Kakashi found the faces of his deployment squad familiar; part of Konoha's chunin ranks. They had never made an impression on Kakashi, hence, he had no idea what to expect in terms of their character or skillset. Regardless, I just hope they're not annoying, was Kakashi's thought as he moved to introduce himself properly.
"Is Genji san always this…um.. animated?" Kakashi asked lightly. That was the right question to ask as it sparked smiles from two of the teen ninjas, though one's scowl barely hid his disdain.
"You'll become accustomed to it," the one who replied to Genji laughed, "My name is Fujita Katsu. I'm the squadron leader of our humble team." Katsu gave an exaggerated bow, his wavy black hair animatedly swaying with his movement. As he bowed, Kakashi noticed the bow strapped to his back, marking him as a long-distance fighter.
"This here, with the unique haircut, is Hirose Banri," Katsu's eyes twinkled with mischief.
"Unique? You mean stylish," Banri retorted, his tension slipping away at the familiar banter. His spiky hair was dyed red at the tips, and he had foregone the standard vest. Instead, he sported a maroon belt filled with smoke bombs and exploding kunai. Kakashi internally bet that Banri had a fire affinity.
Katsu completely ignored him and introduced the last member, "Last but not least, the one, the only, Taira Taiki!"
"It's nice to meet you, Kakashi kun" Taiki said, rolling his eyes at his teammates' behavior. With straight light brown hair and light blue eyes, he wielded a long tanto, prepared for close combat.
Kakashi noted that the team seemed to have seriously thought about their composition. Taira Taiki appeared to wield his tanto as their short-range fighter. Hirose Banri was clearly the mid-range fighter while Fujita Katsu supported from a long distance. Not that they'd listen to me easily, but this gives us multiple options, he thought.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Hatake Kakashi," he introduced himself. It was clear that the teenagers had a strong bond, so Kakashi felt the need to ask, "How long have you been a team?"
"Since our sweet and innocent genin days," Katsu answered him with eyes twinkling in remembrance of his early ninja days, "Akane joined the team a year ago. She's also a kid, only thirteen. But she got injured recently. How old are you anyway?"
"I'm eleven," Kakashi replied, wondering what role Akane filled. "You seem to have a balanced team suited for various distances, where did Akane san fit in your formation?"
"You noticed that already," Taiki smiled softly, "your reputation of genius seems right." At that comment, Banri snorted; clearly unimpressed. Katsu gave him an annoyed look while Taiki ignored their teammate and answered Kakashi's question. "Akane chan is a medic, actually. She generally administers emergency aid to those we rescue before we help secure them for transfer back to camp. I know you're not a healer but don't worry, there are a lot of medical ninja that we protect in the backline, so anyone can jump in. What's your fighting style?"
"I'm a close to mid-range fighter. I specialize in lightning and earth ninjutsu and wield a short tanto," Kakashi replied, adjusting his stance to show them his father's tanto strapped on his back.
"Great, none of us have an affinity to those elements," Katsu nodded, "I can do water ninjutsu while Banri and Taiki are both fire users." Kakashi acknowledged his correct guess with a quiet sense of satisfaction.
"Even so, Taiki and I don't use a lot of ninjutsu and prefer our weapons," Katsu continued. "Banri tends to create lots of explosions and complement that with fire jutsu. Our style is to try to keep the enemy as far away as possible. If they get close, Taiki jumps in to push them back. As long as the enemy is far away, Banri continues to carry injured ninja back to the backlines with Taiki close by for support. I stay back and provide cover with arrows."
"Ok, so if the enemy is far, Hirose san brings the injured in. If the enemy is close, protect the backline," Kakashi summarized, raising a finger for each one.
"Exactly," Taiki nodded while Katsu gave him a thumbs up.
"We need to head to the briefing, any other immediate questions?" Katsu asked.
"No, but I do have another task to complete early in the skirmish. I will join you as soon as that's done, Fujita san" Kakashi informed them.
"Don't worry your little head," Banri rolled his eyes, "we're just fine without you." Before waiting for anyone to reply, he stalked off. Katsu and Taiki gave each other a quick look before they nodded to one another in silent agreement. Taiki gave him an apologetic smile before rushing after Banri while Katsu stayed with him.
"Sorry about Banri," Katsu sighed, stuffing his hands in his pockets, clearly anxious about his teammate's behavior.
"Why's he so upset?" Kakashi asked, scowling lightly. He suspected it might be due to his heritage as the White Fang's son but was cautious not to jump to conclusions without understanding the full story.
