Kakashi walked into the room dragging his scarf. Likely picking up plenty of dirt as he went. I want to tell him not to do that, but I know that he'll simply do it more in response. He can be more stubborn set then the Hokage when he wishes to be, then again that can be valuable as a shinobi. Or as a retailer, should he follow in his Mother's path.

Selfishly and worryingly I do want him to become a ninja as I, but on the parental side I hope he doesn't. There is much to being a shinobi, for the sake of my home, Kakashi would make excellent as a combatant, he already far surpassed even Hokage-sama's son Asuma, as he does display a high intelligence; quick to understand things and eager to learn. However, I do not wish for him to face war as I have, battles and death. Sometimes I simply don't know where I stand on the matter.

"Morning Kakashi-chan, your Dad made breakfast! Then maybe you want to go on a little trip into the village?" Naruto-kun interrupts my own grieving of life with an excited sounding chirp, like birdsong in the morning, cheery and cutting through silence. -You don't hear much from birds during war I've noticed.- There's a jubilant agreement from my son, suddenly appearing far more awake then previous. She hands him his tea and food with content, then turns to me with eyes tilted in nervousness. "Ah, Hatake-san, I'm not sure I can afford clothes for myself I don't think I have enough..." She seemed rather bashful about it all, then again considering the only thing she had to wear is orange, I would wager a guess she didn't have much money in the first place. It was a particularly dangerous colour, flashy and eye catching. Either she'd wanted a lot of attention by buying it or she hadn't been able to afford anything else.

"Ma~ well I can lend you some ryo, and you can pay me back once you get back in the game, how about that?" Although it was highly likely that upon taking a mission she could die, especially with her head injury -and war-, though I like to think that won't happen. To my surprise she didn't hold a modest disposition at taking my money, but honestly confounded by my offer.

"Ehhhhh?! Y-you would do that?!" That kind of bewildered me, you'd think no one had ever been friendly with her before with the way she was acting. "B-but, I mean, you don't have much food, and you need to take care of Kakashi-chan and-" The more she spoke the quicker she became, words melding together slightly in a nearly panicked tone. For the life of me I could hardly understand it.

"Food is controlled by ration cards at the moment Naruto-kun, no worries, besides, I am an active Jonin I can afford to spend a little more. Besides, I don't normally buy anything that isn't necessary, so I can do this with no issue at all." She stopped her stammering, replacing it were teary eyes and a stern lip.

"I'll pay you back! I promise dattebayo!" How someone could do such a dramatic emotional turn, I honestly have no idea, honestly it makes me wonder slightly at the integrity of her education. Broadly speaking, those who have such a scale of emotion are discouraged from being a shinobi. With her manner, to me, at least she seems almost split into two halves of a person. Her eyes flicked down with a giggle as I felt a tug on my pant leg.

Two bored looking black eyes reached me. "Tou-san, Yuko-chan is coming." He held up a worn female doll, made of wool and with one glass eye close to popping out, her stuffing poking out in places were the yarn had become thin. I know well enough he doesn't like going about without her, but she wasn't in good condition. With my last mission I'd taken being so long I had completely forgotten to repair her. Kakashi would be devastated if something happened to her while we were out, but I couldn't exactly tell him no.

"Ah, of course, can't forget Yuko-chan." Naruto-kun gave a skip and a hop over to the futon where she'd slept, gleefully pulling out the frog wallet I'd seen earlier. Smiling as she held the cute thing up with a waving hand.

"Nee, nee, Kakashi-chan, do you think Yuko-chan and Gama-chan could be friends?" I want to point at the fact that apparently I'd taken responsibility for two children rather then the one I'd naturally had. I strove this off with a sigh instead, barely though, seen as I certainly hadn't expected such a strong personality from an amnesic. That considered, at least her wallet had a name that she remembered. Maybe some things were coming back to her, it could be a time based matter, the longer, the more she recalls.

