Karasu POV:

I rolled over onto my side to gaze out the window. Dimming moonlight illuminated the hokages faces on the cliff, below them was the village spread out. I glanced at my clock, only 20 minutes until the sun rises. Sighing I placed a hand around my neck, tracing down the chain of my necklace until I felt the amethyst stone in my hand. I had stayed up all night staring at the ceiling, I'm too afraid I will wake up Sakura when I get the nightmares. She shouldn't have to worry about waking up to the sound of screaming coming from the room next to her. Lucky it was just us two, Sasuke was away on a mission for a few days, It made it easier to slip away into the guest room. I don't want to cause her more trouble than I already have. Being stuck in my thoughts I hadn't noticed the sun rising over the village, I looked out the window again to see light slowly trickling into the dark corners of konohagakure. I lifted the covers off my body and slowly got out of the bed. Grabbing my headband on the side table I made my way to the door, my footsteps creaked against the wooden floor. I cringed with every noise, carefully I opened the door and stepped out into the hallway. It was still dark so I used my hand to guide me to the kitchen, I traced my fingers gently along the wall as if they were about to fall down. As soon as I reached the kitchen it got lighter, I stepped away from the wall and headed to the line of shoes near the door. I pulled on my sandals pulling them on as fast as I could, slowly I stood up and reached for the door when I remembered I forgot to thank Sakura. I grimaced and turned around looking for something to write on. On the bench I spotted a notepad and a pen, I quickly jolted down a thank you note before I left. doing a a light jog over to the front door, I left the building as silently as I could closing the front door behind me. I began to walk down the stairs that led up to their house, the metal clambered beneath my feet as I made my way down. Once I reached the ground the sun had risen slightly higher and was giving off an orange glow that cascaded across the village. I walked down the worn earth track to the ANBU Quarters, Birds began to sing at the arrival of the sunlight. People were beginning to stir and get out of their houses, and setting up their businesses. I continued to walk to my destination taking in my surroundings on the way.

I walked into the black ops change rooms, I approached my locker and opened the door. Inside was my uniform and my sword hung up on the side. Nobody else was here yet which allowed me to go straight to the showers. I slung my uniform and towel over my arm and closed the locker, I then made my way over to the shower. I closed the cubicle door behind me and turned on the water. Peeling off my clothing I stepped into the shower, the warm liquid flowed down my body as I scrubbed myself down. I watched as the water fell off my body and swirled into he drain. Looking down to see my scars I had received from previous battles. I studied the intricate patterns that had been carved from blades into my flesh. Shaking my head in an attempt to clear my thoughts I began to get out of the shower, drying myself down, I rubbed the cold stone settled against my neck. I placed the towel over my head and began putting on my uniform, leaving my fox mask off. Once finished I walked to my locker and stored away my clothes, a couple of people had arrived and were putting on their gear. Walking back to the bathrooms, I ran my fingers through my raven colored hair and enjoyed the wet texture. When I looked into the mirror I groaned, my eyes had large bags beneath them, rings of purple were developing. My complexion was pale and my body looked as if it was trying to hold onto the last thread keeping my life from slipping away. My usual blue eyes were dull as I put on my mask in an attempt to cover my features. I adjusted the porcelain fox mask until it sat properly on my face. Walking back to retrieve my sword a person tapped on my shoulder. I swirled around to see Tetsuhato looking down on me, I tried to adjust my posture to seem taller against his height.

"Yes, Sir" I inquired.

"The hokage has ordered to see you in his office" He replied, his features outlined by the light. Brown hair fell in front of his gentle hazel eyes as he leaned in waiting for a response. I cursed silently in my head, what could he possibly want?

"Okay, thank you for telling me" I replied curtly annoyed at the sudden news. He then walked off towards a few other members of the group and continued giving out instructions. I grabbed my sword on the way out of the room and began to head up to the hokages office trying to remain unseen. I jumped silently across the rooftops of townhouses and shops until I finally made my way to the office. I sat on top of its roof and lent over the edge to see the hokage writing down in some paperwork through the windows. Still on the edge of the roof I reached for the window and pulled it open. As quickly as I could I got onto the window sill and shot into the room leaving the window opened. I stood in front of the hokage, his hat now rippling from the cool breeze I had let in.

