Edited!


An agonizing awareness interrupted her in the blissful darkness. It started off small. Like a nudging that steadily grew into a pulsating ache. The pain stretched and pulled, throbbing deep in her abdomen. It was as if the agony was prodding her to wake up, irritated she was ignoring the damage to her body. But she didn't want to. Akane was exhausted, even while emerging from her slumber. It felt slow and lethargic, as if floating to the surface from the bottom of a lake. It was uncommon for her to wake up in that amount of pain.

And where the hell was she?

There was no loamy fur beneath her head or squishy bed roll. She was cold, on a hard surface, and in an uncomfortable position.

Still, she didn't open her eyes, mind foggy from the heavy exhaustion she felt. Small images flittered across her mind, snippets of a fight with Itachi, Kakashi arriving, a smiling blue Mist-nin. Fireballs sent into her wind attacks and being sliced through. Everything out of order and confusing.

Oh, right… she passed out.

Fuck.

The sudden awareness of being bound became more crucial in her feverish mind than her injury. Someone had her tied up. But who? Would Itachi be that uneasy with her knowing parts of the truth that he would capture her?

But if he was that concerned with loose ends, he would just kill her instead, right?

None of this made sense. Or maybe it did, and she was too depleted to understand it. One thing she could do was fall back asleep and deal with it the next time she woke up. That sounded better than facing it head on. The answers seemed daunting to her tired mind, like a complex puzzle, levels above her understanding.

Reluctantly, she opened her eyes, knowing pushing off the inevitable would do her no good. She had to blink until the visage cleared. The strong urge to rub the sleep away was agonizing, but her hands were bound behind her back, preventing her the barest comforts. Instead, Akane opted for rubbing her face on her knees, pulling her bound ankles closer till her knees were to her chest. The crunching movement compressed her wound painfully and she could feel restriction against her skin and shirt.

Someone bandaged her.

How polite, she mused dryly, feeling like the problem would have fixed itself had they just left the chakra strings off.

Leaning back, she took in her surroundings, trying to distinguish as much about her situation as possible.

She was settled at the trunk of a mature tree with massive limbs extending to block out the sky. The canopy was huge and reached into nearby smaller aged trees. She recognized the large tree was plated with ashen bark and leaves were a palmate oak-shape. The forest floor was blanketed in grasses and few shrubs in the opening of the tree canopy where light would penetrate to the understory. Shadows swallowed any visuals beyond the camp, but she didn't need to see more to realize she was in Fire Country.

It was evening, or early morning. The former if she had to guess judging by the small fire and empty bedroll splayed out beside it. The tiny cracks of embers burst, sending speckles of flame into the air, which would have been comforting had she been free and not trapped within Fire Country's borders.

This was not good.

Not to mention, she was in a weakened state. Her chakra cut off-never fully recovered from her fight with Kakashi, followed by the confrontation with Itachi, and if that wasn't enough, her wound was torn open.

She woke up worse now than she did after the night of freeing Benjiro.

It was her own fault. She should have listened to Aki.

This was not good.

Before she could ponder further on her bleak situation, a presence entered the circle of firelight. Black mask, Jonin vest, and armful of branches. A dark eye landed on her, and he offered a careful smile under the mask.

"Ah, I figured you'd be awake soon," he greeted casually as he set the wood down at the foot of the bedroll. "Good timing. I was just about to make some dinner."

Akane didn't answer, instead just stared at him with guarded features. She wasn't his friend. If he thought he could fool her with the nice guy routine, he was in for disappointment.

When the silence stretched on for too long, Kakashi prodded with another conversation starter. "I'm not the best cook, so you'll have to make do until we get to the village."

Again, no verbal acknowledgement. Not even a reaction.

"I'm sure you're hungry after not eating for a few days. How does ramen sound? It's not a five-star meal, unless you ask Naruto's opinion, but it hits the spot…"

Instead of responding, Akane turned her head, finding a location in the forest to pretend was more interesting than the shinobi's tactics.

Kakashi sighed, giving up on the conversation and pulled a scroll out. Activating a few seals, a pot and two packets of food appeared in a cloud. After stoking the fire and adding a couple of the collected branches, he poured water from his canteen into the pot and set it on a flat rock next to the flame.

Akane watched from the corner of her eye, suspicious still on why she was in the position with the lone shinobi. She didn't know where his team was or if she was under a genjutsu to confuse her further. The amount of food was limited to two people or else he would have gone to a river or stream to fill the pot with more water.

Now that she thought about it, he was alone at the confrontation with the Akatsuki team, and it was clear that he knew who he was meeting on the sand dunes. Yet, he still came alone. His team must have gone back to Konoha while he stayed behind-possibly for some business with Sunagakure. He did mention Suna's alliance being a reason for showing up.

She could feel her face redden from embarrassment at the thought of Kakashi bringing her back to Konoha without breaking a sweat. Just a lucky collection after a squirmish. His team—particularly that loud blond—would find it hilarious. He would probably rub it in at being caught so easily, like salt in the wound.

Akane's mood darkened at the thought.

The smell of seasoning in the water with the noodles distracted her momentarily. She felt as if her stomach was sucked in and craving for anything to fill it. Her attention drifted away from the forest and over to the fire only to see Kakashi analyzing her silently. Akane felt herself bristle at being watched so openly by her captor.

"What?" she demanded; her voice hoarse from not being used.

