Summary: (LotR crossover) After the deaths of the Fourth and Rin, Kakashi joins ANBU to be a lifeless Shinobi tool. The Third who's worried of this, sends the young ANBU on an unlikely S-Rank Mission to the large continent known as Middle Earth…R&R!
Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything of Naruto and LotR, do not sue! They belong to Masashi Kishimoto and J.R.R Tolkein respectfully. I only own my twisting plot that intertwines with Tolkein's masterpiece. Plus I do not own any of the poems that were written in this fic! They all come from the books of LotR, so don't be surprised if they're a bit different from the movie.
Betas: Thanks to Sherlockian Slytherin and Tsukiyomi the Yami!
Re-Update: 11 February 2007, new format & Proof read. Thanks to my betas! I'm sorry I haven't updated yet. My house got hit by a flood (sweat drops), yeah… stupid raining season. Luckily my LotR books and my CPU survived! Imagine your house with water up to your waist… that's what happened to my house. TT All I could do now is post up a proof read & new format version. I'm still cleaning up my house, so till then it's pen & paper... then I'll type up later. Though I promise it'll be in Feb!
I'll put this note on every chapter:
Japanese ((text))
Elvish Xx … Text … xX
Any Japanese will have a translation next to it or somewhere in the same chapter.
Thanks To:
EVERYONE who reviewed and who also has put this fic on alert and to everyone who mentioned I need to fix the spelling on 'Chakra' wrong through the first chapters! I've replaced the previous chapter check spelling mistakes and etc. Special thanks to Sherlockian Slytherin for mentioning about Japanese names are written with the family name when one introduces one's self, I never really had it in mind. Hopefully the fic will sound better!
Author Notes:
Hello there! Another chapter finally up! I think someone mentioned about Kakashi having a less chance of any pairings coz he's 14. Yeah, I want Kakashi to be young in the first place and I think the plotline is more interesting when people in Middle Earth would see him as a child. Simply put… I'm not keen on pairings when it comes to crossovers… but I don't know about the LotR chars… That's a totally different story.
No complaints in updating this chapter okay? I planned to post it on the 25th Nov 2006, but ffnet had major problems… no matter how much I tried posting this chapter, it didn't work. There you go… another delay. Also… Coz it's 16,000+ words long! (No Au notes included! XD Yeah! I can't believe I defeated my last record!) Happy reading and…
Enjoy!
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Chapter 4: 'Rivendell: Village Hidden in the Rivers.'
"Perfection is never the final goal, but the enduring process of perfecting, maturing, refining, is the aim of living." – John Dewey.
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Chapter 4: 'Rivendell: Village Hidden in the Rivers.'
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Middle Earth
Eriador, West of Middle Earth
Rivendell
Morning (Local time)
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It had been three days since the young ANBU arrived in Rivendell. Three rather restful, but boring days… restful as in he had managed to actually sleep on a bed after traveling for so long… boring because his movements around the area were limited so as to keep a low profile. Kakashi was not content about staying in the elven realm. The place made him nervous, and to the shinobi the place was far too peaceful for his liking.
Anyone would have to admit the place was breathless to behold. The waterfalls, the buildings, and everything else that was built with it intertwined together with nature. Not to mention it was isolated from prying eyes. It wouldn't have been odd to say that Rivendell would have passed as a hidden village if it were inhabited by shinobi. Unlike Konoha's atmosphere of outward peacefulness with a military system that kept itself on guard, Rivendell was a village that most people would see if they were dreaming, peaceful and unguarded. It made the ANBU drowsy and that he shouldn't have a care in the world. However, being off guard was very un-shinobi like.
Due to the lack of activity around Rivendell, Kakashi ended up spending most of his time in the library or in his room reading books to gather information as much as possible about Middle Earth. Reconnaissance certainly had its drawbacks though. His client was far too busy with the lord of Rivendell in healing Frodo that his introductions would have to wait. Not that Kakashi minded, but the wary looks directed towards him from other Elven inhabitants in the realm was something he just couldn't get used to. Considering he was still wearing black and had his mask on, the ANBU doubted any of the other elves would even want to talk to him, let alone have a conversation.
The ANBU perfectly remembered when a she-elf had gone into his room and offered him to eat in the dining room while he was organizing his projectile weapons. Kakashi of course declined politely and requested that his meals be sent to his room. Well… he was a bodyguard anyway; no point in eating in the dining room when one should always be on duty. It seemed as if the elf was slightly frightened; she would stutter when conversing with him. Seriously put, Kakashi was starting to regret wearing his ANBU mask in the first place.
It wasn't even a surprise he was being followed by a Rivendell guard. The ANBU had to admit that the elf was pretty good in keeping his distance from him while following him all over Rivendell. However, seeing that elves did not know that shinobi could make copies of them selves… Kakashi simply let his Kage Bunshin (Shadow clone) do the work in leading the poor elf into odd places (like dead ends and disappearing into thin air). As for the real Kakashi, he would head in the opposite direction unnoticed. Not bad for his first day in the elven realm.
For the next two days Kakashi deliberately made a clone of himself exiting the bedroom door and yet again fooled the elf who was watching him. Kakashi on the other hand, went out of the window using a camouflage jutsu and dispersed the jutsu when he made sure the elf was far from him and, he was away from prying eyes. The ANBU didn't like being followed but in the end savored it since it would keep his training in check and notably would keep the shinobi on guard. At least he wouldn't hear any complaints from his client.
Currently, Kakashi was reading through a book in the Common Tongue in a public library. It was mainly a brief history of Middle Earth, yet the information stored inside was worth the time to find out what might be in store for him in this mission. 'Wars… wars… and more wars…' Kakashi concluded as he flicked through the contents of the book. 'No wonder the other shinobi countries labeled this place "War Country".' There were basically a lot of events that happened in Middle Earth and the majority were wars to control what seemed to be 'sacred items' or some sort of items that were blessed with power. The first item was called the 'Silmarils', Kakashi raised an eyebrow at the history. 'Looks like it ended pretty badly.' Yet it didn't seem to be important at the present… what he needed was information about something that had to do with his mission.
Next was what had caught his attention the most.
The History of the Rings of Power…
The dates for sure, were closer than that of the Silmarils to the present, roughly spanning up to three thousand years. 'Immortal indeed.' Kakashi thought. The elves indeed had written most of these texts far back… even Konohagakure wasn't over three hundred years old. Apparently, Middle Earth's civilization had existed for so long… yet technology wise it was slow to develop due to its countless wars and lack of communication with the other countries. The Rings of Power were forged… and yet again people were racing to get them all. Then one section of the book caught the ANBU's eye.
Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for the Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to Rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
'Nine mortal men doomed to die?' Kakashi raised a curious eyebrow at a certain part of the poem that was translated from the Black Speech. 'Could they be the Nazgul Gandalf was talking about? The same ones I attacked at Weathertop and nearly got Arwen?' The ANBU quickly flipped through the pages to see if it was true. The very same nine kings that had received their own Rings of Power were in fact the Nazgul Kakashi had attacked just three days ago. The shinobi concluded the ring he saw with his Sharingan that had emitted a dark power must have been the same one mentioned in the book.
Kakashi found it interesting that not only did the Nazgul own these so-called Rings of Power, apparently the Elves and Dwarves had their own. Each had their own ability in either making the bearers rich or able to control an element. Yet the most interesting was the One. The book clearly stated should the dark lord hold the One; all the other rings would bow down to it. The ANBU scratched his head in amusement thinking just how long Middle Earth had been in constant wars. He was hoping he wasn't going into an all out war… the contract never mentioned about anything to do with a war going on. The operative sighed in defeat… he had a hunch… a war was going to happen anyway...
Like it or not.
Not that it was a rough estimation, most likely it was true… at least from what the intelligence the shinobi had collected through the other Konoha spies who lived in the neighboring countries near Middle Earth. In fact, the southern country known as Harad was mobilizing its army; it wasn't in large numbers when the ANBU had entered its borders to get a ship. Yet who knew what could happen in a couple of months… it seemed they were intending to invade Middle Earth in the near future.
The operative stopped suddenly in turning the pages of his book when an elf walked past him. Kakashi watched the elf make his way to another shelf as if Kakashi wasn't there. Well, to be fair, he did have his camouflage jutsu on to train stamina and his chakra capacity at a stable level. Though, honestly he did it to make sure he didn't add more suspicions to the elves around Rivendell. Being a stranger in a foreign land certainly had its advantages and let downs.
The librarian then left as though there was nothing wrong in the library. Kakashi simply rolled his eyes thinking how un-alert the elves were; despite having a reputation in Middle Earth to have better senses than the other races. Some reputation… The shinobi looked thoughtfully at the books that were in elvish… he had wanted to start on those and most likely he would have to make a replica to substitute them. It was a way to fool your enemies to not know of the information/intelligence being gained. Kakashi didn't want anyone to know he knew how to converse and read in the elvish tongue, at least not yet.
Out of all the races in Middle Earth, Elves were called the 'Firstborn' or simply the belief that elves came first before man. It was a wonder why many of them had the best features that many men would want to have: immortal, fair, unaging and wisdom beyond others. Though, there was a downside that they could die due to extreme sadness. It was something that struck at Kakashi's core. It was an understanding that rung strongly to his very bones.
Kakashi himself was trying to overcome his own sadness with the tragedies that had happened just within this year… he couldn't exactly imagine trying to overcome a hundred years' worth of tragedies. As the memories rushed into the ANBU's mind, he shook himself out of it. Truth to be told, Kakashi dearly wanted to forget everything; but in the end, the memories always came back to haunt him.
His father, Obito, Rin and his sensei…
He was only 14 years old, young at age… but mature by heart. From how Kakashi understood it, the shinobi way required one to be an emotionless tool, and after the death of his sensei and Rin… that was what he became. Not that he wanted to, but he was forced to. Forced by the weight of his own guilt. The pressure of his guilt would have made him insane; he had to do something to forget it. Anything. He was aware he was turning into an impassive bastard; but whenever he stared at himself in the mirror; it was Obito's eye that reminded him that this wasn't the only way to be a shinobi.
"Do you seriously think like that?" Obito's words echoed through his head, reminding him of the days he would stick to the rules without question even if it meant sacrificing his comrades for the mission. He had to admit, he had been damn selfish back then… he only cared what would happen to him if he failed the mission, not what would happen to those he cared for the most. In the end he lost everything.
Kakashi would have wanted to make amends with himself, yet here he was… in another high ranked mission with his life on the line and that mission had to come first. At times, he regretted not trying to give himself time to figure things out. Figure out how to deal with his emotions and more importantly how to get over the past. The operative sighed, certainly the gods had a funny habit of making confused mortals run around like headless chickens on the so-called planet Earth. And apparently Kakashi seemed to be one of their favorites… talk about tough luck…
It wasn't about until three hours later that the ANBU's Kage Bunshin told him(the clone) that Gandalf had requested the shinobi to meet the Lord of Rivendell, his advisor Glorfindel, the ranger Aragorn, and Elrond's daughter Arwen. Kakashi frowned at the list of names, 'Some crowd'. It seemed they were that eager to see the shinobi's face. Not that it would be a laughing matter… how Hokage-sama had persuaded the wizard about his age was one miracle… or… simply put…
Sandaime Hokage did not even mention the ANBU's age at all. Most likely the Hokage only mentioned that he was 'young'…
Kakashi sweat dropped and slapped his hand onto his forehead, 'What's with old men and making already complicated problems worse?'
