A/N: This story is inspired by a one shot that I read a few months ago and my little story The Masked Promise that I've currently put to rest, for the time being. Anyway if you're familiar with me, or not, I've been on Hiatus for quite some time and I want to write one chapter of this story I've been planning forever.

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto... nothing belongs to me.

Prologue

Two weeks had passed since the devastating, chaotic rampage of the Nine Tails, which resulted in hundreds of deaths of many shinobi and civilians, in the Hidden Leaf. Everyone was left distraught and beyond speechless with the Fourth's death in particular - he was their pillar, the very foundation of where their village resided in. And now he was six feet under the ground, leaving the village in shambles and in disarray. Ignorant to the fact that his legacy continued to linger on in another form - his son - who was admitted in the hospital two weeks ago.

"This is an order Kakashi. An order of a lifetime: forget about your sensei's child." Sarutobi ordered with resolute. He had given his ultimatum as Hokage to the ANBU teen who was taken aback in the most minuscule detail. Kakashi's peripherals became stuck onto the baby who possessed the same blond tussle and blue orbs as his father - only slightly darker.

He's just like his father... those eyes..

Kakashi couldn't help but muse about the child who was shifting side to side, trying hard to get their attention even more. His obsidian and scarlet eyes watched and analyzed the child closely. "Naruto..." he softly spoke, "That's what Minato-sensei named him, right?"

The Third nodded, "Danz-"

"I'm not letting Danzo get his hands on Naruto!" The teenage ANBU barked protectively."We both know that Danzo is rather fond of orphans who possess great power inside them - Naruto is no exception."

Sarutobi glanced at the prodigy and allowed for silence to coil around them to placate the silver-haired man. Interest in the conversation was feigned by Kakashi, the old man knew, he was only willing to interact with him because he wanted to see Naruto in the flesh. Now, he had naught of his attention, all of it was stolen away by the infant who giggled and thrashed around.

Finally he sighed, potent with exasperation was expressed through his chapped lips as he took the pipe from his mouth. "What makes you think I'm just going to give Minato's child to Danzo ever so carelessly?"

"I'm just making sure, Hokage-sama."

Soft whimpers reverberated in the expanse of the room, startling both ninjas. Naruto faced them with widened eyes that pierced through Kakashi like a blade would through butter. He whined and kicked the air, desperate to make the ANBU come and give him the attention he's been craving for. He demanded his need to be quenched through a series of wails and kicks.

"Go on." Sarutobi whispered underneath his voice, urging the younger man. "Just don't get too attached."

Hesitantly Kakashi walked closer to Naruto, gently he bent down to his level, stroking his blond hair ever so carefully. "Na-ru-to." He spoke softly to the infant's ear.

The blond child reached up and placed both of his palms at the side of Kakashi's face. The two stared at each other's eyes before Naruto giggled and let out a carefree laugh. Much to the child's dismay, Kakashi pulled away from his grip with a rueful smile tracing around his lips under his mask.

This is too much... I mustn't get attached.

The late teen ran his slender, pale fingers through his wet hair, letting out a sigh. "...Why.. Why can't I take him in?"

"You're the Fourth's famous student. The less they see you with this child, the less they'll think Minato has an infant left unprotected." Sarutobi replied, folding his arms. "Kaka-"

A rare sight of Kakashi's eyes glistening stunned the Hokage, his mouth stayed parted and his onyx eyes remained shaken by the sight. Sniffles came next, the prodigy covered his eyes with his hand, blocking the child from his sight. His lips trembled but he kept it in his leash by sinking his teeth into it, a futile attempt to stop the emotional feeling stirring up from within.

It's too hard... I just can't.

"His name won't be Naruto Namikaze. It's not exactly a subtle surname to have. So I'm naming him Naruto Uzumaki instead."

A pause ascended in the air, everything died down, just the shuffling of people outside and the infant's soft whimpers could be heard.

"Stay away for the time being, Kakashi."

Stay away?

"Hai, Hokage-sama." Kakashi murmured quietly, secretly balling his hand into a fist in his pocket.

I must... And I will..

"Alright, you better go now, Kakashi." Sarutobi pointed to the steel door that led out to a narrow hallway, that would soon lead to the reception then the exit. "Remember this is your mission. Stay away from Uzumaki Naruto at all cost."

Kakashi remained in his spot, frozen and mesmerized by Naruto's eyes that would soon lighten to a blue, reminiscent to Minato's. He couldn't just walk away and pretend to feign ignorance of his sensei's child's existence. But as he Leaf shinobi he must abide his superior's orders without resistance.

"I will keep Danzo away, don't you worry."

"Idle hands do the devil's work." Kakashi spoke, "I intend on keeping this deal. As long as you keep Naruto safe and away from those ANBU ROOT dogs who have been snooping around this hospital."

The Third Hokage walked up to Kakashi and slowly raised his wrinkled hand, "You can shake on it."

Kakashi sealed the agreement by clasping his hand into a firm handshake that was filled with promises and loyalty.

"Now get out of here, and don't look back. You'll just regret it."

Haven't I always regretted everything?

"Yes, Hokage-sama." The softened ANBU turned on his heels and began to slowly saunter out of the room, purposely ignoring the faint cries of Naruto behind him.

One step...

Kakashi bowed his head, biting his lowering lip ever so bitterly.

I swear... I will...

Two step...

Tears cascaded down the boy's face as he took faster paced steps toward the steel door that would decide his and Naruto's bond. Slowly Kakashi gripped the handle and pushed the door open. Putting his mask on, Kakashi obscured the sight of his tears meandering down the slope of his cheek, freezing his feelings in the process.

Naruto crawled to the loving man who kept his back turned to him, his cries became louder and even more ear piercing. Sarutobi looked at the desperate child, his eyes softened. "Go now, Kakashi. Remember, never look back."

I swear... I will... One day make things right.

A/N: So how was that? I've really missed writing fresh! Anyway, glad you've made it this far! Hope you liked it! Short and sweet but the future chapters will be longer! :)

Till next time,

Exciled3