"He's in a coma. I don't know when he'll be able to wake up." Tsunade iformed them before she let the room to file her reports. The nurses left behind Tsunade, leaving Kakashi and Itsuko alone in the room with an unconscious Itachi. Awhile before this, they received news about Jiraiya's death. It was honestly a lot to handle for Itsuko. Losing two people close to her at once. But being her, she didn't cry, neither did she complain. Silence was all there was.

Kakashi didn't speak either. He walked in front of her. She had a dull and emotionless expression on her face. He didn't hesitate and pulled her into a hug, her face buried in his chest. His fingers stroking her hair like he usually does it. Her hands pulled him into a tighter hug.

He was speechless, he didn't know what to say, he was afraid of saying anything. What if he said the wrong thing? What if it wasn't what she wanted to hear? Paranoid thoughts flooding him. In the end, he decided it was better not to say anything.

"Kakashi sensei, we need your help-" Shikamaru entered the room saying, only to realise he was interrupting Kakashi and Itsuko hugging. He attempted to back out like he saw nothing but Kakashi called out to him, still holding Itsuko tight in his embrace. "What do you need Shikamaru?"

Shikamaru sighed, this was an awkward situation. As if reading his mind, Itsuko gently let go of Kakashi, moving to his side but her hand holding his, their fingers intertwined with each other. "I'm not intruding am I?" Shikamaru asked, prepared to leave any time."

"You aren't." Itsuko finally spoke, every of her words clearer than ever. Trying her best to surpress a voice crack.

"It's about master Jiraiya. He actually left clues before his death. We think you might have some clues, even though we don't. Follow me, I'll show you a copy of the clue. I'll wait for you outside." Shikamaru left, once again giving them their alone time. Besides the fact that Itachi was laying there unconscious of course.

"You sure you're okay? You don't have to keep it all to yourself. I know how much you're going through." Kakashi tried to comfort her, making sure she was prepared to go see what Jiraiya left behind.

"Thanks Kakashi, I couldn't have asked for a better boyfriend could I? I'm really fine, I've been through worst." She gave him a pained smile, squeezing his hand a couple of times before she lead them out of the room.

"Lead the way, Shikamaru."

-

9. 31. 8. 106. 7. 207. 15

"So? Do you recall anything that might lead to the answer?" Shikamaru asked. He had hoped for an answer but both shook their heads in his disappointment. This is a drag, he thought, giving Kakashi and Itsuko a copy. "Well, do tell us if you think of anything."

While Kakashi and Itsuko were taking a break, resting on the grass patch, Itsuko thought of the last conversation she had with Jiraiya.

"Why wouldn't you let me go with you? You know I'll definitely make it out alive!" Itsuko yelled, furious at Jiraiya's decision. She felt that he was being unreasonable. There was no reason why he wouldn't let her go with him besides he didn't want her to go with him. It was utter nonsense in her opinion.

"Because! Because I love you just as Minato did! I can't let you go! My heart wouldn't allow that and neither will Minato! Itsuko, you're one of the finest shinobi Konoha possesses, we can't afford to lose a person like you. I'm n old man, I would never be considered as valuable as you are. Also because I need someone I can trust truly down to the core with the ability. I need you to remember my code letters in case I end up using a code, I need someone to understand and respond responsibly to it."

"Why not Naruto? Or even Tsunade?" Itsuko questioned, wanting to believe in his reasons being excuses only.

"They would be too overwhelmed. Besides, I'm not sure if they can keep it low key if they figured out the code. But I'm certain you can. Now listen closely and remember everything." He gave her a soft smile before he told her the codes.

With the information he told her, she managed to figure out the code. The real one is not among them.

She laid back on the grass patch. What was she supposed to do with this random information? She couldn't tell them about it either, since Jiraiya's will was not to let them know. Then she must keep it. There was nothing she could do now but to wait.

"Say, Kakashi. If we had a child, would you want it to be a girl or a boy?" Itsuko suddenly spoke. She wanted nothing but to get her mind off the current situation.

"Hm, I'd want a daughter that looks like you. She'd look beautiful." Kakashi held Itsuko's hand, laying down beside her.

"I'd want a son who looks as handsome as you. What would you name him or her? Kioki Hatake sounds nice."

"Kairi Hatake?" Kakashi mumbled, closing his eyes as he enjoyed the breeze blowing against his face. How many more times would I get to lie here with Itsuko peacefully, talking about such relaxing and loving topics? His thoughts trailed on, then he thought again. He was a lucky man, being able to be here with Itsuko.

-

"Kakashi, I know you said you agreed with Minato to join the Anbu and wish to continue. So I'll put you under Team Alpha, the captain being Itsuko Uchiha. Objections? If not, she wants you to begin with your missions starting today." Hiruzen spoke with Kakashi, handing him his uniform and documents he needed as an anbu, fake background stories and such.

"Yes sir." Kakashi replied monotonously. Taking his belongings and prepared to leave.

"Kakashi, please at least object something you don't want to do. I know how much you hate being in a team with people you love. I know you're traumatized." He spoke. expecting Kakashi to at least open up a bit but that wasn't the case. "I have o objections sir. If that is all, I shall be taking my leave."

He left the office without another word. Deep down, he was scared. He knew he loved Itsuko. In a different way he used to love his team mates. It was much more complicated. She was the only person that actually made his heart skip a beat whenever he saw her. He was in love with her.

-

"Glad to see everyone on time. I believe we already know each other so there will be no need for introductions. Instead, I would like everyone to attack me. I might or might not change my mind about you being on the team after this." Itsuko instructed. She intended to fight them empty handedly, which angered a few of them seeing how she underestimated them that much. But in the end, they all found out that they weren't the ones being underestimated. In fact, they were underestimating her.

Kakashi could only sigh, he didn't manage to even get close to Itsuko with his attacks. He was really scared, traumatised even. He really didn't want to lose anyone else he loved, especially not her.