A Ninja's Path (Kakashi X Reader)

Chapter Twenty Six

The Hokage leaned back in her chair, brushing her long golden hair behind her shoulder. "Unfortunately, Asuma Sarutobi, squad leader of team ten called in sick today, apparently he's been throwing up a lot."

You heard Kakashi awkwardly clear his throat beside you and you almost broke down too. If you were correct, his 'sickness' may have been linked to last night's 'friendly' drinking contest. His hangover must have been really bad if he was calling in sick like this.

"I was originally going to assign Asuma's team to an A-rank mission, but I can't if there is no squad leader." Lady Tsunade continued. "So I have assigned team ten's mission to your team, Kakashi and (Y/N)."

You straightened up as she mentioned your name, ignoring the giggles trying to burst out of you. Kakashi nudged your shoulder with his elbow, trying to get you to control yourself as well.

"I'm sorry that I'm letting you guys know about this on short notice, especially since you just got back from your last mission, but this is a very important mission." The Hokage said as she laced her fingers together.

Naruto seemed to lean forward attentively. "That's alright! It's probably good that you gave us this mission instead of to Asuma's. We're totally more capable than them!"

Sakura gently shoved him, trying to get the blonde to stop boasting.

"Ow! Stop that!" Naruto complained as he rubbed his arm.

At least she wasn't as violent about it as she used to be.

Lady Tsunade sighed, ignoring the Genin's quarrel. "Your mission is to safely retrieve the Scroll of Secrets from Sunagakure in the Land of Wind. The Kazekage is currently in possession of this scroll. You must return it to our village at all costs."

Naruto scoffed. "Why so much work for a stupid scroll?"

"Because this 'stupid scroll' holds the secrets to some of the most deadly jutsus in the world. If it were to land in the wrong hands, thousands of people could die." Lady Tsunade gave Blondie an icy death glare.

Naruto immediately shut his mouth, looking down at the ground in embarrassment.

The Hokage cleared her throat before continuing. "After the Kazekage caught rumors of a secret organization planning on taking the scroll, he reached out to us. I promised him that we would keep the scroll safe for now." She unlaced her fingers, mindlessly fidgeting with the end of a document laid in front of her. "You should all leave at dawn tomorrow, it will take you three days to get to the Hidden Sand Village if you make haste. Remember, protect the scroll at all costs."

You and Kakashi nodded, bowing to the Hokage in respect.

"Good. You are all dismissed. And good luck." Lady Tsunade said.

As your team stepped out of her office, you tugged at Kakashi's arm. He looked down at you and you leaned up to whisper in his ear. "Now is my chance to tell her."

The silver haired man nodded in agreement, ushering your students out of the room. "You guys get to the training field, (Y/N)-sensei and I will be there in a few minutes."

Before the Genin could protest, Kakashi shut the door in their faces, turning to face you.

"(Y/N)? What's this about?" Lady Tsunade asked in concern.

You glanced at Kakashi who nodded in support. He stayed behind you, letting you take the spotlight as you spoke to the Hokage.

"Lady Tsunade, I have something important to tell you." Your heart was beating like crazy, you were so nervous.