Kakashi's Unexpected Love

Itachi Pursuit Mission

A New Mission Begins

The day after their return to Konoha, Jiraiya informs Naruto that Sasuke will not be coming back. Sasuke's sole focus remains on avenging his clan by killing Itachi.

Determined to find Sasuke and aware that Konoha is actively searching for the Akatsuki, Naruto proposes a new strategy: if they find Itachi first, they will find Sasuke.

Tsunade considers Naruto's idea—capturing Itachi could indeed be the key to bringing Sasuke back. Kakashi, deep in thought, finally speaks up.

"I have a plan."

Shortly after, Tsunade officially declares the Itachi Pursuit Mission. Kakashi takes charge, forming an Eight-Man Squad consisting of Team 7 under Yamato's command and Team 8 under his own leadership.

The other teams, disappointed at not being included, reluctantly follow orders and leave. However, one person remains.

Ino stands outside, waiting.

An Unexpected Encounter

Minutes later, Team 7 and Team 8 exit the Hokage's office. Yamato and Kakashi are the last to leave, deep in conversation.

"Kakashi," Ino calls out.

Kakashi glances up. "Eh? Ino-chan? I thought you already left."

Ino shifts on her feet, feeling slightly embarrassed. "Um... no. I waited for you."

"Oh?" Kakashi's visible eye crinkles in amusement as he side-eyes Yamato. "Can you give us a moment, Yamato? I know you'd understand—you're my favorite junior, after all." His voice is laced with mischief.

Yamato sighs, sweatdropping at his senior's antics. "Right. See you soon, Kakashi-senpai. Bye, Ino-chan." He winks at her, which earns him an irritated glare from Kakashi.

'Eh? Since when does he call me Ino-chan?' Ino wonders, confused, but she shrugs it off.

"Kakashi? Can we go now?" she asks, noticing his slight irritation.

Kakashi nods. As they start walking together, he asks, "So, where are we going, and what's the plan for today?"

"Hmm... Let's grab something to eat first. Then we can head to my training grounds—you can help me with my taijutsu."

Kakashi eye-smiles at her. "Sounds like a plan."

Their happy energy is contagious. As they walk through the village, people who see them can't help but notice how at ease and joyful they look together.

Observations from Afar

Meanwhile, Jiraiya and Tsunade sit near a window, sharing a bottle of sake. They watch as Ino and Kakashi stroll through the village, talking and laughing.

"They sure look happy together," Jiraiya remarks, smiling. He's proud that his number-one fan has found someone.

"They do," Tsunade agrees, sipping her sake. "But Ino told me they're just best friends."

Jiraiya grins. "That can change anytime."

Tsunade chuckles before taking a longer drink. "Their age gap is pretty big, though. They're lucky they look about the same age."

"How big of a gap are we talking?" Jiraiya asks, genuinely curious.

Tsunade does a quick mental calculation. "Ino is 18. Kakashi is 31. That's a 13-year difference."

Jiraiya whistles. "Wow. I thought she was in her twenties. She looks mature... I mean, look at her body—"

Tsunade's fist clenches.