A/N: Thank you for my first review "guest", my first favorite Golum936 and my first follow YoshidaYukio.

Cloning represents a very clear, powerful, and immediate example in which we are in danger of turning procreation into manufacture.

~Leon Kass

\( - _ -)/

I woke up to the smell of wet grass and rain. My body felt tired and my stomach growled, demanding food. I grabbed it hoping that the sounds would stop. I looked around to see trees surrounding me as the rain poured down. I'm going to get a cold.

I struggled to get up and keep my footing as I held on to a tree for support. 3 kilometers!? Why not drop me somewhere closer?

I continued to stagger through the forest but after about 10 feet my legs gave out and I fell face first to the ground. Man, what a drag.

*snap*

I heard a twig snap from a distance. My tired body went rigid. I jerked my head from the ground and supported my weight on my arms.

Seriously? Enemy ninjas, at a time like this?! I panicked and tried to hide behind the nearby tree. When I finally managed to stand I limped over to my desired location, but fell with a thud halfway through the process. Damn it!

"Who's there?" I heard a boy's voice say. Idiot, do you really think anyone would answer?

I stayed still hoping that whoever it was would think I was just a wild animal. But luck was against me. I was on the ground face to face with someone's foot.

"Hey it's a kid!" I moved my head to look at the person, but failed miserably as my head wouldn't move due to exhaustion. Why am I so tired?

"Yahiko, quit fooling around," I heard a girl's voice say, obviously annoyed. Yahiko? Oh shit, where am I?

"Am not! I'm serious he's right here!" He countered. "I'm not sure if he's still alive, though." He said, poking my shoulder.

I heard splashes of water and rustling of leaves. It took me a moment to realize that I was still on the ground so I again tried to move but abandoned the idea when I felt 3 chakra signatures surround me, all unfamiliar.

I heard a gasp and fast footsteps coming towards my direction.

"It is a kid! But where are his parents?" I heard the girl say. She looked around as if searching for something.

"Maybe he's the same as us." A slightly nervous voice suggested.

I felt someone turn me over and rested my head on something soft. As I slowly opened my eyes I was greeted by a girl with blue hair and grey eyes with a paper flower on her head.

"He's waking up," she announced to the two.

I gave her a 'terrified' expression then moved against my body's will. I rolled of her lap and backed away from her until my back connected with a tree. My whole body begged for me to stop any unnecessary movements but I ignored it and continued what I was doing.

"W-Who are you?" I said as I turned away and positioned my arms defensively in front of me.

They looked surprised. Konan being the female of the three slowly approached me smiling with her hands in front of her in an 'I mean no harm' gesture.

"Don't worry we're not going to hurt you," she said with a comforting voice. I 'lowered my guard' and looked at her through golden eyes.

"You're not?" I asked with 'disbelief'.

"Of course not, why would we do that?" She asked. I lowered my head then began to shake, 'tears' fell from my eyes. Madara is an amazing acting teacher... Haha! Oh geez, what did I just-?

"Don't cry!" She panicked not knowing what to do. Without any warning I hugged her by the waist, hiding my laughter.

"Thank you! I thought you were one of them." I said shakily as I shivered because of the cold air.

"One of them?"

"The mean men who took me away from home," I answered looking up to her.

She held a sad expression on her face. "Took you away from home? You're not from here?" I shook my head 'no'. "How old are you?" I stopped for a moment and thought about it. How old am I?

I turned to her then asked, "What month is it?"

"February," she answered still having a gentle tone in her voice. February! I'm already 5 years old! I've been in Madara's cave for 8 months!

I looked at my fingers and pretended to count. "Um... 5," I said as I presented her five of my fingers. "This is 5, right?"

She wrapped her arms around my waist then lifted me up and held me like a child positioning my head on her shoulder. "Yahiko, we're taking him with us," she said almost immediately.

"What?! But wait-"

"No buts we are taking him with us and that is final; he's only 5, Yahiko. Unless you know where to find his parents we are not leaving him in the middle of the forest while it's raining," she said with finality.

"Calm down, Konan. Let's take him back to Jiraiya-sensei," the boy with red hair suggested as he attempted to calm the girl down.