Kakashi didn't respond right away, taking another second to examine her before returning to the pot of food. "I admit, I expected more of a reaction from you. I'm sure you're not pleased at being arrested, but you're taking it well considering."

"Trust me, I'm not taking anything well. I just know my condition doesn't leave me much say on the matter."

"Hmm... That's a reasonable deduction," he levelled coolly.

Akane didn't try to defend herself further and opted to stare out at the forest again. Was he implying she didn't have the means to think logically in a situation like this? The nerve of the man. She wanted to curse at him, even plot some grand scheme to catch him off guard and escape.

But reality was staring her in the face. She was, in every sense of the word, defenseless. If her wound wasn't torn open, she could try to get ahold of a kunai or shuriken to cut her bindings, but against Kakashi, it wouldn't be easy. Of course, her own weapons and scrolls were stripped from her.

Basic Practices of a Captor 101, and all that.

Kakashi wouldn't make it easy on Akane, so her only alternative was waiting for the right opportunity. That so called 'opportunity' seemed dismal despite her optimism. But it was something that could keep her mind focused, something she could hope was attainable. Akane wasn't one to just give up when situations were not in her favor. It was possibly the only reason why she was still alive to this day.

So, she buckled down, determined to find a way. First, she needed to know how long she had until they arrived in Konoha.

Her gaze drifted to the shinobi pouring the ramen in two bowls, contemplating if he would guard that information or be confident enough to reveal it. Once the deadline was disclosed, she could plan accordingly. It was a simple piece of knowledge that seemed harmless enough to the trustful captor, one who wouldn't understand the value the time weighed to the desperate.

Oblivious to her musings, either feigned or purposeful, Kakashi picked up one bowl, leaving the other by the fire, and stood to his feet. Akane watched warily as he approached. The casual steps and soft gaze did little to ease her apprehension. Once reaching where she sat, Kakashi kneeled down in front of her, setting the bowl down off to the side. She didn't move, even as he pulled a kunai from his pouch. But when he leaned forward, closing the distance between them, she couldn't keep from stiffening. Kakashi didn't show he noticed as his free hand gripped her right elbow, pulling her to the side to reach her hands.

Akane didn't resist, but her mind was racing, trying to pick through the new change of events, the weapons just out of reach, the distracted captor. She was hoping to find that golden opportunity to escape, even if her mind warned it was too soon and too easy.

Kakashi's grip was polite but still with a measure of authority on her elbow, his own shoulder brushing against hers as the kunai reached her wrists. The closeness brought with it the scent of sweat and a sweetness of eucalyptus and oakmoss. Instantly, she was self-conscious of her own smell. She must stink of sweat, dirt, and God-knows what else. If they were in Fire Country, it meant that it was over two days of travel, at least. Regrettably, she hadn't bathed since before her team was arrested. Now that she thought about it, she could smell the days of stench on her.

Oh, God—this is embarrassing, she panicked, not realizing her wrists were free as she mentally curled in on herself. Kakashi didn't allow her a chance to use that split second to attack by pulling both hands to the front where he bound the wrists together once again.

Realizing what he was doing brought her focus back to her situation and away from how nice he smelled or how badly she needed a bath. Kakashi handed her the bowl of ramen with utensils which she took quietly. The new position allowed more movement, even if her wrists were still tied together with chakra strings.

More movement meant more opportunity.

Kakashi was confident for giving her extended access to fighting back. But of course, he would be. She was severely outmatched in her condition, and he truly would apprehend her without breaking a sweat if she attacked. As if sensing she would find an opening with her minor situational improvement, Kakashi sat across from her no more than 5 feet away. He crossed his legs and offered a smile under his mask.

"Are you not going to eat?" she questioned warily.

"I'll eat later. I'm not that hungry."

Akane found that hard to believe. She wasn't much of a betting woman, but if she was, she'd guess it had something to do with revealing his face to her. The notion was odd. He wasn't a criminal, so he had no reason to hide his identity. And if hiding his identity was the goal, he did it poorly. Many people from other nations would pick him out in a heartbeat because of his fame that came with his skills.

Kakashi of the Sharingan. The Copy-nin.

So, that was ruled out. Perhaps, it was just some fashion statement. He liked the mask and wanted to keep the image up. Or he liked to mess with people and make them wonder what he looked like underneath.

If that was the case, she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of asking any longer.

The steam from the hot ramen and warm bowl in her hands returned her attention to the food. She was starving. In any other situation, she would refuse to eat just to spite him, but right now she couldn't muster the will power. Her body needed food especially if she was going to heal the slow way, without chakra. Cells repairing, ligaments and muscles knitting back together, it all required energy.

Picking up the utensils, she started to eat. It wasn't restaurant quality, yet Akane couldn't complain. It tasted like the most delicious ramen she had in years. So much so that she reminded herself to eat slowly and not inhale the entire bowl. She was very thankful that her captor allowed her to eat. Not many would. Especially, if she was just the object that led to the desired bounty. But the gratefulness she felt was short lived.

After the third bite of food, she glared at Kakashi.

"Are you just going to sit there and watch me eat? It's kind of creepy, you know."

Kakashi chuckled sheepishly at the blunt accusation. "Well, I intended on having a conversation, but didn't want to interrupt you from eating."

A polite explanation, concealing his distrust, no doubt.

