled, barely raising his head but when Naruto put his legs on the edge of the fireplace he turned away.
“You smell…”
“The big nations are fighting. The borders are in flames.” Naruto said silently. “My kind attacked me.”
“Jinchuurikis?”
Naruto slowly shook his head.
“Summoned animals.”
“Those are stupid. They don't have any will; they only follow orders.”
“That's why it hurts even more. People force them to fight against each other. To even kill each other.”
They fell in a sad, empty silence, grieving the deceased summoned animals. Finally Naruto regained his human form and he got up. He went to his room but stopped on his way to check on his janitor: Kakashi slept peacefully on the couch in the corner.
Naruto noticed that his mask slipped off of his face. He reached down to fix it. The man’s face looked like a marble angel statue, beautifully carved and his skin white and flawless originally except a small mole under his lip, a beauty mark. Naruto gently caressed the silver locks back from his forehead. He formed a sign with his hand.
“Release!” He said with a muffled voice. Suddenly he saw the curse: the warts that dismorphed Kakashi’s originally beautiful face. It was just an illusion, created by the eye that was planted in Kakashi's left eye socket. “I see. To ask for his consent he should speak about it. But the seal on his tongue doesn't allow it. And this way the curse can't be broken…”
“And his hair?” Kurama asked.
“It’s really grey. Because of the sudden shock and pain. The side effect of the curse. That's… permanent. And if you ask me, it's permanently beautiful.”
Kurama huffed with annoyance.
“No one asked you…”

Naruto had to attend the Palace in Amegakure the next day. He really didn't want to of course but he dragged himself into the bathroom to wash his hair and get ready. Kakashi was mopping the floor when he heard the earth shaking scream. The next moment Naruto ran down the stairs with only a towel around his waist.
“What did you do, tebayo!” He yelled and pointed at his red hair.
Kakashi examined the problem. Kurama just laughed gleefully.
“Oh. It’s red.” He declared with incredible observation skills.
“Yes! Because you had to reorganize my bathroom too, tebayo!” The once blonde man raged.
“Naruto, I didn't do anything like that, I just cleaned the shelf and put back all the bottles! I’m sorry, I didn't know that shampoos can cause such a fuss..”
“Those were potions!!! Now look at me!” He sobbed and collapsed onto the chair.
“I won't survive this, tebayo!”
Some red, bubbling thing started to ooze from him and both Konohamaru and Kurama gasped.
“What's happening?” Kakashi asked confusedly.
“The bijuu chakra is oozing from him. It’s dangerous.” Konohamaru explained and Kakashi's eyebrow ran up fully.
“All because his hair turned red?!”
“I’m ugly!” Naruto whined. “I’m hideous!”
Kakashi’s blood pressure started to reach a dangerous level.
“You spoiled brat!” He hissed angrily. “A different hair colour isn’t making you ugly and it’s not even irreversible! I know it, so you can believe me!” Naruto raised his head and his eyes were teary. This just angered Kakashi even more and he tore off his own mask and bandana. “You wanna see ugly? Here you go! I wish my biggest problem would be red hair!”
He expected the other to be disgusted, horrified. Frowning, gagging, screaming, anything! But not…
… Smiling softly.
“The fact that I could finally see your face made it worth it already.” He whispered and reached out, caressing Kakashi's face, who just stood there in shock. “As I said on the first day, we’re never as ugly as we think. And you are beautiful, sensei!” He grinned widely and Kakashi's eyes grew double the size in realization.
“You recognized me!” He whispered.
“Yes…” Naruto nodded, then suddenly he made a face like someone who just solved the riddle of life. “That's it! You’ll go instead of me!” He yelled happily. “You’ll go as my former sensei!” He even jumped to his feet, which resulted in the towel falling to the floor and Kakashi, while sitting at the edge of the fireplace, found himself facing Naruto's manhood in its natural beauty. The man blushed deeply and suddenly in his frustration he couldn't think any better than punching the Jinchuuriki in the gut.

