I jolted awake from the door in Isamu's room opening. I shook my head realizing I fell asleep in the chair next to her bed. I stood up to see who was coming in, to my surprise it was Asuma? I looked at him with a puzzled eye and tilted my head. He knew I wasn't expecting him, sp he got a little uncomfortable.

"Hey Kakashi…just wanted to come check in see how you and Isamu were doing…Kurenai told me you were still here even when she left last night…did you sleep here?"

I rubbed the back of my neck as I looked down to Isamu and then out the window. I saw the sun was out so it must have be late morning. Wow…I can't believe I slept in that late and nothing else woke me before Asuma.

"I believe so…I didn't want to miss anything just in case…"

I cut my sentence off as I choked, I couldn't begin to think what worse things could have happened to Isamu. I saw Asuma nod, his expression saddened as he looked down at Isamu. He placed his hands in his pockets, walking over so he was standing over her. I watched him with an intent eye. I knew Asuma would never do anything to Isamu but, I have been on edge lately so I couldn't help but watch his every move.

"I still find it hard to believe…that after finding her in the state we did…how she is still alive…what can I say Isamu has always been a fighter…she won't give up so easily."

Oddly enough I found comfort in his words because he was right. Isamu was the strongest woman I have ever met, her determination and strength have always burned bright. I knew she was still fighting even in this sleep state because…well… that is just who she is.

I jumped a little when I felt Asuma put his hand on my shoulder. I looked from his hand back up to his face with a wide eye. He smiled squeezing my shoulder a bit.

"Why don't we get out of here for a while…get some fresh air…maybe some food…you look like you could use some buddy."

He scoffed patting my upper back a little harder than I would have liked. I sighed as I closed my eye, I nodded slowly in agreement. It wasn't ideal, , I didn't want to leave Isamu but, I did need to get out, get my mind off of everything. I didn't know who I was right now, it was a part of me I never thought I had. I was breaking the rules, I was neglecting my duties to the village, I was being even more secluded. The thing is, none of it bothered me because it was all for Isamu. I could do any of those things over if it meant keeping her safe…and I was determined to do so.

I followed Asuma as we left the hospital and made our way down into the market square. He took me to a ramen shop but, this wasn't Ichiraku…I'm not sure if I had ever been here. I let Asuma lead us in and followed him to a secluded table more towards the back of the shop. We both took our seats across from each other. I finally saw Asuma unwind a little and sigh. I could tell being in the hospital and seeing her made him even more tense and uncomfortable. We had one of the shop cooks come and take our order, and of course Asuma had to order us sake. I wasn't too much of a drinker but, right now I wouldn't reject the offer. Asuma crossed his arms leanig in a little from across the table. I did the same, keeping my gaze locked with his.

"What's wrong Asuma…what's going on? This is very…out of character for you."

He laughed a bit as the shop owner brought the sake and the two cups. Asuma poured me one and then himself. He took his cup and swirled it slowly for a few moments. It looked like he was trying to figure out what to say.

"Nothing ever gets past you does it Kakashi?...first of all I wanted to make sure how you were holding up…Kurenai told me how you have been acting lately and…we just want to make sure you are doing okay as Isamu recovers. I also wanted to tell you that your team has been asking about you and Isamu…Kurenai and I have done our best with keeping it evasive, but hey are your team and I think it should be you to face them and tell them what's happened."

He sat back pouring himself another cup and smiled as the shopkeeper brought our food out and placed our bowls in front of us. I looked down grabbing my chopsticks, I began to stir the contents of my food resting my chin on my open hand. I stopped and looked back up at Asuma.

"You're right…I do appreciate everything you, Kurenai, and Guy have done for Isamu and I but you're right I need to face them sooner rather then later…they have every right to know what's happened."

I hated to admit it, I forgot completely about my team after the attack on the leaf. After spending day in and day out searching for Isamu…I never had a moment to meet up with them. I felt my stomach drop, to think what Naruto would go through knowing what's happened to Isamu. I know those two are close…more so then the other genin on the team. I knew that bond has only gotten stronger since the first day Isamu came to our team. They are going to have a hard time with this, then again there is no easy way of doing these things. I'll just have to rally them up and tell them everything that's happened. I had to make sure I am the Sensei; they need me to be from now on.

