A/N: Okay my computer just crashed again. If this gets posted I'm lucky.
Okay recap: Kakashi, Iruka, Genma and Raidou are sent on a mission to Canyon Country to look for Kaji, Akane's missing brother. No one knows why he's left or where he's gone off to. Also we find there is a rather nasty diesase running rampant in Canyon country, one which Kakashi had the misfourtune of catching. Luky for him Iruka and Raidou got an anitdote from an old woman who lives on the border. We also learn that Akane, Iruka's best friend was the same ANBu that had saved Kakashi eight years before and had continuously appeared to him on several other occations. To make all this worse poor Kakashi finds himself falling for the girl and unable to stop it. We left off with him kissing her and blaming it on stress and loss of control...can we really believe that though?
Okay so this chapter took me a looong time to write. It was really difficult to portray how Akane and Kakashi are acting after this 'incedent', neither one had really adressed the situation they found themselves in.
Thanks for reading so far and I appreciate the feedback, it's made me want to contue this even when I felt there was no point. All your support has made this story as good as it is. I hope to hear more comments and reviews to come.
Okay anyways I need a beta. My work isokay, yes; but I need someone to be an extra pair of eyes to see any mistakesand also able to take the time and tell me if there are any places where the plot doesn't quite fit. If you are willing to do so please eamil me. I don't bite.
Enjoy! and please review.
Chapter 21: Confusion
Forests were traditionally seen as places of peace, tranquility and beauty. People loved the scenery and the fresh feel, so naturally forests were seen as positive. This forest on the other hand looked like there could be enemies hidden behind every tree, in every ditch and under the leaf litter. Normally that was also a traditional feeling, to shinobi…but this forest made the feeling almost extreme. There were bodies, blood, and death. This forest was the very vision of an evil place. A place one would only find in nightmares
The smell of blood made it all the more unbearable for Kakashi. It was hard to say he was used to the smell, but he had taken part in one of the great secret wars, there blood was a normalcy. This forest though was drenched in the stuff. A few times he had stepped in puddles of it, not bothering to find the source nor wanting to. This was overkill. Who ever designed this disease wanted to make as much damage as they could to the population. He had to admit it was effective.
However the disease was also incomplete. He had noticed this, three days ago when they had witnessed someone being attacked by two infected men. Not only were those infected almost unable to move fast enough; but also they were falling apart at the same time. The key was for this to truly work the victim must remain as he was before he was infected to be able to spread the disease fast enough. Not only that but the incubation time was far too long. There was enough time to not only get him the antidote when he was sick but to also observe and study the symptoms.
Kakashi had no clue why someone would do this but he was almost sure he knew who did it. The reason why was the only missing piece. If he found that then he could use it to his advantage.
Glancing back he could see concern spreading over Iruka's face. The forest was becoming more densely packed like back at home, meaning they were reaching Fire Country. If this disease got past the borders there would e no way to stop it, and chaos was sure to ensue.
Still at the moment he had more to worry about. Kaji was still missing, but on the good side his trail was getting fresher as they went. This was good; they were catching up. The question was first why did he leave so fast and in such a hurry? Was there something he knew that no one else did? Either way he was slowing down.
This could be bad and yet good. If he slows down enough that we can get to him in a few hours or even three days we won't have to worry about running out of supplies. If he's infected with this and sending us in circles we're done for. I just hope he slowed down for a good reason.
It wasn't that he didn't enjoy the game of chase. Actually he found it refreshing, but at the same time it reminded him of his genin team. The team he used to be in charge of before Orochimaru convinced Sasuke that revenge was his only way out. The same team that Konahoa's most hyperactive and loudest ninja belonged. The very same team Sakura, a protégé in her own rights, was a member as well.
Either way things will never go back to being the same as they once were and he knew he had to accept it. Naruto had changed, he had new techniques and he seemed to use his head. Of course he was still a knucklehead in Kakashi's eyes. Sakura was smarter than the other two combined, and very gifted with medical jutsu. The day she had attained chuunin was one he felt both proud and at a loss. He knew how much Naruto wanted to show everyone how important he was and even that he could pass genin. How much Kakashi wanted to tell the boy just how good he truly was.
Now though he felt more than before that Orochimaru had his hand in what was going on in Canyon Country. This looked like the many mistakes or bad experiments the monster had come up with and are still being found throughout Fire Country. It seemed a though the man had his nasty fingers in each country. He only hoped Orochimaru wasn't trying to tear the people of this country from the inside out like in Fire Country. At the moment there was enough inner strife in Canyon Country, especially between the two villages. If he was behind the twin's disappearance then there was more going on than meets the eye. Still he knew there was anyways, Akane was a good testament to that.
Glancing back again he noticed Genma had come up next to the worried chuunin. Kakashi wasn't totally sure what to think of the younger man. Was Iruka really chuunin? He had to be, there were no shinobi in Konohoa who held secret ranks, at least none he didn't know. Iruka's behavior over the past three or four weeks had driven him mad, and annoyed him. He felt more inclined to drag the man into the bush, tie him up and leave him for dead. He just wanted Iruka back to the way he had seen him before the chuunin exam. There he stood for what he believed and took no shit from the higher ups. Now he wasn't sure what the think, it was almost as though he could see why Iruka had remained at chuunin.
He knew the chuunin was smart, cunning and even had a fiery temper, one that even scared his team into freezing like statues when they had done something they knew they shouldn't. Now though all he saw was a confused, scared man, someone he wasn't. He knew there was something going on. Iruka wasn't one to cower back in fear of anything. He had proven that two and a half years ago when he and Naruto faced a transformed Mizuki.
The day he heard that he was surprised that Iruka; a chuunin had faced someone as formidable (once Mizuki had the serum in his system). So technically this was an act, a stupid idea to try and trick him, a jounin before Iruka even reached chuunin. No this was not the way he usually acted and Kakashi could see it as clear as day.
All this was nice but the worst problem was a few feet behind him in a huff. It was his fault she was mad, and he wasn't too pleased with himself for it. What he had said to her merited a good punch in the face, he was only lucky she didn't do such an act.
He ran as fast as he could once Genma had asked about the shadow on the ground a few feet ahead.
Jumping next to Akane he tried not to look at her face, even though he scared her. If he did he was afraid he would lose all the control he worked up over the past two days. He still couldn't get over what he had done to her. He felt bad but now was not the time to look at his past mistakes.
" I suspect he was killed." Kakashi stated flatly. For his comment he received a very cold glare.
"Maybe, I want to see more. I need to know why they left him behind without disposing of the body." Akane growled.
Kakashi shrugged, at this point in the mission he only cared for finding the target and getting everyone back alive and well nothing else.
He watched Akane as she slowly moved towards the body in a low crouch so as to avoid any traps. He couldn't help but find himself looking at her with more interest than the mission allowed for. Scolding himself he glanced back to see most of the group had stopped in the near by trees but far enough incase anything were to happen.
Coming up next to her Kakashi risked talking to her.
"This is very wrong. A body never lays like that, killed or otherwise, it's to artificial."