Whether shinobi or wizard, it looked like all old men were the same…
Certainly, both had the same habit of making simple events much worse than anticipated.
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Middle Earth
Rivendell
Lord Elrond's Study
Evening (Local time)
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Kakashi stared monotonously at the wooden door in front of him and waited for Glorfindel to bring him into the Lord of Rivendell's study. Truth be told, Kakashi wasn't in such a mood to make introductions… but he knew he had to get it over with it as soon as the opportunity arose. During the majority of his stay, he never even let his hood down so they wouldn't even know what hair he had and he was thinking on the lines that the residents here would find out that he was an alien to them. Luckily the ANBU had a chance to get into his room and recover his hitai-ate so he could cover the Sharingan. For now, it was good enough having it covered, though Kakashi predicted that Gandalf would want to see what happened to his left eye. Sooner or later he knew they would see it… although it would be better if they saw it later.
As the large wooden double doors opened, Kakashi raised an amused eyebrow at Elrond's study. It reminded the ANBU of Hokage-sama's office. There were plenty of books everywhere, but most of them were neatly stacked. Unlike the Hokage's office that was littered with papers and scrolls... this place was far cleaner. Kakashi suspected it was because of the peaceful atmosphere that Rivendell had, Konoha on the other hand always had mission requests from insiders, outsiders and even far away clients on the other side of the world… so it wasn't odd to see so many scrolls everywhere.
However everything soon came back to the main focus to his current situation. There stood before him a wise looking elf who he guessed was Lord Elrond, the she-elf he had helped whose name was Arwen, Aragorn the ranger and Gandalf the Grey waiting for him. 'And so the interrogation begins,' Kakashi thought sarcastically. He was then introduced to Lord Elrond, Arwen and Aragorn.
Lord Elrond indeed looked what Kakashi figured the lord of Rivendell would be like, his eyes were full of wisdom, and they shown with both joy and sorrow. The Lord had an air of royalty or nobility, unlike the other elves around the village… he certainly stood out from the rest.
Arwen was in a long blue dress and Kakashi really had to admit she was beautiful to the core. The Hokage wasn't kidding when he said that she was the most beautiful out of her kind, even the elves called her the 'Evenstar' of her people. Kakashi wasn't completely sure of the full meaning to that name… but one thing he did know was that she certainly deserved the title.
Aragorn was notably much cleaner than he was in the wild. For the first time, Kakashi noticed that his face held a lot of wisdom yet there was also restlessness in him. He was like a person who had lived a great deal of life, but had lost in a way that uncannily matched Kakashi's own emotions. No one else would have spotted that, unless they had gone through something similar. 'Takes one to know one, I guess…', Kakashi observed.
"You're Hatake Kakashi or Kakashi as I'm told from Mithrandir?" The lord of Rivendell asked. "From such a far country."
"Yes." The shinobi answered calmly.
"Welcome to Rivendell, one of the last elven realms in Middle Earth," said Elrond.
"Thank you."
"No, we are the ones who should thank you for your assistance in fighting off the wraiths." Elrond confirmed. "I thank you for saving my daughter and bringing Aragorn and the hobbits to safety."
"You're welcome," Kakashi bowed back to the lord.
There was a very tiny growl from Glorfindel; Kakashi figured he still wasn't too happy with their first meeting (like any normal person would be…). Well… the elf had tried to interrogate him then, it was basically a natural defense to give retaliate a threat with a threat (actually it was an ultimatum to be exact) and the shinobi was in a bad mood then. Plus, Kakashi was in charge of Gandalf's safety, so the client had to come first.
"Now, shall we get to business?" Gandalf said.
"Indeed," Lord Elrond said. "I also wish to thank you for waiting, Frodo was in need of my care."
"It's all right, I would not be able to heal him myself," Kakashi said. "Though I could do simple medical procedures, I'm not a true healer."
Gandalf then looked at the shinobi, "Will there not be a medic-nin in your team later? I had heard that shinobi have advance techniques in healing."
Kakashi thought of it for a second, "…depends, my usual team does not."
Elrond then looked at the short shinobi, he seemed to be interested in Kakashi's wear, "Why do you cover your face?"
"It's a necessity to conceal ourselves, especially on high ranked missions that require one to go into a different country." Kakashi stated.
"Even if it means you have to wear black cloaks all the time?" Glorfindel asked hesitantly.
Kakashi shook his head, "Unlikely, this is one type of method to conceal ourselves. Though we could easily infiltrate an enemy group by changing ourselves into someone else."
"You have that ability?" Aragorn asked.
"Yes, it was the same one I used when I confronted the Nine."
Arwen finally took in what he was saying; "It was a wonder why I was seeing Ten Wraiths chasing me then. One of them was you."
Kakashi gave a simple nod.
"That reminds me, we are in Rivendell, and according to contract you are ordered to let your disguise down," Gandalf reminded quietly.
"Right." Kakashi agreed. 'Well… here goes nothing…'
For the first time in days, Gandalf finally had the chance to see the facial features of his short bodyguard.
When Kakashi took off his hood and his ANBU wolf mask the company in front of him only gaped in disbelief.
He had silver hair, which in Middle Earth was counted as a hair color usually for some elves. Yet what shocked the whole company was not the silver hair, but his young features. Kakashi was even more surprised that they simply ignored his normal mask he always wore that covered the lower half of his face, was being that young really shocking?
A yes would be your answer, if you came from Middle Earth. He was a growing child in their eyes; someone so young who was able to take out Nine Ringwraiths, not to mention take out the Witch King of Angmar by himself was absolutely impossible in their vocabulary. That's right, mission impossible for a 14-year-old ANBU named Hatake Kakashi.
Kakashi felt like he wanted to wave his arms around like a lunatic at the four silent, staring, gaping, unmoving, unreacting people and say, 'Heeeelllloooo anyone at home?' But he knew they would start complaining soon. Especially the lord of Rivendell whose face looked pretty grim, it was on the lines of an, 'I don't believe this' look. Aragorn, Arwen and Glorfindel had on identical expressions like lord Elrond. Gandalf looked rather shocked but was also impressed at the same time.
"Sarutobi did mention to me you were young, though I wasn't expecting for you to be this young." Gandalf commented.
'Some comment that was,' Kakashi sweat dropped inwardly. It wasn't the comment that Kakashi was bothered with, but the other three who were staring at what Gandalf had said.
Aragorn was the first to speak, "Never have I- Gandalf! This is no place-"
"For a fourteen year old?" Kakashi finished the sentence. "It's understandable your views in Middle Earth are different."
"Gandalf, I think this is not possible. We cannot have a child here with us, from Middle Earth or no, he does not belong here." Glorfindel argued.
Kakashi felt as though a knife jabbed into his head. 'Shinobi Rule No.25, Remember Shinobi Rule No.25, Remember,' Kakashi kept repeating in his head.
"Then where does he belong?" Gandalf asked. "He was sent here to help us."
"You asked someone this young to help us with Middle Earth's problems? This will not change anything." Glorfindel replied.
Kakashi was trying his best to sustain his temper at a moderate level, 'Shinobi Rule No.25, focus Kakashi, Do NOT whatsoever explode! It will equal to mission failed.'
"Glorfindel has a point. Did the Hokage not think of the consequences before sending him here? The dangers in Middle Earth do not compare where he comes from." Lord Elrond backed up the other elf reasonably.
Kakashi's outward appearance never changed to the comment though on the inside he seriously wanted to retort back he had been on the battlefront before and that the Shinobi Wars were far worse than Middle Earth's fighting. Like he was that helpless… please… 'The mission comes FIRST, keep emotions down… steady… Shinobi Rule No.25… no emotional-shifting… period!
Arwen was silent as she observed the young shinobi. He was a difficult one to read for sure, despite being fourteen, he had a patience of that an adult in Middle Earth. The she-elf decided she would try to see past the age barrier by studying the boy more. Kakashi's face was half covered, but it didn't seem to affect him much as he looked comfortable with it. Arwen also noted that his clothes were different; they were simple and easy to move in for combat. She also noticed the shinobi culture's tendency to wear sandals rather than boots, his legs were bandaged, and his right pant leg had a side pocket. Out of everything Kakashi wore, the bandana on Kakashi's head stood out the most. It had a metal plate on it, with a symbol of a swirl that was a shape of a leaf.
As for the ranger Aragorn, he kept his mouth shut as the elves bickered with the wizard. The comments that were coming from the elves were becoming harsher and harsher. He observed Kakashi as the comments rose up in heat. Any normal child or even an adult would have somehow replied angrily after the harsher comments, but Kakashi remained still, as if time itself wasn't affecting him at all.
Kakashi kept his mind focused on another place. It was a basic technique to withstand mental torture, but it had been a long time ago that he was tortured. A bit too long ago he guessed. He remembered that at the age of 10 he and his sensei had gotten caught in enemy territory and they had both suffered for it. His scars on his body were still visible to this day but the memory was pretty much out of his mind.
In the end it seemed Elrond gave up in between the two (Gandalf and Glorfindel) and instead tried to stop them. The shinobi had to thank the lord really, for without Elrond's mediation, it seemed like it could go on forever. In the end, they both finally stopped.
"Took long enough," Kakashi said as smoothly as he could. Truthfully, he really wanted to scream at the top of his lungs to get everything out. But for now, he was going to play the good ninja, no mistakes and the mission keeps on going according to plan.
Now they all had their eyes on him again. Kakashi yet again sweat dropped, 'Can you people quit with the staring game? Looks like I'm up for auction here.'
Kakashi then suddenly noticed that Elrond and Gandalf were focused on his slanted hitai-ate. Not because it was positioned that way, more as to why it was used to cover his left eye.
"May I ask… What happened to your left eye Kakashi?" the wizard asked.
Kakashi stared silently at the wizard wondering if telling what had happened to his left eye was wise, not to mention it was his long dead friend's (Obito) eye, and it wasn't just any eye… it was a bloodline limit that could be considered as a weapon.
Better not to tell…
"…It's an old injury…" Kakashi said briefly, not giving away any clues.
"May we see it?" Aragorn asked. "Lord Elrond is one of Middle Earth's best healers."
Arwen was aware that Kakashi was reluctant to do this, so she tried to persuade the shinobi, "I assure you father means no harm."
Kakashi only looked at his client who was urging him to let him (the wizard) see it. Without much of a choice, Kakashi lifted his hitai-ate up, but he did not open his left eye at all.
Aragorn, with the rest gazed at Kakashi's left eye thoughtfully. There was a thin but deep cut on his left eye, it was definitely an old injury; the ranger wasn't too keen on seeing it. Even he, Aragorn, who was a part of a long line of Kings, did not have such an injury after eighty years of living and growing up as a ranger and as a King-in-training.
"Your left eye Kakashi." Gandalf emphasized.
The ANBU nearly flinched and it seemed only Aragorn was the one who noticed it. It was too late to back down now; the shinobi would have to give a reason to the lord in the end. Hopefully the reason he made would make sense…
Kakashi cracked his left eye open slowly and revealed the Sharingan.