"I'd rather you just talk than stare at me."

"That's... fair." Kakashi's eye dropped to her injured side before returning to look at her. She ate another bite slowly, glare lessened but still pointed at him. "Are you a medic?"

"What?"

"I ask because your wounds had healed considerably before you passed out in Suna."

"Ah, well… I know basic techniques," she lied, not wanting to explain that it was just her chakra that acted on its own. That wasn't normal. She knew it wasn't normal. But if Kakashi or anyone else found out, it would open a line of questions which she didn't have an answer to. And accusations she didn't want to acknowledge. "Enough to get by."

Kakashi stared at her without a response. Akane had a slight suspicion that he didn't fully buy her explanation. Admittedly, she didn't do well with her delivery of the lie.

"I suppose," he drawled out slowly, "that would explain why it wasn't healed fully. Though I think you're giving yourself too little credit. The damage the Chidori does is extensive."

"Yeah, well, I must be getting better at the basics then." Her effort to deflect was weak but both knew that was all he would receive on the matter.

"All the same, your wound looks like it needs new bandaging soon. I'll have to change that, so it won't get infected."

Akane scoffed. "Why waste your time? You're taking me to Konoha, I assume."

"That's the idea."

"Then I'll be dead within the week. So, don't worry about it." She shoveled some noodles into her mouth a little more aggressively then needed.

Kakashi tilted his head with a skeptical squint of his dark eye. "I don't think you'll need to worry about that. If what you say is true and you haven't committed any criminal offense to Konoha or Suna, then you won't face a severe sentence."

Akane didn't answer but her glare said that she knew better.

"Unless that was a lie…"

"I told you; I didn't attack those teams. And no, my team didn't do it either. They aren't nearly as smart as you give them credit for and wouldn't be able to hold their own against a real team much less win. You can look at how easily your band of misfits took them down during our first confrontation. As for my sentence, it doesn't really matter. I'm as good as dead once they realize I've been alive all this time. The reasons as to why aren't important."

Kakashi frowned deprecatingly. "I'd say it's important if it means your death. Why are you putting so little value on that?"

Setting her bowl to her lap, Akane matched his frown. "Because that's just the shinobi life, isn't it? You fight and carry out missions as assigned, and once you lose your value, well…. Let's be real, not many get a happy ending retirement in this line of work."

"But you're the only one saying you lost your value. If you left Konoha without committing any criminal offense, you'll be offered reinstatement as an active member again; after whatever punishment they give you."

Akane scoffed and went back to eating, missing how Kakashi's eye narrowed at being ignored.

"Can you just tell me why?"

"Why what?"

"Why would you be executed."

"Don't know," she shrugged. "Probably, because they don't like me."

"Now you're just being childish. You could at least put effort into the lie if you're going to deflect. Do I need to deduct it myself?"

"If that's what'll keep you busy while I eat, then sure, Sparky. Knock yourself out."

Kakashi sighed and crossed his arms over his chest. The woman was frustrating to deal with. Try as she might with the devil-may-care façade, he saw right through it. But telling her that wasn't going to change anything. She'd just deflect harder-he was sure of it.

"Fine, have it your way," he responded casually despite the tension building between them. "The other day, you mentioned that important people did something that you're aware of. Something that others were killed for because they knew about it. I asked you if that was before or after Konoha, and you refused to answer. I think it's safe to say that by your assurance that you'll be executed, it was someone in Konoha responsible."

He paused, watching for a reaction from her. Akane didn't meet his gaze, instead chewing her ramen and watching the noodles as she picked up the next mouthful with her utensils. Anyone else would think she was ignoring him, but he knew he held her attention.

Kakashi continued. "Now, who that is or what the secret was, isn't as obvious. But there are a few things I've picked up from the past couple days around you. You're skilled, been on the run for a while or else I would have recognized you, and you have a peculiar attack that Itachi mistook for a bloodline. Safe to assume it's the same one you used on Sai and Naruto... I have a small theory about how you perform that, but I'll come back to the subject in a little while. The question right now is whether that has something to do with your treason against Konoha or not.

If you performed it against someone innocent or important, I would say it's possible. But I haven't gotten the impression that an event like that has taken place aside from the Chuunin Exam that Itachi mentioned. Though, I suppose if something happened during your exam to make you go on the run, then that would fit the timing theory. Yet there is a flaw with that assumption seeing as there is no secret or important person involved in that scenario. We'll table that for now.

Then there's the fact that you confronted Itachi about information. What information, I'm not sure, but there is a link between you, the Uchiha, and Konoha. Now Itachi is aware of the exam outcome, but he didn't know much about it, which is why he wanted you to show him in exchange for information. Another reason why I believed the Chuunin exam is not important in your life on the run.

Now someone important, a secret that they are willing to kill others for, and Itachi all point to Konoha, as I mentioned. Itachi was a skilled shinobi-still is today. A real prodigy of his time. Nori, on the other hand, is a clan name I'm not familiar with and don't recall any family in Konoha by that name. Of course, that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I don't claim to know everyone, but that makes me wonder if your family are civilians and you're a first-generation shinobi. Maybe second?

