Summary: When Kakashi looked back, he always saw his teacher, Rin and Obito. When Kakashi looked forward he saw a mirror reflection.

Warnings: Had some spoilers on Kakashi's background and about Yondaime, but other than that, I don't think much else. I don't know if this'll turn into a KakaSasu or not, nor am I sure if this'll end up going AU,thought I kind of doubt the former.

Discalimer: All of the characters are copyrighted to Masashi Kishimoto, but the plot is mine

Kakashi was a man who lived in the past yet hoped for the future. Or did he? Some days, it seemed that the Jounin lived in his own time, stuck in between yet not quite in the present. That attribute became clearer once he took on his very first, accepted Genin team. He would show up late every day, ranging from a few minutes to a few hours, though typically leaning to the latter side.

But, who knew that Kakashi Hatake was a man of prayer?

Yes, he often remained at the memorial tombstone, letting his unspoken thoughts to whisper to his past team. He mourned for three, Minato, Rin, and especially Obito. He looked up to them for guidance, though was given none. They knew he need not hear their voices nor have an invisible hand. Even Kakashi knew to an extent. Whenever he pleaded for an answer, it always came. Sometimes, it did in fact take hours, but his mind would churn, forming an answer of its own. Today was one of these days. The Chunin exams were quickly approaching. His instincts told him to allow and nominate his team, but his mind told him they weren't ready. He remembered the mission that had almost killed them – particularly Sasuke. He pleaded with Obito, then with Rin. Finally, as he spoke to his deceased teacher, the answer dawned to him. Did Minato stop them when they were far, far younger than these three? No, he did not. With a smile on his masked face, Kakashi set out to greet his team, who would be obviously annoyed and hungry due to his antics.

--

There was no doubting that the son of the great White Fang was proud of his team. They continued to strive for the goal and survived not unscathed, nor without losses, but they were alive. Kakashi observed as the rookie genius ate his evening meal, the boy having such a resemblance to his former team mate. Obito Uchiha. Those endless black eyes hid such a deadly skill and such potential. And when the red sharingan swirled to life, there was much danger. Idly, the Jounin wondered how Obito would have used those eyes, how he would have developed if the rock had not fallen upon him. He wondered how exactly he would be if his former friend had not diminished before his own eyes, and how his skills would be if he didn't inherit the eye he is now known for. But Kakashi knows that Obito isn't the only one who resembles his student, but he himself is also a contender to Sasuke's demeanour and being. No, that's not right. Sasuke is exactly who he was back then. And he knew how hard this boy's determination would be to break. Another question came to his mind; that if his team went through the tragedies his had, would history repeat itself? Would Sasuke's attitude change on revenge? But Kakashi knew that chance was slim, especially since Naruto, Obito's clone, held the Kyuubi demon within him.

But, who was to be feared more, Naruto or… Sasuke?

The elders knew of what Naruto retained within him, and knew of Naruto's potential (if it could be called that). But, only Kakashi knew of what demon lived within Sasuke. He knew that demon quite well, as that dark fiend once dwelled within him. He shed that monster long ago, once his best friend died, and perhaps it crept along the walls of Konoha, waiting and waiting for a new person to inhabit. Sasuke was now the one who housed it, and Kakashi was afraid that it wouldn't leave. He personally felt responsible, and he had to stop it.

He wouldn't let this demon run free.

Okay! My first fan fiction on this account. If there are any errors or concerns PLEASE contact me!!! (via PM or review) because I'm trying to improve upon on writing skills.

And yes, like I said above, I really doubt this will turn into a Kakasasu, and I hope it doesn't, because I always wanted to write just parental or friendship between the two.
Oh, a beta would be much appreciated hehe