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Chapter Text

The Third Division of the Allied Shinobi Forces are taking a much needed rest after fiercely fighting the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist. Though the Fourth Great Ninja War is not over yet, so they can't let their guard down, especially with nightfall soon approaching. Kakashi has gone out ahead to scout the area for any trouble.

Kakashi POV:

While jumping through the treelines Kakashi stops for a moment and scans the area. “Hm. I haven't spotted anything yet, but that doesn’t mean I can let my guard down. I have a nagging feeling that something is out here”. 

ring

A noise catches Kakashi’s attention. “What was that??”

ring

“It sounds like some sort of ringing. Well there’s only one way to find out what it is”. With take Kakashi is off following the sound of the ringing.

Ring

Kakashi catches some movement off in the distance.

Ring

Kakashi stops not too far away from the commotion.

RING   

The figures in the distance seem to be coming toward his direction. “Not sure who they are, so I better get ready.” Kakashi thinks while pulling out a kunai. 

RING

Kakashi now sees some of what is in the distance, a short person who has black hair seems to be running. “With that height, they are either fairly young or old, but with that speed I am more inclined to believe they are young.”   

RING

Kakashi can see that kid in red attire is frantically running. “They seem like they are running from something, the question is what though”. 

RING

The kid stops and leans on a tree nearby, not too far from Kakashi, while desperately trying to catch their breath. They look around for a moment, seeing nothing, and starts to relax. They touch their back only to see their blood soaked hand. “They seem to be injured as well”. Unknown to the kid, something starts to take form out of the tree they are leaning on. A head seems to form first then one arm then the other. Kakashi gets a look at the thing forming out of the tree. 

“A White Zetsu??” The Zetsu then makes an attempt to grab the kid. 

“BEHIND YOU!!” Kakashi yells. The person notices Kakashi looks him in the eye, then turns to see an arm coming at them. The kid barely dodges being grabbed, but hits the ground hard,  barling into another tree not far from where she once stood. The Zetsu seems to say something then go for another attempt, Kakashi is faster. He attempts to take a slice at the Zetsu with his kunai, with the Zetsu dodging. Kakashi for a brief second looks at the kid, they are struggling to get up, their whole body shaking. Whether that’s from exhaustion or the pain from their wound Kakashi doesn’t know. But the kid ends up succumbing to it, ultimately falling conscious.

“Her being unconscious is going to make things a bit tougher”.

“Do not get involved ninja, this isn’t any of your business.”

“Yes well it seems I have now made it my business”.

“No! I won’t lose again!! I won't let you take her away from me!!” Zetsu angrily yells while charging at the 2 attempting to take a swipe with his large claw-like hand.

“Damn he is fast. I don't have any time for jutsu. Can't dodge either, if I do, this kid could get hurt. I just have to take his attack full force or divert the attack ” he thinks. 

“YOU CAN’T TAKE HER, SHE’S…”  the Zetsu gets cut off by something fast barreling into him.

“LEAF HURRICANE!!”

“Wait, what??”. 

“You know Kakashi. I told you, didn't I, you shouldn't try to do everything by yourself” a voice says while standing over sed Zetsu, who is now laying in a small crater. Kakashi breathes a sigh of relief. 

“I’m happy to see you Guy”. Kakashi goes over to the kid, putting 2 fingers to their neck hoping for a pulse.

“Good, they're still alive”.

“Hey Kakashi, what’s this white thing, right??” Guy asks while looking at the Zetsu he had kicked into the ground. Kakashi goes over to Guy, answers his question.

“It’s a White Zetsu, Guy”.

“Yes, I see”. 

“Although this one looks a bit different, normally they are all white. But this one has one side white while the other is black.”

“Yes, right of course”. Kakashi gives Guy a deadpanned look.

“You have no idea what I am talking about, do you??”

“Nope! Not in the slightest!” Guy says energetically, giving Kakashi a thumbs up.

“Why am I not surprised” 

“What I am is none of your concern, just give me the child and I shall be on my way”.

“I don’t think you’re in a position to be making demands”.

“He’s right my Leaf Hurricane did quite a number on you”.

“ And you can barely stand, so I think you’re done. Now why don’t you tell us why you were after that kid”.

“You damn ninja!!”. The Zetsu struggles to get back on his feet, seemingly preparing to do something. Kakashi and Guy prepare for a possible attack. “You have no idea what you are getting yourselves into! You…you think…you can protect her!! HAhahaHaHA!! I’ll tell you right now you can’t, I…”. The Zetsu freezes for a moment then their face morphs into a very annoyed look. “It seems you have won this battle, but do you think you can win the war?? I will be back for her”. Wood appears from the ground and heads straight from Guy or Kakashi causing them to leap back. Zetsu starts to seemingly be absorbed into the ground. “When I do I’ll shred you both to pieces”. The Zetsu completely disappears before either can get to him. 

“Well that was pretty eventful, huh, Kakashi”.

“Yes, that seems to be so”. Kakashi walks back over to the kid unconscious on the ground.

“Who’s the kid??” 

“Not sure. She fell unconscious before I could really talk to her” Kakashi says, while checking over the girls.

Now Kakashi actually looks at the girl for the first time, she looks about 11 years old with jet black hair with a butterfly clip in it holding her hair back. She has a pair of red glasses sitting neatly on her face, but the girl's attire reminds Kakashi of something or someone. “Her clothes remind me a bit of Sakura’s when she was this age” . Kakashi removes her glasses so they do not get damaged but freezes when he looks at her face. “What?? Sasuke??”

“So, how is she doing??” Guy asks, snapping Kakashi out of his thoughts.

“Oh… she’s alive” Kakashi precedes to put her glasses in his bag and pulls out some wrapping. “Though she is not in any immediate danger, if she doesn’t get treated soon she will be. I am also concerned with her head bleeding the way it is”. Kakashi puts yhe girls glasses unto his bag and pull out bandages and starts bandaging her wounds. “I’ll start giving her some temporary treatment, it should hold enough until we can get her actual treatment”.

“Well good then we can move her more safely back where we are camped and…”

“We can’t Guy”

“We can't?? Why not?? You just said Kakashi, if we don't get her wounds properly treated soon, she could die??”

“I know that Guy, but with the white Zetsu impersonating people and using our own emotions as a trap.”

“What you’re saying is this girl is maybe being used to trap us??”.

“Yes Guy that's exactly what I am saying”

“Well then I say bring on the trap!!” Guy yells to the sky.

“Guy…”

“No Kakashi listens if it comes to me choosing to fall into a possible trap or protect a possible innocent child who doesn't belong anywhere near this war. Then, Kakashi, I’ll say it again, BRING ON THE TRAP!!” Guy again screams to the sky.

Sigh “There is no reasoning with you Guy, is there??”

“Correctomundo Kakashi!! And besides if she does end up being a trap, then I will take full responsibility”

Sigh “Ok, but moving past her being a possible trap. Who is going to give that proper treatment?? Is she going to be put in more danger if we bring her back to the camp?? This girl is too young, and doesn't belong anywhere near this battlefield, or at least as much as I can help it.”

“I agree with you on that. We were thrown into war around her age. We both know the tragedies that come with that.” Guy calmlt states then changes to a more up beat toon. “So, what you're saying is either send her to the medical unit so they can take care of her??”

“The Medical Unit aren't taking any patients due to the white Zetsu’s impersonating allies. And even if we could bring her to the Medical Unit, who would take her?? We can't spare any men to escort 1 child away from the battlefield and even if we could there is no guarantee that the girl and the escort(s) will even survive the trip, with these reanimated ninjas everywhere. Or that Zetsu will come back and take her again, and if that happens then there was no point in saving her”.

“Hm. So….it seems like the only option is to bring her back to camp and have her stay with us. So let's go!!” 

“Guy, wait. Weren't you listening we can’t bring her back to camp, let alone have her stay with us. Even if we keep her with us, she is a young child she won't be able to keep up, and we will most likely have to keep her safe causing people to get distracted and maybe a few to die or even the girl herself”.

“Hmmmm. A predicament indeed, but there is no use in standing around here Kakashi. She needs some proper healing than a few bandages can give if you want her to even wake up let alone walk.”

“Guy, I already said we can’t bring her to the medical…”

“Now, now I don't think that's what I said, Kakashi. Out of every ninja back at camp, there has to be at least one of them who knows even basic healing. And besides the backing on her clothes are all torn up from the attack, we can at least maybe give her a clock to keep her warm. And maybe one of the people at camp can come up with another solution that we didn't think of. They always say more heads are better than 1!!” Kakashi rolls his eye and sighs as he finishes treating the girl as best he could.

“Ok we can do it your way. I just finished patching her up, we can start heading back in just a moment”. Kakashi finishes packing up his things, then gently picks up the girl. “Ok lets go”.

“Alrighty, Kakashi!! You got it!! I’ll race you back!!”

“Uh, no, Guy.”

“Afraid you'll lose, Kakashi??”

Sigh “...Guy, I’m carrying an injured person, right?? I may have patched her up, but I would rather not make her injuries worse than they already are, by having a rough ride”.

“Well Kakashi you have a point there. Hmmm, well then I’ll carry her. It'll be a smooth ride so it should be…”

“Guy. You have carried me before. So I know first hand that there is no way that is a smooth ride”.