What does that have to do with anything? Well, I'm happy to elaborate. Itachi came from a renowned clan. 'Someone important', as you mentioned, could come from a clan head, village leaders, or maybe something smaller like a team lead. The latter, I'm not too keen on fitting in my hypothesis. But the other two... definitely. And for someone who isn't from a large clan, getting mixed up in a secret with higher ups can put a great deal of discomfort on one's wellbeing. So, a clan head or village leadership or political affiliate are likely the important someone you've been concerned finding out about you. And Itachi knows something about that secret or the person which you wanted info about. Now being the prodigy that Itachi is, I'm aware of his standing with different levels of powerful people through the village. Makes me wonder, just which string to pull to find the someone you're referring to...

So, am I getting warm? Should I continue?"

He forced an eye crinkle, feigning politeness but feeling a little pleased that she was not as unaffected as she pretended to be. Her brows were knitting the more he continued with his reasoning, and the corner of her lips fell a little further each time he mentioned Itachi. There was a link.

As he hoped for a verbal response, however, he got none.

Still, he knew his speculations were getting thin. The last few days, he had picked apart Itachi's warning, the little tidbits Akane leaked, and the overall picture to piece it all together. But he had maybe 1/3rd of the puzzle figured out, at best. In an attempt to push her into explaining her side, he hoped pressuring her with his theories would convince her to cooperate. Instead, it did nothing.

He could continue, sure. But if he started to get further away from the true events, which he hoped he wasn't past that point already, it would give her comfort in knowing he was far off the mark.

But why was she so determined to keep it a secret and what did she have to lose? One would think that by telling him her side of the story, it would bring him in as an ally. Something she desperately needed in a time like this.

And judging by Itachi's advice, it was something Kakashi needed to hear before he fully committed to turning her in.

Should he just tell her that he was on her side, willing to hear her out, that he wouldn't be turning her in?

What repercussions would come from that? She didn't trust him-that was obvious, and it wasn't going change once he made that announcement to her. Would she think he was lying to her? Most likely. The only way to prove it would be to show her...

Show her what exactly? The day before, he came up with the idea of sneaking her into Konoha and to his apartment. What a laughable idea.

Yet, it was the best one he had. Either that or find the answer out on the way to the village so there was no sneaking in a missing-nin, let alone having her in his apartment. But this woman was so stubborn!

He then pondered forcing the information from her. Making use of his Sharingan and putting her in a genjutsu. The idea was there, the motivation of getting answers before reaching Konoha was tempting. Yet, if the information yielded results that he shared the same side as her, then he would have broken any trust he would need. It was too risky if there was a chance he wouldn't turn her in.

Holding back a sigh, he evaluated her hoping that if anything, the lull would urge her to respond in some capacity. When only weighed silence stretched, Kakashi looked to the bowl that was cradled in her lap, empty except for a small amount of broth settled at the bottom.

He made note of the time and decided any cooperation he had hoped for was reaching the end of his window. Standing up, he reached a hand out for Akane who evaluated it with hesitancy before realizing what he wanted. She handed the bowl to him.

"You're allowed to move closer to the fire to get warm," he offered, noticing the chill on her arms. "I'm sure it'll be more comfortable too."

He didn't miss how her gaze darted to the fire and back to him. Her brows furrowed and he wondered if she thought he had ill intent with the offer.

If the thought crossed her mind, she didn't voice it, instead standing to follow him closer to the fire. Walking was awkward with her ankles still tied but the slack was enough for her to shuffle along the short distance. Sitting on the other side of the branch pile, with plenty of space between her and her captor, she pulled her legs up and extended her hands to catch the warm bubble of air.

"Your wound will need to be cleaned soon," Kakashi repeated after putting the bowl back into the scroll. "It's torn open again during the journey here."

"I told you don't worry about it."

"You can repeat it all you want but your wellbeing is my priority and I intend to honor that."

Akane blinked, a look of surprise blanketing her features, never expecting such a response. The moment was fleeting, however, as if she tied that reasoning to her having a bounty on her head. She answered with a stiff shrug.

"Fine. Just waste your time and resources. It's not my problem."

Kakashi sighed again, this time heavy with frustration. "I wish you'd just tell me why you left Konoha, or even why you're convinced you'll be executed. I'm asking as an equal, not interrogating you or having some secret ulterior motive. I don't even have to ask; just bring you in. But I'm trying to understand where you're coming from and to hear your side of the story... But if you really won't tell me, then I guess you win. I'll stop asking."

She sent a bitter glare his direction and waited for the seconds to pass, mulling over his words and trying to find any solid grounds for distrust. But Kakashi was not so easily read. Old memories served up a time when she overheard ruthless tales of Hatake Kakashi fulfilling ANBU missions with callousness and ease. And yet seeing him with his team was the opposite; aloof and patient; staunching the underlying violence she knew he was capable of. Even now, he was civil and calm, if mildly annoyed.

That didn't mean anything.

Shinobi manipulated others, especially for information. It was a veil, a social illusion to ease the enemy into a false sense of security and loosen their lips. She wasn't any different; hell, she was plotting something similar since she woke up.

Akane dropped her gaze, opting to observe her splayed out palms between her and the flames. The amber lighting illuminated the edges of her hands, tangerine ember flurries lifting into the air between her fingers, free from gravity. She was starting to feel her awareness dull slightly, the edge to her stubbornness fade. Akane recognized the feathering of exhaustion creeping on her, and she figured it was due to having no access to chakra and a full stomach.

