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Chapter Text

She quietly slid the door open. The man was sleeping peacefully. She smirked in distaste remembering the hundreds of death caused by this man. She knelt down beside him and unscrew the small bottle of poison. She dropped a few drops into the slightly open mouth. She stood up slowly and moved out the door. Once outside the door she used a shunshin to get out from there.

The next day, the Danzo of Konohagakure was found dead. Cause of death - an unidentifiable poison. The Anbu started a thorough investigation of the death. By that time, she was half was across the land of fire.

Mitsuha was a drifter as long as she could remember. She was born in a time where infinite Tsukiyomi and Madara were stories of the past. Shinobi world was recovering and peace was in reach again. It lasted four years before he launched an unsuspected attack. No one was prepared, hell, no one knew he was even alive at that point. This time he was successful. Within an year, he was able to reduce number of shinobi from thousands to a handful scattered all around the nations.

She had escaped with her father Sasuke from Madara. Konoha was one of the last to fall. Sasuke fought and fought with multiple squads before it became clear that they were no match for the man. When his eyes threatened to give out, he focused on drilling all that he knew into her head while escaping the enemy forces. It was during one of these nights when Mitsuha asked her father.

“Papa, what happened to Tou-chan?”

Her father froze. His eyes turned dark as he explained to his six-year-old.

“Naruto…Naruto was captured by Madara.”

The young child gasped.

“Then why are we not going to save him? Tou-chan could be hurt”

Sasuke looked at his daughter’s face. Naruto’s blue eyes stared back at him. He remembered their wedding day. It was a joyous occasion even by his standard. People had flocked in from around the world for Naruto. They had celebrated till the dawn of the next day. That’s when the fifth Hokage and Sakura approached them. A gift of life, a jutsu to create life without the involvement of a third person, with both their blood and chakra signatures. Orochimaru assisted with setting up incubation chamber for their child. An artificially created life, only possible because of Naruto and Kurama’s almost infinite chakra to keep the little heart beating in their little baby till the term was completed.

Naruto was so ecstatic. Red haired, blue eyed Mitsuha. He still remembered the day Naruto held their baby in his hands, fascinated by her. Sasuke had to agree, she was a beautiful child. They watched her draw from the size of a coffee bean to a baby. Watching her little hands try to chase Naruto’s golden hair, she was the best thing that had ever happened to the Uchiha.

Their daughter took more of the Uzumaki genes than Uchiha genes. Somehow, he was happy. Uchiha carried a fate of sadness. Moreover, he didn’t want the child to be associated with the ancient ninja who was after his Sharingan even after the war. He thought it was all good, he thought that finally they had their happy ever after. Uchiha do have a fate of sadness following them, he supposed.

He took his daughter in his arms. He was never the one for comfort. The blond was more than capable for that. But Mitsuha was his child as much as Naruto’s. He held the tiny body against his chest. So small…He thought to himself as the urge to protect his child vibrated through every cell.

“Mitsuha…” He whispered.

“Listen to me very carefully…We will not be able to save Tou-chan. Madara extracted the tailed beast from your father. He did not survive the extraction. Papa was not able to save him.”

Sasuke let the tears he held back so long to fall on his daughter. Oh god, she looks so much like Naruto. He felt his heart break at the thought of his best friend, lover and husband. He felt small hands touch his cheeks. He looked into the tearful eyes of his child.

“Don’t cry Papa, Tou-chan hates when you cry. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure Madara pays for what he did to Tou-chan. I’ll avenge him.”

“NO!” Sasuke felt his heart clench when he heard his daughter’s words. Being an avenger is what made him hurt the people who loved him unconditionally including the blond. Itachi’s face popped into his mind. He looked into his daughter’s eyes.

“Mitsuha, revenge is a never-ending cycle. Tou-chan wanted to break that chain and bring peace. He wanted a world where peace was not a fiction but a reality. It was a dream passed onto him by his sensei. If you really want to honour your Tou-chan, bring peace to this world Mitsuha. Chasing after revenge I destroyed so many lives. I put a chidori through your Tou-chan’s heart for just the sake of being an avenger. I will not let you make the same mistakes I made. We will defeat Madara but not for revenge but to give a chance for others to achieve the peace your father dreamed about.”

His daughter looked into his eyes deeply. She understood. He thought as hope rose in his chest. He took out the battered book from his kunai pouch, Naruto’s prized possession. He began to read to his child. The Tale of the Gutsy Ninja…

Mitsuha quickly slashed the reanimated shinobi who was chasing her and turned as her father put the three soldiers in genjutsu, making them fight each other. The two Konoha nin escaped and hid in cave they were using as their base. Mitsuha activated the perception seal in the entrance. Her father collapsed against the wall. She took some water from her sealing scroll and dripped it into her father’s mouth. He grunted in gratitude.

Sasuke nursed his wounds and bandaged them as much as he can with the limited supply while Mitsuha activated the light seals on the walls. She opened the large scroll hidden away under a rock and looked at its contents. Munching on a ration bar and she started taking.

“So, the seal is coming along nicely. I need to add a little more seal to enhance the stability and we’re good to go. Once we find a source to power the seal, technically, we should be able to travel to the past.”

He father nodded. Their escape to the ruins of Uzushio had not been in vain. Mitsuha accidently activated a hidden underground chamber which was filled with many Fūinjutsu scrolls. Sasuke and Mitsuha were able to memorize the entire the whole thing within a short time using their Sharingan. Having the Uzumaki clan chakra reserves along with the Sharingan, his daughter had already surpassed his level at a young age.

She was able to re-design the space time jutsu that was left as a failure in the basement. The idea was so absurd to Saskue. But if they were able to activate the seal, they could actually go back in time and stop the madness from ever taking place. If it didn’t work, they would die trying.

Fifteen years of running with his child, Sasuke was tired. He was ancient by Shinobi standard. There was nothing more he wanted to do than to just give up and meet his love on the other side. But every time he looks at the child Naruto and he managed to bring into this world, his resolve to live increases. He could not, he would not leave his child in this messed up world to fend for herself. He will protect her till his last breath.

Mitsuha finished her ration bar and laid down on the cave floor. She looked at the ceiling and wondered out loud.

"Ne, Papa, in theory, it’s all there. But what if we're not able to go back? It’s possible that we will die and if we do, then Madara wins by default. Everything we did so far, all flushed down the drain."
Sasuke looked at her. He sighed

"It's a huge possibility. In fact, I would ridicule almost anyone who came to me with this theory. But you...you have the blood of Konoha's number one unpredictable ninja...So I'm inclined to believe that the possibility exists."

Mitsuha couldn't hold back her laughter.

"What kind of justification is that?"

She couldn't help the tears that came freely from her eyes. The face of her blonde father flashed through her eyes. Watching his stone face on the Hokage mountain crumble was the last thing she saw before her Papa escaped with her.

"Papa, I miss him...its torture, you know. Even if we go back to the past, even if we succeed in stopping the war, you and I will never have what we had with him, you know. The Naruto of the past will never be Tou-chan. He might never fall in love with a guy or even worst he might fall in love with the past Sasuke...can you handle that?"

Sasuke sighed. Yes, what his daughter was saying was true. Them going back will change a lot of things. The people who they save will never be the people whom they have lost. It will never be the same.
It was times like this where he wished his daughter was the optimistic fool his husband was. He traced the scroll with his thumb.

"Of course, when we meddle with the past, whatever happened will be erased. That means whatever we experienced here will never happen there. We can't just erase all bad things alone Mitsuha, good and bad are sides of a coin. It’s when things were too bad, we sacrifice the good in order to destroy the bad"

Mitsuha turned away from him.

“It’s not fair…even if we stay here, we lose everything. Even if we go back, we still lose everything. There is no way for us to win papa.”

Sasuke took out his wedding ring from his pocket. It had both Uzumaki and Uchiha symbol combined. The fan with the spiral. The same symbol his daughter carries on her cloths.

"I will always be Sasuke Uchiha Uzumaki whether we change the past or not. Naruto will always be my soulmate. You will always be our daughter no matter how things tend to be."

Mitsuha sighed and spoke.

"I wish I was like Tou-chan, I can imagine him saying something like ‘We've lived our lives in a bad world. I'll ensure no one has to go through this again...believe it’."

Sasuke laughed at the familiar expression and for a moment he could see his boisterous husband shinning through their daughter. He watched her lean more into the cave walls and silently take the first watch. He knew she would most likely not wake him up. He couldn’t blame her either, after fifteen years of constant running and fighting, using his Mangekyō to the extreme, Sasuke had become a dead weight to the people around him. When the camp they sought refuge in learned that one of the hero’s of the 4th Shinobi war is just another mouth to feed, they turned their backs on them very fast. His daughter has already moved heaven and earth to keep him alive till now. But he knew his time was very near.

He looked at the wedding ring and let the tears fall from his eyes. He missed Naruto...Naruto can fix anything...Naruto is his light, without him, Sasuke just felt like he was stumbling through the dark. He curled up as he waited for the nightmares to hit him. Because without Naruto, Sasuke knew dreaming was impossible.

Mitsuha glanced at the masked face in front of her and the curious book he was holding.

“Yo!” The man said raising his hand in greeting. Mitsuha moved past him to her room and left the door open so that he can slip in. She laid down her sword and looked expectedly at the infamous Kakashi Hatake of Sharingan.

He was…different from what she remembered from her time. Her Kakashi was a broken shell of a man by the time she was born and refused to be near her. She only remembers watching him stare at the memorial stone for hours with a blank look. When Madara struck again, he was one of the first to go. He remembered how distraught her parents were after his death and the familiar orange book that her papa had kept hidden in his pouch. The same one hidden in her seals.

“Can I help you Shinobi san?” Mitsuha asked politely to the man who was curiously looking around her meagre belongings. She didn’t mind, anything of importance was sealed away.

“What is that?” He asked pointing at some of the papers scattered on the bed. She grinned and gathered up the papers to show him.

“This is a design for a lightweight seal. Kind of similar to gravity seal but imagine the possibilities, jump boost is only the beginning to actual flight seals. But I must admit, I am a bit stuck at the moment but I’m expecting inspiration to hit me soon. But I doubt a leaf ninja is interested in my humble sealing trifles”

Kakashi looked curiously at the drafts and nodded to himself. Mitsuha tried not to bristle at the sudden closeness as the man bend himself at the waist to read her notes. Peace time or not, she valued her personal space and porn or not, Kakashi was a fearsome ninja to be feared. There is no need for him to be at her room right now and every inch of self-worth was screaming at her to get away from the man.

Moving back to look at the man in his eyes (eye?), she not so politely asked again.

“So, Shinobi san, I ask again, what is the purpose of your visit because I am certain we are not familiar enough for a social call?”

Kakashi unconsciously matched her position and eye smiled. Holding out a scroll slowly as though dealing with a frightened wild animal, he answered.

“Ah, yes. Greetings, Mitsuha Uzumaki, I am Kakashi Hatake of Konohagakure. I have come with an invitation. The Hokage is eager for the lone Uzumaki to join the leaves and extends a hand of welcome to you among the ranks if you are to take it.”

Scratch that, the copy nin had an excellent reason to be here. Though the leaf reaching out was very unexpected. Sasuke and her had run through hundreds of possibilities and had decided that going to Konoha was not a probable option. Mostly due to the limitations in her movement. Sure the Akatsuki is scattered, Konan and Nagato safely hidden away along with Itachi, there was still the matter of Obito and Zetsu.

Obito had completely disappeared from the face of the Earth after she had encountered him. The fight went on for days with Obito attempting to escape using Kamui and her pulling him back using chakra chains. It was a second delay in her response time that ultimately allowed him to escape. Something which she cursed herself daily for. Even though her father had requested her to find a way to help the misguided man, she did not see any practical ways to save him. He was just too damn stubborn.

Hearing the copy nin clear his throat brought her out of her thoughts. She had realised that she was staring at the scroll without comprehending a single word. It was a no; she would not join Konoha. She cannot join Konoha. Its not beneficial.

But dear god, she was tired and lonely. She just wanted to go home and just sleep without being worried about Obito or Zetsu or the war. She wanted to see Konoha, she wanted to see her father’s dream.
Mitsuha sighed and looked at Kakashi who was strategically avoiding looking at anywhere but her. She smiled at the socially awkward gesture and said.

“I have been a bounty hunter for as long as I can remember. I have done vile things in my past that still gives me nightmares. I kill without consideration and I have no hesitation to burn my enemies. I doubt if this is this the kind of shinobi that the leaf would want to protect its people.”

Kakashi closed his book and looked at her finally. She did not know what he saw in her but after a couple of seconds, he eye- smiled and said.

“I approve.”

She burst out laughing at his nonchalant way and waved him off.

“Alright, you’ve convinced me. Allow me to clean and pack, we can be off as soon as I am done.” She turned around and attached her sword to her backpack. Feeling the stare on her back, she looked back at the shinobi and smirked.

“Hatake san, what would people think if a young female like myself were to change cloths in front of a man who was non stop reading a porn novel? I would never be able to get married! Do you wish for me to be a disappointment to my family? Or I suppose you could take responsibility and marry me. Is that why you still stand here?”

She did not expect him to actually blush and move towards the door. That was a far cry from the man she knew to be a drunken desperate mess. He cleared his throat again and shoot a glare at her.

“Don’t take too long or I will leave without you.”

Mitsuha laughed as he closed the door. She could feel his chakra fading away enough for privacy but not actually leaving her. Smart. Quickly sealing her bloody armour and cloths, she draped on a shirt and shinobi pants. Shooting a quick prayer to her fathers, she finished packing and closed the door behind her.

Chapter Text

Kakashi’s first impression of Mitsuha was…bright.

Which in turn made no sense to him. There was nothing bright about Mitsuha Uzumaki. Dark red hair, dark blue eyes, black shinobi attire, overall tan…nothing about her was bright. Yet when he looks back at her following him vigilantly to Konoha, bright is the only word he could think about.

When the Third asked him to make contact with the Uzumaki, he was not expecting it to be as difficult as it proved to be. Mitsuha made no attempts to hide or conceal her identity but she was damn hard to track with her constant moving and untraceable henges. He genuinely believes that this is Sandaime’s revenge on him for rejecting so many Genin teams. He could’ve easily rejected the mission, the Hokage gave him a choice. Call it morbid curiosity, but Kakashi needed to know if she was related to…He refused to finish that train of thought. It’s still so fresh in his heart and he refused to open that can of worms.

Although looking at her discreetly, he could not ignore some similarities between the two. High cheek bones and a distinct facial structure that remined him of Kushina. But the way she carried herself remined him of Itachi for some reason. It was unnerving to see somewhat of a resemblance to an Uchiha in the normally known as loud and carefree Uzumaki clan.

Curious is the second thing that came to his mind when he thought about Mitsuha Uzumaki.

Majority of the day was spent in silent travel. It was his luck that Uzumaki had roomed in the Land of Fire, somewhat near Konoha thus reducing the travel to only a day. He could not imagine spending multiple days alone with the Uzumaki who seemed as socially awkward as him. Don’t get him wrong, while he preferred not to make conversations, he still preferred noise happening around him. Kept him from thinking about…nope, not going there. Kakashi thought to himself.

When they came to a halt to camp for the night, Kakshi could not bear the silence any longer. He busted out with the question that came to his mind.

“So…You appeared out of nowhere…”

Mitsuha snorted at his lack of tact while Kakashi hung his head in shame. She ignored his question and simply proceeded with setting up seals around the chosen perimeter. Standard barrier seals, he noticed.

Once done with her self-assigned task, she sat down and started making a small fire. Since they were inside the borders or fire nation, Kakashi could not find any reason to object. Besides, it was October, it was a chilly night.

He was half tempted to pull out the Icha Icha but he was terrified of similar accusations from Mitsuha as the one she had sprouted out. It was not paranoia when it happened already. It was when they stopped for lunch in a small shop. He had pulled out the book but quickly kept it away when she hit him with ‘I cannot be seen with a man reading Porn in public. Can you imagine the damage that will cause to my social image. I would have to demand you to take responsibility Hatake san!’.

Unable to hear himself be accused again of spoiling the woman’s reputation, he resorted to collecting sticks for their campfire. Silently he did have to wonder about a meeting between Jiraya and the Uzumaki. He snickered at the mental image as he sat down next to the meagre fire and ate a ration bar.

It was well after the fire set up and camp bags laid down that Mitsuha gave an answer to his question.

“When everything you’ve even known is suddenly swiped away from under your feet, Hatake san, won’t you throw a big tantrum, try to get attention or even some help?”

Kakashi was reminded of his suicide missions after Sensei’s death. How he had thrown himself at missions after missions just hoping for something. He wouldn’t necessarily call them tantrums but looking back now, even he could see that it was a cry of help that went ignored for a long time.

Mitsuha seemed to take a moment to collect composure and looked him directly in his eye.

“A year ago, I had a family. I had people who cared for me, whom I have cared for, a home to go back to…” Her eyes darkened as she redirected her stare into the fire. Kakashi had a distinct impression that she was perhaps reliving her memories.

“Then it was all taken, everyone killed, lands destroyed, a hunt organised to chase us down. All for the selfish desires of an organization. I was helpless and even though I tried my best, I could not save them. So, I refuse to hide and cower away anymore. I will make as much noise as I can make so that the bastards come after me. I want them to hunt me down so that I can skin them alive.”

Kakashi felt a small amount of disappointment running through his veins. “So…revenge?”

Another avenger…his mind was thrown back to the small Uchiha who is hellbent on killing his brother for revenge against the murder of his clan. The world could do well without people seeking revenge but who is he to say his opinion. He would gladly murder the Iwa nin who killed Obito again and again if he could.

Mitsuha looked back at him. She looked extremely saddened at the moment. For some reason, it made him feel guilty. It took all his willpower to not to look away from her at that moment.

“I wish revenge was what I was seeking…it would have been so much easier to let go of the anger in my head. The reason they came after us is because of our unique skills and clan secrets that would harm their actions. And as long as I am alive, they will keep on coming. It is a never-ending cycle.”

Mitsuha looked at him with an emotion he was familiar with his whole life. Helplessness.

“I know my people don’t want revenge. I know they would just want me to live my life peacefully. But if I do that, they will keep coming after me and then other people. There will never be peace as long as they are alive. That’s why…that’s why I want them to know that they messed with the wrong crowd. I want to finish this. And then perhaps…perhaps, I can finally rest easy.”

Kakashi could see the age on the young Uzumaki’s face. For a second, he wondered how old she was, could not be older that twenty. It must not have been easy running.

Suddenly all the paranoia that he experienced from the Uzumaki while he was tracking her down made sense. It made him wonder how he even managed to intercept her. It seemed so simple now. Mitsuha just wanted to be free. She just wanted to live her life but her clan’s name had brought up enemies after enemies to her doorstep. It made him wonder how he would react if he was in constant paranoia all the time. Must be exhausted…he thought to himself.

“Well,” He started. “All the more reason that the Hokage’s offer makes more sense to you. Us leaf Shinobi never leaves a comrade behind. Have you heard of the will of fire?” Mitsuha shook her head.

One afternoon after training, he had talked about the will of fire to his genins. Kakashi could not understand not care about his words at the moment but he still remembered the sparkle eyes that Rin and Obito had listening to him. Kakashi drew a deep breath in and recalled the words of his late sensei.

“The entire village is a family and every shinobi loves, believes, cherishes and fights to protect the village as their previous generations have done so. We are all a single unit and we fight for our own. Our shinobi patrol the nights so that the village can sleep easy.”

Kakashi took along time to understand the will of fire and his father’s actions. It cost him too much for the lesson. And suddenly it was all flowing out of his lips to the eager Uzumaki in front of him.

Mitsuha pulled her knees closer to her chest and rested her head on them. There was a faint memory of a sleepy toddler being held close by her Tou-chan while he told her about the will of fire and the idea of peace.

“It sounds like a dream…Please, tell me more Kakshi”

Tranquil is the final word that came to his mind about Mitsuha Uzumaki.

Kakashi obliged and started talking about the village as she fell into a trance. She could feel her father’s strong arms and kind eyes as he gazed down at her. Her Tou-chan’s gentle words and the strong shoulder that used to carry her.

And she understood, this was the man who made them who they are. This was Kakshi Hatake who threw himself multiple times to protect his students. The man who refused to be near her but gave her a stick when she fell down to make her stop crying. The man who silently threw newspaper at her school bully. The man who followed her home when her parents were busy to pick her up from school. The silent man who never interacted with her but loved her with all his heart. And for the first time in over fifteen years, Mitsuha felt safe.

Kakashi did not stop until he heard soft snores from the girl and then he dutifully stood guard the whole night while his comrade slept peacefully.

Konoha was bustling with activity as Kakashi and Mitsuha stepped through the gates.

Ah, its that time of the year. Kakashi thought as multiple wagons carrying festive items were dragged to the shopping district. His mind started racing with anxiety as he thought of the blond-haired boy. The villagers were especially cruel this time of the year. He silently wondered if he could bribe Tenzou to refill the boy’s fridge with some milk and vegetables. Probably not, that man was a Stickler for rules. Perhaps he can try his luck with Yugao.

He was freed from his thoughts as Mitsuha moved next to him after completing the paperwork at the gate. Right…he was still in the middle of a mission still. Stay vigilant Hatake, he chided to himself.
“Come, we can take the roofs. Stick by me, ANBU can be quite trigger happy this time of the year.”

Mitsuha nodded and followed the him as he headed to the Hokage tower. It was quite annoying as to how many ANBU were starting to follow him and his guest. He was subtly giving signals to the ANBU squads to stand down as they started spiking his chakra at him. He ignored Mitsuha’s giggle at the KI he was leaking at them. Honestly, wasn’t ANBU supposed to be subtle!

He reached the bottom of the tower. While he preferred to drop in through the window, he knew that the Hokage would have his head for it at this particular instance and opted for the stairs. Mitsuha followed him silently and closely as though she was afraid to be separated from him. It made sense, this might be her first time meeting a Kage.

Kakashi felt pity and slowed down to match her pace. He whispered.

“Maa, its ok, don’t be so nervous. He sent for you so I am pretty sure he will at least give you a chance to talk before he executes you.”

He watched satisfied as tension left her body with a snort. About time as well as Kakshi nodded to the Chunin on the front desk. He waited as the Chunin came back with a nod.

“The Hokage is expecting you”

All Mitsuha had known about the Third were the stories that her parents had told her and the stern face carved onto the side of the mountain. From the man who was sitting in front of her, Mitsuha could not find the fond Jiji that her Tou-chan raved about. Rather, the man was a battle heartened leader that was currently assessing her every move.

Kakashi bend on one knee in front of the man and Mitsuha was soon to follow. It was not her Konoha and it was not her Hokage but he was a Hokage and that deserved her respect.

“You have made quite a name for yourself in the past year. Multiple S rank missions, going after missing nins, smoking out corrupt officers from the midst of political affairs. I am surprised people have not gone after your head, Uzumaki san.”

Smiling without raising her head, she replied.

“Not for lack of trying Hokage sama. I just learned to be one step ahead of those who chase me. One more day is the motto I speak every morning.”

She sighed as she continued.

“I am sure they might have been in your information web as well. Akatsuki, I have a vague idea about what they are after but I have caused significant damage to their current members. As you might have guessed, those were the missing nin’s bounties that I have collected. But there are more that belong to the organization. I intend to track them down and make sure that they do not go after any more victims.”

“You are a dangerous individual. Harbouring you here in Konoha means a very high risk.”

She looked up and nodded.

“It is a very risky scenario. There is a powerful organization after me and I have pissed off multiple people in my short life. If I was in your shoes, I would not even consider it. But I can’t help but be selfish for a moment…”

Mitsuha sighed and looked at the mountain behind the Hokage.

“For years, I have wandered from place to place searching for somewhere to belong. To take root and grow. As an Uzumaki, we were too risky to stay in one place. Many of us let go of our last names and moved along. A lone Uzumaki might be safer that a group of Uzumaki, I’ve been told.”

Mitsuha recited the lines that her father had drilled into her head. Replacing the words Uchiha with Uzumaki was a decision she chose by herself.

“When Hatake san told me about the will of fire, I realised that that was what I was looking for. I did not know I could yearn for something without even knowing what it was. If Konohagakure would have me, I would dedicate my heart and soul for my home. I would fight amount the front lines and protect the village with my life. All I ask for in return is a home to come back to.”

She looked as she felt old, withered hands touch her shoulders. Suddenly, seeing the old man smile at her, she distantly wondered if this was how her father felt when he was with him. She rose with the guiding hands and accepted the hug that the old man offered.

“Ah, it’s been so long, hasn’t it? Welcome home.”

Mitsuha felt her heartbreak heal. It’s been so long since she’s heard that phrase. She felt her hands raise and hold the old man before her as she buried her face into his neck and shed her tears. Distantly, she felt Kakshi slip away through the window.

“I’m home…”

Chapter Text

Sandaime looked at the young girl in front of him. While he extended his invite to her because of the long-standing alliance with Uzushio even after the country has fallen. But when he heard the girl’s request for a home…No one should be alone, struggling to survive. And in a moment, he saw another lonely Uzumaki in her. And if the two managed to find peace amongst themselves, then who is he to stop them.

Mitsuha had cooled down and was in the process of internally berating herself for breaking down like that in front of the Hokage. She wanted to smack her head against something till she gave herself a concussion so that she can blame it for her melt down. She looked up guiltily from her chair when the Hokage cleared his throat. Realizing that she needs to make up her own plan right now since she went rouge, she cursed her Tou-chan’s impulsive tendencies.

Of course, I inherit the unpredictability! She thought to herself.

Quickly going through the possibilities through her head and realising that she had no idea how to salvage the situation, Mitsuha decided to forego Sasuke’s advice and decided to tell the truth to the Hokage. The worst possible outcome is a visit to the T&I. She can breakout of a cell, how hard can it be!

Taking a breath to steady her heart, Mitsuha looked at her father’s Jiji and started.

"We were surrounded" Hiruzen looked at the girl wringing her hands together in distress as she recalled the past.

“My father and I had long split away from the group for safety. My father was weak and if push comes to shove, he would have been left behind."

She still remembers the regret in Hinata's eyes as she asked him to leave. She really could not blame her. After the death of her father and Sakura, Hinata took over leading the forces. Shikamaru had become useless when Ino took her life after Sakura’s death. A small part of her still resented Hinata for protecting Shikamaru but kicking out Sasuke.

“Your father was exceptionally forgiving Mitsuha.” Sasuke explained as he packed away their meagre food rations. Ten-Ten was kind enough to slip him a couple of storage scrolls with supplies. Sasuke took his child into his arms.

“Even Sakura and Kakashi were too kind for their own good. I wasn’t a nice person back when I was a teenager. It took me almost killing your father multiple times to come to sense. I don’t blame them for not trusting me.”

Mitsuha chose to follow her father regardless of him begging her to stay with the Konoha ninja. A month after they left, Madara wiped out the refugee camp with a beast bomb.
She sighed before continuing.

"My father had very good idea about a few underground bases so we were able to travel easily for some time. But my father’s health was catching up to him faster than we anticipated. Underground air and chemicals were affecting his lungs so we decided to look for alternatives. We travelled for about five years hiding from them before we headed to Uzu. Turns out my ancestors were very smart and had a couple of secrets hidden away after all."

Mitsuha pulled out a scroll from her containment seal in her arm and gave it to Hiruzen. He opened it curiously.

'It can't be...' Hiruzen thought to himself as he read through the seal. Some major components were missing from the seal but he was not called the professor for no reason.

"What is the meaning of this?"

Mitsuha smiled at his question. "Exactly as it looks. I would request a private audience before I can reveal any more information. I'm confident you also understand the necessity of privacy."

Hiruzen nodded and waved his hand dismissing his ANBU. At their hesitation, he smiled and said placating.

"Come now, have a little faith in your Hokage. If Mitsuha Chan starts to attack me, I promise I'll give you all a vacation once you take her to the holding cell and even admit you guys were right."

Mitsuha could feel the miffed ANBU leave the office. The Hokage activated a privacy seal and nodded her to continue. Mitsuha let go of her tensions for a moment.

"My Tou-chan once had a little seat here with crayons and my own paper to feel like I was helping with the paperwork. My papa always cracked up when both of us complained about it."

Mitsuha straightened up and looked at the Hokage.

"Sandaime sama, my name is Mitsuha Uzumaki Uchiha and I am the daughter of the Rokudaime Hokage"

"My eternal rival!!!"

Kakashi cursed his stars as he walked away from the Hokage tower straight into Gai's clutches.

Just my luck! Kakashi thought to himself as Gai and his team ran up to him. The kids were carrying a small bowl which had a fish? He has learned the hard way not to ask questions.

“Look at you! Back from the mission without a scratch on you! The flames of youth burn brightly in you, Kakashi!!!!”

Kakashi shook off the arm Gai tried to wrap around his shoulders and took out Icha Icha. He ignored the small voice in the corner of his head exclaiming about ‘Dishonour to you and your family’
suspiciously in Mitsuha’s Voice.

“Maa Gui, it was simply an escort mission. I would seriously consider retirement if I got hurt in an escort mission.”

Gui’s eyes twitched slightly. Suddenly turning around, he faced his genin team.

“Team, you know the challenge. Continue on without me and to make up, I will run fifty extra laps without using my left foot.”

Kakashi looked in awe as Gui struck his ‘Good Guy Pose’ and was even tempted to slow clap. His mini-me nodded his head vigorously while the other two just looked like they’d rather be any where else.

“Remember, this exercise is not just about physical strength but also mental focus. If you spill any water, you start again from the beginning. Now, let's ignite the flames of youth and begin!”

“Yes, Sensei. I won't let a single drop fall, Gai-sensei! If I do, then I’ll do this exercise one hundred times!” The Mini-Gai shouted, the water sloshing in the bowl.

Gai looked at the kid with tears in his eyes and shouted equally loud.

“Lee! Feel the power of youth coursing through you! You can do it!”

“Yes, Gai-sensei! For the power of youth!”

“Lee!”

“Gai-Sensei!”

“Ten-Ten” The Kunoichi murmured to Kakashi’s amusement. Even the stoic Hyuga seems to have sweat dropped.

Kakashi could not ignore the civilians and the shinobi who were staring at them at this point. He raised his book to try to cover his face. At this point, he rather be known as the porn reading embarrassment rather than whatever this was. He could imagine the two genin just wanting the earth to swallow them up at this point.

Gai shook himself from whatever trance he seems to have put himself into.

“Now, on my count... Ready, set, GO!”

The trio shouted out ‘Hai Sensei’ and started their jog.

Kakashi watched fascinated at the tiny gold fishes splashing around the bowl. This has to be some sort of animal abuse, he thought to himself. Turning to look at Gai, he noticed the slightly serious expression the man was wearing now that his genin were out of earshot. Uh-oh, looks like he is business, Kakashi sighed and braced himself.

Gai was aware of his slight…full blown insanity when the Hokage asked him to track down the Uzumaki. Gai had watched him rant theories to himself about Mitsuha’s relationship to Kushina. Distant cousins, he had informed the man proudly with the help of his self-made family trees. Gai had just sat and nodded at him.

“So?” Gai asked curiously. Kakashi shook his head.

“I couldn’t bring myself to ask her. It’s sensitive, you know.”

Hey, do you know this person who was also an Uzumaki and was living in Konoha who was also, guess what, a Jinchūriki? Yea, imagine that conversation when he’s known her for less than 24 hours.
Gai looked at him and nodded understandingly.

“What is she like?” Gai asked curiously. Kakashi wasn’t surprised. Out of all the Jounins, Gai was the one who cared about companions and actively tried to make new friends. His success rate was another thing though but he could understand his fellow shinobi’s curiosity. Even without Gai’s friendly nature, all Shinobi were gossiping drama queens.

“Preliminary analysis…extremely strong, S rank most probably, above average or high-level knowledge of sealing, knowledge of kenjutsu – she carries a sword, looks to be chakra conducting blade but the style seems foreign.”

Kakashi took a breath. In the time they had been travelling, Mitsuha never unsealed her sword which makes him question. Was she trusting him or is she confident enough to take him down without her weapon? He had a suspicion that it might be the latter.

“Character analysis though is an entirely different matter. She has been alone for some time now, but seems like she wants companions.”

Even in the brief time they had spend together, Kakashi noticed her tendency to gravitate towards people. Like she hated silence…which would make sense considering what she had revealed about her past.

“And has a sense of humour.” He begrudgingly admitted even though most the jokes were made at his expense. Gai burst out laughing at his expression, clapping Kakashi’s back with considerable force. Honestly, Gai was the only shinobi who could get away with touching him without permission.

“So, she decided to join our forces then?” Kakashi sighed. Mitsuha did decide to join Konoha but ultimately, he could not pinpoint whether it was because she wanted to actually be in Konoha or because she just didn’t want to be alone.

People are too much complicated, he thought to himself.

“She is meeting with the Hokage right now, take that as you will.”

Gai smiled widely. “Our Hokage is an excellent judge of character, if he is meeting her, then he must think she is an honourable shinobi. I trust that Uzumaki san will be an amazing asset to this village.”

Judge of character, Kakashi scoffed. He remembered Hokage’s despair when council member Danzo had passed away. His death had revealed a whole can of worms that Kakashi didn’t even want to touch with a ten-foot pole.

Kakashi sighed again and poked Gai’s shoulders to steer him towards Ichiraku’s. He had a feeling that he would be looking after the lone Uzumaki and they might have to avoid the place for some time.

“Ok, let’s go through that again. So, you are the daughter of the sixth Hokage?”

Mitsuha sighed. Boy, this was going to be a long day…

Genma waved over the Kakashi and Gai as they walked in to the ramen stand and motioned to the seats beside him and Iruka. He could use some company as Iruka had burrowed his head into a stack of exam papers and refused to look up from it.

“Yo!” Kakashi gave his characteristic salute and sat down next to him and Gai gave his usual over exaggerated greetings.

“So how did your mission go? You look like no one tried to kill you so I’d take it as a positive.”

Kakashi snorted and gave his order to the chef. He turned to look at him.

“I really should retire if all of you guys think I’d get injured on an escort mission. Seriously, I am not washed up yet.”

Gai laughed and said. “Well Rival, it was one of the most famous unaffiliated ninja of recent times. And the fact that she had submitted bounties for five S level missing nin is a cause for fear. You can’t expect us to not worry about you, Kakashi!”

Genma slurped his noodles and nodded.

“I heard that she walked into a bounty office covered in blood with a talking head screaming profanities and she smashed it into a desk and politely asked the shinobi to please take the head away before she throws it across the country. If that aint badass, then I don’t know what is. Honestly, if I was into women, I would have had such a big crush. I think Raidou dreams about her though.”

Kakashi looked at him wearingly and kept the chopsticks down. Genma didn’t even know when the bowl was delivered and when he ate it. Gai slurped loudly and spoke in a normal voice, which was unusual for him.

“It seems that he can act on it if he wishes. Uzumaki san is currently with the Hokage.”

“Uzumaki?” Genma looked beside him and noticed that the academy teacher finally lifted his head from the papers. Of course, the name of his most troublesome student snaps him out.
“I swear to god if Naruto did something now…”

Genma noticed Kakashi’s fidgeting which was a usual sight when the Uzumaki is brought up in conversation. Genma could not fault him when the boy looked so much like his father. It brought up too much guilt on them to watch his legacy be tarnished like yesterday’s newspaper.

Gui laughed louder at him.

“No Iruka kun, we are not talking about that Uzumaki, we are talking about the famous one. She is currently meeting with the Hokage.”

“Gai, we are not supposed to be talking about that until the Hokage makes it official.” Kakashi scolded the green man.

“The whole jounin platoon knew about your mission the moment you stepped out of the gate, thank Izumo and Kotetsu.” Genma observed. Iruka looked at the Jounins stunned.

“Wait wait wait, hang on. Roll back a little…there is another Uzumaki?” He waited till the jounin nodded. “So Naruto is not an orphan? Well, where the hell were they when the boy was growing up?”

“It isn’t as easy as you think Iruka.” Genma explained to the irate chunin.

“Uzushio, the village where the Uzumaki are originally from, and Konoha were allies. The wife of the first Hokage was a princess from their country, Mito Uzumaki. They were known for their sealing abilities and long lives…like they could live up to hundred without flinching. Superhuman people if you ask me.”

He snickered remembering Kushina proudly proclaiming that they will grow grey before her. He teased back saying that her kid is going to turn her greyer than Kakashi. Oh how true it would’ve been had they had been alive. Naruto’s pranks have given Iruka some grey hairs.

“We don’t talk much about Uzushio because it is a dark mark in our history but the entire village and the country was destroyed during the second shinobi war. We were not able to aid them because Konoha was stuck in their own troubles.” He sighed stirring the contents of his bowl. He still remembers Kushina’s nightmares and the anguished screams that she led out when waking up from them.

“Anyway, the survivors were hunted by various villages until they all perished or went into hiding. Mitsuha Uzumaki only started gaining a name last year when she started hunting down Akatsuki members.”

Iruka looked at him confused. “I don’t understand. Why would the Hokage want such a nin among out forces, isn’t that dangerous? And it’s a risk for Naruto.”

Kakashi stood up suddenly and eye smiled at Iruka.

“Iruka Sensei, you’ve only found out about Uzushio a few minutes ago. Perhaps you shouldn’t be so eager to judge. After all, if you were alone, won’t you do anything to survive as well?”

Genma watched him as he walked out, shoulder’s tightened and he came to a sudden realization. Holy cow, Kakashi has a crush! And judging by Gai and Iruka’s silence, he was the only one who figured it out. This is such a landmine of an information. The potentials were limitless.

“Have I made him upset?” Iruka’s small voice broke him out of his stupor.

Yes, Genma wanted to say. But Kakashi never gets upset or shows that he is upset. Do you know the power of the information you have given me! Genma wanted to hug the chunin and sprint to Asuma and Kurenai to share this new found revelation.

Gai gave a thumbs up to Iruka.

“Don’t mind it Iruka kun, Kakashi is sensitive about Uzumaki’s since one of his precious people was an Uzumaki.”

Gai looked down. Gai acting serious! Genma was getting all sorts of shock today.

“But I must admit, my eternal rival is acting strangely protective over Mitsuha Uzumaki. I imagine misplaced guilt. But he is hip and cool. He will break out of whatever he is in shortly.”

Gai stood up and declared. “Yosh, now I must join my team and cherish their flames of youth. Bye Iruka kun, Genma.”

Genma watched as he bounced off shouting about youth or something else that he could not bother to hear. He also stood up and ruffled the young sensei’s hair.

“Don’t worry too much about things. If the Hokage deems Uzumaki san to be genuine, then she will be genuine. As to her relationship with your student, well, that really depends on the both of them to be honest.”

As he walked out, he snickered as he heard the man shout behind him.

“HANG ON! NONE OF THEM PAID!”

“So, let me get this again…there was a war which ultimately led to the death of almost every human being and you and your father decided to time travel.”

Mitsuha groaned loudly. This was the third time! She nodded and activated her Sharingan.

“Yes, my father, I travelled back to the past and we landed a year back. Of course, this was later than we anticipated but I decided to make do with what we had.”

Sarutobi looked at her disbelievingly. But the proof was in front of him. The scroll was unmistakable. There were no Uchiha’s except Itachi and Sasuke and here was one in front of him. The details about Naruto and Sasuke’s files that only he should be aware of. And finally, the information about Danzo…that was a heavily guarded secret only a few shinobis were aware of. Either this girl is the most amazing spy ever or she was telling the truth.

Which meant, he had to thread carefully. The information that she shared and her actions have already changed the course of the future. He explained the same to Uzumaki. She looked down in contemplation.

“I am aware.” She replied. “But it was a risk we had to take. Stopping Madara and Zetsu is impossible once they reach the power that they had. I could have waited and let history run its course but it is too risky. I rather face any other adversaries than face…that again.”

She wrapped her hands around herself. The smell of death and burnt bodies were ever present in the world that she came from. She had almost cried when she breathed fresh air when she came to the past. She bawled when she ate hot food for the first time in a decade. Madara had not only killed the human kind but he had destroyed everything.
Hiruzen contemplated before asking her.

“And your father?” Mitsuha knew the question was coming. She just wasn’t ready to accept it.

“We both had planned to make it back to the past. I wanted to find Tsunade Baa to help him with his lungs. If there is anyone that could have fixed him, it was her. But we ran into Madara before we could activate the seal and…” Mitsuha felt tears in her eyes. Damn it, she is a shinobi, get it together!

“He didn’t make it. Madara was too damn strong for us and he was going after my dad’s Sharingan. Once he had it, there was nothing stopping him from finally summoning Kaguya. At that point, I knew I had to travel back or I would be without chakra and everything would be lost. So, I made the choice.”

Mitsuha’s Sharingan spun uncontrollably.

“I will not let it stop me. My fathers entrusted their dream to me and I will achieve it.”

Hiruzen nodded. He had figured that it might have been the case. Judging how protective of her father the Uzumaki was, there was no way she would’ve left him somewhere and travelled if he had made it back.

“I suppose you had something to do with Danzo.” Hiruzen resigned. He had sensed a grudge in the way she spoke of him earlier. The Sharingan still spun.

“Sometimes a decayed branch will only bring down the entire tree.”

The Hokage smiled softly. She was right. He knew what Danzo was doing right under his nose. He was aware of the kidnapped kids and the seals he placed on them. He was aware of the death matches. The accusations against Orochimaru. That man did so much damage to his village and he could only watch as he lit fire beneath his seat. Mitsuha had done him and Konoha a favor.

Speaking of her, Hiruzen looked back at her. She seemed to have gained control and hidden her Sharingan away. The product of two of the saddest orphans in the village. He could see Naruto’s brightness and Sasuke’s determination in her. He smiled wider.

“I am glad. Your father loves proclaiming that he will be Hokage at every chance. I am so happy that the village finally accepted him.”

Mitsuha smiled. “My Papa used to ask him why he worries so much about a village that used to hate him. Tou-chan just replied, ‘I love Konoha, its my home’. Papa calls him insane but I think Tou-chan was just happy to have been noticed, you know. I want to do better for him if possible. Both of them. They deserve so much than this world have shoved at them and if I can help even a tiny bit, I want to do it.”

The Hokage just nodded and took out some paperwork from his desk. He filled in the details about the girl and sealed it along with a brand new Hitae-ite, handing it to Mitsuha.

“Well then, who am I to stop in the way of family. All I ask is you report to me about your outside activities before you conduct them. And wait a little before you approach the kids.”

She took the documentation and the head band. “Congratulations Mitsuha, you are a Konoha Jounin. Report back tomorrow for official duties. Kakashi will take you to the dorms”

Mitsuha felt tears welling up as she held the hitae-ite. She nodded at the Hokage and let her bangs cover her eyes as she let out another wave of tears.

When she first arrived, she was truly lost and alone in a world where she doesn’t belong. Now, she had a home. And soon she could bring her family back together.

Chapter Text

Mitsuha looked at the single room with leaking pipes and mould in the corner. She sighed and turned to Kakashi who also looked at the place with clear disgust in his eyes. She shook her head and said.

“Nope, nada, no way. I am not staying here. I am new to Konoha but even I am sure that I can spot at least twenty health code violations.” Kakashi chuckled and poked a suspicious looking green thing with a leaf he found.

“Well, I suppose it can’t be helped. No one uses the jonin dorms anymore since we rebuilt after the attack. The ANBU dorms are much more furnished but I doubt you’ll be welcomed over there. Maa, you will have to adjust here until we find a new apartment for you, I am afraid.”

Mitsuha looked at the vile thing that Kakashi was poking and heaved. She turned around and walked out of the dorms with a startled Kakashi hurrying to follow her.

“I rather live in a tree than stay an hour in that room. Hell, I would hear Hidan calling me a bitch for twenty-four hours straight than that abomination. I am marching right up to the Hokage and saying that I take back everything.”

“Well, looks like the newbie didn’t last a day!”

Kakashi and Mitsuha turned at the voice and came face to face with Mitarashi Anko. Kakashi sighed, this was the last person that he wanted to run into and he looked at his poor companion in sympathy.

Anko is going to eat her alive…Well, he supposed it was good while it lasted. Hopefully he can convince the Hokage to put Mitsuha’s name on the memorial stone because an encounter with Anko needs to be classified as KIA.

Mitsuha looked at the black-haired women in wonder. She got the distinct feeling that she knows this woman but her mind failed to supply the name of the person. Which is why she easily flinched when the slightly shorted woman put her hands around her shoulders and started leading her away from the dorm. She cleared her throat.

“Umm…Sorry if I sound rude but who are you exactly?”

Anko smiled at her sadistically.

“Your worst nightmare, Red. In fact, where we are going should be the equivalent for hell for you. Tell me Uzumaki, how do you deal with a face full of drunken shinobi?”

“Stabbing?” Anko laughed and clapped a hand on her back. She pulled Mitsuha closer and said into her ears.

“You and me are going to get along just well, Red.”

Kakashi followed the two women at a reasonable distance. He might have been suicidal at one point but even he had enough self-preservation left to not get involved with whatever Anko was planning.

Besides he that she was leading them to their regular pub. He knew his fellow shinobi were noisy but them sicking Anko on the poor girl was just cruel. He did feel bad for the reluctant Uzumaki who was trying to get away from Anko in vain. He called out to her.

“That’s Anko, if she comes to you and asks you if you want candy, you run.”

Anko laughed out loud and smiled at Mitsuha. “For you Red, I’ll be sure to bring extra sweet ones so make sure you take them, ok?”

Mitsuha looked at the woman who was hanging on to her with no idea of personal space. This…this was Anko? She felt like hitting herself for not identifying the woman sooner.

Back in her time period, Anko was an academy teacher and an excellent one at that even though her students all were afraid of her. Iruka once told her Tou-chan about Anko’s expedition to the forest of death with newly minted academy students. Mitsuha thought it was so cool and expressed that she wanted to go as well. Her Tou-chan had just cried. Even Sasuke teared up that day.

Her fathers were creeped out by the woman but Mitsuha always thought that she was the coolest Kunoichi she had ever met. Sakura was so upset that she wasn’t Mitsuha’s favorite and she heard Tsunade drunk herself to stupor crying that her grandbaby hated her. Anko was pleased and told her that once she was of age, she will teach her everything she knows. She never did get a chance to fulfil that promise.

Sasuke even commended that she herself adopted a lot of Anko’s creepiness and bloodlust a few years into the war. She took it as a compliment even though her father clarified that it was indeed not.
Suddenly she felt happy, this was the women who she modelled her persona after. This was the face she showed to the Akatsuki before they fell to her blade.

She grinned widely and put an arm around Anko’s waist and replied happily.

“Oh, I’ll be sure to enjoy anything you offer me, how could I even think about rejecting something from you, sweetheart.”

She could hear Kakashi almost face plant onto the ground as Anko laughed even louder with a shout. Mitsuha was led into a reasonably crowded pub where she guided her to a table full of jonins.

“Guys, I like this one, we’re keeping her!” Asuma looked up from the glass he was nursing and frowned while Kurenai just signed and laid her head on the table exasperated. Gai was the one who rose up to meet the three, shaking Mitsuha’s hand continuously.

“Yosh! Anko, the flames of youth burn brightly through you to proclaim your loyalty to our new comrade. I shall drink more to this exuberant display of youth.”

Kakashi gently stirred Mitsuha away from the rambunctious pair to the seats opposite to Asuma and Kurenai. He let her slide in and body blocked Anko from grabbing her again.

Asuma pushed a cup of sake to her. She nodded to him and downed it knowing that it was impossible for her to get drunk. She and her father had experimented one night while they were camping in Uzushio. Sasuke theorized that she had the same ability to burn alcohol from her system like Naruto. As to why the father was feeding her underage daughter alcohol…well, when you don’t know if you’ll survive the next day, better to live each day to the fullest. Besides, old enough to kill, old enough to drink.

“Uzumaki, nice to meet you, I’m Asuma. This is Kurenai and the loud one is Gai. You’ve already met Anko. Welcome to the team!”

She slightly bowed her head and introduced herself.

“Please, call me Mitsuha. It’s nice to meet you all.”

Kurenai smiled at her and poured more sake for her. Before Mitsuha could accept, Kakashi intercepted the cup and downed it himself. He eye-smiled at the irritated look that Kurenai threw her.

“Maa, I know we are all curious but I know how you lot get when alcohol is involved. Why don’t we try to be somewhat sober for the newbie’s sake?”

Anko snorted beside him. “If missing nin doesn’t scare this one, I don’t think we will either. Speaking of which, is it true that you threatened the Tsuchikage?”

“I believe my exact words were ‘You're nothing but an old relic, step aside before you embarrass yourself’. The old fool would not believe that I had killed Deidara even after I showed him the evidence.”

Even though the old man was as senile as he was in Mitsuha’s time, this Onoki was a power-hungry bastard. But he was greedy and saw the power that Mitsuha could offer and insisted on her joining Iwa. When she refused, he threw a temper tantrum and started sending shinobi after her with a capture order.

“He wanted me to join Iwa. He would not take no for an answer. So, I burned his hat. He sent ANBU after me, I send them back with concussion. It’s an ongoing cycle at this point. The old man even promised to drag me to Iwa and force an Iwa Hitae-ite on me to discipline me. Oh boy, he won’t be happy when he hears that I’ve joined Konoha.”

“Old man Onoki is one of a kind. Crazy and bull minded but he is a great shinobi. Oh what I wouldn’t do to be a fly on the wall when you called him an old relic.”

Genma interrupted as he walked in and fell beside Gai and snuggled up to him.

“October is so cold; guard duty sucks and I am here to drink my problems away. Red, pour your senior some sake.”

Mitsuha chuckled and poured him a drink. Genma was a familiar face at the table. He was one of the Hokage platoon who guarded her father. He always brought her dango even though her father complained about him ruining her appetite. Unfortunately, he was one of the few who fell with her father. It made her so happy to see him alive and well in front of her.

“Of course, Senpai, please forgive this fool of a junior for not taking initiative. I feel like I have let down the entire village.”

Genma smiled and extended his hand across the table.

“I’m Genma, I’m with T&I along with Ms. Sadistic over there.”

Anko objected at her title but she was outnumbered by the nods. The night went on as all the jonin drank more and got more comfortable. Anko snickered and pointed at Kurenai and Asuma cuddling with each other while Kakashi pointed at Gai trying to go to the bathroom and Genma refusing to let him go, complaining about the cold.

Mitsuha laughed along and poured more sake for Genma when he looked at her pouting.

“This would have been a very different meeting if you hadn’t received an invite from the Hokage. But I’m glad that wasn’t the case. Not sure if any methods would have worked with people who took down multiple missing nins.”

Mitsuha smiled. “Trust me, after Hidan, torture would feel like a walk in the park. I had to take a week break to get my sanity back.”

Gai laughed, spilling his drink on the table. Kakashi looked annoyed as he moved his sleeve away from the table.

“Is that the talking head that you threatened to throw?”

“Boy, news does travel a long distance, eh?”

“When the news involves an undying shinobi, sure does.”

Asuma chuckled and remarked pushing more alcohol towards her. Mitsuha made sure to grab it before Kakashi could intercept it. She made a point to look at Kakashi while sipping the drink. Kakashi signed and raised his book. Mitsuha let it go this time because she genuinely felt bad at teasing her.

“Red seems to have a tendency to attract trouble it seems. Perfect example, she flirted back with Anko, if that doesn’t scream zero self-preservation, then I don’t know what does.”

Never mind, that book is burning. Mitsuha glared at him while he giggled at the book and took an offered drink.

“At least I can get women, Mr. I read Porn every where I go in order to destroy the reputation of the young women sitting next to you. I wasn’t kidding when I said you’ll have to take responsibility if I can’t get married at a proper age. How will you answer to my father in heaven, Hatake san?”

Genma could not believe his eyes. Kakashi looked traumatized with Red’s comments. This day just keep getting better and better. Anko laughed and slapped poor stunned Kakashi who immediately put his book away.

“The more you talk Red, the more I like you. At this point, I would swear my undying loyalty to you just because you can embarrass Kakashi like that. Hell, marry me Mitsuha!”

Kakashi snapped Mitsuha’s cup and drank the entire thing ignoring her complaints. In fact, he snatched Gai’s cup too for good measure. Gai laughed at his actions and turned his attention on Mitsuha.

“I must say Mitsuha, you are quite a youthful spirit to be around. I must say, my friend, if we had known how spirited you are, we would have extended an invitation to you sooner. To be able to make my rival speechless is such a great talent.”

Genma added on looking carefully at the Uzumaki.

“True, you could’ve come to Konoha. Our villages were allies. Strange that you only started becoming popular last year.”

Kakashi noticed that the entire table feel silent waiting for her answer. He sighed, mentally hitting himself for not warning Mitsuha about Genma. Trust the T&I to be always be on the lookout for suspicious factors. He glanced at Mitsuha from the corner of his eyes and noticed that her hands had tightened around her cup. Kakashi cleared his throat to change the conversation.

“My family was killed by the Akatsuki.”

Kakashi was thrown aback. He was not expecting Mitsuha to answer.

“We were travelling from village to village, offering shinobi works and seals to those who were interested. Of course, we had our own sealing and jutsu research, we are Uzumaki after all. One of this research led to something that could throw off all the plans that Akatsuki has and they retaliated.”

Kakashi leaned a minuscule towards the her and offered his silent support. He did notice Asuma’s eyes widen at his actions. There is nothing wrong with comforting a comrade. He glared at Asuma to point out his actions who raised his hands placatingly.

“I wasn’t able to save my family and at that point, it didn’t matter where I went, I would only bring unwanted attention to the village that would take me in. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and hunted them before they got me.”

Mitsuha shrugged. “It worked out and I now assume that they know not to mess with me. But one can never be sure.”

Gai looked at her with admiration and threw a thumbs up towards her with tears flowing from his eyes.

“My dear friend, the fact that you avenged your family and took down an organization who was doing evil while grieving! The youth shines so brightly in you. Yosh! I shall run the entire village with weight tied to my legs to show that nothing can hold me down as well!”

Genma held onto the drunk Gai before he started to do what he proclaimed with a complaint that he was cold while Mitsuha looked at him in utter confusion. Kakashi could not blame her. Deciding that the night was over, he pushed Anko out of the booth and stood up.

“Right, Red. Bed time for you, Hokage sama wants to see you early in the morning.”

Mitsuha pouted. “No, I’m not going to that moldy place. I will sleep on top of the mountain if I have to, but not there. You can’t make me!”

Kurenai looked at her curiously, “What place are you talking about?”

Kakashi sighed and started putting Mitsuha’s shirt to make her follow him but the girl refused to budge.

“It’s just the jonin dorms. It is a bit old and Red is afraid of dust…”

“There are green unknown blobs there!” She interrupted looking at him with puppy dog eyes that gave him pause for a second. His ninken would be jealous of the perfect impression. Anko looked from behind him.

“Red, if you don’t want to go to the dorms, you can stay with me. Though I can’t guarantee you much sleep but hey, I can promise a good time.”

Kakashi choked as he saw Mitsuha actually considering it. He pulled her up and held her close.

“Nope, I can’t have her dying when I am supposed to watch over her. You win Red, you can stay on my couch till we find a place for you. You are not leaving with Anko.”

Both the women pouted and shouted at the same time.

“Kakashi, you fun killer!”

“Why wasn't that an option before!”

Kakashi sighed as he ignored the shouts and pushed Uzumaki out of the pub into the cold night. As soon as they were outside, Mitsuha fell into step beside him. After a night of shouting and drinking, it almost seemed too quiet. Kakashi watched as Mitsuha took in the stars and smiled fondly at the shinobi stumbling away from the pup. They drunkenly waved to her which she returned with a beaming smile. She sighed and looped her arm around his and snuggled close to him. Blame it on the alcohol and the warm buzz in his stomach, Kakashi did not feel like pushing her away. It was definitely not because she was feeling cold and he was worried about her. The slowly walked to his apartment.

He pulled out the book and was surprised that he was ignored. He smiled.

“Maa, too tired to even tease me?”

Mitsuha smiled. “To be honest, overwhelmed. Haven’t talked to that many people in a long time. And some of them remind me of my folks. Ahh, its all messy in my head and now I have a headache.”
He sympathized. He also gets headaches when he remembers the past too much.

“I can give you some pain killers.”

Mitsuha laughed. “Hmmm…drugs…” That startled a laugh out to Kakashi and he smacked her head gently. Mitsuha pouted at him rubbing her head.

“Domestic abuse too?” Kakashi smacked her once more for good measure and titled his head towards the roof.

They both took to the roof and reached his apartment. Opening the door and motioning the girl to step in, he moved toward the fridge to make a quick dinner. He quickly realized that he doesn’t have anything to offer the Uzumaki and he was certain that she hadn’t eaten anything the whole day.

Mitsuha pulled out a storage scroll and looked at Kakashi.

“Can I take a bath?” Kakashi nodded and quickly pointed at the bathroom. When the girl when inside, he quickly summoned a shadow clone to pick up some ramen. He started making some tea when he heard it. Focusing slightly, he moved a bit closer to the bathroom. Hearing the small sobs, he quickly moved back to his kettle. It is not his business.

His was plating the ramen on the table when Mitsuha returned. He did not remark on the red eyes and more tears when she saw ramen. They silently sat together and finished dinner, the woman looking pointedly away from his face to give him some privacy. Kakashi respected the action and made it a point to ignore her tears when she ate from her bowl.

Mitsuha quickly retired to the couch and curled up after dinner. If Kakashi dropped his most comfortable blanket on her, who is to know?

Chapter Text

Kakashi woke up confused to the smell of cooked eggs. Sure, it took him a good ten minutes to remember that he had a house guest but he was certain that he had nothing in the fridge last night. Did she…did she go out on her own?

He quickly pulled on his sweater and moved to the kitchen to find Gai in the middle of cooking. Mitsuha was sitting at the table cheerfully talking to him. It took him a moment to sink in that Gai was wearing a pink apron. Well, I need to bleach my eyes…maybe my soul too. He thought to himself as he sat down next to Mitsuha who pushed a cup of coffee to him.

“Good morning, Eternal Rival. I figured you might not have any grocery since you came back from a long mission so I took it upon myself to make you breakfast. Mitsuha helped with the coffee!”

She laughed and remarked. “Yea, I really haven’t cooked at all. My father used to make food for us and for the last year, I’ve been eating inn food. So, I am quite useless in cooking.”

Gai quickly put the eggs and rice in front of them and poured some miso soup in cups before sitting down himself. Kakashi let himself drown in the noises of his companions as they talked about various breakfast foods. In the back of his head, he remembered that they were supposed to report the Hokage at some point but maa, the Hokage has learned to expect him at least three hours late.

The Hokage looked at the masked man in minor annoyance. Well, he expected longer but the girl next to him who looked slightly pissed off might be the reason why he decided to drag himself earlier. Hiruzen lighted his pipe and inhaled.

“Mitsuha chan, hope you had a wonderful time with the jonins yesterday. Anko made sure to drop in to say that she was adopting you.”

Mitsuha blushed and looked to the side. While it was true that she admired the lady and might have had a teeny tiny crush on her, she didn’t want the entire village to know that. Kakashi let out a scandalized noise at her blush and muttered something about utterly crazy kunoichi.

Hiruzen shook his head at the copy nin and extended a packet to Mitsuha. He watched her observe the jonin jacket and shook out the uniform.

“Usually, we test you to understand your ranking but the bounties you submitted are more than enough to rank you. And the jonin picks up their jacket at the mission office but I felt like this needed to be given to you personally.”

She opened the jacket and her breath caught in her throat. She looked at the jacket Kakashi was wearing and looked at the one she was holding. It was…it was an Uzushio style jacket. Mitsuha did not even want to know how he got hold of one of these but the sentiment was appreciated. And she also understood the political aspect. While Danzo might have been the main disease, the rot was still ever present and her representing the Uzumaki could go a long way for her father? Cousin? She should finalize that relation fast.

Mitsuha pulled the jacket on top of her shirt and then dug into her pocket to find the Konoha hitae-ite. She tied it on her forehead. She glanced subtly sneaked a at the window. She watched her father’s face look back at her. Sasuke used to think that it was a blessing that she looked like a red version of her Tou-chan but she couldn’t help but miss her papa. This was supposed to be a celebration. Both her fathers were supposed to be with her. But she is alone again…

She was startled when Kakashi bumped her shoulder with his. He gave her an eye smile. She looked at the Sandaime who also gave a gentle smile. She grinned back.

“Thank you, Lord Hokage. Thank you for giving me a home to come back to.”

Sandaime nodded knowingly and waved them off. He promised her a mission in the coming weeks but ordered her to acquaint herself with the village and her peers. Bowing to him, the two jonins left the tower.

Kakashi watched as Mitsuha showed off her jacket to Anko who wasted no time in twirling and poking the red head in inappropriate places. He signed as the Uzumaki smiled shyly at the crazy lady’s actions. Honestly, can there be no normal joinins? Is it like a requirement to be crazy to get the rank?

Kakashi had to admit, he was surprised when the Hokage gave her that jacket. He knew it belonged to Mito Uzumaki. But he supposes, that she is the best person to inherit it.

He looked at the proud grin Mitsuha was wearing when Anko was tapping her head band. Kakashi could not stop seeing Kushina in that laugh and he was losing his mind the longer he stares at her. He needed to ask her…If she is related to her, then Naruto can have…Kakashi shook his head. Naruto’s safety is more important that a potential family. Once he is done with evaluating Mitsuha, then they can think about introducing the two.

Kakashi dragged his hand through his hair. There was also the fact that he was overly comfortable with her. He had been acting unlike himself since he met the red head and he is not able to figure out what is wrong with him. He sighed. It’s time to use the good old logic: If he can’t understand the problem, bang his head against it until he figures it out.

When Anko leaned in too close to the newly minted jonin, Kakashi pulled Mitsuha to him and used a shunshin to get away to a training field. Time to brute force himself to understand the mystery that is Mitsuha Uzumaki. He ignored Mitsuha’s pout and moved to stand in front of her.

“So…” He began. “I am curious. Sure, you took down S rank missing nins but I am the kind of person who likes to poke a cactus.”

Mitsuha tilted her head to the side with a smirk. “So…Copy nin wants to find out if I am all talk, eh? Sure, we can make a spar happen.”

With a swift motion, she pulled out her sword from the storage seals on her forearm and took her stance. Kakashi lifted his hitae-ite to reveal his Sharingan, and Mitsuha felt a twinge of excitement. She had heard stories, but this was the first time she’d seen Kakashi’s Sharingan in action. Though she has more than enough run ins with its pair. Obito could not function without his. Her own eyes tingled, and she was thankful for the seal behind her ear that kept her Sharingan in check.

Mitsuha wasted no time, charging at Kakashi with lightning speed. Sasuke had often told her that while she fought with calculated precision, she entered a fight with the reckless abandon of Naruto. The clash of metal against metal brought back memories of the war, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the rhythm of the battle. The flow of taijutsu felt almost instinctual now, each strike and counter a natural extension of her body.

Kakashi was a formidable opponent, effortlessly matching her every move and strike, his movements fluid and precise, like water slipping through her grasp. Mitsuha couldn’t help but feel exhilarated. This was the most fun she had had in ages. She could see Kakashi was enjoying the challenge as well, a smile tugging beneath his mask as he matched her blow for blow. For once, she wasn’t fighting for her life, but for the sheer joy of sparing.

Panting slightly, Kakashi smirked and leaped back, forming a series of hand signs with blinding speed. Mitsuha recognized the signs immediately.

“Katon: Fireball Jutsu!” Kakashi unleashed a massive fireball, roaring towards her with scorching intensity.

“Raiton: Conductor!” Mitsuha countered, her sword crackling with lightning chakra as she sliced through the fireball, dispersing it with a flash. She rushed forward, aiming to strike Kakashi, but he substituted himself with a log at the last second.

Mitsuha’s senses tingled as she felt a faint disturbance in chakra. She scanned the area, searching for Kakashi.

There! Suddenly, a pair of hands shot up from the ground. She reacted instantly, replacing herself with a lightning clone that exploded as soon as Kakashi touched it, sending him flying back. Kakashi disappeared again, leaving behind a crater.

“Seiteki Suji no Jutsu” Weaving the strings around her, she closed her eyes as she waited for Kakashi to trigger one of the strings.

Patiently letting her conscience slip, she watched out for chakra around her. Some time during their spar, they seemed to have amassed a crowd. She felt her breath hitch a bit. That chakra…Before she could spend time going into a panic attack, she felt Kakashi to her left. She let herself be hit with a punch to her jaw while she pulled her strings around him and released lightning chakra. She knew it would only momentarily stun him as he too is lightning natured but a moment is all she needs.

“Kaseiken” Her fist glowed with concentrated power as she drove it into Kakashi’s gut, sending him flying back with a groan of pain. But he vanished again, another shadow clone. Mitsuha couldn’t help but feel a twinge of frustration. Kakashi was too slippery, always just out of reach. She is used to fighting with shinobi who boast and attack her to her face. Kakashi was proving himself to be a very good challenge.

Mitsuha sighed and let herself relax as she sought out the prickly chakra associated with the man. She was impressed. After the first time, he suppressed his chakra well. She could not sense him. But he doesn’t know…she can smell him. She blocked the kunai from her back and chased him to the trees. She pulled out a crossbow from another storage seal and equipped it with one of her favorite fireworks.

Even though it’s a spar, the man was going out with a bang. She pointed the crossbow in his general direction and fired, the rocket exploding with a bang. Quickly pulling up her shirt to cover her nose, Mitsuha waited.

Soon enough she heard him coughing and staggered out from the forest waving in front of his nose. She distinctly noticed that his Sharingan was covered. She pouted a bit, she wanted to watch it more.

“What the hell was that?” He exclaimed angrily trying to wipe his nose. She smiled.

“Oh, just a stink bomb. I have heard that you have an excellent sense of smell so I pulled it out this especially for you! Do you like it Hatake?”

He looked angrily at her and walked upto her and pulled her closer to him. Mitsuha gagged at the smell and tried to push him away.

“No, if I am suffering, so should you!” He muttered and started aggressively rubbing their cheeks together. Mitsuha cried out trying to push him away but the man was holding on like a leech.

“What a wonderful show of youth!!!” Kakashi slightly pulled away from her in surprise and the girl used his momentary distraction to jump behind Gai who was in his good guy pose and three genins behind her. Gai turned around and placed his hands on Mitsuha’s shoulder.

“My dear friend, you have given my rival a challenge and now I must insist that you spar with me for a chance to prove myself as well.”

“Yes, beautiful lady, please allow myself to learn from the spar between the both of you!”

The ever-youthful Lee beamed at her. She had forgotten the brightness that these two brought when they were together. Unsure how to escape, she looked at Kakashi who looked too smug. Oh, he was enjoying it. She distinctly pointed at her crossbow silently warning him there was more stink bomb. He paled slightly.

Gai shook her once more while going on about the power of youth and desire to get stronger. Mitsuha looked at the bright light behind the nin and tried to extract herself from him. Kakashi sighed and moved behind the Uzumaki and pulled her away from Gai.

“Ask her another day Gai. We both stink like hell thanks to red here. Both of us would benefit greatly from a long shower so excuse us.”

“Of course, my rival, I am utterly ashamed of my tactlessness. My dear Mitsuha, as a punishment for this insensitivity, I will run one hundred laps around the village! I will see you later my dear friends!”
“Let me join you Gai sensei!” Lee shouted as he ran behind him,

Both the copy nin and the Uzumaki watched as he started running leaving behind two genins. Ten-ten exclaimed.

“Oh great! He forgot us again!” Neji just sighed and looked at the stranger in front of him. They were finishing up their morning training when Gai-sensei noticed a spike in chakra and dragged them to watch the spar between the jonins. He had seen the grey-haired shinobi around the village and knew that he was very strong. But the girl was not only able to keep up with him but out smart him. He looked at her as she waved to Gai-sensei’s running back.

Kakashi sighed and looked at the baby genins and said.

“Well, if you guys were going to do D ranks, I don’t think its going to happen. Better wait around here and train till your eccentric sensei and his mini me comes back. See you!”

Kakashi once again used shunshin to get them out of the training field. They landed on top of the Hokage mountain. Mitsuha let go of her breath and leaned a bit against him. That chakra was itching in the back of her mind and she knew that she was not ready to face the younger version of her father. Kakashi saved her from a guaranteed panic attack and crying session. She closed her eyes and let herself feel his chakra. Kakashi was becoming her comfort person very fast.

Kakashi looked at the girl who was leaning on his chest with her eyes closed. He…didn’t know what to do. On one hand, he was extremely uncomfortable with this but on the other hand he knew that she was on the verge of a breakdown for some reason and was depending on him for comfort. Which made Kakashi even more uncomfortable. He doesn’t do comfort. He didn’t know what to do with his hands!

Kakashi was startled when she drew in a shaky breath. Oh no! Was she going to cry? The copy nin looked at the mess of red hair in front of him and did the only thing that made sense to him. He turned her around and pulled her tight against his chest. He stroked her long hair and allowed them to sway a bit.

Mitsuha let herself be wrapped in his comfort. She could feel his static chakra try to reach to hers unconfidently. Precious! She thought to herself and allowed her own chakra to wrap around his. She felt his breath hitch and his hold get tighter. Mitsuha mumbled into his jacket.

“Been a long time since I could fight without worrying about survival. It felt liberating…thank you Kakashi!”

Kakashi stroked her hair as his chakra danced around hers like an over excited puppy. Maa, this is going to become troublesome. He breathed in her scent and scrunched up his nose. He couldn’t make out her scent. He should try it after she’s had her bath. He wants to know what she smells like.

Kakashi placed his cheek on her head and smiled.

“It was fun fighting with you. I know you were holding back but it was still fun. I liked it even though that firework was an asshole move!”

Mitsuha giggled. “I actually made it to throw off trackers. Works effectively every time. Just thought firing it face point would make you die inside so…”

Mitsuha could feel the pout on his face but she refused to look up. She needed this comfort and she would take it as long as he was willing to give it to her.

Kakashi held her for another hour as they whispered details about their spar to each other. He wanted to ask her about Kushina but looking at the girl holding onto his jacket he decided to let his curiosity wait another day.

Chapter Text

Mitsuha looked at the mirror in front of her. Last night was embarrassing. She thought to herself as she brushed her hair. She could see the puffiness under her eyes. Her face flushed remembering how she had forced Kakashi to comfort her. And it wasn’t even the first time. She couldn’t understand why his very presence seemed to bring her down from panic attacks.

‘Must be because the man used to sneak around her to make sure she was not getting in trouble. A guardian angel.’

An image of Kakashi with puffy white angel wings popped up in her mind. She snickered as she pulled her hair up into a pony tail. She looked like her grandmother. Mitsuha decided proudly. It was something Naruto always complained about, she looking like a mixture of Kushina and Sasuke. Her papa used to comfort him by reminding him that Mitsuha got her attitude from her.

Mitsuha loosened her seal and let her Sharingan activate. She watched it turn into Mangekyou Sharingan. Looking into the mirror, she allowed the memories to take over for a couple of seconds.

Sakura had taken over a more active role in raising her as her father let duties and depression take over him. She was the only thing holding her father sane and keeping him connected to her daughter.
“The Uchiha love so deeply Mitsuha,” Sakura had told her one night while tucking her to sleep, “They do anything to keep them safe and if something were to happen to the object of their emotions, they lose their mind. Trauma causes the Sharingan to mature.” Mitsuha cuddled to her chest and whispered.

“Is that how papa got Sharingan? Because he lost someone?” Sakura held her tight and hummed. “Your uncle…he was a great man who sacrificed everything to make sure Sasuke stayed alive. Itachi’s actions were villainized by the village elders and himself. Sasuke spends half of his life chasing after Itachi to kill him only to find out the truth after he died.”

Sakura sighed and started running a hand through Mitsuha’s hair. “Your papa was confused and misled and traumatized by the people who were supposed to guide him. Your Tou-chan never gave up and took multiple blows to his heart trying to bring him back. Looking back, I never even stood a chance…”

Mitsuha looked up at Sakura. Her two Tomoe spinning as she took in the pink hair and the fond look Sakura gave her. Sakura ran a thumb beneath her eyes and smiled.
“You are an Uchiha through and through…you love equally as much as your papa. I had wished that you would never awaken your Sharingan. I never wanted you to go through the trauma for it. You awoke it for your Tou-chan right?”

Mitsuha nodded. She still remembers watching her father fall. After all, Sharingan never lets you forget. She doesn’t even know how she awoke the second one. It just happened one day and they were too focused in battle to even recognise it. Her father had held her tightly and cried himself to sleep that night. Sakura had been right alongside with the both of them.

Tou-chan used to look at Sakura with guilt whenever she and Sasuke used to interact. He had believed that he had stolen her chance to be with him. Mitsuha knew that even now Sakura was in love with her papa. She sighed and laid her head, listening to Sakura’s heartbeat.

“You know,” She began with a small smile. “I think Tou-chan wouldn’t mind if you both ended up together. You love him and he loves you even if papa adamantly denies it.” Sakura laughed lightly, the gentle tremors soon turning into tears as she held the child even harder.

“You are mistaken darling…Without Naruto, it will never be complete.”

Mitsuha wasn’t sure what happened to Sakura but Shikamaru returned her half-burned corpse to the camp. Sasuke had screamed louder than she had even seen him but her mind was flabbergasted with how clearly, she could see her lifeless body. Oh…she thought to herself, I awoke the final Tomoe…

Watching her father die had unlocked her Mangekyou. Sasuke and her were planning to transplant his eyes to her if she ever awoke the cursed eye but Madara got his eyes before she could even attack him. The most infuriating part is the pitying look he gave her as she clutched her father’s body and screamed, letting lighting flash all around her.

“Why do you fight any more, child? You are part of my clan, come with me now. There is nothing left for you.” She refused to dignify it with a response. Madara had sighed and turned around.

It was frustrating to see that he didn’t even consider her a threat and showed his back to her. She wanted to launch at him with everything, for a final fight. But knowing that she stood no chance against the man who wiped out shinobi, she held her father tighter and cried her heart out.

“Come find me when you come back to your senses. Bury you father, I have no use for him anymore. Remember Mitsuha, you are family.”

She watched as he flew away from her. Frustrated and helpless, Mitsuha wept for days until she finally gathered enough sense to travel back to Konoha and bury her father. She carved the names of her fallen comrades on the memorial stone and made a final trip to Uzushio where she activated the time travel seal.

Mitsuha was startled when a knock came from the door. Quickly deactivating her eyes and sending chakra to her seal, she washed her face once more and opened the door to a disgruntled Kakashi. He pushed her out of the bathroom and closed it behind her. She snorted, guess even the infamous copy nin can’t ignore the call of the nature.

Moving back to the kitchen, she looked at the grocery that Gai had left for them. Deciding that experimenting might not be a good idea right now, she filled the kettle with water and let it boil. At least she can make coffee. And on second thought, she could make some eggs.

When the copy nin emerged refreshed and ready to start the day, he found a plate of black goo on his table and an ashamed Mitsuha attempting to jump out of his balcony. Pulling her back into the apartment and listening to a thousand apologies, he finally cracked a smile. He knelt down to look at her and whispered in a secretive tone.

“I couldn’t cook for shit either. Then I figured out that I can use Sharingan to copy people making food. My first few attempts resulted in burned building. Your first try is far better!”
Mitsuha looked up at him with tears in eyes and Kakashi felt his heart miss a beat. Red hair framing her defined face she would look exactly like Kushina if it weren’t for her blue eyes. Her blue eyes reminded her of her young cousin. Strange…

She looked back at him surprised, cheeks reddening. Oh…he suddenly realized; he was cupping her face. Not knowing how to did himself out of this hole, he just started squishing her face. He ignored the small noises of discomfort she was making as he tried to figure out why he did what he did.

Kakashi wasn’t a person of touch. In fact, he avoided it like the plague. But here he was, letting this girl hold his hands, hugging her on his own and now holding her face like she was precious. Well…she was precious, if nothing else, she was Naruto’s cousin and that meant that she was family because Kushina was family.

Leaving the red hair to tend to her bruised cheeks, Kakashi stood up and poured himself a cup of coffee. Taking a sip, he moved to the balcony. Konoha was beautiful at dawn, the mist creating a small dew covering the village. He loved his village; this was the village that his precious people died for. He felt Mitsuha move next to him, leaning on his side. She looked mesmerized by the sight. He lifted his hands and let himself indulge. He twirled a strand of her hair between his fingers. It was not as soft as Kushina but he could imagine it had to do with running for her life rather than poor hair routine. The red head was fairly shorter than him, only coming up to his shoulders. He wouldn’t call her delicate…she was beautiful in the way a thunderstorm was, powerful and mesmerizing rather than the gentle spring rain.

“I’ve heard from my father that there was an Uzumaki who lived in Konoha. Did you know her?” Kakashi was startled from his thoughts. He wasn’t expecting her to bring up that topic. In fact, he was sure that she didn’t know about that. He sighed and looked pointedly not at her. While it was true that he wanted to know if she was related to Kushina, he was not ready for her to bring it up. Thinking how to escape from the question, Kakashi didn’t notice the red head moving away from him and going back inside.

“It’s ok, you don’t have to tell me now. I’ll be here still when you’re ready to talk about it. Now come, I’m hungry and neither of us know how to cook without burning down the place.”
Perhaps he was delaying it not because he was considerate of her but because he was scared to broach the topic. But what was he scared of? Kakashi looked at the retreating form, watching her strap her sword to her back instead of sealing it like usual. She turned around and smiled. Maybe its ok…maybe he can escape his reality for a little longer and keep the red haired Uzumaki to himself for a little longer.

Well, that went fabulously! Kakashi thought as he watched Gai jump kick Mitsuha. He sighed as he watched the two spar eagerly. They were intercepted by Gai’s team while having breakfast and could not escape fast enough. They were dragged to training ground seven and the spar has been going on for a solid hour now with both of them barely out of breath. Kakashi could not help pout a little. I had to use Sharingan to keep up with her and Gai does it easily. He thought.

At least some one is enjoying it. He thought as he looked at the baby genin standing next to him. The Hyuga boy even had his Byakugan activated. Mini Gai was bouncing up and down on his feet watching the two jonin spar. Only the Kunoichi seemed calm and was curiously observing the spar.

“Leaf Whirlwind!” Gai shouted as he and his clones rushed towards the red head.

“It’s impossible to defend against that attack as Sensei comes from all directions.” Mini Gai observed. Kakashi hummed. True, but Mitsuha would easily recover from a strike. In fact, she might even shock him once contact is made. It will affect Gai more than it affected him because of chakra nature.

While she could technically take a hit, Mitsuha thought it might be fun to show off a bit to the kids. Afterall, how often do they see a seal master in fight. She uncovered the seal on the back of her palm and activated it.

“Chakra barrier” She whispered and erected a barrier of lightning chakra. It was a seal her Tou-chan made for her papa. The seal basically recharges passively and then uses the charged chakra to form an offensive and defensive shield. Her papa used to face issues with keeping up with the barrier due to chakra exhaustion but for an Uzumaki like herself, the barrier is a child’s play.

Kakashi gaped as he saw the barrier. He pushed up his head band. Yup, that was lightning chakra. He wasn’t even aware that chakra could do that. Subtly, he used his Sharingan to record the seal on her hand.

The barrier absorbed Gai’s relentless strikes, sending electric shocks back at him. "Well, there is that famed Uzumaki Chakra again at work." Kakashi thought to himself, watching the fight easily now that he had his sharingan out. Despite the shocks, Gai’s continuous assault began to push Mitsuha back. Realizing the barrier wouldn’t hold forever, she deactivated the seal and prepared to counter.

“Raiton: Raikou Hitofuki no Jutsu!” She watched horrified as Gai casually opened a gate and dodged her attack. "Gai! You can't just go on and open those like you're opening your front door!" Mitsuha exclaimed as Gai laughed boomingly at her.

Annoyed, she pulled out her sword and charged it with lightning. With a burst of speed, Gai lunged forward, his fists aiming straight for Mitsuha. She sidestepped, bringing her sword up to meet his assault. Their movements blurred together, Gai’s taijutsu clashing against Mitsuha’s precise sword strikes. Each of Gai’s punches reverberated through her blade, forcing Mitsuha to focus intensely on countering his relentless attacks.

Mitsuha was tempted to throw caution to wind and activate her Sharingan. While sparing with Kakashi, they were matched in power and speed. If Gai were any slower, she would have no problem beating him but as it stands, she is not able to match his speed.

“Yosh! The power of our youth shines through Mitsuha chan! You are truly a magnificent opponent!” Mitsuha smiled and charged with her sword.

“You are not bad either Gai, your speed is incredible! I can barely keep up. Amazing!” Gai’s face brightened while they traded blows.

Mitsuha jumped up, tossing a paper seal onto the ground. “Suppression Seal!” she shouted. Gai recognized the seal immediately as his chakra started to drain.

“Suppression seal!” Gai exclaimed as he felt his chakra draining. Against any other opponent, this would have been the end but for him…He jumped up and aimed a roundhouse kick. Mitsuha tried jumping back but was hit and was propelled back into a tree.

She groaned, her back throbbing from the impact. Gai, concerned, rushed up to her and knelt down.

“Yosh! Sorry, Mitsuha-chan. I forgot to hold back my strength for a moment. That was very un-youthful of me. I shall climb the Hokage mountain one hundred times as penance. On my hands!”
The image of an upside-down Gai jumping on top of the Hokage mountain flew through her head. She could not help it. Mitsuha clutched her stomach and started laughing hard. Gai made an offended sound and tried poking her cheek. Mitsuha wiped her tears and looked at Gai with a wide smile.

“That was so much fun Gai! I absolutely loved it!”

Kakashi jogged up to the pair in time to see Gai’s eyes widen and a blush spreading across his face. Oh no! Nope, not happening. Kakashi smacked Gai’s head in panic and knocked the man out. Mitsuha burst out laughing again.

“Kakashi!”

“Red, we’re getting out of here! Come on,” Kakashi said, pulling Mitsuha to her feet and performing a quick shunshin to escape the training ground. The last thing he needed was a lovesick Gai proclaiming his affection all over Konoha.

Back at the training grounds, the genin stood in awe. Lee’s eyes sparkled with admiration, while Neji and Tenten exchanged impressed glances. “Did you see that?” Lee exclaimed.

“Mitsuha-san is amazing!”

Neji nodded, his Byakugan deactivating. “Indeed. She is a formidable opponent.”

Tenten smiled, watching the space where Mitsuha and Kakashi had just disappeared. “I can’t wait to spar with her someday.”

Chapter Text

Kakashi looked at the mission scroll that the hawk dropped by. Usually, he would not be called to missions as he is observing the new Shinobi but the mission parameters matched his stats. When his clone dropped by the Hokage tower to crosscheck, Sandaime Hokage had instructed him to leave the Uzumaki to the care of Anko or Gai.

He sighed, looking over at the happy red head, munching on Dango. Yea, if he left her with Anko, they might actually hook up. The village does not need that. Kakashi could see the sadism that the red head hides in front of most people. At least with Gai, it might be one sided romance.

Kakashi sighed again. He had gotten used to having no missions for almost two weeks. Sparing with Gai in the morning after breakfast which the other Jonin happily started providing once Mitsuha complained about take outs. She had even started taking cooking lessons from the jonin much to Gai’s pleasure.

Usually, the three of them would spend some time sparing while the baby genins gathered at the meeting point. Gai’s team had become a familiar sight. Tenten was eagerly absorbing any amount of Fūinjutsu Mitsuha would impart while the boys were more interested in Taijutsu. Mitsuha happily provided them with information while Gai praised her for her youthfulness. Kakashi would usually spend this time napping on trees.

Then afternoons spend in the library where the Uzumaki was continuously irritated at the lack of Fūinjutsu scrolls and proceeded to donate some which she had for the betterment of the craft.

Kakashi would spend these hours at the memorial stone after making sure that a clone is watching his charge. He knew that the girl sensed his absence but proceeded to act like she didn’t notice. Kakashi was grateful as he was not ready to divulge into that section of his life.

Evenings are spent on top of the Hokage mountain where they simply sat watching the village. Sometimes Mitsuha will have a book where she will draw or work on seals while Kakashi reads his Icha-Icha. Funnily enough, that was the only time where the red head does not complain about the book.

After grabbing dinner, they would retire back to their apartment where they would enjoy a cup of tea or play a game of Shogi before turning in for the night.

There had been instances where he had to subtly direct her away from her prankster relative. He was pretty sure that she had guessed his intentions but entertained his grabbing her hands or waist at random intervals. The most embarrassing one was when he was knocked on top of Gai by the chunin chasing the young Uzumaki.

Mitsuha had winked at him. It was Gai! Not that he would be opposed but how dare she insinuate that their position was anything but an unfortunate accident. He had made sure to make her wait extra long on that day. She retaliated by taking an hour-long bath when he wanted to pee. It was a good thing he was a shinobi.

Mitsuha finished her treat and was casually leaning on him while they were walking home. This was a new development. Most people would not touch Kakashi so casually. Genma had even mentioned it to him one night where they went to the pub. Mitsuha was casually swapping pulling him to the table. He had noticed Genma’s weird stare and waited till Kurenai pulled Mitsuha away for some game they were playing.

“Never thought I’d see the day when Copy-nin Kakashi would let someone guide him around like a puppy on leash.”

Kakashi looked at him like he grew a second head. But then took a moment to catalogue all interactions with the girl. The he shrugged.

“The Uzumakis loves touch. Kushina nee was also like that. She was hanging off Minato Sensei or holding one of us. I guess I’m used to it.”

Genma smirked and said. “Sure, that’s why…” and refused to elaborate further leaving the emotionally stunned man even more confused.

Kakashi sighed and let his head rest against hers once he noticed that they were alone. Well, as alone as one could be in a shinobi village. He was tempted to clean out his spare room so that the girl can sleep on a proper bed rather than the couch. He did notice her focusing on stretching her back more than usual during their spars. Ah, I’ll do it after the mission, he thought to himself as they entered their home. He watched as Mitsuha arranged the grocery she had purchased in the shelves. He let himself fall onto the sofa while the girl brewed some tea.

“I have a mission. I will be gone for about two weeks.” Kakashi threw out, watching for her reactions. His nerves were alight while she poured the tea into cups, walked up to him and handed him his cup. She hummed and sat on the floor next to sofa, her back to him. Instantly understanding the silent request behind the gesture, he took off his gloves and took the hair brush laying on the floor, sitting up. Untying her braid, he started brushing through the hair. This was also a new development and one that he had initiated.

After a particularly vicious spar, Mitsuha’s hair was so tangled that she requested his help in using a water jutsu to assist with the mess on her head. He soon found out that the repeated motions of combing through the hair rid a lot of anxieties he usually carried. Hence, he started the habit of tending to her hair before they went to bed. It had drastically reduced the nightmares.

Mitsuha whispered. “What rank is the mission?”

From top to bottom, making sure to untangle the hair gently.

“S rank…I usually get a lot of S ranks.”

Gathering the hair in his hands, he noted that her hair started to resemble Kushina’s hair.

“Assassination?”

Slightly tugging her hair in a subtle warning. She does not have clearance yet to be asking those questions.

“Whatever…please be careful.”

Massaging the area where he pulled, he smiled.

“Maa Mitsuha chan, I am always careful. I may not look like it but I swear people just flock to me wherever I show my face. I have a very big fan base you know!”

Suddenly, she grabbed the hand that was caressing her hair and pulled him forward. Turning her head, blue eyes met the single grey one.

“I am serious Kakashi. I refuse to lose any more precious people. I know it’s selfish but Kakashi…” Her eyes left his for a moment. “I will not survive…”

Oh…Kakashi’s thoughts came to a halt for a second. Looking at the tear-filled eyes, he smiled and turned her face towards him gazing at her intently. Internally, he enjoyed the red hue that spread across her cheeks. He moved forward till their faces were inches apart. And he didn’t hesitate to headbutt her with as much force as he could manage. Shaking out of her surprise, Mitsuha groaned as she moved her headband and rubbed her forehead while glaring at him. He smiled and copied her motion.

Kakashi looked at his headband. He clutched it tighter.

“I am a shinobi of the leaf. If required, then I will not hesitate to give my life to protect my village. That is my way of life…” Looking at the rising despair in her eyes, Kakashi smiled.

“How about this? I promise that I will do my darnest and then some more to come back home to you. I can be quite resilient when I want to.”

He felt satisfied at the slight lift of her lips. She looked at him and nodded. That’s good enough for now.

She scooted back to him and let him continue brushing her hair. They both refused to acknowledge when Kakashi was even more gentle with her hair.

Gai was a strange companion. Mitsuha decided as she followed him and his genin as they ran a circle around the village. Since Kakashi’s departure, Mitsuha had been bunking with Gai. She would’ve preferred Kakashi’s place but she had already claimed the couch and refused the eccentric man’s proclamation that he will be comfortable on the floor.

So once again, she invited herself to another jonin’s apartment and made herself at home. Gai, with his little crush on her, was adorable as he rushed around picking up gravity seals and other training equipment.

Mitsuha laughed as Lee bumped into a set of chunin and both sensei and student were exorbitantly bowing to them. She caught up to Tenten and Neji, prompting the children to follow her as she led them away from the youthful display. Neji sighed.

“Can I request the Hokage to train under you, Mitsuha Sensei?” Tenten nodded eagerly. “I can dedicate full time learning seals! Imagine that, Sensei!”

The red haired jonin laughed and smacked the kids on the back of their heads. Satisfied when they managed to stay on their feet, she led them towards their normal training ground. She was not even going to entertain the thought of poaching these adorable brats from Gai. His heart will be broken beyond repair. She ran them through their regular katas as they waited for the spandex wearing pair to catch up to them.

Watching the trio spar with Gai watching a critical eye on them, Mitsuha let her thought wander. Kakashi seemed to be under the impression that she hadn’t noticed little Naruto running around causing chaos. A brilliant prankster, that’s what he was. He had managed to paint the entire shopping district orange! And the fascinating part is, not even she managed to sense him. Her father was amazing.

Mitsuha’s cheerful mood took a dive as she remembered how the villagers used to treat him, how they are treating him now. She wanted to do nothing more than to march up to him, wrap him in the softest blanket she can find and protect him. However, the Sandaime had requested that she wait until he graduates to make contact.

It seemed reasonable. And since he will be placed under Kakashi, it would be an organic meetup rather than a forced one. Danzo might be dead but he was not the only poison in the council.

Speaking of the man, she cautiously touched the seal near her heart. It didn’t take a long time to figure out a seal to remove the Sharingan he stole. While she had burned the ones belonging to her clan, she could not bring herself to burn that of Shisui’s. Not only his eyes were the most powerful ones that they had ever encountered, Itachi might need it in the future to make sure that he doesn’t go blind.

Rubbing her head to rid of the incoming headache, she paid no heed as Gai sat down next to her. Gai, while was a familiar face, did not bring much pain to her. She had rare interactions with him and Lee. Team 9 took a lot of missions in the capital as it was famous for a lot of treatments which helped with Gai’s conditions. They were not in the village when it was attacked and only Tenten had caught up with them in the future. She had informed Sasuke that both Gai and Lee choose to remain in the Capital to protect the civilians. Madara made a show of erecting a pike with both their heads near their camps.

Mitsuha shook her head of memories and spared a glance at Gai. Alive…she thought to herself as she observed the man more. Looking at his side profile as he proudly looked at his students, she had to admit. Gai was not a bad looking man. He had a handsome face and his long hours had toned his body fantastically. Moreover, he was strong and noble. Would die for her if she asked. It was as tempting as it was scary.

She waited for him to speak. He had already noticed her eyes roaming across him. She couldn’t recognize if he was pleased or embarrassed at her blatant actions. She went with the former as he turned to look at her strutting like a peacock. She did not miss his subtle attempt at imitating what she did. Well, as subtle as Gai could be. He cleared his throat and returned his gaze to her eyes.

“You noticed the village in a buzz all throughout the week, right?”

Smiling at her nod, he continued. “Eleven years ago, the fourth Hokage youthfully gave up his life to slay the nine nailed fox which ran rampage across the village. The village celebrates the day in gratitude towards the hero that protected up.”

Mitsuha opted to say nothing on the matter. Kurama was as much father to her as her other parents. It hurt her that he was viewed in such a manner when he was nothing but a desperate soul wishing for nothing but freedom and sunlight through his fur. Curbing her emotion, she smiled at Gai.

“I see, I had figured it to be a festival of some kind but the reason seems noble. I have heard from my father that the Yondaime was a man who could challenge an Uzumaki when it comes to sealing.” Gai brightened up. “Kakashi used to say the same thing. The Fourth was his teacher, you see.” He seemed to falter for a second and took a deep breath. Looking at his red-haired companion and his team to make sure that they were out of earshot, he took a deep breath.

“Mitsuha chan, I wanted to ask you if you would like me to accompany you to this youthful event. There will be many stalls and games set up which we can enjoy to the finest!”

Gai eagerly waited as she seemed to mull over the question. She was fairly tempted. Sure, she was on a mission from the future to save the world but would it really hurt if she let herself go for a night? And it was Gai…Gai is safe…

Mitsuha looked at the eager partner beside her and gave a gentle smile. She nodded and softly replied. “I would like that.” Gai puffed up with happiness and gave her a smile that blinded her for a second. Mitsuha ignored her mind relating the smile to that of her Tou-chan.

Chapter Text

Naruto was having the most horrible day of his life. First, he woke up to a stone thrown to the window he repaired last week. Then he found the usual graffiti on his doors and outside walls. Moreover, Iruka sensei caught him in the middle of setting up a prank to glitter the Bucher who threw a sharp knife at him and then refused to buy him ramen. Which meant that he was starving and had no money to buy anything. Not that anyone will give him anything. He could go to Ichiraku, old man Teuchi will give him food, he knew that. But he really didn’t want to keep begging for food. Worst of all…no one wished him ‘happy birthday’. Sure, it was the day that a lot of people died, but it was the day he was born.

He sighed and kicked a rock. Ignoring the glares, he looked at the lights strung about the pathways. His birthday had always been a bittersweet day. When he was younger, he used to get a present from the Hokage. Jiji stopped that tradition when he entered the academy. Watching his classmates bring special bento and invite others to their birthday parties have always twisted his heart into shreds. Last year, he decided to have a party on his own. Painstakingly, he drew cards for all his classmates, teachers and the Hokage, delivered them and used all his stipend to buy ramen for everyone. It broke his heart when no one came.

But there was another reason that this birthday sucked the most. He still got one gift for everyday, which is always there when he wakes up. He used to get small toys which turned into kunai sets and ninja wires as he grew up. Last birthday, he even got a stack of explosive seals which had a handwritten note on how to use them. However, he didn’t receive his secret gift today. And it was upsetting. Only one person in the entire village was kind enough to wish him and now, even that person is gone.

Immersed in his thought, Naruto had no time to dodge the dirty water thrown at him. He kept his head down and walked away from the snickers. Usually, he would shout and prank them to oblivion but even his socially inept brain knew to not anger the people today. Lest the demon hunt starts up again. Him joining the academy was the only reason that the villagers stopped beating and carving him up on his birthdays. He opened the door to his apartment, shivering at the memory of his blood-soaked body huddled near the dumpsters till the kind ANBU came to pick him up.

Naruto felt something off the moment he entered the apartment. People might think him to be stupid but even he knew of self-preservation. And when he saw the paper, he stuffs on the corner of the door moved from his usual spot, he knew he had to run. Turning tail, he ran out of the place and was mortified to see shadows chasing him. Chunin! He thought frantically as dashed to the only place he knew to be safe during these hunts – The Hokage Tower. But as he exited the building, he saw the crowd of people waiting for him. Naruto felt his heart drop as the last rays of the sun disappeared behind the horizon.

Kurenai and Anko were more than happy to play dress up with her. Mitsuha stayed still despite the lack of personal space as they poked and prodded. Anko looked at her top to bottom and smiled like a wolf.

“Looking good enough to eat, red!” Looking at the mirror Kurenai had shared with her, she had to admit. The Orange kimono she was wrapped up with bought out her blue eyes. She looked good. Mitsuha smiled as Kurenai finished tying her hair into a bun. The other two women were dressed equally beautifully, Anko in her blue and Kurenai in her red kimono. Anko smiled and put her hand through the crooks of their elbows, holding both women close to her.

“Look at us! Who wouldn’t want a piece of this?” Mitsuha laughed and huddled closer to Anko and sighed.

“Well, hopefully Gai wants a slice because it would be a horrible way to end a first date if he just looked at me with contempt.” Kurenai laughed and replied. “I am hoping to slip Asuma away from the group to watch fireworks.”

Anko pouted. “Don’t tell me I’m stuck with Genma! He doesn’t even like girls!” Kurenai put a finger to her chin and hummed thoughtfully. “Well, there is always Ebisu…” Both Anko and Mitsuha blanched at the thought. “Never mind, I’ll take Genma over him any day!” Anko exclaimed as she guided the girls out of Kurenai’s apartment.

Mitsuha let the ladies pull her around. She was rather excited; this was the first time she had ever been on a date. During the war, there was no way she could slip past her father to hang out with someone. Moreover, there were only a few age-appropriate shinobi for her to seek out, so that desire died out quickly. Later on, there wasn’t really much option with Madara wrecking hell on earth.

She was surprised to see all the guys dressed up in formal kimonos. She was pleasantly surprised to see Gai in a burnt green kimono, looking at her appreciatively. As Anko jumped onto Genma and the man trying to pull her off of him, Mitsuha moved subtly next to Gai. She remarked cheerfully.

“Well well, don’t you clean up good!”

Gai laughed and looked at his kimono. “I don’t usually get an opportunity to wear youthful cloths like these. But I am happy that I please you.” Mitsuha let her sadistic side take over. “Oh, you please me alright…” Gai blushed and looked at her scandalised while she didn’t hesitate to laugh at his predicament.

A throat clearing forced them to turn around to an Iruka with a blush to rival Gai’s. No doubt he heard what she was saying to Gai. Mitsuha remembers the man from the many photographs around their old house and dinners her Tou-chan used to have with the man. He was one of the shinobi who used to travel from village to village, implementing training programs for academies. Mitsuha wasn’t sure what happened to him when the war broke out but again, Iruka was a safe face that didn’t hit her heart.

She smiled at the man and gave a small tilt of head in acknowledgement.

“Hello Shinobi san, I don’t think we’ve met.” Iruka nodded and Gai exclaimed. “Oh, how unyouthfull! Mitsuha chan, this is Iruka kun. He is one of the teachers in the Academy. Iruka kun, Mitsuha chan is one of our newly minted jonin.”

Iruka looked at her critically. “Mitsuha Uzumaki?” She nodded, taking notice of the mistrust oozing from the man. “The very same one. Surprising that you have heard of me.” Iruka opened his mouth to reply but closed it when Genma draped his hands around Mitsuha’s shoulders and all but laid on her back.

“Well, we might be responsible for that. We gave an educational session on you and Hidan’s head when Kakashi met up with us after his mission.”

Mitsuha groaned remembering the most annoying man she had ever had the displeasure of meeting. For a second, she contemplated going back in time again just to stop the incessant blabber.

“Please Genma kun, don’t remind me of that abomination. I used up all the patience that was granted to me by the gods above on that man. If only I could erase memories…”

Genma laughed as Iruka still looked at her warily. Hearing Asuma call them to a nearby stand, she let herself hang back to catch up with the teacher.

“Not a fan of me?” She asked teasingly. Iruka tensed and looked at her from the corner of her eyes. “It’s not every day a missing nin walks fearlessly around a shinobi village. Excuse me for being cautious, something all these people seemed to lack.” Mitsuha opened her mouth to retort when she felt Gai slip beside them. She was stunned to see the normally happy go lucky man’s blank look.

“Iruka kun, you are mistaken. One, Mitsuha chan was never a missing nin. She was an unaffiliated shinobi because her village fell during the second war. Also, she was invited to the village to join our forces. Mitsuha chan had done nothing to earn your suspicion and cold remarks.”

Mitsuha looked at the man who was defending her. She smiled at the man and allowed herself to lean on him, taking comfort. If Gai spluttered and blushed, that was just an additional bonus. She glanced at Iruka who was looking ashamed. She nodded to him.

“Iruka kun, I understand your concerns. In fact, I applaud it. But my intentions are quite straight forward. I have been without a home for a long time and when the Hokage offered me a place to settle down, to protect and cherish…I took the offer. This village is as precious to me as Uzushio was to my ancestors. And us Uzumaki tend to protect those that cherish them fiercely. That is the Way of the Whirlpool.”

She looked at the stunned chunin and smiled at him, bowing her head slightly, signalling the end of conversation. She linked her arm with Gai’s and gently guided him to where the remaining people were lounging and laughing. Accepting the piece of dango Anko held up to her mouth, she allowed herself to relax at the familiar and welcoming chakra of her friends. Iruka had unsettled her but as long as these people look at her warningly, she could tolerate the all the suspicion towards her.

Gai looked at the red head walking next to him. The group had split up some time ago and they had already ran into his team who were dressed so youthfully! Mitsuha didn’t hesitate to hand them spending money. Lee proclaimed so much gratitude while she just ruffled his hair and shooed the kids off. Gai was scared that the interaction with Iruka kun might have ruined the mood of his date but it seemed she bounced back quite easily.

His date…Gai blushed at the term. Nervously, he reached out and held Mitsuha’s hand who didn’t hesitate to interlock their fingers. He knew the red head was a person of touch, she loved to show her affection through hand holding, hugging, letting herself cuddle against people and so on. Kakashi was the prime example. Uzumaki was always touching him. And for a man who runs if you breath too close to his personal bubble, Kakashi seemed to tolerate her. Curbing his run away thoughts, he knew the gesture meant more for him than for her. But he would be unyouthfull is he didn’t count the small victories.

They had settled near the Hokage mountain to watch the village from a high vantage point. Sitting down on the third’s head, Gai took a deep breath. The village was magnificent. Every bit of love and loyalty he harbours towards the village poured through his very soul. Looking at his companion, he had to wonder if she felt the loss of her village when looking at Konoha.

Mitsuha welcomed Gai’s tendrils of chakra and extended her own to tag at his playfully. Gai smiled and asked.

“Do you miss it?” Mitsuha smiled and tipped her head up to the sky.

“Every day…” Not expecting any more answer, Gai turned towards the village. So he was reasonably surprised when she continued.

“I don’t know much about my village except its ruins. Even though he made time for me, my father was busy leading the group, making sure that we didn’t run into traps. The entire group practically raised me. I was the only child in the group so I got a lot of attention…”

Mitsuha sighed and looked at Gai. He felt his heart shatter at the look of despair in those blue eyes.

“I am not good alone, Gai. I realised that the year I spend hunting the Akatsuki. I hated being alone…”

All Gai wanted at that moment was to embrace the girl and kiss her till the sadness vanishes from her eyes. But all he could do was smile and squeeze her hand once. “Konoha looks out for each other. We will never leave you alone, this I can promise.”

Mitsuha smiled gently and turned her hand over to hold his. Ah, this is the moment where we kiss. Gai thought nervously as he raised his other hand to cup Mitsuha’s cheeks. He was confused when her eyes hardened and she turned her face towards the village. Before Gai could feel crushed, she stood up and said in a low voice.

“Gai, could you do me a favour? Could you please find Anbu that you trust and track me down in ten minutes exact?” He could safely say that he was confused. “Mitsuha chan, are you okay?” She looked at him in a serious expression. “I am but someone in the village is not. A child, by the feel of the chakra, flickering. The curious thing is a bunch of civilian chakras surrounding this child. I have a bad feeling about this. I am going to check it out. Come find me…”

She was gone before he could reply. Gai knew Mitsuha was a sensor. And even though she was still on probation, he trusted her enough. He quickly rushed to the nearest Anbu he could sense. Hopefully, the masked man is who he thought to be.

Naruto curled into a ball as another feet kicked him. He was so tired, all he wanted was to go home, heat up some ramen and sleep peacefully. But it seemed like that was not an option. The man who was holding his hair snarled.
“You think you could escape forever demon? We better make sure that you learn your lesson since you seemed to be under the impression that the Academy can protect you, ha! Hilarious”

Another voice laughed. “As if it can graduate! I’ll shave my head bold if this thing actually becomes ninja!”

Naruto whimpered. No, he wasn’t going to be just a ninja, he was going to be the damn Hokage, believe it. He held in his screams as another punch was made to his head. He waited for more hits to come but suddenly he found himself held by a pair of gentle hands.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” The female voice snapped. He shivered at the anger but the hands just held him tighter and rubbed his back. He leaned into the comfort. Soft…the hands were holding him like he was precious. Even if it was for a second, Naruto buried himself in the arms of the stranger.

“Who the hell are you!”

“We were just teaching the demon some manners.”

“Are you one of the demon sympathisers? You should leave the brat here and scram before we make you into an example.”

Naruto shivered at the thought of his saviour being hurt. He tried pushing her away but she just held him closer. Tears slipped from his eyes as he sobbed worried about the woman holding him more gently than he had ever been held. He prayed to all the gods. Please, let this lady be safe, that’s the only gift I need for my birthday, please please please.

Mitsuha shushed the sobbing boy in her arms. When she felt his chakra flickering, she felt as if cold water had been dumped on her. Rushing to find her father being beaten an inch to his life, she had little control over the killing intent flowing over her. Only the fragile boy she was holding was preventing her from going crazy.

The civilian crowd that had gathered were looking uncertain at the new development. The two leading the group seemed to be under the impression that she was a civilian and could be scared into submission.
Well, too bad, if she didn’t kneel in front of Madara, then she isn’t going to in front of some measly over grown spineless bastards. She freed one of her hands and reached into her sleeves to access her seals. Unsealing the sword, she pulled out and held it defensively against them both. The civilians looked more unsure and glanced at each other.

“You can try punk, but I can guarantee you, I have faced cockroaches with more resilience than you.” The man shouted and rushed to hit her. Turning the blunt side of the sword towards the man, Mitsuha prepared to knock the man out. She, however, paused when she felt the familiar static chakra materialize in front of her. She smiled at the silver haired man crushing the hand that was raised to punch her.

To say Kakashi was pissed would be an understatement. He had returned from the mission and was already upset he wasn’t able to leave Naruto a gift for his birthday. To find the boy, beaten and broken along with hand raised towards the red head as she protected the child raised his temper to an unimaginable lever. How dare they! How dare they touch his pack!

The man stumbled back from Kakashi and gasped as he felt his KI. The whole group fell on their knees as they struggled to breathe through the fear. He felt a strange satisfaction as the men started soiling themselves in fear. He was sure that Mitsuha was blanketing the boy with her calming chakra. His anger softened as the same chakra reached out to his, coaxing it towards her. Kakashi took a breath and turned around towards the pair. He knelt down in one knee and cupped her cheek.

“Are you okay?” Kakashi asked gently. He was relieved to see her gentle smile and his eyes softened as she leaned into his touch. Oh, how he had missed this…

The small whimper directed his attention towards the bundle in her arms. His heart broke at the sight of the blood covered boy. He ran a hand through the golden hair and resisted the urge to murder the civilians behind him. By the time, he noticed his fellow shinobi had arrived, Mitsuha had managed to pull both him and herself up, without disturbing the boy in her arms. Kakashi nodded to Gai and his kōhai arresting the civilians behind him and wrapped his hand around Mitsuha’s waist and the boy, using a shunshin to land in their apartment.

Mitsuha pulled away from him and gathered the boy in her arms, gently placing him in the sofa. It seems that the day had finally caught up to the child and he was passed out. Kakashi watched as Mitsuha unsealed a med kit and cleaned the boy of blood, carefully wrapping up the boy in bandages. He leaned against the table and as the girl murmured soothing words to the child when he gasped when it was painful.
He was aware that this was going on when Naruto was younger but he had made sure to put a stop to it when he was able to catch them in the act. Even when Anbu protection was withdrawn, it had seemed like his warning was taken seriously. It looks like someone slipped up that he was not around.

He looked at his companion and thanked the stars that Mitsuha was around. He knew that even if he hadn’t stepped in, those civilians never stood a chance. Adoration welled up inside of him as he observed her running a hand through Naruto’s hair gently. Dropping her blanket on the boy, she giggled as he buried himself in the soft blanket. Mitsuha stood up and looked at Kakashi. His breath caught in his throat. Mitsuha looked so beautiful. His heart stuttered when she moved closer to him and laid her head on his chest.

He wanted to tell her to not soil her perfect hair and pretty kimono with his sweat and blood but he couldn’t stop herself from pulling her closer. The urge to make sure she was okay raised inside him again. Everything was catching up to him, his brain working overtime and he could feel the panic welling inside him. Kakashi quickly removed his mask before the suffocating feeling came and buried his face into her hair, taking in the soothing smell of rain. It reminded him of the feeling of coming home, his panic gradually dulling. Taking a deep breath, he whispered into her hair.

“I’m home.” Mitsuha held him tighter and whispered back. “Welcome home…”

Tears slipped from his eyes as he cried for the boy lying unconscious on their couch. He cried for his sensei and nee chan who were never able to meet the blonde sunshine. He cried for Obito and Rin who would’ve done anything for the little boy. He cried for Mitsuha who didn’t even realise the boy was kin and still held him with a gentleness Naruto never had.

He felt her activate his wards and looked over the boy once more. Satisfied, she led him to his bedroom, Kakashi following behind her like an obedient puppy. He let her remove his vest and hitae-ite and eased him into his bed. She removed his sandals and untied the bandages wrapped around his legs. She ran her hand through his hair and smiled at him gently.

“Sleep Kakashi, you did so well.” Kakashi closed his eyes but opened them frantically when he felt her moving away. Hurriedly, he grabbed her hand and pulled her back.

“Stay…” He whispered. Mitsuha smiled and sat back down on the bed. She moved his head so that it was resting on her laps. She whispered.

“I’ll be here…Sleep…” Kakashi held onto her waist and buried his head in her stomach as he cried himself to sleep for the first time in a long while. His chakra held tightly onto the Mitsuha’s as he fell asleep knowing that she will protect both him and Naruto and that he was allowed to rest.

Chapter Text

Naruto woke up to the smell of cooked rice and burned eggs. He was confused. The last time he had checked, eggs were too expensive for him to buy. Taking a moment to gauge his location, he noticed that he felt more comfortable than he had ever felt. Pushing the blanket from his face, he looked around. Well…this was definitely not his apartment. He thought he should be panicking but all he felt was an air of safety. Slowly getting up, he observed the pair of shinobi in front of him, waving their hands around. The girl looked miserable while the old man had an aura of amusement around him. He had a mask? He was sure he had seen the guy around the village. If Naruto was sure, he was a jonin and always read porn. He was with a pervert! At least, the girl seemed nice.

Naruto wasn’t sure if it was real or if he had died and that he had gone to some alternate reality. Suddenly they both turned to him. He shrunk into himself…he really didn’t want to cause any trouble.

“Hey there, how are you doing?” Naruto looked at the girl who was beaming at him. Suddenly it hit him! She was the one who saved him. She put herself in danger for him. His eyes started watering. He noticed both of them looking at each other in panic. He couldn’t hold it; a sob escaped him. Within moments the red head had him in her arms. Naruto hugged her tighter and started bawling.

“Thank you thank you thank you” He started shouting in the middle of his sobs. The red head hushed him and stroked his hair and his back. No one has ever held him with so much love. He couldn’t help but with that this kind lady never learns that he is the village pariah. He wanted her to hug her more.

He noticed the other man walking up to them. Automatically tensing, he glanced up at the tall man whose eyes were curved downwards. Was he smiling? Naruto had to stop himself from chasing her when she pulled away from him. He was rewarded with a bright smile that reminded him eerily of himself after a successful prank.

“Had a good sleep?” He nodded automatically. She smiled more if that were possible. Naruto thought for a second…Is she my mum?

The mask man sighed and dropped a hand on the lady’s head.

“We would offer breakfast but…Mitsuha chan here is shit at cooking.” The lady squawked and turned towards him, raising gracefully. “Oh, don’t you start. As if you were any better Kakashi kun!” Naruto watched as the supposedly adults’ bicker with each other. He held in a snicker when the lady started poking the mask’s chest and he made a game of slapping her finger away like a game of whack-a-mole. The moment was interrupted when the door slammed open and something green flashed in.

