Speak to Kakashi

Naruto walked slowly up to the Memorial Stone and stood next to his former sensei. He didn't want to disturb him, so he closed his eyes and said a silent word of thanks for all those who gave their lives for the Village that he called home. As he stood there quietly, he was roused from his thankfulness when the person next to him said, "Yo."

"Hey Kakashi-sensei. Visiting the stone again I see."

"Yeah," Kakashi said, not being a man of many words. "Getting used to being back yet?"

"A little. It's strange being back. Things have changed, but so much is still the same. Your hair is still as obnoxious as ever."

"That was hurtful."

"And where's the latest porn I gave you?"

"You mean the romance novel?" He patted his pack. "I put it away out of respect when I'm visiting the stone."

"I see. Does it live up to your pervy standards?"

"Master Jiraiya is just that ? he is a MASTER," Kakashi sighed dreamily at the thought of his beloved Icha Icha series.

"Ick," Naruto said bluntly.

"What have you been up to?" Kakashi asked.

"Just trying to have a better day. Been kinda lousy so far."

"Seems like that's the theme today."

"What do you mean Kakashi-sensei?"

"On my way over here, I saw Kurenai. She looked like she'd been crying. I didn't stop to ask her why, but she looked pretty upset. I didn't want to invade her privacy."

"But did you think that maybe she would have liked someone to talk to?"

"I'm not very good at that sort of thing. Why don't you go see if you can find her if you're so concerned?"

"Well maybe I will!" Naruto said. "I should get going anyway. I've said my blessings and given thanks."

"I'm going to stay here a bit longer if you don't mind. But before you go,

"Yeah?"

"Any news on when Master Jiraiya will be releasing any new Icha Icha novels?" Kakashi looked at Naruto hopefully, and Naruto swore he could see a small bit of dampness spreading from where Kakashi's mouth should be behind his mask.

"Are you DROOLING Kakashi-sensei? Because if you are, that's just weird!"

Kakashi absently dragged his forearm across the front of his mask, "Uh, no, no! Must have just been a bit of leftover lunch or something. But do you know of any new novels I can look forward to reading soon?"

"He makes me read them, but he hasn't given me anything new lately." Kakashi looked like he was about to cry; his face showed his **** disappointment. "All right Kakashi-sensei. See ya around."

"You sure will Naruto, and make sure to tell me the MOMENT Master Jiraiya,"

"YEAH, yeah, yeah," Naruto said as he walked away from his pervy former sensei.

Naruto wondered what to do next. He thought that maybe he could help Kurenai, but maybe she really did want some privacy. Then he thought he might like to go lie under the First Hokage's Tree and relax a little.