Musical Hands: chapter 1

Summary: He heard the unique and soulful melody on the nights of his border patrols. He's listened for the past 5 years, till it stopped for three years. Believing that the conductor had passed, that was until he heard the beautiful melody once more. This time the music affected him emotionally as the musician for the first time played from the heart. What awaits Kakashi as his curiosity gets the best of him and hunts down the creator?

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Kakashi's ears perked up with glee as Gai patted his shoulder. "It seems your muse has returned, My Rival."

Kakashi swatted his hand away and scoffed. "It's not my muse, Gai. I just enjoy the music, just as you, Kurenai and Asuma." Only to get an eye roll from the genjutsu mistress. All four enjoying the peaceful melody that wafted through the night's crisp air. "What?" Kakashi questioned as he arched a silver brow.

"If I remember correctly, you became momentarily depressed when the music stopped playing three years ago." Kurenai answered with a smug smile. "Aren't you the least bit curious as to who the musician is? If I was in love with the player, then I would want to know."

"I'm not in love." Kakashi tried to defend himself, yet it fell on deaf ears.

"Denials a bitch. Isn't it, Kakashi?" Asuma commented with a puff of his smoke. "I don't know about you, but I'm going to go see who it is. Who knows? It might be either a guy or girl." Leaping towards the heartfelt melody.

Gai stood taller and voiced. "This melody is more youthful than before. I wonder what has changed." Dashing after Asuma.

Kakashi called out. "Oi…were supposed to be on duty." His call being once more falling on deaf ears as Kurenai went after the duo. Listening to the music as his soothed his drumming and regretful heart, the serenity and clarity each note hit soothed his muscles and sped up his racing heart. "Something's different…" curiosity getting the better of him and followed after his childhood friends.

The four jonin were surprised as they treaded deep within Konoha's forest, seeing small speakers hidden throughout the plains. Following closely till they came to an unknown clearing, none had been, seen or heard of before. Standing in awe at the vast pristine lake that was illuminated under the full lunar moon. A long oak pier with a wooden pavilion sitting in the middle of the lake. A black grand piano playing host to a swaying, beautiful blonde woman. Her straight flowing hair reaching the middle of her back, wearing a loose-fitted white dress and sandals. Not taking notice of the jonin that walked down the pier as she was smiling softly with her eyes closed. Letting her fingers glide elegantly over the black and white keys.

Up close, the jonin noticed her sun-kissed skin, a lithe frame and generous bust. Almost like the Hyuga heiress. Watching as her fingers slowed to an end, unconsciously all four of them clapped for the girl. Making her eyes snap open to reveal the most stunning sapphire blues, that almost appeared purple in the reflected light, looked to them in surprise.

"Uhh…" the blonde tried to speak, but was cut off as Gai grabbed her hands and knelt before her. Startling the girl to the point of fright.

"You are truly a magnificent buttercup in the withered meadows. We have been listening to your youthful music for years, but you suddenly stopped…" his head bowed in defeat. "But hearing your melody once more has made my heart burn vigorously with the flames of youth."

The blonde looked scared and almost on the verge of tears when Kurenai pulled Gai away and offered a smile reassuringly to the blonde pianist. Thanking Kami that the blonde smiled back. Even if it was small, but the shock and suspicion was still clear in her orbs. "Sorry about Gai. He tends to be youthful, a lot more than people are used to. But it's great to hear you play once more…" still not knowing of the blonde's name, seeing as the blonde didn't want to give out her name and said. "I'm Kurenai Yuhi." Holding a hand out in greet with the pianist shaking it politely.

"Asuma Sarutobi." The smoking jonin supplied with a nod, watching as the blonde stood up and bowed respectfully as she finally deemed them as safe…for now.

"So you are Hiruzen-Ji-san's second son." Shocking the occupants. "He has told me many things about his family…" gesturing to the piano. "He built me this sanctuary when I was all but 9 years of age. Your father was a kind and caring man. Even if you don't believe so. But you must excuse me. My godfather will worry if I don't return home soon." Bowing once more and walked through the jonin with feline grace. Looking over slightly as she spotted a masked-nin.

"Kakashi Hatake." Was all he supplied and she nodded. Leaving them to be as she disappeared into the forest.

