He didn't linger long at the Uchiha grounds.
He's at his home, a small apartment deep in the downtown of Konoha. Expensive, but hard to find and as a ninja this is ideal. Sleep, he should get, he should catch up on but his mind is whirring on extra batteries. Kakashi appears at his home only to not unlock his traps and head inside. It's too soon to relax. He spins on his feet and chakra-leaps onto the nearest rooftop.
Kakashi should report in to the Hokage, it's what he'd done before. Protocol detailing of his week every Sunday… but mostly the Sandaime hoping to check in on him personally. Kakashi doesn't mind the thought though he's always believed he's much too old. It'll be an earlier meeting than his past life, by about six hours. He thinks a little time skip won't change anything.
Still. Now that he's finally made his first move he can address the bigger incoming problem than Sasuke. That is, the invasion of Konoha on part by Orochimaru. A meeting with the Sandaime is exactly in order.
Kakashi adds a little more chakra to his feet, speeding up his run. The future starts now.
"Ah, Kakashi-kun. A pleasure to see you again."
"Hokage-sama." He bends at the neck, low, eye focused on the tiled tatami. He waits for the approval to look up.
"Please, this isn't serious, is it? No need for such formalities." Kakashi nods.
The Sandaime is exactly as he remembers him, old pipe sticking out his mouth, white Hokage robes trailing the floor as he stands to stare out the office window. Paperwork pile neatly in rows because he's always been a diligent worker. The Hokage still has his vices like everyone else in this ninja village - the smog in the room is transparent but heady. Warm. He's patient and grandfatherly, already with a small smile. He should've never died in the first place.
Kakashi starts. "Actually-"
"Would you like to play Shogi? I'm up for an old game, if you can. Nostalgia is beating hard today," Sarutobi slowly walks himself to the aged wooden kotatsu in the corner, his sandals clacking loudly in the room. Kakashi follows.
"I'm not here to play a game, sir. I have some information I think you should hear."
The Hokage switches the pipe to his other cheek, and puffs once. He looks at him with old eyes, a tired smile on his face. "I was afraid you would say that. Sit down."
He's loyal - he must say to himself, remind himself - and he is a soldier. A good one at that. Kakashi would die for his Hokage in milliseconds, instantly, Sarutobi as much as Minato-sensei. It is and remains his duty and his body fully agrees.
Yet, he has no intention of revealing himself. The fact that he's a time traveler he's decided, is something he'll keep under wraps. Not that it'll be difficult for the Sandaime to believe him, everything, and support him in making a change for the future and beyond- No; Sarutobi-sama is certainly a good ally.
But the "changes" he intends to make… Kakashi thinks of a pale, scared little boy, deadkilled before his prime - no one should bear the weight of his mistakes but him. He's failed once before and it's time he take full responsibility. The Hokage couldn't understand. "Orochimaru," he says and neither of them make any motions, the shogi pieces that Sarutobi had been arranging clack once. And then silence.
Sandaime removes his pipe from his lips. "I'm listening."
"I have intel that he's to return again: the Forest of Death isn't his last appearance for this year's Chuunin Exams."
"You have 'intel'?"
"Yes."
"And?"
Kakashi cautions his next words. "And… he's posing as Sunagakure's Kazekage. He intends for war."
He promptly steels himself, gripping onto his knees tightly under the kotatsu, his nails are sharp. The elder ninja kneeling across from him stares hard and piercing at his words and Kakashi keeps his eye averted. The old face is strained. "These are strong accusations, Hatake Kakashi, or should I say: 'Inu-san'?"
He bows. "I haven't investigated out of protocol, Hokage-sama."
"Hm." The pipe returns and the scent of burning leaves filters through his mask. His nose twitches. "Let's say I believe you. What do you suggest the best course of action?"
'Cancel the exams,' Kakashi thinks quickly with feeling he means to suppress. The memory of Sarutobi's imminent death shakes his sensibilities and soon he'll be speaking careless. He needs contain himself. Kakashi clears his throat and sits straight, straighter to look into wise, dark eyes.