The body was laying face down in the dirt. The man's arms were laying neatly long his side, his legs; were out straight as well. Most bodies when dead for long periods of time would slowly turn back on themselves with the head going back to the spine. This body was lying prone and looked fresh. Kakashi knew with certainty Kaji's team was at least a week or so away, this man was planted only a few days ago, and not a part of that group.
"No kidding." He couldn't miss how snide her remark was.
As she moved closer he couldn't help but feel the shivers going up his spine. This was very strange indeed.
Reaching out Akane turned the man over.
On instinct Kakashi opened his left eye to see the man from a different perspective.
His face looked as though he were sleeping. There was no stress on his body, no bruises, or cuts. Taking a closer look though Kakashi found a small thin line of stitches running along the middle of the man's scalp. This was not the person he resembled; this was someone else.
"Damn it!" Kakashi cursed under his breath.
"What?"
"I know this…this man is not from your brother's team." She must have been surprised he had picked up on her hidden panic. It was hard not to. Then again if you lived and grew up among the people in your team it was easy to get attached. "Someone knows we're looking for your brother."
"Let me see!" Akane asked. Moving aside and showing her the suture in the man's skull, Kakashi paid close attention to her left arm; she seemed to be favoring it lately.
"Kabuto" Kakashi mumbled more to himself but catching Akane's attention as well.
"Yeah I can see that." She sighed. It seemed she knew him as well and not positively; which was a good thing.
"You've run into him before haven't you?"
"Yes." That didn't surprise him. He also wasn't too surprised when Akane pulled out a combustion seal and destroyed the body. "Poor soul, he didn't deserve this fate."
"No he didn't. There's nothing we can do now. We need to get back to the others." He winced when she glared at him. What he had just said probably sounded really cold.
Akane nodded and took off back to the group, not saying another word to him.
Just that moment had started the tense energy between them. He wasn't trying to be short with her. He wasn't trying to send her away or make her hate him. What he was trying to do was stay near by but still far enough not to have too much to do with her. That moment with the body had almost ruined his control, and even then he did a bad job of accomplishing what he had planned.
Stopping in a clearing, Kakashi made the signal to set up camp. He watched as Akane's team went about the task meticulously. He was still dumbfounded by how fast her team worked and how well they were at making the whole thing invisible. One would only be able to see the camp from above.
"You okay?" Genma had appeared next to him, mostly due to a lack of work to do.
"Yeah fine. We need to get out of here soon though. I feel as though there's something coming."
"Yeah I gathered that. This disease isn't dissipating; we're still finding victims. Most of them died though but it seems to me it's moving closer to Fire Country."
"What does Akane-san think about that?"
Genma stared at him; he hated it when he did that.
Okay so I opened my mouth and asked. I do talk from time to time, its no big deal.
"Why not ask her yourself?"
No I don't think so. I don't want to. Why must I do everything…I just don't want to!
"…"
"You're still at it aren't you?" Lately Genma never missed anything concerning him. Kakashi wanted to get rid of him for a bit so he could live in peace and forget that day and the constant feeling the snady haired man's eyes were on his back.
"I don't know what you're talking about." He was not going to get into this. Laying his pack down Kakashi went about fixing his bedroll.
Here we go he's getting into it again. I was hoping he'd leave me be but I guess not.
"You're so stubborn it's sad." Genma rolled his eyes. "Eventually she'll ask you what's going on with you. She's been trying to be nice to you."
Yes her being nice is the problem. This would all be easy if she hated me, but that would be detrimental to the mission. I need her to be on my side as much as she needs me to be. I just don't want to do something that could endanger us both and get us killed. Her death would be…hard to get over…Damn it the more I think about this the worse it gets.
"I know that." He snapped. He wanted Genma to go bug Iruka instead.
Glancing towards the group he noticed they were starting the gather around the fire Iruka had built. He knew they had to analyze the information he and Akane had gathered. He didn't want to but it had to be done and there was no point in avoiding it.
"Well time to evaluate…"
"Yeah…" Genma slouched. Kakashi knew he would have rather hassled him over Akane then the meeting.
Iruka watched as both shinobi approached the group. He knew there was something up with the taller man. His poise was off, almost as though he were ready to jump and attack someone. Kakashi had been in a mood for days but lately it had been getting worse.
"Okay so what was with the body…" Iruka stopped in mid sentence as Kakashi's glare bore into him. The hound mask over his face made the effect even more frightening.
"It wasn't from her brother's team." Kakashi answered quickly.
"I guess that's a good thing then." Another shinobi commented. "If it was then we're in trouble. Aside from us they're the only defense this country has."
"There are plenty more shinobi in this country to fulfill that role." Kakashi stated flatly. It was true, Iruka agreed. After all Kaji had just up and left with his team without telling anyone of their plans or why. This left the rest of the country at a loss for people. Akane and her teams couldn't be everywhere at once; it was impossible.
He seems mad about something…is he getting frustrated? I can't blame him. I'm sure when I find Kaji I'm going to beat him for it. The fool left without a word and left his people at a loss. If he hadn't gone off this disease probably would be contained by now.
"Well the real issue here is that he was dressed and disguised as one of my brother's men." Akane cut in. Iruka stared, as Kakashi's masked face snapped to her direction fixing her with what he was sure was a glare.
Damn that hound mask, if I could see his eyes then I'd be sure.
"Yes I saw that! Orochimaru, or maybe Kabuto has been in the area, I recognized the handy work. Either way it looks like they're after your brother's team."
"So you think he's behind their disappearance?" Genma asked. Still though Kakashi was glaring at the female ANBU leader with a vengeance, almost ignoring the question posed to him.
Did he do something? Or was it her?
Staring at the interchange between the shinobi Iruka noticed a few worried looks among the crowd.
What ever it is it's very obviousthatthis is weird for them.
"No I don't think so." Iruka cut in. He knew this wasn't the case. If Orochimaru were really after them, Kaji and his team would simply disappear without any signs. This was either a trap or they were chasing after Kaji.
Akane hates this I can see it. She doesn't want to analyze it. She just wants to find her brother and go home. I think that would be the best for all of us. The strain between her and Kakashi is getting severe, enough to scare the others.
"Iruka-san is right, he wouldn't attack our teams it's to risky." Akane added. Iruka watched as Kakashi's body tensed. With what though?
"And just why wouldn't he?"
Oh great 'out of the fire and into the frying pan'. I just wish she'd let me do the talking for a change. I may not have been there all the time but I still know how things work. She's going to piss him off.
"Kaji-san may not be able to conjure up as much chakra as I can but he's just as skilled. Orochimaru has tried to kill us before and failed. He needs a lot more power to take out teams as well trained and seasoned as ours. Most of us are leftovers from the war."
No don't say that! He's going to shred you to pieces, he doesn't understand.
"Bull shit! Stop bragging, I hate bragging. We all have our weaknesses and you're no exception and neither is he. There's a weakness in every person and every team. No one is perfect." Kakashi growled as he stood. From his posture Iruka could make out how mad he was. This was no laughing matter. If Akane kept talking there was sure to be a fight and she was not one to back down, neither was Kakashi.
