With Every Action, There is an Equal Opposite Reaction

"Boss, I'm hungry," Guruko whined, dragging his paws through the snow as he followed his summoner.

"I know, Guruko," Kakashi sighed, giving the pup a strained smile, "Just a little while longer, I promise."

Their food had run out three days ago, and there hadn't been any sign of wildlife. With winter setting in, there wasn't any berries they could eat either. But Kakashi was thankful that they weren't in an area that got feet of snow on a regular basis, or with temperatures dropping too far below freezing.

They were still miserable though… well most of them were miserable.

Uhei was having the time of her life, the red furred greyhound had grown in the past few months and was now taller than Guruko. She was all legs and loved running and jumping in the snow.

He sighed at her antics, though there was a small smile under his mask, he knew it wouldn't last long. The pup's coat was too short for this weather and she'd be growing cold again soon. It was time to head south, at least there they wouldn't have to deal with the snow. The only problem was that it would lead him toward Fire Country, not exactly where he wanted to be.

In the past few months since he'd rescued Rin, there had been an increasing number of Konoha Anbu sniffing around his trail. He had headed away from Konoha to avoid them, it was bad enough with Kumo's hunter nin. He didn't know what he'd done to piss off Konoha's black ops, but he wasn't too keen to find out.

He considered going into the Land of Water, but the thought of the constant smell of wet dog made him scrunch his nose. That wasn't an option. Neither was the Land of Grass or the Land of Waterfalls, both of which were directly in the path of Konoha and Iwa's patrols. He wasn't going into Wind Country either, his dogs would complain constantly about the hot sand.

But he didn't want to stay in Earth Country any longer, it was a risk to come here in the first place. His best bet would be the Land of Rice Paddies and to travel down toward Water Country or Wave. Hopefully, Konoha would be preoccupied with their war; the hostilities between Konoha and Kumo had tapered off recently, after the Third's death.

Kakashi wasn't sure how to feel about that, the man was responsible for his father's death, and for his own exile. But he could remember the man that had been his father's friend. A and Bee's faces also flashed in his mind's eye, they had always been kind to him. Bee was often at the house since he was training with his father.

He remembered the pain of losing his own father, it wasn't something he'd wish on anyone. He wouldn't celebrate the Raikage's death, he'd remember the man as he was before the war, before the Tsuchikage started putting ideas into his head.

He was concerned about how things would change concerning him, he knew A was named Yondaime. He was curious if he'd be named an official nukenin, and how many hunter nin would be sent after him. For now, Kumo's efforts seemed to lessen, probably due to changes being made.

But for now, he had to focus on his current problems he could worry about what-ifs later, when they became relevant. Now he needed to focus on getting out of Earth Country.

His best way of getting to the Land of Rice Paddies was to travel along the coast and cross into the Land of Waterfalls, and then continue along the coast, cutting through the Land of Fangs to the Land of Rice Paddies. The only problem was how close traveling along the coast would take him to Iwa and Taki. But it was his hope that both would be too occupied with defending their own borders to be looking in the other direction.

"Come on, Uhei," he called to the frolicking greyhound, "We've got a lot of ground to cover in order to reach the Land of Rice Paddies."

The pup sighed, but dutifully tailed after the group; Guruko grumbled about his empty stomach. Pakkun bounded forward, jumping between his footprints, taking pity on him Kakashi scooped the pug up and placed him on his backpack.

"Rice Paddies, huh?" the oldest dog huffed, shaking his fur out.

"It's the best place I can think of, I'd say the Land of Fangs but they frequently trade with Kumo, I don't want to risk it."

"Rice Paddies is close to Lightning's border."

"I know, but they trade mostly with Fire Country, Kumo's required to move along certain paths when crossing."

"But they don't always stick to those paths."

"No," Kakashi agreed, "But I can't think of anywhere better until it gets warmer."

"I'm not complaining, pup, I'm just making sure you were aware."
"I am, Pakkun."

It took them two weeks to reach the Land of Rice Paddies, between dodging patrols and looking for food. Food was still scarce, he only managed to catch a few skinny rabbits along the way. He was worried for his dogs who were looking increasingly skinny –he wasn't faring so well himself.

But they had reached their destination and were relieved at the lack of snow, it was still cold but not freezing. Here he could hopefully find some work. Between the war and his age, people weren't willing to hire him for missions. So, he'd taken to going into villages as a normal kid, and getting work that way. The jobs he found only gave pocket change but it was better than nothing.

His money had run out a few weeks ago, along with the food. No one in Earth Country was willing to employ a stranger, even a kid, with the way the war was going. He hoped things would go better here.

