After using her chakra birds to scan the area for any unwanted shinobi or perverts, Kotori stripped down and swam out into the middle of the river. Despite cycling her chakra to stay warm, the water was cold and unpleasant this time of the year. It was the middle of autumn and the trees were a canopy of red, orange and yellow. The Land of Hot Water was named for its many hot springs, but unfortunately that didn't seem to extend to the other bodies of water that flowed throughout the country. She lathered the bar of soap to wash the worst of the dirt and grim from her skin and hair. Weeks of camping was starting to get to her. She would kill to sleep in her own bed and be able to take a long, hot bath.

On the bright side, she would be spending the night at one of the many onsens in the area. The downside was that she was undercover as part of a newlywed couple and tasked with assassinating the leader of a criminal gang. The original mission was for Kotori and Genma, but then they received intel that the target had hired a rogue shinobi by the name of Junichiro.

Junichiro was listed in the Konoha Bingo Book with the warning to proceed with caution. He had taken out a team of jonin was well as two ANBU teams. He was twice the size of a regular shinobi and known for incredible strength as well as his ability to wield a giant long sword. While Genma and Kotori could handle themselves against most opponents, neither were combat specialists. They replied heavily on stealth tactics and were not supposed to take on an enemy beyond A-Rank. The decision to call for backup on this mission hadn't been made lightly. Kakashi and Tenzo had arrived and the mission parameters had switched. Kakashi and Kotori would be going undercover while Genma and Tenzo provided backup.

Chika dee dee dee

In her mind's eye, she could see Genma approach from the direction of their camp.

"No peaking!" She sternly warned.

"Yeah, yeah," Genma said as he settled down with his back turned towards her. He leaned against one of the trees. She knew he was only here to keep watch while she got ready. Despite being the village's biggest flirt, Genma had never actually hit on her. Kotori didn't know whether to be relieved or offended by that, until he explained good ANBU partners were hard to come by and he'd rather not fuck it up. Instead, the two had a comfortable friendship.

"Getting pretty for your date?"

"If by date you mean mission, then yes," Kotori pointedly reminded him. "I can't exactly show up looking like a gremlin. They'd turn me away."

Genma also liked to imply that Kotori had a crush on their captain. She did not.

She was friendly to Kakashi. If Genma wanted to misinterpret that as flirting then that was his problem. Frankly, she was beginning to feel that Kakashi needed more friends. She never saw him interact with anyone outside their team. It wasn't unusual in ANBU to not mention your personal life. Especially for those who were married or had children. There was always the fear a loved one could be used against them. Secrecy was their best friend.

It just so happened that her chakra birds saw everything. She didn't mean to spy on her friends, but she happened to catch glimpses of their lives. Kotori kept their secrets and never spoke of them. At best, it wasn't anyone's business. At worst, she would hate for that information to be used against them. She knew Satoshi was married with two young children. She knew Yugao was secretly dating her kenjutsu instructor. She knew Kakashi spent way too much time at the memorial stone.

Once she noticed it, she couldn't stop noticing it. The way he held himself apart from everyone in his life. The sad look in his eye when he thought no one else was paying attention. The way he seemed almost lifeless when he wasn't consumed by training or missions.

Her heart ached at the thought. She didn't like to see someone suffer in silence. Especially someone she considered a friend.

So she made a bit more effort with him. She tried to draw him into conversations and come up with reasons to hang out outside of work. He seemed open to team activities so she organized as many as she could get away with. She didn't expect him to confide in her or even knew if she made a difference. She hoped so. She liked seeing him smile. Or well, the silly little eye smile he did.

"Well, I'm sure your lover thinks you're an adorable gremlin."

Genma was answered by the heavy thunk of her kunai hitting the tree above his head. She could hear him chuckle. Then somewhat soberly, Genma added, "I'm glad he's going with you."

"Same," she said, giving in a little to her nerves. She knew she stood no chance against someone like Junichiro. She would go down fighting if it came to it.

"Be careful," Genma said. "You still have the poison right?"

"Yes."

"And you'll send a message if you need help."

She rolled her eyes. "Yes, mother."

She could almost hear Genma grinding his teeth on the senbon. The banter had struck a sense of familiarity. A long lost memory of Hayato riffling through her pack before she was expected to leave on her first messenger mission, giving last minute pieces of advice as she scoffed and rolled her eyes. The memory caught her off guard. She felt something swell in her throat. Now was not the time for those emotions.

