"Report."
"The subject and jinchuuriki were threatened by two intoxicated civilians. Subject attempted to flee with the jinchuuriki. The threats gave chase. Subject was unlikely to escape. She and the jinchuuriki were at significant risk. No patrols or off duty forces were nearby. I visibly intervened and neutralised both threats. Subject returned to her residence with the jinchuuriki. She was in the process of successfully calming him down when last observed."
Wolf waits for a reprimand. A visible intervention was unnecessary.
Hokage-sama offers no reprimand.
"Do you believe this to be a deliberate attack?"
Wolf examines the event again.
"Unlikely. The civilians displayed no training or ulterior motives. I believe the incident to be caused by rage born from the Kyuubi Attack, heightened to unusual levels by both the date and their intoxication. While the incident could have been manipulated by outside forces, it would serve no purpose but to observe the subject's response."
"And what would her response have revealed?"
"A lack of formal training and combat experience. She remained unaware of her pursuers for approximately eight minutes. On notice, she picked up the jinchuuriki and attempted to flee without enhancing her performance. When the threats closed in, she prepared to defend herself but showed no particular skill or suppressed reflexes."
Hokage-sama closes his eyes. Hokage-sama is worried.
"The fear she displayed was aimed more at the jinchuuriki's safety than her own."
Hokage-sama opens his eyes. Hokage-sama appreciates the additional information. Wolf offers more information he believes Hokage-sama will appreciate.
"On arrival at her residence, her priority was to calm down the jinchuuriki. In the process, she brought up my intervention. Her exact words were; did you see how fast that ninja moved? One moment we're running and the next, fwoosh. Those drunks didn't stand a chance. It was amazing, wasn't it? The jinchuuriki responded that it was pretty cool."
Hokage-sama is smiling. Wolf is pleased.
"Your insight is valued," Hokage-sama says. Wolf is very pleased. "Return to your post. I expect another update at the usual time. Dismissed."
Wolf flickers away.
Wolf observes from his post. Subject is within visual and auditory range. Jinchuuriki is within auditory range. Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Subject sits down. Subject covers her face with her hands. Subject is processing the event as she refused to do while the jinchuuriki was awake.
"Shit."
Subject's breathing is becoming irregular. Odds of a panic attack, approximately eighty percent.
Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Subject forcefully brings her breathing under control. Subject has experience in heading off panic attacks. Most likely source, the Kyuubi Attack.
Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Subject becomes confident she has regained control. Subject's exhaustion gains the upper hand.
Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Subject moves towards the jinchuuriki's birthday cake. Subject cuts off a slice. Subject grabs a notebook. Subject writes, the angle preventing Wolf from determining the content. Subject tears out the page and folds it.
Subject is intending to give the cake to Wolf. Wolf analyses potential motivations. Most likely, a genuine expression of gratitude. Less likely, a ploy for political power.
Subject opens the window and places the cake and note on the windowsill. Subject goes to the jinchuuriki's room. Subject confirms the jinchuuriki's safety and continued sleep for her peace of mind.
Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Subject enters the bathroom, leaving visual range. Subject brushes her teeth. Subject relieves herself. Subject leaves the bathroom, returning to visual range. Subject enters her room and closes the curtains, leaving visual range.
Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Subject undresses. Subject gets into bed. Subject's breathing becomes deep and steady. Subject has fallen asleep.
Wolf moves. Wolf investigates the note.
Thanks for the rescue.
The message doesn't allow Wolf to eliminate any potential motives. Wolf refolds the paper and returns it to its previous position, leaving no evidence that it was moved. Wolf casts an illusion on the cake and note. Their presence is incriminating.
Wolf returns to his post.
Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Wolf observes.
Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Wolf observes.
Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Minato's son is alive. Kakashi allows himself to close his eye.
Naruto is alive. Nothing happened. He's fine, he didn't get hurt. He's alive.
Kakashi keeps listening to Naruto's breathing. He didn't fail. He got there in time. He kept Naruto alive. He's alive. Minato's son is alive. He can literally hear him breath.
Doesn't calm him down in the slightest.
Kakashi comes to a decision. Wolf disapproves of this decision. Kakashi ignores that. If he doesn't calm down, he won't be able to do his job well. Wolf reluctantly agrees with this assessment.
Returning to the window, he soundlessly unlocks it and slips inside before closing it just as soundlessly. Entering Naruto's room, he watches the boy who looks so much like his father. The boy he can see breathe, the boy whose heartbeat he can now hear. The rhythm is strong and healthy. Naruto is fine. He's alive.