“So… start again, please!” Kakashi sighed and sipped on his tea. “And once again, sorry for the punch.”
“It’s okay!” Naruto whined in a high pitched voice still hunched over, but at least in clothes already.
Konohamaru and Kurama still tried really hard not to laugh - they failed. Finally Naruto raised his head and looked at him.
“I want you to go to the Palace as my former sensei! Tell them that I am a coward. That I am the shame of my kind!”
“Y-your kind?”
“Yes! The Jinchuurikis!”
“But… actually why don’t you want to fight?” Kakashi asked, his eyebrows drawn together.
“Because it’s not our fight. Nations are using us as weapons. Jinchuurikis, summoned animals, mages, witches… we, who can mold our chakra, are different species. And they force us to fight but for what? What's behind all these wars?” Naruto huffed angrily and the fact that his hair was red didn't make it any less intimidating.
Kakashi really wished to answer his rhetorical questions but he really couldn't. He knew some vague explanations about the reasons but thinking back it all felt wrong.
“It might be a stupid question but can't you convince the Daimyo that this war isn't right?”
“I’ve tried.” Naruto scoffed. “They said that I want to run away. That I’m a coward. A traitor. So I did as they said. I did run away because I refused to fight against my kind. We have our own problems without the human’s wars.”
“So, you were born to be a Jinchuuriki?”
“No. I became one when my father sealed Kurama inside me. But since my mother was a mage I did not become a simple vessel of a bijuu, a human prison but I could become a Jinchuuriki.”
“I see.” Kakashi nodded then stared out of the window. The sun shone brightly which was a rare occasion in Amegakure, so the day was really the best for a visit to the Palace. The silver haired man finally sighed. “Alright. I’ll go. I don't know who will help, but I’ll do it!” For you, he thought. But it was too early to say. Before he pulled back his mask he glanced at his own reflection and he couldn't say it for sure but it seemed that he had less warts on his face. He didn't have time to think about it so he just fixed his mask and bandana. “Then, I’ll go! Wish me luck!” He was already reaching for the door knob when Naruto suddenly hugged him from behind, putting his chin on Kakashi's shoulder.
“I’ll follow you in a disguise! I won't leave you alone, I promise!”
Kakashi just nodded and left.
The Palace was the highest tower in Amegakure, where Pein-sama and Konan-sama lived. Konan-sama was Pein’s, the Kage’s mage. She was known as the Guardian Angel too and she indeed guarded the country. Her powerful magic kept the bombs far from the village and her barriers proved to be enough against shinobi armies.
As Kakashi walked towards the tower, he wondered what kind of disguise would Naruto choose? He watched the pigeons but decided that probably nothing like that. He saw some young maid girls running towards the building, laughing. He tried to imagine Naruto as a maid and… not like it would be impossible but probably Kurama would have a word about that too.
Suddenly a small dog, a pug, joined him on the way.
“Oh, hello, little buddy, what are you doing here?” He smiled down and even leaned down to scratch him behind his ear. Then he had a very strong suspicion. “N-Naruto?” He asked amusedly. Actually it was a very possible option. He chuckled and shook his head. “A pug? Really? You're such a knucklehead…” he whispered. As he walked once four white Zetsus walked up next to him, they carried a cabin on their shoulders. First he tensed, but when he saw Madara pulling the curtain to the side and grinning at him, he felt anger gathering in his chest.
“Look, the bookseller! Did Naruto like my message?”
“Go to Hell, Madara! Naruto nullified it.” He hissed.
“Well it was worth a try.” He chuckled. “His chakra is so powerful, sue me that I'd do anything to get it…” he chuckled.
“His chakra or Kurama?” Kakashi asked back, his voice dripped with mockery.
“Oh dear! You don't even know it, do you?” Madara asked back amusedly. “You don’t even know what he is and still you are harvesting the most dangerous feelings towards him.”
“I didn't ask for your opinion!” He growled and glanced at the pug with worry. If that dog was Naruto indeed, he heard how Madara teased him for things he didn't dare to admit to himself yet.
They crossed the main gate to the tower and suddenly the white Zetsus melted into white masses. The cabin fell to the ground and Madara climbed out of it without any grace. Kakashi chuckled darkly but kept walking. Two shinobi stepped in front of them.
“Sorry, sir, vehicles are not allowed to enter the inner gates. You have to walk.” One of them told it to Madara, who yelled angrily:
“Don't you know who I am? I waited for a hundred years for one of the nations to acknowledge my power and now you're saying I have to walk up?”
“We are very well aware of who you are, sir, but rules apply to you just as much as Naruto’s sensei.”
Madara blinked at Kakashi for a second before an evil grin formed on his lips.
“Oh, so he’s Naruto's sensei… well this is worth a little bit of climbing!” he murmured and followed Kakashi by foot.
The staircase didn't want to end. And the pug couldn't climb it. Actually it whined enough for Kakashi to pick him up and bring him up in his arms.
“You're quite heavy according to a pug. Aren’t you a bit overweight?” He huffed out as he ran up the stairs. He decided that it would be easier. Madara didn't want to be left behind so he was running at his heels. The silver haired man noticed that they started to slow down and as he looked back, he saw Madara on his hands and knees, gasping for air. He looked so much older.
“I… really thought… that you're more fit than this…” he gasped. Madara just looked up with tired eyes and killing intent. Kakashi grinned to himself and continued his way.
As he arrived at the top, he really started to feel dizzy already. He was fit indeed, keeping the castle tidy was an exercise itself but climbing hundreds of stairs…
He gasped for air too and turned back to check on Madara. He already climbed like a half dead man.
“Hey! Mighty Madara, get yourself together!” He yelled at him. “Or we can make a deal, if you break my curse, I’ll bring you up on my back!”
Madara just wheezed.
“I can't break your curse!” he yelled on the verge of fainting. “Naruto can!”
Kakashi froze and glared at him.
“What? What did you just say?”
“He doesn't know. But he could…”
Meanwhile Madara reached the top too and the silver haired watched in shock that the once big and scary mage became a fragile and tiny old man with grey hair.
What the hell… Kakashi thought horrified. Madara collapsed and he caught the man as he fell to the ground.
“Oh my… what happened to you?”
“I will answer you!” They heard a female’s voice. As they looked there, they saw Konan walking towards them in a white gown, her blue hair tied up and a white paper rose fixed in her hair. She smiled but it didn't radiate any warmth like Naruto's did. “Those stairs suck away the chakra. The more you climb on them, the less chakra you’ll have at the end. And this old man here… well he lost everything here.”
Kakashi glared at the woman.
“Is this why you invited him here?”
Konan just smirked.
“If I’m right, you're supposed to be Naruto's sensei, right?”
“I am.” The man nodded.
