Chapter 3

It was a habit carried over from his previous life that made Kakashi rise early, the stars were out he noticed the sky clear and the air crisp from the thunder last night. The stars had always captivated especially in this new world, whenever he got a moment of introspection he always asked himself what was out there for he knew interdimensional travel was possible; what else was possible. The constellations were different here it was something he always noticed whenever he observed them, theories floated through his mind, was he in the same universe or a different dimension completely; where these the same stars he gazed at as a child just from a different perspective. He thought to himself 'snap out of it Kakashi time to get to work'. As was usual for him he began performing the various Taijutsu forms accumulated over his illustrious career, acquainting his body to the movements and ingraining muscle memory. Flipping into the air landing in the horse stance feet shoulder width a part and as he continued the shinobi gradually lost himself in the katas, moving fluidly from one discipline to another, it allowed him a moment to centre himself and prepare for the day; not that he saw much excitement in his six years of life in this new world even with a civil war raging, by the time he come to his breathing was laboured and there was a pleasant ache to his muscles.

Today was of interest to Kakashi today was the day he would be receiving formal instruction on the martial arts practice in this world; after much pleading from himself to his mother. The few times he spied the Men at arms practicing it did not look to complicated he did not see any intricate maneuverers like the leaf dance or the very popular crimson wave practised ironically in Kumo. By the time he finished the castle was waking, noises and the smell of cooking meat carried from the kitchen made it to Kakashi was he strolled through the corridor to the back of the castle where the training square was located. It was empty when he arrived, the sun just peeking through colouring the sky a beautiful pink hue. The shinobi instinctively nestled himself in the shadows, a cloak of comfort, the darkness obscured him from the sentry on the walk way who himself was shrouded in darkness. Kakashi observed the guard as he continued his rounds and deduced it was Horden, a man in his forties sustaining an injury walking with a distinctive gait; a slash of a sword to his right leg; during the war of the ninpenny Kings. Horden was a gruff man whenever Kakashi spoke to him the old guard kept is answers short and to the point, he was an honest man who tried not to mince words.

Kakashi stepped out of the cover of darkness into the training square, which puzzling enough was not a square a rectangle in shape. At one end of the square, rectangle, was humanoid targets used for archery and at the centre a ring used for sword practice. Strolling across the floor to the weapon shack on the other end of the square, Kakashi chose a bow even though he had little experience with the weapon just a rudimentary understanding of the functionality of the weapon; he could still admire the craftmanship. With a couple of arrows in hand he made his way to the firing range, he positioned himself in front a target about fifty metres away; loading the weapon he inhaled pulling the drawstring to the centre of his chest holding his breath for a beat he let loose the arrow. The arrow struct, he sit the shoulder, better from his previous attempt. Kakashi continued, again loosing himself in the task pulling shooting and repeating the process till his finger ached. The shinobi was interpreted by the footsteps walking up from behind him, the fall of the footsteps identified the individual as Ser Ronas; it was measured and calm a man self-assured about himself, the footsteps of a fighter.

"That's enough boy, you're a damn good sight better than you a week ago." Ronas said.

"Thank you." Kakashi said, being polite. He liked the Knight he was not impressed and overly conscious of his status, Kakashi was a boy in his eyes and a boy he would be called till he was something else.

"No need for thanks, the truth is the truth." Ronas said holding a training sword out to him, a short sword.

The sword was weighted Kakashi noticed, just the right weight to build muscle and to practice with.

"What is the difference between a sword and a hammer?" Ronas asked. As Kakashi took some practice swings.

Kakashi knew to look underneath the underneath, it was not a simple question Ronas was not looking for the obvious answer. "There is no difference between a hammer and a sword, both are tools, and both can be used to kill a man." Kakashi said.

Ronas looked at him, it was a look Kakashi recognised. "Aye, that's the truth of it lad." Ronas motioned for him to get into a ready stance. The shinobi immediately got into to stance body angle exposing less of himself to the knight, feet shoulder width apart knees slightly bent ready responded to any stimulus. Ronas struck without warning a downwards slash headed for the shinobis head Kakashi brought the sword up at an angle deflecting the blow, stepping forward closing the distance between them making it difficult for Ronas to counter the backwards slash aimed at his midsection. Ronas twisted out the way deflecting the blow, rattling kakashis' skinny arms, creating distance in the process and throwing the boy off balance; a mark of an experienced swordsmen. The exchanged happened in mere mounts, it seemed some honed instincts carried over Kakashi mused. Ronas regarded him for a moment they circled each other, there was hardly any opening Kakashi could exploit in his diminutive state.