That said, in all probability, Hatsuhana-kun would want regular reports of her progress, and I'd have to do it in triplicate for Shikatsuno and Lord Hokage. A depressing thought that makes my fingers throb at the very inkling I may have to. I still have no idea what I would even write, I hadn't known her before yesterday so I cannot accurately detail any changes, nevermind abnormal behaviours. Although, if I do end up thinking anything coherent I could have Kakashi copy my work twice; it'd help his writing skills -though he can read almost perfectly at this point, furthering my belief that he's actually a prodigy, and I am not merely blinded by paternal pride.-

"Kawai! Where you get it!?" His vocabulary does also need improvement, though it's not a large concern at his age, I suppose I can't help but want for him to learn at his fullest capacity. Even so, I am enjoying the adorable years.

"Ma~ I don't actually know... Ma! It doesn't matter anyway!" That isn't really a proper sentence Naruto-kun. Then again, she didn't seem like one to be very proper anyway, I have to admit my own grammatical particulares tend to make me critical. Nevermind that my own son cannot speak correctly himself. "I think they would be great friends, Gama-chan is the nicest froggy there is!" One can't help but notice her skill of deflection is on par with that of a jonin level captive, it could be a part of ingrained training, or childhood, either answer would help us figure out who exactly Uzumaki Naruto is. I assume Hokage-sama will eventually place her in alternative care, should her memory's not return in a timely manner. Considering my own recent accurement of high-class missions Sarutobi-sama wants me on the battlefield aiding the fight.

It unnerves me how extroverted she is, warm-hearted from what I've seen so far -which isn't much admittedly- typically meaning that person was not a battle shinobi. As their psyche cannot handle the strain involved, maybe she had been an academy instructor? Then why would she have been in the middle of a war zone, unless one of her students had gone astray?

"Nee, nee, ready to go Hatake-san?" Snapping out of my own wild speculations I noticed that both of them were staring at me. My own son with an associative boredom and half-lidded stare as if put-out. Our guest leaning back on her heels with her hands behind her head and a simple bright smile in place. Her frog wallet on her head seemingly held there by her fingers and looking -for an inanimate object- quite content with itself, little green legs dangling in front of her face with her -matted spiked blonde bangs. Making for an image I won't soon forget, a mixture of childishness, and a beauty that can only be held by an adult, it was an odd combination.

Still to get so intertwined with my own thoughts... Sometimes even I find it difficult to believe I am a ninja. "Ah, yes! Sorry, I was lost in thought." My mind tends to wander far too easily, especially into nonsensical ponderings.

We end up leaving the house with one person snickering, one with a large sigh, and one -myself- with an embarrassing blush. When I suggested we go out for some shopping and re-familiarizing in the village I neglected to factor in where exactly we would get clothes. Fashion is not something I have ever known about, so the stores that sell good clothes -civilian clothes- are a mystery to me.

Horonigai-kun would know, but I am not going to ask her for advice unless necessary. Which it is not. Nor can I imagine a situation wherein I would need to ask her anything relevant -less it involved Kakashi.- So really, clothes shopping would have to rely entirely on whichever shop we happened to cross first. Even so, the focus should be on clothing for comfort as Naruto-kun isn't likely to become a shinobi again for quite a bit, even if hypothetically she didn't have amnesia; there is still a serious injury on her head to consider and the fact that none of her files can be found following that damn raid.

As yesterday, her head flickers back and forth -the frog would have flown off by now if it wasn't weighted by ryo and her fingers holding it down from her hands behind her head.- in examining the village, taking in everything she can see with the excitement of a child. A comparison that may be disingenuous as the actual child among us is merely holding my hand while keeping Yuko-chan close to his chest with the straight eyed concentration of someone on a mission.

"Oh!~ Wow~ Its so pretty!" I glimpse around Naruto-kun, who is currently squished against the glass in starry-eyed bewilderment at a truly beautiful short Cheongsam, not even reaching the knees. In pale yellow with design of sakura blossoms and bright yellow small flowers about it, alongside a trim of bright orange, additionally there's a long flowing skirt of the same shade as the dress underneath. Immediately I can see why Naruto-kun would like such a garment. It was bright, yet modest, and well, it is beautiful.

The price tag also says its on sale.

"Do you want it?" I only ask, even though I know that she does, to be polite. However, just as the Naruto-kun looks ready to reluctantly reject it, my son pipes in.