He was approaching the first village they'd come across, he was alone leaving the dogs behind, as they were recognizable.

Hiding in the trees, Kakashi henged into an average looking kid. His now black hair was smoothed and curled around his ears, his eyes were brown, and his face was appropriately dull. His clothes were changed into something similar to what the village children wore, though it was a little rattier to draw pity.

Glancing down at himself he nodded in satisfaction, it would do.

Slipping through the trees, he found himself walking down the main road forcing himself to relax. Jumping at every sound or sudden movement would blow his cover. As it was, no one spared him a second glance as he stepped into what seemed like a small market.

It was perfect, the market was where most people were looking for small jobs to be done. He ignored the loud growling his stomach made as mouthwatering smells of freshly baked bread and other foods hit him. Listening carefully for anything that might interest him, and that a kid would be capable of doing in the civilians' opinion.

There was a wildlife problem, but they wouldn't give that to a kid. Leaky roof, no, take care of some thugs, no, delivery, no –wait, perfect. He turned to the stall where a woman was complaining that her delivery boy had never shown up.

Only to pause, as his eye fell on a trio making their way through the market.

"I can't believe this counted as a B-rank!" the red-head snarled.

"Well, it was a rather important scroll, Kushina," a dark-haired, dark-eyed woman chuckled, glancing at her companion with a soothing smile.

"I agree with Kushina, that should have been given to a genin team," the last woman groaned.

"I can understand them not sending us to the frontlines, but a delivery mission!" Kushina roared, ignoring the way civilians flinched away from her.

"Well, I'm currently the wife of a clan head, with a five-year-old at home. Yoshino is getting married next month, to a clan heir. And you, well, you are the girlfriend of one of Konoha's most feared shinobi," the second woman soothed.

"I am not that pansy's girlfriend, Mikoto!" Kushina shrieked, as Yoshino laughed.

"Oh, you broke up with Minato-kun again?" she asked, still laughing, "What'd he do this time?"

"That moron gave me flowers, what am I supposed to do with flowers? They make me sneeze. And then, we were sparring and he started pulling his punches, what, because I'm a girl I can't take a punch! He's a sissy anyway, 'ttebane!" the red-head ranted, much to her friends' amusement.

"I do believe the flowers were meant to be romantic," Mikoto chided.

"And men are block-headed when it comes to hitting girls, that's why you should use it to your advantage. Make them regret it!" Yoshino coached, while Mikoto sighed in exasperation.

"You're not supposed to be encouraging her, Nara Yoshino!"

"Hey, I'm not a Nara yet, Uchiha!"

"I can't believe you're marrying that lazy bum."

"He's better than that Mister Bow Before My Greatness You Ungrateful Peasant, you married!"

"He's not that bad!"

"He does tend to have a stick up his ass, Mikoto," Kushina laughed.

"That's just because he doesn't like you, he thinks you're corrupting me," Mikoto sighed, realizing this argument was one she wasn't going to win.

"Well he's not wrong; if he had it his way, you'd be a housewife popping out heirs for him."

"Kushina!"

"It's true!"

"How is Itachi, by the way?" Yoshino cut in.

"He's doing wonderfully, a little genius, Fugaku wants him to join the academy next year."

"Already? He's so young."

"It's up to Itachi, if he doesn't want to go we won't force him."

"You mean you won't."

"Kushina, stop it!"

"Fine, fine," the jounin said dismissively, before glancing around the market, "You guys think they have ramen here?"

"Doubtful, but I do spy a dango shop," Mikoto said, moving in the direction of the dango.

"Aw, I wanted ramen," Kushina whined.

"You always want ramen, I wouldn't be surprised if you named your kid after it," Yoshino grumbled.

"Shh!" Mikoto hissed, "Don't give her any ideas!"

It was too late, the Uzumaki had a thoughtful look in her eyes. Mikoto glared at Yoshino who sheepishly shrugged.

"I pity that kid," the Uchiha muttered, before freezing. The other two stopped as well, giving their friend curious looks, "Someone's watching us."

"Yeah, there are a lot of people watching us," Kushina tried to play it off, but she was frowning thoughtfully.

"Not them," Mikoto replied, her eyes turning red as she scanned the crowd.

Some of the villagers jumped back at the sight of the sharingan, fearful of the shinobi's intentions. But Mikoto paid them no mind, as her eyes narrowed on a boy slowly moving away. His body was covered in chakra, the classic sign of a henge.

"There, that boy," she pointed to said child, "He's wearing a henge."