The blonde kept walking till she could no longer feel their eyes on her back and dashed out into a sprint. Running as if her life depended on it all the way to the Hokage's tower, running past the flustered Shizune and straight through the office door. Not bothering to knock as she startled the Hokage and Gama-Sannin.

Eyes wide and frantic as she slammed the door close, her arms wailing about. "They saw me! The team leaders saw me! What am I going to do, Baa-chan, Ero-Sennin?! They said that they've been listening to me play for years!" panting harshly as they Gamma-Sannin pulled her into a comforting embrace. Rubbing her back calmly as he tried to calm her down from having a panic attack.

Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose and replied. "I warned you, but it must be a sign that it's time for you to no longer hide…Naruto…" smirking behind her laced hands.

Nobody knew except a handful that Naruto was truly a splendid Kunoichi. Not the dead-last dobe everyone knew of, Naruto is she wanted to could be on par with Konoha's elites. Hiding her true gender and skills in fear because of Danzo and the civilian council. The real Naruto had no whisker marks and was a true beauty just like her mother. A bit shyer and more polite than her persona would portray, but still stubborn when she had to be…well if she wasn't easily startled by other people.

Jiraiya gave a pointed look at Tsunade. "Stop teasing her, Hime." Pulling back and looked into Naruto's eyes as he advised. "Well…we can't really do anything, Naruto. The seal Sarutobi-sensei placed on you completely deteriorated last night and keeping up a henge would do no good. You'll constantly have to have your guard up."

There was fear in her orbs. "B-but…I…c-council and D-Danzo…a-and e-e-everyone will k-know…" Shutting her mouth up as she sounded like Hinata in their genin days and clutched the material of her dress by her heart. Her hands were trembling slightly as multiple scenarios ran through her head.

"Don't worry, Gaki. Leave it to me." Tsunade smirked as she calmly watched Jiraiya try and sooth Naruto. He was always babying Naruto whenever she wasn't hiding behind her male persona ever since a certain incident. "Then you can be the beautiful woman you are for the rest of your life." Tsunade knew it was time to stop hiding Naruto and she hoped Jiraiya would allow Naruto to grow into the 'woman' she was meant to be…and also a little something else Tsunade has always wanted from the younger blonde she saw as her own daughter.

Naruto and Jiraiya's spine shivered in fear as they held onto each other. The later saying to the Godaime. "Oh hell no, Tsunade! You are not going to marry off my baby-girl!"

Tsunade waved a hand at the two dismissively. "Oh calm down you two. I never mentioned to marry Naruto off just like that." There was a confident gleam in her eyes. "But I won't oppose to having some grandbabies running around Konoha."

Jiraiya paled as he covered Naruto's ears and hissed at Tsunade. "Over. My. Dead. Body!"
Disappearing with Naruto in tow. Naruto would always be his baby girl first and tough killer Kunoichi second.

Tsunade sighed. "This is going to take a while."

Morning:

Naruto grumbled as she was out shopping for groceries since Jiraiya cleaned out her food stock. It was Sunday. She should be sleeping in and not worrying about food. More so, she should be worrying about how she was going to explain her appearance now that the Sandaime's gender seal completely wore away two days ago. Naruto paid for the purchase of her groceries and thanked the vendor for the vegetables. Leaving the stall and moved further down to the street to where the bakery was situated when she stiffened as an unknown arm was wrapped around her shoulders and looked to the bearded man that tried flashing her a charming grin. It only frightened Naruto. 'Oh no. Where's Ero-Sennin? What do I do?' Jiraiya was always with her in her true form when Sarutobi passed away. Naruto's mind was in turmoil on what to do. Jiraiya was always with her. Being in her own body had given her a lot of unwanted and ill-intent attention while on her training trip with Jiraiya that Naruto would rather be a male at times. But Tsunade specifically told her not to hide anymore.

"Morning toots. How about you spend some time with uncle and I'll show you a good time?" The bearded man used his free arm to slide against the blonde's hairless arms. She was a fine capture.

Naruto gave a shaky smile and held up her bag of groceries to act as a barrier between then. "I-I'm sorry, Sir, but I'm busy right now." The man's hold tightened around her in warning with Naruto flinching slightly with fear flashing in her blue orbs. "P-please, Sir. I have to return home immediately." Naruto didn't like the sound of plea in her tone. But she wasn't use to being in her true form for so long without a guardian around. Heck! Even Itachi would watch over her before the whole Uchiha incident.

