LOST LINES
After returning from the country of waves, Kakashi felt relieved for the respite. He hadn't expected what happened on their journey, at all. What was meant to be a simple attendant mission turned out to be much more than travelling there and back again. Facing Zabuza, the Demon of the Mist, was particularly excertive. But his team had done well, they'd grown as a unit and formed strong amity with one another. But the boy lingered in his thoughts. The boy that gave his life to protect another, because he felt he had no other purpose. The feel of his fingers around his wrist as he breathed for the last time was a daily spark in his memory. Fingers as cold as frost. As cold as hers. On his previous visit to the little tea hut, he had told Blood Tiger about his team, their mission, and their encounter. Since mentioning the ice user she seemed quiet. Reserved. Like she knew something, and he was left wondering. The boy? His family? That power? That country, at least. He couldn't be sure.
Kakashi approached the hut, secluded in the heart of the thick woods, allowing the fresh smell of wood, incense and tea to fill his lungs again. It was a welcome comfort that was not found in the village, the very essence of quiet nature. He softly knocked on the door, the added timber on the frame reminding him of his second visit and the encounter with her guardian. A moment later, the door slid open, revealing her smiling face.
"Hi there." she greeted him warmly, and he returned her gesture fondly.
"Evening, Blood Tiger." she stepped aside and allowed him entry, into the warm embrace of sanctuary.
As he stepped inside, Kakashi felt a sense of calm wash over him, enveloping him like a comforting blanket. The interior of the hut was cosy and inviting, illuminated by the soft glow of lanterns scattered throughout the room. Blood Tiger moved gracefully to prepare tea, her movements fluid and precise. Taking a seat at the low table, Kakashi watched her with quiet admiration. There was something serene about her presence, something that seemed to soothe his weary soul. He couldn't help but wonder about the secrets she held, the mysteries that surrounded her.
As Blood Tiger handed him a cup of tea, their fingers brushed briefly, sending a jolt of frost through Kakashi's hand. He couldn't help but notice the icy chill of her touch, a stark contrast to the warmth of the tea.
"I see your glove is still torn..." she mentioned, and he glanced down at his gloves lying on the table, the palm of the right glove gaping.
"Oops. I must have taken them by accident." he sighed, but she smiled.
"I could fix it for you if you'd like?" she offered.
"Sure, I'd appreciate that." he allowed, and she stood. She clambered up the little steps that led to the loft above. He sat in the quiet for a minute, listening to her rummaging through what might have been a basket. He wasn't sure why he accepted her offer so easily... he could just get another pair from the armoury. Suddenly a shadow took him by surprise, and he watched her dangle from the edge of the surface above before dropping down, the sound of her feet touching wood barely audible.
Kakashi couldn't help but admire her agility as she dropped down from the loft, landing gracefully beside him. She took her seat opposite from him, and took up the torn glove, pushing her fingers into the fabric to reveal the gash in the palm, then carefully started to close the void, the tip of the needle glinting each time it emerged from the black leather. Kakashi watched in fascination as Blood Tiger skilfully worked the needle and thread, her fingers moving with precision and grace. He couldn't help but admire her craftsmanship as she deftly repaired the torn glove, the indigo-blue pattern forming intricate designs along the seam.
"You're quite skilled with a needle," he remarked, unable to hide his admiration. Blood Tiger looked up at him, a faint blush colouring her cheeks.
"Thank you," she replied modestly, her focus returning to her task.
"Do you make your own clothing as well?" Kakashi asked, genuinely curious. She paused for a moment, considering his question.
"Sometimes," she admitted with a smile.
"I find it to be a soothing pastime." Kakashi nodded, impressed by her talent.
"It certainly shows," he commented, gesturing to the repaired glove. Her smile widened at his compliment, a sense of pride evident in her eyes. With a sharp tug, she severed the thread and handed the glove back to him.
"There you go." Their eyes met, and for a moment, Kakashi felt as if time had slowed to a standstill. There was something unspoken between them, something that lingered in the air like a whisper on the wind.
"I'm sorry, I didn't have black thread. I hope that's okay," she mentioned, and he noticed that the tear was mended with an indigo-blue pattern.
"It's perfectly fine," he assured, not intending to use the glove again but it was a token he would keep anyway.
"Thank you." she smiled, her eyes reflecting the warmth of her heart.
"You're welcome," she said, her voice gentle and reassuring.
