AN: Ha! I updated in less than 2 weeks and this is my longest chapter yet! Um… I hope you're not expecting much of Team 7 because they only make a short appearance at the end. But, if you love ANBU Kakashi (and who doesn't?) you'll certainly get your fill in the rest of this flashback. Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Kakashi (*cries*), but Owl, Arrow, and Edge are all mine! So there!
Previously:
With a command to Pakkun, Kakashi took off at a run, directing the four man team east into a forest. Feeling Edge's supporting presence close behind, Wolf focused his eyes and nose on his task. The scent and tracks were still fresh, but it wasn't clear how far ahead the targets had been able to get. However, it was only a matter of time before the elite team of ANBU caught up. The hunt was on.
Chapter 4
Hours had passed and the ANBU team was still moving at a fast pace, trying to close the gap between them and the gang of rogue ninja. The afternoon sun was scorching, and Wolf felt the sweat pooling on the back of his neck. Their pace had not slowed, and Kakashi was beginning to tire. Although Uhei and Urushi were up ahead, searching for signs that their prey had changed course, Wolf also had to keep his senses on full alert in case his hounds overlooking something. Maintaining chakra focused for tracking was an added strain to running at breakneck speed. As much as Wolf hated to admit it, he would have to rest soon, or risk losing the trail.
Looking down at the pug beside him, Wolf spoke in a low voice. "What do you think, Pakkun? They've had more than a day head start, but we're definitely gaining on them."
"From what I can tell so far, they're not moving too fast." Pakkun gave Kakashi a glance and softened his eyes. "If you need a rest, don't worry. My guess is that we'll still catch'em by dawn."
"Did I say I needed a break?" Kakashi retorted harshly, keeping his voice a whisper so Edge wouldn't hear.
"No, but I can smell your chakra weakening." Sensing his master's admonishing glare, the pug scoffed gruffly. "Don't give me that look, kid. Quit being stubborn," Pakkun chided.
Before Wolf could tell his hound to keep his opinions to himself, Edge appeared at his side. The Sand ANBU had obviously heard them talking. "What's up? Any changes?"
Thankful that Edge hadn't been able to hear Pakkun's words, Wolf just shook his head. "No, but we've made significant progress. I think we can get to them by midnight if we push it."
Edge glanced at Kakashi in surprise. "That soon, huh? But, I don't want to know what you think as pushing it. You're already setting a killer pace, Wolf."
Seeing that Pakkun was about to speak up, Kakashi hastily signaled the pug to keep quiet.
Luckily, Edge didn't notice since he was busy running a hand through his sweat-soaked hair. "Well, I don't know about you, but this heat is getting to me. You think we'll still catch them by dawn if we break until the sun starts to set?"
"If they stay together and stop to camp somewhere for the night, then definitely."
Wolf could almost hear Edge smile in relief. "Good. Then I'm going to ask Arrow for a rest. There's no need to push it when we'll still be able to take them by surprise before they break camp in the morning. Sound good to you?"
Wolf just shrugged his shoulders with indifference and Edge leapt off to find Arrow.
Once Edge had disappeared, Pakkun snorted in fake amusement. "You're lucky that kid wanted to rest, or I would've had to rat you out, idiot."
"No, you wouldn't have, mutt." Kakashi scolded. "I had to make it seem like resting wasn't my idea. It's important that I don't expose my limits to foreign shinobi."
"Sometimes I forget what a manipulating brat you are," Pakkun grumped.
"Remind you too much of yourself?" Kakashi ribbed.
"Hah, you know you love me. Anyway, I'll go get Uhei and Urushi. Be good, kid." With a smile hidden behind his mask, Kakashi watched his favorite pug bound ahead. Hearing a whistle from Owl, signaling a halt, the silver-haired teen slowed to a jog and turned around to meet up with his team. Spotting Owl and Edge sitting on a fallen log, Wolf approached them at a walk, only slightly out of breath.
"Take a load off, Wolf," Edge invited. The Sand ANBU tossed Kakashi a water canteen. "You can have all of that. Arrow saw a spring nearby and went to refill our supply."
"Thanks." Restraining himself from chugging the cool liquid, Wolf took a couple small sips before taking a seat between the two ANBU.
Owl gave Kakashi a friendly slap on the back. "Good job getting us caught up so quickly, Wolf. We've got about an hour before the sun starts setting. Use the time well and take a quick nap if you need it."
"I'm fine, Senpai." answered Wolf emotionlessly. Great, first Pakkun, now Owl. What's he thinking… we can't show any weakness in front of these Sand guys.
Edge elbowed Kakashi in the ribs playfully. "You don't have to worry about acting tough in front of me, Wolf. I've got nothing but respect for Leaf shinobi. Owl did save my life on a mission, after all."
Looking at Owl for confirmation, the older ANBU nodded. Giving Edge a wary glance, Kakashi's curiosity got the better of him. "You don't bear a grudge against us for the last war?"
"Why would I? The war was a product of greedy feudal lords and our mistake of letting the Third Kazekage's disappearance cloud our judgment… shinobi were basically forced to fight on the whims of politics. Besides, we can't move forward without accepting the past."
As Kakashi sat dumbstruck by Edge's words, Owl said, "You're wise beyond your age, Edge. Arrow has taught you well."
