"-91 92 93 94"
The sun glistened off of Krishna's perspiring body as she performed sit ups. This girl had been exercising for 4 hours and did not look like she had reached her limit yet. Despite only being 16 years of age Krishna was quite toned.
"100!"
She took a deep breath, stood up and stretched just as Kakashi walked over. He reached out for a hug but she refused, crossing her arms.
"I'm very sweaty at th-
He frowned then pulled her toward him anyway. She rolled her eyes wrapping her arms around him.
"Is it so hard to give your parent a hug? What kind of a daughter are you?"
She stepped back, folded her arms again and turned her head in a huff.
"You are not my father Kakashi."
"Ouch, you're so cold."
He smirked at the red tinge on her cheeks.
"Why are you here Kakashi?"
"Oh right! Team Kakashi received its first mission. Lady Tsunade will inform us once we get to the Hokage Tower."
"I need to take a shower first, you can leave before me."
"Sure you don't want to walk together?"
"I'm fine Ha-ta-ke."
"Why can't you be a cute, nice daughter?"
"Bleeeh."
"Fine, fine just don't be late."
'I haven't heard from him in a while. I wonder if he got into trouble. Shouldn't be, he might be stubborn but he can handle himself…I wonder what my first mission will be. I hope it's in a foreign land. It would be a great achievement to form an organization uniting orphanages. Why don't they have that already? Probably because the four great nations, spend all their money on training ninja for useless battle. I can't believe how much Konoha spends on military training. Speaking of that, if I'm found out I'm dead. Gaah, I hope they can't read minds'.
"What? I don't want this boring mission!"
I walked in just in time to hear Naruto's screams. The room was large with a long table at the end where an irritated Lady Tsunade and a few others sat.
"Hmph the third Hokage was better."
"Shut up Naruto! Apologize for speaking to the Hokage like that."
"Owww sorry, sorry."
I sneaked over and stood to the left of Kakashi who looked concerned for Naruto.
"Fifth Hokage this is urgent!"
"What is it?"
"The Hidden Sand's Kazekage has just been captured by an organization called 'Akatsuki'. The message just arrived!"
I noticed the people around me gasp. But the only thing on my mind at the moment was the surge of chakra the one tails was causing. What set him off this time?
"Okay team Kakashi new mission. Head to the Sand, scout the situation, report and defend."
"Yes Lord Hokage!"
"Krishna where's your headband?"
My feet halted and I scanned my body using my hands. I always did this. If it wasn't my weapons pouch it was lunch money that I would forget to bring. I have to think of something.
"It's not that important to wear a headband Kakashi."
"Then how are you supposed to be recognized?"
He stared at me with a questioning look and I quickly turned my head away as to avoid his gaze.
"Is being a ninja not about stealth?"
*sigh*
"Okaaay you win, you win. Just don't forget next time alright?"
*hmph*
I felt him ruffle my hair like always and I smiled. I do not care anymore. I trust these people as much as I did Theodore. I'm very grateful of Kakashi. He is really the father I never had. Of course I'll never tell him, that'd be too embarrassing. I recall~
I stared at my hair in discontent remembering what the girls at the barbeque restaurant had whispered. 'Look at her, she looks so wild with that trashy tangled hair.' 'Hey~ don't be rude, I pity the poor, they have to work in fields all day and get stuck with tans. They can't even afford to get their hair straightened done.' *laughs*
I sighed pulling at my stupid hair. Why was I getting so upset about their words? I shouldn't care but yet.
"Krishna? I'm home."
I looked at the mirror one last time before sighing and exiting my room. He looked at me with a smile and I returned it with a nod.
"Welcome home."
"I bought you something."
"What?! I told you n-
"Don't worry."
I folded my arms as he pulled a small box out his pocket and walked over. I gave a questioning look when he told me to close my eyes but complied. A pressure was placed on the side of my head and a snapping sound was heard.
"Open your eyes."
He held a mirror in front of me and I noticed the blue dragonfly pin. It was so beautifully carved. This must be expensive!
"How mu-
"Doesn't it look great? Especially with your hair, they go well together."
