Chapter 47

As the sun began its descent over the horizon the group made their way through the dense snow covered pines. Kakashi's pace kept them going throughout the day and night. Ignoring most every reason to rest until it couldn't be helped. Thanks to that rigorous pace they were nearly to their destination ahead of schedule. A fact they were all thankful for.

Guy moved closer to the front near Kakashi. His voice carried easily over the growing wind. "They should be expecting us by now. The village shouldn't be too much further. Perhaps we should slow our pace, just in case they are on high alert."

Anko scoffed, "They've had at least a few days now to get ready for us. They should know we are arriving soon."

"Even so," Shizune called out from shortly behind them, "we can't be too careful. Guy is right, they're most likely on high alert after everything that's happened."

While Shizune was the official squad leader they had left the pacing up to Kakashi up until this point. He had the most drive out of all of them to reach their destination. It was only mildly concerning to the others. They had never seen him act like this before. Usually when things went wrong, Kakashi could be trusted to stay calm and level headed. But his cold and overly broody behavior was far from what they had grown to expect from him. They all knew why, so none of them thought it necessary to discuss it.

Kakashi stopped abruptly, the others quickly followed his lead and gathered in a small circle amidst the snowy terrain. He turned toward his traveling companions, "Shizune and Guy are right. So, perhaps we should slow down, and let someone else lead the way. Musashi?"

All heads turned toward the older man. His eyes widened in surprise as he looked at the several pairs of eyes on him. "Me?"

"Yes," Kakashi nodded, "you're not a ninja, so with you leading us it won't seem like an assault. Plus, you can set the pace." Granted, Kakashi didn't want to slow their pace at all, but he had to do what was best for the mission and the group.

Musashi nodded stiffly, fully aware of why Kakashi had chosen him. Despite his vague familiarity with the land, his sore and aching limbs were a reminder of his struggles to keep pace. "Right."

Kakashi cast his gaze over toward Shizune, "That is, if you're alright with that."

Shizune shook her head, "I have no objections thus far. We'll be right behind you, Musashi."

Guy placed a firm hand on the man's shoulder, "Right, if they try anything we'll be on them before you even blink."

Musashi smiled and nodded in response before taking off with the four of them following shortly after him.

Their pace, while slower, was still swift. As the trees continued flashing past him he slowly began to recognize the surroundings. Who knew trees could bring on such a feeling of nostalgia. He had played in this very same spot as a young boy with his brother.

His reminiscing abruptly halted when he spotted the gate ahead. While calling out to alert his companions, he had to wonder if that was even necessary. In moments, the gate became obvious before them. As did the three men standing before it.

Musashi landed on the cold hard ground that had been packed down from travelers. He could sense the four shinobi around him, as well as the tension in the air. It was palpable. Before he had a chance to say anything, one of the guards, hand on the hilt of his blade shouted, "State your purpose!"

The older man blinked for a moment, was it necessary for them to shout so loudly?

Again, before he could respond, Shizune took a step forward, "We're Konoha Shinobi on a mission. Our Hokage has already sent word of our arrival."

At that, the guards shared glances with one another and prepared to say something but the door behind them opened. Silence once again fell over the two groups and they waited as the figure emerged.

It was a tall man. Dark hair pulled back in a topknot and gray eyes with a pale complexion. Dressed far more casually than the three guards who were wearing padded armor. Yet, he stood with a degree of confidence that was not lost on any of them. His eyes scanned over the group of newcomers for a mere moment as one of the guards relayed the situation. He waved off the man and began walking toward them.

Upon his approach, the shinobi widened their stance. Not seeing fit to reach for weapons, but wanting to act with caution. Wordlessly, Musashi stepped forward. Utterly calm. Guy was about to stop him, but Kakashi raised his hand as a clear signal to wait.

The two men stood face to face, halting only a mere foot from one another. The man's height matched Musashi's, though he wasn't as broad shouldered. They studied one another for several moments before the unnamed man scratched his chin, "I do believe you've gained a few pounds."

