A/N: A quick thanks to my beta readers; Veltrops, Unify, trustthefish (found on archiveofourown), and Susurruses. Don't know what I'd do without them! 3 3
Chapter 1 - The Meeting
The wind blew forcefully against the trees of Konoha, the leaves rustling furiously against each other. Kakashi let his silver mop that he called hair blow along with it, knowing that it would defy all laws of gravity, and stand vertically once again. This was his favourite place to relax when he wasn't off on an S-Class mission. The tree was close enough to Hokage Tower that he could still be in Ino's telepathic radius, but far enough that he could get some peace and quiet.
However, that's not the reason he was here this time. He used to come there to view the beauty of his village, but now he used it as a hiding spot. The whole place was chaotic as everybody worked hard to repair the damage of the last war. Men were handling the reconstruction of the village, while women were in charge of the food and children. Both sides were stressed; there was barely enough food to eat comfortably, let alone fuel the repair effort. Medic ninjas like Sakura were busy at the hospitals, where those wounded in the war fought for their lives, whereas combat ninjas like Naruto were busy attending to pressing missions. Only a select few of the top Jonin were left on standby, ready to protect the Hokage in case enemies took advantage of the situation. Kakashi let out a deep sigh.
Even in times of strife, we still have to appear strong to the other villages. If we had channelled that energy into becoming more united instead, we may have been able to save more lives.
He hadn't touched his Icha Icha books in days, feeling that the timing was inappropriate. It was his only form of salvation at this point though. Being surrounded by this much tragedy only brought back bad memories for him, especially when he realised that his best friend was one of the main causes. Even if he did have a change of heart, it didn't change that he caused it all.
Though people can be forgiven, actions can't be undone. It's sad though, since you'll be forever condemned as a criminal.
He cracked open the book, flicking through the pages to find where he had last read.
At least I'll know your thoughts, Obito. Hopefully that is enough for you.
Kakashi was about to get lost in the world of Icha Icha, when Ino interrupted his thoughts.
"Kakashi, the Hokage wants all Jonin remaining in the village to patrol the outskirts of Konoha. There has recently been an increase in bandit activity, and I'm sure you know we are in no condition to withstand an attack at the moment. You are to take the north area of the village."
Shoving his beloved Icha Icha in his pouch, Kakashi immediately set out. He was always surprised at just how far the Genins of his generation had come. Ino had far surpassed her late father, being able to use her telepathic ability without another sensor in conjunction. Shikamaru had now become the main aid and advisor to the Hokage. Even Sakura, his personal Genin, was now teaching gifted students of the academy medical ninja skills.
A smile surfaced to his face as he entered the dense forest.
They won't pass me just yet though.
Pausing atop one of the many thick branches found in the wooded area, Kakashi summoned his ninja hounds. One great thing about having Ninken as your summons was that in patrol missions like these, you could just let them do the job for you.
Pakkun and friends appeared after the cloud of smoke dissipated. Struggling to rub the sleep from his eyes with his paw, Pakkun eyed up Kakashi.
"Another menial mission Kakashi? I can't believe you would disturb my rest for this. You should really move your own ass once in awhile."
Kakashi's eyes crinkled as he smiled at his extremely frank helper.
"Maybe someday Pakkun, but I won't have any excuses to give you a bone otherwise."
Pakkun snorted, always entertained by whatever excuse Kakashi came up with.
"Alright everyone, spread out. If you sense anything, howl out. We'll reconvene here in 30 minutes."
The other dogs nodded in agreement, and before you could blink, they disappeared.
God, they're efficient.
Settling down into a similar position to this morning, Icha Icha book included, he finally allowed himself to be absorbed into Jiraiya's fictional world.
With tears streaming down her face, Eri clung to Takashi's arm.
"Please, don't go! You'll get yourself killed!"
Takashi wriggled his arm out of her grasp, pushing her away at an arm's length.
"Eri, don't make this any harder. It is a ninja's duty to aid the allies of our village."
He slowly allowed her to come closer, tipping her chin upwards so their eyes could meet.
"I won't let you feel lonely. I'll give you something to remember me by."
Eri blinked away the remaining tears, her eyes glowing with hope.
"Whatever it is, it had better be memorable."
With Takashi chuckling under his breath, he slowly leaned in til their lips were only a hair's breadth aw-
A loud howl interrupted his thoughts, a scowl appearing on his face.
I can't seem to have a moment's peace today.
Tucking the book back in his pouch yet again, he launched himself towards the howl. Pakkun soon joined him, along with the rest of his Ninken other than one.
"What's the situation, Pakkun?"
"Urushi has found a large pack of bandits, currently in pursuit of a woman. At least 10 males, possibly more.
"Ah, it's finally my time to be a knight in shining armour huh?"
"I wouldn't count on it. It looks like she's a Kunoichi from Kirigakure."
Kakashi's smile instantly turned into a frown. She was trespassing on Fire country's territory, and he had no knowledge of any expected visitors. She had better have a reason to be crossing the border, or this could turn out to be more of a hassle than expected.
The Ninken started to speed up, leading Kakashi to the intersection where the two groups would meet. It was essential that they reach before the other party, so to assess to situation accurately.
Pakkun stopped short of a large clearing, hiding in the bushes. Kakashi and the other Ninken abruptly stopped next to him, assuming a crouching position where he was hidden by the foliage.
"They should be approaching this area any minute, Kakashi. Be ready, we don't know what could happen.
Kakashi's only eye scanned the area, waiting for the group to pop out into the grass area. This would be the perfect place for a fight to ensue, and he had to be ready for the worst.
Attempting to conserve the remainder of his chakra, he dismissed the Ninken, and undid the jutsu. Before he could complete the release though, Pakkun laid his paw on top of his hand.
"Be careful Kakashi. Just because she's a women doesn't mean she's weak."
Kakashi chuckled under his breath, his eyes filled with sarcasm.
"Have you not met the Hokage? She's lethal when she's angry."
A small smirk dawned on Pakkun's face. They both knew exactly how deadly the 55 year old could be.
"Now that I've done my job, it's time you do yours. I'll be expecting my bone; same time, same place."
Kakashi winked in Pakkun's direction, and with that, the hound disappeared into thin air.
Getting back to the business of things, he inhaled and exhaled rhythmically, feeling the ground for any kind of movement.
A light thrumming. A total of 12 people, though one's steps are lighter than the rest. Definitely trained in combat.
He groaned.
This could be annoying.
And then, they appeared.