I saw Asuma smile and wave his hand in front of him as he finished another cup of sake.

"It's no trouble…honestly…we all knew the state you were in. None of us wanted to get in your way…but now she is home. We know she is alive and being taken care of…you can relax…even if it is just for a short time."

If only he knew, that would be a lot easier said than done. Until I know Isamu is awake and able to function, I don't think I'll be relaxing much. We sat there in silence while we finished our meal. Just before we were going to call it Asuma caught my attention.

"Also, Kakashi…there is something else you should probably know…while you were 'away' the elders decided who they want as the 5th Hokage…"

My eye went wide, I completely forgotten about them having to pick a new Hokage. I figured they would be more worried about restoring the village first. Then again with no Hokage that leaves the village even more vulnerable. I looked up gesturing for him to continue and tell me who they have decided on.

"They decided that…the 5th Hokage will be none other than…Lady Tsunade."

Lady Tsunade? She hasn't been spotted in the leaf village for years. Just like Jiraiya, the three great sanin went away from the leaf village and haven't been back till just recently.

"They chose Lady Tsunade? Do they even know where she is?"

Asuma shrugged as he patted my shoulder and turned to exit the shop.

"Who knows…guess we will find out…take it easy Kakashi."

I nodded ans I downed my last cup of sake. I sat there with my eye closed until the burn left my throat. I sighed as I looked out the window to see the village. Knowing how late it probably is I should head home; I'll have to make sure to meet up with Kurenai and those three tomorrow. I walked through the market square heading back to my apartment when it finally hit me. Lady Tsunade is a great medical shinobi, if she will be back in the leaf I could ask her to look at Isamu. Maybe she would know something to help her recover quickly. I'm just curious how long it will take before she arrives and is coronated. I just hope it's not too long…for the village's sake…and for Isamu's.

The following morning, I woke up later than I wanted so the morning was lost. I arrived at the academy towards the afternoon to see if I could find Kurenai first. I entered the main gates into the courtyard in front of the academy and stopped in my tracks. I looked over and…just my luck…there was Kurenai, Sakura, and Naruto all near the main doors of the academy. I walked up giving my closed eye smile and small hand wave to greet them.

"Well, hello you three…just the people I have been looking for."

I saw Naruto and Sakura look over to me with shock. Kurenai crossed her arms and gave me a side glance. I made my way next to Kurenai rubbing the back of my neck nervously.

"Sakura…Naruto…sorry I haven't checked in recently…"

I saw Sakura look at me with saddened eyes and Naruto looked at me with a deadpan expression. He was quiet, he had no come back or anything which told me they did not take the news well.

"It…it's okay Kakashi Sensei…Kurenai and Asuma told us a little about where you were…"

Her voice trailed off as she averted her gaze fidgeting nervously. Naruto looked up at me and crossed his arms. He was the first one to break the tension.

"Kakashi Sensei…is it true that Isamu is in the hospital right now? How bad is she? Can we go see her…like right now?"

I could hear the anxiety in his voice, I could also see he was very impatient. I looked over to Kurenai who was quiet but eyeing me intently. I guess it's the least I could do, let them visit her after not telling them anything for the past few weeks. I'll take Kurenai along so I can thank her to. I wasn't expecting her and Asuma to take them one while I was…out. I sighed and put my hands in my pockets as I lifted my head towards the sky.

"I can take you to visit her…but I have to warn you before we go. She is in critical condition…they have her in the critical unit right now and she is still unconscious…"

Saying that out loud hit my heart more than I thought it would. When I looked over to Kurenai I saw the pain on her face, I think it hit her too. Sakura looked up at me and her eyes were watered over and Naruto…I could see more rage, but his eyes were watering over as well.

"She's in the critical unit! Are you kidding me? What happened to her Kakashi Sensei! Why is she there?"

I saw that everyone was now saddened. There was a very uncomfortable tension in the air. I put my hand on Kurenai's shoulder giving her a soft smile. I looked at the other two and gave them a smile as well.

"She took a lot of damage during the attack on the village… she was taken by Orochimaru…We found her and brought her home. She still has a ways to go before she recovers…fully."