Katsu exhaled heavily, "Why don't you throw your backpack inside the tent? I'll fill you in on the way to the briefing."
Kakashi nodded and quickly ducked inside. He gladly noted that the team respected each other's personal space. The tent was empty down the middle, with three sleeping bags laid out at various corners. While two corners had some items strown about, one area was meticulously neat, probably Taiki's living space. Taking the only available open area by the left of the tent flap, Kakashi placed his bag at the corner.
Should I take out my sealing supplies, he wondered.
He still needed to find a place to practice his Chidori. His sensei did mention the training area in the Tower, that was his best bet. But to drown out the sound, he would need to create another seal if the training area didn't already have those installed. It would be bothersome to walk back and forth. Mind made up, Kakashi quickly sealed his gear and walked out to find Katsu waiting for him, arms folded and a light frown on his face.
Katsu looked up at the sound of the tent flap opening and started to unravel their story, "Banri has always been very ambitious. During our Academy days, he would talk out ear off about how he would become a legendary ninja and protect Konoha. He had this vision of blazing into the scene. After two months as genin, our sensei died on another mission, and we were shuffled around low-risk assignments. They said we lacked the experience but didn't need a new sensei, so he felt trapped."
The commotion around them grew louder as they walked closer to the bonfire pit where the Transport Team squads were gathering. Kakashi drowned them out and listened intently, understanding more about Banri's frustrations and how they might be misdirected at him. "So, he yearns to prove himself at the front lines," Kakashi raised an eyebrow at Katsu, "and my assignment reminds him of the opportunities he feels he's missing?"
"Precisely," Katsu replied, his voice flat and unenthusiastic. "Adding to that, he blames himself for Akane getting hurt. I swear he's a great guy and is usually the one who keeps us in high spirits."
Kakashi could emphasize with that. He was glad that Banri's attitude had nothing to do with his father. While he was over it, he didn't want to have to deal with the backlash of his father's decision again. He already had a lot on his plate and that was one less thing to work around.
"I understand. I won't take it personally, Fujita san" Kakashi responded, his tone even.
Katsu's shoulder untensed at his words as they walked into the bonfire area, "You don't have to be so formal with us, Katsu is fine," the teen said to which Kakashi nodded.
The bonfire area was a deep circular pit that had been carved into the earth. The pit's design was thoughtful, featuring gently sloping sides that descended to the fire's location at the center. This amphitheater-like structure allowed attendees to find seats along the inclines, ensuring that everyone had a clear view of the fire pit below. It wasn't very large, but the capacity was large enough to host everyone albeit a bit cramped. As such, some had taken a seat in the surrounding trees instead.
"Come on, I see Taiki and Banri over there," Katsu instructed. Kakashi could easily make Banri out as well; his hair was too unique not to spot easily. "Good thing Taiki convinced him to wear a bandana when we go to the frontlines, otherwise, he'd be a beacon for enemy ninja. Not that your hair is much better." Katsu's tone was light-hearted, and Kakashi realized the teenager was trying to lighten the mood before they rejoined his teammates.
"I was born with this hair," Kakashi huffed, making sure his voice showed no anger so that Katsu knew he wasn't upset. He felt for Katsu, who was clearly trying to fulfill his role as leader and keep the peace. Having been the leader of impromptu squads that squabbled in the past, he knew how annoying it was to deal with. Then again, Katsu didn't have to deal with Naruto and Sasuke or himself and Obito; he had it easy.
They made their way over to join the other two who had taken a place near the back of the pit. Both were already seated; Banri was resting his elbow on his thigh, his head sitting lazily in his open palm as he watched the other ninja milling about. He appeared to have calmed down. Whatever conversation Taiki had with him clearly worked.
"Thanks for saving us a seat," Katsu stated as he settled next to Banri, while Kakashi followed, taking a place next to his squad leader. Taiki nodded and gave Banri a quick glance but was ignored. Clearly, Banri was supposed to apologize. Kakashi didn't care one way or another; he had much more important things to worry about than the attitude of a hormonal teenager.
Kakashi was already aware of the details of the skirmish and the details pertaining to him. He would meet up with his sensei in the morning and join his squad. Once he played his part, his sensei would teleport him to the backlines. From there, he would make his way to join Katsu and the team, who were stationed third to the right.