Mismatched colored eyes stared at the company of Middle Earth, and what may have surprised them the most was the blood red color. Kakashi only gave them the impression he wasn't actually enjoying being stared at and after he let them take a good look, he simply pulled his hitai-ate back down into position.
"It's something I prefer not to show in public mind you," Kakashi stated clearly.
Lord Elrond seemed to think more on this, "When did your eye turn red?"
"The same time I got the cut on top of the eyelid." Kakashi said truthfully. "The blood vessels contaminated my retina thus making my iris red, it can't be healed unfortunately," the shinobi then lied. He wasn't going to give any information on the Kekkai Genkai, that part was a secret and a part of his village. In advance before entering the room, Kakashi had made sure that the reason he made was as suitable for a healer by Middle Earth's standards to understand. The ANBU was highly aware of Lord Elrond's expertise in healing. The elven lord seemed to buy it, which was good for starters. As for Gandalf, he hadn't said a word about it.
"Not even your own kind who have developed advanced healing?" Arwen asked softly. There was sadness in her eyes, showing sympathy.
Kakashi shrugged, "Healing has its limits. Not all healers can perfectly heal everything."
"I see," Elrond sighed. Kakashi gazed at Elrond who was holding his temple, it looked like he had one heck of a headache. "You are dismissed for now. I think Gandalf wishes to give you something. There are things I must attend to. May your stay in Rivendell be pleasant."
Along with Gandalf, Kakashi exited the room. As they walked through the corridor, Gandalf looked at Kakashi with interest, "Forgive them for not understanding the situation, their beliefs are conservative compared to where you come from. I have to congratulate you on your control of temper."
Kakashi gave a sigh. ((I nearly let the knot loose though. My patience is getting thinner everyday, I'm not quite sure when it will be my last straw. Maybe it would have been different if Hokage-sama told you my age.))
((It would, but with a negative side affect. Your Hokage was thoughtful in regarding our views I might add. You did show to me that your abilities are what matter and not your appearance. I do not plan to break the contract, you can trust me to be your client until the end.))
((Arigato, Oji-san. I'll do my best.)) Kakashi thanked.
((Now, to important matters)) Gandalf went to the main point, ((I have a scroll from your Hokage in the switch of your teammates))
((A switch?))
((Yes, your main team can't all make it to Middle Earth. It seems Sarutobi has made another team order.)) Gandalf explained.
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Middle Earth
Rivendell
Kakashi's Room
Evening (Local time)
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When they both reached the room, the wizard gave a scroll that had been sent by the Hokage…
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Letter
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Dear Hatake Kakashi,
I wish to inform you that there has been a switch in positions for this mission and two teammates of your ANBU team cannot make the trip to Middle Earth. Both are still in the middle of a mission in Thunder Country and are in contract for the long term. According to our intelligence a war may emerge during your stay in Middle Earth; for that reason I am allowing a five-man team to complete the mission. Your teammates each have a special ability that will hopefully help on the battlefield. Here are the names of your teammates:
Yamato
Shizune
Shiranui Genma
Morino Ibiki
Currently your teammates are preparing to travel to Middle Earth. They will meet you within at least three months. I wish you good luck on your mission
Regards,
Sarutobi, Sandaime Hokage
&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&&
Kakashi only gave a long and empty look at the letter. On the inside Kakashi was thanking the Hokage with relief that he (Sarutobi) had chosen a team that would be suitable for the mission… plus… the absence of Konoha's Green Beast (Might Gai) was what lifted his spirits the most. No more worrying about a person challenging him in the middle of a mission. Yamato was a part of his ANBU team anyway, so it wasn't a big surprise. Genma was about four years older than Kakashi, but he didn't minded since the elder shinobi was highly praised in Konoha as a good tactician. And by the looks of it, their nin-team was going to need one for the war battles in Middle Earth. Ibiki was definitely an asset, no enemies would stand his interrogation methods for sure, and his high rank genjutsu would definitely help. As for Shizune, it was a surprise to have her in his team. The ANBU knew very well she had moved away with Tsunade-sama, but was relieved to have a highly skilled medic-nin taught by one of the Sannin. How the Hokage managed to persuade and find the Sannin Kunoichi was a mystery. Kakashi noted in his mind he'd ask Shizune later.
While thinking all of this, his expression hadn't changed at all.
It's good being a shinobi that's experienced in hiding emotions.
Gandalf of course was rather curious as to what the shinobi would do next. Whether the exchanging of his bodyguard's teammates affected him or not, the boy certainly had a talent in hiding his real emotions. His blank expression was difficult to read, even for a wizard who had lived for so long. The only way to know was to ask…
"Should I take that your team mates are older than you?" the wizard questioned.
"…Yeah…" Kakashi said briefly, giving no clues towards the wizard who was inspecting him. He was careful to hide the fact Yamato was a year younger than him and as for the others… they weren't that old, although they were older than Kakashi. Even Genma was only 18… though that was counted as an adult in Middle Earth; still, the people here would expect him to be inexperienced. Age wasn't really something that a shinobi would call a burden; it would be considered an advantage in order to train to be as skilled as possible. In the end he still had to lie to his client that his friends weren't all adults, more correctly they were teenagers. Yet, what could the ANBU do? He was stuck in a conservative country after all.
Gandalf was rather unsure what Kakashi had said was true, but to the ANBU's relief the wizard had thought not many shinobi were as young as Kakashi; a misconception, but worth it for the time being. At least the truth wouldn't pester him as much, and he won't write a letter to Sandaime Hokage to complain about sending under-aged soldiers or shinobi to fight. Before that would happen, Kakashi was planning to show what a shinobi could do and that age didn't matter. Sure, the wizard, the elves, and the Dûnedain were far more experienced according to Middle Earth standards… but Kakashi probably had been in more battles than a normal 14-year-old Middle Earth boy. He had gone to war before and if this mission required him to go into the battlefield again, he would do so without question.
Satisfied that Kakashi's teammates were sorted out, Gandalf told the ANBU to stick around at the dining hall and the Hall of Fire. The wizard suggested the shinobi would get more information by listening to the lore songs of the elves in order to know more about Middle Earth. Either than that, Gandalf had ordered Kakashi to make himself 'presentable'. According to the wizard, this night would be filled with plenty of guests from all over Middle Earth.
"Right, anything else I need to know Oji-san?" Kakashi asked.
"Ah, yes. You may have noticed that you have a secondary client in your contract."
"That I'm sure of. Though it said you would inform me after I met him." Kakashi added.
Gandalf smiled. "Well, you have a matter a fact met him."
"Don't tell me," Kakashi rose his hand, "It's Aragorn, right?"
The wizard raised an amused eyebrow and chuckled. "Did I mention you have a way of reading people's minds?" The wizard was starting to like Kakashi more and more, even though his bodyguard was only fourteen.
"That was a hunch." Kakashi shrugged.
"Very well then, I better get going. I must not be late."
Kakashi bowed to the wizard… only to have a hand landing on his head scrunching his silver hair into a messy state.
"Ack!" Kakashi scowled but didn't move. He didn't know why.
Gandalf the Grey only laughed at the shinobi's pouting face, "You know Kakashi, with your silver hair and your abilities… you could pass as my grandson if they didn't know who you were. You should take things easy for a while; rest your mind, it will help you for later."
Afterwards, the wizard released him fondly and gave him a pat on the back before he exited. That only left a confused 14-year-old ANBU in the room touching his head. He didn't like being scrunched in the head but on the inside… he was longing for it. Kakashi guessed that was the reason why he didn't move. It was a habit of his sensei to ease down his seriousness or to cheer him up. There was a pang of pain in his heart, he missed his sensei dearly and for some reason Gandalf somehow resembled his sensei the most.
The ANBU shook his head, 'What's happening to me?' The more he wanted to forget the past, the more he remembered about it.
What he really needed to do now was focus more on the mission, not the past. 'It stays way over in the back of my mind. For now.' Kakashi reassured himself.
It was then the clock chimed five times.
'Damn, I better get ready for dinner', Kakashi thought pushing every single reflection of the past as he looked to the clock in his room.
----------------------------------
Middle Earth
Rivendell
The Dining Room
Evening (Local time)
----------------------------------
Kakashi made it just in time as the lords and ladies plus the guests of Rivendell were sitting in their seats. After deciding on what decent clothes to wear, he immediately had gone for the Dining Room. Sure, he didn't know where it was since Rivendell was a large place but he only needed to follow his nose to know where the food was being served. The ANBU wore a navy blue high collared long sleeved shirt and matching long pants. He had some kunai in his pockets though they weren't visible; Kakashi was aware that Rivendell was safe… but there was a saying that anything could happen, and it was better to be safe than sorry.
The ANBU already had eaten his dinner earlier in his room and he wasn't actually hungry so his stomach was taken care of. Although Kakashi was leaning on one of the Dining room's pillars that were at the far end of the room, he still managed to get a lot of stares as people entered the room. Many to his disappointment were elves that were referring to him as a 'mere child'. All Kakashi could do now was ignore them for the time being. So the only thing he was hoping for now was making sure he would have tolerance and patience for the next few days. Adult shinobi would have far more tolerance than he would have now and last for a month… but Kakashi was 14 years old… one heck of an age where emotions could explode if one was not careful… what else could you expect really, from a growing teenager? He nearly blew up at Lord Elrond, which would have proven fatal to his mission and if he reacted violently to the other elves… he had at least an idea that this mission would fail miserably.
The operative sighed inwardly and closed his eyes as he eavesdropped over the guests of Rivendell. For Kakashi, he liked listening without seeing as his hearing senses were sharper. There seemed to be many folk around visiting, the majority were the elves from Rivendell plus a few who came from the forest called Mirkwood; there were also men, who were basically the rangers, dwarves and the hobbits. Certainly this wasn't a normal gathering; at least that was what the shinobi had felt. There were simply too many races that were fixed into one confined space; Kakashi doubted they came here for a reunion… not with all the dark information they were pouring out in their own tongues. The loudest and easiest information were mainly from the humans and dwarves, their voices were the loudest, as for the elves… they seemed to be more cautious.
For one thing, Kakashi simplified that it all had to do with the reappearance of the dark lord Sauron. Many dark creatures had been sighted by most of the races that traveled for trade and apparently the forests and even the animals were starting to be affected as well. There was even a rumor from one of the elves that the birds and other creatures of the forests had started to take sides. The ANBU found this information rather accurate, considering as to how he had seen the birds act in the forest beforehand. Frequent attacks by the orcs were what mostly worried the traders around the races… the orcs were multiplying at such a fast rate that it was essential to hunt as many as they could before new orcs appeared.
One conversation that interested Kakashi the most was the conversation between Frodo and a Dwarf named Glóin. A lot of the information was about the dwarf kind, both good and bad, and somewhat fascinating as the ANBU got hold of information that the dwarves were mainly miners and talented blacksmiths. It was very remarkable how dwarves had a knack for talking without ever stopping and for any shinobi it was like finding a source of information without too much work. Or more accurately it was like listening to the news program on a radio. Damn useful and quite easy, need I say more?
