AN: Welcome to chapter one! This story will start off with scenes from Kagome's childhood in the first few chapters. Then we will go right into following the Naruto storyline from the manga (with some anime references included). I hope you enjoy! Read and Review~ (^-^)/

Disclaimer: I do not own either Inuyasha, Naruto, and the characters and plots associated with them. I also do not own any of the characters from Yu Yu Hakusho. They belong to their respective authors Rumiko Takahashi, Masashi Kishimoto, Yoshihiro Togashi.

Kagome: 7

Naruto: 5

Kakashi: 19

Chapter One: Dog-san

The bustling of the market place could be heard as people walked about, shopping for things as many civilians finished work. The sun shined its orange rays as it sat in the sky, the summer heat somewhat cooled by the evening breeze gliding through the leaf village. All was peaceful as people prepared to head home to their families for dinner, unsuspecting of anything going on above.

"Get back here you brats!"

The angry shouts went unheard by the people below as a couple of chunin gave chase to two children above the rooftops.

The two children glanced back for a moment as they raced across the rooftops, trying to shake off their pursuers. Two pairs of blue eyes clashed with one another, passing a silent message before they both stopped at the edge of one roof. Peering at the alley below, the older one looked at the younger, watching him as he pulled out something from his pocket.

The younger boy grinned as he faced the approaching ninjas. Raising his fists, he shouted at them as he threw what he had in his hands.

"Eat this, bakas!"

Smoke surrounded the ninjas as they stopped before the smoke bombs could hit them.

"It's just stupid smoke bom—!" the chunin stopped short as they both began to cough and sneeze, their eyes watering as they stung. "What is this?!"

"Hah, serves you right!" Naruto laughed at their predicament.

"Come on Naruto!" He was broken out of his glee as he was pulled down into the alley. He winced as he landed in an empty trash can by mistake. "Itai~! You didn't have to pull me down like that Kag-chan," he whined to the older girl as he quickly climbed out.

Locks of black hair rustled about as she turned toward him. Kagome looked at him sheepishly "Sorry Naru-kun," she apologized before pushing him towards the alley's exit and into the market, "but we need to leave before they get us. That was the plan, remember?" she pointed out as they began to weave into the crowd. She jumped a little as she heard cursing from the alley they had just left and pushed Naruto further into the throng of people.

"Follow the plan. We'll meet back up later at the usual place," she whispered to him and was glad when he didn't make a fuss.

"Alright Kag-chan." He grinned at her before doing as told, blending in with the crowd to leave before their pursuers could spot him.

Kagome sighed a breath of relief as she watched him go.

While the little blond was sneaky when he executed his pranks, he would get carried away at the end of it all. Because of his tendency to taunt his pursuers while on the run, he ended up getting caught almost half the time when she wasn't able to save him, thus getting them both in trouble with both the Hokage and her mother.

Hearing a commotion not far from her, she peeked behind a couple as people stopped to stare at the chuunin causing a fuss, or more specifically, their terrible state.

She quietly giggled as she crept away from the scene, knowing the chuunin were too preoccupied to look for them now. She felt little shame and a sense of satisfaction knowing her and her partner were the cause of chunin's current predicament, mentally arguing that they deserved it.

Serves them right for picking on Naruto.

She just hoped the he didn't get caught.

Deciding to kill some time before meeting back up with Naruto, she turned around the corner before bumping into a brick wall.

"Oomph-!"

Wincing at the impact with the ground, she closed her eyes as she whined from the pain.

"Itai…" Just when did a wall appear there?

"Yo, Kagome-chan."

Her eyes snapped open at the familiar voice as a figure crouch down to look at her, his Anbu mask moved to the side.

"Kakashi!" Her voice was filled with glee as she looked at the Anbu captain before her.

The said Anbu managed to catch the enthusiastic seven-year-old as she jumped onto him. "You're back!" she said, hugging him in delight.

"When did you get back?" Kagome asked the young anbu as she peered up at his mostly covered face.

He had been gone for almost a month this time. She knew it was a secret mission, him being an Anbu captain and all, but that didn't mean she had to like not knowing where he was when he went on these missions.