I heard the orange-haired boy huff but say nothing. Jiraiya is here? I thought he went here earlier?

Never mind if he's here then I have a better chance of getting back to Konoha. I just have to work with my few yet very helpful advantages.

They walked in silence which made me drowsy. I yawned then buried my face on Konan's shoulder and hugged her neck loosely. "Thank you, Konan-nee-chan."

She stopped walking but I fell asleep before she had the chance to say anything.

~(Madara's Cave)~

"YOU DID WHAT?!" What the hell was Zetsu thinking?!

"I dropped the real you near Amegakure," He said as if there was no problem.

"WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!" Zetsu you idiot!

"Takeshi," I turned my angry expression into a neutral one as I turned to Madara. "It was my idea. I changed my mind I wanted the real you to have some connection to my future organization's leader. Do not worry, the Toad Sage is there. Also, if you are seen going back to Konoha with him no one would question it except the Hokage and the Village Elders." He explained.

Oh, of course. Zetsu wouldn't do anything without Madara ordering him. I should trust Madara's decision, he tricked the world into thinking he was dead. I would say that was genius.

"I'm sorry for panicking, Uchiha-sama," He nodded then closed his eyes. "Emotions are a hindrance to perfection," I said sighing.

I should have kept my cool, I need to practice controlling my emotions more often. Oh geez, I sound like a ROOT candidate.

~(Amegakure)~

"Who is this?" A man with spiky white hair asked suspiciously. He narrowed his eyes at me so I hid behind Konan. That's what kids do, right?

"Uh, we never asked. Konan just demanded that we bring him here and Nagato suggested that we show the kid to you. I had nothing to do with this," Yahiko said as he waved his arms in front of him and made an 'X'.

Jiraiya motioned for me to come closer. I looked at Konan first silently asking for her permission.

She gave me a smile then jerked her head over to Jiraiya's direction. I then quickly walked over to Jiraiya and sat cross-legged beside him while looking up at him with wide eyes.

"What is your name?" He asked no gentle tone whatsoever.

"Takeshi," he raised a brow at me.

"Full name," I blushed then gave him an apologetic grin.

"S-Sorry, my name is Kinju Takeshi," his eyes widened in disbelief.

Then not being able to control the next words that came out of his mouth he said, "But your dead!"

The three orphans froze at this. Yahiko being the loudmouth in the group said, "Dead?! What are you talking about? He's right there." He walked over and poked my shoulder. "See? He's solid. My hand doesn't go through him. He can't be a ghost." Idiot, I'm not a ghost, I am a reincarnated idiot stuck in a little 5-year-old's body.

"How are you alive? Why are you here?" He asked as he grabbed me by the shoulder.

"I'm dead? Are you from Konoha? I want to go home. Dad, Sakumo-san, and Kashi-nii must be worried!" I blurted out, worriedly.

His grip softened and he gave me a sad look. I already knew why.

"Konoha?! That's really far from here," Yahiko interjected.

"After I'm done training you three I'm leaving," Jiraiya announced.

Their heads shot up. "Why?"

"I need to take this boy back with me. Also, I know that when I'm done training you, you would be able to defend yourselves with no problem. I trust you," he said smiling at them.

They gave him sad looks in return. "Hey don't act like there's a funeral here. Lighten up! But first I need you all to get out, I need to have a word with Takeshi," without a word they all walked out brooding.

When the door closed Jiraiya turned to me. "We need to talk," He said. His tone changed into a more serious one.

Fortunately, Jiraiya only wanted to tell me about my father's death. It was already old news, because Madara had already informed me. The real news that surprised me was that Sakumo is also dead.

I stared angrily at the ground. Damn the Hidden Leaf. I still cared about Sakumo. Even if he wasn't able to save dad he did kill Sasori's parents, I didn't have to get revenge anymore. I knew he was going to die sooner or later. I just wish I could have said goodbye.

When I asked him how they died he answered without hesitation telling me how father died, it was exactly as Madara said, died during the mission.

But gave me a sad look after then said, "I'm sorry but for Sakumo's death you are going to have to ask the Hokage or Kakashi." I looked down and thought.

So they really were cautious about who knows what had happened to Konoha's White Fang. No wonder Chiyo thought Kakashi was Sakumo; or maybe that's just because she's old and kind of paranoid.

