Of Guidance and Mentorship:

When Amaya and Sasuke told Kakashi about the different activities they had done, he accepted it as a mission well done, and he proceeded to reward them with the training he had promised. Shikamaru had special training with his father for the day and so, he found himself alone with the two.

Kakashi followed his routine, creating a shadow clone to assist both Amaya and Sasuke simultaneously.

Their training had lengthened into the near end of the day and the training ground was starting to get bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the trees.

As the warm glow of the sunset painted the training ground, Kakashi's calm voice provided guidance. "Amaya, focus on channeling your chakra like we practiced. Imagine the chains extending from you, treating them like a new part of your body. With time, they'll feel more natural, and you can work on making them stronger."

Amaya furrowed her brow, as she concentrated. The chakra chains extended gracefully from her, resembling delicate ribbons dancing in the air. She struggled to control them, the analogy of a new limb resonating as she tried to grasp the technique. Kakashi's descriptions were spot on, they felt unfamiliar and foreign, like trying to control a limb she lived her whole life without but with each passing moment, they felt a bit more natural.

Kakashi observed her efforts, nodding approvingly. "Good, you're making progress. Now, try to guide them around that tree trunk without touching it."

Frustration welled up as Amaya's attempts fell short. Taking a break, she sat beneath a tree, watching the sunset. Curiosity got the better of her, and she looked at her sensei in intrigue.

"Sensei, how come you know so much about the chakra chains."

Kakashi's visible eye softened as he explained. "I knew your mother, Kushina. Those were her descriptions of the sensations that came with using the chains."

Amaya's interest sparked, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "My mom had chakra chains too? Like the ones I've been practicing?" A smile graced her lips as the bond with her mother felt stronger than ever.

Kakashi's nod confirmed her realization. "Yes, Amaya. Your mother even used these chains to subdue the Nine-Tails during its attack. You have a part of her spirit with you. She was also close to the fourth hokage, my sensei."

Amaya's grip on the water bottle she was drinking from tightened involuntarily. She fought to maintain her composure, her voice carrying a trace of bitterness. "Close, huh? But he still sealed the Kyubi inside me, her child, as an infant. Do you think that's fair, Kakashi-sensei?"

Kakashi sighed, his gaze turning distant. "Sometimes, difficult decisions have to be made for the greater good. The Fourth Hokage made that choice to protect the village and everyone in it, including you. He wanted to ensure everyone's safety, even at great personal cost."

Amaya's grip loosened as her chakra chains flickered and faded. Her eyes held a mix of frustration and sadness. "I get that, Kakashi-sensei. But what about my own life? Wasn't that a cost too? I never got to know my parents. I had to grow up without them. I only know of my mother from stories," Her hands clenched, "And god knows who my father is, or was. I don't even know if he is alive. Maybe he didn't want to raise a demon child."

Kakashi wished at that moment that he could tell her about her father, how much he had loved her and that he had sacrificed his life, believing in her. But he knew as it stood she wouldn't accept it, especially since she proved her hatred towards the fourth hokage.

Kakashi's voice carried a hint of understanding. "I can't deny that it's a painful burden to bear, Amaya. But your mother, Kushina, would want you to rise above this anger and find your own path."

Amaya's gaze softened, and she hugged her feet. She glanced at Kakashi, her expression a mixture of conflict and contemplation. "I know, I just... wish I could. I want to forgive what he did. After all, he's a hero according to everyone, the village's beloved." She muttered, "I wish I could see him in that light."

She felt like a hypocrite, after everything she had said to Sasuke the other day, trying to make him let go of his goal of revenge she still couldn't manage to let go of her hatred toward the fourth hokage.

Kakashi offered a reassuring smile. "Understanding takes time, Amaya. Sometimes, the things that seem unfair have reasons beyond our grasp. It's up to us to shape our own destiny, no matter what challenges we face."

As the sun dipped lower on the horizon, Amaya let out a sigh. She turned her attention back to the chakra chains that shimmered back into existence, determination burning anew in her eyes. "Alright, Kakashi-sensei. I'll keep trying. Maybe... someday I'll find the strength to forgive."

On the other side of the training grounds, Sasuke found himself in an unusually serious conversation with Kakashi. The fading daylight seemed to mirror the weight of the words about to be spoken. Kakashi had been putting it off for weeks, dreading the discussion he knew was necessary.