Naruto slowly nodded and looked down in defeat as he crossed his arms.

"If you would still like to visit her…I can make that happen."

Naruto and Sakura looked up at me with wide eyes and slowly nodded in agreement. I looked over at Kurenai and tilted my head.

"Are you coming?"

She nodded softly but didn't say anything. With everyone's nonverbal agreement we started to make our way to the hospital. On the way over I saw Sakura walk up to my side.

"What is it Sakura?"

She held her hands up to her chest and took a few moments to ask me.

"If Isamu is in the critical unit…how are we going to see her? They don't let anyone but family back…right?"

I nodded as I nervously laughed trying to think of the best thing to say. She was right but, little do they know Kurenai and I already established that we are her 'family'.

"You're right…it's...taken care of"

We arrived and we all walked in through the main doors, up to the front desk. As I approached, I noticed the woman working today I had never seen before. Great…that means I'll have to explain everything…I was hoping to avoid that part especially in front of these two. I stood there for a moment clearing my throat hoping to grab the woman's attention. She glanced up at me from her paperwork and back down again.

"Hello how can I help you sir?"

I rubbed the back of my neck sighing…why couldn't Kurenai do this?

"Yes…I am here to see Isamu…she is in the critical unit."

The woman stopped and reached over to the upper corner of her desk. She grabbed a clipboard and started slowly flipping through the pages.

"Isamu…do you have her last name?"

I closed my eye in pure frustration, of course she was going to ask me every question there was.

"Her last name is…Hatake."

I could feel my face get warm and my stomach dropped saying my last name. Just the thought of Isamu having my last name, it made my heart race. I shifted uncomfortably as the woman started to flip through the pages again. I could feel the three eyeing me intently…if their eyes were daggers, I could feel them piercing my back.

"Ah yes…here she is Isamu Hatake…Who are you in relation to her? Only family members can be back in the critical unit."

I nodded stuffing my hands in my pockets trying my best to keep a calm demeanor.

"I'm Kakashi Hatake…Isamu's husband…I was here last night, ,I need to check back in."

She gave me a soft smile and nodded as she got up from her chair. She came out and gestured us to follow her. We all walked down the hallway and stopped in front of Isamu's door.

"Alright here you are Mr. Hatake…please let us know if you need anything."

She smiled and turned away heading back down the hallway, disappearing behind the main doors. Once I saw she was gone I turned my attention to Kurenai, Sakura, and Naruto. They were all quiet, I could see they were all anxious too. I decided not to make them wait any longer so I opened the door to let them in. Once everyone was in, I closed the door and turned to face where Isamu was still laying. Kurenai and I stayed back while Sakura and Naruto slowly made their way to her side. They began talking softly to her, I then caught Kurenai staring at me.

"What?"

Kurenai sighed shrugging her shoulders. I could tell she was holding back, I think like me she didn't want to show that side to the two genin in the room.

"You know…it doesn't get any easier…the longer I see her like this…the more I grow uneasy…"

I nodded but didn't say anything, I felt the same way. The longer it took her to wake…the more serious the situation seemed to be getting. Sakura then came up to us and broke me from my thoughts.

"Kurenai Sensei…do you think you could come with me…I want to try and find Sasuke…tell him about Isamu…"

Kurenai gave her a soft smile but, before they could leave I put my hand on Sakura's shoulder. She stopped and looked up at me. My eyes never left Naruto at Isamu's side.

"When you find Sasuke…tell him to meet me in the market square tomorrow at 9am and not a minute later."

Sakura slowly nodded, I heard the two of them leave the room and the door shut. Once they were gone, I made my way over next to Naruto. When I saw him his head was lowered, I could see tears falling. The image of Naruto crying over Isamu and her lifeless face and closed eye sent shivers down my spine. It made this that much more of a reality. I sighed placing my hand on Naruto's shoulder. Suddenly he turns and goes in for a hug. I looked down at him with a wide eye lifting my arms. This was something I was least expecting from him. I could feel his face pressed against me hidden. I slowly lowered my hands and completed the hug. After a moment he pulled away looking up at me then back to Isamu.

"I don't understand Kakashi Sensei…why would Orochimaru take Isamu? Why would he do this to her…is she going to be okay?"