Therefore, he kept a loose ear to Genji as he began the briefing and scanned the area to see if he recognized any ninja. He noticed many familiar faces, but none he was particularly close to in the future. Very few were surprised by the news; word having already reached them by the time the meeting had started. As with the other ninja Kakashi spotted around the Tower, the Transport Teams were also excited at the opportunity to shift the momentum in Konoha's favor. After a few questions were answered, Genji dismissed them to prepare.
"Anyone need supplies?" Banri was the first of their team to speak after the dismissal. Kakashi saw other squads aligning on their preparation. "The gear and supplies line will probably have a long queue if we wait too long and I want to restock on some exploding tags."
"Can you get me two sealing scrolls; I want to pack some extra arrows, just in case," Katsu replied, to which Banri nodded.
Taiki declined, "I'm set. I'll go and grab some meat skewers for dinner though."
Kakashi assessed the sky's fading light. "I'm good as well. I just have a few final touches to handle at the Tower."
"See you at dinner, then," Katsu bid him farewell. Kakashi offered a brisk two-fingered salute and leapt away, navigating through the bustling camp to the Tower.
Upon arrival, Kakashi found the training area manned by two middle-aged women, busy with administrative duties due to their injuries. The quiet of the training area was a welcome change from the camp's chaos.
"Excuse me," Kakashi spoke up once he was at the front of the desk and the women paid him no attention, "is there a training room available?"
The one with the sling turned to him, a blush rising on her face for not realizing he was there, "Yes, training room 6 is free. If you're part of Uchiha Shigeru sama's team, they're running final drills in training rooms 1-4."
"I'll take room 6," Kakashi said, receiving a nod as his name was recorded.
The other women, bandaged and skeptical, questioned, "Shouldn't you be resting before tomorrow, Hatake?"
"I know my limits. Just a quick session," Kakashi reassured her. "Do the training rooms have sound suppression seals?" He really didn't want anyone to hear him practicing and alert his sensei; the sound of Chidori was sure to draw unwanted attention. He also suspected that his sensei was with Shigeru so that he could better coordinate with the teams during the battle.
"They all do," the cooperative woman smiled in reassurance. "This your first time here?"
"Yes, it is," Kakashi said. Given that he was never assigned long-term at any outpost, he never had a need to train at camp. He would finalize his missions and go back to Konoha, where he could train at any of the grounds. In fact, most ninja reserved training for when they were back in Konoha so that they were always battle-ready. The training areas at outposts were to run simulations, test combinations and complete jutsu they were close to mastering. Any other training would wait till a ninja was back home. The woman then launched into the facility's usage protocols, including the booking process and the different training room capacities.
"Thanks, umm..." Kakashi realized he never got her name.
"Ogawa Masuyo," she introduced herself with a soft smile. "You're welcome," and she dismissed him.
As he walked over to the last room on the right, he heard the other kunoichi comment, "You have so much patience for this."
"I want to find a way to be useful, no matter how mundane," Masuyo replied.
"Ughhh," Kakashi heard the thump of the other dropping her head on the desk in annoyance, "Why'd we have to get injured at such an important time?"
As Masuyo reprimanded her for bumping her already injured head, Kakashi walked inside the sixth training room. He relished the silence. He hadn't realized how drained he felt from the constant conversations till now.
He glanced around the bare-bone room surrounded by wooden walls engraved with necessary seals: sound-proofing and defensive reinforcement seals. Konoha didn't even bother tiling the ground. Kakashi walked across the soil towards one end of the room.
While he could create Chidori without any hand signs, given his lesser control it was best to take it step by step. Therefore, he ran through the familiar signs, focusing on the flow of his chakra as the Chidori sparked to life. Kakashi miscalculated the amount of physical energy, assuming he needed more to balance with his higher-than-normal spiritual energy. This caused the lightning to dance erratically around the ground and the center's typically circular core to bulge lightly outwards like small petals. Luckily, his control wasn't too far off that he had to halt the jutsu. Instead, he concentrated on injecting more spiritual energy into the Chidori to stabilize it. Within a few seconds, it stabilized and Kakashi smiled at the feeling of his prized jutsu beating familiarly in his hand once more.
He closed his eyes to focus on the energy mix. Once he was sure he would remember the ratio, he ran across the room at full speed, stopping before he damaged the opposite wall. He let the jutsu fizzle out and frowned. He was slightly slower than expected. I must make sure I wait for a proper opening but I'm ready, he thought.
