"Only if it's supervised," Sandaime answers. "Speaking of Kakashi, Kurenai, we cannot be so blind to progress by what we think we know. More than any, I understand the magnitude of the bond between a student and his sensei.
To my very core, I believe no other significant perspective of tutelage should interfere with that development, that relationship. Many successful shinobi have been produced in this manner, however, so too has it contributed to our failures my own included.
And so, Naruto-kun's development will now be two-fold with Kakashi as lead architect. Kurenai-kun, I understand you have your own team, as such, I only ask for any assistance you can manage without hindering the progress of your own students. I mean it. You're no use to me if you burn yourself out."
"Hai," Kurenai speaks.
"Hokage-sama, that will not be necessary," Kakashi begins to explain with the smallest measure of shame in his voice. "My shortcomings are clear to me now. You have my word I will do better."
"Kakashi-kun," Hiruzen starts, softer in tone than his authority. "You are by far one of the most brilliant shinobi I've ever had the privilege of witnessing, but there are simply some tasks better managed together, as a team, as a village."
When Kakashi nods in understanding, Kurenai bids her leader, "if I may, Hokage-sama?" At his eye blink, Kurenai turns to the silver-maned shinobi, asking, "Kakashi-sensei, you live in a one bedroom apartment correct?" Unless shinobi are part of a clan, work in a military position that sees no combat, or their family are civilians with homes, most shinobi tend to keep a simple apartment.
Death is too constant of a companion to plan for a home so Kakashi's answer of, "that's correct," is no surprise.
"That's what I thought," Kurenai responds then turns to Naruto.
Before his eyes dilate and lid even further, Kurenai declares, "Uzumaki-kun, I'm sorry to have to be the bearer of bad news, but your building's landlord has fled Konoha with all the funds meant for business expenses, which means your apartment currently doesn't have running water or power, and in another forty or so days, all tenants will be evicted."
His squinted eyes are doing the math. " Wait, are you saying I'm homeless?" he voices before loudly crying out, "Ah! What about Haku? I said he can stay with me.
Mmn, no, Zabuza-jiji's not going to like this"
"With the Hokage's permission," Kurenai begins to suggest. "My home has three bedrooms and a study that could be converted-"
"Mn? Zabuza-jiji wanted me to hold on to it for a while," Naruto responds.
"Zabuza Momochi, Zabuza?" Kurenai gasps as Kakashi and Haku walk over. "As in the'Demon of the Hidden Mist?' He's one of Kiri's Seven Swordsman! That's- Don't tell me that's actually Kubikiribch?" Kurenai asks, looking over the large sword.
"You are well informed," Haku comments standing beside Naruto.
Now Kurenai is wondering why this beautiful girl is next to Naruto when the ever-surprising blond states, "Kurenai-chan, this is Haku. Haku, this is Kurenai-cha-"
"Yhi Kurenai," the raven-haired Jnin-sensei clarifies and she wonders how it's possible this bowing boy could look more beautiful than many other actual girls.
"We should get going," Kakashi states, taking the lead toward the Uchiha compound.
As the four begin to walk, Kurenai makes certain Naruto is in front of her while Haku stays beside her, and requests of anyone, "maybe someone can tell me how a legendary sword like Kubikiribch, came to be in your possession when its previous owner is a notorious assassin."
"Naruto-kun made a wager with Zabuza-sama," Haku begins to explain to her in a positively enchanting voice. 'He even sounds like a girl,' Kurenai mentally gasps as Haku states, "if he defeated him, than Kubikiribch would be his prize."
Kurenai didn't mean to laugh in disbelief, especially not in such an unladylike mannerdeep from her toned gut. Without a single denial from Kakashi and at Naruto's hurt expression, Kurenai couldn't help the, "no!
He- He was one of Kiri's highest ranking shinobi; having graduating their Academy at the age of nine by single-handedly killing all their students."
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