I need to stop this, I have no clue what happened between them; but they need to stop this.
"Arrggh! I wasn't bragging!" Akane also now stood. Anger wasn't only in her posture but also her chakra. Iruka wasn't sure if Kakashi recognized it but she was charging something.
"Both of you calm down. We're supposed to work together." Neither one wanted to listen to him. Akane had already readied herself for the worst he could feel it. Kakashi was doing the same.
"They didn't hear you." Genma muttered next to him. "I've never seen Kakashi like this. Is it the forest?"
"No he's just in a bad mood. If he doesn't fix it though Akane will chew him up."
"Do you think she can win in a fight against him?"
Do I want to find out? That would be devastating and with their ranks I doubt it would last long
Iruka had had enough and he was going to make them listen. "BOTH OF YOU SIT YOUR ASSES DOWN NOW!" He roared as though they were his students. Instantly Akane sat to the ground and Kakashi's posture changed. He wasn't poised to attack, no now he was surprised and staring at the poor chuunin who had the misfortune of opening his mouth.
Now I've done it. If I scold him once I might as well keep at it until, he gets my point.
"Did you not hear me, Hatake?" He used the last name on purpose.
Slowly Kakashi sat to the ground staring still but at least he was sitting and not about to attack Akane.
"Thank you. I don't want to see that again!" He had been a teacher a long time and wasn't going to let all he had learned from the profession go to waste. Kakashi was a stubborn man but his spirit wasn't as lively as Akane's. She was more like a whole class of his students. Loud, annoying, tricky but still one of the smartest people he knew. "Now I want to clear something up." Kakashi glared at him.
Okay so what's your problem? I took charge when it was needed. Please don't start with me; I'm not in the mood.
"I…"
"Listen to me Kakashi-san. These people, you don't know them as I do." He held his hand out to Akane's people. "Some of it I can never tell you but when Akane-san tells you that Orochimaru has tried and failed several times, she's telling the truth."
"I Don't…"
"I'm not done yet, shut your mouth and listen!" Iruka growled.
"…" Kakashi looked to Akane for a moment and glared back at Iruka. As he did this, Iruka fought the urge to not feel like chopped liver.
He doesn't scare me, it's what he's capable of that scares me. I just wish he'd stop using it to his advantage.
"Akane-san and her people took part in the last secret war like you did. They suffered greatly but they also learned the many lessons most of us are still working out."
"And just where do you fit in?" Kakashi had said it and found the inconsistency in what he had said. Still Iruka ignored it and continued.
"They're not only trained to work as a team but the teams are exclusive, no one is let in until someone dies."
Kakashi didn't make a comment this time but seemed to have relaxed. "Because of this they're very confident in their abilities and very aware of their weaknesses. Deaths in these teams are rare. It's not the same as those back home. Your teams are the only ones that come close, and you don't always work with them; so losses still happen."
Kakashi took the blow well but then changed his mind. "I need to go check on my dogs and scout a bit further." Standing up he glanced at Iruka. "Is that fine with you?"
Jerk! You didn't even listen to me. Do what you want, but I'm not getting you out of a trap if there are any.
Without thinking Iruka nodded instinctively. Normally he would have yelled at him more, but since his target was Kakashi he was more inclined to stand down. He was in no shape to take him on face to face.
Watching him leave Iruka could feel Akane's chakra relax and dissipate in the air. The way she was able to charge the air like that was rare, and very dangerous. It was easy for someone to pick up on her emotions, state of mind or physical condition.
"Wow I haven't seen you do that for a while."
"I didn't want to do it."
"I gathered that. You turned as white as a sheet when he stared you down like that." Genma smiled as the senbon in his mouth bobbed. "Don't worry he won't hold it against you."
"No he won't hold that against me, but I think he knows about how I fit in with these people."
Technically there's one team member missing in Akane's teams…he'll figure this out soon. Still I had to say what I did or else he wouldn't believe me.
"You think he suspects you're ANBU?" Genma looked confused but Iruka knew better. Genma's confusion at times was for his own benefit.
Suspect? No he knows now, I opened my mouth…I don't know what to do. Accept it I guess.
"Oh I don't think he suspects anymore, he knows. The reaction of the group answered his question. The problem is when will he ask or approach me and what I should do."
"Nothing." Genma answered simply as he followed Iruka to his bedroll.
"What! If I do that then…"
"Then what, he'll tell you it's about time you showed who you were." Genma laughed. Iruka found it annoying how Genma always knew better when it came to people.
This isn't fair! Why is it he and Kakashi are so good at reading people, while Akane and I are stuck in the dark and left to guess? Sometimes I swear it's a sixth sense.
"I…I don't…" Iruka stuttered. He knew arguing was futile.
"Kakashi-san hates lies and he hates people who aren't themselves around him. Your behavior itself was giving you away. It's to late to fix it. If he asks then tell the truth; if he doesn't just be yourself anyways. Why else do you think he's been starting fights with you? When you argue with him you go back to your true self. When you're with Akane-san you act like you. But when you're with him or the whole group you behave strangely."
"I guess you're right. Hiding it now would be foolish if I was needed. I can't move quite right with the flack jacket anyways." Shrugging off his vest he took off his tunic and rummaged through his pack.
"Oooo!" Akane teased as she poked him in the side. Iruka shivered, her hands were cool…they always were and he hated that, it was as if she were dead.
Iruka was her best friend and at one time a lover. Now he was like a brother, an older brother who was easy to manipulate. In his eyes though she was still more. She knew that but had to ignore it. If she played into it there could be problems. However at moments like this she wished things would have been different.
Iruka was still young and good looking when most men his age were already starting to show signs of aging. No at twenty-seven he was still a sight.
"Ahhh! Cold!" Iruka jumped. "Do you mind?" He growled.
"Um…" She put her finger to her chin cocked her head and smiled. "Nope! Why else would I have done it?"
"I can't believe you, and after all that just happened."
"What tall dark and gloomy?…Well I can't say he's dark…his hair ruins the saying."
Genma laughed as she said this. Akane couldn't help but giggle at the reaction. It was nice to hear her friends laughing again, for too long she had only silence as a friend and now she was overjoyed to have the people she cared for most back in her life.
"Say wanna cook dinner?" Akane tried the puppy dog eye effect…but it never worked…it was just fun. She really wanted Iruka to cook for them, he was the best at it and no one came close.
"Do I have a death wish? If I cook I'll have eight people trying to take it before I finish. You know these guys have bottomless pits as stomachs, reminds me of Naruto in a way." As he finished Akane watched as his face faltered for a moment.
Aww he misses that kid so much. I wish I could help but the only way is to get him back home alive so he can see that this Naruto character is okay.
"Yeah well I'll just get Kiyoshi-san to cook…it'll be bland but eh…eventually he'll learn what salt is for…Okay I'm hungry now!"
"Ha ha ha" Genma was still laughing. It seemed he just couldn't stop.