Seeing that dinner was going to be over within an hour, Gandalf only gave a glance to the shinobi indicating to get to the Hall of Fire. The Shinobi gave a small nod and body-flickered to the entrance, which startled the guard. Kakashi only gave an apologetic bow before he walked calmly out of the room as if it were nothing. His disappearance and reappearance out of thin air filled the guests with wonder and curiosity as to his powers. It made them curious about who he was and the reason for his presence in Rivendell. And there were others who were not very comfortable about the stranger… boy or man they knew nothing of him.
The wizard only had a smile on his lips, 'Reminds me how Sarutobi impressed me for the first time those 30 years ago.'
----------------------------------
In The Hall of Fire
Evening (Local time)
----------------------------------
Kakashi entered the dark hall silently as he made over to the corner of the room. In the fire lit room, he noticed a small and yet old figure. It was Bilbo Baggins, the uncle of Frodo or one of his charges. He seemed to be stuck in some sort of verse or so and was now cursing to himself for not having finished it. Kakashi only stared at the old hobbit amusedly.
"Ah, and who do we have here?" Bilbo's attention was now on the shinobi.
"A mere bodyguard." Kakashi answered casually.
The hobbit smiled, "Yet an underestimated one. I thank you for protecting my nephews and his companions. They may think this old hobbit is absurd for believing that a 14 year-old is able to weaken and defeat wraiths. Heard it from Gandalf of course; though this old hobbit may seem he is nothing to fight against wraiths, he indeed defeated a dragon when no dwarf and man could."
"You were a part of the Battle of the Five Armies and slaughtered Smaug the Dragon, am I right?" the shinobi asked.
"Quite right," Bilbo said. "You seem to know a lot for someone so young. But we can't 'judge a book by it's cover', I must say."
Kakashi shrugged, "I read some of the translated books in the library. Yet not many of them have very detailed accounts."
"I guess it's because the majority who live here are elves, though they will share their knowledge for those who are hard working, kind, and those who seek it. I'm actually making a book by the knowledge I gathered up in Rivendell and my previous journeys. Here, I think you'll find it useful." Bilbo eagerly handed a thick book to Kakashi. "A copy of my detailed account of my travels, it's for you."
Kakashi looked stunned at the book as he flicked through it's pages, "I can't accept this… really…I-"
"Now, now, no need to be shy. Just accept it as my thanks for saving the young lads. I have not yet finished it, but the information about Middle Earth could be of more use to you." Bilbo fondly patted Kakashi on the back.
"Thank you."
"Gandalf mentioned that you were a 'Shinobi' or a 'Ninja'. I have never heard about them before."
Kakashi chuckled, "I'm not from Middle Earth. My county is the Land of Fire or simply named as Fire Country. It's located far south-east of Middle Earth."
"Why have your kin stayed away from Middle Earth?" the hobbit asked.
"Mordor blocks the mainland passage. And… Middle Earth is famous for its continuous wars and conflict. Many countries would prefer to avoid it seeing they all have their own problems." Kakashi explained and then decided to shift the subject. "How did you start off the journey back then? And the song you're making sounds interesting, I'd like to hear more of that."
Without hesitation, Bilbo Baggins began storytelling his account and explaining his journey with Gandalf and thirteen dwarves. At times he would refer to his book, or in some cases would try to shape things out with his hands to make an impression. Kakashi had to admit the old hobbit was a good storyteller, and from what Kakashi had thought to some extent his tale was true.
Bilbo was rather curious about this new stranger, yet he was already beginning to like the boy. Despite his face being half covered, Bilbo concluded Kakashi was a very patient and a very good listener, not to mention… the boy had talent in taking in information like a sponge soaking up water. The elder hobbit figured that Kakashi was a genius for his age, something Gandalf had mentioned as well though not going into any specifics. Bilbo had noticed Kakashi's sharp mind when he made references to weapons in his book. Kakashi seemed to know what type of weapons were meant for hacking or slicing a cut clean through an enemy; though there were some weapons the 'shinobi' did not know… the way he analyzed, brought the pieces of information together, and made conclusions produced startling results. About 90 percent of his guesses were spot on. Deep inside his heart, Bilbo admired the bright child.
Sadly their conversation was interrupted as the host of the village, including the guests and the lords and ladies were welcomed inside. Kakashi had retreated to the edge of the room and away from the crowd with the body flicker jutsu. He had a duty to get back to, and that was to see everything that was going on in the Hall of Fire.
There were plenty of songs and festivities held that night. Most of the elvish songs were exotic and dreamlike. But all of it was making the shinobi drowsy, which forced Kakashi to pinch himself hard in order to keep awake. The elves sang as though they had all the time in the world (which they do) so it wasn't odd they had a habit of taking their time. There was plenty of history behind it for sure, yet the shinobi decided to take some fresh air. Afterwards he would most likely return to his room then go back to the Hall of Fire.
----------------------------------
Middle Earth
Rivendell
The Council Yard
Morning (Local time)
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The ANBU lazily reclined on a branch of a tree and waited for the gathering of what looked like all the races of Middle Earth. Frodo and Bilbo for the hobbits, there were plenty of elves, Gandalf was the only wizard, and Aragorn with the Dûnedain plus another human that resembled Aragorn yet most likely he was nearly the same kin as the ranger though maybe through a different lineage.
Kakashi was out of view from the council considering he hadn't been officially invited, but the wizard had insisted that the information passed within the council was beneficial for the next mission. Or more bluntly put, he was being ordered by his client to eavesdrop on the meeting. The wizard certainly had a way with words. In the end, it wasn't only Kakashi who was eavesdropping on the council…
Samwise Gamgee was hidden in the bushes. 'Pretty loyal, for a hobbit.' He speculated. And not too far away Pippin and Merry were hiding as well. For some reason, the shinobi smelt trouble from those two. Kakashi was at least hoping that they wouldn't do something idiotic during the meeting.
According to Gandalf, the Council had been summoned in order to discuss about a certain One ring. Apparently it was the Dark Lord's (he learned it by eavesdropping on Pippin) weakness and they were going to make a choice as to what to do with the ring. Kakashi figured he had just landed himself into some event that was larger than the Kyuubi attack on Konoha… Whatever the client wished, he would follow. Even if it meant following his client into trouble…
That was some stupid line he made back then, but that was the reality of it all.
Soon the Lord of Rivendell stood before them and in a clear voice said, "Strangers from distant lands, friends of old. You have been summoned here to answer the threat of Mordor. Middle-Earth stands upon the brink of destruction. None can escape it. You will unite, or you will fall. Each race is bound to this fate, this one doom. Bring forth the Ring, Frodo."
Kakashi twirled a kunai in his fingers and was thinking on the line of 'doom'. Seriously… it had been one of the most used concepts he would hear these days. Doom, destruction, danger, despair, done for, dead…Kakashi listed them off… a lot of 'D' letter words that surely would make any motivation die out in an instant.
When Frodo brought the ring out, it finally made sense to the shinobi. The hobbit in fact… all this time was holding onto the One; the Dark Lord's One Ring. As the One Ring was placed in the middle and on top of the pedestal, Kakashi stared at the Ring. For some reason it was calling out to him and whispering in the Black Speech for the shinobi to grab it; and the atmosphere was filled with some sort of heavy chakra that was covering the area.
The shinobi was thinking it was some sort of Genjutsu; risking major chakra depletion, he uncovered the Sharingan and took a look at the Ring. However the shinobi soon regretted the action, his Sharingan immediately watered as he saw the thickness of the black chakra that was drawing the people in front of him. As soon his Sharingan eye reached the ring, it burned; it felt as though the Sharingan was on fire.
'Arrgh,' the ANBU winced holding his left hand over his left eye. The Sharingan was screaming to stay as far away from the One Ring as possible.
'Kuso… I'll definitely… stay away… from it…' Kakashi groaned in pain.
He needed his left eye to be treated as soon as possible in his room, his medical kit was there and he could do it away from prying eyes. Seeing that he had no choice, Kakashi tied a concealed tape recorder in the trees. The ANBU knew that if he couldn't listen to the whole meeting, he could at least record it and listen to it later. Regretfully, Kakashi retreated to his room.
----------------------------------
Middle Earth
Rivendell
Lord Elrond's Study
Evening (Local time)
----------------------------------
That evening, the shinobi was called forth to the study room to meet his second client's first hand man named Halbarad and Elrond's two sons. It was important for their next mission seeing as they recently were back from the wild. Kakashi had later (after he treated the Sharingan eye) retrieved the tape and listened to it. It seemed there had been a big fight between the dwarves and the elves, then there was a man named Boromir who suggested they could use the ring against the dark lord himself. Not a bad idea, if one knew how to use the ring and if the ring was not loyal to its master.
In the end they decided to take it back to Mordor and chuck it in the volcano of 'Mount Doom'. It seemed Sauron was a fan of using the word 'doom' too. The reason behind it Kakashi didn't want to know. As no one else wanted to volunteer to carry it, Frodo did. Soon afterwards, an entire group followed: Aragon, a wood elf named Legolas, Gimli the Dwarf, a Gondorian man named Boromir, the other hobbits and Gandalf were named the so-called 'Fellowship of the Ring'. Kakashi also heard that Gandalf mentioned his name to be in the Fellowship as well, and then there were a couple of protests. Oh yeah… Kakashi was dragged in too… The ANBU felt as though he was being treated like unwanted garbage.
And so started the next point of his mission. To secure the next path to Mordor and check if the Wraiths had left any traces. It was just him and the wizard right now in Elrond's study.
((How is your left eye?))
Kakashi looked up at the wizard. ((You know something of it, Oji-san?))
((It was wise of you to keep it a secret, especially when we first met you in front of Lord Elrond. Sarutobi has told me of its abilities to see things that we don't usually see and the ability to copy other's moves. Kekkai Genkai; also known as a bloodline limit. You used it to see the Ring, did you not?)) Gandalf stated carefully.
Seeing that his Hokage had indeed told the wizard Kakashi let his guard down slightly, ((I'm not intending to use it again on that Ring. The Sharingan started to go insane when I saw the Ring with it. It started to burn.))
((What did you see?)) the wizard asked gently.
Kakashi closed his eyes as he recalled it, ((Black chakra-like chains, it was drawing everyone to it. It seemed to have a tighter hold on the humans and dwarves than the elves. The Sharingan itself was acting like an alarm, it was telling me to stay away from it… And I think I will; nothing like this would have ever happened from where I come from.))
((Did it call you?))
Kakashi looked at the old man with discomfort, ((It did. Actually… I think it was calling to me so I could have power. It's a natural desire for the race of man… but… somehow it kept on calling as if it were trying to drive me crazy… like some sort of genjutsu…))
((Genjutsu? Ah, yes… some shinobi can use illusions to take advantage on their opponents. The Sharingan also has an ability to see through such things?))
Kakashi agreed, ((To some extent, but I can't help but think to stay away from it as much as possible.))
Gandalf raised an eyebrow at this, ((What bothers you?))
((How the black chakra acts. Genjutsu works by taking advantage of chakra that flows in one's brain, confusing the mind from seeing everything else around them. The black chakra I saw was entirely different… it was starting to control the chakra flow of the whole body. It seems to be a rather slow process, yet the longer someone stares at it… the more they are drawn and controlled by the Ring.)) Kakashi explained.
