Summery: In the warring lands of The Five Countries, Hatake Kakashi finds his small clan caught in the struggles and defeated. After his father's suicide, the Uchiha enslave the Hatake heir and confiscate his lands and inheritance, sending the young man to work in the Uchiha household. AU similar to feudal Japan, but neither setting nor period correspond to any true historical era. The Five Countries is an imaginary place, but similar to the map of the Naruto universe.

MinaKaka, UchihaKaka- main pairings ItaKaka and ObiKaka. Slave Kakashi. YAOI- possible non/con or dub/con. For mature readers. Don't like yaoi, don't read. There will be some OOC

AN: OK so I finally got round to writing and posting this first chapter. It is an idea I have wanted to do for a while, but I was concentrating on my other fics. As the summary states, this is an alternate universe similar to feudal Japan, but neither setting nor period correspond to any true historical era, just echoes feudal Japan, so no flames please for historical inaccuracies. I am not a historian. I just write fics for fun in my free time.

MinaKaka, UchihaKaka- main pairings ItaKaka and ObiKaka. Slave Kakashi. YAOI- possible non/con or dub/con. For mature readers. Don't like yaoi, don't read. There may be some OOC and characters who are seen as good or bad in the show may not be shown as such here. This is just an interpretation do not take too seriously. I have also changed the characters' ages. Itachi and Kakashi are the same age, Obito a year older, as well as some other age changes.

Disclaimer- obviously I don't own Naruto. I wish I did.

I hope you enjoy this and am happy to receive feedback, just not flames. I welcome suggestions and ideas, I don't have a set plan yet for this fic other than the beginning events. I am actually quite nervous how this will go down it is my first fic outside of the Naruto universe, attempting AU.

This chapter is mostly setting up the story and explaining how the events in the summary come to be. I hope to have the next chapter up soon. First mini segment is a flash back.

Servant of the Uchiha

Chapter 1

"It seems I have finally found a worthy opponent," was all Itachi said, his dark eyes boring into Kakashi's. The sun was high and cast a languorous heat over the plain where the boys had gathered with their bows to compete in the apparent friendly contest.

Kakashi was just a boy at the time, but still he noted the eyes of the other Uchiha's watching him with outrage, furious that their prodigy had been matched by someone from such a modest clan. They had been embarrassed further by one of their own boys turning up late with a poor excuse and performing less than average.

"So it would seem," was all Kakashi said in response, as he turned and headed back to father, away from the quiet, intense Uchiha heir.

The Five Great Countries were ruled over by feudal warlords, and had been so as long as anyone could ever remember, certainly as far back as the history books went. These numerous feudal lords had seen their numbers rise and fall over the years, as they fought each other for lands taken or given over the course of The Five Countries' history.

The only certain thing was that no one had ever managed to conquer and rule all, uniting the countries and clans. That, and the fact that throughout history, many strained alliances had formed only to fall apart, and bitter rivalries created.

One such clan was the Hatake, ruled by the Lord Hatake Sakumo. He was a smart, talented warrior, who was well respected by his small clan for his abilities and intelligent rule. Generally he hated resorting to war, only fighting when he felt it was necessary, but he was not afraid to take what was his through force.

Once the Hatake clan had been one of the most powerful clans, but during the past few centuries their numbers had dwindled as had their land. Sakumo's wife had also died in childbirth, leaving Sakumo to raise his silver haired prodigy himself with the help of his servants.

Little Kakashi, heir to the Hatake clan, was a natural warrior, and Sakumo beamed with pride seeing him compete against the sons's of fellow samurai who were much older and bigger than him. What Kakashi, a slender boy, lacked in physical strength he made up for with speed and intelligence. He was also very reserved and good looking, with a beautiful face. So much so that Sakumo had insisted he wear a mask to stop distracting the maids and other servants. Even his retainers had been caught gazing longingly at the boy's pretty face, including his chief retainer and second in command, the young but extremely talented, Namekaze Minato. Kakashi's face was not one of a warrior's and was something he had definitely inherited from his mother, Sakumo decided. If Kakashi was to be respected, he should hide it.

Though when Kakashi was old enough he was sure he could use it to his advantage to ensure a politically beneficial marriage. The Hatake clan's fortunes needed boosting after too many generations of war. Their funds were greatly diminished, he could barely afford to pay for his army. Yet an army he must have, for the protection of his lands and family.