"Yeah, he really has. I'm lucky he took me as his student."
At hearing that, Kakashi was even more surprised. "Arrow? He doesn't seem like the forgiving type."
Chuckling, Edge replied, "Don't let his harsh tone fool you. The guy is a softie at heart, and you could never find a more loyal friend. You saw him with that little girl, didn't you? He has a family with three small children of his own back home."
Kakashi's eyes widened beneath his mask at the revelation. An ANBU with children? It's unheard of! One of the oaths Kakashi was forced to take upon receiving his tattoo was to devote himself completely to the mission and village, nothing else could get in the way.
"That explains a lot…" murmured Owl.
Kakashi finally found his voice. "How is he still an ANBU with a family to care for? In Konoha, he would never be allowed to stay in the ranks."
"The reason is simple. Arrow has never failed a mission. Ever."
Damn, even Owl isn't perfect like that, Kakashi thought. The silver-haired teen had a newfound respect for Arrow, but he wondered why the man wanted to stay in ANBU with a family to look after. It seemed a little selfish of him to risk dying on high ranked missions and leave his family without their husband and father.
Edge's voice broke Kakashi's thoughts. "Well, it's true that he doesn't take many missions anymore, but the Kazekage would be a fool to demote Arrow as an ANBU captain." Sighing, Edge slid off the log so he could lie down with his hands behind his head. "Well, I'm going to catch a few winks. Wake me in half an hour, will ya, pal?"
Slightly taken aback by Edge's overly-friendly personality, Kakashi blinked. Pal, huh? Yes, I think you and I could be friends, in another life perhaps. But, who knows when we might have to face each other in battle?
Feeling a tug on his arm, Wolf looked at Owl who was motioning him away from the sleeping ANBU. The two Leaf shinobi walked a short ways away where they could talk without being heard.
"Something's bothering you isn't it, Wolf. If it's about Arrow and Edge, we can trust them. I know it's hard to believe that they don't hate us, but…"
"It's not that, Senpai. They've given me no reason not to trust them, for this mission anyway."
"What is it, then?"
Wolf gazed at the sky, choosing his words carefully. "How can Arrow choose to be in ANBU when he has a family? The man must be insane… assassinating someone one minute, then holding his children, the next? Plus, how can he not hesitate in giving his life for the mission when his family is expecting him home?"
"Wolf, I know you've been struggling with how to deal with emotions on missions. And rightly so, since your experiences have led you from one extreme to another."
That's the understatement of the year, thought the teen bitterly.
Laying a hand on Kakashi's shoulder, Owl added, "I'm betting that Arrow's loyalty to his village keeps him in ANBU, but his love for his family is what keeps him sane. He's learned to draw strength from his emotions instead of letting them affect his judgment."
Wolf crossed his arms and looked away from his mentor. "Maybe, but…"
"If you are that curious about it, why don't you ask the man yourself?" Owl interrupted, pointing over to Arrow, who had just returned. Wolf could imagine a knowing smile on Owl's lips behind the mask. "I may be your captain, but I can't read minds."
Not amused, Wolf scoffed at his senpai. "That's not something he'd be comfortable answering, I'm sure."
Owl barked out a short laugh. "On the contrary, from what Edge has told me, Arrow loves doling out advice to young ninja geniuses like yourself. Probably even more than yours truly!" The older man gave his protégé a gentle push. "Go on. You know you won't be satisfied until you do."
Knowing Owl was right, Kakashi let out a frustrated sigh. "Fine. But I'm telling him it was your idea if he gets offended."
"Say what you like, kid." Owl retorted with a chuckle.
Kakashi rolled his eyes at his senpai's humor. Before leaving though, the silver-haired teen thanked the older shinobi. Owl was always willing to listen and give sound advice, even if he couldn't ease a troubled mind, which was rare.
Arrow was now seated on a rock a good distance away from the sleeping Edge. Kakashi shook away the slight nervousness he felt at approaching the Sand ANBU. Seeing the wolf-masked teen walking toward him, Arrow put aside the kunai he was sharpening and crossed his arms, giving off the impression that he didn't want to be bothered.
"Something wrong, Wolf?" Arrow's tone was harsh and commanding, just as Wolf expected.
"No, sir. Everything is fine, but I wanted to ask you something." Kakashi kept his voice low and emotionless.
"Oh? About what?" Kakashi could tell that the older man was slightly surprised.
I can't just ask outright, can I? Hesitating, Kakashi fumbled for something to say. "Well, first I wanted to express my gratitude for your being assigned this mission because neither Owl or I could have questioned that girl effectively like you did. Tracking and killing rogue ninja is one thing, dealing with kids is another."
To Kakashi's utter amazement, Arrow burst out laughing. Is he mocking me, or is he really insane? "Did I say something funny, sir?"
"Ha! You really are something else, kid! Owl was right about you. Emotional capacity of a gnat, you've got. What a perfect little ANBU soldier, ho, ho." The older man couldn't seem to stop chuckling.
"Um…" Wolf could not even begin to form a response to that. Getting angry that he was being made fun of, the young ANBU bit back a growl and was about to cut his losses when he felt a strong hand on his wrist.