Confident he wouldn't mess up tomorrow, and knowing there wasn't an urgent queue for the room, Kakashi got into a fighting stance and visualized Haruki's movements. Now that he had a few moments, he wanted to replay the fight while it was still fresh in his mind. He needed to make sure he continued to correct his ingrained habits, building ones compatible with his new body instead.
As he replayed the fight in his head, he lamented the loss if the Sharingan.Kakashi had a photographic memory even before the Sharingan, but the Sharingan was akin to capturing videos of even the most miniscule of details that people didn't pick up on in the heat of battle. As such, while he never needed the Sharingan to remember theory and his studies, it really helped him run through fights he had with alarming detail. Hopefully, when Obito awakened his Sharingan, he would bother his teammate to provide these details should the need arise. He'll make sure Obito trains that ability when the time came.
Regardless, he began fighting the imaginary Haruki. His main issue was lack of speed, but barring that, there were moments were Kakashi realized he could've left Haruki with deeper injuries if he moved a bit closer before attacking. Moreover, there were times were Kakashi reacted too quickly; assuming he was larger and brought up his guard early. An early guard meant a longer time with a blind spot. Luckily for Kakashi, Haruki wasn't the strongest of taijutsu fighters. It was only a few milliseconds, but a ninja like Gai would make those count.
Kakashi was still proud to note that he had generally fought without making too many mistakes. Not wanting to push it, Kakashi halted the training and made his way towards the desk to notify them that the room was free again.
"That's it? You shouldn't rush your training," the woman with the head wound remarked.
"Indeed, but efficiency is key on days like these," Kakashi replied sardonically. It was obvious from her earlier comments that she assumed he didn't know what he was doing.
His reply earned him a stifled giggle from Masuyo. "Stay safe tomorrow, Kakashi kun," she dismissed, cutting off any retort from her colleague.
Kakashi appreciated the prompt exit. Once outside, he could see that Banri was right as queues at the various supply stations snaked around the stalls. He figured he had two more hours before he'd have to rejoin his squad for dinner. Before then, he wanted a light snack to curb his hunger, having not had anything since breakfast. Mind made up, he headed towards the west side of the camp where he knew he'd find snack vendors but avoid the supply stalls.
If his memory served him correctly, the eastside of camp, where the Transport Team was stationed, was busy as it housed the entrance from Konoha's direction. Meanwhile, the supply stalls, administrative ninja and civilian quarters were all located in the south side. This is where the logistics were handled and tended to be the second-busiest area after the middle section. Without a way to enter and leave the camp from here, it helped ensure the safety of the civilians and keep them out of the way. The northside was the entrance that led towards the Stone Village, as such was the most heavily guarded. The patrol, tracker and sensory units tended to remain in that area.
Similar to the southside, the westside had no entrance or exit outside the outpost. Conversely, the westside of camp tended to be the quietest. The rest of the ninja force were stationed in this area, but other than a few merchant stalls closer to the center, most of the area was simply tent zones. With no services being provided, and the team leaders staying in rooms at the Tower, there was less commotion here.
Kakashi found a stall that sold Nori Wraps and joined the short queue. The wraps won't substitute a meal, but they would be enough to satisfy his hunger.
"…go dying on me," a kunoichi expressed her worry to her companion in line.
"Worry less about me. If anything, you're the that one should be careful. I'll be in the backline healing," the man replied, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.
"I know the Transport Team do their job well, but medics are a prime target," she argued, a hint of frustration coloring her tone.
"I heard most of Shigeru sama's squads are coming tomorrow," the man changed the topic to distract her.
"I hope whatever plan they concocted gives us the advantage," she replied.
"The Yellow Flash is joining them," the man replied excitedly, "if he's here, tomorrow will be a victory for Konoha."
"He's strong but not invincible," her tone contradicted her words.
"You're also relieved. You can't fool me," he called her out playfully.
"I'm being realistic," she huffed in reply, "Tomorrow will be dangerous and we have to stay vigilant."
"He defeated a squad of three S-Ranked Iwa ninja and doesn't even have a scratch on him. I, for one, am greatly relieved he's here," the man countered.
"It's inspiring, isn't it? To think he isn't from a famed clan," she said in awe.
"You're already remarkable in your own right," he assured her with a smile just as the vendor called them over.