Is there something on my face? Did I do something? Was it something I said?
As she thought this Akane looked around her, under her shoes and even behind her. This act only made it worse. Now Iruka was joining in.
"Okay I don't get it what's so funny?" She didn't see anything that could make them laugh like that.
"You." Genma chocked back tears.
Oh!
"Eh? Me? What'd I do?"
"I forgot how scatterbrained you are. I don't think we need to worry about the appetites of the men on your team, it's you who's the worst."
"Me?"
"Yeah he's right." Iruka twitched from his laughing. It was funny how people reacted differently to the same action. When Genma laughed it was usually long lasting and had a certain chime to it. Iruka was different, his laughter would reach his whole body and in the end at times he would have troubles standing. To her though any kind of laughter was nice and left her feeling good about the situation around her, no matter what it was.
I wonder what Kakashi-san sounds like when he laughs? Is it a full laugh or a chuckle? Or is it both? Does he even laugh? I have no clue. I know he can get mad but aside from mad he just has a cool attitude and at times he shows a little compassion. Weird, I should watch him more.
"Well I have to go and check through my stuff. I need to make sure all my weapons are accessible in case we get into a fight."
"Accessible? They're always accessible." Iruka furrowed his brows. He was still learning her technique. It wasn't easy and she was glad he was taking his time with it; otherwise he could hurt himself or worse kill himself.
"Um not quite, there is a jolt of movement involved. If they're snagged and can't also be pulled out physically then there's no point in trying since they'll come at you rather than where you want them." She wasn't going to go into it fully mostly because she wasn't sure who was listening in.
"Okay, I'll go and get Kiyoshi-san and tell him to cook. The others should also check their gear. Leave all that to us. You work hard enough as it is; get some rest, I'll save you some food as well."
"Will do." Akane waved as she left them behind her. She loved her friends so much. She would do almost anything for them…well within reason or if the situation was desperate, there were a few things she put her foot down on.
Kakashi huffed as he sat in a clearing a good distance away. He was mad at himself for blowing up at Akane. He was still mad at himself for a week ago, for the kiss; the one moment he was sloppy with his control.
He still had no clue why he did it. It wasn't that he was completely attracted to her. She was a beautiful woman yes but not that he knew her well. However, that was a lie too and he knew it.
You knew her. Her parents were friends with your father you numbskull. You've seen her a few times as a kid, again as a teen and now. She was always there. Heck even sensei spoke of her, several times. Even the Third knew who she was who else was he talking about when he told me to keep the sighting a secret.
After the first encounter all he did was run into her and at the time it infuriated him.
Kakashi sat near the Hokage's office. He didn't want to be there, he was there enough to know the routine in his sleep.
The reason he was there wasn't clear this time. He had just joined the new group of ANBU to track down the 'intruder' and of course to kill them. Something he refused to do quietly. He knew one of them suspected him of something, but if they didn't know what to suspect then why worry?
"Kakashi-san you can come in now." The Third's raspy voice called. Standing quickly Kakashi complied and walked in.
"You look better today." He commented, Kakashi scowled. It wasn't that he hated the Third, it was just he wanted to be left alone for a bit. He was tired of all the questions and the poking and prodding.
"Yes Hokage-sama I'm feeling much better." He tried not to sound like he was sucking up, since he wasn't and refused to. The Third knew him well and understood he only answered in that way according to tradition and regulations.
"I hear you joined that new group of ANBU your Captain created."
"Yes Hokage-sama."
"And?" He asked as he eyed Kakashi.
He wasn't sure how to answer that, he wasn't sure if 'and' was a proper question coming from the Third. "Forgive me Hokage-sama but I don't understand what you're asking of me."
"I want to know what you think of them." He laughed.
Kakashi inwardly grumbled to himself for sounding so foolish. "What I think?"
"Yes Kakash-kun, I want to know your opinion and from the face I know your making under that mask I'm sure you have quite a few." Kakashi jumped. When did he start reading his body language? He had to fix that.
"I think most of them are machines, all but one are ruthless and have no emotions left. They enjoy killing and show no remorse, personally I think they should be discharged and reevaluated."
"All but one?"
"Yes the hawk ANBU…he's different."
"Is he now. Tell me how you found this out." Something told Kakashi the Third knew the ANBU personally like he did him…it was just a hunch.
Kakashi swallowed. He was hopping he wasn't putting the guy in danger. He was only a year younger and chuunin at that, from what he could see the man was only one for a few years. Attaining ANBU so fast was an accomplishment that man should be happy for.
"He agrees with me mostly Hokage-sama."
"About."
"About letting this intruder live. She hasn't done anything against the village or Fire Country."
"She? You're on friendly terms with the target?"
Now he did it. He opened his mouth and said the wrong thing. Still he was shocked he did that.
"Maa…"
"Don't worry Kakashi-kun I know her. She's no threat you're right. The Hawk ANBU is also no threat, work with him more closely. He's more knowledgeable than you may think. The others, I want detailed reports on them. Treat them as you would spies."
"But Hokage-sama they're Konohagure?"
"Yes I know but I'm sure you have heard of 'ROOTS'. If they're really after her then that's who they are. We need to watch them and keep her from them, is that understood."
"I don't think we need to worry about it." Kakashi mumbled.
"What do you mean Kakashi-kun?" This time he surprised the Third.
"I told her to leave Fire Country for a while. I was sure this was going to happen."
"I understand and it was a good choice. Still I want you keep them going in circles to ensure her safety."
"Forgive me for asking but how do you know her?"
"Lets just say I met her by accident once."
"Accident?" The Third had accidents? That was the first he had heard of any.
"Yes, now I suggest you go and check on that team of yours. Remember what I told you Kakashi."
Kakashi nodded and bowed curtly before leaving the office.
That meeting wasn't much but now he had a clue as to who in Konohoa she knew. She definitely knew Genma but she knew him as he is now. Yondime, she definitely knew him. She had his former sensei's cloak and some of the things she said to herself reflected the man's personality.
The Third. That was a weird one. He still didn't know how they knew each other or when. Was it from when her family lived in the village? Probably. She must have done something to impress him when she was really young, but what?
Iruka. That was a mystery in itself. She knew all sides of him. But now he was sure he knew who Iruka really was as well.
He could still remember what the hawk ANBU looked like. Shorter than Kakashi but somehow it was easy to forget it. He was loud, when it was needed and silent at all the right moments. The man also had a large knowledge of traps. His temper was one to be reckoned with and always wore his hair tied in a high ponytail.
Iruka was shorter than he was but he always forgot it, he never seemed to get to using that against the younger man properly, or as much as he wanted to. He held his hair in a high ponytail and seemed to control his body well. He was loud, yes very but only when it was necessary; or when Akane was in need of a good scolding. The final piece was when he attained chuunin. It all fit.
I can't believe I didn't know. Iruka, ANBU? How did he do it? I can't see him doing anything like that. He's not ruthless or a killer. He's a schoolteacher…Wait…who better to look after a bunch of brats? It makes sense. Asuma-san is also an academy instructor; even Kurenai-san has filled in. Ebisu also. It's making sense but why is he hiding it?