"I knew this guy once," she started, shattering the drawn-out silence. It was a feeble effort, trying to pick her words carefully, hoping that conversation would keep the tiredness at bay. "I grew up with him in Konoha-met him in the academy. Kyo. That was his name. He was a nice guy; always trying to help everyone that needed a hand. He was always like that since I met him... Anyway, after thirteen months of me being a missing-nin, I ran into him at a village all the way in Mist. He was doing some business for Konoha-I guessed at the time that it was a scroll he was collecting for some minor information. Nothing significant or else a larger team would have been sent.

So, he's heading back after the meeting and just crossed Fire Country's border when four Konoha ANBU show up and stop him. He's a polite guy and says hi to them but they stay quiet initially before asking for his Konoha forehead protector and identification. He hands it to them, and they look at it, making sure it was authentic. You know how it is. ANBU just out patrolling after more rumors have spread about enemy shinobi in the area."

Kakashi waited patiently for her to finish.

"Then they hand it back to him and start asking him about why he stole the scroll. The same scroll (mind you) that he was sent to retrieve for Konoha. He tells them that he was sent to get it for his mission and so on. They start beating Kyo up and tell him that they'd stop if he just admitted to it. In the end he confesses that he stole it when it was all a lie. Instead of letting him go, they... pulled a kunai and slit his throat."

She paused, feeling the heaviness of the words, and waited for a reaction. Kakashi stayed quiet, not sure what to say. He hadn't expected the story to take a drastic turn. The line of events seemed that information was missing from the summary. After all, why would operatives force someone to admit to a crime they didn't commit, just to have a verbal reason to kill them? It didn't seem that Kyo was a threat. Though, instead of voicing his skepticism, Kakashi decided to focus on the hurt Akane felt over the loss.

"... I'm sorry to hear that. It's never an easy thing to lose a comrade. I know how that loss can linger..." He wanted to offer more condolences but couldn't find the words. He half expected she would find the sentiment offensive, which he wanted to avoid. Familiarity and trust were two things they did not share, and any further comfort would increase suspicion, breed falsities. Instead, he returned to the heart of the recap. "I'm afraid I missed the reasoning of the story. You said you were already a missing-nin when this occurred?"

"Yes. I was pretty comfortable with my life at that point... But the reason I told you was because I don't want to get my throat cut."

Keeping to himself that throat-slitting was not on the table, he refocused on the story, "So, do you know why that happened?"

"...I guess I didn't finish my story. You see the whole existence of the mission was a carefully concealed motive. It was a simple, but very delicately set up trap. The ones responsible had found out that Kyo and I were meeting randomly through his missions. Kyo and I were friends and I told him what I knew about Konoha that made me leave. His teammate," she gritted with newfound venom, "knew about our meetings and told the... ones responsible everything. This mission was the first one Kyo was sent alone on… And they had a favor put in for a Mist-nin who gave him a fake scroll that was said to have been stolen. The ANBU that confronted Kyo were purposely sent to that particular side of the border to…. take care of him so Konoha wouldn't have anymore loose ends."

Kakashi was speechless. Konoha… did that? Or better yet, someone politically affiliated did. He knew that other villages had done it and killed their own, but Konoha was said to have standards and honor. There have been doubts in his mind that Konoha wasn't as good as it seemed when his father committed suicide, but this was beyond reason…. Then again…maybe it wasn't.

"How do you know this? How all of that happened?"

Akane's gaze dropped, along with her arms as they wrapped around her curled knees. Her eyelids grew heavy, her breathing softer. "I was travelling with Kyo to keep him company. I reached the borders and told him to go ahead because I didn't want anything to do with the stupid village… In the end, I followed and hid in the shadows. It was a moment of... I guess you could say loneliness. I looked forward to meeting with Kyo whenever he was able to leave the village. The company a missing-nin keeps isn't usually someone you can trust or feel safe with, I'm sure you can imagine. But he was a true friend and I missed that... Kyo had known I was there, in the borders, but I knew he didn't want me to interfere. So, I didn't. Had I known it would escalate from a simple beating to his death... I would have."

Regret. Guilt. Kakashi recognized it instantly and tucked that information away for later.

"Were you more than friends?"

Akane didn't answer right away, gaze pinned on the fire, her head dropped till her chin perched on her knees. Kakashi took note of the time.

"...We were just two people on two different teams. Just grew up with each other. My teammates saw me as a traitor... but Kyo was the only one that would answer my letters."

That partially explained why she hated Konoha, but still left out the elusive event that lead to that. To make it worse, he wasn't sure what he thought over the situation either. Did they do this all the time? What about the men and women who died on a mission and Kakashi, with others, had to bring the news to the families that their dad and husband wouldn't return? That their mother or sister had died serving their Village. To tell the widow that her only son was murdered during a battle. Which were true? What would the families' reaction be if they knew that Konoha, the village they knew as home, were the killers of their family?

He sighed to himself. Maybe he was thinking about this too much. Konoha very well could've killed more than one of their own shinobi, but it wasn't like they made a habit of it. Until he knew all the details, he would keep everything to himself before confronting Tsunade or the Council. Looking up with his single eye, he saw Akane curled on her side, head tilting with an indolent gaze on the stars settled across inky blackness.

"So, what is it that you knew about Konoha?" he persisted, realizing too late that the moment of their communication was dwindling to seconds.

Disappointment swelled when she stayed quiet and just blinked slowly, eyelids drooping lower. Kakashi could feel the pressure of time, heavy and breathing down his neck. He was so close to learning the source, he just needed her to answer...

