Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves, was dead. Perished in the fight against his former student, one of the three legendary Sannin — Orochimaru. The villain had tricked the Sand into believing he was their Kazekage to stage the attack, killing the real one on his way to the finals of the Chunin Exams. Both villages suffered heavy losses. Both villages mourned their dead and tended to their injured. And both villages needed another to take on the mantle of Kage. But that was easier said than done.
The Sand returned to the desert in shame, while the Leaf could do nothing else but rebuild. All citizens, no matter how small or old, infirm or injured, rallied to the cause. The Jōnin were tasked with securing the defenses with ANBU, while the Chunin and Genin took on manual labor or volunteered at the hospital. Yet one group remained absent.

"How is your team doing?" asked Kurenai, as she joined Kakashi on his way to the top of the Hokage Tower.

"As well as expected," he replied. "They've been through a lot yesterday. Especially Naruto and Sasuke."

"They seemed okay at the funeral this morning."

"Physically, sure. Doctors cleared them last night. But mentally... Something happened in those woods, Kurenai. Something aside from their fight with the Sand-Jinchuriki. I just wish I knew what."

"I thought Pakkun was with them?"

"He's catatonic. Won't eat, won't sleep, hides under my bed... I've never seen him so frightened."

Kakashi felt like he was still putting it mildly. The brown ninken was absolutely terrified. He'd tried everything to get him to talk, but not even the other ninja hounds had gotten Pakkun to come out of hiding. Over and over, the dog whimpered and murmured inaudibly to himself. His behavior was unsettling and had kept Kakashi up all night. Another reason he wasn't looking forward to the meeting with the elders. 

"I'll ask Kiba if he and Akamaru can stop by," said Kurenai. 

Kakashi gave a weary sigh. "I hadn't even thought of asking the Inuzuka clan for help. Thank you. Tell the boy to come by in an hour. And give Asuma my condolences again when you see him. Losing a parent is brutal on any child, no matter their age."

"I will."

They said their goodbyes, and the silver-haired leader of Team 7 climbed the last staircase alone, fortifying himself to deal with the elders. Were it any other day, he wouldn't have even bothered to show up. His team needed his attention, as did his hound. 

And Katana... I need to check on her as well. 

Seeing the teens in his care emerging from the forest, bruised and beaten, hadn't been nearly as shocking as seeing Katana unconscious in Sasuke's arms. He'd meant to take her from him, but the young Uchiha had stubbornly refused to let go and had carried her to the hospital himself, with Naruto in tow. 
Kakashi didn't understand why Katana had even been in the forest to begin with. Last he'd seen her, she was with the Hokage and Mameha. In retrospect, it was probably a good thing she hadn't been near them, as both had been trapped in the barrier with Orochimaru. The girl's previous encounter with that vile snake was still fresh on Kakashi's mind... as was her claim of the only other surviving Uchiha being closer than they all assumed.  

I can't fail my duty again. I have to protect Katana at all costs, even if that means I have to defect and take her away from the village. The boys can join us in due time, but she is my priority. History can't be allowed to repeat itself. 

"Ah, there he is. Welcome, Hatake."

Kakashi, so lost in thought, halted at the gritty voice of the only female on the Leaf Council, Koharu Utatane. He acknowledged her and her partner, Homura Mitokado, with a nod. His uncovered eye then traveled to the two other figures — Danzo Shimamura and... Mameha? He understood why the head of the ANBU Black Ops was here, but why was the geisha as well? She had no business with the Council or Hokage, unless it was to discuss matters pertaining to the okiya or its inhabitants. 

"What's going on?" asked Kakashi suspiciously. 

"We have a mission for you and your team," spoke Koharu. 

"A mission? I thought all teams were to remain within the Leaf for the next few days?"

"We're making an exception for you," said Homura. "Please approach, so we may discuss the details. We have very little time." 

But Kakashi remained where he stood. "My team is still recovering from the ordeal they went through yesterday. Whatever the mission is, I decline on their behalf."

The elders both opened their mouths to speak, but Danzo was quick to silence them with a mere raise of his hand. Kakashi met the man's singular glare. To any who just met Danzo, he would appear as a frail, old man with a cane, brought down by years of war, evident by the x-shaped scar on his chin and the bandages covering his right eye. Yet to Kakashi, a student of the Fourth Hokage and one of the most astute Jōnin of the Leaf, his former employer was a man not to be underestimated. Often enough had Danzo spoken against some of the Third Hokage's ruling. With Hiruzen now gone... there was no telling what he might try. 