Akane made a quick glance around herself to make sure the others weren't paying much attention to her. She didn't want them to worry about her, or to think she was unfit to lead. The latter was less likely; even if she were on her deathbed they'd stillfollow her.
"Damn thing. Why is it you can never leave me alone?" She growled as she pulled off the binding around her arm to release the fabric covering it. The condition on her arm had been hurting her all day and for the past hour it had only gotten worse.
There was a good reason why one arm always had the traditional long gloves. She knew it looked funny, but even without the problem she was now checking; she would have to keep it the way it was due to her specialty.
"I wish I had the twin." She sighed as she pulled the glove off and winced as pain lanced up her arm. She didn't bother making much sense since she was alone and knew what it was she was talking about. Still she wished she wasn't alone with this. It scared her when the condition on her arm kept spreading, and she had tried everything imaginable to fix it. Nothing worked. She was stuck with it and had to learn to deal with it. If she didn't she'd be done for.
Kakashi watched the entire camp from a distance. He wanted to see just how they acted when he wasn't there. So far no one seemed to be acting strangely or different. Well that was a lie, Iruka was; but he was acting more like himself so Kakashi concluded that wasn't exactly different or strange.
Suddenly he felt a surge of chakra to his left and glanced in that direction. What he saw made his heart stop.
Lying in the grass a fdew feet away, adn still hidden from the campwas Akane, shaking. For a moment he watched her hoping he wasn't seeing her in a state like that. Akane was someone you could count on to have a level head in all situations and her suffering from something was rare and almost never visible. He knew these pepople, he was one. She would never openly admit to needing help or even being sick; she would just continue as if nothing happened.
I don't get it. One minute she's fine and now she's like this. Did this happen because of the argument? I doubt it, she's not that weak. Is she infected…no that's not it. What ever this is it was there before I came here.
Either way, no matter the excuse he could come up with, her condition never changed. She was still laying in the grass shaking like a leaf. Something had triggered it but what was the question Kakashi had yet to find.
For a moment Kakashi hoped someone there would notice but the group was to occupied with their routine to see their leader suffering.
I've never seen anything like this before. What could cause her to be like this? I bet it has something to do with that arm. She always had that one covered at all times. She must have wanted to keep this a secret.
Leaving her there to suffer was out of the question. Alerting the group was also a bad idea. He had seen the way Iruka had gotten when she was sick, there was no way he was going to make her suffer through that. Iruka's behaviour alone could make it worse. He knew the younger man cared for her feircly but right now she needed help from someone who was calm and able to remain that way.
Walking out of the bush and approaching her slowly he knelt down next to her. He watched as her eyes fallowed him. Her eyes were glazed but she was still there, he could help though to see fear and worry cross through them. Was she scared of him?
This doesn't look good. Now of all times you have to do this don't you. I was hoping we could end this mission this week…looks like we may have to make a quick detour if you stay like this.
He glanced into her eyes and noticed the worried look had intensified. He could almost see what she was thinking.
You're convinced I'd hurt you…I wish you'd stop holding that grudge and trust me.
"I won't do anything to hurt you, but I can't let you stay like this." He watched as she tried to get up, but the tremors kept her down. "Don't move. I don't think that would make it better. Right now I want to know what it is. Do you know…blink if you do." He knew how to do this. At the moment the pain was paralyzing her; that was clear as he watched the tears stream down her face, still though she made no sound.
You've had extensive pain tolerance training I can see that. No wonder you're the leader. This was so sudden. One minute she's fighting with me and the next she's paralyzed in the grass.
Slowly she blinked. This was good. She knew that meant chances were he could help her.
"Alright it's the left arm isn't it?" He already knew the answer as he glanced to the bandaged arm. If he was going to look at it he was going to have to stabilize her whole body and keep her up out of the grass so as to keep her blood flowing properly and also to avoid any joints going numb. If he could get her to recover quickly then he may not have to run her back to her village or if it's bad enough to Konohoa, that he wanted to avoid.
Slowly she blinked.
I guess it's my turn to repay her for taking care of me…I don't want to do this…
As he thought this he noticed her eyes were slowly drifting shut.
"Oh no you don't you're going to stay with me…if you sleep now you may never come back…do you hear me?" He said this sternly to keep her attention on him. If he had to he was willing to hit her to keep her up but first he'd try everything else he could.
Again she blinked.
"Good now I know this will seem funny but as I do this I will have to support you so no trying to get away understood, you have to be strong for me, like you were when you helped me." He hated saying it. He had to do it though.
Gathering her up he lifted her up and stopped. She was amazingly light. He knew better to think she hadn't been eating though. She was healthy but still this explained why she could move better than most shinobi. Still holding her he walked over to the closest tree and leaned back against it as he slowly lowered himself to the ground. Positioning her against his chest he placed a hand on her forehead to check for fever, luckily there was none, so this wasn't the disease. It was something else.
Moving her once more he placed her body between his legs incase the tremors increased. He doubted they would but if they did he could hold her affectively without hurtning himself or her too much.
Not only does this look compromising…I feel like I could lose my control again…The more I think about it though the more it'll happen so not thinking is a good idea.
He tried his best to think only about the job to be done, nothing else.
"I'm going to remove the bandages, are you listening?" Slowly she managed to move her head.
Good sitting up is helping.
Reaching over her he unraveled the bandages slowly. The fabric was old and well used. She had been using the same set for a long time, and probably over the same arm. He found himself desperately hoping she didn't have leprosy. That was something that he couldn't deal with and in this situation revealing such a disease could expose him to it.
As he removed enough to see the skin on her shoulder he only saw normal skin.
So far so good…if she had leprosy it would have been up at least this far…so what the hell is it that's doing it?
Suddenly her chakra surged once more. He jumped. Never before had he heard of someone being able to control the small amounts of chakra outside their body…this was weird. Just from the surge he could feel his body respond to it. He felt as though he had been shocked.
Wait she didn't do that on purpose, that was a loss of control. So thes urge I felt before was…no…this isn't what I think it is…I thought…
Pulling the next section he came face to face with the cause of her temporary paralysis.
Staring wide eyed he tried not to make any movements to alert her to his thoughts.
Damn it. I thought that only happened to members of my clan. There must be something that uses the body's chakra in her arsenal of weapons.
Glancing to her bedroll he could see something glinting in the light. Her sword. He hadn't thought of that as being the problem, but it made sense if she used it in a similar way he used his father's chakra blade.
So that means she's suffering from Chakra Corrosion. This isn't good…
When he was younger his father had told him about it; about the effects and how to reverse it.
"I'm so proud of you Kakashi-kun. At such a young age you passed to chuunin. You've made me so proud." Sakumo laughed as he picked up his six year old son. Kakashi thrashed trying to get away from the big man.
"Let me down, yuck!" Kakashi cried out.
"Ha ha I guess you're too big to be hugged now eh?" He laughed. Kakashi pouted.
