Vsasser: Heyo!

Lt.: Welcome!

IT: Wassup!

Together: We owns nothing!

They packed up for the day and headed into the winter territory. They reached a large sized trading village. "Is this one of the villages?" Kakashi asked looking to Minato as they stayed within the wooded area staring at the village.

"Yes. I will be on my own. Kakashi and Rin you will be on a squad. Obito and Anko will be a squad. Get as much info, but if you do find something. Do not engage. Good luck." Minato saluted and then disappeared.

"Shall we go?" Kakashi asked looking to Rin. Rin nodded.

They moved to leave when Obito grabbed Kakashi's arm. "Watch her." Obito ordered. Kakashi nodded mutely before they walked away. Obito and Anko went the opposite.

Kakashi and Rin noticed the city bustling. Obito's words echoed in Kakashi's head. He had felt his own overprotective instincts gnaw at him and then Obito's words increased it even more...if possible. That's why Kakashi glanced back and reached out. Rin felt shock come on her face as Kakashi gently reached out and grabbed her hand. It wasn't harsh, but warm and comforting. "Wouldn't want to lose you." Kakashi eye smiled making Rin's heart thump loudly in her ears.

They looked until Rin tapped his shoulder and pointed to a tea shop. Kakashi nodded and lead her to the shop. They walked in and sat down in the cozy settlement. "And what will the young couple have?" The waitress asked.

"Oh we're n-!"

"We'd like some green tea and dango please." Kakashi cut Rin off. The waitress nodded with a giggle. Kakashi winked at Rin playfully. Rin blushed again. "Sorry, but it's more believable that we are on a date and warrants less attention." Rin nodded numbly.

Obito and Anko had entered through a different route, but it was just as busy. Anko and Obito were roughly being pushed aside. Anko by instinct reached out and grabbed his shoulder and got severly close. Obito felt Anko get closer and looked back with surprise. "Everything ok?" Obito questioned a bit worriedly. Anko nodded.

A man shoved Anko and Obito glared and was about to call him out, but Anko gripped his shoulder, "I think he is a dirt bag too, but we can't draw any attention to ourselves." Anko's reasoning was very logical, but it doesn't mean Obito had to like it.

"Didya hear?" A man spoke to another at the entrance of a shop. Obito and Anko pulled their hoods up and stood off and listened.

"Yeah. The ceremony's takin' place tonight. The old temple down by the lake." The other man nodded. Obito and Anko waited a bit longer for some information, but then the men babbled on about fishing. "To catch the best coy fish you must test your might and mind. Hopefully you will lean to the right." Obito and Anko rolled their eyes and walked away from the strange converstion.

Kakashi and Rin both looked down and ate their food quietly and peacefully. It wasn't till two drunken men barged through did they look up. "Two teas!" One cried rather brashly. Rin was the nearest to their walking aisle so Kakashi waved her over.

She sat next to him and to ease his own unsurity about the two he put a hand on her's. Rin glanced down, but did not protest. The men passed without incident and Kakashi exhaled.

"Can't wait for tonight! The temple should be exciting!" They laughed. Kakashi and Rin glanced at each other. Kakashi took the opportunity to play young tourist. The waitress came by and he decided to give it a shot.

"Excuse me, but is there supposed to be something interesting happening at the temple tonight?" Kakashi asked her.

She smiled nodding enthusiastically, "Tonight is the night the moon god will favor our land with the priestesses dancing." She told them. Kakashi thought on that and nodded. "It would be an amazing thing to see with someone special." She winked at the two and Kakashi nodded again and put on a sheepish face.

"Well thank you." Kakashi scratched the back of his head to apppear shy.

They all converged back at the edge of the forest. "Did you guys hear anything interesting?" Minato questioned. "Kakashi and Rin you first."

Kakashi took the liberty to speak for the two, "It would appear some special ritual of sorts will be happening tonight. A dance by priestesses for the moon. The lady we talked to also said something about bringing someone special, but I zoned out at that." Kakashi shrugged. He never was one for those kinds of details.

"Obito and Anko?"

