Karasu~

It was deadly silent,

All my senses seemed to be rendered useless,

I was standing in utter darkness,

A sweet scent caused my nose to tingle,

It seemed so familiar, yet I couldn't remember it,

The darkness in front of me began to swirl,

A hazy vision started to appear as I gazed on with tired eyes,

A figure appeared in front of me,

Blood was smeared at the corner of their lips which formed a weak smile,

Their coal black eyes were glazed over, looking lifeless,

Though she was still breathing,

Her short black hair fell messily around her shoulders,

They were standing awkwardly, their body leaning slightly to the right,

Her uniform was drenched in blood,

I gazed into the massive gash across her torso,

Tears brimmed my eyes as I continued to look at her,

As I felt the salty droplets rolled down my cheeks I reached out to her,

My hand was positioned to land on her shoulder,

I expected for her body to be warm or cold,

But, my hand passed straight through her body,

Like dust flying in the wind her image scattered,

Disappearing as soon as I touched the vision,

Unmei,

My sister,

Had left me alone once again.

Kakashi POV~

The streets were silent as I walked down the now abandoned road, gravel crunched underfoot as the weight on my back shifted. The sky was an inky blue, dotted with stars that formed intricate patterns, pale blue light cascaded from the moon above. I continued to walk, ignoring the slight shift, the night was cold and I was determined to get back home as it was getting late. At first I thought that I was imagining it, but I felt wet droplets brushing against my neck. I turned my neck ever so slightly, I was shocked to see a stream of tears falling from Karasu's face. Her expression seemed calm but hid the emotion of anguish. My hands tightened on her thighs as I continued to walk, my chest swirling with sympathy. As I could see my house come into view the arms around my neck tightened slightly, as I felt Karasu's face bury deeper into my neck. Hot breath warmed my skin, sending shivers down my spine. Her ANBU mask was smooth against my fingertips, as I continued to walk. I felt a small gasp come from behind me, the weight on my back shifted quickly.

"Kakashi?" I could hear Karasu murmur from behind me, her muscles suddenly tightening and she now gripped firmly onto my shoulders. I turned to see her soft blue eyes, silver under the moonlight, she had confusion in her gaze. Damn, I woke her up.

"Could you please put me down?" she said in a hoarse whisper, I felt a slight jab in the chest as she said those words. I couldn't pinpoint the feeling, yet it seemed so familiar, Maybe I just didn't want to recognize it. I released her legs and allowed her feet to touch the ground, she immediately let go of me. I spun around to look at her, she had dark, messy hair sticking out at all angles, blue eyes that appeared silver, her bandaging had some blood leak through and was turning a dark crimson colour. Her necklace with the amethyst stone pendant glinted in the dim light, only adding to the simple beauty of the stone. On her cheeks remained moisture from the tears that streamed down her face. There was little droplets sitting on her eyelashes as she blinked. Reaching up to touch her face she tensed as she felt her wet cheeks, she quickly wiped them dry with her sleeve avoiding eye contact with me.

C-cute. . . I immediately blushed at the sudden thought that crossed my mind, I quickly pulled up my mask to hide my coloring face. Turning my head to the side, I immediately regained my composure.

"I was carrying you since you fell asleep" I looked towards her again, wanting to explain myself quickly to her. She didn't seem to care as she continued to wipe her eyes, she finally looked up to me after a short silence. Only the buzz of the streetlights cut through the dense quiet surrounding us like fog.

"Thank you, but I should be going now" She said, reaching out her hand she gently tugged at her mask. I allowed her to take it as she retracted her hand, the smooth surface rubbing against my fingers for the last time that night. I felt worried, I knew she would want to head home but, she was so exhausted I don't know if she would take care of herself. I was hoping I could take care of her even for a little while, just so I know she was okay.

"You have no missions tomorrow, so get some rest" I said softly, she paused slightly before continuing to put on her mask. Her face remained the same still composure, but something was different. It was only visible for a second, but it was still there. She had a soft shade of pink dusting her cheeks.

"Okay. . ." I heard a slightly muffled voice come from beneath the mask, I watched her disappear in front of me. I was left alone on the cold street, the stars gazing down on the village as I began to walk back where I was headed. I thought about the image that kept forming over and over again in my mind, I knew it was insignificant to blush, but it was such a change from what I usually saw.

Karasu~

I burst through the door of my apartment feeling utterly embarrassed, I flicked on the lights and ripped my mask off. Walking to my bedroom a sensation of numbness washing over me. Why did I have to dream of that now? I completely ignored the dream I had as I was occupied with thoughts of embarrassment. Not bothering to turn on the light I shuffled over to my bed, and sat down. I buried my head in my hands as I leant forward.

I had fallen asleep in front of Kakashi

I had cried in front of Kakashi

I had blushed in front of Kakashi

If anything I was glad I wasn't going in tomorrow for work, at least then I wouldn't have to face him after he had carried me while I cried in my sleep. I just needed to get out of there as soon as possible. Even so I couldn't help my face from turning pink. Damn Kakashi. I grunted in frustration, I slowly took my hands away from my face and began to take off my sandals. Slowly untying the bandages wrapped around my legs and sandals I slipped them off. Taking off the armour I wore during my missions and threw them into a pile beside my bed. Leaving me in my ninja uniform pants and shirt, peeling the covers back on my bed I climbed in. I held my head tightly as I buried myself further into the blankets as I tried to forget the events of the day. A cool water washed over me as I drifted out of consciousness.

