Chapter Four- Mission Impossible

I don't own Naruto

"Captain!" Kakashi closed his locker just in time to see Tenzo walk into the room. He gave him a two fingered wave before picking up two heavy boxes that laid on the floor, flaps taped firmly shut. His arms which were still slightly sore from yesterday throbbed under the weight. He gave Tenzo a grateful smile as the young ANBU rushed over to his assistance by grabbing one of the boxes.

"Thank you Tenzo," he said as he nodded towards the door. Holding it open with his foot he let the younger ANBU go through first before letting the heavy metal door slam behind them. Darkness met them, something that Kakashi had grown used to over the years. Only a single candle lit the hallway as they quietly made their way to the exit.

"Who goes there?" a porcelain mask met them as they came to the end of the hallway. Familiar red and green swirls around the eyes of the mask indicated who it was.

"Kakashi Hatake," he told the masked figure as he stepped into view, "We're just delivering these files to the Hokage."

Tenzo peeked over his shoulder before coming up behind him whilst having trouble balancing himself. Who knew that files could be so heavy?

The ANBU tilted his head, peering over at the unsteady Tenzo before turning his attention to Kakashi. He stepped aside, gesturing towards the door with one hand.

"Don't forget the masks," he reminded.

"We know, Raido," Kakashi muttered before tipping his head towards the door. Tenzo took the sign and made his way out the door with Kakashi trailing behind him.

The bright sun that greeted him was such a contrast from the dark ANBU compound that Kakashi couldn't help but wince. He set the box down for a moment taking the opportunity to slip on his own mask. The mask was a part of him by now, a piece of himself that hid him from the outer world. He could see Tenzo do the same. his unique cat mask covering his forehead protector.

Walking through the streets of Konoha with his mask on was something that Kakashi would never get used to. The looks that citizens and even shinobi gave them were filled with fear. He couldn't say he was surprised, after all the ANBU had a nasty reputation for being cold blooded killers. He closed his eyes for a second a sigh escaping his lips before he glanced over at Tenzo who seemed awfully quiet.

"Everything alright?" he asked his friend under his breath knowing that he would hear. Tenzo remained quiet for several moments to the point where Kakashi thought that he had not heard his question.

"Will you go away again?" he asked all of a sudden surprising his senpai. Kakashi knew that he was referring to his most recent mission that had taken almost a year to complete. It had been a mission in the Land of Snow and the mission had spun out of control very quickly. He had been the only survivor.

"Tenzo you know I have to, it's part of the job," he reminded him firmly.

"I know senpai," Tenzo replied in a defensive tone, "I just don't like not knowing weather or not you'll come back in one piece."

"You know that I always manage to drag my way back," Kakashi joked, supporting the weight of the box with one arm while ruffling the younger boys hair with the other. He gave him a friendly smile, "I just can't seem to die."

"Don't joke about things like that sempai!" Tenzo swat his captain's hand away, fuming," Some day you won't come back."

"Such negative thoughts today Tenzo," Kakashi couldn't help but grin at his friends sudden concern," You feeling alright?"

"I'm feeling just fine senpai," Tenzo muttered flatly, clearly still feeling quite negative as they approached the Hokage's tower. As they walked up the spiral of stairs Kakashi watched Tenzo starting to lag behind much to his amusement. He stopped half way up the stairs to look back at Tenzo who was barely one fourth of the way up. He waited patiently for the younger boy to catch up and when he did he smirked under his mask.

"Need some help-?"

"No sempai," Tenzo told him firmly, " I can carry it myself."

As he finished his sentence his words were proven wrong as the box slipped out of his grasp, landing hard on the edge of the stairs. Before it could slid down the flight of stairs Kakashi stopped it with his foot, placing his box on top of it before crouching down to carry both boxes. He lifted them up with a small groan before smiling at Tenzo though knowing that the boy could not see.

"Thanks," Tenzo muttered, clearly embarrassed. He looked down at the floor before silently following his ANBU leader up the remaining flight of stairs.

By the time the two made it up, Tenzo's bad mood had been long forgotten. The young boys cheerful rambling could be heard all the way from across the hall as Kakashi set the boxes on floor. He bent over, his hands on his thighs as he panted slightly. Even a well trained ANBU warrior was no match for 20 flights of stairs. The silver haired jonin glared up at Tenzo some how knowing that the boy had a sly smile on his face.

"You dropped it on purpose didn't you?" Kakashi accused through gritted teeth. Tenzo slid off his mask and sure enough a sly grin was evident on his face. Kakashi rolled his eyes, standing up and forcefully slamming the mask back onto Tenzo's face before picking the boxes back up. Tenzo's giggles from behind him only made the silver haired teen roll his eyes once more.