He told me that he recognized my chakra and he just wanted to know my name. He said that my existence was actually kept secret and that only a handful of people know about me. He said it was to keep me safe.

I just got kidnapped by an evil mastermind, I feel so safe, and your efforts were not wasted. Wait a second, keep me safe? From what or who? Madara? They don't know about him, right?

Jiraiya continued his training with Konan, Yahiko and Nagato while simultaneously keeping an eye on me. At some point during the week I got a 'dream' message from my clone informing me about the new mission. So I quickly replied and gave them a 'mission report'. Madara seemed satisfied so he told me to try to keep training and maybe even ask Jiraiya for some pointers.

I did as I was told and asked Jiraiya to train me with the three.

"Jiraiya-san, can I train too?" I asked expectantly.

"Why?" He asked not even sparing me a look.

"I, uh, forgot to tell you something," I said as I looked away and played with my ponytail.

"What is it?" He asked demanding an answer.

"I'll show you," as I said that I went over to get some leaves then shoved them in front of him.

He raised a brow at this so I continued. I channeled my chakra to the leaves then made them float on air. His eyes widened in realization and disbelief.

I controlled the leaves to make a small tornado on my hand like I did for Madara all the time then let the leaves go. They immediately withered so I didn't bother picking them up. When I looked up to him I couldn't read his expression.

"For how long were you able to do that?"

"About," I thought for a while before answering. "7 months."

He sighed then murmured under his breath. "This is early... too early," even if he said it quietly I still heard him but pretended that I didn't.

"Huh?"

"N-no, nothing," he said quickly.

"Ok, so can you train me?" I enthusiastically asked again.

"Yes," when he said that I felt as if I could actually read his mind.

He is too young to control this properly. He needs guidance. Should I tell him about his clan or not? No. Sensei would kill me if I told him.

Every morning, 4 o'clock, I would sneak out of the house and go near the river to practice chakra control. I recently found out that I actually had an affinity to water. Not only that I also had lightning and wind release. Apparently Jiraiya had some chakra paper with him so he let me use them.

As soon as I had the chance I quickly informed Madara about it and he ordered me to ask Jiraiya to teach me some water and wind techniques. Much to my surprise Jiraiya had scrolls with basic water and wind techniques so I wasted no time and quickly tried to learn a few.

I was cautiously sneaking out in the middle of the night to go to the nearby river. When I was certain that I'm all alone I channeled my chakra to my feet and slowly walked on the water's surface.

I kept on walking near the edge so if I lose focus I wouldn't drown. I took one last step then went back to land but I wasn't done yet.

I started to look for fish when I saw one I immediately held out my hand above the water's surface then sent chakra into the water. The chakra circled the position of the fish effectively trapping it.

Catching the fish was difficult, controlling the blob of water was a different story; I call it a blob because it hardly looks like a ball.

I continued to lift the water blob, with the fish in it, then held it there for 5 minutes. Jiraiya said that my kekkei genkai requires heaps of chakra control, but I already knew that. At least now I have an excuse if they catch me.

After 5 minutes I didn't release the fish just yet I started to move the blob from left to right making waving motions.

Now I just have to keep this up for 10 more minutes. Then I can cook the fish and tell everyone else that I caught it for them.

"Yahiko-nii-san, can you help me with a technique?" I asked.

"Sure," he agreed, "which one?"

At first Yahiko didn't particularly like me because according to him I was hogging Konan; which was true but it was unintentional. It wasn't my fault Konan acted like an overprotective older sister. She even started to call me otouto.

After he voiced out his thoughts in the middle of dinner I started to hang out with Nagato and trained a bit on chakra control with him and acted as if I was his little brother.

Since then Yahiko noticed that Nagato smiled more often and cried less than he used to so he started to think that having me around was a positive thing for Nagato.

"Water Release: Wild Water Wave," I answered.

"Let me see what you can do first,"

I did the hand seals then placed my index and middle finger in front of me and collected chakra in my mouth for a few seconds then let out a strong blast of water from my mouth.

When the attack ended I looked at Yahiko to see him sweating. "What's wrong with it?"