"We heard the same stuff and then something about coy fish and leaning to the right, but that was just some fishing crap." Obito spoke rather bluntly. Anko nodded.

"Alright. Kakashi, that lady brought up a fair point." Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "You'll be taking Rin to the event while the rest off us will investigate into the temple. This way you can provide back up or distractions if we need it." Minato explained.

Kakashi nodded. Obito spoke up, "What like a date?"

Rin's ears burned at such an idea, but the blond nodded. "That is the plan." Minato told Obito.

Obito turned to glare at Kakashi. Kakashi held up his hands in defense, "Ya gotta problem don't look at me." Kakashi told him Obito huffed and folded his arms.

Kakashi and Rin took off earlier than the others to attend the event. Rin was at Kakashi's side obediently. Kakashi scanned the area, but looked as care free as ever. Rin was shocked at his casual manner and yet he was on full alert.

"Ah! Pretty girl you got there son!" A man at a stand complemented. Rin was uncomfortable and almost blew their cover if it weren't for Kakashi's quick thinking.

"She's kinda embarrassed." Kakashi chuckled and took his hand in hers while giving her a warm smile. Her face turned red getting the desired effect. The man chuckled at that.

"Say how's about some food. That'll ease that nervousness on yer date." The man offered.

"Good idea Mister." Kakashi pulled out his wallet. Rin was about to as well, but Kakashi pushed her hand down gently. "We talked about this Rin. I am paying for everything tonight." Kakashi scolded. The man gave a hearty laugh. Kakashi paid and then they bid the man good bye.

Kakashi was a little mad at his sensei. The blonde had set them up where Rin could get closer to him. He hated that Obito had glared at him. He didn't want to ruin anything. He tried to be distant without compromising the mission, but Rin was playing the distant one with her shyness. He had to make up for their act. Which meant endangering the possibility of patching up things with Obito. Despite all of that he still felt glad that he was spending time with the teammate he had often ignored before. Getting to know her made him feel...happy.

Anko and Minato felt the anger coming off of Obito in waves. Minato sent Rin and Kakashi off knowing he should probably cool Obito down before they did anything. "Is there something wrong, Obito?" Minato spoke gently.

Obito huffed, "Kakashi gets to spend all the time with Rin." Obito pouted. Anko felt that she wasn't needed for this and stepped away.

Minato smiled at his student sadly. He had noticed after the watch last night and the intel gathering that Rin seemed more cheerful. He couldn't help, but know that Rin's crush was moving on to something not even the greatest jutsu could stop. It was love. Unintentionally Kakashi had drawn her in with his somber and lonely attitude. She felt the need to care for him like Obito, but this caring took on something different. He was aloof and a mystery. A painful puzzle she wanted to put together.

Usually this would have stayed a crush, but lately because of Kakashi's realization things have changed. He has become more gentle, open, relaxed, and kind. He has shown care and worry for Rin and thus things have developed the way they have. Obito will have to realize at one point that Rin has her own decisions and it would appear she already has made one.

"Obito...what if one day you tell Rin of your feelings, but she doesn't feel the same way. If she legitimately cares and loves someone else...what will you do?" Minato asked gently. Obito's eyes widened and then he looked down with sadness.

"Sensei...I know that Rin cares for Kakashi...in a romantic sense...it hurts, but seeing her happy...that's all I'd ever want." Obito answered truthfully.

Minato smiled. "I won't lie to you Obito...that seems to be the case, but if you hadn't noticed when you had glared at Kakashi...he had seemed upset and hurt." Obito was shocked once more. "Believe it or not Kakashi cares for you. He seems to want to reject Rin if it's for the sake of you and Rin." Obito felt numb at the realization.

"I didn't..."

"I know, but...if what you say is true...then maybe..."

"I should encourage them." Obito said with new determination. Kakashi had seemed hurt and lately all he seems to care about is everyone, but himself. Obito realized Kakashi was turning a new leaf, and so would he. He loved Rin, but her happiness as well as Kakashi's came first.

