Do not own Naruto. . .

"Welcome, Kakashi Hatake."

Kakashi greeted the leader.

"I hope my request was not a burden to you."

"Not at all Kakashi, but I do hope that our offer does not prove a burden to you."

"How so?"

"I'm afraid we are limited to the number of high quality soldiers we can afford to send off at this time."

"That is fully understood."

"And when your request came in, we could not deny one of our most honored alliances, both you and your village. However, tragedy has bestowed the soldier we had hoped to acquaint you with. He was a true shinobi of our kind. As fate would have it though, that same warrior blood runs through that of his kin- or so we had thought. His name is Ao and I like to believe the name was not meant for him. But Kakashi, he is a born warrior. He chooses to defy the system but we cannot allow his abilities to go to waste."

"So you chose to send him to war?"

"Under your guidance, I desire to see Ao find that there are reasons behind alliances."

"What is it that separates Ao from the others?"

"He is a wolf."

"Well he is not the first wolf to offer alliance."

"But he has no heritage. We know nothing about him nor can he tell us anything. Ketu found him and brought him in. Ketu was the only one Ao cared for and when Ketu fell in battle, Ao withdrew all together."

Kakashi listened to the story. Honestly, he had not wanted any sort of challenge but then again, that is how the strongest bonds are made. "I will accept his offer."

"Two years of service in exchange for food and shelter?"

Kakashi nodded.

"Bring in Ao."

There was a scuffle and with the assistance of three other soldier dogs, Ao was tossed into the room.

"Ao stand." The leader commanded. But Ao looked at him through narrow eyes and remained on his side. "You are insulting our guest." Ao continued to glare. "You don't want to start on bad terms with your new master." That got Ao to react. "Remember this- it is an unfortunate family resemblance that I am here. Do not think it is otherwise." With that said, he stood. Kashy looked over his lean hard frame, a body built for stealth and speed. When Ao turned to Kakashi there was no mistaking it- Ao was indeed a wolf. "Please forgive us Kakashi but you are the only one who could possibly get him to obey. He is indeed our best fighter." Ao was staring off, blocking out the conversation regarding his future.

Kakashi looked again at the black wolf. Ao returned his gaze, with mismatched eyes. His coat was virtually perfect no evidence of previous battles or wounds.

"I thank you greatly for your loyalty." Kakashi bowed. "It is our pleasure to fight besides a shinobi as honorable as you." Ao scoffed at the words. "And I know Ao will prove to be a loyal servant of yours." Ao pinned his ears and growled at that statement. "Feeling better are we, Ao? You sure seem to heal quickly." The old sensei dog stood up and walked causally towards the wolf. Ao gave a warning growl. Ears pinned. Perhaps another dog would have been intimated but not the training sensei. He laughed at Ao. "Come on boy. Do you really want to fight me?" "I seem to recall our last fight being ended rather abruptly for the sake of sparing an old teacher?" The sensei dog charged with a growl. Ao easily sidestepped the wolf and spun on his heels. The sensei turned to counterattack, but Ao was no longer behind him. "Looking for something?" Sensei had no time to react. Ao had him pinned. "Enough!" The leader yelled, greatly humiliated by his teacher and his soldier. Ao backed off and the sensei stood up stiffly. "Kakashi I apologize greatly and if this occurrence in any way has changed your views on accepting him, I understand and am willing to comply. Kakashi shook his head. "Ao will be an honor to serve with." Ao turned towards the silver haired man. The way the man had said that sounded almost as if they would be fighting as equals. But humans didn't work that way. Ao knew that. It was killed or be killed. Summoning animals were called upon as spare parts against an enemy.