Not gonna lie but when I reread the entire fanfic from the very beginning, all I can say is that y'all who stayed with me since then really had to put up with a heckin lot of grammar shit and sO MUCH EYE CANCER. UGH. What have I done to deserve you guys /sobs I WILL MAKE IT UP TO YOU ALL, I PROMISE. With a lot of fluff. well. SOON.
Chapter 44: The Beginning of War
Kakashi knew that the snowflake was a bad omen of what's to come.
But he didn't know that it was going to be this bad.
Tsunade furrowed her brow as she looked over the hasty report made by ANBU scouts. There was a sudden influx of activity from the Sound Village just yesterday, although it quickly quiet down. Most would say that this is fairly normal for a village with a distinguishably low population. But the report managed to mention that this was suspicious as many who was on the move had a distinct purple ribbon around their torso, or limb. Although it was smaller and less noticeable but they felt it was linked to Orochimaru.
The Fifth Hokage groaned as she laid back in her seat. Shizune and Tonton could only stand by silently, preparing for the worst as Tsunade began to speak. "I don't have a good feeling about this, Kakashi. After all, I wouldn't doubt your six sense for a second," she said, closing the report and looked back at the Jonin. Kakashi nodded in reply, half-hoping she could just tell him that he was wrong. But he knows that both of them can agree of his intuition.
"Orochimaru? But why now? He should still be in hiding. He was critically wounded." Shizune said in disbelief, looking to and from Tsunade and Kakashi. But their stalwart faces showed no doubt. One might assume that it could be something else, but both ninjas know that it was a higher possibility that it was the infamous Sannin.
Tsunade snorted to her protege before she steepled her hands on her desk, "Just because he should doesn't mean he would. He might have something up his sleeves." She shook her head wistfully, and sighed, "Even after knowing him for so long, I'm still not clear how much potential he has to wreak more havoc." The Fifth Hokage turned back to the Hatake, and her eyebrows furrowed with worry, "What's more important now is the safety of the village. Another blow might destroy us entirely. The general public must not know of this, lest there'd be chaos." Tsunade's next command came swift and true.
"Tell the Jonins you trust to keep an eye out. You never know when they will strike."
Sakura was returning home from another session of grueling training. Her arms and legs ache from standing too long trying to revive that stupid fish. Tsunade had assured her that it was alive, it was just knocked out. Sakura bitterly thought otherwise and wanted to throw the fish to the wall if she could. As she walked along the streets of Konoha, her mind started wandering in and out of conscious thoughts.
"..Kura! Hey, forehead!" A yell jolted her out of her reverie. She turned to see Ino waving from her shop close by. The pinkette waved back and managed a small smile. Ino beckoned her over, grinning from ear to ear.
After the Chunin exams, the girls managed to patch up what was left of their friendship. Secretly, Sakura was glad to have her friend back. It was lonely when Ino left her, even though she managed to toughen up because of the blonde. Even so, she missed her friend deeply.
Ino had been the one who took the first step. She invited Sakura for a day out once most of the repairs were done and they had free time. They had talked a lot, and Sakura found out how much Ino had grown since back then. It was indirect but Sakura knew Ino missed her too, even though her pride wouldn't let her say it out loud.
"Hey, just finished training? You look like death." Ino blatantly observed as Sakura followed her into the flower shop. The light fragrances of the fresh flowers mixed and assailed Sakura's nose. She breathed in, feeling slightly more energized. It's no wonder why Ino was always so filled with energy. If she was surrounded by flowers every day like this, Sakura would probably be the same. "Yeah, so you've been helping with the shop?" Sakura asked and the girls started to make small talk.
Ino just came back from a mission two days ago, and she told Sakura about her forlorn teammates. The blonde shook her head and sighed, her shoulders drooping sadly. "Chouji's been eating his sorrow away. I mean, you can tell he's eating more than usual, but he smiles lesser now. I guess he misses when Mononoke..." Ino trailed off before clearing her throat, looking at Sakura, "But I think Shikamaru got it the worst. He shuts down a lot. Doesn't speak, and his eyes are always in the distance. But he's slightly better now. Asuma-sensei and I've been trying our best to pull them back. I kinda feel bad for the old guy."
Sakura nodded numbly as the blonde mindlessly ranted on. She understood. It's been almost two months since Mononoke disappeared but the impact was still painful.
The welcome bell rang from the front door. Sakura and Ino leaned over to look at the customer.