They make it sound so easy, Kakashi felt burdened. As a genius himself, he was no stranger to grand expectations. In ANBU, he could feel the relief of his comrades when he was included on a team; the ninja who completed the most S-ranked missions after the Legendary Sanin. The most accomplished assassin in Konoha's ANBU. But he knew, more than anyone, that he wasn't infallible. He couldn't protect Obito and Rin. He also lost a few comrades during his stint in ANBU. Despite having a near perfect mission record, he considered any loss of life on a mission a failure. The only mission he truly failed was killing Orochimaru after he defected. In hindsight, how the Third expected a teenager to stop one of the most ruthless ninja Konoha ever produced was beyond him.
However, Minato had it worse, rising in the ranks during times of war. At least for Kakashi, his work was to protect Konoha from the shadows. Yet his sensei was a beacon of hope in times of war. Every time he ventured outside Konoha's gate, all eyes were on him. Although sensei doesn't show it, I'm sure that's a lot of pressure, Kakashi sympathized. Kakashi understood his role – to support his sensei and elevate his team. This resolve steeled him to match his skill to the burden of his duty.
The couple in front of him finalized their purchase and walked away, so he shuffled forward, "Good evening, sir," Kakashi greeted.
"Good evening, what would you like?" the older man asked genially. Kakashi was surprised by the old age of the man, as it was young men who typically opened stalls at war outposts.
"What do your vegetarian nori wraps contain?" Kakashi asked politely. He knew Taiki was getting meat and thought to balance that out with some greens. I should probably get some for the team as well, Kakashi decided.
"Those are one of my specialties," the man got excited, "I include tofu, cucumber, carrot, and bell peppers, along with rice seasoned with my home-made vinegar. It's quite delictable!"
"I'll take a dozen," Kakashi replied after verifying that he would enjoy the blend.
"Coming right up!" the man was spirited for his age.
Although he wasn't one for small talk, his curioisty about the man's presence at the outpost won out. "Aren't you a bit old to have a stall in a war outpost?" he asked politely.
"Ah it's not easy," the man nodded, no offense in his voice. "My son wasn't interested in the family business and became a ninja instead. He is stationed here and I wanted to make sure he and his comrades ate well. We're grateful to our ninja for protecting us and this is the least we can do."
"Your son is lucky to have you," Kakashi complimented him as the man finished packing his items and brought them to the front-counter. The man's warmness reminded him of Teuchi san, the owner Ichiraku Ramen Bar. Maybe it's an old chef thing? Kakashi mused.
"I wish he was here to hear that," the man winked. "He thinks he's being babied with his old man tagging along. That'll be 150 ryo," he said. Not knowing what to say to that, Kakashi simply nodded as he paid for his snack.
With nothing more to do for the day, he made a beeline back to his tent. He noted the absence of his squad mates and took the opportunity to set up his sleeping bag. After the green sleeping was quickly prepared, Kakashi grabbed his backpack and placed it on the end of the tent as a makeshift support beam. It wasn't the most comfortable, but Kakashi dealt with much worse on missions. That done, Kakashi took out one of the nori wrap containers, leaned back, and helped himself to some.
The muffled sounds of ninja wandering about outside were his only companion as he lazily took small bites from the wrap in his hand. As he sat there nonchalantly, the sounds slowly shifted to a low constant din and he fell into a trance. Since waking up in the past, this was the first time Kakashi found himself relaxing, his shoulders, unbeknownst to him, releasing tension and resting comfortably. Once he finished the wrap, Kakashi crossed his arms and used them to rest his head in, leaning back even further, dipping slightly in a more laidback position, and stretching out his legs. A soft sigh was released into the air as he closed his eyes.
A bit longer than an hour later, but for Kakashi what felt like only a few short minutes, he was shaken into attention by a hand grabbing his shoulder and nudging him lightly. Kakashi opened his eyes and met the light blue eyes of Taiki. "Sorry for waking you up, Kakashi kun," the young man spoke with a gentle lilt, "It's time for dinner."
Kakashi blinked rapidly and brought two fingers to the bridge of his nose, rubbing away the tendrils of drossiness brought forth by his impromptu break. "Thanks, be right there."
Taiki nodded at that and ducked out of the tent. "He's coming in a sec," Kakashi heard him inform the rest.
Kakashi sluggishly sat upright, stretching his arms above his head with a yawn. He grabbed the wraps container and ruffled his hair so that it didn't stick inwards as he listened to a friendly debate break out.
"Oi Banri, how many times do I have to tell you to stop feeding the fire so much," Katsu grumbled.
"And how many times do I have to tell you that it cooks faster this way," Banri replied without a care in the world.
"Cooking requires patience, why? Because slow-cooking meat makes it more tender and juicier," Taiki said stoically.