"You've done this before boy." Ronas said.

"No, I haven't, I watched some men at arms practicing." Kakashi said.

"I see, you're a natural my boy."

In two quick steps Ronas closed the distance and struck him sword whizzing through the air, Kakashi duct the blow and made to sweep the left leg of the knight; it found no purchase; Ronas brought his leg up and with a quick manoeuvre kicked him with the other leg sending the shinobi tumbling. Kakashi round over his shoulder and quickly stood focusing on the knight, the shinobi regarded the knight he was impressed ordinarily Kakashi would have avoided the kick, he even saw it, however his young body was not quick enough the respond. "You're quick boy, that's good". Ronas remarked. They continued circling each other, Kakashis arm began to tremble the sword heavy in his hands. "That's enough boy, come". Ronas said relaxing beckoning him over to a post. It was a wooden post T shaped a facsimile of a human, the post was worn dents made from years of repeated use. "Pay heed, this post is the most important equipment in becoming a great swords man." Ronas patting the it affectionately. Ronas continued, "When it comes to fighting swordsman's, I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 swings of the sword, but I fear the man who has practiced one swing of the sword 10,000 times." Ronas said as he motioned for Kakashi to stand to the side the knight continued to lecture. "Watch, one of the most important moments in a fight is how fast you can draw the sword and attack." The Knight demonstrated hand resting on the hilt of the wooden sword, feet bent; ready for action. Kakashi did as instructed and paid close attention to the knight, the court was strangely quite the morning air had a crispness to it which was absent a moment earlier. The knight was relaxed, Kakashi watched, the knight took a breath. The blow came unexpectedly the noise echoing in the silence. It was a blow Kakashi knew took an untold amount of time and dedication to get to the level it was at, it was an attack worthy of praise. The shinobi viewed the attack again in his mind dissecting every movement and found little to fault, some minor positioning of the wrist and hips would have a bit generated more power, for a civilian. Again Kakashi analysed the attack with the addition of chakra and saw it was a move truly worth of praise, with skilful use of chakra amplification and a quick burst of chakra to the tip of the sword the moment Kakashi new many would find it difficult to avoid; the assassin in him could appreciate the move, it was simple quick and deadly.

"Did you get that." Ronas asked.

"Er…Yes." Kakashi replied unsure whether, show case his genius or not.

Ronas regarded him. "If you're sure Lad." Ronas took a step back and motioned for the shinobi to demonstrate.

Kakashi mimicked the stance the knight took, he waited a beat and struck. The blow did not echo in the court, it was not as fast as the knights and did not flow as smoothly as the knight demonstrated; the movements felt awkward. And Kakashi knew it would take a while for him to get to his former proficiency.

"You got it right lad, Do these fifty more times, then you're off to break morning fast with your mother." Ronas said, walking off attending to his other duties.

Kakashi continued to strike at the post meticulously going through the movement, with cold determination exceeding the recommended fifty. The court was alive by the time he finished, a few people nodded to him in greeting as he stored his training sword in the shack. Strolling through the castle Kakashi smiled in greeting to the few people he encountered on his way to his mothers' private dining room. Kakashi knocked on the room.

"Enter". His mother called.

Kakashi stepped into the room. "Morning, mother." He said taking a seat opposite his mother the food already on the table; not to his liking; preferring to see the food prepared.

"How was your sword play." Catelyn asked, taking a delicate bite of a piece of bread.

"Not sword play mother, training…sword training." Kakashi wined, it seemed to please his mother when he did it on occasion. Indicated by the mirth in her eyes.

"And how was it young pup." His mother asked affectionately.

"It was different, I Like it." Kakashi said preparing the same thing his mother ate. He waited a moment savouring the food and asked. "Mother, why don't I see you practice any self-defence." It was something which bothered him since he woke in this world; why didn't he see any women train even the nobles in his previous life had some sort of martial training not that it did much good when faced with a ninja of any rank.

"A Lady of noble birth does not do such things that is left for the men." His mother said.

"But what if someone attacked you." Kakashi said slight worry making it known.

"Do not worry about such things young pup, I have guards that will protect me."

"If you say so." Kakashi said, not convinced.

The meal progressed with the occasional back and forth between mother and son, enjoying each other's company. The meal drew to a close the servants taking the food away.

"Just a moment before you leave." His mother said interrupting his exit plan.

"Yes mother." Kakashi enquired.

"I just received a raven from Winterfell, an escort will be arriving soon to take us to Winterfell. I expect they will be arriving within two moons from now or sooner." Catelyn said.