Hinata blinked at the company before giving a shy wave and a smile. "Good afternoon, Ino-chan, Sakura-chan." The duo stopped their previous discussion and went into small talk, sneaking a few glances at the other girl. They knew each other well, but it's usually because there were always third parties around to join them. Both of them were loud and obnoxious, and they hardly got to speak with the timid kunoichi. The girls shared a meaningful glance as the Hyuga turned, facing her back to them as she picked some flowers from the pots. Sakura nodded to Ino, and the blond gave her an agreeable look. No words were needed to be exchanged. Finally, Hinata was going to make her purchase and went to the cashier.
The Hyuga looked at both of the girls awkwardly, before she asked in a soft voice, "Everyone's really worried, aren't we?" Sakura was honestly delighted that the ravenette spoke first. She had no idea how she was going to broach the subject out of nowhere. Sakura nodded quickly before trying her best to smile at Hinata, "Yeah. So, how are you holding up?"
The Hyuga seemed surprised at her question, but quickly shook her head with a sad smile, "I'm okay, I think. Shino-kun is affected some, but he's always been quiet so it's a little hard to tell. Maybe it's because he's been quieter than usual. But..." she faltered, looking back and forth from Ino and Sakura before thumbing the modest bouquet in her hands, "It's Kiba-kun I'm worried about. He and Akamaru, they're still in a difficult place."
Ino sobered up and gave a forced grin, "Yeah, but I'm sure we'll find Mononoke soon. Everyone's making their best efforts! So, are those for home?" The desolate subject was soon dropped and life resumed to normal for now.
Kakashi watched silently as the others took in the news. They were quiet as all looked at the ground, each in their own thoughts. Even Gai was deathly still. Kakashi wasn't sure how they would take the thought of another attack. The village had already endured a large blow.
"So, what do you propose we do?" Asuma asked him, finally breaking the silence. All eyes were on the Hatake. Obviously he is the unnamed leader for them, for now. Kakashi sighed to himself at the sudden responsibility before replying tiredly, "We can only keep our guard up and remain vigilant at all times." He looked at all of them in turn. The Rookie Nine senseis: Kurenai, Asuma, Gai, with an addition of Kotetsu and Izumo, as well as a few Jonin that have duties around the watchtowers for the following days. "The general public will not be notified of this new development. For now, you're dismissed."
The group all exchanged meaningful looks before going off their own separate ways. Kakashi sighed heavily, rubbing his face with exhaustion.
Someone patted his shoulder and he looked up to see Asuma looking at him knowingly. "You okay? Been sleeping well?"
But the truth was obvious enough for all to see. After Mononoke's disappearance, dark eye circles began to creep under Kakashi's eyes, and he looked constantly exhausted.
Nevertheless, Kakashi just shrugged and gave his friend a half hearted smile, "I've seen better days. But I'm fine." Gai and Kurenai edged closer, looks of pity clear on their faces. Kakashi suddenly felt claustrophobic, and hurriedly excused himself. "I have an errand to run for the Hokage. I'll see you." He muttered under his breath and made a break for it.
The battered soul could finally breathe when he got out of the building.
Kakashi messed his hair with frustration and sighed. He felt like he was sighing a lot these days. The untouchable Kakashi has finally fell deep into a downwards spiral of depression. His soft groan sounded hollow at that thought. With one more glance at his surroundings, he continued down the streets home.
The streets was already emptying out as people returned to their homes. A small girl and a young man walked past Kakashi, their hands intertwined and were swaying back and forth as they walked. "Hey, nee-chan. Do you think we can have sushi tonight?" The little girl asked excitedly and her brother gave her a smile, "I don't see why not! Let's go ask Okasan about it." The siblings chatted on. They looked so carefree that Kakashi felt his heart clenched as he watched them from the corner of his eye. The silver haired man hunched over and started to pick up his pace.
When he reached his apartment, Kakashi saw his neighbour shakily walked to his door. It was the old woman that had helped babysat Mononoke whenever he was on a mission.
She raised an eyebrow at Kakashi as he bowed and greeted her. "You look like the seventh level of hell, boy. When was the last time you ate?" She jabbed snootily. But she nudged his shin with her bamboo cane with a certain motherly tenderness that warmed the man's heart. He couldn't help chuckle at the old lady's sass. It wasn't hard to see that Mononoke got her sharp wit from spending too much time with sweet old Himiko.
"About an hour ago. I'm a grown man, Himiko-san." Kakashi countered pathetically and Himiko snorted at him.
"But you don't exactly act like one. Let's get some soup in you, you old dog." The old crone quipped before hobbling back to her home, beckoning the man along. The Copy Ninja just shook his head with resignation before following her obediently. No one says no to old Himiko.
