The rain had made it hard to see that day. The little boy, aged seven years old, was sopping wet and shivering from head to toe. His father didn't seem to be phased by it. He would throw the shurikens into the downpour and the boy would be expected to dodge. Kakashi's hands were bleeding. The cold had slowed his movement and the sharp blades had caught up with him a few times. Inejiro was furious.
He'd just learned that even though his only son was qualified as a Chuunin, he couldn't join the others in battle. He'd have to go to the ninja academy like all the other children his age and join a regular ninja team when he turned twelve. Inejiro would not have it. He'd worked Kakashi extremely hard to get him into the Chuunin exams and get him out alive and now his dreams had been crushed. This thought flew across his mind once again. He gritted his teeth.
It was because the boy hadn't worked hard enough. Well, he'd show him hard work. His bit his bottom lip and hurled the star like weapon straight at Kakashi. Kakashi moved to the side again, but a bit slower this time. Inejiro launched forward, flying over the wet grass. He hooked a kunai from his pocket and made a diagonal slash. Kakashi jumped back and quickly powered up.
"Kage Buushin no jutsu!" He yelled, cold rain water going down his already sore throat. Four or five Kakashi's appeared and began fighting Inejiro. The real Kakashi jumped into a tree and concealed himself in the fluttering leaves. Once all the copies were depleted, Inejiro turned on his hiding spot.
"Too obvious!!" He shouted over the roar of the rain. Kakashi jumped down silently.
"Can we please go home?" He asked weakly.
"Lazy!" Inejiro yelled back trying to get him with a low kick. Kakashi knew what had to be done. The only way he'd let up is if Kakashi was too hurt to go on. Kakashi stood still, getting ready for the blow that was coming. Inejiro came back with a powerful axe kick, coming straight down on Kakashi's collarbone. The boy was knocked back and slid some feet on the slick grass. "Stupid!" Inejiro snarled, running to his side. He shook his head and picked up his unconscious son, slinging his limp body over his shoulder and beginning the long walk home. He made his way through the village, o other soul daring to venture out into the downpour. When he'd finally reached his home he kicked open the down, dripping water all over.
"Dad . . ." Manami, Kakashi's teenage sister, said exasperatedly. "You're getting water everywhere. She had shoulder length silver hair and gray-green eyes. She always dressed like a boy and was a fairly good ninja.
"Take car of him . . ." Inejiro dumped Kakashi into Manami's arms.
"Jeez, what did you do to him?" Manami said, looking worried.
"He got in the way of an attack, now fix him up." Inejiro retired into his room. She sighed and shook her head, setting off to help Kakashi.
Kakashi awoke some hours later. There was an aching pain in his chest and it took a while for him to sit up. There were dark shapes moving around in the hall. He got out of the futon and padded across the room, peering out.
"I cannot live like this!" He heard his mother's voice in a cruel tone. "You've changed so much, Inejiro. This isn't the life I wanted. I don't mind if you torture yourself all day, but you can't do that to Kakashi! I know you'll never let up which is why I'm leaving . . .," She said with finality.
"Don't do this Shizuko." Inejiro said softly. "I'll change my ways, I will."
"You won't!" She yelled. "I'm sorry, but this is goodbye." She and a Manami, who had tears in her eyes, moved towards the door, a bag on their backs and an umbrella above their heads. Inejiro stood like a statue. Kakashi ran out of the room.
"Don't go!" He called after them. They just kept walking into the rainy night. "Stop, don't leave us!" He kept calling after them. He made to run to them, but Inejiro caught his shoulders, barring him from escape. They never came back.
Five years later he was back on his feet again. He walked into the classroom and sat down at his usual seat, the classmates squabbling behind him. Chitsume suddenly appeared out of nowhere and took the seat next to him.
"We're getting our teams today, Kakashi-kun!" She said smiling wryly.
"I know, Sensei told us that yesterday." He said softly without averting his gaze.
"I hope I'm on Fumihito's team . . ." She said looking over at a tall boy dressed in all black. He wore rectangular sunglasses and a scowl. He seemed mysterious and was the class "bad boy", But Kakashi knew he was a good for nothing. He sat, frowning by himself, his black-booted feet on the desk.