"I'm just glad I could help." Their moment lingered, the air around them filled with a silent understanding that seemed to transcend words. Kakashi found himself drawn to Blood Tiger in a way he hadn't anticipated, her presence calming and comforting in ways he couldn't fully comprehend. As they sat together in the quiet of the hut, savouring the warmth of their tea and the company of one another, Kakashi couldn't shake the feeling that this night was the beginning of something new—a bond forged in the stillness of the night, guided by the whisper of the wind.
As she brought her cup closer, she glanced down at the table surface.
"You mentioned that you blocked an attack with your hand. Forgive my silly question, but why do that? Why not just move?" she asked softly, but inquisitively. The fact remained, that she was not a shinobi living out here.
Kakashi leaned back in his seat, contemplating her question. It was a valid inquiry, one that carried a weight of innocence and curiosity he found endearing.
"It's not a silly question at all," he reassured her with a small smile.
"Sometimes, moving out of the way isn't an option. In the heat of battle, you have to make split-second decisions, and sometimes blocking is the best course of action." He paused for a moment, searching for the right words to explain.
"Blocking with your hand might seem counter-intuitive, but sometimes it's necessary to protect yourself or others, it could also be beneficial in some rare instances." he continued.
"It's about assessing the situation and choosing the best strategy based on the circumstances." he paused for a moment, considering his words.
"I see, it's all about making the best choice in the moment."" she murmured, her gaze thoughtful.
"Exactly," Kakashi agreed, his gaze meeting hers once more. There was a depth to Blood Tiger's eyes that intrigued him, a quiet strength that belied her gentle demeanour. As he studied her, he couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the young woman sitting before him.
Their conversation continued into the night, sharing their lives. And despite the turning moon and the chill it brought, the hidden haven was warm and safe and soothing.
"Zabuza was aiming for my left eye, at the time. He was a Jonin from the Hidden Mist village, with good talent. Even if I wanted to, I might not have had the time to move." Kakashi explained, but that was not the only reason. He had let Zabuza injure him purposefully, but that was a detail he didn't think she needed right now.
"Your left eye?" she paused for a moment.
"But, it's covered?" she observed the headband crossing his forehead.
"You remember what they call me?" he asked, and she straightened slightly.
"Kakashi of the Sharingan." she answered, much like a student would.
"But... I'm embarrassed to say that I don't know exactly what that is..." she muttered.
Kakashi nodded, acknowledging Blood Tiger's observation.
"That's right, and the Sharingan is a special ability that some members of the Uchiha clan possess." he confirmed. He paused, considering how best to explain the intricacies of the Sharingan to someone who had likely never encountered it before.
"It's a unique eye technique that grants its user enhanced perception and the ability to see chakra, among other things," he elaborated.
"It's a powerful tool in battle, one that can turn the tide in favour of its wielder." Blood Tiger listened intently, her eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and fascination.
"I see," she murmured, processing Kakashi's explanation.
"It sounds... incredible." Kakashi smiled, appreciating her genuine interest.
"It is, but like any ability, it comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities." he agreed.
"So, it's an actual substance? I thought it was related to the ANBU, or at the very least an organization similar to it," she said and then looked up at him.
"I had no idea," she confessed, and his hand slowly moved up to take hold of his headband. He drew it carefully up, and opened his left eye, watching her stare at him in amazement as she took in the striking red of the iris, defined with three black tomoe. Her purple eyes were sparkling like he was shining a light into mirrors covered in a thin sheen of frost. He didn't know what he was expecting but saw her smile.
"It's beautiful." she complimented, and he drew the headband back down.
"Why do you hide it?" she enquired.
"It takes an immense amount of energy, and I don't have the ability to control it like blood members of the Uchiha clan," he explained, now noting that without the Sharingan's innate perception, the glittering of her eyes had vanished. He sat for a moment and decided to take a chance.
"Your eyes seemed different, too. A second ago..." he mentioned, and she blinked.
"What do you mean?" she asked, and then he met her eyes.
"They were sparkling. Like frost." he said. Again, her demeanour changed, and he wondered why. As Kakashi observed Blood Tiger's reaction to his observation about her eyes, he sensed a shift in her demeanour, a subtle withdrawal that piques his curiosity. Sensing an opportunity to deepen their connection, he decides to broach the subject delicately, treading carefully to respect her boundaries.
"Is there something on your mind?" Kakashi inquired gently, his gaze searching her face for any signs of discomfort. She hesitated, her gaze flickering away before returning to meet Kakashi's steady gaze.
"It's just... there are things about me that I haven't shared with anyone," Blood Tiger admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Kakashi listened intently, sensing the weight of her words.