"Just now, actually," he replied as he arose from his crouched position with her in tow. "I was on my way to turn in my mission report when I saw something very interesting," he stated, looking in the direction the girl had just come from where the chuunin were currently covered in glue and feathers. "Care to explain?" His eye creased into a smile.

He had been on his way to report to the Hokage when he saw the duo being chased by the two chuunin, who had been the victims of their latest prank. So, he decided to follow them.

He had plenty of time anyway.

Knowing this wasn't the first time someone fell victim to one of their pranks, he had an idea why it might have happened.

Kagome avoided his gaze as her cheeks turned red from embarrassment.

"I don't know what you're talking about." She replied, feigning innocence.

"…Hmm…I guess I'll be having a little chat with Rei-san about the poor shinobi covered in glue and feathers, and the smoke bombs filled with black pepper powder and cinnamon then." He knew mentioning her mother would get her to talk.

"Wha—?!" How did he know about the smoke bombs?

Kagome's eyes widened in shock, realizing she was caught.

More importantly, he was threatening to tattletale on them! And to her kaa-san no less!

He wouldn't dare!

"You wouldn't." She challenged, staring into his onyx eye as she grabbed his wild gray hair, daring him to say otherwise.

"I would." He retorted, staring right back.

They stared each other down, waiting for the other to give in.

"…"

"…"

Kagome sagged in defeat, letting go of his unruly locks. She crossed her arms and turned her head away from him in a defiant manner as he kept her from falling.

"It's their fault. They were saying mean things to Naru-kun. So, we just gave them what they deserved," she argued, becoming angry as she remembered the awful words they said to her younger friend earlier in the day. They had spent hours preparing the prank just to get back at them for it.

It wasn't just those chuunin. A lot of the villagers, shinobi and civilian, would say awful things about the blond, even when he was in plain sight.

It just wasn't fair!

Naru-kun was one of the sweetest boys she knew! What did he ever do to them to deserve the crap they threw at him?

Seeing her expression grow dark, he sighed. He would have to report to the Hokage about this later.

Again.

The young Higurashi always seemed to be getting into trouble when she was with the blond. He couldn't blame her, though. She always had a sense of justice and never let those who hurt her friends go unscathed. Of course, the mastermind behind all their pranks was none other than the little Uzumaki. There was hardly ever a week where someone didn't fall victim to one of his pranks.

It was amazing how they were even able to evade grown shinobi half of the time! Whenever they did, it was usually Naruto who ended up getting caught with Kagome trying to save him. This would land them both in the Hokage's office as her mother scolded the two troublemakers.

Never a dull moment.

Pushing those thoughts aside for now, he jumped onto the nearest rooftop before beginning his trek, little cargo in tow.

"So where were you headed?"

Kagome, startled out of her thoughts from the sudden movement, hooked her arms around his neck to keep from falling. She looked at the man, confused.

"Wait…we're not in trouble?" she carefully asked.

Kakashi just shrugged his shoulders. "I don't remember receiving any orders to capture troublemakers," he stated.

Kagome sighed in relief.

"But," There was the dreadful 'b' word, "I'm pretty sure I saw Rei-san at the market when those poor shinobi decided to reveal to everyone your latest masterpiece," he informed, feigning obliviousness when the girl reacted.

"Nooooo," she bemoaned, gripping her hair as she buried her face in the Anbu's chest.

How could she forget that her mother was going out to buy ingredients for dinner? She must have been on her way home if she was in that part of the market.

If she saw their latest victim, then there was no doubt she had also sensed her in the area. She felt so stupid.

She was so dead.

She would definitely be getting an earful from Kaa-san when she got home.

What did she do to deserve this?

Kakashi chuckled as the girl continued to mourn her existence. She was so easy to tease.

"I'm sure it won't be that bad, Kagome-chan," he tried to comfort the poor girl.

Wide eyes glared up at him at his words. "You don't know how scary Kaa-san is when she gets angry! I'm doomed I tell you. Doomed!" She whimpered at the last part.

Now don't get her wrong. Her mother was the sweetest woman there was, and she was especially doting on her children. But when she got angry, grown shinobi would tremble in fear.