"Now hold on, son. Don't give up so easily and prove me right. What's troubling you?" Arrow's tone had completely changed, to something close to how he had soothed the young girl earlier.
Wolf was a little unnerved by the man's extreme mood swings, but Arrow had become a puzzle that Kakashi needed to solve. Taking a deep breath, he decided to just get it out. "Well, Edge mentioned before that you have a family, with children, at home. And, with all due respect, sir, I can't understand why you would risk ruining that by staying in ANBU."
The grip Arrow had on Wolf's wrist tightened in response, but as the older man's silence stretched on, Kakashi held his breath, expecting an outburst of some sort. Finally, after what seemed like hours, Arrow let out a deep sigh and let go of the young ANBU's wrist, motioning Wolf to sit.
"Listen, son. I know your type. Robbed of your family at a young age, I'm sure, so you think it selfish of me to continue putting my life on the line."
"I didn't mean…" Kakashi interrupted, trying to let Arrow know that he actually respected him. But the older ninja silenced him with a wave.
"I know, you didn't say that, but you were thinking it. I don't blame you though… I've asked myself the same question at least a hundred times."
"Then, why…? Arrow really was confusing him now.
Instead of answering, the Sand ANBU opened his belt pouch and pulled out a folded photograph and offered it to Wolf.
Realizing what it was, Kakashi's shook his head vigorously. "No, sir! I shouldn't see…"
"It's alright, here, look." Arrow shoved the photo into Wolf's hands. Chuckling, Arrow said, "I have my mask on, see?"
It was true, the family photo showed Arrow facing the camera in full ANBU garb, apparently just returning from a mission. A woman was hugging Arrow, face buried in her husband's strong chest. Three children, two very young twin girls and a boy of about six, were surrounding them, smiling faces lit up at the sight of their father. Kakashi just stared at the image, unable to imagine being so happy. Finally, the teen asked in a softened voice. "Why did you show me this, sir?"
"Two reasons," Arrow said. Pointing to the photo, he continued in a boasting tone. "First, to show you what an amazing family I have! Aren't my kids beautiful!?"
Rolling his eyes beneath his mask at Arrow's stereotypical proud father routine, Kakashi figured he better humor the man. "Yeah, they really are. They must take after their mother, since I can actually see their faces," he added as an attempt at a joke.
Arrow slapped Wolf on the back cheerily. "Ha, I knew you had a personality in there somewhere!" Taking the photo from Kakashi's hand, the Sand ANBU drank in the sight of his family for a few seconds before continuing in a much more serious voice. "And now for the second reason."
Wolf noticed Arrow's grip tightening on the photograph. In a strained voice, the ANBU captain went on. "Everything I do, is to protect them. I'm a very lucky man. I don't have to worry about my priorities. It just so happens that being in ANBU is the only way I can protect them. Understand?"
Kakashi did not understand. How does that even make sense? ANBU missions only serve the village as a whole, not the individual citizens. Plus, Kakashi thought he had detected a slight bitterness in Arrow's tone when he had mentioned ANBU. The man was definitely troubled by something. But, Wolf was at least convinced that Arrow knew what he was doing and obviously had never jeopardized a mission because of his family. It was enough to silence his questions, even if it didn't help ease his own conflicted emotions.
Letting out a deep breath, Arrow carefully refolded the photograph and tucked it back into his pouch. "Well, even if you don't understand my reasons, I can tell that you've accepted them."
Wolf nodded. "Yes, and I'm sorry if I crossed a line by questioning your motives."
Arrow just waved him off. "Don't worry about it. I can tell you're trying to sort through your own issues, and I'm sorry I couldn't help much. But just remember, you're still young and you'll find your own path in time. Now go on and get a little rest, Wolf, I need you focused."
"Right, thank you, sir." Wolf gave his leader a small bow of gratitude before walking back to the spot where Owl stood leaning against a tree, polishing the hilt of his tanto. The short sword was the ANBU captain's favorite weapon, a gift from his dead brother, and the hilt was decorated with an engraving of an owl in flight.
Hearing Kakashi approach, Owl carefully sheathed the blade and looked up at his protégé. "Well, do you feel enlightened now?" The ANBU captain asked with a small laugh.
Wolf responded with a shake of his head. "Not at all. He did give me some things to think about though."
"You better take notes, kid! Pretty soon, you'll be a captain for young ANBU rookies who need answers to life's toughest questions."
Wolf winced at the thought. "Don't joke about things like that, Senpai. Besides, I don't think I ever want to be a captain if it makes me as nuts as you and Arrow. Arrow especially, the man seems unhinged."
"Hmmm… maybe, but I can tell he earned your respect, didn't he?"
"Well, yes. I can't help but admire him. In all seriousness though, he does seem conflicted about something." Wolf wished his inner conscience would stop making him want to solve the mystery that was Arrow.
"We all have our troubles, Wolf. Let it go."
Owl was, of course, right, so the young ANBU murmured a "Yes, Senpai," and went to lie down near Edge to get some rest. Since a half hour had passed, Wolf make sure that the other teen was stirring before letting his own eyes close. Tired body winning out against his active mind, Kakashi was asleep in seconds.