The other women turned in the indicated direction, eyes narrowing in suspicion, and something similar to glee in Kushina's case. They glanced at each other, all wanting some sort of action after this dull mission.

So, they started to follow the black-haired boy, who, when he noticed he was being followed, broke into a sprint. Much faster than any civilian, the boy was running at mid to high chuunin speed. At the prospect of a challenge, the three Konoha shinobi gave chase.

The three Konoha shinobi were unfamiliar to Kakashi, except that he'd seen the red-head in Kumo's bingo book. And after his recent encounters with Konoha's Anbu, Kakashi had no desire to be caught by the women.

Besides, most kunoichi tended to be insane.

And every Konoha shinobi he'd met was already insane, he couldn't imagine facing a Konoha kunoichi. His mind refused to place Rin in that category, she was a medic –they had a category all their own.

So, he did the smart thing, seeing as they didn't seem to be aware of him he started moving down the street, keeping pace with the crowd. He could come back later, the Konoha shinobi seemed to just be passing through.

He felt the change in the crowd, the tension and sudden spike of fear. He could feel eyes on him, risking a look back he saw the trio had locked onto him. He felt a pulse of fear at the spinning tomoe of the sharingan, a damn Uchiha that's how they found him out!

Channeling chakra to his legs he bolted, hoping to reach the trees and disappear. The frightened screams behind him were telling, they were following.

In retrospect, he should have known he didn't have a chance of out running the pursuers. They were well rested; he on the other hand, was exhausted and starving. They caught him easily, the red-head landing in front of him with a feral grin. The other two landed behind him, blocking his only escape route.

Kakashi grit his teeth, he was so close to the tree line, so damn close. But it wasn't to be, he dropped into a fighting stance as the women closed in.

"Now, now, none of that," the Uchiha chided from over his shoulder, "Now just who are we dealing with, Kai!"

Kakashi flinched as his henge was dispelled. His good eye narrowing in agitation. The women gaped at him, obviously not expecting him to actually be a kid.

"A mini-nukenin?" the red-head gaped, "Kumo has mini-nukenin!"

"Well, that's disappointing," the unknown woman grumbled, crossing her arms.

"What the hell are you doing as a nukenin, kid?" the Uchiha asked, concern flooding her eyes.

"I didn't agree with my village, isn't that the standard answer?" Kakashi spit out, wondering how he was going to get out of this.

"I know you!" the red-head suddenly gaped, "You're that nukenin Minato-baka is always talking about!"

"Kushina!" the Uchiha scolded.

"Who?" Kakashi questioned, not knowing anyone by the name of Minato.

"You know," Kushina? Deadpanned, "Konoha's Yellow Jumping Bean."

Kakashi gaped at her, as the Uchiha started berating her teammate and the other woman started chortling. Did she just? The Yellow Jumping Bean? How can she get away with calling one of the most feared men in the Elemental Countries that?

"Kushina! You can't go around calling Minato-kun that!"

"Why? I think it's fitting," Kushina huffed, "Besides, it's better than calling him a sissy or pansy, like normal."

"Kushina!"

Kushina? As in Uzumaki Kushina? The Red Hot-Blooded Habanero? He was dead, between the Uchiha, the Habanero who calls the Yellow Flash a sissy, and this other person who's probably some other feared nin. There was no way out.

"Hey guys, I think he's broken," the other woman said, waving a hand in front of his face.

"Eh?" Kushina gaped, before grabbing him and shaking him roughly, "Hey! You can't break, 'ttebane! Minato would kill me, he wants to thank you for saving Rin!"

"He's the one that Obito-kun was talking about?" the Uchiha asked.

"Yup, the silver hair, missing eye, the mask, it's definitely him."

"Kushina, maybe you should stop shaking him," the brown-haired woman interjected.

Uzumaki looked at him and balked, releasing him immediately. Kakashi groaned, willing the world to stop spinning. He could barely hear the woman's apologizing, not that he cared, he just didn't want to throw up.

"Well then, I'm Uchiha Mikoto, this is Nara Yoshino–"

"I'm not a Nara yet."

"And I'm Uzumaki Kushina, 'ttebane!" Kushina finished before Mikoto could continue, "And what's your name, Nukenin-kun?"

Kakashi scowled at the nickname, and wondered if the Yellow Flash had shared it. But he kept silent about it and weighed his options, there weren't many. He could try to fight his way out and lose or comply and hope for the best. With a sigh, he answered.

"Hatake Kakashi."

The kunoichi stared at him, wide-eyed, before Yoshino spoke.

