"Don't worry too much. She actually told me to get a second girlfriend." He was still surprised at Kurenai easily letting him have a harem.
Tsunade blinked in surprise, not expecting it.
"She did what?"
Kakashi leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper as he teased her. "She said she can't handle me alone in bed."
Tsunade's eyes widened, and for a moment, she was completely stunned. Kakashi's words hung in the air between them, and although she wasn't as easily flustered as Shizune, Tsunade's cheeks had a faint pink hue to them.
She quickly reached out and gently pushed Kakashi's face with her hand, her expression a mix of shock and amusement.
"Pervert," she muttered, trying to hide the faint blush on her cheeks.
If Jiraya were there he would probably be shocked and envious to see someone tease Tsunade and not have to get punched through multiple walls.
Kakashi chuckled, leaning back again, enjoying the moment. "Just being honest, Tsunade. You should try it sometime."
Tsunade crossed her arms, still blushing, but with a smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "I'm not sure I want to know what goes on in your mind."
"Maybe you don't." Kakashi winked at her, his grin wide.
Tsunade just shook her head, laughing softly.
…..
The week passed fast. Ranmaru's treatment was finally done. His legs were much better now, and he could walk short distances without help.
Tsunade said he just needed some rest and practice, and he'd be fine. Ranmaru smiled more now, looking happier than he ever had. Kakashi felt proud watching the boy grow healthier and stronger.
That evening, Kakashi and Tsunade went drinking again, as they had done earlier in the week. The little bar was quiet, the lights soft, and the sound of chatter low. They sat at the same table, both a little more relaxed this time.
Tsunade took a sip of her drink and stared at her cup for a while. Her voice was soft when she finally spoke. "How do you do it, Kakashi?"
"Do what?" Kakashi asked as he glanced at her.
"Face the past," she said. Her tone was low and filled with sadness. "I lost so many people… Dan, Nawaki… and sometimes, I feel stuck. I drink, I run, but it never really goes away."
Kakashi was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then he spoke gently. "There was a time I felt the same. After losing my father, Obito, Rin, Minato-sensei… it felt like everything was slipping away. But one day, I realized something."
Tsunade looked at him, her eyes serious.
"They wouldn't want to see me like that," Kakashi said.
"They'd be sad seeing me give up. So I decided… I have to move forward. For their dreams. And for mine." He continued.
Tsunade looked stunned. Her lips parted a little, but no words came out. She stared at Kakashi like she was seeing him for the first time.
After a moment, she asked quietly, "What's your dream?"
Kakashi smiled softly, a rare kind of smile. "To become Hokage. Not just for myself… it was also Obito's dream. I want to fulfill it. For him. For all of them." Although he was lying a little, he wasn't doing it for Obito at all. And that bastard is still alive.
Tsunade suddenly frowned, her voice sharp. "Only a fool would want to be Hokage."
Kakashi didn't get angry. He just chuckled lightly and looked down at his drink.
"Maybe I am a fool. But I think… when I die, I want to face them with no regrets. I don't want to meet them and say I gave up. They'd be disappointed, you know?" He said as he looked at her with a smile on his face.
Tsunade stared at him, speechless. Her heart ached because deep down, she knew he was right. She had been running from her pain for so long, hiding behind bottles and excuses.
Kakashi didn't push her. He just took another sip and looked up at the night sky through the window.
Tsunade went quiet. The world outside moved on, but for a few minutes, everything stood still.
Suddenly Tsunade stood up and looked at Kakashi.
"Tomorrow morning come to the empty forest east not far from the town. I will test your determination to become Hokage." Tsunade said and turned around and left.
Kakashi stays still for a moment before he chuckled and continues his drink. He wondered how to fight tomorrow.
He had an idea to make Tsunade no longer afraid of blood, but if she recovers he may be in deep trouble or get a beating from her.
And of course, he was also interested in her. After Kurenai agreed he no longer had the same mentality he wanted her.
But first, he needs to open her heart that she closed a long time ago.
Finishing his drink Kakashi got up paid for the drinks and left for the inn where he was staying.
As he arrived at the inn, he saw that the lights of his room were still on. Curious he stealthily went to see what was going on.
There he saw Ranmaru practicing Chakra control by sticking to the wall. He couldn't help but smile when he saw the energetic boy still trying his best.
"Get some rest first today Ranmaru. We will continue again tomorrow I will guide you." Kakashi said as he made his presence known to Rabmaru.
"Yes, Kakashi-sensei!" Ranmaru said.
"Hahaha, get some rest for tonight." Kakashi chuckled and said to Ranmaru who had started calling him Kakashi-sensei since in Konoha.
"Yes, goodnight Kakashi-sensei." He said as he left the room and went next door.