When he entered her humble abode, the smell of food caused his stomach to growl. Himiko made an amused snort as she prod a bony finger to his gut. "This never lies," she joked before going to her kitchen. Kakashi wanted to help her but she waved him off with a stern look so he sat down at the small dining table. Himiko returned with a bowl of soup and a bowl of rice with a few pieces of meat. It's not much but Kakashi felt like it was a feast. He hadn't been eating well these days, truth be told. Although it's mostly due to his emotions instead.
"Dig in, you mutt." She chided softly before taking the seat opposite of him. He sighed and muttered a soft "Itadakimasu" before pulling his mask down and began to eat. One might think he would be more guarded but Kakashi was comfortable enough with the old lady. After all, Himiko and Mononoke are the only living people who had the honour to see Kakashi without his mask thus far.
The old lady was quiet for a while, letting the man eat. But soon, her patience wore thin.
"How have you been faring? And don't give me any bull about being 'okay', boy." Himiko asked grimly. Kakashi chewed slowly at her question and glanced at her. Her scrutinizing gaze made him squirm slightly as he swallowed.
"I've seen you and Mononoke grow up. Both of you are practically soulmates. One cannot live without the other." Himiko leaned slightly closer as she spoke, her grey eyes piercing into the man's, "So, tell me how have you really feel, Kakashi."
Kakashi cast his gaze on his food, collecting his thoughts. "I've been better," he started slowly, "But it's just as you said. One cannot live without the other." He glanced back at Himiko but she had relaxed. It encouraged him to speak again. "I'm afraid she isn't faring well. I just know something is terribly wrong. My whole body aches for Mononoke. It's like she's calling me but I don't know where or how to help. Everything hurts. Sometimes I can hear her in my nightmares but I can't remember anything when I wake up. I've never felt so useless before. She's sinking into trouble but I'm not there to help her. I just..."
Himiko said nothing more as she watch tears fell.
The whole sky was white and grey, like a blank canvas. Shikamaru couldn't help but think of red being splattered across the white sky for some reason. He shuddered at the thought before focusing his thoughts on other things. That took a dark turn. He needs more positivity. Even his father lectured him about moving on and doing something worthwhile instead of lying around "like a dying sloth". The Nara sat up and stared across the meadow. The deer were quietly grazing close to him, like gentle sentinels guarding the emotionally dead boy. Shikamaru exhaled heavily, and Rikumaru looked up at him curiously. The boy just smiled and pat his friend on the cheek, "I'm okay." He couldn't bring himself to think positive. Because if he did, the first thing that comes to mind is Mononoke.
A sudden loud thunderclap sounded across the meadow, startling all the inhabitants. All of the deer ran deeper into the woods, but Rikumaru stayed by Shikamaru's side. The boy sat up and pressed a hand to the deer.
Standing in front of him was the tiger deity, Taruga.
Shikamaru immediately got to his feet and practically stumbled towards the deity. Taruga watched as the boy got closer before speaking.
"Your village is in terrible danger, Nara."
Shikamaru froze and stared into the sky blue eyes of the golden tiger, "What did you say?"
Taruga shook his head, "There's no time to lose. Your village is in terrible danger and you must alert everyone." His voice grew hushed, "A slumbering evil has awoken. Gintaro has turned. Mononoke can't hold on any longer. The other gods and I will try our best to turn things in your favour but-"
"Gintaro has turned? Mononoke can't hold on any longer? What are you talking about? How do you know all that?" Shikamaru interrupted hurriedly, his mind whirring with the new information.
Taruga took a small orb out of his robe. Soft blue light spun inside rapidly, with hints of blood red tainting it here and there.
"When Gintaro sealed most of his being inside Mononoke, the remaining parts of him turned into this and he entrusted it to me," Taruga explained rapidly, "The red means that the part of him in Mononoke is reverting into his primal self. Which is not a good thing."
Taruga visibly swallowed at that before speaking again, "The blue light is fighting back and I can only imagine that it's Mononoke's stubborn willpower that's allowing Gintaro to remain himself for the time being. He sent the blood as a warning."
Shikamaru looked at the orb, his mind rapidly piecing everything together before turning back to Taruga, "I'll get Kakashi-sensei."
WHAT'S UP PEOPLE I'M BACK. In my hush hush way because Malaysia is still blocking ffnet because OF THE EROTICA IN THIS PLACE. MHM YEA.
So. Next chapter gonna be the last one so y'ALL BETTER BUCKLE UP. Also sorry for being hecking late. Again. :"DD I love you guys, like really really much for hanging on to me for sooo longgg :")) I'll reupdate every now and then to make it easier on the eyes for everyone so if you ever miss Momo, come back! Also i may or may not be writing a shippuden version for Momo but no ideas yet soO ya
i love y'all a bunch did i ever tell you that