“I disagree with that statement. I…”

“Guy I’m just gonna carry her it's easier” 

 “Alrighty then but the race. Hmmmm. Hah, I know we will just race but just gently. Ya let's do it.”

“Guy I don’t think…”

“READY”

“Wait Guy…”

“SET”

“Guy!”

“What??” Guy looks at Kakashi confused.

“Can’t we just get back to camp normally”.

“What my eternal rival Kakashi is giving up??”

“No. But we should conserve our energy for the fight with the rest of the Swordsman of The Mist, don’t you think??”

“I guess you have a point there.”

“Glad that convinced him”.

“Off we go then??” 

“Yes, let's go”. And with that they are off.  

Chapter Text

Guy’s POV:

Guy and Kakashi are leaping through the trees on their way back to the camp. Guy glances over at Kakashi, then to the girl in his arms. 

“I hope the girl is going to be alright. But I do believe Kakashi has a point, what are we going to do with her?? While this is the best option for right now. The long term is the problem, if the girl stays with us it will put her in extreme danger. I don’t want a kid her age having to war when us adults can. I would rather not scare a child if we can avoid it or worse her becoming a casualty of this war. We don’t need anymore Obitos’ or…”. Guy stops mid thought and punches himself in the face. “Nope. No, thinking sad thoughts now.”

“Guy, are you ok??” Guy looks at Kakashi and sees him looking back with concern on his face.

“I am A-OK partner. Why won’t I be, we are in the time of our youth, Kakashi!!” Guy starts to leap faster and all you can hear is Guy's very exaggerated laughter. Guy then finds himself on the edge of camp. 

“See we made it here in no time, Kaka…” Guy turns around to see no one there. “Hm, where did he go?? Seems like Kakashi can't keep up with my amazing speed. Though he was carrying extra weight”.

“Hm. I do wonder why that guy was after the kid?? And why were they so close to the frontlines?? From what Kakashi mentioned it seems like the kid was trying to get away from him. So he must have been holding her not far from here, so it will be quite easy for him to grab her anytime, so we will have to stay vigilant. The why though is the mystery, I get the feeling it's probably not as a hostage or blackmail. So it may be an ability that she has, most likely a Kekkei Genkai. I know Lady Fifth wouldn’t but, the higher ups would use her Kekkei Genkai as a tool for war disregarding the person it belongs to. And I can see them doing it without even batting an eye, too. I don’t like that and I know many people in this war wouldn’t as well, especially the Kankuro.” Guy then sees Kakashi has landed right beside him.

“Ah, Kakashi, you made it. As you can see I won our little race”.

“Didn’t we agree that we weren’t racing??”

“Yes we did. But you see my rival Kakashi, even though there may be a war going on we still need to be in tip top shape”. Guy exclaims.

“Sure Guy. I’m just glad we got back to camp before nightfall”. Kakashi says, looking at the sky seeing the tiniest rays of light peeking over the horizon. “Anyway we still have to find someone to heal her”. 

“Captain Kakashi, Guy”. Both Guy and Kakashi look over to see a girl, with shoulder length brown hair in a Hidden Mist uniform, leaping from a tree branch above.

“Oh, Ruka, hello”. Kakashi says.

 “You’re both back”. Ruka then looks at the girl in Kakashi’s hands and makes a concerned face. “Captain Kakashi, why do you have a child in your arms?” 

“You see, Kakashi, here saved her from…” Guy gets cut off by Kakashi.

“From an assailant, who appeared very keen on capturing her. Guy and I took him out, but not before she sustained some injuries”. Kakashi looks at Guy 

“Oh. I see Kakashi. He wants to hide the fact that she was being chased by that white and black guy earlier. I mean if Kakashi lets people assume she escaped from regular bandits, it may just seem like ordinarily bad people taking advantage of the situation. Instead of what it actually seems like it is, a powerful person trying to use a young girl's powerful ability for some nefarious purpose. Considering the fact we are in the middle of a war, the desire may have been to use her against us or for something else entirely. But either way…”. Guy responds to Kakashi’s look with an exaggerated thumbs up. “ ...I read you loud and clear Kakashi”.

Gasp. “The poor girl!! People must be using the chaos of war as a deviation to do what they want. How awful. She is very lucky you happened to find her, Captain Kakashi, Guy”.

“Ya indeed”.

“So Captain Kakashi…um…are you planning to bring her to the medical unit??” Ruka asks with uncertainty. “Last I heard the medical unit is not accepting any more patients, until a solution to the Zetsu problem is found. And Unfortunately a solution has not been found yet. So what are you gonna do with her??”

“ I get the feeling we are gonna hear that question a lot today”.

“That is correctamundo, Ruka! We can’t bring her to the Medical Unit to be healed, which is why we brought her here. I mean with all the ninjas here at least one of them has to know some healing jutsu, right?? So, we just have to go around and ask everyone, until we find someone!! So, let's start with you Ruka. Do you know any healing jutsu??” Guy exclaims

“Oh! That makes sense! Oh, but I don’t know any healing jutsu, sorry. Um…OH…if I remember right I do believe Maki mentioned knowing some healing jutsu, but only the basics so I'm not sure how much she can…”.

“Whatever she can do is enough. Where is Maki?” Kakashi quickly says.

“Last I heard, she was somewhere around here…” Ruka looks around trying to see if she can see Maki anywhere. “Oh there they are,” she says as she walks over to them waving. They look over to see Maki not too far, talking to who seems to be Kankuro.

“Hm. That is definitely one of the main people we may have wanted to avoid, second being the samurai leader guy that's part of his squad. Kankuro probably won’t be too happy about this situation. WELP, I guess it can’t be helped! And besides who knows he might even take it fantastically, and all this worry is for nothing”. Guy, Kakashi and Ruka all walk over to the 2. Kankuro and Maki are fully engrossed in their conversation, with Kankuro having his back turned to them, Maki eventually notices them and greets the 3.

“Hello Ruka.” Maki looks at Guy the Kakashi. “Guy, Captain Kakashi, I am glad you are both back…” Maki pauses only now, noticing the girl in Kakashi arms.

Kankuro turns around facing the group.“Captain Kakashi, Guy good you’re both ba….” pauses, looks down “Captain Kakashi?? Why do you have a kid in your arms??”

“Oh well hello Captain Kankuro, Maki, glad to be back too. I was wondering if I could borrow you Maki for a moment to maybe heal…”. Kakashi gets cut off by Kankuro.

“Captain Kakashi, why are you avoiding my question”. Kankuro asks with silent anger.

“It seems he may not be taking this too well”.

“That's not what’s happening, Captain Kankuro I'm not avoiding your question”. 

“Oh, he totally is. Though I wouldn't want to have this conversation either”.

 “ Captain Kakashi . I will ask again. Why are you carrying a child onto the frontlines of a battlefield ?!?! ”. Kankuro slowly gets louder with each word.

“Yep definitely not taking this well. Plus if he gets any louder it’s attracting attention” Guy looks around seeing that people are starting to look at them.

“I ran into this child while scouting, she was injured while being chased. Guy and I were able to get the assailant to retreat”. Kakashi says calming hoping to smooth things over, but Kankuro doesn't let up.

“OK, but how and why is she out here, everyone should have been evacuated?”

“Not sure. The girl passed out before we could ask her anything”.

“So let me get this straight. You brought a kid here, to the middle of camp where it's supposed to be safe, you know absolutely nothing about”. 

“Yes.” Kakashi says and with that Kankuro blows up.

“Captain Kakashi!! Did it ever cross your mind that this girl could be a Zetsu in disguise!?! How could you be so st…”

“Captain Kankuro, sir!” Maki exclaims interrupting Kankuro, and calmly continues. “Maybe we should take this inside a tent. Where Captain Kakashi and Guy can give a full scouting report of the area as well??” Then does an eye gesture to show that people are now gathering from Kankuro’s outburst.

“Shit” he says under his breath “Yes, yes you are right. Let's talk further over here” Kankuro says, making a gesture for them to follow him to one of the tents. 

“That was a nice play, Maki.”  

“Ruka, I would like you to go and get me some supplies and…”.

Kakashi, Kankuro, and Guy start heading over to the tent. Kakashi and Kankuro enter the tent, though Guy before entering behind the 2 looks back to Maki just finishing her conversation with Ruka. Ruka who is now talking to Sai and though Sai keeps looking at Guy.

“Sai probably just wants to check in since Kakashi is back”. Guy thinks before entering the tent.

Chapter Text

Rock Lee POV:

At the temporary camp of the 3rd division some are getting some much needed rest while others are keeping watch or doing perimeter checks before nightfall. Although a few, Rock Lee, are training to keep their skills in tip top shape as they say.

Rock Lee is practicing some kicks and punches, when someone comes up behind him, and he swings about to hit them but stops inches before hitting their face. 

“Hello Lee”, Sai says as if not phased by nearly being punched in the face. 

“Oh, Sai”. Lee does a 90 degree bow. “I am very sorry, accept my dearest apologies”.

“Lee it is fine really” Sai says as waving it off, “I was the one that interrupted you”. 

“No! That is no excuse for my behavior! Here hit me and we shall make it even!”

“...”

“Do it! I insist! This is the only way to make up for my behavior!”