With a sigh, Kakashi shifted his gaze towards Sasuke, a mix of apprehension and determination in his lone visible eye. "Sasuke, there's something I need to share with you. It's about my past, something I've been reluctant to talk about because I never wanted to relive these memories."

He paused, his gaze focused on a distant point, as if the memories were playing out before him. "I lost my father to suicide when I was young. It was a choice he felt he had to make, but I could sense he didn't truly want to do it. It's something I've carried with me, and I've always wondered if there was something I could have done differently, if I could have prevented it. And that burden has been a heavy weight on my heart."

He shifted his gaze to meet Sasuke's eyes, his expression a mixture of understanding and empathy. "During the Third Ninja War, I lost my teammates. Obito and Rin. It was a time of extreme grief for me. The pain was so intense that I found myself consumed by thoughts of revenge, I wanted to destroy the Mist and Stone villages for what they had done."

Kakashi's voice wavered slightly, his emotions creeping to the surface. "But I stopped myself. I realized that revenge wouldn't bring them back. It wouldn't bring them back nor make my life any better. I stopped myself, I tried to instead focus on protecting what they held dear, to carry on their will."

He looked at Sasuke, his gaze unwavering. "Sasuke, I'm not telling you this to compare our pain. Each of us carries our own burdens, our own wounds. What I want you to understand is that I know what it's like to lose everything precious to you, to feel that overwhelming need for retribution. I've been there."

He held Sasuke's gaze, his voice unwavering. "However, I also know that revenge isn't the answer. It won't bring back what you've lost, and it won't fill the emptiness inside you. It's a path that leads to more pain and darkness."

Sasuke's eyes wavered, torn between Kakashi's words and the burning desire for revenge that had driven him for so long. He hesitated for a moment, his conflicting emotions evident in his expression. "I appreciate your words, Kakashi-sensei. But you don't understand what Itachi did to my family, to me. I don't know if I can ever rest without avenging their deaths."

Kakashi's expression remained gentle yet firm. "Sasuke, I'm not asking you to forget or forgive easily. But I want you to consider this – revenge might give you a fleeting sense of satisfaction, but it won't bring you lasting peace. It won't fill the void left by your losses. It might even lead you down a path of darkness that you can't return from."

He reached out to place a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, a gesture of support and understanding. "I know this is a difficult choice, and it's yours to make. But remember, Sasuke, you're not alone in your pain. You have friends who care about you, who want to help you find a way to heal and move forward. Revenge might seem like the only answer now, but there are other paths, ones that lead to true healing, a life where you're surrounded by your comrades and friends."

Great Expectations:

The atmosphere was filled with a sense of anticipation, as team 7 gathered in front of the Hokage's office, wondering what new mission they would be assigned this time. Kakashi stood with his customary nonchalance, Shikamaru's posture conveyed a sense of mild boredom, Amaya's eyes sparkled with curiosity, and Sasuke's stoic expression revealed little.

The Hokage looked up from his desk, his eyes crinkling with a hint of amusement as he observed the diverse expressions on the faces before him. "I have another mission for you, Team 7," he began, his tone carrying the weight of authority. "It's a C-ranked assignment, but an important one nonetheless."

Amaya's eyes lit up with curiosity and eagerness. "Another mission, Hokage-sama? Where are we going this time?"

The Hokage's gaze softened as he observed Amaya's genuine enthusiasm. Amaya's finally embracing her true self within the team, and he was happy for that. Previously, she was a reserved and silent girl, rarely showing her enthusiasm and energy, even around him.

"You'll be heading to the Waterfall Village," he replied. "Your task is a simple one – a delivery mission involving scrolls and supplies."

Amaya smiled, and she turned to Sasuke. "Sasuke, can you believe it? We're going to another hidden village!"

Sasuke's lips curved into a small smile, his eyes softening as he watched Amaya's animated reaction. While his enthusiasm didn't match hers, her excitement was infectious.

The Hokage chuckled softly. "Amaya, you remind me so much of your mother, Kushina. She was just as spirited and full of life."

Amaya's eyes widened, and her heart swelled with pride at the comparison to her late mother. She had always wanted to know more about Kushina, and every mention of her was a treasure.

Shikamaru, standing slightly apart, observed the interaction with his characteristic laziness. His mind briefly wandered to Ino's teasing remarks about Amaya and Sasuke's relationship, and he couldn't help but think, "Ino might actually be on to something."

