Chapter Five: Top Shelf
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It was the cold wet nose and the crick in his neck that woke Kakashi up just as the first rays of dawn broke the horizon and filtered down from the tall trees of the forest. He opened his eyes to see the curious gaze of his pug ninja dog staring down at him. "You know, if you're going to keep summoning us — the least you can do is have some decent food," Pakkun whined. He lifted his back foot and scratched under his chin.
Kakashi sat up and stretched his neck to either side. Apparently, he'd fallen asleep outside of his ancestral home. It had been a long while since he'd drank alcohol. "I didn't realize I was such a light-weight now," he murmured. He did remember summoning Pakkun and Biscuit before he fell asleep on top of his mother's grave.
He grimaced. It wasn't like him to be so sentimental. Maybe the stress was starting to get to him. He'd buried his conscience down deep, but just a day hanging out with Asuma threatened to unravel the tight control he'd kept his emotions in check. Then there was the girl—woman — she was the same age as him. He picked up one of the lilies and absently ran his fingers over the soft white flower. "Sorry, Pakkun. I'll go pick up some food this morning."
The pug yipped. "As you should. And the shampoo— you promised."
"I said I would try, I didn't promise." Kakashi stood and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes.
"Try harder. Remember, I know where you keep your prized book collection," the dog warned.
Those Icha Icha books were sometimes the only reason he was able to get through the atrocities he'd seen. "You wouldn't dare."
That short stubby tail wagged eagerly. "Don't tempt me."
"Fine, fine. I'm going." Kakashi brushed the dirt off his pants and headed inside the house to wash off. He needed groceries anyway. His apartment pantry was empty since he'd been off on missions so much lately. "I'll see you at the apartment later then."
"Sure thing, boss," Pakkun said, before disappearing in a puff.
Half-asleep, Kakashi ambled into the village market store. He went straight for the shampoo aisle, otherwise he'd forget Pakkun's special request. After coming up empty, he found a clerk who said the orange blossom and lily scent was unavailable. There had been a shortage due to a drought in the east that reduced the orange crop that year.
Kakashi felt his mood sullen. He did not appreciate being lied to, much less by someone he just met. He knew that woman was suspicious. And wouldn't you know it? As he stood at the end of the pet food aisle there she was.
Halfway down the aisle, Sakura stood on her tiptoes— midriff exposed — trying to reach the steak chunk wet dog food cans. It was Shiba's favorite — Kakashi watched her through narrowed eyes. Was she trying to bribe the dog he sent to spy on her? And how did she know that was his favorite. The aisle was full of different brands and types of food. What were the odds? Only Pakkun could speak— so it wasn't like she could ask Shiba.
His anger slowly started to ease into amusement. It was becoming comedic as she continue to struggle to reach the top shelf. She even attempted a tiny jump, which when she failed, her obvious growl of annoyance did make him crack a smile.
Sakura looked over, suddenly self conscious about her failed attempts and her cheeks immediately flushed upon spying him. "Oh! Um, hi, Kakashi," she grimaced. "I don't suppose there's a chance you didn't see that?"
"I definitely saw that." He sighed and walked towards her, he stood so close that her hair, loose about her shoulders brushed against the base of his neck and he pulled down a can of the steak chunk dog food. "Is this what you were going for?"
He held it just out of reach and she turned, her chest grazing against his as she extended her hand to his wrist and pulled the can to her level— and that's when he saw past the Genjutsu — eyes jade green, hair —pink of all things, her face was much prettier, and she was toned — rarely did he see even elite kunoichi with that level of definition, and there was an odd purple diamond shaped seal on her forehead. He sucked in a breath and resisted trying to let her know he could see her true self, maybe she'd assume he was surprised by the feel of her nipples against his chest. He didn't think she'd noticed it yet.
"While keep away has never been fun even on the best of days, it's just rude." Sakura huffed and finally caught hold of his wrist and grasped it during his moment of distraction. She still couldn't quite yank the can from his hand. He held his arm firmly raised, even with the additional hundred pounds of weight she used against him. "Tall people always like to lord over us smaller people!"
"Why are you getting dog food?" Kakashi asked, not stepping back. Let her be the one to back down, step back from his deadly aura. She had to be uncomfortable this close to him. He tried to not think about how her height at 5'5 worked really well with his height of 6'0. And he was really appreciating the size of her bosom. Those breasts of hers would fit perfectly in his hands.
She met his gaze, suddenly brazen and mildly irritated, clutching the can and his wrist. "Well, last night I found a stray dog had wandered into my building. The poor guy— if the manager had discovered him, he would surely have locked him up."
"So what did you do with this dog? Help it go back outside? Seems dangerous to interact with wild dogs," Kakashi pointed out. She still didn't move out of his space. Did she not notice that they were chest-to-chest and she still held his wrist?
"He's definitely someone's pet," Sakura said, only then seeming to realize their position — she hastily stepped back.