"You don't have to tell me anything you're not comfortable sharing," Kakashi assured her, keeping his own posture calm and relaxed. She hesitated, her gaze dropping to her fingers resting on the table's edge before meeting Kakashi's eyes once more. For what seemed like a long silent moment, she seemed to be struggling with herself.
"You have been very honest with me, Kakashi-san. I think it's only fair that you deserve the same from me, as well," she said, and the door to the garden slid open. Rikimaru's massive bulk entered, his very presence commanding attention. He took a position behind her, lying down as he watched Kakashi. His icy eyes were frigid in their glare, like he was waiting for something. Expecting... Is he... expecting me to attack her..? As Rikimaru's imposing figure settled behind her, Kakashi's gaze flickered between them, a silent understanding passing between man and beast.
"Of course," Kakashi replied, his tone calm but attentive as his eyes returned to her.
"I appreciate your honesty," Kakashi replied softly, his voice gentle and reassuring.
"You don't owe me anything, but I'm here to listen whenever you're ready." The weight of her words hung heavy in the air, a palpable tension building with each passing moment.
"I... I don't know how to do this. I don't know what to say..." she stammered before looking up at him.
"I don't know how to tell you something, that I've never told anyone..." in the flickering flames, he saw the sheen of tears lining her bright eyes. But for some reason, he smiled.
"Whatever it is, it's going to be okay." he offered. Again, she was silent for a long moment, rummaging for words as the bear watched him.
"You still remember that boy? The one you were talking about?" she started.
"I do. Do you know something about him?" Kakashi asked gently.
"Well, not him specifically. But... we might have shared a plight..." she said softly. Blood Tiger's hesitant admission hung in the air, her words laden with a weight that Kakashi couldn't ignore. He felt a surge of curiosity mixed with concern, his mind racing to piece together the fragments of her cryptic confession.
"A shared plight?" Kakashi echoed, his tone gentle yet probing.
"What do you mean?" Blood Tiger hesitated, her gaze drifting to the floor as she struggled to find the right words.
"It's... complicated," she began, her voice barely above a whisper.
"But there are similarities between his story and mine." Kakashi's brow furrowed in confusion, his mind racing to make sense of her cryptic revelation.
"Similarities?" he repeated, urging her to continue. She nodded slowly, her expression tinged with sadness.
"I can't explain it all right now," she murmured, her voice heavy with emotion.
"But I hope you'll understand when I tell you everything." Blood Tiger took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking.
"My name is Sachiko Uzumaki." she confessed, the name hitting Kakashi like thunder in the distance. A powerful clan whose village was eradicated decades ago, and the remnants scattered across the known world. Kakashi's breath caught in his throat as Sachiko uttered her revelation, the weight of her words sinking in like stones dropped into still waters. Uzumaki—the name reverberated in his mind like an echo of forgotten history, stirring memories of a once-great clan and the tragedy that befell them.
"Sachiko Uzumaki..." Kakashi repeated softly, his voice tinged with disbelief. The implications of her confession were staggering, sending ripples of realization through his thoughts.
"The Uzumaki clan..." he murmured, his mind racing to process the significance of her revelation.
"But I thought..." His words trailed off, something didn't make sense. There were at least three Uzumaki's living inside of their village since the tragedy. Why settle here?
"I... I think I understand. The Uzumaki's were feared because of their abilities..." he said, and she huddled closer to her watcher.
"They were, it's true. But... that happened long before we came here. So... that's not the reason, exactly." Kakashi sat watching her, that ocean of mysteries had just become vastly deeper.
"Right now... I am the last... or only surviving member of the Fubukinokamiya clan—an ancient and powerful family of ice users from the Country of Snow." Kakashi listened in stunned silence as Sachiko revealed yet another layer of her identity, each word adding new complexity to the enigma she presented. The Fubukinokamiya clan—a name shrouded in myth and legend, known only in whispers and half-forgotten tales.
"The Fubukinokamiya clan..." Kakashi repeated, his mind already racing to unravel the meaning behind the enigmatic name that was either well known, or not at all.
"Fubuki... it means 'snowstorm' in Japanese," he explained, his voice carrying a note of realization.
"And 'kamiya'... it could be 'shrine' or 'sanctuary'." He paused, considering the implications of the translated name.
"So, the 'Sanctuary of the Snowstorm' clan," he mused, his gaze flickering back to Sachiko with new-found understanding.
"A fitting name for a clan of ice users from the Country of Snow." such a lineage carried with it a weight of history and power that Kakashi could scarcely fathom. Sachiko managed a small smile.