The Hokage's voice drew his attention back to the conversation. "Remember, Team 7, even though it's a C-ranked mission, be prepared for the unexpected. Danger can arise from the simplest of tasks."

"We will, Hokage-sama," Kakashi assured on behalf of the team, his visible eye crinkling with a smile.

As they left the Hokage's office, Amaya walked beside Sasuke, her enthusiasm evident, while Sasuke's demeanor remained calm but more open. Shikamaru followed alongside them, conversing with them whenever the conversation demanded his input.

Besides the initial excitement, the journey to the Grass Village was a relatively calm one. The team traversed through various landscapes, their footsteps accompanied by the rustling of leaves and the occasional chirping of birds. The sense of anticipation lingered in the air, a mix of excitement for a new mission and the curiosity of visiting another hidden village.

During one of their breaks, as they sat under the shade of a large tree, Amaya turned her attention to Kakashi, her eyes alight with curiosity.

"Kakashi-sensei, have you ever been to the Waterfall Village?"

Kakashi adjusted his headband, his visible eye crinkling in a hint of amusement. "Yes, I have. The Waterfall Village and Konoha have had a long-standing relationship."

Amaya's interest piqued, and she leaned in closer to listen. "Really? What kind of relationship? How come we never heard about them?"

Kakashi's tone took on a thoughtful note as he began to explain. "The Waterfall Village is a minor village, but they've managed to distinguish themselves over the years. They've become a significant source of a rare and valuable resource that many shinobi require. In return, Konoha offers various supplies, technology, and assistance in their own areas of need. It's a mutually beneficial partnership."

Amaya's curiosity was piqued. "What kind of resource is it?"

Kakashi's eye crinkled in a half-smile. "They're known for a vast source of a rare magical water that is known for its medicinal properties. It's a resource that's in high demand among shinobi, and our village benefits greatly from this trade."

Kakashi's gaze shifted between his students, his tone taking on a more serious note.

"This mission isn't just about delivering scrolls, though. It's also about the relationships between our villages. It's been a tradition for generations that the most promising genin teams from each village are entrusted with these communication missions."

It remained unsaid that the hokage considered them the most promising out of the genin team, which made the genin all feel a certain tinge of pride and the weight of the great expectations.

Amaya's eyes then shone with realization. "So, it's not just about the scrolls. It's about strengthening the bonds between our villages, so that even as we progress through the ranks, those connections remain strong."

Kakashi nodded, a hint of pride in his eye. "Exactly, Amaya. As your generation rises in the ranks, these connections become crucial. You'll be among the ones leading the village in the future."

Sasuke's voice was tinged with understanding as he spoke. "So, this mission is a way to ensure that the strong ties between our villages are maintained, regardless of the individuals in power."

Kakashi's smile was soft but proud. "You catch on quickly, Sasuke."

As they set out on their mission, the significance of their task settled within them. It wasn't just a simple delivery – it was a testament to the importance of unity and cooperation between hidden villages, a responsibility they were honored to carry.

"Once we're closer to the Waterfall Village's territory," Kakashi began, "we'll meet with the genin team responsible for the communication exchange. They'll guide us the rest of the way to their village."

Amaya looked intrigued but also puzzled. "Why do we need them to guide us, Kakashi-sensei? Can't you lead us there?"

Kakashi's gaze turned thoughtful. "Well, I could lead you there, but it's not that simple. You see, even though I've been to the Waterfall Village during my time as a genin and years after that, village's location is well-hidden and a closely guarded secret. Only a very select few from Konoha know its location, which are the other genin teams throughout the years that were entrusted with this mission. It's just a coincidence, really, that I happen to be your sensei.' He paused,"Any other jonin wouldn't be able to know the way in."

Sasuke arched an eyebrow in curiosity. "An actual hidden village?"

Kakashi chuckled softly. "In a way, yes. The Waterfall Village's exact location is known only to a select few. It's a precaution they take to maintain their security and privacy."

Shikamaru, who had been quietly observing the conversation, chimed in with his characteristic analytical tone. "But if genin teams have been doing this for years, wouldn't that mean a lot of people from Konoha know the way?"