“Follow me! You can leave him to the servants.”
Kakashi sighed and put down the pug onto the ground. The woman gasped in surprise.
“Pakkun! Where have you been?”
“Pakkun?” He echoed.
“Right. He’s my dog.”
The fake sensei looked at the small creature like he would be a traitor.
He followed Konan but glanced back at Madara again and again. He already didn't see the evil mage, only an old man who petted the small dog with a childish smile on his face. He gulped but still asked.
“What will happen to him? He’s already harmless…”
“Well, probably we’ll lock him into a cell and he’ll die there soon.” The woman answered coldly and Kakashi felt something strange stretching in his chest.
He tried to ignore it. His sense of justice really didn't know when to shut up. He faced a mage that easily beat Madara so he really shouldn't have riot.
“I hoped to talk to Naruto actually.” The woman said as they reached a greenhouse. Kakashi quickly made a mental note that they really needed a greenhouse in the castle before accepting the seat that was offered to him.
“Well, sadly he was too cowardly to come. He sent me instead, his old teacher.”
“Right. I see that. Although I really hoped that I raised him better…”
Kakashi's eyes widened slightly. Konan chuckled.
“Well after he ran away from Konoha we accepted him. He was really young. Only thirteen. And we raised him for four years. Sadly after he ran away again. He’s not very loyal to put it mildly. Or I could even say he’s selfish. But that's no wonder, he never learned any manners. He only uses people around him.”
That was the point where Kakashi snapped. He jumped to his feet.
“You're so wrong! He’s loyal! He’s loyal to his own kind to the end and tries everything in his power to defend them! He’s hurting to see how we, selfish humans, force his kind to fight against each other, all because we are too coward to die for something we want and this way we sacrifice any other species on the planet! How come that he’s the coward when he had enough bravery in himself to step up against the Daimyo or even Pein-sama and say no to their war?” He felt his own cheeks burning with heat and his hands balled into fists. He didn't think about it. He just yelled his thoughts into the face of whoever was willing to hear them.
Konan looked at him with obvious amusement.
“Oh, sensei! You're in love with your former student!” She said smiling.
“No, I’m not, it’s not…”
“Sensei!” Konan cut in. “It wasn't a question.”
Kakashi fell silent and tried to think of something, but suddenly a flying desk landed on the balcony, with Pein-sama on it. The man stopped the engine and stepped off the desk. He walked into the greenhouse.
“Konan-sama!” He yelled, smiling and took the hand that the woman held out. He kissed on the back of it and turned to Kakashi. “And you?”
“I’m Kakashi, Pein-sama. It’s an honour to meet you!” He bowed his head.
“He’s Naruto’s sensei. He came instead of him.” Konan added with a knowing smile. Pein-sama nodded, deep in his thoughts.
“I was thinking, Konan-sama. I think we should leave him out of this war. It isn't worth it. We hunt him so much…”
Kakashi felt hope sparking in his heart. Could it be? Could it be that Naruto could leave in peace?
But at this moment another Pein-sama walked into the greenhouse from the opposite door.
“Konan-sama!” He yelled. Konan just smirked and turned to him.
“Pein-sama?”
This Pein kissed the back of her hand too.
“I think I know how we could convince these Jinchuurikis to fight on our side! They could even capture Naruto!”
Kakashi froze. He felt like an arrow would've shot through his heart. He wanted to run home and tell Naruto to hide. The other Pein-sama looked at the first one and laughed. He congratulated on the perfect diversion and then left.
When they were left alone for sure, Konan spoke, looking up at the man.
“Did you really think that I wouldn't recognize you, Naruto?”
Kakashi couldn't stop a gasp. Suddenly it was Naruto indeed only in Pein-sama’s clothes. He grinned with his mischievous smile that made Kakashi’s heart throbbing so painfully and hugged Kakashi to himself.
“It’s okay, sensei! I’ve told you I won't leave you alone.”
“But did you have to choose Pein-sama as a disguise? You knucklehead idiot!” Kakashi yelled desperately as he grasped into Naruto's shirt.
“I like your hair red. It shows how hotheaded you are.” Konan teased him.
Naruto didn't react and the silver haired man was really proud of him. The woman continued. “Maybe your precious sensei should see who you really are.”
She waved and stylized human figures made of paper, all the size of a child started to dance around them, chanting a creepy song and Kakashi watched as the environment around them started to mold into something else.
He glanced up at Naruto whose face stretched into a long fox-face, sharp canines hanging out of his wide mouth. Red fur grew on his body everywhere and his fingers morphed into claws. Kakashi couldn't tell why he did what he did after but he sneaked his arms around Naruto's neck and pulled down his mask. He pushed a soft kiss onto the furry cheek.
“It’s a genjutsu, Naruto, it’s a genjutsu!” He whispered. The Jinchuuriki looked at him startled and raised his hand, forming a sign.
“Kai!” He growled hoarsely and suddenly the scene around them vanished. Kakashi pulled back his mask and Naruto tightened his hug around him. “Let's go!” He whispered, but the silver haired man shook his head.
“Madara, we need to save him too!”
“You want to save Madara?” Naruto yelled after him, but Kakashi was already running towards the door. Luckily Madara was still sitting on a chair there, nodding off like a really really old man. Kakashi pulled him to his feet, waking up the confused old man and pulled him along.
They ran towards Naruto, who fought easily with Konan, his movements precise and beautiful, like a well choreographed dance.
“I’ve got him, Naruto, I’ve got him!” He yelled and Naruto covered them until they ran through the greenhouse.
Kakashi couldn't explain later why he jumped onto the flying desk and pushed the old man into the chair. Suddenly Pakkun jumped into Madara’s lap with such vehemence that Kakashi started to doubt his incapability of climbing stairs. He huffed but turned and sat into the first chair. Naruto jumped onto the desk and saluted Konan as he started the engine. The vehicle arose from the ground and flew away. They were already in the air when the Jinchuuriki turned back and examined the crowd on the flying desk.
“I see you got the whole pack!” He laughed and put his hand on Kakashi's shoulder.
The man just looked at him petulantly.
“It’s okay.” Naruto said and grabbed the other's hand and pulled a ring on his finger.
Kakashi blushed furiously.
“W-What are you d-doing?” He stuttered.
Naruto just grinned at him and pushed a soft kiss on his cheek.
“This ring will lead you home.” he explained softly. “Just think about how much you want to be home and it will show you the way.” Kakashi couldn't answer before Naruto jumped off. Suddenly the flying dest wobbled and he realized something.
“NARUTO, I CAN'T DRIVE THIS THING!”
But the man already didn't hear him.
He not only thought about how much he wanted to get home but he even prayed for it. Suddenly the ring shot out a thin, red light, showing the way for him.
Okay. This was a start. Now he only had to figure out how to drive it.

