Burn
"I don't always make the best choices, but today I choose compassion over intolerance, sympathy over hatred and love over fear."
― LJ Vanier
Chapter Six
Kakashi's mission really wasn't a mission. Well, there was more to it than just a mission. Tsunade was using him as a courier of sorts. He was first sent off to meet with Jiraiya-sama, then he'd get to his actual mission.
Tsunade-sama had already told him where to meet the man, giving him a letter to pass on. He guessed the two were in some long-distance situation now, not that he wanted to think about it.
He usually met up with Jiraiya-sama from before when the Fourth had been alive, or even when Minato-sensei was still around. He'd pass on intel to the Kage or T&I between missions or otherwise. It wasn't that often. But from time to time, he'd do so.
He made his way down a dirt path. He knew it well enough by now. No one spared him a second glance as he went to the Sake House Jiraiya liked to frequent. He was such a frequent customer, that he had his own private room. It wasn't the first time Kakashi had been there to meet up with the Sage.
He was already there, a small cup of sake in his hand. Kakashi could see him already from down the hall. He made his way down and slipped into the room. He was glad to see that there were no women around. Years ago, before he somehow got Tsunade to give him a chance, Jiraiya had been bad about that. He invited women often to drink with him until Kakashi arrived. He'd wave the women away and they'd both have to wait for the girls to leave before talking. Maybe that meant this wouldn't take long and he'd be able to go home sooner. Leaving Tami left him feeling a little on edge. Would she be okay without him?
Kakashi forced himself into the moment and sat down across from Jiraiya. He pulled out the letter and placed it on the table. Without a word, Jiraiya took the letter and downed his cup of Sake.
"So. How's the village?" He asked, his eyes lighting up.
Kakashi took a moment to answer. He just wanted to get done with his visit and go.
"It's fine." He replied smoothly. He almost wanted to remind Jiraiya about what they needed to know but refrained.
"And my turtledove?" Jiraiya asked.
Tsunade-sama?
"She's okay. She's training Ino and Sakura-chan." Kakashi replied softly.
Jiraiya grunted. He eyed Kakashi with a small, knowing grin.
"And Tami?" He asked after a moment
"The Akatsuki is a pressing matter," Kakashi replied, trying to be polite and veer the topic away from what he wasn't ready to face yet.
Jiraiya laughed, setting his cup down.
"Work later. This is my first time away from training that little punk. All he's heard was that I trained the Fourth and now all he wants to do is know everything about the Fourth!" Jiraiya complained jovially. He chuckled and then gestured to the Sake bottle and the extra cup."Drinks on me?"
Kakashi sighed. He wasn't one to drink on a mission. But he could handle one drink.
Jiraiya chuckled further as Kakashi poured one small glass but didn't touch it further.
"It's scary, isn't it? Opening yourself up. It's like your heart is living in another body." Jiraiya murmured.
Kakashi stared at his cup. He didn't want to talk about it. Didn't want to think about it, either. Tami nearly died. He hadn't been there to save her. Again. He felt useless.
"Is she doing better? Awake yet?" Jiraiya prompted.
Kakashi figured Jiraiya wouldn't let it go. At least not yet. The man seemed to care for her too. So he might as well tell him.
"She woke up almost two weeks after you left. She's been training. Decided to get back into the field." Kakashi murmured.
Jiraiya grunted and waited for more.
"Tsunade-sama took your advice. Tami-chan is no longer allowed out of the village until she becomes a Jounin." Kakashi couldn't say he hated the idea. At least he knew Tami was safe.
"Are you training her?" Jiraiya asked, eyeing him quietly, "She grew quickly under Ibiki's tutelage. With you-"
"I can't," Kakashi said, shaking his head. He stared down at the cup in his hand. He felt like a failure. "I couldn't before because I saw Rin's death every time I tried to train her. Just the thought of training with her again, now I see hers."
Twice. It had been twice he failed to save Tami. When she chose to step back from missions, he felt relieved. But even that hadn't kept her safe. He wouldn't have minded it at all if she just decided to not be involved with the ninja world. He'd marry her in a heartbeat, give her whatever she wanted. But she wanted to fight beside them. He'd argue but - his Tami-chan wanted what she wanted. He wouldn't deny her that.