Musashi breathed a short laugh, "And I do believe you've gotten even more insufferable."

The two men smiled and leaned forward, wrapping their arms around the others shoulders in a tight embrace. One that gave the impression that they were long lost friends.

Anko clicked her tongue as a sense of relief washed over them. "Think they know each other?" She asked quietly and with just a hint of sarcasm.

"Friends maybe?" Guy offered.

"Brothers." Kakashi stated matter of factly. He had heard about Keiko's uncle. Her father's brother. He could only assume that this man was the aforementioned uncle she had spoken about. The brothers did look similar, though their demeanor differed greatly.

Shizune let out a small gasp and took several steps forward as the two men ended their embrace. "Are you Miura Takahashi?" She said quickly.

The man nodded, folding his arms inside his wide sleeves before casting his gaze upon her. "Yes, perhaps you could give me the honor of your name."

A part of Shizune wanted to shout but she reigned herself in. Since they had lain eyes on the gate all she could think of was getting to Iruka and assessing his condition. They didn't have time for heartfelt reunions when a life could be in the balance!

She stood straight, "Medical ninja and appointed leader of this mission, Shizune."

Miura's eyes sharpened in recognition. "I see." He closed his eyes and turned his back on all of them, walking briskly toward the entrance to the village that was now open. "Come along, we will make haste."

Quick glances were shared between the four shinobi before they followed the newly reunited brothers into the village. Not paying any attention to the curious glances the guards gave them as they passed.

Musashi, only a pace behind his brother coughed a laugh, "I'm fairly certain they thought there was going to be a brawl back there."

A lazy smile found its way onto Miura's lips, "There might have been, but I am an exceptional judge of character." He paused as they kept their steady pace toward the medical building, choosing not to say how Kakashi had been the one to worry him the most. The man gave the aura of a crazed animal ready to pounce on anyone unlucky enough to grasp his attention.

Upon entry to the medical building a nurse looked up from the desk and clumsily stood up then bowed deeply, "Lord Takahashi!"

He waved his hand dismissively, "Take this woman to our mystery guest, and be sure that she receives any and all supplies necessary to treat him." There was an authoritative tone to his voice that wasn't present previously. The woman nodded and immediately asked Shizune to follow her lead down a hallway.

A beat of silence passed before Musashi scratched the back of his head, "Lord?"

Miura shrugged, "I've risen highly within our nation's political circle since last you've been home, brother. Had I not mentioned that in our letters? She was only being respectful. Although…" He scratched his chin, offering his brother his signature lazy smile, "I have been known to have that effect on women."

His small audience of visitors all looked at him blankly. Unsure if the man was attempting a joke or if he was serious. Miura was an attractive man, that was plain to see, but not many would so openly praise themselves.

Musashi shook his head, "You really haven't changed."

"I suppose in that regard, no." Miura stated simply. He moved to stand in front of the four shinobi, hands folded in front of him as he spoke, "Now then, I do believe we have business to discuss. Please, follow me."

He began to lead the small group down a different hall and into what seemed to be a private waiting room. Miura gestured widely to the furniture, "Have a seat. I'm sure it was a long journey, and you must be tired." There was silence for several long moments and he sighed. They were staring at him as if he would pounce at any moment. "Do you really think I am so dishonorable that I would attack you now? If I had any intention of fighting, you wouldn't have made it past the village gates."

"Assuming you'd win." Anko shot back quickly.

Guy was the one to raise a hand to silence her but he kept a steady gaze upon Miura. "What Anko should have asked, is why didn't you attack us? Those guards seemed keen on the idea."

The older man hooked his thumbs into the waistband of his pants as he slowly moved toward a chair to sit. Speaking as he went, "Truth be told, your friend." Getting comfortable in the chair he rested his elbows on the sides and laced his fingers together. "What is his name? Everyone here has just been referring to him as 'ninja' or 'shinobi.'"

