AN: Soooo...holy shit it's been a year. I doubt anybody will read this, especially with that disaster of an ending, there won't be much to the fandom. However, if by chance some people do read this, I simply want to thank you for sticking by this collection of oneshots for so long, and sorry because I won't be posting the last part of Kiyoshi's Story for two more chapters, go to my profile and find out why.
Before you start this off, how about you go back to chapter 5. This is the second part to that chapter, and will have a final third part.
Besides this, I'm thinking of making a Naruto Self Insert story simply because that horrible ending made me want to write my own Naruto adventure. Don't know when I'll post it, but it's a working progress.
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The Meeting: Part Two
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Hatake Kakashi was revered by the ninja world as the Copy Eye Ninja. He had a substantial amount of money hanging above his head in the Bingo book. And there were many shinobi who would rather take their own lives rather than facing him. The scarecrow was one of the most notorious warriors Konoha has ever produced. So how the hell did he get stuck babysitting a brat?
Whether she was a spawn produced by his cute student didn't matter, he didn't know how to deal with kids. Being emotionally handicapped made one ignorant on some things. For example: how to deal with a crying child.
Hitomi made him uncomfortable. She was so different than her parents that if she didn't have some of their features, he would have never guessed Sasuke and Hinata created such an out-going child. She was so…clingy and sensitive. She would talk to him, comment on tedious things that she finds amusing and he didn't know how to respond besides nodding uncaringly. But when she tripped and scraped her knee he honestly had no idea what to do.
She wasn't crying…so much, but tears were tears and he was the only one besides her as she tripped. He looked—left, right, up, down, anywhere—but with everybody up ahead, he was alone with her. He was reminded during a time with Sakura, where she was crying about Tsunade's training or something, but he left as soon as the tears appeared. He was rather skilled at avoiding such things.
Kids weren't much different, but this girl was. This girl was the child of his emotionally damaged, but still cute, student. And had a mother whom he rather liked. His students were his family, which by extension, made this littler girl and the other spawns, his family.
Reluctantly—very reluctantly—Kakashi crouched down to her eye level and awkwardly patted her head.
"There, there."
Hitomi sniffled. Embarrassed by being caught, she turned red and wiped her tears away. She bit her lip as she tried to hide her wound from the man. Of course, that didn't work on him.
He was no medical nin, so was rather hesitant on using chakra to heal the child. He wasn't particularly bad at it, but children were still at an in extremely sensitive stage when it came to chakra, so he had no idea how to adjust it.
Beneath his mask, Kakashi wrinkled at the thought that just occurred to him.
"Do you want me…"the scarecrow—feared by many, remember that—shivered uncomfortably as he finished his offer, "Do you want me to give you a piggyback ride?"
And just like that her sadness from before transformed into that of excitement. The sudden change in emotion caused the aged man's eyebrow to twitch, but didn't stop her when she climbed onto his back. The grip on his neck was almost suffocating, so he loosened her hold on him.
"Ojisan—"
"Niece."
"…my knee hurts."
Kakashi sighed. "I know. When we catch up to your mother she will patch you up. Until then, how about we keep quiet, hm?"
"M'kay."
It was silent…for a few minutes, which Kakashi silently applaud the girl for. However, when they saw a hare skitter across their path, Hitomi gasped in excitement. Soon after she started her rather long rant on how cute bunnies were, and how rats were just as cute. In her speech, Kakashi learned many things about rodents that he could have lived his whole life without knowing, nor caring. Drowning her out was the problem, seeing as her mouth was right by his ear.
He shouldn't have offered to stay behind to wait for the little girl to finish using her business. This had got to be on his top ten mistakes he regretted in his entire life.
Hatake Kakashi, once feared ninja, now babysitter extraordinaire.
0000
Kakashi didn't really understand why the Mizukage suggested they meet in The Country of Iron for their meeting. If she were really sympathetic to Naruto's cause, why go to the place where Sasuke had caused this whole mess in the first place. She wasn't logical—emotional more like it.
Return to the place that Sasuke had destroyed his life, reflect upon his actions, and repent. Unfortunately for her, Sasuke was too proud and self-righteous to do so. He still seemed to think that everything he had done was right. His sins were his sins, but sins that were rightful in order to bring his fallen clan to the light.
Nice try, Mizukage-sama.
The samurai still had animosity towards Sasuke, and rightfully so. Within the small army lay many kids whose parents Sasuke had killed without mercy. Their killer intent was so obvious that he felt Hitomi tremble in fear. He didn't know how to comfort her besides distracting her.
"How's your knee, Hitomi-chan?"
The girl refused her mother's herbal ointments, because she wanted to keep her "cool" scar. The kid's weird, but if it meant hearing her brag, then so be it.
