Edit: Thanks to Catiorro for bringing this up as I meant to clarify this but forgot. Kakashi was around 13 in the first chapter (with Obito and Rin being 14) and I'm going to say a little over a year has gone by since then putting him in the 14-15 range for this chapter.

Kakashi watched the kid eat out of the corner of his eye, slowly bringing his own meal to his henged mouth. The child was pale and thin –far too thin to be healthy– and if the way he looked at his ramen was anything to go by, there was a very good reason for that.

The boy's wide eyes studied the noodles like they completely baffled him, he didn't even start eating until Kakashi had. Then it was more of the boy studying what he did then slowly copying his movements. His reaction to –in Kakashi's opinion– mediocre ramen, was also very telling. After his first bite, he had stared at his bowl in amazement, saying he hadn't known food could taste like that when Kakashi asked what was wrong.

It was said without thought, the first thing out of the kid's mouth that hadn't sounded scripted. He had jerked immediately afterward, lowering his gaze in shame, embarrassment, and… Kakashi's nose twitched, was that fear?

He straightened in his seat, giving the child a sharp look, he knew this boy had been placed in his path for a reason. Someone's attempt to capture him, probably. But, the idea of someone using this child, a child as young as he'd been at the time of his first meeting with the Yellow Flash. It made his skin crawl.

"Finish eating, Kinoe," he ordered, turning back to his own meal, "We can't linger here."

"Yes, sir," the boy said, his sharp, practiced tone told of how frequently these words had left his mouth.

"No," Kakashi stalled the boy in mid reach for his chopsticks, earning himself a puzzled look that quickly shifted into a blank mask. "I'm not a sir, Kinoe, my name's Kakashi."

"I understand, sir, my apologizes," Kinoe said quickly, finishing his meal quickly while Kakashi groaned into his hand.

What was he getting himself into? When he saw the kid alone in the woods, miles away from any roads or towns, he'd been concerned. How could the child have gotten himself so lost? It was only when Kakashi started asking questions about where he was from, and where his parents were, that he's started getting suspicious.

Kinoe's responses were too calm and thought out for a scared child, as if they were part of a well-practiced script. From what Kakashi understood of normal children –since he didn't have any real experience in that category– the boy should have been weeping, scared out of his mind, and wanting his parents.

Hell, even Kakashi had wanted his father at that age after a particularly bad battle. But there was nothing like that from this boy, he seemed completely unaffected by his situation. Kakashi hadn't even seen an ounce of emotion in the kid's too wide eyes, except for that tiny flash of satisfaction when Kakashi had told him his name. Then it was back to the emotionless mask.

It made him uncomfortable, he'd even shown more emotion than this. But a small part of him whispered that the kid was just like him, a tool for his village, but Kinoe took it to an extreme.

Maybe that was why he didn't kill the boy, or at least leave him where he found him, when he figured out the boy was being used to find him. Kakashi wondered if he would eventually regret this, but he refused to let the child continue to be used like this. At the very least he'd show the kid some semblance of joy in the world.

And judging from his reaction to ramen, it wouldn't be too hard.

"Sir?"

Kinoe's voice startled Kakashi out of his thoughts, the boy was standing patently by his stool, bowl empty. Kakashi looked at his own half-finished meal and sighed, realizing he wouldn't be able to finish it.

Tossing some money on the counter, Kakashi stood.

"Alright, kid, let's go," he grumbled, starting off down the street, hands in his pockets.

Kinoe trailed after him, scowling briefly after being called 'kid', jogging to keep up with Kakashi's longer stride.

Kakashi grinned, seeing that small bit of defiance in the boy's eyes. With a brisk pace, he headed deeper into the market, amused by the boy's attempts to keep up with him. They needed a heading, with Kinoe's appearance Kakashi knew that those that sent him wouldn't be far behind.

They were currently in the Land of Hot Water, and Kakashi wanted to get down to the Land of Tea. With the Third Great Shinobi War in its death throes, Kumo having signed a peace treaty with Konoha, the fighting on Iwa's border had died down to the point that it was near nonexistent.

He heard the Tsuchikage was reluctant to sign a peace treaty, but rumors of the Hokage training a successor was forcing his hand. Kakashi hadn't heard who exactly was being appointed as the new Hokage, but they must be someone terrifying if the Tsuchikage was seriously considering surrender.

But peace meant villages could look beyond the fighting, at things that were brushed to the side during the war. Such as missing-nin, like himself.