"I'll be fine," Kotori said. She was glad he couldn't see her pathetic attempt at a smile. She hoped the false cheer in her voice was convincing.

"You have too much trust in us."

She didn't have an answer to that. It was foolish, she knew that. She had attended enough funerals over the years to know how a mission could go wrong. No one was untouched by grief in their village. Being a shinobi was a risky career and being in ANBU even riskier. However she still had faith that things would work out. It was trust in her abilities as well as her teammate's that stomped out any fear.

Kotori finished washing herself and climbed out of the river. She used a wind jutsu to dry herself off and got dressed, wearing the few civilian clothes she had brought with her. Kotori wondered how Kakashi planned to disguise himself. He wasn't exactly the most inconspicuous ninja. With his gravity-defying silver hair, sharingan and face mask he was one of the most recognizable. She was more average looking and able to blend into the background. She was also unknown. Her face had yet to grace any country's Bingo Books. Of course, if Kakashi took off the mask, it was possible no one would even recognize him.

They made their way up the embankment and back to the camp they had set up the night before. Tenzo had made quick work of making all traces of them disappear. The small, wooden cabin he had made was gone as were the remnants of their fire.

An unrecognized man silently hopped out of the tree and landed in front of them. He had messy, ashen brown hair and light blue eyes. A scar ran the length of his left eye and he had a beauty mark on the lower left side of his chin. Kotori instinctively pulled a kunai while Genma tensed beside her.

"Yo." He drawled, giving them a lazy wave. It was only familiarity in the way that his eyes curved into little crescents that had Kotori lowering her weapon.

"So is this what your face looks like or are you using a henge?" Genma curiously asked.

Kotori couldn't tell one way or another. His jawline and facial structure seemed about right, but he could have made minor adjustments. He seemed to be wearing contacts, she could see the faint edge over the whites of his eyes now that she was properly looking at him.

"No."

"No, it's a henge or no, it's real?" Genma pressed.

"No, I don't feel like answering that."

Kotori decided not to get involved in their bickering, not wanting to enforce whatever hang ups Kakashi had about his face. Especially since he was so handsome. Objectively speaking of course.

'Mitsu' and 'Sukea' checked in early at the inn. They had arrived shortly after noon, giving them plenty of time to prepare. Their target wasn't expected to arrive until later. Kotori was even able to spend some time relaxing in the women's baths. She gave a deep, content sigh as she soaked in the hot spring. Her eyes were closed, keeping an eye on the surroundings with her birds.

Genma and Tenzo were in position in the forests surrounding the hot springs. The staff were preparing the rooms for the incoming guests. Junichiro and the target were about two hours south from the inn along with the rest of their entourage. Kakashi was -

She quickly reabsorbed that bird before anyone noticed it. She did not need to view the men's side. She trusted Kakashi had it handled.

She rejoined him in their room shortly after, adjusting the belt around the floral print yukata she was wearing. Kakashi was already in their room, seated at the table as he read. It was not one of the porn books he was known for, but rather a light hearted romance. He didn't seem the type, but perhaps he decided Sukea was a romantic. He had an eyepatch over his left eye and she assumed he was resting the sharingan.

"There's some beautiful waking trails, just south of the main building. Maybe we could take a hike in about an hour or two?"

Kakashi nodded as he flipped the page. Message received. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, honey."

The overly sweet tone he used did not suit him. The hint of mischief in his eyes told her enough. He was enjoying this mission. She supposed hanging around an onsen while they waited for their target was a fun break. It was almost enough to make her forget that they were undercover and about to assassinate the leader of a criminal gang. As far as missions went, this day felt peaceful. The eye before the storm, she supposed.

She felt a little bad for Genma and Tenzo who were spending the night in trees. Perhaps when this was over they could spend another night here before setting out in the morning. Assuming the staff would let them after they assassinated their other guests.

Kotori waited until Kakashi took a sip of his tea before responding.

"Oh my love, I'm so glad you agree," Kotori simpered. Kakashi looked like he swallowed his drink the wrong way. She could feel her lips twitch and she held back the smirk. "Should we set off, then?"

Kakashi put the book away and took off the eyepatch. His eyes curved into crescents and for once it was nice to know that he was actually smiling when he did that. "I hear there's cute little birds in the area. I was hoping to get some pictures."

Kotori snorted. "Cute? I hear they're quite vicious. They have sharp teeth."

He poked his finger into her side when he walked by and tickled her in response. She crinkled her nose as she tried to keep herself from laughing.

