The sun rose over the village of Konoha. The citizens were busy opening their stores for business or beginning the daily cleaning of their homes. The shinobi on guard duty were vigilantly watching for any possible assault. Off duty shinobi were enjoying their time off with training, relaxation, or indulging themselves in some sort of pleasurable activity. But then there were those who were gearing themselves for a mission.

Missions have been a constant since the announcement of the upcoming conflict with Iwagakure and Kumogakure. In the world they lived in, everything came down to money. A constant flow of money was needed to keep a large faction in a war like this. And missions brought in a that flow of funds Konoha would need to survive economically.

From academy student and genin to jōnin and ANBU operatives, everyone was ready to do their part to protect the village. Even the villagers that called Konohagakure their home were willing to do whatever they needed to help in the war effort. Everyone had a part to play.

A messenger genin knocked on the door of an apartment that housed Kakashi Hatake. The Hokage requested him and one other jōnin of his choosing to accompany him on a mission. The ninja heard movement behind the door. But it was not Kakashi who answer, but Anko Mitarashi.

The young male shinobi instantly shielded his eyes because was Anko was wearing her tan trench coat and nothing else, revealing everything.

"Ah! Please put some clothes on, Master Anko! Have some decency!"

Anko reached around and scratched one of her butt cheeks. "Why start now? And c'mon, have you never seen a female naked before? No need to be embarrassed. I know you're a bit on the young side but geez." The purple-haired jōnin noticed the effect she was having on him by the growing tent in his pants. "Huh. Maybe you haven't…"

"I'm looking for Master Kakashi!" The genin shouted louder than he intended. "Lady Tsunade is requesting him and another jōnin of his choosing for a mission!"

"A mission you say?" Kakashi poked his head around the corner of the door frame, he was somehow still masked while being shirtless. "If it's the Hokage, instead of the council, then who am I to say no?" The man turned to Anko and gave a classic eye smile. "Wanna go on a mission with me?"

"First a booty call then a mission?" Anko chuckled. "You sure know a charm a lady."

The messenger genin walked away as quickly as he could, keeping his eyes covered until he felt it was safe to look again.

"Anko, why do you have to scar the genin like that?" Kakashi asked in a sarcastic tone. "He was just doing his job."

"Oh c'mon, Kakashi!" Anko fired back while she closed the door. "You're telling me that you wouldn't be amazed by this hot body!" She rubbed herself up and down in a joking manner to add effect. "Besides, it's not like you weren't just tying me up and punish-"

"Yeah, yeah." Kakashi waved off, somehow completely clothed. "No need to reminisce. Now, let's go meet with Lady Tsunade."

Anko was only mildly surprised to see Kakashi clothed so quickly. "You gotta tell how you do that so fast. It's just not natural." She just shook her head as she, too, put her clothes on.

By the time Anko was dressed and ready, Kakashi has already left the apartment.

"If you don't hurry up, I'll choose someone else!" He called out from outside the apartment.

"Not fair!"

It was all playful in end. That is all their relationship was. Sex and playfulness. Maybe she was feeling needy again. Maybe she was just horny. Whatever she was feeling, Anko wasn't sure how process it. This strictly physical fling had been going on for months, probably close to a year by now. There weren't supposed to be changing feelings.

But now, things were changing. And rapidly. War always changed everything. The upcoming conflict had put a fog of dread over the entire village of Konoha. Many of the adults knew what war was like and what it did to the world. Nobody wanted the war. But it was begrudgingly welcomed because that was the resilience of Konoha and its people.

-Hokage's Office-

"The Land of Waves, huh?"

The first female Hokage nodded her head. "We've already sent word ahead of your arrival. Tazuna will be expecting you. And, I'll assume, with excitement."

Kakashi rubbed the back of head. "I can't imagine why. It's not like I did much. It was all apart of the mission."

"Always the modest type." Anko added. She turned her attention back to the Hokage. "When do we leave?"

"It's up to you." Tsunade stated. "This mission isn't high priority. But, at the moment, we don't have any other major missions that need two of our high-class jonin. That being said, don't take longer than you need to in case something does come up and we need you for it."

"Understood ma'am." Kakashi nodded, sliding his hands into his pockets. "Where do I pick up the agreement at?"

"Shizune should be on her way back with it from the office. Just meet her outside and you'll be ready. Dismissed."

-Dango shop-

Anko was walking on cloud nine as she helped herself to her third plate of the sweet and delicious dango. This was her absolute favorite place to eat in all of Konoha, possible in all of the Land of Fire. Dango was classified as a sweet dumpling treat but she ate it like a meal. She really didn't care if she gained weight from eating it all the time, it was all worth it in her mind.

Kakashi, on the other hand, just held the skewer in his hand. He hadn't even eaten a single round shaped rice ball. He wasn't as big on sweets like Anko was. He handed over his serving. "Here. I don't want it to do to waste."