"There is a door for a reason you know" He said lazily not taking his eyes off the paper.

"Yes I know that, but I didn't want to be seen" I replied trying to sound as nice as I could. I shifted my stance so I was leaning off onto one foot. He continued his paperwork silently as I stood watching, I could feel myself getting more and more agitated by the minute.

"What did you need me to do?" I asked briskly. He lifted his head for the first time to look at me, we locked eyes through my mask as I awaited my answer.

"To take a break from working as part of the ANBU for a while" He replied casually, not moving his gaze from me. I could feel anger boiling in my chest, I tried to remain calm but the anger soon turned to dread. Was I not good enough? Was it my mission with Akiyue? Do they think its my fault? My heart pounded and my head spun with thoughts as I tried to think.

"Why?"I spat out, my chest feeling tight with concern and my throat dry. He gently rested his head on his hand, his masks material rippling.

"You haven't done anything wrong, your are still one of our top jonin. I was just wondering if you want to leave the ANBU and work directly under me" He said looking off to the side. I gulped at the statement, butterflies filled my stomach and a smile was creeping onto my lips. I could be working in one of the highest positions in the village. But doubt soon found me, I wasn't good enough to be one of his top Jonin to work with him. I had one of my comrades die two weeks ago because of my mistake, If I messed up at this job then I could end up killing Kakashi.

"I-i think that I will remain in the ANBU for now" I replied in a monotone. His face looked surprised that I had turned down the offer to work with him but it quickly left his features as he continued writing.

"Understandable, but the position is always open for you" He said sounding disappointed. A pang of guilt shot through my chest but I reminded myself that I was making the right decision.

Kakashi POV:

Damn it, I was hoping to keep a close eye on her. Not saying her skills weren't up to standard to be working with me, its just I know she would always refuse. I took a quick glance out the widow from which she entered before returning my gaze back to her.

"You are dismissed" I said, my gaze trying to decipher what was behind that mask. Cold, hard, emotionless exterior just like her. . She still hasn't gotten over her childhood and the death of Akiyue two weeks ago has triggered that cycle again. Yet another reason I want to keep an eye on her. I have always wanted her working directly beneath me but now seems like a good time to keep a watch on for her.

"Thank You" She said emotionless. I nodded and went back to my work, the sound of the window shutting signaled her exit. I sighed and leant back in my chair , taking off the hokage hat I ran my fingers through my hair. A knock on my door sounded and I snapped out of my thoughts.

"Come in" I called, I watched as a slender build entered the room. It was Yoake, her brown hair fell down to her lower back and her long eye lashes battered as she looked at me. Her uniform hugging her frame, she sat down on my desk beside my work.

"So how did it go?"she asked in a warm voice, tracing her fingers on my paperwork making the papers ruffle slightly.

"She didn't accept the offer to work with me" I trailed off as I put my hat back on. Yoake pouted before sliding off of the table, she turned towards me her hands behind her back as her hair swung. She gave me a look of sympathy before returning back to normal.

"Anything you need me to do?" She questioned suddenly perking up. I Lazily reached over to the roster and looked through it, I was glancing at the C ranked missions for her. I finally spotted one suited for her and her squad.

"Here's one, you can escort this woman and her husband to the sand village tomorrow. Is that okay with you?" I asked raising my eyebrows slightly.

"It sure does" she grinned, her brunette hair swished in front of her face as she tilted her head. She made her way to the door and walked out closing it behind her.

"Don't forget to bring your squad" I called out after her, my only response was a muffled grunt. I continued my paperwork, although my head was occupied of how to keep a closer eye on Karasu. When she does let her feelings out she snaps, emotionally and physically and I couldn't let that happen, not again.