"Iruka." Musashi answered, taking a seat as well. As soon as he did he could feel the full weight of his fatigue hit him and he looked as though he had aged in just a moment.

"Iruka?" Miura said, trying out the name for the first time. "Right. Well, you have Iruka to thank for that. In truth, you have Iruka to thank for a lot."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Anko asked as she leaned on the side of the couch. She wanted to rest, but didn't want to lower her guard just yet.

Miura shrugged, choosing not to answer her question and instead moved on, "When one of my squads went for a routine patrol, none of them expected to come across a battlefield. By the looks of it, only a few hours old according to them. That's when they found him, clutching his stomach and asking them for help. You see, he had been nearly gutted." He ran his thumb over his stomach in the same area he had known Iruka to be wounded. "And, as a result, had lost a lot of blood and was obviously delirious. He was rambling about masked men, and a mission. Also about two women."

He paused, watching as all of their faces hardened, eyes narrow and lips drawn together in a flat line. "Others might view us as savages, choosing to stay out of the business of other nations. But, my men are not so, and thought it best to bring him back here, unsure if he would live or die. Upon their arrival, I stayed close, observing as our medics tended to him. Had it been only another hour he most certainly would have perished. But, during that time he was muttering two names. Keiko, and Remi. I am assuming you are curious about their whereabouts."

"Yes, did you find any sign of them when you found Iruka?" Kakashi asked, not letting an ounce of his agitation show through his words. He couldn't help but feel this was taking too long. While his companions had relaxed their stances, Kakashi held himself firm. Too uncertain of how his body would react if he were to sit or lean against something. Every word that came forth from Miura was a piece to a puzzle he desperately needed to solve.

Miura eyed Kakashi for a brief moment before answering, "Other than blood, no. Brother," He turned to Musashi who perked up at being addressed, "this Keiko that Iruka has been muttering about. She wouldn't happen to be my niece, would she?"

"...yes."

Their host took in a deep breath, closing his eyes, "I see. I was afraid of that."

"With all due respect," Kakashi said, "perhaps you could show us the scene of the battle. There might be something there we could use to help track them down. Lady Tsunade stated that once Iruka was seen to, finding them would be our next objective."

Miura held up a hand. "I understand your concern, and I admire your dedication to your fellow Shinobi, but I have offered you an explanation. I do believe it is time I received one as well. Please, tell me Konohagakure's side of these events."

And they did. From the fake mission that started it all to their departure from the village. Only leaving out the more subtle and personal details. The whole time Miura sat quietly, his cool and calm demeanor not changing as they recounted their story.

Finally, when they reached the end he spoke, "I see. Reason would have me deduce that someone from my own ranks would have written that message. Though I cannot believe that." His brows knitted together in thought, mulling over all the facts and details he had been given.

"What makes you so sure?" Musashi asked.

Miura fixed his brother with a surprised look, "You surprise me, brother. Have you forgotten the very backbone of our culture? Honor, loyalty; to do something like this goes against our most fundamental teachings." He turned his gaze toward the Shinobi. "If any of you worked alongside Keiko like I believe you have, then I'm sure you have seen it yourselves. I did well to instill those teachings."

This statement was met with downward glances. Of course they knew. Each of them had witnessed Keiko lay her life on the line for the village and her teammates.

Though they hadn't mentioned Danzo's accusation, Guy couldn't help but be reminded of it. As was Kakashi. They knew Keiko better than anyone, and the thought of her betraying them was absurd. Even now, Guy felt the urge to kick the bandaged elder for even suggesting it.

Miura nodded in understanding, "So you have then. While I'm aware I cannot rule out the possibility completely, the more likely option would be an outsider sending the message."

"It still doesn't explain why Iruka was left for dead and the other two are nowhere to be found." Anko added.

"Or why this was sent to the village." Kakashi reached into his side pouch where he kept the severed braid of Keiko's hair. "It was delivered with no note."