"So, that shampoo? The store doesn't have any," Kakashi said, ready for her excuse.
"Oh. I actually brought it from home. Did—did you want to try it? I can give it to you and switch to something else," Sakura suggested.
"You don't like it anymore?" Kakashi asked. "What happened? Did Shisui pee in it?" He asked, referencing the weird jellyfish story from the night before.
She giggled. It was a little cute. "I alternate with another brand." She stuck the can into the shopping basket she'd sat on the floor and then picked it up. There was also a coloring book and crayons inside that she tried ineffectively to hide from his notice.
"What's the scent of the other brand? I kind of like the way you smell," Kakashi answered, enjoying the flush of her cheeks. Seeing past her illusion was a nice way to improve the morning — she was even more expressive than he was. He certainly understood Shisui's attraction to her — no doubt the Uchiha prodigy and Master of Genjutsu was aware of Sakura's true appearance as well. Which meant that Shisui, the second ranked member of Anbu knew Sakura was a kunoichi and still invited her into the middle the Hidden Leaf's social scene. And made up a back story? Or was it true? Curious.
"Oh, it's just a combination of vanilla and gardenia," Sakura answered. "Though," she looked up at him and her eyes were definitely mischievous. "I do like the smell of jasmine and sandalwood."
"Hm, me too," Kakashi agreed. He felt a little weird — talking about dogs and smells. What kind of conversation was this? He didn't do small talk, but this felt surprisingly easy. He reached over her and grabbed a few more cans of the steak chunks and placed them in her basket — if she was going to feed Shiba — he wasn't going to complain. It would allow his ninja dog the opportunity to watch her closely and give a more thorough report. Then Kakashi pulled a few lamb chunk cans for his own basket — Pakkun and Biscuit liked that flavor best. "Alright, show me this alternative shampoo of yours. If you'll smell just as nice with it, I will take you up on your generous offer of giving me the limited in supply stuff you brought from home."
"Um, okay," Sakura agreed. She gave him a side-long glance as they fell into step together. "I wouldn't have pictured you shopping this early in the morning. I figured you'd go back to the bars and be sleeping in past noon."
"Ah,well, all the interesting people had already left," Kakashi said, glancing down at her. He shot his arm in front of her and she rammed into him with an "umph." There was a wet floor sign in front of them — he'd almost missed it himself and she'd definitely not been paying attention. He kept his face neutral, but his arm happened to be at level with her breasts and she wasn't wearing a bra and this time she seemed to realize it. "Careful," he warned — the warning had several layers.
Sakura stepped back and sucked in a breath through her teeth. "I'll meet you in the shampoo aisle in a minute. I've got to get something else real quick." She retreated and he watched her hurry away from him.
He continued on his way to the shampoo and picked up a box of protein bars on the way. When she came back, he noticed bandages in her basket — likely for binding her breasts — it's what most kunoichi did. Such a shame. He'd already picked up the gardenia and vanilla scent and it was nice. He would prefer if Sakura and Pakkun didn't smell alike. He dumped it into her basket without a word.
"Do—do you think you'll be joining Shisui and I at the Ichiraku for Ramen later?" Sakura asked, there was something in those jades irises that implored him. Why was she so desperate to talk to him? Weren't they talking now?
"I have a full slate today — it's why I'm shopping so early." Kakashi wasn't sure why he didn't just tell her no. He seemed to like talking to her. Maybe it was the way she looked at him — like she knew him— really knew him. Or maybe because the last time he'd chatted with a woman, he had to skewer her with his blade a few hours later and he didn't have to kill Sakura — at least not yet.
"I can cook for you— a meal — dinner tonight or tomorrow?" Sakura said, a determined set to her jawline.
"Look, Sakura, I am not someone you want to become romantically interested in. I am flattered — sincerely." Kakashi waited for the deflating of those shoulders at his casual rejection. He had enjoyed the flirtatious dance with her the past two days, but that's all it would be. She didn't look bothered by the rejection at all. That might have bruised his ego just a tad.
"That's fine, Kakashi. I just—I would really like to talk to you — somewhere private," Sakura explained. "It's very important." She held up the bangles, close enough for him to really recognize them. They were exactly like his mother's bangles, but he knew those were secured in the family safe. "I know these look familiar. I can explain them."
"Hm. If you really want to talk to me, meet me at the Memorial tomorrow morning - before sunrise. And if you want to bring a breakfast picnic — I wouldn't complain" Kakashi stepped back and lifted a hand in salute before he headed towards the check out. "Don't forget the shampoo."
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Sakura had spent the last six and a half days living in the past. She'd finally met her desired allies — Itachi and Shisui were both aware of the impending doom of the Uchiha clan. Now she just needed to get Kakashi to trust her — and help her. Stopping the massacre was imperative, not just postponing it. And that meant involving the Third Hokage and the Jonin of the Leaf— Kakashi was her necessary ally. The decision shouldn't be up to her about the leader of Anbu — Danzo Shimura. Honestly, she didn't know the man, but Sai and Sasuke knew him and told her a lot. She'd been able to go through the archives and she had met him a few times when she'd been doing her apprenticeship with Master Tsunade. He was a scary dude.