"Obviously Tou-san." Accompanied by a sassy hand on his hip. Appearing bored with my nonsense as a teenager would, frowning in discontent and a blank-eyed stare. The mystery remained on how one could be sassy while bored, but I honestly think that despite his age Kakashi has become a master of the craft.

Although... "Kakashi-chan that's not-" In an instant, he can turn it into the watery gaze of a near crying toddler, pout and all, which can be turned on you in a moment, as I'm sure Naruto-kun is facing at the moment. At least I can laugh at the fact that someone else is finally experiencing the torment I deal with. "-Cheater!" And then something happened that I have honestly never seen before. She challenges him, pouting in tandem with tear filled eyes, and crossed arms. A clashing of wills, one form of cute against another. Her cheek puffs out.

I feel so out of place here, I mean sure I'm a fresh-faced young man, but I have no chance in such a fight. I also don't know the reasoning behind it, if there even is any. Kakashi is a child, and either Naruto-kun is indulging him with the mindset of someone his age, or she genuinely finds joy in the act of being childish herself. The whole display is so baffling that I honestly cannot say which is more likely. I decide breaking the invisible fight is the best course of action.

"If you want it Naruto-kun, I can get it for you, it's on the cheap side." Her eyes break away, and beside me my son giggles in victory.

"Ma~ if its cheap, then I guess it's okay... As long as I can pay you back!" Eye-for-an-eye huh? While it was a far less extreme use of the idiom I hadn't really considered her that kind of person, well, perhaps she wasn't in combat terms. Merely as a type who didn't like owing favours, that sounded more correct.

We did end up buying the cheongsam, and a few others similar to it for everyday use. -this purely at Kakashi's insistence, also at his insistence she is now wearing the one she was previously staring at. It truly fits her, regardless of the fact that the sunny colour almost matches that of her hair.-

I for one am glad not to be purchasing ninja clothing for once. While they garments are typically cheap for Shinobi to account for our many needed repairs. Lately there has been an imposed 'fabric tax.' based solely on one's average spending on Shinobi sanctioned clothing each month. The supposed average of each Shinobi Chunin or higher was around three sets per month. If one bought more then that, each additional set was charged ten percent extra, incrementally per each purchase above three. Meaning that while a fourth set was only ten percent more then the average price, a fifth set would be twenty percent more.

Personally, I do find it rather brutal, but the ideal is that as one gets assigned more missions -therefore more clothing gets ruined- the more you get paid to fill the gap. Besides, those who are clever with how they manage aren't hit so bad. Senior Jonins as myself know how to clean blood out of clothes far better the fresh-faced Chunin.

I wonder if Naruto-kun knows how. Looking to her now, marrily singing an unknown song with her purchases swinging back and forth makes me uncomfortable with the very thought. Honestly, should she remember, I almost wish to never know. Unreasonably perhaps, though a bloodsoaked past is likely, for someone so carefree I can't help the inclination to hope otherwise. For if that is the case my own innocent perception of her will be shattered, selfish as that sounds.

I watch as Kakashi stumbles to her, and I stop briefly as he crosses my path in order to stand next to her, monitoring his feet. "Are you a ninja? Like Tou-san?" I see her hesitance, not because she isn't sure, it's obvious to both of us she is. Though she doesn't know where she classifies, or fits in inside Konoha, so her answer could be completely wrong.

"I am a shinobi, yes, but uh, I can't tell you much more then that." Regardless of her clearly cagey answer, his eyes shine in appreciation, and a large hopeful smile tilts his mole up, looking as a small little girl about to squeal.

"Do you know a lot- jutsu?" He looks ready to spew more then one question, and in considering her condition, I put my hand on his head feeling the softness of his spiked hair.

"C'mon Kakashi, lets not overwhelm Naruto-kun, she's still injured, we can't strain her." He frowns, but doesn't argue. Following as I lead, she says nothing looking embarrassed for her lack of answers, but she does give me a small smile that honestly shouldn't have made me feel as fulfilled as it did. I think, its because she's such a happy person that seeing her return to herself and knowing I played a part made me feel satisfied in myself.