Kakashi still isn't calm.
He opens Obito's eye. The world becomes painfully vivid, a faint throbbing starting at his temples as his mind struggles to process the sudden flood of information. Kakashi ignores it with the ease of long familiarity.
He looks at Minato's son. Looks at the hair three shades lighter and the skin two shades darker. Looks at the lashes, jawline and chin so similar to his memories. He looks so much like Sensei.
He's alive.
Kakashi finally calms down. He closes Obito's eye and leaves the room, leaving no evidence of ever having been here. He opens the window. And hesitates, his eye drawn to the hidden cake.
It's been a long time since anyone thanked him like this. Oh, theoretically there's a possibility of it being a power move, but by now he's been observing Takahashi Mariko long enough to know that this is exactly what it seems. She's thanking him for saving her and Naruto.
Kakashi isn't in the habit of saving people. The opposite. Being able to do otherwise is nice. Being thanked for it is... well. He appreciates the gesture. Let's leave it at that.
The cake will be ruined if left outside the entire night.
Wolf disapproves. Strongly. Kakashi hesitates again. It's true, this is not a good idea. It's one thing to show himself because the circumstances forced him to - well no, he didn't need to show himself. He could have taken down the civilians with a simple illusion. Unfortunately, he - kept seeing Sensei - hadn't been in the clearest state of mind.
He's calm now. Still a little unsettled, but not enough to obscure just what a bad idea it would be to confirm he's still here.
Wolf agrees. Wolf points out they can't rule out the possibility that this is a ploy.
Yeah, that's a load of crap. Takahashi Mariko is many things and none of it includes an ambition for power. A fact Wolf is all but certain of as well, she wouldn't have been allowed to adopt Naruto otherwise. Ignoring that, if this indeed a ploy, playing along will give him as much information as ignoring it would, if not more so.
Wolf reluctantly agrees with this assessment. Wolf still disapproves of this course of action.
Kakashi decides to ignore that. He breaks the illusion and moves the cake to the coffee table, before unfolding the note and adding a reply. He's already letting her know he's still here. Might as well have some fun while he's at it.
I don't like sweet things.
Wolf's disapproval grows.
Wolf has no sense of humor. Kakashi does. Besides, her reaction to this will teach him a great deal. Wolf reluctantly agrees.
He places the note with the cake, folded so the new characters are visible. Can't risk her throwing it away without checking it.
Kakashi slips outside and returns to his post.
Wolf observes.
Subject has not yet noticed the changed location of the cake and note. Subject woke up agitated because of last night's events. Subject handled her agitation by performing her usual morning routine with unusual focus.
Subject has succeeded in calming down. Subject and jinchuuriki are eating breakfast. Subject finishes first.
Subject notices the cake. Subject becomes curious. Subject shows no fear, discomfort, relief or satisfaction. Possibility of this being a ploy has been reduced.
Subject walks towards the note. Subject notices the new characters on the note. Subject reads the reply.
Subject snorts. Subject is amused. Subject doesn't look for Wolf.
Wolf considers. Subject is discreet by nature. Subject enjoys contradictory banter. Subject feels genuine gratitude towards Wolf. Wolf concludes her response to be in line with previously observed behavior.
Kakashi had hoped for a bigger reaction.
Jinchuuriki notices what the subject is doing.
"Hey, is that for me? Can I have cake for breakfast, please, please, pretty please?"
Odds of the subject granting the jinchuuriki's request, approximately ninety percent.
"Finish your meal and you can have a bite."
Wolf updates the subject's profile. Even when the jinchuuriki has gone through an unsettling event, subject will keep a strict limit on sugar consumption. Most likely cause, the difficulty she has with the jinchuuriki when he's experiencing a sugar rush.
Subject moves towards the cupboards containing snacks. Subject intends to give Wolf another offering.
Subject doesn't notice the jinchuuriki getting off his chair and moving to the cake. Subject doesn't notice the jinchuuriki eating the cake. Kakashi is amused.
Jinchuuriki finishes eating the cake. Jinchuuriki hides the plate behind his back. Jinchuuriki watches the subject for signs of her becoming aware of his actions.
Subject doesn't become aware of the jinchuuriki's actions. Subject finds what she was looking for. A bag of fried beans.
Subject returns to the coffee table. Subject doesn't notice the lack of cake. Jinchuuriki hides the plate beneath the couch without drawing the subject's attention.
Subject grabs the note and adds a message. The angle allows Wolf to read along.