"…" He turned away.
"Oh now Kakashi I was only so proud of you that you did so well. How else should I show it."
"You can tell me…" He pouted more. It seemed his father was just as annoying as his sensei was.
"Okay okay you win, today I will treat you like a man…how's that." He leaned down and made a pathetic face. For some reason Kakashi couldn't handle that face, it was to pathetic, he couldn't leave him like that…it would make a scene.
"Did you see the others?"
"Yes I did there was some really god talent there."
"I think they all forgot their training."
His father stared at him blinking for a moment and laughed. "Oh you see sometimes we get nervous Kakashi, not everyone can focus like you can."
"Father, they made mistakes an academy student wouldn't make."
"You know what!"
"What!" Kakashi glared. His father had stopped walking and looked to the group of families in the park.
"I think you're forgetting something. Common watch them for a minute with me."
"Awww I'll never get it."
"Of course not! You suck!" The little gril laughed at the boy, she must have been five but very mouthy. Kakashi wondered just how and where she learned to talk like that.
"Hey take that back!"
"No way!"
"Father!" The boy screamed.
"Tattle tail!" The girl pouted. Kakashi stared she was so stubborn. What a brat!
"What is it Iruka-kun?" A tall brown haired man asked as he knelt down in front of his boy. He was a sight like Kakashi's father. He was strong and seemed to be a very smart man. Kakashi wondered who he was; he had never seen him before.
"She's being mean to me…she told me I suck."
"Now now Iruka, what did I tell you about whining. Akane-san please be nice." The girl pouted more.
"Did you two figure it out yet?" Another man asked as he gave Iruka a pat over the head, in return the boy swatted at the hand.
"Yeah I got it."
"Really? Can I hear?" The man smiled. He had a nice face but his eyes seemed almost harsh it was hard to tell if he was really smiling or frowning.
Kakashi watched as the girl took in a good long breath and made a long low whistle without showing any sign of doing it.
"Good job Akane-chan. Did you work it out yet Iruka-kun?"
"I WOULD HAVE! She was distracting me." Iruka kciked the dirt at his feet as he said this.
"Iruka!" His father scolded. Kakashi smirked. The boy deserved it.
"What's the matter?"
"They had a slight argument again Akahoshi-san…I just broke it up." Glancing back to his boy the man smiled. "Come on Iruka-kun don't give up try once more. You can do anything she can…"
"Okay!" Iruka grinned and stuck his tongue out at the girl, only to get an even worseface back in return.
Slowly he tried his best and wound up making a lot of spitting sounds.
"I'll never get it."
Before Kakashi could say anything his father had reappeared among the group.
"Iruka-kun giving up will only make you useless as a shinobi. Try not to blow so hard and push your tongue against your teeth instead of the roof of your mouth. That will help you."
"Hatake-san?" The two fathers said in surprise.
"Just helping out." He smiled. Both men looked worried but then laughed as Akane glared at him.
"And what's your name?" He asked the little girl. Kakashi rolled his eyes, his father was too friendly.
"None of your business." She spat as she stomped on his foot. Kakashi winced as his father only gave the girl a stern look and ignored the pain lancing up his leg. He was a jounin after all if he couldn't handle that then there was no point in going on a mission.
"Forgive me Hatake-san she's a little rambunctious for her own good at times."
"It's alright she's as stubborn as my son, I'm used to it." As he said this both men glanced over to Kakashi who made sure to look like he was more interested in something on the ground. As he was doing this the little boy managed to do what he had been trying to.
"There you go. You'll be as gifted as your father one day."
"Really?"
"Yes just don't ever give up."
"Thank you Hatake-san for your help." The boy's father said as he patted Kakashi's father on the shoulder.
"No need. I should be going."
"Don't forget what I brought for you."
"Of course not Akahoshi-sama, I would never; I'm sure Kakashi-kun would love it."
Hours later Kakashi was sitting at the small table in his living room staring at the object in front of him.
"Now like I said Kakashi talent is one thing, but with enough time and training a person can overcome the things they never dreamed of. I want you to remember not to look down on those around you just because you have more talent and training. There will always be someone who's better than you at something, maybe not everything but I can guarantee it will be something you wouldn't expect and have troubles with yourself."
"Hmmph."
"I decided to teach you something we passed down in our family for generations. I want you to use this for the good of the village, and never against a leaf."
"I never asked for this."
"No, I know you didn't but this will help you one day. I also want you to remember not to rely on it. You have to make sure you keep yourself well rounded in skill. This is where your talent comes in."
"I don't understand."
"That little girl. She had a talent for learning like you, she loved to learn and obsorbed it like a sponge. That's a great gift to have. But the little boy he'll always have one up on her. He'll pass her in one area she can never pass him. He will practice hard and through that practice he will know everything about that technique and how it works and how it backfires."
"What does this have to do with the sword on the table?"
Kakashi was annoyed his father always had so much to tell him. He was a genius couldn't his father see him as such?
"Plenty. This sword you will have to practice with everyday until you know how to use it in every situation and also how to deal with the effects it causes when it backfires."
"Backfires?"
"Yes. Kakashi this sword can hurt you in ways you will have to learn to avoid."
"Hurt me, of course it can."
"No no not like that. This is a chakra blade. I decided since you reached chuunin you should be ready to use it."
"Chakra blade?" Kakashi had seen the blade on his father's back but he had never bothered to ask.
"When you use this you have to pour your chakra into it. This blade is not only hollow but it also conducts the energy from your body. So when you do use it the blade's cutting force will be double that of a normal sword."
Okay that made sense, Kakashi nodded.
"But like most things there is a draw back. If you pour too much chakra or if you use the wrong blade then you will suffer. We call it Chakra Corrosion. This will tear the arm that uses the sword apart over time. You will have to learn the proper amounts in which to use this weapon, and how to cure it. The technique is hard and will take you a while to learn no matter how smart you are. Kakashi this will be dangerous and you will have to work hard. You can't give up once you take that sword."
"I understand but I won't suffer from that. I'll be able to work that out before it happends."
"Good I hope you do. I still want you to be careful."
Swallowing hard Kakashi took another shock from Akane's loss of control over her chakra. How was it she had this much? She had as much as Naruto and the Kyuubi combined, that was the only way he could come up with why the shocks were so strong. Either way he had to work fast, if he took more of this punishment he would pass out or worse his heart could stop.
That sword must be solid. I've seen it only once but I'm sure of it. No wonder. I seriously thought my clan was the only one that used a chakra technique with a sword. This is bad if it spreads any further she can die. I'm surprised I didn't see the effects sooner, she's good at hiding things. This was so sudden she had little time to react herself let alone call out for help. She was lucky I happened to look that way.
"Akane-san I do know a technique to stop this and reverse it but it will hurt both you and me. You have to understand that I need you to give me that sword after. I can't have you use it by accident." He could feel her stiffen against him.
"Do you want me to?"
Slowly she nodded again.
Pulling his hands in front of her he did the seals he needed and paused.
"Forgive me but it's not the arm at fault, don't hold this against me."