“No. I’m not doing that” Sai says and before Lee can speak again Sai adds “Have you seen Kakashi??”

“No I have not. But I do believe Guy Sensei went to retrieve him. So do not worry friend Sai”. Lee adds with an excited thumbs up.

“I was not worried. I just wanted to ask Kakashi something” Sai exclaims with a serious face. 

“I wonder what friend Sai urgently needs to talk to Kakashi Sensei about”.

“Do not worry friend Sai, Guy Sensei will return with Kakashi Sensei in no time”

“Again I am not worried. Besides, shouldn't you not be trying to get some rest before the fighting tomorrow, instead training and using up more energy.”  

“Friend Sai do not worry I am all rested up and keeping my body ready for battle” Lee says with a punch to the air. “What about you friend Sai, should you not get more rest, you must have used much of your chakra in your battles today” Lee looks back at Sai and sees him looking at the ground seemingly lost in thought with a serious expression on his face. “Is friend Sai ok?” Lee thinks. Before Lee can say anything Sai looks up at him with something similar to his usual smile.

“Do not worry Lee, I have rested enough as well”.

“Friend Sai are you feeling ok?” Lee asks with concern. Sai looks back down at the ground still wearing a smile, but one that is a bit flatter. 

“Lee, I…” before Sai could finish there hear some commotion not to far from them, so both go investigate. When they get closer they see what looks like Guy’s and Kakashi's backs. When they finally get to the center of camp they see that the 2 are talking to Kankuro and a few others.

“Captain Kakashi, why would you bring a child here, this is a battlefield?” 

“ Wait what a child ” Lee thinks, only now seeing the child in Kakashi’s arms. “I know if it's Kakashi Sensei and Guy Sensei then there is a good reason and I will believe in them.”

“I ran into this child while scouting, she is fairly injured and she was being chased. Guy and I were able to get the assailant to retreat, and the girl passed out before we could ask her anything”. Kakashi exclaims. 

“Yes, that makes sense!! Guy Sensei and Kakashi Sensei are very honorable and would never abandon a child in danger” Lee thinks.

“Captain Kakashi, did it ever cross your mind that this girl could be a Zetsu in disguise?”

“What no! Those lowlifes would never stoop so low to use a child! Never! Besides, Guy Sensei and Kakashi Sensei would know if the child was a Zetsu because they are both that amazing. Yes they are so amazing…”  

“...that's her,” Sai mumbles.

“What did you say friend Sai?”

“Oh nothing”. Guy, Kakashi and Kankuro walk away with the girl still in his arms. “I am going to talk to Kakashi Sensei now. I will see you another time Lee”. 

“Oh, I will go with you friend Sai”.

“No! I mean no, I would like to talk to Kakashi Sensei alone. So I will see later Lee”. Sai leaves Lee standing there to follow where Kakashi and Guy went.

“Hm, friend Sai’s behavior is peculiar. Hmmmmmm. I know he must want to cheer up the girl when she awakens. Yes friend Sai you are a very honorable person.” Lee says not realizing it was said out loud.

Sai’s POV:

Sai walks away from Lee, eyes fixated on Kakashi, not noticing someone right in front of him. The 2 end up colliding with one another, causing both to fall to the ground.  

“What was that??”

“Oh Sai”. Sai looks to see Ruka on the ground in front of him. “I’m so sorry, Sai I wasn’t watching where I was going. Are you alright??”

“That’s quite alright Ruka. It seems I wasn’t watching where I was going either. Are you alright??” Sai gets up holding out his hand to Ruka to help her up.

“I’ve read that assisting a lady up after they have fallen, can cause them to swoon over you in turn causing them to get distracted. I need this interaction to finish soon. I need to talk to Kakashi”.

“Oh thank you” Ruka says as she takes his hand and he pulls her up quickly into his arms. Ruka is shocked and looks up at him, and he only gives his usual smile in turn.  

“I have also read that quickly pulling a woman into your arms is an act that can cause them to swoon as well. It seems to be working.”.

“Well I see that you are fine now. I will be off then”. Sai quickly lets Ruka go and is off to talk to Kakashi. “Good b…”

“Oh Sai there you are…” a voice says. Sai looks and now sees Omoi standing right in front of him.

“He is in the way. I need to talk to Kakashi. He needs to know”.

“...so I got these 2 swords from one of the Seven Swordsmen of The Mist we defeated earlier…”

“...it was an intense battle, I’m surprised I even made it out of there. What if I didn’t make it out of there?? What if I had been mortally wounded?? And what if no one…

“He talks far too much. I thought only Naruto and Lee could talk this much”.

  “...could have found me and I had to slowly die there on the ground?? Or maybe..

“I don’t have time for this”.

“Please get to the point”. Sai demands cutting off Omoi, with Sai giving him a smile.

“Oh, ya sorry. So I got these 2 swords from one of the Seven Swordsmen of The Mist we defeated earlier…”

“Yes I got that part”.

“Oh, ya. Sorry”. Omoi awkwardly laughs and rubs the back of his neck. “But Could you help me train with these swords? I would like to use them in battle, but I want to know how to  properly use them before we head back onto the battlefield.”

“I don’t have time for this. I need to go talk to Kakashi before sunrise”.

“No. I have things to do, sorry". With that Sai walks around Omoi to go talk to Kakashi, but he is nowhere to be seen. “Where did Kakashi go??” 

“Captain Kakashi is back??”    

“It seems I have wasted time here. I need to go around the camp until I find Kakashi.”.  

“Oh, Captain Kakashi?? He should be in that tent over there, he brought the girl over to be healed by…”

“Yes thank you Ruka” Sai says as he speeds off to the tent that Ruka had pointed out.

“ Kakashi needs to know. I need to tell him about her before it's too late .” Before Sai enters he hears voices.

“So your name is Sarada?? Well it's nice to meet you Sarada”. Sai hears from inside the tent.

“So her name is Sarada. I believe that that is Guy speaking to her”.

“Can you tell us your last name??”

“No".

“It's ok Sarada, you don't have to tell us if you…” Maki says, but Sarada interrupts her.

“No, that's…that's not it. I…I don't…Sarada, my name being Sarada is all I can remember about myself”.

Chapter Text

Maki’s POV:

Maki is standing just outside the tent that Guy, Kakashi and Kankuro entered moments ago. “Now let's see what I am walking into” , she thinks as she steps into the tent.

“Captain Kankuro would you have had me leave her there to bleed out and die, if not that then get captured by…” Kakashi states.

“I did not say that. so don't put words in my mouth” Kankuro firmly says.

“I see. The tension has not lessened, but has instead worsened”.

“Wow. Wow.” Guy says standing next to the 2 trying to calm them down. “Let's calm down now, tensions seem to be high at the moment” Guy says, then notices Maki’s presence in the room. “Oh Maki! What took you so long?”

“I apologize I was asking Ruka to get some su…”

“Oh no dont need to apologize I was just messing with you. Your patience is over here”. Guy gestures behind him where the unconscious girl lay unnaturally still on a cot.

Maki nods in response and walks over to the girl to start assessing the wounds, ignoring what's going on around her. With the young girl lying on her stomach, Maki can clearly see the bloody bandages wrapped over a wound on her back. Maki decides to start there and proceeds to gently unwrap the girl’s bandages. Once the bandages were removed Maki began assessing the wounds. There were 4 slashes starting from her left shoulder going across to her right lower back and an additional in parallel with the other 4 but instead starting from her mid back ending as her middle back. “Captain Kakashi stated he and Guy had saved the girl from bandits right, but these wounds look like they were made by an animal rather than a human?? Did these bandits have some sort of animal with them?? But what animal could make 5 slashes like this and they are all parallel with each other so all the slashes had to be from the same strike?? Either way it does not matter, I need to focus on healing the girl. Luckily it looks like the wound isn't deep enough to hit her spine which is good. I should be able to completely heal her wound, just might need a blood transfusion though, I am not entirely sure.” Maki begins to start healing the girl, but then Maki is started by Kankuro, though doesn’t stop healing the girl.

“AAAAAHHHH! You know what, I don't have time for this! I have to give my report to HQ!” Kankuro turns around to leave but stops right before leaving and turns to look at Kakashi. “We are finishing this conversation later!” Before anyone can say anything Kankuro walks out of the tent. 

“I am glad Captain Kankuro left the tent to cool down. Though I understand his frustration and sympathize with him…”.

The 3 all just stare at each other for a minute, then Kakashi sighs.

“I should go after him, I want to make sure he isn't going to tell HQ about her just yet”.

“You want to ‘til she wakes up to get more information before reporting her?” Maki asks.

“Yes”.

“I see, that's understandable”.

“So I’m assuming Captain Kankuro is heading over to Yamanaka. Maki, do you perhaps know where he may be??”

“Last I heard Yamanaka is on the east side of camp”.

“Thank you”. Kakashi starts heading out the tent before he stops and looks at the girl, then Guy and Maki. “Guy, Maki. Keep me updated on the girl's condition??”.

“You got it boss man!” Guy exclaims.

“Yes. Will do.” Maki says. With that Kakashi exits the tent, leaving Maki, Guy and the girl. 

“...that is not my current assignment. My current assignment is to heal this girl, which is what I should be putting my full focus into now”.

