It has been three days since Hanare came to Konoha. Naori always stay around Hanare when Hanare wasn't at her house. That means, Naori always near Kakashi since Hanare and Kakashi always together to discuss about the Jomae village. Naori always wear her mask on when she was with Kakashi and Hanare to cover her sad eyes. But, every time she saw Kakashi smiled, that sad eye becoming smile.
One day, Kakashi knocked Naori's apartment door.
"Hokage sama," greet Naori as she opened the door.
"I need to speak with Hanare privately," asked Kakashi.
Naori nodded, "i will be outside, Hokage sama," replied Naori as she stepped outside and closed the door.
Naori was leaning her back to the wall when suddenly she coughed blood. She covered her mouth to mufled her voice, "this is getting worse. I think i need more doses," Naori thought as she pumped her chakra to her chest.
After a while, she finally able to control herself when Kakashi opened the door.
"Naori, your mission is to guard Hanare. I hope you won't let me down with this mission. Because, i trust you," stated Kakashi sternly.
Naori nodded, "i won't, Hokage sama. I will guard her," answered Naori.
Kakashi nodded then walked away as Naori walked in.
"Naori san.. Hokage sama.. He.. He asked me out for a date," Hanare said sadly.
Naori tried her best to cover her shock and tears, "really? Congratulation! Then? Why do you look sad? You love him, don't you?" asked Naori as she gave her best fake smile.
"I don't want to hurt you, Naori san. You've been good to me. I know you love Kakashi too," replied Hanare sadly.
Naori was surprised. She was silence then chuckled, "you are silly, Hanare san. No.. I don't love him. He is my friend and my Hokage. I just want the best for him," answered Naori as she tried her best to hold her shaking voice.
"Really?" asked Hanare happily.
Naori nodded, "i'm glad if Kakashi finally found what he's looking for. He went a lot in his life since his father's death. I just want him to be happy, Hanare san," replied Naori.
"I'm glad Kakashi has a good friend and guard like you," replied Hanare happily.
Naori turned away as her tears start forming on her eyes, "i.. I need to go somewhere. Is that okay if you're alone here?" asked Naori to Hanare.
"Yes, Naori san. I will be fine," answered Hanare.
Naori walked away from her room couldn't turn around to face Hanare as her tears start cascading from her eyes.
Naori went to her favourite place. She was crying, she couldn't control her tears.
"Why do i cry? You should be happy, Naori. Kakashi is happy," she said to herself as her tears keep dropping to the ground. She hug herself to muffled her crying, "Naori.. You know this will happen, so, stop crying, Haku Naori," she kept telling herself those words until the darkness of the night touched Konoha sky. She wiped her tears and looked at Kakashi's monument then she smiled. She looked to the village. She looked at a sakura tree then she looked at a ruins next to the sakura tree. Kakashi's childhood house. She smiled remembering the first time they met.
Flashback
Naori was five years old, she was crying under a sakura tree because she was bullied because of her eyes. She covered her eyes with her hands when suddenly a man and a boy with mask on his face, around her age walked in front of her. They both have silver hair. The boy talked to the man. The man nodded then the boy ran toward Naori as the man walked away.
Naori looked up. Half of her left eye was covered by her hair.
"What? Do you want to say i have evil eyes too?" asked Naori as she wiped her tears.
The boy smiled, "no. I love your eyes. They are beautiful. I'm Kakashi. Hatake Kakashi," the boy said as he offered his hand.
Naori accept his hand, "Naori. Haku Naori," replied Naori as she smiled softly. She was glad there's someone who think her eyes are beautiful.
Kakashi took something from his pocket then put it on Naori's bang. Uncovered her purple left eye fully. It was a blue hairpin with snow flake pattern, "now it's better. I hope you can keep it. It was a gift from a store. I can't use it anyway, but it suits you. Don't cover your eyes anymore. They are beautiful," Kakashi said happily under his mask as his eyes curving upward.
Naori smiled happily and nodded, "thank you, Kakashi."
Kakashi nodded and ran away as he waved his hand to Naori.
Flashback end
Naori took something from her pocket, it was the hairpin Kakashi gave to her.
"That day change my life, Kakashi. You are the one who change me. Since that day, i found the purpose of my life. To make you happy. But, i failed, you change since your father's death. I failed to make you happy, Kakashi. But now, i will make you happy with Hanare. Thank you for changing me and help me find the purpose of my life, your happiness," Naori said as she looked up at the sky then her tears dropped to her pale cheeks as the moon light her pale face. Then, she saw a shooting star, "i wish for his happiness," whispered Naori tenderly.
Naori wiped her tears then jumped down to Konoha street. She walked toward the Sakura tree where she met Kakashi for the first time. She smiled and sat under the tree. Closing her eyes tightly as she smiled when suddenly she heard Sakura's voice talking with Sasuke. She stood up and waited for them.
"Oi lovebird," greet Naori from behind the tree.
Sakura and Sasuke stopped as Naori walked out.
"Sensei.." Sakura was blushing.
"Dating, eh?" asked Naori teasingly.
Sasuke and Sakura were blushing, "we..we're just.."