I looked down at her grabbing her exposed fingers. I then put my free hand back on Naruto's shoulder.

"Orochimaru is after Isamu's dragon spirit Naruto…all that matters is she is back now and safe…she will be okay it'll just be a while for her recovery…"

He nodded, I saw him face me with a now determined face. He clenched his fist, I could see his eyes start to water again.

"You know Kakashi Sensei…when she was with me and pervy sage before the finals I told her that I wanted to get strong enough to protect her…that means I have to start training even more so that I can make sure Orochimaru never gets to her again!...Kakashi Sensei…"

He stopped putting his hand softly on her arm that was by her side. He looked down and I could see a small smile creep on his face.

"I love Isamu Sensei…she can't leave us…not yet!"

Before I could say anything, Naruto sprinted out the door and was gone. I slowly shook my head turning my gaze back down to Isamu. I smiled softly as I caressed the side of her exposed face.

"Hopefully not too much longer…you have so many people here who love and care for you…come back soon."

I left her room making my way back to the main lobby. I was about to pass the front desk towards the main doors when I stopped in my tracks. I turned my head towards the front desk and yup…just as I thought. It was Jiraiya...he was no doubt flirting with the women here. I rolled my eye trying to ignore what he was doing as I made my way up to him.

"Jiraiya…fancy meeting you here…"

Jiraiya heard me and jumped as if I scared him. He laughed nervously as he smiled awkwardly at me.

"Ah Kakashi! How are you? I was hoping to run into you here sooner or later…"

I furrowed my brow tilting my head, he was waiting for me? I'm surprised he knew where I was.

"Well…I'm here….what do you need?"

He turned serious nodding as he gestured for me to follow him. We walked outside of the hospital and to the side so we were out of everyone's way. When Jiraiya thought we were in a good spot he nodded turning his attention back to me.

"I wanted to talk to you...I have decided I will be training Naruto from now on…There has been sightings of an organization that has recently been at large. With these sightings there has been rumors that this organization is after the 9 tails. This means that Naruto will need to learn how to live his life always watching his back…and strong enough to protect it."

I felt a shiver up my spine when he mentioned…'organization'... that means there is more than just Orochimaru who is after Naruto now. I sighed in frustration holding my fingers on the bridge of my nose.

"What organization are you talking about Jiraiya? What makes them so much of a threat that they are being compared to Orochimaru?"

Jiraiya scoffed shaking his head.

"This organization wears black cloaks with red clouds on them…they go by the name of the Akatsuki…they are level with Orochimaru because he used to be apart of them. To put it in perspective, Itatchi Uchiha is also a member of this organization."

So, Itatchi Uchiha…he's returned... for Sasuke no doubt. That means I am going to have to focus onSasuke and train him harder. He needs to if he is ever going to be ready to fight him. That also means that it's not only Orochimaru after Sasuke anymore… I'll have to make sure to always keep an eye on him. If Sasuke is anything like me…which I know he is…the minute, he finds out about Itatchi he is going to recklessly go after him. Good thing I told Sakura to tell him to meet me tomorrow.

"What now? What are you planning on doing with Naruto now that we know this information?"

He laughed a bit crossing his arms, his face then tensed. He looked to be very irritable now.

"I am going to take him with me to retrieve Lady Tsunade…the elders sent me to find her and bring her back to the leaf…you will need to focus your time and energy on Sasuke…I don't think that should be a problem for you…right?"

I nodded, if anyone knew where Lady Tsunade was it was Jiraiya. The part I'm worried about is how Jiraiya is going to convince Tsunade to come back with them… if Naruto is with him…I'm sure they will find a way. I was then about to turn away to head back to the ninja academy until I felt Jiraiya put his hand on my shoulder to stop me. I turned my head to the side glaring at him until I saw his face was saddened.

"Kakashi…I wanted to say I'm sorry to hear about Isamu…I am happy to hear you found her and brought her home…I hope she has a quick recovery…"

I nodded and made my way back to the academy. I walked into the courtyard and stopped as the Sakura tree caught my eye. I looked at it for a moment and a smile started to form. I was remembering back to our academy days and the times Isamu and I spent up there just to get away.