Too soon, Edge was shaking the silver-haired ANBU awake. Wolf sat up, noting the setting sun and the much more bearable weather. Ignoring the sleepiness that still fogged his mind, Kakashi called his hounds to him to check that the trail was still fresh and he again sent Uhei and Urushi ahead making sure that they would let him know when they found the camp of the rogue ninja.
Looking around revealed both Owl and Edge ready to move out, so Kakashi quickly gathered his gear and prepared to leave. Arrow had received a messenger pidgeon and he was staring at the note, apparently lost in thought.
Edge turned toward his superior and asked in a concerned voice, "Anything wrong, Captain?"
The Sand ANBU lit a match and set flame to the letter. "No, that was just my other team saying that they picked up the girl without incident." The harsh, commanding tone was back.
That's good to know… I can call Bull now if I need him then, thought Wolf.
Arrow forcefully stomped on the ashes of the burned note, but before Kakashi could wonder if maybe there was something else written that had upset the man, Arrow looked at him and barked, "You ready, Wolf?"
"Yes, sir!" Wolf responded with a salute. Right, time to focus, Kakashi told himself. With a nod to Pakkun, the silver-haired teen sped off on the trail of their targets, and the hunt continued.
Wolf and the other ANBU had followed the trail of the three rogues past midnight before Uhei and Urushi finally reported to Pakkun that they had found where the targets had camped for the night. Telling Edge to alert Owl and Arrow, Kakashi slowed to walk and waited for the other three to catch up.
After hearing his hound's reports, Wolf let Pakkun and Uhei return home with an appreciative belly rub for each. Urushi he wanted to keep with him, since the fierce white-haired hound was the best at detecting traps, and could actually be useful in a fight.
"You found them?" Arrow asked as the other three ANBU jumped down from the trees to land next to Wolf.
"Yes, sir. They're camped less than a mile to the northeast. We got lucky that they didn't try and push to the border tonight."
"Good work. How close were you able to get?"
Wolf shook his head. "I haven't approached yet, but my hounds reported that two were sleeping and one is standing watch. Urushi here didn't detect any traps, but that doesn't mean there aren't any."
"Alright. From what I know about their abilities, two of them are just average level chunin, but the other is a jonin who specializes in genjutsu and mind control." Arrow paused for a moment before adding, "I've heard that he can render someone unconscious just by touching them, so we need to be cautious."
Genjutsu… the safest plan would involve me exposing my Sharingan to see through it, but telling Arrow and Edge would reveal my true identity immediately. But, the mission might be jeopardized if I keep my ability hidden…
Seemingly reading his teammate's thoughts, Owl gave Wolf an imperceptible shake of his head before turning to Arrow. "Well, we outnumber them, so let's have one of us stay hidden as a reserve in case the rest get caught in an illusion." suggested Owl.
Surprisingly, Arrow didn't seem to mind the other ANBU intruding on his leadership. "Good point. Wolf, you're the fastest of us. Stay hidden for as long as possible and go after any that somehow manage to flee. Only reveal yourself if one of us needs release from a genjutsu."
"Yes, sir." Beneath his mask, Wolf smiled gratefully his senpai. Not only did the plan protect Kakashi's identity, but it also allowed him to watch the battle with his Sharingan, a major trump card against any genjutsu user. Plus, Owl had managed to predict Arrow's thinking, not even needing to suggest using Wolf as the back up, which would have aroused unwanted questions. Owl's intuition and quick thinking were what made him an excellent ANBU captain. But, Wolf's respect for Arrow had reached a new level upon hearing the experienced Sand ANBU trust in his teammate's opinions.
"But, how should the rest of us approach?" Edge wondered aloud. "We still need to be cautious, but we also want to end it quickly."
"Exactly right, Edge." Arrow acknowledged his subordinate's observation with a nod. "Here's what we'll do…"
Wolf was perched in the branches of a tall oak tree, Urushi beside him. He had a perfect view of the ongoing battle, even with only the waning moon for light, and yet he was far enough away to be unnoticed by the remaining two rogue ninja. Unfortunately, Arrow's hope of ending the fight quickly had been dashed when the two sleeping shinobi had awoken as soon as Owl had silently eliminated the one standing guard. There was no way the others had been able to detect Konoha's number one assassin, but it seemed that the death of the guard had triggered some kind of mind link to the jonin leader. A crude, but effective alarm, and it explained the absence of other traps.
As soon as the element of surprise had been lost, Arrow and Edge had launched their attack, and Wolf was impressed with their skills. Edge's codename now made perfect sense, as the young Sand ANBU was armed with two ninja-to and fought with quick, fierce strikes that easily penetrated the defenses of the opposing rogue chunin.
Arrow was battling the leader of the group, but he was being careful not to get too close, in case the enemy was actually capable of casting genjutsu by touch alone. With his Sharingan open, Wolf could see no evidence of illusion, but he was sure it was only a matter of time. Soon, Owl appeared out of the trees, offering support for Arrow against the skilled rogue jonin.
The next few seconds happened in a blur. Edge had managed to completely disarm his opponent, and the rogue chunin had fallen to the ground and was trying to back away on all fours from his soon to be executioner. At the same time, Arrow and Owl were forced to dodge a wind jutsu released by their own opponent. For the moment that the two captains were distracted, the rogue jonin had been able to perform a series of handsigns while charging at Edge unnoticed.