Konan stood on the balcony as the real Pein joined her.
“He ran away,” the man said. The woman smirked and raised a few strings of silver locks.
“But now we know his weakspot.”
“We know?”
“Of course, Pein-sama! I really doubt that his sensei could be this awfully young…”

Driving was a thing. Landing was another.
Kurama looked at him with utter indignation as the flying desk drilled into the wall of the castle and Kakashi, Madara and Pakkun looked around dizzily.
“We’re home!” He said tiredly. Konohamaru looked at Madara questioningly but Kakashi just waved dismissively. “He’s harmless. And the dog’s name is Pakkun, well, he’s Konan's spy so careful around him.” He explained and dragged himself towards his couch. He pulled the furniture out and made a double bed out of it. He signaled to Madara to lay beside him.
“Tomorrow we'll get you your own bed. We weren't prepared for uninvited guests.” He mumbled. Eventually they all settled and fell asleep.

At night Kakashi woke up to some noises. Naruto arrived home. He sat up in his bed and climbed out of it, slowly walking upstairs. He went to Naruto’s room and knocked softly but he didn't get any response. He opened the door and slipped through it.
“Naruto? Are you hurt?”
He saw the Jinchuuriki in his fox form, with five tails, bloodied. He approached slowly, reaching out with his hand until he could touch the originally soft fur.
“Are you okay?” He asked again but the creature just growled at him and then disappeared. Kakashi stood there, facing a mirror on the opposite wall and he saw himself there. He was Sukea again. He gasped and tried to touch his face.

He woke up to the noise of the pipes and sat up like a mummy in his bed.
He looked to the side and saw Madara sleeping there, he snored loudly in sync with Pakkun who curled up by his side. He panted softly and got up. He walked out to Kurama.
“You really should save Naruto…” Kurama growled as he wrapped one of his tail around a log to set it on fire.
“Because once he won't be able to change back?”
Kurama nodded. Kakashi looked around and noticed his own reflection. He didn't wear his mask and bandana and he saw how the warts disfigured his face. There were definitely less than before but still had a few.
“I would still love him…” he breathed and hoped that no one heard him, but Kurama did.
“It’s good to know!” The fox smirked.