It was mid-day Saturday and the Ninja Academy was closed. Sakura had hoped that maybe Naruto would be at the same restaurant. She couldn't risk breaking into his apartment again. Shisui had chided her about it when they'd gone shopping the other day. He'd helped her find the most beautiful kettle — white with purple etched plum blossoms. The purple made her think of Sasuke — it had been two years since she last saw him. After his recovery from the last battle, they spent a lot of time together — she had her first kiss—- kisses. She had expected fireworks, but it was a chaste affair — nothing like Ino described. The quiet, thoughtful, intelligent boy she remembered was still there —-once the anger had dissipated he'd returned. The sadness was always there. She told him about her mental health clinic plan and he'd been supportive, but said it wasn't something he was interested in looking into personally. He had to deal with his feelings in his way. So he poked her forehead and left with a vague promise to return.
However, after two years, she didn't long for his return. She worried for him constantly and her heart ached for the unbearable sadness he must have felt. And when she'd come across the knowledge of the time device in the archives — she thought she could finally help him. Naruto was good — he had Hinata, Sai had Ino, and Kakashi — he was Hokage and had the support of the entire village. Sasuke was all alone.
Near the front of Ichiraku Ramen, Master Iruka and Naruto were eating at the bar. It really warmed her heart to see exactly how much Master Iruka really cared for Naruto. He was probably the only adult to show her friend affection when he was young. She had brought the little gift in her bag— on the off chance she saw him there during lunch.
Naruto wouldn't recognize her. The other night— he saw a redhead with blue eyes, he wouldn't connect her to a nondescript brunette. Just another stranger showing him a little interest.
Shisui saw her and waved her over to the table he'd reserved for them. She walked past Naruto and joined her new friend. "Good afternoon, Sakura-chan." He gestured towards the menu. "I don't normally eat this kind of food— do you have a suggestion?"
"Tonkotsu Ramen," Sakura suggested. "It's braised pork belly — you'll love it."
"Why I do think I will." Shisui offered her the menu. "Not sure if you need this — you seem to already know your options."
"I always get the same thing," Sakura agreed. "When you find perfection —why try other things?"
Shisui chuckled. "I've not found perfect before, so I wouldn't know."
"Well, you're about to find out. I'm also getting the Tonkotsu Ramen — it is both mine and Sasuke's favorite. We used to come here a lot with our other teammate." Her gaze drifted towards the back of Naruto's head. "And let's just say, our pallets are different yet we agreed on the perfect Ramen."
"Did you just try it because he liked it and you had a crush on him?"Shisui asked.
"Actually, no." She turned to face her lunch companion. "He'd never had Ramen before and asked me to order for him — very petulant. Kind of like Itachi when he brought the cinnamon rolls. He never bothered to try anything else."
Shisui braced his elbow on the table and lowered his voice. "Sakura, is Sasuke your boyfriend? Is that why you're doing this?"
Sakura didn't really have a label for Sasuke. He was precious to her, that's all she could describe it as. "We were, for a short while after the war. But then he left, needing to sort out his mixed feelings about his actions — he wasn't always on our side. We actually tried to kill each other a few times."
A dark eyebrow raised at that. "I think if either of you had truly wanted the other dead— we wouldn't be having this conversation."
"I'm only alive because of my other two teammates." She looked back towards the familiar unruly blond hair and slipped her hand back into her bag for the coloring book. She started to get up, but was interrupted when the waitress arrived and brought their food.
Shisui took his first spoonful and sat back with a satisfied smack of his lips. "Okay, that is flavorful." He laid his hand gently on her forearm, not exactly restraining, but a warning. "I really don't think you should be interacting with him."
"It is a simple act of kindness. He won't remember the person, but he'll remember the feeling." Sakura slipped her arm free and with a determined stride she stopped at Naruto and Iruka's place at the bar. The school teacher looked up at her warily— did random adults approach them to harass Naruto? That idea hadn't ever crossed Sakura's mind. It made her even more sad for her friend. But there he was, sweet, young Naruto — with a mouth full of noodles— that he swallowed noisily. His eyes wide on her in surprise.
Sakura smiled. "I'm sorry to bother you, but I bought this coloring book for my nephew and he already has it. Would you like it?" She held it out towards Naruto as well as the box of fresh crayons. "It's just a bunch of cute animals, but I always enjoyed coloring when I was your age. I'd hate for it to go to waste."
His bright blue eyes shown brighter and he turned towards Iruka, looking for permission, but it was very obvious he wanted it. His teacher nodded and Naruto eagerly held out his hands for the gift. "Th-thank you," Naruto whispered, already thumbing through the pages. He glanced back up at her and his lips trembled as he smiled. "And please, tell your nephew thank you too."