"He's an idiot, Chitsume. If you're on his team you'll never make it above a Genin." Kakashi said in a low voice, feeling a tad jealous of Chitsume fawning on him.
"But look how hot he is! All that long hair . . ." She looked dreamily over at him.
"Iekugi's got long hair . . ." Kakashi said smiling, looking over at a boy with dark brown hair in a ponytail. He had thick, gleaming glasses that magnified his eyes. He hade tape around the nose bridge and his nose always seemed to be stuffy. He sniffled and was a completely useless in a fight. Lot's of people picked on him, but Kakashi never had spoken to him once.
"Gross, gyu . . ." She wrinkled her nose. Just then Kakashi felt someone poking hard on the back of his head. He turned around coolly to face Maito Gai.
"So . . ." He said, his shiny teeth twinkling. "Think we'll be on the same team?" Kakashi shrugged and turned back. "Either way I'll still have won, Kakashi! You cannot defeat Gai!" He gave a flamboyant laugh.
"He makes me tired . . ." Kakashi sighed to Chitsume who giggled. Gai sat down next to Naoko. She was a dreamy girl who never paid attention. She was always found with her head in the clouds. She was prone to forgetfulness and accidents, but was a quite proficient ninja, surprisingly. She was humming contentedly to herself, her elbow on the desk. The next moment the sensei bustled into the room. She was pretty woman with short hair and silver rimmed glasses. She almost always wore a skirt and taught in a very good way. Kakashi and her were very good friends, she was like a second mother to him.
"Good morning, Yada-Sensei." He waved at her. She smiled back a placed her things on the front desk.
"You've all passed your tests and today you get to go on to your ninja team. Most of you . . ." She looked at Kakashi. "Will become Genins today. Come up and get your headbands." They went up one by one and got the treasured Konoha headband. Kakashi put his across his forehead and tied it in the back. Sae drifted up beside him and picked her up between two fingers with painted black nails. She hade very short hair, which she kept in the tiniest of ponytails. She had a free personality and was very likeable. She was easily the most beautiful girl in the class and not a bad student either. She was best friends with the soft-spoken Rei. They were like sisters and were never seen without the other. Rei was very sweet and always tried her best to be friendly, but was shy and very polite. She had loose black hair that hung to her neck and she wore very simple clothing.
"Now I shall assign our teams . . ." She said, looking at her paper. "First up . . . Sentara Fumihito." Chitsume's muscles grew tense and she stopped breathing. "Maito Gai and Ezumi Naoko." Chitsume moaned a little, Kakashi felt another little pang of jealously. He wouldn't mind if he was on a team with Fumihito or Iekugi or even the annoying Konpaku, just as long as he was with Chitsume.
"Darn it . . ." She whispered. "Oh, well, at least that's increases the chances that I'm with you!" She smiled and the sinking feeling in Kakashi's stomach let up a little.
"Next, Aokuni Sae, Yuurano Rei-" A happy laughing sound was heard and Sae slapped Rei on the back and giggled happily. Rei looked over hopefully at Kakashi. Yada-Sensei ignored the slight interruption. ". . . and Eda Iekugi." The giggling stopped. A pleased smile spread across Iekugi's face. He looked over at the horrified girls who were destined to spend many years with. Kakashi stifled a laugh. Then suddenly he realized there were only three people left.
"Hatake Kakashi, Inju Chitsume, and Tounasa Konpaku."
It was a mixed feeling. He was overjoyed that his and Chitsume's fate were now intertwined, but now also shared this bond with the annoying loudmouth. Konpaku was smiling. Everyone knew he was an excellent ninja; the only people that were better than him were Kakashi and Chitsume. The three strongest people on one team would ensure certain victory in future missions.
"You all have been wonderful students and I'll miss you all very much." She smiled in a misty way. "Your new teachers will arrive soon." She gave her favorite students, including Kakashi, a hug, then left. Kakashi would be sure to visit her when he had time. After a few minutes a thin man sauntered in. He had mousy brown hair and a tall stature. He looked somewhat nervous. "Iekugi, Sae, Rei?" He asked uncertainly. The three stepped forward, Sae inching away from Iekugi. "Nice to meet you I'm Kawauso."