“Rival! Mitsuha chan! Are you both ok?” The green thing shouted shaking the other two. At this point, Naruto couldn’t hold it and burst out laughing. First there was burned eggs, then there was the slapping match and now a plant concerned about humans. Clearly this was a dream, clearly he had died and this is his heaven. Compared to the ramen heaven he had been dreaming of, this is clearly a disappointment. Entertaining for sure, but he was so disappointed.

“Ok!” Mitsuha pushed the two men away crowding her. Unsealing a shirt and a pair of short from one of her storage seals, she pulled up the boy laughing his ass off for god knows what. She guides him gently to the bathroom and dumped the cloths in his arms. She ruffled her hair for good measure. His laughter stops abruptly and he looks up at her with helpless eyes. Even though seeing that expression on her Tou-chan’s face breaks her heart, she pushes through and smiles at the boy.

“Go freshen up. We’ll talk more at breakfast, ok?” The boy wordlessly nodded and practically ran into the bathroom. Sighing, she stood up and moved to her companions.

Gai has taken over the kitchen duties. Mitsuha flushed when he sniffed the eggs and unceremoniously. It’s not her fault ok, she can now cook basic things except stupid eggs. Kakashi threw his hand over her shoulder and watched as Gai cooked like a pro. He seemed practically relieved to see the both of them and even Kakashi had a relaxed look on his face. However, Mitsuha felt her guilt growing as she watched the man.

“Hey Gai…” Said man turned around with curious eyes. Mitsuha flinched at the open expression on his face. “I’m sorry about yesterday…” She managed to say looking down at her feet. She was genuinely looking forward to their date but sensing her father’s chakra like that threw all her logic and presence of mind out the window. She ignored Kakashi’s curious hum at her side.

Feeling a gentle hand lift her face, she stared into Gai’s face. He smiled at her.

“Mitsuha chan…what you did yesterday is what any decent human being would have done. Your youthfulness burns brightly in you. Besides, when you have to save a precious comrade, is there any need for an apology?” Mitsuha’s eyes watered and she threw herself at the man who caught her with open hands.

“And besides” He continued, spinning them cheerfully. “We can always have more dates if you are willing.” Mitsuha barked out a laugh and nodded.

“Excuse me!” Both of them broke away from their embrace and turned to look at a shell-shocked Kakashi. They could see his mouth hanging open behind his mask. Mitsuha snorted and tapped his chin to close his mouth. Kakashi snapped out of his stupor and grabbed Gai’s hand.

“Excuse us Mitsuha chan, but Gai and I need to have a talk.” Watching Kakashi pull Gai out of the front door, Uzumaki couldn’t help snort. Bet you think you should’ve left me with Anko now.

Naruto was happy with the big soft shirt wrapped around him. It was so soft and smelled so good. He wondered if the lady would tell him what she does to make her cloths so good. Tying up the draw strings, he left the bathroom just in time to find the mask dragging away the plant. The lady was shaking her head amused. When she noticed him, her smile grew fonder. Naruto didn’t know what to do…no one but Jiji looked at him like that.

He waddled up to her with his soiled cloths gathered in his arms. He wasn’t sure what to do with it so when the lady offered to take them, he hesitated. These were some of his only belongings. She seemed to understand his plight and gestured towards a basket on the corner.

“Kakashi and I just throw our laundry in there. A nice water jutsu and quick wind jutsu and we’ll have fresh cloths in no time. You can just put it there; I’ll clean it up for you…though yours might need a bit of stitching too. Don’t worry, I’m good at that too!”

Naruto nodded overwhelmed and put his cloths in it. There were already a jonin uniform and some sweaters so he assumed she was telling the truth. He walked back to the table and sat unsure.

The lady took as seat as well and let her head rest on her palm.

“I suppose introductions are in order.” She nodded at him. “I’m Mitsuha, I’m a jonin and I’m fairly new here in the village. The masked guy is Kakashi and the green marker is Gai.”

Oh, she was new…that’s why she didn’t know about his treatment. He would do anything to assure that she doesn’t find out.

“Naruto! It’s nice to meet you.” He whispered as opposed to his boisterous introduction. He didn’t want her to chase him off yet. He was enjoying the kindness.

Mitsuha smiled and piled his plate with food. His mouth watered and he looked at her for permission. Mitsuha felt her heart break at the surprised and cautious expression Naruto wore. It was so different from her father. To think this little boy would grow up to be fierce and bold Naruto Uzumaki seemed so unreal.

She ruffled his hair again and watched as his eyes grew and he dug in. God, he was so tiny, malnutrition visible on his face. It took everything in her not to wreak havoc and burn Konoha to the ground for her father. She sighed silently and cursed internally; she would not be any happier when she ‘meet’ Sasuke.

For a village that was built to keep kids safe, it sure had a funny way of doing its job!

Kakashi wasn’t sure what to think. He left the red head with Gai because he was so sure that she wouldn’t entertain him.

They went on a date!

Kakashi turned Gai around and glared at him with his visible eye. Gai looked visibly confused.

“Have I done something rival?” He asked innocently. Kakashi felt annoyed. “You guys are dating! I was gone for two weeks! What happened?” Gai lit up and blushed like a maiden. He scratched the back of his head and grinned embarrassed.

“Well…it took a lot of youthful courage to ask out such a beautiful lady. But she was very receptive. I was surprised but my power of youth might have impressed her…among other things I suppose…”

Kakashi ignored the comment about youth. He bristled. “What are you implying Gai?” Kakashi was mortified when the blush spread. “Rival, you have to admit…I am good looking and quite pleasant for the eye. It doesn’t hurt that I’m as fit as a fiddle. The power of my youth burns brightly.”

Just because Hatake could not refute the claims doesn’t mean he has to accept it. He glared harder. It was not something he could comprehend. There is nothing wrong with Gai, far from it. In fact, Mitsuha would benefit greatly from such a positive presence in life. He could actually see them together and it wasn’t a bad picture.

But he was territorial, ok? He had found both his pack members in threat yesterday and he really doesn’t feel like sharing them so soon. Call him crazy but he wasn’t going to entertain this crazy line of thought that Gai was having.

But…it made sense that he would feel a pack bond with Naruto. The child was his brother in everything but blood but Mitsuha? Her red hair reminds him of Kushina. But he has been letting her run all over him. He lets her manhandle him, tease him and he has no problems doing it back, or rather, he enjoyed their interactions. He didn’t even used to let Kushina nee do that with him unless the lady threatened him with bodily harm.

Noticing his inner turmoil, Gai placed a hand on his shoulder. “Kakashi…are you ok?”

There has to be an explanation. Why did he feel so comfortable around her? Why did he seek her out like a moth seeks out a lamp? Hell, he showed her his face, a person he’s known for a little more than a month.

“Kakashi?”

And it hit him.

“Holy crap…I have a crush on Mitsuha…” Kakashi’s heart sank the moment the realization came to him. He can’t have another one…

Startled as Gai’s hands shook away his incoming panic attack, the masked man looked at his friend in terror. Gai snorted at him.

“Eternal rival, your expression would suggest you just found out that Uchiha Madara was alive! Relax Kakashi, feelings are normal.” Kakashi shook his head wildly. “No, not for me! I can’t, not her too, I can’t…”

His hands through Rin’s chest, the soft squish of her heart, the scent of blood, the way she fell…except it wasn’t Rin, it was Mitsuha…suddenly it was Mitsuha under the boulder. Kakashi gasped as he tried to pull in air but his lungs weren’t cooperating. He could see blank spots in the corner of his vision. He promised him, but he …

A sharp slap reeled his mind back to the present.

The first thing he saw was blue eyes.

“Sensei?” Kakashi whispered as he reached out to touch the face in front of him. No, the hair was wrong, he thought as red entered in to his vision. He looked at the worried face in front of him and reached out. Burying his face into the crook of her neck, he pulled his mask down to breathe deeply. Alive…he could feel the pulse beating away. He took deep breaths as he buried his face deeper and tried to calm himself. He would worry about the embarrassment once he wakes up, he thought to himself as he passed out.

Mitsuha struggled to hold up the copy nin passed out on her shoulder. She shared a worried look at Gai. She was trying to make Naruto eat his vegetables when he noticed the white chakra panicking. Confused, she excused herself and found Kakashi having a severe panic attack while Gai was shaking the man helplessly. The man was muttering about Rin and instantly she figured out what was happening.

Although it was personal, Kakashi’s story had spread out like wild fire during the war. How Obito was never dead and it was because of Kakashi’s actions to Rin, the war had broken out. Naruto was devastated to see his sensei become even more broken and withdrawn thanks to the rumors. Sasuke had told her that Tou-chan and Sakura had tried their best to bring him back, Kakashi refused and turned to alcoholism. The man didn’t even visit when Mitsuha was born and only interacted with her from the shadows. Her papa had explained to her once that it was because he was scared.

“Kakashi had this stupid belief that every thing he loves will suffer…I guess I can’t really fault him because for a long time, I thought the same of myself…till I held you. I knew, we both knew the second we saw you that we would burn the world for you.”

Watching the man go through the second panic attack in less that twenty-four hours alarmed her. It was undeniable that the man had problems. She just wasn’t sure how to fix it.

Gai and her managed to pull him back inside and dumped him on the couch. Seriously, at this point, they should just invest in getting a futon for the living room. Naruto looked at them alarmed as he came running towards them. He glared furiously at Gai and kicked his shin. Gai yelped and held his leg.

“You! What did you do to him!!!” Mitsuha grabbed the boy as he tried to rush towards Gai again.

“No, Naruto kun…Gai didn’t do anything.” Naruto towards her and pointed at Kakashi. “But he was fine till he came!” The boy turned towards Gai again. “He did something to Masky.” Ignoring the nickname for now, Mitsuha knelt in front of the boy and held his shoulders.

“Kakashi is physically fine. Sometimes, us adults get reminded of things that are sad and we get overwhelmed and tired.” Naruto’s eyes widened in understanding. It did nothing to reduce Mitsuha’s temper.

“You mean when you can’t breathe and then there is bad stomach gurgles and black spots!” Faintly Mitsuha heard Gai gasp at the eleven-year old’s description of a panic attack. Really, she should just burn the village and take the two kids along with Kakashi and flee. Maybe Gai too…And definitely Anko and Kurenai.

Mitsuha nodded and pulled Naruto into a hug just because she could. Naruto pulled away after a few seconds and knelt next to Kakashi and held his hand. She smiled and motioned Gai to follow her outside.

“I don’t know what happened Mitsuha chan! One second, he was scolding me and then he realized something and had a panic attack.” Gai explained frantically. Mitsuha placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I know Gai, its not your fault.” Gai took her hand in his and squeezed. “He was apologizing to Rin…” Mitsuha forced her face to neutrality. This Kakashi would do anything to make sure that no one knows about his Genin team. It wouldn’t do if she pretends that he told her. Gai took the bait as expected.

“It’s not my story to tell but Rin was his teammate who died tragically. Kakashi blames himself for her death…But it was definitely not his fault! Regardless of the things people say, my eternal rival would not do something like that!” Letting her free hand cup his cheek as he got agitated, Mitsuha remarked.

“Survivor’s guilt is quite common…and it just fucks with your mind…I would know”

Gai calmed and looked at the woman in front of him. That’s true…if anyone could understand what Kakashi had gone through, it would be Mitsuha. Just like him, she also lost everything and everyone she cared about.

If there is one person that would not condemn him, that would be the Uzumaki survivor. He could see Kakashi falling in love with the red head and one day, standing on the alter waiting for her to walk down the aisle towards him. Mitsuha belongs to his rival and doesn’t that just suck. Why did he have to fall in love with the one person who could heal his rival?

Oh, it hurts. Gai thought as he looked at the red head. He is going to have to let her go, doesn’t he? Kakashi needs her more than he could ever imagine. Mitsuha is Kakashi’s rock the same way he is her anchor. He smiled at her and pulled away.

“I should be off…I’m late to meet my time and I would not want to agitate Naruto kun anymore. See you, Mitsuha.”

She smiled fondly at him and nodded. “Ok, I’ll be waiting for that second date!”

He took a deep breath. “Perhaps we should wait and see before we go on that second date.” Mitsuha looked surprised and confused. Nevertheless, she seemed to respect his decision and bowed her head in agreement.
Gai was surprised that he didn’t cry but managed to give a thumbs up as he walked away.

Heartbreaks are unyouthful…

Chapter Text

Walking back to his apartment was an ethereal experience for Naruto. One, Mitsuha nee had him hold her hand the entire way. Second, when she found out that his tracksuit was too teared up to stich, she started pulling out cloths from her hands and gave him a couple of her old cloths sealed in a standard scroll with a promise to take him shopping soon. Third! How cool were seals. Mitsuha nee had shown him the seals littered throughout her arms and when he excitedly asked her to teach him, she chuckled and pulled out another scroll called basics of sealing. She had also promised to teach him more once he graduated.

He was talking a mile a minute and Mitsuha nee actually seemed to pay attention to him. His heart bloomed and he started swinging their joined hands like he had seen children do with their parents as they walked up the stairs to his apartment.

He came to an abrupt stop as he noticed the graffiti on his walls. Demon! Die! Fox brat! He felt his hands sweat as he looked subtly at the red head. Mitsuha nee looked so angry. Naruto shivered and tried to extract his hands so that he could run away. He could not face this rejection. Suddenly Mitsuha nee knelt in front of him with such a gentle expression. Wiping below his tear-filled eyes, she whispered.

“Oh Naruto kun, not angry at you darling, never angry at you.” Naruto threw himself at her and she hugged him back just as tightly. “But you don’t even know me!”

Mitsuha chucked. “Naruto kun, you’re as sweet as pie and respectful. Yesterday, you tried to make me leave you because you were scared of me getting hurt. That tells me all I need to know. And besides, I am not going anywhere. We have so much time to hangout.” Mitsuha paused. “That is, if you want…I know it is uncool to hang out with old people but…”

Naruto shook his head so hard and shouted out. “No, its not uncool! I want to hang out with you. I want to learn seals and fancy jutsu.” Mitsuha chuckled and nodded. Standing up, she took his hand and walked into his apartment. And then proceeded to use water jutsu to clear up the graffiti everywhere. Naruto watched in amazement as Mitsuha nee used the water from a cup to clean his walls, floor and even the ceiling.

Wow…he thought to himself. She is so cool. He had stars in his eyes as he watched Mitsuha use a wind jutsu to dry up all the water. The she sat down and pulled out a hammer from one of the seals and started fixing his table. Within a couple of hours, she had made his living situation from terrible to bearable. And Naruto could not be more grateful.

When Kakashi woke up, he noticed that it was well over noon. And that there was a takeout container from Ichiraku on the table. He smiled; no doubt Naruto would have forced Mitsuha to get ramen. He sat up, catching the wet cloth on his forehead. Grabbing his lunch, he curled up on the sofa, slurping his ramen while he cataloged the events of the day.

He had woken up on Mitsuha’s lap while his face was buried into her stomach. Then he had to face the embarrassment himself by trying to get up and accidently pulling the girl onto him who promptly woke up and put a kunai to his throat. Then he finds out that Gai and Mitsuha had been on a date and then, by some divine retribution he figures out that he likes the red head and subsequently has a panic attack under which he grabbed the said red head and fainted on top of her. And all this is after the fantastic debacle from yesterday.

He threw away the empty container and splashed water on his face. This makes things complicated. They cannot possibly live together if there is even a possibility that he could fall in love with her. He needs her to move out. He sighs and starts planning out how to explain this to his roommate when the bathroom door opens and the pinnacle of all his trouble steps out. Predictably, his heart skips a beat and he finds himself having trouble breathing.

Of course she is the most beautiful thing he has ever seen. And yes, her red hair had to have water dripping onto her like a gentle rain. Wouldn’t it be so convenient that the first time he gets a whiff of her scent is when he figured out his feeling. Surely, he wouldn’t be even more attracted to ozone, fresh rain and pine smell he caught a full mouthful of because his mask was hanging around his neck. The cherry on the top, the way she beams at him when she finds him up and about. He is so whipped.

Kakashi sighed internally as the red head bounced up to him, checking his temperature and pulling him to sit on the sofa because she wants to make sure he is ok. He looks at her as she brews up his favorite tea while taking miles a minute about God knows what. How the hell does she even know his favorite brew?

Carelessly, she flings in front of him while handing him the brush. Robotically, Kakashi goes through the motion of combing through the strands, untangling any knots that he found. Pushing her hair to the front, he finds himself facing a new trouble.

Kakashi feels like a creep but could he really blame himself if the object of his sudden found attraction sits in front of him with her neck bared. What a way to find out things about himself. He caressed the back of her neck with a finger, smiling when she shivered. Perhaps…well, if she is sitting so trustingly in front of him with zero self-preservation, then he is going to indulge himself.

Leaning down, he gently let his breath glide across the skin. Before Mitsuha could turn around to see what he was doing, he let his teeth gently bit her neck. Surprisingly, it calmed some sort of internal pressure in him. He noticed how the girl had gone still beneath him and his mind came back to him. With a speed that could rival Shunshin no Shisui, he flew away from her. What the fuck was he doing! It didn’t help to get his mind out of the gutter when Mitsuha turned to look at him and saw the red covering her face. She looked at him unsure and confused. Kakashi caught his breath and bowed.

“I apologize Mitsuha chan. I have no idea why I did that and I have no excuses. I am sorry to have made you uncomfortable.” Silence spread between them, suffocating Kakashi. He was too scared to look up and see the expression on the red head’s face.

“You didn’t…it wasn’t uncomfortable.” Kakashi’s head snapped up in time to see Mitsuha’s hand touch where he…bit…her. She shook her head and smiled at him, the flush receding.

“It was surprising for sure, but it’s ok.” He felt his heart in his throat. “It’s ok?” Mitsuha nodded eagerly. “My aunt used to say that when you’re so happy to see someone, you bite them. And then she could bite my cheeks claiming that I was the cutest in the entire world…then again, I was five so…” Kakashi gaped at her. What the…ok, he could work with this.

“Hmm, yeah. That’s why I…I didn’t see you for two weeks and then those people were going to hurt you so seeing you made me happy…no need to think further. Well, boy, would you look at the time. I should go and submit the mission report before the Hokage sends out a search party for me. Gotta go!” And he disappeared like the entire nation of Kumo was after him.

Mitsuha let her face flush again. Of course that was bullshit. She knew exactly why Kakashi had bit her. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out his and Gai’s conversation from the morning and the reason why Gai declined a date…The question is, what is she going to do about the emotionally unstable man who had a panic attack about his dead teammate when he figured out his feelings for her.

Ignore till the problem goes away. And apparently, he had the same idea as Kakashi was avoiding Mitsuha like the plague. She had no idea when he came back and he was gone before she woke up. Mitsuha made sure to report the Sandaime about her encounter with Naruto and the situation with the civilians.

Hiruzen sighed as rubbed his head. “I had thought the situation with civilians were handled.”

Mitsuha hummed. She was also under the impression that civilians never used bodily harm on her father. Naruto had only mentioned feeling lonely, never hurt. She was not sure if her father had kept it from his husband and daughter or that the time line was altering thanks to her interference. Which meant she needs to find Obito and Zetsu and finish the battle.

“I need to get out into the field, Sandaime sama. If my fear is accurate, then I need to find the remaining players.” Hiruzen nodded.

“On the topic,” He started. “How would you feel about bringing in someone?” Mitsuha looked at his confused.

“You’re not referring to Kakashi are you?” She asked a bit wary. The man already had more than enough problems to deal with. Hiruzen laughed.

“Oh, dear god, no! While Kakashi could be a valuable team member, I was thinking of someone who has been a pain in my behind regarding your free roaming and has already come up to me with multiple theories about your origin. In fact, the final conclusion that he presented to me was time travel…”

Mitsuha groaned. Of course…Shikamaru had always been a piece of work when he was curious. She had never met the man, but she could guess Shikaku Nara was even worse. When did the Nara even interact with her!

As if on cue, the door busted open and the said man walked in. He had no qualms about sitting next the girl who looked at him warily. Hiruzen watched their interaction amused while activating the silencing seals. Mitsuha sighed as the man extended his hand towards her.

“Shikaku Nara, your reporting superior. I was supposed to meet you after your probation but you’re troublesome…” Mitsuha laughed. She inclined her head slightly and remarked.

“It’s both honorable and terrifying to hear a Nara say that. I am Mitsuha Uzumaki-Uchiha. And I am twenty years from the future.”

Nara sighed predictably. He ran a hand through his short hair. “What a drag…”

It took over three hours before Shikaku was caught up with the whole-time travelling business. At one point, Mitsuha had even removed her seal and activated the Sharingan in order to prove to the man that she is in fact a true Uchiha. She had freely shown him the documents that they had prepared when they were still in the future. By the end, Shikaku Nara had slid so far down his chair that Mitsuha was afraid that he might fall on his butt.

“Well…” He started. “The good thing is that you managed to take out most of the Akatsuki and even persuaded the leaders to drop the plan. And you are certain that Rinnegan cannot be stolen.” Mitsuha nodded. “A seal that will destroy the eyes if someone tried to pry it out.” She rubbed her own eyes. “I would have applied it to myself but at some point, I would require an eye transfer to keep me from going blind so that would be counteractive."

Shikaku looked at her confused. “I thought Itachi was out of the shadows. Why not switch with his?”

Mitsuha let a frustrated groan escape. “I wish. Itachi is a self-sacrificing fool who thinks he deserves to go blind as a punishment. In fact, he thinks his executioner should be Sasuke.” Mitsuha snorted without a hint of amusement. “It took months to convince that man what his actions have done to my father. He traumatized him beyond repair and if it wasn’t for Tou-chan, who knows where he would have ended up.”

"Besides, if Sasuke awakens his eyes, then Itachi's would be the perfect to be switched with his." Mitusha ran a hand through her hair with a sigh.

Hiruzen sighed realizing how much his incompetence have caused so much torture to the Uchiha children. He had no idea that his hesitance to bring his friend to light would destroy so much of the future. His heart constricted at the thought of brainwashed children roaming in the ANBU headquarters because they were too gone to interact normally without intense therapy. He shook his head.

Unaware of the Hokage’s turmoil, Shikaku continued. “What about Shisui’s eyes? You have them right.” Mitsuha nodded, unbuttoning her jonin vest and pulling out a jar with an eye swimming in it from a storage seal near her heart. She sighed.

“Itachi offered Shisui’s other eye but lo behold, he is the one person that I can’t switch eyes with.” Hiruzen looked at her confused. “I don’t understand.”

Mitsuha smiled and let her eyes manifest the Mangekyō. The Hokage gasped seeing the familiar four-point pinwheel. “It seems that my uncle and I share the same eyes.” Mitsuha laughed at the stunned expression. “I thought no Uchiha will have the same set of Mangekyō.” Mitsuha shrugged.

“I am not sure. I wasn’t able to ask Papa as his death caused this. All I know at this point is information that Itachi had managed to read before the massacre. He thinks that I might be Shisui’s reincarnation. With all the reincarnation bullshit that happened in the future, I am tempted to believe that theory.”

She smiled with a chuckle. "At this point, the only person I can switch eyes with are Obito and Kakashi but I really don't want to risk Kakashi's health as it is already unnatural that a non Uchiha survived the transfer. Which makes me wonder if there is some Uchiha ancestor in his family tree. Then again, Kakashi is a remarkable individual and it wouldn't surprise me that he survived out of pure spite."

The men nodded. They really didn’t have much to go with and they can’t really invade the compound searching for more clues. Who know how the other clans would perceive an invasion of privacy?

“And the matter of Obito Uchiha,” Hiruzen smiled at the annoyed expression that Mitsuha made. “I understand that you promised your father that you would help him but is it really worth it.” Mitsuha made a thoughtful noise. “Personally, I want to tear that bastard to shreds. To think he is so delusional!” She shook her head. Remembering the panicked look on the silver haired man’s face, she sighed.

“Anyway…as much as I want, having him alive would be beneficial in the long run. He is family to not only Itachi and Sasuke but to Kakashi and Naruto as well. If we could bring him back, Kakashi would be free of some of his trauma.” The men agreed to her knowing the suffering one of their own was going through. Besides, if they were able to place most blame in Madara, then Obito can be just an unwilling prisoner. Mitsuha activated her seal to contain the Sharingan.

“If I can use Kotoamatsukami, then I’ll be able to show him the future and get him to give up his plan. Or if push comes to shove, I’ll just alter his memories. I just need the bastard to be on the verge of chakra exhaustion so that he doesn’t use this basted Kamui.”

Shikaku stroked his chin in thought. “All this is a big maybe Mitsuha chan. You do realize we need plans to make sure that all this happens.” Mitsuha nodded. She looked at Hiruzen. “I need to start taking missions outside the village. Preferably solo or with someone else you trust. Because I need to go hunting for a crazy uncle and an parasitic aloe vera.”

Shikaku hummed. “A trust worthy shinobi…I suppose Kakashi wouldn’t suffice?” Mitsuha bit her lips. “Well…for one, too much trauma and two…there has been some unexpected challenges so I don’t think me being near him is a good idea right now.” Both the men looked at her curiously. Mitsuha blushed and cursed the curious nature of ninja.

“It seems…he has developed feelings…I know right! What’s next, pigs start flying?”

The Hokage snorted. Ah yes, that would explain a disgruntled Kakashi pacing his office yesterday without any explanation. He would have offered sake but…well, he’s not Tsunade. He smiled at the red head.

“Any why can it be not encouraged? Kakashi is a fine man and would devote his life to you.” Mitsuha looked at his concerned. “I am sure that he would. But he needs someone to help him, not a ghost from the future who is nothing but an anomaly in this world.” The Hokage looked troubled at her confession but decided to not say anything. Afterall, if she is as stubborn as her fathers, then she herself needs to come to the right conclusions.

Kakashi was going crazy. He was trying to track down the red head for an hour and half. It was funny, after avoiding her for a week, he was now frantically looking for her. It wasn’t like he didn’t know where she was, she followed their schedule like a clock except instead of spending time on top of the Hokage mountain, now it was spent with Naruto. Kakashi made sure to sneak in and out of his apartment.

But now…it was like she vanished from Konoha. He tracked her scent to the Academy along with the excited scent of Naruto. Then poof, it’s like the person didn’t even exist. He was aware that Mitsuha had an annoying seal that hid her presence, smell and chakra. She had used it in some of their spars. He did, however worryingly notice the anxiety in her scent. Kakashi sighed and decided to go to the Hokage tower in defeat.

Poking his head into through the window, he noticed the Hokage glaring at a stack of paperwork. He cleared his throat before the third used a Katon to burn the offensive sight. Hiruzen was startled and turned around to the man’s unimpressed stare. He rubbed the back of his head and chuckled.

“You saw nothing Kakashi.” The said man snorted and dropped into the office. He slumped on the chair and sighed.

“So…Bad news…I lost our red head.” Hiruzen barked out a laugh and shook his head. “She was here, Kakashi. I was introducing her to the Jonin commander.” Kakashi sat up relieved. Thank God, she didn’t go rouge the moment she had contact with Naruto. The Hokage sat up straighter.

“Mitsuha chan mentioned a civilian incident.” Kakashi almost growled remembering the incident. He nodded sharply. The older man in front of him sighed, reminding Kakashi of the man’s age.

“I understand that they have not figured out their relation. I would like to keep it like that for some more time. But with Naruto, anything is unpredictable. I also approved Mitsuha’s request to add protection seals to the boy’s apartment. It seemed his living arrangements are quite dilapidated.”

Of course, Kakashi knew. He had taken too many guard duties to not know the state of living that the boy had. He was extremely glad when he dropped by the boy’s home to see everything cleaned and repaired. Mitsuha had been busy. It soothed the anguish inside Kakashi. Knowing that Mitsuha had dutifully reported the incident, lifted his spirit. He was ready to go back to the apartment now. Not seeing her for so long had actually bothered him more than he had imagined. He stood up.

“Oh Kakashi,” The Hokage smiled. “I actually send Mitsuha chan on a mission with Genma and Raidou.” Kakashi looked at him startled. Hiruzen shrugged. “I think she has proven herself. Besides, I heard from an over enthusiastic Anko that Raidou has a huge crush on the girl. Since he hadn’t been able to meet her due to his mission, I thought it might be nice.”

Kakashi gritted his teeth remembering the comments Genma made long ago. First Gai and now this. He had hoped he would get some time to at least sort out his feelings so that he can happily surrender the Uzumaki to Gai. It seemed that the entire world is conspiring against him.

He gave the old man a fake smile and a salute before shunshining out of the office into the Hokage mountain. He stared at the village. What was he supposed to do…

Chapter Text

Naruto walked up to his apartment and activated the seals like Mitsuha nee had instructed him. He felt so happy and cared for. He took a look at his full fridge and took out one of the instant meals that she had stocked.

He was also told that Gai san would visit in the morning with more food for him. Naruto smiled widely, rocking back and forth with happiness.

It sucked that his nee chan had to go away on a mission so soon. Naruto smacked his cheeks while he waited for the food to heat up.

Of course, Mitsuha nee was one of the strongest shinobi in the village. She had to go save countries and protect princesses…or was it a prince since nee chan was a girl.

Naruto was shaken out of his thoughts when the alarm beeped. He pulled out his meal and started eating it while opening the scroll that was given to him.

He never knew sealing could be so fascinating. He was going to be a sealing expert with lots of tattoo like is nee chan, believe it!

Gai watched as his friend sulked around the training ground. For the past week, the man followed his team around like a lost puppy.

Gai snorted remembering how the man had scheduled his entire day around the red head and now that she was on a mission, he doesn’t know what to do. Funnily enough, he didn’t even see the orange book make an appearance. He hoped that Mitsuha chan would be back from her mission soon to revive his friend.

Mitsuha chan was still a sore topic for him. She was so bright and was eager to give him a chance.

Even though his decision hurt, he knew it would be for the best in the long run. Ah, he could use some alcohol right about now. Perhaps, he will pull his friend to the bar in the evening.

Sasuke was looking at the annoying blonde next to him. Except he wasn’t being annoying. He was just reading through some scroll with furrowed eyebrows and taking notes.

Is the dobe actually studying? Sasuke couldn’t resist and leaned in to read the scroll.

All he saw was squiggles and he moved to read further when the scroll was suddenly shut. He looked up to see Naruto’s unimpressed look.

“Oi teme, what is the big deal!” Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. Great, now the dobe is back to being annoying. But it was said that curiosity killed the cat.

“Hn dobe, what were you reading?” Naruto looked shocked and held the scroll tighter to his chest. “What’s it to you teme? I am just studying.”

Kiba snorted from behind them. “As if Uzumaki, all you know how to read is the instructions on the instant ramen packet!”

Sasuke noticed the blonde grit his teeth and looked away. He noticed the slight shine in his eyes and was annoyed.

Was he going to cry?

At the moment, it seems his self-proclaimed fan club decided to make an appearance. The started crowding him and he unconsciously moved towards Naruto. But when his shoulders brushed against his, Naruto flinched and stood up. Sasuke was curious.

“What’s wrong with you Dobe?”

“None of your business bastard, leave me be!” He shouted out just in time for Iruka sensei to enter the classroom.

“Naruto Uzumaki! Sit down and stop shouting, God, can’t you sit still for a moment! Shikamaru Nara, can you please stay up for one lesson!” Sasuke watched as hurt blossomed in the blonde’s face before he sat down with dejection. He had put the scroll inside his pocket and looked towards the front of the class, ignoring the huff from the Uchiha.

Sasuke sighed. Whatever, it wasn’t like he cared that Naruto was upset. Why would that even bother him. He nodded as he noticed the blonde struggle with writing down the notes. Rolling his eyes, he thought.
What an idiot…

Kakshi was nursing his drink watching Anko and Gai engage in a poker competition. Asuma and Kurenai was in the corner snuggling as if they being really secretive. Kakashi snorted. At this point, the only people who don’t know that the two are dating is themselves. He took a sip and sighed. He missed the constant presence around him who would make silly drunk arguments with him. Shaking his head to clear his head, he downed his drink. He needed more if he was still thinking about her.

He was pouring another up when he noticed the jonin commander sliding into the seat next to him. Dutifully, he filled Shikaku’s cup and then downed another one. The Nara chuckled and raised an eyebrow.

“Turning to alcoholism Kakashi?” He chuckled back. “Nah, I think I will stick with the porn, Shikaku sama. I wouldn’t want to become the next Tsunade.” Nara smiled and started sipping his drink. Kakashi sighed. Knowing the man, he did not just join him for the sake of friendliness, he needed something. Kakashi was too tired and drunk to play mind games with the man.

“Mitsuha Uzumaki” The commander started.

Kakashi looked at him wearingly. “I had a meeting with her few days ago. She seemed like a very capable and loyal to fault kunoichi.”

The copy nin just nodded his head. He had also submitted his observations daily to the Hokage. There weren’t any unusual activities other than the one time she consumed an ungodly amount of ramen which made her sick.

Kakashi smiled remembering the betrayed look on her face when he had informed her that ramen caused this.

“She is clean, sir. And protective. Without even knowing that the boy is family, she has already claimed our other resident Uzumaki.” Shikaku nodded. “Yes, I read the Anbu report and Gai’s report. It seemed that we have caught a good one this time.”

Shikaku sighed and placed his chin on his interlaced fingers. He looked at the copy nin from the corner of his eyes. Kakashi felt like a genin caught by his jonin sensei.

“How much have she told you about her life before Konoha?” Kakashi paused. To be honest, other than bits of information, Mitsuha hadn’t really told her much. So he looked curiously at him. Shikaku sighed.

“I would advice you to have a detailed conversation with the girl. She shows a cheerful front but both Hiruzen and I agree that she is very broken. I would recommend her to see Inoichi but that never really goes well with our Shinobi.”

Kakashi was startled. “Is it that bad?”

Shikaku chuckled without humor. “You tell me, you have experience after all.” Kakashi was confused. But it made sense. He also lost everyone whom he thought was family one by one, some of them by virtue of his own hands. He wasn’t even allowed to get in contact with Naruto.

Mitsuha on the other hand…she lost everything familiar to her and then had to fight those responsible for the lose in order to protect herself and any other Uzumaki. Without even realizing it, Mitsuha was even protecting Naruto even when she was not here.

Kakashi felt his heart swell with fondness for the girl. Suddenly the urge to see her was too strong to ignore.

Shikaku sighed. “I also noticed your closeness with the girl.” Kakashi went still. It was one thing when his friends were teasing him but another thing when your commander calls you out. He straightened.

“My loyalty is towards Konoha sir. Nothing will come in the way of that.” Shikaku snorted. “Relax Kakashi. I am a normal exhausted jonin looking out for his drinking partner. You don’t need to bring hierarchy in to this. I was just curious.”

“A curious Nara is a dangerous Nara.” Shikaku smiled. “True. However, in this case, both the Hokage and I think it is a good development.” Kakashi tilted his head curiously. “I beg your pardon?”

Nara got a serious look in his face. “Mitsuha chan is a very strong shinobi but very damaged. Who wouldn’t be? Other than Naruto, her having ties in the village will be beneficial.”

Kakashi felt his blood freeze. “Are you ordering me to pursue a relationship with Mitsuha Uzumaki?”

Shikaku laughed out loud, smacking the table. He wiped away the tears from the corner of his eyes and smiled. “Gods no, do you think she is dumb enough to let that happen. All I am saying is you can help heal her. She lost every thing and having something to come home to would be nice, no?”

Home…the silver haired nin thought to himself. The place hadn’t felt very home like since the kunoichi went on her mission. It made him realize that he has become too dependent on her and did not want her to move out like he initially thought. Kakashi laid his head on the table when he realized that she was still on the mission. It is still going to be dark and silent. He felt disappointed.

Sighing, he reached out to take his cup when the sudden scent of pine overtook his senses. Eyes widening in surprise, he looked up to see the red head sliding in the seat next to him with a sigh and grabbed his cup to sip from it. He flinched at the slight smell of blood from the girl and looked up as Genma and Raidou slid into the opposite seat. All three looked worse for wear with bandages and a sling in case of the Genma.

Shikaku laughed at the battered shinobi. “You guys look like shit! Did you go to the hospital?” Mitsuha nodded letting herself curl into the silver haired man next to her. She smiled when she felt the static chakra reach for hers in glee.

Genma shoot him a glare.

“When you said the mission was A rank only cause of the fact that the client was a big shot lord, I should not have believed you. Do you have any idea how much trouble we had?”

Mitsuha laughed. “Quit complaining Genma, it was like this every week before I joined leaf.”

Both her mission partners groaned. Kakashi subtly took her hand under the table. The blood scent was heavier near her stomach.

Genma signaled for more sake and continued. “We ran into Sasori of red sand. Another S class missing nin!” He pointed at the girl with his cup.

“If it wasn’t for Mitsuha, we would’ve never survived.”

Raidou spoke for the first time. “It’s almost like your resume came into use. But I hadn’t realized your method of fighting missing nin was throwing yourself at them till they broke, literally in this case. Seriously, what would you have done if Genma wasn’t there to administer the antidote for Sasori’s poison?”

Mitsuha sighed. It was challenging facing S class nin without her Sharingan or her signature assassination techniques – Rasengan and Chidori. But that was one step done.

She felt guilty throwing her teammates in danger but she would’ve unleased her full power if Sasori was too strong for them. He was glad that the planning with Shikaku led them to believe that these two were the perfect pair to help her deal with the puppet master. Mitsuha had no resistance built up for poison, there was no need for that in the war. She would've preferred Anko but she was too curious for her own good. Genma was almost as good as Anko. Raidou can easily parry the puppet master while Genma patches her up.

The only remaining Akatsuki members were Kisame and Kakuzu. Itachi had already vouched for the former swordsman and insisted that he be the one to track him down. Kakuzu would be harder to track down and she need to track him down on her own. His cursed masks make it dangerous for anyone but Kakashi and she was not sure where she stood with him at the moment. Mitsuha sighed as she traced patterns on the copy nin’s hand without noticing how still he had gone.

Kakashi was having a breakdown right where he was sitting. Even maintaining the usually stoic face was proving to be difficult. Not only they faced an S class nin but the red head also took a hit, to her stomach, judging by the way she was smelling and her odd sitting position. It was very much possible that she could’ve died.

Shikaku smiled knowingly at his inner turmoil and turned to entertain the two grumpy men. Kakashi ran a hand through the red hair and whispered. “You ok?”

Mitsuha sighed and shook her head. “I’m tired.” She whispered back with a gentle smile. Kakashi remembered the expression from the initial days and decided. He stood up, gently pulling the sleepy girl with him and eye smiled.

“Well, I should put this one to bed before she falls asleep on me. Hope you guys already reported to the Hokage?” He ignored the offended little ‘Oi’ from his side. Raidou nodded as he watched Genma try to stop Shikaku from taking his drink. Mitsuha smiled at him and reached out a hand. Raidou smiled and shook it.

“Ahh, Mitsuha chan, you usually haunt my dreams but it seems like you will be haunting my nightmares tonight.” He proclaimed teasingly while the girl giggled.

She pretended to swoon and leaned against Kakashi. “Oh, Raidou kun, how could you tease this young maiden like this? Clearly when you know there is no place other than your dreams I would rather be.” Raidou bust out laughing and gave her a fist bump while Kakashi pulled the read head to the exit. Genma leaned on his partner and smiled.

“You know Kakashi is going to prank you to hell with the stunt you just pulled.” Raidou smiled, throwing back another drink. “Ah, I have time. I imagine he will be a bit busy taking care of that reckless fool.” Genma laughed. “Do you think he figured out that he likes her?”

“He has.” The men looked up to see a drunk Gai dropping onto the recently vacated seat. He smiled bitterly. “It only took me asking her on a single date for him to figure out his feelings.”

Genma hummed and moved to snuggle up with the man. Gai smiled in appreciation and raised his glass.

“Come friends, let’s drink to my eternal rival’s youthfulness!”

The men raised their cups in unison with the green man. Afterall, Konoha nin always stick together.

Kakashi pulled the red head into their apartment, immediately removing her jonin jacket only to find a cropped T-shirt and bandages wrapped around her midsection. Her usual white shirt was torn and wrapped around her thighs like a makeshift bandage. Kakashi straightened up after using his chakra to run a diagnostic and was satisfied that the girl had indeed visited a med nin.

Mitsuha let the copy nin fuss over her while she watched in amusement. She looked around the apartment and noticed that nothing much have changed in the week she had been gone except a few scrolls and text books lying around the dining table. Mitsuha hummed.

“Naruto dropped by?” She asked as the copy nin guided her to the couch and moved to the kitchen to make tea. He nodded and ran a hand through his hair.

“He’s been here every day. Got quite friendly with Gai’s brats and he even invited Naruto along for training.”

Kakashi sat next to her and took a notebook lying around.

“Did you know he didn’t know how to read properly. Self-taught it seems. He asked me to teach him so that he can learn your scrolls better.”

Mitsuha frowned. In their original timeline, Naruto was taught by Sakura once she realized that he couldn’t read properly. When Tou-chan used to get drunk, he used to teasingly call her Sakura sensei only to get punched in the face.

She looked at the books Naruto had left by. Even with the progress Naruto makes, he will still not be able to graduate in two months unless she forces the Sandaime to teach the boy Kage Bunshin. But unless he knows the truth, Kakashi is not going to agree to it. After all, shadow clones are a forbidden technique due to a reason and the copy nin faints every time he uses it. She could teach him Mizu bunshin.

It seems like the best option would be to let the original time line continue and let Mizuki manipulate the boy. It would ensure that the boy knows about his status and it would also let him develop the bond with Iruka, though the man would be a pain in the ass because of how protective he is. She really didn’t want her father to go through that again but this time, she will be there to patch him up.

Kakashi looked at the thoughtful red head. He couldn’t help but poke her forehead. She snapped up and pouted at him. Adorable, he smiled as he thought to himself.

“I’m planning to teach Naruto seals once he graduates. He seems to have an affinity towards it.”

Kakashi nodded unsurprised. The boy was an Uzumaki, it will be in his blood. He also knew that if the boy were to graduate, he would most likely be the jonin sensei. And if her doesn’t, well, he can fail the team and wait another year.

“I was also thinking of finding an apartment.” Kakashi looked at the girl startled. She was not looking at him.

“I’ve been imposing on your charity for too long and if Naruto is also dropping by, we wouldn’t want to be a bother to you.”

Kakashi could not understand what she was saying. In some far edge of his mind, he found a voice that agrees to the logic but it was so small that he doesn’t even care. Sighing, he pulled the red head onto the ground in front of him. She groaned at the sudden pain his action might have caused. He got out the hairbrush and started his routine.

Mitsuha stiffened and let the copy nin brush her hair. That won’t do, the silver haired man thought to himself and pulled off his gloves and started massaging her scalp. The red head sighed and leaned against him.

He went through the motions of grooming her hair while he thought to himself. He liked having Mitsuha around. She made the place lively and he especially loved the color she bought to his apartment. Looking around, he saw romance novels and thrillers intermixed with his icha icha collections. She has even warmed up to not scolding him when he reads his books in public anymore. The succulents that she bought from the Yamanaka store made the place look less dreary that it actually was.

“You and Naruto are not a bother. In fact, I want you to impose on me. Lean on me, take me for granted. I want you to do that…” He whispered to her. She raised her face, resting the back of her head on his knees. He eye smiled at her knowing that she was looking for reassurance. Mitsuha nodded and moved her head away. Kakashi resumed brushing her hair.

Looking at the sleepy girl in front of him, he smiled. She was also pleasant to the eye. He enjoys waking up to smell of cooked rice and curry but laughs when she still struggles with cooking eggs . He loves how his house smells, a mix of her pine and freshness mixed with his own moss and dogs. She also keeps the nightmares away.

And, he looked at her with utmost fondness, she brings Naruto around. So no, he can’t let her move away from him. He might be selfish but he can’t abandon that he now has a taste of. He needs to start moving stuff away from the spare room and present it to the Uzumaki.

Noticing that the red head was putty under his hands, he chuckled lightly and pulled her into his arms to carry her to his bed. Laying her gently onto the mattress, he takes a moment to observe the red head as she smiles back at him exhausted. Feeling his heart pound and captured by the fondness, he made quick work of his hitai-ite and sandals. Slotting himself into her back, he curves a hand around her waist to pull her to his chest and removes his mask to breathe in the all too familiar scent. Mitsuha giggles fondly and let’s herself cuddle further into him.

“Aren’t you all touchy today?”

She teased him while interlocking their fingers. Even though she knows it will come to bite her in the behind, she couldn’t help letting herself indulge for the night. How can she shoo him away when Kakashi is being so sweet? Kakashi hummed and nosed the back of her throat.

“Maa, what can I say? I don’t like it when my friends face off with S class nin and return with injuries like its nothing.”

She smiled. “I was the only one fast enough to divert his attack. He fought good but I have been hunting him for a long time. If there is one thing that I know, it’s to fight the S class nins.” Mitsuha stretched. “Besides, I took the risk knowing that Genma could fix me up.” Kakashi tightened his grip.

“Reckless…You’re going to give me grey hair Mitsuha chan” She laughed and gently headbutted him.

“I knew once I had my seals in place, he was gone. I just needed some time to set up.” Kakashi sighed. There was no talking sense into the red head. He pouted against her hair. He noticed her scent turning bitter. Laying his cheek on her’s Kakashi hummed curiously.

Mitsuha gritted her teeth. “He turned his own parents into puppets. How crazy can one be?"

For a second, she let the grief consume her. "Everyday I wish I could have recovered my Tou-chan’s body just so I can give him the proper burial he deserves. It pisses me off.”

Kakashi snuggled closer and hums. “Tell me about him?” Mitsuha laughs a bit.

“Where do I even start? People didn’t like him much in the beginning. Said he was boisterous and a prankster, kind of like Naruto. Even for an Uzumaki, he had an enormous Chakra reserve which made people wary of him. But he fought against the stigma and soon, he became a force to recon with. The settlement followed him in blind faith. He was their leader.”

Mitsuha smiled remembering the all sorts of people coming in to meet her father just because he was Naruto Uzumaki. Her papa had to chase away many suitors with a stick even when they knew he was happily married.

“He was a great man. Cheerful and honorable. He would rather try to convince an enemy than to kill them. The others at the camp used to call it Talk-no-jutsu and he hated it. He was like sunshine and rainbows…He used to always take me tree hopping when I was a kid and I used to feel like anything is possible when he was there. He was my knight in shinning armor…” Mitsuha laughed tearfully.

“He was one of the first to fall…The others rushed me out of the settlement and he was one of the people who stayed behind to try and protect others.” Mitsuha remembers clinging to Naruto’s Hokage robes, begging her to come with her. Naruto knelt down and took her in his arms. He looked her in the eyes and smiled.

“’When people are protecting something truly special to them, they truly can become…as strong as they can be. And you are my precious.’ That was that last thing he told me before he turned away from me to protect his people.”

Mitsuha curled up, ignoring the pain in her midsection. It still hurts and she hates the man who destroyed her life. His father never got to see her grow up. He never got to finish that garden he was planning as a gift for her papa. He will never get to tease her because she had a crush on their old sensei. Her and Tou-chan would never watch the sunsets on top of the Hokage mountain ever again.

Kakashi frowned at the scent of tears but he wasn’t sure what he could say. Mitsuha’s father sounds like a great man, a hero. He reminded him of Minato sensei. The man who saved their village, readily sacrificing his own life. He can only hope that Naruto grows up to be like these wonderful men.

He snuggled closer to the redhead happily offering his bicep as a pillow.

“Maa, I think he will be proud of you…” Mitsuha nodded gently.

“Thank you Kakashi…” And she raised their interlocked hands to press a kiss to his hand.

It is then that Kakashi realizes that he is doomed and buried his face in her hair to hide his red face.

Chapter Text

Naruto was panting and sweating from places he did not know he could sweat from. It was an off day from the academy and Mitsuha nee had showed up in the morning with breakfast and the sweet promise of training.

Turns out, nee chan was a monster and without hesitation and with what might have been a little too much glee, threw punches at him with no gap in between. Worse, Naruto knew she was holding back her strength considerably. It was wonderous how the girl was only nine years older than him and was at an entirely different level.

He was grateful for Masky who showed up like a guardian angel and scolded nee chan to rest because guess what! She was injured from her last mission. Apparently, she had faced an S class shinobi and won the fight. He knew his nee chan was the best. But she did get stabbed and was ordered to take it easy. This was taking it easy! Naruto didn’t know what was wounded more, his body or his pride.

Masky had bought ramen and the boy declared that he was his new favorite. The silver haired nin had the expression of a cat who got the cream while Mitsuha nee just glared at him. If looks could kill…

Giggling at Masky who was trying to feed ramen to a terrified Mitsuha nee was the funniest sight ever. Subtly stretching his arms and legs, Naruto was surprised how good he felt.

Sure, he was exhausted beyond anything but nee chan had taken care to correct his posture many times with little strikes. He had never felt his Kata be this easy.

“Naruto kun, you ok? You look like you’re spacing out.” Masky asked poking his head. Pouting, he pushed the fingers away. “I was just thinking…Taijutsu is so much easier when Mitsuha nee and Gai sensei teaches. In the academy, sensei doesn’t really like when I ask questions, but you both always take so much time for me!” Naruto exclaimed happily missing both shinobi narrowing their eyes.

Mitsuha snapped out of it faster and smiled fondly at the boy. It has been two weeks since she took the boy under her wings. As soon as she was back and had a good rest, Mitsuha had dropped by the Naruto’s apartment with food and more scrolls.

While the boy blabbered about his classes, Mitsuha looked at the notes that the child had made. She smiled seeing her father’s genius brain in action. Of course, the boy was the son of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki. She does not understand why people did not think him a protégé when he survived even after all the shit thrown at him.

Mitsuha had stayed till night, teaching him more about Fūinjutsu and even recalling stories from her childhood. Naruto almost laughed to death at the story of her own father’s pranks. He was so impressed by his future self’s determination and strength, he proclaimed that Mitsuha’s father is also one of his hero’s. She did not hug the boy tight and cried when he said that. No one can prove it. And if Kakashi smiled and opened his arms for the girl that night, well, that was their secret.

Mitsuha ran him through more Katas and even taught him more seals. She had to warn the boy multiple times though.

“Tell me again Naruto kun.”

“If I think I got a seal, I don’t got it and shouldn’t even think about putting it on ink unless I let you check it multiple times. I can make my own seals but I have to make sure to show you before I put it in ink. If I can’t follow any of the rules, then you will skin me yourself.” The boy replied dutifully like a little soldier. “Good boy” Mitsuha smiled ruffling his hair. The boy smiled brightly unused to the physical affection shown so freely to him.

Finishing up his training and giving him more scrolls, Mitsuha and Kakashi walked the young blonde to his apartment. As soon as he was inside and the red head felt the seals activate, she grabbed Kakashi and shunshined them to the Hokage mountain. She started pacing back and forth.

“Was he joking when he said that Kakashi?” Mitsuha demanded looking at him. Kakashi shrugged looking as pissed off as her.

She sighed. “Of course…no one can understand the difference between a kunei and a fucking scroll.” Looking at the confused copy nin, Mitsuha sighed and sat down on top on yondaime’s head.

“I know Naruto is a Jinchūriki.”

For a second, thw world around them stopped. The copy nin found himself reevaluating all the interactions with the red head. He cursed himself for letting down his guard. Kakashi did not stop himself from pulling out a kunai and holding it up to her throat. He was no longer just Kakashi but copy nin Kakashi of Leaf and right now, he had to decide whether the girl in front of him was a threat or not.

Mitsuha looked at him with cold eyes. It hurt that even after everything, she was still not trusted. Granted, she had given him nothing to trust her with. But the feeling of killing instinct and a sharp kunai at her throat slipped her war persona forward. If it wasn't for the seal holding her Sharingan, Kakashi would have had a face full of an angry Uchiha.

She let lightning chakra gathering around her, consciously stopping a chidori. The copy nin might have invented the jutsu but if it came to a clash of lightning chakra...well, she was not called the god of lightning for nothing . Even with her injuries, if she decided to lash out, Kakashi would not win this fight.

“I am an Uzumaki, Hatake. I come from a clan whose seals create a human sacrifice. I could not give a shit whether that boy is a Jinchūriki or not. And I have no intention of taking Naruto out of this village, I have lived that life and have no interest in putting Naruto through the same.”

Mitsuha pushed her neck forward letting the kunai nick her as if to challenge him, to show him that even at the mercy of his kunai, she was still to be feared. The smell of blood seemed to shake Kakashi out of his head and he growled warningly.

Mitsuha pushed herself further and Kakashi startled, seeing the drop of blood, pulled away the kunai. He groaned and threw the bloodied weapon to the floor. Running a hand through his hair, Kakashi sat back and pulled a couple of bandages from his pocket and reached out to treat her wound.

He was unnerved to see the icy stare on the normally happy red head. He blinked when he thought he saw a faint outline of a Sharingan in her eyes. Blinking rapidly, he decided that it was a trick of his mind. Letting out a small noise of frustration, he reached out once more to the Uzumaki who huffed annoyed.

“I understand that you were worried for Naruto kun. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that you have some personal connection to him. While I appreciate the concern, it doesn’t give you any right to point your weapon at me in suspicion. I too, care for that boy. I don’t want anything to happen to him.”

Kakashi nodded and looked down ashamed. He really was not sure what came over him. No, that’s a lie. He perceived Mitsuha as a threat to Naruto and acted. The girl had done nothing to warrant suspicion. It was his own paranoia acting up.

After a moment, the expression dropped from her face and she bared her neck. Kakashi did not comment and started patching up the scratch. Once done, he leaned and let his masked lips touch her neck in apology. Mitsuha sighed and ran a hand through his silver hair.

“Sorry…it just…don’t point your kunai at me unprompted Kakashi…I don’t have a good track record of letting people go for shit like that.”

The copy nin nodded, letting his head rest in the crook of her shoulder. He whispered.

“He is my sensei’s son…” Mitsuha was shocked that Kakashi reveled an S class secret to him. She wasn’t sure how to respond when he continued.

“My sensei was a famous man wanted in many nations. Hence, we are keeping his identity safe even from himself.” Uzumaki hummed and nodded.

“Now I understand the protectiveness. But Kakashi,” Mitsuha pulled him up to look into his eye. Clicking her tongue, she pulled up his hitae-ate and let the Sharingan eye focus on her.

“I will never hurt Naruto kun. He encounters hatred on a daily base and still is able to smile like that. I want to teach that boy seals and everything about the Uzumaki. I don’t have any heirs and my clan is too scattered to even imagine bringing it back together. I want to pass it to him and then maybe he can pass it on to his students and so on. Maybe I can keep the Uzumaki techniques alive through him…”

Kakashi looked at the longing expression on her face, his Sharingan letting him know that no lie was spoken. His eyes teared up at the sadness in her eyes. He had no right to keep them from each other. Mitsuha had already developed an attachment to little Naruto and would probably go to war for him. Making a quick decision, he leaned in and whispered in her ears.

“He is Uzumaki…”

Mitsuha was even more surprised to hear the copy nin divulge even more S class secrets. He trusted her…even with the action that he pulled just now, deep inside, Kakashi trusts her.

She felt a huge fondness well inside her and pulled the silver haired man to face her. She knew what she had told the Hokage and the commander but for the moment, she could not stop the love that rushed through her veins.

This man…regardless of timelines, always loved her father and looked after him even when he was forbidden to. Even when he was broken, he tried so hard for Naruto. And he even gave her the boy’s last name even when the Hokage prohibited it.

She smiled at the tired expression and throwing caution to the wind, smashed her lips to his clothed one, internally giggling at how he froze. Pulling away, she cupped his reddened cheeks.

“Thank you Kakashi…thank you”

“Maa, I hardly did anything…” Mitsuha smiled at him, not bothering to hide her gratitude and fondness for the man. “You gave me hope…”

Asuma wasn’t sure what to make of the sulking man sitting at his table. He had a wonderful not-date with Kurenai and he had dropped her off at her place, coming back to find a pile of confused emotions, aka Kakashi in his house. He sighed and dropped in a chair opposite to him.

“Let me guess…you don’t know what to do with your emotions? Encountered the whirlpool that is Mitsuha Uzumaki? Want me to explain your feeling in a way your brain will understand?”

Kakashi gave him the stink eye. For some reason, Kakashi's business always seemed to be the gossip of every shinobi and their mothers, much to his never-ending annoyance. You'd think shinobi, the masters of secrecy, would be better at minding their own business. Spoiler alert: they're not.

Kakashi dropped his head onto the table and mumbled. “She kissed me…” Asuma frowned not understanding the mumbling.

“What?” Kakashi looked at him and repeated. “Mitsuha kissed me.”

He was not happy to see the amused expression on his friend’s face. Resting his chin on his hand, Asuma smiled.

“Why don’t you tell me what is going through that thick skull of yours?”

So Kakashi explained. His unusual closeness towards her, Genma’s teasing remarks, the date incident with Gai, his own realization skipping the panic attack section, trying to keep distance but failing fabulously and finally the kiss. Asuma did not interrupt and let Kakashi ramble on till he finished. His friend stretched and hummed.

“Seems pretty straight forward to me Kakashi. You have feelings for Mitsuha and she seems to reciprocate. So why exactly are you here instead in your own apartment, kissing the soul out of your girlfriend?” Kakashi blushed and sputtered.

“Wha…No, she is not, not my girlfriend, are you out of your mind! We don’t have any relations like that…we are just friends, besides…”

The copy nin looked at the pattern on the oak table, tracing a pattern. “Gai likes her…” He sighed, dropping his head onto the table.

Asuma looked at the emotionally stunned man. He already knew that Gai and Mitsuha were on a date but he hadn’t really seen them in a romantic setting since that day. So, whatever was happening, either they were dating secretly or Gai had backed off.

Knowing the beast of Konoha, gosh, Asuma couldn’t even think that without breaking into laughter, he had most likely trampled his own feelings for the sake of his rival. He nodded at the man staring at him with a single grey eye.

“The way I see this Kakashi, you essentially have four options.” The copy nin sat up interested. Asuma started counting with his fingers.

“One, you can continue as you are, being good friends with Mitsuha and ignoring any romantic inclinations the both of you clearly have towards each other. This means, you would essentially have to accept the fact that Mitsuha chan will date other people and someday even get married and start a family.”

Kakashi frowned at the thought. He didn’t like having Mitsuha away from him. Even the thought of someone else’s hand on her bristled her. Besides, why would she need children, they had Naruto.

Asuma laughed mentally and continued.

“Then there is option two. Everything remains the same. You don’t do anything about your feelings but accept her advances. Meaning, you let her kiss you, cuddle with you and so on. Then you are essentially letting her hang on to her feelings and you are in turn scaring away the suitors. This means that you are essentially letting her dangle on a rope for all her life and knowing Mitsuha, she would probably kick you ass. But that is one option you have.”

Kakashi felt dirty even thinking about it. He felt like one of those playboys in icha icha who break hearts and keep leading on the heroine. Yeah, Asuma is right. Mitsuha is not the type of person to take bullshit from anyone. She is kind to those who treat her with kindness and a monster to those who are unfair. This would definitely not work out in his favor. Besides, he wants to kiss her back…

Kakashi shook his head at his friend and motioned for Asuma to continue.

“The third option,” Asuma smirked, filling the silver haired man with dread. “You accept your feelings. You embrace the face that she likes you too and is willing to take a chance.” Kakashi shook his head before the man could even complete his thoughts.

“I can’t Asuma. It doesn’t matter how much I love her; I cannot put her in risk…everyone I love dies” Asuma sighed at his friends self-depreciating thoughts.

“Kakashi, Mitsuha is one of the strongest shinobi I have ever met. She can give both you and Gai a run for your money. She is strong Kakashi.”

He took a deep breath and continued. “And if there is anyone who could understand you, its her old friend.” Kakashi sighed as Asuma made the same points as Shikaku. His brain could process the logic but his heart just held tightly on to the moment when his hand crushed Rin’s heart. Shaking his head, he laid his head back on the table and whispered.

“The fourth one?” Asuma sighed, knowing that he will not make the stubborn ninja understand his point of view at the moment.

“The fourth is basically a variation of the third. You tell her how you feel.”

Motioning him to pause when he sat up to interrupt, Asuma continued. “But you tell her why you are hesitating. Explain to her why you can’t love her like she deserves and let the ball be in her court.” Kakashi hummed and looked down. Taking the decision power away from his hands…that was not a bad idea.

Asuma continued before he could think further. “But Kakashi, if she choses to let go, then you have too as well. I hope that is clear.” Kakashi nodded and looked up at the man in front of him.

“Tell me about you and Kurenai” He demanded to the man who suddenly blushed at the name.

“There is nothing going on between us.” Kakashi looked at him unimpressed. Asuma cleared his throat and looked away.

“You’re an awful host Asuma, I’ve been here for so long and you haven’t even offered a cup of tea.” Smirking at the way his eyes widened, Kakashi watched as the man shout that he wasn’t even invited in. Asuma had given him a lot to think about.

This time, it was Mitsuha who was avoiding the silver haired man. She made sure to not be in the same room alone with Kakashi and was taking missions outside the village continuously as soon as she got the clear health from the med nin. When she was in the village, he was sent on missions now that she didn’t need a constant monitoring.

Kakashi was getting frustrated as he had been trying to talk to her alone for over two weeks but conveniently, there was always Naruto or Gai or one of his brats.

Kakashi sighed as he watched Mitsuha teaching the boy how to balance a leaf on his forehead. Ever since she got confirmation that the boy is indeed Uzumaki, she had started training him in chakra control.

Confirming to the Hokage that he was the one who slipped up and not the enthusiastic blonde was a pain in itself. Luckily, he had imposed the importance of keeping it a secret to the girl. They had decided to keep their relation hidden from the boy till he graduates.

Kakashi smiled as the blonde shouted in frustration as the leaf fell down again and ran up to Mitsuha for more tips.

At least he was spending more time with his little brother. Watching her whisper something to the boy, Kakashi let his mind wander to the conversation with Asuma. He noticed that the only person he could tolerate having the red head’s attention was Naruto. He was so far gone…Kakashi thought miserably.

“Hey!” He looked down from the branch he was laying on to see the small blonde looking at him. He pointed a finger to himself in question. Naruto turned even more red and nodded.

Looking around, he noticed that Mitsuha had slipped away and he was alone with the boy. With a sigh, he dropped down in front of the boy and ruffled his hair.

“Maa, how can I be of assistance?” Naruto fidgeted.

“Mitsuha nee was called away for a mission so she told me to practice on my own.” The boy let out a sigh in frustration.

“But I just don’t understand. I don’t get how to get little chakra and I always pull more and burn the leaf or it doesn’t stick. Nee chan said I need to practice and that is the only way. But the exams are so close by…”

Kakashi sat down in front of the boy, coaxing him to sit as well. “You are going to do fine Naruto kun. Don’t worry, regardless Mitsuha chan will always be proud of you, ok?”

Naruto nodded hesitantly and held out the leaf to Kakashi who internally cooed! His baby brother was so cute!!!

Smirking, Kakashi poked his forehead. “I’ll be happy to help you Naruto kun, but you it will cost you a little payment.” Naruto looked at him astonished and puffed up like a puffer fish.

“I ain’t got no money to pay you!”

I can’t! Kakashi thought he might faint at the cuteness. He couldn’t believe he let Mitsuha keep this adorable child all to herself. Kakashi shook his head and eye smiled.

“Nope, no money. You know how you Mitsuha is nee chan, right?” He nodded suspiciously.

Kakashi smiled wider. “I want to be nii san!” Naruto looked at him wide eyed. That’s it? Masky just wanted to be called brother? Well, he can so that easily enough. Smiling back at the silver haired man, Naruto replied.

“You got it nii san!” Kakashi blinked hard to get rid of the tears. Ah, this was how it was always supposed to be. Smiling till his cheeks hurt, Kakashi patiently explained how Naruto can manipulate chakra and practiced with him till the sun set.

Kakashi was a happy and content man till he walked into his apartment to find Mitsuha in the middle of packing. He titled his head and looked at the redhead carefully cataloging and sealing equipment and supplies.

“Long mission?” Mitsuha nodded without looking at him. Kakashi moved to the kitchen to brew tea and listened carefully to the little noises of sealing.

He wasn’t quite happy with the development but what can be done when duty calls. He wants to talk to her but knows that such talks before missions could only lead to more distractions. It will be frustrating but he could wait till she is back.

The silver haired man was pouring the tea into cups when he felt the redhead approach him. She laid her head on his back and wrapped a hand around him. He could not help the making flustered noises when she tightened her hold. “I’m sorry…”

Kakashi was startled out of his stumbling when he hears the soft voice. He turned his head slightly to look at the bundle of red hair. “Maa, what are you even apologizing for?”

Kakashi asked gently, trying to pry the Uzumaki off so that he can look at her which proved to be difficult since the girl held on like a leech. He had trouble catching the words when more whisper came from her.

“I kissed you…and then pretended you didn’t exist for two weeks…” Kakashi huffed. Sure, he was upset at the avoidance but he would be a hypocrite since he did the same thing a couple of weeks back. The kiss though…Kakashi blushed…

“Maa, Mitsuha chan. Can you look at me?” He smiled as the blue eyes stared up at him. “Didn’t I run around avoiding you for a week as well? We just like solving our problems by pretending they don’t exist. Nothing wrong with that although our friends would argue vehemently against our methods.”

The girl cracked a little smile. She was really pretty…man, he was whipped. “As for kissing me…” Kakashi turned in her hold and lifted her face to him.

Gently and seeming as uneager as he could, he lowered his masked lips and pressed them to her lips. Quickly pulling before he lost his control, he eye smiled at the girl. “There, now we are even!”

He turned around to hide the red covering his face and quickly grabbed the tea and guided the stunned girl to the sofa. Pulling her to lean against his knees, he grabbed the hair brush and began their routine after almost a month of avoiding each other. He smiled when Mitsuha melted into the action.

“How long is your mission?” Separating each strand to clear the tangles gently.

“There is no stipulated timeline.” Gently massaging the scalp.

“You will miss Naruto’s graduation” Pulling the hair gently in reprimand when she moved her head to nod.

“I know and it sucks. But the target had been slippery and my summons finally tracked him down. The Hokage had agreed that it’s best if I handle this alone considering my…previous accomplishments.”

Kakashi’s grip on her tightened. “Maa, makes sense…you do have a good track record for S rank nin assassinations. But solo?” Mitsuha let out a frustrated sigh. “It’s one of the people who are still hunting for me.”

“So, you are going to offer yourself up on a silver platter?” Mitsuha laughed. “No Kakashi, I am going to kill him and then bring his head back. He has done enough damage that it’s personal.”

Facing him while he was reanimated was almost impossible. It took Ino-Shika-Cho and Hinata to finally take the man down, sacrificing themselves in the process. So, she is going to take him out as brutally as she can. Besides, without one of the major sources of income for the Akatsuki, Obito is sure to pop back into the society where she can beat his ass.

“I am familiar with the area and my summons have already collected the information about the man’s movement. I will finish this mission fast and return. I’ll talk to Naruto before I leave just in case.”

Brushing from top to bottom, making sure each strand is shinny. He let the hair twist and turn till it became a perfect braid.

“Last time you faced a missing nin, you were almost poisoned and couldn’t move for a week.”

Kakashi stated. “Who are you going against anyway?” Mitsuha leaned further into him. Ah, looks like the roles have been reversed.

“Classified for now. But I am pretty sure people will talk about it as soon as it is done.” Kakashi nodded. At this point, nothing he could say would make the stubborn red head take him with her.

He can’t even go and ask the Hokage since mission details are supposed to be extremely secretive and Mitsuha has already shared a lot of the information.

All he can do is believe that she is strong enough to come home. Her death will be the final nail in his coffin. Laying his head on her’s, he whispered.

“When you’re back…can we talk?” Mitsuha looked back at him and nodded. He softly cupped her face with a hand.

“You remember what you told me right? Naruto and I have also lost too many people and we cannot lose more. So, make sure you come home.” Mitsuha smiled and nodded.

This time, Kakashi leaned in and kissed her again, this time taking his time to map her lips. Pulling back, he smirked.

“You can take that back once you come home.” Mitsuha laughed, blushing prettily.

“Hn…”

Chapter Text

Mitsuha thought Hidan was annoying and hard to kill. Well, she would like to officially announce that she has been proven wrong. Enter Kakuzu, one of the most difficult and frustrating shinobi she had ever had to face. It didn’t help that she herself had a stunning bounty on her head so he was just as eager to kill her.

Kakuzu eyed Mitsuha with greed, his lips curling into a menacing grin. "Your bounty is quite impressive, girl. More than enough to cover my expenses for a while," he sneered, his deep voice filled with malice.

Mitsuha signed letting her body relax and work through the wounds he already inflected on her. Taking a deep breath, she let her Sharingan spun to life. Kakuzu looked surprised and laughed.

“Well, that isn’t mentioned in the bingo book.” Mitsuha smiled, her chakra-conducting sword crackling with lightning. “Not many people who have seen these eyes have lived to tell the tale.” Kakuzu cackled. “Bold words for someone so young. I’ll enjoy taking your bounty.”

With a swift motion, Kakuzu launched a barrage of hardened earth spears. "Doton: Earth Spear!" Mitsuha moved quickly deflecting them with her sword, the lightning chakra slicing through the earth.

“Ah, lightning affinity…my one weakness.” Kakuzu teased, his tone almost appreciative. “Too bad that’s not the only trick in my sleeve.”

The masks on Kakuzu’s back detached, surrounding her. Mitsuha laughed frustrated. The man was already a challenge and now she has to face three of them? She released a lightning release just because she was pissed. Honestly, her reaction was rather tame in the grand scheme of things.

"Katon: Searing Migraine!" Kakuzu’s fire mask unleashed a torrent of flames.

“Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu” Mitsuha countered. Water does not come easily to her but she needs to spare enough to make sure she is not burned alive with that technique. Subtly, pulling out her scrolls, Mitsuha engaged the fire and wind mask in a taijutsu battle while releasing lightning clones and shadow clones to deal with the others.

She knew that together; these two masks are unstoppable so she needed to take them out of the equation fast. She was never more thankful for her Uzumaki reserves. However, her blood loss is bound to take her down before chakra exhaustion. She needs to finish this fast.

"Fūinjutsu: Five Element Seal!" Managing to bind two of the most destructive masks and blasted them with a furious rasengan. Taking no chance, she obliterated them with a great fireball jutsu.

Turning to the remaining two masks and the original, Mitsuha watched as her clones were decimated. This was not good, sure she had enough chakra to blast them but she needs to engage them individually. Biting her thumb, she rushed through the signs.

“Kuchiyose!” Watching the white smoke dissipate, she smiled as Kakuzu’s eyes widened at the sheer size of her summons. After all, polar bears can be quite a magnificent sight and the two she summoned are the largest of the pack.

“Mitsuha chan, it’s an honor to be of service.” Yukimaru glanced at her with a deadly smirk. Fubuki just sighed and raised to her impressive height and ran at one of the masks without any preamble. Yukimaru shook his head and raced to the remaining mask. Watching her bears battle had always left adrenaline rushing through her body.

Smirking at the original, she rushed through the signs. “Raiton: Rairyu Rendan no Jutsu”

“Doton: Iwa no Doomu” Kakuzu tried to protect himself but the lightning dragon teared through the dome, paralyzing him just in time for Mitsuha.

“Chidori!” Slamming the copy nin’s signature jutsu into the original’s heart, she let the lightning spread. Watching the man fall on his knees, Mitsuha sighed and jumped a few steps back, flanked by her bears who had finished their own opponents. Wrapping a bandage around her midsection where one of his spikes caught her in the last moment, she watched the man.

Knowing that the man moved his heart at the last moment, she knew that it was going to be difficult which was frustrating because she was losing chakra very quickly. She watched unnerved as the three stitched themselves.

“Mitsuha chan, can I eat them once they are dead?” Mitsuha chuckled at Fubuki. “Go for it, they have been too troublesome.” Once again, running towards their opponents, Mitsuha and her summons blasted kicks and punches one after another.

"Do you know why I became a missing-nin?" Kakuzu asked, his voice carrying over the din of their clashing jutsu.

"I'm sure you'll tell me," Mitsuha replied, her tone laced with sarcasm as she dodged another of his earth spears but couldn’t avoid his punch square in the face.

"I was once a loyal shinobi of Takigakure, sent on a mission to assassinate the First Hokage," Kakuzu began, his eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and bitterness. "I failed, of course. How could I not? But my village punished me for their own foolish decision. They imprisoned me, treated me like a traitor."

"Poor baby," Mitsuha mocked, parrying his strikes with her sword. "But whining about your past won't win you any pity from me."

Kakuzu snarled. "You think you're clever, don't you? These masks," he gestured to the two remaining ones as he grabbed her throat, "they each hold a heart I've taken from others. They grant me the power of multiple lives and multiple elements. You have already taken two of mine, I will have great pleasure in replacing one with your own.”

Mitsuha slashed and took one of his arms which was choking her. Growling when it reattached itself, she retreated for a second.

“Why are you even fighting me?” Kakuzu remarked as he glanced at the girl up and down.

“In fact, why are you fighting any of the Akatsuki? We didn’t even have you in our radar till you started slaying our own.”

Mitsuha sighed, seeing her bears smash around the masks from the corner of her eyes. “Your operations are a threat to the shinobi world. You do not know what your actions will cause in the future and knowing you, you simply do not care either.”

Kakuzu smirked. “Is that why you let Itachi live? Because you believe in his pacifism. Don’t make me laugh. The world is better off without you lot who blindly believe anything that your village feeds you. Tell me, did your Hokage tell you to kill me? Are you a loyal little puppy, rolling over when he asks!”

“Raiton: Shichū Shibari” Mitsuha didn’t even bother with the man trying to provoke her and moved away as the four pillars raised around the missing nin and she watched satisfied as the man was stunned electrocuted.

As the lightning cleared, Kakuzu continued, "I've lived for over a century, stealing hearts and extending my life. Loyalty is a fool's game. Only power matters."

"My father would disagree," Mitsuha shot back. "He fought for our village, even when they wanted to cast him aside. That's real strength."

Kakuzu laughed, a hollow sound. "And where is he now? Probably rotting in a grave while you follow him to the grave following his ideals." Mitsuha punched the man with lightning encased hand and ran another Chidori through his heart.

“It looks like you are the one going to the grave.” She turned her head as the bears finally finished off the masks.

“Looks like its game over Kakuzu. Any last words?”

He smirked, blood pouring out of his mouth. “You think you’re some kind of savior. Remember, your resistance is pointless.”

Shredding the man with her jutsu, she blasted the man with a rasengan. Mitsuha stood over the debris, catching her breath.

"Rest in pieces, you bitch" she muttered, wiping the sweat from her brow.

Leaning on Yukimaru, she chuckled. “"You know, for a minute there, I thought I was done for."

Fubuki sighed at her summoner’s words. Truly, for a girl who was surrounded by death all her life, she would have an inch of self-preservation. Pushing her onto Yukimaru, she rubbed her head with her snout.

“Rest, we will take you home to your village.” Running a hand through the white fur, she smiled gratefully before losing consciousness.

Chapter Text

Naruto sat on the swing looking at the families celebrating their kids becoming genins. Internally, he was glad that both Mitsuha nee and Kakashi nii were away on missions. He could not imagine the disappointment on their face especially when they put so much time and effort on him.

Clenching his fists, he struggled to hold in the tear. Fucking clones! He had even shown Iruka sensei that he can make his custom explosion seals but no, that’s not the exam. Show him one genin who can alter seals!

“Naruto kun, I was hoping to catch you!” He turned around to see Mizuki sensei. He looked warily at the man who had treated him like shit the whole time he was in school. Naruto nodded to the man.

“I know you feel bad about the genin exam. Your seals were amazing, Naruto kun. Iruka just doesn’t know talent when he sees it.”

Mizuki sensei smiled conspiratorially. “That’s why I am giving you a secret exam which is recommended by the Hokage himself. I know you can do it!”

All the suspicion flew out the window at his words. He stood up eagerly and looked at the white-haired man. “Tell me and I’ll be sure to pass it, believe it!” Naruto ignored the tick on Mizuki sensei’s forehead and came closer when the man beckoned him.

“You see, all you have to do…”

Yukimaru glanced up at the sparrow trying to land on him. Recognizing his sister summon, he muttered to get the attention of his sister who slowed down to allow the bird to land on her. Poking his summon with the wet snot, the bear huffed to wake up his summoner.

Mitsuha opened her eyes with a groan. Her entire body was in pain and her chakra was pretty much nonexistent at this point. Humming to her summons, she raised a finger to let the bird hop over to her.

“Greetings Mitsuha sama! You look like shit!” Mitsuha laughed at the polite way the bird cursed and tilted her head.

“Nice to see you too, Tsubasa. Do you have any update?” The little bird puffed up proudly and chirped.

“Yes, Mitsuha sama, like you informed, the white-haired man has contacted Naruto sama.” Mitsuha nodded. It was all according to the plan.

She had thought that the delay in tracking down the missing nin would make her miss the event but it seems her bears have made up the delay. She doesn’t even remember half the trip, coming in and out of consciousness when Fubuki forced her to eat berries.

She sighed and turned to Yukimaru. “How long till we reach Konoha?” The bear glanced back at the girl and reported.

“At current speed, we should reach by nightfall.” Mitsuha nodded and closed her eyes. “Good. You remember Naruto’s scent right, take us directly to him when we reach. We will report to the Hokage later. Time to put the fear of God into that man.”

“You are the demon who destroyed this village, killed hundreds including Iruka’s parents, Naruto Uzumaki!” Mizuki shouted at the boy shivering at his killing intent. Iruka threw a kunai at the man who parried it with his own weapon.

Pulling the shaking boy with him, the academy teacher ran into the cover of the trees. After a considerable distance, he stopped and turned to look at the boy.

“Naruto, don’t listen to him. You are not a monster.” Naruto held his head and cried freely. “That’s why everyone hates me…I am a monster.” Iruka shook the boy and looked into his eyes.

“Naruto, listen to me. You need to run while I hold him back. Ok?”

“How touching!” Iruka turned around as a giant fuma shuriken came flying at him. Closing his eyes, he threw himself to protect the boy. Hearing a clang of metal, he turned around to red hair.

“Who the fuck are you?” Mizuki shouted at the red head. Mitsuha looked back at the two behind her. Naruto reached out to her from Iruka’s grasp.

“Mitsuha nee” Iruka watched as her eyes softened and she smiled at the boy. “Are you ok, sweetheart?” Naruto sobbed louder at her gentle tone. Iruka hushed the child as Mitsuha turned back to the traitor.

“Iruka kun, I’ll take him off your hands in a minute. I just need to pound this piece of crap into the ground first.”

Iruka frowned at the bloodied cloths and the poorly bandaged wounds on the female. “Mitsuha san, you are in no position to fight.” Mitsuha chuckled, pulling out her sword.

“I have enough juice for one more.” She used her sword to parry the shuriken and kunai Mizuki threw one after another. One of them slipped past her guard and she winched as it scratched her arm. She pulled out her own kunai and threw it, covering it with lightning chakra.

Mizuki jumped and tried to punch her. After the fight with Kakuzu, this felt like child play to Mitsuha who dodged the strikes easily. Perhaps she overestimated herself. She thought to herself as she found her strength weakening when the man struck her with his kunai.

She felt so pathetic. Maybe jumping into this fight when she barely had enough chakra to stand by herself was a bad decision.

Damn it, where the hell was Anbu when you need them!

She winced as a punch hit her injured shoulder and took a moment to jump back when she heard it.

“Don’t you dare hurt my nee chan! Kage bunshin jutsu.” Mitsuha looked in surprise as hundreds of Naruto clones popped up around them.

She smiled as they rushed at the surprised chunin and started punching and kicking him. He might be at another level to the boy, but he has the advantage of numbers. She waited till the man fell down and Naruto stepped on his chest.

“I am not a monster! I am Naruto Uzumaki and I am going to be the Hokage, believe it!”

Mitsuha froze, looking at the boy who was resembling her father more than ever at the moment. She smiled as the boy hopped over to her along with a panicked Iruka who started fussing over her wounds.

About to calm the two, she missed Mizuki aiming a kunai at Naruto. But before he could throw it, Yukimaru smashed his fist on the man.

The two turned around and shrieked at the polar bear who snarled at the traitor who was truly unconscious now. Yukimaru left the man and started walking towards his summoner, ignoring the two who raised their weapons.

“Calm you two, Yukimaru is my summon.” She chuckled as she leaned on the bear. Naruto let out a breath and then rushed to Mitsuha to collide with her who let out an oof at the force. She smiled at the tearful boy and then embraced him back.

“Nee chan! Nee chan!”

Mitsuha smiled and ran a hand through his hair, frowning at the blood she left behind. She was in a worse condition that she thought.

“Nee chan! I am a monster!” Mitsuha frowned and hugged the boy tighter, ignoring her injuries. She will deal with it tomorrow.

“Naruto kun, please look at me?” Naruto looked up with puffy eyes and nodded.

“Do you know the difference between a kunai and a scroll?” The blonde looked at the girl confused. She smiled at the adorable expression on his face.

“A kunai can hurt people, even kill them. But when placed inside a scroll, the kunai becomes harmless. The scroll is something that contains the kunai, making sure that it doesn’t hurt anyone or anything.”

Holding on the boy’s shoulders, she continued.

“You are not the kunai, Naruto kun. You are the scroll that keeps the Kyubi from harming anyone else or itself. You are the jailor that makes sure that the the nin tails do not break out and launch a village wide attack.”

She smiled. “If anything, all of us should fall on our knees and praise you for a job well done because Naruto, it takes a a lot of power to bear the burden that had been placed upon you.”

Mitsuha smiled and leaned to kiss the boy on his forehead.

"I am so proud of you Naruto kun. You are strong, so so strong..."

The blonde-haired boy cried harder and slammed into the girl who looked about ready to faint. Iruka smiled at the interaction and cleared his throat causing the two to look back at him.

He knelt down to face Naruto and smiled.

“Could you close your eyes for a second?” The boy nodded and slammed his eyes shut. With a curious Mitsuha looking over, Iruka untied his hitae-ite and tied it around Naruto’s forehead. He poked the boy to open his eyes.

“Naruto Uzumaki, even though you were an idiot today, you were amazing and you are my precious student. You are not a monster but a shinobi of the leaf. Congrats on becoming a genin.”

The tears rolled nonstop from the boy as he jumped into his teacher’s arms. He hugged her back just as tightly.

Once the sentiment was calmed and Mitsuha cleared her throat, watching both of her companions turn towards her. She smiled at the boy.

“Uzumaki eh?” He nodded while Iruka smiled behind him. “Believe it!”

Chuckling, the girl replied. “I do believe it because Naruto Uzumaki, let me formally introduce myself. I am Mitsuha Uzumaki!”

And then proceeded to black out, the last thing she saw were the panicked eyes of the genin and chunin.

Kakashi smiled as the gates of Konoha came in sight. He couldn’t wait to see Naruto and buy him ramen as a graduation present. He was also in time for team selections. He hopes that Naruto will be in his team. He mentally offerd a small prayer to Minato sensei and Kushina nee.

Filling out the forms at the gate, Kakashi pulled out his orange book and started walking towards the Hokage tower. Might as well make the most time before Mitsuha claps him on the head for reading icha icha near baby genin.

Thinking about the red head, he blushed as he remembered his promise to her. He really wanted her to be home or he would go crazy in the lonely apartment.

Deep in thought, Kakashi almost fell down when an orange blur crashed into him.

“Kakashi nii!” Smiling, he knelt down and ruffled the blond hair. He was so proud seeing the hitae-ite on the child’s forehead. Eye smiling, he chuckled.

“Hi Naruto kun. Looks like we have a new cute little ninja. How was the examination?”

“Don’t ask!” He turned around as he heard an exasperated Iruka walk up to them with a small bouquet of peonies. Kakashi frowned when the blond looked away whistling.

“Naruto, is what Iruka sensei is about to explain to me going to increase my blood pressure?” The boy looked away guiltily. Kakashi sighed and glanced at the chunin who shook his head.

“At least we should let him get the flowers to whoever he is trying to impress.” Kakashi winked at the teacher who spluttered indignity. Naruto looked at Iruka surprised.

“Sensei! You like her?” Iruka exhaled and reined in his temper. “No.” Iruka confirmed.

“Come on, might as well explain to you in the hospital since Mitsuha san also has not heard the full story.” Kakashi nodded and started to follow the two when it suddenly clicked.

“Wait! Mitsuha is in the hospital?” The two turned around to look at him and then looked at each other with a grimace. Naruto took Kakashi’s hand and said.

“You remember that mission she had?” Kakashi nodded.

“Well, she came back yesterday, wounded and chakra ex..exhumed,” “exhausted’ Iruka corrected the blonde.

“Yea yea, that. So, she has to stay in the hospital but she hates it there and Jiji told her that if she escapes, then he is going to pull rank and put her on Tora missions for a month. I don’t really know what that means, but she almost fainted hearing that. So Iruka sensei and I are going to visit with flowers. I wanted to get ramen but sensei said it might be too heavy so, we got gruel.”

Kakashi had tuned out when he heard the first sentence and let the blonde ramble on. He knew she was taking on an S class nin but last time she didn’t need to stay in the hospital. Of course, last time it took a jonin and two Tokubetsu jonin to take down Sasori.

This time Mitsuha went alone. Makes him wonder how beat up she was when she was not part of Konoha. The desperation in the Uzumaki’s voice during their first meeting makes a lot of sense now.

He didn’t realize that they had reached their destination and was just letting Naruto pull him into one of the rooms.

“Nee chan!”

The two heads turned around and Kakashi watched as a bright smile spread across her face. Distinctly, he remembers noticing Shikaku beside her with a notepad with some pictures but all he could focus on was the bandages that covered girl and felt his heart break.

She looked so small even as she opened her arms to welcome Naruto into them while Iruka shook his head and moved to place the flowers in the bedside vase. She looked at Kakashi with a guilty smile.

“Hey Kakashi kun…fancy seeing you here.”

“I know, come here often?” Kakashi teased back, ignoring the pang of worry surging through him. He needed her in his arms to check those injuries.

“Oh, ya know, only when Kakuzu and I decide to dance. Too bad he won’t be dancing anymore.”

Kakuzu! Kakuzu of Taki who had fought the first Hokage, that was her target! Kakashi almost fainted on spot and sighed again. “Maa, looks like both of you have some adventures to share with the class.”

Shikaku sighed loudly. “Unfortunately, one of the stories might be of a higher paygrade than all of us here.” Mitsuha smiled at the hugging mess of blonde hair and drawled.

“Ohh what is the worst that can happen? I need to impress my cousin, don’t I?”

Naruto perked up and sat on the bed, smiling at the red head. He knew there had to be some kind of connection between them but to think that they were actually from the same clan was just mind blowing.

“Nee chan! You are already amazing!” He watched his cousin look smugly at Kakashi nii san. “You hear that, copycat san…I am amazing.” Naruto laughed at the silver haired nin’s jealous glare and justified.

“She has a really pretty sword and can fight like.” He made sure to emphasis his statement by showing off some cool moves. “And she has a big white bear as a pet.”

Shikaku and Kakashi looked at the red head for explanation who was too busy preening from the boy’s praises and helplessly turned to the chunin who smiled.

“Mitsuha san, it seems, have a contract with polar bears. We met one yesterday during the whole debacle.”

I wasn’t even aware there was a polar bear contract. Kakashi thought to himself but conceded that it kind of suited the girl. He raised a hand to his chin and wondered if she will summon one because he too had never seen one before.

He tuned in to Iruka scolding both the Uzumakis for something or the other and smiled at the identical terrified expression.

“Well,” Shikaku nodded at the group and smiled. “I think I got the report. Submit a written one when you are out of the hospital. Come around to the compound since we also need to discuss a plan for Sushi and Dango. Bring your cousin along, we can make it a dinner plan.”

Mitsuha nodded and waved to the Nara. At least she had managed to give him a report before Naruto had barged in. Mitsuha felt a wave of happiness course through her and she pulled the little boy to her for another hug.

Akatsuki almost gone and she reunited with Naruto. Now if only Kakashi would move his lazy ass come and cuddle with them…

Chapter Text

Kakashi listened horrified as Naruto and Iruka recounted the tale of how Naruto became a genin. And to think the boy learned Kage bunshin at the age of eleven! Kakashi had noticed the way the child soaked up knowledge like a sponge when taught the correct way but he was starting to think Naruto might be a hidden Protégé.

He looked at the elder Uzumaki and noticed the proud glint in her eyes as she slowly ate the gruel. Kakashi shuddered with a sudden realization that the both of them were acting like parents and internally blanched. He smiled when Naruto described how Mitsuha swooped in like a hero and saved the both of them and how Mizuki was sweating bullets trying to hurt her.

“For the record,” Mitsuha interrupted. “I was chakra exhausted. Otherwise, that fight would’ve been over before he could touch a hair on you guys. I’m sorry I couldn’t arrive sooner.” She bowed her head at the chunin who flushed and shook his head.

“Honestly, you reached sooner that the Anbu and I am thankful to you for protecting us.” Iruka blushed and rubbed the back of his head. “And if we’re apologizing, I should be the one to say sorry. After all the crap that I accused you of when we first met, I am so ashamed.” Naruto and Kakashi looked curiously between the two as they had no idea of the said event. Mitsuha laughed and winced as she pulled on the wound.

“Uzumaki tend to protect those who are precious to them fiercely. That is the Way of the Whirlpool.” She smiled as she remembered Karin’s words on her deathbed.

That was the one death that was not related to the war. Terminal illness from extensive chakra draining. Even though Tsunade and Sakura wanted to save her, Karin refused, saying that she just wanted a peaceful end surrounded by team Taka and her family, Naruto and herself.

Mitsuha made a promise to find her and bring her to Konoha as soon as possible. Once Zetsu is sealed and she hopes that Nagato will also come back with her. Naruto would appreciate more family.

Naruto pulled at her sleeve, suddenly shy and nervous. “Nee chan…why didn’t you tell me earlier that you were Uzumaki too?” The room froze for a moment. Mitsuha looked the boy in his eyes and replied.

“Naruto, look at me. First thing, if I had known about you, I would’ve moved heaven and earth to be there for you. I would have never let you grow up alone. I could never abandon you, not just because you are family but because you became my little brother long before even, I was aware about our connection.” Tearing up, Naruto nodded at the gentle smile.

“As for your exact question, I had only come to know that you were Uzumaki for a month or so. At that point, I was still under probation and you, Naruto, play an important role in protecting the village. If I were an enemy, it would be easy for me to reveal the information to you and convince you to leave Konoha. So, the Hokage sama decided that it would be best that we waited till my probation was over and you became a genin.”

Naruto wanted to argue that he would never abandon Konoha but remembering last night’s events where he was easily manipulated by Mizuki, he held his tongue. He would have followed her if she had asked even before knowing his heritage. Mitsuha ruffled his hair and smiled.

“Don’t worry about it, Naruto. The fact that you were tricked by a chunin is a failure on us adults and not on you. You are just a little boy.” Naruto was offended but didn’t let it bother him because his cousin was still ruffling his hair.

“Now now, I know you’re a big bad genin but you are still only eleven. Be a little boy for a little longer, at least for the sake of your nee chan. Besides, you have people the side of your court now, darling. No matter what happens, I will be cheering for you.”

The blonde boy smiled wide and Mitsuha was blinded by the cheerfulness. For a second, she wanted to activate her Sharingan to record the scene to memory. Naruto was finally here, with her where she can give him all the happiness he deserves.

Tou-chan, I’m going to make sure that this time you will live until you’re old and grey. Believe it!

It didn’t take long for Kakashi to slip into the bed once Naruto and Iruka had gone home. The sterile smell of antiseptic filled the air, and the steady beeping of medical equipment was a constant reminder of her injuries. She had barely made it out alive, and her body bore the evidence of the intense battle. He pulled her closer and worriedly ran his hands through her hair. Mitsuha smiled at the worried nin and caressed his masked cheek.

“How are you feeling?” He asked softly, looking at her pale face.

“I’ve been better,” she replied, attempting a weak smile. “But I’ll survive.”

He reached out and gently took her hand in his, his touch warm and comforting. “You shouldn’t push yourself so hard.” he said, his voice filled with a mixture of worry and frustration.

He had always admired Mitsuha’s strength and determination, but her recklessness scared him. He didn’t know what he would do if he lost her too.

“I’m sorry Kakashi kun.” He smiled under his mask and Kakashi had to take a minute to appreciate the warm body in his hands.

“Maa, all that matters is that you are home. Tell me about it?”

Mitsuha hesitated for a second before she recounted the mission. Kakashi sighed and squeezed her hands at moments where there was clear lack of self-preservation.

She also noticed that she now was held tightly against his chest, jonin jacket and hitae-ite laying haphazardly on one of the chairs. She also redacted some of her signature jutsus especially Chidori.

By the time, Mitsuha had finished her story, Kakashi was in near hysterics. If it wasn’t for her summons, she was in a five versus one combat and clearly had no chance of surviving. It made him want to throw her from the top of a mountain as well as wrap her up and keep her safe from everyone. For now, he settled for holding her close against him.

Mitsuha felt the familiar flutter of her heart and was surprised to feel it reciprocated by the copy nin’s own. Her mind was shouting that she was an imposter and she had no right to make a life among people who already had a life planned. She closed her eyes and unconsciously squeezed the hand she was holding. Kakashi hummed.

“What’s wrong?” She glanced up at Kakashi, who was already staring at her. Looking at the soft and vulnerable gaze, she wanted to tell him how she felt, how much she cared for him, but the words seemed to get stuck in her throat. She closed her eyes, trying to push away the overwhelming love she felt for the man.

Mitsuha shook her head. “It’s nothing important. Just… thank you for being here.”

Kakashi’s eye softened, and he gave her hand another gentle squeeze. “I’ll always be here for you, Mitsuha.”

For a moment, they simply lay there, wrapped in each other’s presence. Mitsuha could feel the warmth of Kakashi’s body against hers, a stark contrast to the cold, clinical environment of the hospital room. She closed her eyes, savoring the comfort and security his presence provided.

“Mitsuha,” Kakashi began hesitantly. “I’ve been thinking…”

She looked at her, waiting for him to continue. Kakashi took a deep breath, summoning his courage. “About us. About what we mean to each other.”

Mitsuha’s expression softened as he reached up to gently brush a strand of hair from her face. “I’ve been thinking about that too,” she admitted with a shy smile. “For a couple of deadly shinobi with flee on sight labels, we’re pretty crap at talking about feelings, aren’t we?”

Kakashi chuckled, the sound low and soothing. “I suppose we are.”

The silence between them stretched, comfortable and warm. Mitsuha leaned her head against Kakashi's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her ear. The soft glow of the moonlight filtered through the window, casting gentle shadows on the walls.

“When my family and settlement fell, I didn’t know what to do anymore.” Mitsuha whispered. “I was lost and all I could think about was preventing that from happening again.” She winced slightly as she tried to sit up, Kakashi immediately adjusting so that she can lean against his side.

“I took a lot of time to learn about that group of nin and their plans.” She hesitated and sighed. “It’s…it’s terrible Kakashi. And I swore that I will put an end to it. That’s why I am hunting down those specific missing nin. I am sure that you are aware that all the ninja whose bounty I have collected belong to an organization called Akatsuki.”

Kakashi stiffened at the name. He was there when the red head had mentioned the group of missing nin. This was the same group who slaughtered her family. He nodded at her to continue.

“They plan to collect the Jinchūriki, Kakashi. They plan to unleash a war on the entire nation.” She wringed her hands and pulled on the bandages wrapped around her hands.

“The Hokage, Shikaku san and I have been working to find the leader but I’ve had no luck till now. Until we find him and stop this impending threat, I can’t rest easy. Especially knowing that one of the people they want is Naruto.”
Kakashi’s grip on her hand tightened protectively. “We won’t let that happen. We’ll protect Naruto and stop them, together.”

Mitsuha smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her as she let a part of her secret go. She sighed in relief and smiled at the silver haired man.

“Thank you, Kakashi.” Kakashi smiled and leaned down to place his forehead against hers. “Us leaf Shinobi never leaves a comrade behind, remember?” Opening both his eyes, he looked at the blue staring back at him. His Sharingan recording even the minute emotions that flashed through Mitsuha.

“You don’t have to face this alone anymore, Mitsuha. I’m here, whether to take a hit or throw a punch, use me. I’ll be your sword and your shield.”

Mitsuha felt her Sharingan trying to activate in response to the emotions coursing through her. She felt like the seal hiding one of her biggest secrets might fail if he kept looking at her like that.

The Uchiha love so deeply, Mitsuha. She remembered Sakura’s words and sighed as she understood. She would do anything to keep Kakashi safe. She would burn the world if he wants. This was dangerous territory and she had no idea how to navigate it. She closed her eyes and pushed up slightly to press her lips against his, Kakashi eagerly returning the gesture. She pulled away and whispered.

“I have a lot of secrets Kakashi, some which I am not ready to share with you.”

“Are any of them dangerous to Konoha?”

Mitsuha shook her head. “I am loyal to Konoha with everything I have. I am one of the leaf.” Kakashi chuckled.

“You’re not really from Uzushio, are you?” Mitsuha grimaced and replied. “I am Uzumaki…”

The silver haired man chuckled again. “Maa, I really don’t care if the Hokage is aware of it. I know you are hiding information for a reason. I will wait for you, Mitsuha chan, as long as you need.”

Mitsuha could not be blamed for pulling the man back into a kiss. “I promise Kakashi, once this is all over and Akatsuki is dust, I’ll tell you everything.” Kakashi eagerly leaned down to once again kiss her breathless.

The first light of dawn began to filter through the window, casting a soft glow over the room. She snuggled closer to Kakashi, feeling his warmth envelop her. Mitsuha felt herself growing drowsy, the painkillers taking effect.

“Get some sleep,” Kakashi whispered, his voice gentle. “I’ll be here when you wake up.”

Mitsuha nodded, her body relaxing against him. “Thank you, Kakashi. For everything.”

Kakashi watched as she drifted off to sleep, his own heart filled with a profound sense of peace. Things were hardly different between them but Mitsuha breaking a barrier between them soothed an itch in his heart that he didn’t even know existed. He swore that he will make sure that he will not fail. He will keep Mitsuha and Naruto safe with his own life if necessary.

As soon as the sudden determination came, the realization also solidified. Removing his mask, he gently pressed a kiss to her forehead, careful not to wake her.

“It seems like that I have fallen in love with you, you crazy Uzumaki,” he whispered, the words finally escaping his lips. “And I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

Chapter Text

Naruto eagerly sat swinging his legs as he waited for Iruka sensei. He would have read the new scrolls that he got from Mitsuha nee but he was too excited to focus on anything right now. It’s been a week since graduation. Since she was stuck in the hospital, nee chan had been drilling him with Fūinjutsu theories.

He could proudly say that he can successfully create five genin level seals and have been given the green light to start experimenting as long as he doesn’t channel chakra before Mitsuha checks the seal. Better that than getting sealed accidently in a storage scroll. Naruto shrugged.

“Oi, dead last, you’re not supposed to be here. This is for people who actually passed the genin exam!” Naruto frowned at the loud and brash voice. It seemed like Kiba lacked his observational skills as usual. So much for someone who claims to be a tracker.

“Look closely dog breath.” Kiba looked at him with an open mouth. Shikamaru casually reached out from the seat behind Naruto to tap his mouth close. Kiba sputtered and walked up to the last row.

“Oi troublesome blonde, did you actually pass or steal someone’s hitae-ite?” Even though it was said in a joking tone, it still hurt Naruto’s feelings. No matter how hard he works, people still think he is cheating the system. Quickly pulling up his cheerful mask, he smirked.

“I was an exception case. You can ask Iruka sensei if you don’t believe me.” Shikamaru looked confused and stared at him. “Why are you speaking like that?” Genuinely puzzled, he looked at the pineapple head. “Like what?”

Shikamaru shook his head and laid down on the bench with a ‘troublesome’ mutter. Naruto shrugged and pulled out his scroll. Might as well get some more reading in.

He was so engrossed in his notes, that he didn’t notice a dark cloud sneaking into the seat next to him and his fan girls trying to sit next the brooding boy. Sasuke looked at Naruto in surprise and groaned as he saw the blonde with another scroll.

All Naruto has been doing for the past month was reading and rushing home as soon as the class is over. But Sasuke is not an idiot. He has noticed the blonde’s aim almost as good as his and a massive improvement in his taijutsu. He was not the same level as the Uchiha but Naruto cannot be called dead last anymore.

Naruto was snapped out of his inner musings when he felt someone move close to him. Looking to his right, he saw Sasuke once again trying to peak at his scroll. Sighing with slight amusement, he moved the scroll between them so that the Uchiha can look at it. Noticing the confused look, Naruto smirked remembering the conversation.

“Before I give you any more scrolls, you need to learn to decode them.” Mitsuha nee had declared, munching on some dango. Naruto looked at her confused.

“Decoding?” Mitsuha nee had laughed like an evil villain and unsealed a large stack of papers.

“Of course, no self-respecting seal master would write notes in a language that can be read by plebians. You would need to learn to make your own code but for now, learn mine so you can decode my notes.”

The current scroll that Naruto was reading, was in fact, coded by his nee chan. Sasuke could try all he wants but without the code, he won’t be able to understand anything.

“Oi dobe, what the hell is this?” Naruto smirked at him, feeling like he finally one-upped the arrogant bastard.

“Wouldn’t you like to know, teme?” Sasuke actually growled and got closer to his face to stare at him. Naruto’s stubbornness made him glare just as equally back.

Smack! The blonde-haired boy’s eyes widened as lost his balance as he felt Sakura fell against his back, his lips smack dab on the Uchiha’s.

Oh no! his first kiss…Naruto lamented as he pulled away from the black-haired boy to cough and gag, Sasuke beside him, looking away from him with a similar expression. Naruto looked up as he felt malicious energy surround him.

“Naruto~ooo!” The blonde paled as multiple shadows surrounded him. He chuckled nervously and tried to move away. Suddenly the door slammed open and Naruto blessed the man with all his heart when Iruka walked in, holding a clipboard.

“All right you lot, settle down! Oi, Shikamaru, that’s too settled, Wake up!”

Iruka smiled as he saw his students move around the class looking for seats for one last time. He is going to miss these brats. He looked at the team placements in his hands and sighed. They have grown up so fast…

“All right! Today is a special day, one that marks the end of your time here at the Ninja Academy and the beginning of your journey as full-fledged shinobi. Over the past few years, I have watched each of you grow, learn, and overcome countless challenges. I am proud of every one of you for making it this far.”

He let his eyes glance over at his students. His eyes lingered on Naruto for a second longer as he watched the blonde grin happily. Iruka might be getting sentimental but he could already see bits and pieces of his cousin on the boy and can see him growing up to be a magnificent shinobi like her. Shaking his head, the man continued.

“Becoming a ninja is not an easy path. It requires not only skill and strength but also a steadfast heart and unwavering determination. You will face dangers and difficulties that will test your limits. But the fact that all of you sit here is proof enough that you will overcome challenges thrown at you.” Bowing deeply at his waist, Iruka let his sentiments take over.

“I believe in each and every one of you. I believe that you have the potential to become great ninja, to protect the Hidden Leaf Village, and to make a difference in the world. So go out there, give it your all, and show the world what it means to be a ninja of Konoha.”

He looked up to see all his students looking at him with tears in their eyes. Man, this was the saddest part of being a teacher. Clearing his throat, Iruka looked at the clipboard.

“Alright, now for team assignments. These teams have been carefully selected to ensure a balance of skills and personalities. If anyone has any complaints, go take it up with the Hokage.”

Naruto eagerly waited as Iruka called different teams. Finding out that Kiba, Hinata and Shino were in a team made the blonde pity the shy girl. Kiba will eat her alive. Shikamaru, Chojii and Ino were given considering their families. Naruto grinned as Iruka read off the next team.

“Team 7: Naruto Uzumaki, Sakura Haruno” A shout interrupted the man. Iruka glared at the pink haired girl and continued. “Sasuke Uchiha. Your leader will be Kakashi Hatake.”

Naruto was not upset. No, no one could prove he was upset. He was so happy that he was on a team with Sakura chan and their teacher was Kakashi nii san! But the teme had to just ruin it, doesn’t he. Naruto watched with a pout as Iruka smiled and waved as he headed off, letting the class wait for their teachers.

One by one, the jonin came and collected their teams until it was just Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke in the class. The genin have been waiting for three hours now. He just knew who his jonin sensei was, there are no other jonin in the village who has a trademark habit of being late.

Naruto grumbled and got up from his seat. Might as well test his newly learned skills, Naruto thought as he set up his glitter explosion seal on the door frame.

“Oi, Idiot, what are you doing?” Saukra screeched at Naruto, making him flinch a little. He turned around to them and smiled. “Our sensei is three hours late. Surely, he needs some kind of negative reinforcement training, dontcha think?” He giggled and turned around to set up trigger when a glowed hand suddenly pulled the seal off.

“Hey!” Naruto shouted as he glared at the silver haired man. Kakashi hummed, one hand resting lightly on their chin, fingers splayed thoughtfully across his mouth and jaw.

“How can I put this? As for my first impression of you guys! I hate you all.” Ignoring the sad aura surrounding his genins, Kakashi drawled.

“Meet me on the roof in 5 minutes.” The genin watched as he shunshined away.

Knowing that his nii san can be a slave driver just like his cousin, Naruto hurried to gather his scrolls and rush out of the room. Sakura and Sasuke glanced at each other in confusion before following their blonde teammate as they raced to the roof.

Stumbling on to the roof, the three genin were quickly gestured to sit in front of Kakashi who was leaning on the railing. Once the kids had settled, Kakashi gave them an eye smile.

“Go on, introduce yourselves.” The three looked at each other and shrugged. Sakura raised her hand.

“What do you want us to say?” Kakashi took a thoughtful position. “Your likes, dislikes, your dreams for the future, your hobbies, things like that.”

Still looking thoughtful, Sakura asked. “Why don’t you go first sensei, to show us how it’s done?”

Shrugging, Kakashi replied. “Well, my name is Kakashi Hatake. I have no intention of telling you my likes and dislikes. As for my dreams... I have a few hobbies.”

The genin deadpanned as he basically told them nothing. Naruto pouted. "That's not fair! You barely told us anything!"

“Alright sunshine! You first.” Kakashi pointed at the blonde and internally smiled at the complaints he would, no doubt, get later on. “I'm Naruto Uzumaki! I like instant ramen, especially the ramen at Ichiraku. Oh, any my nee chan and nii san though nii san can be annoying at times.” Ignoring Kakashi’s scandalized gasp, he continued.

“I dislike the three minutes you have to wait after you pour in the hot water and traitors. My dream is to become the greatest Hokage, so everyone will respect me and make my nee chan proud of me! And my hobbies are making seals, training and eating different kinds of ramen and comparing them.”

Kakashi eye smiled at the mention of the elder Uzumaki in every sentence. Mitsuha was still asleep when he left the hospital but he made sure to leave some rice and egg, curtesy of Gai, on her bedside table. Stamping down the fuzzy feelings, he pointed at the girl.

“You next pinky!” Internally, laughing at the scandalized shout. Sitting beside Naruto, Sakura adjusted her headband and began. "My name is Sakura Haruno. What I like... uh..." She glanced shyly at Sasuke before continuing.

"What I dislike is Naruto.” Ignoring the hurt look on the boy’s face, the girl continued. “My dream for the future is..." She blushed and glanced at Sasuke again. "And my hobbies are..." She trailed off, clearly distracted by her crush.

Kakashi internally cringed. Hanging around his female friends, he had forgotten what recently graduated kunoichi can be like. He wondered briefly if throwing her to Anko might be a good idea or would it be considered child abuse.

“Go ahead, broody!”

"My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I don't particularly like anything, and I dislike a lot of things. I don't have a dream, but I have an ambition: to restore my clan and to kill a certain someone."

Sakura looked at the boy with heart in her eyes and Naruto wearily as he wondered if he had annoyed the Uchiha enough to make the boy want to kill him.

So much anger and pain in one so young, Kakashi thought, feeling a pang of sympathy for the boy. He should introduce the boy to Mitsuha. Perhaps, hearing a similar story from someone who is actually good with kids might do him some good. Kakashi sighed.

“Alright you three, listen up. "We'll start our duties tomorrow. Meet me at the training ground at 5 AM. And bring your ninja gear. This is your first mission as genins.” Not letting his internal self coo at the way the kids all focused on him, he smiled.

“We will be doing a survival exercise.”

“But sensei,” Sakura, the mouth piece for the team, poked up. “We had already done survival exercises in the academy.”

Kakashi smiled, letting an evil aura gather around him. “This one will be different. Of the 27 graduates, only 9 will actually become genin. The remaining will be sent back to the Academy. This is a test with a failure rate of over 66%.”

Naruto felt a cold pit form in his stomach. I can't go back to the Academy, not after everything nee chan and Iruka sensei went through. Noticing his classmates gulp at the threat, Naruto felt a rare moment of comradeship between them.

“This test will determine if you have what it takes to be true ninja. So, you might want to skip breakfast. You might throw up.” The three genin nodded, scared out of their mind. Oh, how Kakashi enjoyed the terrified look on their faces. Kakashi clapped his hand once and eye smiled.

“Alright, see you tomorrow! All the best!”

He dismissed them and watched as Sasuke got up to leave, Sakura following him immediately. Naruto stayed behind, waiting till the team left to come up to him and extend his hand. Kakashi let all serious persona skip and held his hand.

“Nee, nii san. Are you really gonna send us to Academy if we fail? Because, I really don’t think we can take you on.”

Kakashi smiled and ruffled his hair. “Maa Naruto, I can’t discuss anything about the test. That will be unfair on your teammates and the other teams.” Kakashi expected a pout and puppy dog eyes, but he was surprised when all he got was a solemn nod.

Kakashi smiled at how far Naruto had come since meeting his cousin. He nodded at the child. “Let’s go see your cousin?”

Naruto’s eyes lit up and he nodded eagerly. The boy had a huge sister complex and Kakashi was certain that he would be pranked to oblivion once he learns that the copy nin is pursuing his cousin. Oh, joy! Kakashi thought sarcastically as he offered a piggy back ride to the smiling blonde.

Chapter Text

Mitsuha was bored. Both Naruto and Kakashi was at the Academy for team assignment and she had no other visitors because her mission was kept top secret. Even running a hundred scenarios through her mind to wipe the floor with Obito and make a Christmas tree with Zetsu was entertaining anymore.

Glancing to the bedside table, she narrowed her eyes at the innocent looking orange book on the table.

She had wrestled it out of his hand when he left three hours late, something about making an impression and threaten murder if he corrupts the baby genin. Knowing that Kakashi had multiple copies of the books on his person, Mitsuha knows her childish actions would have made any difference.

Well…bored out of her mind and genuinely curious, Mitsuha reached out and took the book. She extended her chakra to sense if anyone was in the surrounding area and sighed in relief when she felt none. Going into sage mode might be a bit extreme.

Mitsuha nodded to herself and cautiously opened the first page. The man wrote her favorite book, how bad can it be?

Kakashi had relented and let Naruto hold his hand the entire way home. Even though he reminded the boy that they were teacher and student constantly, he still enjoyed the boy hanging on his arm as he tattled on about God knows what.

He briefly wondered how Minato sensei and Kushina nee would have reacted to him being the sensei of their little boy. Obito would have laughed for sure and Rin would have scolded him for it before teasing Kakashi herself. Kakashi would have sulked and went to wrap himself around Mitsuha who would entertain his clinginess while complaining loudly.

It hurt thinking about what he…they could have had but looking at the small ball of sunshine, Kakashi let himself smile. Maa, things could have been a lot worse.

“We’re back!” Naruto shouted, no doubt, audible till the Hokage tower, and opened the door only to freeze. Kakashi poked his head in to see what had rendered the Uzumaki speechless. Mitsuha…he didn’t know how to explain but she looked pointedly away from him with a red blush covering her face.

That’s strange…He thought as Naruto shook out of his stupor and ran over to his cousin, shouting something about a fever. She smiled awkwardly and batted Naruto’s hand away who was trying to check her temperature. She seemed fine…Kakashi shrugged and eye smiled.

“We got food, ramen because apparently modern medicine hasn’t gotten up to the power of ramen.”

Mitsuha laughed and as usual, the sound of her laughter made his soul sing. He moved to place the food on the bedside table smiling at the two Uzumaki who was debating the power of ramen.

