The air in Kakashi's underground lab was quiet. Dim lanterns glowed softly, casting long shadows on the walls filled with scrolls, charts, and glass containers. The faint scent of ink and dried herbs floated through the room.
Tsunade sat on a bench near the back, flipping through one of Kakashi's notes. Her brows were furrowed.
"These bloodline fusion formulas are getting more detailed," she muttered.
Kakashi stood by his main desk, sealing a scroll with quiet focus. His fingers moved smoothly like this was second nature now.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed down the stone stairs.
"Kakashi, Hokage-sama. We've found Hiruko." A masked ANBU dropped to one knee before them and spoke in a low voice.
"Where?" Kakashi's eyes sharpened.
"Near some old ruins in Kusagakure. He's moving through the outskirts. Our squad followed him from the shadows. He didn't notice us." The ANBU answered quickly.
"Is he alone?" Tsunade looked up, alert now.
"No. He has three people with him. Modified shinobi." The ANBU hesitated.
"Modified?" Kakashi's hand paused.
"Yes," the ANBU said grimly. "They're not normal. Their chakra is… twisted. One even had a Byakugan. Another could stretch his arms unnaturally. We believe they're merged using parts of other shinobi."
"So he already perfected the Technique?" Tsunade stood up.
"It seems so. We didn't engage, as told us to observe only." The ANBU nodded.
Kakashi's expression was calm, but his chakra flared for a brief second. Tsunade felt it and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Don't be reckless," she said softly. "You said it yourself, this technique is dangerous. Hiruko could be stronger than we expect."
"I won't fight unless needed. But I need to see the technique in action. And I need that scroll." Kakashi nodded.
"Take a team. Don't go alone." Tsunade sighed as she knew there was no chance of changing his mind.
"I'll take Naruto and Sasuke," Kakashi said. "Their summons and mine will help if Hiruko's group uses strange jutsu."
Just then, Ranmaru appeared on the stairs, holding a glowing scroll. His legs moved steadily, he no longer needed support like before thanks to Tsunade's healing.
"I think it's a trap," Ranmaru said.
Kakashi and Tsunade turned toward him.
Ranmaru walked closer and held up the scroll. "This is the one you gave me to study. The chakra patterns inside are layered. Some are hidden under genjutsu seals. I think Hiruko left false chakra trails on purpose."
Kakashi took the scroll and unsealed it. A small light flickered, revealing strange symbols underneath. His eyes narrowed.
"He's masking his real location," Kakashi muttered. "Which means he knew we were watching."
"Exactly," Ranmaru said. "The real chakra signature is weaker but deeper in the mountains."
"So the team didn't find his main base. Just a decoy." Tsunade crossed her arms.
Kakashi's mind was already working. "We'll still check the fake trail. If he left modified shinobi behind, they might still carry part of the technique. I can learn from them."
"You're trying to rush it." Tsunade looked worried.
"I need to finish my version of the Chimera Technique. If Hiruko keeps advancing, he'll become unstoppable." Kakashi turned to her.
He knew that Hiruko would become very strong if given time which is why he wanted to kill him as soon as possible and take the jutsu for himself.
"I know. But I'm not ready to lose you." Tsunade walked over and touched his face gently.
"You won't." He smiled slightly.
Kurenai appeared at the top of the stairs, holding a tray.
"I brought tea," she said softly. "What's going on?"
"Hiruko's location," Tsunade said. "But it might be a trap."
"Then you need backup." Kurenai frowned.
"I vote we burn the whole mountain," Anko said as she leaned over the railing behind her.
"I'll bring the boys. If anything feels wrong, we pull out." Kakashi laughed quietly. And he is sure he can handle Hiruko alone, as the seal Hiruko put in him had been erased by him long ago.
"Don't take risks. We've come too far for you to break now." Kurenai came down with the tray and handed him a cup.
"If he dies, I'm stealing his lab," Anko smirked from above.
Kakashi rolled his eyes and silently remembered her words, as he would put all the firepower in her during their nights.
They all sat together for a while, Kakashi, Tsunade, Kurenai, Ranmaru, and now Anko, who had joined them downstairs. It was quiet and comfortable.
Later That Night
Kakashi walked into the training grounds behind his house, where Naruto and Sasuke were sparring under the moonlight.
"Yo, Kakashi-sensei! Did you come to lose again?" Naruto saw him first.
"You're the only one who ever loses." Sasuke rolled his eyes, as Naruto got beaten around by Kakashi while sparring, but still had a tough mouth.
"I came to give you a mission," Kakashi said with a grin.
They both stopped.
"Serious?" Naruto asked.
"Yes. We're leaving at dawn." Kakashi looked at Sasuke. "Hiruko was spotted."
"Finally." Sasuke's face hardened.
"It might be a trap. But I need you both. Your snakes will be key in case the enemy makes those troublesome summoning animals." Kakashi explained everything quickly.
"So we will use the summons to save more chakra."
"Time for Hikaribi to show off again!" Naruto's eyes lit up.
"Yamihibi's ready." Sasuke nodded.
"You've grown strong. Not just as a ninja, but as people. It has gotten to the point where we team up to fight." Kakashi looked at both of them, proud.
They both smiled, in their own ways.
Back Inside
As Kakashi returned inside, he passed Sakura and Karin, who were sorting supplies in the living room.
"We heard," Sakura said. "You're going after Hiruko."
"I am," Kakashi said. "But I need you two here. If anything happens to us, you'll lead the healing team towards us."
"We're stronger than we look." Karin crossed her arms.
"I know," Kakashi said. "That's why I'm trusting you."
"We won't let you down." Sakura touched her Lotus Seal.
That Night in the Lab
Kakashi spent one last hour reviewing his seal formulas. He placed one final scroll into his vest.
Tsunade stood in the doorway with her arms crossed.
"You're ready?" she asked.
"Always ready."
"Come home." She stepped closer and kissed him gently.
"I will." He nodded.