The bearded man barked in laughter. "Now this is refreshing. Meeting such a beautiful and pure girl such as you." He leered at her as he eyed her body hungrily. "How about Uncle help you with that purity you got and turn you into a fine woman?"

Panic welled within Naruto's chest and felt her eyes sting. "P-please release me, Sir." She could sense the ill-intent roll of this man and could tell the civilians wanted to help, but were intimidated by this large man. 'Jiraiya, where are you?' Naruto inwardly pleaded as the man drew his face closer to hers and could smell the cheap sake on his breath.

"That's enough from you."

A hand was in Naruto's sight and watched as a finger flicked the bearded man on the nose and sent flying back.

"Are you okay, Miss?" A concerned voice wafted into Naruto's ears.

Naruto looked to her saviour and hid her shock that it was her former sensei, Kakashi Hatake. "T-thank you…" Naruto whispered and looked down to her arms that were still holding her groceries tightly, but she was shaking. Feeling tears slid down her cheek and touch the wet liquid. She wasn't sure if she were crying in shock or relief.

Kakashi instantly touched her cheek softly to grab the fallen tear. Making the young woman flinch before she realised that she was in safe hands and released a shaky breath. "He won't hurt you anymore, Miss. You're safe now." Kakashi's biological eye was greeted with clear blues and could see the flecks of purple within them. He could easily read the relief and thankfulness in her eyes and smiled. "Better?" retracting his hand and looked down the road to the unconscious man.

Naruto nodded. "Thank you again. I don't usually shop alone." She supplied an answer and flinched when she heard a groan from behind. It was from the drunk.

Kakashi placed a strong hand on her shoulder to gain the blonde's attention. "He won't hurt you, Miss. Not while I'm around." He assured her.

Naruto nodded at Kakashi. Of course his word was true. Naruto felt a flare in chakra and looked behind Kakashi to see Jiraiya…well a disguised Jiraiya. His hair was blonde, like hers, with white strands to show off his old age. Purple eyes and leathery skin. Naruto released her tears and ran over to him.

Jiraiya pulled Naruto into a tight and comforting hug in an instant. Pulling her groceries free and created a clone to get rid of them as he soothed her hair. "Sshh I'm here now, kid. You're safe now." Jiraiya's disguised eyes meet Kakashi's and nodded to the well-known jonin in thanks and respect as Naruto was slowly calming down in his presence. "Who did it?" pulling back and held her delicate face softly with anger and worry evident in his eyes.

Naruto pointed to the ruffian that was pulling himself out Kakashi's hit. Her eyes clashed with his and whimpered as she clung to Jiraiya. There was still lust in his eyes with a tinge of anger.

Jiraiya gently pried Naruto free and handed her over to Kakashi. "Just hold her for me, Kakashi-san." The disguised-Jiraiya requested to the well-known shinobi as he gently turned Naruto's head towards Kakashi to not watch. It seemed Naruto was still afraid of being picked-up in her female form. Ever since she was almost kidnapped while on their travels. In broad daylight no less. Naruto still held no confidence in her true form, unlike her male persona. It was Jiraiya's fault for not keeping a good eye on her and he would make up for that.

Kakashi just nodded and tucked the blonde into his arms and slowly swayed side to side. Watching the old man march over to the drunkard with the intent to kill.

Jiraiya hefted the large man up in the air with one hand with relative ease. "You punk. You made my precious goddaughter shed tears. You're going to pay for that." Jiraiya hissed in an ice cold tone and reeved back his fist. Connecting his heavy fist with the man's jaw and sent him flying over the village. Tsunade would be proud of that punch, but Jiraiya wasn't in the mood to celebrate. Jiraiya moved back over to Naruto and saw that she had calmed down completely in Kakashi's arms and smiled a little. "Thank you, Kakashi-san. You just saved my precious little one." Stroking Naruto's hair and got her to look at him while she was in Kakashi's embrace. "How are you?"

"Can…can I go play the piano now?" Naruto asked hopefully. She was still shaken up mentally by the incident and wanted something more calming to sooth her heart. She hated not being strong enough to defend and protect herself like this. How was she meant to be a shinobi when she was easily startled in her natural body?