For a moment, Miura's calm demeanor faltered and his mouth hung open, eyes widening. Quickly gathering his composure again, he stood. "We shall depart in the morning. I will lead you to the guest quarters so you may rest from your journey. I will have someone bring food as well, and I will inform you of your comrades' condition as soon as I hear word."

Kakashi's grip on the braid tightened. He knew he needed to rest. His body cried for rest. He wouldn't be any help if he passed out from exhaustion. "Lord Miura."

Their host looked at Kakashi expectantly, "Yes?"

"Would you allow me to send scouts of my own to survey the area and look for any signs of them? The eight of them can cover far more ground and report back with their findings."

Miura quirked a brow, "And who would these eight scouts be?"

Before Kakashi had a chance to respond, Guy grabbed him by the shoulder and smiled, "Excellent idea, Kakashi! Your hounds can get us pointed in the right direction!"

"That's the idea." Kakashi stated as he took out a kunai and slit the skin of his finger before making the seals.

Before Miura's eyes, a group of dogs appeared through a cloud of smoke. He could only look on in amazement. Of course he had heard of Shinobi being able to summon animals and other creatures to do their bidding, but he had just never seen it done before. He was even more surprised when the smallest of the bunch opened his mouth and spoke.

"Eight ninja hounds, at your service." Pakkun said from atop Bull. His eyes glanced around until he noticed the braid in Kakashi's hand. He had been expecting this call for a few days now.

Kakashi turned back toward Miura, "If you approve."

"By all means. I trust they are loyal to you and will honor our truce in this matter."

Nodding, Kakashi crouched and held out the braid for them to sniff. "Search the area for any sign of this scent. Go as far as you can and report back by dawn."

After several more long moments, the canine team had the scent and left the room in a flash. Only Pakkun was left behind and he looked up to Kakashi and the others, "Don't worry, we'll let you know as soon as we have something." And he was gone.

As the others began to filter out of the room, Kakashi stayed in his crouched position. His eyes blankly looking down at the braid in his hand.

Guy, the last person before Kakashi, rested his hand on his friend's shoulder. "Kakashi, they'll find them. They'll find her." His grip tightened. "Let's rest, we're no good to them half dead from exhaustion."

"Right." Kakashi said quietly, pushing himself up.

How much longer would he have to go on feeling like this? It felt like he was a world away and he was watching himself drown. Now he faced yet another night alone. He had been through this all before. The loss, the grief, the tragedy. At least back then he had the clarity of a dead body to solidify his fears, to finalize it.

Now, he only had a sliver of dying hope.

~0~

As the night slowly faded into morning Kakashi watched as the stars disappeared one by one. Rest had not come easy, as he had spent the better part of his night plagued by dreams. While he couldn't recall all of them, they made him wake in a cold sweat. As dawn grew closer and closer, he ceased his attempts at rest and instead made his way to the meeting room they had been in the previous night. He had already dressed and readied himself for the long day ahead.

Pakkun would be back shortly with a report and he couldn't ignore the ball of nerves in his stomach. What if they hadn't found anything? What if they did? Dealing with the unknown was a fundamental part of being a Shinobi. Kakashi couldn't count the times he had gone into a situation with less than ideal information. He had managed to keep a level head in so many situations and he would be damned if he couldn't now.

Kakashi had been seated on the couch, leaned forward so his elbows rested on his knees while he thought. When the door to the room slid open to reveal their host, Miura. The older man offered a smile in greeting as he walked in to take a seat across from the Shinobi. Kakashi only nodded to acknowledge him as Miura sat down and tried to make conversation. "Your fellow Shinobi Shizune did a miraculous job tending to Iruka's wounds."

"I would expect nothing less from a student of Lady Tsunade." Shizune was one of the most talented medical ninja in the village. The only person he knew that was better was Lady Tsunade herself. His mind flickered to one of his students, Sakura. Though, she wasn't his student anymore. With her advanced level of chakra control, intelligence and stubbornness, he had no doubts that she would one day become a very skilled medical ninja like her new teacher.

