Chapter 15

The following morning Sakumo found himself once again in the Hokage's office. A small backpack sat on the floor beside him. Sakumo had learned long ago to travel light. The more he carried, the more he risked fatigue or being slowed at a crucial moment. He tried to keep from glancing at the clock again. Dai was late. Sakumo was beginning to wonder if agreeing to allow the genin to accompany him for this mission had been a mistake.

The door burst open and a man dressed in a green jumpsuit with orange legwarmers and a yellow scarf knotted around his neck entered. He had dark hair, bushy eyebrows and a thick mustache and goatee and a stubbly beard. He rather clumsily stumbled through the door, hauling a large and heavy-looking pack. The feeling that this was a mistake intensified as Sakumo glanced at the Hokage, who was intentionally ignoring his gaze.

"Sorry I'm late!" the newcomer said cheerfully, seemingly completely unconcerned with his tardiness. "It's been a while since I've had to pack for a long mission."

"Well, you're here now, Dai," the Hokage said, forcing a small smile to cover his own irritation. He pointedly avoided looking at Sakumo, feeling the weight of his gaze and knowing the look the other was sure to be giving him. He had felt badly about asking Sakumo to take Dai along on this mission but it was the only mission that would allow Dai to accompany him. During a war it was impossible to assign a shinobi of Sakumo's skill to a low-level mission simply to help one man, especially a genin who was in their thirties. He knew Sakumo was already unhappy with the assignment and adding having to look after a genin was certainly not making it any more appealing. He had also told him the truth. There was no other shinobi who would work with Dai anymore, the chunin in charge of his assignments was tired of his bumbling of them, and unless he managed to show them he had some talent he'd be dropped as a shinobi for good. No matter his discontent at his assignment, Sakumo was a fair man, his assessment would be unbiased by the contempt and dislike of the other shinobi who had worked with Dai. He continued, "This is Sakumo Hatake. You'll be accompanying him for this mission."

Dai nodded enthusiastically, looking curiously at the man standing before the Hokage's desk. He bore a striking resemblance to Guy's friend Kakashi; the silver hair was quite distinctive. Dai vaguely recalled Guy saying something about his friend's father being some sort of genius high-level shinobi but he hadn't paid it much mind. He wanted Guy to embrace determination, passion, and youth. Hard work was what would allow his son to become a splendid shinobi, it was pointless to waste time being envious of those with innate skills.

The Hokage explained the mission for Dai's benefit as he had already briefed Sakumo on the details the previous day. "Your mission is to deliver this treaty proposal to the Village Hidden in the Valley in the Land of Rivers." He handed the sealed scroll to Sakumo, who tucked it safely into an inner pocket of his flak jacket. "Sakumo, you have the authority to negotiate on behalf of the Hidden Leaf should it become necessary. Use your best judgment. Our intelligence indicates that the Land of Rivers has attempted to remain neutral thus far but that doesn't mean the Hidden Sand isn't attempting to negotiate with them as well. There have been incursions recently into the Land of Fire that we suspect have come through the Land of Rivers so be on your guard, both of you."

"Understood." Sakumo snagged his pack by a strap on his way out of the office, settling it onto his back comfortably. He made certain the hilt of his chakra blade was unobstructed. It wouldn't do to not be able to draw his preferred weapon because he had been careless. He tugged his pony tail out from beneath the pack. The thought of cutting his hair flashed through his mind to be just as quickly dismissed. He'd worn it long since he had been younger than Kakashi and was accustomed to it, never giving it more than a passing thought. Sayomi had loved his long hair and would make the afterlife hell for him if he ever cut it. Kakashi was looking more and more like him every day he thought with a touch of sadness. He'd probably be glad that there was something to distinguish them from one another soon enough. He wished his son had inherited more than his eyes from Sayomi. She had been so beautiful, it was a shame Kakashi didn't resemble her more. He shook off his musings as they exited Hokage Tower. He needed to focus on what was ahead, not get lost in the unchangeable past.