Jiraiya's eyes softened. "Okay and then you're going to get some rest." Jiraiya noticed that Kakashi hadn't released Naruto yet and looked to the kid. "Would you like to come too, Kakashi-san?"

"If you wouldn't mind, Sir." Kakashi replied. "I heard your goddaughter playing last night and she has amazing talent. Her music comes from her heart." Releasing the blonde in his arms, but not completely. Resting an arm around her waist gently and rubbed her lower back in soothing circles.

Jiraiya ignored the action for now and was surprised that Kakashi could read Naruto's music easily. For now, Jiraiya held out a hand and gave Kakashi an alias name. "The name's Kira Yuki and this is my goddaughter, Narumi Yuki. She's my pride and joy." Also giving Naruto a fake name to go with around Konoha till she felt at ease to reveal the truth. It would take him a while to train Naruto in her real body and adjust to her lady bits and to also rebuild her self-confidence. Then there was the merging back into society completely. Jiraiya had a lot of work on his hands, but didn't mind as long as it was for Naruto.

"It's nice to meet you two." Kakashi smiled but was looking to Narumi as she was fidgeting with her white blouse nervously. 'She has a beautiful name. Just like her music.' "Your name means growing beauty, correct, Narumi-san." Kakashi picked up a conversation with the blonde as the trio moved through Konoha's streets towards the forest.

Naruto looked up to Kakashi and nodded. "Yes and your name means scarecrow, correct."

"Indeed." Kakashi nodded.

Jiraiya noticed the faint sparkle in Kakashi's eye and inwardly frowned. 'For an observant man, he surly is blind not to see that this is Naruto. I'm sure Naruto would've shown him her sexy-no-jutsu before. Why can't Kakashi see that?' Jiraiya recalled the memory of Kakashi's skinship with Naruto and chuckled mentally. 'I see now. Naruto did say last night that the team leaders have been listening to her play for years and now it seems Kakashi is smitten with the conductor of the music. I wonder how this will play out.' Jiraiya slipped into his character of Kira Yuki and led the way as he quietly listened in on Kakashi speak to Naruto…no, Narumi.

"So you've been playing the piano since you were nine years old." Kakashi started up the conversation with the conductor that caught his curiosity. His eye forever locking with her two-tone eyes. They were mesmerising.

"I've been playing since I was four. The Sandaime built me that sanctuary when I was nine. I…don't really like being around in public. As you've seen why. I gain unwanted attention and it's…intimidating." She chuckled nervously and got no disrespect from Kakashi. Instead, Narumi was graced with a look of understanding and acceptance. "Ahh…so you've been listening to me play for years? I didn't know people would be listening."

"Your music is very beautiful, Narumi-san." Kakashi complimented as he easily moved them out of the way of an elderly couple passing by. His eye never straying from hers as she allowed him to lead the way with his eye straying to her soft smile of his compliment. He could tell it was genuine. "Though forgive my curiosity last night. It had been years since I last heard your music."

Narumi offered a small smile. "There's no harm done. I enjoy playing for other people to listen. I just didn't know who would be listening. That's all. Last night was a definite surprise on my part." 'Why hasn't Kakashi-sensei recognised me yet? He seems like another person…kind of. Though I can tell he likes my music. When will Kakashi-sensei notice it's really me? Maybe Jiraiya has a plan or something.'

"Is there a particular reason why you took up playing the piano?" Kakashi continued with the questions with the musician he briefly met last night. Glad that he finally had a name to her face.

Narumi hummed as she looked up to the passing clouds as they entered the forest. "When I was four, I remembering hearing the piano being played for the first time in my life. Being curious back then, I followed the noise till I came across a worn down piano being played by the Sandaime Hokage." There was a soft smile gracing her lips as Kira decided to listen in as well. "I remembering asking 'why are you playing such a sad song, Gramps?' he chuckled and placed me on his lap as he explained he was playing for the lost souls that haven't found their way yet and they might be lonely. It was creepy back then since I'm afraid of ghosts and whatnot." Narumi and Kakashi a little before she continued on her tale. "But, I wanted to learn ever since then. The Sandaime was a kind man and offered to teach me himself. I picked up the skills quickly and played songs for him. It was then did I realise why he played the piano. Playing each key and listening as the music on a piece of sheet comes alive…gives a sense of being free like a bird's wings being carried by the wind. There was freedom and a feeling of being at ease and complete whenever I played. It was the same with the Sandaime. We connected with music and he was very kind to me. Music saved me when he passed away. I'll never forget the kindness he showed me throughout my life."