Sakumo had also realised that the smaller his army of retainers became, the more he wanted to protect them. Their loyalty meant everything to him, and he wanted them to be loyal to his son when he ruled. Sakumo's chief retainer, Namakaze Minato, was particularly talented, and often took Kakashi under his wing during training.

It made Sakumo particularly happy to see Minato so happy to serve and help the young heir, especially considering that Sakumo had little to offer his talented second in command in land and wealth.

One warm afternoon, after practicing with their swords rather rigorously, Kakashi lay in the tall grass panting, just a short ride from his home. Kakashi had just turned eighteen and had grown into a healthy, calm young man, even though he was somewhat laid back sometimes for his father's liking. As a child he had been considered too stern, too obsessed with the rules, but now he was maturing with his training. He had also developed a habit of carrying around literature from the travelling poet, the great Jiraiya, and read it whenever his schedule allowed.

It was one of the final days of summer, and the crisp breeze gently blew the tall grass surrounding the silver haired Lord. There was something about the scene that moved Minato as he looked down lazily at the boy pulling out a scroll and starting to read as he gained his breath back.

"You know," Minato began. "You can take your mask off around me." The twenty-eight year old blond was casual and made sure to keep out any trace of hopefullness from his voice. When Kakashi stayed silent other than his heavy breathing, he added, "it would be much easier for you to breathe that way."

"I know."

"Well?"

"My father wouldn't like it."

Minato smiled softly and kneeled down, reaching out a hand towards the thin material. Kakashi grabbed his wrist before he could make contact.

"I wouldn't like it."

Minato frowned and looked at the teen. He was in dangerous situation, but he couldn't hide the frustration on his face. Minato didn't pull away.

Kakashi released his grip on Minato's wrist as he angrily rose to his feet, glowering up into the older man's face. He was a warrior and wanted to be treated as such. He wanted the man's respect and nothing more.

"You are here to serve my family, nothing more. Know your place, Namakaze."

"...Yes, my Lord."

Kakashi angrily climbed onto his horse and set off for home without waiting for Minato. The blond ground his teeth, and took a moment to swallow his bitterness, sadness and anger, before mounting his own horse to follow. Kakashi was his superior, not his equal. Passionate though he was, he would be seen as anything more to the young heir than a skilled retainer, a subordinate. He was one of the best swordsman in the land, it just wasn't fair.

Kakashi never spoke of the incident again, but he felt a tension whenever he was around the older man. Luckily his father had most dealings with the retainer, so Kakashi didn't need to be around him too often.

Little did Kakashi know that mere weeks after the incident his life would change forever. One drizzly morning, when trees had already cast aside their summer green to make way for the cool reds of autumn, Sakumo received a letter he had dreaded, sealed with the mark of the Senju clan: they were going to war.

Sakumo was already weary and sent for his son with a grave face.

"Kakashi," he said as the young man entered and bowed to his father. Sakumo put down his ink brush and watched his son for a moment before indicating for him to sit opposite him on the tatami. "My boy, though you are young, you are a man. It is time for you to prove it by riding with me into battle."

"What?" Kakashi seemed shocked. He had not expected this, there had not been any battle involving his clan since he was a young boy. "We are at war?"

"The Senju have written to me, requesting my aid; I must call for my banner men and join the battle. We cannot afford to offend them and break off our alliance."

"But who are they fighting?"

"The Uchiha."

Kakashi took a moment to consider this. He remembered the Uchiha clan from his youth, with their dark hair and pale skin. They, along with the Senju, were some of the bigger, more powerful clans. The Uchiha's were a feared and talented race, having proved their might many times in the past. Kakashi remembered how talented they had been during that 'friendly' archery contest years ago. The young heir in particular. Itachi. He was the same age as Kakashi and had already been in battle, his father pushing him from a young age. Then Kakashi also remembered the not so impressive Uchiha, who had arrived late, was uncharacteristically loud and was quite obviously crying at his pitiful score in their contest. Kakashi almost smiled to himself; he wondered if the older cry baby was still the same, and if he would also be fighting in this battle.