He hadn't seen any Kumo hunter-nin since the Sandaime's death, despite being on Lightning Country's border. It was a bit unnerving, he knew A hadn't forgotten about him, and had a constant feeling that they were going to jump out at him one day.

Hence, why he wanted to go to the Land of Tea. First, Tea had no Hidden Village to speak of, therefore, no border patrols to worry about. Second, any hunter-nin sent after him would have to cross Fire Country, which probably wouldn't be happening any time soon. Third, it was untouched by the war, and hopefully they'd be a bit more willing to give him a job.

Kakashi paused outside a butcher's shop, and bought several nice bones for his dogs, ignoring the confused look on Kinoe's face. Guruko's been whining, and they have been very good lately.

He eyed the frog wallet, taking in how light it had gotten over the past few weeks, he gotten sloppy. Having grown comfortable with having money to spend, but he knew it wouldn't last forever, especially with another mouth to feed. He needed a job.

But going to the Land of Tea posed its own problems. Some of the same one's that the hunter-nin would face, such as going through Fire Country. He'd managed to avoid it for the most part, and wasn't looking forward to having to travel through, especially with his little spy.

He'd dawdled too long, already, with the new peace with Kumo, shinobi would be watching the borders like hawks, waiting for any sign of hostility. His only blessing was that peace hadn't been established yet with Iwa, meaning Konoha's forces would still be focused on that border.

He'd still have to be quick and move through the shadows, he gave the boy a sideways glance. Kinoe would be trying to sabotage every step of the way, Kakashi knew, but at the same time something told him not to leave to boy behind.

With a tired sigh, he stepped out of the village and onto the road, Kinoe followed him without comment. The silence persisted until Kakashi took to the trees, quirking a brow as the child followed without a word. Impressive for a lost child from a civilian family. But he said nothing, even as Kinoe's eyes widened and he stumbled before regaining his footing.

The kid was good but he was still young.

As the weeks passed a routine was developed between Kakashi and his spy, Kakashi would settle on a destination, Kinoe would report it to whoever he worked for, and there would be a random event that caused them to change their plans. The longer this went on the more frustrated and worried Kinoe looked, though he never said anything. So Kakashi pretended not to notice.

As weeks turned into months Kinoe's attitude changed once again, he looked more resigned to his fate. He sneaked off less often, he gave into Uhei and Guruko's insistent whining for play. And the silver-haired boy finally thought he was making progress with him. He got a clear window into the kid's soul in a small village between countries that they were passing through.

Kakashi paused when he noticed his usual shadow missing, he pushed down any irrational fear knowing his stalker wouldn't wander too far. Sure enough the boy was a few meters back, staring at something down the road.

He called out to the boy, hoping to get him moving again, and was surprised when Kinoe showed no indication of hearing him. That was different, usually the boy was hyper aware of his movements. A deep frown pulling at his masked face, Kakashi started moving toward his unwitting charge.

As he got closer, Kakashi could see the tension in the child's body, his fists were clenched tightly, and he was gritting his teeth. But, despite how close Kakashi came, Kinoe's burning gaze never turned toward him.

Coming to his side, Kakashi saw the cause of that burning anger, one that was so unfamiliar to him.

"Why?"

The Kumo nukenin blinked at the angry voice, and glanced down at the brown-haired boy.

"Why?" the boy repeated, when he didn't receive an answer, "Why are they doing that?"

For the first time, Kakashi saw tears rolling down the boy's face, tears of anger at the cruelty and mistreatment they were witnessing.

"Because people can be cruel," Kakashi responded simply, having no other answer for the kid.

"There's no reason for it," Kinoe spit out.

"No, the strong like to show their strength against the weak, despite how unnecessary and cruel it may be."

Before the silver-haired boy finished his sentence, the younger child was gone, charging down the road in a blind fury.

The group of boys were completely unaware of the infuriated shinobi bearing down on them. Instead they continued kicking and stomping on the small feline, encouraged by the laughing and jeers from the older men watching.

Kinoe hit the boys like a bull, knocking them to the ground, he then latched on to the largest of the children and started pounding on him. Despite the boy being twice his size, Kinoe easily beat down the civilian. The adults were about to intervene, but Kakashi appeared before them, henge dropped, looking every bit the missing-nin he was.

"How do you like it!" Kinoe was screaming, fists knowing exactly were to hit to cause maximum damage.