"You know, I always thought it was strange you didn't actually teach her any one of the thousands of jutsus you know," Jiraiya grumbled, looking at Kakashi unamused.
"She never asked." He replied. He hadn't thought she'd be interested. She never mentioned the one he did teach her.
Jiraiya scoffed and put his head in his hand as his elbow rested on the table.
"You're such a drag Kakashi. You read my books. Teach her a jutsu, teach her simple medical jutsu. Be romantic. She'll eat it up, be safer, and then you come out the hero."
Kakashi blinked. He hadn't thought of that. It would ease his concerns. Maybe he could help her sense when she was being followed too. They did need to have some serious conversations as well. And dates. He guessed he could make it an event. Lately, he had just tried to be supportive of her.
"So," Kakashi began, glancing at the Legendary Sanin, "The intel?"
Jiraiya groaned loudly and grumbled incoherently before beginning. He sighed first and rubbed his palm against his leg. Both men took the second to ensure that no one was nearby. Kakashi by sensory, and Jiraiya by skill.
"The Akatsuki are planning. Sounds like they're gonna try to come after the Tailed Beasts through the exam. Probably thinking Naruto, Gaara and another will be there." He started in, sending Kakashi a look. Both men knew Naruto would be gone longer than that.
Jiraiya went and poured himself another cup, waving Kakashi on to do the same. He shifted in his chair for a second and leaned in.
"As far as your student goes - there's been word he's in the mountains above Fire County. Haven't heard anything matching Tami's uncle's description yet. But we're keeping an ear out." Jiraiya explained.
Kakashi nodded. Tami would be glad to know they're narrowing down where Orochimaru kept his compound.
"I'll let Tsunade-sama know as soon as I can," Kakashi promised, nodding his head. Jiraiya waved his hand and Kakashi moved to get up.
"Awe, come on. Gonna leave already?" Jiraiya asked, grinning up at the other man. Kakashi sighed. In the end, he decided to stay and drink a little longer. Not enough to get drunk, but enough that Jiraiya would at least not protest when he left. When he finally did get up to go, Jiraiya slipped out two letters from his vest. Kakashi paused, looking at them before taking the letters in his hands. One was a letter to Tsunade. The other was to Tami, from Naruto. Kakashi bet that the letter from Jiraiya was just a love letter. Naruto? Well - Naruto's letter to Tami probably was him checking in on her. He slipped the letters into his flack jacket. He'd deliver them safely.
X
I missed my Darling already. Was that sad at all? He hadn't even been gone a day. Probably. Mostly because I had my own things to worry about and I couldn't quite lean on him right now for it. I had to deal with it myself.
First things first, I stopped by the library to pick up a book on seals. There wasn't anything Anbu level in the books, but at least it would give me some semblance of peace (and maybe a test of sorts. Was Owl the sort of man who would see a seal and keep going?). I set the seals up around my windows, using a rudimentary level of understanding at best. I bet Kakashi knew better seals than I did. Especially recalling that blood seal he put on Sasuke not so long ago. I'd ask his help upon his return. Surely he'd see to it to help me.
My next step?
Get ready for the next day and try not to ruminate on the puzzle this Shisui person left me. I'd figure it out, given time. I hoped.
Again. Ciphers weren't my forte. I'd see if my Darling would be willing to vet Mozuku with me. I was sure he was a good sort. Bit of a nerd and socially awkward, but he seemed to have a good heart.
The morning came soon enough. I went to see off the Suna siblings as they headed back home. Baki stood off to the side as we bade each other goodbye.
"Don't go getting killed now. You're kinda funny." Kankuro told me humorously. My lips twitched. Temari rolled her eyes heavenward as if to ask for help from someone above.
"I'll certainly give it my best go, ah? Can't let down the Royalty of Suna." I teased them. Temari shot me a look, and her scowl deepened as I continued my bit by giving her a deep curtsey. Somewhere, I'm rather sure she was entertained by me. Maybe not, but at least I got a curious look from Gaara. He tilted his head at me but didn't say a word. He ended up bowing his head softly before the three took off with Baki back to Suna. I watched them as they went, waiting til I couldn't see them anymore before returning to my training. This morning, I started with Chakra molding. I had to conserve my energy.