Kakashi's Sharingan widened at the sight of the enemy's chakra being focused to the fingertips of his right hand. Shit! If he touches Edge…! Launching himself out of the tree, Wolf sprinted toward the battle, but he could already tell that he wouldn't be fast enough.
Edge was preparing to thrust a blade into his defeated opponent's throat, when the young Sand ANBU sensed the enemy presence behind him. Whirling around, Edge blocked the kunai in the rogue jonin's left hand with one blade and skillfully brought his other ninja-to up in time to slice open a deep gash across the enemy's chest. But, Edge's counter had not been enough to stop the right hand of the rogue jonin from brushing the ANBU's exposed shoulder.
And that fleeting touch was all that was needed for the rogue to direct his chakra into Edge's body. Stunned, Wolf watched the invading chakra travel directly to Edge's brain, immediately stimulating a sensory overload. Gasping in a mixture of pain and pleasure, Edge sank to his knees, clutching his head before falling over unconscious.
In the next instant, Owl threw himself at the enemy, protecting the fallen Sand ANBU. Although wounded from his skirmish with Edge, the rogue shinobi still had some fight left in him and managed to block Owl's tanto that had come close to slashing his throat. Their blades now locked in a battle of strength, Wolf was about to run to Edge's side to release the genjutsu when he noticed that the enemy's right hand had again become alit with chakra.
"Senpai! Don't let him touch you!" Kakashi shouted in warning. Now aware of the danger he was in, Owl tried to get some distance between himself and the enemy, but his right hand was still being blocked. With no other choice, Owl let go of his tanto and drew the ninja-to on his back with his left hand while swiftly leaping backwards.
Unfortunately, the enemy had already been reaching forward with his right hand and Owl dropping his tanto had only added more momentum to the rogue jonin's lunge. Caught in midair, Owl tried to dodge, but gravity couldn't be defied. Wolf could only watch, feeling utterly useless, as the enemy's chakra emblazed fingers managed to briefly make contact with Owl's outstretched leg.
"Fire Style! Flaming Arrow Jutsu!"
Out of nowhere, three blazing bursts of chakra sped toward the scene. Still falling forward, the enemy had no way of stopping the flame projectiles from tearing scorching holes in his chest. Dead before hitting the ground, the rogue shinobi's flesh emitted black smoke as it was eaten away by the chakra-molded fire arrows.
Owl had also fallen to the ground and now lay unmoving near the still unconscious Edge. Before Kakashi could run to the side of his downed teammates, he felt Arrow's strong hand on his shoulder.
"I'll look after them, Wolf. They're just knocked out. Chase down the last one, hurry!"
Quickly scanning the area, Kakashi realized that the rogue chunin Edge had been fighting managed to flee during the confusion. Runnning to the spot where he had last seen the enemy, Wolf easily spotted tracks leading away from the battle site.
"Urushi! To me!" The loyal ninja hound was at his side in seconds. "Got his scent, boy?" Barking in reply, Urushi sped off into the trees, and Wolf followed, pushing his legs to move at top speed.
It only took minutes to catch up to the enemy. Wolf didn't even bother to try and hide his approach. He was too angry about what had happened to Edge and Owl and at his own failure of preventing it. Without slowing down, Kakashi formed the handsigns for his Chidori.
The screech of one thousand birds tore through the air and the rogue barely had time to process Urushi's fangs sinking into his leg, holding him down, before having his heart obliterated by Wolf's powerful chakra.
Gasping as his built-up adrenaline extinguished with the death of his prey, Wolf ripped his blood soaked hand out of the criminal's chest. Staring down at the corpse, the silver-haired ANBU allowed himself a moment to calm down and let rational thought return.
Feeling Urushi's nose rubbing against his leg, Wolf knelt down and scratched behind the hound's ears gratefully. "Thanks, boy. You were great. Go on home now and rest." Urushi whined in pleasure and licked his master's wrist before disappearing in a plume of smoke.
With a sigh, Wolf slung the body of the dead chunin over his shoulder and began the trek back to the campsite. His weariness and the extra weight slowed him down, which only added to his anxiousness over Owl and Edge. Although, that jutsu seemed to only render the target unconscious and Arrow hadn't seemed too concerned. Plus, despite his jutsu's effectiveness, the rogue jonin had not been able to survive, thanks to Arrow's long ranged jutsu skills. In fact, the enemy had pretty much signed his death warrant by leaving himself open to an attack by either Wolf or Arrow while focusing on Owl.
Kakashi paused mid-step as he thought over the battle. The final actions of the dead rogue leader made no sense! While formidable, that jutsu wasn't lethal, so why did the enemy risk using it at a time when he should have been defending himself against Arrow and me? Wolf was stumped. The rogue jonin had obviously been skilled, he should have known that neither Arrow or Wolf would have missed the opportunity.
Shaking his head, Kakashi kept moving and put his confusion aside. Maybe he just realized that he was outmatched from the beginning and did the only thing he knew that had a chance of working… it doesn't matter now anyway.
After what seemed like ages, though he had been gone for at most twenty minutes, Wolf made it back to the area of the original battle. However, the sight the greeted him was completely unexpected and made Kakashi freeze in his tracks.