Flash Back Kakashi POV

I had my chin resting on my open palm trying to pay attention. Osamu sensei was going over his ninjutsu lecture again, it was so boring I couldn't help but yawn…multiple times. When I got tired of staring at the board, I would often move my gaze to the girl that sat not too far in front of me. You couldn't miss her, with her fire red hair, it stuck out like a sore thumb...and those…eyes. Those eyes are the most interesting thing I have ever seen. I try not to be too obvious but sometimes I'll catch glances just so I can stare into them. It was weird, when I would I felt…warmth in my chest. This was a feeling I only got when we looked into each other's eyes. I've never felt that before with anyone else… I couldn't understand why it was happening, but no matter how hard I tried I would always go back to staring at her, admiring her from afar. She was a few years younger than me, but even so she was amazing. Her chakra and knowledge seemed to have no limit and her technique…even though it could improve…like a lot…was not bad for someone who has never practiced jutsu before.

She sat right next to Obito, every now and again I would catch them whispering to each other and giggling. I couldn't help but be disgusted, it was so childish of them…but I also thought at times…why couldn't she be doing that with me? Just then the bell rang, it jolted me from my daydreaming. I stretched out as I stayed seated for a moment. I wanted to see where the girl was going for our break. I saw her get up, Obito followed her out the classroom door along with Rin. When I knew they had left I got up and walked out. I looked from left to right trying to see if I could spot them. When I did, I saw Isamu saying her goodbyes toRin and Obito. They went in opposite directions, Isamu was heading into the courtyard. I could feel my heart racing and for a moment I felt my face get hot while my eyes grew wide.

Was this my chance? To go up to her and talk…alone? With no one else interrupting? Whenever I tried to go up to her there was always someone…getting in the way. Whether it be the 'protective' Obito or the obnoxious Guy or even Iruka…they always got in my way. I decided to have a go at it regardless. I slowly made my way to the opening that led into the courtyard. When I walked through I could see most of the courtyard. There were many of our classmates scattered around. There were small groups here and there so I scanned to see if I could find her. Finally, I saw the red that was sitting right under the Sakura tree. She was alone…or at least for a moment. I saw three other boys from our class point over to her. They all were laughing and snickering as they made their way slowly over to her. I crossed my arms as I watched them. I felt the rage start to overpower me. If they are going to do what I think they are going to do…let's just say they won't be laughing again for a long…long time. I kept my eyes on them, when they made it over to the table the middle boy put his foot next to her on the bench and leaned in against his lifted knee. I couldn't see his face or hear what he was saying but from the look on Isamu's face it wasn't good. I saw her grow more and more uncomfortable every second those boys were over there.

Suddenly the boy took her bento box and threw it on the ground. The group around him began laughing again. I wasn't going to allow that; I quickly ran over to the table grabbing the middle boy by his collar. None of them were expecting me or even saw me coming, so the other two boys' eyes went wide as I held their 'leader'. I was standing on the table and bent down so I was able to get close to the boy's ear. I held on to his collar tight so he couldn't budge as I leaned in even closer.

"You so much as look at Isamu again…you won't be laughing anymore…you won't even be able to walk…got it?"

I said this louder than I wanted, but hell…I didn't care. Someone needed to teach these punks a lesson, and lucky day…it just happened to be me. I stood up and let his collar go, but before he could run away I put my foot on his back and pushed him out. He went flying a few feet from the table landing on his face. I heard him sniffling as he slowly got up, the other two helped him up and ran off. I smirked and nodded; good I think they learned their lesson. I moved my gaze down to Isamu who was looking away from me. Her face was almost as red as her hair...she was slowly getting up. My eyes went wide…no I wasn't going to let her go…not yet.

"Isamu…right?"

Here eyes went wide, she looked up at me with water covered eyes nodding slowly. I couldn't help but stare into her…beautiful eyes…for just a few moments. I smirked as I got down to pick up her box. Unfortunately, I couldn't save any of the contents, but I had an idea that would hopefully make her smile.

"Don't mind those punks…they needed to be taught a lesson…they shouldn't be bothering you anymore…you're welcome."