"It doesn't hurt anymore." He could hear the smile in her voice. Good. "Ojisan, will I have an awesome scar like yours? When I get bigger I wanna have so much to show everybody how tough I am. I don't want my booboos to be fixed."
"What if you break your bones?" Kakashi asked absentmindedly.
"Aww, I guess that's okay, but I don't wanna get rid of the scar. They're pretty to me. You look pretty with yours, Ojisan."
Pretty? Kakashi mused, slightly taken aback. Well, there was a first time for everything.
"Kaasan has lots of marks on her hand, and I think it's neat. Lots of people think she is weak, but I know she is strong, because of her scars."
The girl was morbid. Kakashi sarcastically wondered where she picked up that from.
I think I might have broken her already.
"Right, kaasan?"
Hinata, who was walking in front of them, looked over her shoulder and smiled. "Yes, Hitomi-chan."
Hitomi grinned. "Doesn't ojisan look pretty?"
"Aren't I pretty?" Kakashi asked with a sickly sweet voice.
"Yes, Hitomi. You're ojisan is very pretty." Hinata giggled. "I'll take her from your hands, thank you, Kakashi-san."
"Kakashi-sensei," he corrected her as he handed the child to her.
The group spoke no further as they made to the meeting room. Even Kiyoshi and Ken kept their mouths shut, probably from all the bad vibe surrounding them. Hinata and Sasuke huddle close together with their kids. They look ahead, eyes strong and firm, silently warning the samurais that they are feared for a reason.
Just outside the entrance to the meeting room stood Mifune's son, Funju. The group stopped once they spotted him. The samurai bowed.
"Hokage-sama, Kazekage-sama, company…"his stone-like face showed a hint of confusion as he eyed the small humans with them, "…children."
"Change of plans, dattebayo." Naruto smiled sheepishly at the younger man. "Hope this doesn't cause any problems."
Shaking his head, Funju bowed again. "Of course not, Hokage-sama, though I also have news for you and Kazekage-sama."
"What is it?" Questioned Gaara.
"Yondaime Raikage-sama and Sandaime Tsuchikage-sama will not be attending the meeting." He respectfully held his hand up before Naruto could question him. "A-sama and Onoki-sama stepped down from their Kage position. A-sama appointed Darui-sama, and Onoki-sama appointed his granddaughter, Kurotsuchi-sama. They are here for the meeting. I hope you are not annoyed by the sudden news."
Kakashi raised an eyebrow. Onoki had already talked about stepping down, however everybody assumed it would be after this meeting. A…well, the former Raikage still had a lot in him, though he supposed it was for the best. Unlike the fourth Raikage, Darui was much more sympathetic and mellow. Plus for them. From what he knew, Kurotsuchi was just as thick headed as her grandfather, and both detest the Uchiha name. Minus for them.
For this meeting to go into their favor, every Kage had to agree on the same terms. Though, he supposed that's why Shikamaru suggested the brats to come. Pathos was sort of cheating, but if it meant keeping Sasuke and Hinata from outright killing the Konoha elders, then a little cheating was in order.
Naruto was probably thinking along the same lines because his grin became relieved. Slapping the samurai on the back, the Hokage laughed joyfully.
"'Course not, dattebayo. Good for them!"
Though not as obvious, Gaara's smile was just as light. "Thank you for informing us. May we go in?"
"Of course."
The samurai stepped aside to allow them to enter.
Kakashi kept his sharp gaze on his brooding student as they enter the room filled with eyes that had, at one point, tried to kill him. He observed every person in the room. It had been a while since he last seen them—not since the war. Despite the alliance, not everybody became friends. He certainly didn't, and only truly knew Gaara outside of his own village.
He didn't dislike them—certainly not, but it also didn't mean he trusted them. Especially when it came to the people he cared about, and when most people in this room scowled at the sound of his loved one's names. But alas, he didn't have the energy to be on constant guard, Sasuke did that for him.
The other two Kages went to their respective seat. Shikamaru was behind Naruto, and Kakashi behind Gaara. The older man met eyes of the Nara, both understanding what they weren't saying.
The Uchiha weren't welcomed.
Even the Mizukage, the essence of patience and compassion, seemed stiff. Her smile, just as much. All three Kages stared bullets at the Uchiha family in the center, all mixed with distrust, hatred, and confusion.
Kunju hit the hilt of his katana onto the marble floor. The sound echo throughout the cold room and seemed to have intensified the tension. Hajime scowled, glaring at the ceiling. Hitomi cowered in Hinata's shoulder. The twins hid behind their father. Toshiro was the only content person in the room; his heavy, steady breathing a clear sign of his state, ignorant to every emotion settling in everybody's stomach's like a hot kettle as he slept in his father's arms.