"Of course. Enjoy, young one," Sakura said, stepping back towards her lunch companion and relieved that Naruto was more interested in the book than in the deliverer.
"You've got to stop doing that," Shisui whispered when she took the seat next to him.
"I used to love coloring when I was his age. I think all kids love coloring." Sakura smiled absently as she spooned up the broth from her ramen.
"Are you trying to endear your younger self to him? Give you something in common?" Shisui asked. "He does seem lonely."
"I look back and wish I had been nicer to him," Sakura admitted. "I felt so out of place — my parents were civilians and everyone else at the academy came from shinobi clans."
"Really? Your parents are civilians? What's that like?" Shisui asked. "That's hard for me to imagine." He gestured towards his face and hair. "Big noble family and all."
"I think it's why I gravitated towards Sasuke at first — besides that he seemed a thoughtful boy. He was always so sure of his identity," Sakura admitted. "Plus, he was just confident in his abilities. I wasn't sure of my identity or confident in my abilities. Sasuke-kun was always magnetic. I guess everyone thought so— he was a popular boy."
"You sure seem confident now, at least by the amount of accolades you spouted off earlier," Shisui pointed out. "So, I would like to look into your eyes. You have to let me in though."
Sakura nodded. She knew how the Sharingan worked roughly. If she and Shisui wanted to talk privately, they could do it inside their minds with the Sharingan— a few moments of a stare could be hours inside their heads. And after peering into the crimson and black whirlpool, she found herself standing at the beach.
"There's the jellyfish," Shisui said, pointing towards a stranded purple-pink creature with long tentacles. "Don't get too close, it will sting here too. Your brain will still acknowledge the pain receptors."
Sakura walked towards the shoreline, suddenly her shoes were gone and the cool water nipped at her bare feet. "How did things go with the clan meeting?" It was a coral beach — crystal clear water unlike the sandy beaches she'd visited in her youth.
"They went from bad to worse," Shisui admitted. "My uncle, Itachi's father, is just brimming with anger. It's gotten worse since the Fourth died. They'd both been the most likely candidates for Hokage — Fugaku of the Wicked Eye was also a big hero in the Third War. When Sarutobi took back over the mantle, he was beyond pissed. It was the Uchiha's time to shine. I don't think I can reason with him." He pointed at his eyes. "But I have an ability with my eyes to force someone to do my will — I used the coercive eye on you — it's effect is limited to a short duration. My other eye, the effect lasts for ten years, but it takes a long time to charge. I could, use it on the entire clan. It's very powerful."
"But, how would Danzo even know about your ability? He's not an Uchiha," Sakura argued.
Shisui grimaced. "Because I used it before — six years ago. After Lord Fourth died, I made everyone — well, almost everyone — forget who Naruto's parents were. They just have a general dislike for him because they know the Nine Tails attack and him are somehow related."
"That's awful," Sakura whispered.
"I know. It wasn't my idea, but I was the instrument to make it reality." He stared off towards the ocean, the weight of the world on his shoulders. "I can use the power again — on quite a few people, but since it hasn't been a full ten years, it won't be quite as effective."
"You were twelve years old. Of course it wasn't your fault. But that explains why Danzo wants your eyes," Sakura realized. "That kind of ability would keep him in power — well — until Sasuke finally kills that bastard."
"Good for little cuz," Shisui said grinning, tucking away any darker thoughts. "But, since I am not keen on dying — I have an idea. Your time travel turtle will be all charged up in about a week — what if we hide some of the clan in the future? I think your friends will help them, and if not, they can get by for a fortnight or two. While they're tucked safely out of harm's way, we can battle the clan that is antagonistic. Surely, the Third will use Jonin to stand for Konoha — and I think you could be really useful too in that battle and if we can convince Kakashi — I know others would follow." He grimaced. "You'll have to commit to staying here longer though."
Sakura shrugged. "That's fine. There's no point in going home — if it still exists — if I don't succeed."
"Alright, so we just need to make sure Danzo doesn't get wind of this," Shisui said.
"Do you know about Root?" Sakura asked.
"Do I know about what?" Shisui asked.
"Danzo's covert Anbu operations," she explained. "Root. Where he places a seal on the shinobi's tongues so they cannot speak about what they see or do? They are completely at his mercy? He starts with young orphaned children and twists their minds?"
"He has another operation besides the regular Anbu? That's—-but, Anbu is supposed to be for the covert operations," Shisui protested. "And it's certainly not supposed to involve children, well, sometimes it does, like me and Itachi and Kakashi were adolescents when we joined, but that was unusual circumstances."
"It's even darker," Sakura said. "My friend Sai grew up in Root. His emotions are so damaged. He doesn't know how to react to anything correctly."
Shisui frowned. "I had no idea. Shit. This may be harder than I thought." He threw his hands into the air, passed by a large conch on the beach and kicked it into the ocean. "Fuuuuuck!"
Sakura laughed. "You really have such a foul mouth."