Does this meet your refined tastes?
It does not. Kakashi doesn't like fried things either.
Subject is relaxed. Subject shows no fear or discomfort at being observed. Subject places beans and note on the windowsill.
Jinchuuriki approaches the subject. Jinchuuriki is curious as to what the subject is doing.
"Nee-chan, what're you doing?"
Subject startles. Subject failed to notice the jinchuuriki approach. Wolf concluded long ago that the lack of awareness is genuine. Kakashi will never understand how civilians can be so oblivious.
Jinchuuriki hugs the subject's leg. Requiring comfort after last night's events. Subject strokes the jinchuuriki's hair, motivated by a need to comfort both the jinchuuriki and herself.
"Feeding a stray cat."
Jinchuuriki interprets the message as literal. Jinchuuriki is wondering why the subject would want to feed stray cats.
"Really?"
Subject is amused by the jinchuuriki's response.
"No."
Jinchuuriki pouts with annoyance. Subject's affection for the jinchuuriki becomes more dominant.
"Mari-nee, you're being mean!"
"Why are you still surprised by this? And did you finish your-"
Subject notices the lack of cake. Subject correctly deduces what happened to it.
"Naruto. Where's the cake?"
Jinchuuriki becomes guilty. Jinchuuriki fails to hide his guilt. Jinchuuriki glances at the couch, informing the subject where the plate is hidden. A prodigy, Minato's son is not. Though he's above average in some regards. As evidenced by him being quiet enough to avoid attention while eating the cake.
Subject sighs. Subject is impressed that the jinchuuriki managed to eat the cake without her notice. Subject is annoyed at the discipline she must now enact.
"No cake for you tonight."
Jinchuuriki is caught off guard.
"What! But you said I could have it!"
"I said you could have a bite, and only after you finished your breakfast. Did you finish your breakfast?"
"I did!"
Subject looks towards the table to confirm the jinchuuriki's claim. Subject sees that the jinchuuriki spoke the truth.
Subject does not soften.
"And you still ate more than a bite. No cake tonight."
Odds of the subject allowing the jinchuuriki cake tonight, approximately ninety-five percent.
Jinchuuriki is unaware of this. Jinchuuriki prepares to argue.
"But-"
"No buts. If you wanted cake tonight, you shouldn't have eaten it now. Now get moving, we're going to be late."
Jinchuuriki becomes afraid. Jinchuuriki's fear causes the subject's own to become dominant.
"...Can't we stay home today?"
Subject struggles against the urge to grant the jinchuuriki's request. Subject is determined to act like normal. Subject is assuring herself that she and the jinchuuriki are safe.
Subject glances out the window. Subject loses a significant amount of tension.
Subject finds comfort in Wolf's presence. Wolf updates the subject's profile. Subject is more loyal than previously believed.
"You have school, so no."
Subject grabs the plate and places it in the sink. Subject moves towards the exit.
"Come on, I'll walk you."
The jinchuuriki becomes deliberately pleading. Subject averts her gaze to the ceiling to avoid the sight. Odds of the subject being swayed by the tactic under normal circumstances, ninety-two percent. Odds of the subject being swayed under these circumstances, undetermined.
Subject takes a fortifying breath. Subject will not be swayed. Wolf requires more data in order to determine whether this is a normal response to circumstances such as these.
Subject looks at the jinchuuriki. Informing him she remains resolved. Jinchuuriki chooses another tactic in an attempt to persuade the subject.
"Won't Tori be mad if you're late?"
Subject responds with a look that informs the jinchuuriki this tactic won't work either.
"She's closed down today."
Jinchuuriki refuses to heed the unspoken command. Subject turns the command verbal.
"Move it, brat."
Jinchuuriki realises he won't be able to change the subject's mind. Jinchuuriki scowls.
He's still afraid.
"Okay, okay, I'm going."
Jinchuuriki reluctantly makes his way to the subject. Subject softens. When the jinchuuriki reaches the subject, the subject kneels down and pulls him into a hug. Jinchuuriki hugs her back. Requiring comfort. Subject caresses the jinchuuriki's cheek.
"It's okay to be scared, Naruto. I'm a little scared too."
Subject is deliberately understating the strength of her fear. Subject is attempting to both comfort the jinchuuriki and import personal teachings.
"However, it's not okay to give in to it. So we're going to kick its ass by acting like normal."
Jinchuuriki's fear has lessened but not yet disappeared. Subject is dissatisfied. Subject decides to use a different tactic.