"What do you know about Konoha? What's the secret?"

Eye lashes lowered, coming to settle on pale cheeks. "Stubborn, Sparky, don't you realize... that knowledge... is poison..."

He had to strain to hear the words that trailed into the evening sky, leaving him disheartened and vexed as she drifted to sleep. His window shut. Slammed on his face just when he was within reach of the truth.

Shaking his head, disheartened, he reached for his food that was nestled between rocks of the fire ring. The broth was still warm.

Dwelling on the failure of information distracted would do him no good. What little information he did gather only left him more perplexed than before about the events that transpired. After confirming that his detainee was well into her unconsciousness, Kakashi pulled his mask down and started to eat his dinner.

His plan had almost worked, the source being a drug that Sakura and Tsunade had brewed for Ibiki's interrogation unit. It was the first time Kakashi had a chance to use it personally, and it was effective. At least, where loosening lips, going unnoticed by the consumer, and gradually knocking them unconscious were concerned. To see if it lasted long enough to get her in the village was going to be the real test. Too bad it hadn't abstained a few minutes longer for the desired information to come free.

Kakashi readjusted, propping one knee up, the other out to the side, bent. He brought the bowl up to his center and his right arm resting on his propped knee for support. The tension in his lower back eased and he took another bite of food. The past night hadn't offered much sleep and he could feel the effects starting to slow him down, but not noticeably to the untrained eye. He made a lot of progress from the afternoon when he left Suna and was expecting to be in Konoha sometime tomorrow evening. Tonight, would be another sleepless travel if he hoped to get there in the next 24 hours before his detainee woke up.

Pausing between bites, Kakashi pulled out the stolen stone pendant and stared at it with a measure of apprehension and puzzlement. It was a peculiar necklace, and he couldn't help but wonder about it. Was this what gave her the power? It had to be. And if the necklace was linked to her Chunin exams that Itachi mentioned, then it explained why she couldn't show him on the dunes.

Setting it back into his pocket, he decided that he would find out what to do with the pendant when he got to Konoha. He hated to admit that he realized a little too late the necklace could have been used as a bargaining chip to get her to talk. It still could be if he decided to go that route, or it would need to be destroyed. Most likely both. He wished he would have thought about it sooner before she passed out.

A twist of his stomach kicked his appetite away as his mind compartmentalized his dawning situation. He didn't get his answers, but he desperately wanted them.

Kakashi was now at a crossroad.

Either deliver Akane to Tsunade and allow them to extract information or sneak her into the village and try to get answers first.

Thoughts tumbled over one another as he tried to make sense of his options, and why he was so adamant about learning the truth. Going off of a cryptic warning from Itachi and the curiosity-induced itch of learning about the woman was a fool's errand, he realized. The line of regulations and protocol was becoming a fraying string he was testing the strength of, pulling and twisting to see when it would snap.

And when it inevitably would, it would be Kakashi forced to answer for it.

Within 42 hours, Kakashi found himself on a ledge; a steep, treacherous drop on either side. He could sneak the kunoichi in to buy time and find the answer, ultimately committing treason by harboring a criminal, or turn her in and watch Itachi's admonition come to light.

Weighing the consequences, a stark realization hit him like a slap. The former option could lead to the latter, the reprimand falling on his shoulders and spreading out with spindly fingers to the village to strangle order from its bones. As much as he wanted to throw out Itachi's words as a meager threat, he knew the man well enough to understand that no matter how mysterious the warning was, it held a harrowing truth.

Acknowledging his situation did offer one balm to avoid the stressful decision.

Let her go free.

If he didn't bring her in, then there would be no reprimand for her, the village, or him. Or whatever it was Itachi was trying to get at. Kakashi could just return early under the guise that he was letting his team stay behind to catch up with their friends.

It was an uncharacteristic move on his part, but Tsunade would buy it easily enough...

Kakashi lowered his bowl as he chewed on his, now, unappealing food; gaze drifting from the fire to the sleeping kunoichi. He pictured cutting her bindings, packing his stuff and leaving, allowing her to wake up alone in the forest and make her own decision on where to go from there. The voice in the back of his head warned that he would never see her again. That she would disappear in the dark mist and take the secret that stained Konoha's good name with her forever. The life he knew before that mission could be returned to him, after he put aside his doubt in the village; and endlessly refuse to think about the person, or people, working in the shadows to hurt their own citizens, in an effort to keep their anonymity.

But there was a crucifying verity that stung his hypothetical musings. He could not do it-Could not turn a blind eye while someone guilty of treasonous acts against Konoha's citizens go free; all because Kakashi had a difficult decision to make.

Whether he liked it or not, he needed the truth. And the two people that knew it were missing-nin: Uchiha, Itachi and Nori, Akane. Seeing as Itachi was in the wind, and Akane was a mere 8 feet from him, she dealt the unlucky straw.

One way or another, he was going to get the truth from her. Because, as he suddenly realized, the other options were moot. Kakashi found himself in a bow to fate.

There was no alternative.

)*)*)*)*)


Tsunade sat with a grim scowl etched in her features and a hand holding her forehead up. The candle lights flickered and danced with the shadows on the walls from the cracked window nearby. It was late. Late enough to keep the lights down and opt for the ambiance of candles. It was gentler on her oncoming headache throbbing at her temples.