"Yeah, well, I didn't have a mom to teach me manners, so you get what you get." Shisui shoved his hands into his pockets and stared out at the ocean. "Just when I think I've got a good plan, you unravel another layer." He leaned down and collected a handful of shells and started tossing them into the ocean. "Kakashi did seem interested in you last night — when he offered to walk you home that surprised me."
"I ran into him this morning at the market too," Sakura admitted, blushing at the memory. She could feel Shisui's curious look. "I wasn't wearing a bra— I only brought two and he inadvertently got a good feel of my boobs."
Shisui stated laughing so hard, tears streamed down his face. "How does someone accidentally fondle you in the middle of a grocery store, Sakura-chan?"
"Well, he was holding the dog food out of reach and then he tried to stop me from walking on the wet floor," she explained.
"Okay, never mind, I mean, you did answer the door in those skimpy pajamas the other day." Shisui waved his hand dramatically and the beach scene vanished and was replaced by one of the Konoha training grounds. "Okay, Sakura-chan! You know, I absolutely adore you, but we have only known each other for five days. That's asking a lot of me to put the fate of my clan into your hands."
"Was waving your hand necessary to change the environment?" Sakura didn't know all the mechanics of the Sharingan, but that seemed like a wasteful movement.
"Of course not!" Shisui scoffed. "It just looks cool. Now, I assume you know taijutsu — show me. And what are your elements? Special attacks? You said you're a medic — how good?"
"Ah, well, I've healed an entire army of the Five Great Shinobi Alliance at one time —- I used my summoning contract and split Lady Katsuyu into thousands of pieces. I can use chakra scalpels to precisely cut any artery during the heat of battle — it can cause my opponent to bleed out instantaneously," Sakura explained.
"Okay, I've never seen a medic do that."
"I learned that one from Orochimaru's right hand man — he's gone back and forth from ally to foe." She tapped her chin, thinking how best to describe her skills. "I have precise chakra control — Kakashi Sensei thinks it's better than anyone alive. I have super strength — I can shatter a mountain with one punch. I have a sensory skill — honestly that one is new. I can lay my hand on the ground and using a surge of chakra can map out the environment. It's how I found the time artifact — it had been buried pretty deep into the earth. And Genjutsu — I'm immune, Lady Tsunade says it's because I have a firm grasp on reality."
Shisui leaned over, hands braced on his knees and started laughing against— a slow chuckle at first that evolved into full on belly rolls.
"Why are you laughing? I'm sorry I don't have a Raisengan or a Lightning blade at my disposal, and I can't call forth a water dragon. Trust me, these skills are rather effective," Sakura retorted, hands on hip, feeling extremely annoyed.
"Oh, no! It's the name dropping. Kakashi Sensei? He wasn't just your team leader?" Shisui straightened and shook his head, working hard to wipe the smile from his face. "He was your teacher? The deadliest shinobi of the Leaf? He hates people. I mean, don't get me wrong, he loves his dogs. I guess he must mellow out. That explains why you trust him so fully. And Princess Tsunade — she's the future Hokage?" He wiped his hands down his face. "She's been missing for years—-wait. Is she how you learned to gamble?"
"She's not very good at it," Sakura admitted with a cringe. "So, I had to learn to be. Master Tsunade is also extremely competitive, so we'd practice card games. She's a very sore loser."
"That doesn't sound like a good combination." Shisui turned to survey the field and the scene shifted. They were now on the side of an uneven mountain with tall skinny trees growing out the steep slopes. Random ledges and boulders all around.
"It's not, she has quite the temper." Sakura thought back to her Master's genial medical bedside and her contrasting battle mode. "But, she also gets bored. I would memorize the cards and make sure we always tied. She'd lose interest and we'd be able to get back to work."
"Okay, and that—" Shisui said, touching her forehead seal with his index finger. "What does that do? I get that it stores chakra and so you can access a lot of power."
Sakura swept away his hand. "When Creation Rebirth is activated I can have my arm blown off and grow a new one in seconds."
Shisui shook his head slowly, eyes wide in amazement. "All I've got is some taijutsu, body flicker technique, high natural chakra reserves, and my ocular powers. I'm feeling a little lame and lazy now."
"When you're teamed up with such natural talent and huge chakra reserves, you have to adapt." Sakura hugged herself, feeling the insecure twelve year old girl threatening to re-emerge. "I didn't want to be left behind anymore. They were always protecting me."
"We can do some taijutsu later — we do have some time. You said the massacre is due in a little over a month. My uncle is planning his uprising in six weeks. The clan is currently training and there are several more meetings. I'm hoping I can use my powers to change their mind." Shisui scratched his head. "I like to prevent bloodshed when I can."
"It's your family."
"Exactly, still my small-minded, bitter, antagonistic family." He cleared his throat. "So, about smashing the mountain and leveling this forest? I'd like to see how efficient you are." He looked at her bare hands and a pair of black fingerless gloves materialized. "Sorry for further intruding, but I could see them in your thoughts."
