Kakashi's Unexpected Love

Attack

Promises and Loss

Six Days Later...

Just as Ino was about to step out of her house, she heard someone call her name.

"Hmm... Kakashi?" She turned to see him standing there, his expression unreadable. Her brows furrowed in confusion. Isn't he supposed to be on a mission right now?

Kakashi took a step closer, his Sharingan eye uncovered and scanning her up and down. "Ino! Are you okay? I heard everything from Asuma."

Ino raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I'm fine. But... aren't you supposed to be on a mission?"

Kakashi sighed. "I was, but word got out that the Hidden Leaf was attacked, so my team finished early. You didn't get hurt or anything?"

Ino crossed her arms. "It's nothing serious. I fought a few zombies, healed some villagers and shinobi. No big deal."

Kakashi's eyes darkened slightly. "You weren't near Naruto when he was in Kyuubi mode, were you?"

She hesitated briefly before shrugging. "Well... I was. But I hid and shielded myself, so you don't need to worry too much."

Kakashi exhaled in relief but tensed up again when he noticed her weapon pouches strapped to her waist.

"You have a mission?"

Ino nodded. "Yup. I'm heading out in a few minutes."

"What kind of mission? How long?" he asked, a sinking feeling settling in his stomach. Please... not the Akatsuki pursuit mission.

His worst fear was confirmed when Ino hesitated before answering, looking anywhere but at him.

"We're pursuing an Akatsuki duo. It should take a day or two."

Kakashi's blood ran cold. "The duo that killed Asuma's friend?"

Ino swallowed hard. "Y-yeah..."

Kakashi stepped closer, gently tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to meet his gaze. His voice was quiet, but firm. "Ino-chan, promise me—promise me you'll do everything you can to come back. Promise me you'll come back to me." His thumb brushed against her cheek, his gaze pleading.

Ino's heart clenched. She wanted to promise him without hesitation, but deep down, she wasn't sure. Still, she forced a small smile and whispered, "I promise."

Before she could second-guess herself, she pulled him into a tight hug.

Kakashi immediately wrapped his arms around her just as tightly, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of her head. Please... not another one.

Ino slowly pulled away, looking up at him. Then, without thinking, she leaned in and placed a soft kiss on both of his masked cheeks. "I have to go now. Don't worry too much, okay?"

Kakashi didn't answer—he just watched her go.

"Please be safe..." he murmured as she disappeared from sight.

The Mission Begins

Asuma stood before his students, his expression unreadable. "Are you all ready?"

Shikamaru, Choji, and Ino exchanged glances before nodding. "Hai," they answered, though nervousness was laced in their voices.

Asuma sighed. "Good luck, Ino, Choji. This time, we're not on the same team."

"Good luck, Sensei. Good luck, Shikamaru," Ino said softly, and Choji nodded in agreement.

As they parted ways, a shiver ran down Ino's spine. She didn't know why, but something felt... off.

The Aftermath

Ino felt like she was falling apart.

She wanted to scream, to tear everything in sight, to do something—but all she could do was sit there, feeling utterly useless.

Kakashi, upon hearing the news, was devastated. Another comrade lost. Another life taken in battle.

But despite his own grief, his mind fixated on one thing—Ino.

He needed to see her. He needed to make sure she was okay.

Without hesitation, he told Naruto and Yamato he had somewhere to be. They only nodded in understanding before he took off, sprinting toward the Yamanaka compound.

When he arrived, he knocked on the door, his heart pounding. Please be okay. Please.

A few moments later, the door opened to reveal Ino's mother. Her eyes were red, her face filled with sorrow.

"Are you here for Ino?" she asked gently.

Kakashi swallowed. "Yes. Can I see her?"

Ino's mother gave him a small, hopeful smile. "She's in her room—down the hallway on the right. I hope you can comfort her."

Kakashi nodded. "I'll do my best."

As he walked down the hall, he heard the sound of muffled sobs from behind her door. His chest tightened.

"Ino-chan? Can I come in?"

A shaky voice answered, "K-Kakashi? Is that you?"

"Yes."

A pause. Then, between sobs, "Y-You can come i-in."

Slowly, Kakashi opened the door.

The sight before him shattered his heart.

Ino sat on the floor, hugging her knees, her face buried in her arms. Her entire body trembled.

Without a word, he crossed the room, knelt down, and pulled her into his arms.

Ino didn't resist. She clung to him desperately, sobbing into his chest.

Kakashi held her tightly, running a hand through her hair and whispering soft reassurances.

"I've got you."
"You're not alone."
"It's okay to cry."

Minutes passed, and her sobs eventually quieted.

Kakashi looked down to find her eyes drooping, exhaustion finally overtaking her.

He shifted slightly, intending to move once she was fully asleep—but she tightened her grip on his waist, refusing to let go.

With a quiet sigh, he gave in, lying down beside her. Ino's head rested on his chest, her breathing steady.

Strangely, holding her like this eased his own pain. The weight of loss still pressed heavily on his heart, but for the first time that day, the suffocating grief felt bearable.

He hadn't even realized he was falling asleep until his eyes closed.

The Next Morning

The sun had barely risen when they woke up.

Neither spoke as they prepared for the funeral. Ino's parents walked ahead, while Kakashi walked beside her. He had gone home briefly to shower and change, despite Inoichi offering him something to wear.

The funeral was solemn.

After the ceremony, Kakashi hesitated. He still had a duty to fulfill—Naruto's training.

"Will you be okay alone?" he asked softly.

Ino gave him a small, sad smile. "I'll be fine. Just... be careful, okay? I know you're just training Naruto, but still..."

Kakashi reached out and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. "Don't worry. I'll be fine." He gave her a rare, genuine , close-eyed smile.

Without thinking, Ino wrapped her arms around him. He hugged her back without hesitation.

Neither wanted to let go—but eventually, Kakashi pulled away, giving her one last reassuring look before turning to leave.

As he walked away, Ino watched him go, the ache in her chest lingering.

"Be safe, Kakashi..." she whispered, before finally heading home.