"Delay the finals," he concedes though he knows the truth. "Until we receive more information," and that he formulates some kind of counterattack and pre-defense to the plan. Once he, hopefully with the help of his fellow ninja, know the extent of the infiltration and whether the Sand Village is compliant with Orochimaru… he'll do something.
He could never take on the sannin himself even with his Sharingan (and how he laments the time travel, the loss of his Mangekyou.) This is despite the advantage of knowing the future. The missing nin is beyond S-rank and once again with two working arms, more than a formidable enemy. He could never stand a chance. His Hokage however, if only he knew…
For now he needs to get the clearance, the time enough to hamper Orochimaru's attack even a little. "This is the best course, sir."
The Hokage furrows his thinning brow and shakes his head in disappointment. The sinking feeling in his chest digs harder, festers black. He identifies it as fear. "No; it isn't, Kakashi-kun," he says before playing around with the shogi pieces once more. They click-clack against the wood of the table, the in-carved board. "I thought you knew better than this."
He's silent.
"Even if what you say is true, I couldn't delay the exams. That is no longer an option." The Sandaime plays his piece for him, brown eyes riveted onto the board. "People will travel here from all the five nations to attend this exam, days – weeks travelling. We cannot let them come in vain."
"By one day-"
"Even one hour. The Leaf Village is a strong village, not one to shy away like a startled fawn. What did you hear?" He keeps his mouth thinned tight under his mask, focuses on the one-sided game before him. His brow furrows.
"Or maybe… what did you see?" When Kakashi still doesn't answer, not yet, not so soon, the Hokage continues. "Nonetheless, Konoha must always have a strong front, as one of the great ninja villages she cannot capitulate to terrorism. There is a reputation to uphold."
What 'reputation'? He thinks darkly and he nearly scoffs aloud in front of his leader. Then again that's not entirely fair. He knows the future and so he knows exactly what Konoha becomes.
If the aftermath of the Fourth Shinobi War, the last war for any of the fire nation is all that's left in the name of reputation… Kakashi feels a bitterness taste sour cold bile in the back of his throat, his nails pinch the flesh of his knees. Well, he'd rather burn his hitai-ate.
Kakashi jolts a little out of his reverie. "I don't mean any disrespect, however, are you saying you don't intend to take any action? Extra guards can-"
The Third's voice is booming. "If it is Orochimaru as you say, wouldn't you think he'd notice? He may not have been in this village in years but even a small increase in security could alert him of our knowledge." Kakashi falters and the elder ninja's tone grows small. "And if it isn't… The Sand Village is our recent ally, this would be a great insult and detriment to the integrity of our treaty."
Sarutobi inhales his cigar, his voice raspy and old. "I'm afraid there's nothing to be done."
It's quiet for a moment. The younger of the two adjusts his mask, slopes his forehead protector even further over his Sharingan, the metal cold against the bridge of his nose. He masks a smile. "Maa, I just thought to share what I know."
Hopping along the window sill, a blue bird chirps, pitched voice muted across the glass. Kakashi makes a move to stand.
"Stay."
He settles into his kneel once more.
A quiet voice. "The children in this village… they carry the will of fire because of people like you. Kakashi-kun." Sarutobi looks at him fondly and he feels younger than his years. Warmth swells into him, rushing in his stomach but the feeling dies quickly.
(The children… he thinks with a stinging, reminding sadness. He's never had the will of fire to teach and pass on, only a copied Katon jutsu. Goes for Sasuke as well. It's the curse of the Sharingan, of course.)
He closes his eye. "Everyone admires you, Hokage-sama," he says on rote.
"You may be right," the elder ninja puffs his cigar with a tiny smirk, a quirky twist to his lips. His happiness is catching. "Though I'm only an old man, not the infamous copy ninja, hmm?" Kakashi huffs a breath.
"You're worried about Sasuke, aren't you?" He peeks at the Sandaime, an eyebrow raised.