"And if you go to the academy, you'll learn how to be strong enough to kick the ass of anyone who wants to hurt you."
Subject is successful in easing the remainder of the jinchuuriki's fear. The jinchuuriki grins.
"Yeah, I'm gonna be the strongest ever! And I'll protect you too, Mari-nee!"
The jinchuuriki's response lessens the subject's own fear significantly. Subject chuckles and ruffles the jinchuuriki's hair.
"Then you better get to school. You won't get stronger otherwise."
Jinchuuriki becomes determined. Jinchuuriki hurries to put his shoes on.
"Come on, nee-chan! We're going to be late!"
Subject laughs. Subject joins the jinchuuriki in preparing to leave. Subject and jinchuuriki exit the residence, leaving visual range. Wolf moves. Wolf pockets the note and beans. Subject and jinchuuriki make their way towards the Academy. Wolf follows. Wolf observes.
Kakashi is glad she handled that so well.
Subject drops off the jinchuuriki at the Academy. Subject wanders the streets. Subject is deliberately staying outside. Subject is attempting to conquer her fear.
Subject occasionally looks for Wolf without an expectation of finding him. Subject assumes that Wolf is currently observing the jinchuuriki instead of her, but subject is not ruling out the possibility that she is being held under surveillance instead. Subject shows occasional exasperation at the need for surveillance.
Subject still shows no signs of discomfort. Wolf analyses. Subject possesses a strong sense of self. Subject cares little for the approval of the general populace. Subject is noticeably skilled at accommodating unexpected happenings. Subject feels gratitude towards Wolf.
Subject's response falls in line with previously displayed behavior.
After lunch, subject makes her way to her place of work. Subject intends to see her closest friends. Odds of the subject mentioning the attack, approximately eighty-five percent. Odds of the subject mentioning Wolf's involvement, approximately seventy percent.
Subject relaxes when she sees her place of work. Subject uses her key to enter. Subject goes into the kitchen, leaving visual range. Wolf changes position so the subject is within view again.
Subject prepares tea. Jasmine. Sakura sencha. Yamecha. Subject relaxes further as she prepares nourishment for her friends.
Subject takes the tea to the residence upstairs, leaving visual range. Wolf changes position. The subject's friends are not within visual range. Odds of that changing, approximately thirty percent.
Subject enters the room her friends are in. Subject speaks. Subject's voice is deliberately soft. Considerate of the state her friends are in. Subject's voice is deliberately firm. Intending to provoke a reaction.
"Rise and shine, people."
Nakamura Renji lets out a pained groan. Ito Tori whimpers. Tanaka Shiro lets out an aggrieved breath. Nakamura Rukia remains asleep.
Subject turns on the light. Nakamura Renji expresses verbal disapproval at the subject's actions.
"You're an asshole."
"Takes one to know one."
Subject is pleased with the response her arrival inspired. So is Kakashi. This is a lot more fun to observe than her wanderings around town.
Ito Tori whimpers again.
"Please be more quiet."
Subject obligingly lowers her voice. Subject moves across the room.
"I have to admit, seeing you all suffer from monster hangovers almost makes up for missing the party."
"Asshole."
"Here I was nice enough to bring you your favorite."
Subject pours tea. Nakamura Rukia starts waking. Most likely cause, the scent of tea.
Tanaka Shiro moves towards the subject. Subject gives him a cup. Previously gathered data indicates she gives him a cup of yamecha.
Subject speaks with deliberate cheer.
"Good morning, Shiro."
Tanaka Shiro responds with an aggravated sound. Subject brings tea to Ito Tori and Nakamura Renji. Previous data indicates she gives sakura sencha to Ito Tori and jasmine to Nakamura Renji.
Nakamura Rukia finishes waking.
"Is that jasmine?"
Subject gives a cup to Nakamura Rukia. Nakamura Rukia lets out an appreciative sound.
"I love you."
"I hate you."
"You're too loud."
"If all of you don't shut up, I'm going to stab you in the throat."
Tanaka Shiro's false threat makes the subject snort. Subject continues interacting with her friends, displaying no uncharacteristic behavior. Subject is relaxed.
Over two hours pass before the subject, back in visual range, brings up the events of last night.
"So last night I learned why I should never take Naruto to see the fireworks on his birthday."
Subject's voice is deliberately light. Subject's body language is unsettled. Wolf considers. Mentioning his involvement is in line with previously gathered data. Mentioning her display of gratitude is not. Wolf is alert for uncharacteristic behavior.