She looked at me with disbelief, then I saw she had her hands clenched into fists against her side. She had a stern look on her face as she crossed her arms. My eyes went wide, I wasn't sure exactly what was going to happen.

"I didn't ask you to come in an save me…I could have handled it on my own…"

Her face got red again as she averted her gaze. She snatched the box from my hands. I was off guard, so I couldn't stop her. She then turned and began walking away.

No…I couldn't let her go…not yet…not until I got her to smile. I grabbed her arm as I panicked. She turned around giving me a death glare. I immediately let go and rubbed the back of my neck in embarrassment.

"Want to see something cool?"

She looked at me puzzled for a moment but then I could see she loosened up as she nodded her head slowly. I smiled grabbing her hand and took her to the base of the Sakura tree. I tpicked her up and jumped up where we landed on a few branches up within the tree. It was high enough to where you couldn't see anything but the flowers. When I got my footing, I saw that her eyes were closed. She had a tightened grip around my neck, I whispered to her to make sure not to get her on edge.

"Isamu…open your eyes…we are safe."

She slowly opened her eyes andshe started to look around. I saw her eyes get wide as she let go of me and got to her feet. She began looking around at all the fully bloomed flowers. After a few moments I saw it, I saw her smile. She sat down on the branch and began swinging her legs back and forth slowly. I stood there as I looked down at her, I couldn't help but smile myself. I was admiring the sight of her admiring our surroundings. I saw her eyes meet mine as she lifted her hand to mine. My face became hot, I am sure my face was red now. She giggled pulling my arm down.

"Come sit next to me…"

I nodded slowly as I sat down so our shoulders were almost touching. We sat there for a few moments in silence. I didn't have much to say, I just wanted this moment to last forever. I could sit here and stare at her all day, just admiring every aspect. There was a small gust of wind that came through the tree. It took some of the flowers off the branches and one landed right in Isamu's hair. I smiled as I slowly went to take it, as I grabbed it Isamu put her hand up to her head. She was confused looking to see what I was doing to her. I held up the flower, I had it held in between my fingers slowly twirling it. I looked up slowly putting my hand out and she flinched, so I stopped. I didn't want her to think I was going to hurt her, because that was far from what I wanted to do.

"Just…relax."

She listened and relaxed a little, she was eyeing my every movement. I took her hair and placed it behind her ear with my free hand. Then I placed the flower, so it laid behind her ear. I took a strand and slowly followed it down with my fingers until it fell from my hand. Her face went red as she smiled…the biggest smile I've seen from her since she got here. It filled my stomach with butterflies, but it was a feeling I never wanted to stop.

"See…even more beautiful now…it compliments your hair."

She giggled and blushed as I averted my gaze in embarrassment at the stupid things coming out of my mouth. I have everything so planned out in my mind, but as soon as I try to say it… it just comes out short and cold. Suddenly the class bell rang again and that stole both of our attentions. I sighed because I knew this is where the moment ended but, Isamu decided it wasn't quite finished. I was turning to see if she was ready to get down when she leaned in and kissed my cheek. I froze in place slowly putting my hand up to softly rest against where her kiss went. I looked back at her, but before I could say anything she had already hopped to get down out of the tree. I smiled and lowered my hand reluctantly following behind her.

"You are something else…Isamu…"

End of Flash Back Kakashi POV

As I remembered that moment, I found that my hand went up and was touching the side of my cheek where she kissed that day. That was the first day I realized that I had to be close to her…I always wanted to be the one to make her smile. I made my way slowly to the bench and table that was still under the tree. I sat down, as I got comfortable I took out my book and began reading. I finally found my peace…even if it is just for a few moments. Before I knew it, the sun was setting and the day had gotten away from me. I walked back to my apartment where i slept soundly that night.

The next morning, I woke up feeling refreshed. I got ready and made my way to the market square. I was meeting Sasuke here today to ensure that he is protected. He needs to understand what we need to do moving forward with his training. I continued walking down the road with my book out, I had some time to kill so I figured I'd do what I do best.