Kakashi knew he'd have to pull the boy off before he caused the civilian any lasting damage. But a small part of him was satisfied at seeing the boy get what he deserved. Yes, he was a shinobi and was well acquainted with bloodshed and the cruelest sides of the world. But most shinobi agreed, going after defenseless animals was cowardly and pathetic.

After waiting a few moments longer, the older boy turned toward the fight, and grabbed his younger counterpart. The boy fought him tooth and nail to get back, but his fury made him reckless and easily subdued.

"What the hell did that poor cat ever do to you?" Kinoe was still yelling, tears still streaming down his face.

"Kinoe," Kakashi scolded lightly.

The boy was breathing hard, but was finally relaxing in his grip, with one last warning look, he let him go. For a split second, Kakashi thought he was going to jump on the boy again, instead Kinoe ran to the cat, that still wasn't moving.

Sighing, he looked at the civilians that were clustered around the fallen boy, he was alert and glaring. Taking that as a sign Kinoe hadn't completely lost himself, and hurt the kid too badly, Kakashi stepped forward. Glaring at everyone, he seemed to tower above even those older and taller than him.

"Maybe you should take into consideration," Kakashi began lightly, "That a shinobi, raised to torture and kill, sees what you were doing to that animal as cruel and despicable. My friend could've killed you in a second, you're lucky he didn't. Just because you think you're tough, doesn't mean that you should be picking on the little guy, you never know when someone stronger than you might take pity on them."

With his quota of words for this month met, he turned away from them and toward his charge. Kinoe had scoped the animal's body up, and was looking at Kakashi with a heart-wrenching expression. It was a painful mix of despair and pleading, and the way he looked at the silver-haired boy, it was like he was expecting him to make it all better.

Kakashi hesitated, knowing that the cat was likely dead by this point, or close to it, and he really didn't want Kinoe getting his hopes up. But, at the same time, this was the most emotion he'd seen out of the kid.

It didn't hurt to try, Kakashi reasoned with himself, he grabbed the boy's shoulder and shunshined away in a poof of smoke.

Landing in their temporary camp, ignoring the enquiring gazes of his dogs, he steered Kinoe to the base of a tree. Pushing him down, Kakashi examined the boy's bloodied knuckles, noticing the damage for later.
"Uhei, med-kit," Kakashi ordered, turning his attention to the battered cat, pulling Kinoe's arms away slightly.

The small animal's skin clung loosely to it frame, bones easily seen under skin and fur. It was covered with dirt, grime, and traces of blood. Kakashi was deeply concerned when he found it was bleeding from the mouth and nose, he couldn't treat internal bleeding. Beyond that, he could feel several broken bones, its ribs and limbs especially.

The only good news was that it was still breathing, but Kakashi doubted that would last much longer. If it were up to him he'd put the animal out of its misery. However, looking into Kinoe's face, the nukenin knew he couldn't, the boy was too attached.

"I can't promise anything, Kinoe," Kakashi said carefully, wincing as those too large eyes blinked at him, "But I'll try."

Kakashi spent hours working on the feline, thanking Kami that cat anatomy was similar to a dog's. He had plenty of practice with his own dogs, but they had never gotten so banged up, at least not in one go. Throughout it all, Kinoe watched, not a word leaving his mouth, his fingers slowly stroking any part of the cat he could.

Kakashi hated to think of how much of the boy's mental state hinged on the cat's survival. It was clear that Kinoe saw something other than just a cat, his reaction to it –his anger– was like it was personal. Kakashi wouldn't be surprised if the boy saw himself in the cat, that at one point of time he was that helpless as others beat on him.

And that made Kakashi angry, even his childhood hadn't been that harsh. While he may have grown up on the battlefield, he still had his father's love to support him. He'd never been pushed into doing something he wasn't comfortable with, at least not until he was a chuunin.

With a mental sigh, he finished trying the last batch of bandages, and animal looked more like a ball of bandages with wooden legs then a cat by this point. But there was nothing more that could be done for it, they'd have to see if it survived the night.

Repacking Rin's med-kit, he looked at Kinoe again, the boy had pulled the cat close, mindful of the splints, and stroked it reassuringly. Kakashi knew there was nothing he could say to make the boy feel any better, so he just stood, briefly resting a hand on his shoulder.

"Kakashi-san."

Kinoe's small voice made him pause, the boy had never called him by name before.

"Thank you."

"Thank me if she makes it, kid."

By the time Kakashi rolled out of his bedroll the next morning, Kinoe was up and about, rummaging through his bag. It wasn't long before the boy found what he was looking for and returned to his bedroll.