Kakashi knows she won't bring up the note.
Subject's statement inspires worry in her friends.
"What happened?"
"We got chased by two drunks."
Subject inspires more worry. Ito Tori reaches for the subject's hand. Tanaka Shiro places a hand on the subject's shoulder.
"Are you all right?"
"Is Naruto?"
The display of worry makes the subject feel more at ease. Subject gives her friends a smile intended to ease their worry. Subject squeezes Ito Tori's hand for the same reason.
Subject is watching Nakamura Renji with caution. Nakamura Renji isn't displaying any signs of hatred for the jinchuuriki. His worry takes priority. Subject concludes the same. Subject is relieved.
"We're both fine. Didn't get attacked, courtesy of some timely intervention."
Subject pauses to increase the suspense. Subject doesn't look for Wolf, the lack of tell done without conscious effort.
Nakamura Rukia encourages the subject to continue her report.
"Police or random?"
Subject is looking forward to the response she expects her next words to inspire.
"Neither. We got saved by an elite."
Subject inspires shock. Shock makes way for discomfort and fear. The fear falls within acceptable parameters.
The discomfort and fear is joined by understanding. Subject's friends have realised that the subject is being held under surveillance.
Ito Tori openly looks out the window. Nakamura Rukia and Renji attempt to keep from doing so and fail. Tanaka Shiro succeeds.
Subject is pleased with the response inspired.
"Yeah. This is apparently a thing."
Subject doesn't lower her voice. Subject doesn't look out the window. The lack of tells are done without conscious effort.
Subject is discreet by nature. The lack of tells falls in line with previously observed behavior.
Nakamura Renji sighs.
"Suppose we should have seen this coming."
Ito Tori disagrees.
"But still? Shouldn't this have stopped after you took in Naruto?"
Kakashi is amused. Civilians.
"Wait, you knew?"
"You mean you didn't?"
"We should have. We really should have."
"What happened, Mari?"
Tanaka Shiro's question makes the others return their attention to the subject. The subject scowls. Allowing herself to become agitated now that she's in a safe environment.
"Those fucking bastards almost got their balls kicked in, that's what happened."
That is not what happened.
"They were following us, and when I picked up Naruto and started running, they did the same. I couldn't shake them, so I got ready to kick ass. That's when they started yelling about the demon brat."
The events have heightened the subject's usual hatred of the title to exceptional levels. Subject shakes her head with anger and incredulous disgust.
"Can you believe it? They wanted to beat up a six year old! Literally, it was his damn birthday! They're lucky I didn't have a rusty spoon on me. I would have scooped out their eyes and shoved them down their throats."
Subject continues venting to her friends. Subject feels better afterwards.
Subject doesn't bring up her display of gratitude. Kakashi is glad. He's also curious.
Is she going to keep being so casual about this?
Subject picks up the jinchuuriki from the Academy. Subject is relieved to see him safe. Jinchuuriki is relieved to have her back.
Subject and jinchuuriki return to their residence. Subject and jinchuuriki enter the building.
Kakashi considers. He could place the note and beans back in their original position, but where's the fun in that?
Wolf disapproves. Kakashi ignores that. He's already responded once, doing it again won't make any difference. And responding will give him as much information as not doing so would, so there's no reason to avoid the more entertaining option.
He slips inside, adds a reply to the note and places it beneath the beans.
I don't like fried things either.
Kakashi slips outside. Wolf observes.
Subject and jinchuuriki enter the residence. Subject notices the beans. Subject is annoyed. Kakashi is pleased.
"-and Iruka-sensei is so mean, he said I wasn't trying but I was! Reading is really hard and - nee-chan, are you even listening?"
Jinchuuriki has noticed the lack of attention from the subject. Subject mollifies the jinchuuriki on habit, repeating what he said without processing the words themselves.
"Reading is hard."
"...Okay. So I said he's stupid and mean, and he got really red and yelled so loud, and he said I need to listen to him but I was listening!"
Jinchuuriki continues informing the subject about his day. Subject continues to pay partial attention to him. The majority of her attention is on the beans and note.
Subject picks up the note and unfolds it. Subject smiles with involuntary humor. Subject's response falls in line with previously displayed behavior. Kakashi is still a little surprised at how casual she's being about this.
Jinchuuriki falls silent and turns his attention to the note. Jinchuuriki becomes noticeably jealous when he notices the foreign writing. The strength of the response is caused by last night's events.
Jinchuuriki doesn't read the content of the note.