I slowed my pace because I felt something in the air…something that was very unnerving. It felt like a strong chakra force, but it was being masked or confined. I was about to pass a small tea and sweets shop when I felt a shiver up my spine. I stopped in my tracks moving my eye slowly to the right of me peering into the shop. There was a large cloth that hung down in the front entrance. You could still see portions of the people sitting inside. I got to the middle of the shop, as the cloth moved from the wind I saw them. My eye went wide to the two black cloaks with red clouds that were sitting at a table inside. I slowly backed up and decided to rest my back against the post that was right next to the front opening. I pulled my book up trying not to look too suspicious, but suddenly I heard my name being called. I jerked my head up to see who was calling, a small wave of relief came over me.

"Well hello Kurenai…Asuma…you two look like you are getting along really well."

Kurenai crossed her arms getting super red as she was averting my gaze. Asuma was laughing nervously rubbing the back of his neck. It was perfect timing that they both decided to show up. I could use them to keep an eye on these two…see what they are doing here in the leaf. I turned my gaze back inside the shop, Kurenai and Asuma then followed and I could see them tense up. I think they were feeling the same unnerving sense I was. I looked back at the two nodding my head towards the two Akatsuki members. I was signaling them to keep an eye andfollow them. When they took their places on the opposite side of the opening. They began leaning against the other post as I slowly started to walk past them.

"I'll be back shortly…make sure to take care of these two while I'm gone…"

They both slowly nodded as I made my way back down the road. I made it up to the academy entrance to the courtyard. I saw Sasuke standing there resting against the gate post looking unamused as always. Just as I was about to make my way over to him, I stopped in my tracks. I felt my stomach drop as I turned my attention back to the way I came.

Something was wrong…something wasn't sitting well with me. I decided to head back the way I came. This time I was jumping from roof to roof. I was on the look out to see where Kurenai and Asuma went since they were no longer at the shop…and neither were the Akatsuki. I continued not much further until I came across the large river that runs next to the road leading outside of the leaf. I stopped up in a tree on the other side of the river where the other four were. I tried to see if I could identify the two strangers, but they were too covered. They had large straw hats that covered most of their faces and the large black cloaks masked their bodies. Suddenly the one closest to me that was standing right in front of Asuma dropped his hat and my eye went wide. I saw him draw his large sword from his back. As he lowered it the bandages covering the tip of the blade fell. I knew that sword…it was the Samehada. The tip of the large sword that was exposed looked dark and ridged.

I shook my head…there is no way those two would last 5 minutes up against Kisame Hoshigaki alone. Then, put another Akatsuki member at equal or greater strength…no I had to jump in. I wasn't going to let them do this alone, I then jumped from the tree all the way across the river landing right in front of Kurenai and Asuma. I lifted my headband so my sharingan was exposed, I knew for a fact I was going to need this. Kurenai and Asuma both called out to me in surprise.

"Kakashi! Why are you here…"

Asuma said with an irritated tone as he kept his defensive stance up against the two foes. I scoffed, never taking my eyes off them.

"I told you two to take care of these guys…and yet they are still here."

I could hear the two behind me scoff, but we always kept our eyes on the two intruders. I then saw Kisame hold his sword up to me and smirked.

"Oh, this'll be fun…don't you think?"

His voice was high pitched and his teeth were as sharp as razors. I was getting ready, I could see that he was about to sign a jutsu…and…there it was. He began signing, so I did too, kepping up with him to a T. We then released at the same time.

"Water Release! Water Dragon Bullet!"

We stood across from each other and at the very same time dragons began forming from the water in the river next to us. They were in complete unison so when he attacked mine, they canceled each other out. All the water then came raining down on us. I looked back at Kisame who now was looking at me with a scolding face. I think I really pissed him off, I don't think he was expecting that. I then saw the other Akatsuki member put his arm out to stop Kisame from doing anything else.

"Kisame…we are going to pull out…you taking on Kakashi will not come without cost… that would stall long enough to have the anbu come…we aren't here to start a full fledged battle…we are leaving."

Kisame scoffed holding his sword on his shoulder as he sighed. I now moved my attention to this new Akatsuki member…his voice sounded familiar, but I couldn't put my finger on it. I saw Kisame smirk and nod as I watched him remove his hat. When he revealed his face, we all were frozen in shock.

"All right Itachi…let's go then!"