I groaned slightly as I rolled to my side, slowly my eyes fluttered open allowing me to see golden sunlight streaming in the window. Another dreamless sleep. I feel horrible. I glanced at the clock beside my bed to check the time, 9:00. My chest swirled with panic before I realized that I wasn't going in for work today. I slowly got out of bed and walked over to my cupboard, I pulled out my usual training gear of a black hoodie, a grey shirt, a pair of my uniform pants and my headband. Walking out of the room with my clothes slung over my shoulder, I headed towards my bathroom.

I walked into the cool area, golden sunlight from the open window dappled the room. I threw my clothes over a rung beside the shower and opened the cupboard to find a towel. I took out a white fluffy one and threw it onto the pile of clothes. Turning on the water of the shower, I let it run as I got undressed. I looked at the bandaging on my arm, Kakashi had done a good job, but I needed to take it off for the shower. Slowly I unraveled the bandage and placed it on the basin, I took a look at the cut. It was fairly deep, no wonder Kakashi was worried. I threw my dirty clothes into a pile and stepped into the shower, enjoying the sensation of the warm water. My cut stung slightly as the water rushed over it, I ignored the pain and gently rubbed off the dried blood on my arm from the injury. I reached over to my shampoo and squeezed the berry scented liquid into my hands. Lathering it up I began to think of the past few days, in all honesty I was exhausted and glad to have this break. Even if it was out of pity. Though I had found that kid, I felt worried about him doing something rash again. I shook my head as I began to run the shampoo through my hair, this isn't something I should worry about on my day off. I rinsed out the shampoo and continued my routine in the shower. Examining the new cuts on my body I rinsed out the last of the conditioner. Once I had finished I reached over to the handles and turned the shower off, immediately feeling cold afterwards. I wrung my hair, trying get most of the water out.

Stepping out I began to dry myself with the towel, after I was thoroughly dry I re wrapped my wound with new bandages, though it wasn't as good as Kakashis, it would still do the job. Afterwards I tentatively put on my clothing, wrapping the heandband around my forehead. Sighing, I slung the wet towel over my shoulder and walked over to the dirty pile of washing, picking it up I opened the door and walked out of the room. Walking back into my bedroom I threw my dirty clothes into my washing basket, my room was clean but could still go for a sorting out. I looked outside and the sunlight had disappeared behind clouds, encouraging me to get a scarf. I walked over to my cupboard once again and pulled out a large white scarf out of one of the draws. Beside my bed was my sandals, I grabbed them in one hand and walked out of the room. Exiting the bedroom I walked into the kitchen. I wrapped the scarf around my neck, grateful for the warmth it gave off. I slipped into my sandals that came halfway up my calves, and walked over to the bench, grabbing my house keys and wallet I put them into my pants pockets. I can grab breakfast down the street. Checking I had everything I walked over to the front door, opening it I stepped out into the cool air. Turning back around I locked the door behind me, descending the stairs down to the street I nuzzled further into my scarf.

There was a few people down on the street, buying things from the multiple shops. Scents wafted into my nose, my stomach rumbled loudly, I should get breakfast soon. My thoughts wondered aimlessly as I walked to the nearest food shop to get something to eat. I spotted a shop where they sold Miso soup and immediately headed towards it. Dodging people as I advanced towards the shop. Luckily there was nobody in line as I sat down in on the stools, I quickly ordered my meal. As I waited impatiently I glanced towards the road to entertain myself, I recognized a few familiar faces but nobody I really knew. Scanning over the crowd again, I recognized a pink haired kunoichi and a long blonde ponytail, I gave a smile and a wave as they walked by. Sakura and Ino gave me a large grin and a wave before continuing to walk down the street in their ninja uniforms. They must be going on a mission.

A subtle clink informed me that my meal was ready, I thanked the waiter and began to eat my meal. I quickly ate the meal of miso soup and white rice, glad to have had something to eat. I paid the fee for the food and left the shop, wondering what I was going to do for the rest of the day. I should train.

I sighed heavily and decided to get to the training grounds as quickly as possible. Crouching down slightly I propelled myself upwards and onto the nearest rooftop, I continued to jump from roof to roof towards the training grounds. Every time I began to fall back towards the roof, my stomach dropped. My hair flowed freely behind me like ribbon dancing in the wind, my scarf trailed behind me as I saw the greenery of the training area up ahead. The sky was still overcast as I reached the forest, as I left the populated area I began to walk. Jumping onto the dirt road I spotted the bridge I usually crossed up up my speed I continued to walk towards it, the wind rustled the trees on the other side of the river. I began to walk across the wooden bridge, the river beneath it was calm as I walked over the bridge. The wood creaked beneath my feet as I continued to walk. Running my hand over the red railing I reached the other side of the river, a cool breeze caressed my cheeks. I sighed as I looked at the open training area, I want to work on my defense technique, but it would be hard without a training partner. I should work on my rasengan technique, it's relatively new so I should improve it.

