Chapter 7:
The Answer

“Come on, come on, come on,” I mumbled to myself as I paced back and forth in front of the box.
“You’re making me dizzy! Knock it off!!” Kotetsu shouted from behind the desk.
“Kotetsu, you knock it off!” Izumo said.
“What?! She’s been here all day! Since 7 in morning, just pacing and mumbling to herself! Like her life depends on that letter!” Kotetsu shouted annoyed.
“I just might! You don’t get it! You don’t know what his last message said!” I shouted back.
“Is he in danger?” Izumo asked curiously.
“Tch, heck no. He’s the Copy Ninja remember?” I said crossing my arms.
“Then what’s so important about this letter?” Izumo asked.
“Why do you have to be here all day?!” Kotetsu shouted and was about to say more, but Izumo covered his mouth.
I looked down and blushed, “I-I, um, I don’t... I don’t want to say,” I confessed as I kicked the dirt lightly.
Kotetsu stopped struggling and both Izumo and Kotetsu stared at me in confusion. Izumo’s eyes shifted to the air as he looked up.
“Look! There it is!” he said and pointed as the bird flew to the desk.
“It is?” I asked excitedly.
I rushed over to the desk and untied the paper from it’s leg. The letter was summoned and I picked it up immediately then began reading it.
I gasped, then giggled, then “SQUEE!!” I jumped up and hugged Izumo excitedly. He just looked shocked and didn’t move.
“What does it say?” Izumo asked curiously as I let go.
Dear Zelda, June 5
It’s so good to hear from you.
I’m sure, 100%. My students don’t come close. They’ve never done anything for like you have.
Hm, I had a feeling that you might have.
No, Zelda. I’m positive that I’m falling for you. I’ve never felt this way about anyone, ever. My heart races even now as I’m writing this. I defiantly like you the way you like me. I’m in love with you, Zelda. I’ve never felt this way. It’s hard to describe. But you’ve been in my head during this whole mission and my heart races when I think about you. I’ve never felt this feeling before.
...I love you, Zelda...

With love,
Kakashi Hatake
Kotetsu and Izumo read over my shoulder and looked at each other after they finished.
“Heh, heh, heh, ...I’m dreaming. Kakashi sensei loves me... heh, heh...”, My face was completely red. “This must be a dream,” I said in an odd tone.
Suddenly I hit the ground with a grin on my face.
“Zelda!” Izumo shouted and ran out to me.
“What happened to the dumb kid?” Kotetsu asked.
“She fainted,” Izumo said looking at me.
Kotetsu walked over slowly, looked down, and said, “Geez, she’s grinning from ear to ear.”
“Can you believe it?” Izumo asked.
“Believe what?” Kotetsu asked back.
“That we’ve just witnessed what’s probably going to be the biggest talk in Konoha in a day or so,” Izumo said.
“Hmm, good point,” Kotetsu said and began thinking.
“What do we do with her?” Izumo asked sounding more like he was talking to himself then Kotetsu.
“I know,” Kotetsu said as he bent down next to me.
“Oh no you don’t, Kotetsu!” Izumo said.
“Shut up, I’m waking her up,” he said.
Kotetsu leaned down close to my ear and whispered, “Zelda, ...Kakashi sent another letter. He said if you don’t respond soon, he’s going to stop writing and never come back.”
“What?!” I sprung up immediately smacking right into Kotetsu’s face.
“Ow!” Kotetsu fell backward holding his nose in pain. Izumo tried not to laugh.
“Oh my gosh! I gotta go write another letter!” I rushed off to my house as quickly as my legs could take me.
Izumo and Kotetsu laughed.
“Hey!” someone shouted. Izumo and Kotetsu turned around to see Lady Tsunade standing over them.
“What are you two doing away from your post?” she asked.
“Oh, um, that girl, Zelda, fainted. We were making sure she was alright and then-”
“Nevermind that,” Lady Tsunade cut off Kotetsu. “I’ve got some books for you two to carry.”
“Great,” they both mumbled.

Chapter 8:
Unusual Behavior

“Hey look. There’s Zelda!” Hina exclaimed turning and pointing to me as I ran up to her, Flare sensei, Isai, Kurt, Misto, Kimpa, Jemima, Eddie, and Tabby.
“Omg!!” I exclaimed and hugged Hina tightly.
“Someone’s happy to see you, Hina,” Tabby said laughing to herself a little.
“Zelda...air...please...air,” Hina gasped.
“Oh right,” I said and let go then laughed nervously a little.
“What’s got you so excited?” Misto asked.
“You guys won’t believe it! Kakashi sensei and I are... well...we’re..kind of...” I said beginning to blush and kicked the dirt.
“What?! You two are what?!” Hina asked excitedly.
“Dating,” I said turning fully red.
“What?!” Jem and Hina asked. “No way!!”
I giggled and nodded, “Uh-huh.”
“Oh my gosh!” the both squealed and hugged me.
“Wow, who would’ve guessed it,” Eddie said shocked.
“What?!” Misto asked loudly.
“Hm, well... that was most unexpected,” Kimpa said smiling. “Congratulations, Princess.”
“Tee hee, thanks!” I said happily.
“That’s so awesome!” Hina said.
“But how?” Jem asked. “He’s on a mission isn’t he?”
“Yeah, that’s what Lady Tsunade said,” Flare sensei agreed.
“Well, yeah, he is. But I’ve been getting letters from him every week,” I explained.
“Time to party!! Ramen for everyone!” I shouted.
“Yeah!!” Isai, Hina, Flare sensei, and Kurt cheered.
...A couples months later...
Knock, knock! I jumped off the couch and went to the door. I turned the knob and opened it.
“Flare sensei! What’re you doing here?” I asked excitedly.
He kept his head down and didn’t look up.
“Tomorrow, there’s a funeral. A ninja died. Be there at eight,” he said then poof-ed away.
“Hm? What was that about?” I asked myself.
It’s October now. Everyone in the village knows about me and Kakashi sensei now. It’s made me quite popular actually. But I don’t really care. I’m just happy I have him.
Three weeks ago Kakashi sensei told me that he was at his destination so he wouldn’t be able to write anymore. But he said not to worry. He’d be home soon. I can’t wait to see him again. But still I wonder who died. I should go find out.
I put on my shoes and walked out of my house.
...Later that evening...
That’s weird, no one will talk to me. Everyone just keeps their heads down and walks away. Even Shichiro-san closed the store when I went to work today. He wouldn’t look at me either. I guess everyone’s having a “blah” day. Or maybe they’re all upset about this ninja’s death. I don’t even know who it is. I wish I did. I’d feel better if I did.
*(Once again, sorry it's so short. But hopfully it's good. No fluff in this one. Just lots of confusion on Zelda's part anyway. I wonder what it is that everyone else seems to know, but her.
Next Chapter 9: Funeral)*