I shook my head, it was Itatchi…Uchiha…I wouldn't have expected to see him right now and in the leaf of all places? I didn't understand why they were here…It confused me more since Itatchi was leading their little group.

"Itachi Uchiha…it's been a long time."

He nodded but his expression never changed. He stared straight into my eye, his gaze was cold and unwelcoming. He nodded but I knew he wasn't going to say anything.

"What are you doing here…why have you come back to the Leaf?"

Kisame snickered, I could tell he was getting impatient just standing around. Itatchi held his arm out to him to signal for him to stay where he was. We weren't done here…not if I had anything to say about it.

"We are here in search of something…"

I knew it…I was right, now I just had to figure out if it was for Naruto…or Sasuke. I grabbed my kunai holding it out pointing at him still standing my ground.

"Let me guess…you're here for Sasuke?"

He slowly shook his head, so it's not Sasuke…then it's Naruto. They want the 9 tails…But for what? What use would they have for that?

"No…we are here for the 9 tails…and the dragon…"

My eye went wide, I could see the quick demeanor shift in Kurenai and Asuma behind me. I could see the rage building up in Kurenai. No, she couldn't be reckless in this situation. If she was it could mean her life…especially with Itachi here. With out warning Kurenai began signing her genjutsu as Asuma pulled his chakra blades setting his sights for Kisame. Kurenai's genjutsu made her disappear in plain site, she formed a tree where the branches were wrapping around Itachi. He didn't flinch…this was nothing to him. Suddenly Itachi was gone, and Kurenai was in his place. She was now trapped by her own genjutsu. I saw Itachi pull his shuriken and I ran to Kurenai. I was able to grab her getting her out of the way before the shuriken got to her. We stood on the water for a moment catching our breath as Asuma came and joined Kurenai's side. Kurenai and Asuma went to distract Itatchi so I could disappear blending in with the water below us. Once I got behind Itachi I jumped out throwing Kurenai my kunai to try and get the slip on Itachi. My eye went wide because as soon as she threw the kunai he turned into water.

"It's a water substitute! Kurenai watch out!"

Kurenai gasped but Itatchi was too fast, he got to her and sent her flying back. I gor behind her stopping her from going any further and held her there for a moment. Asuma came to our side, he took Kurenai helping her get to her feet. I turned slightly and when I looked back, I saw Itachi standing there staring at us.

"I see you have your sharingan active...I wonder how someone not from the Uchiha clan will fair against the Mangekyo Sharingan…"

My stomach dropped and I felt like my heart stopped. I was frozen in place but only for a second. I turned back to Kurenai and Asuma with urgency.

"Don't look into his eyes…whatever you do…do not look into his eyes!"

They both shut their eyes quickly, I could feel their tension and sense the anxiety building. I know what he was going to do…if anyone gets caught in his genjutsu…it won't turn out well. I cpuld sense the Mangekyo Sharingan when I was staring at him but suddenly everything changed. Kurenai and Asuma were no longer behind me… they were gone and I was…attached to a cross post. My wrists secured and my ankles secured together to where I couldn't move. I saw Itachi but not just one… there were at least four in front of me.

" How will your sharingan do against the Tsukuyomi…how long will you last?"

I sighed closing my eye, the Tsukuyomi…a genjutstu that can manipulate space and time itself. This was not going to be good…I could feel my heart racing. I then began to see more and more Itatchi's appear all around me. They were all holding a long black sword in their hand pointing at me.

"For the next 72 hours…you will be trapped here…I will continue to torture you…"

He stuck his sword in my chest and a terrible burning pain shot throughout my whole body. It began happening over and over…multiple swords piercing me at a time…there was even a point where I could see myself…attached to the post and all the Itachi's around me…it never stopped. He continued to pierce me with the black sword over and over in all different places of my body. It felt like we were here for an eternity, but then he stop for a moment. I took the opportunity to catch my breath trying to build up some strength.

"Just 71 hours…59 minutes…and 59 seconds left…"

No…that can't be…it's only been one second? Before I could do anything else he began stabbing mevagain and again. I can't believe I let him get me…I was weak…I feel even more weak now. How long can I withstand this…if he can control time…what will happen if this continues? I couldn't hold my eye open anymore…my body was tired and my consciousness was fading…everything turned to black.