Gai will be training me today.
I continued to mold my chakra, mulling over what I could do with what I had were quite a few directions I could take my skills.
I wondered how finely tuned I could get the Canary Call. Could I get it to be as sharp as a whip? Could I create a layered Call, almost like an echo, to disorient someone? Could it be deadly with enough force?
That led to my other skills, like whistling to find out if an illusion was placed. I wondered if I could expand that - then maybe I could sense around me. Know if I was being followed. I've already used that on a small scale. Maybe I could grow it.
That, I should look into. Kakashi always seemed concerned that I couldn't tell when I was being followed. If I could get a sense of the area I was in, maybe just like in echolocation, I could read where I was and who was around me.
And the chakra strings. I still wanted to know about them. I bet I could make use of them in my own way. Maybe my Spiderman dreams wouldn't just be dreams. Though I doubted I'd be slinging webs anytime soon. But I bet I could use them more efficiently than the wire ninja I previously used.
About 10:30, I met up with Gai. Or rather, Gai found me. I had been doing my normal weight and resistance training before for about a half hour. Thankfully, he let me catch my breath before starting in. This time, Lee wasn't there. I could only guess he wanted to focus on training with me.
"I left him to train alone today." He told me with a nod when he noticed me looking for the young boy. He and I started with swimming, just as I usually do. He kept up very well with me as we went back and forth between carrying weight underwater and the surface. We worked that way for another half hour before we climbed out.
"What an exhilarating workout, Tami-chan!" He exclaimed as we climbed out, "To fight the elements in such a way!"
"Mn, promise I didn't make it up. Someone else did; just lucky enough to remember it." I told him, laying back on the edge of the river to gain back my breath. He laughed and shook his head.
"But you still put the work in." He said with a bright grin. He helped me up and the two of us made our way over to the training grounds.
"I have booked the later part of the morning and early afternoon." He explained as we went. I paused, looking at him. That long? Memories from Ibiki throwing me against the ground over and over again came to my mind. I winced at the thought. Well, I guess I'd have to get comfortable being uncomfortable.
When we reached the field, Gai walked out in front of me. He turned around and slunk down into a stance.
Now? I thought, staring at him. He was just jumping into it?
"Come at me." He said.
I stared.
"Now!" He barked. I practically jumped, not expecting it. I clumsily went to fight him. At first, he didn't do anything, except slip away from me. The little training I received from Robert, and the daily "beatings" from Ibiki snapped in shortly. I cleaned up my form and started fighting. Nothing special, of course. Throwing punches that he easily weaved around, sending kicks he easily blocked. I saw satisfaction flicker through Gai's eyes as he registered the change.
I can't tell how many times I ended up tossed onto the ground, and Gai snapping "again!" at me.
I had to push myself up and continue. He didn't give me a break like Ibiki had.
"Follow through, put your weight into it!" Gai instructed and I did as much.
By the third punch, he flipped me over his shoulder and I was on my back again. He turned, still in his stance. Without a word, I jumped to my feet. Again, I slipped into that boxing stance Robert had trained me years ago.
Gai's gaze narrowed.
Without giving me time to correct my stance, he rushed me. I did well with the first few test punches he did. Had the man wanted to lay me out, he would have. I was able to move faster in the stance Robert showed me, easily shifting through Gai's attacks. It wasn't until Gai changed it up again that I was laid out again. I fell harder this time and went to stand up.
Gai stood over me, his hand out. I accepted and he pulled me to my feet.
"So?" I asked him blithely.
"Good instincts. You need refining." Gai said sagely, nodding his head and folding his arms knowingly. He looked me over, his eyes lighting up, "I see a youthful spirit in you, Tami-chan! With more training, you can master this."
I stared. He's serious? Ibiki nearly said I would never be a good combatant and needed Kakashi to save my backside. Kakashi didn't really do much to teach me. I suspected it was because I was that bad! Mind, my previous ordeals had taught me I wasn't much of a taijutsu user at all.
I looked at him, feeling shocked.