"As in Hatake Sakumo, Kumo's White Fang?"

"He was my father," Kakashi bit out, glaring at the woman.

"Well aren't you full of surprises," Mikoto said, eyes calculating, "I heard your father died."

"He did."

"So, who's taking care of you?"

"I can take care of myself," Kakashi growled, annoyed with this line of questioning.

"You're a little thin to make that claim, brat," Yoshino remarked, raising a brow at him. Her words drew long assessing looks from the other two.

"She's right, Nukenin-kun, when was the last time you ate?" Kushina asked.

"It's a little hard to get a job when Konoha-nin chase me out of town!" he snapped, feeling cornered. The three shinobi had the decency to look sheepish, before Yoshino once again took charge of the questioning.

"Well, that doesn't mean you couldn't steal a meal, I'm sure you're capable."

"Yes, but that draws unwanted attention, I'd rather make it through legal means."

"Smart kid," Yoshino said, leaning back.

Silence reigned for several long minutes as the kunoichi silently conversed, leaving Kakashi to stand there awkwardly. He was seriously wondering why things couldn't go right for him just once, and why he kept running into crazy leaf shinobi.

"Well, Nukenin-kun," Kushina finally said, drawing his gaze, "You have two choices, we drag you back to Konoha or you take this and go on your merry way."

Kakashi stiffened at the first choice, but relaxed at the second –he didn't notice the confused looks from Mikoto and Yoshino. As she spoke, Kushina pulled out a yellow frog wallet and bounced it in her hand.

Truthfully, Kakashi hated the pity, but thinking of his dogs and his own growling stomach the choice was painfully easy. Seeing his mind made up, Kushina tossed the wallet to him and stepped back. He caught it easily and darted away, surprised at how heavy it was.

Later when he counted the money out he'd be shocked to find enough to hold him over for a few months if he was smart with it. He might even afford new clothes and kunai, along with a room in an inn a few nights a month.

They watched the boy disappear, waiting until he was out of sight before speaking.

"He was so cute!" Kushina squealed, turning to her friends, both of whom were looking at her with raised brows, "What?"

"That wasn't your wallet," Mikoto deadpanned.

"I'm fairly certain it was Minato-kun's," Yoshino continued.

"Maybe," Kushina sighed, "I stole it after our spar, but he earns so much I doubt he'll even notice. Besides, he adores that kid, even if he won't admit it, he'll be happy I gave it to him."

"We'll see."

"Kushina, where is my wallet?" an angry voice met them at the gate, and with knowing looks Mikoto and Yoshino made themselves scarce.

"Traitors," Kushina muttered after them, turning to face the ball of fluffy yellow fury, he kind of looked like a pissed off puppy, she mused.

"Hello to you too, Minato-baka," she snapped, sweeping past him.

"Kushina, I'm serious, where is it?" he growled, trailing after her.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Besides the fact that it's mine?" the feared Yellow Flash cried incredulity, "Kushina, my rent was in there, please, my landlord gave me an extension until you got back. Why are you giving me that look? Kushina, what did you do?"

"Ah, well you see, Minato… I um… I…"

"Kushina where is my wallet?"

"I may have given it away as charity," she slowly said, flinching at the look on the man's face, "I didn't know your rent was in there. Um… you could move in with me for the time being… I'm sorry."

Minato was staring at her, trying to process everything she had said. He blushed at the mention of moving in with her, and quickly had to steer his mind away from that topic for now. Taking a deep breath, he looked at her, before asking the question he desperately needed the answer to.

"Just… who did you give my wallet to?"

"The mini-nukenin."

"Mini-nukenin?" She couldn't mean.

"Yeah, Kakashi, he was so skinny, I had to do something."

Why did that boy keep coming up in his life?

"So Hatake was seen by Uzumaki and her team, in the Land of Rice Paddies?"

"Yes sir."

"And how many times have we come close to capturing him?"

"Five, sir."

"And what goes wrong every time?"

"He manages to evade us, sir, we've never gotten eyes on him."

"Get out!"

"Sir."

The masked man left, leaving him to his thoughts.

"He manages to escape my Root every time I think we have him cornered, he slips away into the shadows. I'm doing something wrong, a group of regular shinobi on a meaningless mission manage to do what the entirety of my Root can't! How is that? I'll never capture him this way, there has to be another way. But what? What could… that's it. That'll work perfectly."

Hello again, two days in a row I'm shocked. But I'm going back to school next week so, it's not going to last, sorry. Anyway thanks to everyone who reviewed you guys are awesome, and I hope you'll enjoy!