Hours later from their standpoint, thirty seconds in the real world, later, the lunch companions quietly ate their ramen back inside Ichiraku. Naruto was excitedly showing Iruka the animals he planned to color first. Sakura felt her heart lurch when she heart her name come from the boy's mouth. "And I think Sakura-chan will like this one, don't you think?"
"You know, Naruto, I think she would. That's very kind of you to think of her," Iruka said, patting him encouragingly on the back. He pointed at another page. "And I think Hinata would really like this one."
"Hm, okay. I guess I could color one for her too. It's just — she's kind of weird — always staring at me and she never says anything." Naruto closed the book and focused on his meal.
"Soooo," Shisui drawed out the vowel and waited for Sakura to focus on him. "When are you meeting your Sensei again?" He waggled his eyebrows suggestively at the term.
"Don't say it like that," Sakura scolded, reaching over and hitting him gently on the shoulder. "I'm bringing him breakfast tomorrow. Why?"
"You should ask him to spar. I think — if he sees your taijutsu, he'll agree. He'd at least be curious. And if he hasn't already figured out that you're one of us," he said referencing her status as a shinobi, "then you'll just have to straight out tell him."
"He does seem to think I'm a suspicious person," Sakura mused. He had one of his ninja dogs spying on her. She toyed with her spoon, swirling a clump of bean sprouts and tiny corn cobs.
"That's probably my fault. I don't normally take an interest in damsels in distress," Shisui said. "I'm not sure how believable our backstory is to be honest, but not too many people will question a teenage guy's interest in a pretty woman — but we both know he will and likely the two big guys." He referenced Kakashi and the big guys were Lord Third and Danzo. They had decided it was smartest to avoid saying their names in case anyone overheard their conversation.
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No sooner had Kakashi dropped off the groceries at his apartment than a masked Anbu guard knocked on his front door. "Hatake, you have been summoned by Lord Third," the man behind the Raccoon mask announced. "Jonin attire."
When the guard didn't move Kakashi realized he meant now. Without a word, he followed after towards the Hokage tower. Hiruzen Sarutobi invited Kakashi to his office and sealed the room for privacy. Not even the Hokage's two assistants were in the room.
"It's been a while, Kakashi," Sarutobi greeted. "I hardly see you now that you've been working under Danzo."
"He keeps me busy." Kakashi stood directly in front of the Hokage's desk — the portraits of the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Hokage displayed on the far wall. He resisted the urge to stare at Minato's portrait. It had been years since his death— Kakashi was now the same age his Sensei had been when he'd lead his team with Obito and Rin. Seventy-five percent mortality — that was the survival rate for a Konoha shinobi.
"I personally requested you, so he should be giving you a break between missions for at least a few weeks," Sarutobi said. "I don't usually read over the Anbu mission reports, but some of your recent work has been especially brutal. It's okay to request a break between assignments."
"It's not necessary. I like to keep busy," Kakashi assured him. "How may I help you, Lord Third?"
"Have a seat Kakashi. I want to explain my position to you— no doubt Danzo has been poisoning your opinion of me."
Kakashi had been standing at attention, his posture ram-rod straight and shoulders back. With the offer of sitting, he practically melted into the large overstuffed chair. His back was still sore from having spent the night in the family graveyard. "Thank you, Sir."
"First, let me explain why I chose Minato Namikaze for the Fourth Hokage position and not Fugaku Uchiha. While Minato was young, he was powerful, intelligent, kind, and optimistic about a future beyond warfare Fugaku looks good on paper, but his interest was in securing Konoha's status as the top Hidden Village and improving the Uchiha reputation. The Hokage needs to be strong physically, wise mentally, but love and protect the youth of Konoha— they are the future and the reason we fight. Itachi had just been born and I thought Fugaku should focus on his family — he was already the clan leader of the Uchiha."
"So, why didn't you name him Hokage six years ago after Minato died?" Kakashi asked. He'd always wanted to know and frankly Danzo had painted the Third into a very unfavorable light.
"I had considered it, but the council and the daimyo believed the Uchiha clan was responsible for the attack. Instead of promoting Fugaku, I could only watch as the entire clan was forced to the outskirts of the village and further ostracized." Hiruzen turned to stare at the portraits of his fellow Hokage behind him. "Being Hokage isn't necessarily a privilege, Kakashi. It is often times a burden. You're known for being a strong strategist and expert warrior and suddenly you're in charge of the administration of a village? Fugaku's role as Police Chief and Clan Leader of one of the noble clans is far more important for the future of Konoha."
Sarutobi turned back towards Kakashi. "You look just like him, you know?"
"Who?" Kakashi didn't think anyone could say he looked like anyone — he wore a damn mask for a reason.