"Erm… okay." Kakashi said.

"Now off with you to the maester." Catelyn said.

"Yes mother."

The shinobis footsteps in the hall was silent barely an echo a memento to his days in the assassination corps, the news though worrying was welcoming it was something to look forward to seeing more of the new world. The only concern Kakashi had was travelling through a country in the middle of a civil, he and his mother would make for prime hostages; a futile attempt if made. However, the news did call for a further increase in training and a more concentrated effort in access his chakra Kakashi thought rounding the corner into the library, he took a book from one of the shelfs, a chronicle of the life of Bran the builder, and waited for the maester to arrive. It was a fascinating book so far extrapolating from what he read magic of some form did exist, other books concurred with his assessment. If the wall was half as describe in the book it would be a fascinating monument to witness.

"There you are young Lord, what have you got there." Maester Vyman asked, Kakashi held the book up. "The chronicles of Bran, a good book young lord and a fine ancestor you got there, a remarkable man."

"Maester, how does one go about learning magic." Kakashi asked, hoping the study of magic might give him access to his chakra.

"That's a fool's errand young lord, magic just like dragons and the children are all gone. There are some fools at the citadel that toil away in dark corners trying to learn magic, but all fail." Vyman said.

"Oh." Kakashi said, not dejected in the least he knew all he needed was time.

"Come my boy, let's learn something of use. I just received notice you're going to be leaving for the north we are going to be planning your route to Winterfell and taking not of the geography and the lords who govern the lads which you are going to be passing through." Vyman said, placing a map of the Riverland's in front of him.

It was an interesting lesson to say the least Kakashi learnt much about the various lords and nobles of the Riverland's and the associated geography of the land.

"That's enough for now young lord." Maester Vyman called an end to the lesson after an hour going over genealogies and various feuds between the lords. "Off you go now."

The shinobi didn't need to be told twice, the subject matter was of interest to him but the maester seemed to drone making it challenge to pay attention. With nothing to do Kakashi leisurely strolled to the kitchen, the centre of the castle where most of the servants tend to congregate, and where he could sieve through the gossip separating fact from fiction; of interest was the war.

Kakashi ambled into the kitchen the similar sounds of voices culminating in a background buzz, the smell of food invaded his nostrils a pleasant scent. He took his customary seat at the edge of the table out of the way of everyone, as soon as he sat down Ainsley was at his side; plate in hand. The maid took a seat she seemed anxious, fidgeting shooting him side way glances all warning signs screaming at him.

Pushing the plat forward, he turned to her. "What's got you so bothered." Kakashi asked.

"Erm… its… nothing". The maid said.

"I'm sure its nothing that's got you so bothered. Come now Ainsley you can tell me what's got you fidgeting like you got ants crawling over you." Kakashi coaxed.

"Promise not to laugh. You can say no, if it's a bother."

"I promise, if it's for you it's no bother."

"I heard you and the lady be leaving soon… if its no bother could you please teach me letters, I always wanted to learn". She asked demurely.

It troubled Kakashi that she knew the plans, did these people not understand operational security; he and his mother would be prime targets for adduction.

Kakashi considered it would not really cut into his free time that much. "It's no bother… when are you free?"

"Anytime past high noon."

"Meet me in my room three hours past noon… is that all right with you?"

"Meet you then… Thank you Robb."

"It is no bother… How did you know we are leaving?"

"Me mum heard the prince is on his from Kings landing… and I heard from the kitchen boy that he was to get ready food for travel. So, I figure you going to be leaving." Ainsley said.

It seemed like people in this world really didn't understand operational security Kakashi thought taking a bite of the food, whatever happens it would be an interesting journey his first time out of the castle Kakashi knew.

With nothing to do Kakashi walked to the blacksmith finally taking care of something he had wanted to for a while, the ringing of hammers on steel assaulted his ears before he saw the blacksmith. A familiar scent invaded his nostrils, soot. Stepping through the threshold the humidity hit him a familiar sensation, the worked immediately stopped all eyes on the young lordling.

"Get back ta work it ain't gonna do itself." a gruff voice called into the silence, a stout muscled man walked up to Kakashi, bulging arms and chest; top heavy; a since of years spent behind the forge. Face covered in soot, sweat dotted his skin. "What canna do for you milord."

"I'm looking for throwing knives." Kakashi asked.

The blacksmith hesitated a moment. "Aye, we got some knives about milord, this way its just in the back." The blacksmith said thinking better to not refuse a noble, nothing good ever came from it he thought to himself. The smith walked with a heavy step even with the noise in the background Kakashi could still hear the footfalls, the smith parted a curtain to reveal an assortment of odds and ends, a hammer rested on a bench it was beautifully engraved, depicting a fish jumping out of a body of water; paying homage to the Tully's; leaf's decorated the background and the handle almost life like.