"I -. You sure?" I asked him. He nodded.
"Yes!" He exclaimed, and grinned widely, "Your footwork is good. You don't have much power behind your strikes. I think you should learn to use your opponent's strength against them. You have good speed too. Use this to your advantage."
I couldn't help it. I gave the green man a big hug. It was the first time I'd ever heard anything good about my measly taijutsu skills. Gai stood there, gently patting my back awkwardly.
I laughed nervously and pulled away, "Forgive me. I haven't heard many kind things about my fighting skills. Good to hear from a professional that I'm not in a sorry state."
At the phrase professional, Gai beamed at me, patted my arm, and chuckled. We trained for a good chunk, and he taught me some new holds and throws before I returned to work.
I had to bite my tongue every time I saw Mozuku.
For the remainder of the week, I just developed my new growing skills. Gai helped, of course. He was a dear friend. He did press me to run with him once. And I did go. Once.
I think I'll stick with my swimming, thank you.
Late in the week, I started trying to piece together how to use those chakra strings. Thus far, I couldn't do much besides draw the chakra into my fingertips. This level of concentration would take time. I'd have to develop this one on the side, and work on my other talents instead.
The whistle would be first. I wondered if a good sharp whistle could be deadly. Recalling the Otogakure Genin Orochimaru had snuck in - they used music notes as attacks. Maybe there was a way. I would find it. I had no other choice.
X
Kakashi's eyes were heavy. He was only a few miles from home, and his senses told him he was safe enough to keep going. He ran, bounding from one tree branch to the next through the densely packed forest outside of Konoha. He wanted to get home. He missed his beloved. It had been almost an entire week.
He didn't like being out that long. It made him feel uneasy. The only relief he had was knowing Tami was confined to the village. She couldn't get into trouble there. The village was hard to sneak into.
The crisp air felt nice against his face. The temperature told him winter would soon be there. He couldn't wait until he could crawl into bed.
He just needed to see Tami-chan first and foremost. Relief settled into his bones as he saw the village ahead of him. He felt his shoulders finally drop. His focus was to see his Sunshine.
He got into the village, running down the familiar path to her home. Kakashi nearly felt the weight drop off of him as he looked up at her window. Climbing up the wall was quick and made short work of opening her kitchen window, barely noticing the seals she tried to leave there. Odd, he thought. She had never put seals on the window before. He'd show her how to make better ones.
Citrus and cloves hung in the air as he climbed in. A teapot sat on the stove. His Tami raced into the kitchen with a kunai clutched in her hand. She wore sleeping shorts and a big shirt, her hair haphazardly tossed up. Tami froze the second she saw him. Her mouth fell open, her foot going to rub the back of her leg. She was a beautiful, welcome sight. She was safe.
"Darling." She murmured and he nearly melted. He missed her. Seeing her in one piece drained away any lingering stress. Her brow puckered and a small frown made its way to her face; usually, it meant she was evaluating him. She clicked her tongue and moved to his side. Her arms welcomed him and pulled him deeper into the apartment.
"Come. You need a bath." She murmured, gently tugging on his arm.
"Tami-chan…." He murmured. He hesitantly started moving with her. He had planned to go home, but….
"Come on, then. Let's get cleaned up." She told him, gently taking him by the arm and leading him through her home. He followed after her
"Are you hungry? Tired?" She asked, and he shook his head.
"Maa - Tami-chan." He grumbled softly. She giggled softly as they walked from her bedroom into the bathroom. She immediately started pulling out towels. She set them down on the counter and turned to him. His Tami glanced up at him before gently taking his hand in both of hers. She started pulling off his gloves carefully. Kakashi felt his heart clench as she carefully took care of him. He felt his face turn red when she reached for his jacket, gently unzipping it.
'Calm down, Hatake.' He thought to himself as she helped him out of it. He needed to keep his promise to her. He didn't want to push for more than she was willing to give. Even if she was making it incredibly difficult for him. He watched as she turned her attention to the jacket, pulling out a scroll he used to carry additional clothes.
'I didn't think she paid that much attention to what I carried on me.' He thought. His students didn't. He did feel a little let down when she pulled away. He didn't mind it if she stayed. Maybe one day. His jacket folded over her arm, and scroll in hand, she reached up and touched his cheek.