"Nice to meet you Kawauso-sensei." Rei said, bowing. He led the three out of then room and shut the door behind him. The next woman looked quite dangerous. She was tall for a girl and wore a long black cloak. Her lips were blood red and her eyes were a cruel black. Kakashi hoped profusely she was not his teacher.
"Fumihito, Gai, Naoko." She said venomously. "Call me Kageko-Sensei." She said shortly and went out without waiting for them. Kakashi felt sorry for Naoko. Konpaku looked over at Kakashi and Chitsume. They were the only ones left in the classroom. He waved and gave a broad smile. Kakashi felt a wave of detest, looking at Konpaku's huge goggles. He sighed and waved back along with Chitsume.
"Looks like were gonna be together for sometime!" He said cheerfully.
"Yeah." Chitsume said. Kakashi remained silent. "It's weird, I've known you for six years and we've never really talked." Chitsume said amiably. Konpaku laughed a little.
"I always kinda wanted to make friends with you guys, but I didn't really know how to begin." He shrugged and laughed some more. Kakashi sighed. This was going to be a long day. He found it even more annoying that Chitsume was just lapping it up, but did nothing. Seconds later the door slid open. A handsome man with a huge mane of blonde hair stepped inside. He wore the traditional outfits for instructors but somehow made it look very cool. He had a crooked smile and hazy eyes.
"I expect you're the students?" He asked in a mild voice. Kakashi nodded, standing up. He looked down at the sheet of paper in his hand. "Hatake Kakashi." He said, pointing at him.
"Yes, Sensei." He affirmed.
"And . . . Tounasa Konpaku . . ." He found Konpaku with his eyes. "And Inju Chitsume." He smiled. They all smiled back. "Right then. Come this way." He was silent as he led them away from the academy and into the more rural area of Konoha. It was a clear day and the sky was gaping wide. The afternoon hard turned the heavens a surreal blue and it seemed to be even bigger than usual. A light breeze blew carrying on it the smell of the first touches of autumn. The summer died and the air was growing strangely wonderful, filled with a bright, festive feel that made on think of cozy fall nights with the big glowing harvest moon above. The slightly yellow leaves swayed on the branches and created a pleasant rustling sound in the wind. The tall man led them up to a rounded hill with a tall tree perched on top and sat down at the base, exhaling loudly.
"So . . ." He looked at everyone with his gray-brown eyes. "You're my students." He scratched the back of his head. He laughed a bit nervously. "I never really had students before . . . So let's see, we should get to know each other some . . ." He shrugged. "I'm Yondaime. I'm 23 years old . . . uhhh . . . I like . . . food . . . especially at the Ichiraku ramen!" He smiled broadly, showing white teeth. "And girls." He smiled for a long time. "Now you guy tell me about yourselves!" He gestured to them warmly. "You go first." He pointed at Chitsume.
"Oh." She blushed a little at being put on the spot. "Well, okay, I'm Chitsume. I'm 12 years old and I like to practice Ninja arts, play games of all sorts and spend time with my friends. I hate bad food and annoying people. My best friend is Kakashi, and I wish to become the greatest Ninja in all of the world!" She giggled. Yondaime laughed a little too, then looked at Konpaku who gave a toothy grin and stood up.
"I'm Tounasa Konpaku!" He gave a sharp gesture to himself with his thumb. "I'm also twelve and I love to sleep. I like partying and having fun and joking around and acting crazy! It pisses me off when people act all cool and don't talk" He looked over at Kakashi who ignored him. "I just want to carry out missions for this village and my great-great-great-grandfather was a dragon . . ." He added a dramatic tone to his last words. Kakashi snorted softly to himself. What an idiot. He thought.
"Wow, pretty cool." Yondaime opened his eyes a little wider. Then he looked at Kakashi. Kakashi felt a bit annoyed; he hated talking about himself.
"My name is Kakashi and I think you know how old I am. I won't tell you what I like or dislike and I have no hopes and dreams." He said softly, not looking at anyone. Chitsume scoffed.