Kakashi eye-smiled, "Ah, you're quite observant, Shikamaru. While it's true that the hokage chooses a promising genin team to embark on this mission, it's usually the same team that continues to handle it repeatedly. The Sannin have done it for years, and even after my team have all passed away, I continued doing it alone. It's only recently that the current Hokage decided to change things up and assign this mission to a different team."

Amaya's eyes widened. "So, we're going to meet the guide – the Waterfall genin team responsible for this communication."

Kakashi nodded. "That's right. They'll lead us to the hidden village, since not many know the way."

Sasuke's voice was filled with curiosity. "But why is it so restricted?"

Kakashi's gaze turned thoughtful. "The hidden Waterfall Village has its own history and reasons for maintaining its secrecy. Some things are better left untouched by the outside world." He then said after a pause, "Nonetheless, this secrecy is probably what allowed them to distinguish themselves from the other smaller villages and be able to produce multiple powerful ninja that can at times compete with the big five."

As the team continued on their path, the realization of the journey's significance weighed on them. The hidden Waterfall Village was a place shrouded in mystery, and the fact that they were entrusted with this mission was a testament to their abilities and trustworthiness.

When they reached the designated meeting spot, they were met with a scene of disarray. Broken branches littered the ground, signs of a recent scuffle evident. Kakashi's eyes narrowed as he surveyed the area, instantly recognizing that something was amiss.

Stepping forward, Kakashi examined the surroundings, his analytical mind at work. "This isn't just a regular skirmish," he murmured, his voice laced with concern.

Amaya frowned, her eyes scanning the area. "What could have caused this?"

Kakashi sighed, his tone heavy. "I suspect that the team we were supposed to meet was attacked. It seems very very recent, however."

Kakashi's gaze shifted from the disturbed ground to his team. His visible eye took on a distant look. "We can't go back empty-handed. It would reflect poorly on Konoha if the other team didn't make it back either, besides with any luck we can reach them before they suffer any significant damage."

Amaya's expression hardened. "So, what do we do now?"

Shikamaru's voice was tinged with resignation. "It seems like bad luck keeps following us."

Kakashi let out a faint chuckle. "It's certainly starting to feel that way." His gaze swept over his team, pride swelling within him. "But as shinobi, we're used to facing challenges head-on. We need to investigate this situation further and ensure that whatever happened here doesn't impede the communication between our villages."

Sasuke's gaze narrowed. "Agreed. Let's find out who did this."

Kakashi nodded. "Remember, we don't know what we're walking into. Stay alert and be ready for anything."

As the team began to search for clues and piece together the events that had unfolded at the meeting spot, a sense of determination settled over them. Their C-ranked mission had unexpectedly transformed into something much more complex, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead in order to uphold the reputation of Konoha.

Team 7 delved deeper into the forest, and the signs of struggle became more pronounced. Twisted branches and broken foliage bore evidence of a fierce battle. And then, as they rounded a thick cluster of trees, they stumbled upon a scene that held them in their tracks.

Before them, a waterfall jounin fought valiantly against a trio of formidable foes. Clad in the attire of her village, the jounin's expression was one of fierce determination as she skillfully parried and countered the enemies' attacks. The jounin's movements were fluid, honed through years of training and experience. Despite her skill, it was clear she was struggling to maintain the upper hand against her adversaries.

Protecting the jounin's flanks was another figure, a young girl with weird green hair. Her waterfall headband wrapped around her arm, hinting at her origins. She deflected the attacks of an opposing duo, her skill and agility apparent. Though outnumbered and outmatched, she held her ground with a resolute expression, her focus unwavering.

Behind her stood two other genin, their expressions a mixture of fear and concern as they watched their comrade and sensei defend them, while clearly struggling because of some heavy wounds.

Amaya's eyes widened as she took in the scene before them, her heart pounding with a mixture of astonishment and urgency. The sight of the jonin and the determined young girl made her want to jump in as soon as possible to provide help. If they wait any longer they will surely meet their demise.

Sasuke's gaze narrowed, his sharingan spinning to life as he analyzed the situation. His instincts told him that these enemies were formidable but he was ready to join the fray.

Kakashi's visible eye narrowed as he assessed the enemies. He could tell that the young girl's skills were impressive for a genin, but the odds were against her. The jonin was struggling to keep up, and it was only a matter of time before their defenses would crumble.

Without a word, Kakashi signaled his team to prepare for battle. It was clear that the situation had escalated far beyond their original mission but they had no choice but to provide help.