Konohagakure
The early morning mist clung to the streets of Konoha as Rei made her way towards the Hatake residence. Her footsteps echoed in the quiet, most of the village still asleep at this hour. She adjusted the pack on her shoulders, double-checking her equipment for the mission ahead. Anything to distract herself from the churning in her stomach.
As she approached the familiar house, Rei hesitated. Her hand hovered over the door, memories of that fateful night flooding back. The last time she'd been here, she'd found Sakumo Hatake in a pool of his own blood, with Kakashi frozen in shock beside him. She shook her head, trying to dispel the image. That was then. This was now.
Before she could knock, the door swung open. Kakashi stood there, his silver hair as unruly as ever, his face impassive behind his mask. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the weight of their shared history hanging between them.
"You're early," Kakashi said finally, breaking the silence.
Rei shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. "Better than being late."
A flicker of something—amusement? annoyance?—passed through Kakashi's eyes. "Come in. My father wants to speak with us before we leave."
Rei followed Kakashi into the house, hyper-aware of his presence. They'd barely spoken since that night, their interactions limited to brief nods in passings and back in the hospital. Now, thrust together on this mission, the awkwardness between them was palpable.
The interior of the house was vastly different from what Rei remembered. Gone was the oppressive atmosphere of despair. Sunlight streamed through open windows, and the air smelled faintly of tea and parchment. As they entered the living room, Rei's eyes widened in surprise.
Sakumo Hatake sat at a low table, surrounded by scrolls and documents. He looked up as they entered, a warm smile spreading across his face. The change in him was startling. The man before her bore little resemblance to the broken shinobi she'd encountered months ago. His eyes were clear and alert, his posture straight and confident.
"Rei," Sakumo greeted her, rising to his feet. "It's good to see you. Please, sit. We have much to discuss before your mission."
Rei bowed slightly, still somewhat in awe of the transformation. "Sakumo-san, it's good to see you well."
As they settled around the table, Rei couldn't help but notice the nature of the documents spread out. They looked official, bearing seals she recognized from the Hokage's office. Her curiosity must have shown on her face because Sakumo chuckled.
"Observant as ever, I see," he said, his tone warm. "I suppose there's no harm in telling you, given that it will be announced soon enough. The Third has asked me to serve as his advisor."
The news hit Rei like a physical blow. Sakumo Hatake, the disgraced White Fang, as the Hokage's advisor? She glanced at Kakashi, trying to gauge his reaction, but his face remained impassive.
"That's... quite an honor," Rei managed, her mind racing with the implications.
Sakumo nodded, his expression turning serious. "It's an opportunity to help shape a better future for Konoha. But it comes with its own challenges. There are those who oppose my appointment, who believe my past actions disqualify me from such a role."
"The elders," Rei guessed, thinking of the whispered conversations she'd overheard in the village.
"Among others," Sakumo confirmed. "Which is why this mission you're about to embark on is more important than you might realize. The merchant you're escorting, Kenji Tanaka, is carrying sensitive documents. Documents that could pave the way for peace negotiations."
Rei's eyes widened. A simple escort mission suddenly felt far more significant. She looked at Kakashi again, wondering if he'd known the true nature of their assignment.
"I'm telling you this," Sakumo continued, "because I want you both to understand the weight of your responsibility. This isn't just about protecting a merchant. It's about safeguarding the future of our village, possibly even preventing another war."
The gravity of his words settled over them like a heavy cloak. Rei felt her earlier nervousness about working with Kakashi fade, replaced by a steely determination. This was bigger than their personal history.
"We won't let you down, Father," Kakashi said, his voice firm.
Sakumo smiled, pride evident in his eyes. "I know you won't. Now, you should get going. Your teammate and the merchant will be waiting at the village gates."
As they rose to leave, Sakumo placed a hand on Rei's shoulder. "Rei, a moment please."
Kakashi nodded, stepping outside to give them privacy. Rei turned to Sakumo, curious and slightly apprehensive.
"I never properly thanked you," Sakumo said softly, "for what you did that night. You saved my life, and in doing so, you may have saved much more than that. Whatever happens on this mission, whatever challenges you face, remember that you have the strength to overcome them."