Maki’s focus turns back to the girl’s wounds, though she sees something odd, the girl’s wound is now almost completely healed.

“Wait, what?? That’s odd this wound for how bad it was should not have healed this quickly”.  

“So how is she??” Maki is snapped out of her thoughts to see Guy on the other side of the cot 

“I am almost done healing her back, after that I will flip her over to assess the front”.

“Wow! That's fast, you must be one damn good healer.”

“I don't think it's that. I just think that she is a fast healer”.

“Oh don't cut yourself short Maki. You’re going faaaaaantastic” Guy says giving a thumbs up.

“Thank you, Guy”. Maki says, with her mind slipping back into the argument earlier.

“It seems I can’t stop thinking about the argument earlier. Captain Kankuro’s…his heart is in the right place. I need to convey that to the Leaf ninja even if it may be out of line. I do not wish for them to lose respect for him”.

“This may be out of line, but please do not think badly of Captain Kankuro, his behavior is only due to the situation at hand”.

“The situation being this child”.

“Yes.”

“No I don’t, not in the slightest. I actually have more respect for him, standing up to protect a kid from having to come face to face with the tragedy that comes from war, is an extremely courageous and kind hearted thing to do”.

“Yes I agree as well, Captain Kankuro is courageous and kind hearted. He has gained the respect of many with his actions both during the war and leading up to it.”

“Leading up to the war as well”.

“Yes. You see Captain Kankuro is very much against children being dragged or even being forced into partaking in the ‘Tragedy that comes from war’ as you put it. He is the reason why, from our village, Lord Kazekage is the youngest on the battlefield. He argued with the elders on this, who originally wanted the cut off age to be 9”.

“Wait!? What?!? The kids wouldn’t have graduated from the academy yet!!”

“Correct. The elders, out of ego and pride, wanted to be deemed the strongest village and believed that could be shown with having the most warriors on the field than any of the other villages. When Captain Kankuro had discovered this he fought tooth and nail for it to be changed, he even went and changed the enlistment sheets…”

“Which is a serious offense. One that someone can be banished for” .   

“...knowing fully well it wouldn't be noticed until it was too late. Thankfully due to that no one under 16 was forced to enlist. I was relieved when I received the news of the change, and partaking in this war I am overcome with even more relief. I believe many of those kids wouldn't have survived out here, on this battlefield. Children’s lives would have been needlessly lost due to the elders' ego, arrogance and pride. I believe, after doing all of that and then seeing a child as young as she is on this battlefield, would make anyone frustrated and angry that what had been done was all for not”. Maki stops speaking when she feels Guy placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Thank you for sharing that story with me. I know Kakashi doesn’t think badly of Captain Kankuro due to his reaction. Nor do I think he is actually going to report the girl to HQ. Which I have a feeling you were going to mention next right?”

“How did he know??”

“That’s not the actual reason Kakashi went after Captain Kankuro, he was just using that as an excuse to go after him. You may be asking why Kakashi would say that then. Welp, that's just how the guy is. So, don’t worry the two of them will have everything cleared up in no time”.

“I see, thank you.”

“No need to thank me. I understand that this may be hitting too close to home for him”.

“What do you mean, Guy??”

“Oh don’t worry about it”. With that Guy looks down noticing the girl’s back was now completely healed.

“It looks like you finished healing her back.”

“Yes it seems I have, since her wound has completely healed, bandages are not needed. Could you assist me in gently flipping her over, so I can assess the front of her??”  

“Can do”. Both gently flip the girl over and Maki hears something that sounds like a bell ringing. Then notices that the girl has 2 bells tied to strings attached to her waist band. 

“Hm…wonder why she has bells??” Maki gets to work on the girl looking over her wounds. Maki only now notices the girl's appearance, she is wearing a long red top, with shorts light purple, dark purple gloves that go up the girls half up her bicep and boots that go halfway up her thigh. She has jet black hair that goes down to her shoulders, with a very beautiful butterfly clip in it. Maki looks at the right side of her head which has some dried blood running on it.

“It seems the front of her is mostly just bruises, which is good but her head though. It doesn’t seem like she is going to need stitches, which is also good. Though she most likely has some brain injury, we can't assess that until she wakes up. I am going to start healing her head and work on the rest after”. Maki says to Guy as she starts to heal her head.

“Guy, since I am almost done healing her, I would like to ask something.

“Go ahead”.

“What are we going to do with her when I finish healing her?? While I am aware I do not know everyone in my village, I do know a very many, and she doesn't look familiar to me??  So I do not think she is from the Sand Village. Unless she looks familiar to you, Guy??”

“Or if you think this girl is a white Zetsu in disguise like Captain Kankuro mentioned earlier??”

“Hm, all great questions Maki. To be honest we are not entirely sure yet.Well I agree with Kakashi, none of the options that we had were great, but bringing her here was the best one we had. Now is she from the leaf….hhhhhhhhhmmmmmmm. I Have No Idea! But people do say I am horrible at remembering names and faces, so I may not be the best person to ask. Although even if she isn’t from the Leaf or even any of the other villages, I do not believe the girl is one of those, what did Kakashi call them, hhhhhhhmmmmmmm. I have no idea. What are the shape shifting guys called??”

“You mean the White Zetsus’??”

“Ya those things!! I don’t think she is one of them in disguise. And I can tell by your face you agree with me.”

“Yes I do, though I do not understand why, it is just a gut feeling”.

“I feel the same way. But then the next question is why were those things after her and how does she play a part in this war??” 

“Wait what, it was white Zetsus’ that were chasing her?? I thought Kakashi said they were bandits”.

“Oh, oops guess I shouldn't have said that”.

“Why would White Zetsus’ be after this young girl no one even recognizes”.

“That is the question indeed. But it seems we won’t get any answers until she wakes u…” Guy is cut off by a voice.

“... you?” the girl says, as she starts to shift in her sleep. 

“Well that's convenient” Guys states.

Chapter Text

?? POV:

A person wakes up standing on what seems to be water and looks around to see nothing but darkness.

“What’s going on?? Where am I??” the person asks the dark void to which she is in but gets only silence as a reply. They take a step forward to explore the area around them, but the second they take a step something grabs their ankles and pulls them into the water below. 

“No, stop, I can’t breathe! I need to get up there!” they think. With all their might they try and try and try to swim back up.

“I need to get out! Please!” but with all their might they just continue to sink deeper and deeper into the watery abyss. In desperation they reach their hand out, but stop their hand before fully extending out.

“Oh, ya. That’s right.” They pull their hand back in. 

“Why would anyone come?” They completely pull their hand to their chest.

“When there are no more” They give a sad laugh while they give into the drowning weight.

“I’m so tired.” they start to close their eyes.

“Why me? Who…who even am I? What am I even trying for?” their eyes close completely and can feel their consciousness slipping away.

RING

RING

“What was that??”

RING 

RING

“There it is again” the person starts to open their eyes.

RING

RING

“That sound. Where is it coming from??”

RING 

RING

They look around to find the sound.

RING 

RING

They look up to see a small light and instinctively start to reach their hand out.

RING 

RING

The light gets brighter. “Please. I need help.”

RING 

RING

The person's arm gets grabbed, they are lifted from the water, and are placed on top of it. Frantically gasping for air on their hands and knees.

“Sarada”. Someone says.

  The one coughing up water and gasping for air, now known as Sarada, is confused. 

“Sarada. We told you.”

“What?? Who is this person??” Sarada can't look up she is using all her energy just to catch her breathe

“You’ll never be alone.”

“Do I know them? I don't know.”

“We will always be there to pick you up, when you fall.”

“Wait, what?”

“You just have to ask, Sarada”

“Who….cough….are …you?”

“Sarada. I think it's time for you to wake up now”. 

“Wait, no”

“Goodbye. Sarada we will see each other again”.

“No…cough…wait…who…who are you??” Sarada finally gets enough energy to look up and all she sees are gray butterflies where the person just was. Sarada tries to look around, but sees no one again, and starts to lower her head. Then one of the butterflies, one lands on the side of her head catching her attention. Then another, and another and another, until there is only one left and that one lands right on her nose. That one starts to flap its wings, Sarada is mesmerized, as the butterfly begins to glow brightly, so much so it becomes blinding to Sarada. 

“Time to wake up, Sarada”. Sarada hears before being blinded by a light.

Sarada opens her eyes again, adjusting to the bright light. She no longer sees only darkness all around her but light, although not as bright as before. She tries to look around but only sees 2 slightly blurry figures looming over her. Although she does not feel scared, but somewhat safe, even though these people don’t look familiar to her.

“Who…who are you?” Sarada asks.    

Chapter Text

Kankuro’s POV :  

After another outburst in the tent Kankuro leaves to go find Yamanaka to give his report. 

“Damn it! I need to calm down. This is not how a leader is supposed to behave”.

“Breath in… breath out… breath in…breath out.” Kankuro takes a few more breaths until he starts to feel calmer. “Ok, I am feeling a bit better. I can’t lash out like that, I need to keep my composure.” Kankuro starts to remember the conversation he had with Kakashi in the tent.

---------------------------------------------------FLASHBACK---------------------------------------------------------------

Guy, Kankuro, Kakashi, and the girl he is carrying enter the tent. Kankuro waits until Kakashi puts the girl down a cot before he speaks.