"He's just being dumb. He likes to read and he became a Chuunin at age 6. He's born on September fifteenth, blood type O, and he hates vegetable tempura. He's usually laid back and relaxed, but he can be secretive and solemn. He tries to buy the girly magazines from the drug store but always gets caught. His best qualities are he's loyal and a good asset to every team, but he's always late and has an odd sense of humor." She shot him a vengeful look. Kakashi remembered a certain incident where he sat outside her bedroom window at night and kept tapping on it and trying to scare her. The results weren't pretty when she discovered it was just a rooftop shenanigan. "Even though I've know him since I was born I've never once seen his face cuz he keep this on it." She reached for his mask but he brushed her hand away. Yondaime was finding this all very humorous.
"Wait a second, I have something to add." Kakashi said with the air of someone who was remembering a fact suddenly. "I know about everything embarrassing and secret thing that ever happened to Chitsume and I could tell you each and everyone of them, if you like." He said in a way that was almost bored. "Like how she we-"
"NO!!" She said, laughing and covering his mouth with her hand at the same time. Yondaime laughed a bit more.
"Well, you seem like an interesting bunch! Tomorrow we'll begin the real training. Let me tell you something, it was no mistake that you three were in this group. I was told that you two could easily pass the Chuunin exams already, and you've passed it six years ago! You're all very advanced. We're going to do very little training in here. I expect you all to get many missions down before the Chuunin exams start and when they do, I want you to blow them out of the water!" He yelled. "Now go and get some sleep, we start early tomorrow!" The three of them departed, leaving Yondaime at the tree.
"I think he's pretty cool!" Konpaku said to Chitsume as the walked across the fields. "Better than the mean looking Kageko lady at any rate." Chitsume laughed a little. Kakashi said nothing but thought dreamily of the atmosphere. These types of days made him feel distant and nostalgic. His mind drifted back to a day when he and Chitsume wandered here as children.
She laughed and ran around as he stood watching her. A moment later she came back crying.
"Kakashi, a bee stung me!" She cried waving her index finger around. He reached for it but she drew back. "No!! Don't touch it!"
"Let me see." He said in a flat voice, seizing her hand and inspecting her finger. He took at the little stinger in her finger with one swift motion and tosses it aside. She squealed a bit and sucked on her finger.
"Oww . . ." She whined. "What did you do?" She yelled.
"I took it out."
"Really?" She looked again with wide eyes. "Wow! It actually feels better! Thanks Kakashi-Kun! What would I do without you?" She giggled and drew closer. A kiss on the cheek.
Kakashi blushed a bit and smiled to himself, remembering the warmth on the side of his face.
"Oiii! Kakashi!" He was suddenly brought back to reality. He looked up. Konpaku was looking straight at him.
"What?" He asked a little sharply.
"Is it true you're a Chuunin?" Konpaku demanded. He didn't look impressed or inquisitive like most people did when asking this question. He looked offended and angry. Kakashi felt a little taken aback.
"Yeah. I reached that level when I was six." He said without any tone in his voice. Konpaku frowned.
"So, you think you're a lot better than me, don't you?" He challenged.
"Well, I don't know." Kakashi shrugged, sounding as he always did, careless and relaxed. Konpaku gritted his teeth and snorted with ire.
"What's your problem, man?" He stopped walking, squaring off to Kakashi. "I don't like your attitude!" Kakashi cocked his head to the side.
"Sorry." He shrugged again and scratched his head, appearing lazy and slack. Their eyes met and some sparks flew. Chitsume got between them both.
"Now, now. Let's not fight. Kakashi's already got one rival, Konpaku!" She laughed, trying to make them relaxed again. Kakashi began walking again. Konpaku still looked upset, but went back to talking with Chitsume. Kakashi found it slightly annoying in the way he made such a big deal about flirting with her as loudly and ostentatiously as possible. When he left them Kakashi felt a wave of relief. He and Chitsume walked down the darkening street, side by side, saying nothing.
"Does he bug you?" She asked suddenly, breaking the silence. Kakashi didn't say anything for a while.
"Yes, in a way. I don't know why he was trying to pick a fight, though." He said dully.
"He's probably jealous or something. Not many people can even hold a flame to your skills." She said. He shrugged, shivering slightly in the weak breeze.
"Whatever. He just kind of gets on my nerves." He said slowly. Chitsume laughed.
"He must be something special then, if he's getting on your nerves." She joked. They were at her doorstep. They faced each other for a while, not speaking. "Goodnight." She pushed him on the shoulder in a friendly way.
"Night." He waved as he stepped off into the gloom, not looking back.