'No.' His mind provides because worry implies uncertainty. The last thing he is is uncertain, especially when it comes to the youngest Uchiha.
Kakashi nods silently and tries to look caught.
The Hokage smiles. "I have some information about Sasuke that may settle you yet, Kakashi-kun."
The ninja pauses. Whatever this is he's never heard about this in his last life, despite that he informed the Hokage of having begun teaching the Chidori to Sasuke. It should've come up. This is uncharted territory. And he expected this conversation to lead much the same as before but… "Yes?" His eye hardens and though he gives off a lazy countenance, his interest is piqued. Kakashi listens intently.
"It may bring you comfort to know with the help of Anko we've discovered some new information about Orochimaru's curse mark."
Kakashi braces himself.
"If you were concerned of Orochimaru's return in relation to Sasuke, know this. The curse mark has no effect on his mental state. It can be argued that it amplifies the victim's intentions, however we've gathered no conclusive evidence to this theory." Sandaime's entire countenance relaxes, his sun-tanned face serene and happy. Kakashi, with all his ninja training can't force his muscles to appear the same.
Essentially: Sasuke is doomed, curse mark or no.
It's not like Kakashi ever thought otherwise.
"I know," he says solemn and quiet and his hands shake in the seiza he is mandated to endure. He holds his stance, he keeps his mouth shut, and he is reminded that some things are inevitable. Kakashi should've failed his team when he had the chance, never get to know them all over again. His luck continues to be ever failing.
Time-travel, and yet some things never change.
The Hokage doesn't notice the look on his face, his mask always hides. Sarutobi smiles proud. "This does not provide you relief, hm? Maybe you were always assured of Sasuke's allegiances, it looks I've wasted my breath." He chuckles warmly and the smoke puffs out in intervals. A sudden sharp inhale and he coughs, sputters, though that only makes him laugh even more. Kakashi wishes he could do the same.
"Inu-san." Sandaime stops laughing, his tone focused but light. Kakashi tenses. "Thank you and I'll take what you've reported thus far into consideration. I'll be sure to bring it up with the council."
Yes. For once something is going right. Kakashi relaxes and a minute slump appears at his shoulders, one that he rectifies quickly. He's succeeded, he knows that the Hokage will address his ANBU guards and that maybe this time around – he can save. One person, at least.
"However. Don't use the mask for your self-assigned solo missions again. Especially concerning Orochimaru; I can't allow that to bypass twice." Sarutobi-sama hums low under his breath and puts out the cigar against the table. He taps methodically once, twice, thrice, Kakashi counts and the ember dust never falls. "I understand your concern for your student and I commend you for it. Konoha needs more teachers like you."
Kakashi has to look away.
"But do not forget. You've been excused out of ANBU 5 years ago and I should never call the name 'Inu-san' again. Your only job now is to teach. Kakashi-sensei," he says with a warm smile.
It's a dismissal if he ever saw one. With a quick bow, Kakashi makes his leave.
He needs sleep.
This he knows intimately, his body running on its last fumes. After staying up waiting for Sasuke and then informing his Hokage, (to which since he's had to break away from the ANBU trailing him immediately after the conversation) Kakashi is done. That is, he wishes he could tell his mind such. The organ deliberately ignores this fact – how his one eye creaks to stay open, blinks longer as if stupid. Kakashi removes his forehead protector, placing the item on his drawer and strips out of his regulation uniform. His weapons pouch falls. He doesn't think he can read his Icha; he doesn't think it could sufficiently distract him. He doesn't think he'll sleep.
He knows underneath his left eyelid, Obito is spinning.
#
Kakashi can hear Akamaru before Naruto and Sakura. It was a plus to raising ninken close to oneself. That the bond between ninken and ninja can become so close a person can obtain characteristics of dogs: fangs and claws, scent-tracking, mannerisms and even advanced hearing. He's not so close to his pack that he could be mistaken as an Inuzuka; Kakashi thinks he'll never achieve such and he doesn't feel disappointed. No, he doesn't need any canine influences, none whatsoever to hear the pitched need in Akamaru's bark. Any being could understand it was bad news.