"I didn't know we had a secret Aburame on our team!" Banri chortled.
"Of course you didn't. Why? Because you are clueless," was Katsu's playful contribution. Banri let out a choked noise of protest while Taiki laughed.
They really are a close team, he thought. A sigh escaped his lips as he finally pushed himself to stand. Outside the tent, the camp had transformed. The twilight had deepened, casting long shadows between the scattered fires dotting the landscape. The smell of barbeque and sounds of chatter filled the air. The peaceful atmosphere contrasted with tomorrow's events. Kakashi bleakly wondered how many would never enjoy another dinner with their companions.
Katsu turned his head when he heard the rustle behind him and greeted Kakashi with a smile. "Hurry, before Banri turns all the meat to charcoal!"
"I purchased some vegetarian nori wraps," Kakashi announced, raising his hand to show the container while Banri hit his teammate lightly in the shoulder for his remark.
"I love nori wraps, thanks," Katsu pushed Banri away and moved to grab the container.
"You can have my share," Banri offered with a wave as Katsu inspected the wraps, "I choose meat over greens any day."
"Don't mind if I do," Katsu had no complaints, taking out one of the wraps with a smile.
"Thanks, Kakashi kun," Taiki said, "Katsu loves vegetables and fruits, but the meat line was so long that I didn't have time to buy him some."
"No thanks needed," Kakashi shrugged as took a seat next to Taiki, "I try to have a balanced diet, so the addition of vegetables was necessary."
"Don't tell me we have another health freak?!" Banri groaned loudly, throwing his head back.
Katsu voice took an instructing tone as replied, "Having a balanced diet is not being a health freak, it's -
"Standard shinobi practice," Taiki and Banri sing-songed together, finishing their teammate's sentence. Katsu blushed at the display and dug into his wrap to avoid replying.
"I stand with Katsu san," Kakashi felt sorry for his squad leader, hoping to give him one ally in this seemingly long-standing debate amongst the teens. Katsu shot him a grateful look while the other two simply rolled their eyes.
The night carried out in similar banner, the squad jumping from one topic to the next. They made sure to include Kakashi by asking him questions. Even Banri engaged him in conversation… well mostly jokes and quips but that was the teen's default. The three avoided looking at him when he'd go in for the bite. Part of him was forlorn at the lost chance to string them along in his antics, while another was grateful for their consideration.
As the night wore on and the camp's noise dwindled to a murmur, the light-hearted atmosphere gave way to a palpable tension; the proximity of the impending skirmish was unspoken but heavily felt. The sound of crackling of fires become more prominent as they also grew quiet in contemplation.
Taiki was the first to break the quiet, "I'm going to turn in," he said, pushing himself up with a weariness that seemed more mental than physical.
"Me too," Katsu echoed, and they both disappeared into the tent.
Left alone with Banri, Kakashi was about to follow when Banri's hushed voice stopped him. "Wait," he whispered, urgency lacing his tone.
Kakashi stuffed his hands in his pockets as he turned around to face the teen. "Tomorrow, I'll probably be rushing in constantly to bring in the injured. Make sure you protect Katsu when I do. His taijutsu isn't the best."
Kakashi read the underlying fear in Banri's eyes, a fear they all shared on the eve of battle. "I will," he promised, understanding the weight of the assurance he was giving.
Banri nodded, seemingly comforted by the response, and turned back to the fire lost in thought, his leg bouncing up and down.
Leaving Banri to his vigil, Kakashi retreated inside and began preparing for sleeping. He knew Rin would be safe because Tsunade would not send children out to the backlines. Obito should also remain safe on patrol. Minato was strong, Kakashi was sure he would be able to handle himself out there.
No, Kakashi wasn't as worried as his squad mates probably were. The promise he gave Banri was not one he carried lightly though. I promised Obito I'd protect Rin and look how that turned out, he thought spitefully.
In hindsight, maybe he shouldn't have made that promise. He always said he wouldn't let his comrades die. It was a vow, but also an admonition towards himself. How many times had he wished he could go back in time and drill the importance of teamwork into his younger self's brain. Traveling back in time was an answered prayer, wrapped up in melancholy of future bonds that were lost.
Kakashi shook his head to dispel these thoughts. Tomorrow is an important day, Kakashi. This isn't the time to lose yourself, he ordered himself. He may not prefer the transport team assignment, but he would do his assigned task well and protect those around him. It was with that thought that Kakashi finally drifted off.