"'House of the God of Snowstorms' actually. My grandfather's family." she indicated. Sachiko's clarification added another layer of meaning to the name, emphasizing its connection to her familial lineage. Kakashi nodded, acknowledging her explanation.
"House of the God of Snowstorms..." Kakashi murmured, his brow furrowing with concern.
"Wow... Your family's legacy seems truly remarkable." His words carried a mixture of admiration and apprehension, reflecting the complexity of emotions swirling within him.
Sachiko's gaze flickered with uncertainty, a trace of fear lingering in her eyes. She had braced herself for Kakashi's reaction, expecting shock or disbelief... perhaps even an outburst of anger, or hate. But as she looked into his eyes, she saw something else—a genuine sense of wonder and curiosity. For Sachiko, the revelation was a leap of faith, a risk she had taken in hopes of forging a deeper connection with Kakashi. But now, faced with the reality of his knowledge, she couldn't shake the fear that her grandfather's warnings might soon come to fruition.
As Sachiko huddled closer to her watcher, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a surge of empathy for the burden she must carry as the last surviving member of her clan. The weight of such heritage, coupled with the legacy of the Uzumaki clan, painted a portrait of a woman forged in the crucible of tragedy and resilience.
"I see..." Kakashi murmured, his voice soft with understanding.
"One of the last, and only of two powerful lineages, each with its own tale of loss and survival." He met Sachiko's gaze with a mixture of reverence and compassion, a silent acknowledgement of the strength that lay within her. In that moment, as the firelight danced around them, Kakashi realized that Sachiko's story was far from over—that the chapters of her life were still being written, waiting to be discovered in the pages of time. Sachiko's voice wavered as she delved into the painful history of her family's flight from persecution. Each word she spoke seemed to dredge up memories long buried, memories of fear and desperation.
"My grandfather, Kenshin Fubukinokamiya, led us here during the Third Great Shinobi War, he was sought for his strength and skill in both the first and second great wars, but after peace came, people started to fear our family. And with the start of the third, their hate for us erupted." she revealed.
"Why did they fear your family?" Kakashi inquired gently, sensing that there was more to the story. Sachiko's gaze held a mixture of sadness and acceptance.
"We were born with a unique power, legends say given by the god of Winter himself aeons ago. A power that could manipulate the essence of snow and ice. It was a gift and a curse. People misunderstood, and rumours spread. They called us the 'Snow Demons.' It became increasingly difficult to live peacefully, and so my grandfather sought refuge in seclusion. He passed down the gift to me." As Sachiko spoke, Kakashi could sense the burden of her heritage, the isolation she had endured, and the weight of the expectations placed upon her shoulders. The revelation deepened the connection between them, transcending the simple act of sharing tea in a secluded hut.
"We were refugees, fleeing the genocide that ravaged the Country of Snow. Our people were hunted, our homes destroyed." Kakashi listened in silence, his heart heavy with empathy for Sachiko and her family. He had heard tales of the atrocities committed during the war, but to hear Sachiko speak of them so intimately brought a new sense of gravity to the stories. Sachiko's voice faltered, grief washing over her as she spoke of the loved ones she had lost along the journey. The weight of their absence hung heavy in the air, a silent reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of survival.
"Those with the Fubukinokamiya bloodline, and others like us, like the boy you mentioned, were hunted. Exterminated like vermin," Sachiko explained, her voice tinged with sorrow.
"My grandfather, concerned for the safety of his family, beseeched the Hokage for sanctuary, on the condition that he would never again participate in a war, and the Hokage agreed. My family left the village where we had lived for many, many centuries. But sadly, my grandfather and I were the only ones who made it here, with the help of the Hokage who had sent an escort. My grandmother, my mother, and my brother had been murdered on the road." A single tear trailed down her cheek.
"Fearing that they would not make it in time, my grandfather urged us to leave earlier. The team found us a few days later and brought us here," she continued, her voice steady despite the pain of her memories. Sachiko's gaze drifted to the bow hanging on the wall.
"Had my brother survived, the bow would have been his. Instead, it came to me. After settling here, my grandfather taught me to use it; and while I don't need to, I can defend myself with it," she said, returning her eyes to Kakashi.
"A powerful member of the Uchiha clan cast a genjutsu on this area to conceal us. With time, people simply ignored us, and we faded into the world with everyone else," she concluded, her words hanging heavy in the air. Kakashi listened in silence, his heart heavy with the weight of Sachiko's sorrow and resilience. Kakashi felt a pang of sorrow for Sachiko, her losses a stark reminder of the harsh realities of their world. To lose so much in the pursuit of safety and sanctuary was a burden no one should have to bear. Kakashi listened intently, his heart heavy with empathy for the pain Sachiko had endured. Kakashi looked up.