“So, Kakashi, why did you think it was a good idea to bring a child to a battlefield ?? This is not a place for children!”.

“Why the hell would he put a kid in danger like this?!? Though that is if she is actually a kid and not a Zetsu”

“Trust me Captain Kankuro I am aware of that, but…”

“ Oh , you’re aware of it. Then why bring her here, Kakashi?!? Why put a kid in the crossfire like this!?!”

“Hey lets calm…”

 She was being chased by a White Zetsu when I found her, Guy and I took him out. And before you ask no. I didn’t question her because she passed out before I could”. Kakashi said, trying to suppress anger. 

 “Great!! You brought an unknown person into camp, knowing full well, the situation at han…” Kankuro gets cut off by Kakashi.

“Captain Kankuro would you have had me leave her there to bleed out and die, if not that then get captured by…” Kakashi snapped back.

“I did not say that, so don't put words in my mouth” Kankuro angrily says and the 2 are annoyedly looking at each other. Guy then gets in between the 2.

“Whoa! Whoa, let's calm down. Tensions seemed to be a bit too high” Guy says as he then notices Maki had just entered. “Oh Maki! What took you so long?”

“I apologize I was asking Ruka to get some su…” Maki says, though Kankuro stopped paying attention as Maki heals the girl.

“Damn it! The kid looks like she is pretty badly hurt. We are here in this war to protect the future, so they do not have to experience the misery that will come with this war. And yet here is a kid, who looks like she barely even graduated from the academy, now being dragged into it. Damn it, was everything I did for nothing!! I don’t want to see anymore… Damn it!! This is hitting too close for me. I need to cool off so I think straight, again”.  

“Ah! You know what, I don't have time for this! I have to give my report to HQ!” Looks at Kakashi. “We are finishing this conversation later!” Before anyone can say anything Kankuro walks out of the tent.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

“Damn it, now thinking back I was behaving so childishly, not how someone with authority should behave at all. It makes total sense why Captain Kakashi brought the girl with the Medical Unit not taking in patients and just leaving her there would have just been a cruel fate for a child.” sigh “I am just glad I was able to at least get myself out of there before I said anything worse, or make any more of a fool of myself. What I did was uncalled for, I need to apologize to Captain Kakashi.” sigh “ I’ll have to do that later” . 

“Hey Captain Kankuro” Kakashi comes up behind Kankuro, who stops and turns to talk to Kakashi.

“Or maybe I can do it now”.

“Yes.” Both just look at each other awkwardly and no one says anything for a bit.

“Damn this is so awkward. I need to speak up and apologize” . Kankuro thinks, more silence as they both stand there.

“Look Captain Kankuro, your concerns are warranted and I agree she is far too young to be anywhere near here. But the girl was injured and given the circumstances we had no other choice.”

“I know I understand Captain Kakashi and I would like to apologize as well. I got too worked up. I know bringing her was the best option that was available. And to be honest I would have done something similar in your shoes. I just” sigh “nevermind. I am very sorry for my behavior earlier. It was uncalled for and it's not how a leader should act as well.”.

“Well, thank you for the apology, Captain Kankuro. Shall we continue walking.” Kankuro nods and both start to walk again. “And I understand where you are coming from, that has been on my mind since I found her. You don’t want a child to be used as a weapon, right…” Kakashi looks at Kankuro who has just frozen for a second at his statement and Kakashi continues …just like Gaara”.

Sad Laugh “Am I that transparent??”

“No. But you forget I am the sensei of a supposed weapon for the village. So I am more prone to noticing these things. Whether that's from watching Naruto or the people around him or having felt them myself.”

“It’s not like I forgot that he is Naruto’s sensei, but at the same time I just never thought about it. Captain Kakashi has had to watch a childhood be stolen and a child drown in hate that they had done nothing to deserve. The guilt and regret that comes with not being able to protect or save someone you should have. Not paying attention to what Gaara was dealing with. Thank god that Gaara was able to meet Naruto, who was able to save him ”. 

“So maybe you know exactly how I feel??” Kakashi replies with a nod, so Kankuro continues “I wasn't… I wasn’t able to protect, shield or even help Gaara growing up, even worse I was the same as the villagers condemning for being a monster, something he never chose. An older sibling is supposed to protect their younger sibling through life and instead I abandoned him, just like everyone else because I didn’t want to feel the wrath of our father, cause I thought he really was a monster. But I guess that was what our father wanted, he wanted us to only think of Gaara as a weapon for the village, not a person, nor the small, scared and lonely child he actually was. Looking back now it makes me angry with myself, that the thought never crossed my mind, so I treated him like everyone else. After the Chunin Exams, though, Temari and I got to see the real Gaara. I am so very thankful to Naruto for bringing the real Gaara out and showing himself and others that he’s not a monster, not a tool, just a child. If they are willing to steal childhoods and force kids to be weapons during the supposed time of peace, what are they willing to do during a time of war??”  

“ I don't want another child to have to go through any of that, if I have any power to stop it, I will ” .   

“So, you’re worried they will want to force her to be a weapon??” 

“Captain Kakashi” Kankuro stops and looks at Kakashi. “Now I know that the 3rd and 5th Hokage didn’t think of Naruto as a weapon, but that doesn’t mean that the other higher ups didn’t and didn’t treat him that way. And as you said earlier, you feel the same as I do, so I know that this thought has crossed your mind, most likely ever since the idea of bringing the girl here came to mind.” Kakashi hums in response and Kankuro continues. “If we are saying she isn’t a white Zetsu and that isn’t a trap. For a White Zetsu was after her and special Zetsu at that, she has to be special in some way for them to want her so badly, most likely a Kekkei Genki of sorts. And one that is valuable, I have no doubt that the higher ups would use the opportunity to use her as a weapon. Even if others are not totally Ok with it, they won't object, because this is a war and we need to take every possibility or opportunity we can. But that girl is not a possibility nor an opportunity, she is a person, not only that but a child. For enlisting we had an age cut off for a reason, if we didn'twe would have let that Konoha kid join, the one that Temari was fighting, but we didn't. And I know you agree with me on this Kakashi”. Kakashi responds with a soft smile.

“I do agree with you fully and you were completely right when you said I have been worried about this since I found her. Which is why I have been thinking of a plan to avoid the girl getting used as a weapon and to keep her safe. But sadly at the moment keeping her with my division on the front lines is the best way to do so.”

“On the frontlines?”

“If she gets transferred to another division, one in a safer physical position on the battlefield she technically would be safer…”

“Once they figure out whatever her Kekkei Genki is, they will tell HQ, who in return will come up with a way to use her, right??”

“Yes”

“That makes sense”.

Kakashi’s POV :

 “Or that weird Zetsu will come back and kill those unsuspecting ninja she is with or worse, innocent villagers. Then she will be back in enemy hands, and they will do who knows what with whatever her Kekkei Genki. Either way is a bad situation. The best option I see is for her to stay with either of our divisions since both of us are very hesitant about using her in this war”.

“Though I doubt we are the only ninja that don't want this. I can see ninjas in both of our divisions not wanting her to be put in any more danger. But that is very dangerous, their attention won’t be fully focused on the battlefield”.

“Yes. So for her to stay with either of us she is going to have to be able to keep up with  either my groups’ speed or your groups’ stealth at the very least”.

“In addition to having the skill to protect herself, if she has to, right??  That’s a big ask for this girl, who looks like she just graduated from the academy, to keep up with jonin level ninja, some are twice her age and have twice as much experience to boot.” 

Sigh “Yes that is another niche. I am hoping that the White Zetsu situation is solved and I can send her to the Medic Unit, where I know Saraka and Shizune will protect. Not that I want to put that burden on them, but that is the best solution”.

“But without a solution, the best option is for her to stay with either of our groups.” Kakashi responds with a nod and Kankuro continues “So I’m guessing you're gonna hold off from informing HQ about her, right??”.

“Ya, pretty much, until she wakes up at the very least or sunrise”.

“Ya I understand. And look I am not gonna try to question your authority again like earlier, but I want to know, what are you going to do if she is able to stay with you?? She is going to be dragged into battles by staying with either of our groups, she is going to have to fight.”

“I know. That's the part I am still figuring out, I want to keep her out of the cross hairs as much as possible, without compromising the group. Sadly until the white Zetsu situation is fixed, there is no way to avoid this girl having to fight, all we can do is try to keep her out of battles as much as possible” sigh “But I am putting on coming up with anything, if she doesn’t agree with it”. 

“You don’t think she will agree??”

“No. Not necessarily that. I just get this strange feeling that this girl is extremely stubborn”.

“Now, does this strange feeling come from the fact that her clothes look very similar to Sakura’s??” Kankuro asks in a slightly joking manner. Kakashi doesn’t answer and looks like he is deep in thought.

“So you noticed that too??” Kakashi finally asks.

“Ya I did. I don’t think most people would notice”.

“The girl’s clothes look like a cross between Sakura’s old and new outfit. It is odd, she looks about Konohamaru’s age and I had seen in the kids in his class she doesn't look like any of them”.

“Maybe she is a fan of Sakura, she dresses like her”. 

“Possibly but…” Kakashi is cut off by Sai.