"Hm, they seem pretty harmless to me."

They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the walking trails near the onsen. Kotori discreetly added more birds to the area while Kakashi took photographs. At one point, she caught him aiming the camera at her and taking photos.

"Don't!" She said, waving her hand in front of the camera. "Too late."

He took the polaroid and shook it until it became visible. It was, admittedly, a nice picture of her. He had captured it from her side as she was looking off into the distance.

His eyes curved into those crescents again as he teased her. "I think I'll frame this one and keep it on my nightstand."

"That's weird."

"What's weird about about a photo of my beautiful wife?" He waved the photo just out of her reach. Kotori crossed her arms and gave him a mock glare.

"Come on, you don't really want to keep that one - "

"Oh no, I think I really do - "

She stepped onto the tips of her toes to reach, only for him to wave it higher. She had thought most of his height came from his hair, but when he straightened up he still managed to be several inches taller. He tickled her side again, neatly dodging when she attempted to elbow him in response.

This was the most fun she had has on a mission since she joined ANBU. It was almost like a real -

Kotori didn't bother finishing that thought. She felt as if she had been dosed with the cold lake water. This was all an act in case someone was watching. Kakashi didn't mean any of it. Sure, some of it was him teasing her which was probably real. The flirting, the compliments, that was all bullshit. She found herself oddly disappointing in that. No one had ever called her beautiful before. She wasn't exactly plain, but when your friends were Yamanaka Aimi and Uchiha Sayuri, well, you settled for being the cute one and called it a day.

Chika dee dee dee

The song from her birds interrupted her musings. In her mind's eye, she could see the target approaching the inn.

"Should we get going?" Kakashi asked. His tone was light, but Kotori knew him well enough to see that his playful mood had shifted to something more serious. Underneath the relaxed posture, Kakashi was on high alert.

"Yes," Kotori agreed.

As they approached the inn, Kotori caught sight of the target and his group approaching them from the main path. She slid her hand into Kakashi's and squeezed, hoping he would understand. In response, he gracefully twirled her around and pinned her up against one of the trees. His forehead rested against hers and his body blocked her view of the road. Well, physical view. She still had her birds, however she hesitated to use them this close to Junichiro. They didn't have any intel if he had sensor abilities. Probably not, he seemed more like a brute with strength. It was still better to be safe than sorry.

"Mitsu-chan?"

"Sorry, my mind had wandered off," she said with a giggle. "Where you saying something, my love?"

His face relaxed as he cupped her cheek in his hand. "Just that I'm glad I got to spend the day with you."

The group turned the corner of the path and Kakashi immediately moved into her personal space. His hand never left her cheek as he leaned in to kiss her. Everything about Kakashi was quick and intense; kissing him was no different. It was over just as fast as it began.

She was left with her heart hammering in her chest. Something with wings was fluttering around in there too. Butterflies, her mind unhelpfully supplied. She blinked at him, her mind choosing that moment to shut down. Did he just -?!

Kakashi had the nerve to wink at her.

"Was I that bad?"

"I - ah, no? You were fine." She hated the way her voice caught.

She resisted the urge to touch her lips with her fingers. They tingled with an electricity unlike any lightning style jutsu she had ever used. She could feel her cheeks burn. Her traitorous heart was hoping he would do it again. This was bad. She could not fall for her ANBU captain. His eyes widened for a quick second before he shoved his hands in his pockets and started walking down the path. Enough time had passed that the target and his group were further ahead, not even sparing them a second thought.

As much as she wanted to hide and be embarrassed, she forced her feet to follow him. They were supposed to be married. They couldn't act like teenagers on a first date. Finding her courage, she linked her arm through his and continued on like this was a normal romantic stroll. His hand slipped out of his pocket, intertwining his fingers with hers.

"Sorry," he said once they were back inside their room. His voice just loud enough for her to hear. He was scratching the back of his neck. "I didn't want Junichiro paying much attention to us. People tend to not look closely at couples when they're being affectionate."

"You don't have to apologize." Kotori gave him an embarrassed smile of her own. "It was just unexpected."

They had dinner together in their room and spent a quiet evening. They made light conversation, filling the silence with talk of other tourist sites to visit as well as Kotori's knowledge of the local flora and fauna. Any awkwardness dissipated and was replaced by a thick tension that had nothing to do with the kiss. They left the room only once to sneak down to the kitchen. Kakashi distracted the staff while Kotori slipped the poison Genma had given her into the dinner that had been prepared for their target's room. It was colourless, tasteless and slow acting. The Shiranui clan was their experts on poison, although most worked in the labs or hospital.