Kakashi pushed himself up, ignoring Pakkun's grumbling as he was ousted from his sleeping spot. He first checked on Guruko and Uhei's positions, they were still in their guard positions from last night. Both turned to look at him as he stood, he gave them grateful nods, and the dogs stretched before settling down for a nap.

With that done, he did a quick perimeter check, and checked his animal traps, that lay a little ways from camp. He returned with two rabbits and a squirrel, after a quick field dressing, he turned to Kinoe.

The boy was crouched on his bedroll, speaking in soft tones, pulling dried pieces of meat from his pouch.

Kakashi moved to stand beside him and was surprised to see the cat not only still alive but awake. Its one eye was swollen shut, and its movements were slow, but it was improvement. Kinoe was offering it the food, but the cat wouldn't touch it beyond a few small licks.

Kinoe looked up at him in confusion.

"Why won't she eat?"

Kakashi frowned behind his mask, knowing that the prognosis for an animal with no appetite wasn't good. He turned away, ignoring the boy's question, and looked for a canteen. Quickly locating what he was looking for, he unscrewed the cap and poured a small amount of water in it.

Holding it under the cat's nose, he was rewarded when the animal took a few small laps. It was better than nothing.

"It probably hurts," Kakashi finally answered, "Keep her hydrated, and keep trying to feed her small pieces of food."

Days passed and little by little the tiny feline improved, which thrilled Kinoe. His eyes lit up and an overjoyed smile light his face at every sign of improvement. Kakashi thought that for once he looked like an actual child of his age, and breathed a sigh of relief once the animal was out of the woods.

He didn't know how Kinoe would react if the cat died after they'd invested so much into its survival.

At the same time, he knew that their group had increased from five to six mouths to feed, there was no way that the kid would leave that cat behind now. The dogs were agitated by its presence in the beginning, though they mostly ignored the cat. But Kakashi had caught them side eying it worriedly whenever it seemed to back track in its recovery. They would get along fine.

As the bandages came off and the feline was cleaned up, she was revealed to be a silver tabby with white paws and chest. Kinoe was besotted, and named her Ichika, thankfully the feeling was mutual and the cat adored Kinoe. She certainly put up with more than Kakashi had come expect most cats to tolerate.

She tolerated the dogs just fine, even playing with Uhei on occasion, and would sit with Kakashi sometimes when he was standing guard. Ichika thankfully easily fit into their strange group without any major issue.

Which should've been a warning sign for the nukenin, after all nothing ever goes well for him, at least with something on the horizon.

Kakashi once again found himself seated at a food stall –thankfully not ramen– with Kinoe by his side. The boy loved trying new foods, and had taken to pestering Kakashi about going into different places every time they went to town. There were times where the silver-haired boy would wonder if he didn't prefer the quiet, emotionless Kinoe, his wallet certainly did.

Not that the boy was paying him any mind.

No, the brat was solely focused on the girl that sat beside him. She was around Kinoe's age maybe a year or so older, dark short hair and eyes, but otherwise unremarkable. Well, she would be unremarkable if not for the piglet that sat on her lap.

Kinoe was fascinated with it, as she was fascinated by Ichika, who was curled around Kinoe's neck. The cat was watching the pig through slited amber eyes; the pig, however, paid the cat no mind.

"I don't think I caught your names, I'm Shizune and this is Tonton," the girl said, and at the sound of its name the pig squealed in delight.

"Cool," Kinoe laughed, shaking the girl's hand and patting the pig's head, "This is Ichika, and that's Kakashi. I'm Tenzo."

Kakashi startled at the name, giving Kinoe a measuring look, noticing the tensing of his shoulders and the slight shock on his face. He clearly hadn't intended to give that name to the girl, or anywhere in Kakashi hearing. He kept silent for now, but shot the boy a look that let him know that there would be a conversation.

"Pleasure," Kakashi said, waving a hand, not liking the whole hand shake thing. It gave an unknown enemy too many opportunities to stick you with something.

"So where are you guys from?" she asked with a friendly, open air about her, Kakashi didn't trust it for a minute.

"Here and there," he said before Kinoe could say anything, "Not really from anywhere. And you?"

"Fire Country, though we travel a lot as well," Shizune said giving him a look, one that clearly said she saw through his attempt to avoid talking about himself. "Are you staying in town?"

"Nah," Kinoe said, shaking his head, "We're heading out today."