Rin and Kakashi walked around not really doing anything, but keeping an eye out. Kakashi opted to lean on the temple wall and Rin followed his example. They were in a great corner to keep tabs on everything and everyone around them. Rin was cold and that didn't go amiss by Kakashi. Why they celebrated something this ridiculous in this weather was beyond him. So he scooted closer to allow some warmth. She sent him a grateful look and leaned into him.

Beating of the drums gained Kakashi's and Rin's attention. They watched as three priestesses stood slowy and began to dance. Kakashi took the opportunity to scan once more. He spotted the slightest hint of orange and purple and he smirked.

They watched with anticipation. Two minutes into the dance Kakashi felt uneasiness grow in the back of his mind. He subconciously grabbed Rin's hand when a ringing noise caught his attention. "EVERYONE TAKE COVER!" That's all Kakashi could shout before he pushed Rin to the wall as he used the cloak to help cover them as he used his body as a shield.

The three of them snuck into the temple and looked around curiously for anything suspicious. Minato's eyes were caught by a painting of a coy fish on a sliding door. He and the two chunin approached it. Minato began to inspect it without saying anything.

Obito walked up to it when he remembered what the old men had said, "Lean to the right." Obito pushed the door to the right to reveal a large hole. A clicking sound accompanied with a high pitched hum caught Minato's attention. "DOWN!" Minato shoved them into the hole.

The temple blew and debris went everywhere. The heat warmed Kakashi's back and he immediately felt bad for the people so close to the explosion. He opened the cloak and looked Rin over. "Are you alright?" Kakashi asked with concern.

Rin nodded and Kakashi felt relief before he turned and cut his finger and then summoned the pack. They looked up at him. "Find anyone still alive and escort them to safety." They nodded and scattered. "Come on. We gotta find the others. The pack will take care of everyone else." Kakashi told Rin. Rin felt guilty for leaving them, but worry for her teammates made her move as Kakashi took her hand guiding her.

Kakashi found the source of the explosion and sniffed around. "They fell down there." Kakashi told Rin.

"Are they ok?" Rin asked nervously.

"I don't smell blood. I would assume the hole saved them...but..." Kakashi moved some rubble to reveal that it was closed off by debris. "Who knows where they are now..." Rin's face contorted with overwhelming worry. Kakashi whistled and Pakkun was at his side. "I need you to track the closest marker sensei set out..do you think you can do that?" Kakashi asked.

Pakkun sniffed arond. "Tracking will be hard with the snow, but leave it to me." Pakkun said reassuring Rin who wore the worry.

"Ok. Have you finished helping everyone out there?" Kakashi asked.

"Yup. They just dispersed after you whistled." Pakkun answered.

"We'll track sensei and the others. They were on to something and I have a feeling if we track them we will find those responsible." Kakashi told Rin. Rin nodded and then they set out.

Obito groaned as he sat up. He couldn't see a thing. It was pitch black. He moved, but a groan was emitted when he did. He realized he had kicked someone. "Who is that?" Obito asked cautiousy.

"Not so loud...my ear are ringing." Anko's voice calmed the boy.

"Where is sensei?" Obito asked worriedly. The sound of something snapping and a bright light caught their attention. Minato had snapped a glow stick.

"You two alright?" Minato questioned worriedly.

"I'm not dead." Was Anko's groggy reply.

"Same." Obito mumbled. "Where are we?" Minato looked around.

"I suspect an underground tunnel system." Minato answered.

"Do you think Kakashi and Rin are ok?" Obito asked suddenly. Minato smiled at his concern.

"Kakashi and Rin were far enough that they probably weren't effected." Minato reassured his student. Obito let out a sigh of relief.

"Let's worry about ourselves for the moment." Minato told them standing. "I will leave a marker here and then we will come back with Kakashi and Rin." The two nodded and grabbed a hold of Minato before he teleported them out. They fell to the snow just as Kakashi and the others dropped to the ground.

They were on the side of the mountain next to the village boundaries. It was rocky and snow reached their knees.

"Are you guys alright?" Rin asked them with worry.

"We're fine." Minato reassured them.

"Thank goodness." Kakashi grumbled. Obito felt himself smile at Kakashi's worry.

"Kakashi and I found the tunnel. It was caved in though." Rin told them.