"Lord Tobirama." Hiruzen smiled faintly. "The Second Hokage was my hero and my leader. Most people think of Lord Hashirama as the founder of Konoha — true he established a truce with Madara Uchiha — but Tobirama is the one that created the very infrastructure of the village and created so many of the ninjutsu techniques we use today. You wouldn't know this, but Minato was Tobirama's grandson. And with the mother of the First and Second Hokages being of your Hatake clan — he and you both favor that bloodline."
"Then treating Naruto as you have makes even less sense," Kakashi protested.
"I will share another secret with you, Kakashi." Sarutobi rubbed his hands over his craggy face. "I know my seeming neglect of Minato's son is a sore spot for you — my wife and I cared for him in our home until he was two and a half years old. It was after that, I had him moved to the apartment and under Anbu care. My wife has a burning resentment against me for taking her precious little Naruto away, but that is my burden, not yours." He sounded so very tired.
"Oh," Kakashi huffed. "That— is unfortunate."
"I had a best friend once," Sarutobi said, voice strong again. "Kagami Uchiha— the grandfather of Shisui. He had an ability with his Sharingan where he could convince anyone to do anything. Shortly after Lord Tobirama died and I became Hokage — Kagami and Danzo had gone on a mission together. Only Danzo returned, claiming Kagami had died and then he'd burned his body. And during this same battle supposedly Danzo lost an eye." His gaze focused on Kakashi's left eye — the transplant from Obito. "As Hokage, I am subject to the whim of the daimyo and the opinions of the council. Somehow, Danzo seems to always have them in his corner — a curious coincidence."
"Why are you telling me all this?" Kakashi asked. Learning the connection between the Second and Fourth Hokage — and even himself was enough to try and wrap his head around. Danzo's ruthlessness and willingness to stoop to such low levels reminded him of —-"He sounds a lot like Orochimaru."
"Yes, he does," Sarutobi said, sighing and leaning back in his chair. He truly looked old. "My old student was also bitter when I chose Minato as my successor. I strongly suspect he will be the death of me. But, I'm telling you this — because you are the future of Konoha, Kakashi Hatake."
"Seems like a pretty bleak future if I'm in charge," Kakashi pointed out.
"I can only imagine the horrors you've been through — and I'm sorry. And I suspect they aren't even over yet. I've had to place too much responsibility on your shoulders and those of Shisui and Itachi Uchiha. It is rare to find The Will of Fire, but the three of you have it." He drummed his fingers over the desktop. "Frankly, it should have been your father helping me lead the village. I never agreed with the cruel words that were said about Sakumo. And I honestly think Danzo, empowered with Kagami's stolen eye, implanted the idea of suicide. There is no way I will ever be convinced that Sakumo would have left you alone in this world."
The words felt foreign. For most of his life, Kakashi had bitter feelings about his father. How can someone so highly esteemed stoop to such despair? He raised his hand to his left eye, Obito's eye, tears had fallen. Were they his tears or were they Obito's tears?
"I asked Asuma to tell you that someone seems to have taken an interest in Naruto." Sarutobi changed the subject, there was no acknowledgment of Kakashi's tears, nor the double streaks that had fallen from Lord Third's eyes either. "They've already broken into his apartment twice — once to clean it and the second time to bring fresh groceries. They have snuck past Anbu guard assigned to watch over the place to do their seemingly benign acts. However, I think they could be trying to groom the boy."
"If he wasn't so damn lonely, maybe this wouldn't a problem," Kakashi pointed out.
"Anbu was my only choice. At three he was eligible to start the academy where Iruka watches over him. Mikotu Uchiha asked to adopt him. If it had been just Mikoto, I would have allowed it. Did you know she named her youngest son after my father? She was teammates with Minato when they were Genin. But I don't trust Fugaku — especially when I didn't consider promoting him into the position of Hokage and after the Uchiha were forced to the village outskirts by the council."
"So are you wanting me to guard Naruto?" Kakashi asked.
"No. I don't want anyone to think you care about Naruto. It's best if he's mostly ignored —at least until he's able to defend himself. People cannot make the connection that he's Minato's son," Sarutobi explained.
"Why don't people make the connection? He looks just like his father," Kakashi asked. It had always bugged him that no one seemed to acknowledge Naruto's heritage.
"Shisui Uchiha — he used one of his ocular abilities to make people ignore the obvious when it came to Naruto," Sarutobi explained. "If people think you care about Naruto, they could use the boy as a pawn."
"I'm a shinobi." Kakashi shrugged. "I'm already a pawn by definition."
Sarutobi pursed his lips but had no response to the blunt truth. "Do you know about Root?"
Kakashi arched an eyebrow. "Like a tree root? It's how nutrients are gathered from the soil."
"No, smarty-pants. Root is the dark cell that Danzo runs within the Anbu organization — underneath the underneath Danzo doesn't think I know about it. I cannot ask Shisui to investigate— Danzo is looking for an opportunity to steal the boy's eye and he's in danger."
"Okay, well, he has mentioned that he thinks I would be a good fit to run Anbu one day," Kakashi admitted.