"Oh," Kakashi could've sworn that was disappointment flicking across her features, "Where are you heading?"

"Not sure yet," Kakashi interjected, "We'll decide as we go."

"I understand that," the girl nodded, "That's what my Shishō and I do, but don't your parents worry?"

"My parents are dead," Kakashi snorted, looking down at his food briefly.

"I never knew my parents," Kinoe said, "Or, at least, I don't remember them."

"I'm sorry," Shizune asked, guilt coloring her features, "I shouldn't have asked, I just assumed you were siblings or something."

Kakashi chuckled, as Kinoe looked horrified at the prospect.

"Me related to him?" the boy choked out.

"Maa," Kakashi grinned, enjoying the boy's embarrassment, "I found him on the side of the road, and he started following me like a lost puppy."

Kinoe glared at him darkly, and Kakashi eye smiled. Shizune laughed at their antics; while Ichika, noticing her savior's distress, stood fur bristling and hissing at the henged boy.

"Sorry for asking, you two just look so similar."

That only made Kinoe's scowl deepen, sending an accusing look at the older male, Kakashi just lifted his hands in surrender. He was greatly amused by Kinoe's flustered appearance, but knew the boy was just joking around. There was an amused light in his eyes, the brat.

"Shizune!"

All three of them, as well as Ichika and Tonton, startled at the angry shout. Kakashi had palmed some shuriken, while Kinoe turned to face the oncoming threat. Shizune stiffened, glancing back in surprised horror, before scrambling to her feet.

A blond woman, was bearing down on them, the purple diamond marking on her forehead was marred by her furrowed brows. A frown pulled at her lips, and her eyes were narrowed on the girl.

Kakashi frowned, he didn't like the woman's tone or body language, especially directed at a young civilian girl. He stood, giving Kinoe a sharp look keeping him in place, and moved to stand beside the dark-haired girl.

The woman paused, eyes widening minutely before her lips twitched upward. She came to a stop directly in front of them, pulling herself up to tower over them. Kakashi didn't twitch, he'd faced down much scarier opponents in his life time, and a cheap intimidation tactic wasn't going to work.

"I see you've made some friends, Shizune," the blond said, eyes not leaving Kakashi form.

Shizune blinked, giving Kakashi a wary glance, as if she were afraid for him. Then she turned back to the stranger with a sharp nod.

"Yes, Tsunade-sama," Shizune said, confidence seeping into her voice.

But Kakashi didn't register it, more focused on his internal panic attack.

Tsunade? Tsunade of the sannin? His father told him that she could shatter bone with a single finger, kill a man with one punch. And that if you pissed her off she'd beat you to the brink of death, heal you, then do it all over again.

The silver-haired nin took a shaky breath to calm himself, loosening his limbs prepared to move at a moment's notice.

The sannin noticed and her grin widened, eyes shining with amusement.

"Well aren't you going to introduce me?"

"Oh," Shizune startled, "These are Kakashi and Tenzo; guys this is my Shishō, Senju Tsunade."

"Pleasure," Kakashi grit out, with Kinoe copying him.

The girl, Kakashi was horrified to learn, was training under one of the most feared living medical-nin. And he'd mistaken her for a civilian. He felt like an idiot, after all when does he ever meet normal people.

He gave Kinoe a side glance, was he some powerful heir to an extinct clan or something? Kakashi wouldn't be surprised by this point.

"I'm sure," Tsunade said, "You boys from around here?"

"No, Tsunade-sama," Shizune answered before Kakashi could, "They're actually leaving town today."

"Are they."

It wasn't a question, they all knew it, and Kakashi shifted slightly putting Kinoe in more defensible place. The silver-haired boy didn't like the thoughtful look in the Slug sannin's eyes, and was fully prepared to flee.

"Well, it just so happens that we're also leaving town today, and I'm sure Shizune wouldn't mind more company of her age."

"That's not–" Kakashi started, but Shizune turned to him with a large grin on her face.

"That'd be great! You said you didn't have a destination in mind, so you wouldn't be going out of your way."

"Uh…"

"I guess it's not a terrible idea," Kinoe mused behind him, "Large groups mean it's less likely for us to be attacked."

Kakashi took back every good thing he'd ever said about the brat, he was going to strangle him next chance he got.

"Wonderful," the sannin said, eyes still focused solely on Kakashi, "I take it you're staying in the inn?"

"Yes," Kakashi grit out, cursing his decision to stay in town, they could've slipped away if they camped out.