"I have heard many things about Lady Tsunade. Beautiful and terrifying. A force to behold, I am sure…" Muira continued, not noticing right away that Kakashi was only half listening. He recognized that look in the Shinobi's eyes. Worry lay hidden behind Kakashi's mask of tired indifference, and if Miura didn't know better, he thought there was fear there as well. It was a look he had seen before, many years ago.

He fell silent, taking in the sight thoughtfully before he spoke, "Have you heard anything from your scouts?"

The ninja shook his head slightly, "Not yet, though I have faith that Pakkun will return shortly."

Miura nodded thoughtfully and the two sat in silence for an uncomfortably long amount of time. Finally, Miura asked what he had been wanting to ask since the night before, "What is your relationship with my niece?"

The question took Kakashi off guard and he paused, looking directly at Miura in surprise.

He had paused for too long, as the Samurai offered, "Or perhaps it is the other missing woman you are so desperate to find?" He had seen that same look on his brother's face when his sister-in-law was dying.

Kakashi finally found his words, "I wish to find both of them."

"As are your friends, and yet your fervent efforts suggest a more personal attachment to this mission of yours. I simply wish to know." he was studying the man intently. Silently wishing that he could burn off the mask with his gaze, as it hid entirely too much of his expression. Body language certainly said a lot, but only being able to see a quarter of one's face was a liability all its own.

Of course, Kakashi knew his relationship with Keiko was far more than just comrades. She was someone he sought after on a dreary day. Whose presence alone was enough to make him feel warmth. There were moments he thought the pain he had been through in his life was worth it if it meant Keiko would be by his side. His world was a brighter place with her in it.

Miura was about to speak again when Kakashi finally looked up at him and smiled sadly. A smile that in itself relayed all of the longing he felt, "If you're asking, then I think you already know the answer."

Before Miura could respond, a blur entered the room and came to a halt on the table between them. "Morning, Boss," Pakkun greeted him.

Kakashi sat straighter, "Pakkun, what did you find?"

"Her scent's been spread in various areas. It's like someone tried to lead us on numerous false trails."

Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "As if they knew we would be trying to track them by scent."

The pug nodded in agreement, "Either they thought of everything, or it's like they expected a tracker ninja to be on their trail. The good news is, we think we know the direction to go. It's a pass further into the mountains."

"To the north?" Miura interjected.

Pakkun and Kakashi looked back at the older man and Pakkun nodded, "Yeah, all the scent trails led away from there, but after some closer inspection we could tell the trail had been covered up."

"It's settled then." Kakashi stood, a steely resolve in his eye, "We'll leave as soon as we're able."

~0~

Miura looked ahead of him as he followed the Shinobi through the trees. Pakkun was leading the pack, closely followed by Kakashi and Guy. Anko was just ahead of him with Shizune and his brother pulling up the rear. He thought it best to accompany the group as he was the most familiar among them. The worry for his niece went without saying and the shinobi expected that to play a part in his decision as well.

He looked to his side at Shizune, who looked to be back at one hundred percent after her late night with Iruka. When they had departed Iruka had yet to wake up but was told the man had made a startling improvement. She made no complaints about heading out right away as soon as they were able. Even then, Miura didn't miss the thinly veiled concern she shot toward Kakashi from time to time.

His gaze shifted back toward his brother, who he knew was currently pushing his limits. Miura had tried to convince Musashi to stay behind, but there had been no talking sense into him. He had come so far and refused to sit behind when they were so close to their goal. Miura offered him a katana and only hoped that Musashi had kept up on his skills over the years.

"Something on your mind?"

Miura looked ahead of him again to Anko. Who was watching him with a calculating glint in her eyes. He smiled in response, "Nothing in particular, only weighing the possibility of an attack."

Anko grinned, "Nothing to worry about. We can take anything they have to dish out."

The conversation didn't carry on much longer, but it did leave Miura gazing out toward Kakashi. The man hadn't gotten much sleep and if what he suspected was true, the man was going through immense emotional turmoil. If there was a fight on the horizon, would Kakashi be able to handle it?