Gandalf nodded gravely at the news, ((Even though Rivendell is safe, the Ring is always a danger to those who are surrounded by it. I suggest you keep this to yourself while in Rivendell. The less people know of this, the better.))
((Agreed.)) Kakashi said.
((If what you say is true, then our next journey must start as soon as possible.))
Their conversation came to an end as the Lord of Rivendell, his two sons, Aragorn, and another ranger stepped into the room. Kakashi stared at the two mirror imaged elves. 'Twins eh?' Kakashi thought. The ANBU figured it was something that ran in the family, Elrond himself was a twin to his brother Elros… according to what the books said. They both had gray eyes and their hair was brown like their father, a human trait… since Lord Elrond himself was called 'Half-Elven'. The two elves both introduced themselves as Elladan and Elrohir, which Kakashi concluded the family had a habit of naming their sons with the letter 'E'. Yet… they didn't seem to be too happy with the idea of Kakashi being here. They were mostly speaking in elvish with their father about the 'no child should be in battle theory'.
There was something odd about Elladan, though the shinobi did not say anything.
'…'
Next to Aragorn, there was a ranger who had introduced himself as Halbarad. Unlike Aragorn, he was slightly younger and seemed to have an easygoing attitude. From what the ANBU observed, the ranger looked interestedly at him. There was a wonder in his eyes as if he were the last to expect a child in Elrond's study. In a way he looked rather pleased to see Kakashi was there. He wasn't as tall as Aragorn, but much stouter. Like many of the rangers or the Dûnedain, his eyes were gray, and his hair dark wavy brown.
This time, they thankfully (for Kakashi) did not focus on the introductions. Lord Elrond had gone straight to the point of organizing the parties or groups of elves and men that would scout out. In fact, Rivendell had sent out ten scouts after the council, which indicated that the Fellowship had to move towards the east soon. There were arrangements to be done, and time was short. Most likely they would contact the remaining rangers that were still out in the wild, get in contact with the elves that inhabited Mirkwood and lastly find any of their allies that could spare information about current activities. Although Kakashi was listening to their conversation, in his mind he quickly formulated as many plans as he could, should there be extra missions. It wasn't long till he received orders from his client…
"I request that you will escort your second client. It will mean you'll be with mostly the Dûnedain and the Rivendell elves. Take this task as a tutorial to adapt to Middle Earth." Gandalf said.
"Done." Kakashi answered without a complaint. He silently bowed and made his way to the door.
Elladan did not like the sound of that, and decided to stop the shinobi and to question him carefully, "You'd come with us without considering the dangers you'll be facing?"
"…"
The other twin Elrohir shook his head, "I can not imagine one who would not consider his life in threat would survive in the wild for so long."
Aragorn disagreed to what his brothers had said. He already knew Kakashi wasn't a stranger to the wild. All that time the 14-year-old followed him and the hobbits during the escape from the Ringwraiths was proof enough. Kakashi was alive, uninjured, and still calm after meeting such dark beings. A normal child would be far different than Kakashi. Not even a normal trained 14-year-old Dûnedain would have faced the nine wraiths and not be insane or afraid of going into another battle..
"Why should us shinobi consider death?" Kakashi asked casually.
Elladan frowned, "Do you not value your life?"
The ANBU snorted, "We do value our lives, only we don't consider death as something to be feared since the truth is… most of us die on the battlefield anyway. It comes swiftly and it's up to us as to how to survive."
"Then may I ask one question about your kin?" Elrohir asked and was replied with a nod from the ANBU, "Why do you shinobi fight?"
"To protect something we hold dear." Kakashi said remembering the time he was at the Ninja Academy when the Third visited his class for the first time. He then quoted from Sandaime, "When a shinobi protects something that is dear to them, their true power will manifest. Power isn't always about conquering over others or to be the most powerful of them all. It's a strength to share with others who aren't as strong."
The shinobi left the room, leaving behind him a wizard and two Dûnedain who were rather impressed plus four disturbed elves.
"He somehow reminds me of you Gandalf. Speaking in riddles and yet sense at the same time." Elrohir said to the wizard. "Though much younger."
"I don't think any 14-year-old would have said that. He's far more mature than you were Aragorn, when you were his age." Elladan commented.
Aragorn nodded, "I'd have to agree. But you both did not have to question him so harshly. He may not be a normal child like you think he is."
"True. Wraiths aren't the easiest enemies to take down by adult humans or elves. I like his independent nature already. He seems to understand how to take full responsibility of himself." Halbarad commented. "I'd be careful if I were you… Kakashi is a shinobi and as far as we have learned… we know so little about them. Save for Gandalf."
The wizard only said, "Even though I have been friends with a shinobi for thirty years now, they have always been full of secrets. But their loyalty is what places them above others."
"And what type of loyalty have we seen with the child or of his kind?" Glorfindel asked briskly.
"The loyalty to serve others without hesitation. Kakashi was right about protecting something dear to them; their pride in serving others to protect those that they hold dear. They don't necessarily take missions just for themselves but for their own people and those they serve under." Gandalf explained.
"I might add that I'm intrigued that it was Kakashi who pushed the Witch King of Angmar off into the river. Arwen mentioned a water fish forming and pushing the wraith away from her. What abilities do shinobi mainly have?" The Lord of Rivendell questioned.
"Shinobi may have the lifespan of lesser men, yet they somewhat have unnatural abilities in manipulating nature or the elements above the elves I'm afraid. They are not to be taken lightly. Better friend than foe," said the wizard.
"Even if it means he's still a child?" Elladan added hesitantly. "I doubt that."
"That is what the problem is these days, Elladan. People have little faith over others, especially the younger generation." Gandalf said sternly.
"Then we shall see how he adapts during your travels. Should he prove worthy; then I will not complain about any decision you wish to do with him in the future." Elrond said defeatedly.
Seeing as the elves had other things to attend to, Elrond and Glorfindel had left to prepare plans in which direction the companies would be heading to find news of the Ringwraiths or any of the dark lord's men. As for the twins of Rivendell, they started to recruit any willing elven soldier they could spare for the trip. All who were left in the room were Aragorn, Halbarad, and Gandalf.
"I do not mean to say this but…"
"Say what you feel truthfully, Halbarad." Gandalf said.
The ranger sighed, "…at times I cannot help think why some of the elves are unwilling to trust others based on age barriers."
"Those who have lived for so long may forget what it feels like to be young. There are just too many scars from the past." Aragorn said.
Gandalf and Halbarad looked interestedly at the heir of Isildur.
Aragorn shrugged, "It's what you learn when you've lived with elves for most of your life."
The other ranger looked at Gandalf for more information, "Is there something about Kakashi that you wish to tell us? I somehow had a feeling you did not want to mention this in front of Lord Elrond, Glorfindel or his sons."
Gandalf nodded. "Sharp as ever. My real advice to you both as you travel with Kakashi is to never underestimate him. Looks may be deceiving but there is more than what meets the eye."
"Is there a chance we know how trained he is?" Aragorn suggested. "Surely his people would have ranks for certain levels of soldiers."
The wizard only gave them a long look as if he was debating with himself whether to tell the two rangers in front of him. Aragorn and Halbarad could only wait patiently for an answer.
"…It may be hard to believe, yet…" Gandalf sighed. "He is in the ANBU or the Assassination Tactics Special Military Force. In their country it is considered the highest rank in serving right under the Kage or the leader. Though for this mission with us, he is counted as a Jounin or a high ranking ninja… even such a feat is considered great at someone at his age."
Halbarad and Aragorn only stared at the wizard in bewilderment as they digested this new information.
"More precisely he is considered to be a child prodigy. His knowledge and his skills would rival the adults in his village. For that reason, it's best to respect him as a fellow companion. Do so, and I'm sure you both won't regret it in the future," the wizard advised.
"Yet I marvel why he's so quiet to us." Halbarad wondered.
Gandalf chuckled at the man, "Do not forget he is a foreigner, our customs are considered conservative where he comes from. Or you could say he's careful in his actions for he fears it may lead to a misunderstanding between us."
"You're implying he has thought that far?"
"Yes, Halbarad." Gandalf said.
"And what do shinobi use in fighting skills and weapons? I have not seen Kakashi yet use or carry any weapons."
"It seems his kind favor projectile weapons if I'm not wrong." Aragorn replied to the other ranger. "At Weathertop he used numerous projectiles that were called 'kunai' and there was another larger projectile that resembled a pinwheel or a windmill. Though I may conclude that shinobi prefer to fight with tactics than straight melee fighting."
"I'd like to see that." Halbarad said with interest.
"Very well then, I say that should settle things." Gandalf said informing the rangers to get to the main point of their trip. "Have all the rangers to cover the western region of Middle Earth, as for your team I advise you to travel to the possible places where the wraiths might recover from our intervention at the river. Also do not forget to find a secure path that leads to the east. It is important our next trip will be the safest and swiftest route."
"Yes, Gandalf." They both said.
"You'll leave in three days time."
---------------------------------------------
Rivendell, Middle Earth
An Isolated Place
One of Rivendell's Waterfalls
Three hours later…
At Night (Local time)
---------------------------------------------
"Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!"
The young ANBU wiped his nose thinking, 'Damn, too many people are talking about me.'
Kakashi was basically wet and practicing his Mizu Kage Bunshin for about 30 minutes with little success… considering he had been sneezing most of the whole time. His current limit was twenty-five minutes. The ANBU cursed to himself again for practicing too little when he had free time. Since he was going back into the wild again, Kakashi decided to intensify his training for two days. The last day he'll use for organizing what he'll bring and rest easily before the trip. After his brief meeting with the ones who were going on the trip, Kakashi was sent by Gandalf to the blacksmith to see if he needed to forge any weapons. Though Kakashi was content with what he had, he couldn't help but feel worried about the supply of his projectile weapons. In the end, Kakashi showed the elven blacksmith how to forge and make kunai as well as shuriken. Kakashi remembered at the wonder in the elf's eyes when he saw that Kakashi was a mere 14 year old and yet was an expert in weaponry. Out of his stay in Rivendell, the blacksmith was the first person he had heard say a compliment about him.
Another weapon he requested was some bows and arrows. It didn't hurt learning any other weapon that existed in Middle Earth though Kakashi was not happy that arrows couldn't be concealed. It proved to be a disadvantage, one… the projectiles were to be carried at the back, and two he also had to carry a bow. That wasn't a problem if one fought in the style that Middle Earth used. Yes, elves are stealthy when it comes to using the bows… but for a shinobi it was the golden number one rule to conceal as much as possible. For a tracker like Kakashi, leaving an arrow behind was a lethal mistake of getting found easily.
Either way… Kakashi had to take this chance of going into the wild to adapt quickly. He would be in the wild roughly for two months and he would try to find out about what had happened to the wraiths he had faced at the river three days ago. They might have possibly fled for the time being… especially after being tossed over by a raging flood. How fast they could recover the shinobi did not know; they were the undead. Unless they relied on an unlimited supply of energy from the dark lord it didn't matter how injured they were. Yet the dark lord could only transmit his power from a certain distance, seeing he was starting to build up his power. The continent of Eriador and Mordor was a half continent wide; meaning it would take a good long time to recover and this information gathering was crucial for the next mission.
