Viraten's Note: Well, here's the 5th instalment. I'm partial to the comradeship idea for now. I think I write the fic better that way currently. By the way, this chapter does have a, ahem, significant amount of profanity compared with previous chapters so don't say I didn't warn you.

Upon further inspection, Sakura realized that Kakashi was in fact, still a few notches above her in the skill of a shinobi. He was easily keeping pace with her and Naruto, although he had sent Naruto slightly ahead, just to scout a bit. Naruto's years with Jiraiya had taught him a sense of direction, it seemed. Sakura took this opportunity to inquire as to the current matters at hand with Anko.

"Kakashi-sensei, what's the matter with Anko-san?"

"It's ok, Sakura. She's only tired. She didn't have much sleep last night." However, instead of quelling Sakura's interest, it only served to increase it.

"What do you mean, she didn't have much sleep? Why would you know something like that?" Kakashi mentally scolded himself for the slip. After all, Sakura was the smart one.

"It's just what she told me shortly before she collapsed." Sakura sighed.

"You're always coming up with lamer and lamer excuses, Kakashi-sensei." Thankfully, her inquiries ended there.

It was dark, absolutely void of light. But then something became clear within the darkness, a figure, an ominous figure.

"Orochimaru, you bastard…" Anko lunged forward but felt herself restricted by the rattle of her chains.

"Dear, oh dear Anko, you'll never learn," he paused and then continued, "you know, I've always wanted Sharingan. However, it's something you cannot provide me with. Shall I show you the power of Sharingan that I wish to have? It's not the real thing, but it is tantalizingly close." A sword materialized out of nowhere and before Anko could react, Orochimaru thrust the sword into her abdomen.

"How does it feel? I wish to know the effect of this power." Orochimaru taunted.

"Is that all you've got, snake shit?" She smiled coyly, despite the pain. Orochimaru's face twisted slightly, before smirking.

"My dear cute Anko, it is only beginning." And so did 72 hours of this pass, in concordance with the mangekyou sharingan.

Anko shot up, with the searing pain still emitting from her neck. Her hand darted to her neck and she looked around cautiously. She had been leaning against a tree and it was dark. Was Orochimaru still around?

"Yo, it looks like you've woken up." She quickly identified it as One-eye.

"How long was I out?"

"Since about 2 'o' clock or so. Don't worry; we've already left for the mission. I carried you here." She looked at him quizzically.

"I've sent Sakura and Naruto to get some firewood. They shouldn't be gone for too long. We'll camp here tonight" He updated her.

"Why?"

"Hm?"

"Why are you acting like you care?" Kakashi smiled.

"I'm not."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"I'm not pretending that I care. You are a comrade and a ninja of Konoha. And you have my admiration."

"…Your admiration? Why would I have your admiration?"

"Because you are still loyal to Konoha; despite the curse seal, despite the Third's death, you remain with us, serving Konoha. You are a true comrade." Anko was really lost for words now. No amount of cursing or insulting or anything could really express her current feelings. Eventually, she did find a word.

"Bullshit."

"However, your attitude has changed. I don't like it. I preferred you when you were cheery." This only served to anger Anko more, her expression contorting in rage.

"You think its funny messing around with my feelings like that! You have no idea what I've been through! No fucking idea at all!" she paused to catch her breath, "its ok for you! You can just wear that fucking mask and nobody needs to know anymore! Me? They all know about me and hate me for it!" She was screaming now, her voice nearing its full capacity, tears streaming down.

"And you know what? I hate them too!" She proclaimed. Kakashi went to approach her but she raised a kunai, keeping him at bay. By now, both Naruto and Sakura had been attracted by the commotion.

"So why do I stay here? Why do I continue to serve Konoha? Is it because this is where my loyalties? I'll tell you why. It's because Orochimaru, that bastard, who taught me everything I knew, rejected me and threw me away like trash! I had nowhere else to go. The only goddamn guy who was there for me is dead! The Third is the only reason I'm here! Not because I am loyal to Konoha, because I'm loyal to the only decent man to me! He didn't bullshit me! He told me like it was and didn't treat me like I was some sort of sick or diseased puppy!" Tears continued to flow freely whilst shocked and horrified expressions took over Sakura and Naruto's face. Kakashi sighed. He didn't want Naruto or Sakura to find out, no matter how much they had matured since the event.

"Naruto, Sakura, go set up your tents."

"But Kakashi-sensei"- Sakura interjected.

"Do as I say!" Kakashi ordered rather harshly. Reluctantly Sakura agreed but Naruto didn't move.

"You…have the curse seal like Sasuke?" However, he said it more as a statement. This was the worst case scenario Kakashi had been hoping to avoid.

"Of course, you little brat!" Anko yelled, before sobs overtook her body and she buried her head behind her knees.

Viraten's Note: Whoa, dramatic chapter there or something. Well, it is rated under drama genre I guess. And it is titled the way it is for a reason. Oh yeah, and about the fillers with Anko...well, this is fanfiction, so you'll just have to ignore them. Or stop reading, whatever floats your boat.