Rei swallowed hard, emotion threatening to overwhelm her. "Thank you, Sakumo-san. I... I'm glad you're well."
With a final nod of encouragement, Sakumo saw her out. As Rei stepped back into the morning air, she found Kakashi waiting, his posture tense.
"Ready?" he asked, his tone neutral.
Rei nodded, squaring her shoulders. Whatever awkwardness remained between them, whatever unresolved feelings lingered from the past, none of it mattered now. They had a mission to complete, one that could shape the future of their village.
As Rei and Kakashi approached the village gates, the bustling sounds of Konoha waking up filled the air. Merchants were setting up their stalls, shinobi were reporting for duty, and the aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from nearby bakeries. Despite the early hour, there was an undercurrent of tension in the air, a subtle reminder of the growing unease about border skirmishes and whispers of potential conflict.
The gates loomed before them, seeming even more massive to Rei's eyes. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as they drew closer. This mission was more than just another assignment; it was a chance to prove herself, to show that her early graduation wasn't a mistake.
As they neared their meeting point, Rei spotted two figures waiting by the gates. One, she assumed, was their merchant, Kenji Tanaka. The man seemed nervous, his eyes darting around constantly, hands fidgeting with the straps of his pack. Beside him stood a boy who looked a few years older than Rei and Kakashi, presumably their third team member for this mission.
Kakashi stepped forward, his young voice taking on a tone of authority that seemed at odds with his small stature. "Tanaka-san," he greeted the merchant with a slight bow. "I'm Kakashi Hatake. I'll be leading the team escorting you to your destination."
The merchant nodded, though Rei noticed a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes as he looked at the young team assigned to protect him. "Thank you, Hatake-san. I'm grateful for your protection on this journey."
Kakashi then turned to the other boy. "And you must be our third team member. I'm Kakashi, and this is Rei Arakawa."
The boy bowed slightly, his face serious beyond his years. "Daisuke Kimura. I'm honored to work with you both."
Rei studied Daisuke curiously. At around ten years old, he seemed so much more mature than her and Kakashi. His dark hair was neatly combed, and his eyes held a sharpness that reminded Rei of some of the older genin she'd seen around the village.
"Now that we're all here," Kakashi continued, his voice steady despite his youth, "let's go over the mission parameters one last time before we depart."
As Kakashi briefed the team, Rei found her mind wandering slightly. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to this mission than they were being told. Sakumo's words about peace negotiations echoed in her mind, adding layers of complexity to what should have been a straightforward escort mission.
Her gaze drifted to Tanaka, who was listening intently to Kakashi's instructions. What secrets did those documents he carried hold? And why did they require a team of young, but skilled shinobi for protection? The merchant's nervous demeanor suggested he was well aware of the value—and potential danger—of his cargo.
"Rei," Kakashi's voice snapped her back to attention. "You'll take point. Your sensory abilities will be crucial in detecting any potential threats before they get close. Daisuke, you'll guard our rear. I'll stay with Tanaka-san in the center. Any questions?"
Rei shook her head, pushing aside her speculations to focus on the task at hand. "No questions. I'm ready."
Daisuke simply nodded, his expression remaining serious.
With final checks of their gear and a nod from the gate guards, the team set out. As they passed through the massive gates of Konoha, Rei felt a flutter of excitement in her stomach. This was no longer a C-ranked mission but a covert B-ranked.
The forest path stretched out before them, dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy. Rei expanded her senses, trying to attune herself to the rhythms of the forest—the rustle of leaves, the distant calls of birds, the subtle shifts in the air currents. Any anomaly could signal an approaching threat.
As they walked, Rei couldn't help but steal glances at her teammates. Kakashi moved with a confidence that belied his young age, his attention seemingly divided between their surroundings and the nervous merchant at his side. Daisuke brought up the rear, his movements careful and measured, eyes constantly scanning their back trail.
