Gate Watch
Kakashi watched his breath condense in the icy air and swirl in front of
him. It became hypnotic after a time, a
good way to get his mind off the cold and stiff limbs. Gate duty was the worst in the winter, but
he suppose the Hokage didn't have much choice, as much as he cursed the man
while hobbling up the watchtower several hours ago. In an overzealous attempt to gain popularity for the village,
they had scheduled too many missions, and thus were rather short-staffed. Instead of admitting their mistake and
calling back one or two teams, the higher-ups were using whoever was on hand,
including one grumpy, invalid Kakashi with a bandaged leg. He had spent the last few hours amusing
himself with thoughts of how morbidly funny it would be if someone attacked the
front gate.
How am I supposed to alert the village if I can barely walk? the Jounin thought with a wry smile. Not that anyone was really expecting an attack, more from the abominable weather than any real information regarding the subject. Who in their right mind would want to invade in sub-zero temperatures? I sure as hell wouldn't.
This mind-numbing task would not be quite so bad if there had been someone to sit with, but the temporary village brigade was spread very thin and couldn't afford to put two people at one post. With a quiet sigh, Kakashi leaned forward onto the wooden railing and stared dully out at the snowy trees. They glittered coldly in the failing light—it would still be another hour or so before the moon rose. Three more hours…then I can go home…. The Jounin crossed his arms on the rail and rested his chin atop them. His thoughts drifted, eventually focusing on Obito, letting a sad smile tug at the corners of his lips. Both of them had gotten stuck with a similar guard duty to what he was serving tonight, about this time of year too. They had had one small blanket between them, squabbled over it for a while, and ended up huddling together with the blanket stretched over their shoulder when the temperate dropped. Kakashi misses his friend so badly sometimes that it was almost painful; they had been so close.
Ah, well…I guess I'm doomed to be alone.
The Jounin must have dozed off for a moment, becoming aware or someone waiting patiently behind him. Turning, Kakashi found a young man (probably a Genin) holding a small bag and looking as if he were freezing to death just standing there. "…?"
"Er…I was told to deliver this bag to you, sir," the boy said through chattering teeth. He held it out for Kakashi to take.
"Oh…thank you." The Jounin blinked confusedly and took it from the Genin, who promptly scurried off with a stuttered 'good-bye', rubbing his arms for warmth.
Kakashi opened the bag to find a neatly folded blanket, some
sort of hot drink, and a note. Slipping
the blanket around his shoulder, he unfolded the note.
Hi!
I'm back from my mission, but I have a couple more things to do before they'll
let me go. Don't freeze and I'll come
get you at the watchtower when your shift is over.
-Iruka
Kakashi stuck the note back in the bag and, laughing warmly, pulled the blanket closer around his shoulders. He picked up the thermos unscrewed the cap thoughtfully. Maybe tonight won't be so bad….
