"Are you sure about this, Tsugie?" Sandaime asked as he removed his hat and placed it on his table stacked with documents and paperwork.

"Yes, Sandaime. This was from a reliable source," I said as I lowered my head, keeping my knee on the floor as firm as possible. I was nervous since it's been a while I was in the Hokage's office.

Sandaime kept quiet for a moment and took a deep sip from his tobacco pipe and breathed out the smoke into the air. His head faced upwards towards the ceiling, digesting the information that I have just shared to him with his eyes closed.

As though he has made up his mind, his eyes fluttered open. He shifted in his chair and looked behind me. "Kotetsu!" he shouted and the door swung lightly behind me as one of Chuunins entered the room. "Summon Kakashi here immediately."

"Yes, Sandaime," Kotetsu saluted and closed the door behind him.

"Tsugie, please stand up," Sandaime said as he swirled his chair around with its back facing me and looked out the windows, taking in Konoha Village as I got up from the floor. "This may break him, you know?"

"Yes, sir. But I believe he has the right to know about this." I answered and took a step closer to his table. "I don't think we should keep this away from him since it's related to his-."

"I know. I know." Sandaime cut me off as he turned around and gazed at my report on the table. "It's just… He's been through too much and I am not sure if he can handle this."

I looked down at my feet and my mind spun with all the possibilities on what will happen once Kakashi heard about this intel. Will he take on this mission or walk away?

Right then, there was a knock on the door. "Enter," Sandaime said as he adjusted himself on the chair. I didn't have to turn around to know who it was. I can already felt his presence in the room. It has been like this ever since that day. He took his place next to me and I glanced sideways at him.

My heartbeat quickened even though we were practically a foot apart but he still has the same effect on me. It's been three years since I last saw him and he hasn't changed much.

He has become taller and his muscle is lean and tight. His spiky, silver hair was, as usual, standing upright as it was held in place thanks to the ninja headgear while covering his left eye. I wondered what will it look like if he ever removes his headgear. Will his hair fall over his face or it would still be upright? He's dressed in the ANBU gear similar to mine, except without the mask. His eyes were cold and emotionless.

"You asked for me, Sandaime? How can I assist you?" Kakashi asked coolly. He didn't even look at me in whatsoever ways as his eye fixed on Sandaime.

"Yes, I did. There's a reason why I have summoned you here," Sandaime said as he nodded towards my direction. "This is one of the ANBUs sent out for an infiltration mission and has just returned to Konoha. She managed to stop the organization that was trying to take over the Village of Tori."

Kakashi didn't say anything and Sandaime continued. "During the mission, she got hold of a certain information that we believe you should know about." Sandaime handed my report to Kakashi and he approached the table promptly. As he flipped open the report, his eye widened and I could have sworn his hands trembled a little.

He stood still in complete silence as we gave him time to look through the report. Once he was done, he looked up at me for a moment before turning his attention back on Sandaime.

"What is this?" he asked as he held the file in his hand.

"This is the information related to the organization, Enzai that Hatake Sakumo had pursued during his last mission," Sandaime answered. "She found intel and leads that can track down the head of the organization, Fuzen."

He paused for a few seconds as he allowed Kakashi to fully absorb the information. "There will be a mission assigned to apprehend Fuzen and stop Enzai that is currently plotting on attacking the Village of Sora. However, as this mission is related to your father, Tsugie was wondering if you would accept this mission and track them down with her."

"Tsugie?" asked Kakashi as he faced me and locked his eye with my eyes. Although my ANBU mask was on but it felt as though he can see right through me. I felt uneasy as I fidgeted slightly in my place.

My hand enclosed the mask and took it off while Kakashi remained impassive. I couldn't read his emotion since his face is practically covered up and the only part exposed on his face was his eye that continued to observe me with an expression I couldn't quite explain. Was it conflict? Rage? Or hate?

I did my best to ignore the intense gaze. I decided to explain the mission and situation to get the anxiety off. "The enemy is currently residing in a stronghold in the east that are three days away from Konoha Village. There's no exact pinpoint of the location yet because they are apparently hiding the stronghold in mist. My scouts told me that they are preparing to invade the Village of Sora in a week time. If we move out tomorrow, we may be able to find the stronghold and intercept them in time."

We kept our eyes on each other but Kakashi was the one that broke off the eye contact as he set down the report on the table. "There's no we. I am not doing it," he said and he walked away from Sandaime's desk, standing further away from me.

"Excuse me?" I exclaimed in astonishment.

"I'm not taking this mission," he replied in a flat tone.

"Hey, that's your father we're talking about here. Don't you want to catch the man that's responsible for your father-"

Kakashi glared at me strictly and my mouth shut instinctively. "I don't think it's any of your business. He's not your father so stay out of it. It's still my right to accept or reject a mission if I want to. You might have forgotten since you've been gone for a while. Unless it's a strict order from the Sandaime, only then I'll have to accept it. Get your facts and priorities straight before standing up to me."

I didn't like what I heard so I opened my mouth to press him but Sandaime's voice rang across the room. "If that's what you wish, I won't force you but we think you should really think this through."

"There's nothing to think about, Sandaime. I'm not taking it. You can maybe ask some other ANBUs. Take Kinoe if you want. I'm sure he can help her."

"Kakashi, are you sure about this?" Sandaime asked again.