"Say less!" Anko shouted, distracting the other patrons momentarily. "Man, I might just have to nail you down, Kakashi. You'd make a great boyfriend."

Kakashi remained unfazed, keeping his emotions to himself. Truth be told, he wasn't sure what he wanted. He wasn't the 'lovey dovey' kind of guy. Relationships weren't ever his cup of tea. He was always busy with missions or training his team, when they were his team anyway. The life of a shinobi wasn't for the lazy or the faint of heart.

But then again, having someone to come to was always something he missed. He could barely remember the last time he was welcomed by someone in his home…

"We, as shinobi, don't have the luxury of relationships. Our comrades and the mission comes first and foremost. Trying to make time for someone outside of that can never be accomplished."

Anko stopped herself from divulging in another dango. "Oh yeah? No time for it, eh? What about Asuma and Kurenai? Two elite jōnin. Living together and loving every second of it." An annoyed expression came across her face. "Try again buddy."

"Those two are the exception to the rule. They have similar schedules that allow-"

"Cut the shit, Kakashi." Anko interrupted. "You and I both know that our way of life can be taken from us at any moment. Especially these days." An obvious reference to the upcoming war. "Do yourself a favor and stop falling back into your ANBU emotion training and really process your feelings. You say no time for a relationship? But you and Gai always seem to find time to have those rivalry matches. There are a crap ton of shinobi that find love and be happy. If it's important enough, you find the time."

There was such rare emotion in Anko's voice that Kakashi took notice to. He clung to every word that fell out of her mouth. Deep down, he knew what he felt was right and she felt was real. But could he really do this? Could he really move on?

"Anko…I…"

"Oh, hey Kakashi sensei!"

The pair of jōnin turned to see who had suddenly approached them. It was Sakura, Kakashi's female student. She was dressed in hospital clothes, indicating she just had a shift at the hospital.

"Sakura?" Kakashi was a bit surprised to see the young teen, it had been a few months since he had. She was busy training under the Hokage and working shifts at the hospital that Kakashi was virtually student-less. "I'm surprised to see you. Is there something you needed?"

Anko was not hiding her annoyance by the girl's untimely entry.

"Huh?" Sakura was a bit confused by her sensei's reaction. She thought he would be a little more pleasant, maybe even happy, about seeing her. "N-No sensei. I just finished my morning shift at the hospital and was heading back to see Lady Tsunade for some medical ninjutsu training. I was walking by and saw you and Anko sensei sitting here. I'm sorry if I interrupted anything."

"Well, actually-"

"No, you're fine, Sakura. I just wasn't expecting you. How is your training with the Hokage going?"

Sakura lit up with enthusiasm. "I'm learning so much! Just the other day, I passed the fish revival test! And then, once I improve my chakra control more, Lady Tsunade is gonna teach me her chakra enhanced strength! And Shizune is even gonna start teaching me about poisons! I'm so excited!"

Kakashi was taken back at the pinkette's excitement. 'I don't think I've ever seen her like this. She was never this euthanized about my training. Was I really that bad?' "Well, I'm glad to hear that Sakura. I'm sure Lady Tsunade will turn you into a fine shinobi one day."

Sakura beamed brightly. "Thanks master!" She brought her excitement down a bit. "Well, I better get going before Lady Tsunade gets mad. We all know how bad that is! Bye sensei, bye Anko sensei." She waved on her way.

Anko wasted no time. "Now, what were you saying before?"

And neither did Kakashi. "We should get a move on. It's a long trip." He stood from his chair and walked out of the dango shop, leaving Anko to stare in disbelief.

-The Land of Waves, The Great Naruto Bridge-

"You're kidding?!"

"Nope, not at all."

"How did that little asshole get an entire bridge named after him?! What the hell did he do that was so important around here?"

Kakashi conveyed his smile through his visible eye. "He and my team helped put a stop to the cartel lord that was ruining the country. Tazuna's grandson, Inari, wanted to show his appreciation for saving them. So, the bridge was named after Naruto. He does care, most people just don't see it."

Anko just crossed her arms and shook her head. "Yeah, well, sure as hell doesn't show it much. I just hope the fact his father is the Fourth Hokage does not go to his head. Naruto already has a big enough ego, with training under Lord Jiraiya and now, this. He doesn't need any more of a boosted ego."

While he did not appreciate the jab at his student, Kakashi truly was not focused on that part. "I don't think Naruto will let his father's legacy go to his head."

"Well, if I were him, I'd use it to throw it back in the villagers faces. They treated him like utter shit for years. Karma is a bitch and will always rear it's ugly head."