She's even seen the Hokage shaking like a leaf when he had the misfortune to witness her mother in all her fury. And that was saying something!

She dreaded the outcome.

Kakashi sweatdropped at her reaction, unable to deny her claims.

A hand touched the marble surface. "Hello, Tou-san." Kagome spoke quietly as she traced the name on the memorial stone.

After managing to calm down the young heiress, Kakashi brought her here at her request.

She always tried to visit here whenever she could. It was the place she would usually go to when she wanted to be alone.

Even Naruto didn't know of it, having never been to this part of Konoha's training grounds before.

"I'm sorry for not bringing any flowers, but I brought Kakashi with me this time." She stated in a sweet voice as if she were truly talking to her father. She squeezed Kakashi's hand beside her as she rested her forehead on the stone, sighing in content as the cool surface touched her skin.

"Kakashi?" She leaned back and looked up at the Anbu.

"Hmm?" He asked.

"You said your teammates' names were on here, right?" She saw him nod. "Could you tell me what they were like?" At his questioning look, she looked down.

"Kaa-san told me you guys were close with Tou-san when he was alive." She timidly kicked her foot in the dirt. "And that he was best friends with your sensei so, I thought…maybe…you could tell me what he was like…" she said shyly.

"Ah." Where would he start?

Kakashi sat down next to the girl and leaned back on his hands, gazing at the memorial stone in thought. Kagome looked up at him with an expectant expression.

"Well, to be honest," he began, "We didn't really get along at first." Seeing her bemused expression, he continued.

"Our sensei introduced your dad to us right after we became a genin team. Everyone took a liking to him, especially Obito, one of my teammates. They were kind of similar, you could say. Loud and annoying. Always getting on my nerves." He said. "He would never leave me alone, bothering me when he could." He said fondly, thinking back to those times.

"Oi, Kakashi! What'cha been up to?" A raven-haired man said, spotting the younger Kakashi walking alone.

"Training." He glanced at the man before ignoring him to continue his trek home.

"Wait up!" He caught up to the boy and draped one arm around his shoulders, bringing him to a stop. "If you've been training all day, then I bet you're starving. You eat any dinner yet?" He asked.

Kakashi just looked at the man in boredom, debating whether to answer him. "…No," he finally said.

"Great! Your team and I were just about to meet up at Ichiraku's to eat. Why don't you come with?" He was already pulling the boy along as he walked in the direction of the ramen shop. "It'll be on me tonight."

"No thanks." He swiftly got out of the jounin's grip, turning back toward the way to his apartment.

The man sighed to himself, "Guess I got no choice, huh?"

"Rin, Obito, Now!"

"Right!" Two voices echoed in response.

Kakashi leapt away as his teammates tried to ambush him, both landing in a heap as they failed.

"You've got to do better than that if you're going to catch me, bakas." He stood before the two, shaking his head. He didn't notice the figure behind him until it was too late.

"Got you."

"Huh?" The breath was knocked out of him before he found himself tied up. He tried to get out of them but to no avail.

"It's useless, Kakashi. Those ropes are chakra enhanced specifically so you can't get out." His sensei's voice sounded beside him. He dusted off his hands as he looked at his handiwork.

"Great job, Minato." His friend clapped his shoulder, smirking down at the tied genin. "Looks like you don't get a choice now, Kakashi." His laughed in amusement as the boy glared at him in annoyance.

"I don't like you." He pulled at his restraints in vain, knowing it was futile.

"Eh. Well, can't say the feelings mutual, kid. I haven't had this much fun in ages." The man had a cocky grin on his face as he crouched down to look the boy in the eye.

Hoisting the boy onto his shoulder, he called out to the others as he began his trek. "Let's go guys. All this excitement is making me hungry!"

"Yeah!" Kakashi could only grumble as his teammates shouted with enthusiasm.

Ah. Those were the days.

If only everyone were still alive. Then maybe he wouldn't have to live with this regret. He sighed as his thoughts became melancholy. He removed the dog mask from his head and stared into its face with a solemn expression.

Small hands grabbed his own that were holding onto the mask.

Shaking out of his own thoughts, he looked up to see blue eyes staring back at him with concern.