In the mean time, his training was his main priority. 'That reminds me…' Kakashi realized a somewhat odd order from his client.
-----------------------------
-Flashback-
An hour ago…
-----------------------------
"Kakashi, I want you to come to the training fields tomorrow. I know the skills you have may be able to take out five elven guards with no trouble, but consider it to prove your worth. Elves are a lot more stubborn to persuade, I've tried… but alas… it seems making council will prove nothing. So let us say, actions do the speaking for us."
"I figured that would happen eventually," the shinobi said. "since Middle Earth seems to be against child soldiers."
"You knew this would happen?" Gandalf frowned. "You're a sharp one, Kakashi."
The ANBU only stood there looking calmly at the wizard; on the inside he was dumbfounded to hear his Sensei's exact words. How does Gandalf manage to say or act like his Sensei? Talk about déjà vu.
"So, since the scroll from my contract claims that I am a highly skilled shinobi from Fire Country, Lord Elrond is suggesting I should fight an elf, right? My opponent would have to be an elf, since most of the men who are rangers will most likely be drunk tonight since they have a habit of drinking every day of the week."
Gandalf's eyes went wide at this. "A very astute deduction."
"Shinobi should always look for what's underneath the underneath. A universal rule for shinobi in order to survive based on missions," the ANBU stated as a matter of fact. "But if many have a point of view that I am a mere child of fourteen I would speculate that my opponent is rather weak or injured in some way."
"Spoken like a true shinobi. Your opponent is one of the son's of Lord Elrond-"
"Elladan."
This time the wizard only raised an interested eyebrow and the same time urging the shinobi to answer.
"His left arm was slightly faulted when he walked into the study room. It seemed he was injured after the orc raid, most likely a shoulder injury. Perhaps a dislocated shoulder?" Kakashi inquired.
"Correct." Gandalf replied with a grin.
"And I'm guessing he wants to go on this scouting mission, but Lord Elrond refuses to let him unless he proves that his injury will not hinder his abilities." Kakashi continued nonchalantly.
"That is also correct. Have you ever heard a special healing Taijutsu that focuses on pain and healing at the same time?"
This time it was Kakashi who was surprised, "Did Hokage-sama tell that to you, Oji-san?"
"Hai," the old man said with a broad smile, "He's quite fond of releasing it on his student Jiraiya if I'm not wrong and then taught the technique to his kunoichi student."
Kakashi sweat dropped, 'I wonder how many times the toad sennin made the Third that angry…well he probably deserved it and it wasn't odd that Tsunade-sama also would use the technique on him, considering… he's a pervert.'
"Are you familiar as to how to use it?"
"Hai, very well actually." Kakashi said with a light tone. How could he forget? The first time he saw it was the time Obito had pissed off Rin pretty badly… the Uchiha had a broken knee back then but was stubborn to continue with the mission. Frustrated, Rin gave Obito a torture session he never forgot.
Kakashi sighed inwardly. It was one heck of a memory… Rin later taught Kakashi how to do it as well, thus making sure that if the Uchiha had any related bone injuries in the future to watch out. His Sensei had been laughing madly at the scene and as for Obito… he never made Rin angry when it came to healing from that moment forward.
"Good, next task… do that Taijutsu on Elladan tomorrow when you spar with him. I'd thought it'd relieve the past tensions you're having."
"As you wish… and … Arigato, Oji-san. I really need a stress reliever," the ANBU replied thankfully.
Gandalf chuckled, "For someone so young, you should lighten up a bit."
"I guess I could do that." Kakashi agreed.
--------------------------
-End of Flashback-
--------------------------
Finally something was going in his favor. He wouldn't be too harsh on the elf in the beginning, or most likely he would play with the elf's emotions first. When a person's emotions aren't stable it was easier to predict their movements. It looked like he'll pay a visit to the training grounds first then later train his jutsus by himself.
For now, he needed to get used to making Mizu Kage Bunshins from long distances and try maintaining them for a sufficient amount of time.
---------------------------------------------
Rivendell, Middle Earth
The Training Grounds The Next Day…
Morning (Local time)
---------------------------------------------
178… 179… 180… 181…182…
Kakashi was doing push ups and was getting closer to the 200th push up. He looked around the training ground, as it was empty; though there were about three elves that were walking around and preparing their weapons. Still, the ANBU had been training his stamina since the break of dawn.
Training had always been the necessity to make one a skilled shinobi. Usually it wouldn't bother Kakashi where he trained, whether it was on the edges of jagged cliffs or on top of high buildings. Basically any place could serve as a training ground to train ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. The only problem… the shinobi was in Middle Earth. Training ninja skills out in the open had a limit; basically, a shinobi couldn't reveal all his techniques to outsiders. Not that Kakashi worried, but it was a good tactic in fighting opponents that were maybe considered troublesome or at a higher level. The concept was to fool your opponent into thinking that you were weak; once they became too cocky… they usually did something stupid and were left unguarded. Afterwards it was the simple task of striking them at their weakest spot.
"Morning, Kakashi!"
The shinobi turned to see the wizard cheerfully walking towards him. The shinobi kept doing push ups while he watched Gandalf interestingly sitting down on a large boulder next to him.
"Morning… Oji-san…" Kakashi slightly panted as he was on his 200th push up.
"Training are we?" Gandalf asked.
Kakashi nodded, "Better than dying recklessly…."
"Since when have you been training?"
"Sun rise…"
"Prefer to depend on skills rather than luck?" Gandalf asked as he took his pipe from his robe.
"Skills are like water to survive for a shinobi… but luck does make one large significance in battle... especially in life and death situations…" Kakashi commented.
"Both then." Gandalf nodded as he smoked his pipe.
Kakashi soon rested in a sitting up position after he had done his push ups. He looked to the wizard, ((Considering you have lived so long Oji-san, what would happen if the Ring had fallen into the Ringwraiths' hands?))
((Everything here in Middle Earth would have fallen into certain doom and most likely the neighboring countries would be next))
(('Doom' is a very common word I'm listening to these days. Not much sense of hope is there?)) Kakashi inclined.
Gandalf agreed, ((Hope is very rare at the moment in Middle Earth wherever you look. The Dark Lord in the east is getting restless; his shadow comes nearer every day.))
((I see.)) Kakashi said. ((Hope is a fickle thing to rely on))
((As far as I can gather, was there not a Fourth Hokage? I'm quite curious why Sarutobi has attained the title of Hokage after his retirement.))
The shinobi flinched slightly at the mention of the Fourth, which indeed had caught the wizard's attention. Gandalf waited for the shinobi to reply.
((There was an attack from a Nine-Tailed Kyuubi Demon. He died protecting the village in order to seal it. Yondaime is Jiraiya-sama's student to be precise)) the shinobi said quietly.
((I heard that Sarutobi's student Jiraiya had a student of his own that was talented. I never had thought he was the Fourth…How-))
((The Fourth was… my sensei…)) Kakashi replied tonelessly and the expression on his face was blank. The 14 year-old got up and headed towards the weapon storage room walking silently, leaving the old man pondering of what he had just heard.
Gandalf stared at the shinobi with a forlorn look and silently shook his head as he realized what he said. The old man now felt foolish for speaking so tactlessly in front of Kakashi.
At the same time Gandalf had received the scroll of Kakashi's team, he had also received the ANBU's history profile from the Hokage. There was no mission that Kakashi did not do, however, what had bothered the wizard the most was in fact that Kakashi's profile had stated he had never stopped taking missions after a year ago. Usually, most shinobi would resume normal duties in the village after five missions… especially if they were high ranked ones. In Kakashi' profile, he had taken B-ranked, A-ranked and even some S-ranked missions non-stop. The longest time he ever stayed in the village was three months, and that was because he was preparing to go to Middle Earth.
Then there was also Sarutobi who said that he came out of retirement a year ago. Gandalf soon concluded the Fourth had died just within a year.
Gandalf had also read other parts of Kakashi's history, his father had died when he was at the age of 7, there were no reports as to what had happened to his mother, and lastly his previous team was defunct as the report had said that both of his teammates had died. Gandalf now understood why Kakashi was taking missions in succession without any rest. The boy was trying to pick up the pieces and recover in his own way.
It was then the wizard remembered Sarutobi's letter…
"Hopefully he will be of assistance to you, although he has been having rather hard experiences these past few months."
Gandalf let out a sigh. No one that young should suffer so much, even if shinobi were considered to be tools by others. In the end, they were human beings who needed to consider their emotions also. The last sentence of the letter came quickly to Gandalf's mind…
"I'd be very thankful if you could at least help him find the light within himself."
The wizard was determined to help the young shinobi in some way; how he would do it he wasn't sure… but firstly he would gain Kakashi's trust. Gandalf figured it wasn't going to be easy, not to mention that Kakashi had a knack for keeping his distance from nearly everyone, everyone except the wizard himself. Oddly, Kakashi seemed to be drawn towards him (Gandalf). Gandalf the Grey had decided then he would use that to his advantage…
--------------------------------
Three hours later…
--------------------------------
The ANBU flexed his neck to the left and the right, as it cracked, and let out a satisfied sigh. Well, he was ready to battle it out on the training grounds. There seemed to be one hell of a crowd waiting for the spar. Kakashi couldn't help but feel unbelievingly… stupid.
It looked more as if the whole place was in for a tournament. He even noticed that the rangers were betting on him (Kakashi) to win, while the elves were betting on the son of Elrond. Elladan looked very confident he would win, and the elves around him and his brother were sure that he would. This whole event took place as if the shinobi was the main attraction for some circus. Kakashi growled and swore the elf would be torched with pain. If the elf was going to step on his pride, Kakashi was going to run a bulldozer on the elf's and make sure it remained flat.
Gandalf then appeared behind the shinobi, "I wasn't actually expecting this."
"The place looks… like a market." Kakashi commented stiffly. The shinobi felt he was like one of the competitors in those chicken fights, him being the chicken in the ring.
"It seems that Elladan brought a crowd with him."
The shinobi growled, "The entire Rivendell village would be more exact. What does he want?"
"To prove to everyone he is capable of going on the next mission." Gandalf sighed. "I should have predicted this would happen."
"Proving something while fighting with an injury is not really going to get him anywhere."
"Well then, Kakashi, take it as your first step to prove you are worthy of the mission as well."
"Oji-san?" Kakashi asked.
"What is it Kakashi?"
((Ano… sorry for leaving you like that… those three hours ago… I-))
((Needed to patch some problems of your own?)) Gandalf said gently.
((…yes…I could have explained it better-))
((No, I should have been the one to apologize at first hand and had not brought it up when you were focused with a task. I am but your client, and therefore I was wrong to speak of something personal. I am sorry for bringing up the past you may or may not wish to forget. Although I am your client, do not hesitate to ask should you have any problems. I am here to offer help, not as your client, but as a friend,)) Gandalf smiled at the shinobi.
For the first time in a year after the Kyuubi attack, Kakashi felt as though a lot of weight was off his back. ((Oji-san, why are you so persistent on helping someone like me?))
((You seem to have a talent in understanding my actions.)) Gandalf said intrigued.