Again, Kakashi was not appreciating this kind of talk about his student. But that did bring the topic to Kakashi's mind. Would Naruto really throw it back in their faces? Ever since word got out about his heritage, villagers and shinobi alike were torn about the Kyūbi's container. Some seemed to have regrated the way they treated Naruto, but while others remained hateful and ignorant. Then again, those who were feeling regretful only felt that way because of Naruto's parenthood and who the Fourth Hokage had done for them. Could Konoha truly ever move past the tragedy? Or would forever be their scapegoat?

"Personally, the kid is an asshole and doesn't seem to care that much. But his talent and ability are second to none. The kid will be a great asset someday."

Again, Kakashi kept his face emotionless. "…C'mon, we better get there."

-Tazuna's house-

Tsunami set down a tray of drinks and passed out the cups to their guests and her father. Tazuna took a decent drink of the steaming cup of tea, both Anko and Kakashi just held it in their hands. The trio had already exchanged greetings and were ready to get down to business.

"So, what I can do for ya, Kakashi? I've been rather curious about that notice the village sent a few weeks back."

The masked jōnin wasted no time in responding. "I'm not going to lie to you, Tazuna. Konoha is going to war against two of other great villages. And we need to keep some shinobi in the Land of Waves."

Tsunami was shocked beyond belief at the bluntness of the delivery of the news. Tazuna stroked his goatee, seemingly unimpressed. "War, you say? Frankly, I'm not completely surprised by this. I've been around long to know that war is always around the corner. I may never have actively been in a war like you have, but I've heard stories from people who have. It's true what they say, Tsunami. War is hell."

Anko scoffed slightly. "Ain't that the damn truth."

"Is one of the great villages the Bloody Mist?" Tazuna questioned.

"Fortunately, no." Kakashi answered. "But the Land of Waves serves as a great vantage point for Konoha to keep an eye on them, just in case. And we came to you because you've been recently elected as the leader of the Land of Waves. Congrats, by the way."

The man nodded. "Thanks, but it was nothing really. Not to boast but there wasn't any competition." He chuckled with pride. "When you build the bridge that saves the land, people tend to like you a bit more. And, honestly, it was all Inari's doing. He did everything. It was my name on the ballot."

Kakashi smiled underneath his mask, his eye conveying his emotion. "A good thing, nonetheless. Speaking of Inari, where is he? I expected him to be here."

"He left for school a little while ago." Tsunami answered. "If you stay long enough, he'll be back. I know he'd be happy to see you. But probably disappointed that Naruto isn't here with you."

"Naruto?" Anko questioned. "Why do you say disappointed? What did that little shit do?"

"What did Naruto do?" Tazuna questioned in mock surprise. "He, not only, helped save the Land of Waves from that bastard Gato, he snapped Inari out of his depression and helped him believe in heroes again."

Anko choked on her drink slightly. "Are we talking about the same Naruto?" She looked at Kakashi. "Your student? That Naruto?"

Kakashi nodded. "One in the same."

Anko looked back at Tazuna. "What did he do? Scare the kid straight?"

Both Tazuna and Tsunami shrugged, but it seemed like they didn't care to know the reason or the how. "Not really sure what Naruto did, but it put Inari in the mindset he has now. He hasn't been the same since you guys left."

"I couldn't be more proud of him." Tsunami said. "He's gonna be a great man someday."

"He already is." Tazuna said with more pride. If they continued the conversation, Tazuna feared he might start crying. "Enough of that, what can the Land of Waves do for Konoha?"

Kakashi pulled out a scroll and slid it over the table. "Everything is laid out in detail. It's mainly just having a platoon of shinobi stationed here to serve as a warning in case Kirigakure decides to join the war."

Tazuna nodded as he skimmed over the contents. "Is there a big chance that Kiri will join?"

Kakashi sighed. "That's the big question. It is uncertain as of now. The Hidden Mist just elected a new Mizukage not that long ago. We aren't sure where she stands yet. This is just precautionary."

Tazuna wasted no time and signed the scroll. "Here." He handed the scroll back. "I see no issue with this. I agree."

While Kakashi hid his surprise, Anko and Tsunami did not. "You aren't even going to read it?!"

"Don't need to."

"Do you know what you just agreed to father?!"

"Of course, I do, Tsunami. But I trust Kakashi, and his village, as you should too. He saved our lives and our home. This is me repaying our debt to Konoha."

Tsunami wasn't completely thrilled that the Land of Waves was about to become a military outpost, per say, but she trusted her father's judgement and trusted Kakashi to not take advantage of them. She nodded her head in agreement. Hopefully, this meant she would get to see Kakashi a bit more, a thought she was delighted to have.

"Katon: Zukokku!" (Fire Style: Searing Migraine)

Tazuna's house instantly erupted in a massive explosion. Chunks of wood flew everywhere, and glass shattered into pieces. Both Kakashi and Anko were able to react quickly to save Tsunami from certain death but they were not fast enough to save Tazuna.

"Father!" Tsunami yelled out. She ignored the burning she felt on her arms and legs.