"It seems the Uchiha have decided to take some land from the Senju and some of the smaller clans they believe they have claim to. Also I hear that a certain proposed marriage was refused for one of their own, Uchiha Obito. I hear Fugaku was most offended. The girl would have given the Uchiha claim to much inherited lands. Apparently the boy had feelings for her, but it was one-sided."

Kakashi sighed. So this is what it all came down to again: money, land wanting what you can't have. And once again his small clan were caught in the middle of it, tied in their alligiance to the more powerful Senju. Yet if they didn't have a treaty with one of the big clans, how were the Hatake's to survive?

"When do we leave?"

"The day after tomorrow. That gives us some time to prepare. We will be arriving in the midst of the battle, from behind and thus surprsing the enemy along with the Yamanaka clan, so we won't be alone. They are our allies and they will support us, otherwise we would be too small to be a real threat."

Kakashi nodded, imagining the scenario as it were one of his tactics lessons.

As they set out that morning, Kakashi rode proudly next to his father, who led his men. Kakashi had been strangely aware that morning as he dressed, that his was the first time he was wearing his battle armor with real purpose. He would finally see war firsthand.

Just behind him rode Minato, who gazed intently at Kakashi when he thought the silver haired heir wasn't looking. Kakashi could feel his eyes, and tried to ignore it as best he could, concentrating on what lay ahead. Minato made him feel uncomfortable.

After half a day's ride they found the meeting place between them and the Yamanaka clan. The leader, Inoichi, rode out to greet Sakumo and they shared a few words before nodding and setting off to face the enemy. Sakumo and his men rode ahead, while Inoichi had his men prepared their bows. Soon they reached their targets.

As Sakumo ordered his men to charge, Kakashi noticed that not only did the Uchiha men not seem surprised, they seemed to expect them. A shiver of foreboding instantly ran down Kakashi's spine. He looked to his father, also concerned but condemned to go along with what they had started. He turned to see if Minato had also noticed this, only Minato was nowhere in sight. Kakashi's face whitened as his genius mind put the pieces together.

It was a trap.

"Father!" he called.

Sakumo turned in time to see the Yamanaka arrows aimed not at the Uchiha, who drew back out of their way, but at Sakumo's men.

"Everyone get down!" Sakumo called, concerned only with protecting those who had remained loyal to him and his son.

It was chaos. Horses whinnied, some were shot by the rain of arrows and fell, taking their owners with them to the bloody floor. Whistles of arrows and screams of pain filled Kakashi's ears. Once the deathly shower had ended, the Hatake army was charged from both sides, Uchiha and Yamanaka. Men roared with the adrenaline and swords struck other swords, armor, skin and bones.

"Retreat!" Sakumo shouted. "We surrender!"

Kakashi clearly remembered seeing the faces of some of the warriors surrounding he and Sakumo. They were shocked, confused. "What? But Lord Hatake, we can't go down without a fight!"

"We can and we will. We are far too greatly outnumbered for even a hope of victory, and I want you all to return to your families, not die for the lost cause of the Senju. Those of you who are still standing anyway."

"But we are samurai warriors, we can't just surrender like that! We must fight to the end!"

"And have our children die with us? I want my son to live. I want you all to live. We have been betrayed, there is nothing else for us here."

"I'd rather take my own life than be a coward!"

A look of uneasiness, of hurt, passed through Sakumo's eyes at the implied accusation; Kakashi saw it vividly as the sounds of swords clashing and men crying filled the air. Kakashi wasn't an idiot. He knew there was no chance of victory, he didn't need to be a genius to see that. But to surrender so quickly... One thing was for certain, Kakashi didn't want to die. And he didn't want his father to die. Nor his men. Their clan was diminished enough over the previous generations already. No more lives needed to be lost.

His men were being slaughtered around them, so there wasn't much time. Not enough time for his father to argue with his own men. Kakashi made a decision.

"My father is right; we surrender."

The cluster fell silent and looked at the young man in his first battle.

"I knew it," the same man spoke up again. "No wonder you hid the pretty boy's face; he is a coward, he saw his first battle and convinced his honorable father to flee."

"No; I speak for myself. And the boy is right. We lost this fight before we even set foot here. We have been betrayed. By the Yamanaka, by... by Namakaze Minato. Start spreading the word; to protect those who are still alive: we surrender."