That was when he noticed it. Huh…that’s strange…he could have sworn he had left his book here.

He scratched his head confused and looked at Mitsuha who was nervously glancing him from the corner of his eyes. Did she destroy it? No, that can’t be it, she would be too proud and not look like a child who got caught with her hands…in…the…cookie jar. Kakashi whipped his head around in shock as pieces clicked themselves into his head.

Mitsuha looked at him, barely hidden shame in her eyes, as she realized that he understood.

For some reason, instead of amusement and the need to tease the red head about hypocrisy, Kakashi felt himself wanting to corner the girl to understand what she learned from his books and felt a profound desire to show her what they mean. Kakashi was almost overcome with an urge to tear his mask away and finally have a taste of the redhead. No! Bad Kakashi.

“And then, Kakashi nii san said that he will send us back to the academy if we fail, can you believe that nee chan!” He broke away from his traitorous thoughts when Naruto complained about him. He took a steadying breath, pushing desires to the back of his mind and eye smiled at the complaining blonde.

“Maa Maa Naruto, rules are rules. I can’t bend them for anyone.” Naruto pouted and cuddled deeper into his cousin.

“But nii san, those who break the rules are scum but those who abandon their comrades and worse than scum.” Kakashi’s heart fluttered as he saw Obito in the boy for a split second. Half crushed and smiling…He shook his head to get rid of the imagery and ruffled the boy’s hair with a chuckle. Mitsuha joined with a giggle.

“Look at you, using your beloved brother’s words against him.”

“Maa, nice try brat. Just because you are my little brother, doesn’t mean you get any special treatment.” Naruto pouted some more till Mitsuha sighed with a fond smile.

“Naruto,” The boy looked at his cousin with equal fondness. Kakashi laughed internally at how smitten the boy was with the red head.

Mitsuha unsealed a scroll from one of the seals on her forearm and opened it. Kakashi leaned in curiously from Naruto’s other side as they all stared at the gibberish on the page. Except Naruto’s eyes widened and he looked at Mitsuha astonished. She smiled conspiringly while closing it and giving it to the boy.

“Graduation present.” Mitsuha winked while the boy beamed at her. He gave her a big hug while Kakashi looked at the two confused. He stared even bewildered as the boy suddenly proclaimed that he needs to prepare for baka nii san’s test while taking some ramen from the takeout bag for himself.

“Sorry I won’t be able to eat with you nee chan. I need to learn this tonight!” Mitsuha chuckled and ruffled the boy’s golden hair before he scurried out. The red head took pity at Kakashi’s puzzled expression and explained.

“It’s a few chunin level seals. He has been begging me to teach him since I explained the logic.” Kakashi shook his head and took off his shoes so that he could lay next to the red head.

“Maa, you are making him into a powerhouse, you know. He is going to be a pain in the ass tomorrow.” Mitsuha giggled as he carefully gave her the ramen that Naruto forced him to buy with puppy dog eyes. Forget jutsus, that expression would make one of the seven swordsmen of mist drop his blade. She continued while slurping on the noodles.

“Oh sure, I spoil him, Mr. I taught him tree walking just because he looked small and pathetic on the ground.” Kakashi snorted and let is head rest on her hair, pulling down his mask to bask in the familiar scent. “Guilty as charged.”

He smiled as he nuzzled further into the soft hair, watching to make sure she finished her food. Mitsuha had a habit of skipping out of meals. He noticed that she genuinely looked surprised the first time he pointed it out, like it hadn’t even occurred to her that she was supposed to eat three meals a day.

Kakashi had explained to her that they need to introduce more food to her slowly as to not shock her malnourished body. Then the next day as if to prove him and her body wrong, she stuffed herself with ramen and made herself sick.

Kakashi made sure to monitor her intakes to ensure she was getting enough protein and carbs. He smiled as she pushed her half-empty ramen bowl towards him and he obligingly ate the remaining food.
Once they were both settled and the red head curled on his chest did Kakashi bring up the topic.

“So…did you enjoy your reading material?” Mitsuha stilled and tried to hid her face deeper into his sweater.

He ran a hand through her hair and hummed. “Little miss proper Mitsuha, always scolding me for reading improper books. Who knew she was a pervert behind that mask of a proper lady?”

Kakashi tilted his head slightly when he heard her murmur something. “What was that?” Kakashi asked as he placed two fingers on her chin, moving it up to face him. He smiled wickedly when he saw the embarred and flushed face.

“I said, I’m not a pervert…I was just curious.” He smiled at the defiant expression and nodded.

“Oh of course. Mitsuha Uzumaki is a prude alright. So much so, she forced me, a well-known pervert, to leave his reading materials with her so that I don’t corrupt the baby genins. That’s the narrative we are going with?” Mitsuha buried her face into his chest as he laughed softly.

“Well, where is my book anyway? You know it’s a signed copy.” Without looking up, Mitsuha pulled the book out from under her pillow and pushed it on to Kakashi’s face as he laughed louder.

“Oh, I would have gotten you one of your own if you had just asked.” He held her fondly still chuckling as she batted his chest weakly. Mitsuha looked up and the copy nin was struck by the expression on her face. She looked so innocent, red face matching her hair, teary eyes and wobbling lips.

Book long forgotten, Kakashi sucked in a breath and let his instincts take over for a moment.

Being wary of her wound, the copy nin turned them so that he was hovering on top of her, careful not to put any weight on her midsection. He lowered his uncovered face until it was an inch away from the hers. He whispered.

“Did you satisfy your curiosity then?” She turned her eyes away from him. That won’t do, he thought as he playfully nipped the side of the neck shown to him.

Kakashi smirked as she yelped and turned to look at him with a pout. He lowered his face to her ears and whispered.

“Tell me Mitsuha, was your curiosity sated?” He kissed the shell of her ear and another on the cheek. “Or do you need more practical explanation?”

He smiled as she ran a hand through his hair, gripped it slightly and used it to lead him to her lips. She hesitated for a moment and before she pulled up his mask. Kakashi sighed and pouted.

“I really want to kiss you, you know.”

Mitsuha smiled and replied looking remorse. “Same…but as long as my secrets are between us and you can’t make an informed decision, this is for the best. I’m sorry.”

Kakashi waited no time to slam his lips into her. He wanted to tell her that regardless of her secrets, he will always want her. Hell, if she happened to be a spy, then he would find himself hesitating to choose between the Uzumaki and his village. Well, as long as they bring Naruto with them too.

Kakashi sighed as he deepened the kiss as much as he could through his mask. There were no fireworks nor any heaven come moment. It was two people who were thrown the worst stick by life finding solace with each other.

Kakashi pulled back for a second to look at the girl who had stolen his heart so easily and distantly thought about the plan he cooked up with Asuma. Oh, well. Any Shinobi worth his salt would know, no well-made plan would survive in the battle field. Kakashi smiled as Mitsuha chased his lips and dutifully returned to her arms.

As they continued to kiss, Kakashi noticed Mitsuha flinching and trying to pull away from him. He whined and tried to follow her lips.

She pulled away, laughing weakly. "Kakashi, I think we might have opened my stitches."

Kakashi's eyes widened, and he immediately sat up, concern etched on his face. "Hold on, let me get the nurse."

Mitsuha, despite the pain, couldn't help but laugh. "Of all the times, Hatake, you choose now to be rough." Then immediately groaned as spotting appeared on her stomach.

Kakashi chuckled shaking his head, spiking his chakra for the nurse. "Leave it to us to turn a romantic moment into a medical emergency."

Chapter Text

Sakura was pissed. Just like yesterday, they had been waiting for their wayward sensei for over two hours already. To make matters worse, Sasuke kun wasn’t even paying any ounce of attention but that was expected.

Naruto was also not looking at her and has been sitting, copying carefully from a scroll. Since when can the boy sit still! Sakura sighed and decided to plop next to her blonde-haired teammate who graciously smiled before going back to his work. Curiously, she probed.

“Naruto kun, you’ve been reading that scroll for a long time now. What is it? Do you need help?”

The golden-haired boy looked at her in surprise. Sakura felt a bit bad at the astonishment. I guess I did chase him off whenever he had asked for help earlier. She thought a bit guiltily. Naruto beamed at her and shook his head.
“It’s ok Saukra chan. I was just perfecting this seal, that’s all.”

Sasuke huffed from the side. “Since when do you do seals dobe?” Naruto bristled at the insult and got ready to snap at the Uchiha before he paused.

Technically, they were on a team. His strengths are the strengths of the team and his weakness can bring the team down. Looking down thoughtfully, he figured his cousin wouldn’t mind.

“I’ve been learning for a little over two months. I am already at chunin level sealing.” Both his teammates looked at him critically. Naruto ignored the pang of hurt. Sure, he can admit that he is not as smart as the two but even Mitsuha nee said that he is quite smart for his age.

He pouted and returned his attention to the seal. If his guess turns out to be correct, then they are going to need this seal today.

He sighed internally as he noticed Sakura fidgeting. He smiled at her, the same way his cousin smiles whenever he lingers around her seal work. He laid the scroll on the floor and even motioned Sasuke to come closer.

“Alright, this is a paralysis seal," he began, pointing to the intricate pattern of symbols and lines. "It's a seal that disrupts the chakra network of the target, basically by blocking the flow of chakra at specific nodes.” He smirked and looked at his teammates gloatingly.

“The best part is, I combined this with a chakra gathering seal, so bigger the target’s chakra reservoir, the stronger the paralysis is going to be.” Naruto explained smugly.

Sakura's eyes widened in astonishment. "That's amazing, Naruto kun! How did you learn to do that?"

Sasuke, however, was less impressed. "Did you steal this from someone's clan scrolls?" he accused; his voice edged with suspicion.

Naruto, used to the suspicion at this point, sighed and looked tiredly at the black-haired boy. Sasuke paused for a second, not used to seeing the expression on the blonde’s face.

“Is it so hard to believe that I am capable of something, Sasuke? I did pass the genin exam just like the both of you…” Naruto ignored the guilty looks of his teammates and continued.

“But, if you must know, my cousin taught it to me.” Sasuke scoffed muttering liar under this breath while Sakura tried the gentler approach.

“But Naruto kun, you’re an orphan, right?” He nodded at her placating tone and smiled fondly.

“She had no idea that I existed before coming to Konoha. She’s only been here for like a couple of months but made sure to teach me our clan’s ways.” He rolled up the scroll and took his seals before stuffing them into his pockets.

“Uzumaki was known for their awesome Fūinjutsu techniques. People used to say that they can even seal god if they want to.”

“Oh, please, if they were that famous, then we would’ve heard about them. You’re just making up stuff at this point. Your supposed cousin is probably a traitor and you’re dumb enough to let her fool you so she can infiltrate the village. You’re a dumbass.” Naruto stood up angrily and got into his face.

“Say whatever you want about me but don’t you dare utter a single word about my cousin or I’ll pound you to the dirt, teme.” Sakura, overcome with her loyalty, pulled Naruto away.

“Naruto baka, what are you doing to Sasuke kun! Besides, he is right, we’ve never heard of an Uzumaki clan. It’s likely that it’s a lie.” Naruto looked at her betrayed. Even Sakura chan. He gritted his teeth and moved away from the two of them.

“Uzushio was destroyed during the second war by Kiri and Kumo. The remaining Uzumaki scattered throughout the nation and Mitsuha nee is one of them.”

“If they were all destroyed except for a couple of stranglers, then they wouldn’t have been that strong, eh?” Sasuke mocked, ignoring the astonished look on Naruto’s face.

“Teme, did you forget what happened to your clan?” Sasuke froze and growled. He caught hold of Naruto’s collar and hissed in his face.

“Don’t you dare talk about my clan.” The sole Uchiha froze again at the cold look the blonde gave him. “Oh, so your clan is off limits but you can spew whatever nonsense you want about mine. Hypocritical much?”

Sasuke tightened his grip ignoring the logic in the blonde’s voice. Naruto also lost his whole clan. His traitor of a mind whispered to him.

Shaking his head, Uchiha pulled back his fist to punch his teammate. Suddenly, a hand grabbed his in a tight hold. Sasuke looked up to see the furious expression on his teacher.

“Drop it Sasuke kun. I only allow fighting in spars.” Kakashi looked coldly back at the glaring boy. He minutely tightened his hold watching the boy flinch. He dropped Naruto who glared back at the black-haired boy.

Kakashi released him watching as Sakura rushed over only to be pushed away by the boy. The copy nin sighed and knelt down beside Naruto to check him over and noticed his tenant already working on the bruises. Taking a deep breath, he stood up and looked at the three children in front of him.

Boy, this was going to be harder than he thought.

“Alright,” Kakashi started. “I don’t know what bought that on and I don’t care either. I hope you remember the simple fact that you are teammates before you attempt to choke each other in the future. Now, follow me.”

Kakashi was in deep thought as he guided his team to the training ground three. He knew what had caused the fight. Of course, he was observing his genin hopefuls as they waited for him. It all seemed to be going good, Naruto explaining his flashy seals to the team until the topic of clans came up.

The fact that Sasuke insulted the Uzumaki did not sit right with him. He can’t blame the boy as Uzushio was an erased topic in Konoha as it was their biggest failure. But he couldn’t help but feel anger for Kushina nee and Mitsuha.

If they pass his test, then the first thing he is going to make them do is go through all three wars to understand what all had been lost thanks to power hungry leaders.

When they reached the destination he had in mind, Kakashi let himself fondly remember the numerous times he tested genin hopefuls in the very same ground. He smiled at the three wooden pillars on the ground, remembering the irate Tenzo building It for him after losing a bet.

Turning around to face the kids, Kakashi pulled out two bells and held in in front of them. “See these bells?” Eye smiling at the nods, he explains further after placing a timer on one of the wooden stumps behind him.

“You have until noon to take these bells from me. Those who don't get a bell will be sent back to the academy.”

Sakura raised her hand. Kakashi nodded at the girl, silently taking note of her posture and long hair. He’s going to have to play the bad guy to make sure she is toughened up, doesn’t he?

“But sensei, there are only two bells.” Kakashi smirked. “That’s right, that means that one of you is getting send back to the academy regardless.” He looked at the boys behind her and noticed a confused expression on Naruto’s face.

Good…he thought, all that talk about teamwork and internal workings of a village were not wasted. Mitsuha had taken it upon herself to teach Naruto about villages and clan politics when he had told her that he wanted to become the Hokage.

What was surprising was the boy soaking up all the knowledge like a flower soaking water. It really puts into perspective that if Naruto was given the same opportunities as his classmates, he would have become a force to recon with.

Letting the fondness slip away, Kakashi's gaze hardened. "One more thing. Use any weapons or jutsu you need to. Come at me with the intent to kill, or you won't stand a chance." Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura gulped simultaneously, the gravity of the situation settling in. Kakashi eye smiled and nodded.

“Begin!”

He looked around curiously as the three genins vanished from sight. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the orange book.

Smiling behind the mask, he spared a thought to the flushed red head as he offered to leave his book behind. I should remember to summon Pakkun and leave him with her tomorrow, he thought to himself. She must be bored out of her mind.

"Whenever you're ready," he said nonchalantly.

He smiled as he heard rustling behind him. He lifted his hand to block the roundhouse kick from Sasuke. Curious, he thought as he blocked the Uchiha. He really expected Naruto to be the one to attack first. Looks like their lessons are working out.

He grabbed the Uchiha’s leg and threw him to a tree on the other side of the field and watched amused as he scampered away quickly.

Good form but every action is a second too early. He shook his head. Uchiha kata is useless without Sharingan. He is going to have to put the boy on another style until his eyes evolve. Maybe he could throw the boy at Gai and hope for the best.

Naruto looked at his sensei from the tree he was hiding in. He sucked in a breath as he watched the Uchiha run away nursing his body and pride. He knows that it is impossible to defeat nii san. The best they can do is distract him while someone else grab the bells.

But he really didn’t feel like working with Sasuke after his comments. So, his best option was to find Sakura. But Kakashi nii would track him down easily. Muttering under his breath, he signed.

“Kage bunshin” He titled his head to the ten clones he created who all rushed out to Kakashi. The copy nin smiled as he watched his little brother make an appearance. This was going to be fun. He looked at one of the bunch who was acting as a leader.

“I suppose you won’t just give me one, eh nii san?” For a second, the silver haired man looked at his disbelievingly before he burst out laughing at the blonde’s hopeful expression. “I have to admit, Naru kun. You might be the first one to ever to just ask me for the bells.”

“So…” Naruto asked once more, praying that the man was feeling merciful.

The strike to his head proved that he was not, in fact, considering giving him the bell. The clone thought as he dispelled. Kakashi looked at the remaining copies and smiled. “So, where oh where is the original?” All the Narutos gulped and looked at each other fearfully and rushed at him.

Kakashi made quick work of them and tutted disappointedly as he noticed the original was not with them. He extended his chakra to feel a curious Sasuke hiding in a bush a little far away and Sakura in the middle of the forest. He frowned as he was unable to pinpoint the blonde’s location. He sighed and remembered the compression seals that the boy was working on. Well, the copy nin thought to himself as he stretched. Time for a little hunt.

It took an embarrassingly long time for Sakura to break free from the genjutsu that Kakashi sensei trapped her with. Even after dispelling it, she could not let the shivers stop. The illusions of her hair being grabbed and used to slam against the ground was too vivid. She could not help but reach back and tie her hair to a bun. This will have to do until she can cut it.

Biting her lips, Sakura paced as she thought through ways to get a bell. She couldn’t help but feel that something was wrong. She had read that genin teams were always four, three plus a jonin sensei. But Kakashi sensei had said that he will only teach two of them.

If Sakura managed to get the bells, she will surely give one of them to Sasuke kun. She blushed and covered her face as she imagined the fond face the Uchiha will give her. But she quickly sobered remembering the betrayed look Naruto gave them that very morning.

Shaking her head, she decided that the idiot does not matter. She and Sasuke kun will become the best shinobi out there.

Suddenly, a figure dropped in front of her. She squealed and pulled out her kunai.

“Sakura chan, its me!” She looked at the blue-eyed boy and felt herself become annoyed.

“What do you want Naruto baka?” She noticed as his expression fell but he recovered fast and spoke. “We won’t be able to take down a jonin on our own. We need to work together.” Sakura looked at the boy who came to the same conclusion that she had. She sighed.

“Naruto, there are only two bells. One of us is going to fail.” Naruto shook his head. “That’s the thing,” He looked at her confused.

“Konoha had three-man cells up to chunin level. It doesn’t make sense that sensei wants one of us to fail. I think he is trying to trick us.” Sakura looked at the blonde astonished. He was thinking far to similar to her line of thoughts. What happened to the class last?

Naruto pulled out his seal. “I have a plan but we need Sasuke kun to help us.” Looking at the hesitant girl, Naruto sighed. “Look, it doesn’t matter. If we don’t get the bell, all of us fail. But if by some miracle, we get the bell and only two can become genin, then I’ll give up my bell.”

“You’ll do that, Naruto?” Sakura looked at him surprised. He smiled.

“Yea, even if I fail, I know Mitsuha nee won’t give up on me. I have a safety net which both of you don’t have. So, I am willing to take the risk. Now, come on, oh first, put this on you”

Sakura obediently placed the seal that Naruto gave on her person. She allowed him to pull her to where he last saw Sasuke, silently observing as he made solid clones to cover their tracks. Since when can Naruto make clones? And since when was his shoulders so broad?

As they neared Sasuke’s hiding spot, Naruto motioned for Sakura to stay back. He whispered, “I’ll talk to him. Stay hidden.”

Sasuke, crouched behind a bush, noticed Naruto approaching. He frowned.

“What do you want, dobe?”

Naruto took a deep breath. “Sasuke, we need to work together to get the bells. There’s no way any of us can beat Kakashi-sensei alone.”

Sasuke scoffed and said. “You can’t but I can.” Naruto chuckled mirthlessly and remarked. “Sure, the same way you got your ass handed an hour back?” Sasuke glared at him and Naruto sighed.

“Look, just think like this. We can either work together and try to have a chance or go at it one by one and fail. And regardless of what you think Sasuke, you can’t beat him. He is a jonin and you are an academy graduate. I am not saying this to hurt your pride, but do think logically.”

Sasuke stared at Naruto for a moment, considering his words. Finally, he nodded reluctantly. “Fine. But if this fails, it’s your fault.”

Naruto smiled, relieved. “Great. Here’s the plan, Sakura chan, come over here”

Kakashi was confused when he saw the three genin put their head together as he observed them from the tree he was hiding from. He couldn’t understand how Naruto was letting both his teammates belittle him while trying his best to make them work together.

The boy from a few months ago would not have let the remarks slide and would have made a ruckus. Curious, indeed…

The copy nin substituted with the clone he left on the filed as he waited for his genin to find him. He did not have to wait long as he looked at the blonde rushing him from the foliage.

Naruto’s clones swarmed him, and he effortlessly dispelled them with quick jabs. He noticed the original hanging behind and quickly pulled out some kunai with explosion tags. Naruto’s eyes went wide as he noticed his own ‘super boom’ tags and quickly substituted with a log. Kakashi smiled at the quick thinking and weaved signs.

“Doton: Moguragakure no Jutsu”

“Katon: Goukakyuu no Jutsu.” Sasuke’s fireball nearly burned his hair but he managed to dig into the earth fast enough. He smirked as he felt the Uchiha’s chakra.

“Doton: Shinju Zanshu no Jutsu”

Sasuke would deny to his death as his screams were so high pitched when he was pulled down to earth, buried till his neck. He glared at the silver haired man who leaned down to pat his head. A kunai rushed past him and Kakashi turned around to look at the pinkette holding a kunai shivering. She sucked in a breath and rushed.

“Let go of Sasuke kun.” Kakashi sighed as he quickly disarmed her and pushed her face down to Earth not noticing the girl’s smirk. He was surprised when his kunoichi dispelled with a smoke. He stood up quickly and scanned the area for chakra.

He gritted his teeth annoyed when he realized that all of them were not wearing Naruto’s seals. He took a deep breath and immediately sneezed. The smoke was infused with pepper. Kakashi’s realized with pride while sneezing continuously that not only they managed to get him to give away his position but also rendered him helpless to track them. He smiled using a minor wind release to clear the smoke.

"Not bad," Kakashi said, genuinely impressed. "But you still have a lot to learn."

Quickly dodging the two boys rushing at him, he engaged the boys in a taijutsu battle, throwing them around like sacks of potato. Kakashi hated to admit it but he was having a blast.

He laughed cheerfully as the boys groaned in frustration. Deciding that he had enough, he grabbed Naruto and placed a kunai on his neck. Looking at his frozen teammate, Kakashi simply said.

“Drop the kunai and surrender Sasuke kun if you know what’s best.” Sasuke growled but dropped his kunai. Kakashi was almost certain that the raven would ignore his teammate and start fighting but color him surprised.

The silver haired nin started to pull up but suddenly realized that he could not move. He looked at his side and noticed that the bells were gone. He looked at Sasuke who was smirking beside Sakura holding on one of each bell. Naruto wiggled out of his grip and moved towards his teammates.

“Ne sensei, we won!” He smiled at the silver haired nin. “But…how? What did you do?” The three kids smiled, well, smirked in the case of Sasuke. Sakura was the one kind enough to explain.

“It was all Naruto’s plan. He had made paralysis seals. The while the boys kept you distracted, I applied the seal on you and took the bells. Naruto’s suppression seals made sure that you couldn’t sense me.”

Kakashi sighed and tilted his head as much as he could.

“I suppose the pepper smoke was also his idea?” Naruto shook his head and said.

“Believe it or not, that one was Sasuke. Apparently, he saw you sparing once against some other jonin who won by hitting you in the face with a stink bomb. I didn’t have enough materials to make a proper stink bomb but we made do with the little pepper we had.”

Kakashi blushed remembering the initial spar against the Mitsuha. Looks like that had come to bite him back in the ass.

Perfect timing, he thought as the alarm went off in the background. He eye smiled at the kids.

“Well, times up and Naruto, you fail. Sorry about that but you need to go back to the academy.”

Naruto shrugged and moved to release the man from the seal when Sasuke grabbed his hand. Kakashi noticed surprised when Sakura also took a hold of his other arm. Naruto looked confused.

“I don’t think so sensei!” The pinkette smirked with an expression that Kakashi was certain would haunt him for the rest of his life.

“If you want us to undo the seal, then you will have to pass all three of us. Or we fail together and retake the test next time” Sasuke nodded as Naruto looked at them stunned. Sasuke smiled, a true smile.

“Apparently, this seal is made by dobe’s cousin who is quite strong and Naruto modified it so that the target’s chakra is powering it. Technically, we can leave you here till chakra exhaustion.” Naruto tightened the hold on his teammates hands and smiled.

“Believe it! And don’t even think about asking nee chan to help you. You and I both know that she will just laugh at you.”

Kakashi narrowed his eyes knowing that it was true. He looked at them, letting an annoyed expression pass over his face.

“You all…” He began ominously, “Pass!” He eye smiled at the relieved expression on their faces. Naruto looked at him suspiciously before turning to his teammates for confirmation. Sakura, the ever-vigilant negotiator, took the stage.

“Do you swear it sensei? This is not a trick for us to release you, is it?”

Kakashi smiled proudly at the little monsters that managed to do the impossible and defeat a jonin. “There is this saying in the ninja world. Those who break the rules are trash.”

“But those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash…” Naruto beamed at him completing the words. He nodded at his teammates who let him go so that he could release the copy nin.

Stretching to release the knots from his body, he smiled at his team.

“You’ve all shown great teamwork and selflessness. That was the real test. All three of you pass. Congratulations!”

Watching Sakura and Naruto pull clearly reluctant Saskue into a celebratory group hug, Kakashi couldn’t help but feel proud of his new students.

This training ground had seen so much history. The faces of his old teammates flashed before his eyes—Obito, Rin, and Minato sensei, please watch over these kids for me…

Chapter Text

Naruto never knew that he could run out of energy. Apparently, that's what happens when you train for hours in the morning only to get stuck with d ranks till sunset. The fact that Naruto can use shadow clones just sweetened their deal since they could basically complete more missions in less time.

But the pay was good since sensei made sure that the lion's share was given to him since he was the one who was doing most of the work. Sensei had helped him open a bank account and finally he could stop hiding money under his floorboards. Luckily, Sakura chan and Sasuke kun had no problem with it since they didn't really need money like he did.

Thinking about his teammates made his stomach flutter in happiness. He genuinely thought that they would never be able to work together. It was a week after the bell test, that Sasuke had sought him out and to his surprise, apologized for his insensitive comments about his clan. The teme had even bowed. Naruto didn't feel any need to hold on to grudges so he smiled.

"No need to worry about it Sasuke. Just buy me dinner and all is forgotten." Sasuke didn't act annoyed and even asked Sakura chan and sensei to join them to her utter surprise.

Kakashi sensei declined, saying that he had to make sure his kitten ate her food before vanishing. That man doesn't have a kitten, Naruto has been to his apartment countless times. If he is in fact harboring a feline, the blonde would have freed it for health concerns. Naruto shrugged and equated it to the eccentric behavior his nii san is fond of.

"So, Sasuke, where are you taking us?" Naruto asked as Sakura chan was too busy blushing at the black-haired boy.

Instead of getting annoyed, Sasuke sighed and muttered.

"Nara and Akimichi used to blabber about that barbeque place. Seems like the best option for us."

Naruto hid his wince. That was not a good place for him. The owners absolutely hated him. He sighed and asked hopefully.

"Are you guys sure you don't want Ichiraku?" Sakura slapped the back of his head. "Only you can eat ramen twenty-four seven idiot!" Naruto smiled awkwardly as he rubbed his head. He did notice that Sakura chan pulled back her hits a lot. For some reason, that made his heart warm.

Hoping for the best, he followed his team into the barbeque restaurant, making sure to hide behind Sakura chan. A pretty looking civilian walked up next to them.

"Welcome, a table for two? Date night?" She asked as she winked at Sakura chan who blushed and almost fainted. Sasuke grunted annoyed and corrected her. "No, table for three. Dobe, why are you hiding behind Sakura?"

Naruto popped up hesitantly from behind Sakura and winced as the expression on the hostess's face darkened. With a tempered down glare, she turned to Sasuke.

"I'm sorry sir, but we can't serve it. We are more than happy to seat you and your beautiful friend." Naruto took a deep breath as he waited to be kicked out.

"It?" Sakura lost all fluster and glared at the hostess who dropped the fake politeness from her face.

"Yes, we don't serve demons here." Naruto physically felt both his teammates stiffen. He interlocked his hands with them and whispered. "It's ok, let's just go."

Sasuke turned his glare towards Naruto for a second but tightened his hold on his hand. Looking back at the scornful women, he snarled.

"What gives you the right to call him a monster? You're just a hostess, do your job!" The woman bristled and snapped.

"And I will not serve him. Demons and their lovers can go to places that cater to them like that wretched ramen stall." Naruto desperately tried to pull his team outside but Saukra stood her ground.

"Naruto might be an idiot but that doesn't give you any right to discriminate against him. He is a shinobi of Konoha. Are you refusing service to a shinobi?"

The hostess seethed and opened her mouth to shout at the children.

"Answer pinkie, she made some good points" The kids turned around to find a chunin standing right behind them. The hostess gulped visibly and turned around, power walking to the kitchen in fear. The kunoichi sighed and dropped her arm on Sakura's head.

"Well, what can you do? People don't like it when you make valid arguments." Sakura, too polite to shove the arm off her, enquired.

"Umm, who are you?" The kids felt a shiver running through their spines as the black haired kunoichi smiled.

"Oh me? I'm Anko, your friendly neighborhood kunoichi." Looking at the hostess discussing with the cook, Anko grabbed the kids and whispered.

"Looks like we're about to be kicked out. I made a bet with Asuma that I won't get kicked out of a restaurant for a week. So, let's skedaddle."

The three of them ventured outside the stuffy place. Anko pulled the kids to her favorite dango place where they were immediately seated and served. Munching on a dango stick, Anko sighed.

"Ah, this is life..." Sakura and Naruto giggled at the antics while Sasuke just ate the least sweet dango. Noticing his teammate, Naruto exchanged the ones which Sasuke was eating with the sweet ones. Uchiha grumbled in thanks and silently started eating them. The blonde-haired boy cleared his throat and bowed.

"Anko san, thank you for sticking up for me."

"I did what any decent person would do. "Sides, your friends were taking care of the problem before I came around." Naruto looked fondly at his teammates who blushed and looked away from him.

"Yes, I'm lucky to have them." He chuckled softly as the two focused on the plate in front of them.

Anko hummed and looked at the blonde carefully.

"Say...You're Mi-chan's boy, right?" Taking an educated guess that she was talking about his nee chan, he nodded.

"I am her cousin, Naruto Uzumaki." Anko smirked and the familiar feeling of fear rushed through the genins.

"Awesome! Hey blonde, make sure to tell your cousin how I heroically saved her little cousin who was threatened by evil people. I've been looking to score with her since she came here. I had such a good chance too till that lazy perv made his move. But this will definitely put me in her good books."

The three kids looked at her in confusion.

"You like Naruto's cousin?" Sakura asked, perplexed. Anko had a dreamy look on her face as she replied.

"Who doesn't like her? If you've seen her fight, then you are trapped in those wonderful blue eyes. Last mission I took with her, I got hit with some random kunai so she wrapped me up in her coat and carried me all the way back to Konoha." The genins looked at each other and shrugged as Anko giggled into her hands.

"Say, is she on a mission brat? I haven't seen her in weeks!" Naruto shook his head and replied.

"She got injured on her last mission and is in the hospital."

"What!" Anko shot up and looked at him disbelievingly. "What do you mean injured?"

Naruto explained that she was hurt quite badly and lost a lot of blood and chakra and was on strict bed rest. He made a startled noise as Anko pulled him up along with his team and started walking towards the hospital.

"Let's go kids, I want to see red and skin some people who kept information from the interrogation and torture expert."

"I thought you were the friendly neighborhood Kunoichi." Sasuke remarked as he tried to pull away from her grip. "Also, why are you taking us as well?" Anko smirked. "Cattle fodder!"

Chapter Text

Mitsuha looked at the copy nin who was once again finishing up her food. He had mentioned that the kids went out for dinner so Naruto would be late. She was just glad she could go home tomorrow. After the scolding she got after she pulled her stitches, the nurses packed her up with more painkillers and put her to sleep. Now that her chakra was back, the wounds would start healing properly as well.

Waiting for the silver nin who was throwing away the takeout container, Mitsuha was in the process of opening her arms for a cuddle when the door burst open.

"Red!" The Uzumaki could not stop the giggle that escaped her as she saw Anko standing there with her cousin. Kakashi barely had time to pull up his mask and was looking at them irritated.

"Why did no one tell me you're dying? I didn't even get to bang you!" Kakashi took in a deep breath and rubbed his eye.

"Anko, you have children with you. My students, to be exact. I would appreciate it if you didn't corrupt their innocent minds with your wayward ways."

That's when Mitsuha looked at the little heads behind Anko. Sakura chan bowed at her but her gaze was locked on the black-haired boy. She cursed herself for not keeping her senses active. She forced herself to smile at the children and forced down the tears that were threatening to overflow. Her papa was here...and he was so small...

Visions of death flashed through her mind. Her fathers and the women who might as well have been her mother together in front of her. Mitsuha felt her heart break. It’s not fair…she thought. I shouldn’t have to do this. I just wanted my family. Why did I have to suffer for someone else’s vision of peace?

She felt a hand on her shoulder and spared a glance at the copy nin who was suddenly beside her, offering silent support without even knowing what was wrong. Kakashi…beautiful wonderful Kakashi who despite his own trauma, was willing to take a chance with her. The only reason she didn't have constant panic attacks was Kakashi's presence beside her. Her heart swelled with love for this broken man that she was surprised that her Sharingan did not activate. Sparing a fond look at the man, she took a deep breath and braced for impact.

"Nee chan!" Naruto smiled and ran over to her to give her a big hug. Mitsuha laughed and welcomed the boy eagerly into her arms.

“Naruto kun!” She replied just as eagerly, remembering the way she had run into her tou-chan’s hands when he came home from the tower. She had not realized how similar she was to little Naruto. She wondered for a second if her papa had flashbacks when she was younger. Her cousin pulled away and gestured to his team to come closer.

"Nee chan, this is my team. Sakura chan and Sasuke kun. They are the best!" Kakashi cleared his throat. "Oh yea, and Kakashi nii is also there I suppose."

The silver haired nin gasped at the comment and turned to the corner to cry about the blatant disrespect while the kids looked confused. Mitsuha waved and then looked at the tiny forms in front of her. God, they were so cute.

"Ignore him, he is a drama queen." Bowing slightly, making sure not to pull her stiches again, she continued. "My name is Mitsuha Uzumaki. Thank you for taking care of my little cousin and Kakashi." Sakura politely bowed back.

“Oh, it’s no problem. Though Kakashi sensei could learn how to read time.” Sakura glared at the copy nin who was suddenly very interested in Mitsuha’s hair, pulling and twirling random strands. None of the genins missed the familiarity between the two jonins. Laughing, the Uzumaki shrugged at the kunoichi.

“Well, you win some you lose some.” Kakashi eye smiled and patted her head like a puppy while nodding. Mitsuha chuckled as she felt Anko get on the bed beside her. Hey, she might be in love with Kakashi but Anko was still the best.

“Mi-chan, stop ignoring me. I am worried for ya, you know!” Mitsuha turned and ran a hand through her hair as she purred.

“Of course, Anko chan, how could I ever ignore you! The blasphemy!”

Mitsuha chuckled internally as the kids blushed at the blatant flirting while Kakashi just looked murderously at Anko while moving to the side of the bed to pull her off. Oh, the juxtaposition!

Listening to Anko and Kakashi banter as the kids watched on, Mitsuha sneaked a glance at Sasuke only to find the boy looking at her. She felt her heart stutter as her father’s eyes stared back at her. I miss you papa…the voice in her mind whispered. I’ll make sure that you’re ok this time. I promise.

Sasuke looked at the bed ridden kunoichi and the idiots who are hanging onto her. He recognized the red hair from the spar he had witnessed long ago. So, Naruto was not lying when he said his cousin was strong. Even he could admit that she was good. Maybe even strong enough to kill him…He critically analyzed the red head who was once again trying her best to avoid his eyes.

“How come you never came for Naruto?”

Sasuke flinched as he heard himself ask. He was getting annoyed at seeing Naruto fawn over this stranger. Naruto glared at the boy and before he could retort, Mitsuha had placed a hand on his head, ruffling his hair. The blonde was calm immediately. Even with the veil of suspicion, Sasuke could see that the pair genuinely loved each other and were happy to be a family. Sasuke felt the coils of jealousness wrapping around his heart.

“I was not aware Naruto existed. There were…certain circumstances that prevented me from coming to Konoha. I was under the impression that there were no other surviving Uzumaki’s in the elemental nations, at least who was still using the clan’s name.” Sakura looked at her curiously.

“What do you mean not using clan name?” Mitsuha gave a small smile. “Uzumaki are still hunted to this day even after the destruction of Uzushio. It’s already difficult to hide thanks to the unique coloring,” Mitsuha gestured to her hair, “Keeping the clan name is a suicide act.”

“But you kept your name, nee chan.” She smiled at her little cousin and replied proudly.

“Because I wanted them to hunt me. I want to make sure to bring an end to the sufferings caused by the people who hunted my family. I want to become a beacon of light that the Uzumaki can follow and hopefully find a home in Konoha just like I did. That’s why I fight, that’s why I am a ninja.”

To say Sakura was amazed would be putting it mildly. Naruto’s cousin was so cool. This is what a kunoichi was like. Sakura suddenly felt inadequate. What was her reason to be a kunoichi? She glanced at Sasuke who was looking away with a thoughtful face. No, Sasuke kun was not the reason she became a shinobi. Sakura suddenly realized that she just did it because Ino was doing it. She had no reason to grow stronger. She was ninja for the sake of being ninja.

The sudden realization brought panic to her face. Suddenly she felt a hand on her head. Mitsuha san was looking into her eyes. She smiled gently.

“You know what I think Sakura chan?” Looking at the girl who had a minor panic attack, the red head smiled.

“It takes a lot of guts to be a kunoichi. The world is not very kind to us women and will always try to beat us back down to the ground. The fact that you’re standing here beside two boys who are obviously going to be powerhouses is proof that you are going to be one talented shinobi.”

Leaning back on Anko who winked at Sakura with a knowing look on her face, the red hair smiled wider.

“And I can’t wait till you take the world by surprise. In fact, I want the front row seat! You’re going to be so strong Sakura chan. In fact, I’m willing to wager that you’ll even surpass Tsunade of the Sannin one day.”

“Yup, and you know what pink! I think a little hits and maybe some poisons to shape you up, you’ll be a role model for the little brats that follow you. Also,” Anko wrapped a hand around Mitsuha’s shoulder. Sakura brightened as both the kunoichi smiled at her.

“I am also betting on ya, Red has an insane luck when it comes to gambling.”

Sakura looked tearfully at the two women who figured out what was going through her mind and immediately gave her reassurance. She bowed her head and said with conviction.

“I will not disappoint.”

“Sakura chan is gonna be the best, believe it!”

“Hn.” Sakura laughed as she heard her two teammates. Looking up when she felt a hand on her head, she smiled at Kakashi sensei.

“Maa, of course. She is one of my cute little genin after all.”

Sakura nodded happily, suddenly feeling an unfamiliar drive. Tsunade, huh? Well, guess it’s time to start research on her new aim.

Even with her mind in turmoil, Mitsuha could not help but feel happy surrounded by her favorite people.

Sakura and Naruto were seated beside her on the bed and having an animated discussion on chakra theory, something which would never happen between her father and her Sakura nee. Anko was showing off her different poisons to Sasuke who had both a curious and a terrified look on his face. Kakashi was sitting on the chair next to the bed and was immersed in his icha icha.

Mitsuha let her heart grieve for what could have been if it wasn't for Madara and Zetsu. Never again, she fortified her resolve to bring the perpetrators down.

It was when Naruto and Sakura left with Anko to get treats from the vending machine, Sasuke approached her. She forced herself to look at him and gave a gentle smile.

"Sasuke kun?" The little boy took a moment to look at the ground uncertainly. It was actions like these that helped her distinguish the child in front of her and the man who he will grow up to be.

It was a concern of theirs when they had discussed the initial plans of time travelling whether or not if they would delete the chakra signatures of their alternate egos. They had theorized that such an action would not be possible as their chakra signatures had altered heavily from their counterparts at least in the case of Sasuke.

Since Mitsuha was not born in the time which they had picked to travel, they believed that her existence would be erased. Which was a shame but the red head was more than willing to sacrifice herself so that the world would have another chance.

Unbeknownst of the girl's thought process, Sasuke took a deep breath and asked.

"There is a man...another Uchiha out there." Mitsuha felt herself sympathize. It seems her uncle is a sore topic both in the past and in the future. She nodded to him.

"Do you mean Itachi?" The temperature of the room dropped. Sasuke looked murderous and replied.

"Where and when?" Uzumaki sighed as she watched the boy shrug off the hand Kakashi had placed on his shoulder for comfort. This is a sensitive topic and she needs to tread carefully. Sighing she replied.

"A very long time ago, in a place you would not recognize even if I told you. I have had the displeasure of being trapped in his Tsukiyomi. Not a fan, would not recommend."

Sasuke relaxed minutely without even realizing it himself when he heard that his brother and the red head were on the opposite sides of the battle field.

Even though her and Itachi were on better terms now, the initial interaction had left her broken and battered. But she could not deny that he was holding back on her and did not use his Sharingan on her when he realized he was Uzumaki.

After many games of cat and mouse till he learned that she knew about Sasuke. Then Itachi become merciless. The man put her in his genjustu and didn't listen to a single word she was shouting at him.

It took both rasengan and her summons to pin the man down and show him her own Sharingan for him to calm down enough for her to narrate her story. It was a pain in the ass if she was being honest. Mitsuha bit her lips and continued.

"Truth be told, I am pretty sure he let me go." The tension was back and he snapped his gaze back at her. Mitsuha ignored the copy nin trying to ger her attention. He needs to hear this.

"It seemed like he was reluctant to kill me. Which is a complete contrast from what I have heard of him." The red head braced herself for the imminent shouting match and continued the line of thoughts.

"The interaction was confusing because I cannot for the life of me understand why a man who was fond of his little brother and a known pacifist suddenly snap and murder his entire family. Then turn around and have enough mercy to show to a random shinobi."

"Didn't stop him from killing every single damn Uchiha including children before."

Even though the words were true, the harsh delivery did make her flinch. Never before had she heard her father use such a hateful tone with her.

Sasuke's voice rose, his fists clenched in anger. "He's nothing but a murderer!"

Taking another breath, she explained.

"Yes, which was why I am confused. There has to be something..." Kakashi placed a hand on her shoulder in agitation. She glanced up at the man and shuddered as his eye which were usually full of warmth was cold as he looked at a spot somewhere on the wall.

She had forgotten that Itachi was his precious kōhai and that his betrayal hurt more than just the Uchiha in front of her. She looked at her hands, wringing them uncomfortably.

"I am sorry if I said too much Sasuke. It was not my place."

"Yes, it wasn't your place. What do you even know about losing everyone you love and care for within a day."

Kakashi flinched at the boy. Sure, he stopped the girl out of respect for the boy but that was too far. As such, he watched the subtle fondness drain out of Mitsuha and winced at the hollow laugh.

'A lot Sasuke kun, alot." She glanced at the window, looking at the sunset.

"After all, I have been consistently losing my precious people and running from people who want to hunt us down since I was four."

"Then you know why I can't forgive him. You know why I have to take revenge for what he had done."

She looked at the camaraderie expression on his face.

"I don't want revenge. Revenge is a never-ending process that will do nothing but continue the cycle of hate. Besides, I like to think that rather than watching and chasing ghosts of my past. They would want me to make new bonds and cherish the new bonds. They would want me to live rather than die for them."

Sasuke looked at like she had just shattered his world.

"But he told me to be alone. He told me that bonds will weaken me. I don't know what I'll do if I lose them too." The boy looked close to tears. Mitsuha smiled realizing that he was talking about his team.

As she spoke, she realized that the words ran true for all the three of them. Sparing a glance at the copy nin and the avenger, she continued.

"And it is because of that we will continue to become stronger and stronger so that we can protect the bonds that we make and the life that we will build. Humans cannot live without bonds Sasuke and loses make us more determined to protect those precious to us even at the cost of our own life."

Kakashi had leaned and took Mitsuha's hand sometime during the conversation. She felt the slight shiver in his hands. She realized that even the infamous Sharingan Kakashi was also affected by her words. Squeezing his hand, Mitsuha leaned back on the bed closing her eyes. She was so tired.

"Remember Sasuke kun. We are shinobi. We are trained to look underneath the underneath.”

Mitsuha smiled gently at the boy. “There's something fishy about the whole situation. I promise you, I'll find out the truth, even if I need to search the corners of the world.”

Sasuke's eyes widened, and his anger momentarily gave way to confusion. "Why do you even care? Why would you go that far? You don’t know me, owe me nothing…" He yelled out trying to make sense out of the kindness that this random stranger is offering.

Mitsuha's expression softened, and she smiled at him. "Because you're a child, Sasuke. It's about time someone took care of you."

The words hit Sasuke hard. He felt a lump in his throat, and his vision blurred with unshed tears. "I... I don't need anyone to take care of me."

"Maybe not," Mitsuha said gently, "but everyone deserves to be cared for, especially after what you've been through. You don't have to carry this burden alone."

Sasuke's anger melted away, replaced by a profound sense of vulnerability. Forgetting the Uchiha decorum, he launched himself into Mitsuha's arms, and for the first time in years, he let himself cry.

Chapter Text

Sasuke was not sure how he had landed in his situation. Looking at the tea that was pushed onto his hand, he reevaluated the events that led to this particular moment.

Naruto and Sakura had walked into their room to find Sasuke holding on to Mitsuha with a death grip bawling out of his mind. Both his teammates had looked confused at the pair before Kakashi had knelt in front of them and explained.

"Maa, he is just experiencing emotional overload after a long time and wasn't sure how to react."

Although it did little to clear their confusion, both the genins moved to his side hovering while he emptied his tear ducts.

And that is how Naruto decided that he shouldn't be alone after a breakdown and pulled an exhausted Sasuke to his apartment. Even though he will never admit it out loud, he was glad to not spend the night in the compound. There were too many ghosts over there.

As soon as they reached Naruto’s place, which was in the middle of a dilapidated street, Sasuke noticed that the stares and whispers increased. He glared at any one who dared to look at them. He was too tired to deal with a bunch of assholes.

Naruto’s apartment was on the top floor and they ran up the stairs. Sasuke’s nose crinkled at the graffiti on the wall. Demon was the common word. Naruto seemed unfazed and opened the door after deactivating a couple of seals.

Following the blonde, he started looking around the apartment. It was a small place, the living room with an attached kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom. The walls were painted a shade of peach and were pleasantly soothing.

For some reason, he expected everything to be orange. There wasn't much in terms of furniture except for a sofa and the dining table but there were a lot of plants.

Noticing Sasuke’s curiosity, Naruto smiled. “I love plants but I didn't keep ‘em because people kept breaking the pots! But ever since nee chan had added seals to electrocute the shit out of people, I could finally keep some. Nee chan and Kakashi nii also gifts me seeds and stuff when they come back from missions."

He hummed as Naruto skipped into what he presumed to be the bedroom for a couple of minutes before he popping right back out. A bundle of cloths was shoved into his hands and pushed into the bathroom where he was instructed to not waste hot water.

Sasuke looked at the cloths and smiled as he saw that they were black. He was dreading that he too would be dressed in orange. Stepping into the shower, Sasuke let the tension from the day vanish as he thought about what the red head said.

Now that he was a bit calm and was actually thinking it through, why kill the Uchiha if he wanted power? Wouldn’t it make more sense to kill the Hokage or someone like that? And if it was to awaken his Mangekyō, then wouldn’t it make more sense to kill him too?

Mitsuha was right. There were too many factors that were not adding up. Sasuke could almost imagine his brother being possessed to do the deed. As he turned off the shower, cold reality hit him hard. Doesn’t matter the reason, the fact is that Itachi killed his clan and Sasuke could never forgive him for it.

Exiting out of the bathroom, Naruto ran up to him and was pulled to the sofa. He was pushed on to the couch and was served tea and cookies which were apparently from the rice country. Naruto then took his turn to shower.

Sasuke had to admit that he had expected the apartment to be filled with junk when he saw the graffiti on the outside walls but it was surprisingly clean if you ignore a few scattered scrolls on the dining table.

He also observed various seals on the walls as well as on his furniture. Naruto had explained that they were security seals that his cousin had designed. He was confused when the boy tried to explain further so Naruto just shrugged and gave up.

After his shower, Naruto enlisted Sasuke’s help in pulling his futon out to the living room. When asked why, the blonde replied.

“It’s like a sleepover. I’ve never had one and I can bet on everything that I own that you’ve never had one too.” Sasuke flushed because the boy was right. He had never had one even when the clan was still there. Silently, he helped Naruto arrange the futon next to the sofa after pushing the coffee table away.

Sasuke huddled up in a spare blanket that he had, watched as Naruto turned off the lights and slid into the futon.

He watched as Naruto pulled out a futon from his storage and dragged it out in the living room, running to his bedroom shortly to pull his own futon next to it. He listened to Naruto blabber about seals and Mitsuha nee and Kakashi nii.

"Why do you call him nii san? Isn't Kakashi our teacher?"

Naruto chuckled as he pulled the sheets up to his face.

"I knew him before he became my teacher. My cousin and him live together. Mitsuha nee told me that he used to be her enforcer. Now even though she is cleared, they just decided to be roommates. Sometimes I crash at their place when I'm lonely." Naruto giggled and looked at him with a mischievous glare.

"It's easier to pull some subtle pranks on Kakashi nii when I stay there. He knows it's me but he has no way of proving it since Mitsuha nee pranks him just to keep him on his toes, though her pranks are a lot tamer than mine."
Sasuke titled his head and asked, confused. "Why do you prank him?"

Naruto glared at the ceiling. "Because he likes my cousin. No one is be good enough for Mitsuha nee."

Sasuke snorted and shook his head. "Dobe, she is a grown ass woman, she is capable of handling suitors. Besides, she is strong."

Naruto nodded with a sagely look on his face.

"Sure, but if he can't handle fart perfume on his mask, then he isn't worth Mitsuha nee's time. And I will always look out for her regardless if she is strong or not because she is family."

Looking serious for a second, he continued. "She is the only family I've got. No one will be good enough for my cousin."

Sister complex, Sasuke thought amused. Who knew Naruto could be so possessive when he was allowed to have people. Speaking of which,

“Dobe, why does people call you monster? I mean, I’ve seen Kiba act worse than you and no one bats an eye at him. Doesn’t make any sense.”

He was curious to see the boy freeze beside him. He waited silently as Naruto seemed to be figuring out what to say. Finally sighing, Naruto glanced up at him.

“Teme, do you know the difference between Kunai and a scroll?” Sasuke huffed annoyed.

“Yes Dobe, unlike you, I wasn’t dead last.” Naruto did not even rise to the bait and boy, did that freak Sasuke out.

“Well, let’s just say, I am a scroll and not many people know the difference.” The black-haired boy was confused and annoyed at the vague expression. Naruto chuckled without humor and turned around to face the other side.
“That’s all I can say on the matter Sasuke. But just know this. You’re my precious teammate and you have nothing to fear from me. Everything I have, will be used to protect you.”

Sasuke could not stop the blush on his face. When the heck had the dobe become so cool?

Kakashi watched as the Sasuke ran up the tree multiple times, getting a little bit higher each time. He was glad that he had the foresight to teach Naruto tree climbing earlier because with the boy’s chakra level, it would have been impossible to move forward. Unlike Naruto, Sasuke would get it fairly fast enough.

Speaking of the boy, he glanced at the pair who were on the middle of the lake. Sakura was giggling as she held Naruto’s hand as he tried to maintain his chakra. He smiled at the team who was too broken to function a couple of weeks ago.

It seems like Mitsuha’s words had hit his team quite hard.

Naruto had already changed from his over eager, loud persona to a calmer and collected shinobi. Sure, the exuberant personality slipped out once in a while but never while training nor during missions. He was progressing quickly through seals and Mitsuha had gotten permission from him and the Hokage to move him to jonin level seals while also granting him permission to experiment on his own.

Surprisingly, this caused less explosions that he thought. Naruto was adapting Fūinjutsu like a fish to water. Kakashi could swear that he saw his parents when the boy was trying to crack some fairly complicated seal. The boy would surpass the yellow flash and red habanero sooner than Kakashi could have predicted.

Sakura was more confident and kept the glances to a minimum. She was no longer afraid to get dirty and even learned to play dirty while sparing with the boys. It helped that Anko popped in by once in a while to train the girl who had started her on genjutsu. Boy, she was happy about that!

He was surprised to see her moving towards a taijutsu specialist which was not the path he had seen for her. She was already incorporating chakra into her punches and Kakashi noted with glee that soon she will be able to make cracks in the ground just like Tsunade.

Sasuke had become gentler towards the team. Whereas he never cared about emotions, Sasuke was open to his teammates especially when rejecting Sakura’s advances these days. He was also learning alternate taijutsu and surprisingly incorporating them seamlessly to his own style. The boy had also started learning the advanced form of his fire ball jutsu from the scroll that Mitsuha gave him.

But the most surprising part was the affinity he showed towards poisons and medical jutsu. Even though Sakura was the one reading the scrolls during her free time, Sasuke usually sat next to her reading over her shoulders. He was fascinated and Kakashi had to admit that once he got the boy’s chakra control up to par, he might become a very good med nin.

His team was like if the Sanin were cut up and placed mismatched but better. Naruto to become a ninjutsu and sealing expert, Sakura to be a taijutsu and genjutsu expert, Sasuke, a poison and medical expert. Certainly not what any one was expecting when they put this team together, but Kakashi could not be happier.

He thought ecstatically, "I have three little genin who can become monsters! Actual monsters!"

Mitsuha looked at the scroll placed on the table in front of her and at a grinning Kakashi. Narrowing her eyes suspiciously, she opened the scroll and began to read. Her eyes widened as she looked through the contents.
"Training trip to the Land of Fireflies?" she asked, blinking in surprise. Kakashi nodded eagerly, his grin widening.

Mitsuha tilted her head, trying to remember if a similar incident had happened in the past, but she couldn't recall her parents mentioning any training trips. By this time, she had enough evidence to confirm that her presence was indeed changing the events. Mistaking her confusion for lack of enthusiasm, Kakashi jumped in to sell his idea.

"I think it’s the perfect place. The Land of Fireflies is within the border of the Land of Fire and is known for its pacifists. They have a very good relationship with Konoha and don’t mind shinobi. Besides, it would be good to take the kids out on a trip before we take a C-rank mission outside the village. You know, to get the excitement out.”

Mitsuha considered his words. It made sense and was similar to a rule the Godaime had implemented during her reign: before a team could take outstation missions, they needed to complete a training trip to any allied regions. The changes were advocated using the same propaganda that Kakashi had just sprouted.

There were other major changes, like D-rank missions being included in the Academy syllabus and pre-genins being given multiple teams to gain outlines for the future genin teams. This resulted in teams being pushed out from the Academy already working together, sparing the Jonin the babysitting time.

She had to wonder if the Kakashi of her time was the person behind the changes. Perhaps the man of her time wasn’t as broken as she thought. She looked at the man in front of her and frowned. This man also went through the same events but is still willing to spring back. Maybe people should have paid more attention to the copy nin of her time and not just label him as a recluse.

I mean, it seems like a great opportunity. Mitsuha thought as she nodded at Kakashi, who sighed in relief. She could almost see an imaginary tail wagging happily behind him. She smiled at him and took out a blank scroll.

“Well, if we are doing this, then we need to plan it out properly.” Kakashi nodded.

“I want Naruto to up his ninjutsu. I have a feeling he is wind natured, so maybe we can teach him some wind jutsus.”

The copy nin nodded and continued. “I also want him to be agile and maybe get him a weapon? If he can learn how to channel his chakra through a weapon, it will give him a huge advantage.”

Mitsuha smiled mischievously. “I have the perfect one.” Reaching down to unseal her crossbow, she placed it on the table for Kakashi to observe.

“We can make seals to store his chakra in the arrows and boom, you’ve got a piercing bow!”

The man took the crossbow and attached it to his hand while aiming at the wall. He let the trip wire fly and winced a bit at the recoil but he had to admit, the bow was good and could provide a very nice long-distance offence. Kakashi nodded satisfied.

“I want to teach kenjutsu to Sasuke. I will get a couple of training swords for him from Iruka. Once he awakens his Sharingan, his taijutsu can be easily integrated with my own style and would give him a formidable form.” Mitsuha nodded, her papa was very good with a sword and she can easily help him adjust to his older style if need be.

“I also want him to work more on his chakra control, I have gotten a few scrolls from the med nins at the hospital.”

The Uzumaki looked at the man confused. Sasuke? Med nin? She waited for the punchline of the joke.

“Holy shit! You’re serious!” Mitsuha exclaimed. Kakashi bristled and replied with a glare.

“The boy is showing an affinity towards it. And he enjoys reading about Iryō jutsus. It might be the perfect time to let him explore the career option.”

She raised her palms to placate the upset man. “I’m not questioning your decisions Kakashi, you are their teacher. If you think Sasuke will benefit from learning Iryō jutsus, then we will teach him those. That’s that!”
Kakashi took her hand with a gentle smile, squeezing her hand in thanks.

“Also poisons…the boy loves poisons, Anko had already given him scrolls on it so we just need to supervise.” Mitsuha snorted. Yeah, she heard all about the new little sting bee from Anko. Besides, senbons can be very useful with Sharingan.

“As for Sakura, I would like it if she also learned Iryō techniques. She already has a very fine chakra control and would probably catch it faster.” Mitsuha said, writing down all the recommendations on the scroll.

“I never really understood why we don’t teach all shinobi basic healing jutsus. I mean, I get why for people like me and Naruto who have a shit load of chakra that it is impossible for us. There is a reason why med nins are targeted first.” Kakashi shrugged. He himself was good at performing basic diagnostics and simple healing. He never progressed beyond that.

Suddenly shuddering as Mitsuha smiled in a creepy manner, he braced himself. “I also noticed Sakura training with Gai and Lee a lot these days. You know what she needs?” Kakashi tilted his head to one side, silently asking her to continue.

She giggled as she reached for the same seal on her thighs where her crossbow was sealed, pulling out a gunbai or more particularly the same one which Madara wielded. She had stolen it in one of their battles and had recently fixed it up and removed the tomoe pattern from it up after seeing Sakura’s taijutsu.

Kakashi looked at the weapon with fascination. He laughed incredulous.

“Did you know who the last person who used a gunbai?” Mitsuha smirked. “Exactly, she is going to be our taijutsu and genjutsu expert. Who better to wield a weapon the legendary Madara was known for. To be honest, it’s going to be a sight seeing her smash foes with this.”

Mitsuha blinked and dropped the weapon as Kakashi suddenly swooped her up from her seat. Giggling, the copy nin started twirling them around the apartment.

“Oh Mitsuha, we are making the best bad ass team that Konoha has ever seen. It is going to be awesome and we’re going to be in the front row seats to watch when them take the world for a ride.”

The red-haired girl laughed along with the excited copy nin as he spent his extra energy. He is just like a puppy. She thought as she was led back to her seat. Instead of taking his own seat, Kakashi sat down on the floor in front of her and laid his head on her lap. She smiled as she scratched the nape of his neck, smiling when he shivered at the touch.

“Mitsuha…Where were you my whole life?” Kakashi murmured into her stomach. “You come out of nowhere, taking down S class criminals left and right, teach genins and even jonins like it doesn’t even bother you.” Looking up from his perch, Kakashi raised a hand to cup her cheek.

“You’re like a sage, ya’know.” Mitsuha laughed and leaned into the touch for a few seconds before turning back to the scroll, writing the plans down.

“Right, so we got all the lesson plans made. But Kakashi this is going to take a long time. How many days do we get for the training trip.”

“Two months.” Raising her eye brows, she questioned. “The Hokage granted us that much time? I mean, the kids still need to do the C ranks before they can enter the chunin exam in three months.”

Kakashi frowned. “I am not planning on entering them in the upcoming chunin exam. There is hardly any time for them to prepare and I don’t intend to push them into a life-or-death situation before they are ready for it.”

Mitsuha gaped at the silver haired man. What! He is not letting them enter the chunin exam? Kakashi looked at her thoughtfully.

“They maybe ninja but they are still kids. I don’t want them to grow up too fast. After all, look at people like us. Clearly, something is wrong with the way the shinobi are produced currently. I want them to take their time and become strong in their own pace.”

And his explanation sounded just like that of a teacher who really wants the best for his students. What is going on! If he was capable of thinking this much, then why the fuck did he enter them in the chunin exam. If he had just made them wait, they never would have had to face a sanin at twelve.

She suddenly realized the impact her presence had made in Kakashi’s life. Her gentle nudges towards the kids had somehow changed the future for Team 7.

If only there had been someone for Team 7 in her time. If only someone had told Kakashi how to handle the angry teenagers, hold Naruto and give him the attention and resources he needed, help Sasuke through his grief, and support Sakura through her insecurities... If only...

Her eyes filled with tears at the thought. They would have been so much better. Granted, there was always the possibility of them falling into old habits, but she wasn’t blind to the caring glances they sent each other’s way.

She had walked in on Sasuke and Naruto happily cooking in the kitchen with Sakura knitting on the sofa multiple times. She had also seen the three kids piled on a helpless Kakashi, napping away on a beautiful day, or the way Kakashi made sure the boys included Sakura in the roughhousing, complimenting her when she came out unladylike before they demanded dinner from him.

Even she was pulled into their orbit, often becoming the substitute teacher when Kakashi shows up three hours late and always pulled along for dinner at the end of the day. They had made a habit of assembling at Naruto’s or their place and hang out, even Sasuke showed up.

Mitsuha startled when Kakashi wrapped her up in his arms.

“What’s wrong?” He asked gently. Mitsuha shook her head with a smile.

“Nothing, these are happy tears.” Kakashi smiled and raised a thumb to wipe her cheeks.

“You’re right…we were taught to fight from a young age, never knowing what it was like to be a child. I mean, I was a happy child till I was four and then my world fell apart. I have been running on fight or flight response for almost sixteen years. Our children don’t need it.”

Kakashi nodded and pulled her down on to the floor with her. He looked away for a second and whispered.

“I became a Chunin at age six. Unlike normal kids, I was filled with rage and shame. My father…” Mitsuha pulled him down so that he was resting his unmasked face on the crook of her neck.

“Sakumo Hatake was revered as one of the best shinobi of the Leaf. He was even considered as Yondaime, you know?” Mitsuha hummed as she ran a hand through his hair. He shuddered and hugged her tighter.

“He took a mission that forced him to choose between the completion of the mission or the lives of his teammates. He chose to abandon the mission.” The red hair was already aware of the story. In her time, Sakumo was regarded as a hero, and his name was etched onto the memorial stone, forty years after his death.

“Well, it didn’t really work out for him. The council blamed him for the start of the Third Shinobi War, the village ostracized him, even his own teammates abandoned him. Even me… his own flesh and blood.” Kakashi let out a long breath.

“Maa, I suppose it wasn’t that surprising that I found him with his tanto through his stomach. I bet the old man thought that seppuku would clear the dishonor and prevent his son from suffering the same fate.” Mitsuha felt tears on her neck and gently started rocking them back and forth.

“I lived by rules for so long, Mitsuha… It took losing my teammate to understand how wrong my outlook was. This eye was his dying gift…” Pulling back and pushing up his hitae-ite, Mitsuha looked into his Sharingan. It really was beautiful on Kakashi. She cupped his face and brushed the underside of his eyes with her thumb.

“Those who break rules are scum. But those who abandon their comrades are worse than scum.” Mitsuha recited as Kakashi’s eyes lit up. She blushed as he leaned down and kissed the corner of her mouth. It took all her will power to not turn her head and finally kiss the man properly. For some reason, she could not allow herself that pleasure till she came clean with the man.

Pulling away and looking at the longing glance on the man’s face, she felt her resolve shake. Her Sharingan trying to pull chakra, she closed her eyes and laid her head on his shoulder.

Man, this sucks…She needs to find Obito and she needs to bring that bastard back to the bright side. Now it’s personal.

Chapter Text

The kids have been waiting over five hours, a new personal record, for the copy nin at the village gate. They should be used to it by now but the one time they decided to come late had been the day that Kakashi had decided to grace them with their presence early. Hence, they had to run fifty laps around the village reciting the shinobi code.

Sasuke could still remember the embarrassment when Gai sensei who was training his own team with Mitsuha decided that team 3 also needed to follow the youthful exercise. He could sympathize with the poor genins (except Lee) as they too ran alongside them. Mitsuha had simply shrugged when they looked at her with puppy dog eyes.

“Listen, I would have loved to be the voice of reason but,” She pointed at the men running behind them. “Even I know not to throw a stone at the hornet’s nest. I maybe reckless but I am not suicidal.”

The interaction ended with the five genins pranking the shit out of the jonin senseis. Sasuke had never felt comradeship with a Hyuga as much as he did that day.

To their disgust, Gai sensei had screamed about the power of youth and lifted them up in hugs while Kakashi just tried to shake off the pink sparkles on his head. Even Mitsuha was not spared as she squeezed the yellow paint out of her red hair. Naruto had remarked that if she was blond, they could pass off as twins.

Taking a breath annoyed, he moved closer to his friends.

“Another glitter bomb?” Sakura and Naruto who were sitting on the ground leaning against each other, looked up at him.

“I want hair dye. I want to see him with hair as red as Mitsuha nee.” Sakura replied with a bloodthirsty look in her eyes. Even if it was scary, Sasuke still preferred this version of his teammate that the one he had graduated with. Sakura was deadly and she was growing up to be a fine kunoichi like Anko and Mitsuha. He found the girl more beautiful now when she was with heavy armor and tied up hair.

“I can make that happen.” Naruto nodded with a determined glint. If someone had told him that Naruto was swapped out, he would almost believe it. The change that the boy had undergone was incredible. Gone was the over excited, loud, stupid boy. Naruto was a reflection of his sensei and nis cousin, silent and precise with his over powered seals and those ridicules clones. He would become a force to recon with.

Saskue could not deny his own growth. He and Naruto had shot up since their sensei put them on proper diets and all three of them had spouted muscles. Sasuke had always thought that he would be a front-end assault ninja but he found his calling with Iryō jutsu and poisons. Sure, he can still kick his teammates asses but he preferred to heal them rather than harm them. His thoughts of revenge were pushed to the back of his mind because he was so happy these days.

The raven-haired boy smiled, something he found himself doing frequently these days and pushed his teammates aside to sit between them, ignoring their small noises of protest. A few months ago, he would not have even entertained the idea but after spending his entire waking moment with his team for four months, Sasuke can happily say that he would not have it any other way.

He had permanently left the compound and moved in with Naruto. They were fine with sharing the small space until Mitsuha had found them and decided that they needed a better apartment. So, when she offered to help them look for a place with more space, they had agreed. Sasuke and Naruto are now the proud owners of a two-bedroom apartment in the shinobi district.

Even with the extra room, Sasuke still found Naruto curled up beside him on bed and he could not make himself chase the boy away. And later Sakura who had wormed herself in to their apartment also cuddled up in between the boys, the Uchiha boy felt his heart settle. This was how it was supposed to be.

The kids were startled as Mitsuha dropped in behind them. Naruto rushed up and jumped on the girl with a laugh.

“Nee chan!” Sasuke and Sakura looked at each other and rolled their eyes. It seems that the sister complex was still at its full peak. Mitsuha smiled and knelt in front of them.

“Have you guys been waiting long?” The three children groaned and started complaining at the same time.

“Five hours nee chan! It’s a new record!” Sakura lamented as she pulled away Naruto to give her greetings to the older Uzumaki. Sasuke ‘hn’ed as the red hair ruffled his hair in greeting. He had to admit that the root cause of all their changes was the Uzumaki in front of them.

The base desire to not disappoint her was strong in all three of them as they pushed themselves. Also, the fact that she took enough time to train and talk with them individually helped, at least for himself, since they were able to conjure up theories as to why his brother did what he did.

Sasuke hated to admit it, but the likely hood of his clan planning a coup was high and if that were the case, then Itachi taking action was merely a shinobi defending his village. Even though his mind battled with the possibility that his brother might have had a reason to commit the atrocious act, he could not forgive him.

“You’re not expected to forgive him even if he is proven to be innocent, Sasuke. No one has the right to demand that you feel a certain way. No one is entitled of you or your emotions.”

Kakashi had told him one day in the midst of sparring. It had blown his mind. From the time he was a child, he was told that since he was of the main family, there was certain way that he is supposed to act, including his feelings. He was supposed to be stern yet forgiving, strong yet gentle, unmovable but kind…Kakashi had just told him that he can decide himself how he feels. To say that the boy had an existential crisis would be an understatement.

He glanced at the red head who was sitting down on the ground with his teammates smiling as she listened to the two as they bickered about some chakra theory. Suddenly feeling a shift in the air behind him and a hand dropping on his shoulder, Naruto growled as the three of them turned to face their wayward teacher.

“You’re late!” Naruto and Sakura shouted in unison, pointing accusatory fingers, while Sasuke quickly showed his support with a curt ‘hn’. Kakashi tilted his head, feigning confusion.

“Whatever do you mean? I told you guys to meet here at eleven, which—" he made a show of glancing at the sky. “Look at the time, I would say that I am early.”

The narrowed eyes of his teammates assured him he wasn't the only one calling his bluff. A snort was heard behind them as Mitsuha dusted off her pants and stood up, walking to stand beside their teacher.

Kakashi was filled with glee as he looked at his tiny monsters. He cleared his throat.

“Gather around, my cute little genin. It is an auspicious day! Today, you will leave Konoha as baby genin, but you will return as shinobi.”

The three looked behind Kakashi as Mitsuha signed, ‘training trip’. The genins formed a circle around their teacher as he placed an open map on the floor. There was a route highlighted and Mitsuha cleared her throat.

“Our destination is Land of Fireflies. The route of least resistance is highlighted. Ideally, the journey should take us a couple of days. But…” She smiled at them, suddenly reminding them why Mitsuha was as bad as their sensei.

“We won’t be taking that route.” Digging through her pockets, she pulled out a compass and gave it to Sakura.

“We will be making our own path. So, forget the most travelled path. I think the most fun about a trip is not the destination but the journey and your sensei agrees.”

The three children gulped and looked at each other. This was going to kill them, wasn’t it?

Sakura cursed everything in existence as her sensei kicked her out of the tree again for the umpteenth time. She would look at the boys for assistance but they were being chased around by a sadistic Mitsuha.

Grabbing a branch on the way down, Sakura slowly pulled herself up. She glared at her teacher who now had Naruto by the ankle and was in the process of throwing him. Apparently, the whole thing was to build up their endurance. It didn’t help that they were all wearing ankle weights. My poor body, she thought to herself as she avoided the pebble Mitsuha threw her way.

When Kakashi finally called pause and dropped down on a clearing, it took everything in the genin to not fall face first on the floor. Sakura looked at her teammates worse and weary looks and torn cloths. She would feel sympathy but she was also in the same boat. They had stopped near a river and She eagerly pulled out a ration bar only for it to be snatched by Kakashi.

“I would recommend you save the non-perishables children. After all, who knows how long we will be here in the forest for. Save it for the rainy days.”

Naruto glared at their teacher and muttered through clenched teeth. “What the hell are we supposed to eat then?” Kakashi pointed towards the river where Mitsuha was sitting with a fishing rod. There were three more on the ground.

The genin stared at the scene as Mitsuha quickly pulled out a fish and smiled at them.

“If you don’t catch your dinner, then you go hungry.”

Sakura sighed and walked down to sit beside Mitsuha, only to be pushed into the river by Kakashi. He smiled and waved his hand at the girl.

“This spot is already taken, there is a spot about…a couple kilometers west. Perfect for fishing. You don’t even have to navigate through the trees! You can just walk on water.” Sakura looked at her teacher in disbelief. What the!

She heard Naruto sigh and walk to the bank, cautiously putting his feet on the water, trying not to sink. He succeeded for a second before Mitsuha’s fishing rod hooked him and pulled him underwater. Sasuke looked like he was just contemplating on just going hungry.

It took an hour but the three kids managed to finally stand unsteadily on the water even with their sensei releasing minor water jutsus and Mitsuha randomly pulling them with her fishing rod. The wobbled their way to the fishing spot.

Kakashi sat beside Mitsuha who used a wind jutsu to dry them. He laid his head on her shoulder and sighed.

“Well, they are going to hate us forever.” Mitsuha shrugged. “Nah, they are a forgiving bunch. Sure, we will be pranked to oblivion but hey, we reap what we saw.” Kakashi chuckled and looked at her fishing rod, surprised to find seals on them. He huffed pointing at the basket of fishes that she had already caught.

“Hah, I knew you had to be cheating the system. There is no way to catch that many fish even without baby genin causing the aqua life to be terrified.” Mitsuha laughed and smirked.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” She pulled out another fish and pushed the rod on to his hand.

“Well, Hatake. If you don’t catch your dinner, you don’t eat.” Kakashi laughed out loud and took the rod. If he can’t catch any using the fishing rod, he could steal one from the almost full basket. He wondered how the genin were doing.

The genin were not doing okay. Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke stood knee-deep in the middle of a swiftly flowing river, attempting to catch fish with their bare hands, having abandoned their fishing rods long ago, while a massive bear loomed ominously on the opposite bank.

Naruto, with narrowed eyes, called out to the bear, "Yukimaru… I know it’s you, you damn polar bear. Just because you have a henge seal doesn’t mean I can’t recognize you."

Sasuke sighed deeply. Naruto was, for some reason, convinced that the bear was Mitsuha’s summon, Yukimaru. The creature certainly didn’t look like a polar bear; it was more of a menacing grizzly.

Regardless, as long as the bear stayed on its side of the river, they were safe. Sasuke had no intention of becoming dinner to the wildlife.

He sighed in relief as Sakura finally caught another fish. They only needed one more, and they could skedaddle out of there. Just as Naruto triumphantly caught another fish, the bear decided to start swimming.

Sasuke and Sakura grabbed the boy, abandoning their fish and started running away from the looming terror. Naruto shouted, raising his fist.

“I swear, if Yukimaru eats our fish, I’m gonna…” But before he could finish, the “bear” suddenly transformed into Yukimaru, ignoring Naruto’s triumphant yell of ‘I knew it’.

The giant bear grinned at them, showing off a fish in his jaws. “Too slow, little Naruto,” Yukimaru teased and gobbled up the fish. He smirked at them and dismissed himself. Sasuke felt himself trembling. Looking at the sky, he let out a frustrated yell.

“God damn it!”

Sakura and Naruto looked at the boy yelling profanities and then looked at each other, holding in their laughter. To see the prim and proper Sasuke lose his mind was a rare treat.

The genin trudged back to their campsite, thoroughly drenched and exhausted noticing the absence of their teachers.

Naruto couldn’t stop muttering curses under his breath about stupid bears and evil training exercises. Sasuke, now silent, clearly shared Naruto’s sentiments. Sakura, ever the practical one, focused on getting the fish back safe with them.

But as they arrived, they were met with an unexpected and infuriating sight.

The campsite was completely deserted. Their teachers, Kakashi and Mitsuha, had vanished, taking all the supplies with them. All that was left behind was a single, scrawled note pinned to a tree and a map with a marked location.
Naruto stomped over to the note and read it aloud, his voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief.

“'Meet us at the marked location in one day. —Kakashi and Mitsuha.'”

Sakura’s face reddened in frustration as she looked around. “They took everything! All our supplies, our food... everything!”

Sasuke, still panting from the exhausting swim up the river, kicked a nearby rock. “Those... those jerks! They left us here with nothing but a note!”

Naruto’s eyes narrowed as he crumpled the note in his hand. “They’re going to pay for this. Believe it!”

The campfire crackled softly, casting a warm, flickering glow over the three genin as they sat around it. Exhaustion and frustration from their training had given way to a more relaxed atmosphere, but an air of uncertainty still lingered. The aroma of roasted fish filled the air and the three waited eagerly for the fish to finish cooking.

Naruto poked at the flames with a stick, muttering under his breath. “Those guys are really pushing it this time.”

The pink haired genin was fuming, her face flushed with anger. “We should have known they’d pull something like this. They’re always trying to make things harder for us.”

Sasuke just grumbled, “I’m not surprised. They’ve been doing this since the beginning.”

Safe to say, the genin team was still very upset at their teacher and his partner in crimes. Naruto smirked and took a bite of his fish.

“I bet Kakashi sensei’s hair will look amazing blonde.” The raven, even to his own surprise, snickered and nodded. “I think grey hair will suit Mitsuha, maybe sparkles.”

Sakura laughed; her anger momentarily forgotten. “Oh, please let me plan! I can just imagine it!”

The mood shifted as they planned their revenge, their laughter echoing into the night. Sakura sighed contentedly as she curled up next to the fire. “Boy, what I wouldn’t give for a barbecue!”

Sasuke hummed in agreement. Naruto chuckled. “I’ve never had it before. But I would happily sacrifice Kakashi’s first born for a bowl of ramen.” Sakura sat up and looked at her blonde teammate.

“That’s right. We were chased out of that restaurant last time.”

Sasuke frowned and threw the remains of their dinner into the river. “They’re not the only ones. We have so much trouble buying groceries too. The shopkeepers always chase us out.”

Naruto’s mood darkened slightly. “Yeah, it’s like they see me and just don’t want me around. Boy, I must have pulled too many pranks!”

The other two rolled their eyes. “As if you are the only shinobi that pulls pranks. I’ve heard that Iruka sensei was a renowned prankster once.”

Naruto sat up surprised. “What! That hypocrite. He used to say that I’ll fail in life if I prank innocent people.” His teammates laughed at the pout on Naruto’s face.

The mood sobered as Sakura and Sasuke went back into thoughts, analyzing each and every interaction their blond teammate had with the villagers.
Sakura’s brow furrowed with concern. “It’s not just that. The way they treat you—it’s like you’re some kind of... monster.”

Naruto stiffened, and Sasuke’s eyes narrowed as he pieced things together. “I’ve noticed it too. They act like you’re not even human.”

As she thought further, her face grew serious. “It’s been like that since we were kids. The way people look at you, the way they talk about you.”

Her gaze hardened. “There’s something more to it. The villagers—something’s not right. They avoid you; they call you names. It’s not normal.”

Naruto’s silence was heavy. He stared into the fire, struggling with the discomfort. “You don’t need to worry about it. It’s just how things are.” Sakura shook her head. “No, Naruto. We need to understand. Why are they treating you like this?”

Sasuke’s mind raced as he put pieces together. “Your birthday is the same day as the Nine-Tails attack, isn’t it?”

Naruto’s face went pale, and he looked away, unable to meet their eyes. Sakura’s realization hit her hard. “The Nine-Tails attacked on your birthday. That’s why they treat you like this. They see you as a monster because—”

Sasuke interrupted, his voice rising with anger. “—because you have the Nine-Tails sealed inside you!”

Naruto’s hands clenched into fists, his face contorting with pain. “Stop. Please.”

The two looked at the pale blonde and winced. Naruto’s eyes were widened with fear, his breath catching in his throat.

He could hardly believe that his friends had connected the dots. His face turned pale as the fear of abandonment pressed down on him. He had hoped to keep it hidden, but now that it was out, he was terrified.

“I—” Naruto started, his voice trembling. “I didn’t want you to find out like this. I didn’t… I didn’t maybe you’d leave me too, just like everyone else.” Looking up determined through tear filled eyes, Naruto proclaimed.

“I am not the fox.”

Sakura’s heart ached at his words. She moved closer. “Naruto, of course you are not, we know enough about sealing to know how that works. And get this through your thick skull, we’re not going anywhere. We’re your friends. We’re a team, remember?”

Sasuke sat down on the other side next to Naruto, his usual closed off face replaced by something warmer. “Yeah, Dobe. Even if you have a demon fox inside you, that doesn’t change the fact that you’re still our idiot.”

Naruto looked between them, his eyes wide with worry and hope. “But… but what if you get hurt because of me? What if I’m a danger to you?”

Sakura reached out and took Naruto’s hand in hers. “You’re not a danger to us. You’re just Naruto. We don’t care what the village thinks or what you carry inside you. We care about you, the person you are.”

Sasuke rolled his eyes slightly but had a soft, reassuring tone. “The Fourth Hokage chose you for a reason. He trusted you with this burden. And if he believed in you, then we do too.” The black-haired boy knocked their shoulders gently. “Forget what the villagers think. We’re your friends, and we care about you.”

Naruto’s eyes filled with tears as he felt the sincerity of their words. He clutched Sakura’s hand and then reached out to Sasuke. “You… you really mean it? You won’t leave me?”

“Of course not,” Sakura said firmly. “We’re best friends. That means sticking together through everything. Even if the village is against you, we’re with you.”

Sasuke nodded, though his face was slightly pink. “Yeah, we’re a team. And that means we look out for each other.”

Tears streamed down Naruto’s face as the emotional weight of the moment overwhelmed him. He pulled both Sakura and Sasuke into a tight embrace, his body shaking with the force of his sobs. “Thank you. I promise, I’ll protect you both. I’ll do everything I can to keep you safe.”

Sakura held him close, her own tears mingling with his. “We know. And we’ll do the same for you.”

Hidden in the tree, Mitsuha and Kakashi watched from the sidelines, their hearts warming due to the display of affection Team 7 was displaying. Kakashi smiled at Mitsuha and whispered. “Look…They are finally a team.”

Mitsuha squeezed Kakashi’s arm, whispering, “They’re doing well.”

Sasuke patted Naruto’s back awkwardly but with genuine feeling. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve got your back, dobe. Afterall, you need the both of us once you become Hokage.”

Naruto choked and held his friends tighter. “Teme, Sakura chan…I love you guys.”

If both the children blushed at the determined proclamation, then who was to know?

Chapter Text

Sakura couldn’t keep the irritation from seeping into her eyes. After everything they had just gone through—the shocking revelations, the emotional outburst—you’d think their teachers might show some mercy. But no, that would be asking too much from those sadists.

The entire night had been a torturous cycle of genjutsu after genjutsu. Just as they managed to escape one, they were thrust into another. It was an exhausting as well as annoying. Sakura and Sasuke had taken turns pulling the team out of the illusions, while Naruto, much to his frustration, quickly realized he was useless when it came to genjutsu.

But in true Naruto fashion, he took it as a challenge, spending every spare moment working on a seal that could hopefully keep the genjutsu at bay. Sakura couldn’t wait for him to finish it so they could finally sleep without being jolted awake by another nightmarish illusion.

So, when Sakura felt the familiar tendrils of chakra reaching out to ensnare them again, she dispelled it immediately with a sharp, almost reflexive motion.

Sasuke took the lead, map in hand. It had become painfully clear that neither Sakura nor Naruto had a natural talent for navigation, but they made up for it in other ways. The two of them had turned out to be an excellent team when it came to foraging.

Naruto scurried through the woods like an eager fox, finding berries and roots, while Sakura used her photographic memory to identify what was safe to eat based on their survival lessons from the academy.

Sakura was grudgingly impressed by how quickly their teamwork had improved. Sure, she still thought Naruto was an idiot sometimes and that Sasuke could be downright annoying (who would’ve thought?), but there was no one else she would rather be with in this situation.

The trio decided to take a break, settling down next to each other on a fallen tree. As they sat, Sakura dispelled another genjutsu attempt. She let out a frustrated growl.

“Seriously, how are we supposed to get any rest with those two lurking around?”

Sasuke shot her a sidelong glance, a glimmer of irritation in his eyes. “I’m half-tempted to just throw a fireball in their general direction.”

Naruto, munching on a handful of berries and still working on his seal, shook his head and pointed in a random direction. “Wrong way, teme.” Then, he paused, looked up, and changed the direction of his pointing. “Actually, that way.”

Sakura leaned back on her hands, eyeing him curiously. “Are you a sensor, Naruto?”

Naruto shrugged nonchalantly. “Uzumaki are pretty good at sensing chakra. Something about having a lot of it themselves, so they’re more attuned to foreign chakra. I read that the First Uzukage was one of the best chakra sensors ever, and a seal master no one could match.”

He sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. “Genma-sensei once mentioned that an Uzumaki he knew was one of the best sensors he’d ever worked with.”

Mitsuha, hidden nearby with Kakashi, noticed him tense at Naruto’s words. Kakashi still hadn’t told her anything about Kushina, and she watched him carefully, ready to use a smoke bomb to distract the trio if needed.

“Another Uzumaki in the village?” Sakura asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Yeah,” Naruto said, his voice softer now. “I mean, even I can figure out that Uzumaki was probably one of my parents.”

Sasuke nodded and stood, checking the compass in his hand. “It’s not far-fetched to assume you might have inherited the ability. Mitsuha is also a sensor, right?”

Naruto nodded, and Sasuke continued, his tone surprisingly light. “Must be some family trait. Gotta say, even with you as a dummy, your clan’s got some remarkable bloodline traits. They seem to consistently produce individuals with highly desirable abilities.”

Naruto chuckled at Sasuke’s non-malicious jab, and the three of them began walking towards the rendezvous point. Sakura, feeling a surge of affection for her teammates, casually intertwined her fingers with theirs and pulled them away from a stray kunai that one of their teachers had thrown at them from the shadows.

“Honestly, it’s no wonder the country was wiped out,” Sakura said, a bit more seriously. “I mean, just the sealing abilities alone make them dangerous. I’ve seen what Mitsuha-nee and you can do with just a little ink, and that’s only the two of you.”

She shuddered at the thought. “I can’t even imagine what a hundred of you could do without having a panic attack.”

Naruto grinned, but there was a hint of pride in his eyes. “We’re pretty awesome, aren’t we?”

“Yeah,” Sasuke agreed, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “But you’re still an idiot.”

“Teme!”

“Naruto, language!”

“Are you fucking serious!”

“Sakura, language!”

“I don’t fucking care, Naruto!”

Sasuke sighed and looked at the new coordinates and the note attached to it.

‘Good job, my cute little genins! Mitsuha thinks that I should reward you but being under my tutelage is a privilege itself.

Don’t listen to him. Here is a reward, make sure you learn it before the next meet up point which is in five days!

Be there by sunset or there would be consequences.

-Your favorite sensei Oh shut it Kakashi, I am their favorite!’

Then looked down at the storage seal on the tree. He channeled some of his chakra through the seal and sighed as the three scrolls fell into his hands. Throwing the orange one at Naruto and the pink one at his female teammate, Sasuke opened his own.

‘For Sasuke: Nagare Isou no Jutsu

Sasuke, I know you like your jutsus flashy and effective, so here’s a little something for your arsenal. This jutsu lets you channel an electrical current into any weapon you’re holding—kunai, shuriken, you name it. The next time you strike, you’ll zap your opponent with a nice little shock. If you’re feeling generous, you can even transfer the current into their weapon instead, giving them a real jolt. It’s like giving your enemies a really unpleasant handshake.

Start by getting comfortable with the basics of lightning chakra. Once you’re confident, practice creating a current in your hand. Then, start transferring that current to your weapon. You’ll want to make sure you’re quick and precise—this isn’t the time to be slow.

Timing is everything here. You’ll want to charge your weapon just before you strike. And if you’re not holding a weapon? Well, there’s nothing wrong with a good ol’ electric punch. Just don’t get too carried away—you wouldn’t want to short-circuit yourself.’

Followed by a description of hand signs. Sasuke can guarantee that Mitsuha was the one who wrote the scroll, there is no way their sensei would write scrolls for them. He would toss a standard one their way and call it a day.

“What did you two get?”

Sasuke asked his teammates who had paused their squabble to read their scrolls.

“Sakura, you’ve got brains and a lot of untapped potential in the genjutsu department, so this one’s perfect for you.”

Sakura started reading out.

“The idea here is simple but deadly—well, not literally. Grab some leaves or scrap paper, charge them up with your chakra, and blow them in your target's face. Once they make contact, your opponent’s going to feel like they've been poisoned. No real harm done, but the fear of 'dying' can really mess with their head. Stress them out enough, and they might just pass out. Think of it as giving them a little nap... courtesy of you."

Naruto chuckled and even Sakura let out a little giggle as her eyes widened as she read on, this time silently, taking in all of the details. The blond jumped and shouted.

“My turn, my turn! Naruto, we know you like things that go 'boom,' so here’s something that packs a punch—literally. This jutsu lets you gather wind chakra into a swirling ball of destruction. Once you’ve got that nice and tight, hurl it at your target. When it hits, it’ll explode like a wind bomb, slicing through anything in its path. And if you get it just right, the impact feels like a Gouken punch to the gut. Just don’t overdo it; we’d hate for you to lose track of how many clones you’ve got running around."

Naruto smiled and twirled around.

“Ok, Mitsuha nee is forgiven since she left such cool gifts. Now show them what we got!”

It only took his little monsters four days to learn their jutsus. Scratch that, it took Sakura a day to learn hers and then with her help, the boys mastered theirs in an unbelievably short time. To say Kakashi was proud would be an understatement. Kakashi was so proud that he had half the mind to go around Konoha shouting about the youthfulness of his genins.

Mitsuha chuckled as she set up their camp a little way away from that of the kids. It had been a few days since any of them slept properly and she felt that all of them deserved it. Especially after Naruto designed that genius Genjutsu dispelling seal. Mitsuha and Kakashi tried throwing all levels of genjutsus at the seal and the only one which managed to break through was the one using his Sharingan, a slight overlook that Naruto will fix once he sees a Sharingan in working.

Which brings her to her next problem. She needs to reapply her seal which keeps her Sharingan hidden because the damn eye just wants to keep getting activate thanks to the severe emotions, she had been experiencing these days. That would not be an issue but Kakashi’s proximity certainly was. She had no idea how to skip away till she heard Sakura exclaim earlier.

“Look! A pond! Oh, thank God, I stink, I need a bath so badly.” But apparently, they had scared the genin enough with genjutsu and random jutsus that instead of taking turns, they all just decided to take a dip together. Mitsuha casually casted an illusion barrier around them as she and Kakashi respectfully moved away searching for a spot for them to set camp.

She could sneak away in guise of cleaning herself and reapply a stronger seal. But she would need to make sure that the chakra leak would not be noticeable. Sighing, she stretched and laid a hand on the jonin’s shoulder who was still over the moon about his genins.

“I am going to go take a bath as well. Who knows when we will get another free night.” She looked at the man who was glancing back with an unreadable emotion in his eyes. Shrugging, she moved to the pond.

Shedding her layers till she was only in her wraps and shorts, Mitsuha dipped her toes in the water, sighing at the cold feeling. Slipping down, she submerged her head underwater. Oh, it felt so good to feel clean for once. Scrubbing her hair as she popped out for air, she smiled as the color started looking red again instead of the brown from the dusty forest. Finally feeling like a human again, she sighed relaxed, finally feeling clean at last. This world has surely spoiled her.

The world which she was living in was truly amazing compared to the war destroyed time period. She cringed, remembering how many times she had wait for it to rain before she could wash her hair. It got to a point, where she just chopped off her hair haphazardly, sporting a hair style similar to her papa’s famous duck butt. She had started growing her hair out again as a taunt to Madara’s own long hair. It was exhilarating to twist and turn in battle, knowing that her long hair is taunting her ancestor.

Twisting her hair into a bun on top of her head, she gathered chakra on her fingertips and released the seal behind her ears. She sighed as the world became clear with a slight red tint. She had been thinking about how to break it to the lone Uchiha that he isn’t actually the only Uchiha left. ‘Hey Sasuke, so you know that I am Naruto’s cousin, right? Well, surprise, I am yours too…” Yeah, that will go fantastically, she snorted.

Once she manages to get Obito and convinces Itachi to let his stupid ‘woe is me’ attitude, then the raven-haired boy can have his family back. For a clan who is supposed to have all of their members wiped out, boy, wouldn’t that be an awkward family reunion.

She was extremely thankful for her Sharingan being active at the moment because she never would have predicted Kakashi walking into the clearing. Quickly dunking herself under water, she cursed as she deactivated her Sharingan. Shit!

She emerged from the water, her face the only part visible, bobbing just above the surface. Glaring at Kakashi, she snarled.

“What are you doing, Kakashi?”

The said man rubbed the back of his neck and sat on the edge of the lake without replying. Taking off his shoe and folding up his pant legs, he dipped his feet into water.

“Maa, you’re so mean Mitsuha chan! Even I want to take a bath, I am also dirty.”

“Then wait your turn, pervert!”

Mitsuha gulped as Kakashi’s eyes smoldered with the same emotion she saw earlier. Holy shit! He wants me! She realized with a shock. And to pile upon it, she came to the realization that she is not opposed to it. She wants him too. Feeling a lot more exposed that she should be, Mitsuha blushed.

“Kakashi…” The said man sobered and smiled gently.

“Maa, Mitsuha, don’t look so frightened. I have no intention of doing anything you are opposed to. In fact,” He lowered his mask and made sure that she could see the sincere expression on his face. “Tell me to go away and I will.”

Mitsuha shuddered and looked at the silver haired man waiting for her reply. She would be lying if she said she didn’t want whatever the man is offering. She looked away, all of a sudden shy and nodded. She heard Kakashi’s chuckle.

“Words Mitsuha, I need words.”

“Please stay…”

Mortified, Mitsuha lowered herself till only her eyes were visible. Kakashi looked a little too smug as he stood up and started slowly peeling his jacket off. Yelping, Mitsuha quickly closed her eyes, all the while listening to Kakashi’s amused chuckle.

Feeling the water move around her and his static chakra next to hers, she shivered as she felt how close he was. The feel of him, so close and bare except for a pair of shorts, was overwhelming.

“Open your eyes…” Mitsuha took a deep breath in at the slight command in the man’s voice. Blinking her eyes open, she came across a sculptured torso. Sure, she had seen him in his skin tight shirts but to see the man in all his glory was too much for the young girl. She felt like steam was expelling out of her ears as she blushed, not knowing what to do.

Sure, she was a massive flirt but that doesn’t mean she is experienced in all departments. Hell! Other than the masked kisses, she never even kissed anyone before!

Feeling a finger lift her chin, she looked at the man who looked like a fallen god…who had an unmissably attractive smirk on his face.

“My eyes are up here…”

Oh, the bastard knows what he is doing alright.

“I..I’m…I am aware.” She stammered out her words, her voice unsteady, as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. For a second, it seemed like Kakashi looked feral and bend down, putting his forehead on hers.

“Mitsuha…do you know how tempting you look right now? You have no idea how much restraint I am using to stop myself.” Mitsuha blushed and raised her hands, putting them on his shoulder. His came automatically to rest on her waist. It was electric and she knew that she would let him do whatever he wants to her.

Suddenly Kakashi laughed and pushed away from her, leaving the girl confused.

“Oh, dear lord, what are we doing right now?” Mitsuha tilted her head confused at the sudden change of attitude. She was even more puzzled when the man gave her a little smile looking away from her.

“Forgive me Mitsuha chan, I forgot where we are standing and simply let myself indulge. I will allow you to bath in peace.”

Watching the man swim away from her, feeling a pang of disappointment, she called out.

“Wait…don’t go.” It looked like Kakashi had been struck by lightning. Without turning around, he spoke, his voice a lower octave.

“Mitsuha, you don’t know what you are asking.”

Pouting, the girl replied offended.

“Of course, I wasn’t born yesterday. I know the consequences of inviting a man into my…” Mitsuha paused, unsure how to describe their current location. “Bath chamber? You should take responsibility, you know, for making me feel all weird now…”

Kakashi, as if surprised by her boldness, he didn’t move for a minute. Once her words registered, it didn’t even take a second for Kakashi to pounce on her, his arms firmly wrapped around her waist as his body arranged itself flushed with her own.

“Of course, you silly woman, I plan to take responsibility of you. Haven’t I already said that I would do anything for you?” Kakashi’s Sharingan was spinning. She was always in awe of how good it looked on him, as if he was supposed to be born with one of his own.

She wondered how feral he would look in front of his enemies and felt herself shudder. Kakashi chuckled as if aware of her thoughts and pushed a strand of hair behind her ear. Mitsuha felt herself melt at the love in his eyes.

He was so beautiful and strong. Kind and bold. “All mine…” She whispered suddenly. Kakashi’s eyes darkened in response and he whispered back. “All yours…”

Mitsuha was so gone. This man had taken her heart and decided that he will keep it for himself and she was more than happy to let him. Feeling the love coursing through her veins, she raised her hand to cup his cheek when he felt her stiffen. Ah, shit!

This time, it was Mitsuha who moved away from him faster than he could comprehend. The realization hit her like a sledgehammer. He saw…he fucking saw!

She knew her face was a mix of shock and panic. She turned abruptly, her movements surely betraying a struggle to regain her composure. Mitsuha’s breaths came in shallow, uneven gasps as she tried to steady herself. Her heart pounded furiously in her chest, the rhythm erratic and frantic, making it difficult to think or breathe.

“No,” she thought, feeling a cold sweat break out on her skin. “I’m not ready for this. I can’t lose him. I can’t lose what we have.” The idea of pretending that there was nothing between them was unbearable. She would rather shove a Chidori down her own heart.

In midst of her panic attack, she missed the warm body reaching out to hold her from behind. Kakashi whispered into the hyperventilating girl’s ears.

“Mitsuha, listen to me. Breath in with me…”

The words barely registered as she shook her head, her whole-body trembling uncontrollably. Kakashi's voice was a steady anchor in the storm of her emotions. With careful movements, he turned her around to face him, his hands cradling her face with a delicate touch. He lowered his forehead to hers, their skin touching in a comforting embrace

The poor girl looked scared to death with tears flowing uncontrollably out of what is now a fully formed Sharingan. He exaggerated his breathing deliberately, drawing in slow, deep breaths.

He placed one of her trembling hands on his chest, where she could feel the steady rise and fall of his breath. He continued his slow, deep inhalations, allowing her to sync her breathing with his.

As Mitsuha’s breaths gradually began to match with Kakashi’s, her panic slowly receded, her breaths becoming deeper and more measured. Kakashi sighed in relief, his shoulders relaxing as he felt the tension ease from her body.

He watched with a mix of concern and relief as Mitsuha, still tearful but visibly calmer, took note of the Dōjutsu active in her eyes and deactivated it. The red gleam of her Sharingan faded, replaced by her familiar but weary blue eyes. Kakashi’s gaze softened, taking in the sight of her.

He was confused beyond anything. He allowed her a moment to compose herself as he organized hundreds of thoughts flying through his head.  

He knew the girl was Uzumaki through and through. It is impossible to replicate that chakra and her clear knowledge in Uzumaki Fūinjutsu and chakra techniques painted a very good picture of her heritage. But now, the appearance of a pair of Sharingan—something so quintessentially Uchiha—was an enigma that didn’t fit with his understanding. Could her eyes be stolen from someone?

“I was born with them; I did not commit Dōjutsu theft Kakashi.” Her voice was soft but firm, laced with a mix of frustration and sadness.

Glancing down at the girl who was refusing to look at him, he lifted her face with his fingers. Tsking when she refused to meet his eyes, he whispered.

“Look at me.” he urged, his voice a gentle command.

Mitsuha finally met his gaze, her blue eyes, still wet from tears. Kakashi felt a sudden weakness in his knees, his heart aching at the sight of her distress. He fought to maintain his composure, pushing aside the physical reaction her tearful face provoked. He sighed and titled his head.

“Tell me?” He asked softly, not wanting to be the cause for more tears. God, he hated seeing her cry. So much more when he was the reason behind those tears.

Mitsuha shrugged.

“There’s not much to tell. One of my parents was an Uchiha.”

Kakashi’s brow furrowed in thought. “An affair child?” Mitsuha shook her head.

“But there were no missing nin who are Uchihas before Itachi. They kept a very well-maintained record of their family.” he replied, his tone doubtful. Mitsuha sighed, her gaze growing distant.

“He was not a missing nin. Well, he was a missing nin at certain point in his life but he had returned to the village and was loyal till the end.” Kakashi tightened his grip on her waist.

“Mitsuha chan, I am an elite ninja. I would be privy to those kinds of stories.” She looked at him back in defiance.

“Well, you don’t know everything, Kakashi. Aren’t I proof enough for that fact?”

The silver nin felt annoyance bubbling out of him and he lowered his face, nipping her neck in retaliation, making sure to mark the pale skin. Hearing the girl gasp was just incentive for him to continue his trail of kisses down her long neck and shoulders.

Did he care that she had a Sharingan? No, not really. Was he annoyed that he didn’t know everything about her? A definite yes.

For a second, he wondered why he trusted a random person more than anyone he had ever known. How can he be so sure that she doesn’t hold any ulterior agenda? She is close to the Jinchūriki and the last Uchiha, that should be cause for concern in itself. Moreover, they are his students, he should be brutally murdering anyone suspicious who come near them.

 But he knew, deep inside, that he trusted Mitsuha with his heart. He couldn’t really explain why but his instincts deemed her safe. And if that leads him to his death so be it. He was in love with this girl who was shrouded in a cloak of mysteries and all he could do was blindly follow her and he came to the realization that he would follow her to the ends of the world.

“Mitsuha,” he murmured against her skin, his voice a mix of desire and frustration at her secrecy.

“Kakashi…I swear…it will all make sense once it’s done. I promised, didn’t I?” Hearing her gasp out the words in between little sounds of pleasure, Kakashi lifted his head.

“Show me…” he urged, his voice nearly a growl.

Mitsuha’s breath hitched as she activated her Sharingan. Kakashi looked deeply into her eyes, feeling his own twirl in response.

Kakashi’s gaze was drawn irresistibly to her, and he found himself captivated by the sight of her bathed in moonlight, her red hair cascading around her face like a fiery halo.

The copycat nin felt his self-control slipping, overwhelmed by the sight of her, so strikingly beautiful and raw. He leaned down and slammed his lips onto her.

Finally, being able to taste the redhead, he deepened his kiss as she eagerly kissed back, albeit fumbling a bit. He smiled into their kiss and pulled back slightly. Oh, he could do this all day. He thought to himself as he looked at the flushed girl.

“Beautiful…” he breathed, his voice thick with emotion as he dove back into those inviting lips and continued kissing her. He wanted to do so much more but was conscious enough to hold back and pull her into his arms.

“Maa, I guess that’s one barrier out of the way. I won’t ask more now, I trust you.”

Watching the Sharingan spin in her eyes mesmerized, he almost missed the whisper. “Thank you, Kakashi…”

The silver haired man felt his heart in his throat. Instead of answering, he kissed her again and again, till the girl was giggling against him.

Wiping away the tears from Mitsuha’s eyes, he pecked her lips again, unable to hold himself back. She buried her face into his chest, a habit at this point.

“Soon…I promise.”

Kakashi smiled. Suddenly, a realization came to him.

“Hold on a second! That means you were holding back on me this whole time we were sparring!”

Mitsuha giggled at the scandalized expression on the nin’s face, pulling him back to her lips. “Oh Kakashi, never change!”

Chapter Text

The genin were completely expecting to find coordinates and notes. To their surprise, they found Kakashi and Mitsuha sipping coffee and a pot boiling with something that smelled absolutely divine. Seeing the confused kids, the red head smiled and leaned on her hand.

“Welcome! It’s good to see that you have made it in…some pieces.”

Sakura looked down at herself and her teammates. Well…they were covered in mud and leaves, their cloths hanging by the thread. At some point, Sakura had to start wearing Naruto’s jacket because hers was too gone to recover. Sasuke’s blue shirt had seen better days.

Irritated with her hair at some point, Sakura just decided cut off her hair with a kunai to the dismay of both the boys. They had tried to reason with her till Sasuke just sat her in front of him and braided her hair tightly with a strip of his shirt.

To say that they were in shambles would be overestimating the situation.

“Come eat.” She gestured towards the pot. Naruto tried to move forward before he was held back by his teammates. Sakura looked at the jonins with suspicion in her eyes.

“What’s the catch?”

Kakashi and Mitsuha exchanged amused glances before Kakashi replied with a casual shrug.

“Nothing.”, internally laughing at the distrust that his cute little genin was showing. Good, a cautious ninja is an alive ninja. Mitsuha sighed as she stood up and moved to kneel in front of the genin.

“You may or may not have noticed that we were keeping a track of your progress throughout this week.” Ignoring the sarcastic ‘really?’ from her cousin, she continued.

“I must admit, out methods might not be traditional but even you lot can’t argue that it didn’t produce any results.” Gesturing at the temporary seals Naruto had put on his teammates, she smiled. “You guys can easily dispel any level of genjutsu thrown at you, even more now since Naruto’s little invention.”

The said genin blushed proudly. “And Sakura chan, I see you. As soon as you got hang of that genjutsu technique, you started trying to weave genjutsu in the air like Kakashi and I were doing to you. And to be honest, it did get Kakashi once.”

Kakashi, caught off guard, spluttered, “That was supposed to be between us!” But Sakura’s wide smile said it all—she was pleased with her progress. Finally turning to the last member, Mitsuha smiled.

“Sasuke, where do I even start! The ease in which you handle lightning chakra is remarkable. Keep it up and you will soon become unstoppable.”

Standing up, she smiled proudly at the three.

“Moreover, the teamwork and care that you showed for each other is amazing and I am so so proud of you!”

Mitsuha oofed as two bodies clashed into her. Smiling down at the children, she playfully glanced at Sasuke who just ‘hn’ed until Sakura pulled him into the hug. The older Uzumaki glared until the copy nin sighed and came next to them, ruffling their hair.

“Maa, you guys have so much potential. Such a power-packed little demon trio. I can’t wait till you lot take the world and slam it down on its face. I am so proud to be your sensei.”

Nestled deep within a lush valley, the Land of Fireflies sparkled with a quiet serenity that felt almost otherworldly. The village was a mosaic of small, elegant shrines, their roofs adorned with intricate carvings that seemed to tell stories of generations long past. Delicate paper lanterns hung from the eaves, swaying gently in the breeze, their soft glow mimicking the gentle dance of fireflies that gave the land its name. The narrow streets were lined with cobblestones, worn smooth by the passage of time, leading to an ancient temple at the village’s heart. The air was thick with the scent of incense, a fragrance that seemed to wrap around the soul, urging even the most restless of spirits to find peace.

Naruto gazed at the village, his heart caught in a strange mix of awe and melancholy. The Land of Fireflies was unlike Konoha—a place where time seemed to slow down, where the air itself felt sacred. The tranquility of it all felt almost too perfect, like a dream he was afraid to wake from.

For a moment, he wondered what it would be like to live here, where life wasn’t about missions or fighting. He took a deep breath and smiled widely at the cackle of children running to, what he presumed was a school, and the adults sidestepping as if it were a regular occurrence. He reached out to Mitsuha who took his hand without question, making him smile. Really, he was too big to be having these childish tendencies but both the Uzumakis have been deprived of family for so long so he figured that he might as well experience it now.

The jonins led them to a nearby inn. It was their first time staying outside of the village that didn’t include the forest. Sakura was just glad that Mitsuha had the foresight to make them change into a pair of casual cloths because she is sure that they would have been denied entry. A week in that forest had made them look like they were homeless. The adults even took their hitai-ite and hid them in a seal on Mitsuha’s arm.

Speaking of change in cloths, she couldn’t help but sigh at how beautiful both the jonins looked. Mitsuha was wearing a light green Kimono with yellow flowers adored. Her long red hair was tied up in a bun with senbon and she had even applied light makeup around her blue eyes.

Kakashi sensei had donned a navy Kimono and had even styled his hair to make it look less messy. He was wearing an eye patch instead of covering his eye using the hitai-ite. The best part was that he was not wearing his mask. And to all their dismay, he had no buck teeth or giant lips. He looked like an ordinary guy, granted a very good-looking guy but still. It was so anticlimactic. Both the adults laughed at their disappointed expression.

Before they had entered the Land of Fireflies, there had been a serious discussion.

Kakashi had addressed them, his tone gentle but firm. “This is your lesson on espionage. Remember, for this week, you’re not shinobi; we are ordinary civilians, three adopted orphans travelling with a kind married couple, aka us.” Gesturing between the two jonins. “Our job is to blend in and observe. Understand how each civilian interact in a non-shinobi village. One day, you might need to pose as a civilian and this could come in handy."

Mitsuha nodded and ruffled Sakura’s hair.

“Sakura chan might have an easier task blending in because she is used to interacting with civilians. However, she is not to be left alone. Does anyone know why?”

The pinkette hummed while the boys look confused. “Because I am a girl.” Sakura sighed with a resigned expression. Sasuke looked at her confused.

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Mitsuha and Kakashi looked at each other and waited for their little genius to explain herself.

“Among shinobi, that is hardly a matter to consider. However, for civilians, girls are often considered a trading commodity, to secure a good trading relation and producing heirs. A female who is seen alone or interacting with unrelated men are seen as shameful.”

Both the boys frowned at her explanation. “Well, that’s stupid!” Naruto exclaimed. Sakura chuckled mirthlessly and replied. “Why do you think I became a kunoichi? I was to be married off to a civilian business owner if I had failed to become a genin, so I worked my ass off.”

She smiled at her team that looked horrified. She interlocked her hands with the jonins and childishly used their hands to swing herself and laughed.

“Such is the life of a civilian. I bet once my parents see me with muscles, Kakashi sensei is going to get a very angry meeting request.”

Ruffling the girl’s hair, Kakashi eye smiled. “Maa Sakura chan, the moment I became your sensei, I become your guardian. My rights prevail more that your parents because the Hokage cannot ask a civilian to make life or death decisions on a shinobi. So, don’t worry, I’ll take care of your parents.”

Sakura smiled at the man. Sure, her parents were lovely people but they were civilians who didn’t understand what it’s like to be a shinobi. She remembered the days where she had to work at her family business after a day of d ranks or trainings. She is just glad that Mitsuha was able to pick up on those days and ensures that she had light work.

For the remainder of the journey towards the Land of fireflies, both boys flanked her as if some civilian is going to snatch her away from the team. She thought they looked adorable and kissed their cheeks in thanks while internally laughing at the blushing and sputtering.

Kakashi smoothly introduced them as a family that even Sakura believed them to be one for a second.

“I’m Kazuki, and this is my wife, Aiko. These three are our adopted children—Yoru, Hikari, and Aoi.” As if on que, the kids bowed their heads. Kakashi smiled warmly at them before continuing. “We were visiting the lands and need a couple of rooms for a week or so.”

The innkeeper greeted them warmly, unaware of their true identities.

“How wonderful! It’s not every day we get such a lovely family. If there’s anything you need during your stay, just let me know. May I ask what bought you to the village?”

“Ah, I’m here to do some writing, and Aiko has always wanted to visit this peaceful land. My old man used to say that at night, when the fireflies come out of hiding, it’s like the stars descended to the land.” Kakashi explained, sticking to their cover story and Mitsuha smiled and bowed like a dutiful wife.

The inn keeper laughed and nodded. “Your father is correct. I would recommend going to a hiking trail behind the mountain and you can see them well.”

Sasuke was awestruck with the acting that their sensei was showcasing. Dressed in civilian clothes, Kakashi played his parts convincingly, ruffling the hairs of the boys and even going as far as to kiss Mitsuha on her cheek. He briefly wondered if the man specialized in espionage. He was so deep in his thought that he almost missed the conversation.

“Kumo has been making some attempts at skirmishes. Nothing major yet, but tensions have been high. We’ve had to stay vigilant.” The inn keeper remarked with a sight tension in his voice. “There’s also been some disruption in trade from the land of rice. We’re making do with what we have, but it’s a concern.”

Mitsuha frowned and thought. Kumo…that could be a problem. If they spot Naruto, they could mistake him for his father. She probably should send Tsubasa for reconnaissance and make sure that their little group stay away from the affected border. She subtly taps Kakashi’s wrist in code, highlighting her concerns.

“Maa, that does sound bad. Land of fireflies is always known for their pacifism. It is disgraceful for shinobi to instigate trouble here. Have the village reached out to the fire damiyo? I have heard he is a liberal man.”

Kakashi tapped back his reply and gave her the order to send her summons as soon as she is able to. Without letting go, he smoothly intertwined their fingers and squeezed her hand. She smiled gently and let her senses extend, sensing the civilian chakra around them. There were a few samurai but everything seems peaceful. Even Konoha doesn’t feel so serene.