Both Kakashi and Anko weren't fairing much better. Most of Anko's tan trench coat was burnt and she had severe burns on her left arm. Kakashi's mask was partly burned away, as was his green flak jacket. All three of them were lucky to be alive.

"Impressive. Not many could've escaped that fast."

"Whatever. They're about to be sacrifices to Lord Jashin anyway. Fuck 'em."

"Hidan. Shut up."

The large Akatsuki member shoved his hand through the burnt rubble and ash and pulled out Tazuna's body. He seemed to be dead, by the way his body dangled in the air, but the two jōnin could tell he was still breathing.

"Let him go!" Anko shouted, gearing herself up for a fight.

Kakashi shielded Tsunami with his body as he analyzed the two black cloaked figures in front of him. 'Akatsuki…this isn't good. What on earth are they doing out here? Gathering information?'

"Uhhhh…" Tazuna groaned, trying to wake himself up.

"Even more impressive. He's still alive." Kakuzu simply held out Tazuna with a single arm. "Here. We need proof. I don't feel like carrying the entire body."

Hidan readied his triple-bladed scythe. "With pleasure!"

"NOO!"

With a single swipe of the large weapon, Hidan cut Tazuna's head clean off. Blood splattered and spewed out from the neck, the head fell and rolled on the ground. The three froze in shock. They couldn't believe what they just witnessed.

"You bastard!" Anko shouted. "He was an innocent old man! You'll pay for that!"

"The bounty on his head was worth more than his innocence." Kakuzu stated coldly. "I could care less."

Anko's blood was boiling with rage. She may not have known Tazuna but to be brutally murdered like that is too much for anyone, even Orochimaru. She was about to charge headfirst but was stopped when she saw Kakashi's arm extend in front of her.

"Calm down Anko. You have no idea what you're dealing with."

Anko looked her comrade confusingly. "What are you talking about? Who are these guys? Are they apart of some club because of their matching outfits?"

"These guys…are Akatsuki. They are from a group of rouge ninja that were brought together to hunt down the nine jinchūriki, according to Master Jiraiya. They are made up of the strongest rouge ninja out there. Our very own Itachi Uchiha is among their ranks."

Anko's memory was jogged. "I remember hearing about that traitor infiltrating the village a while back. Weren't you hospitalized?"

Kakashi raised his head band, revealing his Sharingan eye, as his response. "Don't hold back, Anko. It'll take our full strength to defeat them."

"HAHAHAHAHA!" Hidan broke out in maniacal laughter. "You think you fuckers can beat us?! That's rich! That's really rich!" That maniacal, hysterical laughter instantly stopped, and he had the eyes of a cold-blooded killer. "You'll never get the chance to find out that's impossible."

Both Anko and Kakashi felt a cold, shivering chill run down their spines. There was no hesitation in his voice. He'd feel no remorse for killing them and probably wouldn't even remember their faces.

"Back off Hidan. We have the bounty. We don't need to engage anymore." Kakuzu bent down and grabbed Tazuna's severed head by his grey hairs. "There's no need for us to entertain their lust for revenge." The large man turned to leave.

Hidan let out a loud groan of annoyance, he was clearly upset. "Damn you, Kakazu! Lord Jashin isn't gonna like that."

"I don't believe in your phony god. I don't care."

"He's not phony, you mother fucker!"

The two Akatsuki members began walking away from the devastation, deciding that the two jōnin were not worth their time. Kakashi felt a sense of relief that they were walking away. After his encounter with Itachi, he realized that he needed to really ramp up his training and how outclassed he was. If he was going to be fighting these high-class rouge shinobi, then he needed to be better.

Unfortunately, Anko did not have the same thought process.

"You cowards! Get back here!" Anko summoned several large snakes from her burnt sleeve, using the Sen'ei Jashu technique (Hidden Shadow Snake Jutsu), and launched them towards the two-rouge ninja.

"Anko! Don't!" Kakashi screamed.

"Don't worry, Kakashi. Those snakes are filled with enough poison in those snakes to kill a bull. They'll be dead before they hit the ground."

The snakes slithered quickly on the ground; the fangs ready to kill. The snakes split into two groups to strike simultaneously. Kakuzu sensed the danger and spun around and killed the snakes in a blink of an eye. While Hidan remained oblivious and the second horde of snakes sink fangs deep into his skin.

"Sonofabitch!" He yelped, kicking the snakes of his legs. "Ow! Fuck that! I hate snakes!"

"Yes! Direct hit!" Anko would take that any day. Fighting off one Akatsuki member was much better than fighting two. Victory was attainable now. "See that?! That slick haired bastard let his guard down and he's gonna pay for it."

"…" Kakashi was not buying it. How could someone from a criminal organization, such as the Akatsuki, let his guard down so easily? In Kakashi's eyes, it seemed to good to be true. And most of the time, it usually was. It was never that easy. But then again, he had been wrong before. He hoped this was one of those times.

