Chapter 7: The Past Part 1

"He's back."

Kakashi grimaced as he recognized Itachi's voice from the voicemail. It had been two years since Itachi had infiltrated the Akatsuki's organization. His goal was to gather intelligence from every member and figure out who their backer was. Itachi knew he was only suppose to call if he had vital information.

"Do you think he meant..."

"Who else could it be?!"

Tsunade slammed her fist on the table. Why is he back? No, the question is, does he know Sakura is with the ANBU organization? If he does, he will be making his move soon. We need to be prepared.

"What should we do?"

"Be prepared for whatever happens. Sakura still thinks those dreams are only nightmares. We shall keep it like that for now. I don't want to reveal anything to her unless it is absolutely necessary. Is that clear?"

"Yes."

"Go gather the leaders of each district. We need to have a discussion and plan our next move."

Kakashi nodded before slipping out the door. He needed to gather everyone quickly. If that man is back, he would stop at nothing to get Sakura back. Anger was slowly coloring Kakashi's thoughts. He didn't want Sakura to know about her past, let alone confront the man who was responsible for making her life hell. The bastard claims it was all done out of love. Love...yeah, if the ANBU hadn't found Sakura, she could still be stuck in that hellhole that was considered her home. Or worse, she could've been dead already. The thought made Kakashi pause to recollect himself. Thank God he had found her! If he hadn't, he would've never been able to face Mebuki in the next life.

"Mebuki, I will keep my promise."

10 years ago

"Kakashi, this is Mebuki. She is your senpai, and you will currently be tasked to follow her around. She will train you in becoming a full member of the ANBU."

Kakashi turned his attention to the woman standing in front of him. She had shoulder-length hair and piercing green eyes. The expression she wore was one of pure irritation.

"Oi, Tsunade. Why do I have to train a newbie. Can't you give him to...I don't know, anyone but me?"

"This would be the perfect opportunity to polish your people's skills. Plus, you are the only member who does not have a partner. I don't care how great your taijutsu is, you need to have back-up."

"And you decide to give me a newbie."

Tsunade ignored Mebuki and turned her attention back to Kakashi.

"She may seem like a grump but she is one of the best fighters here. Learn from her."

With that, Tsunade turned to walk back to her office.

"Damn."

Mebuki turned her attention to Kakashi. If she was going to be forced to partner up with someone, than she better be nice.

"My name is Mebuki and I'm 24 years old. I have been in the ANBU clan for 5 years. My fighting style is mainly Taijutsu. Your turn."

"Kakashi. I'm 15 years old and I'm just starting my training to enter the ANBU group. My fighting style is versatile. "

Oh? A person who is able to use a variety of fighting styles. He would be very valuable to the group.

"Interesting. Well we need to head out over to the 44th district. Apparently, the Iwagakure group is stirring up some trouble. This will be the perfect opportunity for me to judge your abilities."

"Yo Iwagakure. Are you lost?"

Han and Gari turned their attention to the woman that was awaiting their answer.

"Of course not Mebuki, we are here to take this district. That's all."

Kakashi watched the conversation between Mebuki and one of the Iwagakure members. It wasn't a surprised that other groups knew about Mebuki. As Tsunade had said, she was one of the top fighters in ANBU, who had single-handily taken the Shushuya district and the 44th district from the Iwagakure.

"Like hell you will."

Mebuki needed to plan her attack. Gari was a known for his explosives while Han was just a jerk who loved tormenting people. It would be easy to take them out in a instant, but...

"We can feign an attack to get an idea if they had set any bombs to go off."

That was exactly what she was thinking. She smiled at Kakashi. Not bad.

"Go on. You can take the lead on this one."

Kakashi nodded before disappearing. Mebuki immediately looked up and saw Kakashi standing on the gate surrounding the district. With a blur of movement, 5 kunai were thrown to the ground, triggering a string of explosions.

"Damn!"

Mebuki watched as Kakashi charged through the flurry of smoke before landing a punch on Gari's face. Before Han could move, Kakashi lunged at Han, punching him the gut before throwing him to the ground.

Kakashi could hear the groans coming from the Iwagakure members. This was too easy.

"Kakashi, you forgot one."

He turned to see Mebuki in a chokehold. Another Iwagakure was smiling at Kakashi.

"Step away from those two or your partner will get hurt."

Kakashi just stood there motionless.

"Did you not hear me?"

The Iwagakure member decided to demonstrate by punching Mebuki in the gut. She began to cough violently.

"You are going to pay!"

Before the Iwagakure member could blink, Mebuki broke out of his hold and proceeded to beat the man. Kicking him in the face, the Iwagakure member was stumbling backward into the gate. Mebuki didn't give the man a chance to catch his breath before she punched him in the face. Kakashi could hear a crunching sound and decided it was time for him to step in. Stopping Mebuki mid-punch, Kakashi dragged her off the man who was unconscious and beaten to a pulp.

"Let me go."

"No."

Mebuki glared at Kakashi and was about to punch him when she felt a flash of pain course through her body. She looked down and saw blood trickling down her leg.

"Kakashi...hospital..."

Kakashi barely caught Mebuki before she crumbled to the ground. Seeing the blood, Kakashi pulled out his phone to call Tsunade to tell her to meet them at the ANBU hospital. Picking Mebuki up, Kakashi prepared to make the trudge to the hospital.

"Congratulations, she is pregnant and the baby is safe."

"What?!"

Both Kakashi and Tsunade were shocked to hear the news. They turned their attention to Mebuki who had a grin on her face.

"I was going to tell you..."

"When?"

"Well..."

Tsunade slapped her hand to her forehead.

"Mebuki, your personality hasn't changed at all. Does anyone know?"