Kotori settled into her futon next to Kakashi's as they prepared for bed. She rolled over to face him. "I'll take first watch. You should rest."

She knew he must have been feeling the drain from having the sharingan open most of the day. She was already intending to let him sleep longer so that he could recover more. She could lightly doze while using her birds to keep watch. The rare time she ran a solo mission it was the only way to get any sleep.

He hummed in agreement. "Make sure to wake me in three hours. You need your rest too."

"Of course," she said. Her fingers crossed on her other side.

His normal eye flickered open, almost as if he knew what she was planning. Kotori wondered if he had copied the Yamanaka techniques. Probably not, she could remember Aimi struggling with them even with the specialized training from her clan.

She smiled as innocently as she could, both well aware that she was not fooling anyone. "I had fun today," she softly added. "Really. We should do this again."

His eye closed and a peaceful smile settled over his face. "Goodnight, Mitsu-chan."

"Sleep well, Sukea-kun."

Kotori stood on the dock overlooking the lake the next morning. She could hear the song of birds from the trees. Not her birds, but real ones. She breathed in the fresh, crisp autumn air. It was almost peaceful.

Chika dee dee dee

She smiled to herself as a kunai poked into her throat and her wrists were held together behind her back. Her mind connected with three chakra birds to alert the others.

"I had my suspicions you were a kunoichi," Junichiro said. He used his kunai to lift her chin, the blade flat against her throat. "Did you really believe I'd fall for poison?"

Kotori stayed quiet, adopting a sense of calm even as the blade drew blood. They had expected it wouldn't be so easy. Although it had been a nice thought that they would have been able to get out of here without a fight.

"Who's your boyfriend?"

"That's classified."

"What's your real name?"

"Also classified."

"Who sent you?"

Kotori gave a mocking hum. She could feel the smirk settle on her lips as her eyes glanced up at Junichiro. "That would be, oh yeah, classified."

"I wonder if your boyfriend will be more chatty when I start slicing you up in front of him? I'm assuming he's hidden somewhere."

"What makes you so certain I'll let that happen?"

Junichiro turned around, keeping a tight grip on her and his kunai still poised under her throat. Kakashi was standing on the dock in his regular uniform. His grey eye were as hard as steel and his voice vibrated with anger. The sharingan spun wildly in his left eye.

"Hatake Kakashi," Junichiro responded, sounding mildly surprised and a touch wary. "This changes things."

The second the kunai slashed across her throat, Kotori dissolved into dozens of chakra birds. Her actual body flickered and reappeared in a nearby tree. She watched as Kakashi charged forward, rushing the length of the dock with a Chidori in hand and engaging in combat with Junichiro. Two tree roots shot up from the ground, wrapping around Junichiro's legs and holding him in place. Junichiro managed to free himself from the wooden binds, displaying the monstrous strength he was known for.

In her mind's eye, she could see Genma slipping inside the inn to take out the body guards and assassinate the target. It made her decision to stay much easier. Kotori bit her thumb and pressed it against the tree, summoning Raiden to the scene. She climbed onto his back and soared into the fight, shooting her lightning arrow jutsu whenever she could get an opening. Each were blocked with Junichiro's long blade, sending them ricocheting off into the lake. They exploded as they collided with the water.

Below her, Kakashi danced in and out of battle, using substitutions and clones every time Junichiro got close enough to strike. Kotori rarely had time to observe Kakashi during battle, but she admired the way his movements were as graceful as they were lethal.

Tenzo unsheathed the tanto he carried, engaging in a battle of blades as he attempted to distract and give them an opening. Junichiro easily overpowered Tenzo's tanto, shattering it into two. He then pierced the long sword into Tenzo's chest, only for it to strike through the wood clone instead.

Kotori hurled a typhoon wind jutsu at Junichiro. It was strong enough to send him flying into the lake. Kakashi took immediate advantage, sending a lightning hound jutsu that darted across the water before colliding into Junichiro. Kotori's hair stood on end as Junichiro was electrocuted in the water. His body grotesque and unrecognizable when it finally slumped forward. Tenzo let out a low whistle from behind her. Kotori gracefully dropped from Raiden to the ground below.

Kakashi dropped a hand on her shoulder and squeezed as he walked by, the tension seeming to melt from his shoulders. "We work well together. Maybe we could do this again."

She ignored the way her heart skipped a beat at the soft timber of his voice.