"What're you doing, nee-chan? Who's that from?"
Subject opens her mouth to reply without thought. Subject realises it would be a bad idea to inform the jinchuuriki that they're being held under surveillance. Subject adjusts her response.
"No one."
Jinchuuriki doesn't believe the subject's claim.
"It can't be no one, there's words on that! Words don't appear from no one! Someone has to write them!"
Subject is proud of the jinchuuriki using deductuve reasoning. Subject continues to have no intention of sharing that they're being held under surveillance.
"All right, it's none of your business. How about that?"
"What! Nee-chan, that's not fair! You can't-"
"If you drop it, I'll make ramen for dinner."
Jinchuuriki has been successfully persuaded into dropping the topic. Subject is amused.
Subject frowns. Subject is confused and worried. Wolf considers. Most likely cause, the jinchuuriki. Less likely cause, Wolf. Least likely cause, an unrelated matter.
Subject turns her full attention towards the jinchuuriki. Subject's response was inspired by the jinchuuriki.
"You have trouble reading?"
Jinchuuriki becomes ashamed. Jinchuuriki avoids the subject's gaze.
"It's just really hard, okay? There are so many characters."
Subject shares the jinchuuriki's opinion.
"Well, this won't do at all. Come on."
Subject moves towards the bookcase. Subject grabs one of her own novels. The Lion Lord.
Subject intends to teach the jinchuuriki to read with her own writing. Subject chose the first novel she published on purpose. Most likely cause, the simplicity of the writing. Less likely cause, a desire to go through her novels chronologically.
Subject sits down on the couch. Jinchuuriki joins her. Jinchuuriki's shame has made way for curiosity. Subject draws the jinchuuriki into her lap.
"So this is a book I wrote-"
"You write books?"
Definitely not a prodigy.
"Really? I write every day, how is this a surprise to you?"
The jinchuuriki's surprise is born from a deliberate avoidance at expressing curiosity about the subject's writing. The avoidance was born from shame. The subject realises this as well.
The jinchuuriki responds with exceptional distaste.
"I didn't think you were writing books."
Subject is moderately offended.
"Fantasy literature, actually."
Subject shakes off her offense.
"Not the point. The point is, I'm going to read this to you, and you're going to sit here, quietly, and follow along the characters. Give me your hand."
Jinchuuriki gives the subject a hand. Subject places it down the page, using the jinchuuriki's index finger to follow along the characters. Subject clears her throat.
"Once upon a time, in a land far away, there lived a noble lion."
Wolf observes.
Kakashi wishes he got a bigger response than this. Would have been more entertaining. Oh well. There's still later tonight. She's definitely going to try to feed him something else. And she's going to leave another note. One of the first things he learned about Takahashi Mariko is her need to have the final word.
Kakashi wonders how exactly that need is going to express itself.
Subject places ramen and note on the windowsill. Subject prepares for sleep. Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady.
Subject enters her room. Subject gets into bed. Subject falls asleep. Wolf investigates.
Just eat the damn thing.
Kakashi is amused. Not many would treat an Anbu like this, never mind an Anbu tasked with surveilling you.
Wolf considers. The behavior falls in line with previously gathered data, but the subject's response remains unusual. Possibility of the subject adopting the jinchuuriki out of ulterior motives remains.
In that case, he should investigate further. Duty comes first and all that. Wolf agrees. Wolf disapproves of how he intends to fulfill their duty. Kakashi ignores that.
He slips inside and gets comfortable, standing out of sight and with a clear view of all exit points. After heating the ramen with some fire natured chakra, careful to keep the scent from sticking to him, he lifts Wolf's mask and tugs down his own.
He eats the damn thing. It's a lot better than the nutrient bars he eats during the day.
Putting his masks back on, he ensures that the bowl and chopsticks hold no evidence that could lead back to him before placing them on the coffee table. He unfolds the note.
Not bad.
Kakashi slips outside. Wolf summons Pakkun.
Pakkun sighs.
"This is getting really old, boss."
Kakashi agrees completely. Wolf signals the mission parameters and waits for Pakkun to confirm. Pakkun confirms. Kakashi pets Pakkun in the way he likes best. Wolf flickers away.
Wolf arrives at the residence. Wolf checks that the residence has been untampered with. Wolf concludes that the residence is safe. Wolf enters. Wolf performs another inspection. Wolf's conclusion remains unchanged.
Wolf activates the security seals. Wolf takes off his mask.
