Chapter 3

"That's a bit much, don't you think?"

Catching the kunai inches before the bandit leader's face with his chakra infused hands, Kakashi offered a placid smile towards the kunoichi. Instinctively, she jumped away from him, trying to create distance between herself and Kakashi.

It's no use. Even if she can tell I'm stronger than those small fries she just faced, I already know her fighting style. If we battle, it will be her loss.

He threw the kunai back at her with equal speed, her reply being a swift catch and replacement of the weapon into her sleeves. She glowered at him angrily, seething at his mere presence.

"A ninja of Konohagakure? State your business, or it'll be your head."

A scoff escaped Kakashi's lips, raising an eyebrow towards the battle ready kunoichi.

"My head? You're the one who's in Fire Country territory. State your name and purpose, or I will force it out of you."

The air grew thick as the tension between the two rose. Neither were willing to back down, yet they couldn't take a step. The unknown was far too unsafe in these circumstances.

Sensing he wasn't the main event anymore, the bandit quickly made his escape. Even with significant internal injuries, he managed to move quickly, no doubt due to an adrenaline rush spurred on by the idea of survival. His departure did not go unnoticed by the kunoichi, but she had no choice except to watch him disappear. It would only be suicide to leave your back open to the unknown. Kakashi could see the woman was itching to pursue the ruffian, but they both knew if she moved one inch of her body, it would be the signal that the fight had begun.

Kakashi noticed a frown surface on her face as the bandit disappeared into the forest. His body stiffened at the sight, yet remained unwavering as a sarcastic laugh filled the air between them.

"I get it now. You work for that disgusting excuse of a human being, don't you? One of those rogue nin, with nowhere else to go. Not only have you abandoned your village, but you've abandoned your pride as well."

Kakashi raised his eyebrow again at her, only in confusion this time.

"Work for him? On the contrary, my comrades are in the midst of pursuing him as we speak."

Before she could retort, a pained cry filled the air, filling both ninja's heads with curiosity. However, neither moved to investigate what the noise was, their unmoving eyes a testament to their determination. Moments later, Kakashi's companion Genma appeared in the clearing, a familiar thug who was now unconscious slung over his right shoulder. His typical deadpan voice interrupted Kakashi's thoughts.

"Kakashi, do you need help?"

Only a shake of his head was given, never letting his eyes leave the problem woman. Genma had known Kakashi long enough to know not to disturb him when he entered this mode. Any unexpected movement, no matter the size, could set his killer instinct into motion. With his question resolved, Genma disappeared towards Konoha.

Assuming that the original stalemate would continue, Kakashi intensified his focus even more. Who knew how long they'd be here for, be it a mere moment, or days on end. No matter what she threw at him, he would be ready. To his surprise though, the kunoichi broke the staring contest, preparing to leave the area.

Trying to slip away? Maybe with someone else, but not me.

"Wait."

She stopped in her tracks, turning towards him with a new look in her eye. Kakashi was slightly shocked at the dramatic change, going from a fiery encounter, to the soulless pupils looking at him.

"I have no business with you, 'Copy Cat Ninja' Hatake Kakashi."

His breath hitched in his throat as he heard his infamous nickname. He was used to it being sneered at him, but something about her emotionless tone made him feel uneasy.

"You still have yet to state your name and purpose."

"My name is of no importance to you, and my purpose in Fire Country is not of your business."

Her listless tone was making him agitated. Had she no feelings, no emotion? Who is this woman, who was unknown to him his whole life, yet he couldn't help but be captivated with her in the moment?

"Wait a min-"

Before he could finish his sentence, she was gone. Her undetectable presence in combination with her chakra manipulation rendered him off guard, leaving him behind in awe. He was just about to summon his Ninken to track her, when Ino interrupted his thoughts for the second time that day.

"Kakashi, good job on capturing the leader. Genma has already arrived with the prisoner in hand, so please make your way back to the village and report to the Hokage."

For a moment, he mentally deliberated whether to obey orders as usual, or follow his instincts and chase after the woman. However, the Hokage was an easily irritable person, and she wasn't the kind of woman who liked to be kept waiting. Reluctantly, he started leaping towards the direction of Konoha, still curious about his mysterious encounter.

When Hokage Tower was just a couple of streets away, he slowed his pace down to a stroll. He allowed his mind to be taken over by thoughts of the kunoichi.

The plate was definitely of the Hidden Mist Village, but her clothing looked of other origins. All Jonin are required to wear their village's uniform outside of their country, yet she did not. Could it be she's not a Jonin? Hm... a Chunin maybe? No, it's not possible. To develop that level of chakra manipulation and combat skill would take years of training, and even more years of experience. The coldness as well... There was near to no light in her eyes. She must have seen death from a young age.

Completely lost in thought, he was already nearing the main entrance of the tower. Had not a familiar shuriken come spinning violently towards him, he may have missed the building completely.

Out of pure muscle memory, Kakashi slipped his hand into his pouch, and swiftly lifted a kunai to deflect the shuriken. Kakashi sighed deeply as the tiny piece of metal clinked harmlessly to the ground, knowing exactly who would be stupid enough to openly throw a weapon at him in front of the prestigious location.

"Gai, not today please. I'm not in the mood, and this is getting boring."

Maito Gai leapt from the rooftop that he laid hidden in, flashing his giant toothy smile in Kakashi's direction.

"Kakashi! As your rival, I am shocked by your reaction!"

Genuinely perplexed, Kakashi looked at Gai with astonishment.

"Really? I say this almost every time we have one of these showdowns."

Gai puffed his chest out even more, too stubborn to give in to Kakashi's laissez-faire attitude.

"Nonsense! We are in the prime of our youth, we should be enthusiastic about every aspect of life!"

Kakashi simply rolled his eyes and walked past him, uninterested in entertaining his games today.

"Whatever, our contest will have to wait til tomorrow. I have a meeting with the Hokage now, no doubt about the unusual capture of the bandit leader today."

This time it was Gai's turn to look perplexed.

"On the contrary, it can't possibly be about that."

"Oh? What makes you say that?"

"Because I have been summoned as well!"

Kakashi merely blinked a couple of times in surprise, then nodded towards the direction of their destination.

We must be getting sent on a mission then, if both Gai and I have been summoned.

It wasn't a surprise that multiple Jonin would go on missions together, even if he hadn't been on one in awhile. It just meant that they were running out of combat forces, and she had to delve into her private aides for help. It was sad, but it was the truth.

At least I can give my legs a decent stretch.

"Let's go then, you know better than to keep her waiting."

Gai beamed with satisfaction, readying himself to burst into a sprint.

"Shall this be our competition today then?! Let us see who can reach her office first!"

Kakashi couldn't help but let out a smile. Even in his darkest days, it was Gai's unbreakable positivity that laid his worries to rest.

"Looks like it will be 60 - 59, Gai."

With those last words, they both disappeared into Hokage Tower, increasing their sprint speed with each step. There was not a shred of doubt in Kakashi's mind that they were using their chakra manipulation skills and ninja tools irresponsibly, but he didn't care. Sometimes, you just had to let loose.