Chapter 1
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Iruka’s POV
It was early in the morning and Iruka had just woken up to get ready for the Academy. It was sunny and bright this morning which meant he woke up a little earlier than usual, but that wasn't a problem because for some reason, today, he was feeling really energetic and happy. He took a shower before making breakfast and was reading the local paper while sipping tea when he decided he wanted to walk to school instead of using the teleportation jutsu like normal.
‘I have the time’ he thought.’ Iruka tied his long hair in a tight ponytail, put on his sandals and was out the door, quietly humming to himself.
While he was on his way to work Iruka saw a blur run past him and quickly realized it was Pakkun, Kakashi’s ninkin, carrying something in his mouth that he couldn't quite see.
“That's odd” Iruka muttered to himself before simply continuing with his walk, wondering why the little pug was in such a hurry.
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Finally settling into class, Iruka decided to take out his lesson plan and saw that he was teaching section B today, which meant that Naruto would be with Kurenai Sensei and can bother her for a change.
Iruka smiled to himself, thinking of his new friend and coworker Kurenai, and how happy she seemed to be whenever he watched her teach. Ever since she got pregnant, Kurenai had decided she wanted to become a teacher so she could stay close to the village and with her child. He can see the same spark in her eyes that he has seen in himself so many times before, unconditional love for the students and the feeling of pride whenever they accomplish something.
Slipping out of his trance, Iruka heard the bell ring and noticed his students shuffling into the classroom hurrying into their assigned seats.
“All right kids! Who’s ready to learn some shinobi history!” Iruka exclaimed excitedly to the room full of sleepy and groggy children, who all seemed to be startled by Iruka’s burst of energy.
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Later that day, Iruka was in the middle of a lesson when he heard a commotion coming from Kurenai’s classroom. Just as he was contemplating going over to check, he heard a loud crash followed by silence, then the sound of thundering laughter coming from across the hall. Iruka, worried about his pregnant coworker and friend, rushed over to check on her, only to discover Kakashi Hatake of all people who had seemingly tumbled over and was sitting slumped on the ground next to a chalkboard eraser. Remnants of chalk dust could be seen on his sage green vest and mask. Next to him stood a cackling Naruto holding on to his belly to stop himself from doubling over with laughter.
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Kakashi’s POV
Kakashi was woken up by a knock on his door, he looked over at the clock which read 7 am. ‘It better not be another mission’ he thought to himself.
Kakashi looked out through the window and could hear birds chirping and leaves rustling. It was bright outside, he noticed, and too early. He pulled off his sheets just as the fist hit the door again.
“Damn” Kakashi mumbled, “I’m coming!” He added in annoyance at whoever was at the door.
First, this unexpected guest had the audacity to wake him up early in the morning on his day off, and they were now banging on his door! The nerve of some people, unbelievable!
Quickly pulling the mask over his mouth and nose, Kakashi headed to the door and practically pulled the door off its hinges. However, the copy nin was surprised to see who was at the door. He started wondering if he had a mission he was supposed to be on, or if he was in trouble… again.
“Oh, … hi Shizune” he greeted lazily with a small wave, slumping against the doorframe with his arms crossed over his chest
Shizune, stared wide-eyed at Kakashi and started stumbling on her words as soon as her eyes laid on Kakashi’s bare chest… and down to the toned muscles of his abs
She suddenly looked away, her face turning pink, and managed to stumble out
“They- um- baby- uh- to call you- academy”
Kakashi, now confused, was staring at Shizune until he realized she was blushing and was trying to look anywhere but at Kakashi and his exposed chest. Oh, so he forgot to put on a shirt he realized.
Kakashi chuckled “You okay Shizune, looks like you’re gonna have a stroke.” He replied, finding this situation to be highly amusing
This managed to turn Shizune's face bright red before she finally managed to stutter
“Uh- no nothing like that- it’s just that- um- Kurenai sensei just had her baby”
Kakashi started at Shizune, taken aback by what he just heard and was about to ask if they were still in the hospital when Shizune interrupted
“Before you ask, yes Kurenai sensei and the baby are both doing well and the baby is perfectly healthy, but Kurenai sensei wanted me to tell you that starting today you’ll have to take over her class at the Academy.”