"Any minute now…the poison will take effect. At least Orochimaru taught me something worth learning."

The anticipation was killing her already. She could not wait to watch that man die, it had been a while she saw the poison take life away. It wouldn't be much longer now.

"Hey, bitch! That really fucking hurt!" Hidan shouted, rubbing the back of his legs.

Kakuzu looked over his partner. "Poison…it's sure effecting you. Maybe your carelessness finally got you killed."

Hidan's skin was turning a sickly shade of yellow and he seemed to be faded fast. But he remained standing, despite being hunched over to rub his wounds. "That's really funny, Kakuzu. This isn't fun for me!"

"I rather enjoy this."

"I still feel the pain, asshole!"

Anko couldn't believe it. He should be dead by now. Those snakes were filled with her strongest poison. No one in the Land of Fire, except Orochimaru, knew how to cure it. And there was no way he had a built-up immunity. This was her own recipe for it. "Impossible…How are you still alive?!"

Hidan leaned on the massive scythe to stay upright. "Lord Jashin has granted me his ultimate power as a token of his gratitude for worshipping him and his donating to his teachings. Now…I think I'll donate another sacrifice."

"S-Sacrifice?" The look in Hidan's eyes and sadistic calm in his voice pushed a bone-chilling shiver down Anko's spine. It was directed to her and her alone.

Hidan bowed his head and closed his eyes, as if he were praying. "Lord Jashin…please give me a good kill on this day. For I will honor you and your ways."

Both Kakashi and Anko were worried and confused by the man's hushed words. They could barely make the words out, but they were clear enough to be heard.

A good kill…a chilling promise.

Seemingly forgetting that the poison was just affecting his body, Hidan stopped using his scythe as a crutch and gripped it like the deadly weapon it was. He was gearing up for an attack. He was about to charge at them.

"We need to get Tsunami out of here, Anko!" Kakashi stated. "She's not safe here!"

"I'm not leaving without Inari!" The woman shouted. "I need make sure he's safe!"

"Well, tough shit lady! We have bigger problems to deal with right now!" Anko drew a kunai, as did Kakashi. "He's coming!"

Hidan charged with death in eyes. He screamed and laughed like a lunatic with each step. He swung at Anko, she dodged. He swung at Kakashi, he parried. Hidan recklessly swung his triple-bladed scythe at the two jōnin, only for the two dodge and parry the attacks.

Kakuzu merely shook his head. He already knew the outcome of this fight. 'Nothing they do will work. Their deaths are guaranteed. There better be bounties on their heads. Actually, that one should be Kakashi Hatake. Yes, his head will do.'

Both jōnins noticed that there was no real speed to Hidan's strikes. It made it easy for counter strike. Kakashi was the first to counter and he stabbed Hidan directly in the shoulder to disable it. Anko followed suit and pierced the jugular.

"Ow!" Hidan yelped, blood flowing from his injuries. "I hate getting stabbed! That shit hurts like a sonofabitch!"

Kakashi thought he misheard the words from Hidan. How could someone talk while have a kunai shoved in his throat? There was clearly something else here. 'What is this guy?!'

Anko was just as shocked. "What the hell? How are you still talking?!"

Hidan turned his head towards Anko and spoke eerily calm, despite having two kunai embedded in his body. "This is my curse…the reason for my existence. Now, I'm just going to take some of your blood. Call it…revenge for poisoning me." A hidden black spear sprung from his baggy sleeve and manage to scrape Anko on the arm and draw a small amount of blood. "Perfect…"

Both Kakashi and Anko jumped away in caution, leaving their knives sticking out of Hidan's body. Anko didn't even register the small cut on her arm…

Hidan groaned heavily, obviously feeling the pain. But he was moving his body freely, as if there wasn't anything protruding. He brough the black spear put to his mouth and licked Anko's blood clean off, relishing in the taste. "Oh…your blood is wonderful."

Anko seemed unfazed by the act, mostly because she had done that a time or two to freak out genin trying to pass the Chūnin Exams, but it still didn't lessen the fear she was feeling. Something really bad was about to happen.

Hidan used his foot to draw a large circle in the dirt, followed by a triangle inside the circle. It was a matching symbol to the amulet he wore around his neck. "I'm really going to enjoy this."

Anko froze with fear, she had never felt like this in her life. Kakashi remained focused and did everything he could to analyze Hidan's moves. He kept his eye on Hidan's partner, who had not moved this entire time. For whatever reason, he was allowing Hidan to do everything. Kakashi's experience was telling him to not let Hidan follow through with whatever he was doing.

"W-What are you going to do?"

Hidan chuckled menacingly as his skin transformed to an extremely dark black, with a portion of a face turning sickly white. He positioned his spear over his heel. "Feel the pain as I do!"

"AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" Anko screamed, feeling an immense, burning pain in the same heel that Hidan stabbed. She instantly dropped down and gripped the area, her hands were immediately covered with blood from an invisible wound. "What the hell is happening?!"

He laughed manically as shoved the spear into the back of heel, causing unbelievable pain. But Hidan didn't care, he found thrill and satisfaction in the pain. "Ohhh yeah…" He sighed happily. "I love this…"

"Anko! Are you alright?!"

"No! I'm not alright! My ankle is broken, and I don't know how it happened!" She screamed at Kakashi. "What the fuck?!"

"Yes! Yes!" Hidan shouted in pure bliss. "I love the screams! The blood! All of it! Give me more!" Hidan stabbed his inner thigh, causing the same pain onto Anko. "More! More!"

Kakashi put together what was happening. 'Somehow, he's causing the same injuries on Anko! It must have something do with that symbol he drew! If I get him off of the symbol, or destroy it, it should stop this!'

Kakashi executed a series of hand seals and slammed them on the ground. "Kuchiyose: Doton: Tsuiga no Jutsu!" (Summoning: Earth Style: Fanged Pursuit Jutsu)

It was a straightforward underground attack. Kakashi's plan was to summon his ninja hounds underground and have them tunnel right under Hidan and spring up to trap him, like how he did against Zabuza. Simultaneously, the symbol would be ruined. Then he would go in for the kill shot with his Raikiri.

"Go!" He shouted.

The ninja hounds rushed underground and charged towards Hidan, using the smell of Anko's blood to guide through the dirt. Kakashi knew how close his dogs were and began preparing his signature technique.

But the hounds never reached Hidan, and Kakashi knew it. Something had stopped them. Kakashi glanced over at Kakuzu to see if he had a hand in it. And he did. Literally. Kakuzu had both his hands shoved into the ground. He somehow had stopped them. Then, all nine of his ninja hounds burst through the ground, all bound by black threads.

'What on earth are those?!' Kakashi wondered in shock. 'How is he able to do that?'

"I've always hated dogs." Kakuzu calmed stated. Suddenly, an amalgamation of hundreds of the black threads burst out of Kakuzu's back and formed a large body with a red and white mask for a face. It stayed connected to Kakuzu by the same black threads.

"Kakuzu, what the hell are you doing?!" Hidan yelled. "I'm not finished!"

"You've taken too long, Hidan. I don't care about your god. The more time you take, the less money I make." A spark ignited from the mask's mouth. "You'll still get the kill…technically." The mask lined up its shot, aiming directly at the jōnin and his own partner. "Katon: Zukokku!"

"Shit!" Kakashi resorted to his secret ace in the hole, a gamble he was hoping would pay off to save them all. He quickly gathered as much chakra as he could in his Sharingan eye. This would drain him completely, possibly hospitalize him, but it was his only chance.

A massive explosion ignited, and devastation followed. Fire consumed everything in sight once again. Hidan continued to scream obscenities as the fire hit him with fury, burning his entire and giving him fatal injuries…

"AHHH!"

"Makyō Hyōshō!" (Demonic Mirroring Ice Crystals)

Seemingly out of the water vapor in the air, multiple thick sheets of ice appeared as shields in front of Kakashi and the others. The fire smacked the ice shields fast hard, but the ice did not crack or melt from the heat.

'Those mirrors…!'

Kakashi realized the technique knew who the user was. He took the opportunity to escape. He grabbed ahold of Tsunami and prepared for departure. "Anko, let's go!" He shouted. He then realized that Anko had collapsed on the ground and her entire body was covered in severe burns. "Anko?!" Kakashi didn't have time to question what happened. He simply mustered up his strength and took ahold of both women and leapt away.

By the time Kakuzu had stopped his fire and realized that his next bounty had gotten away, the ice mirrors had disappeared. The black amalgamation of threads reassimilated back into Kakuzu's body. He looked at the burnt crisp that was Hidan's body. He waited a few moments before he went up to the body and kicked.

"Ow! Fuck!" Hidan yelped. "I'm very tender, Kakuzu! Don't kick me!"

"Then get up. We've wasted enough time as it is." Kakuzu turned and began walking away. "I'm not waiting for you, Hidan."

The man slowly stood up and stretched as much as he could. "That was my kill, Kakuzu! You took it from me. Lord Jashin is not gonna be happy." He looked down at himself. "C'mon! This was my good cloak!"

"Shut up, Hidan."

-With Kakashi-

Kakashi was breathing as fast and as deep as he could, trying to get air to his tired muscles. He wasn't sure how far he ran, he just kept going, all the while carrying two full grown adults. Not to mention he felt utterly exhausted from trying to activate that.

'I never thought just trying to activate it would drain me so much. My body isn't completely ready yet.'

"Kakashi…please tell me Inari is okay."

