Author's Note: A little context. This "side effect" of the Tajuu Kage Bunshin technique is based on other stories I've written about Iruka's clones, including "Strangely Together, Uniquely Apart". The general idea is that the clones show a great deal of self-agency but are also lacking in inhibition, showing a less socially restrained version of one's inner person.

Doppelgänger

by Swiss

"The language of friendship is not words but meanings."

–Henry David Thoreau

Kakashi was on his way back from the memorial stone when he spotted a familiar back making its way through the crowd, dark ponytail bobbing like a flag. This person was carrying a large paper bag filled with groceries, and Kakashi felt his stomach give a sudden, discontented gurgle to remind him it was nearly lunchtime.

"Two birds, one stone," he murmured, and set off to intercept Iruka with a bounce in his step.

He approached from behind in a stealthy but casual slouch and was pleased when his pleasant, "Good morning, Sensei!" almost caused his target to drop his purchases. Kakashi snapped up a tomato before it hit the ground and tucked it tidily back into the bag. "A bit jumpy today, aren't we?"

It was exactly the kind of remark that usually lead to biting reproof about his jerkish behavior, and he was already prepared with an argument about how shinobi were supposed to sneak, but for some reason the diatribe never manifested. He squinted into Iruka's face and realized his mistake. For while at a casual glance the illusion was perfect, the brown eyes were just a shade too expressive, the small muscles a hair too animated, and the startled response altogether too open. Even Iruka had more restraint then that.

"Oh, Ichi," Kakashi said, lips twisting into a smile which fortunately remained hidden beneath his mask. "Is Iruka making his clones run errands now? That seems a bit beneath you, don't you think?"

The clone, which was in actuality a Tajuu Kage Bunshin doppelgänger, responded as expected. Giving Kakashi a shove, it pushed past haughtily and continued on its way. Kakashi followed, whistling.

'Cease following,' Iruka's double signed when he persisted, using the combat signs all shinobi used in the field. As far Kakashi knew, this was the only way it could speak beyond moody silences and the occasional huff, which gave Kakashi a certain advantage.

"I'm hungry," he complained, hanging back just enough so that he wasn't treading on the clone's heels. "Feed me today?"

Ichi studiously ignored him, refusing to even look in his direction.

Kakashi picked up his pace. "Come on, now. It's no use pretending to be mad just because I caught you off guard. What's a good-natured prank between friends?"

The clone snorted, repeating the words 'good-natured' with obvious derision. Iruka was the only person Kakashi knew who could be sarcastic with sign language. Was it done with the fingers alone, or was there some kind of corresponding body language?

The clone seized his moment of inattention to leap up a level so that it could travel via window sills and laundry lines. As an attempt to avoid him it was a failure, since Kakashi merely followed with his hands shoved casually in his pockets. He kept up his pursuit all the way to Iruka's apartment, by which time the doppelgänger had worked itself into an impressive furor. With its brows shoved down like a thunder cloud, it disengaged the door locks and traps.

"Don't be so cold," Kakashi protested. "You aren't really going to leave me out on the doorstep, are you?"

His answer was a door slamming shut in his face.

Kakashi considered. "Well, as long as you don't mind me dying from hunger," he said, raising his voice so it could be heard from inside.

Before he could even contemplate invading through a window, the door abruptly swung open and the clone stuck its head out, wearing an expression that was equal parts defiance and guilt. It shoved something cold and cylindrical into Kakashi's hand, and then the door closed just as vehemently as before. Kakashi stared down at his hand. It was a can of tuna.

He shook his head. It was just like Iruka to worry about him starving to death in the most absurd way possible.

In an empty practice field, Kakashi stood eavesdropping on a breeze that was negotiating with the trees and pondered what he was about to do. The Tajuu Kage Bunshin no jutsu was technically forbidden, after all, though he had always assumed it was because of safety concerns. Each clone you created shared an equal portion of chakra with the original; create too many, and you could go out like a candle. Naruto had opened that can of worms without consequence, of course, but in Iruka's case…

Kakashi still remembered his fascination the first time he saw Iruka's clones, fidgeting and scowling outside a little fishing village called Shi-Tane on the coast of Fire Country. Iruka had used them, in an odd twist from the usual ninja methodology, to increase his visibility. That hadn't been the strange part, however. The strange part was that Iruka's clones were far more than doll-like forms that obeyed commands. They were capable of self-agency.

They were also capable of crankiness, revenge, and willful obstinacy. 'And loyalty,' Kakashi thought, remembering the day Iruka's primary clone – a being Iruka had unimaginatively dubbed 'Ichi' – put itself between him an a throwing knife.

But why were they like that? Kakashi's best theory was that they were defective, the product of an incorrectly parsed jutsu. Or was it was it something about the Tajuu Kage Bunshin itself that made them that way? Kakashi didn't have an answer, and it was driving him crazy.

Which was how he found himself here, preparing to summon his own forbidden clone. With meticulous precision he made the signs, and when the yellow smoke dissipated he stood face to face with an identical white-haired shinobi who shared his every scar and crease of skin, down to the last freckle. Ordinarily, this was when he would give instructions, but not this time. This time he wanted to see what the clone would do on its own.

The wind blew, drawing along a wayward butterfly. The sun inched westward. The shadows of the trees moved. Finally, Kakashi broke down. "Well, aren't you going to do anything?"

The doppelgänger was slouching, wearing an expression that could only be described as fatal boredom. It stared toward the distant horizon, blinking its one visible eye.

Annoyed, Kakashi prodded the clone in the stomach. "Seriously, do something."

The clone obediently scratched behind its ear before settling back into a negligent kind of parade rest. It barely even breathed, it was so uninteresting. Kakashi frowned. Still, he wasn't willing to give up just yet. Maybe the clone just needed more stimulation. After all, there wasn't much to do around here but nap and spar.

Well, he had missed lunchtime.

"Come," he commanded, and lead the way into the village proper.

Author's Note: Dedicated to Neocolai, who has recently been reviewing my stories in the loveliest way possible, inspiring me to pick up a few unfinished pieces. She seems partial to Ichi, so it seemed only right to make this story a thank you to her. As always, the very best reviews are when you point out a line that stuck out to you. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!