If they start another war just because they refused to allow the children their right at freedom, then Kakashi could only agree with Obito's cynical philosophy. He didn't want it to go to that.
"You may begin." Announced Funju.
He took a step back until he was behind the Uchiha family so that they were at the center of attention. Hinata gave the man a hard glance over her shoulder. The warning was taken, and Funju nodded his reassurance to the graceful mother.
"As you already know," Naruto began, "I called this meeting 'cause when I disagreed with the Konoha's elders' idea of sealing Sasuke's and Hinata's kids, they implored your help. And now I'm here to ask you to listen to them, 'ttebayo."
"I'm sorry, but we need more information if we're going to make a clear cut decision." Darui, the usual mellow man, now sits stoically in his chair, eyes blank of emotions. Omoi stood behind him, very stiff and ready to take action if necessary. "Boss agreed with the elders, and until you give me reasons otherwise, I'm afraid I'm inclined as well. Sorry," he added.
Kurotsuchi had a feral smile as she eyed the kids. When Hinata glared, the older woman's smirk widen. Akatsuchi placed a warning hand on his Tsuchikage, which was ignored.
"I say why not? We seal them. What have they ever done in this world except be moaning, vindictive bastards." She leaned back in her seat, not at all deterred by Sasuke's bloody stare. "But what the hell, I'm willing to listen."
The Mizukage sighed. "I'm afraid I'm on the fence on this matter. Sasuke-san and Hinata-san should be the only candidates for this fuinjutsu."
Her usually warm green eyes are now empty. Duty before morality; one must learn to how to tell them apart, and Mei has mastered this feat to the point of sadness. "However, to be frank with you, Sasuke-san, how do we know that you didn't put it in your children's head to hate like you have? It seems to run in the family. We don't want another Madara, or Obito on our hands, now do we?"
Kakashi flinched at the remembrance of his old friend. He refrained himself from saying anything he might regret, though that didn't stop him from eyeing the woman with disdain. Chojuro noticed the malice and glared back.
"I agree with Naruto," Gaara stated. "Uchiha and Hinata-san have already been punished, and will continue until their final breaths. There's no need to bring their children to such a miserable end."
"Of course you would," the Tsuchikage rolled her pink eyes. "You and blondy are bffs. If you weren't, then you'd be just as willing as we are."
Gaara wasn't fazed by her jab.
"You are right. I am completely biased, however it isn't because of Naruto's influence." He gestured towards the kids in the center. "I'm rather attached to these children. Seeing as how Konoha and Sunagakure have the strongest alliance, it's only natural I've become extremely familiar of this issue, as well as the Uchiha family. Punish the parents if you wish, but the children should not be the target of your petty hatred."
Kakashi smiled beneath his mask. Sometimes it still surprised him how far the little damaged boy has gone. He went from being a psychopathic killer, to one of the most respect people in the ninja world. Even his feudal lord had been known to treat the Kazekage as he would to any royalty.
Naruto gave a blatant thumbs up to Gaara, to which he responded with a small smile. The silence was heavy, though it was only because the Kazekage's small speech caused them to rethink their opinions, even if by a little.
"Alright," Naruto folded his arms on his chest. His whole persona radiated confidence. "Before anything, I would like to inform you guys about the seals Sasuke and Hinata have. You wanted info, right Darui, or should I say Raikage-sama," Naruto send the older man a goofy grin, "well you're getting it, dattebayo."
"If you wanna to give other countries information on how to control the Uchiha race, then so be it." Darui's statement reeked of sarcasm. Naruto maybe rash, but he wasn't stupid.
"The seals on Sasuke prevents him from activating his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, and at one point, the sharingan itself," Naruto began. "Eventually the elders thought it would be best me and Tsunada-baasan to modify the seal so that he can use his normal sharingan, all for their selfish purposes 'course."
"What would happen if you would to activate your Mangekyo, Sasuke-san." Asked Mei.
Being spoken to for the first time, Sasuke closed his eyes to avoid being read. He'd rather not like his maybe-enemies to clearly see his silent rage, and use it against him.
"It would blind me."
Turotsuchi whistled.
Naruto nodded, and continued, "The first time is a warning, and lasts for a few hours. The second time he does it, it would permanently blind him. Other than that, if he were to leave the village without permission, the seal on his forehead would activate immediately and paralyze him. If he goes on a mission and doesn't return without confirming MIA or physical proof of his death, then the same would happen. If he were to die and or be paralyzed outside the village, and someone took his eyes, then Sasuke had made it so that his Amaterasu would destroy them."
"What about the Hyuuga?" Turotsuchi questioned nonchalantly, though her curious eyes said otherwise.