Naori laughed seeing Sasuke and Sakura's face, "i never know that uchiha can blush."
"You are also an Uchiha, Naori," replied Sasuke seriously.
"Really, sensei?" asked Sakura.
Naori nodded and smile, "yes. But, just my grandfather. He broke the uchiha tradition by marrying my grandmother who wasn't an uchiha. But, i don't get the sharingan and definitely not the pretty face," Naori said teasingly to Sasuke.
Sasuke pouted as Naori teased him. "Another sign of Uchiha. Pouty face," Naori said teasingly.
"Let's go, Sakura," asked Sasuke as he started to get annoyed.
"Okay. We have to go now, sensei. Have a nice evening," Sakura said as she ran toward Sasuke and wave her hands.
Naori smiled seeing Sakura and Sasuke walked side by side, "i wish i have your courage, Sakura. Kakashi won't be that lonely when everyone he cared about leaving-" Naori's thought was cut off as she coughed blood. She pumped her chakra again. But it didn't help.
"No..no..not now.. I can't die now.. Kakashi.. I need to protect him.." thought Naori as she pumped more chakra to her chest.
Flashback
"I'm fine Shee san, this poison senbon is nothing. I'm immune to some poison," Naori said as Shee checked her.
Shee looked at the result. He looked at Naori sadly, "i'm sorry, Naori san. But, unfortunately your body is not that immune. For now, your body can handle the poison. But, unfortunately, the effect will get worst from time to time," answered Shee sadly.
Naori's eyes widened. She tried to control her emotion, "but.. There's an antidote for it, right?" asked Naori.
Shee shook his head, "not for now. Even Tsunade sama and Haruno Sakura haven't found the antidote yet. But, i can give you some medicine to help reduce the effect. Combine with your medical ninjutsu. It can help. I just don't know for how long," answered Shee sadly.
Naori tried to smiled, "it's okay, Shee san. At least, i'm still alive now. Thank you for telling me the truth. But, Please don't tell about this to anyone. I don't want anybody worry about me," begged Naori.
Shee nodded, "i hope you will be fine," wished Shee.
Flashback end
After some minutes, Naori finally able to control her sickness. She sat back to the tree and lean her body. She was short of breath when suddenly Genma, Aoba and Guy walked toward her position. She stood straight up and wiped her hand that covered with blood to the tree.
"Oi Naori! What are you doing here? You look short of breath," Aoba said.
"I.. I was training," answered Naori as she grinned sheepishly.
"At night?" asked Guy curiously.
"Yea. Do you think only you who train at night," replied Naori as she glance Guy from the corner of her eyes.
"Well, do you want to go with us? We will have dinner at Ichiraku," asked Genma.
Naori looked up to the Hokage office, "but i..."
"Relax.. My rival won't be easily get attacked," Guy said.
Naori smiled and nodded then she ran away toward the Ichiraku, "the last will pay for the others!" screamed Naori as she ran.
"You are cheating, Naori!" screamed Aoba and Genma as they ran toward Naori.
Guy chuckled then he looked at the tree trunk, "is that..." he walked closer and looked closely, "blood? Naori!" he slammed his fist to the tree.
Guy joined Naori, Guy and Genma after some times.
"You are the one who pay, Guy," Naori said happily as she finished her ramen.
"We need to talk after this," answered Guy seriously.
Naori stopped her drinking and looked at Guy.
Guy and Naori was walking after they finished their ramen.
"What do you want to talk about, Guy?" asked Naori.
Guy stopped walking, "your sickness," answered Guy.
Naori stood in her place as she looked down.
"Can it kill you?" asked Guy softly.
Naori couldn't answer, she just stood still with her head down.
"Answer me, Naori. Or i will tell Kakashi about your sickness and how you got it," asked Guy.
"No! Don't! Please don't tell him," begged Naori.
"Then speak!" command Guy, "can it kill you?"
Naori nodded softly. Guy sighed as he looked up.
"Naori... Why didn't you tell me sooner?" asked Guy.
Naori smiled sadly, "i don't want you to worry about me, Guy. I will be fine for now."
"I will ask Sakura to check on you," stated Guy.
Naori shook her head, "you don't have to. I'm also a medic nin, even not as great as her, but, i know this is can't be cured until there is an antidote for the poison."
"Then i will ask for the antidote," answered Guy.
"No.. They haven't found the antidote yet. Even Tsunade sama hasn't found it," replied Naori sadly, "don't worry, Guy. I won't die that easily. Not with a threat to my Hokage for now. I will live long enough to make sure he will be fine and save," replied Naori softly.
"Naori.. When will you stop thinking about him and start thinking about yourself?" asked Guy.
Naori just smiled, "i don't know when that day will come. Maybe when i never open my eyes again."
"Naori.. You've sacrifice yourself enough for him. Now, your feeling and life too," Guy said sadly.
Naori looked up as the wind caress her pale face and hair, "i don't mind that, Guy. I don't mind that."
Guy and Naori stood in their place when suddenly Kakashi and Hanare was walking toward them.