The inn keeper smiled at the action of the couple even chuckling at the kids who seem to blush at their parent’s actions.

“On a brighter note, we have a festival coming up at the end of the week.”

Naruto brightened up and asked curiously. “A festival?”

“It’s a special occasion dedicated to honoring the dead. The entire village participates, and it’s a beautiful, somber event. We send out paper lanterns, honoring the souls. It is supposed to guide them to the afterlife.”

Mitsuha smiled at the eagerness of her cousin. She ruffled his hair and spoke gently. “Perhaps we can take a look if it is open to tourists?” The inn keeper nodded. “You’re welcome to join. It’s open to everyone, and it’s a great way to experience the heart of our culture. I’ll make sure you get all the details.”

All of them bowed and were shown to their rooms. The moment they entered their rooms and were left alone, the genin began to explore. There were two futons, the inn keeper had assured them that he will bring in a third one soon. Naruto took out a few security seals, nothing as complicated as the ones in his own apartment and placed them around the door and windows. He also added a sound proofing seals preventing any eavesdropping.

Sakura laid on one of the futons, making sure that her kimono is not ruffled. She was quite fond of the pink kimono especially when she got to know it belonged to Mitsuha when she was a child. The elder Uzumaki had pulled her aside and told her that it was given to her as a gift from her favorite aunts but never had the chance to wear it. So, she was gifting it to her. Sakura had teared up and asked if, she was sure. Mitsuha had smiled gently and nodded.

Sasuke and Naruto were dressed in simple tunics and pants and had no inhibitions in fighting for the remaining futon. She huffed and got up, pulling the futons together, creating more space. She looked at the blushing boys and giggled. “What! It’s not like we haven’t slept together before. We always do that when we have sleepovers.”

The boys looked at each other and nodded, taking both sides, pushing the girl to their middle. Naruto cuddled closer to her while Sasuke hugged her midsection. She sighed in contentment as she had both her boys next to her.

Four months ago, she would have freaked out at Naruto if he breached her personal space or fainted at the thought of lying next to Sasuke. Now, she is happy and is where she belongs.

As soon as they closed the door, Mitsuha made sure to apply the standard security seals and smiled satisfied when she felt Naruto doing the same in the adjacent room. She bit her thumb and summoned her sparrows, Tsubasa and Hikari.

“Good day Mitsuha Sama, you look beautiful that I suspect someone is imitating you!”

“What do you want punk!”

Mitsuha sighed at the juxtaposition that were her sparrows. Tsubasa was politely mean while Hikari was just mean. Another reason why she liked working with her bears more. She pulled out a couple of seeds from one of her seals to get on the good side of the birds. It worked as they hopped up and happily ate away the treat.

Kakashi hooked his chin on her shoulders, casually letting his hands rest on her waist and tilted his head, the silver hair tickling her neck.

“Sparrows? Huh, I got to say, they suit you.”

“What do you want, you old man looking brat!” Mitsuha snorted at the offended noise that the man made and shook her head.

“Your summons are rude, Mitsuha chan!” Kakashi exclaimed, faux tears streaming from his eyes.

“For a man who seems to have captured Mitsuha Sama’s attention, you don’t seem all that strong, young old man san! Though it makes me question my summoner’s common sense as much as I question your strength…”

Tsubasa chirped happily while both the humans just looked at each other in despair.

Ah, man! Of course, the summon contract she inherited from Sai would have no filter. Even papa was shaken sometimes while talking with him, and Sasuke was a man who could have an entire conversation by just using ‘hn’.

She shook her head and pulled her head back in the game.

“Listen up you two, there are rumors of Kumo engaging in petty fights across the borders. We have got my heir with us who looks an awful lot like Kumo’s most wanted. So, I want information on their movement and settlements.”

Gone was the mean and insubordinate behavior from the birds. The two saluted with their wings and flew out through the open window. They knew not to mess around when both the critical pieces of piece were with them in a potentially hostile territory.

Mitsuha trusted their information more than any source. These are the same birds who snuck around Madara’s camp, bringing them information while they fought for their life. The damn Uchiha elder had managed to kill most of her sparrows.

Tsubasa and Hikari were chicks that she had raised while hiding away with Sasuke during the final days of their battle. They know what she is trying to avoid and they swore to fight alongside her to make sure that doesn’t that future does not happen again.

Kakashi tightened his hold on the girl as he felt her slip into her memories. Mitsuha has a tendency to space out and both Naruto and he made sure to pull her out whenever she has an episode. With the new revelation of her Sharingan, he had come to the realized that the sight of her family being slaughtered was burned into her mind. A flash of memory and Rin’s pale face popped into his mind. Perhaps they were both more similar than he could have ever imagined.

“Don’t think so loudly copy cat nin, I can hear them above my own demons.”

Kakashi smiled at her, shifting away slightly so she could turn to face him. She looked thoughtful as she gracefully fell onto the futon, still dressed in her formal kimono. He tsked at her antics and opened one of their 'luggage' bags, pulling out more comfortable clothes for them both.

"You're still in your kimono," he noted, shaking his head lightly. He stood and gently tugged her up from the futon.

With practiced ease, Kakashi began untying the intricate layers, ensuring his touch to be gentle and respectful. His mind, however, was less obedient, teasing him with impure thoughts. Icha Icha has surely corrupted him and he had to keep his mind on a leash to make sure his hands remained where they were supposed to be. But man, can you blame him though! But they had time—there was no need to rush. Besides, the last time he decided to be bold, it had taken them both a while to recover.

Mitsuha blushed as he helped her out of her kimono and then slipped one of his sweaters over her head. It was far too big on her, warm and soft with his scent, and she shivered as his hands brushed over her skin, lingering but never crossing any lines.

Kakashi smirked at her reaction and whispered, "Don’t look so scared, Mitsuha. I won’t do anything you don’t want, and I’m pretty sure you’re strong enough to kick me to the moon if I try."

Mitsuha laughed, the sound soft and genuine, before she shamelessly watched as he undressed and searched their storage for his own clothes.

Her eyes traced the scars that lined his body, each one a testament to his long life. She knelt beside him and reached out, tracing a few of the scars on his back with gentle fingers. Kakashi froze for a moment, his breath hitching slightly, but he didn’t pull away.

He shivered slightly under her touch but remained still, letting her explore at her own pace.

"You know," she said quietly, "at first glance, one would think you’re not built like Gai, but you’ve got some muscle."

Kakashi chuckled, pulling his shirt over his head. "Well, not many people get to touch me so intimately. I see that all that Icha Icha reading has done you some good!"

Mitsuha let out an offended noise, stammering something about how the book was the bane of mankind. Kakashi laughed at her flustered state, but before she could retaliate, he pulled her back into the futon with him. He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close, his smile softening as she settled against him.

He could get used to this.

Mitsuha nuzzled closer to him, her head resting on his chest. “Do you think the genins are asleep?”

Kakashi tilted his head, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. “Well, with Naruto and Sasuke sharing a room, I’d be more concerned about whether the inn is still standing. I swear, Saskue is a pyromaniac and once we start teaching Naruto wind jutsus, I am scared for Konoha.”

Mitsuha chuckled, the sound light against his chest. “I bet Sakura will probably kill them and use the earth jutsus to cover her track. And she is smart enough to get away with it.”

Popping her chin on Kakashi’s chest, she smiled widely. “Your kids are monsters!”

Kakashi pouted at the girl and retaliated. “Ours, Mitsuha chan. You are as responsible for this as I am and the Hokage would have both of our hides. Get ready to get familiar with Ibiki’s fist. I bet Anko would be happy to have you near her all day.”

Mitsuha rolled away from him and laid on her back beside the man and chuckled.

“I bet the kids would break us out before nightfall. Their sensei had taught them that leaving a teammate behind makes you a scum.”

Kakashi chuckled and nodded. “Remember when Sasuke learned that he could heat up rocks and started throwing them at us with Naruto guiding him exactly where to aim. Sakura had even made a slingshot for next time so he doesn’t hurt his hand.”

Mitsuha laughed and replied. “Of course, my hair almost caught on fire. Let me tell you something Kakashi. I have been fighting rouge shinobi and Akatsuki my whole life and that was the first time someone made me put my hair up during an attack. Three kids!”

He laughed along with the red head and they let the silence envelop them. Kakashi’s thoughts drifted back to the past. He sighed softly, his voice losing its playful tone.

“I’ve been thinking… about the past.” He paused, as if weighing his words. “About how terrible of a teammate I was.”

He touched his eye patch and smiled sadly. “My teammate, Obito gave me this eye to protect our other teammate, Rin. And I failed spectacularly, instead using the eye to kill her. I was a curse to the team. It took losing them all to understand the lesson my father left behind. Looking back, I would have abandoned the mission, defied orders, and chose insubordination if I could even have a chance at saving them.”

He chuckled mirthless and continued. “Hindsight is a bitch…”

Mitsuha’s heart broke at the sound of the man who blamed himself for everything. Her father had often spoken of Kakashi, the man who had taught him the importance of teamwork.

Sasuke had said that Kakashi thought he was the reason behind the fourth shinobi war and his death would have prevented the entire cycle. Naruto had to literally beat the man and then tell him that he was just at the wrong place at the wrong time.

How strange, she thought, that this very man still believed he had failed his team, even though he had shaped the future so profoundly. But she couldn’t tell him that. Not now.

"You weren’t a bad teammate, Kakashi," Mitsuha said softly, lifting her head to look at him. "You just had your own burdens to bear. Everyone does."

She hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. "I grew up doing things on my own too. It’s what I was used to. But Papa… he always told me about his sensei. He said that sensei taught him that real strength comes from working together, even when it’s difficult."

Kakashi looked at her, his brow furrowing slightly. "Your father sounds like a wise man."

Mitsuha laughed, “Well, according to my other father, he was the king of idiots and deserved a good beating.”

She leaned on her elbows, maintaining eye contact with the copy nin. “When he was a kid, he didn’t care about anyone else. He thought every one was holding him back.” She smiled. “The man was so delusional that he left the settement.”

Kakashi looked at her shocked. “He went rouge?”

Mitsuha nodded and smiled at Kakashi’s bemused expression. “Sure did. But Tou-chan chased the man around and beat him, finally dragging him back to the village. After a few years, papa manned up and asked Tou-chan to marry him. Tou-chan just replied, ‘about time you asked’ and they got married!”

Kakashi silently thought about the village she was describing and couldn't help smile at the scenes. He should be suspicious but he was too tired and he trusted Mitsuha too much to let the small inconsistencies bother him. 

Mitsuha laid back on the futon and smiled. “It took years for my papa to learn how precious friends were and he made sure to hold on to them and express his gratitude to them whenever possible. Very un-uchiha like him, one would say!” She joked, remembering one of their final conversations. 

Sasuke had harsh lines across his face, his illness taking a toll on him. He rarely spoke about the past. His voice was rough, weighed down by guilt, as he looked at her with a solemn expression.

"I fucked up, Mitsuha. I left my team behind, thinking that revenge was all that mattered. I hurt my friends—Naruto, Sakura—and sensei." He closed his eyes, as if trying to block out the memories.

"I almost killed them. I tried to kill them. But even after everything, after I’d betrayed them, they dragged my sorry ass back to Konoha. Naruto wouldn’t give up on me. And Kakashi…"

He paused, the memory of Kakashi on his knees in front of the Godaime Hokage flashing before his eyes.

"Kakashi begged for my pardon, Mitsuha. He got down on his knees and asked Tsunade-sama to forgive me. After everything I did."

Sasuke’s hands clenched into fists; his knuckles white. "I don’t deserve the forgiveness they gave me. But they showed me what it means to have people who care about you. People who refuse to let you go, no matter what."

He had looked at her, his gaze intense.

"Don’t ever leave your precious people behind, Mitsuha. Without them, a shinobi can never truly be strong. Protecting them, that’s what makes you stronger. Don’t make the same mistakes I did. Don’t push them away."

Mitsuha echoed her father’s words to Kakashi who was watching her with wide eyes. He needed to hear this, Mitsuha thought to herself as she watched the man’s eyes gleam with resolution.

His hand slid to the back of her neck, pulling her closer until their foreheads touched. His voice was barely a whisper, but it carried the weight of a promise.

“I suppose I’m still learning,” he said quietly, his gaze softening as their eyes met. “But I promise you, Mitsuha, we’ll figure it out. Together. We’ll help Team 7 become the team they’re meant to be.”

"Together," she whispered back, her voice trembling. "We’ll make them strong."

He moved closer, sealing her lips with a kiss and whispered against her lips.

“And you too Mitsuha, don’t you ever forget that you are mine as well. And I will never leave you behind regardless of whatever happens. You are not alone, not anymore.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks, and she buried her face in his chest, holding onto him tightly. She wanted to trust him, to believe in his words. But until Obito and Zetsu are dealt with, there will always be a constant reminder of the battle she was trying so hard to prevent.

"I know," she whispered, though a part of her still wondered if she could ever truly let go of the burden she carried.

Kakashi held her tighter, sensing her struggle but not pushing for more. He just stayed with her, offering silent support in the only way he knew how.

After a while, the tension began to ease, and Kakashi broke the silence with a soft chuckle. "You know, if one of the kids walk in, it would be amusing" he mused, "They would think, for a fake marriage, we’re pretty convincing."

Mitsuha looked up at him, her tears fading into a small smile. "Well, we are excellent shinobi, after all. We commit to our roles."

He grinned, his eye crinkling in that familiar way that always made her heart skip a beat. "I suppose we do. But maybe we should practice more… just to be sure."

She rolled her eyes and swatted at his chest playfully. "You just want an excuse to keep cuddling."

Kakashi laughed, pulling her closer, kissing her deeply. "Guilty."

Chapter Text

“Kumo is pushing the border in the north,” one villager muttered, his voice trembling with unspoken fears. The lines on his face, etched by years of hardship, deepened with worry.

“I’m scared of when they’ll finally decide to invade our village.”

Another villager, a woman with tired eyes, sighed heavily. “Ahh, we should ask the shinobi to help us.”

“Who, Kusa?” the first villager scoffed, bitterness seeping into his tone. “They couldn’t care less what happens to us. Our options are Konoha or Iwa. Konoha might help, but their mission fees… we could never afford them.”

The woman bit her lip, nodding in reluctant agreement. “I guess Suna, but…”

Naruto slipped away from the bustling market, the conversations weighing heavily on his mind.

He had the duty of gathering the village gossip today while Kakashi and Sasuke were at the blacksmith under the pretense of picking up knives. Sakura chan and Mitsuha nee chan were also somewhere in the market.

He looked up at the sun with narrowed eyes. He still had an hour or so before the agreed upon time. Wouldn’t hurt to collect more information.

Looking around, he saw a tavern. Would have been the perfect place to gather information. But since jutsus were prohibited, there was no way to slip into the place. Perhaps, he can bring Kakashi nii with him next time. With a soft sigh, he turned away and headed toward a small shop at the corner of the street.

Naruto wandered through the aisles, his eyes scanning the various knick-knacks and smiling at the cozy shop. He glanced around and saw a little ceramic puppy figure holding an even tinier shovel. It would be perfect to keep next to Mr. Ukki. Naruto smiled remembering both the adults crying over the pot when he gifted it to them.

As Naruto picked up the figurine and made his way to the counter, he suddenly froze. In the corner of the shop, a man was looming over a girl, his presence oppressive and menacing.

Red hair…like Mitsuha nee…Naruto thought as he narrowed his eyes at the couple.

The man’s sneer, the way he cornered the girl, filled Naruto with a heavy nausea. Something wasn’t right…

Without thinking, he cleared his throat loudly, the sound sharp and deliberate.

“Fine day we’re having!” Naruto exclaimed, his voice bright and cheerful, though his eyes were hard as steel. “Just wanted to purchase this…”

The sneer on the man’s face was distracting but the girl pushed past him with a relieved smile and moved towards the counter, her movements shaky.

“Of course, young sir,” she said, her voice trembling slightly. “Will that be all?”

The man glared more at Naruto before moving towards the exit and leaving with a slam. Both the them flinched at the loud noise before the blonde looked at the girl in front of him.

She was way older than Mitsuha, with the most striking violet eyes he had ever seen. He also noticed the bruises marks around her neck when she handed over the figurine.

Naruto frowned more and couldn’t help as he asked.

“Ma’am, forgive me if I am intruding, but that man…are you ok?”

The girl flinched and looked around.

“I couldn’t help but notice that the man was making advances towards you, advances you clearly did not seem to welcome.” He continued, his heart aching at the expression on the girl’s face.

Naruto hadn’t ever seen someone so scared. She looked like a cornered wild animal. Distantly, he wondered if he looked like that when Mitsuha nee chan found him.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. “I… I’m fine,” she said, though her voice wavered. “I… thank you for stepping in.”

“You don’t have to pretend,” Naruto said gently, his voice barely above a whisper, the same way Mitsuha nee had spoken to him long back. “You don’t deserve to be treated like that. No one does.”

She looked resigned and had a distant look on her face. She smiled at him and said.

“How old are you, young sir?”

“I am twelve. I am here with my family on a vacation.” He forced a cheerful smile, hoping to ease the tension. She returned his smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes, and gestured toward a fluffy carpet on the floor.

Understanding her silent request, Naruto moved to the spot and waited as she quietly poured tea for them.

As they sat, the silence was thick, almost suffocating. The girl took a slow sip of her tea before finally breaking the quiet. “I come from a village that no longer stands,” she began, her voice soft, almost wistful.

“When my home fell, my family had no choice but to take refuge in whatever village offered us a place. I was too young to remember much of my homeland, so the Land of Fireflies… this is my home now.”

Naruto had a sinking suspicion that the village in the story was the same…Uzushio. He took a deep breath and leaned forward, listening to her story.

“My parents… they started this little shop,” she continued, a small, sad smile playing on her lips as she glanced around the room. “They would travel to neighboring villages, gathering interesting goods to sell here. For a time, everything was going well… until one day, they didn’t come back.”

Her voice cracked slightly and she hurriedly sipped her tea. Naruto pointedly ignored her wiping away the tears that came.

“Of course, death is a part of life,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I had to accept it when my parents didn’t return. I took over the shop, tried to continue their work. The villagers here… they’re kind. They’ve helped me as much as they can.”

Naruto recognized the signs—he had seen it before, in Mitsuha-nee. The way she sometimes drifted off; her eyes clouded with the weight of the past. Disassociation, his mind supplied, a word Kakashi nii had once explained to him when he caught him staring at her during one of those moments.

“Life can never be easy for single unprotected women, young sir. Men like the one who you just saw have lustful eyes and sinful hands. They do not care for consent or tears. They take what they want and come back for more.”

Naruto felt a wave of nausea rise in his throat, his stomach twisting into knots.

He had been there when their sensei explained what happens to the shinobi who gets captured during espionage. He remembered how he and Sasuke had held Sakura-chan tighter that night, promising themselves they would never let anything happen to each other.

But knowing about it doesn’t imply he knows how to fix it. Naruto felt a deep sense of helplessness gnawing at him, a fury he didn’t know how to direct or use. What could he say?

“I’m sorry…” He offered genuinely, hands shaking with rage. The girl, noticing his distress, smiled gently and shook her head, as if trying to soothe him.

“It is my fate. No need to worry about it.”

“But it’s not!” Naruto blurted out, his voice rising with the intensity of his feelings. “No one should have to worry about something like that just because they’re female and alone. It’s not right, and it’s not fair! You deserve the right to live without fear, just as much as any man does. Those who take away that right… they need to burn for all I care.”

For a moment, something softened in her eyes. She reached out and ruffled his hair, a small, bittersweet smile curving her lips.

With a gentle bow, she said, “Thank you for caring, young sir. And I hope, with more people like you in the world, that one day, we can live without fear…”

Sakura was so glad that she was partnered with Mitsuha nee for the day. Since Mitsuha was masquerading as a fragile wife, they will get to do fun things like shopping, eating cake, and simply wandering around the park. But the best part of the day? Sakura had chosen the onsen for their final stop. After the disaster that was the forest, a steam bath felt like heaven.

Before they split up for the day, Mitsuha nee had applied a seal behind her ear to conceal their physique, something which they didn’t even think about. Kakashi sensei was carefully observing the seal and hummed.

“I have to say Mitsuha chan, that is ingenious.” Kakashi remarked, his visible eye crinkling with a smile. “The kunoichi population would murder for a seal like that to help them with espionage.”

She smiled and asked Naruto to apply a one on her. “Well, unfortunately, the effect only works on civilians. Basically, the seal is basically a genjutsu seal which alters the appearance minutely.”

She lifted her shirt slightly, showing how the muscles and scars on her abdomen faded away, leaving behind soft, unmarred skin. Kakashi reached out to poke her stomach, humming in thought.

“I suppose that makes sense. The chakra drain must be massive for the seal...”

Mitsuha smiled as Naruto vibrated excited next to her. She nodded to him, giving him permission to answer the question.

Mitsuha chuckled, and Naruto, practically vibrating with excitement, jumped in to answer. “That’s the thing, Kakashi-nii! Nee-chan and I have been working on a seal that will alter a person’s appearance, kind of like a henge, but instead of being controlled by constant chakra flow, it’ll run on a predetermined amount of chakra. That way, we don’t have to keep supplying chakra to it constantly.”

Mitsuha nodded, picking up where Naruto left off. “Essentially, the henge would run as long as the chakra storage is active. I was thinking of linking nature chakra to the seal so that it refills automatically when it reaches a certain limit.”

She sighed, raising a hand to run through her hair but dropping it before she could mess up the intricate hairdo Kakashi had forced on her and Sakura.

“But nature chakra is extremely dangerous, and having it run through a non-sage could be fatal. Naruto is trying to develop a conversion matrix, while I’m focusing on finding a storage seal, preferably in a pocket dimension.”

Sakura watched as Mitsuha and Naruto talked excitedly about seals and chakra. She couldn’t help but feel a pang of admiration—and a little bit of envy. It was amazing how much Naruto had grown, how much he had learned. And here she was, still struggling to keep up.

“Naruto! You’re an actual genius,” she blurted out, unable to contain her amazement. “Why were you failing classes left and right?”

Kakashi laughed and sat down on the floor, leaning on a wall. Naruto beamed and explained. “Well, I didn’t know how to read properly. In fact, I still struggle with it. Fūinjutsu is like another language and since I learned it from scratch, it’s easy for me.”

Sasuke, who had been silent up until now, looked at Naruto in surprise. “You don’t know how to read?” Naruto shrugged.

“I didn’t have anyone to teach me at home and you are expected to learn before you enter the academy. I taught myself to an extend but…Kakashi nii and Iruka sensei had been working with me on it, so I am far better now.”

Sakura felt a sharp pang of guilt, remembering all the times she had teased Naruto for his poor academic performance. She had no idea that he had been struggling alone, teaching himself the basics that most of them had taken for granted. And yet, here he was, excelling in something that was incredibly complex and difficult.

If Naruto had someone helping him, then he would have easily surpassed even Sasuke. A small part of her was glad though because otherwise he would have never ended up in a team with them. She felt guilty as soon as the thought came and made sure to push it down.

Determined to make up for her past ignorance, Sakura looked up at Naruto with a newfound resolve. “When we get back, I’m going to teach you everything vital you missed from the academy. Sasuke can help too.”

“But Sakura-chan, I’m already learning new stuff!” It was Mitsuha who gently cut him off.

“You want to be Hokage, right, Naruto?” she asked, waiting for his enthusiastic nod before continuing.

“A lot of what was taught in the academy is about the politics and nuances of a shinobi village. It would be wise to learn it. I never went to the academy, and Kakashi was practically a toddler when he became a genin, so the two of us are useless in that regard. You should listen to your pretty teammate; she’s the brains of your team.”

Kakashi, who had been listening to the conversation with a small smile, stood up and stretched.

“If you want to become Hokage, you need to be strong in every way, not just in battle. A lot of the fights that the Hokage takes on is political in nature and not physical. Sure, the Hokage needs to be strong but they also need to be smart and aware about situations. Sakura is the perfect person to teach you about that kind of stuff.”

Sakura blushed with a smile. She loved that their teachers always made sure to praise them when they excelled. Naruto contemplated the explanation and then accept her demand with a wide smile.

“Well then, I am in your hands, Sakura sensei!”

No one can say that he didn’t deserve the chakra enhanced punch he got on his head.

Sakura sighed in contentment as the warm steam enveloped her, easing the tension in her muscles. She glanced at Mitsuha, who seemed lost in thought, her features softened by the steam. She was really pretty and smart. Something Sakura dreamed of being. Despite her gentle appearance, Sakura knew that Mitsuha was as strong and fierce as any shinobi.

Mitsuha could easily hold against Kakashi sensei, who was one of the strongest shinobi in the village. She had even seen her and Gai sensei spar which was a spectacle in itself. She also made so many friends within a year of being in the village and she might have been the first female in the village to have a fangirl club. Mitsuha was everything that Sakura wanted to be. Yet, she felt like an unachievable dream.

"Sakura-chan," Mitsuha's voice broke through her thoughts, "you've been awfully quiet. Something on your mind?"

Sakura glanced at the concern etched on Mitsuha’s face, always struck by the unfiltered fondness in the older kunoichi’s eyes. It never failed to surprise her how Mitsuha, despite being a shinobi, was so open with her emotions. Even their usually aloof and eccentric sensei seemed captivated by the redhead’s warmth.

Whatever side of the family Mitsuha came from, it was clear that Naruto had also inherited the same trait. Both Uzumaki wore their hearts on their sleeves, a rare and disarming quality in a world where most ninja kept their feelings tightly guarded.

Unable to lie to the red head, Sakura replied. “Will I ever be as strong as you, Mitsuha nee?”

Mitsuha looked taken aback, clearly surprised by the depth of Sakura’s insecurities. But in a heartbeat, her expression softened, and she gave Sakura a warm, reassuring smile.

"Of course you will, Sakura. It might not happen for a couple of years, but I truly believe that you’ll surpass me one day."

Sakura shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "But what if I don’t? What if I never catch up to Sasuke and Naruto?" Her voice grew louder, her frustration boiling over.

“Naruto is an expert in seals and Sasuke is amazing with ninjutsu. They both have amazing stamina. When we were in the forest, I was the one who always needed to rest. I was the one holding them back. I was the useless one…”

The words tore from her throat, filled with self-loathing. She clenched her fists, her knuckles turning white as she fought against the tears that finally spilled over.

"What if I can’t help Sasuke take revenge or support Naruto in becoming Hokage? I’m so weak compared to them! I’m just… I’m just not strong enough!"

The doubts, the fears, the insecurities she had kept bottled up inside her burst forth like a dam breaking. " Why can’t I be as strong as them? Why am I always the one who needs protecting…” she blurted out, her voice trembling with desperation.

Mitsuha’s heart ached for the young girl in front of her. She stepped closer, gently placing her hands on Sakura’s trembling shoulders. "Sakura," she said softly, but firmly, "while it is true that you lack the stamina and endurance that the boys have right now, you also need to understand that without you guiding them, they would have fallen over and died multiple times. They are helpless without you.”

Sakura shook her head furiously. Mitsuha leaned and pressed their foreheads together.

“Remember, without you, Naruto and Sasuke would have eaten the many poisonous berries without a second thought. And you made a weapon for Sasuke to hunt us down with so that he doesn’t hurt himself. You had planned all the camp sites and was also the first one to spot the genjutsu traps we made. Not to mention that you were the reason both boys finished their assigned jutsus. So, Sakura, never think that you don’t pull your weight. And your teammates are well aware of the fact as well.”

Mitsuha grinned and added with a playful wink, “You are not a damsel in distress Sakura, you are the queen leading them.” Sakura giggled at the remark and wiped her tears away. Mitsuha moved away from the girl and looked at the wall on the opposite side.

“You know Sakura, you remind me of someone very special to me—someone who also struggled with the expectations placed on her as a kunoichi!”

Sakura looked at her curiously and a bit awed. Mitsuha laughed and leaned her head on the edge of the pool.

“My aunt was a lot like you—determined, passionate, but constantly doubting herself.” Ignoring the squabbles from the girl, Mitsuha let her memories of the older Sakura consume her.

“She wasn’t the strongest at first, left behind by my fathers. But she didn’t let it stop her and she trained day and night to redefine her limits. She fought to prove herself, to defy the expectations placed on her. Eventually, she became one of the strongest kunoichi of the settlement, standing on the frontlines with her teammates. She played a huge part in shaping me into what I am today.”

Sakura looked up at Mitsuha, her tear-filled eyes wide with surprise. "Really?" she asked, her voice trembling with a mix of disbelief and hope.

Mitsuha nodded, a gentle smile on her lips. “Really. You’re exactly where you need to be right now. I see so much potential in you. More than you even realize. And I promise, I’ll help you tap into that strength. You’re not alone in this.”

Sakura’s knees buckled, hearing the conviction in the older kunoichi’s voice. Suddenly she didn’t feel alone anymore. For the first time in a long time, she felt a glimmer of hope, a small, fragile sliver of hope. Suddenly, she found that she had a dream. She didn’t want to be Sasuke’s wife, an academy teacher like her parents wanted or even a medic like her sensei strategized.

“I want to stand beside my teammates," she whispered. "I want to be strong enough to help them, to support them. I don’t want to be left behind anymore. That is my dream…"

Mitsuha smiled with pride in her eyes and nodded. “I’ll be right here with you, every step of the way. I’ll teach you everything I know, and together, we’ll find your strength. I won’t let you be an after though Sakura. That is a promise.”

Sasuke had initially thought his sensei to be a socially inept person. But watching him flutter around the crowd and interact like nobody’s business was making him rethink the assumptions. He had dutifully stuck around the man like the adorable son he was supposed to be. So when they wandered into the Blacksmith’s shop, he wasn’t surprised. Kakashi had been talking about visiting this place for since they had arrived.

The blacksmith, a burly man with a rough voice, greeted them with a grin. "Welcome, travelers! What brings you to my humble forge?"

Kakashi waved in acknowledgment. “Hello! I have always heard that the weapons from Land of Fireflies were top quality. So, I was hoping to see a few. My son here is fascinated by the sword-work he had seen from some ninja we met. He was really excited to see the types of swords and I couldn’t deny his excitement.”

When Kakashi had ruffled his hair, Saskue made sure to change his expression to one of pure happiness, imitating the blond of their team, ensuring that their cover is not blown. He had even bounced on his toes once as he had seen Sakura do frequently when she finds something interesting.

Sasuke had to admit, this was the most awkward thing he had ever done. He was glad his teammates were not here or he would be teased till heaven come.

The blacksmith nodded and led them to a display of sparring swords, their blades polished to a mirror shine.

“Feel free to pick one up,” the blacksmith said, his eyes narrowing with a mix of pride and intensity. “But remember, a sword is not a toy. It’s a serious weapon with a history and a spirit of its own.”

Sasuke carefully lifted one of the sparring swords, feeling the weight and balance. The sword felt alive in his hands, filling a whole in his chest that he didn’t even know existed. His eyes widened with awe. “This is amazing…”

The blacksmith’s expression softened slightly, though his tone remained stern. “Indeed, it is. But listen carefully, young man. A sword is not just for fighting. It is a reflection of the soul of its wielder.”

The man adjusted the his hands so that they were in a fighting position and continued.

“Once you draw it with the intention to kill, it will only be satisfied with blood. It’s a path you should tread with great care. A sword is a white palette and will only be corrupted by the wielder’s desire. That is why Samurai take great care of their mental health. Shinobi, not so much…”

He sneered while Kakashi gently placed a hand on Sasuke’s shoulders. Careful but not engage. The silver haired man tapped on his shoulders. Sasuke tapped his foot once on the floor in affirmation.

“There are superstitions among the smiths. They say that once a blade has tasted blood, it becomes bound to it. It develops a hunger for conflict, a thirst that can never be quenched. I am sure you have heard about the bloody mist Kiri. Those bastards who call themselves the seven swordsmen have tainted their blades with so much blood that one can feel the bloodlust from the metal itself.”

“Maa, everything is bloody in Kiri. I hear they are in the midst of a revolution right now to overthrow the Mizukage.” Kakashi interrupted before the man could go into more rant about Shinobi. The blacksmith took the bait and nodded vigorously.

“That Kiri is always destined to be covered in blood. They are even trying to invade poor Ame now. Will their greed ever stop? But I’ve heard the new leader of Ame is pretty powerful and send the Kiri army back with their tails between their legs.” The man snickered.

“I would say it’s karma after what they did to Uzushio. Did you know that the Uzumaki were proficient in kenjutsu? They made such amazing swords. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be able to see and learn about the weapons!”

Sasuke made sure not to react visibly but he was stunned to hear the man talk so freely about Naruto’s clan. He couldn’t wait to tell the blond about this. Kakashi smiled and nodded.

“I heard from my father that the Uzumaki blades had a heart and soul of its own and would only serve one master. The swords would be buried with their master.”

The blacksmith smiled and clapped Kakashi on the shoulder, making the man stumble forward. “Smart man, your dad! True, Uzumaki blades were remarkable. Such a waste that no one can reach the village anymore.”

Sasuke placed the sparring sword down and asked curiously. “Why not?” The man laughed mockingly.

“Those damn seal masters made sure that only Uzumaki would set foot on their land after their fall.” The man sighed and ran a hand through his hair in agitation.

“There are dangerous whirlpools surrounding the island and even if you manage to navigate, I am willing to bet a kidney that they have sealed everything of value away already! Honestly, why would they not let the future generation learn their crafts…”

Kakashi and Sasuke ignored the man to check more swords hanging on the wall, both slightly vibrating with anger at the greed the man displayed.

It irked Sasuke that the man was talking so casually about a village that fell. He was the lone survivor of the Uchiha clan and he would fight tooth and nail to protect the clan secrets. Suddenly he was very glad that he had a village to protect him. His heart ached when he imagined the struggles Mitsuha might have gone through to protect the remains of her clan. He should make sure to buy her something sweet.

As they left the forge, Kakashi and Sasuke headed to a nearby dango shop because Sasuke needed something sweet. He isn’t usually a fan of sweet things but he was still an Uchiha. His mouth watered at sweet aroma filling the air.

Sasuke took a thoughtful bite of his treat and turned to Kakashi. “Kakashi, what’s your preferred weapon?”

Kakashi sipped his tea and chided the boy. “You should remember to call me Father, Aoi kun.” Sasuke rolled his eyes and huffed. “Of course, Papa.”

The silver haired man smiled teasingly. “A pen is said to be mightier than a sword!”

Chuckling at Sasuke’s pout, Kakashi smiled, a nostalgic smile appearing on his face. “I prefer the tanto. It’s a small blade but incredibly versatile. Hatake clan is efficient is using tanto with their Kekkei genkai – white chakra.”

Saskue looked curiously at his teacher who looked deep in thought. “My father, Sakumo Hatake, was known as the White Fang of Konoha. He wielded his tanto with white chakra that terrified his enemies.”

Kakashi smiled at the awe-struck expression on the boy’s face. “Mitsuha wields lightning chakra with her sword, too. She calls it Bōfū-ken. I am sure you saw it during our initial spars. Her’s is made of chakra conducting material enforced through many seals though now I do wonder if it was made in Uzushio style. We would have to ask her.”

Sasuke nodded. He had seen the sword in action during normal spars Mitsuha has with Raidou san but he had only seen her using lightning jutsu with it once. He wondered if he can conduct fire chakra with a sword. That would be so cool.

A sudden memory flashed through his mind. Itachi cleaning a sword on their backyard while Sasuke was practicing the shurikenjutsu. Curious, he asked in a low voice.

“Did Itachi also use a sword?”

Kakashi’s expression grew somber. “Yes, he did. Itachi was skilled, especially during his time in ANBU. He had a way with a sword that matched his talent with the Sharingan.”

Sasuke nodded. He was still not sure what to make of his brother but he could hundred percent confirm that the reason Itachi gave for the massacre was a lie. Especially when he found notes in the clan temple about a coup.

He had taken it to Mitsuha secretly and she had assured him that she would be looking into it. They haven’t had any time to follow up on the lead.

Kakashi was also aware of their investigations and had even snuck into the archives to see if he can find any information. It warmed Sasuke’s heart that the adults who are now responsible for him would break laws just to find answers for him.

Kakashi acted more of a father than his actual father was and Mitsuha was so similar to the kind brother he remembered. His heart swelled with love for them and he pushed a dango stick to Kakashi because he didn’t know what else to do.

Accepting the stick graciously, Kakashi continued his line of thoughts with a hair ruffle. “It’s okay to struggle with these feelings. You should forge your own path, regardless of your brother’s choices. You are you Sasuke and not an extension of Itachi, never forget that.”

Sasuke nodded slowly, the conviction in Kakashi’s voice settling over him. “I’d like to train with the both of you once we have the chance. I would like to learn kenjutsu.”

Kakashi’s eyes were filled with encouragement as he nodded at his little genin. They are growing so fast, he thought fondly as they left the shop to meet with the others.

Chapter Text

Kakashi and Sasuke had picked up Naruto when they saw wandering near the shopping district and made their way to the park, aka their meeting point. They were not surprised to see Mitsuha and Sakura having a picnic under a Mizunara oak. In the three days that they have been here, this particular location had been the red head’s favorite spot.

Kakashi smiled at the girls who were casually sipping their tea and eating cake. As much as the ninja life style demanded of them, it warmed his heart to see them enjoying simple things in life. He pushed away the thoughts of blood covered tiny hands and sat beside the red head while Sasuke and Naruto flanked their pink haired teammate.

He waited patiently as Mitsuha wove a small genjutsu around them and sit up straight. Right, time for the serious stuff.

“Report” Kakashi asked in his sensei voice.

“The food transport from the Land of rice is being disrupted at Land of waves. We had heard of issues with a wealthy merchant blocking the routes for trades. The people are already worried about the food supply and are expecting an increase in prices. The lord of the village is trying to negotiate a trade with Kusa but they are not so willing.”

Sakura explained, looking at Mitsuha for support. Nodding, the Uzumaki continued.

“It seems Kusa is caught up with their own struggles. Might be a good idea for Konoha to swoop in.” She shrugged looking at Kakashi with a glint. He smiled and drawled.

“Maa, might be if we only had a summon who could fly to the Hokage and get a diplomat for this.” Mitsuha laughed and nodded. “Consider it done.”

Stretching a little, she yawned. “Speaking of which, my summons spotted some Kumo genin near the border but they didn’t seem to want to cause any issues. Seems like doing some missions. However, on the west border, they did see some Kiri shinobi wearing Kumo headbands. A message is ready to be shared with the Hokage detailing the observation once you read through it and give your approval.” Kakashi nodded at Mitsuha.

Sasuke asked curiously. “How did they know that they were Kiri shinobi?”

“My summons has the ability to distinguish chakra natures. They are a conduit for nature chakra so they are quite sensitive. So even if one manages to disguise themselves and conceal their chakra, my sparrows should still be able to pick up the base line. In this case, the underlying water nature that all Kiri nin seem to possess.”

Kakashi hummed. “Sasuke and I have heard from the Blacksmith that Kiri had attempted to expand their borders by trying to invade Ame which resulted in a failure. But Land of Fireflies is too far for them to consider as a defendable fort unless they are trying to push Suna and Kumo into a war. This is, after all, a trading point for Suna.”

“What other way to instigate a war between Kumo and Suna? And if Suna fights, then Konoha is obliged to join which will most definitely cause the old man Onoki to bust his arteries and declare war on everyone while Kiri remains in the clear.”

Naruto pipped in to every one’s surprise. “I have a theory.” Blushing at the sudden attention on him, he looked at the ground and continued.

“Well, I heard that someone is starting a revolution. So, if we think about it, this might be a plot to keep the attention away from them while there is a power struggle going on.” He huffed and folded his arms across his chest.

“Which is stupid because there is no way Kiri won’t get pulled into an all-out war. They would have much better chance if they extended alliance with Ame or even Konoha.”

Mitsuha sighed. “True but Kiri is in a precarious position. Considering some of the questionable choices the third Mizukage had established, most of the villages do not want to align themselves with the Bloody Mist. And frankly, I can’t blame them. If I was the Mizukage, I would be looking at hiring a third party to assist with the power struggle.”

Kakashi nodded and explained to the confused looking kids. “Kiri would not want to advertise their troubles to the other villages. They would rather hire mercenaries and missing nins.”

Noticing the red head freeze slightly beside him, he continued to talk, hoping to distract the genins. Whatever Mitsuha just figured out cannot be good for them.

“I believe the last time Kiri had coordinated with another hidden village was when they teamed with Kumo to destroy Uzushio. But that came back to bite them in the face when Kumo turned on them after the event. It took a lot from Kiri to be able to survive the attack. So, they might also have a healthy dose of PTSD.”

Ignoring the laughs and giggles around her, Mitsuha suddenly came to the realisation that she had entirely miscalculated Obito’s movements. He was in Kiri! What an anticlimactic conclusion!

Of-course she had heard rumours of the Mizukage acting crazy but it is very much likely that he might be controlling the three tails with the Sharingan. That puts a dent in her plans.

She would either have to use her Mangekyō on Obito to make him fix his own genjutsu but if that fails, then she herself would have to fix the Kage. But doing do would make her unable to use her eyes for a while which means that she would not be able to help Obito.

Suddenly it clicked. She looked at the man beside her who was entertaining the kids with mission tales from Kiri. Kakashi had identical Sharingan to Obito’s. Perhaps…perhaps, he can break the genjutsu…it was a thought to consider.

If she was doing this, she would have to do it with near perfect timings. Kakashi finding about Obito before she could catch him is not an option. She sighed. This is too troublesome.

Then there is Gaara’s seal which also needs to be fixed. I can’t be at so many places at one, she internally groaned. She would need the kids to be at a safe place while she does a little recon in Kiri.

She felt her heart tighten, looking at Kakashi who was smiling with a wink making the kids giggle. Well, except Naruto who suddenly seemed serious. He looked at Mitsuha who seemed to have recovered.

“Mitsuha nee, speaking of Uzushio, I think I might have run into another Uzumaki.”

Ignoring the looks of surprise, Naruto continued. “I found a little shop in the corner of the shopping district, near that tavern. The shop keeper had red hair just like you and also the prettiest violet eyes that I have ever seen!”

“There are red heads in Suna as well, Naruto. And the village is quite close to the dessert.” Kakashi chimed in noticing the confused look on Mitsuha’s face.

Naruto’s words hung in the air, and the weight of them settled heavily on Mitsuha’s shoulders. Her mind raced, trying to piece together the implications. Could Naruto have found someone from their clan, someone she hadn’t accounted for?

She had only considered Karin as one of the last Uzumaki but to think there might have been others living in fear. How many had she missed? How many more had she left to be used and abused throughout the country? How does one even go about collecting Uzumaki survivors? How many more surprises would be thrown her way today? She felt sick to her stomach.

“Naruto,” Mitsuha began, her voice strained as she tried to mask her inner turmoil. “Kakashi is right. There are many red-haired clans in the nearby villages.” Holding up a hand when Naruto opened his mouth to interrupt, Mitsuha continued. “But, if what you’re saying is true, then I need to meet this person.”

Naruto nodded enthusiastically. “When I asked her about her past, she said her village no longer exists, and her parents fled here.” He paused with a dark look on his face and murmured.

“Mitsuha-nee… she’s not being treated right here. There’s a guy who she was afraid of…I think she was raped by this guy…" Naruto’s words trailed off as he noticed the horror on Mitsuha’s face. Sakura and Kakashi mirrored her expression, quickly piecing together what this could mean.

Mitsuha sighed and looked at her cousin. “Naruto,” She spoke in a gentle voice. “We will make sure that she is safe, ok? Whatever it takes to make sure that she can live safely, regardless if she is an Uzumaki or not, we will help her. This, I can promise you.”

Sasuke looked at his teammates. He too understood the implications that his blond teammate was saying. He subtly moved closer to Sakura and held her hand. The shinobi world is dangerous to Kunoichi and he intend to do anything to protect both his female teammate no matter what.

Unaware of the dark thoughts through the last Uchiha, Naruto and Sakura watched Kakashi and Mitsuha looked at each other, having a silent communication. Having come to some conclusion, the older Uzumaki nodded at Naruto, offering him a small smile to ease his worries. “How about you and I drop by the store tomorrow, Naruto!”

Naruto brightened at her response and beamed at her.

As they finished their meal and prepared to head back to the inn, Kakashi stayed close to Mitsuha, his eyes never leaving her. The worry etched on her face hadn’t gone unnoticed, and he knew that whatever was bothering her was something far more significant than she was letting on.

Once they were back at the inn, Mitsuha excused herself from the group, claiming she needed some air. Kakashi waited a moment before following her out to the small garden behind the inn, where she stood staring up at the stars.

"Mitsuha," Kakashi’s voice was soft as he approached, careful not to startle her. "You seem troubled."

She hesitated, not wanting to burden him with her fears, but knowing she couldn’t keep it all bottled up. "Kakashi, I’m worried," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. She sighed as the familiar strong arms held her waist and she was pulled into Kakashi’s strong chest. He nuzzled her hair and whispered.

“Talk to me.” Smiling at his gentle yet subtle demand, she replied. “"I’ve been thinking… about the Akatsuki."

Kakashi’s body tensed slightly. "What about them?"

Mitsuha took a deep breath, trying to organize her thoughts. "I believe the remaining Akatsuki members might be hiding out in Kiri. I’ve been tracking their movements, and it makes sense that it all points towards them seeking refuge in less conspicuous places. Kiri would be the perfect cover. It’s remote, and it’s not a place where anyone would think to look first. I think I might need to go to Kiri."

"Kiri?" Kakashi echoed, concern deepening in his voice. "That’s dangerous, Mitsuha. The situation there is still unstable.” Turning around to face the silver haired man, she cupped his jaw.

“That’s exactly why I need to go Kakashi.” She turned serious and tightened her hold on his face. “What I am about to say is an S class secret and needs to remain between us.” Kakashi nodded, his face serious. Ah, she thought, this is what Anbu Hound must look like behind the mask.

“There is a possibility that there is someone who is capable to casting very strong genjutsu amongst the Akatsuki. And I have reasons to believe it might be a wayward or a mind controlled Uchiha.”

“Are you serious! That’s impossible, there are no unaccounted Uchihas” Kakashi gaped and she didn’t even have the mind to point out that she was technically an unaccounted Uchiha. Mitsuha nodded, her eyes meeting his with a mix of resolve and worry.

“It is a possibility. And if that is the case, I would need your help.”

Kakashi looked perplexed. Even in midst of the situation, Mitsuha could not help but internally coo at how cute he looked with that little confused tilt.

“Me?” He intoned. “I mean, I am strong and all but you never involved me in your chase till now!”

The red head smiled at the little complaining tone in the man’s voice. Pulling him down to touch their foreheads together, she whispered.

“Because I needed you in the village to make sure that Naruto is safe. You were the only person at that point who I could trust with the child.” He sighed and leaned further into the touch. “What changed?” He asked, their breath intermingling.

“Naruto has friends, we have friends who would protect him with their lives if needed. And the fact that Mizukage might be under a genjutsu. Kakashi, I am going to need your help in breaking the illusion.” He pulled away and sighed. “Mitsuha, I am good at genjutsu but if it is one casted by an Uchiha, then even I would not be able to break it.”

Mitsuha raised a hand and deactivated the seal behind her ear, her Sharingan rushing to life. She watched amused as Kakashi practically swooned at the sight. It seems like he has a weakness for her eyes. Filing the thought away for another time, she continued as she let her Sharingan warp into its final form, ignoring the startled noise from Kakashi.

“Not with a normal Sharingan. But I know you’ve got one of these, Kakashi.”

He sighed and smiled. “At this point, I shouldn’t even be surprised that you know everything about me, eh?”

Mitsuha shrugged guilty. He was right, she knew a lot about him from the stories his team had told her. It was his Chidori which she used to take the life of the Akatsuki members. It was so much pain to keep her persona up with the man who she loved with all her heart. Oh, dear god, not to even get started about Obito!

Kakashi pulled her out of her inner turmoil by gentle kisses on her face. He smiled when she looked up at him.

“No, no self-blaming. All I expect is the promise that one day it will all make sense, ok?”

With a pang in her heart, she asked. “What if I was keeping something from you that could change your entire life? Kakashi, what if you find out that you can never forgive me?” She needed to know. Would Obito be the thing that tears them apart?

Kakashi leaned down, capturing her lips. Deeply kissing, he pulled her closer to him. “Oh, you silly woman,” he teased with a little smile. “You might come to the understanding that there is really nothing much you could do to make me hate you!”

Mitsuha suddenly desperate, pulled him back and smashed their lips together in desperation.

“Kakashi,” She sighed against her lips while he let out a little moan and kissed her back with equal force. She sighed as she felt his hands wander, not hesitating to reciprocate the action. She should not let lust confuse her mind at the moment. Pulling back slightly, she gazed into the man’s eyes.

“There will come a time where you would hate me with everything Kakashi.” Placing a finger on his lips to silence the man, she continued. “And I would not blame you. All I ask is that when the time comes, please, please let me explain once. Promise me that you’ll let me explain, Kakashi!”

She begged, not even caring about how close she was to letting out the truth. Kakashi hushed her gently and pulled her to his chest. Instead of spewing nonsense about how he could never hate her, Kakashi whispered the one thing that could calm her down at the moment.

“I promise…”

She smiled and held him tighter. “Thank you, Kakashi.”

Kakashi’s mind was in turmoil. He didn’t know what to do to convince the girl that he could never feel anything but love towards her. He sighed, pushing to change the subject.

“Please, stay until the training trip is over. We need to finish what we’ve started here. The kids need us both right now."”

Mitsuha looked at him, her heart-warming at his concern. She nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Of-course, Kakashi. I’ll stay. You’ve made it clear that they are mine as much as they are yours.”

She titled her head in though. “But… maybe we can take the kids to Uzushio after we leave here, for their weapon training. It’s isolated and secure, no one can get to the island without an Uzumaki guiding them.” Hesitating a bit, she whispered. “I want Naruto to know part of his heritage.”

Kakashi’s eyes brightened at the suggestion. “That sounds like a good plan. Besides, it is easier to send summons into Kiri if we are in Uzushio. Makes sense if we are planning on breaking into the country and attacking a Kage.” She smirked and nodded. “Yeah, seems like a normal Monday morning, eh?”

Kakashi barked out a laugh and smiled. “Just another day at the Shinobi corps…”

Kakashi had woken up to frantic little knocks on his window. He had looked to his side where Mitsuha had cuddled up to him stirring awake. He looked over to see one of her sparrows and hushed at Mitsuha to stay put while he stood up to unlock the window to let the bird in.

“Mitsuha sama, Mitsuha sama!” The sparrow hopped in and started pecking the half asleep Uzumaki. She groaned pathetically.

“I’m awake, Tsubasa. You can stop trying to inflict pain so early in the morning.”

“I need you to be at fully awake Mitsuha Sama!” Kakashi ignored his partner’s desperate attempts to convince the bird to stop pecking her while he started brewing tea for them. He turned around incredulously when he heard the name, he never thought he will hear about in this little quaint village.

“What do you mean Tsunade is here?”

Thank goodness Mitsuha had asked for him because he was still in shock on how to react to that bit of information. He grimaced, remembering how the last interaction he had with the Sannin had went considering he threw a glass of tea at the lady for insinuating his father was weak. To give credit where it is due, the short-tempered drunkard of a lady had been extremely kind in the matter that she only hit him once and did not kill him. Well, she still should not have hit a six-year-old.

Thinking back now, he understands that Tsunade was not talking about his strength as a shinobi nor a man but rather his strength as a father. Kakashi could not imagine leaving any of his kids to leave with the back-clash that his actions caused. He would face all the humiliation and threats in the world if he could keep his genin safe. But he is also certain that unlike him, his kids won’t abandon Kakashi in time of need.

Deep in his thoughts, he missed when he had automatically tensed up thinking about his fuck ups. He started helplessly thinking of disappointing his kids. The first lesson that he taught them was also the one he failed to keep miserably, not once but so many times. He was truly cursed, Kakashi thought to himself, feeling his heart tear itself up remembering the deaths of his father and teammates.

It was thanks to the months of living in close quarters and his absolute trust in the redhead that Kakashi hadn’t pressed a kunai to her neck, when Mitsuha moved beside him to pour the tea into cups. Ah, I seem to have missed the remainder of the conversation. He thought wryly as he let himself be guided to sit down against the wall with his cup of tea.

“Report.”

Mitsuha catching on to his superior voice quickly shifted to the monotonous reporting voice that all Shinobi adapted in front of their superiors.

“At six o five today, my birds who were circling the western border noticed a very high chakra barrelling towards the gate and immediately rushing to the tavern in the middle of the shopping centre. Tsunade was with another woman and a pig for some strange reason. The summons waited to track their movement and reported that she had beaten up a man who was manhandling a woman and told him to, I quote “Get the fuck out of this town and if I see you again here or anywhere, I go, I will rip out your testicles and wrap them around your throat and throw you to Kumo.””

Kakashi sighed, imagining the repercussions of the actions of the slug princess. He thanked their lucky stars that they had decided to go in disguise and actually will not be associated with her now. He nodded to her.

“Ask one of your summons to keep an eye on her actions and report back in case of any issues. Otherwise, we should avoid running in to her. She is one of the only few people who has seen me without my mask and also has the brains to put together who Naruto is once she sees him.”

Mitsuha hummed and watched the little bird on the window sill viciously attacking some sunflower seeds. She knew Tsubasa heard the order and will slip out once she is finished with her treat. She gave the bird a nod to show her acceptance. She sighed and leaned her head backwards on to the wall.

“I understand that we are in mission mode. But Kakashi, Tsunade is also an Uzumaki as much as she is Senju. At some point, I would like Naruto to have that connection. I know why you don’t want to contact her now but he needs to know her connection to him at some point.”

Kakashi looked pensive and sighed once more. “I understand your concerns Mitsuha but I would rather have Naruto’s god father introduce them. I have no connection with her besides her being one of my father’s best friends and you are unfamiliar to her. We are in a foreign land and while I trust you and the kids to maintain decorum, I do not trust Tsunade to do the same.”

Mitsuha looked at him with an unreadable expression before slipping down to the floor beside him. Suddenly, she pulled him into her chest, ignoring his flailing. Once he was calm, he was quick to put his arm around her waist and snuggle deeply into her. If someone had told him he would become a cuddle bug a year before, he probably would have laughed and then assassinated them for even insinuating such a thing. It was only thanks to his sharp ears that he was able to pick up the whisper.

“She was your dad’s best friend and still you grew up alone?” Kakashi tensed. He should have accounted for Mitsuha’s tendency to pick up on slight details. He smiled a bit at the protectiveness in her voice. Who would have thought that he, Kakashi Hatake, copycat nin, Kakashi of Sharingan, the man who knows a hundred jutsu, renowned for slaying hundreds of shinobi would ever need someone’s protectiveness too? If he were being honest with himself, it felt surprisingly good.

“Maa, I didn’t need anyone to take care of me Mitsuha chan! I was a chunin when my father died. I was an adult…” Mitsuha pulled him up and looked furious as she interrupted him.

“You were six. It’s the fucking system. You, Naruto and Sasuke. The village is more interested in pumping out shinobi that they forget that there are children who had their entire life turned around in a matter of days.” Mitsuha’s expression gentled as tears started filling up her eyes.

“It’s not fair. Why are we, shinobi, expected to adapt and persevere even when we are dealt with the worse hand possible?” Kakashi cupped her cheek and smiled. Oh, how can someone be so pure even after dealing with said worst hand. He couldn’t stop the words pouring out of his mouth.

“Because of you. And because of you, I can deal with anything thrown towards me. I have you and the kids to return to and because of that, I will always fight to survive, physically or mentally.”

Mitsuha blinked, her heart tightening at his words. She swallowed hard, feeling the weight of her secrets pressing down. The guilt came crashing and she felt herself suffocating under the words he had just uttered.

“Kakashi…” Her voice was soft, almost broken, as she struggled to maintain her composure. “I don’t know how you can say that with so much certainty…I told you, there are a lot of secrets and some of them could end up with you hating me. So don’t, don’t give me such hope when I know for certainty that my secrets will have consequences, ones which I am terrified to face.”

Kakashi smiled and leaned his forehead against hers. “I love you. And I’ll keep saying it till the end. Your secrets are yours to keep and sure, I might be upset or angry. I might even throw a tantrum, Naruto level. But Mitsuha, remember this,” He pressed his lips against her fiercely.

“You are my home.” He whispered against her lips. Mitsuha hugged him so tightly.

“Kakashi, I…” She struggled as she tried to put her feelings in to words. Kakashi shushed her gently and whispered.

“I know…you don’t have to say until you are ready. I don’t mind waiting.”

Sakura was nervous. Looking at Sasuke beside her, he could see that he was more upset than angry. She could kind of see his point of view. Sitting behind a dumpster, covered in God knows what is not really the way she wanted to spend her morning. One could ask: oh, hey Sakura, why are you and Sasuke digging through a pile of trash to hide themselves? The answer would be the shock of bright blonde hair running stealthily to the shopping district.

Sasuke had gently woken her up at the crack of dawn to gesture to their teammate trying his darnest to keep quiet and slip out of the shared room. Using signs to communicate, the two slipped out of the window and followed him, making sure that they were not seen. The chakra concealing seal that Naruto himself had made them proved to be quite useful. The choice to cover themselves in trash…well, they might have slipped and fell into a garbage pile.

Silently following Naruto, Sakura groaned as she saw him knock on a shop door. Of course he went to check on maybe relative. They slipped behind the corner and watched as Naruto fiercely knocked when there was no answer to the door. Suddenly the door opened and a hand grabbed her teammate by the collar and pulled him into the shop. Stunned, the two genin looked at each other alarmed as they hear a scream from inside the shop, rushed to the door. Sakura could hear Sasuke frantically muttering, that idiot, over and over under his breath.

The two children started pounding on the door. It opened revealing a woman with black hair holding a pig in one hand. Ok, maybe Sakura was hallucinating.

“How can I help you?” The lady asked looking confused. Sakura sneaked a look behind her and saw the flailing arms of her teammate.

“Naruto!” She shouted and rushed past the lady, knowing that Sasuke will follow without a doubt. She quickly came to a stop confused as she saw Naruto being smothered in the arms of a drunk lady with huge…hmm…lady parts crying out for…Nawaki? Sakura could not help sneak a glance at her non-existent chest and internally cursed.

Sasuke was beside her in moments and gasped. He whispered and Sakura could tell that he had starry eyes without even looking.

“That’s Lady Tsunade of the Sannin!”

Of course, Sakura had heard of the lady. Ever since Sasuke and her had started their med nin training, the last Uchiha had been idolizing her. Sure, Sakura had talent in Iryō jutsu but she still wanted to specialize in taijutsu. She remembered the day that they had talked about specializations while having dinner at sensei’s apartment. Gai had offered her special training outside of her normal training hours along with Lee. 

“Sensei, Gai sensei was recommending me to specialize in taijutsu once I become a chunin. What do you think?” Sakura asked setting the table while Mitsuha was busy separating a wrestling Naruto and Sasuke.

“So, specialization…most shinobi don’t choose them unless they aim to be Tokubetsu but even then, no one even thinks about it until they are at least chunin.” Kakashi sensei had explained while serving them rice and curry. Naruto had looked at their teachers and asked.

“Did you guys specialize?” Kakashi nodded and replied. “Tracking and assassination. But I run whatever mission that requires my calibre”

Mitsuha swallowed the bite she had taken and shook her head. “I am non specialized. I am a jack of all trades so I deal with a lot of variety of missions from courier run to assassination. But if I were to, I think I would probably choose Fūinjutsu. But it would be quite difficult to get certified considering most if not all sealing masters are dead.”

“Aren’t you one, Mitsuha nee?” Sakura had asked her curiously. There was nothing Mitsuha can’t do with seals. Kakashi had answered. “Technically, yes. But since there is no way to evaluate her skills, she will not officially be one. But she might as well be.”

Naruto pouted. “Ah man, I was hoping to specialize in Fūinjutsu. I am already making jonin level seals and Jiji had even asked me to start making drafts for the super bang flash seal to mass produce.”

Mitsuha hummed and looked at Naruto. “Once you become jonin, we could technically apply to start the tradition again. We would need to make a syllabus and exam pattern and submit it to the Hokage for approval. Since we are the last Uzumaki, it is a clan right. We would also need to find one or more Uzumaki or adopt someone into the clan to be formally recognized as a clan though. So, it’s all up in air right now.”

Sakura had noticed that Sasuke was silent throughout the dinner. It was only when they were washing dishes, the black-haired boy turned to Kakashi.

“Sensei, what needs to be done to specialize in medical ninjutsu?” Kakashi made a thoughtful noise.

“Well, it’s similar to Fūinjutsu situation. No one really knows the criteria to certify a med nin because there are specializations within the art itself. The last fully certified med nin is Tsunade Senju.” The copy nin knelt in front of the boy and eye smiled.

“But Sasuke, specializations are just names. If you want to learn Iryō jutsu, then you do that. I will do anything in my power to make sure that you will get the scrolls and tutors who can assist you, ok?”

Sasuke hummed and had turned back to his chores. Later that night when the kids were alone snuggled under the blanket, Sasuke had confessed about the Uchiha massacre.

“Mitsuha and I have been looking into it. A lot of it…a lot of it doesn’t seem right.”

“What do you mean?” Naruto whispered. Sasuke sighed and turned to bury his head into Naruto’s chest, pulling Sakura behind him, essentially creating a genin sandwich.

“Uchiha clan was planning a coup. That was why Itachi massacred everyone.” Sasuke sighed deeply.

“I understand that village comes before the clan and I can even deduct why Itachi was the one chosen to do the deed. It makes sense to avoid an internal conflict. Actions seems sensible but who is going to give me back all those years believing that my brother went mad and slaughtered my entire clan? Where is my justice?”

He tightened his hold on the shirt and his voice was shaking when he continued.

“Still, why did he have to kill the children? They didn’t do anything…why was I the only one left?” Naruto buried his face into the black hair.

“I know this is not what you want to hear Sasuke…” He whispered. “But I am so fucking glad that you are alive.” Sakura nodded, tears streaming down her face for her teammate. Sasuke sighed and pulled back to look at both his teammates.

“You know, not all of them died immediately. Some of them died in my arms. I could only watch helplessly. I don’t want that to happen again. I don’t want to feel one of you slipping away in my arms. I can’t protect you; you are shinobi. But I want to be able to heal you when you fall. That is my new dream.”

Sakura and Naruto could not help themselves and hugged their third with all their might. And if Sasuke was holding them back equally fierce, well, who was to know?

Kakashi knew the moment that he went to wake up the kids for breakfast that they had slipped out. He sighed and turned around to go find Mitsuha who was in the process of setting up the food that the inn keeper had brought to their room.

“Guess what!” Leaning against the door he closed, he asked in an overly cheerful voice.

“What!” Mitsuha turned to look at him. He winced a bit seeing her red eyes. It seems this entire trip has one of them having a breakdown regularly. He should really think about seeing a Yamanaka once they reach back home.

Ignoring the line of thought and mortified that he even thought of going to a therapist, Kakashi replied. “Our Kids seem to have gone for a little early morning adventure.”

Mitsuha just looked at him for a second longer and just sighed deeply. “Of course they did.”

The two jonin shared a look of exasperation before Kakashi bit his thumb and did familiar hand motions. A puff of smoke erupted, and from it emerged a small pug-like dog with wrinkled skin, a bandana around his neck, and a rather unimpressed expression. His droopy eyes scanned the room, his jowls almost giving him a grumpy appearance

"You two again? What is it this time?" he grumbled. Mitsuha took the paw which was offered to her and shook.

“Nice to see you too Pakkun!”

Meeting Kakashi’s ninken were a delight. She had never seen them during her own time since Kakashi had not passed down his summoning contract to anyone. The ninken were immensely helpful in acting like wild animals during the forest saga with the help of a few genjutsu seals. It was sure nice to bond over the trauma they were probably inflicting on the genin.

Kakashi crouched down to his level, scratching the back of his head. "Our lovely genin decided to sneak out for a morning escapade. Think you can sniff them out for us?"

Pakkun snorted. "I could do it in my sleep," he muttered before sniffing the air. His nose twitched for a moment, and then he lifted his head with a look of mild surprise. "They’re close. I can smell them... and trash? You might want to brace yourself." He turned back to the two jonin. "This way."

Kakashi stood up, already feeling the headache forming. "Of course, they’re covered in trash. Why wouldn’t they be?"

Sparing a glance at the red head beside him, the two jonin followed the pug out through the window. They trailed behind Pakkun, walking through the quiet streets of the village. As they approached the shopping district, the dog slowed down, sniffing more intently before he stopped in front of a shop.

"Here. They’re inside, with someone... familiar," Pakkun reported, looking a little puzzled as he peered up at the shop. Mitsuha sighed loudly and tiredly rubbed her eyes.

“Wanna bet that they ran into the one person we were trying to avoid?”

He muttered to himself before looking over at Mitsuha. “Of course they did. What did I expect!” The pug shook his head and nodded to the jonins. “They are your pups, it’s comical at this point if you expect them to behave.”

As they approached the shop, voices could be heard from inside. Kakashi motioned for Mitsuha to stand back as they observed through the door, slightly ajar now. The scene that greeted them was chaotic, to say the least.

Inside, Sasuke and Sakura were frozen in place, staring at the scene before them. Naruto was still trapped in Tsunade's iron grip, his eyes wide and panicked. The blonde Sannin had him pinned, her eyes unfocused and bleary, still calling him "Nawaki" and muttering through her drunken stupor. The scene was so unreal that Kakashi had to rub his eyes to make sure he wasn’t hallucinating.

Shizune was trying to calm Tsunade down, the black-haired woman holding her small pig, Tonton, in one hand. "Lady Tsunade, please—" She sighed. "That's not Nawaki."

At that moment, Kakashi and Mitsuha pushed through the door, catching the attention of the entire room. Tsunade turned toward them, loosening her grip on Naruto but still not letting him go. Her amber eyes scanned the new arrivals with curiosity, especially Mitsuha and the genin. But her eyes lit up in recognition and blinked as though seeing a ghost.

"Sakumo?" she muttered under her breath, taking a step closer. Her expression softened as her eyes roamed over Kakashi's silver hair, clearly mistaking him for his father.

Kakashi’s visible eye widened slightly. "Uh, no. I'm—"

Tsunade suddenly burst out laughing, a smirk forming on her lips as she glanced between Kakashi and Mitsuha. "Well, I’ll be damned! You’re not Sakumo… You’re his kid!" She slapped Kakashi on the shoulder, making him stagger slightly. "You look good, kid. And even better with that fiery redhead hanging on your arm."

Kakashi blinked in confusion while Mitsuha, standing beside him, simply sighed and shook her head, used to the chaos that came with being in the same room as Tsunade. But her reaction seemed to fuel Tsunade's amusement even more. She leaned in and winked at Kakashi.

"You better be making some children for the clan! About time the Hatake clan settled down."

Naruto, who was still locked in Tsunade’s arms, perked up, barely able to process what was happening. “Wait—children?!”

Sasuke and Sakura, realizing Tsunade’s distraction would be the perfect time to rescue their blonde, took this opportunity to pry him free. Sakura tugged at Naruto's arm with all her might while Sasuke grabbed Naruto by his collar, desperately trying to drag him out of Tsunade’s iron grip.

"You idiot, stop squirming and hold still!" Sasuke grunted.

"I’m trying!" Naruto yelped, flailing around helplessly.

“Lady Tsunade, you’re hurting that boy!” Shizune chimed in hoping to convince her master to let go of the child she was still crushing.

Kakashi, now a bit flustered, cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. "Uh, Lady Tsunade, I think you’re—"

Tsunade cut him off with a mischievous grin. "Oh, don’t be shy! I knew Sakumo, and let me tell you, he had a way with women. So, if you’re anything like your old man… Well." She gave him another wink.

Mitsuha, now entirely unbothered by Tsunade's teasing, sighed deeply. Without a word, she knelt down and began drawing a seal on a piece of paper with precision, tuning out the commotion around her.

"This is getting ridiculous," she muttered, her focus on perfecting the lines of her seal, drawing up the instant sober seal that her father had created in the future for Tsunade for this exact situation.

As the chaos unfolded, Naruto’s arms continued flailing, knocking over a small stack of books from a nearby desk. "Sasuke, help!"

Sasuke, teeth gritted in frustration, yanked at Naruto again. "I am helping, you moron!"

Finally, Sakura, fed up with their lack of success, stomped her foot and bellowed, "Lady Tsunade, let Naruto go!" She practically glared at the Sannin; her fists clenched.

Tsunade, momentarily distracted from her teasing of Kakashi, blinked at Sakura’s outburst and looked down at Naruto. “Oh, right." She chuckled and finally released him, sending Naruto stumbling backward and into Sasuke, knocking both of them to the ground.

Naruto scrambled to his feet, glaring at Tsunade, rubbing his sore shoulder. "What the hell was that?!" he demanded, trying to make sense of the chaos that had just unfolded. "Why'd you grab me like that?!"

Tsunade, her eyes still slightly glazed from the alcohol, tilted her head and smirked. "You remind me of someone, kid," she said casually, her tone softening just a touch as she leaned back against the counter. "Someone from a long time ago."

Naruto blinked, not quite sure what to make of that answer. Before he could respond, Kakashi stepped forward, eyeing Tsunade warily but maintaining his usual calm demeanour.

"Team," Kakashi began, addressing Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura, "allow me to formally introduce you to Lady Tsunade of the Legendary Sannin. She's one of the strongest kunoichi in the world." His last words were laced with warning as he shot a sideways glance at Tsunade. "I suggest you all behave."

Naruto frowned, pointing an accusatory finger at Tsunade. "Wait, she's the one who almost killed me a few minutes ago!"

Tsunade laughed, her voice ringing out through the shop. "Almost killed you? Please. If I wanted to, you wouldn't be standing there right now."

Naruto gulped, stepping back instinctively. Kakashi sighed, rubbing his temple. "Naruto, please don’t make it worse." He looked back at Tsunade. "Lady Tsunade, they’re still kids, and—"

"Oh, I know they’re kids," Tsunade interrupted with a sly grin, her gaze once again landing on Kakashi.

"But speaking of kids... You know, you really do look just like Sakumo, but maybe a bit more ragged. I’m surprised you’ve managed to stay so... well, together, given all the craziness with that Uzumaki hanging off your arm."

Kakashi’s eye twitched, and he visibly stiffened. "Lady Tsunade, Mitsuha isn’t—"

Tsunade waved him off, ignoring his protests entirely. "Oh, come on, Kakashi, don’t be so uptight. You’ve got that old Hatake charm—makes sense you’d catch the attention of a pretty redhead like her." She winked again, leaning in toward him with a grin that could only be described as mischievous. "When's the wedding? I better be invited. And you better get busy making some bratlings."

Kakashi’s usual calm composure cracked. His face turned a shade redder, and he started to open his mouth to respond, but no words came out. "I-I—"

Naruto’s eyes were wide as he watched the interaction.

"Wait, Kakashi-sensei and Mitsuha nee are—?"

"Naruto!" Kakashi snapped, flustered and now clearly mortified. "That’s enough! Stop thinking!"

Mitsuha, still kneeling and drawing her seal, finally had enough. She sighed deeply, finished the last stroke of her work, and stood up. Without saying a word, she approached Tsunade, who was still laughing at the man who looked almost ready to faint.

She calmly placed her hand on Tsunade’s shoulder, and before anyone could react, slapped the instant sober seal onto her with a firm thud. The seal glowed for a moment before fading, and Tsunade’s drunken haze vanished in an instant.

Tsunade blinked rapidly, looking around in confusion. "Shizune?" she barked, her tone suddenly sharp and demanding. "What happened?"

Shizune, standing off to the side with an apologetic look on her face, quickly stepped forward. "Lady Tsunade, you, um… you smacked a man into oblivion for attacking the Uzumaki shopkeeper—she's asleep over there right now." She gestured toward the corner of the shop where the unconscious Uzumaki girl lay peacefully.

Tsunade glanced over, her brows knitting together as she took in the scene. "Right…"

Shizune continued, a bit more nervously. "Then, well, you kidnapped this young boy—" she gestured toward Naruto, "—mistaking him for your little brother. And… you’ve also been terrorizing Kakashi-san for the past five minutes."

Tsunade blinked again and then looked back at Kakashi, who looked like he was one breath away from exploding. She raised an eyebrow, noticing his discomfort, and then glanced at Mitsuha, standing beside him with a calm, resigned expression. "I did what?"

Shizune winced slightly. "You also smashed a couple of tables at the tavern, so they’ll probably be after us soon…"

Naruto, recovering from the chaos, piped up, "You really thought I was your little brother?"

Tsunade’s eyes narrowed. "No. I was drunk. Clearly."

Naruto crossed his arms and pouted. "Could’ve fooled me."

Ignoring the boys, Tsunade massaged her temple, the sober seal clearly doing its job but leaving her with the consequences of her actions. "Great. Just great. And why am I sober!"

Mitsuha, as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, glanced at Tsunade. "You’re welcome."

“Who are you!” She asked looking incredulous.

““I’m Mitsuha Uzumaki. It’s an honor to finally meet you, Lady Tsunade.”  Tsunade’s eyes widened slightly as she recognized Mitsuha. “I’ve heard of you, Red. You’re the one terrorizing the Akatsuki.”

Mitsuha bowed respectfully. “Yes, that would be me. Although terrorizing isn’t quite the word, I’d personally use…”

Tsunade laughed and slapped a hand on her shoulder. “True, the accurate word would be bullying.” Mitsuha smirked even as she was unbalanced thanks to the slap. It feels good. Tsunade was one of her happy memories. She had passed away peacefully at the ripe age of eighty surrounded by her loved ones. She had been a constant presence in Mitsuha’s life and it was a balm to her heart to see the kind old lady alive again.

Her companion, not so much. Shizune along with Sakura were two of their most talented field medicine and Madara made sure to take one of them out from the early stage of battle. It still hurt her to see the black-haired woman but after seeing so many familiar faces, Mitsuha had learned to keep her emotions under a tight wrap.

While Kakashi was sniffing around his genin who were avoiding his eyes when asked about the questionable smell, Tsunade wrapped a hand around her shoulders and pulled her to a corner ensuring that they wouldn’t be interrupted.

“So Kid, ever been to Uzushio?”

Well, she had been to Uzushio except not in this timeline. Shikamaru had always said that it’s easier to tell half-truths than to make up lies.

“Only the ruins. My father and I had hidden near the coast there for a couple of years to avoid hunters. We never wandered into the city center other than the time to submit offerings. We didn’t stick around much since we didn’t want to anger any spirits.”

Afterall, making up any lies about a place Tsunade had actually spend time in would be suicide.

“Oh, did you make sure to put offerings to the sealing shrine near the Uzukage tower?”

Ah, there it is!

“Forgive me if I am wrong Tsunade sama, but I was under the impression that the shrine near the Uzukage tower was the one for Lady Kaimeya. My father had said that we need to submit offerings for safe passage through the whirlpool. We had put offerings in the shrine near the forest under the impression that it was the shrine of sealing.”

Bingo! Mitsuha saw the doubt clearing away from her face. As strong as Tsunade was, she wore her heart on her sleeve just like her father. Now to sell the story a bit more.

“Of course, we could be mistaken. Only one of my parents was Uzumaki and he had passed away by the time we made the journey to the island. None of the other Uzumaki was willing to come along since the journey would be treacherous. But at that point, we needed something to survive.”

Tsunade hummed and sighed.

“I am assuming that was when the band of Uzumaki fell?”

It helped that Madara had boasted about killing a band of Uzumaki when he was taunting her father during the fourth shinobi war. So, the timeline about the settlement falling and Tsunade running into them while they were away seeming probable.

Sasuke used to joke that her smarts must have come from Minato because both her parents were not smart people. It still hurt to lie to one of her precious people but she was habituated to it by now. Once Tsunade becomes Hokage, she can clear the lies up with her.

She nodded and sighed. They might not have been Uzumaki but that doesn’t mean that their deaths hurt any less. She sneaked a look at the kids who were scolding Naruto and Kakashi tried to pacify the genin. She didn’t know what Tsunade saw in her face but whatever it was, the slug princess wrapped her arm around her neck tighter that she was almost in a chokehold.

“You’re alright in my book, red.” Mitsuha almost didn’t hear the whisper in between her frantic efforts to get air. Tsunade let her go and she stumbled forward holding her neck, coughing trying to breath in as much air as possible. Yup, no change at all.

Chapter Text

When Nao woke up, she was surprised to find so many people in her little shop. She recognized the blonde boy and the pair of women who had saved her from Ganko. She couldn’t help tremble a bit when she remembered the events from last night.

The man had caught her when she was leaving the shop and pulled her to the tavern. The kind owner had tried to intervene but Ganko was too influential. No women who caught his interest were safe. It was just her rotten luck that she was his current quest.

He had pulled her on to the seat next to him and his friends while they started talking loudly about the nightly activities they had planned with her. By this time, the crowd in the tavern cleared out, knowing what to expect. Nao shrunk knowing she had no way out. I wonder if it would hurt less to just die. She thought absently as Ganko pushed her to her knees.

The next second, the man was flying through the tavern, slamming into a couple of tables. Nao was too shocked to react as a blonde woman picked up one of the burly men and slammed him down on the floor. She could only watch as the lady effortlessly beat up the men whom she thought was ruthless.

“Get the fuck out of this town and if I see you again here or anywhere, I go, I will rip out your testicles and wrap them around your throat and throw you to Kumo.”

She couldn’t help the flinch when the lady knelt beside her, looking at her bruises. She could see the men scampering behind the silhouette of the blonde. She tsked and started using chakra to heal her. Well, how she manhandled four burly men made sense now.

The blonde woman’s voice was surprisingly gentle as she worked, despite the terrifying strength she’d just displayed. "You alright?" she asked, glancing at Nao’s face as her hands glowed with healing chakra. "What’s your name?"

“N-Nao,” she stammered, still trembling from the ordeal.

The woman smiled slightly. “No last name, eh? It’s ok, I recognize that red anywhere.”

“Well, Nao, you don’t have to worry about those bastards anymore. I’ll make sure they never lay a hand on you again.” The woman’s voice was firm as was her hand when she pulled up the trembling Uzumaki on her feet. Turning to the cowering bartender, she bellowed.

“Three bottles of your finest!”

Through drunken blurts and her companion’s apologetic whispers, Nao learned that the woman who saved her was none other than Tsunade of Sannin. She didn’t know whether to feel happy or terrified. She let the woman ramble on and only answer whenever she was expected to

Nao’s eyes widened as Tsunade began to slump forward, but Shizune caught her just in time. With a practiced ease, Shizune pulled her onto her shoulder.

"I’m sorry about Tsunade-sama," Shizune said with a tired smile. "She means well. Tonight, really took a lot out of her, and, well... she’s always like this after dealing with scum. She has a strong moral compass.”

Nao shook her head. "It’s fine," she murmured. "You both saved me. I... I don’t know how to thank you."

"You don’t need to thank us," Shizune assured her. "But if you don’t mind, could you point us to a place to stay for a night or two. I was planning to ask the bartender but…well, you saw.”

Nao thought about her modest shop and nodded slowly. "You can stay with me in my shop. Of course, the facilities are a bit shabby but I have enough futons for all of us. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need."

Shizune smiled, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Nao-san. We’ll do our best not to be a burden."

“Nee san!” Nao was shaken from her thoughts when the familiar blonde head bobbed in front of her. She smiled weakly at Naruto, who looked at her with concern.

“It’s good to see you again, young sir. I wasn’t expecting you to drop by so soon after last night.”

Distantly she noted the silver haired man guiding two children away from the shop. Shizune and Tsunade turned around as if not paying attention to the conversation. She turned her gaze towards the little boy.

Naruto smiled and nodded at the girl. “I was scared about you; I told my cousin about you and we wanted to talk to you.”

“Well, one would think that talking would happen in normal hours and not godforsaken ones but my little cousin has strange ideas. It’s nice to meet you, Nao san.”

Nao looked up, startled. The owner of the voice had striking red hair—a shade that made Nao's heart skip a beat. Family. Her breath hitched as the realization hit her. This red-haired stranger wasn’t just anyone; she was an Uzumaki.

Family, she thought to herself as she pulled herself up from her futon and swung herself onto the red-haired girl with sobs who hugged her back fiercely. Family…her mind whispered over and over.

After a few long moments, Nao pulled back, wiping her eyes. Mitsuha smiled warmly and stepped back. “Nao-san, I’m Mitsuha Uzumaki, and this,” she gestured to Naruto, “is my cousin, Naruto Uzumaki.”

Nao wiped her eyes, still shaken from the sudden wave of emotions. "Uzumaki?" she whispered in disbelief, her voice trembling. "You're... both Uzumaki?"

Mitsuha smiled and ruffled her cousin’s hair. “Naruto doesn’t have Uzumaki colours but I can assure you that he is Uzumaki through and through.” The boy looked up at his older cousin with a beaming smile.

“Yep!” Naruto said brightly. “We’re family!”

Mitsuha nodded, her expression softening. "We came because Naruto mentioned you. We’ve been hearing about survivors, and it’s important for us to find whoever is left."

Nao took a shaky breath, her eyes wide. "I-I didn’t think I’d ever meet anyone from our clan again. My parents… they escaped from Uzushio before the destruction. They told me stories about the village, about the clan, but… I never thought I’d meet someone who actually carries the Uzumaki name."

Mitsuha’s face darkened for a moment. “I understand. After Uzushio fell, the clan scattered. Many didn’t survive.” She paused, glancing at Naruto, then back at Nao.

“I was part of a small group of Uzumaki trying to stick together. We were targeted by the Akatsuki… and, well…” Her voice trailed off; the grief palpable in the room. "I'm the last one left of that group."

Nao gasped, tears welling up again. “I’m so sorry…”

Mitsuha shook her head. “We all knew the risks, but we kept going because we believed in the clan’s survival. That’s why I’m here now—why we wanted to meet you.”

Naruto shifted uncomfortably, his face full of sadness and resolve. "No one should have to hide or be terrified. That’s just not fair…”

Mitsuha dropped her hand on her cousin’s head in a comforting gesture. She smiled and replied.

“It’s not. That’s why I am doing what needs to be done.” Turning to Nao, she continued. “I have taken refuge in Konoha and with the assistance of the shinobi from there and I am hunting down Akatsuki. It’s not safe to be alone anymore.” She reached out and took Nao’s hands in her own.

“Come to Konoha. I will send word to the Hokage.”

Nao hesitated and pulled her hands away. She whispered. “I am not a shinobi. I don’t know how I will survive there or don’t know what use I will be.”

The blonde Uzumaki made a small noise. He looked at her determined.

“Doesn’t matter. We are a clan. Nee san and I are shinobi. I don’t make much now but once I become chunin, I’ll also contribute. We can set up your shop in Konoha somehow.”

Mitsuha smiled at both Uzumaki. “Don’t worry about finances you two. I am a jonin and I make good money. I’ll take care of the both of you.”

“You do realise that there is Uzumaki clan fund in the village, right?” Startled at the sudden interruption, Nao turned and looked at the sannin who had somehow pulled out another sake bottle from somewhere and was sipping on it.

“Drunkard.” Naruto murmured much to the amusement of all the women. “Shut it brat!” Tsunade shouted with annoyance. The boy grumbled but complied curious about what she wanted to say.

“Anyway, when my grandma came to the village, she bought along her inheritance. When she passed away, the Uzumaki clan inheritance went to Kushina but I doubt if she was able to access it other than an allowance because the clan wasn’t restored. As far as I know, they should still be under the control of the council until the Uzumaki clan is reestablished which can only be done with three members. Which—” She took a moment to dramatically count. “I can see there are three of you, so…”

“Wait, hold on, you’re Uzumaki too baa chan!”

“Who are you calling baa chan, you brat!”

Mitsuha sighed, amused, and explained to the stunned Nao, “Tsunade-sama is part Uzumaki too, through her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki. So, in a way, you’re connected to her as well.”

Tsunade spoke, taking another sip of sake. “Family is a far stretch but since all the others are dead, we are all we got. So yeah, I don’t mind being called family by you.”

Naruto jumped up, excitement radiating from him. “Awesome, we have so many Uzumakis! Nee-san, nee-san,” he called eagerly to Mitsuha. “Can we live in a compound like the Hyuga? We’ll have to bring Sasuke-teme and Kakashi-sensei since they’ll be useless without us. And Sakura too because she is family too.”

He paused dramatically, rubbing his chin. “And we’ll need to build a big cellar for baa-chan’s sake stash, or she might wander off looking for more.”

Tsunade slapped the table in front of her, the wood groaning under her strength. “Brat! Why do you keep calling me that?! And I’m not stepping foot in that godforsaken village!”

Mitsuha sighed, already sensing the storm brewing. She gently took Nao by the arm, leading her over to Shizune, who also took a step back from her master. This was going to escalate.

Naruto blinked in confusion, his face scrunching up. “What do you mean? Konoha is amazing! And I am going to be Hokage one day.”

Tsunade’s face darkened, her eyes narrowing with a flicker of old pain. “Amazing, huh?” she spat bitterly. “That village took everything from me. My little brother, Nawaki… Dan… the dreams we all had, crushed under the weight of that cursed title of Hokage. I’m not going back.”

Naruto’s eyes widened in shock. His voice trembled as he tried to process what Tsunade was saying. “But… Konoha is home! How can you just—how can you leave it all behind like that? Don’t you care?!”

Tsunade clenched her fists, trembling with anger. “Care? Of course, I care! I loved Konoha with everything I had, and it tore everything away from me! Nawaki wanted to be Hokage, just like you. He was so full of dreams, just like you. And then one day, he was gone. Dead.” Her voice cracked, raw with the pain she had buried for years. “And Dan… he too wanted to be Hokage. And I couldn’t even save him.”

Naruto felt his chest tighten. He had heard stories about losses, but hearing it like this, face-to-face, it was like a punch to the gut. He suddenly realised how calm and gentle his cousin had been with him while describing about her own losses.

"But... but you’re strong. You could help Konoha! You could save people like you couldn’t before—"

Mitsuha tried to intervene but she flinched as the killing instinct spread around the little shop. She covered Nao with her own chakra to help her from the backlash. She sighed internally realizing that she would have to let her father have this conversation. He was able to convince her once.

"Save people?!" Tsunade's voice rose in a furious shout. "Do you have any idea how many people I tried to save and failed? How many friends I watched die, and I couldn’t do anything about it?! Being strong doesn’t bring them back, Naruto!"

Naruto’s hands curled into fists, frustration bubbling over. He couldn’t understand. Konoha was everything—how could she just abandon it? How could she let those losses define her?

"You’re just running away! Is that why you left? Because you’re scared?!" His voice cracked with desperation. "Konoha needs you!"

"Don’t you dare!" Tsunade growled, her body shaking with fury. "I’m not running away. I’m done with that village. I won’t let it take anything else from me."

Naruto’s heart raced, his pulse thundering in his ears. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. This was Tsunade, the legendary sannin, the one everyone respected and feared. But the more she spoke, the more she sounded broken. Weak.

“You’re wrong! You’re wrong about everything!” He shouted, tears of frustration pooling in his eyes.

“You are running away! The village didn’t take your family; They gave up their life protecting the village! It is people like you who make light of their sacrifices. I’m not giving up. I’ll protect everyone in Konoha, and I’ll do it as Hokage!”

Tsunade flinched; her mind suddenly flooded with memories. Nawaki, with his wide smile, telling her he’d become Hokage and protect the village. Dan, holding her hand, talking about bringing peace as the Hokage. Their faces. Their dreams. Gone.

For a second, her resolve wavered, but the bitterness and grief surged back, hardening her expression. “You sound just like him,” she said quietly, almost too softly for Naruto to hear. “Just like Nawaki.” Her voice trembled with rage as she continued, “But dreaming doesn’t keep people alive! You’ll just die like they did.”

Naruto’s tears spilled over now, his face flushed with anger and sorrow. “I’m not like Nawaki! I’m not gonna die!” His voice rose in determination. “I’m going to become Hokage, and I’ll protect everyone—our family, the village, even you!”

Tsunade’s eyes flashed with pain, and for a split second, Naruto saw something flicker behind her eyes. But before he could say anything more, Tsunade turned abruptly, storming away from the table.

“I don’t care what you do!” she shouted over her shoulder; her voice thick with unresolved grief. “I’m not going back. You can waste your life chasing that dream, but I won’t be part of it!”

Naruto reached out instinctively, his hand grasping at nothing as she slammed the door shut. “Baa-chan!” he shouted desperately, but Tsunade didn’t look back.

Behind him, Mitsuha watched quietly, her heart heavy. She knew what it was like to lose everything she held dear. She also agreed that the darkness which is prevalent in every hidden village was the reason behind her loss.

Even though she had eliminated Danzo, there is no guarantee that another one won’t pop up. There is no assurance that another Itachi or Shisui won’t be sacrificed for the ‘benefit of the village’. Another Kakashi who drowned in his sorrow and alcohol, blamed for things out of his control. Another Naruto to be made scapegoat for something he had no choice in. Hidden villages always attract the worse type of evil in them and it’s almost always children who suffer the most.

Shizune sighed softly, knowing Tsunade needed to be alone with her memories. "She’ll come around, Naruto," Shizune said gently, trying to comfort him. But Naruto, staring at the closed door where Tsunade had stormed off, only cried harder.

Kakashi looked at the dejected teen curled up on the futon, his teammates hovering around, unsure of what to say or do. He had expected something like this to happen, which was why he had wanted to keep Naruto and Tsunade apart for as long as possible.

But Mitsuha… she had let it happen. His eyes flickered over to her, standing rigid by the door, her face a storm of emotions. For some reason, a sharp annoyance welled up in him. She could’ve stopped it. She should have stopped it.

The silence in the room was suffocating, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Sakura knelt beside Naruto, her hand resting gently on his shoulder, her voice soft. “Naruto… it’s going to be okay.”

Naruto didn’t respond. His face was hidden in his arms, his body trembling slightly. His sobs were muffled but heartbreaking.

Sasuke stood near the wall, arms crossed, his face expressionless, but even he looked uncertain. He glanced between Mitsuha and Kakashi, as if waiting for one of them to break the silence.

Finally, Kakashi sighed, the irritation bubbling over. He turned toward Mitsuha, his voice low but sharp. “You should have stopped them.”

Mitsuha flinched, her fists clenching at her sides. She didn’t meet his eyes. “I thought… I thought maybe Naruto could change her mind.”

“And instead, look what happened,” Kakashi snapped, his voice rising slightly. “You knew where that conversation was heading. You know of her temper. You know her pain, and yet you let Naruto walk straight into it.”

Mitsuha’s head shot up, her eyes blazing with guilt and anger. “Do you think I wanted this?!” Her voice was shaking, frustration evident.

“I didn’t let it happen on purpose! I just… I just thought maybe Naruto could reach her in a way no one else could. He can change people! He’s changed us!” She took a step closer to Kakashi, her emotions pouring out. “I didn’t want to take that chance away from him!”

Kakashi shook his head, his own frustration boiling over. “This isn’t about you or Naruto’s so called abilities. It’s about protecting him from getting hurt like this! You should’ve known better, Mitsuha. You’ve been through enough to see where it was going.”

Mitsuha’s face twisted with guilt and pain, her voice breaking. “I didn’t… I didn’t think it would turn out like this.” Her gaze flickered toward Naruto, his small frame still shaking with silent sobs. The guilt weighed down on her like a boulder, crushing her under its weight.

“You should have,” Kakashi said coldly.

Mitsuha’s breath caught in her throat, and for a second, her anger flared. “You think you can protect everyone, Kakashi? You think that by controlling everything, you’ll stop all the pain? It doesn’t work like that!”

Her voice grew louder, her emotions spilling over. “Naruto needed to confront this! He needs to understand that the world isn’t just going to fall into place because he wants it to!”

Kakashi narrowed his eye, his voice dangerously calm. “There’s a difference between letting him face reality and throwing him into a situation where he’s doomed to get hurt.”

Mitsuha’s hands trembled as she gritted her teeth. “You don’t think I know that?!”

The room was tense, the air thick with the weight of their argument. Sakura looked up, eyes wide, as if she wanted to intervene but didn’t know how. Even Sasuke shifted uncomfortably, sensing the building tension.

Finally, Mitsuha couldn’t take it anymore. With a frustrated growl, she turned on her heel and slammed the door behind her as she stormed out, leaving the room in stunned silence.

Naruto flinched at the sound of the door slamming, curling up tighter. “I’m sorry…” His voice was small, muffled against his arms. “I’m sorry I made you mad, Kakashi nii. I didn’t mean to make Mitsuha and you fight…”

Kakashi’s heart softened at the sight of Naruto’s tear-streaked face, his frustration melting away as quickly as it had come. He sighed and crouched down next to his student, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder. “Naruto, it’s not your fault.”

Naruto shook his head, his voice cracking. “But I—”

“No, listen to me,” Kakashi said firmly, but kindly. “This isn’t on you. I overreacted, and Mitsuha… well, she’s just as upset as you are. None of this is your fault.”

“But you and Nee chan—” Naruto started, tears pooling in his eyes again.

Kakashi gave him a small smile, even though it didn’t reach his eye. “We’ll be fine, Naruto. Mitsuha and I just have different ways of looking at things. We both want to protect you in our own way. We just… don’t always agree on how to do that.”

Naruto’s lower lip trembled. “I didn’t mean to cause so much trouble…”

Kakashi sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Naruto, you didn’t cause anything. Mitsuha should have known when to stop that conversation. And I should’ve been more understanding. But this was never on you.”

Sakura spoke up quietly, her voice filled with warmth. “Kakashi-sensei is right, Naruto. You did nothing wrong.”

Naruto wiped his eyes, still looking dejected. “But Mitsuha—”

“She’ll be fine,” Kakashi interrupted gently. “She just needs some time. And so do you.”

Naruto nodded weakly, still trying to process everything.

Mitsuha sighed, her eyes tracing the fading hues of the evening sky. She was man enough to admit she royally fucked up. While it is true that Naruto had managed to change the mind of the sannin once, she hadn’t realised how much pain it bought him.

Kakashi had been right, and instead of apologizing to the kid, she’d stormed off like a fool, dragging everyone into her own frustrations. She had let her prejudice get the better of her, and now Naruto was paying the price.

Tou-chan, what would you have done? she thought, wishing desperately for Naruto, he always knew what was the best thing to do.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Tsunade dropped down beside her with a heavy sigh. Mitsuha tensed, feeling the anger bubbling beneath her skin. Just because she felt guilty didn’t mean she wasn’t furious with the Sannin. She kept her temper, not wanting to cause another scene.

“What does a child like him know about loss?” Tsunade’s voice cut through the silence, cold and dismissive. “He sees everything through rose-coloured glasses, tainted by propaganda.”

Mitsuha's blood boiled. She’s asking for it, she thought. Screw not making a scene.

Mitsuha snapped her head toward the Sannin, her eyes blazing with fury. “What do you know?” she spat; her voice low but venomous.

Tsunade’s eyes widened, clearly taken aback by the ferocity in Mitsuha’s voice. “Excuse me?”

Mitsuha stood up abruptly, her fists clenched. “Sure, you lost your brother and your lover, and you’ve been carrying that weight for years. But grow up! The world doesn’t revolve around your losses.”

Tsunade stood swiftly, her chakra flaring. Faster than Mitsuha could react, the Sannin’s fist connected with her jaw. The force of the punch sent her staggering back, tasting blood on her lip. The pain barely registered as her fury took over.

“Watch your mouth, brat!” Tsunade roared, raising her fist threateningly.

Mitsuha’s hands flew up instinctively, and in a flash, Fubuki materialized, standing protectively in front of her, growling low at the Sannin. Tsunade hesitated, her eyes flicking to the massive polar bear's sharp teeth, taking a step back in uncertainty.

In that moment, it wasn’t words that spoke anymore—it was their fists, their bodies, their chakra. Mitsuha ducked under Tsunade’s next swing and retaliated with a punch of her own, landing it square on the Sannin’s stomach, Fubuki keeping the Sannin away from her. Tsunade stumbled back, shocked by the force.

But Tsunade came back swinging, and Mitsuha barely had time to block before the ground beneath her cracked from the impact of Tsunade’s punch. She felt her bones strain under the pressure, but she didn’t care. Not about the pain, not about the outcome. She just wanted Tsunade to feel it.

Mitsuha didn’t stop, the words pouring out like a dam had burst. “What do you know about losses, Tsunade-sama? Have you ever been hunted, picked off like prey? Have you ever gone to sleep not knowing if you’d wake up the next day, or if you’d be dead before morning?”

Her voice shook as lightning began to crackle around her fingertips, the chakra surging wildly as her emotions spiralled out of control. Tsunade’s hands glowed with chakra in response, preparing for a fight.

Warriors don’t talk with words but rather their fists. Her tou-chan had told her a long time ago. She could feel the desperation in Tsunade’s punches and she made sure to give equally back with her own.

She knew there was no chance of her winning this fight without alerting anyone but she just wanted to punch her. Out of everyone, Tsunade might be one of the only people who could take her anger and still stand.

She didn’t even feel the tears streaming down her face as she raged on, her voice breaking with emotion.

“Do you know what it’s like to lose everything—your family, your friends, your entire village—because of someone else’s ambition? Do you know what it feels like to watch the people you love be slaughtered in front of you while you stand there, helpless, hoping for death just to end the pain?”

Mitsuha’s voice broke as she let the chakra fade, the lightning disappearing from her arms. Her chest heaved as she dropped back onto Fubuki’s strong, furry body, the weight of her words sinking in. Her voice was a whisper now, full of sorrow and exhaustion.

“And Naruto… What does he know about loss?” Mitsuha let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. “You must be joking. That boy has lost more than any of us could ever imagine, and he doesn’t even know the half of it.”

Tsunade flinched, visibly shaken. Mitsuha had no pity for her. The red head looked wearily as the sannin sat down in front of her, guilt overflowing her brown eyes.

“The first time I met him, he was being beaten by villagers—to death.” Her voice was sharp, slicing through the silence. “Konoha wronged him in every way imaginable, and still, all he wants is to be Hokage. All he wants is to protect the village that hates him.”

Tears pricked at the corners of Mitsuha’s eyes, her voice wavering with emotion. “That kid is stronger than any of us, not because of his power, but because he refuses to give up. So don’t you dare talk down to him like he’s some naive child. You don’t know him. You don’t know us.”

Silence fell between them, the tension crackling in the air. Mitsuha could see the weight of her words sinking in, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. She was too tired—too exhausted from carrying the burden of her own losses.

“Get out of my sight,” Mitsuha finally muttered, her voice barely audible.

Tsunade didn’t argue. She stood slowly, casting one last glance at Mitsuha before walking away, her head bowed in shame.

As soon as she was out of sight, Mitsuha let herself collapse completely into Fubuki’s fur. And in the quiet of the evening, Mitsuha wept—alone with her pain, her regrets, and the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Sasuke tsked as he tried to heal the Mitsuha’s ribs who hissed in pain at the prodding. Naruto hovered around worried out of his mind.

“Out of all the people to pick a fight with, you chose one of the legendary sannin.” Sakura remarked with a shake of his head.

Kakashi nodded agreeing with his pink haired student. He refused to admit how terrified he had been when he opened the door to their room to find Mitsuha trying to crawl in through the window with groans of pain.

Quickly pulling her in, he frowned as he saw the giant bruise on her on her face. That must be so painful. He asked confused.

“What happened?” Mitsuha smiled and immediately winced in pain. “I decided that I needed to punch Tsunade in the face. She decided that she needed to break a couple of bones. It was consensual.”

Kakashi sighed and shook his head, forcing the girl to lay down before she agitates any more wounds and brushed a hand through her hair and whispered.

“I’ll go get Sasuke, don’t move.” Mitsuha closed her eyes and sighed. “Couldn’t even if I want to.”

A little while later and a tearful Naruto trying to hug his cousin without making her injuries worse, Sasuke had almost healed all of her broken bones.

Mitsuha let out a low chuckle, though it quickly turned into a groan. “Yeah, picking a fight with a person who is known to leave fissures my size was probably wasn’t my smartest move.”

Sasuke rolled his eyes as he applied more chakra to her side. "And now you're paying for it. Hold still."

The red head grimaced as Sasuke hit a particularly sore spot but gave Kakashi a defiant look. "But she was asking for it," she muttered. "Talking about Naruto like that... like he doesn’t know what loss is. I just... lost it."

Kakashi’s eyes sharpened at the words. He knelt beside his partner. “What do you mean?”

"She insulted Naruto," Mitsuha said quietly, her voice shaking as she relived the argument. "Tsunade-sama—she was talking like Naruto doesn't know anything about loss. About pain. She acted like she's the only one who’s ever suffered. I couldn’t stand it. I couldn't just... stay quiet."

Naruto's fists clenched, trembling. "B-but you didn’t have to fight her! Mitsuha-nee!" His voice cracked, his concern overtaking his frustration.

Mitsuha closed her eyes, a wave of shame crashing over her. "I know, Naruto. I know. I’m so sorry. I should’ve stopped it before it got out of hand. I should’ve stopped her from saying those hurtful things to you instead of letting you handle it. I have failed you, Naruto."

Naruto’s tears spilled over as he crouched beside the bed, gripping her hand tightly. "You’re the one hurt now, though. All ‘cause of me. You didn’t have to—”

"Stop." Mitsuha's voice was firm, though her tone softened almost immediately. She struggled to sit up, Sasuke and Kakashi quickly holding her steady. Her hand trembled as she reached for Naruto's cheek, wiping his tears away.

"I’ll always fight for you. For any of you. No matter who it is. I won’t let anyone hurt my family—even if it means taking a beating myself."

Naruto shook his head, fresh tears spilling over. "But I don’t want you to get hurt for me! I-I can handle it!"

Mitsuha smiled weakly. "I know you can. But I’m your big sister. That means something. I’ll stand in front of any punch, even if it’s Tsunade's."

There was a brief silence before Sasuke, who had been quietly working on healing her, let out an exasperated sigh. "You’re an idiot, Mitsuha."

She blinked at him, taken aback by his bluntness.

"You're reckless, impulsive, and you act without thinking." He finished healing the last of her bruises and stood up, looking down at her with a frown.

"But you're also our idiot." He poked her lightly on the forehead, a ghost of a smirk tugging at his lips. "So, stop thinking we don't trust you. We're a team. We’ve got your back, stupid nee-san."

Sakura nodded in agreement, a soft smile on her face. "He's right. You’re always looking out for us. We might not be as strong as you right now, but one day, we want to stand in front of you to protect you as well, Mitsuha nee.”

She paused, then added with a teasing grin, "Though picking a fight with a Sannin was... brave? Or maybe just really dumb."

Mitsuha groaned. "Yeah, well, just because she can heal bones doesn’t mean she should break them for fun."

Kakashi, who had been watching the exchange quietly, finally spoke up, his voice. "I overreacted earlier, Mitsuha. I... I was upset at not being there and putting a stop to it, and I took it out on you. I’m sorry for shouting, for losing my temper."

Mitsuha’s heart squeezed painfully at his words. She bit her lip, looking down. "I… I don’t deserve to lead them anymore, Kakashi. I let my emotions get the better of me, and I put them in danger. I understand if you don’t trust me with them anymore."

Sasuke tsked and poked her in the ribs, making her wince. "Stupid. No one said we don’t trust you. One fight doesn’t erase everything you've done for us."

Naruto nodded fiercely. "You’re part of our team, Mitsuha-nee! And when I become Hokage, I’m gonna make Tsunade change her mind about Konoha! Believe it!"

Sakura smiled warmly. "We're a team, Mitsuha-nee. And teams don’t give up on each other."

Kakashi sat beside Mitsuha and, much to everyone’s surprise, pulled her onto his lap, gently stroking her hair.

"We’re all here for each other," he said quietly, his voice full of warmth. "Those who abandon their friends are worse than scum, remember?" He smiled widely at his family.

"We’re all forgiven tonight, okay? Let’s put this behind us."

Naruto, his tears now mostly dried, took a deep breath and looked around at his teammates, his voice filled with determination. "I’ll change her mind," he said again. "Just trust me."

Sasuke nodded, his face calm but resolute. "We’re with you."

Sakura smiled, full of confidence as she jumped onto the boys with glee, making a genin pile beside Kakashi who sighed at the antics. "We’re a team. And we’ll make it happen."

Kakashi looked at the pile of kids, his pride for each of his students swelling in his chest. "All right, then," he said, his voice light. “No more drama for tonight. Let’s all get some rest. We’ll figure things out tomorrow.”

Mitsuha, her head resting on Kakashi’s lap, smiled softly as her eyes began to close, the exhaustion finally catching up to her. "I’m so proud of you guys," she whispered. "You three are going to change the world."

Maybe if I asked nicely, the universe would give me a fucking break, Kakashi thinks sarcastically as he looked at the door which was kicked open by none other than the blonde sannin who was accompanied by Shizune and Nao.

The genin who were sleeping curled around Mitsuha was now on guard as they tried their best to hide their injured teammate from the perpetrator’s gaze. Tsunade sighed and pushed aside Kakashi and plucked surprised Sakura out of the way and knelt beside Mitsuha. She grabbed the red head’s chin and turned it around to the swollen bruise and started healing it.

“Oi, what do you think you’re doing?” Naruto shouted while Sasuke held him back from pouncing on the sannin’s back. Tsunade’s voice was sharp as she glared at Naruto, her hands glowing with the green light of healing chakra. "I’m fixing what I broke. Now shut up and let me work."

Sasuke kept his hand firmly on Naruto's shoulder, though his dark eyes were watching every move the Sannin made. Sakura, still surprised by how easily she had been plucked aside, stayed silent albeit a bit annoyed.

Tsunade worked in silence, the glow from her hands softening the bruises on Mitsuha’s face. Mitsuha, to her credit, didn’t flinch—though her eyes remained closed. Then she moved on to her ribs and exclaimed in surprise.

“You do Iryō, red?” Mitsuha shook her head and replied. “I have a very talented med nin in my team.” Tsunade looked at Sakura immediately who shook her head and pointed at Sasuke.

“Oh! An Uchiha medic, well, I’ll be damned.” Tsunade smirked. Sasuke didn’t know if it was a compliment or an insult so he wisely chose to stay quiet.

After a few minutes, Tsunade finally sat back, wiping her brow. "There. Shouldn’t be any lasting damage."

Mitsuha opened her eyes and blinked at Tsunade, momentarily confused. "Thanks… I think."

The Sannin snorted, standing up and folding her arms. "Don’t get too sentimental, kid.” But despite her rough words, there was an odd warmth in her tone.

Naruto, still fuming, couldn’t hold back any longer. "You didn’t have to hit her in the first place!"

Tsunade turned to face him, her expression softening slightly, though there was still a heaviness to her gaze.

“That is true but hitting red over there showed me that I have been wallowing in my own pity party for too long and the world has moved on while I stubbornly clung to my past.” The blonde-haired woman looked far away as if lost in thought before a gentle smile graced her face.

"Naruto, listen. I am not promising anything. I still can’t see Konoha as my home. Too much has happened, and I can’t just let it all go." She sighed, her shoulders drooping ever so slightly. "But maybe, when you’re Hokage, I might reconsider."

Naruto’s anger faltered, his eyes widening in surprise. "Baa-chan…"

She gave him a small, tired smile. "Don’t make that face, kid. You’ve got a long way to go before that happens, but I’ve got faith in you. However," Her gaze shifted back to Mitsuha, then to Kakashi. "For the time being, Shizune, Nao, and I are planning to leave the village. Once the Hokage approves Nao’s immigration, we’ll meet up again. Not in Fire country though."

Kakashi, catching the implication, stepped forward. "We’re heading to Uzushio soon, actually. We’ve got a mission there. Maybe you could drop by and Nao can travel with us to Konoha?"

Tsunade nodded thoughtfully. "That could work. Uzushio, huh? I’ll stop by. It’s probably safer for Nao to travel with you anyway."

She glanced at the quiet Uzumaki girl beside Shizune, who gave them a shy smile.

As the room settled into an awkward quiet, Tsunade turned her attention back to Mitsuha. A slow, approving smirk tugged at her lips. "You’re alright in my book, Red. Not many people have the guts to go toe-to-toe with me and live to tell the tale."

Mitsuha rolled her eyes, wincing slightly as she shifted. "Just because I survived doesn’t mean I want a round two anytime soon."

Tsunade chuckled, crossing her arms again. "Smart girl."

Naruto, still processing everything, clenched his fists. "But you’re still leaving?"

Tsunade sighed and gave him a long look. "For now. There’s a lot I need to figure out. But I meant what I said, kid. When you’re Hokage, we’ll talk."

Naruto’s determination flared in his eyes as he nodded, "I’ll hold you to that."

Tsunade smiled faintly. "I’m sure you will." She glanced back at Kakashi, her tone softening once more. "Take care of these kids, Kakashi. They’re something special."

With a final glance around the room, Tsunade straightened and motioned for Shizune and Nao to follow. As they reached the door, Tsunade paused and turned back to Mitsuha one last time. "And kid? Next time you feel like throwing a punch, pick someone who doesn’t hit back quite so hard."

Mitsuha groaned, rubbing her face. "Yeah, noted."

As the door shut behind the Sannin and her group, the tension in the room seemed to finally lift. Naruto slumped back onto the floor, looking drained.

“Holy shit, that just happened!”

“Naruto, language.”

“Sakura chan, we just survived a sannin. I think I am allowed some curses.”

There was a long, shared silence before Sakura let out a snort, breaking the quiet.

"Okay, can we all just take a second to appreciate the fact that we survived a Sannin?"

Sasuke huffed, crossing his arms. "We! Mitsuha did most of the heavy lifting. And by heavy lifting, I mean getting her ribs shattered."

"Hey!" Mitsuha protested, though she was smiling.

Naruto was quick to join in. "Yeah, between Mitsuha-nee’s zero self-preservation instinct, Sasuke’s pyromania, and Sakura’s glee in punching people at the wrong time—"

"Hey!" Sakura piped up indignantly, though a smile tugged at her lips.

"—I’m surprised Kakashi-sensei hasn’t had a heart attack yet," Naruto finished, grinning.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, leaning back against the wall as he looked at his students, clearly amused. "Well, let’s just say if this keeps up, you’ll all give me even more grey hairs than I already have. And I’d like to live peacefully a little longer, thank you."

Sasuke smirked. "How are we not in the Bingo Book yet? How disappointing."

Kakashi chuckled, shaking his head. "When you guys get your pages in the Bingo book, I’m officially retiring. I can’t handle the idea of keeping an eye on a bunch of international criminals on top of your… eccentricities." His voice was dry but laced with amusement.

"Retiring?" Mitsuha laughed, though she winced as she shifted her sore ribs. "Yeah, good luck with that, I give you six months tops before you die from migraines."

Sakura narrowed her eyes playfully. "I don’t throw punches that often."

"Girl, you literally tried to punch a bandit who was already unconscious last week," Naruto deadpanned.

"Details!" Sakura crossed her arms, pouting as the others burst into laughter.

Kakashi, still chuckling, rubbed his temple dramatically. "You know, I actually think I am starting to feel a headache coming on just from this conversation."

Mitsuha, lying back down on the floor, grinned up at the silver haired man. "Aw, come on, Kakashi! You love us!"

Kakashi tilted his head, his visible eye crinkling with a smile, pointedly looking at Mitsuha. "Yeah, yeah, I do. But I’d love you a little more if you weren’t actively trying to get yourselves killed."

Sakura snorted. "Look at the bright side: at least we’re entertaining."

Kakashi laughed softly, rustled her hair. "I’m not sure if ‘entertaining’ is the word I’d use. But I suppose I wouldn’t have it any other way."

Naruto, grinning like a fool, rolled over onto his stomach. "So, we’re all officially forgiven, right?"

"Absolutely," Kakashi nodded. "But, just to be clear, I’m never letting any of you annoy a Sannin again."

Chapter Text

Sakura knew it was no coincidence that their last day in the Land of Fireflies fell on the day of the Hotaru no Obon, the Festival of the Dead. She was intrigued from the second that one of the cooks at the inn told them the story of fireflies descending from the mountains, carrying the souls of the deceased so they could briefly interact with the living.