What the hell is going on?!
Owl was on his knees, head raised to expose his neck to a ninja-to that was held in the trembling hand of Edge. Visibility was low in the surrounding darkness, but Wolf couldn't sense Arrow's presence.
"Owl, this is your last chance! Tell me you didn't mean to! T-t-ell me this is some sort of illusion!" The Sand ANBU's voice cracked, and he sounded too much like the young boy he was.
"I wish I could, son. But this is real… isn't that right, Wolf?" Owl tilted his head as far as he could without cutting himself on Edge's blade to look at his fellow Leaf ANBU.
Edge whipped his head around in surprise. He obviously hadn't noticed Kakashi's arrival. "Stay where you are, Wolf! This doesn't involve you!" Edge's grip on his ninja-to tightened and refocused Wolf's attention on the blade that was centimeters from his captain's throat.
Confusion turned to anger, and Wolf slowly lowered the corpse he was carrying to the ground. "Wrong. Anything that threatens the life of my captain, concerns me." Taking a deep breath, Kakashi tried to keep his emotions in check. "Now, Owl's right. Neither yours or his chakra networks are disturbed with lasting effects of the enemy's genjutsu, so do you mind explaining to me what the hell you are doing?!"
But, Edge had already seemed to have forgotten about Wolf. "Not an illusion…" He now held his ninja-to with both hands and a newfound determination had calmed his trembling muscles. "Then, Owl, do you accept your fate?"
Without hesitation, the older shinobi calmly answered. "Yes. Do what you must. And Wolf, you are not to interfere." Owl's mask-shadowed gaze was now focused on Edge, who had slowly drawn back his blade, preparing for the killing thrust.
"What? No, Senpai! Stop this madness!" Realizing that Owl was in fact about to be executed by Edge's hand, Kakashi moved toward them in fear. Why is Owl just sitting there? Why?!
"I gave you an order, Wolf!" The command in his captain's voice penetrated the haze of desperation that had clouded Kakashi's mind and he momentarily froze, hoping for some kind of miracle to put an end to the insanity that was unfolding right in front of his eyes.
But, Edge had shifted his grip, right hand firmly grasping the hilt of the ninja-to against his side, left palm on the flat of the blade. The point of the sword was less than an inch from Owl's exposed neck. "Die with whatever honor you have left, Owl of the Leaf."
No! I won't just standby and watch this, orders be damned!
Just as Edge was about to strike, Kakashi launched himself at the Sand ANBU, calling on speed he never knew he had.
Kakashi's tackle sent both him and Edge crashing to the ground. The point of Edge's blade had grazed the skin of Owl's throat as the two young ANBU fell past him. Kakashi wrenched the ninja-to from Edge's grip and sent it flying into the trees where it could spill no more blood.
Limbs tangled, they rolled in the dirt, wrestling for dominance, until Edge finally managed to kick out, catching Kakshi in the gut and sending him sprawling on his back.
"Stay away from me, Wolf!" Edge spat.
Gritting his teeth, Kakashi jumped to his feet and threw himself back on top of the teen, only to find himself staring into a pair of dark green eyes, wide in shock. Realization hit him, they had both lost their ANBU masks in the struggle. The young face of the Sand ANBU, currently lined with sweat and exhaustion would be forever etched in Kakashi's memory.
He wasn't the only one. Breathing heavily, Edge gasped at the sight of mismatched black and red eyes. "You're Sharingan Kakashi?!"
They stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity until they both sprang into action, each drawing a kunai. One of the rules of ANBU was to never let foreign shinobi know your true identity. A maskless ANBU was no longer a tool, but an actual person who could be blamed for war crimes committed against other nations. 'Protect your identity, or become a useless burden to your village,' Kakashi quoted inwardly.
Edge and Wolf circled each other, looking for an opening, and an understanding passed between them. Only one of them could walk away from this fight alive.
Suddenly, Owl was between them, strong hands gripping the wrists of the two teens. "Cease this foolishness!" With a powerful burst of chakra, the ANBU captain shoved them apart.
As Kakashi once again found himself sprawled on his back, a myriad of emotions swept through him. Anger won out. "This foolishness, Senpai?!" Stumbling to his feet, Kakashi glared at Owl. "Are you going to tell me why you ordered me to stand and watch him execute my captain for no reason?!"
"No reason?!" exclaimed Edge, who had also risen to his feet and was pointing an accusing finger at Owl. "Wolf, he murdered Arrow, our captain!"
What? No, that can't be true! Where is Arrow, anyway, he can't be dead, can he? Kakashi searched the area, straining his eyes against the shadows from the dim moonlight. He's not here, what's Edge talking about? No, wait… there! Kakashi sprinted to the side of the body of his team leader that had been partially hidden behind the still smoking corpse of the rogue jonin nearby. Arrow lay face down in a pool of his own blood, cause of death unmistakably the owl-engraved tanto buried to the hilt in his back.
Shutting his eyes, wishing for the evidence to disappear, Kakashi bowed his head and murmured a prayer for the fallen ANBU. Arrow… May your spirit rest in peace and watch over your family, forever keeping them safe, just as you did in life.