“Kakashi, I need to discuss something with you for a moment,” Sai said, giving his usual smile. 

“Ya what's up Sai??”

“I would like to talk alone, if possible??” With that both Kakashi and Kankuro look at each other.

“Sai is acting odd, well odder than he usually is. Could he possibly be a White Zetsu?? Well if he is one, I'll go with him and eventually he will drop the charade when he tries to kill me. I'll take him out then”.

“Ya that's fine Sai, right Captain Kankuro??” Kankuro responds with a nod.

“I will see you later” Kankuro walks away.

“So Sai what did you want to talk about??”. And with that Kakashi and Sai walk away.

Chapter Text

Kakashi POV:

Kankuro just walked away from Kakashi and Sai. Kakashi turns to Sai.

“So Sai what did you want to talk about??”. Sai seems to wait until Kankuro is a good distance away before speaking.

“The girl…the one you brought earlier”

“Yes, what about her??”

“What…what…She just woke up”. Sai looks up at Kakashi who’s body seems to relax at this.

“Shall we go see her??”. The 2 start walking towards the tent where Guy, Maki and Sarada are. 

“Sai isn’t usually like this. He is usually more clear and concise when he speaks.” 

“Thank you for finding me to tell me, Sai. But I get the feeling that that isn't the real reason you wanted to talk to me”.

“No it was not.” pause “I…I just…the girl… What do you know about her??”

“Hm. I wonder why he is so interested in her” 

“Unfortunately she fell unconscious before I could speak with her, so at the moment I know nothing.”

“Does he know something about the girl?? But it's not like Sai to beat around the bush like this.”

“Though it seems you may know more about her than I do”.

"I am not quite sure where this is going, but I’ll just be patient, let him get to it on his own” .

“No…I’m not sure. Can you…I would like…I would like you to check to see if I am under a genjutsu??” Kakashi looks at Sai a bit surprised.

“While I don’t mind doing that Sai may I ask why though??”

“I will explain after, if that is ok” Sai looks Kakashi in the eye saying this.

“Alright” Kakashi signs the release sign but nothing happens, so then he checks with his sharingan, nothing again. 

“Sai, I checked and double checked with my sharingan, you were not under a genjutsu”. Sai didn’t seem to like the answer. Kakashi asks “Sai why did you think you were under…”.

“In…team 10, are they still with the First Division??”

“Yes I believe so”.

“Are you sure??”

“Yes”. Sai looks visibly confused and unsettled, “Sai, can you explain to me what’s going on??” Sai seems to be hesitant for a bit then begins to speak.

“Earlier I had gone to rest and I had a strange dream”. 

---------------------------------------------------FLASHBACK---------------------------------------------------------------

Sai’s POV:

Sai is laying on the ground, though he doesn’t feel the need to open his eyes. He knows it's the same dream, it's always the same dream. It’s him opening his eyes to find himself with nothing but pure white surrounding him. He won’t try looking for anyone, because he knows from experience that no one is ever out there. He only ever has 2 of his lions as company and to which he assumed his head was laying on. That is until he feels something comb through his hair. He then notices that it feels like his head is laying on fabric.

“Someone is here. In my dream.”

The person continues to comb their finger through Sai’s hair.

“Why aren’t my lions attacking them?? And why am I feeling so calm and safe?? I…I have never felt this before, the last time I felt remotely close to this feeling was when it was just my brother and I”.

“Sai” a voice says.

“What?? Who was that??”

Sai slowly opens his eyes to see the pure white surroundings like usual and his lions like usual. The unusual thing was the color that had entered his world. When Sai looked up and sees an array of colors almost emanating from a person.

“Sai”, the voice says again. Sai focuses his eyes more to see a pale woman with long blonde hair with long bands covering half her face. She seems to be wearing a purple sleeveless crop top and she continues to comb her hands through Sai’s hair. 

“Sai”, at that Sai looks at the woman's face.

“She looks like Ino”.

“Sai I am sorry to ask this but please protect her”

“Protect…protect who”.

A sad smile and small laugh comes from the woman. “You’ll know when you see her”. Sai starts to get nervous thinking the woman is going to leave and she would lose his tranquility, but the woman looks at him and gives him another small laugh.

“Sai, I know you feel alone right now, but you will not feel this way forever, I promise.” She continues to comb her hands through his hair. “And don’t worry I am not going anywhere. I am going to stay with you until you wake up”.

Sai feels relieved by this and slowly closes his eyes, letting himself be swallowed by the tranquility.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kakashi’s POV:

“Then I woke up. The most logical thought was that I was placed under an intricate genjutsu. But Kakashi, if you say I am not under one, I don't know. Do you believe I could have been under one before I fell asleep and it got released when I awoke??”

“No, I don't believe so, I still would have been able to sense the remnants of it with my sharingan”.

“I…I do not understand. How could Ino reach me from here when she is with division 1?? Was that even Ino?? Is the girl you picked up a coincidence??”.

“That is strange. You’re sure that woman looked like Ino??”

“Similar, not exact, she looked like an older version of Ino. Her voice was a bit deeper as well”.

“That’s not the only weird thing, I only found her because I followed the sound of something ringing. Though thinking about it now, at the distance away I was at, I shouldn't have been able to hear the ringing, if it was indeed coming from her. In addition I feel a strong need to keep her safe, but I don’t think I have ever met her before. Maybe it's because she reminds me of people I care about, her hair is a similar style to Rin’s and her attire is fairly similar to Sakura. The rest of her appearance though…she looks like, but there is no way Sasuke is the last Uchiha. Or I guess was the last Uchiha, since we found out Madara Uchiha is alive. So I guess its not that far-fetched to think that Madara was hiding another Uchiha, maybe his daughter. But then why dress like… ”. Kakashi’s thoughts get interrupted by Sai.

“Kakashi do you believe it is a coincidence as well that her clothes are similar to Sakura’s??”

“Hm. You noticed that as well”.

“Yes. But Kakashi, I had a chance to talk to her. It’s not only her clothes that are like Sakura, but her personality is fairly similar and her mannerisms are almost exact copies of Sakura’s.”

“Wait, what??”

“Yes. I did not talk to her for long, but still she reminds me of Sakura. And I may not have known Sakura for as long as you have Kakashi, and I can tell. It is not that hard to see how she is so much like Sakura. Do you believe that she could have met Sakura before??”

“I'm not really sure, Sai. But since we are almost at the tent, we can ask her about it”.

“Actually Kakashi the girl has amnesia, she can’t remember much besides her first name.”

“Well that's not good, now is it??”

“From what I heard she seems like she may be able to remember jutsus, just nothing about her own life. Though it sounds a bit convenient”.

“Yes it does, but there isn't anything we can do about it at the moment. The only thing we can do is try to help her to regain her memories. And figure out what to do with her going forward. And see if we can get a message to Sakura seeing if she may have met her…Actually what is the girl’s name??”. The 2 reach the tent and are standing right outside of it. 

“Sarada”.

“Well we will send a message to Sakura seeing she knows Sarada”.

Sai heads first into the tent.

“Hm. Why is it so quiet?? Nothing is ever quiet when Guy is around”. 

 Kakashi enters the tent only to see he walked into an empty tent.

“ Well that explains why it was so quiet?? Guy could never be this quiet not even in his sleep”.

“Do you know where they went, Sai??” Kakashi

“I do not know”. They then hear loud noises outside, so they run towards it. There they see Guy and Sarada standing there facing each other, Maki, Omoi, Rock Lee are standing off to the side, one just sighing, the other very confused, and the final one awestruck. There are a few other people around curious as to what is going on. Guy hitting his chest with his hands, justering excitedly for Sarada to hit him. While Sarada stares at him with worry and confusion. 

“No need to worry, Sarada, I’m pretty sturdy! NOW PUNCH ME!!”.

“What have we just walked into??” Sai asks.

“I have no idea, Sai”.

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the tent a bit earlier with Guy, Sarada and Maki

No One’s POV:

“Don’t need to worry about anything!! The plan is foolproof!! Now come follow me outside”.

“Why do I get the feeling this is a bad idea??”.

Chapter Text

Guy’s POV:

Guy and Maki are standing over a cot that has the girl that Kakashi had brought on it.

“...you??” Both Guy and Maki stop speaking and look down at the girl who is currently stirring awake. The girl slowly opens her eyes squinting looking at both of them.

“She’s waking up ”.

“Who…who are you?” the girl asks.

“Well, heeeeeeeellllllllooooooo sleepyhead!!” Guy exclaims. The girl responds with a wince to his voice.

“Oh, oops might have been a bit too loud”

“Guy try to be a bit quieter, she just woke up”

“Sorry about that, kid”

“Who are you both??”

“Well I’m Guy and this is the wonderful Maki, she is the one that healed you.”

“We’re glad you are awake, you were quite injured”.

“Oh” the girl tries getting up. “That explains why my body feels so heavy,”.

“Slowly now I just finished healing you” Maki says as she helps the girl sit up. “Other than feeling your body heavy, how are you feeling??”

“Thank you for healing me. And I am feeling alright, just sore. If I may ask where am I?? What happened??”

“She seems like a very polite kid even for her age”.