Adjusting the soft pink yukata that the boys had bought for her, she reached out to hold Mitsuha’s hand who smiled warmly at her.

"Are you excited?" Mitsuha asked softly, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. She nodded eagerly and replied.

“This is the first time that I’m attending a festival away from home. It feels so different.”

Mitsuha’s eyes softened as she looked at the young girl, but before she could reply, a commotion behind them drew both their attention.

Kakashi was busy wrangling the two boys—Naruto and Sasuke—into their own yukatas. "Stop squirming, Naruto," Kakashi sighed as he tugged at the fabric, trying to make it sit properly on Naruto’s shoulders. "You’ll tear it before we even leave."

"I can’t help it, Sensei! This thing’s itchy!" Naruto whined, hopping from one foot to the other in his bright orange yukata.

Sasuke stood beside him in a dark blue yukata, arms crossed and scowling. "Do you ever stop complaining, Naruto? It’s just clothes."

"Yeah, well, maybe you like suffocating in all this fabric, but I—"

"Would you two calm down?" Kakashi groaned, pulling the waistband of Naruto’s yukata tighter. "You’re both going to start another war if you keep this up. We’re here for the festival, not to cause another scene."

Sakura giggled at the sight. Kakashi’s usual cool demeanor had clearly taken a hit trying to manage the two boys. Mitsuha chuckled beside her, amused by their antics.

Naruto finally stopped bouncing around and turned to look at Sakura and Mitsuha. "Hey, hey, Sakura! Mitsuha nee! You both look so pretty. Do I look pretty? Is it worth it?”

Sakura’s giggles turned into a full laugh as Naruto spun in place, making a show of his bright orange yukata. "You look… uh, very bright," she teased, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Mitsuha smirked, nudging Sakura playfully. "You look… energetic, Naruto. It suits you."

Naruto puffed up his chest with pride, flashing a grin that could rival the brightness of his clothes. "Energetic! See, Sasuke, I look good!"

Sasuke rolled his eyes. "If by ‘good’ you mean you look like a walking flame, then sure."

Naruto stuck out his tongue. "Whatever, you're just jealous I stand out more than you."

"Yeah, because standing out is always a good thing," Sasuke muttered sarcastically under his breath, but Sakura could see the corners of his mouth twitch upward.

Kakashi, watching the exchange, pinched the bridge of his nose. "And here I was hoping for a peaceful night."

Mitsuha chuckled and patted Kakashi’s arm.

"Let’s eat!" Naruto exclaimed, already dragging Sasuke toward the nearest food stand. "Come on, Sasuke! They’ve got takoyaki!"

Sasuke, looking like he was being dragged to his doom, begrudgingly followed. "Naruto, if you get sauce on that yukata, Kakashi’s going to lose it."

Mitsuha laughed at the silver haired man’s exasperated look. She handed Sakura some money and nudged her along.

“Keep an eye on the boys, ok? And please make sure Naruto doesn’t eat so much that he gets a stomach ache.”

The pink haired girl bobbed her head and rushed to her teammates, bonking them both on the head for good measure. Mitsuha linked her hand through Kakashi’s and smiled at the man.

“Come on papa wolf, the kids will be fine on their own for a while.”

Kakashi sighed, watching as Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura disappeared into the bustling crowd. Papa wolf, huh?" Kakashi smiled fondly, raising an eyebrow at Mitsuha but not pulling his hand away.

Mitsuha grinned. "You’re more protective than you’d like to admit."

Kakashi chuckled softly. "If they get into trouble, I’m blaming you for letting them loose."

Mitsuha looked around and smiled. It has been so long since she has seen the hustle and bustle of a festival. She smiled fondly as she remembered the last one she had attended.

"Last festival I went to, I was on a date."

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement creeping into his expression. "Oh? And who was the lucky guy?"

"Gai," Mitsuha grinned.

Kakashi winced dramatically, rubbing the back of his neck. "Gai? Really? Oh yeah, I remember him coming by the next day. Maaa, that seems like years ago! A lot happened that day..."

She smiled. “And that’s also when I met Naruto for the first time. Did you know, I was totally planning getting laid that night.” Kakashi laughed a bit and said.

“Yea sure, you definitely would not have gotten laid. It’s Gai we are talking about. He will shout about youthfulness and a maiden's honor and challenge you to start doing push ups in the middle of making out.”

Mitsuha shrugged and smiled. “Hey, one can never know. Besides, can you blame me, he is ripped.” Kakashi glanced at her and pouted. “Should I be jealous that you are attracted to Gai?”

She smirked and poked his shoulder. “Jealous? Oh please, you know you’re my favourite old man.”

Kakashi let out an exaggerated sigh, feigning offense. “Old man, huh? I’m not that much older than you.”

“You’re ancient,” she teased, sticking out her tongue playfully.

He rolled his eyes, chuckling under his breath. “I’m still in my prime, thank you very much.”

They continued to walk through the stalls, pausing occasionally to look at trinkets or grab some food. Mitsuha stopped in front of one of the small game stalls, a look of amusement crossing her face as she spotted a ring toss game.

“I’ll bet I can win one of those prizes before you,” she said, a hint of mischief in her voice.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by the challenge. “Is that so? Are we placing a wager on this?”

Mitsuha smirked, leaning in slightly. “If I win, you owe me a dance.”

“And if I win?” Kakashi asked, his voice smooth, the glint in his eye showed he was fully on board with the game.

Mitsuha paused, pretending to think about it before flashing him a grin. “Then you still owe me a dance.”

Kakashi let out a soft laugh, shaking his head as he handed the vendor a few coins for the game. “Maa, I suppose I can’t argue with that.”

They each took turns throwing the rings, with Mitsuha narrowly beating Kakashi by getting one more ring around the target than he did. She twirled the prize—a small stuffed dog—which she proudly gifted Kakashi, her face lit up with satisfaction.

“Looks like I won after all,” she said, her tone victorious.

Kakashi smiled, a soft look in his eyes as he glanced at her. “I’d say I’m the one who won.”

Mitsuha blinked in surprise at the unexpected sentiment, her cheeks flushing slightly. She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, Kakashi gently took her hand and led her toward the quieter part of the festival, where a small group of people were dancing under the lanterns.

“You wanted a dance, right?” Kakashi said, his voice softer now as they stopped near the edge of the dancing circle.

Mitsuha blinked, her heart suddenly racing. “You’re actually going to dance with me?”

Kakashi shrugged nonchalantly, and he pulled her closer was deliberate, his hands resting lightly at her waist. “Why not? It’s a festival, after all.”

They moved slowly, swaying gently in time with the music. Mitsuha could feel the warmth of Kakashi’s hands through the fabric of her yukata, and her heart beating so fast and loud as she met his gaze.

“You’re full of surprises, Kakashi,” Mitsuha teased, though her voice was softer now, almost shy.

Kakashi’s gaze softened, a small, affectionate smile tugging at the corners of his lips. Eventually, the music slowed, and Kakashi gently pulled back, though he kept his hand in hers as they stepped away from the crowd.

They left the bustling heart of the festival, both feeling overwhelmed by the number of civilians around them, Kakashi and Mitsuha walked side by side through the quieter streets, sharing a plate of dango between them.

Mitsuha adjusted her yukata, sneaking a glance at Kakashi as they strolled. It felt natural, being with him like this. Almost too natural, she mused. Like they’d been walking side by side for years. Her thoughts drifted as she wondered how her fathers might react if they saw her now, hand in hand with Kakashi.

Her papa would probably understand, maybe even approve. He had always been the calm one despite what others thought. Tou chan had claimed that papa had mellowed out in his later years. But Tou chan... a small giggle bubbled up at the thought. He was the son of the red-hot habanero after all.

Kakashi raised an eyebrow at the sound. “What’s funny?”

Mitsuha laughed softly, shaking her head. “I was just imagining what it’d be like if my parents met you.”

“Oh?” Kakashi’s lips curled in a small smile. His expression softened as he added, “You know, my dad... he would’ve loved you. He always wanted me to find someone who could see past the annoying brat that I was and understand me.”

Mitsuha smiled, feeling the warmth in Kakashi’s words. "I think he would’ve been proud of you. He raised a good man.”

As they walked through the forest to the hiking spot that the inn keeper had mentioned, fireflies hovered around the trees, their tiny bodies twinkling like stars in the dusky evening.

Mitsuha slowed her steps, taking in the peacefulness of the scene. “It’s beautiful here,” she whispered, her voice almost carried away by the breeze.

Kakashi didn’t respond right away. His gaze was fixed on the tiny bugs, their soft glow pulling at something deep inside him.

“I wonder if they are looking after us.” His voice trailed off. Mitsuha glanced up at him, catching the faraway look in his eye.

“Minato-sensei,” Kakashi finally said. “He and Kushina nee once took me to a festival, back when I was still young. I didn’t understand the point of it at the time, it wasn’t training. All the laughter, the celebration, the way they enjoyed such simple things… it seemed so... small compared to everything else we were dealing with.”

Mitsuha’s grip on his hand tightened, offering quiet support.

Kakashi’s voice softened as he continued. “But they were so happy. I remember watching them watch the fireworks—Minato with his arm around Kushina, smiling like it was the best night of their lives. I thought it was ridiculous back then. But now…” He exhaled slowly, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips. “I’d give anything to have one more night like that with them.”

Mitsuha felt her heart ache at the quiet grief in his words. She glanced at the lights of the festival below the mountain, their soft glow reflecting off the lake, and suddenly, her own memories surfaced.

“I remember a time when time I was at a festival before everything went to shit…” she began, her voice barely above a whisper, “I was with my Tou chan and Papa. I was small so I don’t remember much. My Tou chan and I ate so much we practically passed out, and Papa had to carry us home. I remember waking up in the middle of the night, still in his arms, listening to the sound of the crickets and the gentle breeze. It was... it was one of the last happy nights before everything went wrong."

Kakashi looked down at her, his expression softening. His thumb brushed the back of her hand gently, comforting.

“I have something for you,” The silver haired man said after a beat, his smile widening slightly as he reached into his yukata and pulled out a small, delicate hairpin shaped like a cherry blossom. “I figured something like this would suit you.”

Mitsuha’s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. “Kakashi, this is… it’s beautiful.”

“Perfect,” he murmured softly, leaning down slightly as he tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear, placing the pin gently into her hair. Kissing her forehead, he pulled back with a fond smile.

“We’ll make more memories,” Kakashi said, his voice low. “Better ones. For all of us.”

Mitsuha’s lips curved into a small, fragile smile, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “Yeah,” she agreed softly.

Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke found a quiet spot away from the crowd, sitting in a semi-circle on a grassy knoll. The blonde was patting his stomach satisfied and smiled at the sky.

“You know, this is my first festival.” Sakura paused chewing on her candy and asked. “What do you mean, we have festivals in Konoha?”

Naruto smiled at laid down on Sasuke’s lap, much to the indignation of the Uchiha. He chuckled and replied.

“The fox brat isn’t welcome during festivals Sakura chan.” he replied with a teasing grin.

He hummed at his frozen teammates and continued. “One time, I used a henge to go see. Some chunin found me and beat me up. So, I just stayed clear of festivals. I usually hid out in the Forest of death or the Nara Forest. Shikamaru usually brings me food when I camp in their clan grounds.”

Sasuke stiffened and sighed, threading his fingers through the blonde strands. “I usually avoid festivals too. Reminds me of the time when my family used to go to those. I just spend my time training or visiting the burial grounds.”

Sakura smiled, moving to lay her head on Sasuke’s shoulder. “I had to attend all the festivals because my parents made a lot of connections during those events. It was a lot of fun when Ino was there with me, but the last couple of years have been… what do you say… troublesome.”

The genin chuckled at the familiar drawl and cuddled closer when a cold breeze swept near them. Sakura smiled, taking in the sights and sounds of the festival with a slight shiver. “Being here with both of you makes it special.”

Naruto, noticing her discomfort, sat up and draped his arm around her shoulders. “See? Teamwork!” he said with a playful grin.

Sasuke rolled his eyes but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re such an idiot, Naruto.”

“Yeah, but I’m your idiot,” Naruto shot back, causing Sakura to giggle.

Sakura chuckled, a playful glint in her eyes. “You know Sasuke, when Ino finds out we attended a festival together, she’s going to be tearing her hair out!!! She’s not even going to care Naruto was also here…”

Naruto shivered, prompting Sasuke to move closer to his teammates.

“I still remember you both almost beating me up for kissing Sasuke that day. Ino put the fear of god in me.” Sakura blushed and defended.

“Well, it was his first kiss and I was one of his biggest fan girls so…” Sasuke smiled as he played with strands of pink hair. “Oh, so you are not anymore?”

Sakura poked her tongue out in a teasing way. “After seeing you drool in your sleep, steal the blankets and act like a diva, I am now Naruto’s number one fangirl.” Sasuke chuckled as Naruto cheered.

Sasuke smirked, leaning back on his hands. “Well, she never had a chance with me anyway,” he replied casually, a hint of amusement dancing in his usually stoic demeanour.

Naruto’s curiosity piqued as he leaned forward. “What’s your type, Teme? Do you even have one?”

Sasuke shrugged, contemplating the question. “No clue. I never thought about dating. But I can see myself comfortably dating you.”

Sakura hummed in a curious way. “Me or Naruto?” Sasuke shrugged. “Both, I can’t see one without another.”

Naruto and Sakura exchanged surprised glances before bursting into laughter. “So, you’d settle for both of us, huh? Hard to not get offended, Teme,” Naruto teased, poking Sasuke’s side.

“Who says I’m settling?” Sasuke shot back, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “In fact, I’ve decided. I’m going to marry the both of you when we turn 18.”

Sakura and Naruto blinked, both taken aback. “Don’t we get a say in this?” Sakura asked, a playful smile tugging at her lips.

Sasuke shook his head, a smirk plastered on his face. “Nope.”

Naruto’s grin widened as he interlocked their hands again, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

“Then this is our first date! Now, both of you, take me to go see the fireworks!”

Sasuke and Sakura laughed as they pulled the blonde to his feel.

“Of course, Naruto hime, whatever you command.”

Chapter Text

Sakura looked gleefully at the gunbai in her hand. They had been doing stamina training and learning more jutsus in two week they had been travelling since they left the Land of fireflies. Although the genin were feeling sad that they were leaving behind the peaceful village, they were more than eager to get back to their training.

From the amount of work that the jonin were making them do, it seemed like they too were happy to get back into their regular ninja activities. She could feel herself stronger than she was a month ago. Her stamina was on top of the roof, she had a deadly arsenal of earth and water jutsus and her genjutsu was remarkable.

Naruto was an invincible force with his sealing arsenal and he had an impressive repertoire of wind and water jutsus. Sasuke had improved the most out of all of them, completely mastering Kakashi’s style of taijutsu and learning over twenty different ninjutsu for fire and lightning and learning medical ninjutsu from the scrolls that Mitsuha managed to find in her storage seals.

Even the jonin were active, Mitsuha and Kakashi even creating a new jutsu for lightning style which they had lovingly named Raijū Shibari. Sasuke had looked disturbingly gleeful at the prospect of learning the jutsu once they have streamlined it. Sakura couldn’t help but wonder if they were creating a mini-Tsunade with the skills they were teaching him.

If course she understood his joy when she was presented with her new gunbai which she didn’t even know was the weapon of her dreams. Watching Mitsuha practically dance with the giant fan while demonstrating how to use was fascinating. And even more amazing was how she was able to easily develop her own style using it. Sakura was always book smart but the shinobi arts never came easily to her. She had to train so much before she was on level with the boys. But the gunbai, it was like it was made for her.

She smiled at Naruto as he pulled back the trip wire of the crossbow and released another arrow. It took some time but the boy now hit almost all the targets. He was learning how to integrate his wind chakra into the arrows. Sasuke was also in love with the sword that Kakashi had shown him, the one he had managed to buy from the Land of fireflies before they left. To say that the genin were thriving would be an understatement.

Mitsuha watched in delight as she saw her papa’s style slowly bleeding into Sasuke’s motions. He was truly a natural. Naruto and Sakura were beasts with their own weapons. Even she didn’t predict how well the two would adapt their weapons. She smiled at the jonin as he dropped down on the tree branch, she had claimed as her own. He had gone back to wearing his mask. Mitsuha couldn’t blame him though. The second they were away from the Land of fireflies, she had also donned her favourite shirt and felt normal once again. Sure she liked to dress up sometimes but she was a shinobi through and through.

Kakashi was silent as they looked at the genin who were still wielding their new weapons like children who was gifted their favourite toys. Kakashi snorted at Sakura who was learning to use the gunbai to blow away Naruto’s arrows. He was happy that Mitsuha had placed restricting seals on all of them so that they don’t accidentally kill each other.

He was so proud of his students. The three of them progressed beyond his imagination. He thought back to the rag tag team that he was presented with, a boy with attention seeking problem and a boisterous voice, a rabid fangirl with insecurity issues and a temper and a selfish boy who cared about nothing but his revenge.

Now he had a brilliant ninja who could manipulate seals in his sleep and has a knack of manipulating wind like it’s no one’s business, a kunoichi who could give Gai’s protégé a workout and who was also a master of genjutsu and a self-taught talented med nin who could shoot out fire and lightning jutsus whenever something inconvenienced him minorly. Moreover, he had a team who worked like a well-oiled machine who he was confident could hold up beautifully against any genin team in the village.

"They’re growing up so fast," Mitsuha said quietly, almost as if reading his thoughts.

Kakashi nodded. "Faster than I expected. It’s almost… scary."

The two shared a quiet, comfortable moment, watching their students spar. Mitsuha leaned her head against the tree, watching as Sasuke, Sakura, and Naruto collapsed in a heap of tired, laughing bodies, their weapons discarded beside them. She felt a swell of affection for all of them.

“We’ve done good, Kakashi,” she whispered.

Kakashi nodded, his heart feeling lighter than it had in years. “Yeah. We really have.”

After so many years, Kakashi did something he never thought he would allow himself to. He started to hope.

As their small boat drew closer to the island, the remnants of Uzushio slowly came into view. The ruins were unlike anything Naruto had ever seen. Broken walls and shattered towers jutted out of the ground, some half-submerged by the tide. The wind howled through the remains, carrying with it an eerie silence that seemed to hang over the island like a shroud.

Naruto’s breath hitched, the usual spark in his eyes dimmed as he looked at the devastation before them. Beside him, Mitsuha stood stiff, her fists clenched at her sides. Neither said a word, their chests heavy with the weight of an entire nation lost.

When their feet finally touched the coarse sands of the coast, Naruto took a slow, deep breath. He and Mitsuha exchanged a look — one filled with silent understanding. The island didn’t feel hostile or cold. It felt… welcoming. Like the land itself remembered them, like it knew its descendants had returned. But there was also a heaviness, as if the souls of the fallen lingered, watching, waiting.

"They’re still here," Naruto murmured, his voice barely audible, eyes fixed on the distant skeletons that lined the coast.

Mitsuha nodded, her throat tight with emotion. The closer they walked, the more they saw them — bones bleached by years under the sun, scattered across the sand, some still in the positions they had died in, protecting loved ones, clutching weapons.

In the distance, Kakashi, Sasuke, and Sakura whispered amongst themselves, their voices low with reverence.

“This place…” Sakura whispered, her eyes wide, "It’s so tragic Kakashi sensei, I don’t understand, how are people capable of this?"

Kakashi’s voice was steady but filled with an edge of sadness. "The Hidden Eddy Village. It was one of the most powerful shinobi nations in the world. They were known for their Fūinjutsu mastery, feared for their strength. And that’s why…"

"That’s why they were destroyed," Sasuke finished, his voice quiet, his usually indifferent expression shadowed with something darker. “Nations turned against them.” He huffed an unamused chuckle. “Power breeds distrust and distrust leads to destruction. Itachi said that to me once. The irony…”

Sasuke’s gaze darkened. He glanced at the bones littering the coast and felt a pang of recognition. The desolation of the island stirred memories he had long tried to bury. "It’s quiet," he said, his voice low. "Too quiet."

His mind drifted to the Uchiha compound after the massacre—the stifling silence, the stench of blood he could never wash away. No matter how much he scrubbed, no matter how many times he tried to cleanse the air with his fire jutsu, the smell had always lingered. It had driven him mad. This silence… it was suffocating in the same way.

Mitsuha felt the heat rise in her chest, her heart pounding in her ears. She clenched her fists so hard that her nails bit into her palms. She remembered this place. She had seen these ruins before. But it felt so different this time. Uzushio was a ghost just like it was during her time— a forgotten grave.

Her first memory of Uzushio flashed in her mind. Mitsuha and Sasuke were standing on the shore, the mist parting to reveal the ruins. It was quiet, the sea lapping gently against the rocks. The buildings were broken, but there was no life. That wasn’t new to them, their world was already destroyed.

But here, where the world was thriving, free from Madara’s machinations, the agony still echoed in the very stones. Here… here, the pain was fresh.

Naruto, breaking from his thoughts, walked toward the scattered remains. His voice was soft, yet filled with a quiet strength. "I… I want to bury them."

His words hung in the air like a plea. His voice trembled as he spoke, and Mitsuha knelt beside him, placing a hand on his shoulder. Her face was pale, her eyes glazed as if she could see the spirits lingering, watching them. "Yeah… we can bury them."

And so, they began.

Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi joined them without a word, and together, they set to work. They dug into the ground with their hands, through dirt and rocks, creating graves for the skeletons they found.

The atmosphere was sombre, even the weather was crying with gentle rain as they buried the men of Uzushio, one by one. But the worst part came when they reached what had once been the village’s academy. Small bones littered the ground — children.

That was when they broke.

Sakura sobbed as she cradled a tiny skull in her hands, shaking her head in disbelief. “These were kids… they were just kids.”

Naruto knelt beside her, his shoulders trembling as tears streamed down his face. “They… they didn’t even get a chance to fight. They never had a chance.”

Mitsuha felt her legs give out beneath her as she collapsed to the ground, her hands shaking uncontrollably. The faces of the children, the civilians, the shinobi of her time, flashed before her eyes. Suddenly she wasn’t burying Uzushio shinobi, she was burying those from the allied nation army, she was burying her family.

Kakashi stood a few feet away, his face unreadable. He still remembered how Kushina nee used to become lifeless when the week of Uzushio’s destruction rolled around. He was glad that she never had to witness this. He turned towards the two Uzumaki under his care and his heart broke at the uncontrollable sobs the two let out.

As the last of the graves were filled, the group gathered in a small shrine — the least destroyed place they could find to camp for the night.

Mitsuha sat in front of the small altar, her back against the cold stone. Her voice, when it finally came, was hoarse, filled with a pain she had kept locked away for too long. “I… I used to dream about this place. My father used to tell me stories about Uzushio. They were kind and powerful, always willing to help, always ready to protect those who needed it.”

She took a shuddering breath, her gaze fixed on the crumbling walls of the shrine. "But he also told me about how they were betrayed. How they were attacked by the very nations they had helped in the past. How they were allied with Kiri and helped the village with sealing its Jinchūriki and they used the same tailed beast to level the village. How they fought until their last breath, refusing to surrender. And how, in the end, they were erased." She sneered and laid her head on her knees.

“Konoha came too late to help them. Instead of honouring their best allies, the leaf buried Uzushio history by just putting a spiral on the jonin uniform. There are too many corrupt roots in leaf that are slowly decaying the whole tree. When I first came to Konoha, I came with this information. Thankfully, the Hokage listened and took action. Now, slowly but surely, we are removing the corruption.”

She paused, looking at them with a mixture of desperation and determination. "There’s a threat looming in the future. Something big… something worse than this. And I’m trying… I’m doing everything I can to stop it. I need you all to trust me, even if none of this makes sense. Please…"

Her voice cracked, and her hands trembled in her lap. “I… I swear I won’t let this happen again. I’ll do everything in my power to stop something like this from happening. That’s my dream.”

Naruto was the first to speak. His voice was soft but unwavering. "We trust you, Nee chan. You’ve always been there for us, and we’ll be there for you. No matter what."

Sakura nodded, wiping the tears from her cheeks. “You’re not alone.”

Sasuke, his usual demeanour softened, met her gaze with a rare, sincere expression. “I don’t need everything to make sense. If you say there’s a threat, then I believe you. I’m with you.”

Kakashi, standing behind them, watched in silence before stepping forward. His voice was gentle but resolute. “You’ve earned our trust, Mitsuha. Whatever comes, we’ll face it together.”

Mitsuha looked at them, her heart swelling with emotion. She hadn’t realized how much she needed to hear those words.

Sasuke didn’t know what had woken him up but he found out that he couldn’t go back to sleep. Deciding that he wants to practice his katas, he climbed out from the sleeping bag, smiling when Naruto immediately rolled over to his. He nodded to already awake and uncomfortable Mitsuha who was crushed under the combined weight of Sakura and Kakashi, the two cuddling her to death. She nodded back with a grimace.

Saskue took a deep breath. Uzushio was a lot different from Konoha. The air here was a lot of cooler in the morning thanks to its proximity to the ocean. He took a deep breath and took his stance.

Slice, dab, twirl

Duck, backwards, thrust

Slice, left, upwards

Thrust, right, jump

The quiet of Uzushio only reminded him of the desolation of his home. The eeriness here felt too familiar—like a graveyard. It was a village of the dead, just like his clan.

Sasuke stopped mid-thrust, lowering his sword as the memories swelled up, too much to ignore. Dropping down on his knees, he took deep breaths and started counting.

One, two, three, four, five

Deep breath and hold

One, two, three, four, five

Release

Why wasn’t this working?

Sasuke fell on his knees and clutched his head as the panic started overtaking him. He tried breathing but all he could smell was blood. Itachi’s words echoed in his ears.

“You’re not even worth killing. If you wish to kill me, despise me, hate me, and live in an unsightly way. By all means, flee and cling to life.”

Sasuke was shocked when he felt something soft try to sneak into his arms. Stunned, he fell backward and looked at the little creature staring at him. An owl? The little bird was hopping, coming closer to him.

Not knowing what to do, he picked up the bird and allowed it to cuddle into his neck. He scratched the bird’s head who let out a happy squeak. Little by little, Sasuke relaxed and smiled when the bird hopped up on his shoulder and nuzzled against his cheeks.

"Well," Sasuke muttered, giving the bird an amused glance. "You’re not going to leave me alone, huh?"

The owl blinked slowly in response as if it were agreeing with him. Sasuke took another deep breath and unsheathed his sword once again. As he moved through his kata, the owl remained on his shoulder, a quiet and unflinching companion. It wasn’t until Sasuke accidentally nicked his hand on the blade that things took an unexpected turn.

"Shit," he hissed, glancing at the small cut. Blood welled up, and Sasuke moved to heal the wound, but the owl hopped off his shoulder and flared its wings in alarm. Before he could react, the owl landed on his hand, gently covering the wound with its feathers. A soft, warm glow of chakra began to emanate from the bird’s wings.

Sasuke blinked in surprise as the familiar feeling of medical chakra flowed into his hand. The wound slowly closed before his eyes. The owl hopped back onto his shoulder, preening its feathers as if it had done something completely mundane.

Sasuke stared at the bird; his brow furrowed in curiosity. "You… you’re a summoning animal, aren’t you?"

The owl blinked at him again, this time more knowingly. Without a sound, it took off, flying a short distance before stopping to look back at Sasuke, clearly waiting for him to follow. Sasuke hesitated for a moment, but the pull of curiosity was too strong.

The bird led him through the crumbling streets. After a few minutes, the owl landed in front of a dilapidated house, half-buried in debris. It nudged some fallen stones with its beak, then hopped back, waiting for Sasuke to investigate.

“What are you trying to show me?” he muttered, bending down and clearing away the debris. Beneath the rubble, something glinted in the weak sunlight. He uncovered an old scroll, worn but still intact. He picked it up carefully, brushing the dirt away from the edges.

The owl hooted softly, nudging the scroll with its beak.

Sasuke's heart raced. "This... is this your summoning contract?"

The owl gave a slow, deliberate nod. Sasuke hesitated for only a moment before unrolling the scroll. His eyes skimmed over the names, the characters etched in faded ink. One name stood out to him: Hina Uzumaki.

His eyes widened. An Uzumaki summoning contract?

“I shouldn’t sign this. This belongs to the Uzumaki.”

The owl looked at him as if he was dumb. He bristled. “It’s their clan contract, there are two Uzumaki here. I shouldn’t just take something that belongs to the clan.”

The bird pecked his hand and gestured to the contract. Sasuke was very disturbed by the intelligence that the bird was displaying. He was startled when the bird hopped up and bonked their heads.

A scene flashed through his mind. Healing chakra, rushing through the village as people fell left and right beside him. Healing as many as he could. Not enough, not fast enough, not enough chakra…

Sasuke understood that this was a medic’s scroll. The summoning animal was a medic companion just like Tsunade’s slugs. That’s why the bird was insistent that he summon the contract.

Without wasting any time, Sasuke pricked his finger and signed his name. The bond was sealed. The owl, now perched comfortably on his shoulder again, nuzzled his cheek with a satisfied hoot.

“Do you have a name?”

The owl hooted in a low voice.

“I think I’ll call you Suzu.”

Sasuke looked at the hilarious scene in front of him. Mitsuha had managed to wriggle out of the pile and was cooking. Sakura on the other had managed to migrate on top of Naruto who was trying not to sneeze thanks to her hair. Kakashi looked miserable and was nursing a hot cup of coffee, his mask nowhere to be seen.

"Morning," Sasuke said, keeping his voice casual as he approached the group.

Sakura woke up at his arrival and shook Naruto awake. The jonins just nodded at him.

Naruto yawned loudly. "Man, you were up early! What were you doing?"

Sasuke smirked. "I... found something interesting."

Before anyone could ask what, the owl on Sasuke's shoulder made itself known by hopping down onto Naruto’s head and fluffing its feathers.

“Ah—wha—what the heck?!” Naruto yelped, freezing in place as the owl started preening his hair. “Sasuke! Why is there an owl on me?!”

Sakura blinked, rubbing her eyes. "Wait, is that... a summon, Sasuke?"

Sasuke nodded, crossing his arms and looking a little too smug for the early hour. "Yeah, I found this guy and she was insistent that I sign her contract."

Kakashi sighed deeply, pulling his mask back over his face as he sat up. "You signed a random scroll? Sasuke, we’ve talked about this. Don’t just open random scrolls."

Mitsuha burst out laughing, wiping tears from her eyes as she tried to control herself. "Of course you would sign a random scroll, Sasuke! Honestly, this is the most Naruto thing I’ve ever heard."

Sasuke glanced towards her and pulled out the summoning contract. “This is an Uzumaki summoning contract. I signed it without your permission.”

Mitsuha just waved away his concern. “Oh, don’t worry about that. Contracts might belong to a clan but the summoning animals chose their partners. Besides, I consider all you as honorary Uzumaki anyway.”

Naruto, still stiff as a board, muttered, "Honorary Uzumaki... that’s great and all, but can someone get this bird off my head?" Suzu, as Sasuke had begun calling it—continued to preen Naruto’s unruly hair, oblivious to his discomfort.

Sakura couldn't help but giggle at the scene, wiping sleep from her eyes. "She’s kinda cute, Sasuke. You really lucked out."

Suzu, now satisfied with her grooming job, hooted softly and gracefully flew back onto Sasuke’s shoulder, her wings brushing lightly across his face. The Uchiha gave her a side-eye, his expression neutral but internally impressed by the bird’s intelligence. "She’s not just cute. She’s a medical summon too. When I cut myself during training, she used a healing jutsu on me without hesitation."

Naruto finally sat up, rubbing his head, his eyes wide. "Wait—healing? She can do medical ninjutsu? That’s amazing, Sasuke!"

Kakashi took a slow sip of his coffee, trying to wake up fully, and muttered, “Still doesn’t change the fact that you signed a random scroll in the middle of a destroyed village. Who knows what could’ve happened?”

Sasuke shrugged. “It worked out, didn’t it? Besides, I didn’t find just a scroll—I found her contract.”

Mitsuha grinned and gave him a mock salute. “Well, can't argue with that, I suppose.”

Naruto shuddered slightly. “Yeah, maybe warn me next time before your summon tries to give me a makeover.”

Sakura jumped back and blocked the sword with her gunbai. She grunted, Mitsuha was not as built but she made up for her physique by adding chakra to her attacks. The red head smiled and released a burst of thunder through the connected weapons. Sakura quickly focused on the incoming chakra and let it flow to the earth by using her own to guide the path. Boy she was glad she read on chakra conversion theories when she was in the academy.

Mitsuha nodded proud and pulled back, quickly flashing through hand signs.

“Katon: Ryuuka no Jutsu”

“Mizu Tate no Jutsu” Sakura pulled all her chakra and channelled it into the barrier, hoping it would dampen the affect of the fire dragon jutsu. She closed her eyes against the resulting explosion of steam. Noticing a slight spark of chakra against her right side, she quickly turned and shielded herself with a mud wall against a lighting jutsu.

Damn it, she thought as she quickly dove underground and tried to sense the other’s chakra. It was difficult sensing Mitsuha’s chakra, she had found out, thanks to the ever-present seals on her person. But you don’t spend hours listening to a Fūinjutsu protégé without catching some of the information.

Naruto had told her that all chakra concealing seals have a small waver when the person’s chakra interacts with other chakra. Like a pulse, he had mentioned. Sakura quickly send a pulse of her chakra through the gunbai. Concentrating, she looked out for the little disturbance in the calm of Mitsuha’s chakra.

There!

She thought to herself as she quickly dug her way towards the red head.

“Ryuusha no Jutsu”

She whispered as she turned the ground where she assumed the jonin would be standing to quicksand. She heard a little curse and quickly fled her hole as lightning struck the ground beside her. She resurfaced just in time to see Mitsuha use her crossbow to tie a rope onto a tree and pull herself out.

“Well done!” Mitsuha praised as she rushed to Sakura with her sword. Sakura grunted at the impact even though she was able to shield at the right moment. She tried mimicking the red head and tried channelling chakra through her arms and swung back. Exchanging blows, Sakura quickly realised that she hadn’t build up as much as stamina as she would like. On the brighter note, the pink haired girl could see beads of sweat on Mitsuha’s forehead. This time, it wasn’t as taxing as it was to block the red head’s attack.

“Good block!” Mitsuha praised, but there was no time for Sakura to bask in the compliment. Her instincts screamed at her just in time—she raised her gunbai, barely managing to deflect another bolt of lightning aimed directly at her. Distantly, Sakura wondered how the lady was concentrating on both ninjutsu while engaging her in a brutal taijutsu battle. Excitement filled her, she can’t wait till she’s that good.

The sound of clashing metal echoed through the clearing as they exchanged blow after blow.

“Focus on your timing, not just your power!" Mitsuha encouraged between strikes. “Power’s great, but if you can read your opponent, you’ll outlast them every time.”

She ducked under a particularly aggressive slash, spinning on her heel and aiming a chakra-enhanced punch at Mitsuha’s side.

Mitsuha blocked it with her sword just in time, her feet skidding back slightly. “Nice! That’s what I’m talking about. Keep that up!”

Sakura’s stamina was waning, her focus wavering. Suddenly, she saw an opening. Mitsuha was guarding her left side, must be one of the kicks she managed to hit. With a burst of chakra, she lunged forward, swinging her gunbai in a wide arc.

But Mitsuha was quick—too quick. In an instant, she jumped back, flipping in the air and landing gracefully a few feet away. She smiled, raising a hand. “Alright, let’s call it. You’re getting there, Sakura.”

Sakura fell on the ground there panting, her muscles aching. Mitsuha sheathed her sword, giving the genin a nod of approval and sunk down to sit in front of her. Giving her a canteen of water, the jonin smiled.

“You’re progressing fast. Let’s break down what happened,” Mitsuha began, taking out a scroll to make their new lesson plan. This was something Sakura appreciated about their training. Mitsuha always analysed and made a regime according to their weakness which helped all three of them literally learn from mistakes.

“Let’s start with your blocking. When I attacked you with my sword early on, you did a great job of redirecting the force with your gunbai, but…” She paused, tilting her head. “You let your arms absorb too much of the impact. Did you feel that?”

Sakura nodded, rolling her shoulders as a dull ache settled in. “Yeah. It felt like I was getting thrown back every time.”

Mitsuha tapped her chin thoughtfully. “Exactly. Instead of just using your arms to block, try shifting your weight with your feet. Focus on spreading the force across your entire body. It’ll save your arms from burning out too early. A proper stance is everything.”

Sakura frowned; she had been so focused on blocking Mitsuha’s strikes that she hadn’t paid attention to her footwork. “I see. I was too stiff, wasn’t I?”

Mitsuha nodded. “You were stiff. Don’t be afraid to flow with the motion of the battle. It’s like water—sometimes you need to yield to the force, not resist it.”

Sakura winced as she tried to move her shoulders. Yeah, she can see the point. ““I’ll work on that.”

“Good,” Mitsuha said, pleased. “Now, let’s talk about that fire dragon jutsu.”

Sakura winced. She had been proud of pulling off the water shield, but she knew the steam gave a chance for her opponent to hide from her line of sight which is exactly what Mitsuha pulled off.

“Yeah… I wasn’t expecting it to explode into so much steam.”

Mitsuha chuckled softly. “That’s because your chakra output wasn’t controlled enough. You pumped too much into the Mizu Tate no Jutsu. Your shield was solid, but by using too much chakra, you not only wasted energy but created that explosion of steam, which left you vulnerable.”

Sakura’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment. “I didn’t realize.”

Mitsuha smiled kindly, shaking her head. “It’s fine, Sakura. The fact that you can even pull off the water barrier on instinct is impressive. But the key is learning when to scale your chakra. Not every jutsu needs full power. Of course, unless you are Naruto then you have too much juice to spare.”

Sakura smiled at the reminder of her blonde teammate who was lying beat on the camp after a session with Kakashi.

Mitsuha continued thoughtfully. “In a long fight, conserving your chakra is essential. Think of it like a game of stamina. You don’t want to be worn out halfway through the battle.”

Sakura nodded thoughtfully as Mitsuha jotted down areas which needed improvement. Leg work, Chakra balancing and reflex.

“And that brings me to your offensive strategy,” Mitsuha said, leaning forward slightly. “You did well sense my chakra despite the seals, but you hesitated after you used the quicksand jutsu.”

Sakura’s shoulders slumped slightly. “I wasn’t sure if I had you.”

Mitsuha’s expression softened. “I get that. You’ve still got some hesitation in you, which is normal. But you have to trust your instincts, especially when you see an opening. You had me trapped for a moment—you could’ve followed up with a stronger strike. Instead, you pulled back.”

“I didn’t want to overcommit and leave myself open,” Sakura admitted.

“And that’s valid,” Mitsuha said, nodding in understanding. “But the key is balance. In battle, the longer you hesitate, the more time you give your opponent to counter. So, the lesson here is not to hold back when you’ve got a window. Go for it. If you’re fast enough, you’ll recover before your opponent can react.”

Sakura bit her lip, mulling over the advice. “I guess I’m still afraid of making a mistake.”

“We all are, but if you fight too cautiously, you’ll miss your chances. Trust in your training and trust in yourself.” Mitsuha said quietly as she ruffled the pink hair.

Sakura swallowed, nodding slowly. “I will. I’ll trust myself more.”

Mitsuha smiled at her, patting her on the back. “You’re already doing great, Sakura. I wouldn’t have pushed you this hard if I didn’t think you could handle it. In fact, I am sure in a couple of years, you could give Gai a run for his money.”

Sakura felt a warmth in her chest at the praise. “Thanks, Mitsuha nee. I won’t let you down.”

“I know you won’t.” Mitsuha stood up, stretching her arms. “Now, next time we spar, let’s work on those counters. You’re getting good at defence, but I want to see you go on the offensive. Deal?”

Sakura grinned; her exhaustion forgotten. “Deal.”

Sasuke waddled back to the camp to see both his teammates on their back, too exhausted to even move a finger. He leaned his sword against the wall and then promptly fell down on Sakura’s stomach, ignoring the yelp.

“Everything hurts!” Sasuke groaned, sounding far less composed than usual. It was almost un-Uchiha of him. Naruto laughed and scooted to rest his head on the pink haired girl’s shoulder.

“Well, you try dodging and weaving Kakashi sensei and his eight dogs. Who, let me remind you, bites. Really bites! I swear I had more holes that flesh at some point during the training.”

Sakura chuckled under the weight of her teammates and complained. “Oh, trust me! That sounds like a wonderful time when you have Mitsuha nee chasing you with a sword and lightning jutsu for hours.”

The three genin fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, just basking in their collective exhaustion. But then, slowly, excitement started creeping back into their expressions.

“Kakashi sensei said my seals were getting creative and creative. He thinks that I can soon start on inking seals onto my body. He said he can try to get me an internship with barrier seal headquarters once we get back.” Naruto whispered excitedly.

“Mitsuha nee says that I am quite good at taijutsu and once I combine ninjutsu to my fighting style, I’ll become a nightmare to fight against. She promised to increase my training weights next week and to teach me to augment chakra to my attacks.” Sakura looked all too proud of herself.

Sasuke, not one to be left out, grinned wider than usual, clearly pleased. “Kakashi and Mitsuha both said that I am a natural at kenjutsu. And the fact that I can heal almost immediately using Iryō jutsu puts me at a greater advantage compared to my opponent.”

The black haired boy smirked, puffing up just a little. “Mitsuha said she will carve similar seals to the ones she has on her sword once we get back to Konoha so that I can also channel lightning safely using it.” He took a breath and smiled wider.

“Kakashi has also promised me that he will teach me his own jutsu!”

Sakura and Naruto also pipped up. “You too! Kakashi sensei told me that he will start teaching me one of the jutsus that the Fourth created!” Naruto shot upright, grinning ear to ear.

Sakura laughed and teased them good naturedly. “Ah, you peons! Mitsuha nee promised to let me sign the polar bear summoning contract once we reach back in Konoha! Imagine! Me with a gunbai and massive polar bears flanking me!” Sakura couldn’t help but laugh, feeling the bubbling excitement between her teammates.

Sasuke laughed and ran a hand proudly through the pink strands. “You will be like the second coming of Madara. I should just sew Uchiha fans on your shirt now.”

Naruto, never missing a beat, added, “And Uzumaki spirals too!” He playfully ruffled her hair, earning himself a swat.

Bruised, battered, and sore, there was no other place they would rather be. Lying there together, sharing their victories and exhaustion, they finally felt what their sensei had been preaching from day one.

Those who leave their comrades are worse than scums…

Chapter Text

Even though Kakashi had been to Kiri in the past for missions, he could not help be surprised at how much the village has crashed in the last few years. The mist that constantly cloaked the village no longer felt like a protective veil; instead, it had become suffocating, almost as if the village itself was drowning.

The once-bustling streets were silent, save for the occasional shuffle of fearful citizens moving quickly, their heads bowed low to avoid attracting attention. Conversations were whispered with eyes darting nervously.

Kakashi and Mitsuha had spent weeks collecting information using their summons to spy, to learn the guard rotations, and to gather details about the village’s state. Pakkun and Tsubasa told stories about still ongoing bloodline purges, the bloody graduation, silenced villagers and a whisper of a revolution. Chunin and Jonin patrolled the village, often cold, expressionless enforcers for the Mizukage, brutally quelling any whispers of dissent.

It was practically impossible to get into the village. Even with proper documents and passports, Kiri was a deadly place to visit. And Kakashi and Mitsuha need to infiltrate the bloody mist. And they need to do so without ever pointing a finger towards their own village. Which is quite an impossible feat considering the reputation the two had acquired throughout the years.

Of course, Mitsuha is a seal mistress and impossible is not a word she is familiar with. With careful strokes of ink behind his neck, Kakashi is now sporting black hair up to his waist and pale blue eyes. The Uzumaki has chosen grey hair with grey eyes for herself. They look…unremarkable, nothing to draw attention to. Just as planned. Kakashi can now happily say that they look nothing like their bingo book pictures.

Mitsuha had to wait till her summons bought back the approval from the jonin commander before they could proceed with the mission. The mission scroll came with the seal belonging to root, another method to distance the village from the actions. If traced back, it would show that Danzo had sanctioned the mission on a request which came from Kusa.

The genin were unaware of the nature of the mission. All they knew that their senseis had to gather some information and was travelling for two days. If not returned, they are to use Sasuke’s summons to contact the Hokage for retrieval from the nearest Konoha base which is in the Land of Fireflies. Oh, who was he kidding, by the way the kids threw themselves at the jonins, making them promise to come back, he was certain that they knew that Kakashi and Mitsuha might be walking into a suicide mission.

Sure, the Mizukage had tripled the security around the village and erected barriers in all nooks and corners but people often forget that there are simpler ways to get into places. And the copycat nin happens to be one of the people who looks beneath the underneath.

Kakashi signed to his companion who nodded and took a deep breath before diving into the sewage outlet. The outlet was hidden behind foliage and Pakkun would have never found it unless he hadn’t slipped into the pipe himself. Naruto had happily given him a bath that night, pampering his with head scratches. Kakashi swore that his pack would abandon him in a second for Naruto. Mitsuha had come up with seals that allow them to breath underwater for a couple of minutes before they need to find an air pocket. Thank goodness he had a seal mistress in his team, he thought before following his companion.

The dank smell of the sewage system assaulted Kakashi’s senses as he and Mitsuha swam through the narrow, dark tunnel. They rushed through the dark and disgusting water till they saw a little clearing above. Pulling themselves on to the tiny ledge that must have been used for maintenance, the two jonin took a deep breath.

Kakashi pulled out their crude palm size handmade map of the sewage system and tried to find their exact location.

“This place is worse than I imagined,” Mitsuha whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

Kakashi nodded, his eye scanning the surroundings. “Stay focused. We’re close to the Kage Tower. According to the map, we should be approaching the access point soon. Do we need to reapply the seals?”

Mitsuha moved and lifted Kakashi’s hair to inspect the seals. She poked and prodded for a few seconds before shaking her head.

“The seals can hold for around ninety minutes, give or take a few. Ideally, we should reapply but that might catch the attention of the barrier seals above us now that we are inside Kiri. We will just have to push forward and hope to get this done within an hour and a half. I can reapply in the midst of commotion.”

Kakashi rolled the map in to a ball and stuffed it down his mouth, swallowing the evidence. He has the remaining memorized, he could get them to the access point.

They continued forward, their movements careful and deliberate, avoiding slipping into the water. Kakashi’s nose wrinkled, the stench becoming unbearable. He can’t wait to get back to Uzushio and take a nice long bath and cuddle with the red head and the genin. Maybe he can summon the pack too. Mitsuha can summon her bears too.

“We’re close,” Mitsuha whispered, probably sensing the chakra remains left by her sparrows. “It’s there,” she confirmed, pointing to a large, rusted grate just ahead.

Kakashi crouched by the grate, testing it. The metal creaked but held fast. Of course it wouldn’t be easy, he thought, suppressing a sigh and weaving the necessary signs. “We’ll need to cut through it.”

“Fūton: Kazekiri no Jutsu.”

A sharp gust of wind sliced cleanly through the metal bars, and Kakashi caught the pieces before they clattered to the ground. They slipped through the opening, moving silently into a small, dimly lit utility room. They were now beneath the Mizukage’s tower.

He peeked through the door’s slit, scanning the corridor beyond. The guard rotations were sparse at this hour, just as Pakkun had reported earlier.

“Clear,” he whispered.

They slipped into the hall, their steps soundless. Kakashi's eye traced the flickering torchlight dancing across the stone walls, casting long shadows as they crept forward. His senses were sharp, tuned to every detail—any shift in the air, any sound out of place.

Mitsuha raised her hand, signaling him to stop. Her eyes closed for a moment as she concentrated, and when they opened again, she whispered, “Two guards ahead.”

Kakashi nodded. “Distraction?”

Mitsuha formed a few quick seals casting a small genjutsu. The guards would suddenly feel the need to move away from their spots to inspect some noise on the other side of the building.

Kakashi gave her an approving glance. “Nicely done.”

They moved again, silently navigating the halls until they arrived outside the Mizukage’s chamber.

“We don’t have much time; the next guard rotation is in thirty minutes and our seals will disperse in about an hour. We need to be fast.” Mitsuha whispered, her eyes scanning the heavy doors in front of them.

They pushed open the door and entered the Mizukage’s chamber. Kakashi’s eye narrowed at the sight before him. The Yondaime Mizukage, sat slumped at his desk, his eyes unfocused and glazed.

“I’ll prepare the seals,” Mitsuha whispered releasing the seal on his Sharingan, the red eyes once again visible, moving swiftly to place tags around the room. “You focus on breaking the genjutsu.”

Kakashi stepped forward, his Sharingan fixating on the Mizukage’s blank eyes. He winced as he let his Sharingan switch into its advanced mode and dove into the tangled threads of the illusion, weaving his own energy through the complex patterns. Whoever had weaved this genjutsu is very powerful…and most definitely an Uchiha.

The genjutsu fought back, resisting every effort he made to unravel it.

“Kakashi,” Mitsuha said, her voice tensed. “His chakra’s flaring. Be careful.”

“I’ve almost got it,” he murmured, sweat beading on his forehead. He pushed harder, severing the illusion’s ties one by one.

Then, without warning, the oppressive atmosphere in the room shifted. Mitsuha’s head snapped up, her expression tense, as if she knew something Kakashi didn’t.

“Something’s wrong,” she whispered.

Before Kakashi could respond, the air distorted at the center of the room, swirling like a vortex. A figure materialized from the spiraling void. Clad in black robes with red clouds and wearing a swirling orange mask, he stepped forward with an aura that chilled the room.

“You!” Mitsuha muttered under her breath.

“Ohhh! Do you know me! Tobi is very happy that you know him!” His posture was relaxed, almost nonchalant, as he tilted his head in amusement.

Mitsuha snarled as Obito launched into his fake persona. Honestly, she had to keep reminding herself that she needs the man alive but the persona is the most insufferable thing she had ever meet.

“Oh, fuck you!” She didn’t stop the automatic quip from her lips.

He wagged his finger like a disapproving parent. “Ah, no thank you! Tobi doesn’t do one-night stands!”

Mitsuha was speechless as she launched at him with her sword. She just needs him alive, but surely slight maiming would be acceptable, right?

Tobi continued, undeterred by her silence. “Oh, come on! Not even a witty comeback? Usually, Tobi’s opponents have a lot more to say.” He paused, tapping his chin theatrically. “You’re no fun, really. Maybe Tobi should just—"

Before he could finish, Mitsuha was on the move. She closed the distance in a flash, her sword humming with lightning chakra as she slashed toward him. He made no effort to dodge. As the blade passed through his form harmlessly, Tobi chuckled, his voice playful.

“Oh, that tickled!” he teased, his masked face twisting toward her.

Kakashi’s mind raced. Akatsuki? What does he want with Yagura? But before he could process, Yagura stood from his chair, his eyes once again glazed under the influence of the genjutsu. He moved like a puppet, his body rigid but prepared for combat.

“Focus on Yagura,” Mitsuha fell back to his side and whispered, her voice low but urgent. “I’ll handle the masked man. Do not let him know who you are.”

Yagura’s hands flashed through hand seals, his chakra spiking ominously. Kakashi had no choice but to engage. With a flicker, he moved towards the Mizukage, drawing his kunai.

The copy nin winced as he felt the bones of his arms break at the impact from the man’s water jutsu. He barely had time to dodge a strike to his attack and managed to avoid a kunai to a heart instead by taking it to his abdomen.

 As Kakashi clashed with Yagura, he could feel the genjutsu weaving around the man. He had to dispel it, but Yagura was relentless. His endless chakra reminded him of his own student.

Suddenly, Kakashi was no longer in the physical world. He found himself in a dark, endless space, the oppressive energy of a tailed beast looming around him. Sanbi, the massive three-tailed turtle, hovered above him, his eyes gleaming with a knowing sadness.

Realization flashed through his mind. Holy shit! The Yondaime mizukage was a Jinchūriki. He disengaged for a minute and let out a huge sigh. Honestly, his reaction was rather tame in the grand scheme of things.

The beast’s voice rumbled through the space.

“You’re the boy who came for the girl,” Sanbi said softly, his tone oddly gentle. “The brown haired girl who carried me. She was so kind; her chakra was so soothing. I’m… sorry for what happened to her. I only remember lightning through her heart, it was too fast for me to heal.”

Kakashi’s heart twisted painfully. Rin. The memories flooded back—the mission, her death, the moment she impaled herself on his Chidori. “What… do you mean? How do you know Rin?”

“Rin, what a pretty name…” The beast whispered. “A bad man with red eyes put me in her,” Sanbi explained, his voice heavy with regret. “He forced me to attack as soon as she reached home. She couldn’t even shout out what happened. I couldn’t help her either. I was under his control, just as I am now with Yagura. The man made him do so much bad things.”

Kakashi felt the world spin. The pieces were falling into place. Rin’s suicide had been a desperate attempt to stop the upcoming beast’s rampage, the one which even the beast didn’t have any control over. Kakashi’s mind swirled back to the time when there were talks about a Sharingan user controlling the Kyubi to attack Konoha twelve years back. Could it be the same person?

The beast shivered. “He spilled so much blood. Family, children and so on…poor Yagura was screaming the whole time.”

“The man with the red eyes,” Kakashi whispered. “He’s controlling Yagura?”

“Yes,” The turtle confirmed. “And you must break his control. Use your red eyes. I’ll help you.”

Kakashi steeled himself. All his life he had been told that tailed beast are emotionless beasts of destruction who cared about nothing. Yet, here was one, a chained beast suffering under the extreme pain and guilt over the deaths of many. Grieving the death of Kakashi’s friend whom the beast may have known for a couple of minutes.

Kakashi made his decision easily, he nodded to the tailed beast who released tendrils of chakra to him. Unlike the stories of corrupt chakra of tailed beasts, Sanbi’s chakra was calming, like the healing chakra that Saskue use when he heals them. The silver haired man sighed as he was pulled deeper into the mindscape.

With the Sanbi’s gentle guidance, he channeled his Sharingan, reaching deep into the Mizukage’s mind. He winced as he saw a young boy wrapped up in genjutsu threads. His heart broke at the heart-breaking cries that the boy was letting out. Around him were flashing images of blood-children-shinobi-mist. Kakashi struggled to control his anger at the emotional torture that the boy was going through. And he couldn’t even die…

Kakashi knelt down in front of the boy and let his Sharingan cut the threads that were binding him. The threads of Tobi’s genjutsu were tight, but together with the chakra of the beast, Kakashi unraveled them one by one.

The Mizukage blinked in confusion, his chakra settling. “What… what’s happening?”

“Thank you, boy who came for the girl. Yagura is free.” The beast’s chakra twirled around it’s jailor.

“Isobu?” Mizukage asked confused. The beast nodded and turned to Kakashi.

Mitsuha leaped back, her Sharingan spinning rapidly, analyzing the situation. She knew this game. He was phasing in and out of reality, making himself intangible at will.

“Don’t look so serious!” Tobi called out. “It’s just a little fight. I mean, it’s not like you’re going to make it out of here alive.”

Mitsuha looked to the side when she realized the sudden inaction from the other two. She was confused when she saw the two of them just staring at each other. Tobi also let out an inquisitive sound. Before he could move towards them though, she slashed the man, finally getting a hit.

“Your fight is with me.” The man side stepped, distancing himself from her sword. He launched back and sliced her right arm before she could defend herself. “Ehhh, you are one scary woman!”

Mitsuha scowled, her irritation rising as his insufferable persona grated on her nerves. But then she saw it—just a flicker of recognition in the tilt of his masked head. A subtle, almost imperceptible shift in his stance. He knew her. And she knew him.

The air between them grew heavy.

“You…” Tobi’s voice was no longer mocking, but sharper, deadlier. The playful edge melted away. “It’s you, isn’t it, the rogue Uchiha who is claiming the Uzumaki title?” His tone darkened, the mask of the fool slipping as cold, murderous intent radiated from him. “You’re the one from before... the one who ruined everything.”

Mitsuha gritted her teeth, her heart racing. Of course he recognized me. For all the dumb acting, Obito is one sharp kunai. Afterall, their previous encounter had been violent, and almost fatal for both of them.

Tobi was no longer playing. In a heartbeat, he was before her, faster than she had anticipated. Mitsuha barely managed to deflect his strike with her sword as a kunai grazed her arm.

“Last time, you slipped away,” Mitsuha hissed, her voice like venom. “That won’t happen again.”

Truthfully, Mitsuha take him down with enough time and with some earthshattering jutsus but doing so would risk Kakashi and frankly, all the occupants in the tower. She was handicapped in this fight. If Tobi realized who Kakashi was, they’d both be dead. So, she kept her distance, feinting, dodging, making sure to keep his attention squarely on her.

She couldn’t afford a single misstep.

Tobi weaved through her attacks, his phasing ability allowing him to avoid even the most precise strikes. Mitsuha could feel the chakra drain as she activated her own Mangekyō, desperate for an opening. She needed to get close enough to use Kotoamatsukami, but every time she thought she had an opening, he’d slip through her attack like smoke.

“You’re struggling,” Tobi mocked, his voice now low and dangerous. “But it’s pointless. You can’t stop me.” Tobi snarled. His eyes flashed red under the mask—Sharingan. “I know what those eyes are and I won’t let you worm your way into my mind.”

Mitsuha bit back a curse, barely dodging another one of his attacks. This time, however, she had prepared. Praying that Kakashi was still in that weird trance that he was in, she slipped past Tobi, she formed lightning in her hand—Chidori. With a quick burst of chakra, she aimed for his chest.

As her hand pierced through him, his body phased as expected but he noticed a surprised noise. But she wasn’t trying to kill him.

Yes! Her fingers grazed something—there, inside his chest—a seal. The pulse of chakra told her it was a control seal, linked to Madara, a seal of the man’s will which had placed over Tobi’s heart.

Mitsuha pushed her chakra through it, disrupting the seal.

Tobi stumbled back, gasping as the control over his own body wavered, if only for an instant. His eyes flickered with confusion, his hand instinctively clutching his chest where the seal had been. “What… did you do?!”

Mitsuha didn’t answer. She hadn’t freed him entirely, but she had managed to weaken the hold Madara had on him. His anger, however, was palpable. Tobi’s fury erupted as he charged at her, his speed overwhelming as he launched a flurry of attacks.

“YOU!” Tobi roared; his rage no longer masked. “Answer me, damn it!”

Mitsuha was on the defensive now, barely able to keep up as Tobi’s onslaught intensified. She had to hold him off. Kakashi was still working on Yagura—he needed more time.

Then, out of the corner of her eye, Mitsuha saw it. Yagura, his eyes clearing. The genjutsu was breaking. And Kakashi’s henge failing as silver hair came into view.

Tobi saw it too. His head snapped toward Yagura, fury clouding his vision. “You…” he growled; his voice filled with hatred. “YOU!”

In a flash, Tobi turned, his hands reaching for the kunai strapped to his side. He was going for Kakashi. Mitsuha’s heart skipped a beat. No!

Tobi’s attack was too fast, too vicious. Kakashi, already drained from dispelling the genjutsu, was defenseless. Mitsuha didn’t think—she moved, instinct taking over as she flung herself between Kakashi and Tobi’s blade.

The kunai pierced through her chest, and she gasped, the searing pain shooting through her body. Blood splattered as Tobi’s Sharingan flared, casting her into a dark genjutsu. Her legs gave way beneath her as she collapsed to the ground, the world around her fading.

Tobi stood over her, his breathing ragged, as he looked at his arm covered in blood.

“This isn’t over, Kakashi.” He cast one last glance at Kakashi before warping into the swirling void, escaping the scene.

Mitsuha lay motionless, her mind slipping into darkness. She heard Kakashi’s voice, distant, calling her name. But her eyes fluttered shut, and everything went black.

“I hope to meet you again, the boy who came for the girl. Remember, my name is Isobu…”

Kakashi woke up in the real world with a confused Mizukage staring at him. Before Kakashi could make sense of what is happening, a furious roar echoed through the chamber. He, barely standing from exhaustion, saw the attack coming too late.

But Mitsuha moved in a flash, her body blurring as she leapt between them. The kunai sliced cleanly through her chest, and Kakashi watched in horror as Mitsuha gasped, blood spilling from her lips. Tobi’s Sharingan flashed before she collapsed.

“This isn’t over, Kakashi.” He warped into a spiraling void, vanishing into the void while Kakashi help the red head, shaking with the amount of blood pouring out of her.

Yagura, still dazed, stared at Kakashi. “Who… are you people?”

Kakashi didn’t answer. His focus was entirely on Mitsuha. He could barely think, his mind racing as he scooped her up, ignoring the pain in his own body. I need to get her out of here.

With the last of his strength, Kakashi activated Kamui, warping them both out of the tower.

As they reappeared in Uzushio, the shocked faces of the waiting genin met him. He collapsed to his knees, Mitsuha still in his arms, her heartbeat faint.

The world spun around him, and darkness crept at the edges of his vision. “Help her…” he whispered hoarsely before the exhaustion took over, and everything went black.

Chapter Text

Naruto woke to the comforting smell of miso soup. He gently untangled himself from Sakura, who had curled up against his back, and stood up, stretching. He didn’t want to disturb her—she’d only gotten in late last night after a mission with Team Gai.

Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Naruto made his way to the kitchen. Sasuke was packing up grilled fish, eggplant miso soup, and rice into bento boxes. Sasuke glanced at him and gave a slight nod as Naruto sat at the table with a sleepy smile.

“Heading out early?” Naruto asked, settling in.

Sasuke hummed in response, filling bowls with their breakfast. “I’ve got a training session with Tsunade-sama. Figured I’d drop this off on my way. Let me wake Sakura.”

Naruto nodded and started on his food while Sasuke went to get Sakura. Soon enough, she stumbled into the kitchen, her hair a wild mess, barely managing to keep her eyes open. Both boys stifled their laughter as she sleepily plopped down at the table, digging into her food with little grace.

“What are you two up to today?” Sasuke mumbled between bites.

Naruto swallowed and grinned. “I’ve got a mission with Team 8. There’s a local farm that needs help, and Kurenai sensei thought my clones would be useful.”

Sakura yawned and blinked blearily. “I’m free today—gonna do some light training, return some books to the library. Oh, and we need groceries, right? I’ll grab those and then swing by to pick you up, Sasuke. If you’re finished by then, Naruto, we can meet at Ichiraku’s for ramen. It’s been too long.”

Sasuke stood up, having finished his meal. He slung his bag over his shoulder and grabbed the packed bento, offering them both a rare, genuine smile.

“Sounds like a plan. It’s a date. See you both tonight.”

As Sasuke left, Naruto grinned at Sakura. "He really does have a soft side, huh?"

Sakura smiled back. "Yeah, but don't let him hear you say that."

Kakashi gave his usual eye smile to his broody genin. He waved his casted arm good naturedly. Sasuke walked into the room and placed the bento boxes on his bedside table. The silver haired man sniffed and grinned in absolute delight.

“Miso soup and grilled mackerel?” Sasuke smiled at the eager expression in the man’s masked face.

“I was in the mood for it.” Kakashi smiled and picked up the food, moving his mask down and started eating. Saskue moved to the man’s side and started running a chakra diagnostic on him.

“Broken ribs are coming along nicely. Your arm as well. We can probably remove the cast by the end of this week. Chakra is recovering properly. Probably shouldn’t use the Sharingan till it’s back up to full.”

Kakashi smiled and ruffled the boy’s hair using his good arm. “Yes sensei.”

Sasuke gave him an annoyed look and muttered. “Don’t act so smart sensei, you were on your merry way with death just last week.”

Kakashi looked at him guilty. “Sorry Sasuke kun.” He shook his head. He couldn’t stay angry at the man, especially not after almost losing him. He watched fondly as the man smiled pleased at the food. Sasuke read his chart and added comments while Kakashi finished his breakfast. He packed up the boxes and nodded to his sensei.

“Sakura will drop by in the evening. Naruto has a mission so he may break in at night but you didn’t hear that from me, ok?” Kakashi chuckled. His genin have made a habit to drop by the window if they come to visit after the hours were over. He pulled up his mask and drawled.

“Maa, as long as he doesn’t shout and wake up the nurses again.” The raven smiled at the reminder. He was at the door when Kakashi asked hesitantly.

“How’s Mitsuha?” Sasuke replied after a beat shaking his head. “No change…”

Sasuke’s hands trembled as he knelt beside Mitsuha’s still form. The weight of the situation hit him as he stared at the pale form of the red head, his fingers hovering over her heart. His breath was shallow, and everything seemed to slow down, except for the pounding in his ears.

They can’t die. Not here. Not like this.

“Sakura!” His voice was a little too sharp, but the panic in his chest wouldn’t allow for softness. “Run diagnostics on Kakashi. Now!”

Sakura, pale and shaking, scrambled to Kakashi's side. Her hands lit up with chakra, scanning their sensei. Sasuke couldn't bring himself to look away from Mitsuha but he could imagine the way she was biting her lip, the tears threatening to spill—it only mirrored the desperation clawing at his insides.

“Broken ribs... shattered arm... gash in the stomach... chakra exhaustion...” Sakura's voice quivered as she relayed Kakashi’s injuries, her throat tightening as the reality of the damage set in. Her hands moved quickly, trying to stabilize him.

“Bandage the fractures,” Sasuke ordered, his voice tight. “Focus on healing the wound. I’ll handle Mitsuha.”

He didn’t wait for her reply, hands glowing with green chakra as he began healing Mitsuha’s chest wound, blood seeping steadily through her shirt. His fingers twitched as he felt the slow pulse beneath his palms. Too slow. Too weak.

"Please, please don’t die."

He felt a lump rise in his throat but pushed it down. Sasuke couldn’t afford to break down right now. He was the last line between life and death for the red head.

“Sakura, I’m summoning Suzu to help.” He quickly weaved the signs, summoning the small owl that materialized next to him. "Help her, Suzu."

Sakura nodded, barely keeping it together, her hands shaky as she continued her work, the own assisting in supplying the healing chakra that Sakura lacked.

“Naruto—Naruto, we need help. Hurry!” He shouted at the frozen blonde. It didn’t seem like he heard what was asked. Sasuke gritted his teeth and shouted.

“Naruto, now!”

Naruto, wide-eyed and breathing heavily, nodded so fast it made Sasuke’s head ache. The panic on blonde’s face was clear, mirroring the horror Sasuke himself was trying to keep buried. Without a word, Naruto sprinted out of the ruined buildings of Uzushio, racing toward the nearest village.

Naruto ran on water, his feet slapping against the waves, but all he could think about was Mitsuha and Kakashi and their unconscious bodies.

Help her...

Kakashi sensei’s words echoed in his head. He forced more chakra and increased his speed. He needs to get help. For the first time in his life, Naruto felt utterly useless.

The cold water barely registered as he ran faster, faster than he had ever run before. The tides, impossibly wild before, seemed to calm for him, but the storm inside him only grew.

"Please... not them. They can’t die. Not Mitsuha nee... not Kakashi nii."

For hours, he ran non-stop. His legs screamed in protest, his lungs burned, but he wouldn’t stop. He couldn’t. Just as he felt his body beginning to give out, he spotted the small port village and forced himself to keep going.

Naruto nearly collapsed as he stumbled into the village medical store, his chest heaving. He couldn’t even form the words right, panicked and desperate.

“Help! I need—doctors!” His voice cracked as the shopkeeper looked at him, bewildered.

“Kid, I don’t—what are you—?”

“Naruto kun?”

He spun around, his heart stuttering with relief as a familiar face came into his view. Nao.

“Nao nee san, thank God! Please—Tsunade! Is she with you? I need her! Kakashi sensei and Mitsuha nee... they’re dying!”

Nao’s face turned grim, and she didn’t waste any time, pulling him by the arm. “Tsunade-sama’s at the tavern. Come on.”

Naruto could barely focus as they moved; his vision blurry from the panic clawing at him. His thoughts raced, images of Mitsuha’s bleeding body and Kakashi’s limp form flashing in his mind. They can’t die. They’re too strong to die, right?

When they reached the tavern, Nao led him to a corner table where Tsunade sat, her cheeks flushed with alcohol, laughing with Shizune.

“Tsunade baa chan!” Naruto’s voice was desperate as he interrupted, practically stumbling into her. “You have to come! Kakashi sensei and Mitsuha nee... they’re dying! Chest wounds, fractures... everything. Please!”

Tsunade’s eyes widened in shock, the alcohol seeming to burn away from her system in an instant. She was already standing before he could finish, grabbing Shizune and instructing Nao to stay behind. Without hesitation, she lifted Naruto onto her back and sprinted toward the shore.

Tsunade’s breath hitched the moment she laid eyes on Mitsuha. Blood soaked the ground beneath her, a pool that seemed endless, and for a moment, she couldn’t move. She froze, her heart pounding in her ears. The sight of all that blood—the crimson liquid that she feared so much—made her vision blur. Her hands trembled, refusing to reach out. All she could see was blood.

“Tsunade sama?” Shizune’s voice was faint in the background, but Tsunade couldn’t respond. She could barely breathe. It felt like the everything was closing in on her, the sight of the blood dragging her deeper into her worst fears. All she could hear was the sickening squelch of blood pooling beneath the bodies of people she couldn’t save.

No... no, not again...

Sasuke, barely able to stand, noticed her hesitation. His face twisted in anger as he shouted, “Do something! Mitsuha’s dying, please!” His voice broke through the haze, the desperation clear in every word.

Tsunade blinked, shaking her head, but still, her feet refused to move. Shizune rushed to Mitsuha’s side, desperately trying to stop the bleeding, but it was too much for her alone.

Too much blood.

Suddenly, Naruto was in front of her, his eyes wide, tears streaming down his face as he grabbed her by the arm.

“Baa chan, please!” he cried, his voice raw with panic.

“Please don’t let her die! Don’t let Mitsuha nee die! She’s my only family—I’ll do anything!” His voice cracked as he sobbed, his hands shaking as he clung to her. “Please! Please, don’t let her die!”

Naruto’s desperation snapped something in Tsunade. For a brief moment, she didn’t see Naruto. She saw Nawaki. His young, hopeful face, begging her for help, for something she couldn’t give.

And just like that, the haze lifted.

Tsunade snapped into action, barking orders. “What are their injuries?”

Sasuke’s head was swimming, but he forced the words out. “Kakashi... broken ribs, shattered arm, stomach wound, chakra exhaustion. Mitsuha... chest wound, fire damage, unstable chakra system due to genjutsu... barely stable.”

Tsunade took a deep, shaky breath and clenched her fists. “Shizune, focus on Kakashi. I’ll handle Mitsuha.” Her voice was steadier now, her focus returning as she pushed aside the fear. Not this time.

As Shizune moved to Kakashi, Tsunade dropped to Mitsuha’s side, her hands glowing with healing chakra. The moment she touched Mitsuha, her focus sharpened. Blood flowed through her fingers, but Tsunade blocked it out. Her chakra surged into red head’s body, stabilizing her as best she could, but it was a slow process. Too slow.

Sasuke, pale and exhausted, summoned what little chakra he had left. His eyes were drooping from the strain, but he knelt beside Tsunade, pressing his hands to Mitsuha’s side. “I’ll help.” His voice was hoarse, his chakra nearly depleted, but he wasn’t going to give up.

Tsunade glanced at him, her chest tightening at the sight of his resolve. He’s just like Naruto, she thought. They would give everything for the people in their lives. For a second, Tsunade saw herself desperately trying to heal Dan’s lifeless body.

Together, they worked in sync, their chakra weaving through Mitsuha’s body, patching up the worst of the damage. Tsunade focused on her chest wound, knitting torn flesh and repairing internal injuries, while Sasuke tried to stabilize her chakra network. They could feel Mitsuha’s pulse growing stronger, little by little.

But Sasuke couldn’t keep it up for long. The strain of maintaining the jutsu was too much, and just as they started seeing real progress, the raven’s body gave out. He collapsed onto his back, gasping for air before slipping into unconsciousness from chakra exhaustion.

Tsunade didn’t waste any time. With Sasuke down, she summoned Katsuyu, who immediately began to assist with the healing.

“Naruto!” Tsunade called, her voice carrying over the panic. “Send a summons to Konoha. We need extraction teams to meet us at the port village, now!”

Naruto, still frantic but determined, nodded quickly and moved to send Suzu to Konoha with the prewritten message. His chest ached with fear, his mind racing with images of what would happen if they couldn’t save them. If Mitsuha-nee and Kakashi-sensei die...

He couldn’t even finish the thought. They couldn’t die. He wouldn’t let it happen.

Tsunade gritted her teeth, pushing her chakra harder. She wouldn’t let them down. Not now. Not after everything. She glanced at Naruto, at the desperation in his eyes. She couldn’t fail him. Not like she had failed before.

For the first time in years, she let hope guide her hands instead of fear. And she wouldn’t stop until both Mitsuha and Kakashi were safe.

Kakashi woke up with a startled gasp and a haunting memory of red eyes staring at him. The sterile scent of antiseptic filled his nose, the harsh beeping of a machine ringing in his ears. Where…?

He blinked, groggy and confused, the stark white of the room coming into focus. Oh, he thought, this is a hospital.

Kakashi took in a deep breath and relaxed faintly when the familiar scent of trees and earth washed over him. He was home. He turned a tired eye towards the window to reconfirm what his nose was telling him. He was glad but was understandingly confused as to how he ended up here. The last thing he remembered was Mitsuha…

He sat up quickly ignoring the machines hooked up to him. Pulling out the monitors, he forced himself to stand up, ignoring the sudden dizzy spell that threatened to pull him under and tried to move towards the door only to find himself falling forward. Kakashi sighed, preparing to get closely acquainted with the tiled floor, didn’t expect the tanned hands that caught him. Looking up at his savior, Kakashi let out a confused noise.

“Kakashi, stop!” Iruka’s voice was sharp but filled with concern as he hauled Kakashi back onto the bed. The silver haired jonin pouted as he tried to fight against the strong hands of his fellow soldier.

Iruka snorted at his disoriented form and pulled him back on his bed. The chunin flared his chakra to call the nurse. After the lady had her share of poking and prodding him, Kakashi looked at Iruka with a betrayed look.

“Oh, don’t look like I snatched your candy. You knew better than to pull out all the machines and try to waddle yourself out of the bed.”

Which, Kakashi supposed was fair. But his ire soothed the moment when he remembered the object of his unsuccessful quest.

“Iruka, Mitsuha, is she—” The copycat nin cut himself off at the expression of his fellow shinobi. Trepidation filled his gut as he watched Iruka try to come up with words.

Iruka's face softened, but his hesitation caused Kakashi’s stomach to twist painfully. No. Please. Don’t say it. Don’t tell me she’s gone.

“Don’t think yourself into a panic attack," Iruka said softly, gently. "Mitsuha’s alive.”

Kakashi’s breath whooshed out of him, the weight that Kakashi felt drop from his shoulders were so real that he felt himself sag into the pillow. She is ok, he thought a little hysterical. She’s alive. She’s… okay?

But then why wasn’t she here?

Before Kakashi could ask, Iruka continued, his voice lower, more somber. “But... she’s in a coma, Kakashi. Tsunade sama says she was trapped in a powerful genjutsu. They’ve tried everything to wake her, but so far, nothing’s worked.

The world tilted beneath Kakashi’s feet. A coma? Genjutsu? His mind flashed back to the scene—Mitsuha, the red glow of the Sharingan, the kunai piercing her chest as she shielded him. He could almost hear the sickening sound of it hitting flesh.

She’s like this because of me.

His heart twisted violently in his chest, his pulse deafening in his ears. I let her take the hit. I let her protect me. His breath hitched, coming faster now, shorter. I’m cursed. Father...Obito… Rin…Sensei...Kushina nee...Mitsuha. Everyone I care about dies.

He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to block out the images, but they came anyway. Obito crushed beneath the rocks. Rin with her blood staining his hands. And now Mitsuha, her body limp, bleeding out in front of him. It’s always me. I’m the one who should’ve been better. I’m the one who should’ve died.

“Kakashi, breathe,” Iruka’s voice broke through, his hand pressing firmly on Kakashi’s shoulder, grounding him. “You’re spiraling.”

But Kakashi couldn’t hear him. His breath was coming too fast, his chest too tight, a wave of guilt and shame crashing down on him. I fail everyone. I can’t do anything right. I’m weak. I’m useless. I couldn’t protect her—

Just then, the door swung open. "I’m telling you, Sakura, it’s not my fault!" Naruto’s voice broke through the thick fog of panic.

"Of course it’s your fault, Naruto, you—" Sakura stopped abruptly, her eyes going wide as she saw Kakashi hunched over in bed, his body trembling.

Naruto and Sasuke froze behind her, confused at first, and then alarmed. "Kakashi nii?" Naruto’s voice was small, filled with concern.

Sakura rushed forward, kneeling in front of Kakashi. "Kakashi sensei, listen to me," she said gently but firmly. "I need you to breathe. Focus on my voice. Just breathe, okay? You’re safe. Mitsuha’s safe."

Kakashi blinked down at her, his vision blurring. His breath was coming in gasps, his heart racing out of control. Safe? Mitsuha’s safe?

"Come on, count with me," Sakura said softly, her voice steady and calm, pulling him back from the edge. "One, two, three… in. One, two, three… out."

Kakashi struggled to match her rhythm, his chest tight, but he forced himself to follow her voice, inhaling shakily, then exhaling. In… out… In…

"That’s it," Sakura soothed, her hand resting lightly on his forearm. "You’re okay. Just keep breathing."

Slowly, painfully, Kakashi’s breathing evened out. The tightness in his chest loosened, the panic ebbing away. Sakura gave him a small smile, though her eyes were filled with concern. "It’s okay. Everything will be fine.”

Kakashi let out a shaky breath, exhausted beyond measure. He slumped back into the pillows, his limbs weak and trembling.

Obito’s dying face, Rin’s lifeless body, Mitsuha’s blood splashing onto him.

Always for me.

His body felt like it had nothing left to give. As soon as he stopped fighting, his eyelids fluttered shut, too heavy to hold open.

Chapter Text

The next time Kakashi woke up, it was to the sound of Tsunade giving instructions to the hospital staff. He opened his eye, noting that someone had taped his Sharingan eye shut to avoid further chakra consumption.

“It’s almost like I have time travelled.” He drawls attempting to smile at the sannin. “I thought you didn’t want to return to here.”

He looked warily at the blonde woman who was staring back entirely unimpressed.

“Not like I had a choice, brat. You almost die of chakra exhaustion, go into a coma for a couple of weeks or so, wake up, work yourself into a panic attack and then sleep again for twenty-four hours. I would hit you if you weren’t still looking like on death’s doorstep.”

Kakashi tilted his head. Fair enough. His body was so drained that even sitting up felt like an impossible task. Still, there was something far more pressing on his mind than his own state of being. He turned to her and whispered.

“Mitsuha?” His voice was a hoarse whisper, the name slipping from his lips with an undercurrent of desperation.

Tsunade let out a heavy sigh, her confident posture faltering for a moment. She looked anywhere but at him, which only deepened the pit of dread in Kakashi’s chest.

"I’m going to be real with you, Kakashi," she started, her voice unusually subdued. "Physically, she’s fine. Her body’s holding up. But mentally... I don’t know what’s going on. It’s such an intricate genjutsu, something I haven’t seen since Madara’s time. It would be fascinating if it weren’t so damn frustrating."

His mind spiralled back to that moment, the red eyes, the way Mitsuha had thrown herself in harm's way for him. His hand gripped the bedsheet tightly, knuckles white.

“It was an Uchiha who did it.” Tsunade’s eyes widened for a moment before she let out a string of curses under her breath. Kakashi barely noticed.

“The man... he had an advanced Sharingan,” Kakashi continued, his voice steadier now but no less haunted. He forced himself to look directly at Tsunade. “I need to report to the Sandaime. We were on a mission.”

Tsunade’s eyes flickered with surprise, quickly morphing into concern. "Kakashi, you’re in no condition to—"

“Please,” Kakashi interrupted, desperation creeping into his tone. His normally stoic demeanor cracked. “I have information that I need to pass to him. I need to make sure that what she got hurt for isn’t wasted.”

Tsunade sighed and Kakashi knew he won. She knew he wouldn't rest until he had done his part.

After a long pause, she sighed again. "Fine, but he’s coming here, old and aching joints or not. You're not leaving this hospital in your current state."

Kakashi knew that was the best he could hope for, and with a resigned nod, he slumped back into the bed. Though he wasn’t looking forward to reliving what he had gone through, he was a shinobi and Mitsuha was his teammate and he doesn’t leave behind team.

Hiruzen knew that whatever happened was something the time traveler couldn’t have predicted from her own timeline. Afterall, it nearly gave him a heart attack when the extraction team he sent returned with three panicked children, two unconscious nearly dead jonin, a civilian with striking red hair and two faces he never thought he would see again in his lifetime.

It felt natural to let his blonde student take control the two jonin’s treatment and then the entire hospital by proxy. Hiruzen was secretly guilty that he felt happy at the return of his student despite the circumstances.

Now the man waited patiently at his jonin’s bedside alongside Shikaku, waiting for Kakashi to wake up to give his report. Tsunade was also in the room, guiding gentle chakra along the prone body to assist in waking up. Kakashi groaned and opened his eye, blinking at the harsh light. He hummed thankfully at Tsunade before turning his head to look at his Hokage. Hiruzen smiled.

“Glad to see you back in the land of living Kakashi.” And he really was glad to see Kakashi survive another day. He would never admit it, but there had been times when he had prayed fervently that the boy wouldn’t let his suicidal tendencies take over. It seemed he wouldn’t need to worry about that anymore.

“Hokage sama,” he whispered and nodded at the jonin commander. “The mission was a success. Infiltration to the Kirigakure was successful, the Mizukage is released from the genjutsu that he was subjected under. However, as you can see, there was complications.”

Shikaku sighed. “What a drag! Complications in the form of a rogue Uchiha?” Kakashi nodded.

“He called himself Tobi and he was wearing the signature Akatsuki cloak. He had a Sharingan which—” Kakashi paused for a second, clarity hitting his mind. “Which had similar abilities to my own. And he recognized me…”

Hiruzen heard Shikaku and Tsunade mutter “troublesome” simultaneously under their breaths, his brow furrowing as he looked back at Kakashi.

“Tell me about the fight,” he said, using a commanding voice that Kakashi would find difficult to disobey. At the end of the day, Kakashi was a good soldier, and Hiruzen felt a sense of unease when he recalled the terminology used in Danzo’s reports. How different were the two of them, really?

“It was easy to get into the office. The Mizukage was clearly under a genjutsu unable to think or act for himself. I was in charge of trying to break him free from it while Mitsuha secured the perimeter. The illusion…” He trailed off, lost in thought. “It was complex, too many intricacies and failsafe mechanisms. One of them activated and summoned Tobi. He was able to push the Kage into motion who engaged me while Mitsuha kept Tobi away.”

The tension in the room grew as Kakashi recounted the events, each word revealing the weight of the encounter.

Kakashi took a breath, bracing himself. “The fight was intense. Even under the genjutsu, the Mizukage was a pain to deal with. I only got glimpses of their fight but—” Hiruzen smiled at the admiration and the fondness on the young man’s face. Ah, it’s been a while since I saw him look like that.

“Maa, I see why Mitsuha was classified as an S-class ninja and why she has a ‘flee on sight’ order. The woman was incredible and so fierce to watch. But Tobi was matching her, step for step. But something happened that made me unable to focus on them. I was pulled into the mindscape that the Mizukage shared with his tailed beast.”

He nodded at the stunned look that his audience gave him. He couldn’t believe it either and he was the one who experienced it. He trembled slightly at the memory.

“The beast was the one who helped me remove the genjutsu…” Hiruzen could see Kakashi hesitating for a moment before sighing and looking away from them.

“I got some other information as well. Not vital to the mission but,” Kakashi took a deep breath. “When Kiri captured Rin all those years back, they had made her into a Jinchūriki of the three tails. The sanbi remembered her as his host and also recognized me as the one who came to save her. He apologized. He said that he was controlled by the man with the red eyes, presumably Tobi.”

Hiruzen knew that a future where tailed beasts and its hosts will cooperate was a reality. He had heard the story from Mitsuha many times. She was even willing to show her memories with the help of Inochi when it was asked of her. He had seen Kyubi fight alongside Naruto from the brief memories that she had of her father. Yet it still shattered his mind.

Kakashi continued without noticing the tension in the room. “Sanbi helped me break the genjutsu and the beast seemed oddly fond of its jailor. Maa, it gives me hope for…Anyway, when I woke up, I saw the man launching with a kunai. I would have died if it wasn’t for Mitsuha stepping in between. I am certain that man casted a genjutsu on her as well. That’s probably why—”

Hiruzen saw Kakashi visibly trying to not go into another panic attack. Shikaku quickly went into analytical mode trying to do damage control.

“Focus Kakashi. You were able to break the genjutsu on the Mizukage. Would you be able to do the same for Mitsuha?”

Kakashi shook his head. “I was only able to do it because of Isobu, the three tails.” He clarified at their confused look. Tailed beasts have names!

Kakashi sighed and closed his eyes. “I will take a look at her anyway. If by any chance, I am able to break that illusion, then I will do so. I don’t want Mitsuha suffering under the genjutsu any longer than she has to.”

Kakashi looked at her with weary eyes. “When I broke into Mizukage’s mind, he was surrounded by images of death and he was in so much pain and guilt. The genjutsu, I think, showed him his worst memories on a loop, kept him defenseless. Who knows what it is going to show Mitsuha...”

Hiruzen audibly sighed and spoke, his voice heavy. “That is true. Tsunade chan, when can Kakashi take a look at our Uzumaki?”

Tsunade hummed. “He exhausted his chakra to a drain. At least a week before he could use his Mangekyō. I will smack you if you try to use it before that, Kakashi. You know as well as I do what a half assed attempt to break genjutsu could do to one’s psyche. And her body is still healing.”

Kakashi, though reluctant, agreed. He would rather die that mess with Mitsuha’s mind when he wasn’t confident that he could safely delve in there. Hiruzen sighed and stood up.

“In the meanwhile, Shikaku, keep up the sessions with Inoichi. If we are able to at least crack some of the layers, then it might be easier for Kakashi to dive into once he has recovered. Kakashi, that is an order, you are not to attempt anything before Tsunade gives you the green light.”

Kakashi pouted, making Hiruzen shoot a fond look at his jonin. “Maa, it’s like none of you trust me.”

Kakashi had been expecting some peace in the hospital. It was peaceful—too peaceful, which made him suspicious. He knew this peace wouldn’t last long.

The door burst open, revealing Team 7 each holding something suspiciously large behind their backs.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto shouted, barging in first. "Look! We brought you something!"

Kakashi raised a brow. “Oh? How thoughtful of you.”

Naruto pulled out what looked like a humongous bowl of ramen—smoking hot, with noodles spilling over the side. “I thought you’d like some Ichiraku’s! You know, to help you feel better.”

Kakashi blinked, eyeing the bowl and imagining the absolute disaster if it spilled. “Naruto, I’m still recovering. I’m not sure ramen is… ideal for a hospital environment.”

Naruto pouted. “But it’s your favorite, right?”

“Maa, I’m pretty sure it’s your favorite…”

Sakura followed closely, carrying a familiar book. “I brought your Icha Icha novel, sensei. I know how much you love them.”

Kakashi’s visible eye lit up. “Ah, Sakura, very thoughtful—”

Trailing behind, Sasuke sauntered in, holding a single tomato. He dropped it on the bedside table, saying nothing, but the proud smirk on his face spoke volumes.

Naruto glanced at the tomato and burst out laughing. “A tomato? That’s it?! How’s that better than ramen?”

Sasuke glared. “It’s healthy. You wouldn’t understand, idiot.”

Naruto slammed the ramen cup down. “Ramen’s way better, you jerk!”

Before Kakashi could intervene, ramen and tomato started flying. The tomato hit him squarely on the head, followed by a cascade of noodles. He blinked through the mess, then sighed deeply, flopping back on the bed.

Sakura’s face turned dark. “Naruto... Sasuke...” She cracked her knuckles.

“Uh-oh,” Naruto whispered.

“What?” Sasuke sneered.

Within seconds, Sakura’s fists were flying, and the boys were yelling for mercy. Kakashi, now covered in food, closed his eye, resigning himself to his fate.

After an embarrassing sponge bath that he would never subject his worst enemy to, Kakashi had just settled back into bed, hoping for a moment of quiet, when the door slammed open with a BOOM. Guy stood in the doorway, dramatically silhouetted against the bright hallway light, teeth shining.

“Kakashi! My eternal rival!” Guy boomed, striking a ridiculous pose. “I have come to ensure your youthful recovery!”

Kakashi sighed, pulling the blanket over his face. “Guy… I’m recovering. Quietly.”

But Guy, being Guy, was far from quiet. “Nonsense! I will not allow you to languish in this hospital bed without the power of youth to invigorate you!”

Kakashi peeked out from under his blanket, dreading what was coming next.

“Behold!” Guy continued, pulling out a set of dumbbells from his green spandex. “I shall display my power of youth to restore your youthfulness!”

Kakashi stared blankly. “Guy, I have multiple fractures.”

“Nonsense!” Guy bellowed, already starting a one-handed push-up. “I shall do one hundred for every day you remain in this hospital bed!”

Kakashi sighed heavily, watching Guy pump out push-ups at a speed that would put most normal shinobi to shame. “Guy, please…”

But there was no stopping Guy. “And once you’re back on your feet, we’ll have a thousand laps around the village! I’ll even carry you on my back if necessary!”

Kakashi sank deeper into his bed, wondering if playing dead might be the best option.

Kakashi had just managed to shoo Guy out, when the door opened again—this time much more quietly—and in walked Kurenai and Asuma, carrying a basket of fruits.

“Kakashi,” Kurenai started, her voice gentle, “How are you feeling?”

Kakashi let out a theatrical sigh. “Oh, you know... on the verge of death, as usual.”

Asuma chuckled while Kurenai rolled her eyes. Kakashi’s visible eye crinkled in amusement as he shifted slightly, clearly trying to get more comfortable.

“You two seem awfully cozy,” Kakashi remarked, his tone suspiciously casual, as he glanced between them.

Kurenai arched an eyebrow. “What do you mean by that?”

“Oh nothing,” Kakashi said, waving a hand weakly. “Just wondering how long until the wedding invitations go out.”

Asuma’s face flushed red as Kurenai narrowed her eyes. “Kakashi...” she warned, her voice taking on a dangerous tone.

Kakashi grinned underneath his mask, feeling particularly cheeky. “Come on, I’m sure the entire village is just waiting for the announcement. You’ve already got the matching outfits—”

Before Kakashi could continue, Kurenai smacked him on the head. Hard.

The world went dark for Kakashi as he blacked out from the hit. Asuma panicked. “K-Kurenai! You knocked him out!”

Asuma rushed to the door, calling for a nurse. Tsunade appeared in a flash, kicking both of them out. “Out! Both of you! He needs rest, not head trauma!”

Iruka entered Kakashi’s hospital room cautiously, a gentle smile on his face. He was followed by a much less gentle group—Naruto’s friends, Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon, who burst through the door with boundless energy.

“They wanted to see you, sorry!” Iruka apologized with a not so sincere smile.

“Kakashi-sensei!” Konohamaru yelled, running up to the bed. “How are you? Are you going to die?”

Kakashi sighed, opening his visible eye to see the hyperactive kids.

“I’m not going to die, Konohamaru,” Kakashi said dryly, “Not yet, anyway.”

Moegi and Udon looked curious, but their attention quickly shifted to the book in Kakashi’s hand. Iruka noticed it too and frowned deeply.

“Sensei, what’s that?” Konohamaru asked, pointing to the infamous orange-covered book.

Kakashi’s eye twinkled as he giggled. “Ah, this?” he waved the book lazily. “This, my young student, is the greatest piece of literature ever created.”

Iruka’s eyes widened in horror. “Kakashi, you’re not seriously—”

“What’s it about?” Udon asked innocently.

“Ah,” Kakashi leaned in conspiratorially. “It’s a tale of love, passion, and adventure—”

Before he could continue, Iruka swooped in, grabbed the book from his hands, and without hesitation, chucked it out the window.

“Noooo!” Kakashi wailed dramatically, reaching out as if he could still catch the flying book.

Outside, a loud thud followed by a scream echoed in the distance. “My glasses!”

Iruka cringed. “Oh no, that was Ebisu, wasn’t it?”

Kakashi stared at Iruka, his eye wide with betrayal.

“You... you monster,” Kakashi said, his voice full of exaggerated pain.

Iruka crossed his arms, thoroughly unimpressed. “You’re not showing that trash to kids, Kakashi.”

Kakashi grumbled, sinking back into his bed. “It wasn’t trash...” he muttered under his breath, “It was art.”

Konohamaru and his friends stared at Iruka in awe. “Wow, Iruka-sensei, you’re so strong!”

Just as Kakashi thought he could finally get some rest, the door creaked open once more. Tenzo, his ever-loyal former subordinate, stepped in, looking awkward as always.

“Kakashi-senpai…” Tenzo greeted quietly, carrying a potted plant. “I, uh, brought you this. It’s good for healing, apparently.”

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. “A plant?”

“Yes. It’s a medicinal fern. It’s supposed to help with circulation and chakra recovery.”

Kakashi blinked. “You know I have a prescription for that, right?”

Tenzo nodded earnestly. “Of course, but natural remedies are good too. I’ll, uh, just put it by the window.”

As Tenzo carefully placed the plant on the windowsill, he stood there in awkward silence for a few moments before clearing his throat. “Anything you need, senpai?”

Kakashi sighed. “I could use some peace and quiet.”

Tenzo nodded seriously. “I’ll make sure no one disturbs you. I’ll guard the door.”

Kakashi raised a hand. “Tenzo, that’s—”

But it was too late. Tenzo was already in “guard mode,” standing stiffly by the door, ready to fend off any intruders.

Kakashi sighed, sinking deeper into his bed. Maybe peace and quiet wasn’t in the cards today. At least he had the plant… and Tenzo.

"Why do I even try..." he muttered, as he closed his eyes and desperately wished for oblivion.

“Hey…”

Kakashi opened his eyes to the soft, familiar voice and was met with the sight of flowing red hair. Mitsuha. She was there, lounging casually on the bed next to him, reminding of a familiar scene which seemed like a life time ago.

He smiled, the expression breaking through the layers of his habitual exhaustion. “Hey yourself…”

Her eyes, that stunning blue, sparkled as she crawled her way into his arms. She snuggled under the blankets beside him, pressing close. Her touch was familiar, comforting, like a warmth he hadn’t felt in years. She cupped his cheek, her fingertips soft against his skin, and then gently pulled him into a kiss.

For a fleeting moment, everything felt right. He kissed her back, clinging to this small piece of happiness.

But then—something wasn't right. The warmth in his chest twisted into something cold, something wrong. Kakashi tried to pull away, but Mitsuha held him tightly. And suddenly, there was blood. So much blood.

His eyes widened in horror as crimson splattered over him, staining his hands, the bed, the air itself. Mitsuha’s beautiful face became pale, her skin a sickly grey, drenched in her own blood. Her eyes lost their warmth, becoming hollow, accusing.

“Why didn’t you save me, Kakashi?” she whispered, her voice a broken, reminding him of a ghost.

His breath caught in his throat. He tried to speak, but no words would come. He wanted to scream, to tell her he was sorry, that he would have done anything to save her—but all he could do was stare, frozen, as her lifeless face morphed before his eyes.

Now it was Rin’s face staring up at him. Blood trickled from the wound in her chest, the wound he had made.

“Why did you kill me, Kakashi?”

Her voice cut through him like a blade, the words digging deep into the parts of him he thought he had long buried. His throat burned with the scream he couldn’t release, his heart pounding painfully against his ribs.

His hands were slick with blood—Rin’s blood, Mitsuha’s blood—it was everywhere, choking him, suffocating him.

He jerked awake with a strangled gasp, his chest heaving as if he had been drowning. His vision blurred, disoriented as he blinked at the sterile hospital room around him. The frantic beeping of machines and the dim lighting grounded him.

Kakashi stared at the ceiling, his body trembling violently, his heart still racing. Slowly, he lowered his head into his hand, unable to stop the tears that began to fall, silent and bitter.

He let the shivers wreck him, surrendering to the suffocating sorrow that consumed him.

Why hadn’t he saved them? Why couldn’t he save anyone?

Rin. Obito. Mitsuha. Their faces swirled in his mind, haunting him, accusing him, reminding him of every life he had failed to protect, of every promise broken, every mistake that had cost someone their future.

He was so tired…

Chapter Text

It was a week before he was even allowed to see Mitsuha and boy, did that first sight of her break his heart. It looked so wrong to see the energetic, happy, full of life Uzumaki lying in the midst of various machines hooked up to her, looking so tiny.

Kakashi moved to sit in a chair next to her, noticing the coat that Naruto left behind. Looks like their kids were here every day keeping her company. A small smile tugged at the corners of his lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes. They were good kids. They loved her and she loved them back.

For a second, he wondered how different team 7 would have been if it wasn’t for Mitsuha’s influence. Naruto would not have even passed the exam; Sakura would still be obsessed over Sasuke who in turn would be only thinking about revenge. And he…he would have done anything to not form an attachment to his cute little genins.

Taking her hand in his own, he raised the fingers and gently kissed them through the mask. Her skin was cool to the touch, and it made him ache inside. She’d always been so warm.

He remembered once when he came home after a mission, cold and aching with chakra exhaustion and pulled the surprised red head onto the bed with him and cuddled with her for hours.

“Hey,” He whispered to his partner, he didn’t know what else to say. How could he ask her how she was doing when she was lying there, so still, so silent?

“I bet it’s silly asking you how you are…” he said softly, his voice cracking. He paused, looking at her pale face, so different from the fierce woman he knew. “Tsunade’s given me permission to try and break the genjutsu. The one Tobi put you under.”

He tried to sound strong but he was so scared. The last time he was this terrified was when the village was under the attack of nine tails.

“I’m just waiting for Kurenai. Tsunade insisted on Kurenai being here to assist me. I want to dive in there as fast as possible and get you out, but...”

Kakashi’s voice faltered, his grip on her hand tightening slightly. He lowered her hand and pressed it to his cheek, the mask doing little to separate the raw pain he felt.

“I’m so afraid, Mitsuha,” he admitted, the confession tearing out of him. “I’ve been messing up so much lately, and... I would rather die than let you be hurt again because of me.”

He closed his eyes, holding her hand against his cheek, wishing for her touch to anchor him. Her stillness, the lack of any response made it unbearable. He couldn’t protect her.

He looked at the red head, eyes glistening, and whispered, “Why’d you go and take that hit, huh?” His voice was shaky, barely holding together. “Did you forget you have so much to live for? Why would you even think about sacrificing yourself for me? Idiot…”

His words broke into a choked laugh, one that dissolved quickly into silence. She wasn’t supposed to be here, trapped in some endless nightmare, while he was left to wait on the outside, helpless and terrified.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath. “I’m so sorry.”

Kurenai wasn’t sure what to expect when she was called to assist Kakashi to break a genjutsu. She remembered how weak the man had looked when she went to visit him with Asuma but Mitsuha was far worse. Her small body was wrapped in so many bandages and she looked so pale. Kurenai knew that the red head had a tendency to land in hospitals a lot but this just seemed to take the cake.

Even Gai, who had accompanied her to the hospital, seemed unusually somber. His usual boisterous energy was gone, replaced with a quiet tension. He hadn’t even tried to break the silence with one of his usual motivational speeches. Kurenai knew Gai and Mitsuha were close—training partners who sparred almost daily when they were both in the village. To see her like this, it must have shaken him.

“Thank you for coming, Kurenai,” Kakashi’s voice broke her thoughts. He sat by Mitsuha’s bedside, fingers gently holding her hand as though afraid she might slip away completely if he let go.

Kurenai took a deep breath and nodded, pulling herself together. “Of course. I’m ready when you are.”

Kakashi looked at Mitsuha for a moment longer before meeting Kurenai’s eyes. “An enemy put her under a complex genjutsu, possibly tied to her memories. I have encountered a similar genjutsu once but I was unable to break it on my own. I’ll use my Mangekyō Sharingan to force our way in, but I’ll need your help to navigate it once we’re inside.”

Kurenai frowned slightly, her mind already racing. “If the genjutsu is connected to her memories, then it’s more than just a mental trap. It’s possible her subconscious could be actively resisting anyone trying to break in. Why isn’t Inoichi here?”

Kakashi nodded grimly. “He already tried but there are genjutsu barriers erected to stop Yamanaka clan jutsu. The Akatsuki man knew what he was doing and I am scared the more she is trapped, the more difficult it will be to get her back.”

Breaking a genjutsu of this magnitude was no simple matter. If too forced, they could might as well break Mitsuha’s mind completely. Kurenai suddenly understood why she was needed. While Kakashi might be equally good as her in casting genjutsu, in this case he could not be trusted to keep calm. Already the man was a vibrating mess of nerves and if he accidently uses more than required force in the red head’s mind, he will leave her brain dead.

Kakashi took a deep breath, his Sharingan activating as he focused on Mitsuha. “Ready?”

Kurenai nodded and closed her eyes weaving matching signs with Kakashi, concentrating as the man began to weave his Mangekyō. The world around them shifted, and suddenly they were no longer standing in the hospital room.

They found themselves in a desolate battlefield, the air thick with smoke and ash. The sky was a sickly grey, and the ground beneath their feet was littered with debris—broken weapons, shattered stone, and craters from long-finished explosions. It was eerily silent.

Kurenai’s breath hitched as she took in the sight. “This… is Mitsuha’s mindscape?”

Kakashi’s eyes scanned the scene, his heart sinking. “Of course, the idiot has been keeping all this to herself…It’s worse than I thought.”

Kurenai stepped forward; her eyes wide with disbelief. “This place… a battlefield frozen in time. Is this how she sees herself? Trapped in the middle of this destruction?”

Kakashi’s voice was quiet but heavy. “Imagine seeing every one you love die…I would bet my own would not be too different.” He sighed and looked at the sky for a second before nodding.

“We need to find her. She’s somewhere in here.”

They walked in silence through the ruined landscape. It was a horrifying wasteland of destruction, stretching as far as the eye could see. The air itself felt thick and oppressive, choked with the acrid stench of smoke and burning. A ghostly fog clung to the ground, making it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead without squinting through the haze. But what terrified Kurenai was the eerie silence—no sound of battle, no wind, just a suffocating stillness.

No bodies littered the ground—just endless destruction, a place that felt abandoned long ago, as if everyone had already fought their final battle and left behind only this wasteland.

It was a place where hope had died, Kurenai thought to herself as she walked forward. She never realized the extend of Mitsuha’s trauma. None of them did, not even the wide eyed and teary Kakashi beside her. Amidst the happy go lucky attitude the red head carried, who knew she was carrying such weight.

Suddenly, they spotted a small figure in the distance, sitting in the rubble. A little girl with bright red hair, her legs drawn up to her chest as she hugged them tightly. It was Mitsuha, but younger—a child no older than six or seven.

“There,” Kurenai whispered, pointing ahead.

They approached slowly, not wanting to startle her. The closer they got, the more they could see the way her small body trembled slightly as if she was cold.

“Mitsuha…” Kakashi called out gently.

The little girl looked up, her wide blue eyes locking onto them. For a brief moment, there was a flicker of recognition, but it quickly vanished, replaced by a deep, heartbreaking anger.

“Go away,” she whispered, her voice small but firm.

Kakashi knelt down a few feet away, trying to catch her gaze. “Mitsuha, it’s me, Kakashi. We’re here to help you.”

Little Mitsuha shook her head, her lower lip trembling as tears welled up in her eyes. “No… I don’t want your help. I’m finally happy… Why won’t you let me be happy?”

Kakashi’s heart clenched. “Happy? Mitsuha, this place—this isn’t real. It’s just the genjutsu. You don’t belong here. You need to come back with us.”

But the little girl shook her head again, more forcefully this time. “No! I’m happy here! I’m with them!” Her eyes filled with more tears, her small fists clenching at her sides. “Why don’t you want me to be happy? Why can’t you just leave me alone?”

“Mitsuha, listen—” Kakashi tried to reach out, but before he could say more, the little girl let out a heartbreaking sob. The entire landscape around them trembled, the ground cracking beneath their feet as the world began to distort and twist.

“Go away!” Little Mitsuha screamed, her voice filled with anguish and pain.

Kurenai stepped forward, trying to soothe her. “Kakashi, we need to leave before—”

But it was too late. In an instant, both Kakashi and Kurenai were thrown back, violently expelled from the mindscape.

Kakashi gasped as he snapped back into his body, still seated by Mitsuha’s bed. He reached out and grabbed Mitsuha’s hand and clenched it tightly, but there was no response. Kurenai was beside him, her face pale as she caught her breath.

“She... she doesn’t want to come back,” Kurenai whispered, shaken by what they’d seen. “She believes she’s happy in there.”

Kakashi’s heart sank. He had failed. Again. Seeing a little Mitsuha trapped in that horrible place, believing that it was happiness, it broke his heart all over again. And he didn’t know how to save her.

He bowed his head, his voice barely a whisper. “I don’t know if I can bring her back…”

Mitsuha woke up with a start, her heart pounding as her eyes darted around the room. The room she was in…it wasn’t the familiar white of the hospital. She would know, considering how many times she has been in the Konoha hospital. Her breath shuddered as she took in the familiar blue wallpaper with toads and hawks. This was…this was her old room.

Her hands trembled as she clutched the bedcovers, her mind struggling to make sense of the impossible. Was this another genjutsu? A dream? No, it felt too real. Too familiar.

The door burst open and Mitsuha looked in absolute surprise as the person who she thought she would never see walked in with a concerned face.

“What happened, sweetheart? Did you have a nightmare?”

Mitsuha looked at the blonde man wearing a pink apron and holding a spatula as if it could protect his daughter from any dangers. To be fair, Naruto Uzumaki with a spatula was probably more dangerous than any shinobi with proper weapon.

It couldn’t be. It was too cruel to hope. But there he was, just as she remembered him—strong, warm, alive.

“Tou-chan…” Her voice was barely a whisper, afraid of breaking whatever this is.

In a heartbeat, she threw herself at him, arms wrapping tightly around his torso, burying her face into his shoulder as the sobs wracked her body. The spatula clattered to the floor, forgotten, as Naruto hugged her back just as fiercely, his hand gently stroking her hair.

"Shh, it’s okay, sweetheart," he murmured, his voice the same soothing tone she remembered from when she was a child. "I’ve got you. It’s just a dream."

But was it? Mitsuha didn’t care. She clung to him as if letting go would break this illusion, her tears soaking into his shirt. He was so warm, so solid, so alive. The scent of ramen, of home, enveloped her, and for a moment, she let herself believe this was real. That everything she’d lost had come back.

“I missed you,” she choked out between sobs, her fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt like a lifeline.

“Eh, but you were just gone for a couple of weeks! Don’t tell me you missed your Tou-chan that much. Actually, do tell, Sasuke is going to be so jealous.”

Mitsuha pulled back and looked into the blue eyes which were identical to hers. She whispered.

“Papa is here?” Naruto frowned as if her questions don’t make any sense. “Of course, he is, where else would he go? He is still asleep though. Training brats apparently is hard work.”

Mitsuha let go of her father and rushed to her parent’s room. Bursting the door open, she saw her father buried in a pile of blankets, snoring away. Her eyes watered again with a fresh set of tears and she rushed into the man and landed on him.

“Oof!” Sasuke woke up with a painful grunt as his grown daughter crashed into him. He looked confused at the sobbing pile of red hair and glanced at his husband who was watching them from the door. Naruto shrugged and walked into the room, sitting beside their crying daughter and started running his hand thorough the hair.

“Mitsuha? What’s wrong?” Saskue asked concerned.

The girl looked up with watery blue eyes and sobbed. “You were all dead, Madara caught you finally; I was alone and I was trying so hard but I was so scared. He almost killed Kakashi and then I jumped in and I was so afraid that he would be hurt and I didn’t know what to do! Do you know how hard it is to lie to everyone? I was so sad and always scared. They all would leave me once they know the truth, I love them all though!”

Naruto and Sasuke connected their eyes confused. They had no idea what their child was talking about but they both knew that whatever it was, she was really upset. Sasuke enveloped their daughter and whispered.

“I’m right here, Mitsuha. Your Tou-chan is right here. We’re not going anywhere.”

Mitsuha sat at the breakfast table, stirring the rice in her bowl absentmindedly. The sounds of her fathers' playful bickering washed over her, but her mind was elsewhere. She felt disoriented, the lines between reality and illusion blurring.

Her memories—Team 7, Kakashi, the village, the fights with the Akatsuki—all seemed so vivid, yet here she was, in her childhood home, sitting at the table like nothing had ever happened. Could it have all been a dream? Was this real?

Sasuke and Naruto were sitting across from her, caught up in their usual argument about the most trivial of things.

“Honestly, dobe, you can’t even make rice without burning it. How can you call yourself a ninja?” Sasuke smirked, casually leaning back in his chair with a self-satisfied look.

Naruto bristled, slamming his chopsticks on the table. “I didn’t burn it! It’s called toasting! And you’d know that if you actually ever cooked instead of just trying to eat tomatoes all the time!”

Sasuke rolled his eyes, clearly amused. “Yeah, because your charred meals are what kept us alive during all these years.”

As they continued to bicker, Mitsuha stared at them, trying to reconcile the strange emotions she felt. Were these really her fathers? They seemed so...normal. So happy. So alive. But that didn’t make sense. The memories of the battles, of the pain—those felt real too. Her hands tightened around her bowl; her knuckles white.

“Mitsuha?” Naruto’s voice broke through her thoughts, his bright smile aimed at her. “Mitsuha, you okay? You’ve barely touched your rice. I know you had a bad morning, but don’t worry, you can rest now. How about we all go to Ichiraku’s tonight for dinner?” He winked. “I know it’s your favorite.”

Sasuke smirked. “That’s your favorite, dobe.”

Naruto bristled, whipping around to glare at him. “Oi, I was trying to be nice to our daughter who had the worst morning ever! Just because you don’t appreciate good food—"

“Ramen isn’t food,” Sasuke interrupted with a straight face. “It’s a stomach ache in a bowl.”

“Oh, you take that back, you—"

Mitsuha suddenly found herself laughing. The sound bubbled up unexpectedly, light and genuine, as her father and papa bickered like they always did. She hadn’t realized how much she had missed this—their banter, their warmth, their ridiculous arguments.

“I missed you guys so much,” she said, her voice wavering with emotion.

Naruto’s face softened, his argument with Sasuke forgotten. “We are right here, sweetheart.” He leaned over the table and ruffled her hair. “Don’t scare us like that again, okay? It’s terrifying to hear you scream like that.”

Sasuke, too, reached over and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Always here, sweetheart.”

Kakashi sat at Mitsuha's bedside, his eyes closed as he steeled himself for what he was about to attempt again. His first trip into her mindscape with Kurenai had been a disaster. But he couldn’t give up, not when she was still there, somewhere, waiting to be brought back. Placing a gentle hand on Mitsuha's forehead, he activated his Mangekyō Sharingan, feeling the familiar pull as he was drawn into her mind once more.

When Kakashi opened his eyes, he was back in the desolate battlefield. And there, sitting among the ruins, was little Mitsuha—her red hair tangled, her face streaked with dirt, and her small figure curled up on the edge of the battlefield.

Kakashi noticed that she was thinner than she was before, malnutrition visible in her small form. The man had a sinking suspicion that it might be due to the genjutsu that the girl was trapped in.

She spotted him immediately, her blue eyes narrowing. “You again,” she muttered, hugging her knees to her chest. “Didn’t I tell you to go away?”

Kakashi approached slowly, hands raised in a gesture of peace. “I’m just here to talk, I am not here to take you away” he said gently taking a seat in front of her. She was so tiny, Kakashi thought to himself.

Mitsuha stared at him suspiciously, her eyes flicking from him to the destroyed landscape around them. “Talk?” she repeated. “Why? You don’t have anything I want to hear.”

Kakashi chuckled, trying to ease the tension. “Well, I wanted to say that you’re really cute.”

Her face scrunched up in disgust. “You’re a creep! And a pervert!” she shouted, pointing an accusing finger at him.

Kakashi stammered. “W-Wait, that’s not what I meant,” he stammered. “I mean, you’re cute—Never mind…What’s your favorite color? I never got to ask you before.”