Rising to his feet, Kakashi refused to face Owl, keeping his eyes locked on the corpse of the man who should have been at home, kissing his wife goodnight and tucking his children into bed, not laying mangled on a battlefield, slain by a comrade he had trusted to watch his back. The silver-haired teen clenched his fists and cursed the heavens for the unfairness of it all. Finally, he spoke, voice weak and strained. "Senpai, why, no how could you do this?"
Too-calm, Owl replied, "The only explanation I can give is that I did what had to be done."
"What had to be done…" Kakashi whispered bitterly. Those words could hold many meanings, but it was obvious Owl wasn't going to divulge any details. Still, Kakashi couldn't believe that his Senpai would kill Arrow without a good reason.
"Wolf… I saw it. I had just come to, but still couldn't move. Arrow was walking toward me, obviously to help, when Owl…" Edge visibly struggled to contain his wrath. "Owl appeared out of nowhere, grabbed him from behind and next thing I knew, Arrow was dead, stabbed in the back."
Finally, Kakashi turned to face his mentor, hoping for the man he respected, his captain, to deny it.
Reading his thoughts, Owl gave Kakashi a small nod. "What he says is true."
Kakashi wanted to scream. He wanted to shake the man and demand an explanation. He wanted to dare him to remove his mask and keep up that unnerving calmness without it to hide behind. But, Kakashi was rarely able to do want he wanted.
Instead, he took one last look at Arrow's lifeless form before walking over to where his own fallen porcelain mask lay. Donning his ANBU persona once more, Wolf couldn't help but feel sickened when he saw Edge do the same thing. Just like that, we are again faceless, emotionless tools.
When Edge had finished collecting his mask and dropped weapons, he moved toward Owl, who had resumed his kneeling position. Seeing the Sand ANBU approach Owl, determination to take his revenge clear, Wolf positioned himself in front of his captain, shielding him from execution.
"Edge, please don't do this. Believe me, I understand your need for justice, I want it too. But, I swear to you… if you come with me and escort him back to Konoha, he will be fairly punished by a court made up of both Leaf and Sand shinobi."
Edge paused for only a moment in response before raising his ninja-to with purpose, tip of the blade inches from Kakashi's chest. "No, Wolf. He deserves to die right here. And once he's dead, don't forget, we have our own battle to finish."
The sound of palms hitting the ground made the two teens look at Owl in surprise. The older Leaf ANBU was bent low, head bowed pleadingly between his outstretched hands.
"Edge… I know you cannot forgive what I have done, and before, I was ready to accept my punishment by your hand. But, now…" Finally, Owl was letting his true emotions leak out, voice low and laced with regret. "I'm begging you, consider Wolf's offer. I can't bear dying knowing that I couldn't stop you two from killing each other."
"You think I care what you want!?" Edge sounded indignant, but Kakashi could sense his resolve crack at Owl's sincere words.
Slowly lifting his gloved hand to take hold of Edge's blade, Kakashi added, "Please… think about Arrow. He would never want this for us."
The conflicted teen glanced at the body of his dead mentor. His arm visibly trembling, Edge let Wolf lower the ninja-to slightly. "I know… Arrow… But, it's not that simple, Wolf. Our identities… ANBU law…"
Hesitating for only a second, Kakashi made a decision. He shifted his grip on Edge's ninja-to, making a fist around it and letting the sharp blade dig into his palm. Blood gushed from the wound, dripping off the tip of the sword to the ground. Releasing the blade, Kakashsi clenched his hand, forcing the blood to ooze between his fingers and down his wrist. Bringing his fist across his chest and over his heart, Kakashi saluted the other ANBU. "I won't tell if you won't."
As Kakashi waited with baited breath for Edge's reaction, he thought, Obito, you better be right about this. Allowing himself to trust Edge with the knowledge of his true identity could get him kicked out of ANBU at best, hanged at worst, if it was ever found out. Not only was he forsaking shinobi rules, but he was placing his faith in a foreign ninja he had known for less than a day. It can't be helped… this is the right thing to do and Edge has to see that.
A full minute of silence passed, but Kakashi could tell by the deep breathing of the other teen that Edge was just trying to gather control of his emotions. As soon as he had done so, his body relaxed slightly and he took a step away from Kakashi. Cutting his own hand on the ninja-to, Edge mimicked Kakashi's salute. "So it is sworn… I have no wish to fight you, Wolf, and I won't betray your trust."
Kakashi breathed a sigh of relief. "Nor I yours."
Edge wiped his ninja-to on the grass and returned it to the sheath on his back. Pulling out a scroll from his belt pouch, the Sand ANBU stepped towards Owl.
Recognizing the jutsu written on the scroll, Wolf let Edge pass to perform the chakra binding technique on the soon to be prisoner.
"Captain Owl of the Leaf, I am relieving you of your command and placing you under arrest for the murder of your teammate and superior, Captain Arrow of the Sand."
Owl just nodded and began stripping his weapons and armor until he was clad in only his pants, sleeveless undershirt, and ANBU mask. Edge released the jutsu from the scroll and chakra threads leapt from the parchment to bind Owl's wrists behind his back. The technique was finished with Edge placing his palm on Owl's chest, leaving behind a fiery seal that completely suppressed the chakra of the target. As Edge removed his hand, Owl bowed his head and whispered, "Thank you."