"Ha, not on MY hair."
I immediately reached to pull it off when he reached for my hands. He kneeled to my height, staring me right in the eyes as he held my hands.
"Krishna tell me what's wrong."
I looked at him with a distressed face. Did he overhear those girls as well? This is so embarrassing, he must think I'm pathetic.
"Nothing is wrong. I'm fine, I-I-I promise."
"Is it about what they said?"
I felt tears form in my eyes so I quickly bit my lips to hold them back.
"You are not ugly Krishna. They haven't seen you smile or laugh, but I have and it is beautiful."
"S-hut up Ka-k…"
"Tell me what's wrong."
I fell into his arms and cried. How could I let something so trivial affect me? Not again I have to be strong for Kakashi and myself.
"I-I'm s-orry. It's just that I felt so pathetic in front of you. I don't want to embarrass you who have helped and sheltered me."
"Why would I be embarrassed to have to have such a strong willed girl stand beside me?"
"T-thank you."
I moved away from him and he wiped my tears.
"Promise me if there's anything that bothers you, you'll tell me."
I nodded and he smiled.
"Now, how does strawberry gelatin sound?"
"I don't mind."
In a second I was off of the floor and into his arms. I held on tightly as we moved toward the kitchen.
Despite his laid back attitude Kakashi would make a great parent. I pulled at my hair and internally laughed at myself. How could I ever doubt these luscious locks? Ah and my pin. Every morning I woke up it was the first thing I put on.
"What's so funny?"
"N-nothing!"
Did I just laugh aloud? Talk about embarrassing myself yet again.
"Well, are you ready to go?"
Before we could answer Lady Tsunade, Jiraiya walked over to Naruto. It was a bit awkward being around him because of our past encounter. Even though I say this, I still respect his views on life.
I overheard his conversation with Naruto about not using that and how the akatsuki were after him. I was ready to go. Who knows what could be happening to Gaara as we idly chat. Despite our not-so pleasant encounter, learning about his story of loneliness and discrimination had made me even angrier than I was when I heard of Naruto's story. How could someone make such a selfish decision for the innocent and allow them to live a life filled with punishment.
"Are we leaving or having a press conference?"
I had to speak up it was about time we get serious. Naruto stopped his conversation and stared at me. He understood that now was the time to move.
"I understand Jiraiya."
"You've all grown up haven't you?"
We ran out of the gates and into the forest leaving behind Lady Tsunade, Shizune and Jiraiya.
"Krishna, I'm so-
"Save it. Right now we have to focus on saving Gaara."
"Right!"
We had been traveling for over 12 hours now and The Sand Village was still another 24 hours away. On our way we had encountered Gaara's older sister Temari. She was shocked to find out about Gaara and Naruto even told her and Sakura about the nine tailed fox sealed within him.
"We should really take a break guys"
I looked at how worn out the others were and stopped. They caught up and stood behind me.
"Since it's late you guys can stop and rest but I'm going ahead."
"No you're not."
"But Kakashi."
"Don't 'Kakashi' me. It's dark and travelling alone is dangerous."
"I can handle myself quite fine."
I took a step forward to leave and gasped as Kakashi caught hold of me and tied me to a tree. I kicked my feet around and tried my best to wiggle out of the situation to no avail.
"You can't do this."
"I just did."
"fuuuuuuuu."
Naruto walked over and smirked.
"This brings back old memories."
What about Gaara? There's no time to rest. When they fall asleep I'll leave and search for him. If the tailed beast is what they're after then there must be a trace of the Raccoons chakra.
A few hours after convincing Kakashi to fall asleep, I was ready to escape. I closed my eyes channeling both mine and the Raccoon's chakra. It surrounded my body, burning away the rope and part of the tree.
'I hope they didn't hear that.'
With my fingers and toes pointed, in a comical style I sneaked away. I'm sorry for disobeying you Kakashi but there is an important person that needs my help.
I had been travelling for 2 hours when I sensed a surge of chakra. It must be Raccoon's main power. That means Gaara. I was not so sure because the feeling wasn't as strong or sinister as it always was when there was a tailed beasts' chakra nearby. Although, investigating is better than nothing.