"Assuming we don't run into any trouble along the way, it would normally take between a day and a half to two days to reach the Hidden Valley," Sakumo stated as they headed towards the main gates. "There is a relatively easy road that runs almost to the border. In the interest of secrecy I think we should abandon the road after the first day and cut cross-country. It's some rough terrain but we can still make it within three days if we push it." He turned to his companion. "Do you think you can handle it?"

Dai grinned. "Of course! It will be invigorating to face the trials of the untamed wilderness!"

Sakumo frowned slightly. Bravado was all well and good but this was no D-ranked mission. He expected his teammates to be upfront with their skills and limitations. He was about to press the issue, then decided to let it go without comment. Dai may be a genin but he was not a young, untested child. He had to be around Sakumo's age and should know his own limits by now. Though he had to still be a genin for a reason. Maybe he didn't know his limits. Sakumo closed his eyes briefly against a building headache. This was going to be more difficult than he had first thought. Well, there was no help for it now, he had already agreed to take Dai with him. If he didn't, the other would be dropped as a shinobi for good. Sakumo had promised to give him a chance. He had never backed down from a challenge before, never not completed a mission yet and he wasn't about to start now. He would simply have to keep an eye on the other and hope they didn't run into serious trouble.

"Very well," he said. They had an entire day of travel on the road before them. He could see how Dai kept up and adjust their route accordingly. Sakumo preferred the cross-country route but having to stick to the road was a viable alternative if necessary. He would prefer to keep their destination hidden from prying eyes for as long as possible but the other nations would find out eventually should an alliance form. They reached the gates. Sakumo gave a brief wave to the guards – who did a double-take a seeing Dai accompanying him - then focused his attention on the mission ahead.

As they travelled, Sakumo noted that Dai matched his pace without complaint. He wanted to travel fast on the easy and fairly safe roads near the village to make up for the time they'd lose later when they had to cut across the countryside. He had also wanted to get a feel for Dai's stamina. Sakumo called a halt shortly after midday for them to eat and have a brief rest. Dai was a bit out of breath as he dropped to the ground but he hadn't objected to their speed once.

"There's an area suitable to set up camp that we should reach shortly before nightfall," Sakumo said as they shouldered their packs in preparation to continue. "I've used it many times." They set out again, at a slightly slower pace this time. Sakumo didn't want to exhaust Dai. He didn't anticipate trouble this far in the Land of Fire's borders but it was better to err on the side of caution. They still had several days of travel ahead of them. If Dai was worn out after their first day, he'd end up slowing them later, possibly at a time when speed would be vital. It was better to pace themselves.


It was mid-afternoon of their second day and Sakumo was satisfied with their progress. They had abandoned the road after breaking camp early that morning. He'd been surprised that Dai had been up and already stowing his gear before Sakumo had awoken, cheerfully stating that he was eager to get an early start. Sakumo had set an easy pace as they set out. Had he been alone he could have covered more ground, his years as a shinobi having conditioned him to run fast and far. Dai so far hadn't complained but Sakumo could tell the faster pace of the previous day had been hard on the other to maintain. The terrain was only going to get more difficult until they got close to their destination.

The heavy tree canopy kept the forest floor comfortably cool as they traveled. Surrounded by the tranquil forest, it was almost possible to forget that their village was at war. Almost. Sakumo felt the bulk of the scroll he carried beneath his vest as he moved. He knew the Hokage was correct; the Hidden Leaf needed allies in order to help strike some decisive victories against the enemy nations. If not, the war would continue to drag on. The Hidden Leaf had been holding their own but they hadn't made much headway. He knew he'd be headed back to the front after this mission. If he failed, his son could very well be headed into the thick of the war as well. That was something Sakumo was determined to prevent at all costs. He increased his pace just a bit, glancing back to make certain Dai was keeping up. The sooner they reached the Village Hidden in the Valley, the sooner they could hopefully begin to bring an end to this senseless war.