"The Sandaime is indeed a great man and shinobi." Kakashi hummed in agreement and lead Narumi around a large tree as they neared the lake. "Have you thought about teaching anybody?" he saw her look for him to elaborate and added on. "I've seen listening to you play for the past 5 years, though you stopped playing for 3 years. During then, I wanted to learn how to play like you. Free-spirited. You wouldn't mind taking me on as your student, would you, Narumi-san?" Kakashi requested.

Narumi's eyes widen slightly as her checks were dusted a light pink. "I'm flattered that you like my style of music enough to ask for me to teach you. Though are you sure you want to learn from me, Kakashi-san?" Narumi asked as she swore she heard Kira walk into a tree from Kakashi's request.

"I would be honoured to learn from you, Narumi-san." Kakashi eye-smiled at the young blonde. This was the first time she called him by his name. "How about a trade of sorts? You teach me the piano and I can teach you the guitar, Narumi-san?" reaching out of the forest and stood just before the pier on the lake. Kakashi's arm had never left her back and Narumi hadn't removed herself from his hold. Kakashi took this as a good sign that she trusted him a bit. She seemed like a very cautious girl.

Jiraiya/Kira had never missed a single action between the two. 'Kakashi is definitely smitten by Naruto and is playing his cards well. Naruto doesn't even realise that he is trying to gain her attention and affection. Kakashi, you sweet-talker. If Minato were alive, you'd be dead that's for sure. Good thing the kid knows about them or else she would've felt betrayed by you for not telling her.' Jiraiya mused back on the time he told Naruto about her parents during the training period. She ignored him completely for 2 entire weeks before she talked to him and understood why she wasn't told and wasn't mad at him and everybody else for not telling her. It was for her safety. Just like how the Sandaime placed the permanent male henge on her to keep her safe from those will ill-intent. 'I wonder how long it will be before Kakashi finds out on his own. It won't be long before smitten turns into a more serious feeling. Indeed, Naruto is different from her male-persona and lacks that hyper-attitude and rushing into battle head first. She's still Naruto. Kakashi can't be that smitten not to realise…can he?'

"Hmm, I guess that's a fair trade." Narumi hummed in agreement. She didn't know that Kakashi could play an instrument. Perhaps this was the time to 'actually' get to know her sensei on a better level. Narumi looked Kakashi in the eye and nodded. "Okay then. I'll accept."

Kakashi smiled with his muscles easing in relief. "That's great." Shaking her hand firmly to seal the deal.

The disguised Jiraiya watched from the end of the pier as Narumi took Kakashi to the Grand Piano and began his first lesson. Jiraiya zoned in on Narumi's eyes as she was teaching Kakashi each key. 'This can go both ways. Good or bad for the both of them. Kakashi will have to sharpen up his game and Naruto needs to rebuild her confidence again if she wants to take on missions. The question right now is: how far are you willing to let Kakashi go, Naruto?' Jiraiya gazed to his goddaughter and saw that she was teaching with a smile on her face. Jiraiya's disguised-purple eyes widen in surprise. He hadn't seen Naruto smile like since the Sandaime passed on and her music bordered on darker areas. 'Maybe this is a good thing. Maybe.'

"You're doing great, Kakashi-san." Narumi complimented as she helped Kakashi spread his fingers wider to reach certain keys.

Kakashi was no fool. He was barely paying attention to the piano, but rather to the blonde that was teaching him patiently. Even when he 'accidently' hit the wrong key, she would keep calm. The look in her eyes told him that playing this large instrument was an important part of her life. Kakashi stopped playing and caught Narumi's full attention. Kakashi never broke her blue-purple gaze and said. "If it's alright with you, Narumi-san, I'd like to be friends with you."

"I don't mind, Kakashi-san. It's nice to have friends." Narumi replied with a nod.