Mitsuha blinked, clearly not expecting that question. She frowned, tilting her head to the side. “I like blue…like the sky. I think…”

Kakashi grinned beneath his mask. “I like blue too. What’s your hobbies? Likes and dislikes?”

Mitsuha tilted her head in a cute way that reminded him of his dogs when they were puppies. For a fleet moment, he wondered what Mitsuha and his child would look like…Kakashi shook his head to get rid of that line of thought as soon as it came.

“I like training. I am gonna become a strong ninja like my Tou-chan and Papa. Likes…I like seals and weapons, I guess…Dislike?”

Kakashi noticed her face darkening. “I hate Madara…”

Kakashi's smile faltered slightly at the mention of Madara, confused. What does that ancestor have to do with Mitsuha? He asked the child gently.

“Why Madara?” She shook her head vigorously. “I can’t tell you, older me would get mad!”

Kakashi's expression softened at Mitsuha's response, his heart aching for the small, burdened child in front of him. He sighed, leaning forward slightly. “You don’t have to tell me anything you’re not ready to,” he said gently. “But you know, if you ever want to talk about it… I’m here.”

Mitsuha eyed him warily, her small hands clutching her knees tighter. “You always say that,” she muttered. “Everyone says they’re there, but they leave. Just like Papa and Tou-chan did.”

Kakashi’s chest tightened at her words. “I’m not going anywhere, Mitsuha,” he said softly. “Not this time.”

The little girl huffed, clearly sceptical. “Yeah, right. You’ll leave, just like the others. You always do. You all die and then I have to be alone to fix everything again.” Her tone was bitter.

Kakashi sat quietly for a moment, unsure of how to respond. Mitsuha was always so hopeful. Was the mask so good that he had no idea how much pain the girl had been holding on to.

“Let me tell you something,” he began, his voice light but sincere. “I’ve lost people too. A lot of them. People who were really important to me. But even if they’re not around anymore, the memories we made together stay with me. That’s what keeps me going.”

Mitsuha glanced up at him, her gaze softening slightly. “But it still hurts, doesn’t it?” she whispered.

Kakashi nodded slowly. “It does, a lot. Some times I feel like burning the world because how dare everyone move on when they all died. How dare they forget… But that’s why we make new memories with the people who are still here. So, it doesn’t hurt as much.”

Kakashi ruffled the red hair with a smile. “And you, hime, you are an important part of that memory. Why don’t you come back? I miss you; the kids miss you…” he suggested with a playful smile. “I’ll even treat you to ramen. Ichiraku’s.”

Mitsuha’s face twisted into a sudden, furious scowl. “No!” she shouted, standing up abruptly. Her voice trembled with anger, and tears welled up in her eyes. “I don’t want to leave; you can’t make me!!!”

Before Kakashi could react, he felt the familiar sensation of being forcefully ejected from the mindscape. The world around him crumbled, and in an instant, he was back in the hospital room, gasping for air. Kakashi clenched his fists and lowered his head to rest against the edge of her bed.

He let out a groan of frustration, his voice muffled against the sheets.

“Why can't I reach you?”

Mitsuha walked around a completely different Konoha. The buildings were new, reconstructed after Pain’s attack, and everything seemed to flourish under Naruto’s reign. Despite the unfamiliarity, something about the village still felt like home.

Without realizing, her feet had carried her to the memorial stone. She knelt beside it, her fingers tracing the engraved names. Her hand froze as she reached Neji's name, her breath hitching. Memories of the stubborn Hyuga boy flooded her mind—he was alive and well just a month ago in the other timeline, annoyed by his eccentric teammate as usual.

A familiar static chakra tingled at the edge of her senses. Mitsuha's eyes flicked up briefly, her smile turning wry. Ah, she thought, I wonder how I am going to navigate this one. She took a deep breath and whispered, knowing for certain that the man in question could hear her. “You can come out, Kakashi san!”

A rustle from the trees above followed, and the silver-haired man dropped down silently. He smelled a lot like the younger Kakashi she once knew, though there was an edge of more bitter—alcohol, she thought. The older man sat down beside her without a word.

Mitsuha sighed, keeping her gaze on the stone in front of her. The village was different, her fathers were alive, and everything was... as it should have been. Was it all in my head? she wondered. Did I dream it?

Her thoughts drifted to the younger Kakashi—the one she had trained with, fought with, and, on multiple occasions, kissed. The blush crept up her neck at the memory. If that had all been a dream, why would her mind conjure such things about a man she had barely interacted with in her own timeline?

She risked a glance at the man sitting beside her, only to find his eyes already on her. Startled, she froze, meeting his gaze.

Kakashi’s expression was unreadable, though the intensity of his stare sent a shiver down her spine.

“What are you doing here, hime?” Kakashi asked teasingly. “As far as I am aware, you don’t have any comrades engraved on here.”

“You don’t need to know people to honor their sacrifices.” Clearing her throat, Mitsuha continued. “I haven’t seen you around a lot,” she said, her voice quieter than she intended.

Kakashi gave her that familiar eye smile. "Ma, it’s better for others if I’m not around too much."

She shook her head, the blush still faintly coloring her cheeks. "You’re wrong," she said softly, turning her attention back to the memorial stone. "It’s better when you are around."

“And how would you know that, hime?” Kakashi asked her, his voice guarded. It reminded of the Kakashi that Mitsuha meet for the first time. Wrong, even that Kakashi was warm. This one just wants me to go away, she realized.

Mitsuha was irrationally annoyed. It took months for her Kakashi to open up to her and it took even longer for her to open up to him. She isn’t going to let this older version of him treat her like he doesn’t give a shit about her. A distant thought of him not knowing her passed through her mind but she chose to ignore it.

“Oh, I know more that you imagine I know. When it’s raining, you like to sit by the window, huddled in your favorite blanket and cuddle Pakkun because you get cold easily.” Mitsuha blushed, remembering the times Kakashi had pulled her aside to just sit together to watch the rain.

“You cannot make soup, you know how to, but for some strange reason it always ends up inedible and you don’t know why.” She had seen her Kakashi struggle with soup and get frustrated over it. It’s the same issue she has with eggs.

“You have a stash of Icha Icha in a secret compartment under your floorboards.” Naruto found it accidently when he was trying to prank him. Kakashi nearly had a heart attack when he saw his floorboards removed and the box missing. He negotiated a month of ramen with Naruto before he was handed the box back. Kakashi had made Mitsuha put protection seals on the box.

“You have already shown Gai your face but he believes that he hasn’t seen it because you gaslighted him into believing that he hasn’t seen you. Do you need to know more, Kakashi san?”

Looking satisfied at the stunned expression that the man wore, Mitsuha smiled. “I know. I am confused as well.”

She sighed and laid down on her back, looking at the sky. Because she knew Kakashi so well, she could predict that her version would probably be filled with guilt right now. Distantly she wondered when she started to refer to the man as hers. Ah, who is she kidding, in her mind, Kakashi will always be hers.

The older Kakashi hummed and sighed. “You are not the hime I know, are you?” Mitsuha huffed and covered her eyes with her hands. She was worried about her kids too. It all felt too real for it to be a dream. But this world is so perfect. Everyone is here…

“Have you ever had such a vivid dream that you don’t understand what is real and not?”

Kakashi laid down beside her and hummed. “During the war with Madara, almost all the shinobi force was trapped in the Infinite Tsukuyomi. I was later told that it was where all the dreams came true. It was a perfect lie.”

A perfect lie…sounds exactly like her situation. She briefly wondered when Obito managed to trap her in one. My prone body must be lying somewhere in Uzushio or Konoha, she thought. She knew she had to go back to them. But it felt so good to finally have everything she had ever wished for.

“What if I don’t want to go?”

Kakashi chuckled a little. “Well, it’s your dream, hime. No one can force you out if you don’t want to go...”

Mitsuha turned and faced the masked man. “Why do you keep calling me that? No one else calls me that.”

Kakashi met her challenging eyes with his own pair. Isn’t that weird, seeing the man with two grey eyes. She missed seeing the Sharingan in his face. He eye smiled, drowning her in a sea of nostalgia.

“Maa, I’ll tell you that if you tell me what we were in your reality?” Mitsuha could not claim that she was surprised. She should have expected that Kakashi would figure out what she was trying to skip over. He is too smart for his own good.

“What gave me away?” She asked, genuinely curious. Kakashi turned to look at the sky. She watched as he traced cloud shapes in the sky. She had wondered if Kakashi also had some Nara in him from how much the man liked to laze around.

“The rain... you speak from experience. The other me held you when it was raining, hasn’t he? The only question is, was it when you were a child?” Mitsuha's heart raced at the implication.

It suddenly reminded her of the difference in age between her and the silver haired man. She was nothing but a child for him. She almost wanted to agree and move on but lying to the man is only going to make him clam up. Mitsuha was in a difficult position.

“No,” she admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. “Kakashi didn’t know me as a child.” She refused to look at the curious eyes that she knew was boring into her. “I was…am his comrade, a fellow jonin of Konoha.”

Mitsuha hesitated, weighing her words carefully. “And he is someone special…”

Kakashi's gaze softened, and she could almost see the flicker of confusion in his eye. “You care for him deeply.”

“I am in love with him…” Mitsuha replied with a surprised laugh, letting the words out for the first time. She could never tell her Kakashi how she feels so she might as well tell another version of him. She laughed without humor, her voice trembling. “This must all be so strange for you…”

Kakashi shifted, propping himself up on one elbow to face her more fully.

“That is an understatement.” The older man huffed and ran a hand through his hair. “Here I have a child, someone who might as well be my grandchild, telling me that she is in love with someone and that person happens to be me from another dimension. You tell me how I am supposed to feel, hime?”

Mitsuha laughed, nodding at the humor in the situation. “If it makes you feel better, he is a somewhat different from you…he is a very dedicated teacher. He stopped reading icha icha near me because I tease him relentlessly, I think he is secretly a prude. However, he is a shameless flirt and loves to cuddle and laze around. He gets irritated easily when I beat him while sparring.”

The red head smiled wishfully. “One time, the kids pranked him by stealing all his masks. Kakashi showed up wearing a paper bag which he somehow held onto for the entire training session. Genma and I were spying and the man got behind the both of us and put bags in our face as well which had binding seals. So, yea…that’s the Kakashi I know…”

Kakashi listened intently, a mixture of amusement and intrigue dancing in his eyes.

“So, I’m a bag-wearing, flirty prude who gets annoyed by a redhead who can beat him in a spar?” he teased, a smirk creeping onto his face.

Mitsuha grinned, her cheeks warming at the playful banter. “Pretty much! He has this uncanny ability to play it cool, but I see through it all. He tries to act tough, but he has a soft spot for the kids and for me and pretty much lets us get away with a lot of things.”

Mitsuha’s gaze softened further. “There is also another Kakashi that I knew. The one who was there in my original timeline. The man who withdrew from everyone, silently took the blame for everything accused of him, not even coming near the little girl who might as well have been his granddaughter but silently making sure no one hurt her, the man who gave up his life when Madara attacked again, razing the village to the ground.”

She noticed the guilty look on the man’s face. She sat up and patted his hand. “It’s ok. I know why you did the things you did, Kakashi san. I don’t blame you. I would have done the same thing. In fact, I almost did the same thing. It was you who convinced me to go Konoha.”

She smiled as she remembered Kakashi staying guard while she slept peacefully near the campfire. “You reminded me of the will of fire. That I didn’t have to do everything alone.” She smiled wider at the man. “You reminded me that those who leave comrades behind are worse that trash.”

“I think dogs are much cuter than bears!”

“Noooo, you’re so wrong! You can’t sleep with dogs and they won’t cuddle with you!”

Kakashi smiled at the animated little girl in front of him. He had forgone wearing his mask around her knowing that she is a part of Mitsuha. Despite Tsunade’s warnings about the risks of getting too involved, he had been coming to this mindscape regularly. He needed to understand why Mitsuha was refusing to come back.

Now he was arguing with a mini version of his partner as they debated whether dogs or bears were cuter. Kakashi chuckled at her pout, the same one Mitsuha wore whenever she didn’t get her way. He could see so much of the woman he loved in this little girl.

“I think you would find that to be inaccurate, hime. When I was your age, I cuddled with my ninken every night. It was an enjoyable experience.”

He let out that they kept the nightmares of his father’s lifeless body away. Mini Mitsuha looked thoughtful and replied.

“My Tou-chan loved toads and papa thought cats were cool. They were sad when I told them I loved bears. Tou-chan threw a massive tantrum!”

For some reason, Kakashi could only imagine an older Naruto throwing a tantrum when his kid refused to have the same favourite animal. And his mind fluttered when he thought of himself having a similar argument with his own child. Kakashi really needs to get a grip on reality. Children, he scoffed internally, he wasn’t even sure if the person he loved is going to wake up.

“Why do you wish to stay here, hime?” He noticed that the little one blushed and pouted annoyed whenever he called her that. It was too amusing to ignore. He wondered if the older one would react similarly. He was tempted to find out, even if it meant risking a punch.

“Not a princess!” She childishly muttered but grew thoughtful. Kakashi let the child ponder. No longer did the talks about leaving resulted in immediate exit. The child seemed to entertain his inquires now.

The few days he had been visiting her, he had managed to break down the walls that the little girl build around herself.

“Because everyone is alive…”

Kakashi felt his breath pause as he realised the meaning behind those words. Mitsuha is refusing to come out because the genjutsu is showing her precious people alive. In the perfect illusion, there was no loss, no pain.

He could understand the joy behind such a dream but he was too selfish. He needed her, his kids needed her, Gai, Genma, Anko, Iruka and everyone else needed her. He wanted her back. And if he had to make a reality better that whatever she was dreaming, he will do it.

But he knew better than to push. Instead, he softened his tone. "Well, I hope she realizes soon that there are many people on this side who miss her... terribly."

Mitsuha didn’t reply. He stood up to leave on his own and smiled.

“I won’t be back for a while. Team 7 has their first C rank mission. We are leaving the village tomorrow to Land of waves. I will miss you.”

Kakashi did not expect the little red head to crash into him and hug him with all his might. Kakashi froze, startled for a moment, then relaxed into the embrace, a soft smile tugging at his lips.

As he held her, he heard her whisper, “Remember to look underneath the underneath.”

And just like that, he was forcefully kicked out of the mindscape.

Chapter Text

Naruto looked at the comatose body of his cousin. Sakura and him weren’t allowed to see her once they started attempting to break the genjutsu. Sasuke only got permission because he was Tsunade’s apprentice so any updates about the red head came through the Uchiha. But Kakashi sensei managed to convince the sannin to let him see her before they go out of the village.

Naruto was aware of the genjutsu that his cousin was put under. Kakashi sensei had even told him about his struggles to unravel the illusion. It was actually Sakura who suggested that Kakashi sensei try befriending the little girl instead of forcing her to come back.

The blonde genin was so angry at his cousin. What was so precious that she was ready to stay behind, leaving them all. He was so ashamed when his sensei gave the answer with a sad smile.

“Everyone she lost is alive in her dreams.”

“Nee-chan!” He tried his best to sound cheerful. “We’re going on our first C rank mission tomorrow. This drunk man wants to escort us to his village. Kakashi sensei said it’s near Uzushio. That’s nice right?”

He smiled as he combed his fingers through the tangled hair of his cousin. He couldn’t help but notice how lacklustre it looked compared to the vibrant hue that he was used to. He sniffled and whispered.

“Hey, I know you got friends in your dreams, so it’s ok if you want to stay there for some more time. But you gotta promise that you’d come back, ok? Kakashi nii is a mess without you and almost walked out without his mask. Sakura was complaining that it’s impossible to train without you supervising her. Sasuke has been wrecking his brain trying to learn every Iryō jutsu to make sure that nothing like this happens again. And I miss you too…so promise, ok?”

Naruto kissed her forehead and stood up to leave.

“Love you, nee chan!”

Sasuke sighed and looked around at his team who were leaning up against the gatepost, some how sleeping while standing up. As if they were the ones who had to do a eight-hour shift after completing six D ranks.

He couldn’t help but remember the last time they had sat around and waited for their sensei. It seemed like a decade ago and now they were heading out of the village again. He understood why his teammates seem to not be bothered; they did missions with other teams while Kakashi was bedridden.

Tsunade had taken him under her wings and seemed to be on a mission to make him her protégé. It wasn’t like he was complaining, it was something that he had always wanted, to train under Lady Tsunade of the Sanin. It was helping with the nightmares too. For every life he helped to save, the cold, lifeless bodies of his clan members were slowly fading away from his mind. It was therapeutic in a sick sort of way.

“Yo!”

Sasuke would rather die that admit that he squealed when Kakashi’s voice came out of nowhere, and in an instant, he was leaning casually on his shoulder. He pushed the man away and glared.

“Don’t ‘yo’ me! You’re late.”

Kakashi eye smiled unashamed muttering something about black cats and walking under ladders and tilted his head towards his teammates.

“Go wake them up before our client get here. Honestly, how they can sleep standing up is a miracle in of itself!”

 As Sasuke approached his teammates, he couldn’t help but shake his head at the sight. Naruto was leaning against the gatepost, mouth slightly open, snoring. Sakura was slightly slumped forward, her forehead inches from hitting the post, but somehow still upright. He nudged Naruto’s shoulder.

“Wake up, dobe, Sakura. Kakashi’s finally here,” Sasuke grumbled.

Naruto blinked awake, rubbing his eyes. “Wha…? He’s actually here?” He looked up, surprised to see Kakashi waving at them with his typical casual demeanor.

Sakura stirred as well, blinking at the sudden activity. “Huh? We’re starting now?”

“Yup, and you’re drooling, Sakura,” Sasuke added with a smirk.

Sakura quickly wiped her mouth and glared at Sasuke. “Shut up, Sasuke! At least I wasn’t snoring.”

Kakashi gave his usual eye-smile. “Good morning, Team 7!”

“You said we’d leave at sunrise!” Naruto grumbled, bouncing on his heels with impatience.

Sasuke scoffed. “You should know by now that ‘on time’ means nothing to him.”

Kakashi raised his hand placatingly and eye smiled. “Maa, must you be so mean to your dear old Sensei, you know, he gets lost on the road of life sometimes.”

Sakura sighed, looking up at the man. “He says he is old yet has no problem slave driving—”

Before their bickering could escalate, tired looking Tazuna approached, grumbling as he took in the sight of his little protectors. He looked at Kakashi and spoke, not bothering to hide the disbelief.

“Are you sure these kids can fight? I’ve seen more threatening rabbits. They look like a bunch of brats.”

Sakura took a step forward, putting on her best professional smile before the boys could punch the man. “We may be young, but we’re capable. We’ve been through some tough missions before.”

Tazuna snorted. “Tough missions, huh? I sure hope you’re right, little lady. Because if you mess up, the last thing you’ll see is my corpse.”

Naruto frowned. “Wasn’t the mission detail to protect you from bandits? Even graduated genin could take care of bandits. You’re acting quite paranoid!”

Tazuna’s gaze away from Naruto, looking around at the suddenly suspicious children and huffed. “Alright, alright, kid. Unlike you, I am not a trained killer. So, excuse me for feeling scared!”

 The old man grumbled and started moving towards the gate. Kakashi looked at his genin and signed. ‘Suspicious, keep senses open, don’t alert the client.’

The kids nodded and followed the old man. Kakashi looked back at the village. He really didn’t want to leave the village when his partner was in a coma, helpless against any threats but he had to trust his friends to defend her if it came to that. The silver haired man sighed once more and followed his team out of the village.

“So, what’s the Land of Waves like?” Sakura asked, glancing at Tazuna.

Tazuna glanced over his shoulder. “The Land of Waves is an island nation off the coast of the Land of Fire. It doesn’t have its own ninja village, which makes it vulnerable to outside threats. That’s why a lot of their work gets outsourced to other shinobi nations.”

Sasuke hummed. “I thought all countries have shinobi or samurai outposts. I remember seeing one in the Land of Fireflies. I heard that Tanzaku Gai also has a Konoha outpost.”

Kakashi looked at the raven from behind his book and nodded his head. “Land of Fireflies have a samurai outpost because they have a treaty with Tetsu no Kuni from the time of establishment. As for Tenzaku Gai, Konoha has an outpost there due to the high number of questionable institutions that are established there. Only the major nations have hidden villages within them.”

He closed his book when he saw the eager eyes of his genin, reminding him faintly of his own ninken when they were puppies, absorbing new information. Mitsuha would have loved to see this.

“The big ones are the Land of Fire, Land of Water, Land of Earth, Land of Wind, and Land of Lightning. Each of these countries has a hidden village where the ninja live.”

Naruto nodded and continued. “The hidden villages are where the shinobi come from. They’re like military forces, protecting the country and taking on missions for money. A chunk of the revenue produced by the hidden nation is paid as taxes to the land in which they reside. In return, hidden villages are allowed to operate as a military nation and have different rules compared to the bigger nation.”

Sasuke raised an eyebrow at Naruto. “Since when have you been this knowledgeable?”

Naruto grinned. “I’ve been doing some extra studying with Mitsuha and Kakashi-sensei. You know, getting ahead and stuff.”

Kakashi chuckled. “He’s not just bluffing this time.”

Naruto puffed out his chest proudly, glad to show off. “We’re from the Konohagakure in the Land of Fire. There’s also the Kirigakure in the Land of Water, Sunagakure in the Land of Wind, Kumogakure in the Land of lightning and Iwagakure in the Land of Earth. There are also smaller hidden villages like Amegakure, Yugakure, Takigakure, Hoshigakure and so on.”

Tazuna was surprised. He thought the blonde was an idiot and yet here he was, describing the elemental nations as if it was a piece of cake. He smiled slightly and spoke, adding his two cents worth.

“The Land of waves used to commission Uzushiogakure for missions before it fell. They used to be associated with the Land of Whirlpools. But it also doesn’t exist anymore.”

Naruto nodded sadly. Uzushio was still a fresh memory in his mind. His nights were plagued with nightmares. His teammates were worried but he had brushed them off. He really wanted to talk to someone but he strongly felt that his cousin was the only one who could understand what he is going through so he kept quiet.

Kakashi nodded slightly, adding to the explanation Naruto gave. “Each hidden village is led by a Kage, the strongest shinobi in that village. They act as the village’s military leader. For us, that’s the Hokage.”

Naruto jumped in again. “Right, the Kage’s job is to protect the village and make decisions about missions and stuff. The daimyos are the rulers of the countries—they control the government and make the big political decisions. But when it comes to military matters, it’s the Kages who really call the shots. They’re responsible for the village’s safety and for accepting missions that bring in money.”

Sasuke’s gaze caught something unusual. A small puddle of water sat on the otherwise dry path. He glanced at Sakura and Naruto, making subtle hand signals to alert them. Kakashi smiled proudly at his genin. They kept walking, pretending not to notice anything unusual.

Naruto spoke seriously. “That’s why the hidden villages are always so busy. The missions don’t just help the villages make money, they’re also a way for the countries to keep an eye on each other and maintain a balance of power.”

Naruto’s expression turned more serious as he spoke. Only Sakura noticed his reaching into his pockets and grabbing a handful of seals.

“But because there are so many powerful shinobi and rival villages, there’s always tension. Even if the countries are technically at peace, hidden villages are still always on guard. A small action could cause a domino effect that could lead to another—”

Suddenly, two figures erupted from the puddle, chains in hand and lunged at Kakashi. In one fluid motion, the chains wrapped around him and sliced through his body.

“Kakashi-sensei!” Sakura cried out, her voice filled with shock.

Sasuke’s eyes widened in horror as Kakashi’s body fell to pieces, but his instincts took over as he sprinted forward, sword in hand. He intercepted one of the shinobi before they could reach Tazuna, slashing their arm to disrupt his attack.

He switched his tactic and moved to lash out at Naruto, trying to get past him to reach Tazuna. Sakura didn’t give him the chance.

“Where do you think you’re going!” She called, rushing in with her Gunbai swinging in a wide arc. The heavy fan struck with a resounding thud, sending the man sprawling to the ground.

The other one rushed toward Naruto and Tazuna. Naruto froze, his eyes wide and trembling. The assassin smirked and lunged at Tazuna, but just before making contact, a seal glowed beneath his feet.

With a sudden burst of chakra, Naruto’s immobility dissolved into a determined grin. “Got you,” he whispered as the seal flared to life, paralyzing the man in their tracks. He quickly threw another tag at the other ninja, locking them both in place.

Kakashi reappeared, unharmed, leaning against a tree nearby. “Well done, Naruto. I’m glad you didn’t actually freeze up.”

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “I thought it’d be more convincing if I really looked scared.”

Sakura joined them, eyeing the restrained attackers. “They were after Tazuna san? This wasn’t a simple bandit attack.”

Kakashi gestured his genin to tie up the immobilized chunin and sighed. Why does life keep throwing curveballs at him at every turn? He had glanced at their client who was sweating buckets. Turning back to the tied-up shinobi, he enquired.

“You two… you're the Demon brothers, Chūnin from the Hidden Mist, right? Why were you targeting us?”

"Heh… we weren’t targeting you… we were after that old man over there." One of the men said while struggling to get comfortable. “No one told us they would be sending chunin level shinobi with him. Out intel was way off.” The other one grunted out when his brother’s elbow poked his stomach.

Naruto and Sakura blushed while Sasuke just preened. Kakashi shook his head, well aware that his genin's egos were now inflated beyond belief.

“No, they are genin.”

“Seriously!”

Ignoring the shocked assassins, Kakashi looked at Tazuna. “Tazuna san, you and I need to have a conversation.”

Tazuna looked uneasy and ignored the piercing look that the silver haired man threw him. "Well, you see…"

“This mission was supposed to be a simple escort mission. Why do you have ninja like these chasing you?" Kakashi looked at the man who was looking anywhere but him. He had a sinking suspicion that they had walked into something bigger than what the old man had painted to the Hokage.

Tazuna’s face darkened as he looked away. “I guess I can’t keep this from you any longer… The truth is, I lied about the mission. This isn’t just a simple escort. I need protection from Gato.”

It was Sasuke who recognized the name from their visit in the Land of Fireflies. "Gato? The shipping magnate?"

Tazuna nodded. “That’s right…He’s been bleeding the Land of Waves. He’s no ordinary businessman. He’s really a criminal who’s taken over the economy of the Land of Waves. He won’t stop at anything to keep this bridge from being built, because it would free us from his control.”

Sasuke crossed his arms, his expression cold. “You didn’t think it was important to mention that we’d be up against shinobi assassins?”

Tazuna grunted in response. "I know this mission is more dangerous than I said. But I didn’t have enough money to pay for a higher-ranked mission."

The team exchanged glances, then Kakashi asked, “This mission has become much more dangerous. We’re dealing with hired shinobi now. Do we continue?”

Sasuke stepped forward confidently. “We’ve come this far, haven’t we? We’re not turning back.”

Naruto grinned, punching his fist into his palm. “Yeah, no way we’re backing down now!”

Sakura nodded in agreement. “Let’s finish what we started.”

Kakashi’s visible eye crinkled in a smile. “Then let’s keep moving.” Looking at the relief in the old man’s face, the jonin glared and warned him.

“But be aware Tazuna san, Konoha will ask for retribution for misleading the village and the mission will be upgraded to a B level mission thus increasing the pay.”

The man nodded, knowing that he had no chance of getting another team from Konoha now that he had given false information to the village.

As they approached the coast, a small boat waited to take them across the misty waters.

About time, Tazuna. You know what happens to people who loiter around in the water without Gato’s permission. Get in quickly and quietly.”

The kids looked at Kakashi who shrugged and got in the boat. Sakura helped Tazuna on and sat next to Naruto and hugged his hand to balance herself as they pushed off from the shore.

The old boatman paddled silently as they crossed the sea towards the Land of Waves. They passed under the shadow of the unfinished bridge, its skeletal structure looming above them.

“It looks so grand.” Naruto whispered. Tazuna scoffed. “It’s almost done. That’s why the Gato is even more desperate to stop it. Once the main land is connected the island, then his monopoly will be over and Land of waves will rise to its former glory. This bridge symbolizes hope and freedom.”

As they landed and watched the ferryman quickly leave them behind. The mist thickened, turning the air damp and chilly. Eerily, Kakashi remembered the same mist covering Kiri. He was getting a bad feeling about this...

Naruto rubbed his arms as the chill settled into his bones. He noticed a white rabbit. Wait a minute, he thought to himself...That rabbit isn't the right color...

Suddenly, a massive blade spun through the air and embedded itself in the ground just ahead of them, stopping the team in their tracks. A figure materialized on top of the blade’s hilt—a tall man with a bandaged sword and a cruel smirk.

"Well, well. Looks like I found myself some leaf ninja to play with," Zabuza Momochi said, his voice dripping with malice.

Kakashi’s voice was calm, but his tone was sharp. “Get ready. We’ve got company.”

The man stood atop the blade, smirking down at them. “Well, well, if it isn’t the famous Copy Ninja Kakashi. This mission just got interesting.”

Kakashi didn’t waver. “Zabuza Momochi, Demon of the Hidden Mist. I didn’t expect to find you here. Gato must have been throwing around more money that I had expected.”

The mist seemed to thicken around them. Kakashi's voice cut through the dense air. "Stay on guard, everyone. Zabuza is a dangerous opponent."

Before Kakashi could give any more instructions, Zabuza’s deep voice echoed out of the mist. "Dangerous, huh? That’s putting it mildly, Copy Ninja. But I suppose your little brats have no clue just how outmatched they are."

In an instant, Zabuza’s enormous blade swung towards Kakashi. Kakashi leapt back, barely avoiding the strike as the impact shattered the ground where he had just stood. The man grinned darkly, pulling the Kubikiribōchō back into his grip. "Is this all the famous Copy Ninja has to offer? I expected more."

Kakashi's expression remained calm as he pulled up his forehead protector to reveal his Sharingan. "You'll see soon enough. Team, protect Tazuna."

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura moved to form a protective barrier around the bridge builder, weapons ready. Zabuza summoned a dozen water clones, each forming out of the mist with an identical smirk plastered on their faces. The clones darted forward, aiming to cut through the genin and get to Tazuna.

“Think you can keep him safe?” Zabuza taunted, his voice coming from every direction at once. “I’ll kill the old man first, then the brats, and then you, Kakashi. It’s going to be fun!”

"Keep talking, Zabuza," Kakashi replied calmly, his Sharingan tracking the real Zabuza's movements through the mist. "We'll see who has the last laugh."

He ducked as the giant sword almost sliced the top of his head off.

“Raiton: Raikou Hitofuki no Jutsu” Sparring with Mitsuha had increased his ability to wield lightning back to his Anbu level. Distantly he had the thought that he would be having more trouble with this fight if he were in a similar physical state as the one before he met the red head.

Kakashi’s Sharingan captured movement on his left side and his hands flashed through the signs without wasting a beat.

“Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu” Both shinobi shouted as water dragons collided with each other. Kakashi sighed in relief as his jutsu cancelled out that of his opponent. Water was not his most powerful nature. The silver haired man charged up a Chidori and rushed to where he last spotted Zabuza. He thanked his lucky stars as he was able to hit the man’s shoulder. Zabuza grunted and moved back into the mist. Kakashi cursed as he looked around, aware of the constant depletion in his chakra level thanks to the Sharingan.

As the water clones lunged toward Tazuna, Sasuke leapt forward, his sword clashing with one clone's blade. The clone dissolved into water, only to reform a few feet away. Sasuke gritted his teeth as he intercepted another clone. "These clones are just distractions! The real one is waiting to attack the client."

Sakura swung her gunbai to block two more clones, the force of her strike dissipating them. "Keep them off Tazuna-san!" she shouted, sweat beading on her forehead while weaving sublet genjutsu around them to confuse the clones. "We can’t let any get through!"

Naruto's eyes darted between the water clones, his mind racing. "Sasuke, Sakura, cover me for a second!" He weaved several hand signs, slamming his palms to the ground. A shimmering barrier erupted around Tazuna, glowing faintly. "That should buy us some time!"

The swordsman’s sharp gaze flickered toward Naruto. "Well, well, if it isn’t the spitting image of the Yellow Flash himself. I wonder… do you have his speed, boy? I’m sure Iwa would pay a fortune for your head."

Kakashi’s muscles visibly tensed at Zabuza’s words. "Shut up, Zabuza," he growled, his voice dangerously low. "Leave him out of this."

Naruto's brow furrowed in confusion, his grip tightening on his kunai. "What’s he talking about, Kakashi-sensei? Yellow Flash? And why would Iwa want me dead?"

“Naruto, focus!” Kakashi turned around for a second to bark the command at his blonde genin. Sasuke, noticing Kakashi’s sudden shift in tone, glanced at the older shinobi’s uncovered Sharingan. The red eye spun ominously as Kakashi turned back to track Zabuza’s movements.

This was far from the first time the boy had seen the man’s Sharingan but it was never not surprising. He was fascinated when Kakashi showed it to him one evening and told him the story behind it. Sasuke had remembered to pay respect to Obito Uchiha when he visited the memorial stone next time.

Meanwhile, Naruto’s expression had hardened. "I don’t know what you’re talking about, but if you think I’m going to just let you kill Tazuna and my team, you’re dead wrong!" He weaved a series of hand signs and activated a seal on his crossbow.

"Fuuton: Seijitsu Kaze-ken!" Multiple arrows flew into the water clones shattering the illusion. Naruto cursed. He was still learning this jutsu and accidently used up too much chakra. His barrier started wavering behind him. He looked at his teammates and whispered.

“I need to pull back for a second. I’ve used too much chakra on the last attack.” His team nodded and moved to cover him. But before he could move, Zabuza appeared a few feet away, grinning wickedly. "Oh, the boy’s got some fight in him. It’s almost a shame you’re so green—you might have made a decent shinobi one day…”

Naruto's face flushed with anger, his hands trembling with the effort of maintaining the barrier around Tazuna. "I’ll show you just how green I am, you freak!"

Zabuza’s smirk widened. "Oh, I've seen that look before...What do you know? A blonde Uzumaki, eh...this is getting feisty! I wonder...Tell me, Kakashi—have you been keeping secrets from your little student? I wonder how he'll feel when he knows who he really is?”

"That’s enough, Zabuza," Kakashi snapped, his voice cutting through the mist like a knife. Zabuza launched forward again, swinging his massive blade with unrelenting force. Kakashi parried with his kunai, but each clash of metal pushed him back a step. Zabuza’s attacks were relentless, forcing Kakashi into a defensive stance.

“I’ll admit,” Zabuza said, grinning madly, “this is entertaining. But let’s make it more interesting, shall we?” He disappeared into the mist again, his voice echoing eerily from all directions.

Kakashi’s Sharingan spun, trying to detect any sign of movement. Suddenly, he sensed a shift in the air. "Get ready, he’s coming!"

Just as Kakashi finished speaking, a water clone lunged at Sakura from the mist, blade aimed for her throat. She reacted instantly, swinging her gunbai to parry the strike and dispel the clone with a sharp crack. "Don’t think you can sneak up on me!" she shouted, glaring into the fog.

Sasuke grunted as he dodged another clone's attack while Naruto continued to maintain the barrier around Tazuna while deflecting any clone that came too close with his own clones. He was officially scarping at the bottom of the barrel.

Kakashi’s voice broke through the fog. "Sasuke, Naruto, Sakura! Don’t let your guard down. Stay close to Tazuna, and be ready to react at any moment." Man, he really wished Mitsuha was here right about now.

Naruto gritted his teeth, his eyes scanning the thick mist for any sign of movement. "You heard him, guys. We stay together, and we fight together!"

A dark chuckle resonated through the mist. "Such naïve little children," Zabuza taunted. "No matter how much you struggle, the end result will be the same. You’re all going to die here. Starting with the old man!"

Naruto’s eyes widened as a shadow emerged from the fog, heading straight for Tazuna. Without hesitation, he formed a hand seal and shouted, "Rasengan!" The shimmering ball clashed against Kubikiriboco and pushed the man back with a grunt. But Naruto reached the end of his chakra and the barrier collapsed. Sasuke and Sakura quickly moved to protect their client.

Kakashi took advantage of the opening, darting toward the man and swinging his kunai at Zabuza’s neck. Zabuza blocked the strike with his massive sword, sparks flying from the impact. The two shinobi locked eyes, Kakashi gearing up for a Chidori now that he has the man where he wants.

"Why would a loyal Kiri shinobi become a rogue ninja, that too working for scum like Gato?" Kakashi asked, his voice steady despite the strain of the clash. "I've always heard you were unwaveringly loyal towards Kiri...What are you fighting for, Zabuza?"

Zabuza's grin faded, replaced by a look of grim determination. "Money, power, and revolution," he answered coldly, pushing back against Kakashi’s kunai. "Kirigakure needs change, and I plan to bring it."

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed. "A revolution, huh?" He parried another swing from Zabuza's blade, his Sharingan tracking every movement. "Have you been living under a rock? Mizukage has send out public apologies to all the villages for his misconduct and plan to step down after the chunin exam. There are rumours that the Mizukage was under a genjutsu for years and was only recently freed by some unaffiliated shinobi."

Zabuza hesitated, his expression faltering for a moment. "Genjutsu? What the fuck are you saying…"

"You heard me," Kakashi said, seizing the opportunity to step back. "If you’re fighting for a revolution, you might want to make sure there’s still something to fight for. Go back to Kirigakure and see for yourself. Things are changing."

Zabuza’s face twisted with doubt and suspicion. "You expect me to just believe you? Wordplay is not listed as one of your strong suits, Kakashi."

Kakashi let out a small, amused laugh. "Then go and check yourself. We’re going to be here for a while anyway."

For a long moment, the two shinobi stood in silence. Then, Zabuza slowly lowered his blade, his dark eyes fixed on Kakashi. "Fine. I’ll look into this rumor of yours." His tone was still dangerous. "But if I find out you were lying, the next time we meet, I’ll make sure to take your head and kill your brats brutally, I hope its clear, copy cat ninja."

With that, Zabuza disappeared into the thick mist, his form dissolving like a phantom. As the fog gradually lifted, Kakashi turned back to his team, quickly checking over his genin for anything life threatening. When all he found were scratches and nicks that Sasuke could easily fix, Kakashi let himself collapse.

What he didn’t notice was Naruto collapsing right after him and the eyes that watched them through the foliage.

Chapter Text

Naruto felt like he had been sleeping for years. His eyelids were stuck and it took considerable effort to open them. He hummed in confusion as he looked around. He was in a sewer and he was floating on top of the water. He pushed himself up, his whole-body aching with the effort it took. Man, chakra exhaustion was no joke. He would really have to find a way to power a barrier seal that letting it draw constant power from his own chakra pool.

He stood up and took a deep breath. Did Zabuza threw him down here? Are his teammates here? He looked around and started walking around. He had to admit, for how dark and flooded it looked, it felt surprisingly clean. He was even starting to think that this was not a bad place when he saw it.

It was a giant cage. There was endless darkness behind it. There was a seal holding the two gates together. Naruto couldn’t help himself but move towards the seal, fascinated by the intricate lines that felt like a second language to him. It was a containment seal. But what?

“So…my jailor finally decides to grace me with his presence? To what do I own this pleasure?”

Naruto almost felt down when massive ripples formed below his feet. He looked up and saw giant teeth. Further up, he saw red malicious eyes looking down at him. Moving a few steps back to see better and out of fear, Naruto counted nin tails and had a mind shattering realization. This is the nine tailed fox.

“What brat? Too scared to talk, eh? I never thought I would hear you speechless.” Naruto shook his head. He was under the impression that the beast would be mindless and destructive and now he was stunned to realize that the fox was actually talking to him.

“You’re surprisingly calm for someone who has been called a force of nature.”

Kyubi huffed out a laugh, isn’t that a surprise, and looked away from the boy for a couple of minutes. Then shook the giant head and smiled terrifyingly at him.

“I could threaten you that I would eat you and to flatten Konoha for everything that they had done to me. Even now I am itching to throw chakra around to make you puny humans pay for taking away everything from me.”

Naruto looked at the beast closely. That’s when he noticed wet fur near its eyes. It was crying? What the heck? The beast took another breath.

“That being said, it’s too soon for you to be here. Get out!”

Naruto jolted upright, his breath coming in ragged gasps as he struggled to process what had just happened. His heart raced, and beads of sweat trickled down his forehead as he scanned his surroundings.

Before he could fully gather his wits, Sakura, who had been curled up beside him, stirred awake at his sudden movement. Her eyes snapped open, filled with concern as she took in Naruto’s wide-eyed expression and disheveled state. Without a word, she scrambled up and rushed out of the room, her footsteps echoing through the hallway.

Moments later, she returned, with Sasuke in tow. The Uchiha looked half-awake, his hair even more unkempt than usual as he raised a hand coated with green chakra and ran a diagnostic over him. He sighed and smiled fondly at the blond.

“Classic case of chakra exhaustion. Welcome to being normal, Naruto.” The boy huffed out a laugh and was about to respond when he caught sight of Kakashi lying nearby, unconscious and pale.

His heart clenched at the sight. Was Kakashi nii okay? How long had they been out? What even happened back there with Zabuza? And most importantly, what was that place with the cage and the fox?

But before any of those thoughts could form into words, Sakura and Sasuke sat down on either side of him, wrapping their arms around him. It was awkward, but it was something, and in that moment, it was everything Naruto didn’t realize he needed.

“It was scary seeing you collapse like that…you never get tired, ever.” Sakura whispered against his hair. It was then he realized that she was getting taller and he would end up being the shortest on the team.

“Are you alright, dobe?” Sasuke asked, though his tone was softer than the usual. The warmth of his teammates pressing against him and the steady sound of their breaths somehow grounded him, pulling him back from the haze. He whispered.

“We should get nii san’s blanket, it’s probably in his backpack. He gets really cold when he is chakra exhausted. Nee chan made an insulation blanket for him long back when he buried himself under the pack once.”

Both Sasuke and Sakura laughed at the image of their sensei covered by dogs. Sakura stood up and looked in their teacher’s pack for the aforementioned blanket and whooped triumphantly when she found it. Returning back, she wrapped it around their teacher and motioned the boys to join her as she cuddled into the man’s side. Naruto felt relaxed as he gently slipped into a peaceful slumber surrounded by his team.

Sakura was awake before her team and looked at the mess of limbs surrounding their sensei. She smiled and got up. Grabbing her gunbai, she moved to the small clearing near the house. Taking a deep breath, she started going through the katas. Even with her doing strenuous activity, her mind was still wandering. She remembered back to the day when they reached Konoha from Uzushio.

She remembered the relief she felt when they finally saw Konoha’s gates. The entire journey felt like a blur, but she distinctly recalled the panic in Lady Tsunade’s eyes as she kept checking on Mitsuha’s vitals. Sakura and Sasuke had worked tirelessly on Kakashi, their sensei barely better than Mitsuha. It had been Mitsuha who insisted they learn some Iryō jutsu, and for once, Sakura was grateful for the push.

Naruto had stayed at the bow of the boat and didn’t say much throughout the entire journey. But he was always there when any of them fell over exhausted, feeding water and pulling them away to rest. It was exhausting, with days blending into each other as they camped at a nearby Konoha outpost, waiting for Tsunade’s approval to move the jonins.

But the exhaustion Sakura felt from the journey paled in comparison to what awaited her at home. She still remembered her father’s disapproving gaze and her mother’s screams at her scars and muscles.

"You’ve ruined yourself, Sakura," her father had said coldly, his gaze flicking disapprovingly over her bandaged arms and toned muscles. "No respectable man wants a wife who looks like a warrior. A kunoichi’s purpose is to be an asset, not a soldier. We expected you to find a good chunin and settle down. Instead, you come back like—”

"Like what?" Sakura had snapped, her voice trembling with a mixture of rage and heartbreak. "Like someone who can fight to protect this village? Like someone who has scars because she actually did something that mattered?"

Her mother’s shrill voice pierced through the memory. "There are men who do that. It Is not your job. You can never be a proper housewife if you continue like this. Who will take over the business if you keep going off playing ninja when you clearly know that your father is getting old? You'll never find someone to take care of you. You're not fit for—"

"I don’t want to be a housewife!" Sakura’s declaration had cut through the room like a blade.

Sakura felt her whole world collapse as she understood that for her parents being a shinobi was never about the protect the village or even about getting stronger and defending oneself. No, it was an elite dating pool for them.

The silence that followed was suffocating. Her father’s expression hardened. "You will resign or else don’t expect to be welcomed back."

Without another word, Sakura turned on her heel, climbed the stairs to her room, and packed a small bag. As she walked out the front door, her mother’s voice carried through the hallway, rising in volume and desperation. "Don’t you dare walk out on us, Sakura Haruno! You’ll be disowned—"

"Good," she had muttered to herself before leaping onto the rooftops.

She crashed through the window of the boys’ apartment, where she’d found both of her teammates was lying around exhausted. At first, they were stunned to see her burst in like that.

"Sakura?" Sasuke’s voice had an edge of concern. "What happened?"

That was all it took. The dam broke, and she crumpled to the floor, sobbing uncontrollably. She felt Naruto’s arms wrap around her, squeezing her tightly, and soon enough, Sasuke knelt beside her, one hand resting on her shoulder when she spilled everything. How she was always told that she should focus on theory, that she shouldn’t develop muscles, how she needs to keep her weight in check and the constant anger at her going out on missions.

"You don’t need them," Sasuke said quietly, but there was noticeable anger in his voice. "You’re better off without people who can’t see your worth."

Naruto nodded, his voice unusually soft, "You’re one of the strongest people I know, Sakura-chan. Both Kakashi sensei and Mitsuha nee sees it, we see it. We won’t be the team we are without you! So, don’t worry about whatever your parents told you. They don’t know how good you are and how hard you work to be that good. We know and we always got your back!”

Her sensei had even laughed and looked at her with such fondness when she told him about filing for emancipation after he woke up and listing him as her legal guardian.

"So, I’m a father now, huh?" Kakashi had said, his lone eye crinkling with amusement. "Hope you know how to behave, young lady. I’m going to have to set curfews!”

Sakura was jolted from her memories by the soft rustling of leaves nearby. Her eyes darted toward the source of the sound, instinctively wielding her gunbai. There, at the edge of the clearing was a boy who couldn’t have been much older than herself. His dark hair fell messily around his face, and a ragged cloak draped over his shoulders. She panicked a bit when she realized that she did not sense the boy.

He smiled gently, his voice soft and unassuming. "Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb you."

Sakura relaxed her grip on the fan, but didn’t put it away just yet. She was cautious as she studied him. "It’s fine," she replied. "I just wasn’t expecting anyone else to be out here."

The boy gave a small shrug, his expression calm. "I guess I wasn’t expecting to see anyone either," he said. "You seemed like you were in deep thought… or training, maybe?" His gaze flicked briefly to the large fan, then back to her face. "You’re a kunoichi, aren’t you?"

Sakura gave a hesitant nod. "Yes. My team is stationed nearby," she said, watching him carefully. "We’re on a mission."

He nodded as if it was common information. Then again, if he was from the Land of Waves, it was not a surprise. But he looked healthier that how a person from the town would look.

"It must be nice… to have comrades you can rely on," he said, his voice drifting off like the wind through the leaves. "People who are precious to you… they give you a reason to fight, don’t they?"

The question hit Sakura like a punch to the gut, and for a moment, her breath caught in her throat. The way he spoke felt so familiar, almost as if he were echoing her recent thoughts. "Precious people…" she repeated softly. "Yeah. They give you something to fight for… something to protect."

She could still recall the way Naruto and Sasuke had held her that night, after she’d walked out on her parents and everything, she thought she knew. Kakashi sensei had made sure that she was safe and stood up to her parents effortlessly on a wheel chair when they came to argue. Mitsuha nee had always told her that she is proud of her even when she feels the lowest. It was in those moments she realized that they were her true family. That they were the ones who mattered most.

"You sound like you’re speaking from experience," Sakura added, raising her eyes to meet his once more.

"I suppose I am," he admitted with a faint, wistful smile. "There’s someone who took me in when I had nowhere else to go… someone who’s like a father to me. He’s rough and unyielding… but he’s always protected me." He hesitated, his gaze drifting toward the distant horizon. "And I’d do anything to protect him, even if…" He trailed off, the words hanging heavily in the air.

"It sounds like he means a lot to you," she said gently. "Sometimes… having someone to protect can make you stronger, even if it means facing things you never thought you could."

The boy’s smile faltered for a moment, and his eyes, though gentle, seemed to darken with some unspoken burden. "Yes," he said finally, "but sometimes, protecting someone comes at a cost." He didn’t elaborate, and Sakura didn’t press him.

Sakura glanced down at the ground, a bitter smile forming on her lips. "My parents told me that being a kunoichi was about settling down with a ‘suitable’ man… as if my entire existence was just a stepping stone for someone else," she murmured, almost to herself. "But my team… they taught me what it really means to fight, to have a purpose. I want to stand beside them, not behind them. They’re my family, even if we don’t share blood."

The boy’s eyes softened, and he nodded slowly, as if he understood all too well. "You’ve chosen your path, then," he said quietly. "It’s good to know who you’re fighting for." There was a brief silence before he added, almost as an afterthought, "I hope you never have to choose between your duties and your heart."

Before Sakura could process his words, a voice broke through the quiet. "Sakura!"

She turned to see Sasuke emerging from the trees, his brow furrowed with concern. "There you are," he said slightly annoyed. "I’ve been looking for you. They are awake."

"Really? That’s great," she said, her voice bright with relief. She glanced back toward the boy to bid him farewell, but he was already getting to his feet, his figure blending seamlessly into the shadows of the forest.

"I guess this is where we part ways," he said softly, his voice carrying a note of finality. "Take care, kunoichi san."

Sakura nodded, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer than she intended. "You too," she replied, something telling her that this won’t be the last time she will see the mysterious boy.

Sasuke, following her gaze, asked, "Who was that?"

"Just… a traveler," Sakura said, "Let’s get back. I want to see them."

Chapter Text

Kakashi watched fondly as Naruto summersaulted away from the water dragon Sakura managed to create using her gunbai. The girl was becoming a fearsome sight as she wielded the weapon as if she was born with it. Sasuke sat beside him on the bridge, sharpening his kunai as the two sparred on the water. A couple of civilians observed curiously from the rails with wonder as they watched the tiny shinobi train.

Suddenly Kakashi tensed and turned around as an oppressive chakra came into his senses. He clicked his fingers and his genin were standing beside him in attack formation. Kakashi wracked his mind as he tried to figure out the chakra strolling towards him in a casual manner. The silver haired man signaled and Naruto created a dozen of clones who started escorting the workers away from the bridge. Tazuna came to stand behind him, protected by a couple of Naruto clones.

Two men wearing black clocks wearing straw hats were walking through the bridge casually. Kakashi cursed as he saw the red cloud print. Akatsuki. Kakashi whispered to his genin.

“Be alert team, they are members of Akatsuki, a group of s class missing nin. They won’t back out like Zabuza. If push comes to shove, your priority is to run and report back to Konoha, understood?”

The genin nodded reluctantly. The two men removed their straw hats. Kakashi could not catch a break – staring at him were Kisame, the tailless tailed beast and Daichi, the elemental dragon. Sighing, the man came to the brutal realization that he would be unable to face two s class nins as well as protecting his genins and their client. Kakashi grinned as the thrill rushed through him. It’s been a long time since he was faced with such a challenge and he was excited.

Kakashi pulled out a kunai and moved to battle formation, his genin following his lead as they pulled out their overpowered weapons. He would die first than to let them hurt his kids.

Daichi snorted at the silver haired man and nudged Kisame staring at Sasuke’s sword.

“Dude, look at the little man with a little toothpick. You would think the genin trained by the son of Konoha’s white fang would have a little more bite!”

Kisame grinned with his feral teeth and pulled out Samehada, the sword making excited noises. He motioned to the copy nin.

“Kakashi Hatake, we are here for one thing and one thing only. Hand over the Jinchūriki and we will leave you and your brats to complete the mission. We could care less about some power squabbles. I recommend that for the sake of your own health.”

Kakashi grinned back equally ferocious, his chakra sparking with the challenge.

“Must we do all this talking, gentlemen? You will ask me to hand over my kid, I will say I won’t and then you will insult me more and I will pull out my hip and cool attitude and you will get annoyed. Why don’t we drop the small talk and get into the fighting part?”

Kisame laughed out loud and pointed his sword at the man. “As expected of the Kakashi of Sharingan. I can’t wait to make you beg for a swift death once I am done with you.”

Kakashi signaled and Naruto slammed the seal down in front of them and the barrier erupted, covering the genins and Tazuna as Kakashi blocked Samehada’s powerful strike. Kakashi winced as the blade nipped his forearm. Right, he forgot that the stupid thing was sentient. The Konoha jonin jumped back and away from the genin as Kisame chased him, cackling away.

"You’re fast," Kisame taunted, swinging Samehada with brute force, "but let’s see how long you can keep up." Kakashi backflipped away, narrowly avoiding another strike, the bridge cracking under the weight of Kisame's swings. The Akatsuki swordsman pursued him, his laughter echoing as he unleashed a torrent of water, "Suiton: Bakusui Shōha!" The area flooded in an instant, turning the bridge into an ocean battlefield.

Daichi wandered over curiously as he looked at the barrier and tapped it, pulling his hand away from the slight electric shock. He hummed and smiled cruelly at the genin.

"So, the brats think they can play with the big boys," he sneered, pressing a hand against the barrier to test its strength. "Let's see how well you handle this— Katon: Karyū Endan!" Flames roared from his mouth, aiming to steam the genin inside.

Sakura immediately responded, wielding her gunbai, " Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!" The two techniques collided, sending steam billowing inside the dome. Naruto reacted swiftly, forming hand seals to manipulate the wind, " Fūton: Daitoppa!" The gust funneled the steam out, clearing the air.

Daichi's eyes gleamed with cruel amusement. "Oh, so you’ve got some tricks up your sleeves. Let’s see just how much fun we can have!" He formed hand seals with blinding speed, " Doton: Tsuchigumo no Jutsu!" The ground outside the barrier morphed, forming a pack of snarling, mud-formed wolves that lunged at the barrier's surface, trying to claw their way through.

Naruto gritted his teeth, maintaining the barrier with his clones while Sakura and Sasuke prepared for a counter. Sasuke summoned fire chakra into his hands, "Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu!" He released a barrage of small fireballs, each one aimed at a different mud wolf, incinerating them. However, Daichi was already moving, and with a burst of speed, he slammed his palm against the barrier, forcing his chakra into it and creating a fissure.

The genin jumped back as the barrier shattered. "Look out!" Sakura yelled, swinging her gunbai to create a gust that knocked Daichi off-balance. Sasuke was already there to capitalize, rushing in with a kunai aimed for the man's throat.

With a smirk, Daichi swung his fist, infused with chakra, slamming it into Sasuke's gut and sending him skidding across the ground. Before the young Uchiha could recover, Daichi followed up with a rapid sequence of hand seals.

"Katon: Hibashiri!" Flames erupted at his feet, racing toward the genin in a swirling inferno.

"Sasuke!" Naruto yelled, racing forward to intercept. "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!" In an instant, a dozen clones appeared, diving into the path of the flames and dispersing them with Rasengan in a synchronized effort.

Sakura didn’t waste a moment. Channeling chakra into her legs, she sprinted forward, swinging her gunbai with a cry. "Gunbai Fūjin!" A powerful gust of wind shot forward, slamming into Daichi and momentarily pushing him back. She immediately leaped high, summoning water chakra into her hands. "Suiton: Suishōha!" A massive column of water formed, crashing down upon Daichi with crushing force.

But Daichi grinned as the water engulfed him. "You think that’s enough to drown a dragon?" His voice echoed as the water dispersed. "Raiton: Jibashi!" Lightning surged from his body, electrifying the surrounding water and shocking the genin caught in its radius.

Naruto screamed as the electricity coursed through him. His vision blurred, and his body convulsed. Sasuke collapsed to one knee, clutching his arm as the searing pain made it impossible to move. Even Sakura, who had attempted to shield herself with the gunbai, felt the electricity seeping through her body.

Daichi cackled, "Is that all you've got, Konoha's finest?" He took a step forward, ready to finish them off, when Kakashi suddenly appeared in front of his students, Raikiri blazing in his hand.

"Don't underestimate my kids," Kakashi growled as he thrust the lightning blade forward.

Daichi barely dodged the lethal strike, the Raikiri grazing his shoulder and tearing through his cloak. "Close, but not quite enough," Daichi taunted, his eyes gleaming with bloodlust. He formed another set of hand seals. "Doton: Iwa Yado Kuzushi!" Large chunks of rock broke off from the bridge, hurtling toward the genin.

Kakashi reacted swiftly, summoning his pack of ninken to intercept the boulders, but it left him open. Kisame took advantage of the distraction, lunging toward Kakashi with Samehada swinging viciously. "This is over, Hatake!"

The Konoha jōnin barely managed to evade, but the sword grazed his side, tearing through his flak jacket and drawing blood. Kisame laughed as he pursued Kakashi relentlessly, swinging his massive blade in wide arcs that made dodging difficult.

Meanwhile, Daichi focused his attention back on the genin, breaking through the remnants of the barrier with sheer force. "You brats are done for," he said as he advanced. "Katon: Gōryūka no Jutsu!" He spewed a massive dragon-shaped fireball toward them.

"Rasengan!" Naruto thrust the wind-enhanced Rasengan into the fire dragon, causing an explosive clash of energies. The resulting shockwave knocked both Daichi and Naruto back, but it extinguished the flames. Naruto, still reeling from the attack, felt a surge of unfamiliar energy rise within him. His vision tinged red, and his chakra bubbled uncontrollably. "What... is this?" he panted, his body shaking from the aftereffects of the red chakra as it receded.

Sasuke struggled to his feet, his frustration boiling over. He couldn't keep up—his speed, his strength, it wasn’t enough. He needed more power, but what could he do? His thoughts raced, and a sharp, cold determination settled in his heart as he watched Daichi raise a kunai to throw at Naruto.

In that moment, everything seemed to slow. The world became a vivid mix of colours, and the details of Daichi’s movements stood out in sharp relief. Sasuke’s eyes burned as he felt a surge of power.

With newfound clarity, Sasuke dashed forward, deflecting the kunai with precision. "You won’t touch them!" he shouted, his eyes spinning crimson as he launched a flurry of taijutsu strikes at Daichi, who now struggled to keep up with Sasuke’s rapid movements.

"Ah, so finally decided to get serious, eh Uchiha," Daichi sneered, blocking a punch and countering with a kick that Sasuke narrowly dodged. "Then let’s see if those eyes are even half as good as your brother’s!"

Before Sasuke could respond, Daichi performed a rapid set of hand seals. "Fūton: Shinkū Renpa!" He exhaled several compressed air blades, aiming to slice through the young Uchiha. Sasuke's Sharingan predicted their trajectories, and he evaded the blades with graceful movements, countering with a "Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!" The massive fireball engulfed Daichi, forcing him to retreat.

Sakura raised her gunbai, her chakra surging to its limit. “Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu!” The water erupted in a colossal wave, forming a tsunami that surged toward Daichi with devastating force.

Daichi's eyes widened as the wave towered over him. He formed a defensive mud wall, "Doton: Doryūheki!" But the sheer force of Sakura's water crushed the barrier and swept him away, sending him crashing into the bridge's railings.

Before the genin could capitalize on their momentum, Kisame lunged toward them, Samehada poised to strike. Kakashi dashed forward, intercepting him once more. "I won’t let you lay a hand on them!" Kakashi snarled, thrusting chidori toward Kisame's chest.

But Kisame blocked it with Samehada, grinning maliciously. "Your tricks won’t work on me, Hatake!" He prepared to swing his sword downward when suddenly a voice interrupted.

"Haku, now!"

Ice senbon shot at Kisame, and Haku appeared, launching a barrage of senbon at Kisame and Daichi. Sakura gasped as she recognised the teenager in front of him who turned to her with a smile.

"I hope we aren’t too late," Zabuza grinned, his gaze shifting to the battered genin, swinging his massive Kubikiribōchō to intercept Kisame’s attack, the force of the clash sending a shockwave through the air.

"Even after I told you about the changes in Kiri, really Kisame," Zabuza growled, his voice as rough as gravel. "I thought you were better than this. These kids are under my protection now. I owe Hatake one."

Kisame scowled, "You’re really gonna betray us for some brats, Zabuza?"

Zabuza sneered, "Look who is talking about betrayal!"

The man’s eyes glinted as he looked at the battered copy nin. "Come on Hatake, let’s end this quickly. I am a busy man; I have places to be!” Kakashi guffawed. “I certainly am glad to see you, Zabuza.”

With that, Kakashi and Zabuza charged simultaneously, their movements synchronized as they aimed for Kisame. Kisame laughed, swatting them aside with Samehada as he rushed forward, swinging the sword in a wide arc. "Is that all you’ve got?"

Zabuza seized the moment, leaping into the air and launching a powerful strike aimed at Kisame's torso. "Mizurappa!" A torrent of water shot forth, surging toward Kisame with crushing force.

Kisame countered with his own suiton technique. "Suiton: Bakusui Shōha!" Water erupted around him, transforming the onslaught into a swirling vortex that dissipated Zabuza's attack.

“Raiton: Raikou Hitofuki no Jutsu!” Kakashi followed up as the shark man convulsed as the current traversed through his body.

Meanwhile, Daichi towered over the genin, a sinister grin plastered on his face. “You brats got some nerve just because there are more of you now! Let’s make sure you stay dead, shall we?!” He formed hand seals, channelling chakra as he declared, “Katon: Karyū Endan!”

Flames erupted from his mouth, shooting toward the group. “Run!” Sakura shouted at Tazuna who spun around and fled, accompanied by Naruto’s clones; his eyes wide with fear. “I got it!” Haku intervened, expertly weaving through the flames, her “Hyōton: Haryū Mōko” technique freezing the fire into harmless icicles that scattered across the ground.

“Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu!” Sasuke launched a barrage of fireballs aimed at Daichi who swatted them away with a sneer. “You think that’ll work on me?” He retaliated with a powerful kick, sending Sasuke sprawling. The boy groaned but quickly regained his footing.

“Now!” Haku called, coordinating with the pink-haired kunoichi. “We need to hit him with everything we’ve got!” Sakura took a deep breath. “Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!” A massive water dragon surged forward, aiming straight for Daichi.

Daichi grinned and summoned a powerful wave of flames, countering with “Katon: Zukokku!” The two jutsu collided, exploding in a blinding flash that sent Haku and Sakura flying.

“Rasengan!” Naruto shouted, throwing himself forward to use his jutsu to intercept, his clones rushing in to shield the others from Daichi’s strike. Daichi tore through the rasengan with brutal efficiency. Naruto barely had time to brace as Daichi’s fist connected, sending him crashing to the ground. The blow left Naruto gasping for air, his chakra flaring erratically.

"Naruto!" Sakura cried, gripping her gunbai and rushing to his side. But Daichi was relentless, closing in on her. She managed to deflect his attack with her fan, the recoil from his strength staggering her.

“I’m fine.” Naruto wheezed as he got up, Haku supporting him.

“Impressive brats,” Daichi taunted. “But let’s see how long you last against the true might of a shinobi!”

With a rapid hand seal, he unleashed a ferocious firestorm. “Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku!” A massive wall of flames surged toward them.

Sasuke reacted quickly, drawing his sword and channelling his own fire chakra. “Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!” he countered, sending his fireball directly into Daichi’s flames, momentarily pushing them back. He then weaved lightning chakra into his sword, lunging forward with a lightning-enhanced strike. Daichi dodged effortlessly, countering with a wave of water that extinguished the fire around them.

“Give it up, Kisame,” Zabuza said, his voice steady but layered with a note of urgency. “The Mizukage was under a genjutsu all this time. Kiri doesn’t need more bloodshed. We’re rebuilding. That’s what you always wanted.”

Kisame let out a low, dangerous chuckle. “Rebuilding, huh? Maybe once that’s what I wanted. But I’ve found something better, Zabuza—something worth tearing everything down for.” His gaze flickered to Kakashi. “So, let’s cut the talk. Hand over the Jinchūriki, and I’ll make this quick.”

Kakashi stepped forward, his eye narrowing. “Naruto’s not going anywhere. You think you’ll take him by force? Then you’ll have to go through me.”

Kisame grinned wider. “That might’ve been true if the elder Uzumaki was here. But she’s not, and the two of you are nothing but child’s play.”

Zabuza’s hands shifted to his own massive blade, the air around him growing thick with tension. “Child’s play, huh?” he sneered. “Let’s see how long you can keep that smug look, fish-face.”

Kisame shrugged, then in a flash brought Samehada crashing down toward them. Zabuza intercepted with Kubikiribōchō, the clash of blades ringing through the air with brutal force. Sparks erupted as the two titanic swords ground against each other, both warriors grinning fiercely as they pushed back and forth.

“Suiton: Suijinheki!” Sakura shouted, raising a wall of water that intercepted Daichi’s own wave, splashing as the forces clashed. She moved swiftly, wielding her gunbai to deflect Daichi’s follow-up strikes.

Naruto, taking advantage of the momentary distraction, formed another Rasengan. He charged Daichi with a determined shout. “Rasengan!” Naruto drove it forward, aiming for Daichi’s midsection, but Daichi spun out of reach, moving faster than they could anticipate.

“Is that all, Jinchūriki?” Daichi sneered, releasing a powerful gust of wind that knocked Naruto back. Naruto barely managed to flip mid-air, landing with his crossbow ready. He fired a series of chakra-enhanced arrows, aiming for Daichi’s weak spots, but Daichi summoned an earthen barrier, the bolts clinking uselessly against it.

Haku narrowed his gaze and summoned his ice mirrors, “Makyō Hyōshō!” He leaped into the mirrors, moving at lightning speed, sending a barrage of senbon needles from all directions. The projectiles seemed to rain endlessly on Daichi, who was forced to raise a barrier of earth, blocking most of them. However, several senbons slipped through, piercing his skin.

Annoyed, Daichi shot a fierce glare at Haku, weaving hand signs with incredible speed. “Doton: Yomi Numa!” The ground beneath them softened into a pit of mud, threatening to trap them. Haku’s ice mirrors shattered as the swamp spread, forcing him to leap away.

Sakura gritted her teeth, slamming her hands into the ground. “Doton: Doryūheki!” A wall of earth rose around them, allowing her teammates to regain their footing. But the exertion took a huge toll on her chakra reserves.

Haku, breathing heavily, glanced at the kids next to him, “Whatever we do, we can’t let him get close. Keep some distance—he’s S-Class for a reason.”

“Yeah, no kidding,” Sakura muttered, her grip tightening on her gunbai. “Only problem is, we are a strike team, almost all of our techniques are for close hand combat.” She hesitated but sighed and swallowed two soldier pills she had pickpocketed from Gai sensei during their last mission. She knew she was the heavy hitter and she needed all the strength that she can get.

She glared at Daichi, who seemed unfazed by their conversation. “Big, scary elemental dragon from the Bingo Book going after a bunch of genins! Boy, won’t that make you the star of the show!”

Daichi sneered, amused. “Keep talking, girl. I enjoy hearing you all rush into your own demise.”

Naruto couldn’t resist. “Demise? Big word for a guy who wears a bathrobe to a fight!”

Sakura smirked, adding, “You’d think a so-called 'Elemental Dragon' would at least dress the part!”

Haku and Sasuke spared a glance at each other. Yes, good idea, agitate the nin that was definitely planning to kill you. Totally what they needed right now.

Daichi’s eyes narrowed, his chakra flaring. “Let’s see how smug you feel after this.” With a few quick hand signs, he unleashed a powerful wave of fire. "Katon: Gōka Mekkyaku!"

Naruto and Sakura dove to the side, rolling to avoid the searing heat. Sasuke, standing his ground, released his own fireball to counter, but the force sent him sliding back.

Naruto panted, trying to catch his breath. “Not even close, pal!” He glanced over at Sakura. “Got any tricks?”

“Working on it!” she replied, eyes narrowed. She held her gunbai high, gathering her chakra. “Try this one! Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!” She summoned a water dragon, hurling it toward Daichi.

The wave surged forward, but Daichi raised his hand, summoning a wall of earth that absorbed the water’s impact, barely seeming phased. He rolled his eyes. “Another water dragon? Seriously? You’re like children playing with jutsu.”

Sakura huffed, standing her ground. “Hey, better than some lame rock wall, you oversized lizard!”

Daichi's expression turned dark. “You’ve asked for it now, brat.” He slammed his hands together. "Doton: Tsuchigumo no Jutsu!" The ground around him shifted, turning into a pit of snarling mud-wolves.

Sasuke shot Sakura a warning look. “Don’t just stand there—move!”

Kakashi’s hand surged with lightning. “Chidori!” he called, thrusting his electrified hand toward Kisame’s side.

But Kisame dodged swiftly, twisting Samehada with a brutal sweep that sent both Kakashi and Zabuza skidding backward. He laughed, wild and loud. “Come on, I thought you two were supposed to be the legends! Show me something better!”

Zabuza’s teeth were bared in a furious grin. “Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!” he roared, a massive dragon of water spiraling toward Kisame.

Kisame grinned, meeting Zabuza’s water dragon with his own. “Suiton: Suikōdan no Jutsu!” The two massive constructs collided, sending waves crashing down around them. Kakashi used the waterlogged battlefield to his advantage, weaving through the waves. “Suiton: Daibakufu no Jutsu!” He summoned a massive vortex, funnelling the water toward Kisame in a violent torrent.

Kisame laughed, easily blocking with Samehada, which eagerly absorbed Kakashi’s chakra-laden water attack. “Is that all, Copy Ninja?” he taunted. “I expected more from you.”

Kakashi's Sharingan spun, his gaze cold. “Don’t get cocky yet.” He leapt forward, feinting left before unleashing a second Raikiri aimed at Kisame’s chest.

But Kisame shifted his stance, blocking with Samehada, which hungrily drank in Kakashi’s chakra yet again. The sheer force, however, forced Kisame back a step. Zabuza seized the opening, swinging Kubikiribōchō in a deadly arc toward Kisame’s exposed side.

Kisame barely managed to bring Samehada up in time, his smirk faltering for a moment. “You really think you can stop me with cheap tricks like this?” he sneered, but Zabuza was relentless with his attacks, leaving him less room to counter.

As the wolves lunged at them, Haku appeared in front, forming seals. “Hyōton: Sensatsu Suishō!” A barrage of ice needles struck the wolves, turning them back into mud.

“You alright, ehhh?” Naruto asked, briefly checking on him.

“My name is Haku and I am fine,” Haku replied, although he was clearly starting to tire. “But I can’t keep this up forever…”

Sakura, panting, added, “None of us can, not at this rate.”

Just then, Daichi struck, appearing out of nowhere and slashing at Haku. Sasuke threw himself in the way, catching the brunt of the attack on his sword. “Haku, watch it!” he yelled.

“I—sorry,” Haku gasped, retreating back, clutching a bleeding arm. “I’ll be more careful.”

Sakura moved to stand beside him, her gunbai ready. “No need to apologize. Just stay focused.”

Daichi let out a smug chuckle. “All this concern for each other. How cute.” He levelled his gaze at Naruto, an evil smirk tugging at his lips. “And you’re still the weakest here, Jinchūriki.”

Naruto gritted his teeth, rage flickering in his eyes. “Weakest? I’ll show you weak!” he formed his Rasengan once more, running head-on toward Daichi, ignoring Sasuke’s warning.

Daichi simply sidestepped again, landing a blow on Naruto’s back, sending him flying. Naruto skidded to a stop, coughing.

Sasuke shot him an exasperated look. “Idiot! Can you stop charging in without thinking?”

“Maybe if you’d help out more—” Naruto started, but was cut off as Daichi sent a blast of wind toward them.

In the chaos, Sakura lunged forward, slamming her gunbai down and redirecting the gust away from her teammates. “Enough! Let’s get back to teamwork instead of arguing!”

Just as they were regrouping, Daichi’s patience seemed to snap. “I’m done playing with you children.” With a lightning-fast hand sign, he summoned another wave of fire and wind, sending the blast directly at the exhausted genin.

“Move!” Sasuke shouted, his vision flashing. He gasped as the world around him sharpened just as the flames reached him, and suddenly, Sharingan seems to slow everything down.

“Everyone, on me!” he yelled, catching his teammates’ surprise. With his newfound speed, he wove a sequence of hand seals. “Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu!” A series of small fireballs shot from his mouth, intercepting Daichi’s flames and creating an opening.

Naruto’s eyes widened in amazement as he saw Sasuke's eyes. “Sasuke, your eyes… you did it! You got the Sharingan!”

“Don’t get distracted!” Sasuke snapped as he intercepted another attack. How much chakra does this man have to keep firing so many jutsus without even breaking a drop of sweat.

Daichi attacked again, this time aimed directly at Haku, who took the blow head-on and crumpled to the ground, injured.

“Haku!” Naruto yelled, running to his side, placing a protective hand over him. “Don’t worry—I’ve got this!”

Sasuke moved and started healing the boy. He was so glad of Naruto’s tenant as he glanced at the boy’s wounds that were slowly closing up. But it was too slow. Sakura was panting and trying everything she can to stop the man from attacking them, Naruto was backing her up with the barrage of clones, arrows, kunai and shuriken. 

Daichi chuckled, raising his hand and letting electricity crackle between his fingers as he dodged the clones and dispelled them easily. “Listen kids, it takes guts to stand up to a foe and keep fighting but you gotta know to pick your battles. All I am here is for the Jinchūriki. If you stand down, I might even let you live. I am feeling generous.”

Sakura, breathing heavily, was the last to stand, swinging her gunbai defensively as Daichi approached. “You’re not…getting past us,” she said, though her voice was trembling with exhaustion.

“Is that so?” Daichi sneered, moving closer, his smile full of malice.

Then, a calm, familiar voice echoed from behind them.

“That’s enough.”

The air felt like it had frozen around them. Everyone stared, eyes wide and breath caught in their throats. There he stood, Itachi Uchiha—the rogue, the traitor, and, to Sasuke, the reason for everything.

Naruto’s mouth dropped open. “Is that…Itachi? Your brother, Sasuke?”

“It’s him,” Sasuke growled, his fists clenched around his healing jutsu, barely restraining the rage burning through him. He was so overwhelmed that he didn’t know what to focus on anymore. His training kicked in and his attention shifted to the injured boy in front of him. His rage can come later.

Daichi, for once, seemed rattled, his typically cocky expression faltering. "The Itachi Uchiha?” he sneered, though his voice wavered. “The Akatsuki traitor?"

Itachi remained impassive; his gaze focused entirely on Daichi. “Enough of this. Leave the children out of it.”

Daichi’s shock turned to rage. “You think you can just step in and protect them, Itachi? I’m the Elemental Dragon—I don’t need to fear anyone, not even you.”

Sakura couldn’t help but mutter, “Does he ever shut up!” Her eyes darted to Itachi. What was he doing here? He isn’t attacking them, so there’s that. Was he here to help?

Naruto’s confusion quickly morphed into anger. “What do you even want here? After everything, now you’re here, helping us?”

“Focus,” Itachi said, barely glancing at Naruto. “This isn’t about you or me right now. If you want to protect your teammates, listen and act.”

Naruto gritted his teeth, shooting a sideways glance at Sakura. She nodded, unsure but willing to follow Itachi’s instructions if it meant surviving this fight. Afterall, what other choices did they have?

Daichi laughed. “How touching. But you’re in over your head. I’ve taken on stronger shinobi than you, Uchiha.”

Itachi’s eyes narrowed, the Sharingan spinning with deadly calm. In an instant, Daichi’s chakra surged, his hands forming a blur of seals. “Katon: Karyū Endan!” he roared, sending a dragon-shaped inferno at them.

“Scatter!” Itachi ordered, and the genin leapt back as the searing flames tore through where they had been. He caught Sakura’s eye. “Counter with water. Create enough steam to block his vision.”

Sakura’s shock at taking orders from Itachi almost made her falter. But she swallowed her pride and nodded, weaving her own seals. “Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!” she called, her water dragon colliding with Daichi’s fire, the resulting explosion throwing up a cloud of steam.

Daichi scowled as the steam obscured his sight. “Hiding won’t save you.”

But Itachi appeared right in front of him, his voice calm and low. “I’m not hiding.” With a sudden, swift motion, he struck at Daichi’s throat, forcing him back. Daichi drew a kunai and rushed at the elder Uchiha who simply dodged the attack and slashed with his own kunai. Daichi was fast but Itachi became Anbu when he was eleven. The two nins clashed, wounding and scrapping each other as the genin watched.

“I’m gonna go in!” Naruto yelled, already forming a Rasengan. He charged forward, and Itachi’s voice called out again.

“Naruto, go low. Aim for the legs. Don’t try to overpower him—use your size to your advantage.”

Naruto faltered, unused to taking orders from a missing nin. “Why should I listen to you?”

But Sakura grabbed his arm, pulling him down. “Just do it, Naruto!”

With a reluctant huff, Naruto ducked and slid across the ground, thrusting the Rasengan toward Daichi’s knees. Daichi barely had time to react, lifting his leg and sending Naruto sprawling to the side.

Through the chaos, Sasuke kept his eyes on Haku’s wounds, his fingers shaking as he focused on the green healing glow around his hands. But his gaze kept drifting to Itachi. His brother, who had slaughtered his family, now stood protecting his teammates, guiding them like it was just another mission. His heart twisted painfully.

Itachi turned to Sasuke, his eyes softer but still stern. “Focus, Sasuke. Heal your friend. Trust that I can handle this.”

Sasuke scowled, his jaw clenched so tightly it hurt. “And why should I trust you?”

Itachi’s voice remained calm. “Because they need you right now. You can deal with me later.”

Sasuke turned back to Haku, but the fury didn’t lessen. “This isn’t over, Itachi.” He sighed as Haku’s wounds healed and he worked on stabilising the boy.

Meanwhile, Daichi let out a furious growl. “This is pointless! You can’t win against me, not with a bunch of children!”

Itachi’s Sharingan spun, and he took a step forward. “Konoha creates fine shinobi. You are underestimating them and that will be your downfall.”

Daichi roared, slamming his hands together. “Suiton: Suishōha!” A massive wave of water rose from the ground, crashing toward them with terrifying speed.

“Take cover!” Itachi shouted, blocking the wave with a protective stance. The genin moved, Naruto firing arrows from his crossbow at Daichi’s hands, forcing him to drop his guard momentarily.

“Nice shot, Naruto!” Sakura called, raising her gunbai and charging forward. She swung her fan, summoning another wave of wind that crashed into Daichi and bought them a few more precious seconds.

But Daichi quickly retaliated, his face twisted in rage. “I’ve had enough of this game!” He summoned a torrent of mud wolves, each one snarling and lunging at them.

Naruto moved in front of him, shouting, “You’re not taking us down today, you overgrown lizard!”

With a sudden surge of chakra, Naruto managed a more powerful Rasengan, just enough to shatter the wolves before they could reach them.

“Good work,” Itachi said, stepping up beside Naruto and Sakura. His eyes locked onto Daichi, swirling with the Mangekyō Sharingan. “Sakura, distract him—Naruto, focus on using wind to amplify her attacks.”

Daichi’s face twisted in sudden fear, realizing Itachi’s plan. He backed up, but not before Sakura leapt forward, swinging her gunbai with a shout. “Eat this!”

Naruto added a powerful gust of wind, amplifying her attack as Daichi was forced backward, barely managing to block with his own earth wall. But he was losing ground fast.

Itachi’s gaze turned deadly. “Tsukuyomi.”

Daichi’s eyes locked with Itachi’s, and instantly he was trapped, frozen in place as Itachi’s genjutsu engulfed him.

For a moment, everything was still. Then, in a last desperate move, Daichi managed to break free, shaking off the hold of the illusion. Glaring at them, he spat, “You win today, Itachi…but don’t get comfortable. This is far from over.”

With a final snarl, Daichi disappeared, leaving the bridge eerily silent in his absence.

“Holy shit!” Naruto sat down heavily on the bridge, panting with exhaustion and about to drop. Sasuke immediately scooted towards him and started healing the gashes. It’s just as he suspected, Kyubi chakra is too slow in healing Naruto. Sakura however turned to Itachi, brandishing her gunbai against the remaining missing nin.

“Why…why did you help us?”

Itachi regarded them silently for a moment, then looked at Sasuke.

“I see you have chosen your path, Sasuke.” Dropping a scroll towards Sakura, he nodded at the pink haired girl. “Give that to Kakashi senpai. He will understand my involvement.”

Sasuke bristled as the man turned towards him. “Until next time, little brother.”

Before he could utter a single word, the man disappeared, leaving Sasuke and his teammates to process what had just happened. Sasuke bristled and let out a shout.

“Seriously! That’s how he leaves! Fuck him!”

Zabuza swung his sword, “Mizu no Tatsumaki!” A swirling vortex of water erupted around him, drawing Kisame in and disorienting him. Kakashi seized the opportunity. “Chidori!” Lightning crackled in his hand as he charged forward, aiming directly for Kisame’s heart.

But just as he was about to strike, Kisame roared back, “Not today!” He unleashed a torrent of chakra, pushing Kakashi back. “Suiton: Mizu Shuriken!” Water blades shot from his hands, slicing toward the copy ninja.

“Zabuza!” Kakashi shouted, dodging the blades, but Zabuza was already on the move, retaliating with a fierce swing of his sword. “You won’t get away that easily!” The force of his strike caused the very air to vibrate.

Watching from a distance, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke couldn’t tear their eyes away from the scene. Naruto gritted his teeth, clutching his fist. “We have to help them! Kakashi-sensei and Zabuza—if we don’t do something, they’re going to—”

Sasuke shook his head, equally tense. “We’re just in the way. They’re barely keeping up as it is.”

Sakura’s hands clenched around her gunbai. “There has to be something. Anything we can do!”

Naruto looked down, frustrated, Mitsuha’s comatose image flashing through his mind. “No. I won’t lose Kakashi-sensei—not like this.” His body surged with a flash of red chakra as he unwittingly drew upon the Kyūbi’s power.

Sasuke closed his eyes as Naruto’s chakra turned dense. The genin couldn’t help the shiver that went through their bodies. The blonde stood up as the red chakra swirled around him, his eyes red, the marks on his face darkening.

So, this is the kyubi chakra, Sasuke thought amazed as he watched the wounds heal in a flash. He wondered for a second if the nine tails had taken over their blonde teammate. Naruto looked at his teammates.

“I’ll create a barrier! If nothing else, I can at least do that!” The boy declared; his voice tinged with an animalistic undertone. Sasuke let out a breath. It’s still Naruto. He turned to Sakura who looked equally relieved.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Kisame glared at Zabuza and Kakashi, bleeding but defiant. “Looks like you two have pushed me to my limit. Guess I’ll just take you both out in one big blast!” He brought his hands together, gathering a deadly, explosive amount of chakra.

“Kisame, don’t!” Zabuza shouted, lunging forward.

But Kisame grinned, ready to unleash his final, kamikaze attack. Kakashi’s eyes widened as he tried to shift to Mangekyō but he had so little chakra left. For a second, he remembered red hair and soft lips. Ah, I’m sorry I won’t come home, Mitsuha.

Suddenly, a familiar horrifying chakra surrounded them. Kakashi panicked and turned around to look at his blonde student as Naruto’s Kyūbi-enhanced chakra flared, forming a barrier that surrounded Kakashi, Zabuza, and himself just as Kisame’s explosion erupted.

The sheer force of the blast shook the entire bridge. When the smoke cleared, Naruto was on his knees, panting heavily, his chakra drained. He managed to maintain the barrier until the very last second before slumping forward and fainting.

Kakashi stumbled toward Naruto, his vision blurring from exhaustion. “Naruto!” he shouted, relief washing over him when he saw the boy was safe. But before he could say anything more, Kakashi collapsed, finally reaching the limit of his strength.

Zabuza, panting heavily and swaying on his feet, turned to Sasuke, who met his gaze. “You two got this, brats?” Zabuza asked, his voice hoarse.

Sakura swayed but nodded. “Until the pill wears off, I am good. Then probably gonna crash for a couple of days.”

Sasuke gave a firm nod. “I’ve got it.”

With a final grunt, Zabuza collapsed beside the other shinobi.

Chapter Text

Mitsuha looked around as she felt a disturbance. She didn’t know how she was able to tell but something was going on in the other timeline. She glanced at her father who was happily consuming his eighth bowl of ramen. She had been researching for an escape route but had come up blank. She briefly entertained the idea of involving Sasuke but couldn’t bring herself to explain what happens to them.

Sighing, she pushed her second bowl towards her father who looked at her curious before shrugging and accepting the food.

Naruto happily hummed in content and looked at his daughter who was deep in thought again. Both him and Sasuke had noticed how distracted Mitsuha looked and was also aware of her disappearance during the day.

Naruto had been reluctant to assign any missions to the girl while she was distracted. Luckily there weren’t any priority missions that require an S class nin like his daughter and his husband. So, he can keep his family together till they figure out what’s wrong with his girl.

As they walk home, Naruto looked up at the stars and an idea pop up in his mind. He quickly grabbed his daughter and shunshined to the top of the Hokage mountain. The cool night air and the spread of stars overhead made her pause as she looked at her father for explanation. He smiled at the surprised expression on his daughter’s face before winking and shunshining to get his husband. It’s been a long time since they had a night out.

Before Mitsuha could respond, Naruto appeared with a disgruntled Sasuke. Naruto’s expression was as carefree as ever and he popped down, pulling his husband and daughter beside him.

“Surprise!” he said, his voice cheerful as he plopped down beside her. “I figured you needed a break. It’s been too long since we had one of these nights, you know?” Sasuke rolled his eyes but didn't move away, a faint smile ghosting across his lips.

“So, what’s this all about?” Mitsuha asked, smiling as her parents settled comfortably, their energy calming her a little.

Naruto shrugged, feigning nonchalance. “Just thought we’d remind ourselves what it’s like to have a little family time. You’ve been so busy lately—and a bit distracted, too.”

Mitsuha’s smile wavered, but she quickly masked it. “Sorry, I guess I’ve just been...thinking about things.”

Naruto gave her a knowing look. “Yeah, well, too much thinking is never good, believe me.” He grinned and looked at Sasuke. “Remember the time Mitsuha tried to cook breakfast for the first time?”

Sasuke smirked. “She managed to burn eggs. Eggs, of all things.”

Naruto chuckled, nudging Sasuke. “Hey, it’s not every day that you see someone accidentally set the eggs on fire.”

Sasuke nodded, his smirk widening. “And then, you insisted on eating it, saying you were ‘perfectly fine’ despite turning green by the second bite.”

Mitsuha’s cheeks flushed. “I was four! And you two didn’t exactly help by laughing the whole time. Besides, I remember someone almost burned down the entire compound by spilling oil all over the stovetop.”

Naruto looked away sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. “Hey, I was just testing if I could use fire jutsu to speed things up! Turns out, not my best idea.”

Sasuke shook his head. “And you wonder where she gets her recklessness from.”

Naruto shot him a playful glare. “Oh, please, Mr. Brooding Avenger. She got her recklessness from me, he says when he is the one who followed and international criminal when he gave you candy. She’s got a bit of you in her too, you know.”

They shared a comfortable silence, gazing out over the village. Then, Naruto’s voice softened, and he glanced at Mitsuha. “You know...seeing you grow up, you’ve turned out even better than we could have hoped.” He shot a glance at Sasuke, who was pretending not to be affected, though a faint hint of pride showed in his eyes.

Sasuke cleared his throat, the faintest smile on his lips. “And somehow, you’ve managed to keep a lot of Naruto’s impulsiveness and still stay...sane.”

“Speaking of impulsiveness,” Naruto grinned, looking at Mitsuha mischievously. “Got anyone you’re interested in?”

Mitsuha nearly choked. “What?”

Sasuke raised an eyebrow, suddenly looking more alert, his hand twitching toward the hilt of his sword. “Do we need to be concerned?”

“Concerned?” Naruto interjected with a teasing grin. “Nah, I was just thinking a simple three-year undercover mission ought to do the trick if someone manages to catch your eyes.”

Mitsuha scoffed, laughing as she shook her head. “You two are ridiculous.”

Naruto ruffled her hair, a warm look in his eyes. “Maybe. But we mean it. You’re our daughter, Mitsuha, no one is good enough for you. We’ll always be here for you, no matter what.”

Mitsuha’s smile wavered, her gaze dropping to the ground. In a soft voice, she asked, “Would you miss me if I... disappeared?”

The question caught both men off guard. Sasuke’s eyes narrowed, studying her intently, while Naruto looked visibly shaken.

“Of course we would,” Naruto answered quietly. “You’re our world.”

Sasuke nodded; his gaze serious as he reached out to place a hand on her shoulder. “But if you ever disappeared...I’d trust that you had a reason. And I’d wait. We both would.”

A lump formed in Mitsuha’s throat. She felt a pang of longing knowing that this version of her parents wasn’t real. It was just an illusion. Mitsuha’s parents are dead. The two beside her was a figment of her desire fueled by Obito’s genjutsu. Suddenly she could understand why the man went to so much effort to produce the infinite Tsukuyomi.

Mitsuha looked down at her hands, her voice softening. “You know…sometimes I wonder if everything I’m doing is worth it. If…if I’m even doing it right. I just…I hope I can make you both proud.” She looked up at them, her eyes shining with an unspoken resolve. “One day, when all of this is over, I hope everything I’m doing now will protect those who are precious to us.”

Naruto’s smile softened, and he placed a warm hand on her shoulder. “You already make us proud, every day. No matter what. You’re our daughter—how could we feel anything else?”

Mitsuha’s lips curved into a faint, wistful smile. “It’s you, both of you. You are what pushes me forward. I want to be strong, just like you both. I want to protect what we hold dear…just like you do.”

Sasuke placed a hand on her other shoulder, his gaze steady and filled with quiet pride. “Mitsuha, you’re already stronger than you know. And as for being great…” He gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “You’re well on your way. Just keep going. We’ll always be here for you, wherever you go.”

Naruto grinned, a little misty-eyed, and ruffled her hair. “You’re already great, Mitsuha. But the best part is, you’re going to be even better. Just believe in yourself the way we believe in you.”

Mitsuha’s heart swelled with a bittersweet feeling. She wanted to savor it, carry their words with her. It doesn’t matter if it’s real or not, they look like her parents and talk like her parents, and she would like to imagine that they would say the exact same thing to her.

It doesn’t matter how good this illusion is, her family is waiting on the other side of the genjutsu.

It’s time to find a way out of this illusion. Regardless of how it will tear her apart to leave her parents again, she has three children and an emotionally inept adult waiting for her on the other side. She will be ok…

Kakashi sighed as he looked at the stern face of his Kage as he finished Team 7’s disastrous C rank mission which, surprise surprise, turned into S class. Of course he should have expected it. No one’s first C rank goes smoothly. In fact, he would be suspicious if someone said their first C rank went well.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind his desk, his expression calm but laced with that distinct "I need a vacation" air. Smoke curled from his pipe as he listened to Kakashi's report, his fingers steepled in thought. The Third Hokage knew better than anyone how unpredictable these things could get, especially with a team as... unique as Team 7. Even when he had the knowledge of a time traveler at disposal.

“Let me get this straight,” Hiruzen began, his voice carrying an edge of bemusement. “The mission was to escort a bridge builder to Wave Country, but instead, you encountered Zabuza Momochi, his accomplice Haku, and then two rogue members of the Akatsuki and you managed to make a tentative truce with the missing nin to defeat Kisame and you encountered Itachi?”

Kakashi nodded, his visible eye betraying both exhaustion and dry humor. “That’s the gist of it, yes. Oh, and Sasuke awakened the Sharingan and Naruto tapped into the power of nine tails.”

“And Sakura?”

“Has a new found obsession with water dragons and wreaking havoc with her gunbai. Honestly, at this point, even I am scared of her.”

Hiruzen looked at the smug teenagers and sighed once more. He stamped their mission with a success and looked at the scroll the older Uchiha passed along. He looked at the burning expression Sasuke was giving the scroll and sighed again.

Itachi was planning on returning to the village as the absence of Mitsuha is causing a lot of stir ups in the missing nin world. Akatsuki is recruiting more and is even willing to attack the village for the nine tails while the red head is down, obvious from the blatant attack during the wave mission. Naruto needs protection and Kakashi alone won’t be able to provide it since he had a genin team to protect as well.

Mitsuha’s absence is stirring up a lot of issues. He might need to bring in Kakashi in order to effectively maneuverer this. Regardless of the leaps and bounds of improvement Kakashi’s attitude took place, knowing that Obito is behind the attack on his team and a plan to end the world would break him.

‘He needs someone to help him, not a ghost from the future who is nothing but an anomaly in this world.’ Oh, Mitsuha, how wrong you were…

“Team 7, dismissed. Kakashi, stay back.”

The kids looked curiously at their teacher who smiled and nodded at them. When it was just them in the room, Hiruzen activated the sound barriers. He motioned the silver haired man to sit and lit his pipe.

“Kakashi, I am sure you are aware that Mitsuha has a…unique set of secrets…” Kakashi snorted and nodded.

“Those secrets are above your paygrade as of now. But due to Mitsuha’s current state, I need to bring you in on a few details. You must not ask me the source of this information nor you must go digging for more. Have I made myself clear?”

Kakashi nodded. “Understood, Hokage sama.”

“There is an organization called Akatsuki who are after the tailed beasts.” The jonin nodded once more.

“I am aware. Mitsuha mentioned this before our mission to Kiri. She also had mentioned the rogue Uchiha. That one is going to be a political nightmare since now we have two Uchiha problems.” He did the eye smile that suddenly made Hiruzen feel like he was going to get scolded.

“But I doubt that’s what you wanted to talk about since I distinctly remember a bunch of scared genins telling me that the mass murderer Itachi saved them and gave a scroll addressed to you, sir.”

He looked sharp when he tilted his head, the animalistic tendencies of his summons showing through. “Doesn’t take much to guess that he had been a scapegoat for something far more sinister. Well, guesswork and the fact that someone forgot to remove my access to the anbu archives.”

Hiruzen took a long drag of his pipe and wondered if he could just shove the hat on top of Kakashi’s head and run away. Tea country has good weather this time of the year…

“Of course you went snooping. I should have expected that. Itachi had been acting as a double agent till Mitsuha intervened and removed him and well as a few other members from Akatsuki. She has been hunting down the remaining members for a while now.”

Kakashi hummed, suddenly puzzle pieces clicking in his head. “That’s why Itachi intervened. Because Akatsuki members attacked us when Mitsuha was not with us, someone who is aware of their strengths and weaknesses.”

Hiruzen watched silently as the man started moving around facts and known variables in his head. He watched as a spark of recognition grew in the man’s eyes.

“That Uchiha, the one who we fought, Tobi…he is the leader of Akatsuki. Till now, he wasn’t sure of Mitsuha’s actions except that she is an Uzumaki trying to take revenge. But then he saw me with her. He understood that we know what the organization’s mission is. So, he is speeding up his plans.”

Kakashi looked thoughtful. “This was his one opportunity to attack not only because Mitsuha is down but also since the chunin exams are coming by, the teams would not be leaving village.”

Hiruzen looked at the man impressed. Maybe his idea of throwing the hat at him isn’t a far-off plan. He nodded and continued where the silver hair man stopped.

“We have intel that Suna might be attempting an invasion during the chunin exam with their Jinchūriki. My wayward student might also be involved in the invasion attempt. I have already sent a missive to Jiraya to return to Konoha in time for the exams. Itachi will also be returning to the village.”

Kakashi grimaced. “That might not go over so well with Sasuke. He has not been acting like himself since wave mission.”

Hiruzen nodded, stood up to stare at his village. If the plan he, Mitsuha and Shikaku had constructed does not go accordingly, he could be dead in a couple of weeks. Everything they had been planning for should come to fruition in the next couple of months.

Turning back to Kakashi, he cleared his throat and spoke in his Kage voice. “You have permission to revel the truth behind Itachi’s actions to Sasuke. Tell him that the man responsible for his clan’s massacre is dead. Tell him that the village offers deepest apologies to him. Once the chunin exams are over, we would be releasing the truth behind the massacre.”

Hiruzen sat down in his chair and sighed. Kakashi looked sympathetically at him. Oh, how low he has fallen, Hiruzen thought to himself. Oh, Minato, you were the leader Konoha needed and not an old fool like me.

“Kakashi, I hope you realize that I cannot continue as the Hokage once the news comes out. I need a replacement.”

Kakashi remained silent, the implications of the Hokage’s words crashing over him like waves. “You’re asking me to be Hokage,” he said finally, his voice barely above a whisper. Hiruzen nodded.

The jonin stiffened.  “Tsunade sama is back at the village…”

“And is too out of touch with the politics to deal with the repercussions. And has a very bad temper.”

“Shikaku…”

“Is the jonin commander…and would call it a drag and refuse.”

“Gai?”

Hiruzen looked at the man as if he had lost his mind. Sure, Gai is a powerful shinobi but the man would most definitely offend Onoki with just his presence and …youthfulness.

“Kakashi, we can do this all day but my choice remains the same. I want you to accept the hat.”

The jonin stood up and started pacing the room. Hiruzen watched patently as the man dealt with whatever demons that trouble him. Finally, he came to a decision.

“I can’t, my students.” Hiruzen smiled. This was the same man who was pouting and throwing a tantrum when he was assigned a team.

“Kakashi, your team is more than ready to be promoted. In the five months that you’ve had them, they had progresses immensely. Naruto is already at jonin level sealing, Sasuke is on track to be the next Tsunade and Sakura is projected to be one of the top Taijutsu experts the village has seen, Gai has so many praises. The only thing stopping them is the actual chunin exam.”

Kakashi stiffened. “They are not ready; they are still so young.”

Hiruzen sighed at the stubborn man. He was reminded of a young Minato protesting against sending his team into the front lines. If only he had listened then…

“Hiruzen held his gaze. “Kakashi, I will not deny the dangers. But neither will the world wait for Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura to grow up in safety. They must face these challenges under guidance, not ignorance. The exams will be held in Konoha. This is the safest environment they could hope for.””

Kakashi stopped pacing and turned sharply, his eye narrowing. “Safe, Hokage sama? Because right now, what I see is a group of children being put on display as targets. And if something goes wrong? If the Akatsuki use this opportunity to attack again? We don’t even know what Orochimaru is planning.”

“How about a compromise?” Hiruzen interrupted firmly, his voice cutting through Kakashi’s protests like a blade. “The next exams will take place six months from now. Your team will spend the interim on guard duty within the village and the border. Border patrols are equivalent to C ranks. They will not leave Konoha for missions, not until we are certain of their readiness.”

Kakashi frowned, his mind racing with counterarguments. “And Mitsuha?”

Hiruzen’s expression softened, his gaze momentarily drifting to the window overlooking the village. “When Mitsuha recovers, she will reassume her role in assisting with the Akatsuki and will relieve Itachi from his mission. But until then, Kakashi, you are their sensei. ”

The jonin stiffened. “Hokage Sama, me as a Hokage is a grave mistake. I am not capable enough for such a role. Why must you force me to do this?”

Hiruzen said calmly. “You are the only one I trust to handle what is coming, both for the village and the next generation. For centuries, we have sent child soldiers out there to fight the battles that the adults instigated. You are one and as such, you will be able to lead Konoha into a new era.”

Hiruzen sighed, suddenly feeling his age. “I am old Kakashi, I am not what the village nor what the future generation requires. You have guided your team fabulously, the will of fire, comradeship and everything Konoha stands for is ingrained strongly in them. Minato taught you well, Kakashi and you have taught your team well.”

The old man smiled at Kakashi’s flushed expression. He knows the jonin will be fine. If not, he will always have his cute students to guide him back to the path. Naruto, Sakura and even Sasuke who was flagged as a flight risk are utterly loyal to the village thanks to the man standing before him. Yes, Kakashi will do just fine.

“I will serve as Hokage in the interim, but I want you to train—not just your team, but yourself. You will learn the skills necessary to lead Konoha.”

Kakashi’s visible eye widened in disbelief. “Hokage sama”

“Don’t protest,” Hiruzen interrupted again, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He stood, walking around his desk to place a reassuring hand on Kakashi’s shoulder. “Mitsuha herself recommended you as the best candidate. She believes in you, as do I.”

The mention of Mitsuha caused the young man to look at him in despair. He looked away, his voice faltering. “I can’t fail an entire village, sir.”

Hiruzen squezed his hand reassuringly on Kakashi’s shoulder. “You won’t. Because you care too much to let that happen. Besides, I am certain you won’t make half the mistakes that this old man has made in his tenure. Konoha needs a fresh mind to guide her.”

After a long pause, Kakashi finally nodded. “Six months,” he said quietly. “They stay in the village, and we prepare together, them for the chunin exam and I for…you know. After that…we’ll see.”

Hiruzen smiled warmly. “That’s all I ask.”

Later that evening, Kakashi found himself in Mitsuha’s hospital room after briefing an emotional Sasuke on the status of his brother. He was lucky the only causality was a chair and a couple of ceramic pots. His other genin reassured him that he will take care of the upset Uchiha and sent him off on his merry way. He needed to see Mitsuha.

He smiled seeing the evidences of his kids sneaking in after the mission, fresh sunflowers and a new knitted cap on Mitsuha’s head. Kakashi remembered seeing Sasuke knitting during the downtime they had during the wave mission. It was getting cold after all. It only feels like yesterday since Kakashi brought Mitsuha to Konoha.

He sighed, running a hand through his silver hair. “You know, you’re really good at getting me into situations I don’t want to be in,” he muttered, a small, bitter laugh escaping his lips.

Leaning forward, he rested his head gently on the edge of the bed, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“He’s asking me to be the Hokage, Mitsuha. I understand his reasoning. Between the chunin exam and the massacre, it will be a miracle if people don’t riot on the street. He has to step down and I might be the best choice. Well, frankly, I think you might be. If only you were born here…”

Kakashi turned his head to look at the red head. He squeezed her hand tightly in his.

He closed his eye, the weariness of the day finally catching up to him.

“I miss you, Mitsuha. I need you to come back soon. I’m doing my best, but it’s not enough without you. I just…I need you, ok? I’ll try talking to little you when I’m inside your mind again but for now, I am so so tired.”

Quietly, he added, “I am not good enough alone. I need you by my side, ok?”

After the initial disappointment of not being allowed to participate in the chunin exam despite their age mates entering, team 7 decided to cut their teacher some slack. Between the constant dive into the genjutsu to wake up Mitsuha, frequent meetings with the Hokage and jonin teams and overall paranoia that caused him to summon a ninken to follow each of them, Kakashi was a wreck. They did not want to add more stress to him.

Naruto sorted out their gear for their patrol duty with Sakura cuddled to his side, half asleep while Sasuke was preparing a batch of his very own soldier pills. After the news about his brother being reinstated and assigned as guard detail on the team, Sasuke had meltdown so unbelievably spectacular that Naruto was afraid he was going to give himself an aneurysm and just straight up die immediately.

It took hours of crying and shouting about the unfair world and threats to destroy the village for Sasuke to calm down and start thinking logically. Naruto had never been more thankful for the silencing seals that surround their apartment or they might be stuck in T&I by now thanks to the creative ways Sasuke had come up with to blow up the Hokage mountain in midst of his tantum.

The team had realized that even though they might be stronger that the remaining genin teams in Konoha, their mental state was so down the drains that they might as well be walking targets. Naruto had a sister who was in the hospital, Sasuke had a mass murderer brother turned innocent slash loyal shinobi and Naruto was desperately hoping that Sakura doesn’t have any wayward siblings waiting to cause havoc. Seriously for a bunch of orphans, they certainly were having a lot of family issues.

 Team 7 set out on their patrol, their assigned route was a quiet sector of the village, but given their collective luck, Naruto doubted the night would remain uneventful.

Naruto adjusted the strap of his gear bag, his free hand absently pulling Sasuke closer to his side as he blinked sleepily. He knew Sasuke was dead tired when he went to the blonde with no protest and leaned heavily against his teammate. The poor boy had been pulling long shifts at the hospital and Sharingan training with Kakashi along with the assigned patrol.

“It sucks that we’re not allowed to join,” he grumbled. “It’s not like we’re gonna lose to a bunch of kids.” Saskue glanced at him and muttered.

“Kakashi is right to be paranoid. You are a target even with that murderer looming over us to ‘protect’ us.” Naruto winced and glanced at the tree that Itachi was hiding in. Since coming back, the man had made no move to interact with any of them except looming over them.

“Besides, this is the best time for someone to sneak in to the village. I assume we are going to be alone at some point during the exam and hence they could attack. Honestly, I don’t think its work the risk. We can take the exam next time.” Sasuke yawned and leaned away to stretch his muscles.

Naruto’s face scrunched in mock confusion. “You agreeing with Kakashi-sensei? Who are you, and what have you done with Sasuke?”

“Shut up, dobe.”

Sakura smirked, tugging at Naruto’s sleeve. “He’s right, you know. Besides, after the last mission, I think we all deserve a little boring guard duty. I wouldn’t mind a week without rogue ninjas or life-and-death fights.”

Before Naruto could retort, a shout echoed from nearby. The trio stiffened, instincts kicking in as they sprinted toward the noise. Turning a corner, they found Konohamaru and his little entourage cornered by two unfamiliar shinobi wearing Suna headbands.

“You’re annoying, Kankuro” the fan-wielding girl said, her voice dripping with disdain as she watched Konohamaru struggle to keep up his bravado against her brother. “I’d be doing the world a favour if I crushed you now.”

“Shut up Temari, this brat ran into me. I am just showing him the way of the world.”

“Hey!” Naruto’s voice boomed, startling everyone as Team 7 strode into the scene. “What’s your problem, huh? Picking on little kids? Too afraid to take people your own size?”

The teenager who was threatening Konohamaru turned towards them. “And who are you supposed to be? Big brother here to play hero?”

Naruto stepped forward, his hands clenching into fists. “Yeah, and I’ll—”

“Don’t,” Sasuke cut in, placing a hand on Naruto’s shoulder.

Sakura sighed, stepping past them both and directing her gaze to the Suna team. “Why are you harassing our villagers?” Kankuro spoke mockingly. “They got in our way. We don’t tolerate disrespect in our village.”

Sakura narrowed her eyes. “We don’t either. So, it would be in your best interest to stop harassing the Hokage’s grandson. After all, you are here as visitors for the chunin exam. Wouldn’t want to cause an international incident, now do you?”

Temari paled and motioned her brother to drop the boy. The trio ran behind Naruto quickly as the blonde took a defensive stand in front of them. Kankuro huffed. “Of course they need a bodyguard to hide behind. Weaklings.”

“Kankuro, you’re annoying me…”

The sand genin froze and looked up at the same time as team 7. Red hair and a giant gourd are the first thing Naruto registered. He also felt the nine tailed fox stir awake inside of him.

‘Careful…’ The fox warned him. ‘He is like us, only more unstable. Do not interact with him unless you are forced to.’ Strange, the fox hasn’t said a word after the waves mission even with Naruto trying to talk with it.

The gourd boy tilted his head, studying Sasuke with unblinking eyes. “You. What’s your name?”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed. “None of your business.”

“Gaara, maybe we should…” Temari stopped speaking as tendrils of sand wisped around them suddenly. “I’ll find out during the exams. And I’ll fight you.” Gaara looked at Sasuke with an eery expression.

Naruto thought back to the fox. ‘Yea, no kidding. That guy is just weird…wait, what do you mean like us! I am not weird…and why are you talking to me all of a sudden?’

Sasuke blinked, his face blank. “I’m not entering.”

That threw the Suna team off-balance. The puppet user furrowed his brow, his voice dripping with scepticism. “What do you mean, you’re not entering? Everyone’s entering.”

“Not us,” Naruto said, crossing his arms and glaring at the puppet user. “We’ve got more important things to do than show off for you losers.”

“Losers?” The girl raised her fan, an angry flush colouring her cheeks. “Say that again, blondie, and I’ll—”

Before the tension could escalate further, Kakashi materialized out of thin air in a swirl of leaves. He appeared directly between the two groups.

“All right, kids,” he drawled, his visible eye curving in a lazy smile. “That’s enough excitement for today. Suna team, I suggest you head to your lodgings. You are here as guests, remember that.”

The Suna siblings exchanged annoyed glances but seemed like they didn’t want to argue with a jonin. The gourd boy cast one last lingering look at Sasuke before turning and walking away, his siblings trailing behind him.

As the dust settled, Kakashi turned to his team, his expression unreadable. “I can’t leave you alone for one second, can I?”

Naruto rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Well, to be fair, they started it.”

Kakashi sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Let’s just finish the patrol. And try not to antagonize any more guests, all right?”

The trio shrugged, falling into step behind their sensei after sending the kids off on their merry way. Naruto glanced at Sasuke, muttering under his breath. “Guests, my butt.”

Sakura nudged him in the ribs. “Keep talking, and Kakashi-sensei will assign you to babysit Konohamaru for the rest of the week.”

Naruto groaned dramatically, as Sasuke once again leaned on his teammate. The exams are going to be suck a drag and he is not even in it! What’s next? Orochimaru coming after him?

Chapter Text

The sun was shining, the birds were singing, and all Sasuke wanted to do was to torch it all with a Katon jutsu.

“I have the power you need to take revenge on your traitor brother, Sasuke kun…All you need is to come to me and I will make you all powerful…”

He looked unimpressed at Orochimaru and tried his best to not glance at his ‘traitor’ brother who was up in the trees probably trying to figure out a way to save Naruto and Sakura from the mouths of the snakes that have them half swallowed.

He looked at the snake sannin who was looking at him like he was candy, Sasuke sighed and looked up at the sky. Maybe if I asked, the universe would give me a fucking break.

Now how did team 7 get into this situation. Boy, does Sasuke have a tale to tell.

"There you are. You know, punctuality is a key trait for a shinobi—you should really work on that."

Kakashi let his usual lazy smile show, thoroughly enjoying the identical looks of disbelief his team gave him. The sheer hypocrisy of Hatake Kakashi lecturing anyone on punctuality was almost too much for them to process.

Unbothered, Kakashi clapped his hands together. "Moving on, let’s get to today’s assignment. You’ve all been tasked to assist with the written part of the chunin exams. Exciting, right?"

"Define exciting," Sasuke deadpanned, arms crossed.

"Glad you asked!" Kakashi said, ignoring the sarcasm. "Sakura, you’ll be a fake contestant. Blend in, take the test, and keep an eye out for any funny business."

Sakura straightened up at the mention of an exam, nodding seriously. Typical book brain, Sasuke thought to himself seeing his teammates eager expression.

"And us?" Naruto asked, trying to sound professional but barely hiding his groan.

"You boys," Kakashi said, turning toward Naruto and Sasuke, "will be on guard duty. Keep an eye out for excessive cheating or anyone trying to sabotage the test. Trust me, it’s going to be so much fun!"

"Fun for who?" Sasuke muttered, already dreading the idea of babysitting a room full of genin trying to cheat their way through an exam.

Naruto crossed his arms, muttering something about how "fun" it would be to shove a Rasengan down at the silver haired man. Kakashi’s visible eye crinkled in amusement. "Alright, Team 7, off to your posts. And remember, this is serious business. Try not to scare the genin too much, okay?"

"Yeah, because we’re the scary ones," Naruto mumbled, earning a smirk from Sasuke and a light chuckle from Sakura as they headed inside.

Sasuke had taken one glance at the question paper that Ibiki had so generously presented to the genin and concluded that the universe might not hate him as much as he thought—it was definitely a good thing Team 7 wasn’t participating. Forget Naruto; even he wasn’t entirely sure how to answer some of these questions.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he shifted his attention to Sakura, disguised as a brown-haired boy among the test-takers. She was busily—and apparently gleefully—filling out the answer sheet.

He could practically feel Naruto’s disbelief radiating beside him like a tangible force, and he didn’t even need to look to confirm it.

‘How is she enjoying this?’ Naruto tapped against his hand subtly. ‘It's like she’s actually having fun! Who has fun during a test?’

Sasuke didn’t answer, choosing instead to focus back on the room. But his expression darkened when he spotted an Iwa genin not-so-subtly looking at his neighbor's paper. Seriously and they call themselves ninja!

“You,” Sasuke called out sharply, “Iwa genin, fail.”

He threw a kunai, the blade slicing through the air and landing precisely on the center of the boy’s answer sheet, pinning it to the desk. The startled genin yelped and flinched back, his face pale as a sheet.