She wasn't alone in the office for Jiriaya stood in front of her with his arms crossed and any amusement long gone. He just returned from the borders of Amegakure with information that wasn't at all on the good side. If this information was true, then Konoha had a very big problem on their hands.

"How is it he is still alive?" she asked, still in disbelief.

"I'm not sure. Hard to imagine how someone managed to find a way to live all these years," Jiriaya shook his head. "You do know what this means, right? Naruto may be in more danger and not only that, but Konoha too."

"We can't let this get out…not yet."

"You mean 'ever'."

Tsunade sat back in her chair and pinched the bridge of her nose. The Akatsuki were a group to fear, but this…This was beyond reasoning. How was it that Uchiha Madara was still alive? There was no doubt that he would want to start another war and the scary thing was that it sounded that he may very well have the leverage to do it.

"What do you suggest we do?"

"There aren't many options, Tsunade."

"I know that, Jiriaya," she barked but lowered her voice. "But I need options—anything is better than nothing. We could wait for them to make the first move, but that could end up being worse for Konoha. I can see what happened two years ago being the same with this."

"Except there will be higher death rates," he muttered solemnly, though both already knew it was true and didn't need to be said.

He pondered over the situation, knowing that it would be a matter of time before Madara started putting his plan into motion. If the Uchiha wanted numbers, then he may very well try and lure Orochimaru with him or even Kumogakure. They weren't on friendly terms with Suna or Konoha so it would only make sense.

"We can make guesses all day long, but it won't solve anything."

"Then what do you suggest?" she inquired again in a painfully slow voice. She was trying to keep her frustrations in check as best to her ability as possible but there was only so much you could ask of the busty blonde. "I want to do something instead of wait for an attack and then play surprise when nearly all of Konoha is burned!"

"Will you let me think?" he asked with his patience running thin. Tsunade wasn't the only one stressed here. "I could confront Pain and see if we can get any information out of him-"

"Not an option," she waved bluntly.

"I'm trying to give you ideas-"

"And I don't like them so far!" she hissed.

"Yeah-I can see that." After only receiving a glare, he pulled up a chair and sat slouched with his legs spread apart, one bouncing lightly in a quiet rhythm, and his arms folded over his stomach. "If I was to do anything then it would be to send a team out there and act as a spy."

"If they got caught then Madara would know that we were onto them and he may send an attack sooner," she frowned.

"And if they don't get caught then we'd get valuable information. I won't lie to you, but you know as much as I do that it's a risk no matter how you look at it."

After she heaved a deep sigh, she looked back to him. "…I don't suppose you have any other ideas?"

"At the moment, no."

Tsunade stood to her feet and walked to the window, while Jiriaya watched from his seat. Konoha was peaceful and calm with the stars and moon shining brightly over the rooftops. It was late night, or early morning, whichever you prefer, and she could only look out and see the possibility of the village lit ablaze and smoke reaching towards the moon, swallowing its light through dark clouds…

"Then how are we going to do it?"

"Do it?"

"The team," she said and turned back to sit at her desk. "What rank, how many, and where are they going?"

"When I brought it up, I had in mind at least two teams… and one single man going into the lion's den."

"What are you talking about?"

Jiriaya offered a small sympathetic smile. "We'll have a team go into Kumo and keep an ear out for any rumors or treaties of some sort. They can go undercover as civilians and keep it simple while reporting any news to Konoha. The second team can get layouts and blueprints for all of Sound's hidden bases. That task will take months, I'm sure, seeing as they're all hard to find and Sound-nins don't normally move." He waited for Tsunade to finish her notes.

"What do you want the one-man team doing?" she asked looking up. He could tell that she wasn't going to like this next part. But it was going to be the most important part of his plan…

8-8-8-8-8-8-


The third soldier pill slid down his throat, catching at the back for the barest of seconds before he forced it down with a gulp of water. Kakashi was making good time through the forest but was feeling the effects of pushing himself so hard. His muscles were aching from carrying the kunoichi, nearly sprinting the entire distance with a half bowl of ramen the only fuel for the last two days. It was the risk that pushed him on. Like a dark cloud swallowing the sky behind him, he could feel the pressure build the closer he got to Konoha. Soon, there would be no turning back.

The sun was sinking lower in the horizon, pink hues brushed across powder blue sky. The splotches of olive greens from the forest canopy offered a beautiful contrast, though it went unnoticed to the white-haired shinobi. His dark gaze ignored the softness of the scenery, focusing instead on calculating how much time until darkness fell and offered the natural cover he so desperately desired.

A few hours prior, one team that was out patrolling had nearly crossed his path. Kakashi had been moving too fast and focusing on the woman's breathing, hoping she would stay asleep, when he noticed, nearly too late, the team was in the vicinity. He had just enough time to dart across a stream and into a rocky alcove before they passed by.

Luck truly was on his side in those fleeting seconds. If it had been a breath's moment later before he noticed the patrolling team, they would have spotted him and the kunoichi. Questions about who she was and the obligation to escort him the rest of the way would be tossed about, and he doubt they would be dissuaded so easily.

Since then, his attention was dissected further, focusing on her unconscious state, chakra signatures nearby, time of day, and his fatigued body.