The first few hours of their journey passed uneventfully. The tension that had gripped them at the outset began to ease slightly, replaced by the steady rhythm of travel. Yet Rei couldn't shake a nagging feeling in the pit of her stomach. Something about this mission felt off, like the calm before a storm.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Rei's senses suddenly prickled. She held up a hand, signaling the team to stop. "Something's not right," she murmured, her eyes scanning the seemingly peaceful forest around them.
Kakashi was instantly alert, his hand moving to his weapons pouch. "What do you sense?"
Rei closed her eyes, focusing intently. "I'm not sure. It's like... a disturbance in the natural flow of chakra. As if someone's trying very hard not to be noticed."
Daisuke moved closer, his voice low and cautious. "Could be a genjutsu. Trying to mask their presence."
Kakashi nodded, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "Tanaka-san, stay close. We may have company."
The merchant's face paled, his earlier nervousness returning tenfold. "W-what should I do?"
"Stay calm and follow our lead," Kakashi instructed, his young voice firm and reassuring.
For a tense moment, the forest seemed to hold its breath. Then, with a suddenness that made Rei's heart race, figures burst from the underbrush. Their attackers wore the distinctive armor of Iwagakure shinobi, their faces hidden behind masks.
"Protect the merchant!" Kakashi shouted, already moving to engage the nearest attacker.
Rei's body reacted before her mind could fully process the situation. Years of training kicked in, overriding the fear that threatened to paralyze her. She positioned herself between Tanaka and two advancing Iwa-nin, her small hands already flashing through seals.
"Fire Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu!" she cried out, her voice high and clear in the chaos of battle. Small, intense fireballs erupted from her mouth, forcing the attackers to dodge and creating a momentary barrier of flames.
Beside her, Daisuke had taken a defensive stance, his eyes darting between the multiple threats. "Rei, watch your left!" he called out, his own hands forming seals for an earth-style jutsu.
The forest erupted into a frenzy of movement and clashing chakra. Rei's heart pounded in her chest, adrenaline surging through her young body. This wasn't like the controlled spars in the academy or even the more intense training sessions with her team. This was real combat, with real stakes.
Through the chaos, Rei caught glimpses of Kakashi engaging the lead attacker. Despite his youth, Kakashi moved with a fluid grace that spoke of natural talent honed by rigorous training. His tanto flashed in the dappled sunlight, meeting the Iwa-nin's kunai with a resounding clang.
Rei refocused on her own opponents, narrowly avoiding a barrage of shuriken. She retaliated with a swift kick that, while lacking the power of an adult shinobi, was precisely aimed at her attacker's knee. The Iwa-nin grunted in surprise, momentarily thrown off balance.
As the battle raged on, Rei found herself pushed to her limits. These weren't ordinary shinobi; their movements spoke of years of experience and honed skill. She dodged, countered, and attacked, her young mind racing to keep up with the intensity of real combat.
It was in that moment, as she spun to face another threat, that something extraordinary happened. Time seemed to slow, her perception sharpening to an almost painful degree. She could see the minute shifts in her opponent's stance, predict their next move before they made it. A faint warmth spread through her body, centered on the red streak in her hair.
With startling clarity, Rei realized she was experiencing a manifestation of her clan's ability. The realization was both exhilarating and terrifying.
But her moment of revelation was shattered by a gasp from one of the Iwa-nin. The shinobi had paused in their attack, their attention fixed on Rei. Slowly, almost hesitantly, they reached up and removed their masks.
Rei's breath caught in her throat. The faces revealed were unfamiliar, yet hauntingly similar to her own. The same sharp features, the same distinctive red streak in their hair. These weren't just any Iwagakure shinobi. They were Arakawa clan members.
"It can't be," one of them whispered, his eyes wide with disbelief. "After all this time..."
The battlefield seemed to freeze, the sounds of combat fading into the background. Rei stood, rooted to the spot, her mind reeling with questions. How could there be Arakawa clan members in Iwa? What did they know about her family, her abilities?
The older Arakawa took a step forward, his hands raised in a non-threatening gesture. "Child," he said, his voice rough with emotion, "do you know who you are? What you are capable of?"
Rei opened her mouth to respond, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and desperate curiosity. But before she could utter a word, Kakashi's voice cut through the moment of stunned silence.
"Rei! The mission comes first. Engage the enemy!"
