This story is based on Kakashi Gaiden, and is an AU involving backstory on Kakashi's family and the mission he and his squad went on. It was originally a prologue to a another story, but got long enough that I decided to upload it seperately! This is my first Naruto Fanfic, so let me know how you think things are panning out.
Read it, review it, flame it; I'll take any criticism to heart! Enjoy!
"Obito, you're late again."
"I'm sorry! I had to help an old woman with directions, and then I saw she was carrying a really heavy bag, so I stopped to help her with it, and then—"
"That doesn't matter." Kakashi cut across his fellow ninja. "The five of us were to meet here three minutes ago, and it seems you're the only one who couldn't make it."
"Kakashi," his older sister Yuki warned. "It's three minutes. Just because you wanted to get here half an hour early doesn't mean you can be rude. Besides, Obito did the right thing. Wouldn't you have done the same?"
"Not at the cost of being late," he shot back. "And Obito, stop crying. The twenty-fifth rule of Shinobi conduct states that a Shinobi must not show their tears."
"I—I'm not crying! I just got something in my eye!" Obito fumbled with his goggles. "Would you stop quoting those stupid rules? They're just suggestions, really."
"Oh right. Which is why we call them rules—"
"Kakashi, Obito. That's enough." Minato sighed.
"Yeah," Rin added quickly. "We're a team, can't we just get along?"
Despite the unspoken 'No' that still hung in the air, the two turned away and continued along the path behind the others.
"Don't forget, today's my special day as well."
Obito turned. "Huh? What's so special about today?"
"As of today, Kakashi's a Jonin, just like me and Minato," Yuki smiled proudly.
"That's right. For this mission, we'll be splitting into two teams. Kakashi will lead Rin and Obito as a three-man cell, while Yuki and I go alone."
"Why can't we all just go together?" Rin pleaded, eyeing everyone nervously.
"Konoha's military force is at its weakest during this war, and it'd be a waste to have three accomplished Jonins on one team."
"Okay, I get that, but why can't you and me and Rin be on a team together, and Kakashi can go with Yuki? She is the only one who can stand him, after all." Obito snickered, glancing over his shoulder at the siblings. Kakashi looked up, and frowned. "What are you two doing back there, anyway?"
"Oh, I was just explaining Kakashi's gift to him."
"What gift?"
"When one becomes a Jonin, it is customary for friends to give gifts." Kakashi spoke flatly; his eyes burrowing into Obito.
"I got you a custom made Kunai knife," Minato handed him the weapon. "Once you've gotten used to it, you'll find it comes in pretty handy."
The young ninja inclined his head. "Thank you, sensei."
"I made you a specialized medkit!" Rin blushed and thrust the pouch into Kakashi's hands. Desperately trying to switch the focus from herself, Rin turned. "What was it that you got him, Yuki?"
"Oh, right." She drew a small square of folded blue cloth from an inside pocket. "It's a mask fitted just for you." Kakashi extended his hand, but Yuki pulled the gift out of his reach. "Careful now. It'd made of a special material that absorbs chakra, but—"
"Why would you give him something so dangerous? Don't the ANBU use stuff like that for torture?" Rin cried out. "Your own bro—"
"But, " Yuki continued loudly, "I've touched it up a little. Absorbs chakra at a slower rate, and only when the wearer is relaxing or sleeping. The best part is that—in the middle of a battle—you can reuse the stored chakra. It's like an instant recharge!
"And I know the material's safe, because I've had it on all week," she said, seeing the unsure look that Rin was still displaying. "Don't believe me? Look." Yuki pulled her sleeves back, revealing arms sheathed in the blue cloth. "This is what made it so easy to beat those three fire ninjas back at the inn.
"Still, I'd wear it over the mask you've already got on. Just until your body gets used to the drain on your chakra." She held the material out to him. After a moment's hesitation, Kakashi took it.
"Thank you," he said sincerely, and stood still as his sister knotted the cloth at the back of his head.
"Well, Obito?"
The boy's head snapped up. "Well…what? I've got nothing to give you!
"Hmm," Kakashi snorted. "Probably wouldn't have been anything useful anyway. Better to carry nothing than a piece of junk."
"Dunno how someone like you got to be a Jonin," Obito grumbled.
"You can't talk to your superior like that."
"Grr! I am Obito of the Uchiha clan! When my Sharingan awakes, I'll—"
"You'll what?" Kakashi said quietly. "The Sharingan alone cannot make you a great ninja. You actually need skill for that," he spat.
"Guys..? Do you mind if I explain the mission now?" Minato intervened. "We're pretty close to the border."
Sooo..? Whether you love it or hate it, I'd like to know what you think. Thanks for reading, and please review.
Chapter Two coming soon.