"Don't be sad, Kakashi," Kagome said, looking into his eye.

"Why would I be sad?" he asked. She just continued to stare at him.

"You have the same look Kaa-san has when she's thinking about Tou-san," she replied, looking back at the memorial stone. "…and sometimes when she looks at Naru-kun," she said, referring to Naruto.

She remembered the times she would find her mother spacing out when she thought no one was looking. She knew her mother was strong, always there for the family, but she also knew Tou-san's death hurt her deeply.

She always had an air of sadness, even when she seemed very happy.

"They wouldn't want you to be sad," she told him.

He looked down in thought, taking in what she said.

How many times had he told himself those same words. He didn't even remember anymore. It's been years and yet, he could still remember it vividly.

He sighed.

Drowning in his brooding thoughts wasn't going to do him any good.

"I know, Kagome-chan. I know." He ruffled her hair in assurance, a small smile forming as the girl whined in protest.

A pout formed on her face when he just chuckled at her complaints. Inwardly, though, she was relieved he wasn't frowning anymore. She hated seeing those she cared about being sad.

Why did talking about her father bring so much pain into their eyes?

She leaned her head on the ninja's arm and stared back at the memorial stone.

"I miss Tou-san too, you know," she quietly said. "Kaa-san said it was okay to miss them, but you shouldn't let that control you." She glanced up at Kakashi as he rested one arm on his knee.

"Yeah," he agreed. "She gives good advice." He absently gazed at the clouds floating in the sky.

Some things were easier said than done.

He didn't dwell on it for too long, though.

Putting the Anbu mask back on the side of his face, he looked at the girl leaning on his arm and spoke.

"It's getting pretty late. We should go look for your friend."

Kagome looked towards the sky at his words. Red was splashing across its expanse as the sun began to set on the horizon.

"Yeah. Dinner will probably be ready soon," she agreed.

She stared at the ninja's back as he crouched down in front her.

"Hop on." She did as told and the young ninja rose back up with her secured on his back before jumping through the trees to head back.

She smiled as the wind blew around her before remembering one important thing. She gasped in realization. "Oh no!"

Her voice brought Kakashi to a stop as he glanced at the little girl on his back. "What's wrong, Kagome-chan?"

"I forgot to decide on a new meeting place with Naruto and told him to meet up at the usual place," she exclaimed as she remembered the events. "Now Naruto probably got caught…" she groaned at the thought, dreading the outcome.

They usually met back up at the park, but after the last time they were caught there, they were trying to decide on a new meeting place. They forgot to decide on where to meet up after that. He might have forgotten about that and got caught by waiting for her there.

Kakashi couldn't help but let out a chuckle at the reason before resuming his trek. "Don't worry. He didn't get caught this time," he said to girl who was now looking at him curiously.

"Do you know where Naru-kun is?" she asked as the wind whipped her hair about.

"You'll see," his voice sounded with amusement. He chuckled at the expression on her face before breaking through the trees to land on a rooftop.

He quickly performed the hand signs for the Shunshin no Jutsu and they seemed to disappear in a puff of smoke.

Kagome giggled with excitement as the wind whipped her hair about and she buried her face in the anbu's shoulder to keep it from hitting her face.

She lifted her head back up once they stopped and realized they had arrived at the top of the Hokage Monument. Letting her down, he motioned for her to keep quiet as he walked over to the edge.

Following, she got on her hands and knees to lean over the edge and saw Naruto sitting on the pathway that lead up the mountain.

She looked up at her companion as he crouched down next to her.

"How did you know he was here?" she asked, curious.

He glanced at her before shrugging, "I'm a shinobi." His eye creased into a smile.

She pouted at his simple answer, knowing it was not really an answer to her question.

They both looked back down to see the five-year-old sulking as he leaned against the rails to look at the sunset.

She knew he was upset by the things the two shinobi from earlier had said. She hated seeing him look so down.

Looking back to the Anbu by her side, she smiled in gratitude.

"Thanks, Kakashi," she whispered to the older ninja before jumping down to meet her friend.

Landing lightly on her feet, Kagome called out to the younger boy.

"Found you, Naru-kun."