The command snapped Rei back to reality. She hesitated for a split second, torn between her duty and the desperate need for answers about her clan. But years of training won out. With a heavy heart, she launched herself back into the fray.
The battle resumed with renewed intensity. The Iwa-nin, seemingly reluctant to harm Rei now that they recognized her as one of their own, focused their attacks on Kakashi and Daisuke. This split focus gave the young Konoha team an advantage they desperately needed.
Rei's fire jutsu lit up the forest clearing, driving back the attackers. Daisuke's earth-style techniques created barriers and pitfalls, limiting the Iwa-nin's mobility. And Kakashi, his young face set in grim determination, fought with a skill that belied his years.
As quickly as it had begun, the battle was over. The Iwa-nin, outnumbered and seemingly conflicted about fighting Rei, retreated into the forest. Rei made to follow, desperate for even a scrap of information about her clan, but Kakashi's firm hand on her shoulder held her back.
"The mission, Rei," he said, his voice low but insistent. "We can't risk the merchant or the documents."
Rei turned to him, frustration and anger boiling up inside her. "But they were—"
"I know," Kakashi cut her off, his eyes holding a mix of sympathy and resolve. "But our orders are clear. The mission comes first. Always."
As they regrouped, checking on a shaken but unharmed Tanaka, Rei couldn't shake the feeling that she'd just lost something precious. Questions whirled in her mind, each more pressing than the last. Why were there Arakawa clan members with Iwagakure? What did they know about her family, her abilities?
And perhaps most importantly, why had they seemed just as surprised to see her as she was to see them?
Daisuke approached, his young face etched with concern. "Are you alright, Rei?" he asked softly. "That... that must have been quite a shock."
Rei nodded numbly, still struggling to process what had just happened. "I'm fine," she lied, her voice barely above a whisper. "We should... we should keep moving."
As the team prepared to move on, wary of further attacks, Rei cast one last glance at the forest where the Arakawa clan members had disappeared.
With a heavy heart and a mind full of unanswered questions, Rei fell back into formation. The mission had to continue. But she made a silent vow to herself: this wouldn't be the end. Somehow, someway, she would find the truth about her clan, no matter where that search might lead her.
As the team pressed on, the forest seemed to close in around them, shadows deepening despite the midday sun. Rei's mind raced, replaying the encounter with the Iwa-nin over and over. The shock of seeing those familiar features, the red streaks so like her own, had shaken her to her core. But with each step, her initial surprise began to give way to a simmering frustration.
Kakashi's words echoed in her head: "The mission comes first. Always." She understood the logic, had been trained to prioritize the mission above all else.
But the gnawing ache of unanswered questions threatened to overwhelm her sense of duty.
As they walked, Rei found herself stealing glances at Kakashi. His face, what little she could see of it, was a mask of calm focus. How could he be so unaffected? Didn't he understand the magnitude of what they'd just encountered?
The silence stretched on, broken only by the sounds of their footsteps and the occasional nervous shuffle from Tanaka. Daisuke, bringing up the rear, seemed lost in his own thoughts, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings for potential threats.
It was Tanaka who finally broke the tension. "Sh-shouldn't we stop soon?" he asked, his voice trembling slightly. "To rest, I mean. And... and make sure we weren't followed?"
Kakashi paused, considering. "We'll cover a bit more ground first," he decided. "There's a clearing up ahead that will provide better visibility. We'll rest there briefly."
Rei bit back a retort. Every moment they spent moving forward felt like another step away from the answers she so desperately craved. But she held her tongue, falling back into formation as they continued their trek.
When they finally reached the clearing Kakashi had mentioned, the team set about establishing a temporary camp with practiced efficiency. Rei busied herself with setting up basic traps around the perimeter, her hands working automatically while her mind continued to churn.
As Daisuke worked on camouflaging their position and Kakashi conferred quietly with Tanaka, Rei found herself drifting to the edge of the clearing. She stared back the way they had come, as if she could will the Iwa-nin to reappear, to offer the explanations she so desperately needed.