The hunched over jōnin glanced at Tsunami. "Go into town and find him. Bring him here. I'll wait-"

"There's no need. I have the boy."

The two individuals looked up quickly to the trees above them. There, they saw a female and boy. One was Inari and the other was someone Kakashi knew very well. Mask free and carrying the sword of her master, Haku jumped down and allowed Inari to run to his mother. While Tsunami embraced her son, Kakashi remained on high alert.

"Haku…"

A slight girlish giggle came from the hunter kunoichi. "I'm glad you remember me. Because I remember you, Kakashi Hatake."

The jōnin remained vigilant. "I figured as much. Something like that isn't easily forgotten."

Inari removed himself from his mother and looked up at her. "Mom, what's happening? Where's grandpa?"

Tsunami fought back tears, gearing herself up for the terrible thing she never thought she'd have to say. "Inari…your grandfather died today…"

The look on Inari's face held indescribable pain and shock. He simply did not believe it. "W-What? No, you're lying!" Inari pushed himself out of his mother's arms. "Grandpa was fine this morning! How could he have died?! What happened?!"

"He…he was murdered. Two men destroyed the house and they killed him." Tsunami couldn't keep it together any longer. Her own inner strength gave out. She broke down and tears flowed out. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

Inari rushed back into his mother's arms and they cried together, mourning the loss of their loved one.

Kakashi watched the unfortunate sight unfold and couldn't help feeling guilty everything that had happened. If he had acted faster, then maybe Tazuna and Anko would still be alive. He looked down at his fallen comrade, she had not moved since he placed her there. As terrible as it sounded, Kakashi could tell a dead body from an unconscious one.

'How was she killed? She was never touched by those flames, yet she's covered in burns. It had to be some jutsu cast by that guy. That would explain that symbol he stood on and his transformation. Whatever happened, I've got to figure it out!'

"Why are you here, Kakashi? Not simply to visit an old friend."

Kakashi snapped out of his thoughts. "Why not? Maybe I grew fond of Tazuna and his family."

"You might be able to fool the average hunter ninja, but not me. With the current state of the world and what's coming, and due to this land's and your history, it's logical to think that you were asking Tazuna for permission to station shinobi here. Seeing in how he was recently elected to the town's leader."

"Look at you. You're all grown up."

"Do not mock me, Hatake. Just because I am sparing you now does not mean I will again. Next time we meet, it will be your last."

The silver-haired jōnin wasn't surprised to hear something like that. "Holding a grudge, eh? I guess I shouldn't be shocked. But that begs the question. If revenge is what you want, why not kill me now? I'm clearly not at full strength. Why aren't you taking advantage?"

"I'm sparing you out of respect for the mercy your student showed me the day on the bridge." Haku turned away, facing out towards the woods. "He didn't have to do anything for me that day. We were enemies. He should have killed me. But he didn't. He offered me advice. And as a repay of a debt and respecting his mercy, I, in turn, will show his master mercy…but only once." The female hunter vanished into a mist and disappeared.

"Naruto…huh." Kakashi loved how the world worked sometimes. Balance was key. He turned around to face Inari and Tsunami, who seemed to be watching him. "I'm sorry for your loss. Tazuna was a good man. And I considered him a friend."

Tsunami nodded in thanks for the kind words but did not respond. Inari seemed to be in awe. "Mom, that was the Angel of the Mist.

"Oh, Inari…not now."

"No mom, I know that was her!"

"Inari, what are you talking about?" Kakashi questioned. "What is the 'Angel of the Mist'?"

"She…" Inari pointed at the spot Haku was previously standing. "…is the Angel of the Mist. After the bridge was completely built, there were a lot of bandits robbing people while they crossed. But then she started protecting the travelers. Everyone I've asked said they never saw who it was, or what it was."

"What did they say?"

"That an angel was protecting them."

Despite the series of unfortunate events of the day, it seemed there was something of a silver lining. The Land of Waves would never be taken by evil doers again as long as Haku stayed around.

"Kakashi…"

The voice was faint, but loud enough to catch the man's attention. It was Anko.

"Anko!" He rushed to her side, grabbing ahold of her hand and pulling her into his lap. "I'm here."

"…Come closer…" She coughed. She knew she wasn't making it. She had to say it before her life gave out.

Kakashi leaned in to listen to what she had to say. Her mouth moved so quietly and slow that no one less could hear or tell what she was saying but Kakashi.

His eye went wide. Her final breath echoed in his ear. Anko Mitarashi had succumbed to her injuries and passed away.

-Konoha, days later-

Tsunade, with Shikaku reading over her shoulder, clung to every word of Kakashi's report about what had transpired during his mission in the Land of Waves. He had sent word about Anko before his arrival. Her funeral had just concluded an hour ago. They were still in their black funeral clothes.