“Ah, you see my friend, Kakashi, saw you trying to escape from some bad guy but don't worry we took care of him real quick.” Guy gives the girl a thumbs up. “After kicking that guy’s butt we went to check on you, but you had passed out probably from blood loss, you got a pretty bad gash on your back. So, Kakashi and I brought you back to our camp here to get yourself all patched up”.

“I see,” the girl says with a nod.

“Great! Now if you don't mind us asking, could you tell us your name, I mean we got to have something to call you?”

“Sar…Sarada” She replies as if convincing herself.

“So your name is Sarada?? Well it's nice to meet you Sarada”. 

“Can you tell us your last name??” Maki asks.

“...no…I can’t”.

“It's ok Sarada, you don't have to tell us if you…” Maki says, but Sarada interrupts her.

“No. That's…that's not it. I…I don't…Sarada, my name being Sarada is all I can remember about myself”. Sarada says starting to get anxious over her dilemma. 

Sarada’s POV:

“Why can’t I remember anything, what is going on?? Does it have anything to do with my dream?? Who am I?? Is Sarada really even my name?? What…” Sarada’s thoughts are interrupted by Maki putting her hand on Sarada’s shoulder.

“Hey, it's ok. No need to panic. Your amnesia may be due to the head injury you had received.”

“Hm, good thinking, Maki. If that's the case, then it may just take time for your memories to return to you”.

“Or I may never get them back at all”.  

“Until your memories return, we would like you to stay with us until we can get you to a safer place.”

“A safer place?? What do they mean??”

“And I know you don't trust us, but…” Guy says but Sarada cuts him off.

“I trust you.”

“Wait, what?” both look at Sarada with questioning looks.

“Sarada, it is ok if you do not trust us, you don't have to lie”

“I’m not lying. I do trust you.”

“Even though I have no idea why”.

“Why?? Not that I don't believe you kid, I just would like to know why”

“How do I explain, when I don’t really know myself?? ”.

“Honestly I do not know why, but something in me is telling me to trust you” Sarada says this looking at Guy. “It is like something inside me is telling me I should trust you, as if I know you. Is there a way we might have met before??”.

“Well I don’t recognize you Sarada, there are many ways you might have heard of me. Well I mean I am Might Guy, the greatest Taijutsu master, the eternal rival of Kakashi Hatake…”

“Kakashi, who is that?? For some reason I feel as though I am very relaxed and comforted by that name. Maybe we know each other. Is that why he saved me??”. Sarada thinks as she stops listening to Guy rant.

“Now Sarada…” Sarada is snapped out of her thoughts and Guy continues “...those are all the reasons you may have heard of me. Do any of them sound familiar to you??”.

“Oh no, I wasn’t listening to them all. How does he expect me to listen to all of that??” 

“No sorry. None of those sound familiar to me”.

“Well that's a dead end there”.

“Sorry”

“It's ok at least we know one thing for certain, you're definitely a ninja.”

“How can you tell that??”

“The bag you have around your waist has ninja tools in it, and no ordinary person would be carrying those around. And even more I can tell you are a Taijutsu user as well. I mean look at the back of your hand”. Sarada pulls her hand up to her face to see. “You can see that the skin is very tough, in addition to the calluses there. I can also tell by the scars you have on hands and arms, those are definitely the markings of a Taijutsu user if I have ever seen one.”

“I guess he is right, I can see that too”.

“Also you asked me to explain what Taijutsu was and by your face now I can tell you already know it as well”.

“You’re right,” Sarada says in shock.

“Oh course I am”.

“So it seems as though you may have lost your memories of who you are, but not of the knowledge you had obtained".

“Seems so Maki. So don’t worry too much kid, You’ll get your memories back in no time”.

“Thank you. I do have a question though. What did you mean earlier, when you said until you could get me to a safer place??” Sarada asks. But before anyone can answer another voice is heard.

“We currently are on the first lines of a war”. Everyone to see the newcomer.

“Oh hello, Sai” Maki says 

“Sai?? His name seems so familiar, but his appearance even more so”.

“Heya Sai, what's up?”

“I was looking for Kakashi, have you seen him??”.

“Oh, Kakashi left not too long ago. Him and Captain Kankuro are having a good ol’ heart to heart”.

“Hm. I see”. Sai looks at Sarada with a suspicious look.

“I get the feeling he doesn’t trust me”.

“Who are you??”

“I’m Sarada, nice to meet you”.

“Hm. No last name??”

“I can’t remember it”.

“I see.” Sai says, giving his usual smile. “Guy, do you know which way Kakashi went? I have something urgent I need to speak to him about”. 

“Oh, Ya Kakashi and Kankuro went that way”. 

“Thank you, Guy”. Sai looks at Sarada. “Nice meeting you too Sarada”. And with that Sai leaves the tent

“What was that about??”   

Guy looks back at Sarada “Don’t worry about Sai, Sarada, he is just like that”.

“ I was not worried”.

“But Sarada, since you can remember what Taijutsu is, do you think you can remember any jutsus’??”

“I’m not really sure. At the moment though, none come to mind”.

“The information may need to be triggered by something to resurface” Maki states.

“HAHA!!” Guy yells startling both Sarada and Maki. “Sarada, do you think you can stand and walk??”

“Yes…I believe I can, why??”

“Because I just came up with a great way to trigger those memories of yours” Guy exclaims with a goofy smile. “Don’t need to worry, it’s foolproof now come follow me outside”.

Maki and Sarada look at each other.

“ Why do I get the feeling this is a bad idea??”.

The 2 then follow Guy outside the tent.

Chapter Text

Back to present day

Everyone’s POV:

“No need to worry, Sarada, I’m pretty sturdy! NOW PUNCH ME!!”.

“This is a full proof plan, I know it” Guy thinks.

“What have we just walked into??”

“I really don’t know, Sai”.

“Ya I had a bad feeling about this. I just didn’t think it would be this. I really don’t want to punch him, but I guess if it gets him to drop this” Sarada thinks. Sarada gives Guy a weak punch to the gut.

“That is not the punch I’m looking for, Sarada”. Guy says a bit sing-songy.

“Huh. I just punched him, what more does he want from me”

“Guy, I do not understand I already punched you??”.

“Yes, but I know she can do better. I just got this feeling” Guy thinks.

“Hm. It seems you lack the right motivation. I got it! Now just close your eyes, and imagine I am your enemy”. 

“I guess I can try that”. Sarada closes her eyes.

“I may want to stop this before it gets out of hand”. Kakashi starts to walk over to Guy. 

“Guy what are you doing??”

“Oh, Kakashi, I see Sai found ya’ and filled you in”.

“Yes he did, but Guy that doesn’t answer my question”.

“I am trying to help Sarada regain her memories. And don't worry Kakashi, my plan is foolproof”. Guy gives him a typical energetic thumbs up. “I got everything all under control”.

“Why do I get the feeling it's the complete opposite of that??” Kakashi thinks sarcastically

“Ya, Guy I don’t think that is the best id…”

“SHANNARO!!!!” Everyone sees Sarada’s punch make contact with Guy and sent him flying back. The punch was hard enough for it to cause the ground to break apart underneath them.  feet firmly planted and 2 torn up lines in the ground from where Guy was standing to where he was now, which was a few yards away. Everyone is silent at the destruction an 11 year old’s punch just did. Sarada opens her eyes to see the destruction, and is very confused.

“Wait what??”

“Um, did I…did I just do that??”.

Guy then leaps in front of Sarada startling her “Oh, yes Sarada, you did indeed”.

“I did? Whoa.”

“Yep that is one punch you got there Sarada. Even good enough to make you…” Guy pulls out of nowhere a solid green spandex suit and puts in Sarada’s face. “MY DDDDDIIIIIIISSSSSSCCCCIIIIIPPPPPPLLLLLEEEEE!!”. 

“Um, what??”

Lee runs over, “ Oh yes! That is a great honor!! You should accept and we can both be Guy Sensei pupils together!! You will grow a great deal under Guy Sensei!!”

“Huh”.

“Guy Sensei is very honorable for taking another pupil!!”.

“I know I am just that great!!” looks back at Sarada “So what do you say kid become my disciple!?!” Guy asks again, waving the suit in her face.

“Um…”

“Ha yes of course you would agree I mean who wouldn’t want to be my disciple?!?” Guy throws the suit into her hands and gives her a massive grin “Once you change into your new uniform we can then start your training!!!!”. Guy said with his head held high and his chest out agreeing with all of Rock Lee’s praises. 

Everyone hears footsteps and Kankuro, Yamanaka, and a bunch of other people run over and stop to look at the scene before them. 

“I was only gone for like 5 minutes!! What happened!?!”” Kankuro asks in pure shock at the scene before him. 

“I’m sorry…um…what is happening?? I am very confused”. Sarada looks at Kakashi and asks. Kakashi can already feel a headache coming on.

“What did I get myself into??” 

Unknown to the ninja, there is an onlooker watching them from the trees above.

“How interesting, so Sarada found her way to The Copy Ninja and the infamous Night Guy. Well that makes things a bit harder for me, now doesn’t it.” The mystery person smiles to themselves. “But that only makes it more fun. I’ll just wait for the right opportunity, the two can’t protect her forever now can they”.  

Chapter Text

Kakashi’s POV:

Kakashi is sitting on the outskirts of camp watching the sun slowly rise, thinking about battles to come and the events of the past few hours.