"Rei." Kakashi's voice startled her from her thoughts. She turned to find him standing just behind her, his eyes studying her intently. "We need to talk about what happened back there."
For a moment, hope flared in Rei's chest. Was he finally going to address the Arakawa clan members? But as quickly as it had come, the hope was extinguished by Kakashi's next words.
"Your hesitation could have compromised the mission," he said, his voice low but firm. "I understand that the situation was... unexpected. But as shinobi, we can't allow personal feelings to interfere with our objectives."
Rei felt something snap inside her. The frustration and confusion she'd been holding back burst forth in a torrent of words. "Personal feelings?" she hissed, mindful of keeping her voice down despite her anger. "Kakashi, those were members of my clan! Do you have any idea what that means? The answers they might have had?"
Kakashi's expression remained impassive. "I understand that you have questions, Rei. But our primary responsibility is to complete this mission and ensure Tanaka-san's safety. Anything else is secondary."
"Secondary?" Rei's voice cracked slightly, betraying the emotions roiling beneath the surface. "This is my family we're talking about, Kakashi. My history. How can you just dismiss that?"
For a brief moment, something flickered in Kakashi's eyes – a hint of sympathy, perhaps, or understanding. But it was gone as quickly as it had appeared, replaced by the cool professionalism that seemed to be his default state.
"We're shinobi, Rei," he said softly. "Sometimes that means putting aside our personal desires for the greater good. The documents Tanaka-san is carrying could prevent a war. Countless lives could be at stake. We can't jeopardize that for personal reasons, no matter how important they might seem."
Rei wanted to argue further, to make him understand the depth of what she was feeling. But the logical part of her mind, the part that had been trained and honed in the academy, knew he was right. The mission had to come first. It was one of the fundamental rules of being a shinobi.
But knowing something was right didn't make it any easier to accept.
"Fine," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're right. The mission comes first. But this isn't over, Kakashi. When we get back to Konoha, I'm going to find answers. With or without help."
Kakashi regarded her for a long moment, his
expression unreadable. Finally, he nodded. "Just don't let it distract you for the rest of the mission. We're still in potential danger, and we need you at your best."
As Kakashi turned to walk back to the center of the camp, Rei called out, unable to help herself. "Kakashi... if it had been your family out there. If it had been your chance to learn about your past, your abilities... would you really have been able to just walk away?"
Kakashi paused, his back to her. For a moment, Rei thought he might not answer. When he did, his voice was so quiet she almost missed it. "I'd like to think I would have done my duty. But... I don't know, Rei. I honestly don't know."
With that, he rejoined the others, leaving Rei alone with her thoughts at the edge of the clearing. She stared out into the darkening forest, feeling the weight of unanswered questions and unfulfilled duty pressing down on her young shoulders.
As the team settled in for a brief rest, the atmosphere remained tense. Rei could feel Daisuke's concerned glances and Tanaka's nervous fidgeting. But her mind was elsewhere, racing with possibilities and plans. She would complete this mission, would do her duty as a shinobi of Konoha.
The next few days passed in a blur of heightened vigilance and tense silence. Rei forced herself to focus on the mission, channeling her tumultuous emotions into hyper-awareness of their surroundings. Kakashi led the team with unwavering efficiency, while Daisuke's quiet support helped maintain a semblance of calm.
They reached the merchant's destination without further incident, though the shadow of their earlier encounter hung over them like a storm cloud. Tanaka, visibly relieved, thanked them profusely as he handed over his precious cargo to the waiting officials. The importance of the documents was evident in the tight security and hushed tones of those receiving them.
With their primary objective complete, the team began their journey back to Konoha. The return trip was markedly different from their outbound journey. Where there had been anticipation and nervousness before, now there was a heavy silence punctuated by meaningful glances and unspoken questions.
Rei found herself torn between the desire to rush back to the village, where she hoped to find answers, and the fear of what those answers might reveal. The encounter with the Arakawa clan members from Iwa had shaken her worldview, and she couldn't help but wonder what other surprises awaited her.
As they approached the familiar gates of Konoha on the third day, Rei's heart raced with a mix of relief and apprehension. The mission was over, but she knew that reporting the encounter with the Iwa-nin – and their connection to her clan – would open a Pandora's box of questions and potential consequences.