"Well I told Dan, and I thought he would've told you by now."

"AND YOU DIDN'T THINK IT WAS NECESSARY TO TELL ME?!"

"Tsunade, calm down. I could hear you from outside."

Kakashi turned to see Dan entering the hospital room.

"Hey Mebuki. How are you feeling?"

"Just fine."

Dan chuckled before giving her a bouquet of flowers.

"Look, the cherry blossoms are blooming. Hopefully your child will be able to see them."

"They're lovely."

"Oi Dan! We will have a conversation about this later. And Mebuki who is the father?"

Mebuki paused before she answered.

"Kizashi."

Kakashi looked up when he heard that name. Kizashi was tasked with protecting the Valley of the End District from the Iwagakure. Although he had succeeded, he suffered fatal injuries.

"Mebuki, why didn't you tell me?"

Mebuki looked at Tsunade.

"Because we both had chosen this lifestyle and we don't regret it at all. I told Kizashi before he went to the district. He was ecstatic, but he said if he didn't return, I needed to protect this child. I agreed."

Dan looked at Tsunade and saw the expression on her face. She probably feels guilty.

"Tsunade, I want to raise this child within the ANBU group. I consider everyone here to be my family."

Tsunade saw the determined expression in Mebuki's eyes. When she got that look, no one would be able to change her mind.

"Looks like I can't stop you."

"That's right. Oh, you and Dan are the designated Godparents. Congrats."

"What?"

Dan saw Tsunade blush and began to laugh.

"Surprise! Mebuki asked if we could be and I agreed."

"Why are you making decisions without me?"

"Well..."

Mebuki ignored the bickering lovebirds and gestured for Kakashi to come to her bedside.

"I'm sorry for surprising you. Thank you bringing me here. If you are still willing, I will gladly train you for these next few months."

Kakashi took a minute to think about it. She is the best, plus someone needs to look after her since she is pregnant.

"Yes."

Mebuki smiled.

"Alright! Now let's celebrate since the secret is out!"

Kakashi recalled that day and a smile spread on his face. Although she was pregnant, she was still willing to fight for the ANBU organization. She was so determined, even when she could barely walk. Those days were blissful, until that incident occurred.

1 year later

"Yo Kakashi, babysitting again?"

"Shut up Asuma!"

Asuma laughed as he walked over and saw Kakashi sitting with the little baby at his feet. She was entertaining herself with Kakashi's pant leg.

"Well I am a little jealous since you get to spend the day with this little cutie while I'm stuck with Guy."

Asuma bent down to play with the little child. The baby pulled Asuma's mouth and began to giggle. A smile spread on Asuma's face.

"She has Mebuki's eyes."

"Yes, and Kizashi's hair color."

"That's true."

Picking up the baby, Asuma threw the girl in the air before catching her.

"ASUMA WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING WITH MY GODDAUGHTER?!"

"Crap."

Quickly giving the baby to Kakashi, Asuma turned to face Tsunade.

"Nothing, as you can see, I'm not even holding her."

"Go get Guy and head out. I believe I told you to go check on the Shushuya district."

"Yes madam! See ya Kakashi."

Kakashi was too busy playing with the baby to even answer Asuma.

"How is she?"

"She's fine."

Tsunade smiled as she watched Kakashi care for the child. After she was born, Kakashi has been guarding her with his life. The child would start crying if Kakashi would leave her side for a moment.

"Tsunade."

Looking up, Tsunade saw Orochimaru standing in front of her. Orochimaru barely came to the ANBU main house, preferring to stay in the Naka District. Lately, he has been stopping by the main house constantly.

"Hello Kakashi."

Kakashi nodded as an acknowledgement to Orochimaru's greeting. He never liked him due to his sly nature, but Kakashi's dislike was heightened every time he caught Orochimaru staring at the baby.

"What is it Orochimaru?"

"Bad news. It seems Iwagakure is getting a little anxious. I fear they may try to attack the main house."

"What? That means they basically want to go to war with our group!"

"Tsunade!"

Kakashi recognized Dan's voice and saw him running towards them.

"It's..it's Mebuki! She's in the hospital!"

"What? What happened?"

"She was ambushed by 5 Iwagakure members on her way back to the main house. It's looking bad."

"Kakashi! Let's go."

Kakashi grabbed the child and followed Dan and Tsunade to the hospital.

"MEBUKI!"

Tsunade rushed into Mebuki's hospital room and was shocked at what she saw. There was blood everywhere and Mebuki was breathing through a tube. She felt Dan's hand rest on her shoulder.

Mebuki slowly opened her eyes. Her eyes were dull and the light in her eyes was slowly fading away. She gestured for Kakashi to come towards her bedside.

Kakashi slowly walked to Mebuki, cradling the baby in his arm. He saw Mebuki stretch open her arms, waiting for Kakashi to give her the baby. Kakashi placed the baby gently in her arms, and saw a smile spread across Mebuki's face. Tears were falling from her eyes.

"Sakura..."

Kakashi stood by her bedside, not knowing what to do.

"Kakashi...thank you. Please protect her..."

Mebuki began to cough violently, blood was flowing from her mouth. Wiping away the blood, Mebuki held Sakura to her chest and placed a kiss on her forehead, before she gave her back to Kakashi. Finding the strength to look at Dan and Tsunade, Mebuki mouthed a few words before she smiled and closed her eyes. The sound of a drawn out beep filled the room. Tsunade collapsed to the ground. Dan rushed over to comfort her while Kakashi tried to comfort Sakura who started to cry after she heard the noise. All Kakashi could think about were the words that Mebuki had mouthed to Dan and Tsunade before she had died.

"They weren't Iwagakure."