"You mean it's good?" I asked innocently.

This made him sweat bullets. "Yes,"

I sheepishly laughed and scratched the back of my head. "Sorry, never mind then."

He grinned then patted my head. "Don't worry about it," he retracted his hand then jumped to the surface of the water. "Race you to the other side." He said as he dashed away.

"Hey," I yelled then ran after him laughing, "Yahiko-nii-san, no fair!"

"I think I can go back to the village with Takeshi without any regrets."

"Wha...?" Yahiko said as Nagato and Konan had a surprised look in their face.

The three finally defeated Jiraiya's clone and now Jiraiya was about to give them his speech. I have to admit I would actually miss them. Damn feelings and connections.

"You three have done well these past three years. Now it's time you lived your own lives," Yahiko was shaking a bit and tears were falling down his face.

"Yahiko-nii-san, don't cry. Everyone might think you're a wuss, right?" I said with a smile, looking as if I didn't know I wouldn't see them for a long time. He wiped the tears from his eyes then tried to give me a grin.

"Konan... I can tell you'll be a real beauty... come see me again when you turn 18!"

Right after he said that I kicked his foot ruining the moment then said, "Jiraiya-san, don't be a paedophile!"

This caused all their eyes to widen and for Jiraiya to ask, "Where did you learn that word?"

"Dad and I were going home late one night when we came across a drunken old man. He tried to flirt with a random woman who was way younger than he was. So the woman punched him then called him a paedophile," I lied smoothly.

He shook his head dismissing the conversation. "As I was saying, you live in a very poor country... I'm sure that a lot of sad times still lie ahead... that's why you three have to work together to change things," he looked at all of them. "I'd say you three have all grown up. Right, Nagato?"

Nagato didn't say anything at first he instead had a determined look in his face. "Thank you... sensei."

Jiraiya gave them one last smile then started to walk away. I on the other hand tackled Konan.

"Bye, Konan-nee-chan," she hugged me back then said, "Don't forget us, okay?" I pulled back then hugged Yahiko.

"I promise when I grow up and the war ends I'll come visit," I felt him shake again.

"Y-you better keep that promise!" I pulled back.

"Of course I will,"

Lastly, I hugged Nagato. "Nagato-nii, watch over Yahiko-nii-san and Konan-nee-chan for me, please. Yahiko-nii-san tends to get reckless at times," I heard him chuckle slightly. Whoa, he laughed!

"I do not!" Yahiko retorted half-heartedly.

"Alright, enough of this," Jiraiya said with a smile. "Takeshi we need to go."

I didn't let go of Nagato's waist I stared at him straight in the eyes waiting for his reply.

"I will," he promised with determination in his eyes. This promise will help... me.

3rd Person's P.O.V.

They travelled for about a day and a half. Jiraiya was carrying Takeshi on his back so they traveled faster.

"Are we there yet?" Takeshi asked him for the umpteenth time.

"Almost," Jiraiya answered, with a groan. He's been waiting to say the word for so long.

"Finally!" Takeshi cheered.

Almost after he said that the walls which surrounded the village became visible and in no time Jiraiya landed in front of the gates.

"Jiraiya-sama, it has been a while. May I ask where have you been?" A guard asked, surprise evident on his face.

"I am not obligated to answer such question. I need to speak to Lord Hokage this news cannot wait any longer," Jiraiya spoke in a monotone.

"Yes, Jiraiya-sama, Tooru!" As he yelled another ninja jumped away. He turned back to Jiraiya and eyed Takeshi suspiciously.

"Don't worry, the kid is with me," the guard nodded and allowed Jiraiya to pass through the gates.

Jiraiya ran once more toward the Hokage building and didn't stop until he was face to face with the receptionist.

When Takeshi thought 'face to face', he literally meant it. It's either because Jiraiya was in a hurry or because the receptionist was a woman.

"Excuse me but I must speak to the Hokage this is urgent," Jiraiya said with a serious tone.

"Of course, we have heard about this from one of the gate guards," she answered with understanding.

Jiraiya's aura suddenly changed as he slyly smiled at the receptionist. "Thank you, by the way-"

"Jiraiya-san, 'urgent'," Takeshi reminded him. So it was the latter assumption. Damn his perverted ways. The kid thought.