Jiraiya's eyes widen. 'Well look at that. Kakashi is already making his move and Naruto doesn't even know. I better talk to Tsunade after this and get Naruto sorted to re-join Konoha's ranks.' Jiraiya turned his back on the two newly made friends and walked through the forest. "Seems like I'll have to be Kira for a while longer."

Tsunade's office:

Tsunade looked to Jiraiya in disbelief. "You mean, Kakashi Hatake, the masked-nin, copy-ninja and the most aloof man in Konoha is 'smitten' with our Naruto Uzumaki, the most unpredictable, quick-witted and best to disguise. Those two shinobi and Kakashi has 'no' idea that Narumi is actually Naruto…as in, the real Naruto."

Jiraiya sat before Tsunade's desk and nodded. "Yup. That's pretty much the summary. I saw it with my own two eyes, Tsunade. Kakashi is taken with Naruto, but he won't be getting anywhere with Naruto's current confidence issue. I plan on taking on my Kira-persona to teach Naruto to adapt to her female body and rebuild that confidence she only has as male-Naruto. It will take some time and knowing Kakashi, I won't be able to hide Narumi from him to get to know her better. Naruto's not ready to reveal herself yet, Tsunade and we have to respect that."

"So what am I supposed to do?" Tsunade was still in shock, but she had to deal with Naruto's re-emergence back into Konoha as herself first…then possibly some grandbabies. "Am I supposed to tell Team Kakashi that Naruto has left the village with you to…rediscover himself?" she arched a brow. "You two just arrived back home a few days ago…"

"That's a good idea, Tsunade." Jiraiya interrupted. "I'll have Naruto move her belongings into my house and I'll train her back up within the village under my persona, Kira. I'll also need to call in some help that you won't be liking and with your position, it's best if I don't tell you who I'm 'bringing' into the village." Jiraiya rephrased 'sneaking' into the village with something more appropriate to the Village Leader's ears.

Tsunade sighed heavily. "Jiraiya, Naruto just returned not even a week ago from your training trip. Yes, hiding her in plain sight till she is ready is ideal, but her team won't like this. Sakura and Kakashi are curious people by nature. I'm sure Sakura is bound to find out Naruto's true identity if they meet."

Jiraiya snorted. "Please, Tsunade. The Naruto the village knows is the loud, hyperactive knucklehead orange clad ninja. Our Naruto isn't like that. Well, she is no longer like that anymore. Naruto, over the years, has mellowed out and turned into a beautiful and strong young lady, Tsunade. Even with the resemblance between the two, no one will notice. Trust me on this, Tsunade. This village may be good a seeing beneath the underneath, but they aren't that great to phantom the possibility of Naruto really being a woman. A civilized, talented and hot-tempered woman, no less."

"There are the Nara's, Jiraiya. They will figure out Naruto's identity in a matter of days or weeks at the best."

"But the Nara's know when to mind their business and keep quiet. They wouldn't oust Naruto like that and would find a reasonable conclusion as to why Naruto would hide herself. I'm sure Sarutobi-sensei has given word to Shikaku considering that man is always insistent that Naruto be promoted from genin to jonin and placed under his tutelage. This is for Naruto, Tsunade. Naruto's not ready to be revealed to everybody just yet. She needs her confidence back to deal with the Kunoichi she has befriended. Ino, Sakura and Tenten are quite temperamental Kunoichi and would eat Naruto alive if you make Naruto reveal herself now. It's my fault that Naruto is uncomfortable in public in her natural form and it's my responsibility to take care of her. I'm not asking you, Tsunade, I'm telling you to allow Naruto to reveal herself on her own power. Give Naruto an opportunity to find herself again."

Tsunade sighed as there was absolute conviction in Jiraiya's word, voice, posture, eyes and presence. "Just this once Jiraiya. Just this once. If anything and I mean 'anything' happens to Naruto during this time, I won't hesitate to place her where this village won't harm her and that's right under my eyes and control."

Jiraiya's eyes widen and fraction and nodded. "I understand, Tsunade." He was serious and so was Tsunade. If Naruto was harmed so badly, namely found out by Danzo or the council, Jiraiya would willingly allow Tsunade to admit Naruto into the darkest shadows of Konoha. ANBU Black Ops. Jiraiya had no room to fail here. "I'll inform Naruto as soon as possible."