"Let's go then, brats," Tsunade said, turning back down the street.

The entire walk to the inn was spent with Kakashi silently cursing his life, Kinoe and Shizune happily talking about their joint trip, and the damned Sannin wickedly smirking looking for the world like a cat who'd caught the canary.

Why were all these crazy Konoha shinobi drawn to him? Honestly, he never met a crazy Suna shinobi or anyone from Kusa! He was cursed, from the moment the damned Yellow Flash let him live. He's been marked with something invisible to him. but every damned Leaf-nin could see it and were drawn to it!

Kakashi had been under the impression that things would calm down after he and Kinoe left the Sannin and her apprentice. Though it hadn't been as bad as he'd been expecting, Shizune was nice and balanced out her manic, explosive, and depressing sensei. He would go as far as to hesitantly call them allies, maybe.

It was the decision to enter Fire County that led to the spilt, when Kakashi mentioned it Tsunade's face closed and her eyes darkened. Shizune winced at the sight and looked away. He knew that the slug queen had separated from her village, but hadn't expected such an adverse reaction to just entering the country's borders. He didn't push the issue at first, but knew that he wanted to head that way as they were getting dangerously close to Kumo's borders.

Tsunade had brushed off his concerns, stating that any hunter-nin that came after them would be suicidal. He agreed but didn't want to escalate tensions between Konoha and Kumo if they saw Tsunade protecting their nukenin as a threat. By traveling into Fire Country he'd hopefully be able to avoid any hunter-nin since he doubted Konoha would let them cross borders. Besides, ever since he gained his shadow there had been a suspicious decline in Konoha ANBU after him.

So, he packed his bag, gathered the hounds, and thanked Tsunade for her hospitality, gave Shizune a small smile, and told her that he was glad they'd meet. And as he turned to go Kinoe was scrabbling to collect his stuff, snapping that Kakashi wouldn't be going anywhere without him. With their goodbyes said, and the promise to keep in touch (Kinoe and Shizune) they set out.

He was now regretting that decision as he deflected a kunai while dodging a burst of lightning. Leaping into the thick branches above him, his eye rapidly looked for Kinoe, hoping the kid was alright. The hounds were holding their own protecting each other and ganging up on any hunter-nin that got too close.

What the hell were Kumo hunter-nin doing this far in Konoha territory?! He grunted as a shinobi locked blades with him, the man was much larger and was easily forcing him back. Knowing that it wouldn't end well for him this way, Kakashi channeled his chakra into the blade allowing lightning to start dancing from it. The hunter's eyes widened and he disengaged before the lighting could jump to his blade and travel back to him.

Kakashi gasped in the short reprieve, they were hopelessly outnumbered, fighting against fully rested shinobi trained in taking down nukenin quickly and efficiently. On top of that he'd lost track of how long they'd been at this, the hunters keep cycling back to rest and recuperate while he and Kinoe were left on the defensive. His lightning blade crackled defensively in front of him, his back was to the tree's trunk and the hunter-nin were hovering just out of striking distance.

He saw no way out of this one, he'd never had to face this many nin all targeting him before, not without his father. Kinoe was nowhere to be seen, which left a bad feeling in his gut, if that kid died because of him…

He growled at the thought, being pessimistic wouldn't solve anything, so what did he have. His chakra was low but he could still fight, Uhei was limping heavily, and Pakkun wasn't moving. But Guruko was fending the nin off snapping and snarling as he defended his fallen packmate. Kinoe may still be around, he didn't smell death on the air. Honestly, he didn't have much, but he'd be damned if he went down without a fight.

Fueling more chakra into the blade he lunged to the side to engage with the nin that had been circling behind him. The shinobi was surprised by the attack and instinctually brought a kunai up in defense, the lightning from his blade immediately jumped from his blade to the kunai and up the man's arm. He screamed, dropping the kunai and allowing Kakashi easy access to his torso.

Kakashi pulled his tanto free of the hunter to meet the nin behind him, the meet in a clang of metal, his chakra reserve was too low to continuously hold the lightning blade. The hunter suddenly disengaged, as he felt a flare of chakra behind him. his eye widened and he used shunshin to escape the fireball. Landing in a tree a few meters away he gasped, the world tilting dangerously as his reserves started failing him.

A sharp gasp escaped him as a blade tore through his shoulder, it would've gone through his heart if not for his loss of balance. With as short cry Kakashi wretched himself free kicking the hunter back, before stumbling and losing his footing. Before he could correct himself, the ground was fast approaching.