The next morning they had to extract the remains of the flying desk.
Kakashi examined the task from the outside, hands on his hips, his mask hanging low around his neck. Not like any participant would be surprised to see his dysmorphic face.
As he planned the action, the nutcracker jumped up to him.
“Good morning, Bushy Brow!” Kakashi smiled at him. “You want to help?”
“RIVALLL!” the wooden figure shrieked.
The silver haired man nodded.
“Alright, everybody! We’ll have a lot of work so let’s do this!” He yelled. They tied a rope around the wreck. Pakkun, Konohamaru and Bushy Brow pulled it from the outside, Kakashi pushed it from the inside. And Kurama moved the castle in the opposite direction. Finally the wreck moved out with a loud crash, and landed on the grassy side of the hill.
Kakashi cleaned out the room that had now a big gaping hole in the wall and after they made lunch with Kurama. Soon Madara, Konohamaru and Pakkun were sitting by the table with him. Bushy Brow stood by the hole quietly.
Kurama watched petulantly the old man who stared at him with awe. Kakashi fed him, but visibly he didn't care.
“Why is he staring at me like that?” Kurama asked. Madara just leaned closer.
“What a cute little fox!” He cooed. “I wanna hug!”
“No! No, don’t touch me!” Kurama backed into the fireplace.
Suddenly steps were storming down the stairs and within a minute a grinning, blonde Naruto ran into the room.
“Good morning, everybody!” He yelled happily. Kakashi just stared at him, gaping.
“Your hair…”
Naruto just winked at him.
“I am blond, sensei, red was an accident.”
Kakashi blushed for the ‘sensei’ name. It was just a disguise, Naruto really should stop calling him that. “Ah, are you Bushy Brow?” The blonde walked to the nutcracker.
“Rival! Rival!” He shrieked. The man laughed jovially and patted his shoulder.
“Alright! Thank you for taking care of my Kashi! And for leading him to us. I’m sorry for your curse. Sadly I can't break it for you.”
Kakashi gasped for air and didn't know what to do with the fluttering feeling in his chest. Naruto called him his…
“Well!” The Jinchuuriki yelled. “We're moving!”
“Hurray!” Konohamaru yelled. “It was so boring already.”
“Moving? Where?” Kakashi asked confusedly. “And why?”
The blonde stepped to him and cupped Kakashi's face into his hand.
“Konan-sama won't leave us alone. Neither will Lady Tsunade by the way. She's just as scary. You're in danger here…” he explained smiling. “Okay, so! Bushy Brow has to wait outside! Kurama, are you ready?”
The next moment he was already busy with his magic, preparing everything.
Naruto painted a huge, detailed seal onto the floor that spread onto the walls too. After he took Kurama from the fireplace and placed him on the opposite side of the seal.
“Let's do this!” Naruto yelled with a determined expression on his face. Kakashi realized that he had never seen the man so serious before. “Don't move!”
Both Naruto and Kurama formed exactly the same signs with their hands with such speed that Kakashi couldn't even follow. The house started to move around them and morphed around itself: rooms disappeared and other rooms grew. When everything settled, Kakashi found himself in a new and cozy home. They all looked around in awe until Naruto placed Kurama back into his spot.
“It’s beautiful!” Kakashi whispered and he helped Madara to settle on the comfy couch.
“And you didn't even see everything, sensei!” The blonde whispered behind him and suddenly an arm sneaked around his waist. “Come!”
He led him into a new bedroom, big and soft bed and shelves around on the walls, from the floor to the ceiling, full with so many books like in a shop. Kakashi didn't know what to say. Naruto hugged him from behind and put his chin on his shoulder.
“Kashi, do you like it?” He asked excitedly.
“I… do, but I’m not worth it…” he stuttered and his throat hurt from the tears he swallowed.
“You're worth everything! Come, I have to show you something else too!” He grabbed onto Kakashi's hand and pulled the man towards the front door. “So, green is our real location, red is Konoha. Black is mine and here, look! The orange one is for you!” He explained excitedly. He turned the doorknob and opened the door. They stepped into a forest with a small creek in it. Kakashi recognized the place. He and Rin became orphans in the Third Ninja War and they fished here a lot of times as children. Here was a little shed somewhere too, there it was! He spotted the small building immediately. But how did Naruto know it? He wanted to ask, but the man looked at the shed like someone who remembers good times.
“When I was a small child, I came here a lot. I fished here to have some food since I was an orphan in the Second Ninja War. My parents died there, you know. I escaped here from the orphanage. They didn't like Jinchuurikis or mages, you know…” he said silently and Kakashi listened to him. He never thought about Naruto's age and somehow never thought that they could have so similar memories. “I hope you like it, sensei!”
Kakashi pulled out his hand from Naruto’s.
“You keep calling me sensei! Why? I’m not a sensei! I’m just your ugly janitor. The monster under your stairs…”
“Don't you dare!” Naruto hissed angrily and as Kakashi looked up he saw how Naruto’s canines elongated in his mouth. “You won't talk about yourself like that! You're beautiful and smart and funny! I won't allow you to insult my most precious person! And yes, you are my sensei! Because you taught me love and responsibility! You taught me how a family feels! You taught me that there are things that are worth fighting for! You ARE my sensei!”
He was talking with a great elan, holding Kakashi's hands in his and looking into his eye with his sapphires and it felt like a spell. The silver haired couldn't move just feeling overwhelmed with all the praises.
“Naruto…” he whispered with a tight voice.
They couldn't speak anymore because they heard noises from the woods. Naruto suddenly pulled Kakashi closer. ‘Hush’ he whispered and looked around tensely.
“There are shinobis among the trees!” He said. “Go in the house! I’ll take care of them.” He looked into Kakashi's eyes, smiled softly, reassuringly and eventually leaned down and kissed on his forehead. The next moment he pushed the man through the door.
Konohamaru walked into the house right that moment when Kakashi landed on his butt.
“Kashi-san? What are you doing there? And you look all red, are you okay?”
“I…I am… but I am really done with all of this!” He yelled angrily.

The war has begun. Armies went to the battlefield, hundreds of shinobis and most of them never returned. Countries sent summoned animals, mages, witches and Jinchuurikis into war and Konoha had high hopes because there was a new force on the battlefield on their side: the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki.
People left Konoha during the evacuation but Kakashi and Konohamaru just looked through the window. Sad eyes darted towards them, shoulders hunched under heavy bags. The weight not only included the clothes and most important things but even the feeling of a lost home.
Konohamaru wanted to get some groceries with Pakkun when a cart stopped in front of their door. A tall man got out of it, and headed towards the door of their small bookshop. Naruto made it for Kakashi to give back his previous life. The boy ran back, together with Pakkun, straight to Kakashi.
“Kashi-san! Kashi!!!” He yelled. “Here’s a strange man! And he’s coming in!”
Kakashi turned there curiously but he had no time to cover his face when he saw Jiraiya entering the inner garden. He didn't know how to react, he just stared at the man, frozen and his heart felt heavy with pain. Jiraiya looked surprised and approached him slowly.
“Sukea? Is that you?” He asked in shock and Kakashi wanted to say yes, he wanted to say it so badly but he couldn't because of the seal on his tongue. He needed to figure out something. At last he ran to the man and hugged him tight, sobbing and said:
“My name is Kakashi now…”
Jiraiya first just tensed but when he understood what Kakashi wanted to say he hugged him back, petting the back of his head.
“I see. Silver looks good on you, dear.” He murmured.
Kakashi just sobbed even harder and didn't notice how Jiraiya led him into the house.
“Oh, your home looks really nice!” The older man said, putting down a package on the table. “It’s my latest book. I know you liked my stories. I thought you could have them a bit earlier. It will be published only next week.” He explained. “I found a great place in Moon Country, by the way! The Land of the Crescent Moon thrives with culture and a book shop would have a bright future there! I already talked to Rin, the three of us could move there together!” He told excitedly, his arm still looped around the smaller man’s shoulder. “I’m sorry I wasn't a better parent for you…”
“Don't say that, uncle Jiraiya… you saved us and you love us. And we love you too…”
Jiraiya just smiled sadly at him.
“Well, I have to leave now! I’ll contact you when the place is ready in Moon Country.”
Kakashi nodded and he walked out the man, who got into the cart.
Konohamaru grasped onto Kakashi's shirt petulantly.
“Will you move to Moon Country?” He asked with a thin voice.
“Huh?” Kakashi glanced down. “I… don't know. I don't think so.”
Konohamaru hugged his waist tight and buried his face into Kakashi's stomach.
“Please, don't go, Kashi-san! I love you! Please don’t leave us!” He begged desperately and Kakashi's heart melted. He hugged the boy back.
“I love you too! Don’t worry, I’m not leaving…”