Kakashi grinned, ((Your actions are easy to read Oji-san, but what reason you do them for is yet still shrouded in mystery))
Gandalf laughed at the shinobi's comment and put one finger up, ((I do have yet one reason. It goes in a quote.))
((What's that?)) Kakashi asked.
((I am only one, But I am still one; I cannot do everything, but I still can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do.)) Gandalf stated. ((Is that not a part of the life of being a shinobi?))
Kakashi gave a quick rare smile to the wizard, before facing towards his next task.
((Hai, Oji-san)) Kakashi said, ((And… I'll make this task successful.))
"That's the spirit." Gandalf cheered.
As the two participants were ready, the crowd brought their attention to the fighters. Aragorn was with Arwen near the garden watching, Halbarad was amongst the rangers that were on the left side of the couple, and the other guests of the Household of Elrond had came to watch from the balcony that had a clear view of the training grounds.
An elf was acting as referee or some sort to Kakashi spoke up, "We are sparring until one does not hold a weapon, is on the ground, and gives up. It that clear?"
"Clear," Elladan said.
"Crystal," Kakashi agreed.
"Start!"
Elladan had already unsheathed his sword. As for Kakashi, he didn't move at all but instead his eyes were darting all over the place. Another basic rule for a shinobi was to see and use his surroundings to his advantage.
"Come! Are you not going to fight?" Elladan challenged.
Kakashi looked to his back, he had both his father's chakra blade and katana but… he was just too lazy to unsheathe them. No ninja should be acting like this, but if you knew your opponent had an injury and there was most likely a chance he would move slower… who wouldn't be lazy? He had his kunai and shuriken pockets on his right thigh and pouch… but using them on a fight like this was a waste…
"Kakashi! Taijutsu only!" Gandalf ordered cheerfully.
'Oji-san seems to know what I'm thinking,' Kakashi thought brightly. "Right!"
The crowd seems to be curious what Gandalf meant by 'taijutsu' and murmured. They were soon pointing at Kakashi as he was trying to find something in his pouch.
Elladan was immediately on alert if any unsuspected weapon was going to come out. Aragorn was predicting the ANBU would use kunai or shuriken along with Arwen and the other rangers. The whole crowd was waiting in tense anticipation. And then…
TA DAA! Out of his pouch came out…
A book…
A copy of Bilbo's book about Middle Earth and his travels. Kakashi smiled sweetly and mockingly at the elf as he flipped through the pages.
"Now, I'm going to read where I left off." Kakashi grinned gleefully, he felt the whole crowd sweat dropping and gaping around him. As for Gandalf the Grey, he chuckled with amusement.
"What is the meaning of this?" Elladan accused the shinobi seeing what he was doing was mad.
Kakashi's eyes never left the book and said bluntly, "Curiosity of course, I want to know what happens next when Bilbo meets up with the Trolls."
"This is a battle is it not?"
"A friendly spar," Kakashi corrected as the elf was steamed up.
Kakashi would risk an eye when he could against his opponent. This was the same method his sensei had taught him on how to get as much intelligence (or information from the enemy) and be alert at the same time.
"Why hesitate Elladan?" the wizard asked. "If he thinks he can handle your attacks, then it is the risk he will take."
"As you wish." Elladan said and instantly tried to attack Kakashi head on.
Kakashi, still reading the book, side stepped. Left step, twirl, back step, left step. Faster than the elf, he was now behind his opponent.
"Where are you looking?" Kakashi said in the elf's ear and caught the elf off-guard.
Kakashi was very, very tempted to do the humiliating 'Konoha's Supreme Taijutsu: A Thousand Years of Death', but had second thought it wouldn't be appropriate in Middle Earth's culture. Instead he patted Elladan's dislocated shoulder rather hard.
'WHACK!'
Too hard maybe… more of a slap on the back…
Elladan winced in pain as his left shoulder took the hit with full force.
"You know, you shouldn't fight with a dislocated shoulder. It'll only hinder your movements." Kakashi advised in front of his opponent again, but his eyes were still reading the book.
The elf studied the opponent in front of him and questioned, "How do you know of this?"
Kakashi pointed out, "When you came into Lord Elrond's study it was quite obvious your left shoulder was at fault, you were leaning more to the right even though your arm was moving normally. Plus when you swung your sword and your body was swinging to the left you were imbalanced, head on attacks require a balance of the arm and shoulder on the opposite side of the body of your sword arm; thus an injured left shoulder takes more time for you to recover and make another attack."
Aragorn and Halbarad were wide eyed. One simple look and a single attack held so much information.
Though on the inside Kakashi was impressed to see Elladan move rather fluently in speed. Due to that, Kakashi still held himself in a cautious mode, just in case anything sudden came up. Elves were stronger and swifter than humans, mainly because they had lived longer than humans. Yet, Kakashi understood the fact they didn't train as intensively as shinobi since they didn't fight all the time. Shinobi mainly had missions to prove their training, but Kakashi doubted the elves would face danger everyday. Hell, if Kakashi had lived a thousand years, his skills would have been above the legendary Sannin for sure.
Seeing that Kakashi would easily avoid head on attacks, Elladan threw an elven dagger at Kakashi. Elrond seemed to want to protest, but it was too late.
"It's not going to work." Aragorn said.
Halbarad looked at his companion, "Why?"
"I did the same thing before to him when the hobbits and I were chased down by the wraiths." Aragorn said.
As the ranger predicted, Kakashi caught the dagger effortlessly and twirled it around his fingers. "You should have aimed it at my head, not the book. Aim more accurately next time."
As proof, Kakashi's hand blurred and flicked the dagger into the bushes.
'WAH!'
Pippin who was intending to leave the bushes, had his cloak caught on the dagger and it embedded itself into a tree behind him. "I'm alive?"
"Don't move so much Pippin, it would've been safer if you stayed there," Kakashi advised the hobbit. Merry who was in the bushes did not move. "You should follow the example of your friend Merry. Merry, you can come out and get the dagger off his cloak."
The other hobbit soon popped out and went to help, surprising more than a few from the crowd.
Elladan watched his opponent warily, "You may have skills to fight, but without an intention to fight it will serve you nothing."
This time, Kakashi closed his book and tucked it in his pouch, "If I did have the intention to fight and kill you, you wouldn't even last for a minute."
The elf finally took the initiative to attack first, three swings and three misses. Then another five swings, plus a few kicks, and punches but all of them missed.
"What type of mentor would educate his student to keep on running rather than to fight?" Elladan said. "A coward, that's what."
The shinobi's blood had suddenly started to boil, "What did you say?" Kakashi's fists were white since he was squeezing it so hard.
Gandalf slightly cringed, 'This does not bode well.'
"Elladan! Stop!" Aragorn argued.
"Your actions are childish. You do not fight with reason. And as I said, your mentor is a coward." Elladan said plainly.
The ANBU now had every reason to be angry. He had kept all his anger to himself during the chase of the Ringwraiths and even his stay in Rivendell. But what the elf said had totally crossed the border line, like the elf knew how his sensei was like. He just HAD TO SAY IT. In the end Kakashi was forced to break rule number 25, but he wasn't going to regret it. He was going to use the most of it.
Kakashi looked down and closed his eyes, "No one…No ONE says my sensei is a coward and disrespects the Fourth Hokage of Konoha in front of me." As the ANBU looked back up at Elladan, his eye (not the Sharingan) was empty and murderous. "So you want to play tough, eh? Fine by me."
This time Kakashi ran head on towards his opponent face to face… too many of the audience around them were seeing a blur; as the elf swiped his sword Kakashi had his left hand on the ground and squarely kicked the elf on the chest knocking him down.
In sequence, Kakashi pivoted his left hand on the ground, and sent another kick to the elf's back. Elladan landed on his front, and the ANBU leapt up and immediately pinned the elf down by twisting his left arm, did a few finger thrusts on the elf's back and squarely stepped on the dislocated shoulder.
"Give up already. You lose." Kakashi said sternly.
Elladan's face welled up with pain but no voice came out. All of a sudden both of his legs couldn't move, they had gone limp. The more he tried to move, the more the shinobi applied pressure to the dislocated shoulder.
Kakashi snorted, "A stubborn one. Fine, I'll give you a choice. Take those words back, and I'll let you go."
"Is this all you got?" Elladan mocked. "You won't stand against orcs if you fight without wielding a weapon."
Kakashi only rolled his eyes, "Of course not. You're a baka. An idiot. The reason why Mithrandir said only to use taijutsu was for your safety. Taijutsu is hand-to-hand combat; I haven't even used Ninjutsu and Genjutsu since it was my client's request. Should I use the three of them together, you won't last for ten seconds."
"Ninjutsu? Genjutsu?"
"I'll make it simple for you, Ninjutsu: ninja techniques of elements, projectile weapons, and fighting; Genjutsu: making the enemy see illusions." Kakashi stated as he stepped on the elf harder. "You can't win."
Elladan tried to get up, only to find his legs unmoving.
"Your legs won't move in the next two hours or so," Kakashi added.
"How is it possible?" Lord Elrond spoke up.
Kakashi looked at the lord half heartedly, "By applying the right pressure on points of the main nervous system, on the backbone, it allows certain parts of the body to be in temporary paralysis, or to make someone blind, etcetera or you can wipe out the target permanently." The ANBU went back to his target, "Take those words back. Final Warning."
Elladan wasn't intending to give up, how could he lose to a child of 14? He was now starting to understand why Gandalf hired the shinobi in the first place, they certainly were experts in fighting… but he didn't want to lose to a child. He stubbornly got up. Bad mistake…
Kakashi with no hesitation at all, twisted the elf's arm one eighty…
'CRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACKKKKKKKKKKK!'
The sound of cracking bones echoed throughout the training ground, accompanied with cringes from the audience.
Oh yes, the elf screamed like a bitch. Ouch. That's gotta hurt.
After Kakashi was done with his business, he left the elf groaning in pain on the floor and went to his client. The ANBU was rather satisfied to put all his anger into the fight since it had been sealed inside him for weeks. For Kakashi, it was more weight off his mind.
"Task accomplished." Kakashi said.
"Yet it seems we have more combatants." Gandalf pointed out as he indicated there were five elves that seemed to want to rise up to the occasion.
The five new fighters seemed to dislike what Kakashi had done to Elladan. "What's this? Looks like more people want to play the game, eh?"
"Fight us." One of the elves said.
Kakashi looked at the elf like he was an idiot, "What for?"
"You beat us, we take back Elladan's words," the elf said.
One thing Kakashi noticed about the elf was his vocabulary in the Common Tongue was lacking. Most likely a native speaker of elvish…
"Fine." Kakashi agreed. He could use some stress release.
This time Aragorn was arguing with the elf in elvish so that Kakashi couldn't understand. The shinobi, of course, understood every word of it.
Xx … Stop this foolishness, you cannot win. … xX the ranger warned them.
Xx … Estel (Aragorn), we cannot let a 14 year-old step on our pride … xX
Then Kakashi notice one golden-haired elf that seemed to be from the woodland realm stand and defend the ranger, Xx … Estel is right. It will do no good in turning him into our enemy. We should cease the fight at once … xX
In the end it was the stubbornness of the five elves that won.
Kakashi looked at his client. "Well?"