"Yes, Sandaime. I've another mission assigned already and will be taking off later this evening. You know that my team will not take on two missions at a time. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll need to prepare."

"Ka-," I started but he was already turning away and walking out of the room. I spun around to Sandaime. "Sandaime..."

"I know what you want to say but this is Kakashi's decision. We have no right to force him."

"But..."

"Let it go, Tsugie. Focus on your mission now. It could be for the best. The darkness in him is too strong. There could be a possibility that this mission can drive him to the edge."

"I don't agree. I believe that it can give him closure. It might be a good chance to drag him to the light, back to us. Do you not care about him?" I snapped. Then I realized who I was talking to. I quickly bowed my head apologetically. "I'm sorry, Sandaime. I got out of line."

"No, it's okay, Tsugie," Sandaime said kindly as he got out of his seat and strode towards me. My heart ached, looking at Sandaime. He looked fragile and old. He should have retired a long time ago. If only Minato-sensei is still here, things would be different. Sandaime glanced up at me. "I know you care about him. I understand your feelings."

I blushed and looked aside. Of course he knows. Everyone knows. Well, except Kakashi himself. He's still oblivious about me.

I am worried about him. He's not in a good state. I want to help him. He's lost too much. First his mother, his father, Obito, Rin and then Minato sensei. It isn't fair. Why is this happening to him?

Determination rose in me. I'm not giving up on him. I'm sure there's a way to pull him back. I want him to be the kid that I've met years ago. The strong, confident and kind person. The boy that was always smiling behind the mask. The boy that saved me.

"Sandaime, I hope you can grant me a permission."

Sandaime looked at me curiously. "What is it?"

...

I crouched on the top of a tree just outside the front gate entrance with a bag pack slung over my shoulder. Within an hour, I've replenished my equipment and food. Now, I just need to wait.

I noticed a familiar figure with silver hair approaching the entrance from the distance. Kakashi. He walked calmly with his head glancing on the floor instead of focusing ahead even though the street was filled with villagers. I can actually feel that his shoulders were heavy as though they were burdened by the surrounding and universe itself.

Suddenly, I saw another figure emerged out of nowhere and slung his arm around Kakashi. The green shirt and mushroom hair gave away his identity immediately. It was Guy. It's been a while since I last saw him.

Just like Kakashi, he's gotten taller and with a bigger build. Looking at how he was bugging Kakashi, he hasn't changed at all. He's still keeping up the years of rivalry, isn't he? I wonder if Kakashi didn't have to endure all those pain, would he still be laughing with the gang? Accepting challenges from Guy? Talking to me?

My hearts clenched at the sight of him. I just want to rush over, hug him and let him know that I'll be by his side no matter what. But he doesn't need me. He needs Rin. Even after his father and Obito were gone, with Rin around, there was still life in him. Like he had a purpose. But now, he's lost. A pang of jealousy hit me and immediately, I hate myself for feeling this way.

Tsugie, are you seriously comparing yourself to his dear friend? What's the matter with you?

I shook my head and refocus my attention back to Kakashi. He shrugged off Guy and continued to move towards the entrance. Guy stood there with disappointment as he watched his friend walked away.

Kakashi passed through the entrance and immediately, he jumped onto a tree nearby and began moving from one tree to the next. I counted to ten and ran behind him.

My movement was fast and quiet, hoping he wouldn't notice me. He was way up ahead but luckily, his silver hair stood out amongst the green leaves and brown branches so I was able to catch up to him and not lose sight of him.

I followed him as I jumped from one tree to the next tree. I heard a sound of rustling leaves coming from below and my eyes snapped towards the direction. Nothing.

Damn it. Why did I look away?

I glanced back to the front but Kakashi was gone. I picked up my pace and search for the silver hair. But there wasn't any luck. I've lost him.

I stopped on one of the tree branches. Maybe I should summon for Sei. He can track Kakashi with just a sniff easily. I bit my finger and sweetness flooded in my mouth. The blood flow from my finger and I weaved my Summoning Jutsu sign. Just as I was about to slam my hand onto the surface, I felt a sharp point on my neck. It was a kunai. My hand left dangling in the air as the blood dripped onto the branch I was on.

"What do you want from me?" the voice was muffled but I knew who it was.

"Hokage-sama sent me to accompany you on this mission," I replied cautiously.

"Why?" Kakashi asked. "This is a solo mission."

"I don't know. I'm just following order," I said as I reached for my small pack around my waist. The kunai drove a little deeper onto my neck and I tensed. "Calm down, I'm just showing you the order given by Sandaime."

He didn't reply and his kunai stayed on. I assumed he wasn't going to cut me so I continued to rummage my pack and before long, I pulled out a scroll. I spread it open slowly and held it close enough for Kakashi to see.

I could feel his face inched closer to my face to have a better look. I glanced sideways at Kakashi but all I saw was his ANBU fox mask, gazing intently at the scroll. His face was way too close to mine and I can feel his warm breath on my neck. I find myself blushing and had the urge to shift from him but I was scared that the kunai might end up cutting me instead. So I stayed still and held my breath for what seems to feel like an eternity.

Finally, he released his hold on me and my neck was free. He stood up beside me and looked to the front.

"Don't fall behind," he muttered and without waiting for a reply, he lunged forward to the next branch.

I got up, braced myself and followed him.