It was silent. Which was odd enough with such an exuberant person. But I imagine people in her situation need quite a bit of time to themselves, so there's nothing for it, but to leave her be and let her think. Regardless on how the quiet makes me uncomfortable. At least my son doesn't seem to mind, he looks to be engaged in a inaudible conversation with Yuko-chan. She'd always been a great conversationalist to him.

I wonder what they talk about, maybe stupid small things. Or maybe large grand scale things as that of the Hokage. Knowing my son it's probably the latter. Always such a smart kid, even as a babe.

Proving this, he turns, and I follow him. I immediately see Naruto-kun standing still, staring, wide-eyed at a run of the mill book store. Her mouth is open and she is muttering something to herself, her hand clasped tightly against her chest, so much that I can see her new clothing crinkling in tense lines. This, makes me concerned enough to walk up, I want to ask what's wrong, but she moved before I did, only to the window. But her movements are jagged, her face is frozen in an expression is something I've never seen before. Transfixed, as if she'd been caught in a genjutsu, vacant, but shocked seems more accurate.

"Naruto-kun...?" I keep my voice quiet, she's not in her right mind at the moment, and I don't want to accidentally trigger any violent instinct, especially in the street. Her face, previously frozen stiff, moves. Disbelieving happiness, is what I can interpret. I flinch as I see a tear, probably because with such a visage I hadn't expected it. Is she remembering something? Still, she's staring, her eyes fixed on one of the titles. In following her gaze I can't tell which one, as there are many on the second row where she's observing so adamantly.

Finally she stands straight, Gama-chan falling from her head, and her bags from her hand as she catches him. I pick them up, though, in that time she walks into the book store. I want, badly, to say something, but I have no idea what, nor if I even should. Kakashi peers at me, eyeballing me with a shifting vision. He's worried. It doesn't matter if he's barely known her a day, she cared for him, and that, in a child's eyes is enough to feel compassion towards a person.

I'll admit. I am too.

------------

A strange feeling, this numbness, though I can't say I haven't felt it before I recognize it at least. It's still strange because I honestly don't understand what it is for, what triggered it, or why it's happening. No memories come to me nothing comes forward to quake in my mind, there is not a shocking realization. Just the emotion engendered, a feeling is all I'm acting on.

A book. I know naught of it, the title doesn't ring me a clue, nor does the pen name scrawled at the side. Gama-chan, he complains as I steal some of his food to pay the clerk in my need to buy something on impulse. Ogling it gives me nix, but the words screaming in my head over-and-over again. "The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi" by Hikigaeru 'Toad?' did I buy it because of Gama-chan? No, that doesn't feel right, then again I don't actually know the answer, or how to find it. Perhaps in reading it I might figure something out.-What kind of self-respecting author names themselves toad anyway?!-

I exit the store, breathing deeply because I understand nothing, when a small chibi attacks my arm. Kakashi-chan gazing at me with the most serious of gazes, tugging at my sleeve. "Oi! You are okay?" Honestly, I hadn't remembered anything in between seeing the novel, and picking it up in the store. Sakumo-san is holding my bags, evaluating me, and I could've done something really stupid when I blanked out. Jeez, I bought a book on whim, I had done something stupid regardless.

"Sorry, I, I'm fine, just a feeling." I don't need to worry the little boy staring at me anymore then I already have. Or give my host a reason to think me more strange then he already does. I grab my bags from Sakumo-san, and slip the novel inside one, sweat already on me in fear of rejection. Though he merely pats my shoulder and tilts his head.

"Did you remember something?" How am I supposed to answer when I have no idea myself?

"Not exactly, I just-" It was a feeling wasn't it? An urge? "-Had to." It's a foolish sentence, though he doesn't seem critical of it, only looking stern as he nods. Like he understands the frustration of not knowing who you are, I doubt it. But at least he's being good about it, even if he dislikes me as a person.

We walk away, Kakashi being carried now, head resting, not sleepy, but tired from the walk, on his father's shoulder. I think the plan now is to see if I know any part of the village or recognize something in the chaos. Its not uncomfortable, the atmosphere has a slash of warmth to it. My vision recounts some flashes of memory. Pink and dark eyes, blue, or navy, nothing more then that though. Even so, its enough for me to sigh in relief. At least I know the place, well, I feel as if I do.