"The Hyuuga clan made that seal specifically for her, though I had it modified, dattebayo. It does much the same as what Sasuke's seal does, though instead of paralyzing her, it only causes her pain." Naruto scowled angrily as he finished.
Kakashi couldn't help but agree. Despite the clan being one of the most noble and strongest clan in the Fire country, it was also one of the most unforgiving. The only reason they hadn't downright killed her was because of Hanabi's and Neji's insistence. The seal itself looked much like the original of what the Branch used to have, but it was red. Instead of what the original purpose was, which was to protect the main branch, this seal was created to keep Hinata from ever defying the Hyuuga name again. The village was second on their agenda.
It also blinds the poor woman without second thought. Good thing Hinata and Sasuke were no fools.
"And before you all get excited, only Tsunade-baasan, I, and another person can activate their seals." Naruto smirked at the three Kage's shocked expressions. "We had to make sure no one could abuse them, so even the Hyuuga have little power over Hinata."
"Who's the other person, and why are you three only allowed to activate them." Mei asked suspiciously.
"Only Uzumaki chakra can activate the seals. Tsunade-baasan, Karin-chan, and myself are all descents of the Uzumaki clan, so even if you did get your hands on the fuinjutsu, there's no way any of you could use it. Win-win for us."
"And less possibilities of any of you trying to control these children for your gain if you were to agree to seal them." Gaara finished.
Kakashi decided to speak.
"It is hell being forced to serve a village that only scorns you and expects nothing but loyalty out of it. It's not a very good way to live, especially for children, isn't it?"
"Indeed it is not." Gaara only knew so well
Kakashi narrowed his eye when he caught the Mizukage look down, eyes swimming in shame.
Naruto nodded at Sasuke and Hinata. "You guys can talk now, dattebayo."
Both looked into each other's eyes, as if they were speaking through them, before Hinata nodded. Her shoulders sagged, but immediately lifted her face to show the determination she had. Shoulders now squared, eyes tough as steel…she wasn't the shy little girl she once was. Even with Hitomi in her arms, the Hyuuga was a force to be reckoned with.
"Any harm caused to my children will have to face the force of my hand. I will not be merciful, nor will I be intimidated." Her voice, though soft and sweet as ever, still had an edge to it that made everybody in the room trust her words, like a sharp blade. "Even if I am defeated, I will do anything to protect them. Even if I die, I will insure that they will survive and seek ways to destroy your lives through my will. I have never been a hateful person, but I will make no exception when it comes to my children."
The room was dead silent. Sasuke and Hajime both at awe at the power she was radiating, though one kept it better hidden than the other. Hitomi stared at her mother with a new set of eyes. Instead of the usual adoration one would have for their mother, the little girl now admires this person. She smiles, burying her face further into her mother's shoulder. Everybody in the room was shocked, including Kurotsuchi, and in no way mocked her.
They knew she was perfectly capable of doing horrible things to them if the situation called for it. Seeing her like this only proved it.
"That includes sealing my children," Hinata continued. "However, I don't want it to come to that. All what Sasuke and I want is for our children to be happy…"
"…And being imprisoned in Konoha will only make them miserable." Sasuke finished Hinata's sentence. "That will cause them to learn of hatred, and make them hate all of you for agreeing to it. You don't want another Madara, Obito, or even another me, on your hands, now do you?" Sasuke sarcastically repeated Mei's words.
Everybody bristled at the implication of his words.
"Are you threatening us, Uchiha-san?" Darui narrowed his eyes, raising a hand to stop Omoi from reacting. "Do you think you're in any position to do so?"
The Uchiha shrugged. "It's not a threat when it's true. My kids are smart, there's no doubt in my mind they will find a loophole to this damn thing." He used his free hand to touch the black circle on his forehead. "And I will help them."
"And so will I," said Hinata.
Kurotsuchi scoffed. "What if we kill you guys right here and now?"
"Then you've declared war on the Fire and Wind country, dattebayo!" Naruto sneered at the audacious girl. Beside him, Gaara nodded.
Kakashi closed his eyes, frustrated at how quickly out of hand everything became, though the blame mostly went to Sasuke. His cute, brooding student, no matter how well composed he thought he was, was blinded by rage, vengeance, and parental instinct. Hatake didn't understand his reasons to that extent, so he supposed he couldn't really blame Sasuke for being rash.
The Copy Eye Ninja was just thankful he never had kids, otherwise he would have to go through things such as…feelings and…guidance. Sometimes being emotionally handicapped had its few perks.
AN: Kakashi has a rather strong bond with Hitomi and I wanted to scratch the surface on this chapter. The next one will go through multiple POV, so hope that doesn't bother anyone.