Glass Sands: Introduction

"So, I really think that we need to be careful over the next couple weeks, considering the reports that our scouts brought back last night. The best thing we can do, I suppose, is to keep as many of our Chuunin and Jounin close to the village as possible until the potential threat passes." The Fifth Hokage arched one slender brow. "Or we could just hand Naruto and the village over to the Akatsuki. Do you agree, Kakashi?"

He didn't reply; his gaze riveted on the large picture-window that overlooked Konohagakure's main street and the center square of the village. Tsunade could not imagine what had Kakashi so distracted, and his expression offered nothing. His position hid everything from her but his mask and the covered Sharingan eye.

"I asked if you agree with that plan," she said again, raising her voice.

With a start, he turned. "If that's what you think is best, Lady Hokage."

"Kakashi?"

"Yes?"

"Do you have any idea what plan I'm talking about?"

"The um - " he faltered, stammering a few incoherent phrases before giving up completely.

Tsunade sensed rather than saw the sheepish grin beneath the mask. "You have absolutely no idea what I've been talking about for the last ten minutes, do you?"

"I'm afraid not. "

Tsunade smiled faintly, shook her head and began again, detailing the unsettling report that their main scouting cell recounted the previous night. According to what the small group of shinobi had seen and heard during their rounds outside the village, the Akatsuki was on the prowl nearby. Various members of the organization had been spotted by residents in nearly every town that surrounded Konohagakure. It was a bad sign, especially considering Naruto's recent return.

Kakashi nodded as Tsunade explained, but she noticed that his attention continued to stray  towards the window every few minutes and didn't return until she raised her voice . It was curious, and she was sorely tempted to get up and find out exactly what was so important that he couldn't be bothered to give his full attention to her important briefing.

In the end, she decided that it was none of her business. She would have to speak with the others and then review the situation with Kakashi when he wasn't so distracted.  "That about covers it for now. Would you please tell Gai and Kurenai  to come see me immediately if you run into them. They're both due back today, and I want to review this information with them as soon as possible if they're not already aware of the situation."

"Will do."  

He wasted no time. With a final  glance to the street below, Kakashi vanished, heading out to contend with the tangle of thoughts parading through his mind.  He knew that Lady Tsunade was agitated with him, and he was grateful that she hadn't questioned him about  the cause of his distraction. He wouldn't have been able to explain. Or rather, he didn't want to explain.  It was a private matter. One that he would have to contend with in his own time and in his own way.