"Feel free to use whatever, Lovely. I don't mind." She told him as she started the water for him. She had the scroll tucked under her arm. "I'll get your clothes set up on the bed for you."
She kissed him on the forehead and left the room, taking his jacket and scroll with her. He watched her leave and close the door gently behind her. He hadn't expected this from her. He thought she might tease him and kiss him good night. But, he didn't mind being doted on.
A half hour later after his shower, she helped dry his hair with a towel as he sat on the edge of her bed. He wasn't wearing his mask or much of anything besides some boxers and a shirt. Kakashi closed his eyes, breathing in deep. This was nice. Very nice. He leaned against her, already exhausted and ready for bed. He should have gone home by now. He didn't want to.
"I should go." He grumbled softly. He should go home before he did anything foolish.
"Stay." She murmured, pulling away the towel from his head and tossing it away. She pulled him in for a hug. His resistance was almost nonexistent now.
"Tami-chan…." Kakashi began with a small whine. What if he did something? Or worse, she realized the effect she had on him?
"It's late. You're tired, and my seals surely are in a sorry state. Rest, my love." She said softly. Kakashi couldn't fight that logic, not in his current state or even in any state. He wasn't foolish enough to continue arguing after she offered her bed to him. Especially sleeping next to her.
She moved over and crawled on the bed to pull the comforter back and gently tug him by the arm to join her. It wasn't like it was the first time sleeping beside each other, or anything.
Kakashi carefully climbed in after her. She had begun to run her fingers through his hair, encouraging him to lay on her chest. He froze but she just chuckled softly.
"Are you getting unexpected guests?" He asked, trying to be cool about it all. He wasn't blushing at all. Nope. He was too cool for that. Especially lying down on her chest. It didn't affect him at all. Nope.
"I'll explain in the morning. Rest." She told him softly, brushing his hair from his face. Kakashi drifted to sleep then and there. He felt weightless. His Tami below him, murmuring gently to him. He could hear her heart beating gently, lulling him off to his dreams.
It was late the next morning when he woke up. Her fingers gently ruffled through his hair. She was humming softly, murmuring a song under her breath. He'd never woken up like this before. His heart beat a little harder. He should get up. He still needed to turn in his report to the Hokage.
"What are you singing?" He asked finally.
She stopped immediately. He shifted to look over at her.
"Edelweiss." She murmured back, "sleep well?"
Kakashi hummed in agreement. He wasn't about to tell her it was probably the most he'd gotten in the last few days. And he wasn't going to tell her what his thoughts were. He gently shifted and pulled her over to him. Sometime in the night, he must have moved. Or she did. It didn't matter.
"Why did you put seals on your window?" He asked.
"Owl stopped by. It just - it felt wrong." She confessed. His Tami wrapped an arm around him and placed her head against his shoulder.
"How so?"
"Just - he never was interested in my personal life. Hated you. He came by with tons of questions. It felt wrong." She explained. Kakashi grunted, gently stroking her back.
"I'll show you how to place better seals." He told her finally.
"I rather think they're just fine." She said cheekily, glancing up at him.
"Oh? They broke pretty quick." He replied.
"Mmnn. Not everyone is a shinobi extraordinaire, dead set on seeing his girl." She said, humor coloring her tone, "You looked half dead, Lovely."
"Then I'll show you seals that will stop even half-dead skilled shinobi." He teased back and she laughed.
Kakashi wished he could stay in bed all day. Neither of them could. He needed to go and turn in the reports. Tami needed to train. He made sure to make his beloved breakfast. She helped, prepping the rice and eggs by his side.
"Are you free tonight? I'd like to talk." He began, and instantly regretted it. Tami stiffened almost immediately. She must have mistaken what he meant. Without even thinking about it, Kakashi placed his hand on her lower back.
"Not like that." He added
Surprisingly, his Tami blushed a little bit, but she wasn't so stiff anymore. She looked up at him, her green eyes curiously peering into his.
"There's just some things I'd like to talk about." He explained softly. Tami nodded.