Jiraiya sat in the cart, next to Konan’s servant.
“I did my part. Konan-sama promised not to hurt Sukea.” He said coldly.
“And Konan-sama will keep her promise!” The servant said.
“Good. Now I want Rin back.”

Madara could barely wait until the man left with Kakashi; he hurried to the package and opened it. He flipped through the pages of the book until he found what he was looking for. An extra page with a seal on it. He tore it out and gave it to Kurama, who burned it. It caused such a stinky smoke in the room that Kurama started to cough hard and he felt weaker and weaker with every breath.
Kakashi and Konohamaru arrived in a room full of smoke.
“What the hell happened here?” Kakashi yelled. “Konohamaru, open the window!”
“I wouldn't do that!” Madara said, reading Jiraiya's book on the couch. “This book is good!”
“Hey, that's a gift for me, put it down!”
“No-no, you’ve left it there!” The old man argued but Kakashi didn't have time for that. They opened the windows with Konohamaru but suddenly he realized why Madara said that they shouldn't open them. Huge balls full with explosive spells were falling on Konoha and one of them targeted exactly their house.
“No!!!” Kakashi whispered horrified and ran out of the house like he could actually do something against it. He stared at the approaching ball with wide eyes, but noticed how Konan's paper figures tried to invade the place too. He really thought that it would be the end for them but still he couldn't think about anything else, just Naruto and how much he wished for more time.
Suddenly he found himself surrounded by a big, warm body that was covered with red fur. Nine tails were dancing behind it and as Kakashi looked at it better, he found that it looked exactly like a huge Kuruma except the sparkling blue eyes. Even the grin was similar. He hugged Kakashi to himself with one arm and the other reached over his head to the sky and in his palm something swirled with insane energy. This strange ball met with the falling bomb and destroyed it without any explosion. It happened within a second and the fox pulled Kakashi into the house, barely escaping from the paper figures.
“Kurama!” Naruto yelled and hurried to the small demon. “Hold on! Be strong, please!” He held out his paw that glowed with golden light. The little fox coughed and threw up something black. After this he looked better and wheezed. Naruto’s huge tails fluttered around in the room and it cleared from the heavy smoke. He turned to Madara.
“Sir, I think you should stop reading those spells…” he said and held out his paw.
“My, my, isn't it the fox demon, Naruto?” Madara said and waved with the book. “I think we should have a nice long chat…”
“I think so too but at another time.” Naruto nodded, smiling.
“Oh, you're not running away?”
“Mm-mm” the fox shook his head.
“You’ve changed…” the old man chuckled and finally placed the book into Naruto's paw. The book lit up with black flames immediately and burnt to ashes.
The fox turned towards the door.
“I’m leaving now. Stay inside! It’s safe, Kurama feels better now.”
Kakashi hugged him from behind.
“Don't go!” He begged, his voice was wet with crying. “Please! Just… ran away like before…”
“No, Kashi… I won't run away anymore. I have you know, someone I want tk protect.”
“It doesn't make any sense! You found me and now you risk everything?” He cried into the fury shoulder blades. A paw touched his arm.
“Kashi… It’s the only way it makes sense! But I promised not to leave you alone. And I will keep my promise so I will come back to you whatever it takes!” He gently pulled off Kakashi's arms and left the house.
The man was left there.