Kakashi drops down his bed with a groan. He hates long term surveillance. It's even worse because his target is a civilian. Sure, it's nice to see Naruto being taken care of, and Mariko herself can be entertaining. But for the most part, this is so boring.
At least he's gotten some variety in the form of the notes. Though how the Third will react to the breach of professionalism...
No, he's fine. The Third will be amused. It's the entire reason Kakashi even considered doing this. Well no, the initial impulse was born from how unsettled he was after the attack on Naruto. The impulses that came after were born from boredom. But he went through with them all because he knew the Third wouldn't disapprove.
He should still stop doing this. It's unprofessional. And now that he's accepted her offering, it would be more beneficial to remain quiet. It'll give him definite proof on whether or not this is a ploy.
It isn't a ploy. She just wanted to thank him and refused to take no for an answer. She's stubborn like that.
After remaining sprawled on his bed a little longer, Kakashi gets up and takes off his armor, preparing to do a light workout. He also plans an additional break into his schedule. The lack of action is making him restless. He needs to ensure he doesn't let that build up. Too much risk of making mistakes otherwise.
He really hates long term surveillance.
Subject is pleased that her offer has been accepted. Subject throws the note into the trash. Subject shows no signs of intending to extend the interaction. Wolf concludes this was no more than an expression of gratitude.
Subject and jinchuuriki leave the residence. Wolf enters the residence and destroys the note. Wolf follows the subject. Wolf observes.
Kakashi is almost disappointed this wasn't a ploy. Would have been more interesting.
Subject's breathing remains deep and steady. Jinchuuriki's breathing remains deep and steady. Wolf observes.
A patrol passes by. Wolf observes.
An off duty ninja passes by, making no attempts at observing the subject or jinchuuriki. Wolf observes.
Kakashi is bored. This is not fun. He understands the necessity of it, but that doesn't make it any more pleasant.
Wolf observes.
Kakashi wonders. How would she react if he left another note? It's one thing to have her savior accept her offer of gratitude, another thing entirely to have an Anbu reach out of their own initiative. It would inspire a much bigger reaction, that's for sure.
Wolf disagrees. Subject is skilled at accommodating unexpected happenings. Subject has formed a personal connection to them, born from accepting her offering. Odds of the subject continuing to respond in the same manner, approximately seventy-five percent.
Only one way to find out.
Wolf disapproves. Strongly.
Kakashi already acted unprofessionally by accepting the dinner, a little more won't make any difference. Besides, this would give him valuable information. Previous observations taught him that Takahashi Mariko holds almost no loyalty to the village as a whole. In fact, she holds a deep seated scorn for it. Most of it is born from the graduation age for genin. She believes they shouldn't graduate for another five years at the absolute least. Fortunately for her, she's never tried to turn Naruto against the village. The opposite, she's encouraging his loyalty despite her own distaste. As she's encouraging him to do his best in the Academy despite not wanting him to become a ninja. She wants to keep him safe.
She knows he's never going to be safe.
Her lack of loyalty isn't a real problem. But it's still there.
Except she was genuinely comforted by his presence. Oh, there's some annoyance and exasperation at the general need to be watched, but she nonetheless feels safer with him around. Yes, the feeling is born from him saving her and Naruto, and yes, she's skilled at separating her dislike of the village from the individuals in it. But even adding that in, her complete lack of discomfort can only be explained away by an underlying loyalty that's stronger than expected.
He'll be able to gauge how deep that loyalty goes if he leaves another note.
Wolf disapproves very strongly.
Wolf isn't denying he'd be able to determine the extent of her loyalty. Kakashi comes to a decision.
He slips inside, grabs the notebook she tore a page out of last time and writes.
No more food?
Soundlessly tearing out the page, he folds it and places it on the shelf that contains her novels. The bookcase is out of sight of the window, and she has a habit of glancing at her published work. The novels are placed well above Naruto's line of sight as well. Best place to leave it.
Kakashi slips outside.
Wolf observes.
Subject leaves the bathroom, returning to visual range. Subject notices the note. Subject becomes curious. Subject did not expect the interaction to continue.
Subject reads the note. Subject rolls her eyes. Subject is exasperated. Subject shows no discomfort or fear.
Subject replies, the angle allowing Wolf to read along.
It was a one time deal, motivated by exceptional circumstances.
Wolf's prediction was correct. Wolf is pleased. Kakashi is disappointed. Would have been more fun if she'd gotten worked up.
...All right, this was a bad idea. Riling up his target just because he's bored goes beyond being unprofessional. It's actively harming the mission.