He caught himself, barely, and pushed himself to his knees, there was no energy left, no adrenaline to push himself any further. Where was Kinoe?

There was a shadow in front of him, the sharp edge of the blade was visible at the edge of his vison. So, this is how it ends?

The blade vanished as it was raised.

Where was Kinoe?

Did he survive?

What will happen to his pack?

He could hear the sound of the blade cutting through the air towards his neck.

Then the ground shifted and he was encased in darkness.

What?

He did have the energy to move, but his sensitive hearing could pick the screaming of the hunter-nin beyond what he was trapped in. The scent of fresh blood and death stung his nose. What was happening?

Then in what felt like an eternity the darkness fell away, Kinoe was standing there, eyes wide and fearful. He was covered in mud and shaking like a leaf, the moment his eyes took in Kakashi battered but breathing for relief crashed down on his face.

"Thank, Kami!" the boy gasped, rushing forward to help Kakashi to his feet, "I thought I was too late! I got thrown in a blast and passed out and then I woke up and you were still fighting, I could hear you still fighting, and I knew I had to help, and then I saw you get stabbed and fall from the tree, then he was going to kill you, and I know Danzo-sama always tells me not to show my abilities to anyone or else I'll be punished but I couldn't let them kill you, and I'm sorry for lying to you, and… and…"

"Kinoe," Kakashi gasped, trying to stop the rush of words coming from the kid's mouth, "Breath, I'm alright."

"But what about…"

"Kinoe I knew from the start that you were sent to spy on me and more than likely capture me."

"You did?"

"You aren't a good actor, Kinoe," Kakashi laughed, before wincing.

Kinoe was frowning, as he pulled the older shinobi to his feet.

"Tenzo," Kinoe said suddenly, as Kakashi started to take in the damage surrounding them.

"Hmm?"

"Call me Tenzo."

"That's the name you gave Shizune, I take it that's your real one."

"Maybe, I've always been called Kinoe, but sometimes I hear someone call me that in my dreams, and it sounds right."

"Ok then, Tenzo, you wouldn't happen to know where all this wood came from do you?" Kakashi asked, looking around the battle field at the twisted pieces of wood that wound its way through the forest obviously in chase or having impaled some hunter-nin.

The younger male shifted uneasily as they made their way to the pack where Pakkun was starting to regain his feet with the help of Guruko, and Ichika was cleaning Uhei's wound. At the hesitation, Kakashi raised a brow in the kid's direction which had him sighing in defeat.

"I'm a Mokuton user," Tenzo muttered.

And though Kakashi was expecting it, the information still sent him stumbling, he had been hoping there was some other explanation.

"So you're a descendant of the first Hokage?" Kakashi asked, thinking back on when he was wondering if Tenzo belonged to some long-lost clan.

"No." Tenzo responded immediately, "At least I don't think so, I have nightmares and vague memories of a laboratory."

There was a cold feeling in his stomach that wasn't due to chakra exhaustion, was Konoha experimenting on children to get the Mokuton ability back? He didn't think they were that cold, that was more Kiri's thing, but you learned something new every day. All this information changed was that he'd be damned if he let them get their grubby fingers on Tenzo again.

"Hmm, Tenzo?"

"Yeah?"

"How do you feel about leaving the main continent for a while?"

"You mean you're not throwing me out?"

"Nonsense, I think the pack would revolt if I did."

"Oh, well think that sounds like a good idea."

"Good."

Minato stalked into the council room, face set in a stony expression, with a crumpled letter in his fist.

The council, and the Sandaime, sat around the table. All but one giving the normally cheery blond confused looks, unsure of why they'd so suddenly been summoned by their new Hokage. Danzo was the only one who stayed silent, a scowl on his face, as he looked deep in thought.

"Is something wrong, Minato?" Sarutobi asked, chewing on the end of his pipe as he did so.

"Why don't you tell me?" the Yellow Flash barked, slamming the paper onto the table as he reached his seat.

The former Hokage looked startled at the younger man's tone. But he knew something must be wrong, then he noticed how his old teammates drew themselves up in offense at the tone. But Hiruzen's sharp look kept them silent.

After all, Minato's icy gaze wasn't focused on them, but rather the man at the other end of the table.

Danzo met the young Kage's gaze with one of indifference, not batting an eye at the barely contained killer intent.