"Very well; we can." She said, leaning into his side and kissing his exposed cheek. Kakashi She must have smiled, parting her back reassuringly. Everything would work out eventually. Before he left for the day, he gave her the letter from Naruto. Her eyes filled with warmth as she took it in her hands.
"I hope he's doing well." She said softly. Despite himself, Kakashi smiled. For just a moment, he wondered what she'd be like with their own children. Would they have them? She would be an excellent mother. Though - with the things he was sure would happen, that would have to wait.
Before Kakashi left for the day, his Tami stopped him.
"Could - we need to find out what the journal says, Darling." She told him softly. Kakashi looked over at her and quietly thought about it. His biggest concern was Mozuku being in root or affiliated. Tami - didn't know about it yet. He didn't want to burden her with it. Yet.
He needed to tell her.
"We'll investigate tonight." He said softly. He'd tell Tsunade his plan and get clearance to look into it.
"Shall I…?"
"Let me pull his files," Kakashi said. Tami's eyebrows raised and he tried not to grin. She must have remembered when she told him about what she did. "I'll speak with Tsunade-sama."
Tami nodded softly and gave him one last kiss on the cheek before he left.
X
Oliver hadn't seen the little Punk for an entire week. The kid was probably skittish. Oliver should have known that Psycho would eventually do something. The guy took a sample of his blood and Oliver could only describe the other events as torture.
Thankfully, Orochimaru hadn't gone all out and tried to kill him. Oliver was sure at this point, Orochimaru had realized Tami wasn't coming. The card he played hadn't gone anywhere, and soon Oliver would be just another victim to this crazed man.
He had to plan his escape. Now.
As the week progressed, Sasuke didn't come once. But he wasn't exactly lonely. The other cells have been getting full since the week began.
Every day that week, new prisoners were added. Some were other ninja. Oliver picked up that the little metal plate on their forehead denoted their station in life as well as their allegiance. It was obvious, a uniform of sorts. The men there weren't particularly strong or capable. Some of them were just kids. Mostly they were either civilians or just weak. Oliver wouldn't have realized how many different factions there were until the place got more crowded. A man from Iwa had gotten shoved into a cell with a teen from Kiri. They broke out into an argument that soon devolved into the whole room yelling.
Oliver shared his cell, too. A little boy from Kusa had been there with him, named Botan. He was a scared little kid and didn't talk too much. He would look over at the teen from Kiri in fear from time to time. The boy hadn't had his headband. Oliver bet he hadn't earned it yet.
"M'not strong enough." He muttered once to himself.
Botan wasn't his only companion in the cell. There was a more dignified older man (probably as old as Oliver himself). His name was Jomei. He was from a village outside of Konoha, called Hacho.
"What has he planned for us?" Jomei asked. Botan flinched.
"Don't you know who he is? We were taken by that reject Konoha trash!" The teen from Kiri sneered. "Orochimaru! He's going to cut us up! Eat our livers!"
Botan curled himself into the side of the cell wall, turning his head.
"Nothing so diabolical, I assure you." A soft voice came from the hall. Orochimaru entered, a smug grin crossed his lips. Oliver still didn't know how he was able to come back from paralysis. At this point, he didn't know if he wanted to know.
The room fell quiet. Each shinobi in the room who knew who Orochimaru was watched him. They tensed, as if ready to draw the weapons they no longer had.
"Your weakness was your own fault." He drawled as he strolled in, looking at the faces. He zeroed in on one teen girl in the distance. She had been shaking since she arrived, lashing out at people. "Ah. I was hoping for a kekkei genkai."
She spat at him, and Orochimaru cackled. He rounded the room, his head held high. The snake continued until he stopped in front of Oliver. He just grinned down at him.
"The most worthless and expensive prisoner. Don't think I don't have plans for you." He drawled, his eyes lighting up. It took everything in Oliver to not tell the man he was a cartoon character in a kid's show. It would have been so satisfying to watch the horror on the snake's face.
But no. Oliver had to get through this. He chose to say nothing. Orochimaru chuckled to himself as he quietly left.
Oliver knew it was time. He had to get out. If he could, he'd get as many people out with him as possible. He had to plan a prison break.
