Enji walked beside Itachi through the long corridors of the Hokage's tower. Morning sunlight filtered through the windows, casting pale rectangles of light across the polished wood. Their steps echoed softly, neither boy speaking as they approached the doors of the Hokage's office.
Inside, the Third Hokage sat at his desk, pipe in hand, papers neatly arranged before him. His calm gaze fell on them, warm but piercing. Against the far wall, another figure waited — tall, with a dog-shaped porcelain mask and silver hair spilling untamed from the back.
Enji's eyes lingered for a breath. Silver hair, dog mask..... Kakashi.
Hiruzen gestured with his pipe. "You are here. Good. This mission is very special. You will work under the command of one of my most trusted. This is Hound, an ANBU captain, you'll work under him from now on."
The masked shinobi inclined his head slightly, observing the new arrivals, then turned to face the Hokage, almost dismissive.
Hiruzen leaned forward. "Your mission is to accompany elder Homura, who will represent Konoha before the Fire Daimyo. The mission is to confirm his arrangements for the annual visit to the village. It is a matter of diplomacy, and knowing the Daimyo, the eyes of many will be upon you."
"Hai," both boys answered crisply.
Kakashi only muttered, "Got it."
The Hokage nodded. "Prepare at ANBU headquarters. Leave immediately. The Daimyo is not known for his patience."
---
They walked the short distance from the tower to ANBU headquarters. The building was quieter than usual, though masked shinobi moved in and out with scrolls and gear. Kakashi walked ahead, hands stuffed in his pockets, his posture casual.
"So," he said without looking back, "the Hokage gave me two kids. Guess I should at least know what I'm working with. Specialties?"
Enji squared his shoulders. "Close-quarters combat and Earth Release. I wield a staff reinforced with seals."
"Mm." Kakashi replied, uninterested. His gaze shifted lazily to Itachi.
"Genjutsu, shurikenjutsu, and ninjutsu."
"Brute force and precision," Kakashi muttered, tone halfway between mockery and faint acknowledgment. "Better than nothing."
Enji remained unfazed, since he knew Kakashi's story, and Itachi being Itachi was calm as usual.
Kakashi pushed open the headquarters' doors and stepped inside. "Grab your gear. We're moving."
---
As the squad departed, another ANBU figure stepped from the shadows of the Hokage's office. The wolf mask caught the light faintly as he bowed.
"Lord Hokage… is it wise? To place those two under Hound's command? You know his reputation. He doesn't care for teammates."
Hiruzen's expression softened as he drew on his pipe.
"Kakashi carries wounds the village cannot ignore. He is in need of companionship, even if he himself does not realize it. Itachi and Enji are both of rare caliber — not only in talent, but in character. If anyone can draw out what remains of his spirit, it will be them."
Wolf bowed again. "I hope so. Enji is not the one to take insults lying down."
The Hokage's gaze drifted to the window, to the sunlight over Konoha's roofs. " All three of them are prodigies no doubt, but Enji and Itachi's journey has been too smooth, and sometimes a setback can help them tremendously. Also they are mature enough to not sabotage the mission,despite any personal dislikes."
With a smile he continued - " A genius cannot grow in isolation. They must be tempered by others of equal caliber, challenged by peers who can truly understand them. Itachi, Enji, Kakashi - Together, perhaps they will push one another higher…."
---
The Fire Nation capital was unlike anything they had seen. Wide cobbled avenues bustled with merchants shouting wares of silk, jade, and incense. Painted lanterns swung from wooden beams, the colors glowing as dusk approached. Samurai patrols in lacquered armor marched through the streets, their crimson banners catching the wind.
At the heart of it all stood the Daimyo's mansion — a sprawling palace with layered tiled roofs and gilded carvings that caught the last rays of the sun. Towering gates of black wood and gold inlay opened to reveal courtyards patrolled by samurai, fountains glimmering in the center.
Inside the throne hall, the Daimyo lounged on a raised dais, his robes of shimmering silk embroidered with exquisite designs. Attendants fanned him gently, while others stood at attention with scrolls and spears.
The three ANBU knelt before him, Kakashi in the center, while Homura gave a small bow.
"Lord Daimyo. We come on behalf of Konoha to confirm your arrangements for the annual visit."
The Daimyo's gaze swept over them — cool, calculating. When it landed on Itachi, it lingered.
"So young." A smile tugged faintly at his lips. "Has Konoha been stretched so thin that they send children to gaurd an elder?
Or you must be prodigies, to showcase the budding talents."
The Daimyo chuckled. "Anyways, let's get to the matter - "
An elderly man next to the Daimyo, whispered something to the Daimyo, interrupting his speech.
The Daimyo, pondered for a few seconds and then with a smile said -
"For my amusement, Homura dono, and for welcoming the ninjas who has travelled from afar, let us have a celebration. Let us showcase the new talents of Konoha. My gaurdians have some talented youngsters, let them have some fun. Homura dono, what do you say?
We'll discuss offical matters after the celebration.
Homura dono , come, let us old guys have a chat.
Young ones, rest well, be at your best."
Enji's eyesbrows raised at the veiled disrespect. He forced his expression still. Itachi bowed lower, accepting the words without visible reaction while Kakashi remained unfazed.
The attendants murmured in approval.
Homura, remained silent for a full minute, then gave a shallow bow. His tone carried neither irritation nor enthusiasm. "As you wish."
Then he turned to Enji and Itachi .
" I've heard only praises from Hiruzen regarding both of you. I hope you know what to do and you will not disappoint me."
Enji and Itachi nodded.
Seeing them calm and unfazed, he was reassured.
" Good, then go on, the Daimyo will likely invite the nobles to watch the sparring. So it I'll be in the evening , use the time to adjust yourselves for the fight. Be at your peak.
You guys wait at the accomodation provided. I'll meet the Daimyo now."
---
By nightfall, the Daimyo's private arena was alive with anticipation. The stone courtyard gleamed under torchlight, nobles and guards crowding the stands.
The Guardian Twelve marched in, to the cheering and applause of the crowd,their waist cloth signifying their identies, their weapons varied — spears, blades, and fists, each fighter radiating confidence.
Enji fastened his pouch, his body thrumming with energy. Itachi adjusted his hair, eyes calm but sharp.
From the dais above, the Daimyo's voice boomed across the arena.
"Let us see the Konoha shinobi in action."
The crowd roared.
The match was set.