“I hope everyone is ready, when the sun fully rises we are out and the war will continue. At least we can a moment of peace and quiet”   

“Hey Kakashi!!!”. Someone yells from behind him.

“Well it was good while it lasted”. Kakashi looks behind him to see Guy coming over.

 “Whatcha doin’?? Sitting by yourself??”

“Hello Guy. Well I was enjoying the peace and quiet.”

“And now you can enjoy it even more with me here”.

“Sure”, Kakashi thinks sarcastically. 

“You just came from teaching Sarada right?? How is she doing??”

“Yes sir-y! I was able to teach her a bit more taijutsu, the girl is pretty quick at picking things up. While sparring with Sarada, she is able to instinctively use her own taijutsu style. Now combine that with her immense strength I think she can handle herself in a fight if she had to, or at least until someone gets there to help her.”   

“Well that's good. Thank you for doing that Guy”.

“No problemo! Kakashi!” 

“She must have very good chakra control to have strength like that…I would like to ask Sakura, but I can’t right now” Kakashi thinks as he remembers his conversation earlier.

—--------------------------------------------------Flashback-------------------------------------—---------------------------------------------

Kakashi is with Yamanaka trying to contact HQ. While not too far off in the distance he sees Guy spare with Sarada, and Kankuro off in the wings watching them.

“Kankuro is evaluating her good, he will need to know Sarada’s strengths and weaknesses if she is going to be with his group. I think I still have a headache from dealing with that show Sarada had put on and the absolute mess that came with it afterwards. Though I am glad it gave me a chance to see what she is capable of, it made things easier when talking more with Kankuro about which group she should be with. We both agreed on trying to get her to the Medical Unit, when day breaks, if that's even an option.” Sigh. “So hopefully things have been a bit resolved over there, though I suspect it hasn’t. If that is the case, Kankuro agreed to take her with him, making sure she sticks by him. It helps that he is a long range fighter and it wont put her in immediate danger, unlike my group would. After the talk earlier I know I can trust him with her. But for some reason…”. Kakashi gets snapped out of his thoughts.

“Captain Kakashi”.

“Yes”

“I have just been told that neither the Hokage or Raikage are at HQ, but will be back until then Shikaku’s in charge. Would you like me to ask for more details??”

“The Raikage and Hokage?? Knowing what I know about the Raikage, the only thing that could make forsake his post would be his brother Bee. And last I heard Bee was supposed to be with Naruto on Turtle Island. I see it’s most likely that Naruto and Bee found out, have left the island and are on their way to the battlefield. That makes the most sense especially since the Hokage had left with the Raikage. That idiot. Can't he see we are trying to protect him. Though knowing Naruto, if anyone he cares about is in danger there is no doubt in my mind, he would come in a heartbeat. So I am guessing I shouldn't be too surprised”.

“No Yamanaka, that's alright”. Kakashi says, but then an idea pops into his head.

“This may actually work out better” .

“Yamanaka I would like you to ask if I could have a private conversation with Shikaku?? It's not that I don't trust you, I…”

“Captain Kakashi, no need to explain, I understand. I’ll ask now”.

“I trust Shikaku and he may be able to come up with a better plan for what to do with Sarada”.

“Shikaku agreed it will take a moment for Inoichi to connect to you”. 

“Thank you” Kakashi says, Yamanaka responding with a nod.

“I am going to make a guess that it's about Sarada, right??” Kakashi nods in response and Yamanaka continues “I got a chance to talk to her. She seems like a good kid. I just hope that his war doesn’t take away that child’s smile, if it does then what are we even fighting for.”

“I think Asuma would agree with you”. The 2 smile.

“Kakashi, I’m linked”. Kakashi hears Inoichi in his head.

“I’m going to take my leave now, I will see you sometime later”.

“Kakashi can you hear me?”

“Yes sorry about that Inoichi”.

“It’s alright I am going to connect you with Shikaku now”.

“Kakashi what is going on Santa said it was urgent”.

“Well we do have a bit of an issue here”. Kakashi then proceeds to tell Shikaku and Inoichi the whole situation with Sarada.

“I see. This could have waited until we figured out an issue with White Zetsu.”

“In a sense it is part of the White Zetsu problem”.

“ In a way yes, but it seems that Captain Kakashi, Captain Kankuro and their units already seem to have come to believe she is not a White Zetsu. Though what bothers me the most is that a strange White Zetsu was chasing her”.

“Could you describe to me more about that White Zetsu??”

“Sure. While it was a White Zetsu, half of its body was black, but the features didn’t match the white side. I was as if something was over the White Zetsu, the eye was yellow… Wait!”

“What??”

“I think I may have seen that Zetsu before. I am not completely certain since I didn't get too good of a look at him. But when we confronted Tobi, well now Madara, I think he was the one that told him about Itachi death”.

“Great so a White Zetsu that works directly under Madara was after this girl. That means this girl is most likely part of his plans somehow. Hm. So it must be something about her that makes her special, most likely a kekkei genkai.”

“That was what I was thinking too, but at the moment I have no idea”.

“Well either way if Madara is after this girl, Sarada, then we need to keep her away from him and away from that Zetsu. I agree with your plan having at the Medical Unit and if not then with Captain Kankuro’s unit she should be able to stay out of sight. Who else have you told this to??”

“Only Maki, Guy, Captain Kankuro, and Sai know that it was a Zetsu that was after her, and Captain Kankuro plans to tell Mifune when they meet up again at sunrise. But other than that the rest of both the units believe it was a trafficker or bandit that was taking advantage of the chaos.” 

“Actually I think it would be a better idea if I tell Mifune, less being said out loud for others to hear”.

“I agree I’ll let Captain Kankuro know”.

“Good. And when I say others I mean anyone else besides the people who already know and Mifune. For now I think we should keep the Zetsu part and whatever her kekkei genkai is from to Hokage and Raikage at least for now.”

“You think they would use her as a weapon??”

“While I don’t think the Hokage or Raikage would do that. They can’t do anything if their hands get forced.”

“By the Feudal Lords”.

“Yes or the tide of battle itself. Look Kakashi, none of us want a child as young as her on this battlefield, but if there is no other option, she will have to be. But trust me when I say Kakashi I will do everything I can to make sure that doesn’t happen”.

“Yes, Kakashi you forget we both have children only a few years older than Sarada”.

“Yes, I apologize, I do trust you both. I just am very uneasy about this situation”.

“I know we can both agree with you on that”

“So when the Hokage and Raikage come back and there is an opportunity to tell them about Sarada I would do it. I will not tell them anything. I will leave that up to you. I would also hold off calling the Medical Unit to inform them of the situation, at least until I can figure out a solution for this White Zetsu problem. Everyone is extremely distrusting at the moment and if there is a slight chance that this may cause more panic I would like to not risk it”.

“I understand. But if you get in touch with Sakura, can you ask her if she knows a girl named Sarada??”

“You believe they know each other??”

“Not sure, but Sarada her attire, jutsus’, and even her personality and mannerisms are so similar to Sakura’s we think they may know each other”. 

—--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—--------------------------------------------

“I see Shikaku’s point. I hope he does get the chance to ask her”.

“Hello, Kakashi you in there??” Guy asks while extremely close to Kakashi’s face.

“Sorry Guy, I seem to have zoned out”.

“Hm. What’s on your mind??”

“Sarada”

“I can see that she is a bit of a strange kid. I mean who wouldn’t want to wear this stylish outfit”. Guy justers to his clothes.

“I don’t think many people would want to wear that Guy”.

“But don’t worry too much about her Kakashi, she doesn’t seem like a troublemaker”.

“That’s not what I am worried about. Sarada…she…there are far too many coincidences surrounding her.” Guy stays silent letting Kakashi continue. “Her attire is so similar to Sakura’s and from what I saw of her personality, mannerism and abilities they are extremely similar as well.” 

“Hm. I can see that, while I was sparring with her it felt like I was sparring with a smaller Sakura”.

“Then there’s Sai’s dream”.

“Sai’s dream??” Kakashi precedes to tell Guy about Sai’s dream.

"Hm, that is pretty odd".

“Sai seems to think that his dream and Sarada are connected somehow and I am included to believe him”.

“Well, you can add her kekkei genki to that list as well”.

“Guy, how did you find out??”

“It’s really only a theory, but…” Guy looks at Kakashi with a serious expression. “When Sarada gave me that intense punch early, I saw her eyes Kakashi. They were no longer black they were red”

“Wait what?!?” Kakashi’s eyes widen realizing where Guy is going with this.

“It was quick, so I didn’t get a good look at them but I know red”.

“A sharingan??”

“Could be her Kekkei Genki is a different type of dojutsu that can cause a person’s eyes to turn red, but…”

“She looks like a Uchiha” 

“Not just any Uchiha, she looks like a female version of Sasuke”.

“If she is a Uchiha, and when people find out… it's not going to be pretty”.

“Welp at least we know specifically why that half and half thing from earlier was after her”.

“Half and half thing?? You mean the Black and White Zetsu??”

“Ya that thing”. 

“He is still awful at remembering names”.

“I am going to have to tell Captain Kankuro that she is coming with us instead. Sadly now she is safer with our group, since most will not hate her especially since she doesn't seem to know. No one is going to be happy about this”.