Tsunade rolled up the scroll and handed it to Shizune to be filed. "Make sure the report of the two Akatsuki members are given to Inoichi for analysis." The Hokage turned to the masked jōnin. "I'm sorry, Kakashi. Losing a comrade is never easy. If you need someone to talk to, I can-"

Kakashi's lone eye showed no emotion. Both Tsunade and Shikaku were having trouble reading him. "This is not the first comrade I have lost out on a mission, Lady Hokage. I know how to cope with it. I'll be fine."

"For everyone's sake, Kakashi, I hope you changed your methods from when you were younger." Shikaku stated.

Kakashi was silent. The sins of his past would never leave him. And no one would ever let him forget them. Both a blessing and a curse.

"And I hate to be so dark, but Anko will be the first of many of our comrades to lose their lives. Akatsuki or not, there will be many funerals to attend." The Nara clan leader stated with some remorse. A similar thought the Hokage was having but not dare say out loud. "Regardless, we still have a job to do."

Kakashi knew where that statement was leading. "Another mission…"

"I'm sorry, Kakashi." Tsunade reached for a folder and handed it to Kakashi. "This one isn't something we can trust just anybody. Outside of Jiraiya, you're going to be the best suited for this mission."

Kakashi opened the folder and instantly realized it was a personal file. But the odd thing was that the folder was empty. There was only a picture of the individual. A face that Kakashi would never forget. "This is…"

"We understand this is very personal for what recently happened with Naruto. I can't say that didn't play a small part in why I vouched for you to the council for this mission."

"What is the mission exactly?" Kakashi questioned. "This file is empty. There is no information in here."

"That file is your mission." Shikaku stated. "This man is considered the Raikage's second-in-command. He is an extremely high value target, for obvious reasons. Gathering as much information about him as possible will be vital in the coming months. Everything from his personal habits to his fighting abilities. We need to know all of it. Any piece of information can, and will, benefit greatly."

Kakashi stared deeply into the photo of the man that nearly killed his student. He knew revenge was not the path he should take. But, damn, it sure was enticing to feel again. "Tell me his name."

Shikaku smirked. "Darui."

-Hours later, Memorial Stone-

Kakashi stood there, alone like always, before the stone of fallen heroes. Darkness had taken over the skies some time ago, but Kakashi hadn't cared enough to notice. He had memorized every name of this stone the day his father died, the names would never leave his memory.

"I've been a jōnin since were teammates, even with subordinates, I'm still regretting a lot of things. Even with this eye you gifted me…I never had an idea of what was actually going to happen." Kakashi closed his eye, out of respect and remembrance. "If you were still alive, what would you say to me now, Obito? Or you, Master, what guidance would you give me? Or even…Rin…"

The memories of his late team still hurt deep into his soul. The years had passed, but the pain had remained. His life had been nothing but pain and suffering, with only small bursts of relief and clarity. In his younger years, he drowned himself in the blood and tears of his enemies to only hide his own. He used his time in the ANBU Black Ops to hide from his pain and regret and to fulfil his need to lash out without consequence.

But that only led to more pain and suffering.

He hated himself for being the only survivor.

He hated himself for what he had become.

He pushed his pain on those he hurt. He didn't deserve love. Anyone's love.

He had been in that deep abyss for so long that he wasn't sure what would, or even could, get him out of it. But then, Anko came along. And they shared each other's pain.

"See? I told you he'd be here. He's always here."

Kakashi opened his eye and turned to see Asuma, Gai, and Kurenai walking towards them. They were all at the funeral today, saying their goodbyes to a dear comrade and friend. The three jōnin approached Kakashi and stood before the Memorial Stone with him. Silence remained over them momentarily as they all paid their respects for the fallen.

"…What are you three doing here?"

Asuma kept his eyes on the edged stone, holding an un-lit cigarette in his mouth. "Do we need an excuse to visit the monument?" He pulled out his lighter for his cigarette, sucking in the first drag.

"Don't lie, Asuma." Kurenai berated. "We were looking for you, Kakashi."

Again, Kakashi remained stoic. "Why would you be looking for me?"

"Because we don't want you turning out like last time." Asuma muttered under his breath. Kurenai elbowed him as a result for the comment. "S-Sorry." He grunted.

"…I guess I deserved that."

Kurenai placed her hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "I'm sorry Kakashi. I know your relationship with Anko was strictly physical, but I can't imagine losing a significant other like that."

Kakashi didn't say anything. He didn't want to. He felt horrible. Not only because he lost another comrade, another friend, a lover, but because he broke his promise to himself again. He couldn't save his comrade again. He failed. Again.

More time had passed and Kakashi was left alone again at the stone. His three comrades left him hours ago. His mind wandered back to Anko's final moments and what she said to him.

"I love you…"

A lone tear fell from his eye and soaked into his mask, hiding his pain. Like it always has.

"I'm sorry…"