High level shinobi developed an almost sixth sense alerting them to danger. Sakumo halted abruptly, holding up a hand to forestall questions and caution silence. He kept his chakra tightly under control while stretching out his physical senses, trying to pinpoint the source of his unease. A moment later he consciously registered what had alerted him. The forest had gone too still; the wild animals had fled from human incursion into their territory. The scent of unwashed bodies carried on the faint breeze. He picked up the sound of muttered conversation and movement. They were close, whoever they were. Sakumo indicated that he was going to scout ahead and Dai was to remain here. The other man nodded as Sakumo paused to sniff the air again and moved cautiously ahead.

He hadn't even left Dai's range of vision before he spotted them. Five of them, lounging around a makeshift campsite. Had they not stopped when they did, they would have stumbled right into the middle of them. Sakumo's dark eyes narrowed as he observed the small band. Rogue shinobi, he realized, catching sight of the scored headbands. He noted their careless and sloppy manner. Low-level, probably genin. He noted one who was somewhat more alert, his weapons closer at hand, his posture indicating he was in charge. Their leader may be a chunin at best. Had he been alone, Sakumo would not have thought twice about immediately engaging and eliminating the group. He glanced at Dai who was watching him expectantly. He was about to order him to remain concealed here while he dispatched the band. Then he saw the resignation flash across Dai's face. That was exactly what the other man expected him to do. This was not how he had wanted to measure the other's combat ability but Sakumo had promised the Hokage he'd give Dai a fair chance. A small group of low-level shinobi was not too much for Sakumo to handle and keep an eye on Dai as well.

A few silent steps brought Sakumo back to crouch beside Dai. "There are five of them," he said, his voice pitched low so not to carry. "Rogue shinobi - probably deserters." He quickly outlined the layout of the camp and the enemy positions. Dai's eyes widened as he realized he was being included in the battle plans. He slipped off his heavy pack to allow himself better freedom of movement and nodded at Sakumo's questioning look.

Sakumo reached over his shoulder and grasped the hilt of his chakra saber. He drew it as they sprang forward towards the rogue shinobi camp. Sakumo dispatched his first two opponents before they had fully realized what was happening. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw a third on the ground and Dai engaging another. Sakumo turned his attention to the final rogue, the one whom he had identified as the leader, who had dropped into a defensive stance, a pair of kunai in his hands.

"Dammed Leaf shinobi," he snarled. "We wanted nothing to do with this war!"

"So, you turned your backs on your villages and took up a life of highwaymen? Do not pretend you have the moral high ground here, abandoning your countrymen and preying on the weak." Chakra crackled along his blade as Sakumo raised it. The other man's expression turned to shock as he noticed the chakra saber.

"You're the Wh – "

Sakumo didn't give him a chance to finish. He lunged, blade leading, slicing through the other's defense with ease. He spun to Dai just as the other's foot connected solidly with the last enemy's skull, dropping him like a stone. A quick survey of the area proved the small band was completely dispatched. Assuring himself the other was unharmed, Sakumo sent Dai to collect his gear while he made certain none of the highwaymen would be bothering another traveler again. It was dirty work but necessary. These men had deserted their villages, turned their back on their people, preyed on the weak, and had no honor. They did not deserve consideration.

Dai returned as Sakumo finished cleaning his tanto. He returned the blade to its sheath, his expression grim. "Let's go," he said.

Dai silently followed Sakumo as they continued on their way. He sensed this was not the time for cheerful exclamations about the triumph of the power of youth. Sakumo's mouth was set in a hard line and his eyes were narrowed slightly. The jonin was clearly not happy. Dai was uncertain as to why. They had dispatched the rogue ninja quickly and effectively. The encounter hadn't delayed them more than a few minutes.