"Just a couple more hours," he reassured to no one in particular. Kneeling down, he pulled Akane's arms over his shoulders and scooped his gloved hands under her thighs, bringing them to wrap around his sides. Standing up, Kakashi gave a quick bounce up, settling her body further up his back. Satisfied after looking around to make sure he didn't leave anything to trace him back to the spot, he spun and took off into the trees towards the village.

Time passed slow. The more miles he covered, the slower he felt he was going. He knew that was ridiculous. Obviously, he was getting closer to the gates, as was evident in that familiar large oak next to that boulder that resembled a rabbit. Landmarks aside, he was impatient, eager, and apprehensive. The nearer Konoha became, the more likely his chances were at encountering other shinobi.

As his sandals landed on the branches with soft clack-clacks from one to the next, Kakashi let his mind wander to what would happen once he was inside the gates. He would have to maneuver through the village unnoticed. That required him to recall his skills used in ANBU to stealthily slink through the shadows. A tedious, but reasonable accommodation. It did take more focus to predict the next move with heightened sense of awareness for others in the surrounding area. And the additional time required made him second guess if he had that luxury before the woman would awaken.

Coming to land on a lower branch, Kakashi bent his knees to ease the ache in his back. The woman's weight settled over his center of gravity and an exhale escaped her parted lips, brushing across his cheek. His single dark eye peeked over his shoulder at her, watching as she was otherwise undisturbed from the jostling.

She would be coming around soon. He had to hurry.

Across from the perch the pair inhabited, a patch in the canopy revealed the twinkling of lights over the top of a broad, stony barrier. The top of Konoha's surrounding gates. Dusk was settling over the Hidden Village, leaving the buildings in a swathe of copper tones. In the distance, the base of the mountain where the former and present leaders overwatched the citizens with infinite diligence.

Kakashi guessed he was about two kilometers from the gates and would reach that just as the evening shadows blanketed the landscape.

Perfect.

Standing to his full height, Kakashi took extra care to shift the woman higher up his back, limiting as much jarring. Once content with her situation, he continued towards the village and soon, his apartment.

It didn't take long until he was approaching the gates. A mere 20 minutes. He would admit he wasn't in a rush to confront the guards, and even less so to enter before evening truly darkened the sky. But once he was within 50 yards, chakra masked, he landed at the base of tree and out of sight from his fellow shinobi.

There were many ways he could proceed from here. The last 24 hours were filled with different scenarios of sneaking the woman in, some more elaborate than others. Enter through the treacherous, and less guarded mountainside. That would take too long to trek across and having his ward awaken was a variable he wanted to avoid at all costs. Sneaking her in unconscious was difficult enough. She was obviously skilled and could cause significant trouble to him if she admittedly tried to escape.

The next option was to use his Sharingan to cast a genjutsu across anyone who looked his direction. That would guarantee they say what he wanted. Just Kakashi making his way back to his apartment after a mission. But the travel had taken a lot out of him. While his chakra was up for the task to inflict the illusion to anyone he passed, he didn't like the risk of using up his reserves if she proved to be challenging when she finally did awaken.

So, he settled on a simpler plan. Once that would use little chakra and relied more on his focus and speed.

Still carrying the woman on his back, Kakashi placed a gloved hand against the rough bark of the tree and leaned forward, shifting that weight over his hips. Pulling his fingers into a familiar hand sign, he activated his jutsu.

8-8-8-8—8—8-8-8-8-8


"Eh, I told you. Lady Tsunade only called on me to complete the task because I was available," Kotetsu griped as he tossed his head back against the wall to gaze on the darkening sky. "It's not the first time its happened and it probably won't be the last."

"That's the point." Izumo huffed as he closed his eyes and crossed his arms for emphasis. "It's not the first time. I'm starting to think that she's under the impression I'm not fit for my own individual missions."

"Well, have you asked her for your own?"

Izumo scoffed. "No. Why would I do that?"

"Uh, because you want one?" Kotetsu shop his companion an impatient stare. "Isn't that what has you so upset?"

"I never said I was upset."

"Oh, excuse me. You're just being moody for no real reason then?"

"Look, I consider us partners. So, why are we separated when we obviously work better together?"

Before Kotetsu could offer reassurances, or maybe wave off his companion's clear insecurities as only that, he noticed someone approaching form the forest. Pushing off of the wall, he gave his full attention to the stranger and the movement drew Izumo's focus to the newcomer.

Strolling casually from the much darker edge of the forest was the a shinobi with one hand stuffed into his pocket, the other holding a familiar orange book in front of his face with messy white hair peaking at an odd angle over the top.

"Oh, hey Kakashi!" Kotetsu greeted as he raised a hand and offered a friendly smile. "Is it just you coming back today?"

Kakashi didn't answer immediately, as he closed the distance with a few more steps. When he finally was close enough, he addressed his comrades.

"For now, yes." He dropped his orange book to reveal his exposed Sharigan. Both shinobi were instantaneously captured in his genjutsu, unbeknownst to them.

"Well, I'm sure you had a tiresome mission and ready for rest," Izumo smiled, stepping to the side to allow Kakashi access to pass.

The white-haired shinobi, still holding his orange book with his crimson eye watching bored, he waved to the forest behind him. From the shadows emerged the real Kakashi with the unconscious kunoichi cradled over his back. Cautiously, they walked through the gates, neither Izumo or Kotetsu the wiser to the deception until Kakashi was well into the village walls.

It was the homestretch now.