The sun rose lazily over Konoha, spilling golden light across the rooftops and through the windows of Kakashi's house. Birds chirped in the distance, and the scent of toasted bread, grilled fish, and warm tea filled the kitchen.
Everyone had gathered around the breakfast table, Tsunade sipping from a steaming cup, Kurenai neatly spreading jam on toast, Anko already halfway through a bowl of rice, and Mei poking curiously at the small portions of natto, clearly unfamiliar with the fermented beans.
Kakashi took his place at the head of the table, his hair still slightly damp from his quick morning shower. He looked around at the women, each of them strong, sharp, and very different. He couldn't help but feel both lucky and exhausted at the same time.
"Morning," he said casually.
"Morning," the women echoed in different tones, Anko with a mouthful of rice, Tsunade with her usual grumble, Kurenai with a polite nod, and Mei with a graceful smile.
"I spoke with Orochimaru last night." As they ate, Kakashi sipped his tea and said calmly,
Tsunade paused mid-sip. "Oh?" she said, brow raised.
"He wants to rob his other self aka 'Inferior clone'," Kakashi continued as if he were talking about groceries.
"His old labs, top-level equipment. Being a remnant soul of the original Orochimaru, he remembers all their locations and wants to take everything from him."
There was a long pause.
Then
"Pfft-seriously? He's going to rob himself?"Anko snorted, nearly choking on her rice.
Kurenai let out a surprised laugh. Mei giggled behind her hand, eyes gleaming. "That's one way to handle something like a split personality."
Tsunade blinked at Kakashi, then exhaled. "You two are either geniuses or maniacs. Probably both. But fine…this Orochimaru is loyal to you, then do it. Take whoever you need from the ANBU."
Kakashi nodded. "Thanks. I plan to start today. I'll take Naruto and Sasuke with me, give them their first proper ANBU exposure. The time they saw the darker side of shinobi life."
"You sure about that?" Kurenai asked, concern flashing in her eyes.
"I won't throw them in too deep. But they need to see reality, but don't worry. I'll protect them."Kakashi said seriously. His tone softened when he glanced at her.
They finished the rest of breakfast in a lighter mood. Tsunade reached over and stole a dumpling from Anko's plate, who growled in protest. Mei and Kurenai exchanged gossip about a certain silver-haired flirty Jonin, and Kakashi simply listened, smiling faintly.
When the dishes were cleared, Kakashi stood up first.
He walked around the table, leaning down and giving Kurenai a soft kiss on the lips, then did the same to Anko, who grinned and tugged lightly at his vest playfully. Tsunade leaned forward without saying anything, already expecting it, and Kakashi kissed her too.
Then he turned to Mei.
She looked up at him, half-smiling as if waiting to see what he'd do.
Kakashi leaned in close, but instead of her lips, he kissed her cheek, slow, gentle, lingering just long enough to make her freeze.
"See you tonight," he whispered.
Mei blinked, stunned. Her fingers brushed the spot on her cheek, a faint pink rising as she watched him walk off toward the door. "O-Oh…"
Behind her, the other three women exchanged sly, knowing smiles.
"Looks like someone's catching up." Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
….
The walk to Sasuke's apartment was quiet. The streets of Konoha were alive with chatter, market vendors setting up stalls, and ninjas rushing off to early missions. But Kakashi wasn't focused on any of that.
'Today is important,' he thought.
He knocked once before stepping inside. Ranmaru greeted him with a warm wave from the kitchen, already cleaning up breakfast dishes.
In the living room, Naruto and Sasuke were finishing their meals.
Sasuke, ever serious, gave Kakashi a curt nod. Naruto, with his usual messy hair and sunny grin, waved enthusiastically. "Yo, Kakashi-sensei!"
"Get ready. We're heading to the ANBU HQ." Kakashi looked at both of them, surprised that both of them were here but he didn't dwell on it.
Sasuke's eyes narrowed slightly with interest. Naruto blinked. "Huh? Why?"
"I'm registering you both temporarily under ANBU, just for this mission," Kakashi explained. "You'll be part of an elite squad for a special operation."
"Finally."Sasuke stood immediately, already zipping up his vest.
"Special operation?" Naruto frowned.
Kakashi's tone grew more serious. "You're going to see what it really means to be a shinobi today. The ANBU doesn't deal with sunshine and tournaments. You'll see things that aren't easy."
He paused and looked at Naruto, his voice lower now. "Especially you. I know your heart is softer than you like to admit."
"Got it. I'll handle it."Naruto's smile faded, but he nodded firmly.
"Good. Let's move."Kakashi gave them a brief smile.
….
Not long after, they arrived at the ANBU compound.
Kakashi led them through the checkpoint, greeted by masked guards who stepped aside with a bow. He was, after all, a legend among their ranks.
They walked down the stone corridor until they reached a small office with a thick wooden door. Kakashi knocked once, then entered.
Inside, Yamato, still going by his ANBU name, Tenzo, was hunched over a desk, flipping through mission reports.
"Kakashi-senpai? I didn't expect to see you here" He looked up, startled.
"Sorry to barge in," Kakashi said. "Got two things I need."
"Go ahead."Yamato straightened up.
"First, I need a squad of elite ANBU. We're raiding Orochimaru's old labs."
"…Say that again?" Yamato blinked.
"We're robbing Orochimaru. Technically, Orochimaru is robbing Orochimaru. Long story. The important part is that I need stealth, precision, and force if needed."
Tenzo stared at him a moment, then slowly nodded. "I'll assign my best. I want details before we move, but I trust your judgment."
"Good." Kakashi motioned to the boys behind him. "Second, I want these two officially registered under ANBU for this mission."
"Naruto and Sasuke?"Tenzo's eyes widened.
"They're ready. And they need to see this side of the world. I'll keep them close."
"I can handle it."Sasuke crossed his arms.
"Besides, I've already fought Orochimaru once. How bad can it be?" Naruto added with a grin,
Yamato gave Kakashi a skeptical look but eventually sighed. "Alright. But I'm making a record of this. If anything happens-"
"It won't," Kakashi interrupted. "I'll make sure of it."
"Then let's get them suited up." Tenzo stood and pulled out two ANBU registration scrolls.
As Naruto and Sasuke stepped forward to begin their temporary induction, Kakashi felt the weight of the day ahead settle onto his shoulders.
Raiding Orochimaru's labs. Training these two under real pressure. And somewhere in his mind, the image of Mei brushing her cheek still lingered.
Konoha might be calm today, Kakashi thought. But shadows never sleep. Time to dance with them again.