That night, Oliver tried to sleep. He couldn't. The ground was too hard, too cold, and somebody was crying.
"Would you shut up!" Snapped a voice.
"Why don't you do that first?" Growled another.
Oliver groaned, rubbing his face in frustration. Idiots. He was surrounded by idiots.
"Would you all just-" He growled, snapping up. The room was still. No one else moved in the dark. The crying stopped, and no one was shouting anymore. As his eyes adjusted, he could see Sasuke standing in front of his cell door. The kids' eyes were bright red.
"We need to get you out as soon as possible," Sasuke told him. Oliver glanced behind him, no one was moving. It must be one of those fancy ninja tricks.
"Yeah?"
"Orochimaru can't absorb you. Not yet, and the little he tried didn't work either. He's planning on getting Kabuto to absorb you after he returns. They're going to use your body to get Tami." Sasuke explained, his face grim.
Oliver frowned. They could do that? How twisted. Somehow, even with how insane it sounded, he wasn't at all surprised.
"Got that sense too. Perfect time." Oliver agreed, sitting up. Sasuke glanced at the door.
"I can sneak you out, but they'll catch you just as fast."
Oliver grinned. The kid started to see the bigger picture. Good.
"We need a jailbreak. And a distraction." Oliver said and Sasuke smirked. "I think it's time to teach you warfare."
Throughout the night, Sasuke and Oliver planned until he couldn't hold up whatever jutsu he was doing. Oliver showed him a few techniques for making explosives and placement for maximum damage. Sasuke was a quick read. They planned to meet up every night until Kabuto arrived back.
"It will be difficult." Sasuke said right before he left, "Orochimaru will be on the lookout. But we have a week and a half to prepare."
That was plenty of time. All Oliver had to do was get the troops ready. He glanced over at the others in the cell. He'd include them, so long as he thought they wouldn't betray the plan.
X
I went to train in the morning, unable to hold off much more. My Darling had made me late to my own training regime. I wondered if that meant I was picking up on his nasty habit. I didn't mind it; though maybe I should.
I went through my training routine, even meeting up with Gai to learn even more taijutsu. He was an absolute delight. It was rare for me to get any encouragement in my taijutsu, so I'll take what I can get.
It wasn't until lunchtime at work that I had been able to sit down and read Naruto's letter. I missed his smiling whiskered face. He used to run into my home, excited to tell me about his adventures and his love for Sakura.
I opened the letter and pulled it out. It was Naruto's sloppy and unkempt writing. He had a small drawing of a toad in the margins.
Hey Tami-chan!
Miss you! Me and Jiraiya have been training a whole lot. I'm getting way stronger. I've been thinking, since Sasuke left the team, you can take his place. Then Sakura won't be alone. Just don't make kissy faces with Kakashi-sensei, okay? Don't worry, I'll get it all handled! And don't even worry about it, we'll get Sasuke back, dattebayo! We'll talk sense into him and he's gonna come crying back to us!
Miss you lots. I saw your fight with Kabuto, I hope you're getting stronger. I thought you did pretty well, but you didn't fight much. But that's okay! We'll get him next time.
I've been learning more about wind jutsu and how to get my Rasengan ready!
Talk to you later!
Uzumaki Naruto
He even scribbled a little frog at the bottom. I smiled, folding the letter up. I needed to put this somewhere safe and special when I got home.
For now - this was good. For now. We were all safe, and soon my Uncle would be there. At least I hoped. I had to get stronger for my Darling, for Naruto, for Sasuke, and for my Uncle Oliver.
Chapter end
AN: So here we are. I almost put everything in one chapter, but I know it's been a long time since I've posted. Wanted to get something out. And I do enjoy having one chapter that's more calm before a chapter where things happen. I'm glad we got to see into Kakashi's head this time. It was a nice break, tbh. I have quite a bit planned for the next chapter. A prison break, a cipher solved, and Tami and Kakashi getting down to the heart of things. I didn't want to rush it by any means.
Anyway, I hope you all are doing well. Please enjoy the rest of your weekend and see you next time!
Edit 3/18/23 - Just needed to clean this up a little bit. Noticed Kakashi's part didn't flow well.