"Tsunade's been dismissed as Hokage!" Kiba starts.
Damn. He didn't think the elders would act so soon but of course they would. For old seniors they act faster than experienced ninja.
"And some guy named Danzo has taken half her place- But more than that, he's announced the decision to hunt down Sasuke. Naruto," Kiba looks to his student and Akamaru whines low with pity. "-the decision is effective immediately."
Sakura bristles, Naruto clenches a fist, and Kakashi interrupts before the two do something stupid.
"Half?"
Kiba scratches his scalp, embarrassed. "Oh, yeah. That was the bad news first, there's good too. Shikaku volunteered your name on the board," Kakashi twitches a little under his mask but his subordinates are still too young to have noticed. "And long story short, the Fire Daimyo liked the idea of more than one acting-Hokage."
Sakura pounces on the information given. "Kakashi-sensei, you can repeal the act against Sasuke!" Naruto pitches in, his mouth opening, but before he can voice his thoughts Kakashi cuts their growing hopes down.
"I don't think I can."
"What?!" "Why not!"
"Naruto. Sakura," he says looking at the two teens beside him. Confused, they glare so expressively, but he's too proud they come so fast to Sasuke's defense. "Danzo will probably undercut my value to the position if I do so. Something like, 'he's too weak, too sympathetic to a missing-nin'… These, he's always brought up with Tsunade."
And if he were to be honest concerning himself such accusations sound undeniably true. Kakashi sighs. "In fact, I have the suspicion that this was exactly his plan."
Sakura shouts her outrage. Naruto becomes inflamed. "You can't let this go! He made a law without your consent-"
"A law that unfortunately everyone can agree on. Sasuke is a missing-nin and expected for execution."
When the two make their intentions known to plead at him, Kakashi tries to stress that this is all Danzo's trap. That to restrain the Kyuubi-container in the village as too unstable because of the Uchiha, the Godaime's student much the same. Sakura and Naruto distinctly refuse to listen: his special, special kids. He smiles.
"Maa, I never said I wouldn't figure something out."
The green tent is large but cloying, it flaps idly, yet the air is stale through his mask. "So. You've finally shown your true colors."
Danzo doesn't flinch to his credit, the old man breathes softly in his chair, calm and steady. His cane rests beside him and Kakashi has to manually reinforce connections in his brain.
A Hokage is strong. Danzo only acts weakened but no one would've accepted him to the position if they really believed such. Root. Tenzou. Kakashi is on his highest guard, and only the name of the man before can put him in such a position: the wary canine, the cornered animal. He wishes he could have had the chance to refuse his nomination and not be in this mess, because he's not a responsible kind of guy. However it's Danzo, and now Sasuke, and thus Kakashi needs brace his nerves and fully steps to the plate.
"I am only offering myself as the leader to bring into Konoha a new age of order, of-"
"Yes, thank you," Kakashi cuts. Still, the elder doesn't twitch.
Danzo, his motions slow and obvious as if aware of the ninja in him ready to unleash at the slightest provocation, takes his cane in hand. He stands, the chair creaks and he makes slow measured steps toward him. The cane clacks against the ground a steady beat. It sounds like a clock counting down, '-three, two' but Kakashi fears and doesn't want to know unto what.
"I apologize. I haven't prior informed you of the ruling to kill Uchiha Sasuke. I took the initiative to presume you intelligent a man to agree?" Kakashi slouches on his feet, his appearance of a lazy ninja. He pulls out his Icha in front of the other man.
"That's why I'm Hokage, Danzo." He intentionally leaves out the title of respect. As if there could ever be the day that he submits to him. Kakashi pretend stutters in thought, his book closes with a clap. "Ah. Sorry. Part-Hokage, just like you." Don't forget yourself.