"Who did this." Kakashi said picking up the hammer inspecting the engraving.

"Me eyes ain't what it use to be." Said the smith inspecting the hammer closer. "that's me apprentice illya's work." The smith picked up a box and put it in front of him. "knives and daggers be in here and some pieces made by me apprentices."

It was an assortment of pieces and uncompleted work Kakashi rummaged through it and from his quick inspection some of the works demonstrated great skill and showed the craftsmanship of the smiths' apprentices. It was only towards the end of the box did Kakashi found something to his liking it was dark black, reminiscent of a Kunai, a leaf shaped blade etched with the veins found in a real one, the ovate handle rested comfortable in his handle; it felt familiar. It had been a long time since he had a Kunai in his hand, feelings of nostalgia hit him like a wave and just as quickly he banished them; it was no use dwelling on something he could not change.

"I want this one." Kakashi said holding out the knife to the Blacksmith.

"You sure you want this one, it's a Yi Ti design." The smith said.

"Yes, who made it?"

"Illya."

"I Want twenty of them, bring illya here I want to change the design some." Kakashi said.

"Illya!" the smith roared into the canopy of noise, a hammer stopped, and a young man made his way over. He was young coming into his manhood slight of build he was two heads taller than Kakashi, he had sharp features an angular face patches of hair dotted his features, blue eyes which Kakashi knew girls would find piercing and would swoon to the friends about, he had dirty blond hair Kakashi couldn't tell if it was truly blond or just coloured by soot.

"Yes, Master Joyce." His voice cracking coming into his voice.

"The young lord here likes yer knife and wanna talk to yer bout it." Joyce said.

"I like your knife its well-made." Kakashi said, twirling the knife in his hands, showing surprising dexterity.

"Thank mi'lord." Illya said.

"Just a couple of changes make the blade a bit longer and the handle as well also punch a round hole in the handle." Indicating changes to be made.

"It will be done mi'lord." Joyce said before Illya could answer.

"And how much yer want." Illya said.

"Mind yer manners boy."

"It's okay Joyce I don't mind." Kakashi said to the blacksmith. "I need twenty of them." Kakashi said to Illya.

"As me masters says it will be done mi'lord, when do yer want it by." Said Illya.

"As soon as you can I need it in a moons time." Kakashi said.

"If that be all mi'lord." Illya said.

"That's all." Kakashi said, Illya bowed his head and left. "Master Joyce have a good day." Kakashi said as he left the workshop.

The sounds of the workshop faded to the background as Kakashi wondered the castle his feet taking him nowhere in particular, there was three questions which plagued him; why was he reincarnated and was he alone? How come he could not access his chakra, he did have some theories on how to gain access to his supply of chakra; however certain methods would be averse to his health. And the big question was he Robb or Kakashi, was he a malignant sprite taking over this body forcing the rightful owner out; what would he do if he found out he was not the original owner of the body, would killing himself free Robb or would it doom both of them to death, was he over thinking this was this like most Philosophical questions which had no answer. His wondering always brought him to a battlement overlooking the river, it was peaceful looking at it. The flowing of the river was calming he could almost throw his worries to the river taking his problems with the current; but he knew the reality of it the problem won't go away. The flow of the river brought to the forefront of his mind his chakra problem, he could feel the chakra. The quality of it was not what it used to be Kakashi thought as he inspected it, it could be because of the reincarnation this was a new body but then again Orochimaru would not have survived long if it took him years to gain access to his chakra. Kakashi thought to himself 'what is the problem?'

Kakashi looked at his hands and with deliberate care went through the hand signs for the Bunshin, with the moment seemingly stretching out he initiated the jutsu and nothing happened not even a flicker of movement; he had felt something it was there a moment then gone. He knew he had performed the jutsu correctly, what was the problem the only other instance which he knew of that bared similar resemblance to his situation was Orochimaru's soul transfer jutsu. What was the difference the question kept circling his mind, what was the difference between this body and the host Orochimaru used Kakashi questioned himself, the only difference Kakashi could find was that he was significantly younger than the host Orochimaru used… why did the Sannin not kidnap some random child and transfer his soul into it for that matter he asked himself; he thought a moment the answer coming to him like Raiton Jutsu, the reason Orochimaru needed a strong host was to mitigate the difference between the Spiritual and physical aspect of the make-up of Chakra. It made sense how could the physical aspect of a child's chakra system compare to the spiritual aspect of a Sannin a Shinobi arguably stronger than certain Kages; not to mention the Spiritual component of his soul. With that answer insight Kakashi strove with renewed vigour to increase his daily exercises.

