Kakashi's Unexpected Love

Big Baby

They're at the training grounds, having completed their taijutsu practice.

"Ino-chan, you're improving," Kakashi praised.

"Yeah, but I still feel like I'm not as strong as Sakura," Ino sighed.

"I haven't seen Sakura in almost a year, she's been occupied at the hospital. But it's alright, we have time to enhance your skills. Don't feel down; stay motivated," Kakashi encouraged, patting her.

"Sure, whatever," Ino responded dismissively, lying on the grass.

"Naruto will be back this month," Kakashi informed.

"Really?!" Ino perked up a bit.

"Yes, Lady Tsunade just informed me," Kakashi confirmed.

"Ah, it'll be great to have all of the rookie 9 together again, minus Sasuke, but that's how it is," Ino sighed.

"True," Kakashi agreed, sighing as well.

"This means Team Seven will be active again. You must be excited," Ino observed, eyeing Kakashi.

"I am, but, well I'll have to take care of them, especially if Naruto causes trouble. I'm the one who'll have to take responsibility," Kakashi pretended to cry, expecting Ino to comfort him.

"Sorry, but that's common knowledge around here. He'll always make trouble. But don't lie , I know you love having him around too," Ino retorted, playfully rolling her eyes at Kakashi's antics.

Kakashi playfully rolled his eyes back at her and then pretended to be upset, asking for comfort. Ino sighed, patting him on the back.

"You're such a big baby," Ino said.

"I am a baby," Kakashi responded, pretending to pout.

"Ugh, don't act like that. You're turning thirty in a few months," Ino teased.

"No, don't talk about age! I'm still young! I look like I'm still in my early twenties!" Kakashi threw a childish tantrum.

"Fine, fine! I'm sorry; you're still young, alright? Like a little baby," Ino conceded, though she muttered under her breath, "but seriously, you act like a baby around me."

"You dislike it?" Kakashi sounded a bit disheartened. "Does it make you uncomfortable?"

"No, not at all. But aren't you an S-rank ninja? The Copycat Ninja? Kakashi of the Sharingan? Seeing you act like a baby around me makes me curious. Are you just putting on a tough act around others? Or are you doing this to annoy me?" Ino raised an eyebrow at him.

"Both, maybe. But, I don't know, it might just be how I am around you. I feel really comfortable, like I can be myself around you," Kakashi said genuinely.

"Oh..." Ino was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond.

"And sorry if I'm bothering you with-" Kakashi started.

"No, it's okay. I've grown accustomed to your behavior. It's not a bother at all. We've been best friends for almost three years," Ino reassured him.