Pressing his hands to her chest he felt her body tense but soon she relaxed and leaned more into him for the support she was in need of.
Carefully he pushed his chakra from his hands to her body. At first there were no problems but soon he could feel the tips of his fingers sting and all feeling leave his arms. This was going to be a long two minutes.
Throughout the whole two minutes Akane's body would tense and relax as her chakra slowly recovered. The slow pulsing of his chakra hadn't helped but it had been a long time since he had to use the technique and he was rather rusty.
Well she's still conscious that's good. I might not be but she will be.
Once he finished, he pulled his hands away and laid his head back against the tree. His heart was racing from the exertion and his body had no feeling. Akane wasn't much better but he could feel her tremors subsiding. Glancing to her arm he noticed most of the scarring was gone as were the bruises.
"Thank you…" Akane's voice rasped.
"Don't."
"Don't what?"
"Thank me…I don't deserve it." He was trying to be sincere…he was failing.
"No one would have been able to do what you did. No one would have noticed." She smiled he could feel it. "I would have passed out….and who knows what could have happened."
Kakashi tried not to think about that scenario. He hated this right now, she was set on thanking him and treating him like a savior. What would he have done differently?
"Don't talk anymore, you need to conserve energy."
"But…" He clasped his hand over her mouth.
I don't want to hear it!
"I said no talking." Shaking his hand to make his point Kakashi couldn't help the smile the spread through his face. She had a weird effect on him. No matter what barrier he put up she managed to break it down without even trying. How was he to compete with that?
"Mmmrrrppphhh Arrggg."
"Ow!" Kakashi pulled his hand back and examined it quickly before he felt her try to get up. Hegrabbed her before she could get away, he was after all caught by surprise when she bit him. "Oh no you don't! If I'm exhausted then you're staying here with me. I'm not going to have this happen again. Once you're better I'm going to teach you that technique, and there's no way you're going to get away from learning it."
"Yes sensei." She muttered as she gave up her struggle.
"Please don't call me that." He didn't want her to refer to him as such…it felt wrong. Right now such a title was inappropriate even if it was a joke. He was now sitting with her in his arms, there was no way she was allowed to call him that.
"So want to tell me what the mood was about earlier. Or should I say over the past few days, that was so unlike you."
"…."
"You're not talking to me are you?" She was prying, like hell he'd let her know the truth.
"Nope!" He smiled as he leaned his head on her shoulder.
"Um…what the hell are you doing?"
Akane wasn't scared just confused. A few days ago he had kissed her and ran, the days after that he ignored her or talked to her in short clipped tones. She thought for the longest time he hated her for some reason. Now she wasn't sure what to think. Did he hate her or was there something seriously going on with him. The kiss itself left her completely confused.
"Just relaxing and getting comfortable." He mumbled into her neck. She had to admit it wasn't a bad feeling, she had to use everything she had to stop her body from shivering.
I have the strangest idea that he's confused. I have no clue what to do when he gets like this.
An image of her head on his chest, sound asleep flashed through her mind. Did she want him to keep this up or was she going to push him away? Frankly the idea of her being close to anyone was out of the question but once Genma had asked her if being alone all the time was really something she wanted. In truth she didn't; everyone deserved someone and even if that was for a short time.
"Relaxing really…I think the getting comfortable was more like it….back off already." Sharply she slammed her elbow into his side coaxing a grunt but instead he tightened his grip on her.
"I want to ask you something."
"Oh and that is?" She couldn't help feeling like he was doing this without thinking.
She wasn't going to play this game. There was no way he was going to do it again. Being the confused one was not something she liked, no far from it; she liked control.
"The standard ANBU team is generally four members and a leader correct."
"Uh yeah…What are you getting at?"
He's not seriously that smart is he? No…oh wait Iruka gave it away…I think he did anyways.
"You have two. Not only is that against regulation but also too much for one person to lead all at once."
"That's why I have a radio."
"True that does help but I mean all the time. You're a skilled leader I see that but there's something else missing here. I noticed how they treat you. They listen to your every word. Now, when Iruka told us off they listened to him with the same intensity. Explain that one."
Akane froze. He had worked it out.
Damn now what. I don't know what to do and I don't know what he'll do. No one except my team, Iruka and myself are supposed to know about this.
"I don't know."
"Oh I know you do." His breath was hot on her ear as he breathed those words down her neck. What was he doing right now?
This is weird not only is he interrogating me he's trying to seduce me. Is he that despirate. I'm not into that I hope he sees that.
"Oh do I!" She was going to have to play back before she knew what he was really after. In time one of her team would come to check on her and get her out of this.
"Iruka isn't just chuunin is he? I can see that now. He wasn't even afraid of me."
"Oh Iruka was, he just never shows it to you. Why should he? If a shinobi shows fear it can be used against them. Isn't that true."
"Yes it is."
She wasn't enjoying this. His free hand was now playing with her hair.
I have no clue what he thinks he's doing but right now I'd rather he not confuse me more with his actions. Is this some kind of strategy?
"What the hell are you doing?"
"Shhh….You know I don't think you're his leader either."
"And why not."
"You listened to him and he barely listens to you."
"Yeah duh, do I want trouble hot on my heels? He's got a temper and contrary to what you may think, I don't want to be paid back for anything."
"Again you're wrong. He doesn't bother you, you're not scared of him."
"Okay…then spit it out already your game is starting to grate on my nerves."
"You are the leader of one of these groups but he's the other leader. I bet I can even tell you what his mask depicts."
Damn…he's good. However if I call his bluff there I'd give it all away. Keeping my mouth shut is best right now.
Just as he finished this she felt the hand he had in her hair move to her face. Slowly he ran his fingers down the right side of her face.
"I also want to know why you flinch when I do this."
"Why I flinch…damn it Kakashi-san you're breathing down my neck literally, why else would I flinch?"
Kakashi realized what he was doing the moment his hand had moved down her face and the words escaped his lips. He hadn't meant to be like this to her. He wanted to get some answers from her not touch her so intimately.
"I…damn it." Forgetting about where she was he stood up and left into the shadows. He didn't want her to think of him as a creep.
Akane stared at the tree behind her. She hadn't expected that. Kakashi had just touched intimately again. He seemed really confused.
He has Iruka figured out down to the note…I just can't keep up with him he's to intense when it comes to this. I almost lost it there. For a moment I didn't want him to stop.
"Hey!" Genma ran over as he noticed her staring into space.
"Hey what?"
"What's with you?"
"Genma I need to ask you something."
"Yeah sure go ahead." She could always ask him what she wanted. He never looked down on her for it.
"You know why Kakashi-san is acting the way he is?"
"Um what do you mean?"
"He has some kind of indecision going on. I don't know how to explain it but he likes to do things that tell me one thing and then he runs and later does the opposite."
Akane cursed under her breath that made a lot of sense.
He leaves me muddled up like this. I can barely think after what just happened. He was too close and yet I wasn't uncomfortable. What the hell does all this mean?