"Why did your grandfather, Kenshin, specifically beseech the Village Hidden in the Leaves for asylum? Why not the Sand, the Rain, the Mist, or the Cloud?" Sachiko's expression turned reflective.
"He did reach out to other villages," she explained.
"But Konoha was the only one that answered." Kakashi nodded slowly, absorbing this information.
"I see..." Minato Namikaze had become their leader in the early time of the war, and was widely known for his compassion and the value of protecting those in need. It could have been him particularly. He saw the potential for alliance. It was part of what made him such a revered leader.
"That makes sense. Konoha has always been a place that values compassion and unity, even in the darkest times." He reached out to gently grasp her hand, offering a silent gesture of comfort and solidarity. He noticed her wiping away a shine on her cheek.
"My grandfather warned me to not be trusting, to keep to myself as much as I could. To not... commune with others beyond what was necessary because of what happened. But... I was so happy to have someone to talk to. To have another human face to interact with... I didn't think..." then she lowered, just slightly as she took another shaky breath.
"No... I should have known better. It was naive to imagine my life would continue as it did..." she whispered. Kakashi squeezed Sachiko's hand gently, a silent reassurance of his presence and support. He listened to her words with a heavy heart, understanding the weight of her grandfather's warnings and the burden of her own naivety.
"It's not naive to seek connection, Sachiko," Kakashi said softly, his voice filled with compassion.
"We all long for companionship, for someone to share our joys and sorrows with. It's a natural part of being human." He paused, searching for the right words to offer her solace.
"Your grandfather's warnings were born out of fear and pain, understandable given what your family has endured," he continued.
"But that doesn't mean you have to let fear dictate your life. Trusting others can be difficult, especially after experiencing loss, but it's also what allows us to find strength and support in one another." Sachiko nodded, her eyes meeting Kakashi's with a mixture of gratitude and sadness.
"Thank you, Kakashi-san," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I appreciate your kindness and understanding." Kakashi smiled gently, his heart aching for Sachiko's pain.
"You don't have to thank me, Sachiko," he replied.
"I'm here for you, always." As they sat together in the quiet sanctuary of the tea hut, Kakashi vowed to be a source of comfort and support for Sachiko, to help her navigate the complexities of trust and connection in a world still haunted by the shadows of the past.
Kakashi absorbed the weight of her story, realizing the lengths to which her family had gone to find safety and sanctuary. The Uchiha's genjutsu, providing a shield from the outside world, allowed them to live in relative peace, hidden and forgotten.
"I'm sorry for what you've been through, Sachiko," Kakashi said sincerely, recognizing the strength and resilience she must possess to endure such hardships. The revelation of her past only deepened his respect for the mysterious woman he had come to know as Blood Tiger.
He understood now why he'd never seen her before, why he'd never even thought of this area twice. Their incidental meeting in the village was either a very lucky chance or somehow had been fated. But immediately his thoughts went to how to further protect her, as he well knew there were still those secured in ways long past, those who would come looking for her to finally end the Fubukinokamiya bloodline, and some who would stop at nothing to. Deeply, he was grateful for the watcher, this massive creature that would defend her even more fiercely.
"I will keep your secret. And perhaps keep my visits to night time," he suggested, and finally, he could see a faint smile pull at her lips.
"Thank you. But, how will you get out of the village at night?" she asked, and he had to smile.
"I have ways." he smiled. As Kakashi prepared to take his leave after finishing their tea, a sense of quiet understanding settled between them, forged in the shared revelations of the night. Sachiko's eyes held a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty, while Kakashi's gaze reflected a new-found determination to protect her secret and ensure her safety.
"Thank you for trusting me, Sachiko," Kakashi said softly, his voice carrying a solemn promise.
"I will do whatever it takes to protect you." Sachiko nodded, her expression filled with a blend of relief and apprehension.
"Thank you, Kakashi-san," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Your friendship means more to me than you know." With a final nod, Kakashi made his way to the door, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air like a silent vow. As he stepped out into the cool night air, he couldn't shake the feeling that their meeting was just the beginning of an extraordinary journey—one that would test their strength, their loyalty, and their resolve.
But for now, in the quiet of the night, they were simply two souls bound by fate, finding solace in each other's company amidst the shadows of their shared pasts. And as Kakashi disappeared into the darkness, a faint smile graced his lips, his heart filled with a new-found sense of purpose and belonging.