The boy was dragged out of the room, a blubbering mess, while his teammates threw furious glares over their shoulders at Sasuke.

Naruto let out a low whistle and whispered. "Geez, calm down, buddy. You’re making me wanna jump you."

Sasuke forced his blush down and stomped his teammate’s foot.

"Alright, time’s up," Ibiki announced, his gaze sweeping over the nervous faces of the genin. "Before we collect your papers, here’s the final question—the most important one of all."

Every head in the room snapped up, eyes wide with a mix of anxiety and curiosity. "This question will determine whether you pass or fail," Ibiki continued, his tone cold and calculating. "But there’s a catch."

A collective murmur rippled through the room. Both Naruto and Sasuke hummed eagerly. It’s getting interesting. Maybe their eccentric sensei wasn’t joking about the fun part after all.

"If you choose to answer this question," Ibiki said, "and should you get it wrong, you will be banned from ever participating in the chunin exams again."

Gasps filled the air, and some of the younger genin visibly paled.

"But," he added, his voice dropping a notch, "if you refuse to answer the question, your team will fail immediately. No retries, no second chances. Your choice."

The room descended into a chaos. Sasuke looked at Sakura who was grinning. Good, she also figured out the purpose of the question. He glanced at Naruto who looked pale. Sasuke sighed, yea, Naruto needed more psychological training.

Finally, the first sound came: a chair scraping against the floor.

“I… I can’t do this!” A girl from Kusagakure shot to her feet, panic written all over her face. “I’m not throwing away my future!” She bolted for the door, her teammates calling after her, but she didn’t look back.

“Disqualified,” Ibiki said coldly, marking the team off the list.

That seemed to break the dam. One by one, more genin stood, some muttering apologies to their teams, others shouting protests as they followed suit. From their position at the edge of the room, Sasuke and Naruto watched the chaos unfold.

'That’s… kinda brutal...' Naruto tapped against his hand, eyes wide as yet another team walked out.

Sasuke crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. It’s a test. The weak are filtered out. Brutal’s the point. "Eyes forward, kid," a chunin guard warned his teammate who begrudgingly complied.

Ibiki watched the thinning crowd with a grim smile, making occasional notes on his clipboard. When the door finally closed behind the last quitter, only a fraction of the genin remained.

"Alright," Ibiki announced, his voice cutting through the tension. "For those of you who stayed… congratulations. You pass."

The stunned silence was broken by collective gasps and murmurs of disbelief. Naruto raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what?"

“The first part of the exam was to gather intelligence. You all are genins, there was no way that you could have answered those questions on your own.” Sakura scoffed and Ibiki spared a glance at her. “Well, most of you would not have been able to answer the questions. That was why we had planted sources amongst you. Those who were able to gather data without alerting anyone is a vital skill for a chunin.”

That makes a lot of sense, Sasuke thought to himself. He was still confused as to why team 7, as mere genin were allowed to supervise the exam.

Because you are my team, Kakashi had simply shrugged and told them when Sakura had asked him.

“As for the tenth question, the purpose of the test was enduring psychological pressure and uncertainty. Those who chose to remain have passed. You have shown the true qualities of a shinobi: the ability to endure, to have courage under fire, and to make difficult decisions when the stakes are high.”

He looked around the room at the genins. “Those of you who remained…” Ibiki’s voice had a hint of pride. “Congratulations. You pass.”

Naruto, still disguised under his henge, glanced at Sasuke, a smirk already forming on his lips. He opened his mouth to say something when the windows around the room shattered, glass raining down.

Instinctively, kunai were drawn, and the entire room tensed as everyone whipped around toward the source of the intrusion. Standing in the frame of the shattered windows was a figure cloaked in a long trench coat. Sasuke sighed and was not surprised to see his teammates matching the sigh.

“Alright, maggots! It is I, the great Anko Mitarashi!”

Her trench coat billowed behind her like a villain straight out of a samurai drama, fishnet bodysuit catching the light as she leaped into the room with a flourish. She landed with a loud thud, boots striking the ground as she threw out her arms in theatrical triumph.

“Eh, Ibiki! You must be losing your touch! This is like… half the competition. Pretty weak if you ask me.” Ibiki’s eye twitched as he shot her a withering glare.

“We’ve got a good batch this year, Anko. Don’t ruin it.”

Anko waved him off with an exaggerated roll of her eyes. “Yeah, yeah, sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night, scar-face.”

Sasuke, standing among the disguised Team 7, felt a familiar shiver crawl down his spine as her gaze roamed the room and locked onto them. She grinned like a predator cornering its prey. He knew that look. He hated that look.

“Congratulations,” she drawled, sauntering forward as the genin tried not to flinch at her approach. “You made it through Ibiki’s little mental torture session. But don’t get too comfy. That was the easy part.”

She turned on her heel and pointed toward the Forest of Death. “I’ll be your proctor for the second part of the exam. And trust me, kids, you’ll wish you’d failed here when I’m done with you! Meet me at the east gate in 30 minutes. Don’t be late—or you’re OUT!””

The moment she finished, the room practically emptied itself. Genin scrambled over each other to flee her oppressive presence, the sound of hurried footsteps echoing down the halls. Chunins followed the genins as they guided them to the forest of death.

And then there were four.

Anko turned, her smirk twisting into something almost gleeful as she marched toward Team 7. “Well, well, well. If it isn’t Hatake’s brats.”

She continued, placing her hands on her hips. “You’re helping with the exams? Perfect! You’re with me next.”

Sakura sighed and dropped her henge, her pink hair catching the light. She tilted her head at Anko, her voice carefully measured. “Anko senpai, we don’t have clearance for the second stage. Our assignment ends after this round. We’re supposed to report back to the mission desk for patrol.”

Anko’s grin widened, a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Oh, don’t worry about that. I’ll… take care of it. Besides, you wouldn’t want to miss the chance to experience the Forest of Death firsthand, would you?”

Naruto frowned, exchanging a glance with Sasuke. “Believe me, I would. Does Kakashi-sensei know about this?”

“Pfft,” Anko scoffed, waving a dismissive hand. “Why bother him with the details? You’ll love it—trust me.”

Sasuke muttered under his breath, “That’s what you said last time before pelting me with poison needles.”

The mad woman clapped her hands together, startling them. “Great! I knew you’d be on board. Meet me at the east gate in—oh wait, you’re already late. Better run!”

Naruto opened his mouth, likely to offer a dismissive retort, when Ibiki cut in, his voice calm yet firm. “Relax, Team 7. I’ll inform Kakashi about your reassignment.”

Naruto frowned, exchanging a glance with Sasuke. “Are you sure? Kakashi-sensei usually likes to know where we are.”

Ibiki’s lips twitched in the ghost of a smile. “Trust me, I’ll handle him. Besides, this will be good experience for all of you.”

Anko’s grin widened further. “See? Even scar-face agrees. Now quit stalling and get moving. East gate. Be there if you value your lives.”

Chapter Text

To say Kakashi was pissed off going through the intelligence reports would be an understatement. The sheer absurdity of it all grated on him. A hidden village formed by their own missing-nin, right under their noses, and no one had caught on until Mitsuha’s summons brought it to light. What the hell was Jiraiya even doing?

He fed Tsubasa a handful of seeds, the small sparrow chirping in thanks before flitting out of the room. Kakashi sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Thank goodness the sparrows had agreed to cooperate with him in Mitsuha’s absence and allowed him to sign their contract, or they’d all still be in the dark.

As if worrying about Orochimaru targeting Sasuke wasn’t enough, now they had to brace for an invasion by an alliance between Sound and Sand. Kakashi’s eyes flicked to the jonin commander, who was bent over his desk, writing missives to every active jonin and chunin. Then to the Hokage, who sat quietly but with a weight that seemed to make his age even more apparent.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked old. He had already been aging when Minato-sensei wore the hat, but now? Kakashi’s stomach twisted at the thought of the man possibly having to face one of his own students in battle. He couldn’t even imagine being in that position himself—facing one of his genin on a battlefield with an intent to kill. Honestly, he was sure that would be the heartbreak that would cause his demise.

Kakashi sank into the chair beside Shikaku, picking up the assignments and skimming them. His team was slotted as part of the hospital evacuation squad, far from the stadium where the primary attack was expected. It made sense—they were too valuable to risk in the line of fire—but it didn’t sit right with him to leave them alone without his supervision.

His own assignment was no surprise: Hokage’s personal bodyguard.

Jiraya was already called back and along with Tsunade is supposed to deal with their teammate. Everything was going as planned.

Kakashi leaned back and stretched, letting out a soft sigh as he glanced at the clock. A small smile tugged at his lips. “Well, it’s time for me to pick up my cute little genin and take them on a patrol.”

Hiruzen snorted, his voice tinged with amusement despite the tension in the room. “Oh? And here I thought you’d be making your usual detour to the memorial stone and the hospital.”

Kakashi placed a hand on his chest, his voice mock-wounded. “To keep my adorable team waiting? Hokage-sama, you wound me. What kind of sensei do you think I am?”

The silver haired man gave an exaggerated sigh of exasperation at the laughing faces of his leaders before disappearing in a flash.

Of course, he went to the memorial stone first.

Mitsuha was pacing back and forth, nervously biting her nails. Her mind raced as she calculated the days. It had been over a month—she was sure of it—since she’d been trapped in this genjutsu. And if her estimations were right, today was the day Orochimaru would attack Sasuke.

Her stomach twisted painfully at the thought. Why haven’t I found a way out yet?

Kakashi, or “Older Kakashi,” as Mitsuha called him in her mind, sat on the couch with his ever-present cup of tea, his single eye watching her with faint amusement. He’d long since resigned himself to her commandeering his living room as her makeshift war room. Books, scrolls, and papers were scattered across every available surface, and she hadn’t hesitated to rearrange his furniture to suit her needs.

Not that he complained much, it was nice to have company and Mitsuha was a good conversationalist even though she had a tendency to glare at him when he slipped into his self depreciating thoughts. So no, he didn't mind her company but to maintain his aloof and cool persona, he merely grumbled occasionally about how she kept moving his things.

“Pacing won’t break the genjutsu, you know,” he remarked, his tone teasing. “If it did, I’d have broken half the genjutsu I’ve ever been trapped in by now.”

“I’m not pacing because I want to,” Mitsuha shot back, spinning to face him. “I’m pacing because—because I can’t do anything else! What if I’m right? What if Orochimaru attacks Sasuke today, and I’m stuck here, useless?”

Kakashi’s amused expression softened, his eye crinkling slightly. “Mitsuha, you’re not useless. Far from it.”

“But I’m here!” she burst out, her voice cracking. “I’m here, trapped in this stupid genjutsu, and I don’t know how to get out. And Sasuke—he’s out there, vulnerable. What if something happens to him? What if—”

“Mitsuha.”

Kakashi’s quiet voice cut through her panic. She stopped, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath. He set down his tea and stood, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“Sasuke will be fine,” he said firmly. “The other me—the real me—will make sure of it. You’ve changed him, Mitsuha. For the better. He’s not the same man who let his team slip through his fingers. You’ve given him a second chance to protect what matters. He won’t waste it.”

Mitsuha’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “You really think so?”

Kakashi’s smile turned wistful, almost bitter. “I know so. If I’d had a Mitsuha in my life, maybe things would’ve turned out differently. Maybe Sasuke wouldn’t have left. Maybe Naruto wouldn’t have had to endure having his heart shattered—literally and metaphorically—over and over again. Maybe Sakura wouldn’t have been caught in the middle of it all and treated like an after thought.”

His voice grew quieter, almost too soft to hear. “Maybe I wouldn’t have failed them.”

“Kakashi…” Mitsuha hesitated, her heart aching for the man before her. She reached out, covering his hand with hers. “You did the best you could. They still loved you, you know. Tou-chan and aunt Sakura always talked about you like you were some kind of legend. And Papa… even when he didn’t show it, you were important to him.”

Kakashi chuckled lightly, though it didn’t quite reach his eye. “You’re too kind, Mitsuha. But it’s not about me anymore. Somewhere out there, my students—your team 7—are better off because of you. And for that, I’m jealous. Jealous that I didn’t get the same chance. But… I’m also happy. Happy that they’re happy, even if it’s somewhere I’ll never see.”

Mitsuha swallowed hard, her emotions tangled. “You’re wrong about one thing,” she said softly. “You do see it. Every time you help me, every time you read through these scrolls and books hoping to find a way to break this genjutsu or let me crash in your living room, you’re still protecting them. You’re still doing what you can to make sure they’re okay. That’s not failure, Kakashi. That’s love.”

The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the occasional rustle of paper as Mitsuha fiddled with the nearest scroll.

After a long pause, Kakashi spoke again, his tone lighter. “Well, since you’re still stuck here for now, why don’t we figure out our next move? If this genjutsu has a weak point, we’ll find it. And until then…”

“Until then, we hope,” Mitsuha finished, managing a small smile.

“Exactly,” Kakashi said, his eye crinkling into a smile of his own.

Itachi was panicking because he had no way to alert any of the proctors that team 7 was facing one of the sanins. And he could not do anything because the damn snake was holding two of the kids hostage because Sasuke, very appropriately, fired up a Chidori the moment he heard Orochimaru’s proposal.

Now he was watching his little brother fighting for his life because he couldn’t for the life of him figure out how to get the kids out of the damned snake’s mouth. He stiffened as Sasuke glanced at the tree he was hiding and motioned in anbu code to engage.

Getting over the amazement at his brother communicating efficiently using anbu code, Itachi stiffened as he realized Sasuke’s plan. He was intending to move away to distract Orochimaru and trusted Itachi to help his teammate. Even though it burned everything in his heart to leave his brother alone with the paedophile, it was the best option. Honestly, Itachi was a bit touched that Sasuke trusted his teammates with him.

As soon as Orochimaru followed a running Sasuke, Itachi swooped in and sliced the neck of the snake, freeing the kids. Sakura was beat up beyond recognition because she went after Orochimaru aggressively. She had a long kunai wound running down her face which will most definitely scar. Naruto was also in a bad shape but the fox was healing him. Itachi sighed in relief that no permeant damage was done to them except for the emotional damage that the teenage girl will experience facial damage which is above his paygrade.

Naruto coughed, his hands scrambling for support as he tumbled free. “What the hell was that thing?!”

“Your teammate needs medical attention,” Itachi said curtly, crouching to examine her injuries.

“Naruto, can you summon a clone to get Sakura to safety and alert Anko?” Naruto nodded without a word and did as he was asked. Itachi was tempted to ask Naruto to leave with Sakura but he had a feeling that his brother might not react rationally if Itachi came alone to fight off Orochimaru.

As soon as the clone was off, Itachi motioned for Naruto to follow him as they tracked Sasuke. Itachi was anxious seeing the path of destruction lead by the battle. He saw red, he was going to kill that snake even if it is the last thing he does.

“Why does that bastard want Sasuke?” Naruto asked with gritted teeth. It seems like Kakashi hadn’t explained the full story.

“Do you know why Orochimaru was kicked out of the village?”

Naruto nodded. “Sakura told me that he did some fucked up experiments on children. I think Kakashi sensei’s friend Tenzo is one of the only living results.”

Itachi nodded. He was still a child when it happened but he had heard stories whispered in the Uchiha compound when Orochimaru was exiled. As a grown up, he had often thought of how much influence Danzo had in those experiments. Now that the man was after his little brother, Itachi could care less about the sanin being manipulated.

“Orochimaru wants to be immortal. He believes that being immortal is the only way he can learn all the jutsus in the world. The method that he has right now is to take over bodies and continue to live until his soul rejects the body and the cycle repeats.”

Itachi smiled behind his mask at Naruto’s disgusted expression. Man, he looks so much like Kushina san.

“So Orochimaru wants to live inside Sasuke? That’s really creepy.” Itachi thought for a moment, and yes, it is pretty creepy.

Suddenly, Naruto grabbed his hand and paused. He frowned and looked confused.

“Something’s wrong with dobe’s chakra…I don’t understand it, it’s like corrupted. Like Anko’s…”

Itachi’s heart dropped. He grabbed Naruto and rushed to his brother at full speed. No, he can’t have failed. Not again, not after so many warnings.

No. Please no. Don’t let me be too late.

When they reached the clearing, Itachi’s worst fears were confirmed.

Sasuke stood in the middle, his breathing ragged, his hand clutching his shoulder where the cursed mark likely burned like fire. Black markings crawled across his skin, twisting and pulsing as if alive.

Itachi wanted to die.

Orochimaru’s voice was a low purr, slithering around Sasuke like a snake coiling its prey. “You feel it, don’t you? That power surging through you? The strength you’ve always wanted is at your fingertips, Sasuke-kun. All you need to do is accept it.”

“Shut up!” Sasuke hissed through gritted teeth, his Sharingan blazing.

Orochimaru chuckled, unbothered by the defiance. “Oh, come now. You know I’m right. How else will you defeat your brother? How else will you avenge your clan? Do you think this ‘team’ of yours can give you what you need? Do you think Kakashi can? Do you think Konoha will?”

Sasuke’s mind wavered. Visions of his parents, blood pooling around them, flashed in his mind. His brother’s cold voice echoed, ‘Foolish little brother, you’re still weak.’

“No!” Sasuke shouted, dropping to his knees. “I don’t need your power. I’ll… I’ll do it my way!”

“Stay away from him!” Naruto roared, launching forward with a Rasengan.

Orochimaru sidestepped effortlessly, smirking. “Ah, the Nine-Tails’ brat. You’re amusingly predictable.”

Itachi didn’t waste time. His Mangekyo Sharingan activated, and in a flash, he was in front of Orochimaru. The sanin quickly dodged his katana and smiled.

“Well well well, the traitor of the Uchiha clan has come to play,” Orochimaru drawled, his voice a venomous purr. “I guess Tobi was right to warn me of you...Isn’t this fascinating? The two most famous missing nins of Konoha against each other. One could write a book about this, eh, Itachi kun?”

“I won’t let you lay a finger on Sasuke,” Itachi replied coldly, his voice steady and devoid of emotion. His hand flicked to his pouch, kunai glinting.

Orochimaru chuckled. “Oh, Itachi kun, you are a little too late. Sasuke kun already has my curse mark. I don’t have to go after him, he will come to me so that he can have the power needed to kill you. Oh, isn’t it so poetic!”

The sanin closed the distance, engaging Itachi in close-quarters combat. He lashed out with a spinning kick, which Itachi ducked under, responding with an upward palm strike aimed at Orochimaru’s chin. The snake Sannin twisted mid-air, avoiding the hit and launching himself backward.

With a flick of his wrist, Orochimaru summoned a torrent of snakes from his sleeve. They hissed and lunged toward Itachi, their fangs dripping with venom. Itachi formed hand seals with lightning speed.

“Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu”

A barrage of fireballs erupted from Itachi’s mouth, targeting the swarm of snakes.

“Doton: Doryūheki!” Orochimaru slammed his hands to the ground, summoning a towering wall of earth that absorbed the fireball’s impact. Smoke and ash filled the air. Itachi glances back to see Naruto holding back a crazed Sasuke and trying to speak sense into the boy. Itachi knew it was futile, the curse mark must have already corrupted Sasuke’s mind.

Orochimaru lunged from behind the wall, his Kusanagi sword extending unnaturally toward Itachi. The blade glinted menacingly in the dim light. Itachi dodged the initial thrust and twisted midair to avoid the follow-up slash.

He moved quickly, drawing kunai and hurling them at the man as he tried to form hand signs. Orochimaru deflected the projectiles with his sword, but Itachi was already behind him, his hands reaching for the kunai holstered at his hip. Orochimaru spun around, his blade aiming for Itachi’s side, but the Uchiha vanished in a puff of smoke…a shadow clone.

From above, the real Itachi descended, his Sharingan flaring.

“You’re annoyingly persistent,” Orochimaru spat, his tone laced with irritation. “I really didn’t want to have to do this but you leave me no choice.”

“Kuchiyose no Jutsu”

The ground trembled as a massive snake materialized. His violet scales shimmered in the pale light, and his slitted eyes gleamed with menace. He glared down at Orochimaru, his forked tongue flicking out.

“Why have you summoned me again, Orochimaru?” Manda hissed, his deep voice rumbling like an earthquake. “I warned you the last time—summon me without a worthy offering, and I will devour you.”

Orochimaru smirked, unfazed by the threat. “Oh, come now, Manda. I’ve brought you something far more satisfying than an offering: a chance to kill an Uchiha.”

Itachi narrowed his eyes; Manda is too much for him to take down on a long fight. He needs to finish this fast.

Manda’s eyes shifted to Itachi, narrowing with interest. “An Uchiha, you say?” His massive head lowered, fangs glinting as he scrutinized the stoic figure before him. “You think I care about your little games, Orochimaru? Don’t waste my time.”

Manda hissed in irritation, but he reluctantly coiled his massive body as Orochimaru leapt onto his head. “You owe me for this, Orochimaru,” Manda growled.

Itachi’s Sharingan spun as he watched Manda rear back, his massive jaws opening to strike. Itachi moved with lightning speed, sidestepping the blade and hurling a kunai toward Orochimaru. Orochimaru deflected it with ease, laughing mockingly. “You’ll have to do better than that, Itachi-kun.”

Itachi’s hands blurred through seals. “Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu!”

A massive fireball roared toward Manda, who twisted his massive body, avoiding the flames. The surrounding forest ignited, the heat distorting the air. Orochimaru hissed in delight. “Such destructive potential, Itachi-kun. Imagine how glorious your little brother will be under my control.”

Itachi’s stoic mask faltered slightly, his jaw tightening. He formed another series of seals.

“Katon: Ryūen Hōka no Jutsu”

The serpent lunged at Itachi, his massive jaws snapping shut inches from the Uchiha. Itachi vanished in a flicker, reappearing atop a tree. He closed his eyes briefly, and when they reopened, they burned with black flames. The Mangekyō Sharingan.

“Amaterasu.”

A black inferno erupted from his gaze, engulfing Manda’s body in an instant. The serpent roared in agony, thrashing wildly as the inextinguishable flames consumed him.

“What have you done?” Manda shrieked, his voice filled with both rage and fear. “Orochimaru, you’ll pay for this!”

In a desperate attempt to escape, Manda dissipated in a puff of smoke. The sanin leapt from his disappearing summon, landing with a snarl. “You always were too powerful for your own good, Itachi-kun.”

Itachi didn’t respond. He stepped forward, his Sharingan locking onto Orochimaru’s furious gaze. The forest echoed with the metallic clang of their weapons.

Suddenly, Itachi’s Sharingan flared again, the tomoe spinning faster. Orochimaru felt his body freeze.

“Tsukuyomi”

Orochimaru found himself bound by chains; his body immobilized. Itachi stood before him, holding a blade. “Welcome to the Tsukiyomi…For the next seventy-two hours, you’ll feel every strike,” Itachi said coldly. “This should teach you to go after my little brother.”

Orochimaru glared up at him, blood dripping from his mouth. “This isn’t over, Itachi-kun, I am not alone. Remember that you left poor Naruto kun alone. I wonder how he is faring…”

Itachi startled and let himself fade into the reality quickly.

“Don’t you touch my nee chan!”

He heard Naruto shouting before getting supressed under the corrosive chakra of the nine tails fox.

Chapter Text

Sasuke stood, his body trembling as the Curse Mark pulsed across his skin, its inky black tendrils writhing like living flames. His red Sharingan eyes bore into Itachi’s, who was fighting with Orochimaru several feet away.

‘Kill him…he killed everyone…he doesn’t deserve to live…’

“Shut up!” Sasuke’s voice cracked as he grabbed his hair trying to make sense. He felt Naruto try to stop him from tearing out his hair.

“He killed them all! He destroyed everything!” Sasuke heard himself saying as he tried to form a chidori, planning to hit Itachi when he was distracted. Yes, that’s perfect…

‘He deserves to die…”

Naruto yelled, stepping in front of him. His blue eyes were wide with desperation. “You know the truth now! Itachi isn’t your enemy—he never was!”

“Get out of my way, Naruto!” Sasuke roared, his Sharingan spinning furiously. “You don’t understand anything! This is my fight! My justice!”

“Your justice is wrong!” Naruto shouted back, slamming his fist against his chest. “You’re not thinking straight! You’re letting that stupid Curse Mark mess with your head!”

Sasuke found himself in a void, the air thick with tension and malice. The ground beneath his feet was a reflective black mirror and staring back at him from the mirror was a small boy with raven hair and wide.

The seven-year-old Sasuke glared at him, his expression filled with rage and pain. “Why are you hesitating? You know what he did. Kill him!”

“I…” Sasuke’s voice faltered as he stared at the boy. “It’s not that simple.”

“It is!” the child shouted; his tiny fists clenched. “He’s a murderer! He killed our family! Our parents! If you don’t kill him, you’re betraying them!”

“I know what he did!” Sasuke snapped, his hands trembling. “But I know why he did it! It was the Council—they forced him! He had no choice!”

The boy sneered, his voice dripping with venom. “He always had a choice. And he chose to slaughter them! To leave you all alone! Don’t you remember the pain? The loneliness? You cried every night, wishing someone would come back! And no one did! It’s all his fault!”

Sasuke’s knees buckled, the boy’s words cutting into him like a blade. “I… I just…”

“Do it!” the boy screamed, his voice echoing through the void. “Kill him! Avenge them! Burn everything to the ground!”

With a snarl, Sasuke lunged forward, his Chidori aimed straight for Itachi.

“No!” Naruto moved faster than Sasuke anticipated, throwing himself into the path of the attack. At the last moment, Sasuke’s eyes widened, and his hand jerked to the side, the Chidori grazing Naruto’s shoulder instead of piercing his chest.

Naruto let out a pained gasp, collapsing to the ground. Blood trickled down his shoulder, but he gritted his teeth and pushed himself up. “See? You’re still in there, bastard. You didn’t kill me.”

Sasuke staggered back, his chest heaving.

The mirror cracked, boy charged at Sasuke but was stopped by a transparent glass, fists flying, hitting the surface as if to his Sasuke himself. “You’re weak! You’re a coward! If you don’t kill him, they’ll all laugh at you! They’ll call you a failure! Is that what you want?”

The boy paused for a moment, a scared expression in his eyes. “Or worse, he will go after Naruto and Sakura. Is that what you want?”

Sasuke felt the blows even if they never connected. “No, I’ll never let him hurt them. I’ll fight for them and protect them even if it means that I have to die. I have something to look forward to. I don’t care about revenge anymore!”

“It's not about revenge anymore...you need to protect them!” the boy hissed, trying to claw at Sasuke’s face. “You care! You always cared! You’re just too scared to admit it!”

Sasuke fell to his knees, his hands trembling as tears streamed down his face. “I don’t want to be like this anymore! I don’t want to hate him anymore, he's not cruel, he won't hurt them… I don’t want to be alone…”

The boy froze, his anger faltering for a moment. “But… he deserves to pay…”

“No,” Sasuke said firmly, his voice steadying. He stood and hit the mirror with a Chidori. The glass cracked and the boy stood on the other side with wide eyes. Sasuke pulled the boy into a tight embrace, his tears falling onto the child’s shoulder. “I don’t want to destroy anymore. I want to protect. To rebuild. That’s how I’ll honor our clan.”

The boy trembled in his arms, the fury fading from his eyes. “You’ll… protect them?”

“I promise,” Sasuke whispered, his grip tightening. “We’ll be okay.”

The Curse Mark receded, the dark patterns retreating into Sasuke’s skin. He collapsed to his knees, gasping for breath. His Sharingan dimmed, returning to its normal state.

Naruto let out a shaky laugh. “There you are, teme. I knew you’d come back.”

Sasuke looked at him, his face pale and streaked with tears. He crawled over to Naruto and placed a hand on his injured shoulder. Green healing chakra glowed around his fingers as he whispered, “I’m sorry.”

Naruto grinned weakly. “Took you long enough.”

“Yo~! What’s this? A friendly reunion? How sweet,” Tobi said, swaying back and forth with exaggerated cheer. “Tobi hopes he is not interrupting.”

Naruto and Sasuke froze, looking over at the masked man draped in the Akatsuki cloak who emerged from the midst of nowhere. Both the boys paled as they took in the scene more clearly. Draped over his shoulder was Mitsuha’s comatose body. Itachi and Orochimaru were no where to be seen.

“Mitsuha nee!” Naruto shouted, anger and desperation flooding his voice. He launched himself at Tobi, Rasengan blazing, ignoring the bleeding wound on his shoulder.

Tobi sidestepped smoothly. “Oh, come now, Naruto kun, is that any way to greet your friendly neighborhood Tobi? I’m only here for a little chat.”

Sasuke staggered to his feet, clutching his head as his legs wobbled beneath him. The dammed Curse Mark, he thought as its lingering effects rendered him weak and disoriented. He could barely stand, let alone fight. “Naruto! Be careful, you idiot! He's that rogue Uchiha!” Sasuke shouted, his voice tinged with frustration and fear.

Tobi wobbled happily and waved at the raven haired boy. "Sasuke kuuunnn, look at you, looking out for family!"

Sasuke ignored the man and tried to get the attention of his teammate. "Naruto, stop rushing in and put up a barrier damn it! He's after you!"

But Naruto didn’t stop. He charged again, his wounded arm trembling as he tried to muster another attack. “Give her back!” he roared, leaping toward Tobi.

“Oh, no, no, no,” Tobi chuckled, his figure phasing like a mirage as Naruto’s Rasengan passed through him harmlessly. “That’s not how this works, Naruto kun. If you want her back, you’ll have to play by my rules.”

Tobi’s voice turned colder, the teasing edge. “Let’s be honest… you’re not in any shape to fight me.” Before Naruto could react, Tobi’s knee drove into his stomach, sending him crashing to the ground.

Naruto coughed violently, clutching his abdomen as he struggled to get up. His chakra flared weakly, but his movements were sluggish. “Let her go or I’ll kill you.” he spat, glaring up at Tobi with fiery determination.

“Oh? Brave words for someone who’s barely standing,” Tobi mused, his tone shifting to a serious voice. He was done playing with the boy. He reached down, his hand gripping Naruto’s collar, and hoisted him up effortlessly. “Do you know what happens to people who irritate me, Naruto-kun?” He drove his fist into Naruto’s gut again, sending him sprawling backward.

“Stop it!” Sasuke growled; his voice hoarse. He tried to move, but his body refused to cooperate. “Naruto, please I am begging you, don’t be reckless! He’ll kill you!”

Naruto pushed himself up on trembling arms, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. “I don’t care! I’ll kill him… I’ll kill him and take her back! How dare he put his filthy hands on my sister.”

Tobi tilted his head, feigning curiosity. “That again? That’s ambitious, Naruto-kun. But tell me… what will you do if I just decide to slit her throat right here?” He gestured lazily toward Mitsuha’s comatose form draped over his shoulder.

Naruto froze, his hands clenching into fists. His chest heaved as he tried to keep his emotions in check, but the desperation in his eyes was unmistakable. “Don’t you dare,” he growled, his voice low and trembling with rage.

“Or what?” Tobi taunted, stepping closer. “You’ll throw another punch? Launch another Rasengan? You can’t even land a hit on me. You’re weak, Naruto. Helpless. You’re just a child playing at being a hero.”

Naruto charged again; his movements wild. Tobi intercepted easily, twisting Naruto’s arm behind his back and slamming him into the ground. “This is pathetic,” Tobi said, his tone dripping with disdain. “Do you honestly think you can save her like this?”

“Damn it!” Sasuke shouted, his fists slamming into the ground as his legs gave out beneath him. His Sharingan flickered weakly, and his body screamed in protest as he tried to force himself to stand.

“I don’t care!” Naruto yelled back, his voice cracking. He pushed against Tobi’s grip, his eyes blazing with determination despite his battered state. “If it’s for Mitsuha nee, I’ll keep fighting! I’ll never give up!”

Tobi sighed dramatically, shaking his head. “How touching. The loyalty of a brother. But loyalty alone won’t save her.” He raised his hand, a kunai gleaming ominously. “Perhaps I should remind you what happens when you irritate people stronger than you.”

He moved to strike, aiming for Naruto’s exposed chest. But before the blade could connect, a blur of silver intercepted, the distinctive clang of steel-on-steel ringing out.

“Kakashi sensei!” Naruto gasped, his eyes widening as he saw the familiar figure of his teacher standing between him and Tobi.

Kakashi’s Sharingan glared at Tobi, his kunai locked against the masked man’s. “You’ve played enough games,” Kakashi said, his voice low and deadly. “Step away from my students.”

He glanced towards where Mitsuha had been helplessly draped across the shoulder of the Akatsuki leader and snarled.

“Let her go if you know what’s good for you.”

Tobi sighed theatrically. “Demands, demands. ‘Stay away from my students, drop Tobi’s cargo.’ Tobi doesn’t know which to follow! But… perhaps we can strike a deal?” His voice shifted, playful yet dripping with malice. “Give me Naruto kun, and I’ll give you the girl.”

Naruto stiffened. “What?! That’s not happening!” he shouted, attempting to get back on his feet.

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You think I’d hand Naruto over to you? You’ve underestimated me.”

Tobi chuckled, his mask tilting as if amused. “Oh, copycat san. Always the noble one. But isn’t it a bit hypocritical? After all, you’ve made sacrifices before, haven’t you? You’ve killed for the sake of the mission. For the sake of your village. Tell me… how many friends have you buried because of your failures?”

Kakashi’s grip on his kunai tightened. How does he know all this? His Sharingan gleamed, but his voice remained cold and steady. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, but I do,” Tobi hissed, his tone dropping into something darker. “The infamous ‘Friend Killer Kakashi.’ You’re good at watching your comrades die, aren’t you? Obito… Rin…”

Kakashi’s composure cracked for a moment, a flicker of anguish and confusion flashing across his face before his resolve hardened again. “If you think cheap words will rattle me, you’re wrong.”

“Cheap?” Tobi echoed mockingly. “I think not. After all, it was Obito’s gift to you used to kill her, wasn’t it? How poetic that the Sharingan, a tool of love, became the weapon of her demise, that too in the hands of the person she loved.”

Tobi shrugged, motioning to the limp girl he was carrying. “You took a life with your Sharingan, it’s only fair that I take this one with mine, right?”

With a snarl, Kakashi lunged forward, kunai aimed at Tobi’s throat. The masked man simply tilted, his body phasing out of existence as Kakashi’s blade passed through harmlessly. He reappeared a few feet away, his voice laced with mockery.

“Too slow, Kakashi. Too weak. Just like always.”

Kakashi launched a barrage of strikes, his movements swift and precise, but Tobi weaved through them effortlessly, his intangibility making him nearly impossible to hit. The air crackled with chakra as Kakashi followed up with a swift set of hand seals.

“Raikiri!” Kakashi’s blade of lightning surged toward Tobi, splitting the ground as it carved a path.

Tobi danced away, his tone still mocking. “What’s this? You’ve been practicing. But it’s not enough.”

Kakashi didn’t falter. “You talk a lot for someone running out of tricks.”

“Oh?” Tobi mused. “Let’s try something new, then.” In a blur, the ground split behind Kakashi with trees aiming towards the man. Kakashi's eyes widened...Mokuton! Impossible...

“Sensei!” Both Naruto and Sasuke cried out.

Kakashi barely managed to block, spinning to counter the Akatsuki who slashed at him with a kunai, taking advantage of his momentary distraction. The two moved like shadows, their clash a whirlwind of steel and chakra as branches grew left and right. Naruto tried to destroy them with rasengan only for them to grow back in equal speed. The two genin looked helplessly at their teacher.

Tobi’s voice dropped; his light tone replaced by a chilling edge. “You’ve failed them all, Kakashi. Obito. Rin. Minato, Kushina... And now, this one will be next.” He shifted Mitsuha slightly, her head lolling limply.

“Don’t you dare!” Kakashi shouted, his Sharingan flaring dangerously.

Tobi tilted his head. “Oh, but I dare. Because that’s who you are, Kakashi. A killer. Shall we add another name to your list?” He pressed a kunai against Mitsuha’s neck, the blade glinting ominously.

“STOP!” Naruto’s voice roared, filled with desperation. His chakra flared wildly, red tendrils beginning to spiral around him. With a feral snarl, he launched himself at Tobi, his movements a blur of raw power. Simultaneously, Kakashi’s Mangekyo Sharingan activated, the spiralling tomoe locking onto Tobi’s form.

“Kamui!” Kakashi shouted, desperate to reach his partner before Tobi slashes her neck.

Kakashi’s world distorted, his Kamui clashing against the violent chakra of the Nine-Tails. For a split second, reality itself seemed to warp. Then everything went black.

He blinked, his vision adjusting to the dimly lit, eerie surroundings. Red eyes glowed in the darkness, and a deep, rumbling voice echoed.

“Well, well, well. Hello, mutt,” The nine tailed fox growled, his massive form looming behind a cage. “Just the person I was hoping to see.”

Chapter Text

“Well, well, well. Hello, mutt,” The nine tailed fox growled, his massive form looming behind a cage. “Just the person I was hoping to see.”

Kakashi’s eyes widened as he took the massive looming figure in front of him, barely standing up against the corrosive chakra rushing against his skin. He took a deep breath, the air damp and cold against his skin, and evaluated his surroundings. The ground beneath his feet shimmered like blood, covering his ankle. Shadows danced in the distance, their movements distorted, making him feel like he was trapped in an elaborate genjutsu.

This was Naruto’s mindscape, Kakashi realized with a sharp pang in his chest. The dim, crimson-tinged space was heavy with an oppressive atmosphere. The space was a stark reflection of the boy’s life, his loneliness, and the pain he masked behind his bright grins. It was heartbreaking. Both Uzumakis, so alike in their resilience yet so burdened by their pasts, carried mindscapes that bore the scars of their trauma.

“If you’re done gawking at my prison, we have business to attend to,” the fox’s deep voice rumbled, dragging Kakashi out of his thoughts.

Oh, that’s right. He forgot about the massive beast of destruction in front of him. Kakashi looked back at the beast, taking note of the elaborately designed cage holding the beast, briefly taking note of the seal holding the bars closed. He stepped forward cautiously, his boots making no sound against the shimmering ground.

Taking a defensive stand, Kakashi hesitated, unsure of how to approach the entity that had once wreaked havoc on his village—had killed his sensei and his wife.

The memory flashed unbidden in his mind—Minato and Kushina, impaled by the fox’s claws, sacrificing themselves to protect the village and their son.

“I am not doing any business with you.” Kakashi asked, his voice steadier than he felt.

The fox snorted, the gust of wind from its breath nearly knocking Kakashi off his feet. “Finally found your voice, huh? Listen closely, mutt, that one-eyed bastard you’re fighting is dangerous, and he’s not even the worst of it. Whatever that slimy aloe vera freak is planning, you’ll need the red brat to deal with it. And to do that, you need my chakra to wake her up.”

Kakashi was stunned and wasn’t sure how to reply to the generous offer, so he said the only thing he was physically capable of saying.

“Huh?”

The beast snorted and Kakashi almost fell back due to the wind from the action.

“I thought you were a genius?”

Even if Kakashi was offended at the remark, he certainly wasn’t going to throw a tantrum in front of an ancient being of chakra. So, he settled by pouting which set off the beast into another laughing fit.

“Mutt, as much as I enjoy riling you up, we don’t have time. Isobu told me that you were able to break the bastard’s genjutsu. So, I need you to do the same and break the one Mitsuha is under. See, I explained it better for your tiny human brain.”

One, Kakashi wasn’t sure he was pleased with how many times the beast made a reference to Mitsuha. Two…

Kakashi was stunned, caught off guard by the fox’s straightforwardness. “Why would you help us?” he asked warily. The fox’s grin faded, replaced by a more serious expression. “Because I was controlled that night,” it growled, its voice low and dangerous.

“The same man who’s after you now used me like a puppet. I’ve had years to stew in my anger, but not all of it is for you humans. That night… I wasn’t acting on my own will.”

The words hit Kakashi like a punch to the gut. His Sharingan was active, the fox wasn’t lying, he was controlled that night.

The copy nin felt his whole world collapse at that. What does it mean it was controlled? Did Sensei and Kushina die because of some guy and not this beast. It can't be.

The logical part of his mind however were dealing with the implications of the situation. Kakashi clenched his fists. “You’re claiming… you were just another victim of that man?”

The fox’s eyes gleamed, a mix of rage and pain. “Victim, puppet, weapon. Call it what you want. But I’ve had enough of being used. You humans love to throw around blame, but if you want to save her, you’ll have to trust me.”

Kakashi hesitated, the memories of that fateful night warring with the fox’s unexpected words. He hated this—hated the idea of relying on the very creature that had caused so much pain. But Mitsuha…

“When I broke the Genjutsu Mizukage was under, I was pulled into his own mindscape where Isobu helped me. I am currently in Naruto’s mindscape. Forgive me for sounding ignorant, but how the heck do I break the genjutsu that Mitsuha is under?”

The beast shifted, its grin returned, sharp and predatory. The silver haired nin had a foreshadow that he was not going to like what he was going to hear.

“Listen, I don’t know how much the brat told you but…long story short, due to some circumstances, Mitsuha has a sliver of my chakra in her system. I doubt even she knows about it but I can connect to her mindscape, he actual one, instead of the fake one you’ve been visiting. I’ll pull you both out once you find her and spike your own chakra.”

“Mitsuha is a Jinchūriki?”

The fox huffed and sighed but Kakashi could see a fond look in its eyes. Wasn’t that a scary observation! “No, like I said, in the grand scheme of things, the chakra doesn’t play any relevance. It…it was a gift from…from her father. The man loved her more than anything and wanted to protect her even from beyond death. He was the smartest idiot that I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.”

The nine tailed fox looked at him again. Kakashi could feel himself be evaluated and he had no idea why.

“Listen, I know you don’t trust me and I don’t blame you. But if I am being honest, you don’t have a choice. I have been listening to you tell the brat how you failed every time you tried to reach Mitsuha. You’re running out of ideas and I am offering you a foul proof one.” The nine tailed fox grinned wider and leaned down so his giant eyes were staring at Kakashi.

“I wanted to kill all you puny humans and sometimes I still do. I want to wreak havoc and tear everyone’s limps out and eat it. But I had years to let go some of the anger that has cumulated over these years. Besides, how can I be angry at a child who was forced to jail me and suffer because of it.”

Kakashi twitched and feeling ashamed and guilty. If Mitsuha hadn’t stepped in when she had, who knows how worse Naruto would have been treated by the villagers. Even he would be forced to watch the boy’s sufferings. He was so useless…that man was right…he was nothing but weak…

Kakashi shook his head to get rid of the thoughts which he would save for later and looked up at the fox. He doesn’t trust the beast but he really doesn’t have a choice. If the beast is being truthful, then he would be back with his partner. If not…well, Kakashi didn’t really want to think about it. He made up his mind and opened his mouth only to blurt out…

“What’s your name?”

Now, why did he say that?

Kakashi watched as the beast’s eyes widened. It stared at him for a moment and gave out a full body laugh. The nin watched as the powerful entity rolled around laughing on the ground and he had no idea what caused it. Wiping its eyes, the beast extended his fist through the bars. Kakashi wanted to jump away but extended his fist when the beast prompted him for a fist bump.

“You’re the second human to ever ask me that. Somewhere out there, the brat would be so proud.”

"What?" Kakashi didn't have time to question as he bumped his massive fist with Kakashi’s with a scary grin. Kakashi felt his body flood with chakra and felt himself being pulled in all directions and a scream build up in his throat. He was losing consciousness and looked at the beast once more before his vision faded. He heard a whisper.

“My name is Kurama. Don’t mess this up, mutt.”

Mitsuha and older Kakashi felt the shimmer in the atmosphere. They exchanged a glance, and with matching urgency, both rushed toward the source of the disturbance, hearts pounding, hoping that no one else felt the disturbance.

Mitsuha skidded to a halt, her breath catching painfully in her throat. Her body went taut, an electric jolt of recognition coursing through her.

“He’s here…” she whispered, her voice barely audible, but Kakashi heard the longing and relief in those words.

Before he could stop her, Mitsuha took off. The older Kakashi didn’t follow. Instead, he allowed himself a small, knowing smile. “Go to him,” he murmured under his breath, watching as she disappeared into the distance.

He didn’t need to guess who was waiting for her at the memorial stone. And besides, how can he show up early and break character!

Mitsuha’s legs carried her faster than her thoughts, her surroundings blurring until she nearly stumbled. Her breath hitched as her gaze fell on the figure standing near the memorial stone, shaking his head as if trying to clear his vision, under the faint light of the evening sun.

And there he was.

Kakashi—her Kakashi…

“Kakashi…” Mitsuha whispered, her voice trembling as tears welled up, blurring her vision.

The figure turned toward her, his Sharingan gleaming faintly, and she felt her heart lurch.

“Mitsuha?” he breathed, his voice a mixture of disbelief and hope.

Neither could hold back. Mitsuha surged forward, throwing herself into his arms. Kakashi caught her, his hold almost desperate, as if ensuring she was real.

“You’re here,” she sobbed into his chest, clutching him tightly. “You’re really here.”

“I’m here,” he whispered, his voice raw as he pressed his face to her hair. “I—I thought I’d lost you forever. Mitsuha, I’m so sorry. I was trying so hard to reach you and I couldn’t…”

“No,” Mitsuha said fiercely, pulling back to look up at him. Tears streaked her face, but her eyes were stern as she spoke. “Don’t apologize. It wasn’t your fault. None of this was your fault.”

Kakashi shook his head, his expression filled with anguish. “I should have been stronger. I should have protected you. I—”

Mitsuha silenced him by placing a trembling hand on his masked cheek. “I took the blow, Kakashi. And I will do so if another situation were to arise. Don’t argue, I know you wouldn’t hesitate to jump in front of me if it was reverse. So don’t ever blame yourself for my decision, ok?”

Kakashi smiled through his own tears and leaned his forehead against Mitsuha’s own and took a deep breath. He missed her so much.

“Sorry I’m late. I got lost in the path of life.”

Mitsuha laughed tearfully and buried her face into his vest, her arms holding him tight. He pressed his masked face to her hair, his hands trembling as they cradled her.

“I missed you,” he whispered, his voice breaking completely. “Every day, I missed you.”

Mitsuha pulled back just enough to look up at him, her tear-streaked face filled with love. “Promise me, Mitsuha. Promise me you won’t leave me again.” Kakashi whispered, holding the girl tighter to him.

“I promise,” she said without hesitation, cupping his face gently. “I’ll never let you go. Not again.”

He tugged his mask down and pressed a tender, lingering kiss to her lips. Mitsuha eagerly pressed back, wrapping her hands around his neck, pulling him down to her. Kakashi went to her willingly, lost in the scent of his partner. I missed her so much…his mind whispered as he deepened his kiss and sighed happily when Mitsuha opened her mouth to invite him in.

The sound of someone clearing their throat shattered the fragile silence.

“Well, this is cozy,” the older Kakashi remarked dryly, standing a short distance away inspecting his nails. “But if either of Mitsuha’s parents saw this, I’d like to remind you that I’m the one who’ll get throttled. And frankly, I value my neck.”

Mitsuha’s face turned crimson as she reluctantly pulled away from the younger Kakashi. The latter, however, looked utterly baffled, his gaze darting between Mitsuha and his older counterpart.

“What… what is this?” he asked, his voice low, sounding confused.

Mitsuha opened her mouth, hesitated, then sighed. “Remember how I told you there were things I couldn’t explain yet? Secrets I wasn’t allowed to share?”

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed. “Mitsuha…”

“Well, one of those secrets just opened up,” she said, gesturing toward the older Kakashi. “And I promise, I’ll explain everything. But first, we need to break the genjutsu. Right now, this is… an alternate reality.”

“Alternate reality?” Younger Kakashi echoed, glancing back at his older self. His brow furrowed as he scanned the older man, taking in the subtle differences—the faint creases around his visible eye, the quiet confidence in his posture, the aura of someone who had lived through countless battles and a sadness that lingered around the man. Most importantly, both his eyes were normal…What happened to the Sharingan?

Older Kakashi gave a casual wave. “I know, weird, right? Believe me, I didn’t expect to meet myself today either.”

Younger Kakashi’s eyes narrowed, suspicion giving way to a flicker of curiosity. “I see?”

“Yup,” older Kakashi replied, popping the “p” with nonchalance. “Well, technically, an alternate possibility. Just with a few more scars, some grey hairs under this mask, and a lot more wisdom. Oh, an extra eye too! Pretty cool, right?”

“I didn’t expect to live that long…” The older one snorted and eye smiled. “Well, I suppose every Kakashi in all universes have that thought in common.”

Younger Kakashi shot him a skeptical look but turned back to Mitsuha. “I can take a guess as to what is going on here but that’s not what’s important. You aware that you are trapped in a genjutsu?”

Mitsuha nodded and waved at the older one. “He and I have been trying to find a way to break the illusion.” The younger one rubbed the back of his neck, then pulled his mask back up over his nose. Mitsuha blushed slightly, the memory of their earlier reunion flashing in her mind.

“We have been trying from outside as well. There was a little Mitsuha in your mindscape who was blocking us from entering into your mindscape. By the way, your mindscape…I am taking you to a therapist as soon as we reach back.”

Mitsuha raised an unimpressed eyebrow, crossing her arms. “Oh, and you’re one to talk about a healthy mindset, Mr. Emotional Repression.”

The older Kakashi snorted loudly at the statement. The younger one blushed and cleared his throat.

“Do as I say and not as I do, eh Kakashi?” Mitsuha smiled gently at him.

Older Kakashi nearly doubled over in laughter. “She’s got you there.”

Younger Kakashi’s ears turned red, but he coughed and straightened. “Anyway, as I was saying, things… escalated. The Nine-Tails is lending me chakra to try and link us to your real mindscape so we can pull you out of this genjutsu.”

Both Mitsuha and older Kakashi stared at him, startled.

“Wait,” Mitsuha said, her voice sharp with disbelief. “Kurama gave you chakra? Willingly?”

“How was Kurama able to link to Mitsuha? As far as I am aware, shouldn’t he be inside Naruto?” Older Kakashi asked, genuinely curious.

Younger Kakashi nodded, his tone growing serious. “He explained that there is some of his residual chakra inside Mitsuha thanks to father. By using it as a connector, Kurama is able to pull us out to Naruto’s mindscape from here. By the way, is one of the secrets you’ll be explaining is how you know the name of the nine tailed fox?”

Mitsuha’s breath caught at the mention of her father, ignoring Kakashi’s question. “My… father? What does he have to do with this?”

Younger Kakashi hesitated, his expression softening. “Kurama said the chakra was a gift. Your father wanted to protect you—even after his death. That chakra was the key to reaching you now.”

Tears filled her eyes; she whispered to herself. “Of course, of course, he did that.”

She seemed to come to a decision. She turned away from both of them, her voice trembling. “I… I need to see them. One last time…”

Younger Kakashi frowned. “See who?”

“My parents,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

The younger man stepped forward. “Mitsuha, we don’t have time—”

“Please,” she cut him off, her voice breaking. “I’ll be quick, I promise. But I need this.”

He glanced at his older self, clearly torn.

Older Kakashi shrugged. “If it were me? I’d let her go.”

Younger Kakashi exhaled heavily, then gave Mitsuha a reluctant nod. “Alright. But don’t take too long. We’ll wait here.” Mitsuha turned to the older Kakashi, her eyes filled with a silent plea.

“Take care of him,” she said softly.

“I will,” the older Kakashi replied solemnly.

Mitsuha hesitated again, then stepped forward and hugged younger Kakashi tightly. “I’ll be back soon,” she whispered.

And with that, she ran off, her figure vanishing into the distance.

The older Kakashi watched her go, then pulled a teapot and blanket out of seemingly nowhere. He spread the blanket out on the ground, motioning for younger Kakashi to join him.

“Well,” he said, pouring tea into mismatched cups, “this is going to take a while. Might as well have tea while you tell me about Gai’s latest challenges.”

Younger Kakashi blinked, then let out a disbelieving laugh. “You’re insane.”

“And you’ll grow into it,” older Kakashi replied with a smirk, pouring tea into mismatched cups.

Mitsuha stood at the front door of the house, her hands trembling slightly as they rested against the door knob. She knew the moment that door opened, this illusion will be over. She would lose her parents once more. Mitsuha took a deep breath in to stop the tears.

Why…She just wanted to shout at the world. All she wanted was to live happily with her family. Why did Madara had to rip it all away? She was so happy; she had everything. Why does she have to give up everything again?

The sound of footsteps broke through her turmoil, followed by the familiar mumbling of her father.

“Ugh, honestly, they don’t tell you being Hokage is just endless paperwork,” Naruto grumbled, his Hokage cloak fluttering behind him. His arms were loaded with scrolls and files, his blond hair sticking up in every direction.

Then his eyes landed on her, and he stopped mid-step. His face broke into a grin. “Mitsuha? What’re you doing just standing here? Did you lose your keys or something?”

She tried to smile, but her lips wouldn’t cooperate.

“It’s okay! I lose mine all the time too. Happens to the best of us,” Naruto chuckled, opening the door for her and gently ushering her in.

Sasuke was at the table in the center of the room, setting out cups and a teapot. A faint smile played on his lips as he arranged the snacks just so. He looked up and Mitsuha’s heart shattered as his gaze softened seeing his family. Papa…

Naruto bounded over to him, dropped the files on his makeshift desk, and pecked Sasuke lightly on the lips. “Hey Teme, miss me?”

“Not particularly,” Sasuke replied dryly, though the way his eyes softened betrayed his words.

Naruto snorted and moved to sit at the table, while Sasuke’s gaze shifted to Mitsuha. His expression changed, a fond look overtaking his features.

“You've been quiet lately,” he said, stepping over to her. He reached out and ruffled her hair lightly, his touch comforting in its familiarity. “Been looking tired too. I made your favorite tea. Come sit and drink.”

Her throat tightened as he pulled back, his footsteps soft as he returned to the table. She followed, her heart heavy.

They sat down, Naruto pouring tea for everyone while muttering about the idiocy of the council. Sasuke, ever calm, replied with a deadpan remark about Naruto’s inability to manage his council of old.

Mitsuha sat silently, watching them banter. It was so familiar, it was simple, it was everything she ever wanted. This was all she wanted, why can’t she have this?

Why did she have to carry the weight of the entire future on her shoulders when all she wants is this…

She wanted to stay here forever.

‘Nee chan!’

Naruto who was, for all intents and purposes, her little brother who looks at her like she hung the moon. The Sasuke who acts distant and holier than thou but frets about her at every point. Sakura, who clung to her like a little sister. Kakashi, who had broken every law of nature to come find her.

That was her life now. They were her life now.

She looked at Naruto and Sasuke, her chest aching as she realized she didn’t belong here anymore. This was a dream, a memory of what could have been. She had lived this life already. What mattered now was protecting the people who were waiting for her to come back.

Tears blurred her vision as she set down her cup. Her hands trembled slightly as she clasped them together, drawing strength from the decision she had already made.

Naruto’s laughter faded when he noticed her expression. “Mitsuha? What’s wrong?”

Sasuke’s gaze sharpened, his dark eyes watching her carefully.

She stood slowly, looking at them both. “I need to tell you something,” she began, her voice thick with emotion.

Naruto tilted his head, his brow furrowed. “What is it?”

Her lips trembled as tears spilled down her cheeks. “I just… I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. Both of you. You’re the best parents I could’ve ever asked for.”

Naruto blinked, startled. “What’s with all the mushy stuff all of a sudden? Did something happen?”

Mitsuha shook her head, her voice trembling. “No. I just… I’m so lucky to have you both.” She took a deep breath and smiled through her tears.

“If I had a hundred lives, I’d want to be your daughter every single time.”

Naruto froze, his mouth opening and closing like a fish out of water. “Mitsuha… why are you saying this like it’s goodbye?”

She couldn’t answer, only sobbing as she stepped forward and hugged him tightly. “I love you, Tou-chan, so so much.”

Naruto’s arms wrapped around her instantly, his body trembling as tears began to fall. “No, don’t… don’t go. You don’t have to go. Whatever it is, it doesn’t matter. Just stay. Please.”

Sasuke stood as well, his hand resting gently on Naruto’s arm. “Naruto.” His voice was calm but firm, his dark eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Let her speak.”

Naruto shook his head violently. “No, Sasuke! I can’t— I won’t let her go!”

Mitsuha hugged him tighter and cried out. “I don’t want to go, Tou-chan, but I have to. There are a lot of people who need me. I have to go. Please, please don’t hate me.”

Naruto shook his head and cried. “No, never, you’re our baby girl. I can never hate you. I’ll fix it—whatever it is, I’ll fix it! Just don’t leave”

Sasuke stood, his lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes shining with unshed tears. He placed a hand on Naruto’s shoulder, gently pulling him back.

“Mitsuha,” Sasuke said, his voice breaking. “If this is something you have to do… then do it. But remember, no matter where you go, we’ll always be waiting for you.”

Naruto sobbed, clutching Sasuke’s arm. “But, Sasuke—”

Sasuke shook his head, his tears finally falling. “She’s strong, Naruto. She’ll be okay, she’s a fighter. She’s your daughter—she’ll never give up.”

“She’s ours,” Naruto sniffled, nodding as he wiped at his eyes. “Of course, she wants to do what is right. Even it breaks her, she wants to do what’s right. My brave darling girl…”

Mitsuha broke down, sobbing uncontrollably as she pulled them both into a tight hug. “I’m the luckiest person in the world to have you as my parents. I’ll always love you. Always.”

Sasuke kissed the top of her head, his voice thick with emotion. “We’re the lucky ones, Mitsuha. From the moment we’ve met you, our baby, you’ve been the only reason for us. You’re our sunshine and stars. Thank you for being our daughter, Mitsuha.”

Naruto nodded fervently, his tears falling onto her shoulder. “We’re so proud of you. No matter what, remember that.”

Mitsuha didn’t need the Sharingan to burn this memory into her mind. She knows this is the end, she will never see her parents again until she reaches the pure land.

Whatever came next, she would face it with everything they had given her—their love, their strength, their belief in her.

Chapter Text

Sasuke watched helpless as Naruto covered in red aura attacked the masked man recklessly, ignoring the kicks and fire jutsus shot at him. He moved like a blur, his claws swiping violently as he growled like a beast. Itachi, who was knocked unconscious by the red chakra, lay helpless beside him. The raven-haired boy was trying to heal him as best as he can with his messed-up chakra.

“Oh! You’ve got the temper of your mother Naruto kun! How fun!”

Naruto’s voice, raw and guttural, broke through the roaring winds of chakra. “Shut up!” he bellowed, charging at Tobi with reckless abandon.

Sasuke, his body shaking from exertion, gritted his teeth. “Naruto, stop! You’re losing control!” he shouted, his voice desperate. But Naruto was beyond reason, his singular focus locked on the masked man.

Tobi laughed as he dodged another attack from the genin who had grown three tails now. He just needed to get near enough to put the seal on him and grab him when he’s unconscious. Orochimaru can deal with Sasuke when he snaps out of the genjutsu. Honestly, he should probably slit Itachi’s throat, that man has been a bother for a very long time now.

Naruto’s movements became increasingly erratic, each attack more brutal than the last. The ground trembled as he slammed his chakra-laden fists into the earth, sending debris flying. Tobi dodged effortlessly, using Kamui to reappear behind Naruto and swipe at him with a kunai. The blade grazed Naruto’s side, but the injury healed almost instantly, the red chakra knitting the flesh together.

The masked man sighed, feigning disappointment. “I was hoping you’d put up a better fight, but you’re just a wild animal, aren’t you?”

“Shut up!” Naruto growled again, his voice breaking as another tail began to form. His eyes, red and slitted, burned with unrelenting fury. The air around him shimmered with the oppressive weight of the Nine-Tails’ chakra.

He briefly wondered what happened to Kakashi and if he is dead. Tobi snarled, probably not, that man is like a cockroach, hanging on to the threads of life he doesn’t deserve. No matter, Tobi will have what he values the most in the world. Both the Uzumaki’s.

Once he delves into older Uzumaki’s mind, he would be able to find where Nagato is hiding so that he can recover his Rinnegan. Afterwards for the girl, well, it doesn’t hurt to have another pair of Sharingan lying around.

Tobi smiled when he noticed another tail sprouting from Naruto’s frustration and prepared to activate Kamui to teleport behind him to slap the seal on. What he didn’t expect was the girl on his shoulder twisting and pointing her Mangekyō Sharingan right into his own.

“Kotoamatsukami.”

Tobi froze, a scream tearing from his throat as her powerful genjutsu surged through his mind. He staggered, dropping Mitsuha as he clutched his head. Memories not his own flooded his consciousness, each one more harrowing than the last.

He saw a battlefield drenched in blood; bodies piled high under a crimson sky. Children screamed, their cries blending with the clash of steel and the roar of monstrous beasts. Villages burned, their flames licking the heavens. Mitsuha’s anguished voice echoed through it all, her sobs and screams of desperation slicing through his mind like a blade.

“Stop!” Tobi shouted, but the memories wouldn’t relent. He saw her standing amidst the chaos, nothing but a child, her hands bloodied, her face streaked with tears. He felt her grief, her despair, her overwhelming sense of helplessness as she watched those she loved die over and over again.

“No… no! This isn’t real!” Tobi screamed, staggering backward. The memories clawed at his mind, threatening to drown him. In a desperate bid to escape, he activated Kamui, his body warping and disappearing from view.

Naruto let out a guttural roar as Tobi vanished, his chakra flaring dangerously. Mitsuha, now on the ground, reached out weakly. “Naruto… stop…” she murmured, her voice barely audible.

Sasuke acted quickly, leaving Itachi’s side to place himself between Naruto and Mitsuha. “Naruto, snap out of it!” he shouted, his voice firm despite the fear coursing through him. “She’s safe now. He’s gone.”

Naruto’s glowing red eyes locked onto Sasuke, his claws twitching as if ready to attack. The boy roared, lunging forward without warning. Sasuke barely had time to react, his body frozen from exhaustion and chakra depletion.

Thwack.

Naruto froze mid-attack, his eyes widening in shock before his body crumpled forward. Behind him, Kakashi stood, his arm extended, clearly having hit the back of Naruto’s neck.

“Kakashi!” Sasuke exclaimed, his voice a mix of relief and frustration. “Where the hell have you been?”

Kakashi looked like he’d fought a war and barely come out alive. His hair was more disheveled than usual, his breathing uneven as he gently lowered Naruto to the ground. After ensuring the boy was stable, he collapsed beside him, pulling down his mask and gulping in air.

“Trust me, Sasuke, I have no idea either,” Kakashi said, his voice raspy yet managing to carry a hint of his usual dry humor.

Sasuke let out a shaky breath, relief washing over him. He glanced back at Mitsuha, her fragile form still lying on the ground, her chest rising and falling in shallow breaths. Ignoring the strain in his muscles, Sasuke knelt beside her. Gently brushing her hair away from her face, he scanned her for injuries, his brows knitting with worry.

“You shouldn’t act like Kakashi and lose track of time, you know,” Sasuke murmured, his voice soft but tinged with frustration. “You’re supposed to be the proper one.”

From his spot on the ground, Kakashi let out an offended huff. “Hey, I’m sitting right here, you know.”

From her position, Mitsuha managed a faint smile. “Sorry, Sasuke,” she said weakly, her voice carrying the faintest hint of playfulness. “I was lost in the path of life.”

Ignoring him entirely, Sasuke sighed, raking a hand through his dark hair. “Well, I suppose I could wait until we’re out of here and you’ve been checked by Lady Tsunade herself before you tell me where you picked up a Sharingan on that ‘path of life’ of yours.”

Mitsuha laughed softly, the sound fragile but genuine, before collapsing back against the ground. “Oh yeah,” she said faintly, her lips curling into a weak smile. “That’s what I forgot about.”

Sakura sat up slowly, her muscles aching with every movement. The room was dimly lit, the steady hum of medical equipment and the faint scent of antiseptic filling the air.

She blinked sluggishly, taking a moment to register her surroundings before her gaze fell on the beds beside her.

Her heart clenched.

Kakashi was closest, his silver hair messy, his face hidden behind a medical mask. His expression twisted slightly as he shifted in his sleep, deep dark circles etched beneath his eyes. Chakra exhaustion. Again. It wasn’t the first time she’d seen her teacher like this, but it was still scary every time.

Sasuke was next, with bandages around his neck. His brows were furrowed even in sleep, his body tense as if he were ready to wake up and fight at any moment. He also looked like he was in the middle of a nightmare.

Then—

Her breath hitched when her eyes landed on Mitsuha.

She was there. Lying in a hospital bed, her arm wrapped in thick bandages. Her face was turned slightly to the side, resting in peaceful slumber.

Sakura’s mind reeled. Mitsuha was in a coma. She had been for weeks—a month even. The last time Sakura saw her, she was pale and lifeless in the hospital’s restricted ward, with barely any signs of waking up. She wasn’t supposed to be here, wasn’t supposed to be injured—

How?

What happened?

Sakura swallowed hard, confusion and worry swirling inside her, but she had no time to process it before her gaze landed on the last bed.

Naruto.

His body was covered in healing burns, the red marks already fading before her eyes. His chest rose and fell steadily, his mouth slightly open as he snored softly. Of course, he was healing faster than any of them. A strangled laugh bubbled in her throat, but it was quickly replaced by a lump she couldn’t swallow.

They were alive.

Somehow, despite everything, they had made it.

She felt the sting of tears pool in her eyes, blurring her vision. She clenched the hospital sheets tightly in her fists, trying to hold herself together. A shaky exhale escaped her lips. She wanted to sob, to scream, to reach out and shake each of them just to make sure they were real—that they weren’t slipping away from her again. But instead, she stayed still, breathing them in.

And Naruto, snored like he didn’t have a single worry in the world.

She wiped at her eyes hastily. No one was allowed to wake up and see her crying first.

She’d tease Naruto when he woke up. She’d argue with Sasuke when he inevitably refused to stay in bed. She’d tell Kakashi to stop overworking himself.

And Mitsuha…

Sakura exhaled, gripping the sheets just a little tighter.

She’d wait.

She’d wait until Mitsuha opened her eyes.

And then, finally, she’d ask her what the hell happened.

The sand’s invasion was nipped in the bud by the anbu forces, the Kazekage’s three children held in custody till the leaders discuss proper course of action for breaking their treaty. No traces of Orochimaru or Akatsuki in the village but patrol has been taken over by chunin and jonin level shinobi, ensuring proper surveillance. The village itself was in lockdown, the genjutsu seals created by Mito Uzumaki activated for proper safety.

Mitsuha sighed as she read the report Shikaku dropped, or thrown at her face, with such a deep sigh that the girl thought his lungs might collapse. On hindsight, she can see why he looked so upset at her. To say that the original plan went to shit might be an understatement.

At least the Sandaime Hokage was still alive. Silver linings…

“Oi, Sasuke, quit hogging the blanket!”

Right, talking about silver linings…

Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura had somehow crammed themselves onto the bed next to her. The only reason she hadn’t woken up earlier was pure exhaustion—because how in the world had she managed to sleep through this?

She had barely opened her eyes earlier when she was attacked by hugs from Naruto and Sakura, both sobbing their hearts out. Her sore body had protested loudly at the sudden affection. Kakashi, meanwhile, had merely looked at her sympathetically from his own bed, as if to say, Yeah, I went through the same thing.

But she had felt her heart break seeing Sasuke. The bandages wrapped around his neck were lined with containment seals, crude and hastily painted to suppress the effects of that mark. The moment she saw it, her stomach had twisted into knots.

Mitsuha was a Fūinjutsu expert and Orochimaru’s cursed seal was an abomination—an incomplete, parasitic seal. And because it was incomplete, there was no proper counter-seal to remove it entirely without severe consequences. She had failed.

Mitsuha had sought out Orochimaru the moment she arrived in this time, hoping she could change him, maybe steer him away from his twisted obsessions. But he had already begun experimenting on children, already searching for the perfect body. Tou-chan was the most forgiving man in the world but he too called Orochimaru a ticking time bomb. Even Itachi had a minor panic attack when she had mentioned her plans and thus, she had abandoned that course of action for the time being.

And now, it had come back to bite her where it hurt most.

Then there was Naruto.

He had transformed up to five tails. Not because Kurama was manipulating him. Not because he had lost control. No, Naruto had drawn on the Kyūbi’s chakra on his own. Kurama hadn’t been involved at all.

And that was terrifying because it meant the seal was deteriorating faster than she had calculated. She would need the key from Jiraya so that she can gauge the damage. Boy, isn't that going to be a jolly conversation.

Out of the four of them, Sakura might have gotten out of this the least physically harmed—but even that wasn’t saying much. With her growing insecurities and the scar now carved across her face… Mitsuha clenched the blanket tighter. It didn’t matter the if the girl was acting like her cheerful self, the red head is able to see right through the façade.

Sakura isn’t taking this well.

Mitsuha let out another deep sigh and rolled onto her side, facing away from the kids, burrowing deeper into the warmth of the blankets. She felt wrecked. Her body ached, her chakra reserves were completely drained, and her well-toned muscles had deteriorated from inactivity. Even the seals she had inscribed onto her own body for efficiency had weakened from lack of chakra flow.

She felt naked without them.

“Nee chan! Are you going to sleep again!”

“Idiot, let her sleep, she needs to recover!”

“Both of you shut up or I’ll kick you out of the room!”

“Shut up teme, you’re not the boss of me!”

Mitsuha wanted to smoother herself with a pillow. As much as she loved the tiny ducklings, she could do without the constant shouts right about now.

“Maa, what’s all this commotion! Shouldn’t all of you be back at your apartment resting?”

Well, there comes another one of Mitsuha’s worries, the one she has no idea how to tackle. She sneaked a glance at the silver haired man petting Sakura’s hair like she was one of his puppies.

Kakashi is smart, smarted than people give him credit, which is a lot considering he is known as a genius. And she can guess that he might have figured out that she is from the future. She honestly doesn’t have any problem telling him about the future, the war, Madara and stuff.

But she has no idea how to even breach the topic of Obito. She already knows how he is going to react thanks to Older Kakashi. She doesn’t even want to open the can of worms, that is, her parents. She really doesn’t want the man to feel disgusted and leave her. Even though she had already predicted the outcome long back when she first started involving with Kakashi, the heartbreak isn’t going hurt any less.

So, Mitsuha decided that she could be forgiven for taking the most mature approach and completely ignoring the four idiots in the room and burying herself further into her pillow. 

Her eyes were dropping in exhaustion when she noticed something strange and she was on guard immediately.

Silence.

A suspicious silence.

"One would think you were trying to smother yourself," came Kakashi’s voice, now much closer.

She peeked out from her blanket cocoon. "Since I can still see you, I suppose I didn't succeed." She quipped back.

He was sitting on the edge of her bed, long legs pulled up, Icha Icha in hand—not looking at her, but very much aware of her presence.

"The kids?" she asked cautiously.

Kakashi finally looked at her. Then, without a word, he snapped his book shut and tossed it onto the bedside table.

"I sent them home."

Oh, we’re doing this now, eh?

Mitsuha sighed and turned to face the man, forcing herself not to flinch when she saw the calculating look on his face. Regardless of the difficult conversation up ahead, she really did miss this man so much. She smiled sadly and moved her unbandaged hand to touch his fingers.

“I know I told you that I’ll tell you everything but is it okay if we pretend everything is fine just for tonight?”

Her throat felt tight. "I’m not ready to lose you yet…"

Kakashi’s eyes softened and he scooted down on to the bed, manoeuvring her gently to lay on his chest. He buried his face into her hair and sighed.

"You know what?" he murmured. "I’m not ready to face reality either."

She tilted her head up slightly, pressing a soft kiss to his masked lips.

Kakashi hummed, his hand sliding up to cradle the back of her head as he returned the gesture.

And for the first time in what felt like forever, Mitsuha allowed herself to simply breathe.

Chapter Text

Before Mitsuha could talk with him, Kakashi was pulled into mission after mission, then later on was send to Suna to escort the Kazekage’s children home. With a renewed treaty in hand and reparations agreed upon, the Sand was quick to cooperate once they learned they had been manipulated by a nuke-nin who had murdered their Kage. The fact that their Jinchūriki was one of the captives left behind in Konoha only made things easier.

The Hokage had graciously offered to stabilize Gaara’s unstable seal and promised to send Mitsuha along once she was strong enough to travel. It also helped that Gaara took a deep interest in Naruto—an interest that started with multiple assassination attempts before taking a sharp turn. ‘Mother’ refused to harm Naruto, finding him fascinating, and the boy quickly realized that he could sleep without nightmares when Naruto was nearby. The discovery left him in tears, clinging to Naruto as though he was the only thing keeping him sane. When the time came for Gaara to leave, both boys sobbed and promised each other letters, visits, and a lifelong friendship.

Sakura was… thriving in the aftermath. She told anyone who would listen how she had punched Orochimaru multiple times before he had to throw her off like an angry cat. Academy students followed her around like ducklings, awed by her story. But with admiration came unwanted attention—particularly from her parents, who demanded she come home and sort through the hundreds of marriage proposals flooding their house. Mitsuha had not-so-kindly told them to fuck off, declaring herself responsible for the girl in Kakashi’s absence.

They had backed off after Mitsuha let Sakura sign the bear contract, and the girl gleefully summoned Fubuki on her first try, right in front of them. Naruto later whispered that Sakura had cried herself to sleep that night, realizing that no one could force her to return to her parents.

And then there was Sasuke.

The curse mark was sealed. Kakashi and Naruto had already suppressed it, but traces of chakra could still leak into the mark. Mitsuha and Tsunade had worked out a more drastic measure—rerouting Sasuke’s chakra network so that it completely bypassed the cursed seal. The process was dangerous, eight grueling hours of sealing work, but it had worked. Now, the curse mark was nothing more than a grotesque, useless tattoo.

Mitsuha was scared shitless about how Sasuke would take the news about her being an Uchiha.

Unsurprisingly, it went just as she had expected. There had been shouting. Accusations. Tears. A slammed door. Days of cold silence.

The other two had asked her the reason for her silence and she just replied that she thought it didn’t matter. She smiled through her tears and explained that she thought she could be family to Sasuke without ever reveling her heritage. Naruto had looked thoughtful.

“While I understand your point, Nee-chan, Sasuke spent so many years believing that the only family he had left was the one which murdered everyone else. And then, he learns what he knows isn't the truth. And now he learns that one of the people he looked up to was family all along and refused to acknowledge it. I mean, can you blame the guy for losing it?”

When did her baby cousin grow up to be such a mature boy? She smiled at him and said.

“I don’t blame him at all. I’ve thought about this for so long and there are no ways to justify what I’ve done to him. It’s ok if he never talks or wants to be in my presence anymore. But I will always protect him no matter what. It’s not only because him and I share DNA but rather because he is important to me. All three of you are…”

So when he knocked on her hospital room a few days later to help her with physical therapy, she was caught off guard.

Sasuke was silent as he led her through the exercises, only speaking to give instructions. Mitsuha followed them wordlessly, afraid that if she spoke, she would ruin the fragile peace.

By the time she was settled back in bed, thoroughly exhausted and ready to nap, Sasuke finally sighed and sank into a chair beside her.

“Were you ever going to tell me?”

Mitsuha closed her eyes.

“I thought it didn’t matter,” she admitted. “I thought I could be your family without that piece of information. I rarely use my Sharingan—I even have it sealed most of the time.”

Sasuke’s brows furrowed. “Why? The Sharingan is our clan’s pride. It represents our strength.”

Mitsuha looked out the window, her expression unreadable. “My Sharingan has bought me nothing but heartbreaking sadness my whole life. I awakened mine watching my Tou-chan die. My father was murdered for his. Then I watched as they killed my people one after the other and it haunts me, Sasuke. I would give anything to forget all those memories.”

She laid down, her gaze flickering toward him.

“I have a mission, Sasuke. Something that I need to achieve regardless of the cost. I need to make sure that the world you grow up in is better than the one I grew up in. Being an Uzumaki was easier—no one alive today knows how terrifying Fūinjutsu can be. It made me stand out just enough to be useful, but not enough to be a target.  Announcing that I am an Uchiha would have bought unnecessary attention to myself.”

Sasuke’s fists clenched. “So what? You think I wouldn’t have wanted to know that I had family? That I wouldn’t have been strong enough to protect you if something happened?” She smiled at him, her expression soft but unwavering.

“Tell me Sasuke, what would the village council have done if they knew I was an Uchiha?”

Sasuke’s eyes narrowed before they widened in realization.

“They would’ve forced you to come to the village and stay. To… to have children”

His voice wavered, his hands clenching. Mitsuha reached out and took one in hers, squeezing gently. Being a med nin, he understood the horrors behind forced reproduction programs. Being friends with Sakura, he understood the helplessness that a Kunoichi faced throughout her life, regardless of her strength.

Sasuke scoffed, his voice rising. “That’s bullshit! You think the Hokage would’ve let them take you? He’s not some puppet! He would’ve stopped them!”

But he didn’t know anything about the political aspects of the village. That was Naruto’s cup of tea.

Mitsuha sighed. “He would have tried. And failed.”

Sasuke froze at those words, his breath catching. She turned to face him fully now, sitting up despite the soreness in her muscles.

“Sasuke, the Hokage is the most powerful shinobi in the village, but he is not all-powerful,” she explained gently. “The council still holds sway over things like clan revival programs. And the old council—the ones who followed Danzo’s ideology? They would have seen me as nothing more than a means to an end. A tool. A breeding machine to restore the Uchiha name.”

Sasuke’s stomach twisted at the implication, and his nails dug into his palm. “That—That wouldn’t have happened—”

“It happened before,” she cut in softly. “It’s still happening now in other villages. And if I had come forward as an Uchiha, I would have had no say in my own future.”

Sasuke swallowed thickly. His mind raced, trying to find a flaw in her reasoning, something to prove she had been wrong.

“But—” His voice cracked. “But at least tell me. You could’ve told me. Don’t you trust me?”

Mitsuha’s heart clenched at the pain in his voice. She reached for him, and for once, he didn’t pull away. She wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tightly, pressing her forehead against his temple.

“Oh, sweet boy,” she whispered. “Of course I trust you. I trust you with my life.”

Sasuke shut his eyes tightly, his throat burning.

“But if that information had ever leaked…” She squeezed him tighter. “They wouldn’t have come for me first, Sasuke. They would have come for you. Dragged you off, questioned you, called you a traitor for hiding it. I could not—would not—let that happen to you.”

His breath hitched.

“I’m sorry I hurt you,” she whispered, voice thick with emotion. “But I did what I had to do to keep you safe. If I could take back the pain I caused you, I would. But I can’t. So instead, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make things right with you.”

She pulled back slightly, cupping his face, wiping away a stray tear with her thumb.

“But it’s okay if you don’t want me around anymore.” Her voice wavered, but she smiled through it. “If you want me to leave you alone, I will. Whatever you want, Sasuke, I’ll make it happen. Because you are my family. Not just because of blood, but because we choose it.”

Sasuke stared at her, eyes glossy with unshed tears. His breath shuddered as he exhaled.

“Idiot,” he muttered, looking away, but his voice was thick with emotion. He sniffled before letting out a sharp exhale. “You think I’m just gonna throw you away after all this?”

Mitsuha smiled softly. “I’d understand if you did.”

He scowled and rubbed at his eyes furiously. “You’re so damn annoying.”

She chuckled, reaching up to ruffle his hair.

“I know.”

There was a long silence before Sasuke finally huffed and muttered under his breath.

“…Just don’t keep shit like this from me again.” Mitsuha grinned. “I promise.”

Liar…

It had been a month and half since the Sand’s invasion, a month and half since the Sandaime Hokage narrowly escaped death, and four weeks since Mitsuha had sealed away Sasuke’s curse mark. Now, she found herself standing in the Hokage’s office, surrounded by some of the most powerful figures in Konoha—Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, Kakashi Hatake, Tsunade Senju, and Jiraiya.

She remained still, composed. She knew this day would come. She had spent so long preparing for it, yet now, standing before them, she felt the smallest flicker of hesitation.

Hiruzen offered her a kind smile, one that made her feel both comforted and unbearably guilty. The man had let her take enough time to prepare for the emotional backlash that is sure to follow this meeting.  Mitsuha took a deep breath, her fists clenching at her sides before she spoke.

"My name is Mitsuha Uzumaki. I am a jonin of Konoha. I am an S-class shinobi with a track record of hunting down missing-nin affiliated with Akatsuki. And…" she exhaled slowly, "I am from the future."

The silence that followed was suffocating.

Jiraiya let out an incredulous scoff, shifting his weight onto one leg. "Hah? That’s the best joke I’ve heard all week."

Tsunade, arms crossed, narrowed her eyes. "You're saying you travelled through time?" Mitsuha nodded.

Kakashi, who had been quiet, hummed thoughtfully. She had predicted he would be the first to take her claim seriously. He had likely pieced together most of it already.

"What happens in the future that warrants a trip back?" he asked, his voice calm but edged with something unreadable.

Mitsuha’s lips curled into a bitter smile. "Total extinction of the shinobi world, for a start."

The air grew heavier.

For the next three hours, Inoichi carefully pulled her memories, displaying them in a controlled sequence for the assembled shinobi to see. Mitsuha remained still as her past played out like a living nightmare before them. The invasion of Pain. The betrayal of Danzo. The birth and fall of the Akatsuki. Revival of Madara and Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, Peace for a short time, Madara’s return, The destruction of every major village, The deaths. So many deaths.

Inoichi had carefully avoided any show of her parents, always blurring the faces. While he appreciated his effort, she knew immediately that it was for naught. She was aware that the sanin and Kakashi had figured out.

But she did appreciate him blurring the face of Obito. Ever since she had used Kotoamatsukami on the man to project her memories and emotions onto him with a suggestion to come meet her, she had been hopeful to convert the man to their side. Then, they can revel him. They can blame the death of the fourth and his wife on Madara and try to insinuate that Obito was in action afterwards from the Kiri incident onwards. There were many lies to be spun but they can make the most of the situation.

When the memories finally faded, Inoichi pulled away, both of their breaths unsteady. Mitsuha collapsed onto the chair, clutching her head as the memories rushed through her mind.

Jiraiya let out a low curse, running a hand down his face. "Well, shit."

Mitsuha was hiding.

The moment the Hokage dismissed their meeting, she had practically sprinted to Team 7’s apartment, knocking hurriedly on their door.

Sasuke had answered, brow raised in mild annoyance. “What now?”

She had barely managed to get the words out— “I need a place to lay low for a while.”

Before Sasuke could roll his eyes and shut the door on her, Naruto had grabbed her wrist and pulled her inside with an excited grin. “Nee-chan! You came at the perfect time—instant ramen night!”

Sakura ushered her toward the couch with a knowing look. “You’ve been crying,” she murmured, but she didn’t push. Instead, she handed Mitsuha a bowl of ramen, her small hands warm as they lingered briefly against Mitsuha’s own.

It was too much.

The next thing she knew, Mitsuha was wrapped in a cocoon of warmth. Naruto had thrown a blanket over her shoulders, pressing against her side, while Sakura curled into her other. Sasuke, despite his usual emo attitude, watched them for a long moment before sighing and falling on top of her like a weighted blanket.

No one said a word as she clung to them, silent tears slipping down her face.

She didn’t deserve them.

She didn’t deserve any of this.

She's a liar...

But she needed it more than she could admit.

It turned into a game of tag—a desperate, ridiculous game of cat and mouse where Mitsuha did everything she could to avoid Kakashi.

The second she felt his chakra anywhere near her, she ran in the opposite direction.

When she was assigned to guard duty? She switched shifts. When she was called for mission briefings? She arrived late, left early. When Kakashi walked into the training grounds, she bolted like a thief in the night.

Desperate, she had even tried begging the Sandaime to send her to Suna under the pretense of fixing Gaara’s seal.

Hiruzen had only puffed his pipe, unimpressed. “You need to talk to him at some point, child.”

“But do I, though?” she had whined.

I don't want to lie...

The old man simply chuckled. “Yes.”

Traitor.

At this point, it was getting ridiculous. The proof – The closet incident.

Gai had just finished his afternoon training with her when Mitsuha had grabbed his wrist and dragged him into the nearest storage closet.

Before he could shout about the power of youth, she had slapped a seal onto his chest, dampening both their chakra signatures.

“Mitsuha! What are we doing?” he whisper-yelled, barely fitting in the cramped space.

She placed a desperate hand over his mouth. “Shhh! He’s coming.”

Gai blinked. “Who?”

Kakashi’s presence flickered outside the hallway.

Mitsuha held her breath.

A moment passed. Then another.

The chakra signature faded.

Only then did she exhale, slumping against the wooden shelves.

Gai, however, was watching her with the strangest expression.

“Mitsuha… why are we hiding from my eternal rival?”

She swallowed.

Gai was a lot of things—loud, eccentric, painfully optimistic—but he wasn’t stupid. He could see the way her fingers trembled. When she didn’t answer, he lowered his voice, gentle in a way only she got to hear.

“Are you afraid of him?”

Her head shot up. “No. Never.”

Kakashi would never hurt her. Not in a million years.

But…

“Then why run?”

Mitsuha’s fingers curled into fists.

“Because if I stop running, I have to face him.”

He'll know that I am nothing but a liar...

Gai didn’t need her to elaborate. He only let out a thoughtful hum.

Then, after a moment—“Well, if you ever need a youthful closet buddy, I am always available.”

She snorted, shoving him playfully. “Thanks, Gai.”

After a week of running, she let herself be found.

The Hokage Mountain had always been a place of solace. The sun was setting in a cascade of orange and gold, painting the sky in colors. She sat on the edge of the Second Hokage’s head, legs dangling over the side, watching the village below.

A familiar chakra signature.

Kakashi landed beside her, quiet as always.

She squeezed her eyes shut for a brief moment, trying to will away the fear. She wiped her sweaty palms against her shorts, finally turning to look at him.

And—

Oh.

He was beautiful.

Even with his mask, even with his hitai-ate covering one eye, Kakashi was devastatingly beautiful. The wind ruffled his silver hair, the setting sun casting a warm glow over his face.

Mitsuha swallowed past the lump in her throat. “…Hey.”

Kakashi tilted his head. “Hey.”

Pain. Longing. Something she didn’t want to name.

She bit her lip, gripping the stone beneath her. “I—” But the words refused to come.

He sighed, turning his gaze toward the sunset. “Do you love me?”

The question nearly knocked the breath from her lungs. Her lips parted, her heart hammering in her chest. “What kind of stupid question is that?”

Kakashi hummed. “A fair one, I think.”

She clenched her fists. “Of course, I love you, you idiot.” She stilled. This was the first time she ever admitted it out loud. And oh, it felt so good to let it out.

He exhaled, hurt clear on his expression. She hated this. She hated that she had hurt him.

“Then why are you running from me?”

Tears burned at the corners of her eyes.

Because she is a liar...Something that doesn't belong...No matter how much she craves, she will always be covered in a veil of lies...

Mitsuha closed her eyes. “…Because if we talk about it, it makes it real.” She forced herself to meet his gaze. “And if it’s real… you might not want me anymore.”

Kakashi blinked.

Then, to her absolute horror, he laughed.

Not a bitter laugh. Not a mocking one. But something small and broken and unbearably fond.

“Oh, Mitsuha.”

And suddenly, he was there—hands cupping her face, foreheads pressed together, his mask pulled down as he pressed kiss after kiss to her surprised lips.

“I have wanted you in every way possible for so long, you ridiculous woman.” His thumbs brushed away her tears. “There is nothing you could tell me that would change that.”

A sob caught in her throat.

Liar…

He still didn’t know. He would leave once he knows. It’s hopeless to even think for a second that there is a come back from the complete truth.

She hated crying. She hated feeling weak. Even though she shouldn’t, here, in his arms, she had never felt safer.

Mitsuha clung to him, burying her face in his chest. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m so sorry, Kakashi.” Apologizing for what she had shown him, apologizing for what she hoped he would never see.

He only held her tighter.

“Don’t run from me again, Mitsuha.”

She let out a shaky breath, nodding against him. “Okay.”

They stayed like that for a long time. It was when the first stars began to appear in the sky that Mitsuha looked up from his chest, her breath hitching as Kakashi's expression darkened.

For so long, she had run. Had buried herself in guilt, in fear, in the knowledge that she was keeping secrets—secrets that would shatter everything between them.

But tonight, just this once, she wanted to be selfish.

She wanted him back.

Slowly, she leaned up, pressing her lips to the shell of his ear, letting them graze his skin. She felt the way his breath hitched, the way his fingers clenched at her waist as if trying to ground himself.

Mitsuha whispered, letting the warm air fan against his skin.

“Take me home, Kakashi. I want you.”

A low, guttural sound rumbled from his chest, and before she could blink, he swept her into his arms.

The world blurred around them, the rush of a shunshin pulling them until they landed in front of their apartment.

Kakashi didn’t hesitate.

His lips crashed onto hers the moment the door creaked open, pushing them inside with a desperate kind of urgency. The door slammed shut behind them, and then she was against it, her back pressed into the wood as his mouth devoured hers. She barely had a moment to breathe, to think—his hands were already on her, slipping beneath her clothes, fingers digging into her waist, her hips. She gasped as he tore at her shirt, throwing it aside as his lips found her neck.

He was relentless—biting, sucking, marking her in a way that left her trembling. She laughed breathlessly as his impatience turned frantic, his hands fumbling with the fastenings of her shorts.

“At least take me to a bed, you horny man,” she teased between ragged breaths.

Kakashi let out a sharp exhale, his smirk pressed against her collarbone. “Brat.”

But he didn’t stop.

Instead, his hands gripped her thighs, lifting her effortlessly. She yelped, legs wrapping around his waist on instinct, and he moved—swift, fluid, like a predator taking his prey. Mitsuha had never felt this turned on in her life.

The next thing she knew, they were falling onto the bed, the mattress dipping beneath them.

Kakashi loomed over her, silver hair falling into his eyes, lips slightly swollen from their kiss. His gaze roamed over her, taking in the way her chest rose and fell, the way her pupils were blown wide.

Then he smirked.

“Better hime?” His voice was husky, filled with promise.

Mitsuha shivered as his fingers trailed along her body, every touch leaving fire in its wake.

She swallowed, then reached up, fingers tangling into his hair as she yanked him down.

Her teeth sank into his shoulder, and Kakashi groaned, his grip tightening on her hips.

Mitsuha smirked against his skin. “Much better.”

Kakashi chuckled, low and dangerous. “Oh, you’re going to regret that.”

Then his lips were on hers again, and Mitsuha surrendered—fully, completely, to the mercy of the man she loved.

“Were you and I close in your timeline?” His fingers traced lazy patterns on her bare shoulder, sending tiny shivers down her spine. “I certainly hope you didn’t do any of this with him.”

Mitsuha huffed, rolling her eyes, amused. “If you’re asking whether I was sleeping with a Kakashi nearly forty years older than me, rest assured, I was not.”

Kakashi hummed, unimpressed. “Mm. Good.”

“The Kakashi I knew barely interacted with me. The most interaction I’ve even had with him personally was when he gave me sticks when I was a toddler.”

That made him pause. “Sticks?”

She nodded sagely. “Sticks.”

Kakashi blinked, his expression unreadable. “I don’t know what to make of that.”

Mitsuha grinned, shifting so that she was pressed against the underside of his chin. He allowed it, pulling her even closer.

Silence stretched between them for a few moments before Kakashi finally spoke, his voice softer this time. “So… Naruto and Sasuke are your parents.”

She felt the deep vibration of his voice against her cheek.

“I should be surprised, but… somehow it makes sense.” His fingers moved absentmindedly, drawing slow, deliberate circles on her back.

Mitsuha sighed, melting into him. His hand tightened, pressing her fully onto his chest, and he kissed her forehead—gentle, lingering.

Her throat felt tight.

“Yes,” she whispered, closing her eyes. “I was born thanks to Orochimaru, Sakura, and Tsunade’s genetic experiments. We had peace back then, a chance to bring back lost clans. I was the first successful case.”

She paused, exhaling slowly. “By the time I entered the Academy, my parents were planning to have another child. But then… Madara attacked.”

Kakashi said nothing, but his hand on her back stilled.

Mitsuha took a deep breath. “Tou-chan—Naruto—stayed behind to protect the village. I remember the exact moment he was struck down.”

She pulled back slightly, her Sharingan spinning to life. The deep red glow of her irises reflected in the moonlight.

“And that’s how I got this.”

Kakashi’s gaze softened, but she wasn’t done. Her Sharingan shifted, morphing into the intricate design of her Mangekyō.

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

“And when Madara killed Papa… I got this.”

Kakashi watched her carefully, his thumb absentmindedly brushing against her cheek.

Then, with the kind of nonchalance only he could pull off, he flicked her forehead. “It looks like Shisui’s.”

Mitsuha blinked at him, unimpressed. “Itachi thinks I might be his reincarnation.”

Kakashi tilted his head, considering. “Enough weird shit has happened in the last few weeks for me to consider that to be plausible.”

Mitsuha huffed a quiet laugh. “Right?”

He exhaled, his hand sliding back to her waist. “You used Kotoamatsukami against that rogue Uchiha. You won’t be able to use it again for a while.”

She nodded. “True. But it was worth it.”

Kakashi raised a brow.

“You all only saw my memories,” she continued, her voice edged with steel. “But he? He got to feel them. He got to experience what it’s like to watch everything you love fall, one by one, powerless to stop it. He will understand that Madara’s plan will lead to nothing but decades of pain and suffering.”

Her Mangekyō burned as she whispered, “Hopefully, he comes to his senses. Otherwise, I will make him come to his senses.”

The air between them shifted.

Kakashi's fingers curled under her chin, tilting her face up.

His lips crashed against hers.

Mitsuha gasped, but then his tongue brushed against her lower lip, and she melted—let him take, let him claim.

The heat between them escalated, his hand gripping her jaw, his body pressing into hers. She barely had time to register the way he shifted before she felt him—hard, needy, pressing against her thigh.

He pulled back just enough to smirk against her lips, his breath warm. “You have no idea how turned on I get when you talk like that.”

Mitsuha grinned, rolling her hips against him, relishing in the deep groan that ripped from his throat.

She leaned in, nipping at his earlobe before whispering, “Then show me, puppy. Show me how good I am.”

A low growl rumbled in Kakashi’s chest. His grip tightened—possessive, desperate.

And then he did exactly that.

Chapter Text

Kakashi leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temple as he skimmed through the set intelligence reports on Akatsuki movements. It was routine, something he did without much thought these days.

It was so boring that he was thinking about what they were planning to have for dinner. Kakashi missed Mitsuha’s cooking. And her smile…and her laugh…the way she fell apart against him…the way she looked at him afterwards…oh who was he kidding, he missed everything about her.

Kakashi shook his head and forced himself to pay attention. The war looming over their heads left no room for oversight. Every detail mattered. Every name, every sighting, every rumor—

Then, his eyes froze on a single name.

His breath hitched.

His heart stopped.

Obito Uchiha.

For a moment, Kakashi’s brain refused to process what he was reading. His grip on the paper tightened, his fingers crinkling the edges. A sharp ringing sound filled his ears as the words blurred in front of him.

No. No, that wasn’t possible. Obito was dead.

He had been dead for years. He had died saving him. Hadn’t he?

But the report in his hands, written in Mitsuha’s precise script, told a different story.

Obito was alive. Alive.

Not only alive but leading Akatsuki. Attacking them. Destroying their people.

All this time.

All this time, and Mitsuha had known.

Kakashi’s vision went red. An unbearable, suffocating rage clawed up from his chest, constricting his throat until he thought he might choke on it. His hands trembled—not with sadness, not with shock—but with pure, unfiltered fury.

She knew.

She knew, and she never told him.

The paper slipped from his grasp, fluttering to the desk like a fallen leaf. Kakashi didn’t watch it land. He was already standing. Already walking. Already leaving.

He needed to think. He needed to breathe. He needed to get the fuck away before he did something he couldn’t take back.

But of course, he runs into her.

Mitsuha was walking toward him, her hair swaying in the evening breeze. She smiled when she saw him. She fucking smiled.

The same hands that had written that report. The same hands that had fed him, held him, touched him—

Had also hidden the truth from him.

The rage inside him snapped.

She reached out to him—how dare she—and before he even realized what he was doing, he grabbed her by the throat and slammed her against a tree.

Mitsuha gasped, her nails scratching against his wrist as she tried to pry his fingers away. Shock flickered across her face, then something horribly close to understanding.

And she reached for him again.

Kakashi saw red.

He threw her onto the ground so hard the earth cracked beneath her. She barely had time to roll before he was on her, kunai drawn, his killing intent thick in the air.

Still, she didn’t attack him.

She only defended, parrying each of his strikes with just enough force to keep herself from getting killed. But she never aimed for him. Never fought back.

And it made him angrier.

"Fight me, dammit!" he snarled, his kunai clashing against hers. "Isn't this what you do, Mitsuha? Lie and manipulate until things fall apart around you?" He struck again. Harder.

Her defenses cracked. She stumbled.

Kakashi didn’t care.

He wanted her to hurt. The way she had hurt him.

Another strike. Another. Another. Until she was barely able to hold her weapon. Until she was bruised and bleeding.

And still—she did not fight him.

And that was what finally made his fury explode.

He didn’t even notice Gai and Asuma arriving until strong hands wrenched him back.

"Kakashi, what the hell is wrong with you?!" Asuma’s voice rang out, angry and disbelieving.

Kakashi struggled against their hold, his chest heaving, his pulse a roaring storm in his ears.

And then he saw her.

Mitsuha, kneeling on the ground, her hands trembling as she tried to push herself up. Her red hair stuck to her bloodied face, her lips parted as she gasped for breath.

And for the first time, she looked afraid.

Good.

Good.

He wanted her to feel what he felt. He wanted her to be scared.

He pulled free from Gai’s hold and took a step closer, his voice low and venomous.

"When were you planning to tell me,” He spat, his tone dripping with contempt, "that I was fighting my own fucking teammate?"

Mitsuha flinched. The reaction was small, but Kakashi saw it.

And it felt good.

He let out a bitter laugh, raking a hand through his silver hair. "Even after I begged you, you never told me the entire truth," he said, his voice shaking with anger. "You hid whatever was convenient for you. You played me like a fiddle. And I—"

His throat tightened.

"And I was a fool to fall for it. To love you so much."

A broken sound left her lips.

Kakashi ignored it. He ignored everything—the pain, the regret, the voice in his head that screamed at him to stop.

"I wish I never met you," he whispered, and her breath hitched.

"I wish you never came here."

Her fingers curled against the dirt.

"And I wish—" His voice turned cold, hateful—"I wish you never existed."

The world fell silent.

Mitsuha’s lips parted, but no sound came out. Her eyes, those same eyes that had looked at him with love, dimmed.

She crumbled. Not just physically—but completely.

Gai caught her before she hit the ground, his own face twisted in heartbreak. "Kakashi," he said, his voice thick with disbelief. "What are you saying?"

But Kakashi didn’t look at him.

He was already turning away.

He was done.

He didn’t need her.

He didn’t need any of them.

As he walked away, the only sound that followed him was the quiet, shattered sobs of the woman he had once loved.

The sound of blood splattering against the dirt filled the air. Slice, cut, hit, rasengan.

Each strike was a release of pent-up fury, a symphony of pain inflicted onto the body of the man who had dared to cross her. His screams echoed like a melody of suffering, but it wasn’t enough. Not nearly enough.

Daichi.

The Elemental Dragon. A title earned by the blood of countless victims. But Mitsuha knew that his strength was a mere illusion, a fragile thing that shattered the moment she truly became who she was meant to be.

Mitsuha Uzumaki Uchiha.

A name that rang with power and vengeance. A name that sent fear into the hearts of her enemies.

And Daichi was about to learn that the hard way.

Her eyes burned crimson as she activated her Sharingan, the Mangekyō swirling within the depths of her gaze, soaking in every grotesque detail of his broken form. His body was barely recognizable, a bloodied mess of limbs and flesh. His screams still echoed in her ears, but all she could hear was the echo of another voice—Kakashi's.

‘That's all you’re good for. Killing and lying.’

She giggled, a sound that was both cold and disturbingly sweet. With a brutal force, she stomped down onto Daichi’s head again, and again, her boots sinking into the dirt with each savage step. She could feel the crunch of bone beneath her foot, the warm, wet splatter of blood flooding her boot.

He had hurt her children when she was in a coma—had tortured them, leaving scars on them—and now, she was making him pay.

Her smirk twisted wider, and she leaned down, her face mere inches from the lifeless shell that had once been Daichi. The stench of blood filled her nose, but it didn’t matter. Nothing mattered but the satisfaction.

“You weren’t even in the plan,” she whispered, her voice barely audible as she tilted her head. “You bought this upon yourself.”

With a final look at the broken form beneath her, she stood up, wiping the blood from her kunai as though it were nothing more than a trivial inconvenience.

Her thoughts drifted, just for a moment, to Kakashi. She thought of his gentle smile, the way he held her close, the words he had whispered to her in the darkness.

But that was before. Before everything fell apart.

She shook her head, forcing those thoughts away. There was no room for weakness, no room for regret.

Not anymore.

She had a mission. And she would see it through.

Itachi and Gai stood nearby, their eyes unreadable, watching her with an intensity that only made her feel more alive. But something about the way they looked at her—there was disapproval there, something she didn’t need, didn’t want.

She could feel the tension thickening in the air between them, like a storm brewing, but she wasn’t in the mood for their judgment. She wasn’t here for their approval.

The Hokage had sent them to assist her—assist. Not babysit, not lecture. If they didn’t like the way she did things, they could go the hell back. She had a job to finish.

She shot them a look, a glare that was filled with enough venom to silence them, and walked past them without a word. Her mind already ticking off the final member of the Akatsuki. Daichi was gone. Only one target remained.

Madara.

The name twisted something deep inside her, a knot of rage and unresolved pain. She had already lost too much. Too many loved ones had fallen to his hands, to his plans. Her fathers, Sakura, her grandparents—hell, even Kakashi had been caught in his schemes. He will die and she will make sure of it. And she would make him pay for every loss, every wound, every broken dream.

In the mean time, Obito was next.

“Time to finish this,” she muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing as the night air grew thick around her.

The sound of Gai’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Mitsuha,” he said, his tone heavy.

She didn’t answer him. Didn’t even look at him. The pity, the concern—it grated against her every fiber. She didn’t need saving. She didn’t need help.

She needed to end this; she was so tired.

Itachi moved then, stepping forward as if to say something. But Mitsuha was already gone, her chakra flaring as she disappeared into the night.

The fire flickered weakly in the cool night air, casting long shadows across the forest clearing where they had set camp. Gai sat silently, his gaze fixed on the fire. His eyes wandered over to Mitsuha, who had collapsed onto her bedroll a few feet away.

She was a mess. Bloodied and bruised, with cuts from the recent battle still bleeding, her exhaustion was almost palpable. Despite it all, she had refused any assistance, stubbornly bandaged her own wounds and cleaned herself with trembling hands. Gai had tried to offer her help, but she simply waved him off.

She hadn't eaten in days. She had barely spoken. It was as if the girl he once knew—the vibrant, fierce, and full-hearted Mitsuha—had vanished completely. Now, in her place, was a stranger with cold, unfeeling eyes, a walking corpse with nothing but vengeance driving her forward. Gai's heart ached.

“The curse of the Sharingan.”

Itachi turned his eyes to Gai, his Sharingan glowing faintly in the darkness. “Uchiha love so deeply, Gai-senpai. Their whole being is invested in their love, and they would do anything for that love.” His words were heavy, carrying an almost mournful tone. "But...when love turns to loss, it consumes us. The pain... it's unbearable. It's as if the Sharingan itself feeds on our torment."

Gai clenched his jaw. He could remember a time when Kakashi had been exactly like that—so consumed by the pain of deaths that surrounded the man, that he had nearly lost himself to the darkness. Gai had been there, helpless, watching his best friend crumble from the inside out. He had made every effort to keep Kakashi from making a mistake, doing everything he could to pull him from the abyss.

But now, looking at Mitsuha, Gai felt the same kind of helplessness. She was spiraling down the same destructive path, consumed by her pain and vengeance. And worse, Kakashi was the one who had pushed her over the edge.

Gai remembered his rival towering above Mitsuha as he spit out hateful words that were sure to shatter any listener’s heart. Kakashi had refused to talk to any of them in the following days. Gai had tried, Kurenai, Anko and Asuma had tried. Team 7 had mild success as they showed off their chunin vests to the man who smiled at them tenderly and congratulated them.

But none of them found Mitsuha. Never checked how she was doing. 

It was days later that the Hokage had summoned them to assist the girl in taking down the last of the Akatsuki.

Gai hadn’t recognized her at first. She had lost so much weight. Her hair losing her normal shine and bags under her eyes. But the cold, hard look in her eyes was the most unrecognizable part.

Gai’s thoughts were interrupted by Itachi’s voice again, quieter now, tinged with an unsettling sadness. “If she continues on this path, she will die, senpai. The only reason that she is alive is because of stubbornness, her Uzumaki genes not ready to give up. But she hasn’t turned off her Sharingan once after that fight. Her body won’t be able to withstand the constant strain, and her mind will break. She’s already far gone.”

He glanced over at Mitsuha, her form so still, so broken. He felt a pang in his chest. She was his friend. He had laughed with her, ate meals with her, fought beside her. She had always been strong, unwavering, but something had cracked.

And Kakashi—Kakashi had shattered her.

“What a heartbreaking curse…” Gai whispered. Itachi nodded and the jonin continued.

“She won’t last like this,” He agreed quietly, his voice laced with bitterness. He didn’t know who he was angrier with—Mitsuha for letting herself fall so far, or Kakashi for digging the hole. “But neither will Kakashi, if he doesn’t fix this. If she dies, his heart won’t survive it.”

Idiot, idiot, such a stupid idiot.

Mitsuha’s hands were shaking violently as she tried to wrap the bandages around Gai’s body. The blood-soaked cloth clung to his skin, which was burnt and charred beyond recognition.

Her breath hitched as she tried to steady her hands, but her vision blurred with unshed tears. She couldn’t stop crying. She couldn’t stop the wave of guilt that crashed over her. She had thought that she wouldn’t let anything happen to him. She had thought him that they would all survive.

This time, there was no Naruto to reverse the damages left by opening all the gates.

But she had failed.

In all her calculations, in all her planning, she had forgotten one crucial thing. Zetsu.

The plant along with Orochimaru had attacked them in the dead of night when they were at their most vulnerable. Mitsuha had been exhausted beyond belief, having fought an S class nin by herself just earlier. She was running on fumes, but still, she fought. She fought with everything she had, trusting Gai and Itachi to have her back. And they did—until the moment she felt her chakra flicker and fade, like a light being extinguished in the darkness.

Her eyes rolled back, the world spinning as she struggled to keep consciousness. That’s when Zetsu struck, emerging from the shadows like the venomous thing it was. Mitsuha had no strength left to defend herself, her body too worn, her chakra too depleted.

And then, Gai—the only person who had never stopped believing in her, the one person who had been there even after she betrayed Kakashi—had come.

He had opened all the gates, knowing full well the price he would pay, to save her.

Gai was like a beast as he unleashed his full fury on the plant as it struggled to fight back. Akatsuki had slithered away, cowardice etched into their every movement as they left Gai behind.

The last thing Mitsuha remembered before everything went black was Gai’s face, contorted in pain as he struggled to crawl toward her. But he had saved her.

But that didn’t matter now.

Gai was dying in her arms.

The world spun around her as she pressed her hands to his burning chest, her heart pounding in her ears. She couldn’t feel him anymore—couldn’t feel the strength of the blue beast of Konoha who had always been her pillar. Her breathing became shallow, her vision fuzzy, but she couldn’t stop. She had to save him. She had to do something. But there was nothing.

The helplessness gnawed at her insides, tearing her apart as she screamed, her voice a raw, jagged thing.

She had killed him.

She had killed him.

No No No No No...

Mitsuha gasped for air, her hands trembling as she continued to apply pressure to the bandages, though she knew it was futile. Gai’s breath was a wheeze now, weak and uneven, his once vibrant body now a broken shell. His eyes, the eyes that had always been full of so much life and passion, were now glassy, distant.

“Gai,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “Please. Please, don’t leave me. Not you too.”

But Gai couldn’t hear her. His breath was slowing, his pulse fading.

And Mitsuha could do nothing but scream in agony as she held him close, her heart shattering into a thousand pieces. She had failed him, just as she had failed so many others before.

Itachi was miles away, running toward the village to get help. But Mitsuha knew—she knew deep down that it was too late. Gai was beyond saving. The light in his eyes had already dimmed, and his body was slipping away from her.

As the hours dragged on, Mitsuha didn’t move. She didn’t leave him. She just held him. Held him as his life bled away, as the last remnants of his warmth faded into the cold night.

By the time Itachi returned with Shizune and Tsunade, Mitsuha was still clutching the lifeless body of the blue beast of Konoha. Her face was streaked with tears, her hands and hair soaked in his blood. She hadn’t even noticed them approach. She hadn’t noticed anything except for the lifeless body she rocked in her arms.

Shizune gasped as she saw the scene before her, her hands instinctively reaching for the body. “Gai... no...” Her voice cracked as she took in the devastation.

Tsunade, ever the composed one, stepped forward, her expression hardening as she took in the state of the situation. “Mitsuha...” she whispered, her voice soft. “You need to let him go.”

But Mitsuha didn’t respond. She didn’t acknowledge them. She couldn’t. All she could do was hold onto Gai’s body, unable to process the magnitude of what had just happened.

She had killed him.

“Please, Mitsuha,” Itachi said quietly, his usual calm demeanor slipping just for a moment. “We have to go. We need to get back to the village. There’s nothing more we can do here.”

But Mitsuha remained still, her arms wrapped around Gai’s body, her face pressed into the coolness of his chest. She had never felt more alone in her life.

She had killed him.

There were no words left. Only the sounds of the night around them—the whisper of the wind, the rustling of leaves. Everything was silent. Everything was dead.

And Mitsuha... Mitsuha was no different.

The moment Kakashi heard the news, everything around him seemed to cease. Time itself seemed to stretch, the room blurring into nothingness as he tried to make sense of what he had just been told. Gai. His best friend. Gone.

The words hit him like a punch to the gut, leaving him breathless, dizzy. He could barely breathe. The Hokage's voice felt distant, like it was coming from a world away. But none of it mattered. Gai was dead.

He crumbled onto the chair in front of him, unable to keep his body steady, his mind consumed by the unbearable loss. His hand trembled, hovering weakly over the glass of water the Hokage had offered him, but it felt like his body had betrayed him. He couldn’t even lift his hand.

“Gai…” he whispered under his breath, a jagged sob escaping him, though he tried desperately to stifle it. It was all too much.

Itachi stood across from him, his usually calm demeanor shattered, his expression unreadable but tinged with the same brokenness that Kakashi felt in his chest. He didn’t even look at the crumpled figure behind Itachi. He couldn’t. He couldn’t bring himself to look at her, not now.

His voice was hoarse when he finally spoke. “What happened?”

“Akatsuki. Gai Senpai, Mitsuha and I were assigned as a team to track them down. Mitsuha had taken down the one of the remaining members by herself and we were on our way back to the village. An unaccounted for Akatsuki member and Orochimaru attacked. Mitsuha had called him Zetsu. They used forbidden jutsu to overwhelm us and Senpai sacrificed his life to save Mitsuha.”

Kakashi’s world spun, the air sucked from his lungs. Gai, his closest friend, was dead because of that woman. The woman he had once loved, the woman who had betrayed him and broken him so thoroughly. And now, because of her, Gai was gone too.

He stood up suddenly, his hands shaking with fury, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. His gaze fell on her, and he saw nothing but venom. "So now Gai, too? Will you finally be done once you’ve destroyed everything in my life?” His voice cracked, full of hatred and betrayal.

“KAKASHI!”

The Hokage shouted his name in warning, but Kakashi didn’t care. His eyes remained locked on Mitsuha, Itachi stepped in front of her protectively, but Kakashi didn’t even flinch. He pushed past him, his anger boiling over.

“I thought you came here to protect the future. Instead, all you’ve done is hurt and destroy everything,” Kakashi spat, his voice laced with fury. Every word cut like a blade, meant to wound, to make her feel what he felt.

Mitsuha’s eyes, usually warm and compassionate, were cold now—icy, distant. She didn’t flinch at his words. In fact, something in her seemed to harden.