"Eh….You'll have to rephrase that one…I couldn't follow that, you need to slow that head of yours down."
"He touched me…."
"HE WHAT!" Genma jumped. His behavior was no surprise, after all to him she was his little sister. He'd do anything for her and protect her fiercly much like Iruka would.
"No not like that…shhh If Iruka hears he'll flip out."
"Ha ha ha flip out that's an understatement. He'd kill him."
"Yeah…I dunno; he kissed me once but then he ran away and later he was so rude…now he…how do I explain this…he touched my face but he did it intimately." Akane knew a lot, she was smart, but relationships, they perplexed her to no end. She hated them. The one she had with Iruka was messy and ended badly. She wanted it to continue in one way but it felt wrong in so many other ways.
Kakashi was different. He seemed to have troubles expressing himself and telling her what he felt. On some days she was sure he himself didn't know. She just wasn't sure what he was up to anymore. Still she wasn't sure exactly how she felt either. Was there something between them or was it just some fling because they were both lonely?
"What do I do?" Kakashi beat his fist into the tree. As he cursed at himself for going to far with the game he was trying to play. All he wanted was Iruka's identitiy but in the end he wound up almost losing his control over his actions.
He knew he liked her now. Still those emotions were forbidden. He wasn't supposed to act like this not on a mission. What he was doing could get him killed if anyone back home found out.
"You're an idiot to think she'd want anything to do with you."
"Sounds like you have troubles with a female." Kakashi froze in mid punch. "I don't think that tree really appreciates that. It didn't do anything to you." That was the second time someone had said something like that to him.
"What do you want mutt!" Kakashi growled as he pulled his fist back and examined it. If he had hit that tree he could have very well broken that hand.
"First I came to tell you they're at least two days away."
"Two days? What's holding him up? I thought he was in a hurry."
"Oh he was…not anymore. It seems they ran into a few traps. It is possible by tomorrow they're on the move but we should be catching up."
"What direction?"
"Fire Country. He's headed to a mountain. One of the oldest and most sacred."
"Odd." Suddenly a picture passed though his mind. A highly stylized pheonix a woman and in the background a mountain. "I see it now. Okay we'll approach them later then. I want to know what he's after. Get in there and listen. If he says anything of interest tell me, understood?"
"Yes."Pakkun nodded. "So which one is it?"
"What?" Kakashi glared back t the pug. He was tempted to just simply pick the dog up and throw him in the river.
He's prying.
"It's the one the kid likes isn't it?" Pakkun always refered to Iruka as 'the kid', while Kakashi was normally called brat.
Kakashi felt like a kid with his hand caught in the cookie jar. Just how was it he knew?
"How…."
"You stink of her."
"…" Stink wasn't very nice then again she and Pakkun never did get along very well.
"Either way I suggest you forget her. She's not worth it."
"You only say that because she threw rocks at you once." Still to this day Kakashi found that hilarious. She had only done it to keep him away from her and it had worked. Pakkun took quite the beating for keeping an eye on her once, and unfortunately at the time she still managed tog et away.
"Yes…I didn't like that."
"I did."
"Brat, you're the one who decides what to do in the end. I'm just giving you advice. Forget her and do the mission. Letting those emotions cloud our judgment will only make you fail. She'll pull you down with her in the end."
Kakashi grumbled as he glanced at the pug. Just how right was he? Was she really going to do that to him?
She would never hurt me or anyone on this mission.
"Well either way the mission goes on I can give you credit for that. However if you think I would let her drag me down with her think again." Kakashi growled as he glared at the mutt. "She may not be the best shinobi but she still has her heart and uses her head, I hope that still counts for something."
"It does, but don't act surprised when you find yourself in over your head."
He would never let it come to that, he had already decided not to act on those emotions. Who did Pakkun think he was lecturig him about something he knew how to solve on his own?
I don't really know what to do…She's tearing down all my defences without even knowig what she's doing. What if she figured it out?
"Just why the hell are you lecturing me over this, I just helped her with an injury."
"I saw the whole thing there was more going through your mind." Kakashi made sure not to make a face about that one. Pakkun knew him better than anyone, just a twitch from an eye could give what he was thinking away.
"…"
"If you hadn't stopped yourself…"
"That's enough." Kakashi ground out. Pakkun stopped. "We're going to focus on the mission not the mistakes I do. I want you to go find them now and relay the location back to me. He's on my turf now, we'll get there within a few days if not two."
"Yes I believe you're right. If he is headed to the mountain should we ask for back up?"
"No that shouldn't matter unless someone more troublesome is tailing him or us and so far I see no signs."
"And the body?" Kakashi had forgotten that one.
"Hmm…I don't think we need to worry just yet. The chances of Orochimaru focusing on him are slim. Akane-san said so herself there isn't much spe….Oh shit…Pakkun make sure they're safe and come back as fast as you can."
"Why the sudden change of mind?"
"Never mind I'll tell you later just go and check on them. If they are safe stay there, if not I want you to report to me tomorrow night."
"Will do, and watch out for that woman don't get to wrapped up with her she's trouble."
"I'll handle that on my own mutt. Go make sure Kaji-san and his team are fine and are moving again."
"And the woman? What is your plan?"
give it up already she hasn't done anything wrong, I did!
"That bady was for us to find. It was planted after her brother passed by. I suspect Orochimaru is using kaji-san's absense to his advantage. The real issue is why she has more chakra than her twin. From what I heard twins may have differenlt personalities but thier chakra is almost identical in type and in amount. Something major sets her appart, I felt it earlier."
"Do you think she might be like Naruto?"
"I doubt it. There's only nine of them, Akatsuki has three, possibly four or five by now. She has no markings to say otherwise."
"Good point."
"Just check on them."
"Done" With that Pakkun left running quickly into the bushes.
This has something to do with that legend. Her brother is going to that mountain on that scroll. I should have seen it coming...wait didn't my father say the legend had happened to a family older than my own and the Uchiha? The Akahoshi clan is ancient, one of the first to creat fire country. Why did I not make that conection. She's hiding something and her brother is after something. All this goes ack to Akane, She has some abilty Orochimaru wants I bet as well. There's no way of knowing unless I obseve her for a while, hopefuly without her knowing.
Walking back to the camp Kakashid ecided to try a new tactic, one he was sure Pakkun would call him an idiot for. One he was certain would bring him to his downfall.
A/N: Phew made it no crashing this time.
So Kakashi has already started to piece the puzzle together. He knows where Kaji is going, and he also knows it has something to do with Akane. He knows Iruka's identity and also Akane's. The puzzle he has left is why Kaji left and for what, and alst Akane's myserious amount of chakra.
I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Please remember to review.
UPDATE: It may take me a while before I post the next chapter so please keep reviewing, the feed back is great and has helped me get as far as I have. Unfortunately the computer at my house is crashing a lot...(the fan is broken...not good) so luckily there's only a month and a half left of me updating late. Please everyone be patient and I'm sure the next chapter will be up within the next two weeks. It is written I just need to go through it a few more times and change a few things. Good news is the story will pick up.