"I don't think that's your future, Kakashi Hatake," Hiruzen said. "I think you'll be Hokage one day."
Kakashi scoffed. He couldn't even imagine a world where he was the Leader of the Leaf. "Making the discovery of Root won't be a surprise to Danzo if he's considering my covert skills making me ideal to take over leadership." He wondered if Tenzo had been recruited to Root — it had been some time since he'd seen the younger man and they were supposed to be teammates. "I'll need an ally though."
"Name your partner," Sarutobi said.
"I'll have to think about it. Give me a few days," Kakashi said.
"Of course," Hiruzen agreed. "I'm officially transferring you to my personal guard for now. You can come see me anytime."
Kakashi nodded. "Am I dismissed?" His mind was racing with different questions and problems. Who the hell could he trust to infiltrate the most secret, dark organization in his village? Did he even trust anyone well enough for that? Foxy was barely holding on. Maybe Genma, but he was defeated by the mysterious person visiting Naruto. Then there was the strange woman— Shisui's friend Sakura. Were they connected? She really was interested in him — perhaps he'd find out her story in the morning.
"Yes," Hiruzen answered. "You're free to go. Kakashi, I value you. I know you've sacrificed a lot for the Leaf. I hope that one day, you can live in a time of peace and all this horror will have been worth it."
"I doubt if either of us will see that day," Kakashi said, before walking towards the door. He paused and looked back at Lord Third. "I thank you for telling me all this — especially your theory about my dad."
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OoO
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Present Time…
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The door to the Hokage's office flew open and Sasuke Uchiha stormed inside, brown poncho billowing behind him, headband askew, and slammed his hand on top of Kakashi's desk— papers went flying everywhere. He loomed over the desk with a decidedly pissed and deadly aura. "Where is Sakura?"
Shikamaru ambled in, posture relaxed and his tone bored. "Sorry, I thought about stopping him, but I want to know too." He closed the door behind him and did a sound-proofing chakra seal on the room. He looked at the scattered documents and sighed before he sat next to Naruto at the assistant desk. "It's been a week since I dropped off that letter and you two and Sai took off like a bat out of hell — only to return a couple of hours later, sullen and all hush-hush."
"Welcome back, Sasuke," Kakashi answered, his tone carefully neutral. "Perhaps if you had sent word or come home sooner she would have been here waiting for you."
Sasuke scowled. "I promised her I would return."
"Two years ago!" Naruto shouted. "You could have at least sent her a letter, you jerk!"
Kakashi interrupted before the two could start fighting. "Sakura is on a mission— one authorized by the Hospital Director and outside of my authority to stop."
"But, Sakura-chan is the Hospital Director," Naruto pointed out.
Kakashi leaned back in his chair and examined the three young men gathered before him. They weren't the only ones demanding answers. Shizune and Ino had been banging on his door often. Luckily, Lady Tsunade wasn't yet aware. Sakura's parents just assumed she was on a regularly sanctioned mission — and he intended to keep it that way.
"Sakura found an artifact that allows for time travel," Kakashi explained. He opened the secured drawer of his desk and set the ice cold turtle out. "From the archives I was able to find on it— it will allow a person or persons to travel backwards through time and then return to their original timeline, assuming the turtle exists in the desired timeline. It takes at least two weeks to charge between uses."
"She left a week ago?" Sasuke asked. "Fine, I'll go back for her. When did she go to? Did she say?"
Kakashi pulled out the yellow envelop and handed it over to his former protege. Sasuke's dark eyes scanned the letter and his already pale face drained further of color. "She's trying to prevent the massacre of my clan?" He looked across at Kakashi — his face brimming with emotions. "But—-that— won't that change everything?"
"I don't think we'll even be aware of the changes, unless we ourselves go back into time and then return to our current time. Then the memories from the diverging timelines would clash in our brains," Kakashi explained.
"What does that mean?" Naruto asked. "Because, I'm planning to go back and help her. She's in danger."
"Yes, she's in danger. And what that means is that when she returns and when whomever goes after her returns, there's a good chance they'll suffer from psychosis from the mental strain," Kakashi explained.
"Then it should be me," Sasuke declared. "I've already had a psychotic break and recovered. I can do it again. The misguided fool is doing this for me. I can't let her endanger herself any more."
Kakashi braced his elbows on the table and rested his chin on top of his folded hands. "I have been running through the different scenarios in my head since last week. The more interference with the past, the more uncertainty with the present. You three were children at the time, I'm the one that has a clue what it was like back then."
"No offense, Lord Sixth, but I didn't volunteer," Shikamaru pointed out.
"No, you'll need to run the village while we go to rescue our teammate," Kakashi said, looking between Naruto and Sasuke. "Pick an animal boys, we're going to be making your Anbu masks. You're officially promoted."
"Does this mean I get one of those cool arm tattoos?" Naruto asked.
"I refuse to be branded," Sasuke deadpanned.
"Tattoos are optional," Kakashi assured them.
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