Kakashi's voice cut through her thoughts as they passed through the village entrance. "We'll report directly to the Hokage," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "Given the nature of our... encounter, this goes beyond a standard mission debrief."
Rei nodded, her heart pounding as they approached the Hokage Tower. The familiar building now seemed imposing, its shadow stretching over her like a physical weight. As they climbed the stairs, Rei's mind raced, rehearsing what she would say, how she would explain the inexplicable encounter with her clan members.
The Hokage's office was filled with an air of tension when they entered. The Third Hokage sat behind his desk, his weathered face grave. To his right stood two of the village elders, their expressions unreadable. Rei's eyes widened as she spotted Danzō Shimura lurking in the corner, his single visible eye fixed on her with an intensity that made her skin crawl.
"Team Kakashi," the Hokage began, his voice carrying the weight of authority, "I understand your mission was... eventful. Please, report."
Kakashi stepped forward, his posture straight and professional despite his young age. He recounted the mission with clinical precision, detailing their journey, the ambush, and the successful delivery of the documents. But when he reached the part about the Iwa-nin removing their masks, he hesitated, glancing briefly at Rei.
"There was an unexpected development during the confrontation," Kakashi said carefully. "The enemy shinobi... they appeared to be members of the Arakawa clan."
A ripple of tension passed through the room. The elders exchanged meaningful glances, while Danzō's eye narrowed further. The Hokage leaned forward, his gaze shifting to Rei.
"Rei," he said, his voice gentler now, "can you tell us what happened from your perspective?"
Rei swallowed hard, feeling the weight of everyone's attention. She recounted the battle, the moment of recognition, and the brief exchange before Kakashi had called them back to the mission. As she spoke, she could feel the atmosphere in the room growing heavier, charged with unspoken implications.
When she finished, silence reigned for a long moment. Then, one of the elders spoke, his voice sharp. "This is troubling news. Arakawa clan members working with Iwagakure... it raises serious questions about potential divided loyalties."
Rei felt a surge of indignation. "I have no loyalty to Iwa," she said firmly, perhaps more forcefully than she intended. "Konoha is my home. I just... I want to understand my clan's history. To know where I come from."
Danzō stepped forward, his presence somehow filling the room. "Understanding is well and good, child, but we must consider the security of the village. If there are Arakawa clan members in Iwa with knowledge of Konoha's secrets, it could be catastrophic."
The Hokage held up a hand, silencing further discussion. "This is indeed a complex situation," he said, his eyes never leaving Rei. "Rei, I understand your desire for answers. But you must understand the delicate position this puts us in. We need to investigate this matter thoroughly."
Rei's heart sank. She could see where this was going. "What does that mean, exactly?" she asked, trying to keep the tremor out of her voice.
The Hokage sighed heavily. "For now, it means we'll need to place you under supervision. There will be an investigation into your clan's history and any potential connections to Iwagakure. And... we'll need to conduct a thorough interrogation to ensure there's no information you might be unwittingly carrying."
Rei felt as though the floor had dropped out from under her. "Interrogation?" she repeated, her voice small. "But I've done nothing wrong. I'm loyal to Konoha!"
Kakashi stepped forward, his voice steady. "Hokage-sama, if I may... Rei's actions during the mission were exemplary. She put the mission first, even when faced with this personal revelation. I don't believe she poses any threat to the village."
The Hokage nodded, acknowledging Kakashi's words. "Your support is noted, Kakashi. But we must be thorough in matters of village security. Rei, please understand, this is as much for your protection as it is for Konoha's."
Rei wanted to argue further, to protest the unfairness of it all. But she could see the resolute expressions on the faces of the village leaders. This wasn't a negotiation; it was an edict.
As the details of her "supervision" were laid out, Rei felt a growing sense of betrayal. She had done everything right, had followed the rules and put the mission first. And now, she was being treated like a potential threat.
Her gaze shifted to Kakashi, hoping to find some support, some understanding. But his face was a mask of professionalism, his eyes focused straight ahead. In that moment, Rei felt utterly alone.