"I'd implore you to communicate any new actions you'd want to take in the future… and myself the same. United we can make a difference. Konoha has always been founded on teamwork, no?"
Danzo makes a small, slow smile and the scar on his chin stretches. "I'm pleased to hear we share the same ideals for unity. I'll be sure to remember."
His back immediately tenses, his body is stiff. Kakashi doesn't like the sound of that. Nonetheless, he has to make an effort. "I'd like to address the ruling against Sasuke now that you bring it up-"
"I'm afraid there are more pressing matters that need attention." Danzo makes a hand signal and Konoha's ANBU station themselves before them. The numbers fill the tent.
"Kakashi." He could laugh. "There has come a message calling for a Five-Kage meeting, the first of its kind."
His eye widens. Kakashi contains himself quickly. "A nationwide effort to address the Akatsuki?"
"Understandably. Representing the Leaf Village Konoha, attendance is necessary. Only two guards are allowed to follow a Kage to the meeting." Kakashi can see Danzo struggle to admit this, it's not so obvious and he thinks he's imagined it to himself but the man literally pauses. "-our situation is unique, thus I confer that we each choose a guard for ourselves. Who will you choose?"
Kakashi pretends to think on the options, his hand exaggeratedly stroking at a masked chin and he closes his eye.
"I think I chose… Sai."
Yes. He's well aware that the ninja is much younger than him, less experienced as guard detail. The ex-Root operative ('ex' being a flexible label) isn't honestly his favorite choice, but the boy is a student of his Team 7. His. Kakashi believes this.
He wants to entice Danzo, who now thinks fully that both guards are under his influence; he wants him to reveal his true colors more. It is a danger, the travel to the summit is bound to have some nefarious plot involved… Danzo, who may try to kill him before they arrive. This isn't ideal but Kakashi thinks its best. This is the one opportunity to expose.
He hopes he doesn't die in the meantime.
The bandages around Naruto is plenty and he has as much face coverage as Kakashi himself, looks much like Danzo. Kakashi terminates the uncanny comparison quickly.
"I'm going to the Raikage for Sasuke."
Kakashi contains his initial sigh, he's sighed many times for Naruto than he can count. The sound is an interesting mix of fond and sadness and he doesn't want his kid to notice the latter. Not that it'll hamper him anyhow. "I'll repeal the motion."
"I know," Naruto says with a wide smile. His black eye crinkles. His kid gives him a Nice-Guy pose, thumbs up.
"That's for when you get back…" Minato's son puffs his chest and the teacher in him is proud. "Until then, I'll hold the Raikage off myself!"
Kakashi smiles brightly under his mask, as his kid can always get him to do, but the stretch of muscles sting at his cheeks. He says good luck, he gives his support, he salutes to the backs of Yamato and Naruto – but only he can hear the emptiness in his words. He has the painful intuition that this time Konoha's hero won't succeed.
…
Kakashi waits.
For once he's not the latest to arrive, though if only to spite Danzo he's actually tried to be. This is petty of him and childish, but Kakashi can't muster enough energy to feel guilty for doing so. He can only stand here, waiting and reading until Sai finally arrives. He doesn't think yet this is an assassination plan in action - they remain close to the leftovers of the village and therefore under much scrutiny. It is light out, few witnesses abound and Danzo speaks quietly to his own guard, Torune. Still, Kakashi doesn't relax. He pretend reads his book and waits for the sneak attack.
A bird screeches, piercing from the sky.
"I apologize for my tardiness." Danzo looks at Sai only to ignore him and make his walk down the beaten path. Torune follows. Kakashi turns to the younger ninja.
"What occupied you so?" he turns a page.
"Nothing," Sai responds.
The summit is proving to be a very bad idea. They have made no progress. Each intimately aware and having experienced the threat of the Akatsuki, their jinchuuriki containers kidnapped and killed, none have returned full focus on the topic at hand. The discussion has devolved and Kakashi hasn't said a single word, he pretend reads before the nation's most powerful ninja figures. He feels for Gaara. A children's spat, reduced to shaming and undermining one another and Kakashi wishes he could say he was above all this. But he's not. Every accusation against Konoha, he's been directly related and responsible towards and this… this is a truth.