"I'm just glad Minato-sensei was precautious enough to set up a marker." Anko sighed.

"We'll have to-!" Kakashi and Minato were immediately on edge and the other three followed suit.

"What have we hear...a couple stray konoha dogs?" Four snow ninja made themselves known. They wore white jumpsuits and masks that covered their faces.

Three men and one woman. "I call the brat with the weird looking face!" The larger man jumped at Obito. Obito dodged a well aimed kick.

"Then I'll take the mousy looking one." The woman jumped at Rin from her perch on the trees. Kakashi pulled out the tanto and stopped the woman's halfway.

"I won't let you lay a single finger on her." Kakashi glared pushing her away. The woman seemed to smirk at that.

"Kakashi you watch Rin. We'll handle these guys!" Minato explained taking on the more slender man. The shorter one went for Anko.

Kakashi heard hissing and looked to see paperbombs. "Everyone run!" Kakashi grabbed Rin bridal style and jumped away. The explosion pushed Kakashi and Rin forcing them to the ground. Kakashi instantly maneauvered his body so that he cushioned the fall and skidded to a halt and roll in the snow.

"Hey!" Anko's shout caught Minato and Obito's attention. They had gotten out of the blasting zone quickly, but looked up in shock as Anko was being taken onto a sled. The four ninja were retreating with Anko. "Lemme go!" She cried with anger.

"Sensei!" Obito cried. Minato looked to the side where Kakashi and Rin were.

"Darn it all!" Kakashi growled. Obito started out in a mad dash for the sled.

"Obito!" Rin and Minato cried. Without warning Kakashi followed Obito's lead. He made a few handsigns.

"Doton: Earth wave!" Kakashi slammed his hands on the ground and the sled wobbled as the earth seemed to dance from under them.

Obito took that time to jump on the sled. "Let Anko go, ya jerk!" Obito cried and started to fight, but he was severly outnumbered. A kunai was going gor Obito from the girl. Obito had realized to late, but Kakashi was there in seconds and deflected it. "Kakashi!" Obito said with surprise and a grin.

"I've hd enough of you brats!" The large man sent a lumbering kick that they weren't expecting and they were knocked off. Kakashi had seen the kick sooner and jumped in front of Obito taking the brunt of it. They rolled harshy in the snow as the sled got away.

Minato and Rin finally caught up when Obito and Kakashi were getting to their knees. "Are you alright?" Kakashi asked out of worry.

"I should be asking you that! You took the kick for me!" Obito said with tears in his eyes.

"That was nothing..." Kakashi stiffened when he tried to stand and straighten his probably bruised back. Rin immediately got to work. She removed the cloak and coat before pulling his shirt up to reveal an ugly purple bruise developing on his back.

"Oh gosh! That is not nothing Kakashi!" Obito growled.

"That would've been your side and arm if I hadn't jumped in. Better having you to help with Anko than my back being bruised." Kakashi objected as Rin sighed. Kakashi held the shirt up as Rin set to work healing his back.

"You're just lucky that this didn't break your back!" Rin's tone took on her medic instincts. "You and Obito are always so reckless!" Rin spoke exasperatedly.

Kakashi looked at her warmly. "If it is to protect you guys I would gladly put my life on the line." Kakashi's words made their eyes widen. "Besides I can't be hurt that easily. Give me some credit." Kakashi scoffed.

"You just had to ruin the moment didn't ya!?" Obito shouted making Minato smile.

"Sensei." Kakashi made Minato look at him. "Sorry, but I might have stole one of your kunai." Minato's eyes widened. Minato had noticed something amiss in his pouch, but had thought nothing of it. "When I passed you I snuck one out and I left it on the sled." Kakashi waited for it to click in Obito's and Rin's head as a smile crept on Minato's face. "My bad sensei." Obito and Rin were smiling brightly at their teammate.

"Way to use that brain, Kakashi!" Obito cried with joy.

"Well one of us had to." Kakashi smirked as Obito glared at that.

"Alright. Mission rescue Anko...is a go." Minato spoke making his team nod.

Vsasser: Heyo so hoped you liked it!

Rin

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