“Shit” Kakashi mumbled under his breath
He had completely forgotten about his promise to his friend. After he had too much sake to drink a couple of weeks back, he had assured both Kurenai and Asuma that they did not have to worry about who would take over her class”
***** flashback *****
“You both are my best friends and I would GLADLY substitute for you when your baby’s here Kurenai” Kakashi had slurred, completely drunk
“Kakashi you don’t have to do that, you’ll be busy with missions and I’ll just ask Izumo or Kotetsu to take over. I'm sure they’d have a blast bossing those kids around.” Kurenai had replied with a genuine smile
“No, no, you don’t have to do that! I need a break anyways, and it’s good to stay in touch with the youth seeing as they’re the ones who are the future aren’t they” Kakashi explained with a sheepish grin
He spoke again before anyone could interrupt him “And so it’s settled! When you have your baby I’ll be your substitu-“
Kakashi was cut off by his friend Asuma who smirked at his girlfriend before adding
“Yeah yeah I’m sure you’re just being a good friend and totally don’t have any ulterior motives for wanting to be in Kurenai’s classroom. Since it clearly doesn’t have a view of a certain teacher from across the hall”
Both Kurenai and Asuma started laughing at the clear indication
“Shut up, idiot” Kakashi exclaimed as he slapped Asumas arm, he could slowly feel his cheeks burning, all of a sudden feeling grateful for his mask covering his blush
“I have no idea what you mean, I’m just helping a dear friend, who is, by the way, a lot nicer than you!”
***** flashback end *****
“Kakashi san… did you hear me?” Shizune interrupted abruptly
“Huh?” Kakashi did not just hear what she said
Ignoring Shizune, he quickly bit his finger and summoned Pakkun, his trusty ninkin.
Shizune yelped when she saw a dog suddenly appear out of thin air sitting beside her feet.
“Yo, sup boss.” Pakkun greeted groggily. Eyeing Shizune who was slowly inching away from him.
“Yo, Pakkun” Kakashi greeted
“Need something, boss?” Pakkun asked grudgingly, not looking forward to another one of Kakashi's long missions
“Yeah” Kakashi walked back into his apartment and retrieved a small box wrapped in brown gift wrap
“Take this to Kurenai and Asuma, and tell them I’ll come to meet the baby after I’m finished with the academy.”
“You got it boss” Pakkun grabbed the package in his mouth, gave a small nod to Kakashi and darted away down the hallway.
“So, I’ll uh, start getting ready then”
“Oh yeah! I’ll be seeing you then!” Shizune exclaimed and disappeared with a poof.
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And that’s how Kakashi found himself on the floor of the classroom with a growing bump on his head.
He had introduced himself earlier as Kurenai's temporary replacement and to that the boy he assumed to be Naruto had a lot to say.
“Hey! Who let you be our sensei? Teachers aren’t supposed to keep half of their faces covered!” Naruto exclaimed, pointing a finger straight at Kakashi’s face.
“Shut up Naruto! That’s Kakashi Hatake- the copy ninja. Haven’t you ever heard of him” A pink haired girl whisper- yelled at the orange-haired boy
“The copy ninja?” Naruto made a disgruntled face “never heard of him.”
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And as any normal 12-year-old student would do, Naruto had devised a plan to prank his new sensei. Thus when Kakashi left the room to go to the bathroom, the young boy balanced a chalkboard eraser on the ledge of the door to ensure that when his sensei would open the door, it would fall right on his head. Despite this, no one had expected the famous copy ninja of the Sharingan to trip over the eraser and fall on his bottom.
Now, embarrassed at the idea of being pranked by a child, Kakashi lay on the ground staring at the door that had just opened to his classroom.
‘Shit’ Kakashi thought looking at Iruka's shocked face. Certainly not what he had planned as his first impression.
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