Itachi - he remembers, he's ashamed - is the first. His underage subordinate (though they are all underage he thinks, too young to ever warrant a part in this but that's irresponsibility talking). The one he stupidly led wrong. Kakashi regrets, Kakashi's inadequate, and he's glad the Sandaime gifted him leave. He's never wanted to again be in a position of power but he figures better him than Danzo. He at least, knows guilt.
And now Sasuke has joined into the Akatsuki too. Is there no end to his mistakes?
When the Raikage outbursts once more Kakashi thinks the man may be like him, close to their Jinchuuriki and under impossible chains of guilt. If Kakashi were in his place he may have done the same. Though Kakashi thinks he's long been desensitized and should know better, should expect the worst. This is what he tells himself.
(But he will die before they have Naruto. Akatsuki will have no more of his students. This is what he promises. And his Team can work together to get Sasuke back.)
When Danzo speaks finally, everyone stops to hear what he has to say.
"Akatsuki's leader is Uchiha Madara."
This shocks Kakashi but for what exact reason he's not so sure.
He shouldn't be surprised that Danzo has this knowledge, that the man's kept this in secret rather than telling his partner-hokage. The surprise is obvious on his face despite his mask, and Lady Mizukage notices with a concerned glance. It's an appearance of dissention, miscommunication - a weakness - and Kakashi quickly recovers himself. He stews on the information given and keeps his silence.
(Always an Uchiha, his mind darkly supplies and he tries to hold that one stray thought in proper order. To maintain appropriate behavior as expected in the rules of a ninja. This is ineffective and useless, his traitor of a brain continues makes conclusions against his heart. He thinks, 'Obito,' thinks the massacre on part by Itachi, thinks the Sharingan in his left eye. He's been touted a genius in his prime and sometimes even now but today his mind has left him. He doesn't know what to make of this information.)
"What about forming a five-village alliance?" Mifune proffers.
After the initial exclamations the shock wears off, the Raikage sits down, and the Tsuchikage asks the important question.
"Who of us will control this combined army?"
The air is heavy and suddenly stifling, looming as every leader at this round table is silent. Ninja-quick eyes pass over others but Kakashi very much refuses to bite off more than he can chew. He's not interested in such a position. He only looks at Danzo his "ally", and his eye narrows to dangerous focus.
Mifune says. "As mediator and representative of a neutral party, I will decide who amongst you is worthy an authority. Who will lead and succeed against Akatsuki."
It is quiet. Then, "Seeing how the only host left is the ninetails - I, of Konoha, will honorably volunteer myself to the position," Danzo says.
Mifune agrees.
Oh. Kakashi realizes with a deep breath, a sharp inhale through his masked nose. He can see the colors.
There is an initial disagreement, argument (mostly from the Raikage himself), somebody offers his name and his eyes make contact with Gaara's. You notice it too.
Gaara closes his eyes, the dark, insomniac raccoon ring remaining long after his loss of Shukaku though Kakashi muses that no amount of sleep will heal that patch of skin. He watches Danzo, his book is still out and Kakashi doesn't know how much longer he can stay silent. He doesn't want to be involved but neither does he want things to get worse.
"Danzo-sama, show your eye underneath those bandages!" and now Kakashi is involved.
The ninja with the one Byakugan explains, how Danzo's right eye belongs to Uchiha Shisui, also a user of the Mangekyou. And that Mifune, the mediator, had been manipulated into accepting Danzo's offer to the position. The table is inflamed itching out of their seats, Kakashi closes his book and returns the paperback to his weapons pouch. All he can think is 'Uchiha, Uchiha, this time Shisui,' and he knows the man sitting next to him has stolen this Sharingan. So much for his feeble appearance.
"This may be true, Byakugan-user, but I am not the only Sharingan in this room."