Inwardly, Dai was ecstatic. He had assumed Sakumo would order him to remain hidden while he dispatched the enemy shinobi himself. Dai was well aware of what the other ninja of the village thought of him. He had no skill with genjutsu or ninjutsu and his taijutsu was average. Sakumo had included him in his plans as if completely unaware of Dai's shortcomings. Dai decided not to dwell on the matter. He would tell Guy of how he had fought side by side with a jonin when he returned to the village. He couldn't help but smile. It was better than even the Hokage praising him for being a master at finding lost cats.


"Can I ask you something?" Dai asked as they set up camp. The aftermath of their encounter with the rogue shinobi had been nagging at him.

"What is it?"

"You seemed displeased after we defeated those rogue shinobi. They were not tough opponents and didn't delay us more than a few minutes."

"Those men deserted their villages and abandoned their comrades. They turned to a life of crime, preying on those weaker than themselves. Even worse at a time like this when the Five Great Nations are at war and need all the shinobi they have to defend themselves and their people. The other Hidden Villages think the Hidden Leaf is weak because we're taught to value teamwork. Valuing our comrades is not a weakness but our greatest strength. To turn your back on your village and comrades is the biggest betrayal of all. It is unforgivable." Sakumo fell silent. He meant what he said but he was all too aware that despite the teachings of the Hidden Leaf, there were plenty of shinobi who were more than willing to sacrifice or abandon their teammates. He had heard too many stories, read too many reports of shinobi who had abandoned their teammates to die in order to complete a mission. It disturbed him that it was so easily accepted. The Village taught that comrades and teamwork were important, yet didn't bat an eye when they were left behind so long as the mission was a success. It rubbed him the wrong way. He ran a hand through his spiky hair as he refocused on the here and now. He pulled a map from his pack and studied it for several moments, estimating their position. He had traveled through the Land of Rivers several times before though he had never been near it's hidden village. "The Village Hidden in the Valley isn't far. We should reach it tomorrow morning."

Dai perked up. "It's not dark yet. We should embrace our youth and push on!"

Sakumo shook his head. "I do not fancy approaching a potentially hostile village in the dark," he said.

Dai's bushy eyebrows drew together, confusion written across his expressive features. "Hostile? I thought this was supposed to be a diplomatic mission."

"It is. But it's not unlikely that the Hidden Sand is also trying to form an alliance with the Land of Rivers. Even if they haven't," Sakumo continued, "they have tried to remain neutral thus far. It worked well enough for them during the Second War. They may not be receptive to our proposal." He leaned back against a sturdy tree trunk, stretching his legs out in front of him comfortably and folded his arms behind his head. "Either way, I'd rather arrive fresh and well rested."

Dai looked disappointed but he settled back.

Sakumo broached another subject, something he had noted but hadn't yet addressed. "Did you know that you have a habit of fiddling with your kunai holster?"

Dai's hand dropped away from the holster strapped to his thigh guiltily. "Oh!" He looked flustered. "I don't often wear it. I – I'm not used to it."

That fit with what Sakumo had suspected. Dai really was out of his depth here. Sakumo felt a stab of sympathy for him and his expression softened. "When we reach the village, they're likely going to be suspicious of us, at least initially. Misunderstandings easily blow out of proportion and control. If they were to think one of us was reaching for a weapon – well, things could get messy fast."

Dai looked horrified as the implications of Sakumo's words sunk in fully. "I can take it off if you think it's best."

"I'll leave that decision up to you," Sakumo replied, closing his eyes as he relaxed against his tree.

Dai opened his mouth to reply then closed it, not knowing what to say, stunned for the second time that day. He had expected criticism and an order to cease fiddling with the holster or remove it. Sakumo had simply pointed out the unconscious habit, the potential consequences, and left the final decision to him. He had explicitly not told Dai what to do. It had been a long time since another shinobi had treated Dai as a comrade. It was a nice change of pace.