I walked over to an area where I was surrounded by multiple rocks and trees. My footsteps thudded against the hard ground, the wind was picking up slightly. I exhaled, lifting my right hand up, I began to form a ball of blue chakra in my hand. It whistled as it grew larger, streams of chakra swirled as I allowed it to grow bigger. Stepping forwards I thrust my hand towards a tree, the ball of chakra blast through it. I felt resistance as I continued to move my hand forward. I squinted my eyes as little bits of bark flew towards me. My injury stung slightly as I moved my body quickly to send the blow. Leaving destruction it's wake, the tree fell to the ground. A large ball shaped hole present in it's trunk. Not strong enough. Was the only thought that came to mind as I examined the damage. As I was doing this I could hear shuffling from nearby, was somebody else training? I turned my head to the right, thinking that's where the sound came from. A different noise sounded as I could hear footsteps thumping against wood. Who was watching me?

Byakugan. . .

I squinted as I closed my right eye and began focusing on the position the noise was coming from. I could soon see a figure moving, they were quite short and looked to be younger. She had short orange hair that came just above her shoulders, and a pair of green eyes. A genin, they must be out here training too. Curious as to where her squad was I looked further with my byakugan until I saw a clearing up ahead. In that clearing was two people I recognized, Yoake and Hametsu. With them was another boy, he had messy fawn hair that covered light brown eyes. So they're out here too, they wouldn't recognize me from last night as I was wearing a mask. I deactivated my byakugan and continued to practice my rasengan. Why was she watching me earlier?

Next Morning~

I quickly appeared in the Hokages office, wanting to get this mission as soon as possible. The sky was already a clear blue, with very little clouds in sight though there was supposed to be rain for the rest of the week. Kakashi was spinning around in his chair, leaning his head back with his eyes closed. Messy, silver hair covered his headband, this morning he wasn't wearing his hokage gear. He came to halt as he faced me, opening his eyes he leant forward on his desk, using his arms to support his head. His tired charcoal eyes connected with mine through the mask. Even though he couldn't see where I was looking though the mask, I felt embarrassed about looking directly into their eyes.

"You're here already for the mission Karasu?" he asked idly, once again I caught myself staring at his scar wondering how he got it. Luckily I pulled myself out of my trance and managed to answer him.

"Yes" I answered simply, he slowly stretched his arms and reached over for a thin file. As he reached over I caught a glimpse at the cover of his book "Icha Icha Paradise". I smirked beneath my mask, finding it amusing that he kept it on him at all times. He retrieved the file and opened it, flicking through a few pages he found the one he was looking for.

"An assassination of a political figure in the land of feathers was ordered by the feudal lord, there has also been a request that you assassinate a few thugs in the area he is connected to, which have been causing trouble. His name is Hiromasa Amari and he lives in the same house as the feudal lord, apparently he has been leaking information about the country to outsiders" he gave me the summary of the mission as I soaked in the information. It sounded like a mission I could easily complete without complications, as long as I didn't get distracted again. Hopefully I didn't receive any further injuries from it, though it seems no other ninja are involved.

"Alright, I will head off as soon as possible" I replied, I would just have to organize some additional supplies, as it's at least two days away. Though it seemed relatively easy, I couldn't let my guard down on the mission. I was about to head off before Kakashi stopped me.

"I'm going to be placing you in a grouped mission soon, how do you feel about it?" He asked seeming aloof, yet cautious at the same time. I honestly didn't mind, it would be nice to not work solo all the time. I watched him scan over me, probably for a sign of rejection to the idea.

"I would appreciate working in a group for my next mission" I replied, thinking it would be a good idea for me to go on teams with people again. Secretly I hoped I would be grouped with people I knew. But, I wouldn't mind if I didn't know the people I was on the squad with.

"Good I'll organize that for next time, and how's your arm?" he questioned me again, I felt a pang of embarrassment remembering the events. An urge to ignore him and leave washed over me. Hopefully the event would blow over soon, sighing silently I forced myself to keep calm and respond instead of letting my cheeks turn red. I have to stop getting so embarrassed.

"It's doing better than before, thank you for wrapping it up" I said politely, I was grateful for that help, otherwise I would have been in a worse state. It was really sweet to do that for me, I hadn't really seen Kakashi act like that before towards me. I could still feel my face heating up as I said that, ugh I need to get in control.

"That's alright, just make sure if you get another injury like that to go to the medics before going off again" he stated, I felt ashamed for going after that kid now. But it was true, I did need to go see someone about my injuries first, but I couldn't help myself. Somehow I felt as if I was a student being told off by my sensei, how annoying.

"Understood, I'll be heading off now" I said, not wanting to continue the conversation that was making my face turn red with embarrassment. Yet again I was glad to have the ANBU mask covering my face. He gave a nod, before I disappeared and headed off on my mission.

I apologize for the first version of this chapter, the text had glitched luckily that has been fixed and I hope you can enjoy the chapter now.