The boy turned in surprise. "Kag-chan!" he exclaimed. "I was looking everywhere for you." He grabbed the offered hand and was hoisted to his feet. "We forgot to decide on a new meeting place…so…I didn't know where you were." Naruto scratched his cheek.

"I know. I forgot about that earlier. Sorry, Naru-kun." She gave a sheepish smile.

Naruto grinned at her expression, knowing it wasn't her fault. "At least we didn't get caught like last time!" His exclaimed and laughed with her as she agreed.

"How did you know I was here?" he asked, curious.

Kagome's smile became secretive as she glanced up at where she knew the shinobi was hiding.

"That's a secret."

She grabbed his hand and pulled him down the path as he whined about her never answering his questions clearly.

"Come on, Naru-kun. You know how Kaa-san can get if we're not home before dinner." She decided to leave out that her mother probably knew about their latest prank.

Maybe, just maybe, she would let them off this once.

At least she hoped so.

Naruto paled before quickening his pace, practically dragging the older girl along.

"Then let's go, Kag-chan!"

Kagome looked back as she was pulled along by the hyperactive blond, waving to the shinobi as she ran.

He never did show himself in front of Naruto, or any of her other friends for that matter, but she was grateful to him none the less. Kakashi always seemed to be watching out for her, ever since she could remember.

Like her guardian angel.

Facing forward once more, her smile grew as she decided to race Naruto back home.

"Race you back!"

"Hey! No fair, Kag-chan!"

Kakashi smiled beneath his mask as the two children raced off. Those two were sure growing up in an interesting way. He was glad Naruto had the older girl there for him. It was because of her family the boy could live happy even as the villagers continued to shun him.

They were there for Naruto when he couldn't and he was glad the young jinchuriki was able to smile through the hardship he faced. He didn't want to think what would've happened to the blond if they hadn't taken him in.

Even with the pain of losing her husband, Kagome's mother didn't think twice before taking the him in when no one else had. It was because of them Naruto could have a place to call home.

Though it was forbidden to talk about who his parents were or the Kyuubi attack for that matter, being deemed an S-class secret, that didn't stop Mrs. Higurashi from showering the boy with the love he deserved.

Kakashi himself watched over the kid in the shadows, unwilling to reveal himself to the boy yet. In fact, he had even tried to distance himself from Kagome and her family ever since that fateful day. It was only due to the girl's grandfather that the young Anbu hadn't cut himself completely off from the family.

The man had threatened him when he avoided them, stating that he wouldn't let him off if he ever made his granddaughter cry again. He had no idea his absence would upset the little girl so. After that incident, even though he rarely visited the family, he always made sure to see the little heiress from time to time.

He shook his head fondly before deciding it was time to report back to the Hokage.

Placing his anbu mask back on his face, he looked out at the horizon. He jumped down from the edge where he stood, proceeding to head towards the Hokage Tower, thinking back to one conversation he had with Kagome's father.

"Hey, Kakashi."

"Hmm?"

The man looked down at the baby he was holding, his infant daughter. He stroked her soft curls with a finger as she slept peacefully, quite comfortable in her father's arms. The wind lightly ruffled his hair as he sat on his back porch, enjoying this moment of peace.

"I have a favor to ask you," he stated.

The twelve-year-old Kakashi looked at the man in question.

"If something ever happens, will you watch over Kagome for me?"

"Why don't you ask Sensei?" Kakashi wasn't particularly fond of children, though he was still a child himself.

"Minato's got enough people to worry about. Besides, Kagome's special," he answered, his eyes having a certain look in them at the last word. "She'll need someone special to look out for her." He grinned at the boy.

"That doesn't make any sense." The man just laughed at his deadpanned expression.

"You'll understand in the future." His grin turned secretive.

"…I guess I could do it."

The baby's father let out a genuine smile as he looked at the young ninja.

"Thanks, Kakashi."

Who knew it would come to this? One thing was for sure, though.

Higurashi Kagome was definitely one special kid.

AN: And there you have it. The first chapter! I hope you all enjoyed it. Remember to leave reviews. Any suggestions and advice will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

(Edited May 8, 2018)