Everyone faces him.
The most flimsy recovery. Kakashi is irritated but at least he knows Danzo is at his last ropes, that the man needs desperately to divert and regain control of the conversation. As if he'd make use of his Mangekyou for him rather than himself - does he take these ninja here for idiots? Kakashi scowls, he narrows his eye because Danzo has succeeded nonetheless. This man thrives on instability.
The table erupts in relative chaos. A at the forefront, Gaara watches him, and Kakashi doesn't want to defend himself only to further "incriminate". Then a white Zetsu appears. He hears.
"Sasuke."
A orders. "Byakugan-user. Watch them."
Kakashi backs his seat, the chair scratches off-key. "Wait."
"Like hell! I'm not letting the fucker that killed my brother walk away from me!" The Raikage appears before him in a flash of electricity. He jabs him with a finger just short of polite etiquette but Kakashi doesn't want to dodge and startle the man. Already, he tires of the sharp eggshells, this politics…
"You his teacher? You made him the killer he is, you and all you Sharingan. Fucking Uchihas…"
Kakashi assesses the situation quickly and responds. "Bee was your brother? You cared about him, didn't you?" The Raikage growls and moves his hands towards his weapons. His guards make the same motion and Kakashi actively keeps his periphery open to fast movement. He holds a stopping hand out to Sai, keeping the kid from reaching for his sketch-scrolls. He doesn't dare show his Sharingan now. "If he went out of bounds containing the Hachibi-"
"Bee would never do that! My brother has the number-one control of all the jinchuuriki!"
And he never expected Sasuke to defect. "If he did…" Kakashi pauses and he swallows, his throat holds a heavy lump that he needs ignores. "If he did, who would trust to take care of him?"
Darui, he thinks, pulls out a sword and aims the tip at his mouth. Kakashi's eye widens. The motion was slow and fast at the same-time. "I wouldn't say any more if I were you, Copy ninja."
"Darui."
The ninja in question raises a cool eyebrow before lowering his sword.
"Hatake, Kakashi." A says and looks him in the eye. "It would be me. Absolutely."
As it would be mine, unfortunately.
"Ah. Because you're the raikage?"
"No," he corrects sharply and Kakashi feels guilty to instigate these feelings, but not guilty enough. "Because I'm his brother."
"Then you understand." Kakashi looks at him calmly. He walks past the tall man and lifts back his forehead protector. "Let me 'take care' of him."
The Raikage thunders behind him to his right, Sai on his left, his two guards sprint along the walls of the small hallway leading to Sasuke. Kakashi swiftly apologizes under his breath for what he is about to do but he's not sorry enough. His Sharingan spins, spins, spins until the black flower of the Mangekyou blooms.
#
Kakashi twists tighter in his sleep. He wakes with a gasp and a start. He looks around his room - the low, dark ceiling of the apartment and the scene is so monotone he feels some measure of relief. He enjoys the feeling while it lasts. His eyelids flutter, his brain goes on standby and his breath evens 'in, out, in…'
#
His student is different. Obviously, this is true; it's been more than 2 years since he's seen the kid, teen - adult, he'd say if Sasuke didn't still look so much like before. Man, he decides simply because the last Uchiha stares back at him contemplating, inspecting with unfamiliar eyes. These eyes are determined, colder, older, the light that used to reflect off them shine a different spectrum that Kakashi can't see. He doesn't know if he can successfully talk his student out of this.
"Yo," he says waving to the makeshift team around his student, a boy with a sword as big as Zabuza's and another boy nearly as large as the Raikage. He should regret not bringing back up, the genjutsu he's placed on Sai and the cloud ninja should last a quarter-hour. He hopes he can hold these three back that long.
Though he suspects he's getting ahead of himself.
"Kakashi." Sasuke glares at him from his stand in the middle of the great hall, a black, dramatic entrance. One of his teammates looks at him funny until he appears more interested in the proceedings. Kakashi isn't surprised Sasuke chose not to talk about his past.