"Oh, right," Jiraiya snapped at himself, then proceeded to run upstairs.

It took a while but when they arrived in front of the Hokage's office Jiraiya gently lifted the boy from his back and told him to wait outside as he entered the room.

I stood there preparing for my talk with the Hokage. I heard muffled words and furniture moving. Shortly after, the doorknob twisted and the door opened.

I walked in and saw the Hokage and felt a few chakra signatures hiding. Anbu.

"Kinju Takeshi, welcome back," he said with a kind smile.

I bowed to him, then decided to just ask what I needed to know. "Hokage-san, can you please tell me how Sakumo-san died and for how long has he been dead?" I asked testing if he would tell me the truth.

He gave a long sigh and smoked his pipe before answering, "He took away his own life 4 months ago."

I pretended to look surprised. "Why? Sakumo-san won't just do that he's a reasonable person." I insisted.

"We are not entirely sure of his reason, but before he did he left a note addressed to me," He took out a piece of paper and held it out to me. "But mostly to you."

I eyed the paper before I hesitantly took it from him and opened it.

[Hokage-sama,]

[If Takeshi ever comes back, please give him this. Protect him and Kakashi. Don't let the village treat him the same way they treated his parents.]

Give this to me? I looked down to see more writing so I continued to read.

[Takeshi,]

[If you do return and if you are reading this, promise me to watch over Kakashi, He might be a little sensitive but don't be so hard on him. Try to understand him.]

[Look inside my room you will find a chest there it has everything you need to know about your kekkei genkai and a few scrolls on basic ninjutsu. Your father prepared it for you when you were 10 months old, he told me to give it to you if anything were to happen to him.]

[I never stopped believing that you will come back. I'm sorry for leaving and for failing to protect your father. You can hate me if you want, but don't hate the village and remember, I always loved you like you were my son.]

[~Hatake Sakumo]

I stood straight with a blank face while the paper I held was crumpled within my hands.

Sakumo cared for me he believed that I would come back and father cared for me. Madara lied, he lied to me; he used my emotions against me.

Sakumo is a nice person even when he was about to kill himself he remembered me. He trusted me, he loved me and Kakashi. Konoha made him suffer.

I hate Konoha. Even if he told me not to hate the village I still do. I hate Madara for lying. I hate everything in this world.

"Where is Kakashi?" I asked then realized that it was the very first time that I said his name without the honorific.

"He is at the acad-" He didn't get to finish his sentence because I channeled chakra to my feet and ran as fast as I can toward the academy. It took me less than one minute to arrive at the front door of the building. I walked in and searched for Kakashi's chakra.

Over there. I was speed-walking to his current location. Thankfully there were no teachers in the hallway and every class was in session. I walked up a flight of stairs but didn't slow down. I kept on walking until I found the room with Kakashi's chakra in it. Room 215.

I straightened my shirt and pants then ran a hand through my hair and eased my breathing. Better make myself look normal and not like I lived in the streets.

I took a deep breath then knocked on the door. I heard noises from inside then footsteps nearing the door. When it opened I was greeted by none other than a young Nara Shikaku.

"Can I help you?" He drawled out.

Shikaku was a teacher? How did he meet the requirements? More importantly, why?

"I would like to speak to Hatake Kakashi, please." I said trying to talk normally. So tired.

"Sorry kid, but I-"

"It's ok Shikaku, this is someone Kakashi knows," I heard someone say behind me.

"Jiraiya-san?" His eyes turned to me then widened. "Hatake Kakashi."

As Kakashi walked closer Jiraiya left, probably to give us some time alone for a mini reunion. I started to get nervous. What if he doesn't recognise me?

I went back to reality when I heard the door close and felt someone hug me tightly.

"You're alive. You're alive!" It has been a while since I last heard his voice. I hugged him back as he shook.

"Don't do that again. You made everyone worry, you made me worry. We thought you were dead. Dad was right you're alive!" He held me tighter as if he was afraid that if he let me go I was going to vanish, again. My life feels like one big déjà vu.

"Sorry, Kashi-nii," I felt something wet connect with my shoulder. Kakashi was crying, so I just let him hug me for a while.