Wolf agrees. Strongly.
He'll stop doing this. Wolf is pleased.
Wolf becomes more alert. Subject is moving towards the bookcase instead of the window. Subject is intending to leave the note in the same place Wolf did. Subject previously left the offerings outside in an attempt to establish boundaries. Subject is now loosening those boundaries. Wolf considers. Subject did not expect another interaction. Subject now assumes this will keep happening. Subject is willing to accomodate Wolf.
Subject has formed a personal connection with Wolf. Behavior is in line with previously gathered data.
Previously gathered data indicates the subject will become annoyed when no more interactions are forthcoming.
Well. Seems he got what he wanted after all. If he'd kept quiet, she would have continued her life with no more than the occasional thought for him. Now, she's going to become annoyed when he fails to write again. Kakashi won't lie, he's looking forward to that. Any entertainment is better than nothing.
Wolf disapproves of his attitude.
He isn't going to write again, so Wolf has no reason to complain.
Wolf disagrees. Wolf points out they need to report to Hokage-sama at the usual time.
Kakashi firmly reminds himself that nothing is going to happen. The Third will be amused. He will be. Literally the only reason Kakashi went through with this is because he knows that with absolute certainty.
Doesn't stop him from worrying.
"Report."
"Subject and jinchuuriki have recovered from the attack. Subject taught the jinchuuriki that while it's all right to feel fear, it's not all right to give in to it. She also encouraged the jinchuuriki to work hard at the Academy. She wants the jinchuuriki to be capable of defending himself."
Hokage-sama is pleased. Hokage-sama needs to be informed about the breach in competence.
"My intervention caused the subject to realise she's being held under surveillance."
"How did she respond?"
"With unexpected loyalty."
Hokage-sama is surprised. Wolf elaborates.
"She feels no resentment over being observed. While a significant part of that is caused by the rescue, this kind of ease is only possible by believing the village will never harm her or her loved ones. The belief is entirely unconscious and, unless confronted with physical violence, not easily broken."
Hokage-sama is pleased. Hokage-sama does not yet know about the breach of competence.
"She offered me a slice of cake as a gesture of gratitude."
Hokage is surprised again. Hokage-sama is amused.
"And did you accept her offer?"
Hokage-sama expects a negative answer.
"I informed her the offer was unsatisfactory."
Hokage-sama is very surprised. Wolf informs Hokage-sama of the extent of their incompetence.
"Subject had placed a note with the cake. The message was; thanks for the rescue. I responded that I don't like sweet things."
Hokage-sama is smiling. Kakashi is relieved.
Wolf informs Hokage-sama of the full extent of their interaction with the subject. Hokage-sama's amusement makes way for great surprise.
Hokage-sama closes his eyes. Hokage-sama is hiding his feelings. Wolf expects a reprimand. Kakashi knows there won't be one but he still worries a little. Fine, he's worrying a lot. Now that he's said it all out loud, he can see exactly how out of line he was.
The Third chuckles. Kakashi is so relieved.
"And what has her response taught you?"
Wolf informs Hokage-sama of all the things learned from the subject's response. Hokage-sama appreciates the information. Hokage-sama remains amused.
"Your insight is valued."
Wolf is pleased. Wolf still believes they should be reprimanded. They were unprofessional.
"It won't happen again, Hokage-sama."
Wolf will make sure of that.
Kakashi can't argue. He really crossed a line here. Wolf is satisfied.
Hokage-sama smiles. Wolf becomes alert. That smile means Hokage-sama is planning something.
"I disagree. You've gathered valuable intel. You should keep doing so. Consider it an adjustment in mission parameters, Wolf."
Wolf heeds the command.
"By your command, Hokage-sama."
"Dismissed."
Wolf flickers away.
Kakashi can't believe the Third is actually encouraging him to keep doing this. Sure, the Third is all but certain that Mariko is the civilian she seems to be, but still. Just what is the Third thinking?
...The Third is thinking that he needs a life outside of ANBU. And if he refuses to do so, the Third will use underhanded tactics to make him reconsider.
Kakashi deliberately ignores that. If the Third is offering him a way to lessen his boredom, he isn't going to complain. Seems Mariko isn't going to get annoyed by a lack of response after all. Though she's going to be annoyed in other ways.
Can't disobey the Third after all.
NOTES: If you want to know more about Kakashi's mystery lover and are too impatient for another update, my fic A Stranger explores their relationship from start to finish from her pov. With bonus tiny naruto.