I'm In Naruto (Kakashi X Reader)

On the Way Back
"So, what's this village like?" Haku asked.
"It's a really nice place! There's a bunch of stores, and there's this one ramen shop that has the best ramen ever," Naruto replied enthusiastically.
"Tsk," Sasuke scoffed, not bothering to elaborate further.
"It's a great village," Sakura said cheerfully.
Kakashi nodded silently, offering no further input.

"A village full of judgmental people," Y/N muttered, not looking up from the book she was reading. The comment hung in the air, bringing the conversation to a sudden halt.

Noticing the shift, Kakashi casually started walking beside Y/N. "Is something bothering you?" he asked.

Y/N glanced at him briefly before returning her focus to the book. "Not particularly. Why?"

"I'm curious about what you're reading," Kakashi said, his tone light but probing.

Y/N raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why the sudden interest? I've begged you to read this book so we could talk about it, and you always said, 'Sorry, I can't, Y/N.' So, what's changed?"

Kakashi chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "People change. Their tastes change too."

"Huh. Don't believe you, but here." She handed him the book.

"Thanks, Y/N," Kakashi said, ruffling her hair affectionately.

"So, what's the real reason you wanted to talk?" she asked, her tone softening.

Kakashi sighed, his demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. "What you did on the bridge—running in front of Naruto to stop him during his beast-tail mode—was dangerous. Brave, but reckless. Next time, leave it to me or send a clone. I don't want you getting hurt." He placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze steady and concerned.

Before Y/N could respond, Naruto interrupted, "Kakashi-sensei, is it true that Y/N's your favorite?"

Both Y/N and Kakashi froze. "What?" they said in unison.

"Yeah, I mean, she's your favorite, right? I've grown the most!" Naruto declared, his expression serious but tinged with hope.

Kakashi hesitated, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Where did you even hear that?" Y/N asked, glaring at Naruto.

"Haku told me," Naruto said matter-of-factly. "Before we got to the village, he said Y/N's your favorite and also the strongest female ninja on the team!"

"Is that so?" Y/N said, smirking at Kakashi. "Care to explain, sensei?"

"Yeah, sensei, tell us!" Naruto chimed in eagerly.

Kakashi's eyes darted around, searching for an escape. Finally, he blurted, "It's Sasuke."

Naruto and Y/N's expressions immediately fell. "He said I grew the most," Naruto mumbled dejectedly.

"And he called me his favorite a few days ago," Y/N added, equally dispirited.

The others couldn't help but laugh as they continued their journey back to the village.

Once they were inside, the ANBU started approaching them.
"We're here for Haku. We are to take him to the interrogation office," one ANBU spoke.
"What? Who ordered this?" Kakashi asked.
"It was a direct order from the elders."
"Tsk. We're not going to let you take him," Naruto answered.

Suddenly, the ANBU started getting closer, which made Y/N pull Naruto and Haku behind her back.
"We were told by the Hokage that we had permission to bring him in. He has all the rights to walk in and out of the village as he likes," Y/N said.
"That was canceled right after the meeting with the elders."
"But—"
"It's okay, Y/N. I understand. After all, I was an ally with a wanted man," Haku said, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"But this wasn't what I promised you," Y/N said, looking down.
"Well, don't worry. I will earn their trust, and I believe we will meet each other again, Y/N, Naruto," Haku said, willingly going with the ANBU.