"You remember my name, I'm honored."
"Why are you here?"
"To talk."
"No." Sasuke appears at ease, he doesn't reach for the katana at his back and neither do his teammates make any offensive motions. Kakashi remains on his guard. "Why are you at this meeting?"
So. His information is skewed.
"-are you a loyal to Danzo?"
Definitely skewed.
"Not particularly." In a show of trust he steps down from his perch on the upper floor to Sasuke's level, looking at him as equals. He doesn't get too close however. "I've been nominated acting Hokage."
"In addition to Danzo?" and interestingly enough he sounds polite. Sasuke appears to make connections in his brain, his voice has a curious inflection that implies something more. Kakashi doesn't know if honesty is ideal but he truly wants to talk. Even if that means making some sacrifices.
"Yes," he says and Sasuke finally makes a motion towards him. He steps closer, directs a flicking hand back to his posse. Kakashi closes his own eye.
"You're one of them then."
The danger underneath his tone is loud and clear: his judgement is final. Kakashi can hear the dark of his voice and he knows that talking time is over. He's failed. "One of who?" he stalls.
"Don't play dumb, Kakashi. You're one of them!" Sasuke growls, his body charges in a flash of blue and it settles fast, concentrates in his hands. It's not a chidori, Kakashi muses idly, though the timing is inappropriate. It's something better. Kakashi respond spreads in a horse stance and generates chakra in his hand, holds the assassination technique before himself. The birds don't chirp; they screech.
"Who, Sasuke?" …he wouldn't really kill his teacher, would he?
Sasuke glares, his eyebrows furrow and he can't tell if the reaction is a good result or not. His student walks to him, sandals tapping against the cold ground and Kakashi resists the urge to back away. The killing intent in this great hall is strong and omnipresent but the teacher in him must hold his ground. "I'm your teammate, Sasuke. You're still a part of Team 7."
You won't kill me.
Sasuke scoffs, his humor is seeping. "I'm not with the Leaf anymore, and you're not who I thought you were. None of you are. I'll kill you and that Danzo, and the other four kage. Then, I'll crush Konoha." Eyes closed, the thunder at his hands crackle and intensify. Kakashi backs three steps to his right, allowing himself the open space behind him to escape if he needs to. He needs to.
"Who?" and Sasuke opens his eyes, the red is swirling. Mangekyou.
"You've already defeated your brother." He says this as a question and as a statement, and he's confused. "You should be finished with your revenge."
"I should, I should, I should…" Sasuke chuckles, he laughs until the sounds from his throat strangle wrong and the depth to his voice echoes in the chamber. He settles to a satisfied smirk. "You can't tell me what to do, sensei."
Kakashi's eye widens. He dodges, quick. Amaterasu burns in his wake, he looks at the trembling black flames then back at Sasuke. "I can't," he admits and he knows he's tried. But Sasuke is a lot like Naruto, a force that is impossible to restrain. "But I know this isn't what you want."
This isn't what I want.
Sasuke laughs again, the sound is bitter and not reassuring. "You don't even know what I want, don't pretend."
The new team surrounding his student haven't made a single move and Kakashi doesn't know if he should be insulted or relieved. He meets Sasuke, chidori for chidori, and the force of their attacks light up the entire area. He won't win he knows, and the blue lightening spark in currents across his skin. His student's pale face is starkly visible, Mangekyou against Mangekyou. There is a curl to his lip, a flare to his nose, and a crazed killer in his eyes. Kakashi falters his student and he stupidly hesitates even though he really shouldn't. Too late.
The last thing he sees is the Raikage who bellows across the hall. Sai, he thinks, catches him before he falls.
#
It's morning. Obito has stopped spinning. His eye is still, his mind is half-awake/half-asleep and there's really nothing he can do about the pounding headache between his temples. It's the Sharingan and its perfect recall memory and single-mindedness to replay all the worst things.
It won't let him forget. Kakashi gets off his bed and goes to work.