"Is there something you're accusing me of, Hokage-sama?" Danzo made the title sound like an insult, but Minato didn't rise to the bait.

Instead he answered the man with steel in his voice, sharp as a kunai.

"Perhaps you can enlighten me, as to why I got this angry letter from the Raikage?" as he spoke, Minato jabbed the paper he brought angrily.

Sarutobi, Homura, and Koharu, glanced at the paper pensively. They had just finished peace talks with Kumo, and the treaty with Iwa was in its final stages, the shinobi ranks were tired and growing thin. If war broke out again on the verge of peace, moral would drop to an all-time low.

"Is the young fool calling for war again?" Danzo asked, no once glancing at the paper.

"Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?" Minato snarled, "He wants to know why one of our men aided in the escape of one of their nukenin."

"They wouldn't have, if you hadn't allowed Kumo-nin to traverse our land without supervision!"

"It was a show of trust, besides there were Anbu shadowing them at all times."

"It shows we're weak, giving into their demands!"

"Enough!" Sarutobi stood, staring down his nose at the two shinobi, "Why don't we figure out this problem like adults, instead of squabbling like children?"

"Minato-sama, why would you blame Danzo for one shinobi's actions?" Koharu asked, "Surely, this is a matter to be taken up with the shinobi in question."

Minato leaned back in his chair, and pinched the bridge of his nose, before turning his gaze on the other elders.

"I would, Koharu-sama, however, the shinobi in question is not one I'm familiar with."

Minato's sharp gaze narrowed on both Sarutobi and Danzo, who stiffened in their seats. Sarutobi shot Danzo an exasperated look, with a deep frown pulling at the lines on his face. Danzo, meanwhile, frowned deeply as well, eyes calculating.

"If that is the case, why would the Raikage think the shinobi was one of ours?" Homura asked slowly. "And beyond that who did they help escape?"

Minato let a grin stretch across his face, it was a grin that promised pain in the near future, a room full of lesser shinobi would have fled at the sight of it.

"The nukenin was Hatake Kakashi," Danzo's eye narrowed. "And, well, the Mokuton is a distinctly Konoha feature."

Three of the elders stared at Minato like he'd grown two heads, but the blond paid them no mind, focused solely on Danzo. The man who's only look of surprise was a slight clenching of his jaw.

"Are you certain?" Koharu asked, on the verge of rising to her feet.

"I had Anbu investigate the scene, their findings only verify the Raikage's claims."

The two elders, Koharu and Homura, seemed to be in shock, with Homura whispering about the possibilities of that under his breath. Hiruzen's frown was only deepening, with his eyes slowly focusing on Danzo.

"You don't seem surprised," Minato said coolly, eyes tracking Danzo's every movement.

"Should I be?"

"Who was he, Danzo?"

"A shinobi under my command," the older man said, not showing any sign of having done something wrong.

"You know how long we've desired to have a Mokuton user among our ranks," Sarutobi cut in, staring at his old friend, "And yet you've kept this man a secret?"

"How did he even come to have the ability?" Homura continued, "Not even Hashirama's decedents showed any sign of processing it."

"That's because the boy didn't come to this ability naturally, did he, Danzo?" Minato said, crossing his arms.

"Boy?" Hiruzen asked, brows pulled down in confusion.

"Yes, boy," Minato confirmed, "The child can't be older than ten, if my informant can be believed."

As he spoke two Anbu appeared at his shoulders, one with a stylized fox mask, the other a hawk mask. Minato, didn't acknowledge them, despite them being the first and second in command of Anbu. As Commander Fox shifted, the hidden guards appeared, on edge, and waiting for a command.

"And just who is your informant?" Danzo growled, showing the first bit of emotion in this meeting. Not in the least bit phased by the Anbu guard around him.

"The very person you hired to create him," Minato sneered, "Orochimaru."

Hi! Can anyone believe its been two years? I certainly can't. Apologizes for how disjointed this chapter is, the vast majority of it was written two years ago and for the life of me I can't remember how I wanted certain parts to go. I was hoping to get this done sooner but between writing my sapstone thesis and field research it didn't happen. But I'm done now and have my diploma so maybe more chapters? I don't know I need to get my life sorted, and hopefully one day I can add to this.

Thanks to all of you who are still reading this, you guys are awesome and I probably wouldn't have found the desire to make this chapter somewhat ordered and readable if not for your comments. So thanks to you guys, and to anyone who is also suffering in the heat please try and stay cool and hydrated.