-[K]-

In the following days Kakashi fell into a detailed regime he had set, doing Katas in the morning and sword practice with Ronas, the lessons with the Knight continued and the occasional nugget of wisdom ranging from forming units of men to leading. Afterwards he would have breakfast with his mother which was always a novel experience he would occasionally ask her of the war and his father as well as bumping her for information regarding a range of topics from politics to travel. In the afternoons he would spend it with Ainsley teacher her how to read and subtly teaching her to be his spy, his first asset in the world. The rest of the day would be spent religiously sticking to his training regime giving Gai a run for his money, spending almost all his time in the training yard expanding his skill set to include archery and honing existing skills committing techniques and Katas to muscle memory. It would always amuse some of the men at arms when they saw him shadow boxing.

Call out. "Fighting ghost milord.", "Watch out there's one behind you". Kakashi took the mocking in stride it brought levity to their lives, he saw the smile his antics brought to the men. It was always good to keep the atmosphere light especially in a semi-siege like environment, moral was essential it won or lost wars.

-[K]-

Two months later just as his mother said that a shout interrupted his training in the court.

"Riders at the Gate." A voice bellowed over the noise of the castle, amount later the same voice shouted. "Stark Banners, lower the bridge."

Kakashi scrambled to the Battlements to see the Stark men, it was ten men of them on horseback one of them carrying the stark Standard the wolf emblazed on the cloth flapping in the wind. The bridge lowered with a thud and the party entered the castle the stark men positioned themselves defensively eyes in all directions. One man motioned his horse forward, Kakashi couldn't make out his features to well facial hair obscuring most of it; the one thing he could see was the man's eyes they were green, the were the eyes of a solider an old solider he had seen war his eyes assessed everything a sure sign of a veteran.

"You got room for ten good men." The stark man called, his voice aged.

"Aye we do." The Tully guard Rodner replied. "Draw the Bridge." He called. "This way." The guard motioned for the men to follow him presumably to stable the horses.

Kakashi followed them with his eyes losing them around a corner he knew he would meet them soon enough, Kakashi made his way to his mother's study she was usually there at this time.

"The Stark men are here." Kakashi said as he entered the room. "How long before we leave?"

"That's good sweaty, I expect the men would want to rest first and then leave…"

A knock interrupted the conversation. "My lady here is a Sir Stevron here to see you."

"I ain't no Knight Lassy." A gruff voice called as he stepped into the room it was the same man as before, the veteran, "Milady." He greeted.

"Stevron is it, how soon until you are ready to leave?" my mother asked.

"As soon as Tomorrow, Milady."

"Make it so."

"Milady, we will leave as morning breaks." The man said as he left the room planning for the journey tomorrow.

Turning to him his mother said. "Robb sleep early to night as the man said we going to leave early."

"Yes mother."

Kakashi left the room it was time to prepare for the journey the only thing that was of value to him was the Kunai set made by Illya it was beautifully made, the young smith went the extra mile engraving the blade making it look like a leaf. It showed real potential and Kakashi couldn't wait to see the what sort of things the boy would create in the future. A knock interrupted his thoughts it was strange he had never received any guest.

"Enter"

Ronas stepped into the room a sword in his hand, the scabbard made from wood dyed black and decorated with the stark wolf running in a field. The Knight thrusted the sword towards him, "Here I have this made for you." The knight said. Kakashi took the blade in hand.

"Thank you, I didn't get you anything." Kakashi said.

"There's no need young Robb." The knight said.

Kakashi drew the blade from its sheath, it was a single straight edge blade a hamon in full displace a sign of skill. The blade was hauntingly familiar in his hands, the simplicity of the handle and the blade brought out the beauty of the sword and highlighted the skill put into creating it.

"It's an Eastern design, I thought you would like it." Ronas said.

A few practice swings showed the blade to be balanced and true. "Who made it." Kakashi asked.

"Illya, his good ain't he." Ronas said.

"Yes, yes he is." Kakashi said, further impressed with the young man. "I guess this will be the last time we see each other you are a good teacher and if I don't see you in the morning bye."

"I'm only a good Teacher because you are a good student, Aye bye Lad… I'll let you get back to whatever you were doing."

With nothing better to do Kakashi packed a small bag gathering what he needed and went to sleep for tomorrow would be an interesting Journey.

-[K]-