Soon the familiar red Hokages door stood in front of them. Tenzo knocked on the door before standing back behind his senpai, peering over his shoulder as the door opened. Kakashi walked straight in, the smell of tea and biscuits greeting him.

"Kakashi, Tenzo, I'm assuming those are the files?" The Sandaime Hokage sat at his desk, not looking up from his paper work he was filing as he spoke.

"Yes."

"You can put them over there," the Hokage pointed a finger to the corner of the room, still not looking up. Kakashi hurried over, relieved as he put the heavy load down in its rightful place. He flexed his arms, loosening his muscles before going over to where Tenzo stood with his head bowed in respect.

"Good work, Tenzo you are dismissed. I'd like to have a word with Kashi-kun," the Hokage said finally looking up. A smile was on his old face as he used Kakashi's nickname much to his irritation. That name made him feel like a child all over again. Tenzo nodded, leaving without a word but not without glancing up at his friend who simply stared on ahead without any expression.

When Tenzo had left, the Hokage sighed, sinking deeper in his seat. He gestured for the teen to take off his mask, the jonin bowing his head in respect before carefully pulling off his delicate cover.

"You recall my orders for you to stay in Konoha till I assigned you another mission, correct?" Kakashi nodded, "Well I've found another mission for you that needs to be attended to immediently."

"Of course, I'll just go pack my things-" Kakashi started though he was cut off as the Hokage shook his head, waving his hand around.

"This mission requires you to stay in Konoha."

"In Konoha?" Kakashi asked in disbelief. Missions in the village were only assigned to newbies or rookies and he couldn't even recall the last time that he had been assigned such a standard mission.

"This mission is quite...unique. You are the only one that I trust to get the job done," The Sandaime explained choosing his words carefully as he spoke.

"What-" a cry from under the Hokage's desk caught Kakashi's attention. He raised an eyebrow, staring at the desk intently. The Hokage sighed, reaching down to grab the source of the sound, setting it onto the wood surface.

Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise. It was a baby.

The baby was in a basket, body covered by a white blanket. The child gripped onto the cloth and let out another loud cry. Blond hair stuck out at all angles, whisker like lines on the child's face. Electric blue eyes met his mismatched ones as the baby squirmed around.

"W-what is he doing here?!" Kakashi asked, referring to the baby. He gestured towards the basket, eyes narrowing. He took a step back, already knowing exactly who's baby it was. After all he had been there to witness the death of the parents. The childs resemblance to its father was already starting to tug at his heart.

"This is your mission, Kakashi," The Hokage said, peering at the squirming baby," Minato's child is in need for temporary care. I know how much your sensei ment to you and I trust that you will take good care of this boy."

Kakashi was speechless. His mouth gaped open slightly as he tried to form words. His eyes never left the baby's, those eyes...they were just like his sensei's. After what seemed like hours he finally found his voice.

"Hokage-sama, with all do respect I think your making a mistake-"

"Do not worry, you won't be on this mission alone," The Hokage reassured making Kakashi's mind spin with confusion once more," You may enter."

The silver haired nins attention was drawn to the door which cracked open with a loud creak. His eyes widened, mask slipping out of his fingers and clattering to the floor. The sound caused the toddler to cry out in surprise though Kakashi barely noticed.

There stood Rin, her lengthy brown hair cascading down her shoulders, wide hazel eyes meeting his. Her mouth was gaped open slightly though she closed it quickly as she cleared her throat, a flustered look replacing her shocked expression. As he continued to stare a faint blush made it's way to her face making the Hokage chuckle in amusement.

"Kakashi, for this mission you will be working with Rin Nohara till further notice. I'm assuming you two still remember each other from Team Minato?" he asked though the answer was rather clear from the way the two shinobi stared at each other. Kakashi slowly nodded, finally pulling his gaze away from his friends and staring at the Hokage blankly.

Why did it have to be him? There were plenty of more qualified shinobi for this particular job than himself. In fact the Hokage's choice to assign him with a child baddled the silver haired min. He could understand why Rin had been chosen, she had a naturally gentle nature and adored children. He was the total opposite, impatient and rough, never good with dealing with things that required a delicate touch.

Even now he watched Rin eagerly take step forward and take the child in her arms, muttering soothing words while rocking the him back forth. The boy began to quiet down, happy gurgles beginning to escape from his small mouth. Kakashi stiffened as Rin spun to face him, an oblivious smile on her face. He was glad that Rin seemed oblivious to his inner thoughts.

"What's his name?" Rin cooed, eyes soft as she gazed down at the blond toddler who stared up at her with wide blue eyes that brought painful memories of his old sensei into mind. He raised his hand to press against the side of his head, dreadful memories of the night his teacher died threatening to send him on his knees. The Hokage smiled up at the eager girl.

"Naruto."