Kakashi couldn't stand the thought of losing Naruto in the war. He turned the doorknob to the actual location and ran out of the castle. It was raining. He didn't know when it started but now it was falling heavily. He stood outside and tried to see anything between explosions and flames and lightning. Finally he saw Naruto as he tried his best to protect their house in Konoha, bearing hits and shots, cuts and burns just to keep every danger away from them.
“NARUTO!!!” he screamed but they were too far from him.
Bushy Brow jumped next to him. He shrieked like he would yell for Naruto too.
Kakashi needed to convince Naruto to go away from there. And he had a plan. He ran back to the house and put a blanket around Madara’s shoulder.
“Move!” He yelled as he pulled the old man to his feet and he herded him towards Konohamaru. “Take grandpa and Pakkun and leave the house! I’ll bring Kurama!”
“What? You can’t move me!!!” The fox shouted.
“Why couldn't I?”
“Because you'd burn if you’d touch me! And anyway, I don't know what would happen if I’d leave the house!” But when he finished this sentence, Kakashi was already holding out a shovel.
“Sit on it!” He said determinedly. “Sit on it or I swear I’m going to destroy the fireplace!”
The fox frowned but eventually climbed on the shovel. His face mirrored every offense and disgust this action caused for him but Kakashi couldn't care less right now. Kurama suggested moving so he could be the last to leave the house and it turned out to be a good idea because as soon as he left it, the house collapsed. Kakashi turned back to check on Naruto and saw how the giant fox stopped in his shock and stared down as the house beneath him collapsed too. He thought that Kakashi was in there and he became even angrier and fought even harder.
“No good!” Kakashi murmured. “Kurama! You have to take me to him!” He yelled.
“I can't!” The fox answered and he seemed to be really weak. “He’s using my chakra… if you can't give chakra to me, I won't be able to move even a glass, not a house!”
“I don't have chakra!”
“You have…” Madara cut in and he looked at the old man annoyed.
“I’m only a simple human…”
“Oh but I gave you chakra! Your left eye!”
Kakashi gasped. Indeed, he got it from Madara. He was already ugly, one eye more or less, who cares?
“Can you use it?” He looked at Kurama. The fox nodded.
“I think I can…”
Kakashi took off his bandana and his mask and held his face towards the fox. One of the burning tails reached there and carefully took out the eye. It wasn't too painful, Kakashi only grunted slightly. When the bijuu was ready, he covered the empty eye socket and stood up. Konohamaru inhaled sharply.
“Kashi-san! You're beautiful!” He yelled sincerely and Kakashi hesitantly touched his face. All of the warts were gone. Madara laughed.
“Well, you managed to break the curse in a really special way…”
“Is my hair brown too?” Kakashi asked but the boy shook his head.
“No, luckily it’s still silver.”
Luckily… Maybe it wasn't that bad.
They all turned towards Kurama.
“So, was it enough?” Kakashi asked and the demon nodded.
“Alright! Let's do that!” He yelled and clapped his paws. He formed signs and a small platform with the fireplace on it rose from the ruins. Kakashi placed the fox back into the fireplace.
“Thank you!” He whispered.
“Don't thank me yet! We need to reach him and it’s not that easy. Mostly not in the rain. If my tails burn out, we will die. Not only me, but Naruto too…” he explained and Kakashi looked at him with fear.
“I don't want to lose you! Any of you!”
Kurama shot a surprised glance at him but he kept the platform walking on two legs. Everybody stood on it, Madara, Bushy Brow, Konohamaru and even Pakkun. As Kakashi looked around, he felt something strange forming in his chest. They were his family. Even the cursed nutcracker, even the old mage, even the dog who used to work for Konan-sama. And the fox demon that was feared by nations and still felt so small and fragile right now in that fireplace.
A small whine escaped the fox and Kakashi turned there scared.
He saw that four tails of the nine already burnt out and hung lifelessly. The fifth tail barely had a small flame at the end and Kakashi decided to act. He climbed onto the fireplace and hugged the fox, shielding him from the rain with his own body.
“What are you doing, you idiot?!” Kurama yelled. “You’ll burn!”
“Sorry for causing you this much pain…” Kakashi mumbled and refused to let go of the demon. “I won't let you die, even if it costs my life!”
Suddenly he understood.
This is the only way it makes sense.
When you love someone so much that your life starts to seem worthless without them.

He found himself in the forest. There was no rain. Starry, silent night rolled between the dark trees. Kakashi looked around wondering and he noticed Kurama sitting next to his feet.
“You had an eye made of chakra in you and you fed me with that. This way my chakra recognizes you as my Jinchuuriki.” The fox explained. “And this way you became one with Naruto too.”
“What do you mean?”
“You have a common chakra network connected by me.”
“But I don't have chakra.”
“This is temporary. The chakra that came from Madara’s eye will fade away eventually. But now, let’s go! I think here you have to see something.”
As they progressed into the woods, Kakashi heard a baby’s cry. Soon they see a man, very similar to Naruto, standing at the edge of a meadow. A baby cried in his arms. Suddenly the huge fox demon jumped in front of him.
Kakashi was right, Kurama was huge.
“No!” A woman next to the man's leg screamed. “The demon will eat his chakra!”
“Kushina, if I don't seal the demon inside him, he will die!” The man answered.
Kurama leaned closer.
“Why do you think you could seal me within?” He growled but before the man could answer, cute giggles of the baby cut in. They all stared at the baby who kept laughing and reached out for the giant fox.
The yellow eyes widened.
“He wants to make a contract… with me?” He growled and the baby jerked so strongly in his father’s arm that he almost fell out. Kurama laughed warmly.
“Let it be, tiny human! Let it be! I’ll share my chakra with you.”
The next moment the fox turned into a blindingly bright little ball that levitated for a second and the next moment it entered Naruto’s chest.
It wasn't hard to figure out that the baby was him.
“Is this how Naruto became the Jinchuuriki?” Kakashi asked softly.
The present Kurama next to him nodded.
“The best Jinchuuriki of my life. He wanted me. And became my friend. When we became one, he was sick. I healed him. He can't exist without me anymore and I can't exist without him.”
Kakashi just smiled.
“I love you both. So… if you both love me, I’m happy that you're part of him.”
Kurama looked up at him like he would've offered the world and the stars for him.
“I love you too!” He whispered. The ground opened under the man and he started to fall into nothing. He wanted to scream but the icy feeling of black out creeped up on his spine and he lost his consciousness.