I manage to pinpoint the Hokage walking along with the crying child from before on his shoulders. They're both smiling. A nice warmth fills me at the sight. That boy must be his son or nephew, families are so sweet.

I wonder what Kakashi's Mother is like. Imagination says she has to be kind as her child. While in the looks department he is so much like his Father, so its fair to assume he has her attitude. So maybe a sassy lady with a kind disposition? I honestly can't envision her appearance, which is a shame, I don't know Sakumo-san well enough to judge what type of woman he likes visually or personality wise. Though he is a bit laid back, so maybe a more dominating personality to match him? Strict? I have to laugh a little, all of my thoughts are stupid, no matter how fun it is to imagine.

I took a glimpse in the mirror this morning. I kind of ended up gaping at myself, there was nothing I recognized. Plenty to critique, however. Ridiculous whiskers, idiotic unbrushed and short bright-toned hair, even my chest looked odd. I had resolved to grow out my hair, and try to make myself not look so androgynous -not that there's anything wrong with that.- I'm not ashamed of my sex, being intersex is actually pretty awesome biologically speaking. But I want to feel womanly, and as I barely know anything about myself but my own name, I think whatever I can figure out is worth following my gut on.

I bet his mother is one hell of a woman. More then me in any case.

No, I have to stop myself. Because whatever these thoughts are, I refuse to allow them in my head and infect my ideas, it isn't right.

Maybe you are your worst enemy, but the least I can do is put up a fight against my own despair and desperation. I have to force myself to hold out and begin to remember, for the sake of myself, and for my village if not that.

I wrench my head up -not even having realized I'd been staring at the ground. Look about me with fever, I see no one with a face that gives me the same feeling as the book, or a banging echo of names. That is, the buildings do feel like I've seen them before, which is good enough for me, at least at the moment.

A slight rumble sound fills the air, and Sakumo-san gives a loud laugh in response, probably trying to cover it. I'm no expert, but I think Kakashi-chan is getting hungry, given the pout he has aimed at his father. I may be wrong, but I do not think it to be mere speculation that children get grumpy when hungry, while the prospect of such a tame kid throwing a tantrum is funny in my head, I doubt Sakumo-san would agree with me.

As there is a narrowing of Kakashi's eyes eyes and a tilt of his lip, a sure sign of defiance. Rescue for his father comes unexpectedly.

Appearing in the form of a woman, a rather short gorgeous woman, with light blonde hair a calm face and warm hazel brown eyes. Alongside her however, was a really tall, really broadset man, he had to be around six foot. He had sparkling black eyes, and a large dopey looking grin, contrasting with his spiked white hair. Both of them looked around the same age as Sakumo-san probably from the same graduation class, however they were in uniform. Judging by their expressions I can assume they hadn't come bringing bad news though.

"Ma, ma! If it isn't Sakumo and little Kakashi-chan! I didn't expect to see you around the village! Thought you'd be out with the rest of em' clobbering enemies as you do." The man spoke first, jovial, though his tone did suggest he was teasing.

"It's good to see you Sakumo." Now the woman chirped in, clearly in good spirits, they all seemed rather familiar with one another. "And how are you Kakashi-chan? Picked up any of your Father's jutsu yet?" Next to me Sakumo-san gave a laugh in response, though he looked pleased at their presence.

"Jiraiya and Tsunade, back from the battlefield I see. Did Hokage-sama call you back?" In opposition to the other two he seems quite calm. Especially when near this Jiraiya character.

Jiraiya-san pipes in. "Sensei said something about attacks within the Hidden Rain or something but- oh!" I find myself at the center of attention. I'm getting ogled by the man, gaped at by the woman, and it feels very judgemental all of a sudden. "-didn't mean to interrupt a hot date Sakumo! She's a cutie too eh?"

I... don't know how to respond to that. One mindset says 'flattered,' while the other responded angrily 'im standing right here!' I use the latter as my response. Because, it is insulting no matter if he thinks it isn't! Honestly! And- he... eyes my chest.

"Oi! Your not gonna find anything there ya damn pervert!"

"Jiraiya!"

"She's a feisty one."

"We're not-"

"What'd ya say!? I'll show you feisty dattebayo!"