Kakashi could see it now. He had been broken her long before Gai’s death. And now, with every word, she was slipping further into a darkness that had consumed her long ago.

Before he could turn away, Mitsuha spoke, her voice laced with cold, bitter chuckle. “Mighty hypocritical of you considering it’s your mess that I’m cleaning up,” she said, her tone mocking, as though she had finally had enough of his self-righteousness.

He was a bit taken aback finally noticing the blood coating her, her body covered in bandages and an overall weakness in her posture. But her Sharingan was spinning and her hair dancing in the wind like a vengeful fire. She had never looked this dangerous.

Mitsuha didn’t stop there. Her eyes burned with rage as she stepped forward, her voice low. “It was you who is the reason why your precious teammate and his crazy organization are trying to kill Naruto. It’s because of you that I lost everything… and now you get to judge me like you’re a saint.”

Kakashi’s world collapsed. But she didn’t stop.

“It was because you shoved a chidori into Rin's chest that everything started and I lost everything because of you and Obito.”

“MITSUHA, THAT’S ENOUGH!” the Hokage shouted, but it was too late. Mitsuha had already moved, her eyes locked onto Kakashi’s, unwavering. She was no longer the person he once knew.

“I am not the only one who killed a dear friend, Kakashi,” she said, and with those words, the weight of everything he had ever done hit him like a tidal wave.

Obito…Rin…Minato sensei…Kushina nee…

Kakashi collapsed to his knees, his chest constricting, as he stared at Mitsuha, who stood before him like a force of nature. Her fury was palpable, and the look in her eyes was something he had never seen before. She was no longer the woman he had once loved. She had become something far more dangerous. And he did that to her. He destroyed the woman he loved.

Everything he touched, he broke...

She turned away, her movements sharp and deliberate. With a swift motion, she removed her headband and placed it before the Hokage.

“I’ve done enough damage to this village,” Mitsuha whispered, her voice cracking. “The remaining members of Akatsuki will be taken care of by me. Please…” Her breath caught, and she paused for a moment, steadying herself. “Please tell Naruto and Sasuke that I am KIA. I will not return here again.” She bowed low, her body shaking with the weight of her words.

“Thank you, Lord Hokage… for everything.”

With those final words, she let a shadow clone pop, and in an instant, she was gone.

There was no going back. Not anymore. Not for her. Not for him.

Chapter Text

To say Obito was frustrated would be an understatement. Scouring battlefields for corpses like some lowly grave robber was beneath him. He was no errand boy, yet here he was, combing through the dead like a common scavenger. But manpower was scarce, and in the grand scheme of things, it was every man for himself. Everything they did, every sacrifice made, was for the sake of the world—or so he told himself.

He ducked slightly as he entered the damp, dimly lit cave that had served as their hideout. He hated cold and damp spaces but after years and years, they feel just like home. He barely spared Konan a glance as she studied a scroll, likely intel from one of their remaining allies. The Ame shinobi were still out on their own errands, gathering what little resources they could. It had been a while since he’d seen them.

Speaking of not seeing someone for a long time…

His footsteps were quiet as he moved deeper into the cave, navigating its winding corridors with ease. He didn’t have to count his steps—he already knew where she would be. She had claimed a dark, forgotten corner as her own, isolating herself from the rest of them. And just like every other time he came here, a part of him dreaded what he would find.

His suspicions were confirmed when he caught sight of the small, curled-up figure against the cold stone wall.

She was still. Too still.

For a moment, his gut twisted. Had she finally collapsed? Stopped breathing? But then, his rational mind reminded him—Mitsuha Uzumaki didn’t die that easily.

Still, the sight of her—pale, fragile, nothing but skin and bone—unsettled him in a way he couldn’t quite name. He knelt beside her, brushing away stray strands of crimson hair clinging to her face.

The moment his fingers made contact, her eyes snapped open, Mangekyō spinning widely.

Obito froze.

Striking red eyes locked onto his, sharp and wild, her grip tightening like a vice around his wrist before recognition finally settled in. Her fingers slackened, and for the briefest moment, she exhaled in relief.

To think that he, of all people, was a source of comfort to her. It was almost funny. Almost.

“I’ve checked Zabuza and his apprentice, both are alive and thriving. That was the last one on the list except Madara which we still have no idea on the whereabouts. I can’t access the Hokage tombs, and you seem certain that the Third has it under control. Sasori and his collection of puppets are secure in the Kamui—unless Bakashi decides to take a stroll.”

Mitsuha huffed in amusement, crossing her arms. “It’s fine if he does. It’s not like we’re fighting against him. Whatever grudge he holds against me won’t stop him from doing what’s necessary. He knows we’re both working toward the same goal, and he won’t let his emotions get in the way.”

Obito smirked. “Oh, I’m well aware.” His gaze lingered on her, sharp and calculating. “Have you eaten recently?”

Mitsuha blinked, looking confused. “I’ve eaten…”

“Anything other than rations or soldier pills?”

The slight shift in her expression gave her away instantly. Obito sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“Don’t move.”

He never thought he’d be using Kamui to visit a nearby village just to pick up bentos for an insufferable Uzumaki. But after everything he—and the other version of him—had put her through, he supposed a small act of kindness wasn’t too much to offer.

It had been eight months since Mitsuha left Konoha. Eight months since she turned her back on the place she once called home.

Eight months since Gai died.

The thought sent a sharp, familiar ache through her chest. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing the grief away before it could consume her again. She couldn’t break down. Not now. Not again. Not after what happened last time.

Oh, god. The things she had said to Kakashi…

She had burned that bridge, torched it until there was nothing left but ash and regret. And now, all she could do was listen for scraps of news about him like a beggar starving for warmth. She knew he had returned to ANBU. That alone had nearly broken her.

Because she knew—she knew—it was because of her.

Kakashi had been doing fine before she ruined him all over again. She was the one who sent him back into that darkness, into that hell he had barely crawled out of before. He was right. She was what was wrong in this world.

She needed to be gone.

But not yet...

Instead, she had come to the Ame shinobi for help, and they had offered her everything. They didn’t hesitate. Didn’t question her. If she had asked them to stay out of the war, they would have. But she knew she couldn’t do this alone. She was smart enough to admit that. Sealing hundreds of corpses on her own was an impossible task.

So the three of them had been running across the continent, following Jiraiya’s intelligence, ensuring that at the very least they could take the most dangerous players off the board.

And then Obito had come to her.

She had been bracing for a fight, but he hadn’t attacked her.

He hadn’t even spoken to her.

He had simply followed her.

At first, she didn’t know what to make of it. But she didn’t say anything either. She let him hover in the background like a silent shadow, waiting for the moment he would snap. He never did.

One night, while setting up camp, she had wordlessly pushed a set of coordinates toward him along with a copy of her seal. Obito had glanced at it once, then disappeared into his Kamui.

She thought that was the end of it.

But the next day, he had tracked her down again. And without a word, he resumed following her.

Their strange little game continued—silent companionship, missions carried out without discussion—until, eventually, Mitsuha started talking.

At first, it was just murmurs. Half-thoughts. But then the words kept coming. She told him about her cousins/fathers Naruto and Sasuke, about her fierce little spitfire Sakura. About their mischief and accomplishments, about the way they could light up a room with their presence alone.

Obito had laughed—actually laughed—when she told him about the time Naruto and Sakura had painted all the fish in the market red using a dye made from chili peppers and spread a ridiculous rumor that a sea god was angry with them. The only way to appease it? To eat every last fish before sundown.

“Fishmongers had a day,” Mitsuha had snickered, watching as Obito grinned around the onigiri he was eating.

Then he had asked, almost too casually, “What about Kakashi?”

Her laughter had died in her throat.

She wasn’t ready.

Talking about Naruto and Sasuke had been easy. Talking about Sakura had made her smile. But Kakashi?

She swallowed the lump in her throat. Obito deserved to know. He was his friend, after all. And she owed him this much.

So she pushed the pain down, forced a smile, and told him about the man she loved.

She told him about Kakashi’s odd little habits, like his unexplained hatred for watermelons seeds (they freak me out, Mitsuha!), or how he would sneak off to play fetch with the Inuzuka nin-kin whenever he had a free moment. The redhead told him about the kindness Kakashi tried so hard to hide behind exasperated sighs and lazy shrugs. She told him about how he was the best damn teacher Team 7 could have ever had.

And for the first time in so long, she saw something shift in Obito’s face. A soft, wistful smile pulled at the scarred skin around his mouth.

“I’m glad,” he murmured, almost too quiet for her to hear.

After that, he started talking, too.

He told her about the years he had endured. How he had tried—tried so many times—to end it all, but never could. He told her how the desire to see Rin had been the only thing keeping him moving, how guilt crippled him when he thought of Minato-sensei and Kushina-nee.

He told her that he knew Rin had jumped in front of Kakashi’s Chidori on her own…

But he hadn’t been able to think straight until she destroyed Madara’s seal on his heart.

Mitsuha listened to every word.

And when he finally fell silent, she whispered, “There’s a pardon waiting for you in Konoha.” He stiffened.

“It’s been signed and approved by the Hokage. You could go back anytime,” she said softly. “You’d be accepted back. It was one of my conditions.”

Obito’s hands curled into fists. His jaw tensed.

“Kakashi would be happy,” she continued, forcing the words out. “Especially after…”

Her voice broke.

She couldn’t say Gai’s name.

She couldn’t.

Obito exhaled, then gave her a small, lopsided smile—the kind that looked painful to hold.

“That ship sailed a long time ago,” he murmured, voice rough with something unreadable. “They don’t need me in their life anymore.” Obito snorted.

“I’d say leave the past where it is, but…”

Mitsuha let out a shaky breath and forced a chuckle, wiping at her eyes.

“Yeah, about that…”

For a moment, they just sat there, two ghosts who should have died long ago—but somehow, were still here.

Meeting up with Konan and Nagato first, then later Obito, the four of them had become an unlikely team, working around the clock to ensure the Shinobi world would never face an army of reanimated corpses. The irony wasn’t lost on her. The former Akatsuki, once dedicated to the Tsukuyomi, now did everything in their power to prevent it.

Mitsuha looked at the ragtag group assembled before her—people who, despite everything, had chosen to follow her orders to ensure the world didn’t end. People she had learned to trust. People she was willing to die for.

She scanned the mission notes in front of her, nodding slightly before addressing them.

“At this point, none of my summons have been able to locate Madara’s corpse or the hideout Zetsu is using,” she stated, her tone heavy with exhaustion. “Since Orochimaru is actively working with him, we have to assume that a reanimated Madara will be one of our opponents.”

She paused, exhaling sharply before meeting their gazes.

“Obito and I know his abilities. But…” she hesitated, looking away for a moment. “I was never able to defeat him. I don’t think Obito can either.”

There was no shame in the admission—only cold, hard reality.

“We have two options,” she continued, her voice steady. “We can keep searching for Orochimaru and his apprentice, Kabuto, and kill them before they can complete the Edo Tensei. Or—we seal Madara away. I have been working on something that might be able to trap both him and Black Zetsu.”

“The sacrifice needed to power such a seal is enormous. If we’re sealing two beings, I’ll need every ounce of chakra I have.” Her fingers curled around the edge of the table. “But if it’s not enough… I’ll need someone to die with me.”

The words hung in the air like a death sentence.

Obito sighed and raised his hand. “I’ll do it.” His voice was calm, almost nonchalant. “If you don’t make it, I’ll finish it. It makes sense that it’s me.”

Mitsuha nodded solemnly, meeting his gaze. There was no argument, no protest. Just understanding.

Her attention shifted to Nagato and Konan. “Our communication with Jiraiya has helped us stay ahead of them so far. I’ve already asked him to assist with stabilizing Ame. Once this is over, you’ll have a chance to rebuild.” Her voice softened slightly. “I have high hopes for Rain.”

Nagato smiled faintly, his Rinnegan glinting in the dim light.

“For peace.”

Mitsuha nodded.

“For peace.”

The hideout was quiet, save for the distant sound of dripping water echoing through the tunnels.

Obito knew where to find her. He always did.

Mitsuha was curled up in her usual corner, wrapped tightly in her cloak, as if it were the only thing holding her together. Her breathing was steady—too steady, too controlled. She wasn’t asleep. She never really was.

He didn’t announce his presence. He never did.

He sat down beside her without a word, pressing his body against hers, letting his warmth seep into her ice-cold skin. She didn’t react.

He hated that.

He hated how she was here, but not here. How she existed in this space but didn’t live in it.

For a long moment, neither of them spoke.

Then, he leaned in, brushing his nose against the crook of her neck, inhaling the faint traces of rain and ozone and something distinctly her.

Alive.

A reminder that despite everything, she was still here.

He let his lips ghost over her pulse point, feeling the faint thrum of her heartbeat beneath his touch before nipping lightly at the delicate skin. She shivered.

Mitsuha stirred, her body shifting toward him as though drawn by some invisible force. And when she turned to face him, he didn’t hesitate.

He caught her lips with his, swallowing whatever words might have formed in the space between them.

“…Obito.”

His name came out as a whisper, fragile and uncertain, like she wasn’t sure she was allowed to say it. He sighed against her skin, the warmth of his breath causing her to shiver again.

“It’s okay,” he murmured, voice barely more than a breath. “I’m here.”

She swallowed hard, her fingers twitching against his cloak before curling into the fabric. “You won’t go?”

His jaw clenched. No, he wouldn’t. He couldn’t. He had seen what she went through. He had felt what broke her. His pain was nothing compared to that. He wanted to be here beside her. Because she was so gone. She was still walking, still breathing, still fighting—but it wasn’t because she wanted to live. It was because she had one last thing left to do.

She wasn’t running from death. She was walking toward it, arms wide open.

And for just a second—a single second—he thought about putting her under the Tsukuyomi again.

She was happy there. Had felt it, the way her heart had been light, the way she had let go of her pain, if only for a little while.

It would be so easy.

A blink, a whisper of chakra, and she wouldn’t have to suffer anymore. She wouldn’t have to carry the weight of a world that never deserved her in the first place.

But he wouldn’t.

Not now.

Not after everything.

Not after she had given him her trust, after she had let him see parts of her no one else ever had, not even Kakashi.

It wasn’t love. It never would be for she was Kakashi’s and he was Rin’s.

He tightened his grip on her waist, grounding her, anchoring her.

“I won’t go,” he promised, voice rough.

She sighed, a small, tired exhale, and that was enough permission for him to pull her closer and push her down on to the cold cave surface. Doesn’t matter, she will be warm soon enough, he thought as he let himself get lost in her.

It wasn’t gentle. It wasn’t soft. It wasn’t love.

It was desperation.

It was him carving himself into her body, pressing his existence into hers, grounding her—anchoring her—because if he didn’t, she would slip away.

And for a moment he let himself pretend it was enough.

But it wasn’t. Because she was already gone.

And nothing he did could bring her back.

Obito knew how this would end.

Kakashi would never get to have her, not really. Mitsuha would never get the chance to be happy. Not in this life.  So Obito sighed into her lips, his frustration curling deep in his chest, burning, aching—useless.

And he let it go.

Because Mitsuha had already decided her fate.

And no matter how much he wanted to, he couldn’t save her.

Not when she had already chosen to die.

Chapter Text

Who am I? Someone meddling with the flow of time? Or a child desperate to feel the love of her village again? What right do I have to rewrite future according to my whims and wishes? Why do I deserve this more that someone like Gai?

Mitsuha looked at herself in the reflection in the mirror. She could hardly recognize herself. She huffed in amusement, she looked like her Papa had the last few years of his life, draining away. She knew she was dying; it wasn’t that hard to tell.

Even if she couldn’t see it, she felt it in every part of her. The way her chakra slipped her sometimes, the way her vision started clouding in the corner of her eyes, the way her seals eroded faster than usual, the way Obito looked at her now.

Who could have predicted that heartbreak was the thing that would be the cause of her death?

Typical, like every Uchiha…Withering away…

She ran her fingers through her hair, frowning at the mess. It used to be so vibrant, so full of life and was her pride and joy when she came back in time. Now, it was just dull strands that reminded her of the war that tore everything. I need some conditioner, she thought absently, her mind wandering. She couldn’t afford to look like the broken shell she was when they met Jiraiya.

Her gaze shifted over to Obito, lounging on the bed with a magazine he had probably picked up out of sheer boredom. His touch was softer, like he was afraid to break her. He was gentle in a way he never had been before, and it felt... wrong. She wasn’t sure if she hated it or clung to it like a lifeline. He was there for her beck and call, refusing to go back to Konoha, determined to see her through the end.

It was comforting in a way, the one man she despised for weakness, was her pillar of strength.

Her legs moved instinctively, and before she knew it, she was crawling onto the bed beside him. He didn’t flinch as she collapsed against his chest, immediately wrapping an arm around her in that way that had become his signature. It was warm. Too warm, especially considering the chill that had settled into her bones.

“Obito,” she whispered, voice barely a breath against his skin. He looked down at her, his expression softening, a raised eyebrow questioning her tone.

“Can I bother you to pick up a couple of things from the shop?” She asked him in a whisper. His hand brushed through her hair, soothing her without a word. He sat up with Mitsuha curled in his lap and tilted his head, studying her. “What do you need?”

“Shampoo, maybe conditioner... and makeup, if it’s available.” Her voice was soft, almost embarrassed, but she didn’t care enough to hide it. She felt weak and he was the one person who she could be herself with. Because he felt everything she had ever felt.

Once upon a time, it was Kakashi who she clung to…She felt disguised to use Obito like this.

From one broken man to another…pathetic…She was disgusting…

There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes, but he didn’t question it. She never asked for anything. If he thought why she needed to look presentable to meet Jiraya, he didn’t say anything.

“I’ll get it,” he said, a soft kiss pressed to her forehead before he stood up and grabbed his cloak.

“You stay here. Soak in the tub, yeah? I’ll grab whatever else you need, too. Clothes, maybe? Your stuff’s looking pretty worn out. I would offer mine but they are also of the same condition…”

She smiled weakly. "Whatever you think I need, Obito. I trust you..."

He froze for a moment, blinking at her. Trust—it was the first time she had said it so plainly. There had been so many unspoken things between them, things that neither of them had dared to name. But in that moment, it was the most real thing she had ever said.

He put on his cloak, the one he had discarded after leaving the Akatsuki. “I’ll be right back,” he murmured, and with a final look, he left the room.

He left the room, and Mitsuha was left alone with her thoughts. Zetsu is still out there, avoiding their every move. They still haven’t located Orochimaru either. Mitsuha could go back to Konoha and try to use Sasuke’s curse mark to pull him out but she can’t face them. They are better off without me. Well, if push comes to shove, she will pass a message to Itachi to draw out the snake and she is confident he can take care of Orochimaru.

Sighing, she sat up, unwrapping the dirty bandages from her limbs. They were grimy, stained with days of blood and grime. Everything about her screamed dirty and it didn’t matter how many times she washed herself and what she wore, they were always dirty and smelled of blood. Gai…

She shed her clothes without hesitation, leaving them behind in a heap on the floor, knowing Obito would burn them later. There was no need to keep them. The moment she stepped into the tub, it was like the world slipped away, the warmth enveloping her like a fleeting moment of peace.

She sank down into the water, her breath slowing. Just a moment, she told herself. Just a moment, and I’ll forget.

It’s been so long…Mitsuha had been alone for a long time but this world…it has rewritten her. She missed the kids. So much. It’s better for them, to be away from them. She missed the sounds, the touches, the chakra, the warmth…

Warm…but Gai’s body wasn’t warm. It was cold. It was lifeless. It was soaked in blood. He wouldn’t wake up no matter how much she shook him. So much blood.

No—no, not now

Her heart began to pound like a drum in her chest. Her ribs tightened, like her lungs were being crushed from the inside. She grabbed the edges of the tub, fingers white-knuckled, trembling.

She couldn’t breathe.

Get out. Get out. Get—

Her lungs burned. No. Her mind raced as the water raced into her chest. She gasped, tried to expel the water, but it was too much. She couldn’t breathe.

Everything started to spin. Her vision blurred. I can’t—

The door crashed open, and Obito’s voice cut through her panic.

“Mitsuha!”

She gasped, choking on water, and he was there, pulling her from the tub with frightening speed. His hands shook as he wrapped her in a blanket, holding her against him. His heart was thudding against her ear, and he was muttering incoherent words, too frantic to make sense.

She was shaking, but for the first time in what felt like forever, she felt something real—something raw. She wanted to die…It felt good to die…

It felt so free…

Obito held her tighter, pressing her against his chest, desperation echoing in his voice.

“Don’t do that,” he said, his voice breaking, his hands trembling as they ran over her arms, rubbing warmth into her skin. “You can’t just... you can’t.”

She let out a shuddering breath, sinking into his touch. He’s right, no matter how right it felt, I can’t die like this. Not now.

I don’t deserve to die so easily…

Obito pulled back slightly, hands cupping her face as he forced her to look at him. His eyes were wild with fear, frustration, and something deeper she couldn’t place. She closed her eyes, leaning into his touch. I don’t want to be saved.

But Obito wouldn’t give up on her. He wouldn’t let her slip away. Not while there was still air in her lungs, not while there was still a shred of something worth holding onto.

For him, she’ll try…

“I don’t know how much longer I can fight,” she whispered, feeling exhausted and wanting to just close her eyes and sleep. She was so tired and cold…

Obito’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists. But he didn’t let go. He wasn’t going to let her go. “Then don’t. Let me fight for you, use me however you need.”

His arms tightened around her, pulling her closer, as if he could hold her together, keep her from completely falling apart. And for a moment, Mitsuha let herself lean into him. Maybe it was the only thing holding her together right now. She was so comfortable that she almost missed his whisper.

“I won’t let you die alone.”

Obito had always known Mitsuha was a master of deception. She had to be. A woman shaped by war, molded by secrets, and honed into a sharp blade. But even knowing that, watching her now, it was unsettling.

She looked nothing like the shaken, panicked mess he had to save from drowning, a couple hours ago. But the woman sitting before him now? She was exactly what the bingo book said she was. Fierce. Calculating. Powerful. Her red hair, which used to be tangled and limp from neglect, gleamed under the dim lighting of the bar, her dark circles masterfully concealed with strokes of ink and foundation. If he hadn’t been the one to witness her breakdown, he might have believed this illusion. It was terrifying how effortlessly she could become someone else.

Obito sighed and leaned against the wall as Mitsuha scanned the bar, her sharp eyes landing on their target. Jiraiya sat in a dark corner, a blonde woman draped across his lap, whispering sweet nonsense into his ear. Pervert!

He glanced at Mitsuha, expecting irritation, but she was already striding forward, unbothered. The Uchiha followed her like her loyal guard dog and stood behind her.

Jiraiya noticed them almost immediately. His easy smirk faltered as his gaze flickered to his scarred face, wary and distrusting. Good. He should be. The only reason Obito was even tolerated in this fragile alliance was because of the woman who now confidently slid into the seat opposite Jiraiya.

He whispered something to the blonde woman who giggled and blushed before slipping away, leaving them alone. Jiraiya poured himself another drink before speaking.

“Well, Red. Fancy meeting you here after months of being pen pals. What have you got for me?”

Mitsuha reached for a cup left behind by a waitress, took a slow sip, and sighed. “All bodies that were used in my time have been sealed. Well—except for one.” Her fingers traced the rim of the cup. “Madara’s.”

Obito stilled, but Mitsuha didn’t look at him.

Jiraiya exhaled sharply, his easy demeanor slipping.

“I’m certain we’ll be facing him sooner or later,” she continued, voice eerily calm. “But I need more information on Orochimaru’s hideouts.”

Jiraiya downed his sake in one gulp and refilled both their cups. “That’s the problem. Sensei has ANBU teams searching, but it’s like they’ve vanished. No trails, no whispers. Nothing.”

Mitsuha motioned for Obito to sit. He resisted, standing firm, but she gave him a look, and with a quiet sigh, he relented, settling beside her. If Jiraiya so much as breathed wrong, he’d kamui her out in a heartbeat.

She tapped her fingers against the table, deep in thought. “Is it possible they’re using seals to hide? Kiri? Ame?”

Obito shook his head. “No chance. Terumi Mei has Zabuza is in charge of Kiri’s security, and that man’s paranoia puts Madara’s to shame. If Orochimaru was there, he’d have gutted him by now. And Ame? I’ve checked the hideouts we’ve used before. They’re all abandoned. Besides, Nagato would know the second something happens there.”

Jiraiya chimed in, “I even checked with the toads. Nothing unusual so far.”

Mitsuha leaned back, lips pursed in thought. “What about Iwa?”

Jiraiya frowned. “Iwa’s been unusually quiet. But remember, Onoki doesn’t take well to trespassers. Orochimaru has a kill on sight order in Iwa, so he wouldn’t risk it.”

“Kusa?” Obito offered, half-heartedly.

“Too exposed,” Mitsuha murmured. “Sandaime sama has eyes on Kusa for a while. He would know.”

She stared at her cup for a long moment, thinking. Obito watched her work through the puzzle silently. Then—

“…Uzushio,” she said quietly.

Obito blinked. “What?”

Even Jiraiya looked confused. “Uzushio? That place is nothing but ruins now.”

She leaned forward, voice low and steady. “Exactly. That’s what makes it perfect. It’s isolated. Forgotten. Cloaked in seals powerful enough to keep even the best sensors blind. And it’s defensible.”

“But he can’t access it,” Jiraiya said. “He’s not Uzumaki. The island rejects outsiders unless they’re clan.” Mitsuha let out a sharp breath and smacked her forehead. “How could I miss this? I’m such a goddamn idiot.”

Jiraiya and Obito exchanged glances.

She continued, voice tight with frustration. “There’s one loophole,” Mitsuha muttered, her voice tightening. “One non-Uzumaki allowed to pass through its defenses, centuries ago. When Mito Uzumaki married Hashirama Senju, the clan gave him access. Full access.”

Obito felt his stomach drop. The realization hit him like a kunai to the chest.

“Hashirama,” he muttered.

Mitsuha nodded.

Jiraiya paled. “That’s impossible. The Shodai’s body is locked away, heavily guarded.”

Mitsuha gave a humorless laugh. “You’re right. They don’t have his body.” She gestured to Obito. “But they have his DNA.”

Jiraiya’s breath hitched.

“Madara bit Hashirama during their final battle,” Mitsuha murmured. “That’s how he survived. That’s how he experimented with the cells.” She let her hand fall to the table, clenching her cup. “And that’s how White Zetsu was created.”

Jiraiya looked sick. “So if Orochimaru is there…”

“Then he has access to everything,” she whispered. “Every seal. Every scroll. Every single secret the Uzumaki ever locked away.” Mitsuha ran a hand through her hair and huffed, frustration visible to naked eyes.

“Including the time travel seal.” Her grip on the cup tightened before she downed it in one motion. “And I don’t like the implications of that.”

Jiraiya stood abruptly. “I need to inform the Hokage. Are you leaving for Uzushio?”

Mitsuha nodded, already rising. “We’ll rest for now and head out in three days. We should be able to gather everyone by then.”

“The Hokage will want to send a team.”

Mitsuha let out a cold laugh. “Let me guess—he will want to send Kakashi.”

Jiraiya frowned. “He’s the best Konoha has to offer.”

“I don’t care.” Her voice was sharp, final. “He can’t be there. He’ll get in the way.”

The Toad Sage sighed. “Mitsuha, he can help you.”

She looked away. “No. I have my team. If the Hokage insists, I’d rather take you and Tsunade. Maybe Itachi. No one else.”

She didn’t wait for an answer, grabbing Obito’s arm and shunshining them back to their room.

The moment they landed, she was moving—grabbing supplies, sealing weapons, but her hands trembled with each motion.

Her hands shook as she reached for her travel scrolls, trying to focus, trying to do something. She needed to prepare. She needed to move. But her fingers fumbled, dropping the scrolls onto the floor.

Her breath quickened.

She clenched her jaw, bent down, and picked them up again, only for her hands to betray her once more. The scroll slipped from her grip, rolling uselessly across the room.

Something just snapped.

With a frustrated cry, she grabbed another scroll and threw it with all her strength. It smacked against the wall before falling to the ground, just as useless as the first. She stood there, her breath ragged, her chest rising and falling too fast—too uneven. Then she slumped down onto the floor, hands covering her face, her entire body trembling.

Obito was beside her in an instant. He had expected this, had felt it coming the moment they left the bar. 

“I’m not even worried about Madara and Zetsu,” she whispered, voice cracking. “They can’t do shit without the bijuu, and I have plans to deal with them. I’m confident there.”

She took a sharp breath, But Orochimaru… he’s different. He’s not the man I knew. He’s clever. Reckless. If he gets the time travel seal, he’ll use it. He won’t care what happens. Everything we sacrificed—everything we’ve done—will be undone.”

She let out a choked sob, and it hit him like a kunai to the chest.

“The one thing I am supposed to do and I couldn’t even do that. Why didn’t I destroy that seal the moment I came here, damn it!” Her voice was hoarse, shaking with grief. “God, I keep failing at every step, is the future not meant to be altered? Am I destined to fail?”

Her voice broke at the last word, and she curled in on herself further.

Obito pulled her up in his arms and carried her to the bed, all the while the girl kept hitting his chest and trying to move away from him. The harder she struggled, the stronger he held on to her.

“I can’t save the people of present and I can’t save the ones from past. What the fuck am I here for? Why did my people die for me to just watch another version of them perish thanks to me?” She yelled into his chest, holding onto his shirt with trembling hands.

"I am so tired Obito. I just want to give up, nothing I do makes any difference. I haven't changed anything. It's just one after the other and I am so tired." She whispered, closing her eyes and leaning on him.

Obito moved without thinking. He pressed his forehead against hers. She shuddered at the touch, her body tense, but she didn’t push him away.

“You’re wrong,” he murmured, voice low, steady.

She let out a sharp, bitter laugh, muffled against his chest. “No, I’m not—”

He silenced her with a kiss.

Firm. Unyielding. A claim, a reassurance. She stiffened, caught off guard, but he didn’t let her retreat into that dark place she so often buried herself in.

“Obito, now is not the time—”

He kissed her again, softer this time, brushing against her lips like a whisper. “You saved Itachi.” A kiss to her forehead.

“You saved Konan.” Another to her left eye.

“You saved Nagato.” Her right.

“You saved me.” His lips found hers once more, lingering this time, pouring everything he couldn’t say into the warmth of her mouth.

She made a soft sound—something between a sob and a breath—and pulled him closer, burying her face in his neck.

His fingers traced the edges of her collar, unbuttoning her top as he kissed the curve of her neck. “You made sure Naruto and Sasuke were loved.” He pressed his lips to the delicate skin just above her collarbone. “You changed their future.” 

Mitsuha shuddered under his touch, her fingers gripping his hair, grounding herself. He didn’t mind, she can take whatever she needed.

He kissed her again, lingering, and this time she kissed him back, desperately, like she needed it to breathe. His hand found hers, guiding it to his chest.

“You made Sakura extraordinary,” he whispered, voice rough with something too raw to name.

She let out a shaky breath, her fingers tightening. “I—”

“You saved the Sandaime,” he interrupted, mouth ghosting over her skin, trailing downward. “Yagura. Asuma. Jiraiya. And so many more. And you are capable of saving many more, you’re so strong and smart. You will solve this, I know you will, I am so so sure…”

Her breath hitched, tears flooding and flowing freely as his lips moved lower, tracing every scar she bore, as if kissing them could redeem the past. As if worshipping her now would erase everything she had ever been through.

He looked up at her and nodded, slow and sure. “You’re not alone in this. You never were. I’ll follow you anywhere. Fight for you. Kill for you. Die for you.”

She let out a choked, laugh-sob. “God, you’re such a drama queen.”

“Only for you,” he murmured with a smirk, finally allowing a sliver of humor in.

“You don’t have to carry the weight of saving everyone,” he said, voice low, steady. “No one should ask that of you. And if they do? They’re cowards looking for someone to blame.”

She inhaled sharply, eyes flickering open. She knew exactly who he meant.

It was the first time that Obito had made his opinion known. Kakashi fucked up and he wasn’t afraid to call him out on that. Afterall, that was their whole dynamic before Obito went bat shit insane.

Obito smirked against her stomach, his hands working her pants down. “Besides, if anyone has complaints, we could always throw them into the Infinite Tsukuyomi and let them deal with that.”

That finally earned him a real laugh—wet and raw, but a laugh nonetheless.

He leaned in again, waiting—for her to stop him, to speak, to shift away.

Instead, she whispered, “Don’t stop. Not tonight.”

That was all he needed.

Tomorrow is a problem for tomorrow.

Tonight, he’d give her all the peace she’d never been allowed to have.

Chapter Text

The rain had stopped just a few hours ago, but the ground around the Memorial Stone was still damp. The three of them stood there, silent, the scent of wet earth thick in the air. It was a custom these days, to drop by here every evening for a couple of minutes even when they are busy with lives. Even though they see each other at their home, the kids felt like the ritual was needed.

It had been eight months.

Eight months since they were told that Mitsuha was dead.

Eight months since they had lost her.

Naruto ran a hand through his messy blond hair, sighing as he stared at the name etched into the stone. His thumb traced over the cold engraving; the lifeless feeling so different from what he remembered of his cousin.

“She’s can't be dead,” he muttered. His voice wasn’t loud, but it didn’t make it any less certain of the blonde’s conviction.

Sasuke turned to look at him, his dark eyes unreadable, while Sakura only tightened her fists by her sides.

Naruto let out a dry, humorless laugh, rubbing his hand over his face. “I know, I know—it sounds stupid. But I can’t help it. Every time I turn a corner, I feel like I’m gonna see her, y’know? Like she’s just late, like she got caught up in some stupid mission or got lost because she gets lost in thoughts…” His throat tightened. “But she's never there....”

Sasuke shifted slightly, crossing his arms over his chest. His face unreadable, but the tension in his posture spoke volumes.

“And Kakashi-sensei…” Naruto shook his head, frustrated. “I barely see him anymore. He’s drowning himself in ANBU missions, and no one listens to me when I say it’s gonna kill him.” He clenched his fists, his nails biting into his palms. “I tried telling Tsunade-baa-chan. I tried telling Jiji. I even summoned the ninkin and asked, but all Pakkun said was that Kakashi doesn’t want to be found.”

Sasuke exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening. “I know.” His voice was low, edged with exhaustion. “Every time he comes back, Tsunade-sama tears him apart. He listens, nods, apologizes—and then he does it again. He comes home covered in wounds, lets her heal him, and just… smiles at me when I tell him he’s being an idiot.”

His fingers curled against his sleeves; his grip white-knuckled. “He’s going to die like this.” He ran a hand through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh. “I would do anything to bring her back.”

Sakura flinched at the rawness in his voice.

Naruto turned to her then, searching for something in her expression. “You’re quiet, Sakura-chan.”

Sakura chewed on her bottom lip, hesitant, before she spoke.

“She’s not dead,” she admitted.

Both boys turned to her, stunned.

Sasuke narrowed his eyes. “You sound certain.”

She nodded, frowning as she crossed her arms. “There’s something… wrong about all of this.” She glanced at them both before continuing, her voice firmer now. “The bears haven’t said a word.”

Naruto blinked. “Huh?”

“If Mitsuha was truly dead, they would have passed the summoning contract to me. I am her successor. But they didn’t. They refuse to talk about it. They just…” She shook her head. “They just act like nothing happened.”

Sasuke’s expression darkened.

“So you’re saying—”

“She’s alive,” Sakura said, her voice unwavering. “She has to be.”

Naruto’s breath hitched, his eyes flickering with cautious hope. “Then why hasn’t she come back?”

“I don’t know,” Sakura admitted, frustration bleeding into her tone. “But I refuse to believe she’s gone.”

A rustle.

Sasuke’s head snapped up, Sharingan flaring to life. Naruto stiffened, while Sakura instinctively took a step back.

From the shadows, a figure emerged. One side dark as the night sky, the other pale with a grin too wide to be anything but unsettling. The Akatsuki coat it wore immediately caught their attention.

Naruto’s gut twisted.

“What the hell—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, no need to get all stabby!” the pale one sang, waving his hands dramatically. “We come in peace! Honest!”

Sasuke didn’t lower his guard. “Sure, I trust Akatsuki like I trust Orochimaru. Who the hell are you and what do you want?”

The black half spoke this time, voice cold and devoid of emotion. “Zetsu. And yes, while we used to belong to the Akatsuki, the group is currently indisposed and we are acting of our own violation.”

Naruto narrowed his eyes. “Sure, and Uchiha Madara is my best friend. What do you want?”

Zetsu—the white half—tilted his head, smiling. “Oh, not much. Just thought you youngens should know something interesting.”

Sakura’s fingers twitched backwards, inching for her Gunbai. “Spit it out.”

Black Zetsu’s gaze settled on them, calculating. Then, in a voice as calm as if he were discussing the weather, he said:

“We know where Mitsuha is.”

Naruto was the first to break the silence. “How do you know that?” he demanded, voice sharp, almost desperate.

White Zetsu giggled. “Because she’s so loud. Really, you’d think a missing-nin would know how to be quiet. But nope! Stomping around, yelling at people—killing people like her life depends on it!”

Naruto’s stomach twisted.

Sasuke stepped forward, his Sharingan spinning dangerously. “Where is she?”

“Ah-ah,” White Zetsu waggled a finger. “Not so fast! We’re offering information, not giving it away for free.”

Sakura took a shaky breath. “Wait.” She looked at her teammates before turning back to Zetsu. “This is the Akatsuki that’s offering the information. If Mitsuha’s alive like the guy says, we need to contact Kakashi-sensei.”

At that, Black Zetsu let out a low, mocking chuckle. “Your sensei?” He shook his head. “No. He won’t help you.”

Sasuke’s jaw clenched. “And why is that?”

Black Zetsu’s gaze was sharp. “Because they don’t want to see each other.”

Naruto flinched. “That’s—”

“It’s true!” White Zetsu sang, almost gleeful. “They fought before she left, y’know? Big, big fight! Very dramatic. Not exactly besties right now.”

The kids paused. The fight had been common talk at the village for a while. People whispering about both the red head and copy nin in a know it all voice.

Friend killer, cold blooded, ruthless...

Assassin, dangerous, missing nin...

It had pissed them to no extend and Kakashi just looked away when they asked him about it.

Naruto looked at Sasuke and Sakura, a storm brewing in his eyes.

Sasuke’s lips thinned. Naruto was going to follow the strange thing regardless of what he said. It's better to tackle this together than let him rush like an idiot. He exhaled slowly, deliberately, before looking at Zetsu. “Tell me where she is.”

White Zetsu’s grin widened. “Now that I can do. But only if you three come with me. No sensei, no backup.”

Sakura hesitated. “Wait. If Mitsuha really is alive, we should at least let someone know—”

Black Zetsu’s expression hardened. “You can come with us or we leave now. We are not offering anything else. We can take you to her or not, your call.”

Sasuke closed his eyes for a long moment. When he opened them again, he nodded to Naruto.

“We’re going.”

Sakura looked conflicted but nodded. Naruto swallowed thickly, his fingers curling into fists before he gave a firm nod to Zetsu.

White Zetsu clapped his hands. “Ooh, this is gonna be fun!”

With that, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving only his voice behind.

“Come on then, little chicks. Let’s go find your lost mother hen.”

And just like that, the three of them followed.

The air was thick with tension, the kind that pressed against Mitsuha’s chest and refused to let her breathe properly. Something was wrong. Something was terribly wrong. She could feel it in the way her chakra stirred, restless and uneasy, like a storm waiting to break.

She double-checked her weapons, traced her fingers over the seals etched into her skin, and took a slow, deep breath. She was prepared.

Then why did she have a feeling that something was wrong?

She glanced at Obito, who leaned lazily against a tree, sharpening his kunai. Obito had donned his mask and Akatsuki cloak once more for this mission. She herself was wearing a spare one he offered. Afterall, this was the reason the group was established in the first place – to bring forth peace amongst the shinobi nations.

Mitsuha’s heartbeat pounded like war drums in her chest. Eighteen years. Eighteen years of bloodshed, sacrifice, and relentless battles—all leading to this moment.

Her hands were unsteady as she unsealed the binding scroll, but she forced herself to check it one last time, her eyes scanning the intricate seals burned into the parchment. A replica of the sun and moon seal—the one etched on her parents' palms—the best she could create with her own skill.

But no matter how precise her skills, it wasn’t the original. It lacked the divine permanence, the power of the Sage. Which meant it required everything she had. Every ounce of her chakra, every last drop of her strength.

She exhaled slowly, pushing fear to the back of her mind. It was a little too late to be afraid of death.

Her gaze flickered to Obito.

He had volunteered himself to be the extra chakra source, walked into this with full knowledge of what it could cost him.

Her lips parted in a silent prayer, her fingers clenching around the scroll.

Please. Please let him live.

She wanted to give him back to Kakashi. To let them heal, to let them mourn, to let them have a future.

Because Mitsuha is the only anomaly in this world. She was the piece that never should have existed in this time, the one loose thread that had altered fate. If someone had to be sacrificed—

Let it be only me.

Her throat tightened, but she shut her eyes, pressing her forehead briefly against the scroll.

Tou-chan, please.

Please give me enough chakra to seal them away.

Please let me be the only casualty.

Something was coming.

Confused, she motioned for Obito to hide because that chakra is not supposed to be here. Mitsuha turned her head sharply as a blur of brown fur bolted into the clearing.

Pakkun.

The little pug skidded to a stop, panting heavily, his beady eyes flickering between her and the masked Obito before narrowing in sheer confusion.

“Mitsuha?” Pakkun’s voice was relieved, like he wasn’t expecting to actually find her here.

That hesitation lasted only a moment before Kakashi burst into the clearing after him, his Sharingan blazing, his breathing ragged like he’d been running nonstop for hours. Mitsuha barely had time to react before he was in front of her, hands gripping her shoulders so tightly she winced.

“Mitsuha…” Kakashi’s voice was hoarse, broken, and before she could ask him what the hell was going on, he pulled her forward, burying his face in her shoulder.

“I can’t find them,” he whispered, voice shaking. “I can’t find the kids, Mitsuha. Help me.”

She froze. The world tilted.

Her stomach twisted violently as her mind blanked, refusing to process what he had just said.

“What do you mean?” Her voice was eerily calm, but her nails dug into Kakashi’s wrists as she pushed him back to meet his eyes.

“They’re missing,” he rasped, barely able to get the words out. “Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura—they’ve been gone for two days. No trails, no signs, nothing. It’s like they vanished.”

No. No. No. No. No. No.

The words rang in her head like a drum, each beat striking harder, faster, louder—

Gone? They were gone?

That wasn’t part of the plan. They were supposed to be safe.

She was dimly aware of the sound of her own breath quickening, too fast, too uneven, her hands shaking violently—

“MITSUHA!”

The sharp sting of impact snapped her out of it.

Her cheek throbbed where Obito had slapped her.

She blinked, unfocused, before realizing that her knees had buckled and she was barely standing. Obito took off his mask, his hand glowing with soft healing chakra as he touched her face.

Breathe,” he ordered, voice stern but not unkind. “You were spiralling.”

From beside them, Kakashi made a strangled noise. “...Obito?”

Obito didn’t even glance at him. “Later,” he muttered before turning back to Mitsuha. “You okay?”

She wasn’t. Not even remotely. But she shoved it all down, deep into the pit of her stomach where it couldn’t reach her right now. She had more important things to focus on.

“How?” Her voice was ice. “How can three kids just vanish from Konoha?”

Pakkun answered this time, stepping forward cautiously. “They were at the memorial stone. Like usual. We tracked them from there to the Fire Country border… but after that…” His ears flattened against his head. “Nothing. No scents, no tracks. It’s like they disappeared into thin air.”

Mitsuha’s fingers twitched. That made no sense.

“There was one thing,” Pakkun added, his nose wrinkling. “Near the last place we caught their scent… there was something else. A scent like Konoha. But off.”

Mitsuha narrowed her eyes. “Off?”

“Like him,” the pug pointed at Obito.

Both Mitsuha and Obito stiffened.

A frustrated snarl ripped from his throat, and Mitsuha felt something cold settle over her bones.

She knew who had taken them.

Zetsu.

That rotting bastard wanted to make this personal?

Fine.

Mitsuha closed her eyes for a moment before opening them again, her Mangekyō spinning dangerously. Her lips curled, a wicked, almost manic smile stretching across her face.

“Oh?” Her voice was deceptively light. “So he wants to play that game, huh?”

Obito inhaled sharply. The look in her eyes was deadly.

“Mitsuha—”

“Stay here,” she ordered. “Meet up with Konan and Nagato. Follow the plan. I’ll collapse the barriers at Uzushio for you.”

“Mitsuha—”

“I said,” she interrupted, turning to face him fully, “stay here.”

Obito wanted to argue. He really did. But the woman in front of him wasn’t the Mitsuha who he had to hold together, afraid she might shatter any moment. This wasn’t the Mitsuha who was constantly wishing for death. No…

This was an Uchiha ready to burn the world.

Instead, he simply nodded.

Kakashi, however, was not so compliant.

“I’m coming with you,” he declared, stepping forward.

Mitsuha didn’t even glance at him. “No, you’re not.”

Kakashi’s chakra snapped.

“Fuck you.” His voice was a growl. “They’re my kids. You don’t get to tell me to sit this one out.”

Mitsuha whirled on him, her Sharingan blazing. “You’ll just get in the way. Go back to Konoha.”

“Like hell I will!” Kakashi stepped closer, their faces mere inches apart. “You’ve never seen a desperate Hatake, have you?” His voice dropped to a feral snarl. “If need be, I’ll tear both you and him apart with my teeth to get my kids back. Don’t stand in my way.”

Obito felt the burn in his own Sharingan in response to Kakashi’s anger. Suddenly, he understood why these two were pulled towards each other. Two forces of destruction, chakras tangling up with each other till there was a heavy crackling in the atmosphere. And the scarred man smiled when he realized that he was excited to get caught in between such dangerous forced and he wasn’t surprised to know that he relished in that feeling. Well, he never claimed he was all there in the head.

A slow, wicked grin spread across Obito’s face as he stepped forward. His own Sharingan flared in response to the hostility crackling between them.

“Oh?” he murmured. “Now this is getting interesting.”

Kakashi and Mitsuha both snapped their Sharingan toward him, their killing intent surging.

Obito just chuckled darkly, the Mangekyō spinning in his own eyes.

“Are you to done with your dick measuring competition?” he taunted. “Because as far as I can see, those bastards are still breathing.”

A vicious smile stretched across Mitsuha’s lips.

She turned back to Kakashi, eyes glinting dangerously.

“He’s right. And that pisses me off. Let’s see if you can keep up, Inu.”

Kakashi’s lips curled beneath his mask as lightning crackled around him.

“Try me, Red.”

Chapter Text

Kakashi could not help glancing at the woman who was running beside him. Her hair, wild but clean, stuck to her sweat-slicked face, but she made no move to brush it away. Her skin was pale, sickly, like she hadn't slept in weeks. Dark circles haunted her eyes, but she barely blinked. She looked so different…And it was all his fault.

“Mitsuha, I…”

“Don’t!” She whispered. To anyone else, she looked so strong. No anger. No fear. No hesitation. Just a singular, unwavering purpose. But he knew her better that she knew herself. At least he thinks so.

She was scared of him. He took a shaky breath, trying to ground himself. He wanted to beg—really beg—for forgiveness. To fall to his knees and plead with her to never leave again.

“Why do you smell like Obito?”

Instead comes out of his mouth. Kakashi nearly slapped himself. Really? That’s what you open with? Real smooth, Hatake.

Mitsuha glanced at him from the corner of her eye, unreadable. “I don’t know what you want me to say.”

He winced. Yeah. He deserved that.

“You could’ve said you missed me,” he muttered, half-heartedly, trying to lighten the air.

Someone wise once said that silence could speak a million words. He sneaked another glance at her and winced when he saw the heartbreak written so plainly on her face.

“I did,” she said after a beat, her voice clipped. “But missing someone doesn’t always mean that’s it’s a good feeling.”

That hit harder than any jutsu he’d ever taken to the chest. His temper surged, irrational and hot.

“I deserved to know,” he finally said, voice low and cracking. “You knew he was alive. All this time.”

Mitsuha’s jaw clenched. “I know.”

“That’s it?” Kakashi snapped, halting in his tracks. “That’s all you have to say?”

She stopped, just a few steps ahead of him, but didn’t turn around. “You weren’t ready.”

His chakra flared. “That wasn’t your decision to make!”

Her shoulders tensed. Her fingers twitched at her sides. “You think I didn’t want to tell you? That I didn’t try?!” she hissed, finally spinning to face him. “Every damn day I thought about it. But I knew what it would do to you. I knew it would break you.”

Kakashi’s eyes narrowed beneath his mask. “And what do you think it did to me when Gai died because you were too tired trying to fight all alone?!”

Mitsuha reeled like she’d been slapped. Her expression flickered—shock, pain, guilt—before she dropped her gaze to the ground. “Don’t you dare put that on me,” she whispered.

“You were the mission lead. You should have escaped the moment he came. You shouldn’t have fight. You were supposed to be smarter than that.”

“And you were supposed to be my friend!” she screamed, voice cracking like lightning. “But the moment it got hard, you threw me away. Just like that, no second thought—just disposable.” She looked down and whispered.

“You told me that it doesn’t matter what I was hiding, you’ll always be with me. You told me to never run from you again but when the time came, you were the one left me.”

Kakashi wanted to say something, but his throat closed up. There was nothing he could say that wouldn’t sound like another betrayal. He watched her, barely holding herself together, looking like the bones holding her up were grief and stubbornness alone.

“I know I messed up,” she breathed, eyes cast downward. “You were right to be angry about Obito. But Gai was my friend too, Kakashi. Don’t you dare think you’re the only one who grieves him.”

She swallowed hard. “You know what it’s like to hold your friend’s body for hours, just—just hoping for a miracle that never comes. Watching the life bleed out of someone who trusted you.”

The Sharingan flashed and she looked up, tears filling her eyes. “Every time I close my eyes, I see his lifeless body. I’m trying my best Kakashi, I’m really trying but it’s not enough.”

“I didn’t mean for things to get this bad,” he said quietly. Kakashi looked away, shame washing over him. “I was angry.”

“You were cruel.” Mitsuha turned and took a deep breath. “Let’s go.”

He closed his eye and bowed his head. He gritted his teeth. The silence between them stretched, broken by the steady tap of their jumps.

“Mitsuha… please look at me.”

She didn’t. “Keep your eyes ahead, Hatake. We’ve got a war to win.”

Naruto, Sasuke and Sakura looked at the man in front of them. The legendary traitor – the one who went neck to neck with the First Hokage. The man who made the nine tailed fox thrash in anger.

“Aren’t you supposed to be dead?” Naruto pointed at the tall man who looked at him like the blonde was a bug which he stepped on.

“As arrogant as I remember. Your clan were seal masters, Uzumaki. You tell me if death is the end.”

Orochimaru chuckled from where he stood behind the older Uchiha. “A convenient but impractical method. It’s from the same scroll that you learned Shadow clones from Naruto kun. It’s called Edo tensei. I would love to pick the brains of a young budding seal master to see how to improve it.”

Naruto bristled. “I ain’t helping you with shit, you snake-faced bastard!”

Saskue and Sakura moved to flank the blonde. Madara looked curiously at the gunbai that the pink haired girl was wielding, tilting his head, amused.

“You look ridiculous,” Madara said, voice like gravel. “Do you even know what that is?”

Sakura’s brow twitched. “Sakura…” Saskue warned even though he knew it was useless.

She charged, twisting her body and bringing the gunbai down in a sweeping arc. Madara met it with a kunai, the impact ringing. He danced back, dodging her next swing, then ducked low and went for her knees.

She blocked with the gunbai’s wide face and kicked out, forcing him back again.

“Not bad,” Madara said. “You’ve figured out how to use its weight.”

Sakura exhaled hard, then spun. She swung the fan sideways—a water dragon shot forward, slicing through the earth like a blade. Madara tilted his head, casually leaping over, landing beside Naruto who turned around with a rasengan blaring, hitting him in the chest.

The three sighed as the man was blasted backwards. Sasuke froze, his Sharingan letting him see the situation before his teammates.

“He’s healed, rasengan did nothing.” Naruto and Sakura looked at him horrified. Saskue cursed and quickly pulled signs for a fire style jutsu and attacked Madara with everything he got. When the smoke cleared, the three gasped. He vanished.

Sakura barely registered the blur before he was there—the kunai at her throat, his hand around her wrist, the gunbai torn from her grip. She gasped as he kicked her legs out from under her. She hit the ground hard, the breath knocked from her lungs.

The fan landed beside him. He picked it up almost reverently, spinning it once, testing the balance.

“You almost managed to scratch me,” he said. “Impressive.”

Sakura struggled to rise, one arm trembling. Madara crouched beside her.

“But this fan was never yours.”

And with one hand, he slammed her back to the ground, pinning her with ease.

“SAKURA!”

Madara’s cloak rippled as he blocked Naruto’s Rasengan with a flick of his gunbai, the resulting shockwave sending the blonde crashing into a jagged cliff.

“You children never learn.”

“Talk all you want, bastard,” Naruto growled, chakra crackling to life as nine tails power surged through him. “We’re gonna kick your ass.”

He didn’t expect Orochimaru appearing in front of him, his fingers covered in chakra and slammed it into his midsection and twisted. Naruto could feel the chakra draining from him as he pushed the snake away and panted, eyes wide, trying to figure out where the fox went.

Oi! Nine tails! Answer me!

“You’ll try,” Madara corrected, raising a hand. “And fail. But in the process, you may learn that everything you do is nothing but useless. So by all means… amuse me.”

Sasuke managed to block the first strike against him with his sword, but Madara’s counter shattered it and drove him into the dirt. Chidori crackling, Sasuke rushed the man, only for him to be thrown across and to land against his pink teammate.

Naruto gave up his efforts to try and contact the beast and followed up with a Rasengan, only for Madara to reflect it with his fan. The jutsu exploded in a flash of smoke and flame. “You rely too much on that jutsu,” Madara called out, stepping through the smoke like death given form. Naruto lunged, throwing a clone ahead to act as bait. It didn’t fool Madara. He impaled the clone mid-spin—and the real Naruto tackled him from above. With a flick of his fingers, Naruto was sent skidding across the ground, coughing blood.

Sasuke caught him and let the healing chakra flow through him. “Hold still!”

Madara turned his gaze to him. “Pathetic. Wasting your bloodline on healing. I see that this world has not taught you to stand and fight like an Uchiha.”

“I’m not wasting anything,” Sasuke said through gritted teeth. “I’m protecting what is mine.”

Naruto helped Sakura to her feet, whispering, “Don’t you dare die on us, Sakura.”

“Not planning to,” she grinned weakly, “but I think we pissed off Grampa Madara.”

Madara raised both hands. “Let’s end this farce.”

All three of them—Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura—lay broken, breathing but unmoving. Their clothes torn, faces bloodied, chakra nearly spent. Madara walked over calmly and sat cross-legged on Naruto’s stomach, using Sasuke and Sakura’s prone bodies like a royal cushion.

He stared at the horizon. “They should be here soon.”

Orochimaru licked his lips. “I can’t wait. An Uzumaki with the Sharingan, who would’ve thought such a perfect vessel existed. I want her body. No offense, Sasuke-kun.”

From where he was being used as a foot rest, Sasuke groaned, “She’ll burn you before you get close.”

Orochimaru grinned. “Delicious.”

Madara tapped his fingers idly on his knee, Sharingan spinning lazily as he waited. His mouth curled into a quiet, dark smile. “Quiet. It’s time that my wayward clan members started listening to their elder.”

The moment they landed in Uzushio, Kakashi felt it.

The last time they had been here, the island carried an aura of desolation but now, the barriers felt ominous. Mitsuha knelt down and placed a hand on the ground and sighed. He had forgotten that she was a sensor and a damn good one at that.

He waited silently until she rose, exhaling a slow breath. Her hand lifted to her hair, fingers combing through crimson strands with growing impatience.

“God—ugh!” she muttered, low and frustrated, yanking at the tangled mess until her knuckles went white.

Kakashi didn’t hesitate. He stepped behind her and gently caught her wrists, untangling her fingers from the red knots. Her body went stiff, but she didn’t pull away. He didn’t bother with the full mess—there wasn’t time—but he gathered the hair in his hands and twisted it into a simple bun, tying it off with practiced ease.

“There,” he said softly, stepping back. “Fixed.”

She didn’t respond. Her eyes stayed glued to the ground.

Kakashi bent slightly, trying to catch her gaze. When his eyes finally met her, he froze.

Blue. Shining. Brimming with tears... So pretty…

“Damn you, Hatake…” she whispered, voice cracking. “Why are you always trying to untangle my mess?”

She scrubbed her eyes with the heel of her hand, almost angrily. “I’m fine on my own.”

God. That hit harder than it should have.

She pulled away without waiting for a response, retrieving a scroll from the seal on her arm. She stared at it for a moment, then clipped it to her belt instead of returning it. Her fingers moved to the hilt of her sword, grip steady despite the storm in her eyes.

She nodded once to him.

It was time.

Chapter Text

They didn’t have to walk far.

It was Kakashi who noticed them first. He moved his hand in front of Mitsuha, blocking her path and nodded at the foliage. The smell, it doesn’t belong here, he whispered to her.

“Showtime,” Mitsuha murmured, slipping her sword out of its sheath. She flexed her fingers and cracked her neck.

From the shadows between the crumbling a red-brick wall, a figure emerged—one half bone white, the other half, a black mass.

“Well, well,” White Zetsu purred. “Look who finally made it. You guys were so late! The kiddies were getting scared that you wouldn’t make it. But we told them that you’ll come even if you have to move heaven and earth.”

The bicolor mass moved forward causing Kakashi to pull out a kunai and move to a defensive position. But Mitsuha just watched the creature stroll in front of her and smile widely.

“You got to cut them off before they get attached to their mommy, you know!” White Zetsu remarked with a giggle and swayed left and right like an excited child. Mitsuha glanced at the dark half who was silent throughout the exchange, simply smirking.

Mitsuha’s lip curled. “Big words for someone who’s been hiding under mommy’s skirt for a millennium.”

That wiped the smirk off both their faces.

“What did you say?” Black Zetsu growled, taking a step forward.

“You heard me,” Mitsuha said, tone cool but eyes burning. “You’re just a mommy’s boy. Whispering in people’s ears, pulling strings, hiding like a coward behind your mother’s power.”

White Zetsu blinked. “That’s… not very nice.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, voice rising. “Should I coddle the parasite who kickstarted wars and kidnapped kids just because he couldn’t get therapy?”

Black Zetsu hissed, chakra crackling. “What the hell are you implying?”

Mitsuha tilted her head, smirking coldly. “You know exactly what I’m implying.” She raised her sword and placed the sharp edge near the throat of the creature who didn’t move away from her. She laughed softly and spoke with clarity.

“After all, mommy dearest needs all the help she can get to get out of that prison now, doesn’t she?”

Black Zetsu froze with visible confusion on it’s face.

Then slowly—visibly—they began to tremble. “…How do you know all this?” White Zetsu asked, voice suddenly small.

But before anyone could answer, a sound sliced through the tension, a sharp, whistling crack.

FWHUMP.

A blur of motion, and then a gunbai cleaved through Zetsu, cutting it down the middle like rotten fruit. The pieces twitched, gurgling in shock as it looked at the perpetrator.

From behind them, Madara stepped into view, gunbai resting on one shoulder, his face composed in that maddeningly smug expression.

“Because,” he said, his gaze locking on Mitsuha, “you’ve already done this once before. Hasn’t he, my little niece?”

Mitsuha went still.

Completely still.

Then slowly, she lifted her head. Something passed through her—recognition, horror, clarity.

Then—she laughed.

A dry, bitter, exhausted sound that echoed through the ruins.

“Unbelievable,” she muttered, voice shaking. “You really can’t leave me alone, can you?”

Her Sharingan locked with his, burning red and full of venom.

“You fucking stalker.”

His eyes narrowed.

Then the world cracked.

BOOM.

Before Mitsuha could blink, a kick landed squarely in her gut. A blur. A shockwave. Her body crumpled inward, then flew—launched—across the ruins, shattering through stone and steel like a ragdoll. She crashed into a crumbling red torii gate and skidded across the ground, choking on dust and blood.

“MITSUHA!” Kakashi turned—too slow.

Madara was already in front of him.

A monstrous punch to the chest—and the world tilted. Kakashi’s breath was ripped from his lungs as his body slammed into the upper walls of a ruined shrine, stone crumbling under the force. He slumped to the ground, blood leaking from the corner of his mouth.

Silence fell.

Only the soft echo of Madara’s footsteps remained as he strolled forward, the very air seeming to bend away from him.

He knelt before Mitsuha, calm as ever, as if he hadn’t just sent her flying like a leaf in a hurricane.

She was coughing now, trying to rise, one hand gripping her side.

Madara reached out and fisted his hand in her hair, yanking her head up until their eyes met.

“You would do well,” he said, his voice low and cold, “to remember who you’re speaking to.”

His breath was hot against her face. His fingers curled tighter in her crimson hair.

“I am not one of your pathetic playmates. I am not some masked fool or petulant child.” His eyes bore into hers, the Sharingan glowing like twin curses.

“I am Madara Uchiha. And you will learn to respect your elders.”

Mitsuha panted, blood trickling down her temple, but a grin tugged at the corner of her lips looking at the ancient Uchiha who wore an annoyed expression on his face. They’ve been at it for a while, both her and Kakashi covered in wounds from head to toe, chakra exhaustion creeping in the copy nin’s case. He had thrown jutsu after jutsu at the man to halt him but nothing worked.

And yet, Mitsuha could feel it—that thrill rising in both of their chakras. Exhaustion and pain dulled the edges, but the fight, it sang to her.

He may have been powerful once, a god among shinobi, but where Madara had remained fossilized in time, she had grown. Learned. Evolved. And she had Kakashi by her side—unpredictable, relentless, brilliant.

She charged her sword with lightning chakra and nodded at Kakashi as she ran at Madara who raised his gunbai to block her.

“Too slow,” Madara muttered—and flung her into Kakashi.

They both tumbled, winded but recovering quickly. They shared a look, and Mitsuha wiped the blood away from her mouth.

Alright, no more holding back.

“That belongs to Sakura.” She mumbled as she recovered and slashed at him widely. Madara scoffed and threw a kick at her midriff causing her to shun shin away to block and watch as Kakashi took the lead, weaving a flurry of taijutsu strikes—duck, elbow, spinning kick, backhand. Madara blocked most, deflected others—but that’s when Mitsuha appeared behind him.

“Chidori!” Slamming the copy nin’s signature jutsu into the reanimated shinobi’s back, she let the lightning spread. Kakashi charged up the same attack and struck him in the chest. Mitsuha could feel his chakra mingling with her own, intertwining with each other as if it was always meant to be. It would’ve been poetic—if Madara hadn’t spun and kicked her straight in the face.

She hit the ground hard, stars bursting behind her eyes.

“Concussion. Yep. Definitely a concussion,” she muttered, blinking away the blur.

Across the field, Madara flung Kakashi into a crumbling wall. The hole in his chest began sealing up already, smoke and chakra swirling like a storm.

Of course he regenerates!

Thanks to the man severing the connection to Orochimaru, even finding and forcing the man to reverse the jutsu won’t do shit. Her Papa had told her how devastating the jutsu was during the war. It was both heartbreaking and impossibly difficult to beat. Thinking about Sasuke only resulted in a sharp pain in her chest.

No point in worrying about the kids, she reminded herself. Pakkun is tracking them. I just need to stay alive long enough to reach them.

Not the time to worry, she needs to be alive to get them out of here. Charging up her sword, she slashed at Madara’s back, the force sending the man stumbling forward. Madara grunted as the armor cracked—enough to stagger him.

“Move!” Kakashi yelled, grabbing Mitsuha and body flickering them both away as the man created a Susanoo arm and was about to swat them like flies. He slid them to a halt and Mitsuha quickly activated a barrier to protect them from the skeletal form.

Kakashi looked on helplessly as the arm kept striking the barrier. “Umm…What even is that thing? Like what kind of utter nonsense is that?”

“Uchiha powerups are crazy. I knew I should have exchanged eyes with Obito. Damn it!”

They barely managed to get away before the Susanoo arm shattered her barrier, sending a wave of chakra shockwaves through the debris-littered field. Mitsuha grit her teeth, wiping blood from her lips. "Fuck you and every damn Uchiha," she growled. "Doesn’t know the meaning of staying dead, the lot of you! Pricks! Why are you even fighting me, shouldn’t you be like taking revenge on Zetsu for betraying you or some shit!"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow at her. "I hope you don’t have some death wish, because I don't have the chakra left to carry your dramatic corpse back to Konoha, I’ll just toss you into the ocean, don’t test me!"

She snorted. “Oh shut up!”

Before Kakashi could retort, the Madara lunged forward—fast. Too fast.

The copy nin dodged right, Mitsuha rolled left, Kakashi sprang back into action, forming hand signs mid-air.

“Raikiri!”

His chakra crackled in his palm, lightning sizzling, and he blinked behind Madara in a blur. But Madara was already turning. The gunbai swung around like a hurricane wind and Kakashi barely managed to block it with a kunai—still, the force sent him skidding back, ribs rattling.

Mitsuha was already above Madara, her sword glowing red-hot from fire chakra this time. “Katon - Hidora no Jutsu!”

“Raiton - Raikou Hitofuki no Jutsu!” Kakashi roared and backed her up as they hit the man with everything they got. As they jumped back from the backlash, the two nin supporting each other.

Smoke. Fire. Crackling silence.

Then—movement. Madara walked forward, smiling as the skin on his face regenerated, bones realigning, flesh stitching back together like magic.

“Not bad,” he said, voice like gravel. “But you should know better, Mitsuha. I am beyond damage. Beyond death. Infinite chakra. You can’t win.”

He stepped—

—and froze.

Glowing kanji pulsed around his feet. The seal burned into the earth, encasing him in a dome of layered chakra.

“Fūinjutsu: Five Element Seal!” Mitsuha whispered, staggering against Kakashi.

The strain hit her all at once—blood from her nose, vision dimming. She was really running out of chakra now, scraping the bottom of the barrel.

Madara tested the seal. It held. For now.

He chuckled darkly. “You really are Naruto’s daughter.”

His voice dropped to a threat. “But you do realize… this won’t last. And when I break free, I’ll break every bone in your body.”

Mitsuha coughed, then grinned through bloodied teeth.

“No,” she said. “But it buys me time.”

After tying the man using chakra binding ropes and a stronger version of the seal, Mitsuha dropped to the ground and sat cross legged.

Madara laughed uncontrollably. “Unbelievable! You bring pride to the Uzumaki name, my little niece!”

She glanced to where Zetsu was impaled by Madara and to unsurprisingly he was missing. Mitsuha sighed, hunting the plant down should take priority even when Madara’s chakra was struggling with her own to break free. Looking at the ancient Uchiha, she sighed.

“Whatever gripe you have with me pales in comparison to what Zetsu plans. You and I both know that sealing him takes priority. Releasing Kaguya destroyed the world once.”

Madara smirked. “And why should that bother me? I tried my best to give you all a peaceful life only to be used and abused. Why should any of this bother me? I don’t care about this world or peace. I have realized that the world is of a better place without Shinobi. Which is exactly what Kaguya wants as well. So let her rise, let her use my body for all I care. If she fails, then I will crawl out of the underworld just like last time and finish off the job. You know that world well, my niece.”

Mitsuha didn’t bother correcting him.

“Kuchiyose!”

Yukimaru and Fubuki appeared in front of her, and Mitsuha was hit back with nostalgia when fully decked out in battled armor similar to how they fought in the war. Grabbing the tied-up Ancestor and heaving him onto Yukimaru, Mitsuha spoke in a soft voice.

“Everyone in the old world sacrificed their lives to bring me here. A lot of the people of this world worked so hard so that I could finally stop this cycle. And I am going to let any of their efforts go in vain. So, mark my words, Madara Uchiha- “

She looked at the old man, letting her Mangekyō take over. For a moment, all she saw was the remains of her world, the pain, the anger, the misery…She could feel her emotions boiling over.

“I will kill both you and Zetsu and I will ensure you stay dead even if I have to fight you for eternity in the afterlife.” Without another word, she turned around and walked towards the inner city of Uzushio, Kakashi following silently behind her. Time to hunt down the one who started it all.

Chapter Text

Naruto stared at the massive seal etched into the stone floor, his jaw tight, heart pounding in his chest. The intricate spiral of symbols glowed faintly with a crimson light, and as much as he wanted to punch a hole through the wall, he couldn't help but be… awed.

This was Uzumaki work—ancient, terrifying, and brilliant.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” he muttered under his breath.

A familiar, oily laugh echoed through the chamber.

“Fascinating, isn’t it?” Orochimaru purred, stepping into view with his arms spread wide like a maestro before an orchestra. “The Uzumaki clan—what a curious little anomaly in the shinobi world. Always dancing on the edge of the impossible.”

He trailed a clawed finger over the seal’s outer ring, watching the markings shimmer beneath his touch. “To think someone once designed a seal powerful enough to stop—and even reverse—the flow of time itself.” He sighed like a man admiring a lost masterpiece. “It’s almost poetic.”

Naruto’s fists clenched. “You’re insane if you think this is just some science project to mess around with.”

“Ah, but Naruto-kun,” Orochimaru cooed ignoring the boy’s comments, turning to him with serpentine grace, “the real masterpiece lies in its cost. No souls, no blood rituals… just chakra. And you three”—his eyes flicked to Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke with unsettling delight— “carry more than enough.”

Sakura took a sharp breath and leaned toward Naruto, her voice barely a whisper. “Hey… what the hell is this lunatic talking about?”

Naruto didn’t answer right away. His eyes hadn’t left the seal.

Because deep down… he recognized it.

The spiral in the centre. The overlapping loops. The triple boundary of containment and flow. It wasn’t the first time he had seen it. But the implications…

No, Mitsuha could not be a time traveller. That doesn’t make any sense.

But suddenly her strange knowledge, the slip-ups, her mastery of seals—it all clicked into place.

His breath caught.

“Orochimaru,” he growled, the words ripping from his throat, “you’re trying to rewrite time, aren’t you? Do you have any idea what kind of imbalance that’ll cause? What happens if you erase a future that already exists?!”

Orochimaru smiled, a smile far too calm, and bent down until he was eye-level with the blond.

“You truly are Kushina’s child,” he whispered, almost fondly. He reached out, mockingly patting Naruto’s head.

The blonde snarled, lunging to bite his hand.

But Orochimaru just laughed and stood, brushing imaginary dust from his cloak. “As expected, you understand the magnitude just from the foundation. Brilliant.” His eyes glinted as he gestured toward the seal, reverent as a priest before an altar.

“You see, this timeline…” he murmured, “is already fractured.”

He looked Naruto dead in the eye. “All I’m doing is righting that wrong.”

Kakashi stiffened when his Sharingan gave a sudden, searing throb—an unnatural pull, like chakra recognizing its twin.

And just like that, Obito was there.

Madara, still bound atop the growling Yukimaru, let out a low grunt of amusement.

“Well, well,” he drawled, “if it isn’t the prodigal son himself. You’ve made a habit of betrayal, haven’t you, Obito? This must be—what—your second time stabbing your ‘father’ in the back?”

His voice dripped venom. “You’re consistent, if nothing else.”

Obito didn’t even glance at him.

He crossed the room with purposeful strides, pulling bandages from his cloak. Without hesitation, he dropped to his knees beside Mitsuha and began dressing the worst of her bleeding wounds, hands steady, movements efficient.

Kakashi’s hands clenched involuntarily, the medical wraps Obito had tossed him still dangling in his grasp.

She let him touch her so easily…

There was no flinch. No glare. Just a faint pout, and a muttered “You’re pulling too tight,” as Obito worked.

Jealousy flared in Kakashi’s chest like a blade twisting sideways. He forced himself to breathe. Not the time, Hatake. Not. The. Time.

“What the hell is he talking about?” Obito asked her, low and curt.

Mitsuha glanced between them, clearly catching the tension, but choosing to ignore it.

“Apparently, he’s from my timeline,” she said, nodding toward Madara. “But forget that—where are the others?”

Obito’s brow furrowed. He stood, tossing a bundle of fresh bandages to Kakashi. “That’s the problem. There’s a massive barrier around the inner walls of Uzushio. We tried everything—breaking through, crawling under, even using the old coordinates—but nothing. It’s sealed tight.”

He gestured toward Kakashi’s left eye. “I used Bakashi’s Sharingan to phase through and reach you.”

Mitsuha’s eyes widened. “What? That makes no sense. I didn’t erect any more barriers—there shouldn’t be anything left active.”

A deep, guttural laugh broke through the tension.

“Oh, how little you truly understand,” Madara chuckled from his perch. “The plant still has teeth, girl. Zetsu might be weak, but he’s clever. Don’t underestimate him.”

Mitsuha’s jaw tightened. What is the purpose of erecting another barrier? Is it to stop others from going in or to stop them from going out? What the heck is that plant planning?

Obito looked at the red head who was glancing back at Madara from the corner of her eyes. He smiled and moved forward, interlocking their fingers together. His chakra welcomed her lightning chakra surging to embrace him.

“Have you forgotten, Obito? That the world offers nothing but suffering? Have you forgotten your teammate… who died by the hand of your friend over there?”

Obito glanced at the man who looked more human even with the Edo tensei. No, he hadn’t forgotten it, he still remembered the way Kakashi’s blood covered hands and the lightning which covered Rin’s body.

He saw Kakashi stiffen, heard his breath catch, saw him avert his gaze with that same helpless guilt from all those years ago. Obito felt himself amused, Kakashi might have grown up into a fine man but he was still that same awkward ten-year-old he remembered. The Uchiha turned to his ancestor, he finally knew the answer.

“Rin knew what she was doing, she chose to die by the hands of the man she loved rather than destroy the village she treasured. What right do I have to claim her love was beneath mine, to claim my revenge is greater than her sacrifice?”

Madara huffed and clenched his teeth. “So that gives him the right to kill her? Why is the benefit of the village placed on a higher pedestal than that of Rin’s life?”

Mitsuha glanced back for a second and sighed. “Have you forgotten that you are the one who orchestrated the entire event? You are the one who put the soul of a human and a tailed beast on the line. Sure, Kiri did it and they are to take responsibility of the Rin’s death but her blood is still fresh on your hands, Madara.”

Both Mitsuha and Obito glanced at Kakashi who was curling into himself at the discussion of Rin’s death. Obito shook his head, there we go again, carrying misplaced guilt. He spoke kindly to the man who hangs his head in shame, to the boy who hates himself with every core of his being.

“Kakashi, I forgive you. And I am certain Rin forgives you too. We can’t hold a grudge against you, well, at least when we are in sane of mind.”

He looked at Kakashi who had stopped and was looking at him with wide eye. He smiled gently, pulling on the scars on his face as he remembered his friends.

“Kakashi was also a victim in this situation. He alone bore the weight of the death of his comrades, teachers and family on his shoulders and chose to move on forward.” Turning to Madara, he spoke with a strong voice.

“You, or Zetsu or Kaguya believe that you can wipe out humanity but the truth is, humans are as strong as their sufferings. It doesn’t matter if the whole world is wiped out, humans will find a way to turn the time back to correct the mistakes. Look at you, look at Mitsuha. Is there a more persistent species than us shinobi?”

Madara is right, humans are the true cause for all the suffering in the world but at the same time, there are humans like Mitsuha, Naruto, Kakashi, Sasuke who are the embodiment of survival, kindness and perseverance. And they are the reason to look forward to another sunrise.

Obito crossed his arms behind his head and smirked. “So, the kids are trapped inside, and we’ve got Madara half-sealed and Zetsu running loose. Wonderful.”

Kakashi crossed his arms. “And now what? Wait around until Zetsu decides to greet us with tea?”

Mitsuha stood, wincing as she straightened her back. Her Mangekyō spun to life, blood dripping down her cheek, and her voice was steel.

“No. We find him. We find the bastard and rip the root of this war out before it festers again.”

Sasuke and Sakura felt it the moment Naruto stiffened beside them. He turned, eyes narrowing just as Naruto’s face drained of colour, wide with unmistakable panic.

“No… no, no, no,” Naruto whispered, his voice cracking. “She’s here. She’s not supposed to be here.”

Across the room, Orochimaru and Zetsu stood before a new seal—a grotesque sprawl of markings pulsating like a living thing. The snake-sannin let out a sigh and slithered over to them, his movement too fluid, too rehearsed.

Sasuke flinched as Orochimaru’s cold fingers brushed against his throat—then Naruto’s, then Sakura’s. A pulse of chakra surged with each touch, and a seal bloomed across their skin, glowing faintly.

Orochimaru raised a finger to his lips with mock gentleness. “Can’t have you children interrupting while the adults are talking, now, can we?” His eyes glittered. “Sit tight. Be good.”

Sasuke’s Sharingan burned to life, but his limbs wouldn’t obey. Quick analysis of the situation showed him that his teammates were also in the same boat. Orochimaru has sealed their chakra and limbs. Damn that snake bastard!

Zetsu turned towards the snake and spoke with calculated voice.

“I don’t care if his normal chakra burns out. Just don’t touch the Nine-Tails’ power. Same with the Uchiha—keep him breathing. Barely.”

Sasuke wanted to scream. Wanted to fight. But he was frozen, skin crawling with the invasive chakra now threading through his system.

Orochimaru’s laugh was low and pleased as he knelt beside them, brushing their hair back like a twisted parent tucking in his children.

“Relax,” he whispered. “I need these two ruffians as much as you do, Zetsu. I’ll take good care of them. Afterall, I need to create such a marvellous specimen like her.”

It didn’t take long for them to find the sealing chamber Zetsu was hiding in. In fact, Mitsuha was suspicious at how easy it was. She almost laughed when she saw the seal spread out across the floor.

Of course. Predictable.

In the center of the seal, Team 7 lay bound by a paralysis seal. Mitsuha’s chest tightened. They’ve grown so much. She wanted to hug them. She wanted to kneel before them and beg forgiveness. But that had to wait.

“I’m so happy you could make it! I was getting worried when you were late, Mitsuha!”

Mitsuha grinned. “Sorry I was late—there was this old man who insisted on getting in my way, so I had to bring him along for the ride.”

She whistled mockingly, scanning the setup.

“You’ve been busy. The seal looks impressive. Works like it’s supposed to, too. Then again, I shouldn’t be surprised. As slimy as you are, you’re still a genius, Orochimaru.”

Her Sharingan flared as she drew her sword, lightning chakra crackling to life across the blade. The steel screamed with blue-white arcs of power. She turned toward Zetsu, now split into white and black selves, smiling wider as the plant-creature visibly flinched.

“You’ve always been a parasite, hiding behind others. Let’s see how you handle someone trained to exorcise filth.”

Zetsu attacked first, shooting twin root-spears from the ground at her heart. Mitsuha vanished in a flicker, reappearing midair with her hands blurring through seals.

“Raiton: Denshi no Jutsu!”

Chakra slammed into the roots, detonating in a blast of white-hot energy that lit up the chamber.

Black Zetsu hissed. “You little—!”

“You think you can block me out? You’re in my roots now,” White Zetsu chuckled.

The ground exploded behind her, roots forming a cage. Mitsuha slashed, lightning forming arcs—but the wood was draining her chakra faster than she could replenish it.

“Katon: Hōsenka no Jutsu!”

Flames erupted, devouring the wood. Mokuton might drain chakra, but it was still wood. Mitsuha tore a piece of cloth from her shirt, covered her nose and mouth, and slashed through the burning roots.

Coughing, she glanced at Obito and Kakashi battling Orochimaru. Relief bloomed in her chest—they were holding their own. But a surge of chakra made her spin.

“Look out!” she shouted, throwing up a barrier.

Obito grabbed Kakashi and phased them into Kamui just as violet chakra erupted from Madara’s body. The stone beneath his feet cracked. Susanoo bloomed—first ribs, then limbs, then a towering, four-armed titan clad in tengu armor.

“Oh... hell,” Mitsuha muttered. Her chakra barrier trembled. No matter how many times she’d seen it, Madara’s Susanoo always turned her blood cold.

Obito and Kakashi flickered back beside her.

Mitsuha knelt to Team 7 and released the seal. Naruto and Sakura flung themselves at her, crying. She embraced them briefly, then pulled back.

“I know. We’ll talk later. Right now—I need you to trust me, okay?”

Naruto grabbed her arm, eyes wide. “Nee-chan! That seal—”

“I know,” she said, ruffling his hair. “I’ll fix it, trust me. You’re going somewhere safe.”

Obito didn’t wait. He pulled the kids into Kamui. Mitsuha let out a breath as they vanished. Safe. That was enough for now.

Satisfied that the kids are out of the way of harm, the trio turned to the monster in front of them who finished fully materializing.

“We’re fighting a mountain-sized god with a possessed ego,” he said. “Got a plan?”

Mitsuha raised her lightning-charged sword and grinned, a sweat drop trailing from her temple.

“Yeah. Seal the bastard. Rip Zetsu out. And try not to get hit.”

Obito warped a kunai to the base of the Susanoo’s ribs. Mitsuha followed the path, shunshining up the exposed edge, and plunged her lightning-augmented blade straight into the chakra plating.

“Fūinjutsu: Raikō Saikōin!”

A massive Uzumaki seal erupted outward, locking into the chakra skeleton—but Madara’s front hands shifted in their Tiger seal. Yasaka Magatama spheres spun to life and launched like meteors. Mitsuha barely dodged. Obito phased through one and caught her just before she was shredded.

From inside, Zetsu’s warped voice hissed like a serpent wrapped in velvet.

“Do you see now? This is what it means to wield a god’s body.”

Mitsuha didn’t blink. Her Sharingan swirled to life, and the lightning running through her sword arced in a high-pitched hum as it gathered chakra from her underwhelming resource.

“You’re not a god,” she said, pointing her blade at the towering behemoth. “You’re a fungus clinging to someone else’s corpse.”

From above, the Susanoo raised two undulating blades, each glowing with a blue inferno. They spun through the air and curved mid-flight—guided like predator hawks.

“Move!” Obito barked.

Mitsuha vanished in a blur of shunshin, while Obito let the blade pass through his intangible form. The second impacted where they had stood a second ago, carving a molten trench through half the plaza.

“Okay,” she muttered. “Plan B.”

Mitsuha leapt, sprinting up the ribcage of the Susanoo itself, her blade now roaring with lightning. Obito grabbed Mitsuha from mid-air and warped them away just as Madara’s fire jutsu erupted.

“We can’t brute force it!” Obito gasped. “We need to break Zetsu’s control!”

Mitsuha panted as she leaned onto the Uchiha. She had already used up so much chakra fighting the man once, she wasn’t sure if she can go through another full-fledged battle against him. Wiping the blood dripping away from her overused Sharingan, she whispered.

“That means surviving long enough to try.”

Near the crumbling pagoda, Kakashi clashed with Orochimaru.

“Why are you here, Hatake?” the Sannin purred, Kusanagi gleaming. “Throwing your life away for a lost cause?”

Kakashi’s Sharingan spun. Raikiri flared to life.

Three seals. One step. He lunged.

Orochimaru dodged, body twisting like liquid. Kakashi flipped, launching tagged kunai.

Boom.

“Predictable,” Orochimaru chuckled, reforming from snakes.

“So is your voice,” Kakashi replied. “Still gives me a headache.”

Acid hissed across a mud wall. Kakashi ducked, slinging a wind-chakra shuriken that Orochimaru barely avoided, spine bending unnaturally.

“That’s just wrong,” Kakashi muttered.

Orochimaru licked his lips. “That redhead of yours... quite the experiment.”

Kakashi’s fist slammed into his jaw.

“Don’t. Talk. About. Her.”

Back near the center of the ruins, Mitsuha unrolled the scroll mid-run and swiped blood across the runes. Even with Obito’s chakra, it wouldn’t work—they simply didn’t have enough power to activate the seal. She paused just as a blade came slashing down toward them. Slamming her hands to the ground, she erected a chakra barrier to protect the two.

She realized too late that she’d overestimated her reserves—the blade shattered the barrier with ease.

She gasped as the world twisted around them, pulled into Obito’s Kamui. Her body crumpled from chakra exhaustion; Obito collapsed beside her.

“Nee-chan!” Naruto's voice cracked as he hugged her tightly, sobbing into her chest. Everything hurt. Mitsuha barely managed to lift her hand to hold him close.

“I’m sorry... I tried. I really tried. He’s just too strong. I’m sorry…”

Naruto pulled back, wiping his eyes, his face set in fierce determination. “No. Don’t say that. We can still win. Kurama’s been grumbling since he saw that old Uchiha—he wants to kick his ass. But I need your help, Mitsuha.”

She blinked, barely processing. “What?”

Naruto took her hand and placed it over his stomach. “Orochimaru sealed Kurama. Can you unseal it?”

Orochimaru sealed him? When did that happen? Mitsuha sighed and, scraping together the last of her chakra, activated the seal. She pressed her palm over it and whispered, “Kai.”

Chakra exploded outward, yanking both of them into the seal space.

Before them stood Kurama, towering and massive. His crimson eyes locked onto Mitsuha, and a low, warm growl rumbled from him.

“So, you finally came. Look at you... Look how well you’ve grown up.”

Mitsuha’s eyes welled with tears. Finally—someone who remembered. Someone who didn’t treat her like a stranger. She stumbled toward the gate, sobbing.

“Kurama! Everything sucks so much. I’m so fucking tired!”

Naruto blinked. “Wait—Kurama? You two... know each other?”

Kurama chuckled softly, trying to comfort the redhead breaking down before him. “I babysat her, brat. Long story.”

Naruto looked between them in disbelief. “I’m confused. And by the way, Nee-chan—I haven’t forgiven you for pretending to be dead. You owe me a long explanation.”

Mitsuha gave him a teary smile. “You’ll figure it out. I’ll tell you everything after we survive this.”

Kurama snorted, his tail flicking. “If you’re done sobbing, I assume you came here to do something.”

Naruto perked up. “Right! If we release the seal, Kurama can use his full powers and take down that old fossil. Mitsuha-nee, he promised not to kill anyone, and I trust him—so we should—”

Kurama swished his tail, sending a splash of water toward Naruto. “Brat, your chakra coils aren’t ready for my chakra. If we release the seal as it is, you’ll burn from the inside out.”

Mitsuha sat down beside Naruto, ignoring the cold sewer water. Kurama was right. Naruto hadn’t trained in Sage Mode. His body couldn’t handle the sudden flood of chakra. And worse, they didn’t even have the key to the seal—he hadn’t trained with Jiraiya. What a mess.

There was one solution. She could reroute the excess chakra into herself using a transfer seal. She’d carried a portion of bijuu chakra before—her body should handle it.

But modifying a seal required precision. She hadn’t studied this one in depth. Her Papa had taught her some of it, but even after arriving in the past, she hadn’t prioritized this seal.

Still, there was someone who understood it better than anyone.

“Naruto,” she said quietly. “There’s something I want you to do.”

He looked up at her eagerly, reminding her of a puppy. Oh, how she missed this boy.

“Approach the seal with the intention to release it. Then pull it back.”

Naruto nodded, walking forward with purpose. He reached out, grabbed a corner of the seal, and pulled.

As she expected, a flash of light interrupted him—and a hand reached out to stop him.

“My, my... Aren’t we eager to release that seal.”

The Fourth Hokage. The Yellow Flash. Minato Namikaze.

The blonde knelt and looked at Naruto with the kindest smile. Then, without a word, he pulled the boy into a hug.

“You’re a lot bigger than I remember, or was it smaller?” he said fondly.

Naruto pulled back, stunned. “You’re the Fourth Hokage! How do you know my name?”

Minato ruffled his hair. “What kind of father wouldn’t know the name of his own son?”

Naruto stared at him, his voice breaking. “You’re... my dad?”

Minato nodded. A heartbeat of silence—then Naruto punched him square in the gut. Minato doubled over, wheezing. Then he chuckled.

“I guess some things never change.”

He pulled Naruto back into his arms, holding him close. “I’ve missed you, my baby boy.”

Naruto clung to him, crying freely. “What kind of dad seals a fox in his own son?! Do you know what I went through? I wanted to run away—so many times I wanted to die. I was hungry, cold, alone… I hate you so much!”

Mitsuha stood to the side, shocked. She knew Naruto had suffered—but this was the first time she’d heard it from him. The weight of regret settled heavier in her chest.

Minato whispered apologies into his son’s hair.

Naruto sniffled. “But I’m okay now. I wasn’t alone anymore. I met Mitsuha-nee, Kakashi-sensei, Sakura, Sasuke, Nao-nee… Because they believed in me, I believed in myself. I became a chunin! I’m great at sealing! And I’m gonna be Hokage—better than you, dad!”

Mitsuha leaned against Kurama’s cage, arms wrapped around herself. She didn’t dare move—afraid the moment would shatter. For a flicker of time, she felt jealous. Ah… she missed her parents too.

“This really hasn’t changed much,” Kurama murmured.

She glanced at him.

“Doesn’t matter what timeline. Naruto is always the hope. But being hope made him grow up too fast.”

He looked down at her.

“You wanted to change the world. I know you’re blaming yourself for not being able to rewrite the story. But you did well, kid. Even if the world ends today—it was worth it. Because you made him happy.”

Tears streamed silently down Mitsuha’s face.

“I want to live, Kurama,” she whispered. “I don’t want to die. I just... want to be happy too.”

Kurama watched her. He didn’t say anything. Because he knew—even if she wanted to live—her wish might be impossible.

Minato turned to her then. Mitsuha had composed herself by the time she bowed.

“Hello, Minato san. I’m Mitsuha. I’d like to speak to you about modifying the Eight Trigrams Seal.”

He stepped closer, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. “Why would you need to modify a stable seal? It’s designed to allow chakra access.”

“We need to access Kurama’s chakra now using a funneling seal. If Naruto breaks the seal as it is, the chakra will burn through his coils and kill him. He’s not trained for this.”

Naruto, perched in front of the cage, huffed. “I’m stronger than I look!”

Kurama snorted. “Shorty, if I pour even a fraction into you, you’ll go poof like wet ash.”

Naruto whipped around. “Who’re you calling short, fox breath?!”

“You,” Kurama said flatly. “You’re knee-high compared to my toenail.”

Their bickering continued as Kurama curled up, smug and unbothered.

Minato chuckled, then looked at Mitsuha. “You want to reroute the excess into your body as a buffer?”

“Yes.” She knelt and began sketching the seal into the water. “It’s dangerous. But I’ve carried bijuu chakra before, and I’ve trained to handle surplus through jutsu.”

Minato knelt beside her, nodding. “You risk burnout. But if you add a secondary storage seal connected to your reserves… I can help rewrite the matrix mid-flow.”

Mitsuha nodded, lifting her shirt to show the seals on her stomach. “These were from my failed sage training. Not built for this, but they’ll help.”

“You are an Uzumaki,” Minato murmured.

She blinked. “Yes?”

“You’re from the future, aren’t you? The one that never happened?”

She hesitated. Then nodded. “I came back to change it. To stop the war.”

Minato stared at her, then smiled softly. “I’m glad my granddaughter grew up to be so brilliant. And beautiful. Just like Kushina.”

Her breath hitched. “H-How did you know I was your granddaughter?”

“We’re family,” he said simply. “Of course I’d know. Mitsuha... That’s a wonderful name. Did Naruto name you?”

Face flushed, she looked away. “No… It was my other father…”

“You don’t have to say anything,” he chuckled. “Let this old soul be proud.”

“I’m glad I got to meet you,” she whispered. “It's your beliefs that shaped Naruto into the best Hokage Konoha ever had. No offense.”

Minato smiled wide. “None taken.”

“He changed the world,” she said, tears returning.

Kurama stirred. “If you two are done bonding, I’m ready to give shorty his booster. Mitsuha, I’m trusting you to control it.”

Naruto stood with his fist raised. “Let’s do this!”

Mitsuha’s fingers glowed with sealing chakra. “Ready when you are.”

Minato placed one hand on her seal, one on Naruto’s. “You’re both the pride of the Uzumaki clan. Can’t wait to brag to Kushina. Good luck.”

Golden chakra burst outward. Runes locked into mirrored circles across Mitsuha’s and Naruto’s stomachs.

Kurama’s voice rumbled behind them—

“Go make a mess of destiny, you damn Uzumakis.”

Back in the Kamui dimension, the air cracked with chakra. Mitsuha and Naruto reappeared in a swirl of golden light.

Sakura, Sasuke, and Obito turned in shock.

Naruto stood tall, golden chakra flickering like armor. In comparison, she was not at all impressive but Mitsuha glowed faintly—sickly but alive. But Obito saw it. That fire in her eyes. She was back.

Mitsuha turned to the kids, voice like steel.

“Let’s go, protect each other.”

She turned to Obito and offered her hand.

“Let’s go end this.”

He took it without hesitation.

In a swirl, they vanished.

Chapter Text

Chunks of shattered stone and blackened trees littered the ruins of Uzushio, now cracked and scorched with remnants of jutsu. In the center, Madara’s towering, four-armed Susanoo glowed with violet fire, casting an eerie halo across the battlefield. Its massive form shifted with every movement, sending gusts of pressure rolling through the dust-heavy air. At its feet, Orochimaru stood with his Kusanagi blade drawn, an amused smirk playing on his lips.

Kakashi coughed, barely on one knee. His Sharingan flickered erratically in its socket, a stream of blood trailing down his temple. Raikiri sputtered in his palm before vanishing into sparks.

“I swear to god,” he rasped, “if you two don’t show up in the next ten seconds—”

The air twisted with a sudden gust. Chakra warped and folded. In a burst of golden light and swirling Kamui energy, figures emerged.

Mitsuha stepped out first, her hair trailing behind her like a comet’s tail with Obito following and team seven hidden behind the two adults. Before the red head could reply, Kakashi stumbled forward, bleeding and covered in dust, his chakra signature practically nonexistent. He collapsed onto one knee.

“You’re late,” he rasped, his voice barely a whisper. “I’m too old for this shit.”

Mitsuha crouched beside him, her hand lightly brushing his arm. “Sorry I’m late,” she said, tone dry, “I got lost in a sewer.”

Obito’s eye rolled. “Sorry I’m late. I was babysitting a bristled cat and a pink bunny.”

Sakura let out a strangled noise. “I was the bunny, wasn’t I?”

“Not now,” Sasuke snapped, dragging Kakashi out of the blast radius and immediately covered him in healing chakra. “Move!”

The Susanoo raised one of its glowing kris-shaped blades with a low, metallic howl, eyes locking onto Mitsuha and Obito.

“Ah, the prodigal Uzumaki and Uchiha has finally arrived,” Zetsu crooned from Madara’s mouth. “How wonderful. I was worried this would be boring.”

Mitsuha sighed and glanced at Naruto who was sitting cross-legged focusing on his seal and managing the nine tails chakra rushing through his body. She felt so proud of the little boy. He was incredible and no one can prove otherwise. She nodded with a smile at the boy.

“Naruto, focus on chakra channeling. You’re doing an amazing job, just keep doing it!”

Mitsuha’s blade rang out as she drew it, lightning crackling down the steel. “Let the kids protect Kakashi,” she said quietly to Obito. “You and I? We end this.”

Sakura clutched Kakashi, eyes frantic. “Mitsuha—what—what are you doing?!”

“Protect him and Naruto,” Mitsuha said without turning back. “That’s your mission.”

“But—!”

Sasuke grabbed Sakura’s shoulder and shook his head once. “She’s serious. We’ll only get in the way.”

The Susanoo blade came screaming through the air. Obito grabbed Mitsuha by the waist and phased them away just in time. The blade carved a trench a hundred meters long behind them. Obito released her mid-air and they both landed with twin thuds.

“Man, that thing is as terrifying as ever. Why didn’t we exchange eyes, by the way?” he muttered.

“Uchiha, you and I might be but that’s still just so gross.” Mitsuha flashed through hand signs and shouted, “Fūinjutsu: Hōyōken!”

A circular seal burst into life beneath them, the glowing runes spinning rapidly. The seal lines shot forward and latched onto the ribcage of the Susanoo, dragging chakra down like anchors.

Madara’s arm twitched—and then roared.

The Susanoo bellowed, shattering the ground as it stomped forward. Obito threw a exploding tag to the creature’s exposed side using his Kamui.

Mitsuha followed it, flickering up the ribs, fully charged with chakra. Now she knew why her father was always so energetic. The nine tails chakra flowed through he body, awakening her every nerve and filling up her inch with adrenaline.

“Fūinjutsu: Raikō Saikōin!”

The seal blasted from the ground and latched onto Madara’s chest like a cage—but then Zetsu twisted the chakra flow, breaking the bonds from the inside out.

Obito reappeared beside her and grabbed her arm. “He’s unstable,” he said. “We might be able to pull him out.”

“I’ll go in.”

“What?!”

She didn’t wait for clarification—she slammed her palm into the seal node and slipped straight into the Susanao zone holding Zetsu.

Mitsuha didn’t hesitate. The chakra blow landed like a hammer. Zetsu shrieked—and was ripped free.

Madara’s body convulsed violently. The Susanoo shuddered—and then cracked. Its spectral armor began to destabilize.

Mitsuha flashed through the seals and launched herself forward, weaving seals. “Fūinjutsu: Jigoku-ten!”

Chains of pure chakra ripped from her palms and latched onto Madara’s body, dragging him down to his knees. The Susanoo shattered in a scream of collapsing chakra. One down…

Zetsu shrieked as he broke free of Madara’s body, shadows leaking like black fire. The parasite surged toward the crumbling ruins, trying to escape the collapsing battlefield, its oily form distorting the air around it.

But red head was faster as her hand dipped into her coat, pulling out the scroll she had never let out of sight—not even for a second. Hand trembling, she unrolled it mid-run. The paper glowed faintly, its ink pulsing in rhythm with her heartbeat.

“Nowhere left to run, you bastard,” she whispered.

Kurama’s chakra flared around her in a roaring halo, but even with his power cushioning her, Mitsuha’s own chakra was burning low—dangerously low. She could feel the edges of her vision greying, but she grit her teeth and kept going. She slammed the scroll onto the ground with both palms.

“Fūinjutsu: Nichirin Getsurin!”

Twin seals erupted—one blazing golden like the midday sun, the other glowing silver like a crescent moon. They spun rapidly, locking together, forming a yin-yang pattern that surged skyward. Runes spiraled out, carving glowing channels into the stone beneath her feet.

Zetsu hissed. “What—what is this?!”

Mitsuha’s voice echoed over the wind, filled with fury and purpose.

“A seal meant to lock away gods. And you’re no god, Zetsu. You’re nothing but a parasite.”

Suddenly, two massive spectral arms—gold and silver—emerged from behind her like divine wings, formed entirely of sealing chakra. She pushed her arms forward, fingers outstretched, and the glowing arms followed her movement, mimicking the exact pose used in the original Sun and Moon seal. The arms slammed into Zetsu, freezing him mid-air.

“N-no!” he screeched. “You think sealing me changes anything?! The cycle will begin again! You can’t erase me! You—”

“Be quiet,” Mitsuha hissed, voice cracking.

Zetsu let out one last, shrill scream as the seals closed in around him, twisting tighter and tighter until—

Silence fell.

The scroll sizzled, the paper now inkless, as if it had burned its own power out. Mitsuha wavered on her feet, breath hitching in her chest.

She collapsed to one knee.

Ah…it’s over, it’s finally—

Pain.

Blinding, hot pain tore through her gut.

Orochimaru’s blade slid out of her stomach, glistening with blood. He smirked behind her, voice a soft hiss.

“You didn’t really think it was over, did you?”

Mitsuha gasped, stumbling forward. “Fuck,” she wheezed, “I swear I get stabbed in the gut every goddamn battle.”

Orochimaru lunged forward, blade flashing again but this time, Mitsuha blocked with her forearm, chakra pulsing through the seal etched into her skin. She ducked low, spun, and kicked him square in the ribs. He slid back, hissing.

“You shouldn’t be standing,” he spat.

“I’m too stubborn to croak,” she snarled, dragging herself upright, blood leaking through her cloak. “Besides, I haven’t kicked your face in yet.”

And then, they clashed.

Mitsuha’s sword clanged against the Kusanagi as jutsus erupted between them. She ducked a spit of acid, firing lightning-charged senbon with one hand while her other bled chakra seals into the ground with each movement.

Orochimaru’s form blurred—snakes burst from his sleeves, wrapping around her ankles. She jumped, flipped, and sent a volley of explosive tags crashing down around him. He weaved through the blasts like smoke, tongue flickering with joy.

“You’re amazing,” he said with glee. “So precise, so fast... So much potential.”

He lunged again. She blocked weakly with her sword, sparks flying. Her footing faltered.

But then she noticed it.

Every strike, dodge, slither. Orochimaru was herding her.

Toward the forgotten time-reversal seal at the center of the ruins.

“Oh,” she breathed. “You snake.” 

They clashed again. Mitsuha’s chakra sparked, flickering and thin. Just as Orochimaru feinted a strike to her chest, she backflipped and landed next to Obito.

Back-to-back with Obito for a heartbeat in the battlefield’s chaos, she whispered without turning her head, “We use the seal.”

Obito hesitated. “We don’t have enough chakra anymore.”

“No,” she agreed, smiling through the pain. “But we don’t really have any other choice.”

They split—Obito lunging at the dazed Madara, forcing him step by step toward the shattered circle of ancient runes. Mitsuha turned her full fury on Orochimaru, blade burning white.

Mitsuha danced—no, raged—with each strike. The stage was prepared for the final act. She dodged Orochimaru’s strikes like smoke, baiting him step by step. Obito lured Madara with taunts and insults, mocking the half-crazed Uchiha ancestor who could hardly stand his own fury.

And then they were there.

The seal pulsed beneath them like a heartbeat.

Orochimaru smirked. “Got you.”

His hand slammed down—and the seal ignited. Only for Obito to appear behind him and shove.

The snake sannin stumbled, eyes going wide with alarm as Obito’s Kamui-smeared hand forced him into the heart of the glowing seal. Mitsuha leapt after him—blood streaming from her arm, her cloak in tatters, her sword hissing with chakra as she took over fueling the seal.

“Orochimaru—!” she shouted, grabbing onto him just as Madara’s foot dragged across the outer ring of the time-reversal seal.

The three of them were locked together. Madara, still dazed from Obito’s strikes, snarled, trying to claw back his footing. Orochimaru twisted with wild, venomous eyes. Mitsuha was between them—one hand pressed against Madara’s foot, the other desperately holding onto the snake.

Mitsuha sighed as she felt the familiar twirl of the time-reversal seal wrapping around her.

Well. I suppose this is it.

She pulled the screaming men closer, into the center of the seal.

After all, she was the daughter of a ruined world. It made sense to return to the beginning.

“Mitsuha!” Obito screamed, eyes wild as he reached through the light. “Let go! You don’t have to, I'll power it—just—get out! Get out!”

She turned to him.

Oh, sweet Obito… He looks devastated.

I wish I could see Kakashi one last time too…

I wanted to tell him that I love him.

Tell them both that I loved them with everything I had.

I wanted to see the kids grow up.

I didn't even get to hug them and tell them that I love them...

Ah, well…She couldn’t wait to see her parents. Who knows what kind of challenges Gai probably made up in his absence…

“Obito,” she said, voice soft. “I’m so tired.”

The seal closed.

With a thunderclap of light and sound, the center of battlefield vanished—leaving behind a scorched ring of chakra-burnt earth. No bodies. No smoke. Nothing.

Just silence.

Obito fell forward onto his hands, gasping like he’d been punched in the lungs. The Sharingan in his eye flickered and died.

Sakura was the first to move. “What… what just happened?” Her voice trembled.

Naruto stood rooted to the spot, strangely calm, eyes locked on the empty circle where the light had been, Kurama's chakra fading away. “She used the seal,” he said flatly. “The one meant to reverse time.”

“But why is she not back?” Sasuke shouted, voice cracking. “Why isn’t she back?!”

No one answered.

Kakashi staggered forward, face pale, lips cracked with blood. He stared at the burnt seal mark in the earth. He didn’t know what to do to quell the desperation swelling up inside him. He was too shocked to even understand. He knelt down next to Obito, who was clawing the ground, crying out loud.

Sakura’s breath caught. “Don’t tell me she’s dead! Not after we just got her back! No, no, no…”

“She’s gone,” Naruto whispered.

The girl stumbled backward. “No. No, she wouldn’t—she promised—she said she’d stay with us!”

Naruto clenched his fist and shouted, tears streaming down his face. “Well, she broke the promise. She didn’t stay; she had no intention of coming out of this alive. She tricked us and we fell for it like fools. She’s dead. Mitsuha is dead! And we might as well have pushed the kunai into her heart.”

No one stopped him when he turned around and walked away from the seal.

Sasuke gritted his teeth and followed the blonde, a shouting Sakura trailing the boys.

Obito didn’t look up. His fists were clenched in the dust, shaking.

“She tricked me,” he said finally, voice hoarse. “She whispered the plan to me. I thought—” His voice cracked. “I thought I’d pull her out in time. I didn’t know she meant to stay.”

“Obito…” Kakashi whispered and pulled the sobbing man into his arms.

How could he console the man, when he himself was inches away from shattering into a million pieces?

Chapter Text

Seven years later.

The wind was colder than it should’ve been for spring. Konoha was thriving somewhere behind him, life going on as it always did. But here, in front of the memorial stone, it was quiet.

The wind tugged at the edge of his robe, hat tilted low over his eyes. Kakashi exhaled slowly. His hand brushed over the stone, fingers tracing familiar grooves.

Mitsuha Uzumaki.

“I brought you flowers,” he said quietly, setting them down. “It reminded me of you. I know, I know, its cheesy.”

He stood there for a while, shoulders loose, posture deceptively relaxed.

“It’s been a while,” he continued, voice soft and tired. “Obito just got back from his mission today morning. He wanted to come too, but the man fell asleep as soon as his head hit the pillow. You know how he is—reckless, still never writes his reports on time. I’d scold him, but it feels pointless as he seemed determined to follow you. I can’t fault him because, some days I feel the same.”

The wind shifted again, flipping the corner of his hat upward. He didn’t reach for it.

“Things are… better now,” he said. “Naruto’s the diplomatic bridge between all the villages. He’s made friends in places you wouldn’t believe. He’s a force to reckon with. Onoki calls him the second coming of Mitsuha Uzumaki.”

A pause.

“Sasuke runs the hospital now. Don’t laugh. He’s actually… decent at it. He teaches too. Got written up last week for almost strangling a parent who called med-nin ‘waste of government funding.’ Sakura framed the incident report and hung it on his office wall. Speaking of, Sakura is on her way to become the Anbu commander. Her bounty is unbelievable. They call her the iron maiden of Konoha. Pretty cool right?”

A breath, fond and exasperated.

“They’re getting married next year. The three of them. They asked me to officiate. Only time I would be actually happy to be doing Hokage work, you know.”

He gave a slow blink, visible only by the subtle twitch in his cheek. “I make such a shitty Hokage...”

His gloved fingers brushing across her name, pausing once in a while.

“It’s… quiet without you. I come home and it’s all wrong. It doesn’t smell like ink and tea. The bed doesn’t creak and no one kicks me in their sleep. Obito sneaks in sometimes. I pretend I don’t notice.”

The fabric at his shoulder fluttered as a new breeze kicked up.

“I kissed him, sober” Kakashi admitted softly. “When he came back from the mission. He kissed back. Neither of us died. Shocking, huh?”

His thumb traced the edge of a carved letter. “But it’s not the same. We both know it.”

His hand clenched in his pocket. “You didn’t even say goodbye,” he murmured.

Kakashi tilted his head back, letting the wind brush against the underside of his masked chin.

“I should hate you for it. But I just miss you.”

Footsteps crunched on dry leaves behind him. Kakashi didn’t turn as Obito came up beside him, silent as a shadow, then leaned against his side with a tired exhale. His scarf was crooked. Kakashi noticed. He didn’t fix it.

“She’d say we look pathetic.”

“She’d be right,” Kakashi replied. The corner of his mouth twitched.

They stood there a while longer. The fifth Hokage, and the man who almost destroyed the world.

“She ruined us,” Kakashi whispered.

Obito exhaled, his breath catching faintly. “And then made us better.”

Chapter Text

The bottle was half-empty and the rain tapped lazily against the windowpanes; the kind of soft drizzle that made the whole world feel comfy.

Kakashi swirled the last of his sake, head tilted, silver hair glinting in the candlelight. His mask hung around his neck forgotten. Obito lay sprawled beside him on the tatami, eyes unfocused, legs tangled with Kakashi’s like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“The kids are finally getting married tomorrow,” Obito muttered, gaze on the ceiling.

“Mhm,” Kakashi hummed, already tipsy. “Well, it has been a while since we had to haul Naruto out of ditches and keep Sasuke from committing homicide.”

Obito snorted, mouth twitching. “What are you talking about? I still had to do that last week.” The man stole Kakashi’s cup and drowned the remaining liquor. “Sakura’s the only one with a functioning brain cell. She should be the next Hokage.”

Kakashi chuckled. “Don’t tempt her. She might actually file the paperwork.”

A long silence stretched between them—warm and companionable. Then, as always when the silence crept too close, their eyes drifted toward the window. Toward the memorial stone.

And like always, Kakashi shifted, his hand brushing companion's.

Obito turned his head.

Their lips met, slow and aching, years of grief and comfort in the touch. Kakashi’s hand curled into Obito’s hair who leaned in like he was afraid of being left behind. Kakashi understood. It was rarely a kiss of love during nights like these. It was the kind of kiss that spoke of desperation and longing for someone who is not here.

Kakashi pressed closer, whispering, “Look at us, acting like teenagers. She would’ve laughed at us.”

“Yeah right. She would’ve watched,” Obito muttered against his mouth. He smirked. “She’s a closet pervert.” Kakashi chuckled and leaned back in, pushing Obito down and leaning over him.

And then—

tap. tap.

They froze.

Another tap. 

Kakashi turned slowly toward the window.

A flash of white, a scent of ozone, familiar blue eyes.

He scrambled, knocking over the sake bottle, nearly tripping over Obito’s legs as he flung the window open.

Rain gusted in.

And there she was.

Soaked. Barely standing. Her hair, once vibrant, had dulled to white. Her eyes were sunken, cheeks hollow, skin too pale to be healthy.

But there was no mistake. It was her!

Kakashi reached out like he was dreaming and yanked her into his arms. She sagged against him with a sigh, like a ghost finally allowed to rest.

“Oh Mitsuha—Mitsuha—” he whispered, over and over like a prayer. Tears and snot streaming down his face and he didn’t even notice.

Obito was there a second later, slamming into both of them, arms wrapping tight, voices blurring.

“You’re real,” he rasped. “You’re really here.”

She didn’t speak. She just pulled them closer—Kakashi’s trembling shoulders, Obito’s warm breath on her throat. Their lips found hers, desperate and reverent. They kissed her like they were afraid she’d vanish between heartbeats.

Her voice broke the silence. Raspy. Soft. Tired.

“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said, forehead against Kakashi’s. “I had to convince a very old man to send me back.”

Obito burst into laughter and wept at the same time.

Kakashi could only hold her tighter.

Under the soft dappled shade of the village pagoda, Team 7 stood beneath silk drapes and paper lanterns. Naruto was beaming, Sakura glowing, Sasuke looking like he might crack a smile. Kakashi, Hokage robes pristine, stood at the front, hat tilted back to show his masked face. 

“By the power vested in me, by this village, and by your shared madness… I now pronounce you married.”

The guests erupted into cheers. Naruto whooped. Sakura tackled them both into a hug. Sasuke let them.

The after-party spilled through the Hokage tower like a typhoon of joy.

At one point, Kakashi and Obito approached the newlyweds, quiet smiles on their lips.

“We have a gift,” Kakashi said simply. “Come with us.”

They led them to the Hokage’s office. Opened the door.

And there she stood with a smile.

The room exploded.

Naruto tackled her first, shouting incoherently through tears. Sakura wasn’t far behind, laughing and crying. Even Sasuke let out a stunned sound before wrapping his arms around her tightly.

She let herself fall into them—finally...home.

“Welcome home,” Naruto sobbed.

Mitsuha laughed through her tears.

“I’m home.”