A Ninja's Path (Kakashi X Reader)

Chapter Twenty Six

"Kakashi and (Y/N)-sensei! Thank goodness I found you all." A spiky haired boy ran into the bakery and approached your team's table.

He was panting heavily, sweat sliding down his forehead. It seemed as though he had been running around for awhile trying to look for you all.

"Shikamaru, what's wrong?" Kakashi asked in concern.

Your face lit up in recognition. This was Ino's teammate the lazy ninja that always said everything was 'such a drag'.

The boy gulped in lost air, leaning his hands on his knees.

You got up and pulled a chair over for him to sit down in. He gladly obliged, thanking you breathlessly.

"Asuma... Sensei... sent me here to..." He took a moment to regain his composure, wiping the sweat off his face. "Asuma Sensei sent me out to find you all. Apparently the Hokage wants to speak with you guys right now."

You raised a brow in surprise. Lady Tsunade wanted to see your team?

"Did Asuma say why the Hokage needs to see us?" Kakashi voiced the question that was in your head.

Shikamaru shrugged. "He didn't say. Only that it was very important that you got their as soon as possible."

You stood up, patting the spiky haired boy on the back. "Thank you, Shikamaru. I'm sure it was difficult to find us."

He nodded. "Yeah, this was a total drag."

There went his trademark saying.

"Well then we should get going." Kakashi stood up beside you, casually putting a hand on your shoulder.

Shikamaru and Sasuke noticed the silver haired man's movement, sharing a glance.

You ignored them, nodding at Kakashi in agreement. "Come on kiddos. Time to go."

Sakura groaned in complaint, quickly sipping down the rest of her milkshake. Apparently she was on a 'diet' and couldn't eat a lot of sugar. After a lot of hassling from Naruto, she gave in and got the least sugary item on the menu.

Blondie jumped up with renewed energy, probably anxious about Lady Tsunade's sudden summoning. Sasuke stood silently, throwing his trash away before heading toward the door.

The rest of your team followed suit, you stopping in front of Shikamaru before you left. He watched you carefully as you handed him a small wad of money.

"Buy yourself something, kid. The least I can do for your troubles."

He pushed it away at first, shaking his head. "Thank you, but it's fine. I should be used to Asuma-sensei sending me around the village. He's been trying to break my lazy habits for months now."

You grabbed his hand, folding the money into his palm. "Please, just take it. At least buy a drink so you don't pass out."

You walked toward the door before he could protest again. As you opened the door, you called back to the spiky haired boy one last time. "And if you don't want the money, give it to Ino or Choji. You could probably buy some snacks for them."

You left the bakery, jogging to catch up with the rest of your team.

It was time to find out why Lady Tsunade had indirectly made the laziest ninja in the village run around trying to find you.

*~*

"Thanks for coming so soon, guys." The Hokage said in gratitude as she sat behind her desk.

Shizune was by her side and you nodded to her in acknowledgment. She returned the gesture politely.

"Did something happen?" Kakashi asked. He stood beside you, both of you behind your students.