I spun to my right, entering a large field 30 minutes after. In the distance I could see a small village and headed for it.
The village was fast asleep with the exception of a bar that was lit up in neon. The chakra I was sensing came from within. Why would the Akatsuki bring Gaara here?
I walked into the bar eliciting a few gazes from the scruffy, drunken inhabitants. My spotlight was stolen when a crash was heard from the door at the end of the bar. Another crash and suddenly a man flew through the door landing right in front of me. Everyone gasped and ran out the front doors as a boy dressed in white robe attire entered with a harsh glare. It was him who was emitting this chakra!
"I'll give you five seconds. Where is it?"
(5)"I swear I don't have it!"
4
3
The man laid out in front of me looked terrified. I quickly picked him up and jumped to the side as a beam of lightning scorched past our previous location.
"P-please save me miss."
"Let him go or I'll finish you off with him."
What?!
"I don't know why he's after you. But it seems you're at a disadvantage, I'll help."
I jumped back avoiding another lightning attack. I placed the man near the entrance.
"Go."
He scrambled out of the entrance doors as fast as a hedgehog. Without wasting time I charged at my target. He pulled out a katana and I pulled out two kunai. Our weapons collided and I came face to face with my target…
"SASUKE?!"
"Krishna."
We lowered our weapons. He looked so strange. Maybe it was the outfit; it is kind of out there.
"Are you done?"
"No, why were you picking on that poor man?"
"He sells illegal drugs. I was sent to retrieve something he stole. Thanks for making my job harder."
"I apologize."
"I should be asking why you a ninja of The Hidden Leaf is here."
"The Kazekage has been captured by the Akatsuki. I thought the influx of power I sensed was from him not you."
I noticed his expression change from blank to a frown.
"I'm coming with you."
It was my turn to frown.
"I'm with Kakashi and your former teammates. Are you sure this is fine?"
"Then why are you alone right now?"
"I snuck away to search for Gaara."
"Then it's fine. Let's go."
I sighed in annoyance remembering how stubborn he was. He never listens to anyone but himself. Whatever, I took the lead as we exited the town. Night was soon turning into day.
'Raccoon!'
…
'Hey, listen to me this is about you too!'
He growled as the chains I controlled tightened around him.
'What? What?'
'Where is the other half of your power?'
'Why wou-
I dragged him to the ground and stared right into his left eye challenging him.
'I am not afraid of you human.'
I stumbled back as he snapped at me.
'Your power will be taken by the akatsuki.'
His head shot up and I smirked. I've lived with him long enough and I know he hates being used.
'I don't really mind you and I don't call on you much, but them. They'll flaunt your power as theirs.'
He emitted a large growl.
'Where is Gaara?'
'8 miles west. Hurry up.'
'I've got it.'
"Where is it?"
"8 miles west. We have to move quickly. Can you keep up?"
"Who do you think I am?"
"An arrogant wench or maybe…aha! Traitor!"
I laughed taking off as he grumbled behind me. It wasn't a lie. After all he did leave the village and join the enemy.
Meanwhile Kakashi, Temari, Sakura and Naruto travelled at full speed to the Sand. Sakura and Naruto tried their best to comfort their worried sensei.
"She probably made it to the village before us. Have faith in her Kakashi-sensei."
"I know Sakura but-
"If we keep up our pace we'll arrive at the village tonight."
"Kakashi, if it isn't rude of me. May I ask why you care so much about her?"
Kakashi's problems diminished a bit as he reminisced of the time he spent with Krishna. He often spent his days alone. Thinking and fretting over events of the past. Even though his advice to Krishna was to live and move on he was also stuck. Together they learned from each other, took care of each other and lived in the present with each other. Laughing, training and quarrelling, he enjoyed it all.
"Let's just say, we both need each other."
Temari nodded and both Sakura and Naruto smiled at Kakashi's serene expression.
"Okay guys no more breaks let's go!"
Thank you very much for reading.
I wouldn't mind if you reviewed the chapter. I would love to make the story enjoyable for both you and me.
Until next time.