When he awoke he was lying on the fireplace, curled around Kurama who had one more burning tail. The little fox looked tired.
“Kurama! Are you okay?” He asked worriedly.
“Sensei, you should worry about yourself!” He heard Naruto's voice and he looked at him, startled. The man looked healthy, only tired, his blond locks damp because of the rain, his orange cloak and white shirt hanging wetly on his body. He reached out with his hand and caressed Kakashi's face who leaned into the touch. “I was so worried! The house collapsed… I thought… I thought they got you…” he whispered hoarsely and the man looked up at him guiltily.
“Sorry for what I’ve done to our home… I… saw that you want to protect the building. I got scared that I would lose you…”
Naruto smiled softly.
“Nah… it was a building. The home is us, where we are all together. You taught me that too, sensei!” as his hand moved, he accidentally pulled off the bandana and saw the empty eye socket. He gaped. “What happened to your eyes?”
Kurama answered it instead of him.
“He fed it to me. I needed chakra because you used too much! And he sacrificed his eye. I think we would be dead without him.”
“I see…” Naruto smiled at Kakashi then led his hand over the empty eye. “Please, sensei, let me give you another eye! One without any curse of course!” His hand glowed with the familiar golden light and Kakashi felt the warmth collecting in his eye socket until it could manifest into something that filled it out nicely. He blinked and tried it. His new eye worked perfectly. He grinned involuntarily and pulled off the bandana.
“I broke my curse. Although my hair stayed grey.” He said.
“Silver is my new favorite color, sensei!” The Jinchuuriki winked at him then turned to the fox. “Kurama, I guess you should retreat and rest…”
“Thank you!” The demon sighed and turned into a small, bright ball and slammed against Naruto's chest, entering it. The blonde laughed.
“That was fa-aaa-st!” He yelled as suddenly the platform under them started to collapse.
“Naruto-samaaaa!” Konohamaru cried. “I think Kurama's spell broke as he withdrew!”
“I’ve noticed, thank you!!!” He yelled back and tried to form a seal to stop the disaster but the platform reached the ground and started to slide towards a gulch. Kakashi grasped into him just like Konohamaru and Madara but even Pakkun climbed his lap whining. Only the nutcracker jumped off in front of the platform to make it stop somehow.
“RRRRRRRRRRIVAAAAAAALLLLL!” He shrieked and he dipped into the ground making a nice trail on his way but when he was already hips-deep into the ground he could stop the platform at last.
For a second they all held back their breath, grasping on each other. Kakashi slowly started to move and when he saw that the platform was stable he hurried to the figure and hugged him from behind.
“Thank you! Thank you, Bushy Brow! You saved us all!”
He really wasn't the kissing type but he was so happy all together that he pushed a kiss on the wooden cheek.
The figure started to shake as he shrieked and suddenly he shot out of the ground, pushing Kakashi back into Naruto’s open arms. They all stared with hanging mouths as the nutcracker spun around in the air and shot out smaller fireworks until he turned into a real, living man. Although as they realized, the painting on the nutcracker was kind of accurate regarding his hair and eyebrows.
He landed gracefully on the platform.
“Thank you, Kashi-san, for saving me!” He said with a wide grin. “I am Prince Gai from Konoha. I was on a diplomatic trip to Amegakure when an evil witch cursed me because she wanted to create chaos between Konoha and Amegakure and turned me into a nutcracker.”
“And it can only be broken by the first love kiss…” Madara nodded knowingly.
“Not true love?” Konohamaru asked. “In Kashi-san’s stories it’s always true love.”
“That would be too easy.” Madara chuckled.
Kakashi looked up at Naruto with a lovesick smile.
“And sometimes the two are the same…”
Naruto grinned and tightened his embrace around him.
“I love you, Kashi!” He whispered and closed the distance between their lips and kissed Kakashi softly.
Madara put his hand in front of Konohamaru’s eyes and looked at Gai with a comforting smile.
“As you can see, your first love is sadly not returned. But good news that this is more common than their stories so don't give up hope! You're the strongest man I’ve ever met.”
“T-thank you!” He whined, tears flowing down on his cheeks like little rivers.
“Very well, now go home and stop this nonsense war!”
Prince Gai nodded, crying.

Konan sat in his place when suddenly in his magic ball Pakkun’s face appeared, happily barking.
“Oh, little traitor! What do you want?” She asked but no real anger was in her voice. The pug stepped aside and she saw how the old Madara sat in a chair and Konohamaru handed a plate of cake to him. Prince Gai was saying his goodbyes and Naruto held Kakashi in his arms. They all seemed so happy.
“I see. So it turned into a happy ending.” She smiled and after she turned to her servants. “Call Pein-sama! The war is about to end.”

Indeed, the war ended and peace arrived to the nations. The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki, Naruto could return to his free life but this time his castle not only walked but even flew. And his lover, Kakashi, loved as they drifted in the clouds. Kurama's new fireplace took place on the open terrace where he was shielded from rain but he still could see the world around them. Madara finally didn't want to hug him but they could talk for long hours in the evening while the old man drank his tea. And Konohamaru loved the new inner garden where he could play with Pakkun.

Naruto stood on their bedroom’s balcony, next to Kakashi as the castle drifted in the sky. He pulled the man to himself and kissed him softly, enjoying that finally they had all the time for themselves.