"Naori san.. Are you dating Guy san? We can have double date, right Kakashi?" asked Hanare cheerfully.
Naori just smiled sadly and looked down.
Guy started get annoyed, "I will go home now, Naori. Take care off yourself," Guy said as he turned around avoiding to look at Kakashi and Hanare.
"Oi, Guy. It's not good leaving your date behind," said Kakashi teasingly.
Guy stopped walking and glanced Kakashi from the corner of his eyes.
"No.. No.. We are not dating, Hokage sama," answered Naori immediately as she looked at Guy.
Guy turned around then walked away immediately.
"Oh.. I will definitely support you two if you are dating. Well, Naori, i hope you can watch over Hanare if that's okay with you," asked Kakashi.
Naori nodded and put on her mask as she leapt to a building watching Hanare and Kakashi walked together holding hands.
Naori smiled tenderly, trying to cheer herself.
It has been seven days Hanare in Konoha. Naori was on a tree branch, watching her apartment where Hanare was and the Hokage office when suddenly she heard a loud bang came from the Hokage office. She ran immediately to the building.
When she arrived, two AnBu already down and there were two Jomae shinobi in Kakashi office door. Naori attacked them silently and immediately.
"Hokage sama, are you okay?" asked Naori.
"I'm fine, Naori.. But, why are you here? Shouldn't you watch Hanare?" asked Kakashi.
One of the Jomae shinobi smirked, "mission accomplished."
Naori looked at the Jomae shinobi confusedly, "what do you mean?" asked Naori when suddenly Genma barged in, "Hanare was kidnapped!" informed Genma.
Naori's eyes widened, she looked at Kakashi. Kakashi stood in his place staring at Naori.
Guy suddenly arrived at the door, "Kakashi.. Are you-" Guy words was stopped when he stared at Kakashi and Naori. Naori's body was shaking, she tried to hold back her tears. Her hands were shaking.
"Why did you abandon your mission, Naori?" asked Kakashi softly trying to hold back his anger.
Naori couldn't answer. Her throat was dry. Her breathing was short and hard.
"Your mission is to protect Hanare. Not me," added Kakashi.
Guy looked at Kakashi and Naori.
"You can leave your mask on my table. You are no longer my AnBu starting from now. And...you don't have to protect me anymore. I don't need a shinobi who abandon her mission," stated Kakashi firmly as he turned around avoiding Naori.
Naori's eyes widened. Her hand was shaking when she took her mask off and put it on the table.
"You can leave now. You are released from all of your duty as my AnBu starting from now. And, you are released from any mission for now," added Kakashi still facing his back to Naori.
Naori's body was shacking. She took a deep breath and bowed down her head. Her legs felt so heavy as she turned around and walked out of the room.
Guy watched Naori and Kakashi as Naori walked out and closed the door.
"How could you, Kakashi?" asked Guy softly trying to hold back his sadness and anger.
"She abandon her mission, Guy. And now...Hanare was kidnapped," answered Kakashi.
"She was just protecting you!" screamed Guy angrily.
"Her mission is to protect Hanare! Not me! I don't need that kind of shinobi who abandon her mission! I don't need her!" answered Kakashi angrily.
Guy's eyes widened hearing Kakashi's answer. He closed his eyes remembering what Naori did for Kakashi, "she really like you till it's killing her inside. You should know something. I know she will be angry if i say this to you. I don't care if she hate me after this. But, you should know something," Guy took a deep breath, "She loves you, Kakashi. She always think about you. She is sick, she is dying, but she hide it because she want to protect you and Hanare. And you should know how she got that sickness. From saving you. She never think anything beyond you. Not even herself. Always your happiness. Even it's killing her and her heart every time she sees you with Hanare, but she never left you. Because you are the one who gave her that mission. She could refuse that mission to protect Hanare, but she didn't. Because she knows you love Hanare. And she was glad she can protect someone that precious to you. She gives her everything to you. Her life, her heart.. Her feeling.. Her happiness... And this what you give to her," Guy said sadly, "you are no longer my rival, Kakashi," added Guy sadly as he turned around and walked out.
Guy ran toward Naori's favourite place, but he didn't find her. Then, he went to the Sakura tree where he saw Naori that night. She was standing under the sakura tree looking up at the blooming sakura. She was smiling, but her pale cheeks were wet by her tears.
"Naori.." Guy said as he walked toward her.
"I let him down, Guy," Naori said sadly but she was smiling, "but, i will bring her back. I promise."
"Naori.. Enough.. Please.. Think about yourself," begged Guy.
Naori looked at Guy and smiled as she walked away and disappear.
"Naori.."
It was late at night when suddenly there was a knock at Guy's door.
"Who come this late?" asked Guy as he opened the door, "Naori. What are you doing here?" asked Guy.
Naori smiled and handed Guy a small wooden box and a letter, "if anything happen to me, please give this to Kakashi," begged Naori.
"But.. Why?" asked Guy.
Naori smiled, "i will bring Hanare back to Kakashi. thank you for being my best friend, Guy," Naori said as she disappear into darkness.
"Naori!" screamed Guy, but she was nowhere to be seen.