Time passed and finally they made it to the base of the two mountains where the pass was formed. Pakkun came to a stop and looked back at the group, "Through here. This is where the trail really started to fade so be on your guard." He received a collective nod as they took off again.

Miura was surprised to find that the pass was not as filled with snow as it usually was this time of year. It was actually passable. If they continued with the speed they had been traveling thus far, they would make it through the pass in only about an hour's time. But, they all knew the possibility for an attack from above. The high walls the mountain created on either side grew narrow in spots and widened in others. The wind howled above them, nearly whistling as it passed between the peaks.

The group moved at a brisk run, slowing their pace to keep a close eye on their surroundings. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary until there was an unmistakable hiss. Pakkun heard it just in time.

"Move!"

Not a moment later, an exposition erupted above them, sending rubble and debris and snow down over their position. Thankfully, they had enough time to fall back so they were not caught in the falling debris. For a second, Miura and Musashi looked up, surely expecting that an explosion like that would begin an avalanche down upon them. But to their surprise, there was no such thing.

Instead, they took notice of the masked figures surrounding them. Standing behind them blocking their path and perched from numerous spots on the canyon walls were figures clad in white ponchos and sporting an eerily familiar mask.

Quickly, the group fell back to back upon seeing their predicament. Musashi and Miura, Anko and Shizune, and Kakashi and Guy. The group of six was outnumbered and surrounded. They would need to fight their way out of this, as both exits were now blocked.

Fists raised, Guy looked from one figure to the next. "Those are masks for the Land of Woods Anbu. What the hell are they doing here?"

Kakashi raised his kunai, "Somehow I doubt they are going to tell us." They were both there when the Prajna had been eliminated. Danzo had ordered it himself, and Kakashi and Itachi were thorough in their work. Imposters perhaps?

Not a moment later, the Prajna charged at the group and all hell broke loose. Each individual needed to take on two opponents at once in an attempt to split the foes equally. The canyon floor became crowded as shinobi bobbed and weaved to avoid attacks and dish out their own.

Musashi fought side by side with his brother. The situation brought back an odd feeling of nostalgia as he held the sword in his hands and his brothers back against his own. It brought him back to when they were boys getting into trouble together. "Brings back memories, doesn't it?" he grunted, one of the masked men trying to attack him only to be blocked by his blade and pushed back.

"Reminisce later!" Miura snapped as his chakra flooded into his sword and the chakra extended out in a whip-like tendril. The chakra whip wrapped around one masked man and with a grunt of exertion he flung the man into the stone wall.

Anko whistled at the sight, she hadn't seen anything quite like that before. She didn't have much time to admire the Samurai's attack before a weapon swung down upon her. Anko flipped back, narrowly avoiding the blade while another individual made a charge at her.

Mid flip, she reached out, snatching the wrist of her attacker. A snake quickly coiled its way out of her sleeve and wrapped itself around the man as he screamed. Wrapping around his arm and shortly after his neck, cutting off his cries of terror. Still keeping her hold on his wrist, she landed on her feet and threw the man trapped by her snake into her first attacker, sending them both flying.

Shizune grit her teeth as she bobbed and weaved between the attacks, looking for an opening. If only there weren't so many of her comrades so close together, then she could flood the canyon with poison and be done with it. Instead, she was left to find strategic openings to throw her poison coated needles.

There! Seeing her opening, she made the sign and from her mouth came a line of poison needles that embed themselves into the necks of two masked men, the third had been able to dodge.

Anko, who had been about to engage with one of them, shouted, "Watch it!"

"Leaf Hurricane!" Guy roared as he kicked his opponent, sending them flying back into the wall. He quickly felt a familiar presence appear behind him.

Kakashi, blood splattered on his vest and arm, took a quick glance around. "It's odd. We've taken out more than there were to begin with."