"I do not think they will stop right now." Gandalf sighed. "Sorry for putting you through this mess."
Kakashi shook his head, "No, it's a stress reliever, Oji-san. So… what will it be?"
"Make it swift. Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. Try not to go over C-rank abilities preferably."
"Got it."
This time the five elves did not have a single chance to fight back. By using the 'Body flicker jutsu' combined with a genjutsu and Kage Bunshins and a high speed taijutsu it looked to the normal person that Kakashi moved at an alarming speed among the five, pinned them down, and knocked all of them out instantaneously.
Kakashi sighed at how troublesome the elves were, even though there were cheers from the dwarves and rangers. He even heard a few dwarves in Dwarvish saying, 'bless the lad for beating an elf.'
Kakashi sweat dropped, Middle Earth was one crazy continent.
"We take the words back. I apologize." Elladan said from behind the beaten elves that were littered on the floor. Elrohir was now supporting his twin.
"Try moving that arm and shoulder now." Kakashi instructed.
When the elf did, his eyes were in disbelief, "It's healed."
Kakashi nodded, "It's a painful method of healing, but it takes a couple of minutes for the bone to be set back in place. It seems you're going on the mission I guess."
The elf only gave Kakashi a rather disturbed and frightful look before leaving the grounds, while Kakashi happily waved and grinned pleasantly.
Along the way most of the men and dwarves congratulated him in proving his worth. They were now more interested in the existence of shinobi. Kakashi gave them bits of info he could spare with his time, but soon he had to excuse himself so he could continue his ninjutsu training at the waterfalls.
The woodland elf that had now introduced himself politely as Legolas said, "Please pay no heed, my kin at times underestimate others. Your patience serves you well."
"Any words you wish to share with us?" Halbarad asked. "You were indeed patient in the face of many."
"Perhaps in your native language?" Bilbo asked eagerly.
"I guess. But Mithrandir should translate it for you. It goes: Chi ni hatarakeba kado ga tatsu. Jō ni saosaseba nagasareru. Iji o tōseba kyūkutsu da. Tonikaku hito no yo wa suminikui. It's useful in teaching you tolerance." Kakashi said before he left.
"Do tell, old friend, what it means," Bilbo urged the wizard.
Gandalf smiled, "Don't be surprised that his words are not of a child." Soon the old man translated the odd language…
"Use your intellect to guide you, and you will end up putting people off. Rely on your emotions, and you will forever be pushed around. Force your will on others, and you will live in constant tension. There is no getting around it—people are hard to live with."
---------------------------------------------
Rivendell, Middle Earth
The Village Entrance Two Days Later…
Morning (Local time)
---------------------------------------------
After two days of training and preparation, Kakashi was ready to go with the Rangers and a few of the Rivendell elves on his next mission. Raiuma seemed to be happy that he was riding out again as the horse looked to his master eagerly in the direction of the woods. Kakashi only smirked at his steed and rubbed its forehead fondly. The ANBU had to admit he was also glad to be going into the wild again, and perhaps he would learn more about Middle Earth on this trip.
Before the company would depart, Elrond and Gandalf were to see them off. As for Arwen, she was seeing off Aragorn. Bilbo unexpectedly had joined in with Gandalf to wish a secure trip to the shinobi.
"Take care of each other well." Elrond said. "May the Valar be with you."
Gandalf was to see the shinobi off, "Well, I hope you do well on this mission. Here, Lindir the blacksmith said you requested these."
Kakashi was surprised to find a pouch full of newly made shuriken and kunai. "Send my thanks to Lindir, Oji-san."
"I will."
Kakashi then looked at the elder hobbit, "I wasn't expecting you to be here."
"Neither am I actually. Though I do bid you a safe journey, should you come back I will expect an account of happened to you." Bilbo said brightly.
Kakashi silently sweat dropped and looked at Gandalf uncertainly, "I'll try. Though I can't guarantee the details…" Like his client was going to let Bilbo know everything that was happening during his trip… Gandalf replied to the shinobi's look with a grin on his face. 'Definitely a 'No',' Kakashi shrugged apologetically to Bilbo.
Bilbo only gave a pout to the wizard. Before this went out of hand, Kakashi thought of the fastest way possible to settle things peacefully.
"Ah, about the red book, don't worry. I have it with me." Kakashi added. "I thought it'd come in handy sometime."
The elder hobbit's ear perked at this and all the 'adventure account idea' was lost from his mind, which caused Gandalf to chuckle.
"Good." Bilbo smiled.
Kakashi looked to the wizard, ((You know, Hobbits are the most curious race. They live an unexpectedly 'wild card' existence.))
((I quite agree, even after hundreds of years with them they do have a tendency to still surprise you.)) Gandalf stated.
"Gandalf, you think you can teach me that language? For the moment of course; once Kakashi comes back, I think I'll learn more from him." The hobbit said eagerly.
There were a few chuckles in the company, while Gandalf and Kakashi stared at the hobbit amusedly both with matching expressions on their faces. Arwen smiled as the two somewhat had a resemblance that could have been mistaken as if they were family.
((Shocking is more accurate word for it.)) Kakashi said trying to suppress a grin.
Gandalf smiled, "Do not worry master hobbit, I'll give you the basics of the language briefly. We should let the company depart."
"Right, of course." Bilbo said.
"And another task I wish to entrust you…" Gandalf said as he was thinking.
"Hai?"
"…Do take care of your second client well. He has a bad habit of heading straight into danger without any tact." Gandalf added.
Aragorn only gave a disdainful look at Gandalf as he felt like he was a child being scolded by his mother, the twins at the back were laughing at the ranger.
"Also, his two foster brothers could use some help because that is where that bad judgment of going into battle comes from." Gandalf grinned which caused the shinobi to snicker and the twins of Elrond to gape in disbelief. The whole group (even Arwen) was now laughing at the three that were red-faced.
With everything set, the company departed into the wilderness…
TO BE CONTINUED…
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Another long juicy chapter done!
Hope you enjoyed it! Got any comments, ideas or anything in your mind, don't hesitate to drop a review! Sorry about the long wait to update, but I guess I try to focus on a palatable plot so you guys would enjoy reading it and so the story has some depth to it.
For the council of Elrond, sorry to make it short. I was too lazy to figure out everything from the movie (I don't exactly want it the same as the movie) and the book is even way longer then the movie. Sorry if any of you like it as a fav scene in the movie, I had to miss it out. (Sweat drops). I added more stuff about the Sharingan then I expected… but we'll see how it goes. And a bit of Gandalf and Kakashi bonding for those who haven't noticed (No yaoi of the kind. Period. I will not mention it again). Even unexpectedly a bit Bilbo; he's my favorite character from the book 'The Hobbit'. I'm gonna try and tweak the plot a bit.
As those who have not read the book, Elladan & Elrohir are both Elrond's twin sons. Though they are never mentioned in the movie they do exist and belong to Tolkein. Oh, Estel is Aragorn's nickname for the elves; it means 'hope' in the elvish language.
Quotes mentioned in this fic do not belong to me.
Plus… My reasons for choosing a 'five-man' team is mainly I think it would be more effective in making the plot more interesting and fresh. Naturally the nin-teams are four per team… but things could change should there be a war like situation. Okay… now I'll tell you why I chose these four characters:
Generally I chose them for their age. Yugano's 22 years old in the main Naruto storyline (She also the only known female ANBU to be seen in Anime/Manga), and this fic takes place 12 years before, she'd be about 10 years old. Something I highly doubt any shinobi would be in the ANBU (unless they'd be talented as Kakashi or Itachi). I guess I'm kind of making rules for myself to why I'm limiting the AU-ness of this fic.
Ibiki Morino: Would be 15 years old in this fic. He's already a Tokubetsu Jonin, most likely be able to handle him self well in war situations. He's the head of the ANBU Torture and Interrogation Force in the main Naruto storyline (so it's not odd he's already in the ANBU). He may not be a part of Kakashi's main team, but I wanted someone with an integrator skill in the team. Though it's not stated what type of fighting technique he uses in Naruto, I'm guessing he's a genjutsu user (a main method to interrogate or torture enemies). I figured it'd come in handy in the plot later. And for a bit of humor… maybe XP…
Yamato (Real name: Tenzo): He's a character introduced in Naruto II for the Manga. Tenzo's age has not been stated by any Naruto source, though he calls Kakashi his senior (sempai) in the ANBU. He's already a part Kakashi's team while in the ANBU. Plus his ninjutsus are pretty powerful (Wood elemental mostly). It's be a spoiler for those who haven't read that far into Naruto II yet so if your desperate to find out who he is… just head into the wiki site (that site is damn useful!). So I'm making an estimate he's younger then Kakashi, but not too young (for the sake of this fic)… so I'm going to stick with 13 years old and he's a Chunin. ANBU members are mostly recruited at Chunin. For anyone who's curious what ANBU mask he wears… he wears a cat mask.
Genma Shiranui: He's 18 in this fic and the oldest out of the lot. I figured there should be someone in the team that would be older and more experienced then the others (even if he's a Tokubetsu Jonin) and not to mention tactful. There is a chance he could be the commander of the team. I chose him instead of Might Guy. It would be fun writing about Guy making a mickey out Kakashi but… I just couldn't. I'm not really a Guy fan and I wanted to respect Tolkein's LotR story more (limit certain randomness in the story).
Shizune: She's 16 in this fic. Ok, I know that she's supposed to be with Tsunade… but her affiliation is still with Konoha would permit her to be called into duty should the Hokage request it. Most likely she would have Tsunade's permission as well, yet my real reason why I'm picking her because the team needs a medi-nin and a Kunoichi… Most shinobi teams consist of at least one kunoichi, so I'll stick to the pattern. And another reason is… I don't want to make OCs in this team, and I truthfully I don't want to make unnecessary OCs that would take our main characters of Naruto's spotlight… so less chance of any MS or GS coming into this fic. (Jumps cheerfully) I truthfully detest MS/GS characters, not my style.
I made sure I wanted a well-balanced team and figured out what jutsus will come into the plot nicely. So basically:
Kakashi (Genjutsu, Ninjutsu, Kekkai-Genkkai: Sharingan, tracking)
Ibiki (Genjutsu, Ninjutsu, interrogation/torture)
Yamato (Elemental based Ninjutsu, assassination)
Genma (Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Tactician in experience)
Shizune (Medi-nin, Poison based ninjutsu, A kunoichi)
Oh… if anyone is wondering when they'll appear and help Kakashi (directly) that would be when we get to The Two Towers plotline… that's a LONG way to go. Though I might add them in chapters leading to the Two Towers or Kakashi's reference to other shinobi. Hope this clears it up. Any scenes suggested about these four? Tell me of any ideas you have in mind, I might just put it in with this fic!
Do I explain too much? Or is it just me? You think I need a forum for this fic? Tell me what you think… I might consider it, I guess…
I might update this fic a little later; I got another fic that still needs to be worked on. So most likely, give me a month and it'll be a long and good chapter!
Next Chapter:
Kakashi learns to adapt in Middle Earth with rangers and elves…
Tracking traces of the Ringwraiths…
Finding the routes that will lead to the first part of the LotR journey…
Chapter 5: 'Back into the Wild.'