Unable to conceal his hatred, Edge snapped back, "Don't thank me. I swear to see this through to your execution, no matter how long it takes."
As Wolf moved to gather the prisoner's discarded equipment, he couldn't help but wonder if Owl would even put up a defense. If he didn't, there was no doubt that the Hokage would be forced to carry out the maximum sentence in order to protect the peace between the Leaf and Sand. Looking at Owl calmly obeying Edge's orders only renewed Kakashi's hope that Owl's actions were somehow justified. Despite his promise to Edge to help bring the man to justice, Kakashi was not going to rest until he figured out why Owl thought Arrow's murder was necessary. And when he did, he would save his captain from a traitor's death.
*****End Flashback*******
"And so, Edge sent for Arrow's other team to come and take the bodies of their captain and the rogue ninja back to the Sand village, while we escorted Owl to Konoha for his trial…" Kakashi's voice was hoarse from relating the events from so long ago, and truthfully, it had been difficult keeping the emotion out of his voice. Of course, he had only told the three young members of Team 7 the general details, not going into his own thoughts at the time.
Surprisingly, Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura kept true to their word and had not interrupted him once. Although, several times Kakashi had caught Naruto squirming in frustration, but a quick glare had been enough to placate him. For the most part, they had obviously been too entranced by him actually talking about his past to raise questions.
Sakura, bright child that she was, saw that her sensei needed a break. She pulled a water canteen out of her pack and held it out to him. "Need some water, Kakashi-sensei?"
He gratefully accepted it and downed several large gulps through his mask before passing the canteen back to his student. "Ah, thanks, Sakura."
"Gah! I can't take this anymore!" Naruto shouted. "There's no way Owl killed that Arrow guy for no reason! You had to have known that, Sensei!" The blue-eyed ninja had risen to his feet and was pacing in irritation.
"Be quiet, Naruto. He hasn't finished, and obviously Owl is still alive, so he wasn't executed." Sasuke coolly chided.
I guess it was only a matter of time, Kakashi thought with a small smile. "It's alright, Sasuke." Facing his most outspoken student, Kakashi waved at Naruto to sit back down. "You're right, Naruto. I didn't believe it, and I had many theories. While traveling back to Konoha I tried to ask Owl several times, but he always refused to talk about it and said that I was to not involve myself since I wasn't even a potential witness."
"What kind of theories?" Sasuke questioned. At the same time Sakura asked, "Are you sure it wasn't something to do with that strange mind control jutsu?"
Shaking his head, Kaksahi should have known that allowing Naruto a question would break the rapt attention all his students had given him until now. "Yes, Sakura, I'm sure. Owl even went as far to say that. And, Sasuke, my theories at the time aren't important. Only the truth is."
"Well, well? Hurry up and tell us!"
"No Naruto, that tale is one that should be told by Owl himself, not me. To this day, I still don't know everything." Kakashi immediately regretted the lie. He did know everything, he just refused to talk about it. There was only one person he wanted to tell the truth to, but Kakashi had no idea if Edge was even still alive. Pausing, he eventually added, "But, I can tell you that Hurin had a very good reason for doing what he did."
"You weren't able to clear his name, were you?" Sasuke asked in a low voice.
"No, not officially."
"Then, how was he not executed? Obviously, all the evidence was against him." That was Sakura, always logical.
"Actually, he was executed… at least according to public record." Kakashi answered calmly.
"Huh?" Naruto scrunched his eyebrows in confusion.
"Like Sakura said, all the evidence was against him, so he was sentenced to death by hanging. But, after the trial, the Third Hokage learned the truth, and came up with a plan to spare Hurin's life." Seeing that the sun was beginning to rise, Kakashi stretched as he stood up and began securing the campsite.
Naruto and Sakura gaped at him. "Don't leave us hanging there, Sensei!"
Sasuke just scoffed in annoyance. "Or, can you not tell us that, either?"
So, he knows I lied before… perceptive aren't you, Sasuke? Allowing himself a small chuckle, Kakashi finished dousing the small fire and threw his pack across his shoulders. "Sorry, guys, but we need to get moving. I'll tell you the rest on the way to Owl's home."
The three genin obediently prepared to leave, and were ready in minutes. As they walked out of the safe confines of the Grass Haven, Sakura asked, "Do you think Owl will actually be there, Sensei?"
"I can only hope, but you never know with him. Hurin's current mission is to provide intelligence on the movements of Stone shinobi near the border, in case they try and break the peace treaty, so he does a lot of undercover scouting."
"Sounds important! I can't wait to meet him!" Naruto exclaimed. Sasuke nodded in agreement.
"Well, let's get a move on then!" the silver-haired jonin ordered. As Team 7 leaped up into the trees, Kakashi could only pray that finding Hurin would be a quick and simple affair. Owl, you better be safe so you can have the chance to see these kids and know just what your sacrifice is protecting.
TBC
AN: So, has anybody guessed Owl's motive yet? I left only a couple of clues so I'll be impressed if you have! Next chapter reveals how Owl survived being executed and has Team 7 approaching his current home near the Land of Earth border… I might not be able to update for a while though since I'm moving next week and start a month long training thing for work. So be patient and thanks so much for reading!