"And more keep appearing. There must be some kind of trick." Guy narrowed his eyes as he caught one of the masked figures around the neck and slammed him into the ground. The impact was so powerful the mask cracked in two and it revealed a seal where a face should have been.

Guy's eyes widened, "What?" Right before his eyes, the ink disappeared and the figure stopped moving.

Kakashi looked over his shoulder, narrowing his eyes at the unfamiliar seal. Something was definitely off. As he parried another attack and kicked the figure away, he saw Pakkun skid to a halt.

The pug had been doing his best to help in the confusion, until something caught his attention. "Boss, I've got Keiko's scent! It's stronger than it was before."

Kakashi and Guy gasped. They glanced at one another, the timing of this change not lost on them. Interrupting the silent conversation between them, Kakashi whirled around, his kunai landing squarely in the temple of his would-be opponent.

The others were still in the heat of combat. He couldn't just leave them there!

Guy placed a hand on his shoulder, "Go, Kakashi. We'll handle things here and catch up. Don't lose that trail."

Kakashi turned to meet his gaze, and that was all the more he needed to follow Pakkun's lead.

As he made his escape further into the pass, Guy attacked two more figures who made a beeline for Kakashi. He came up from behind and slammed their faces into the ground, causing the masks they wore to crumble.

Kakashi looked over his shoulder, his jaw clenching as he turned his attention forward. "You're sure it's Keiko?"

Pakkun nodded, "Positive. It's stronger than it was before, and there's blood."

His eyes narrowed, an uneasy feeling settling into the pit of his stomach. Something definitely wasn't right. They ran down the pass quickly, confident that they had already triggered the trap that was set for them. Before they reached the end though, Pakkun turned and started making his way up the canyon wall. Utilizing a section where the walls were closer to bounce back and forth as he got higher with each jump.

Kakashi quickly followed suit, surprised that the trail shifted so suddenly. They came out on top of the pass facing a solid treeline, and Pakkun led him through the densely packed trees. His body had gone into autopilot as his eyes scanned the area ahead of them. They had gone far enough off course from the pass that the others would have trouble following them.

Hopefully he could handle whatever was ahead on his own.

Finally, Pakkun broke through the treeline and skidded to a halt in the clearing. For a moment, Kakashi was confused as to why Pakkun had grown so stiff. When he saw it too, he felt his heart stop. His eyes grew impossibly wide at the sight laid out before him.

There, on the other side of the clearing, was Keiko.

Sprawled out on her back with her face looking straight at them. Only, she wasn't looking. Her eyes were dead, lifeless. The sword that stuck out of her chest caught the light and shined red. Red like the snow around her and the blood that soaked her clothing and dripped from her lips.

No thoughts were able to make their way into Kakashi's mind. All he could do was will himself not to collapse or be sick from the sight. Out of everything he had prepared himself for, finding her like this had not been an option.

A clap brought him back to reality. Stepping out of the trees behind Keiko was a man, dressed the same as those that had ambushed them in the pass. Wordlessly, he stepped forward before reaching up to remove his Prajna mask. It revealed a youthful but scarred face and dark hair.

Holding the mask to his chest the man gave a wide cheshire grin, "Kakashi Hatake. I'm so happy you've joined us."


Hello everyone. I am so sorry I didn't have this out months ago. But between needing a second job, family drama, health scares and general increases of stress of life, my writing mojo has suffered... greatly. You can help by leaving a review! But I beg you, nothing super negative, my will to write is already fragile haha. And I'm so close to being done.

I know the ending of this chapter might not be what you expected, but I will remind you... I do have a sequel in the works...

Next chapter's gonna be fun. I've had the whole chapter outlined in detail since chapter 20 or so. Shit about to go DOWN.

Thank you so much for sticking with me. As always, I hope you liked it and I hope to have the next chapter out much sooner this time. (and to those who have asked me, all stories I have published I consider ongoing and will be updated... eventually.)

Don't forget to favorite, follow, and review!

Posted - 11/17/2022