"It is admirable you speak for your students," began Danzo, "yet I fear we must insist on their participation. A precious item was stolen during the invasion, and only your team has the particular skills required to retrieve it."

"And what might those be?" demanded Kakashi. 

"Perfect chakra control, the Shadow Clone Jutsu... and the Sharingan."

"I have all those skills as well. If this item is truly so important, I will go alone."

Danzo smirked. "Alas, we required the team. And if you will not lead them, we will appoint another in your place to do so instead."

Kakashi's jaw clenched beneath his mask. What was going on? Why was the Council insisting on his team going when they knew perfectly well he could retrieve what was stolen on his own by morning? Once again, his gaze fell on Mameha. The geisha remained quiet, her composure perfectly poised as always. But her onyx eyes revealed what Kakashi feared most — this wasn't about his team at all. 

***

Naruto glanced up at the thudding sound of footsteps on the wooden bridge. His eyes met Sasuke's, and his lips pinched into a thin line. He hadn't seen his teammate since the ceremony that morning or spoken to him since they were kicked out of the hospital yesterday for overstaying visiting hours. 

"Hey," greeted Naruto curtly.

Sasuke harrumphed and leaned back against the bridge railing on his opposite side, arms crossed over his chest, head turned away. Naruto scoffed. The lousy brat would never change. But much to his surprise, Sasuke was the first to break the silence then by asking, "Did you see Katana today?" 

"No," said Naruto. "I went to the hospital before the funeral to check on her, but Mameha had already taken her back to the okiya."

"Do you want to join me later? I think we'll have a better chance of seeing her if we both show up at the same time."

"Um... sure. Thanks, that's really —"

"I'm not doing this for you, loser. I just wanna see my friend."

Naruto fought the urge to snap back at Sasuke. As much as he hated to admit it, his teammate was his ticket into the okiya. If he wanted to see Katana, he had to play nice. 

"Sasuke!"

Both boys turned when they heard Sakura's excited cry. She waved wildly and ran up to the Uchiha. He didn't change his position against the bridge, but Naruto could tell by the way his body tensed that Sasuke would rather be anywhere else. Jerk. He had every girl in the village swooning over him, and he blew them all off. Was it really so hard for Sasuke to say hi back? And was it really so hard for Sakura to acknowledge his own existence when it wasn't to hit him?

"I wanted to thank you for saving me yesterday," she beamed at Sasuke, completely oblivious of Naruto's hardening glare. "You were so brave and strong and —"

"No."

"Uh, what?"

Sasuke finally looked at her. "I said, no. Don't thank me. Thank Naruto. He defended you with all his might and took care of that freak on his own."

"He... did?"

Sakura's green eyes flickered to Naruto. The blond stared back at his teammates, utterly dumbstruck at what had just happened. Sasuke... spoke up for him? And why on earth was he giving him full credit for defeating Gaara? Yes, he'd fought him, but if Sasuke hadn't gone up against the Sand-Genin first, he wouldn't have stood a chance. 

"I-I, um..." Naruto stammered, unsure of what to say. 

"Don't be modest," said Sasuke. "Even I have to recognize you pulled some great moves yesterday. I didn't know you could do the Summoning Jutsu."

Naruto's eyes widened at his words. How the hell did Sasuke know about that? He never had the chance to use that technique during the fight yesterday because that weird water-thingy nearly killed their opponent, and Sasuke had been gone for weeks. Had Katana told him about it? Or had Sasuke overheard Pervy Sage speaking to Kakashi-sensei about his training? 

"Is this true, Naruto?" asked Sakura in a tiny voice, clearly impressed. "Did you really save me?"

Sasuke's insistent scowl quickly prompted Naruto to say, "Yeah. Yeah, I guess I did."

Sakura's expression changed from surprise to shame as she looked from one boy to the other. Then she smiled. It was the first time that smile was fully and honestly meant for Naruto.

"Thank you," she said. 

"Y-You're welcome. I'm glad you're okay."

A faint blush tainted Sakura's cheeks as she averted and leaned against the bridge, allowing some distance between her and Sasuke this time. Naruto's heart leaped at the sight. Maybe not all was lost! Maybe Sakura might still fall in love with him and —

"What the hell are you doing here?"

Naruto's bliss was crudely interrupted by Sasuke's harsh voice. His head whipped round to find Kakashi-sensei approaching with Katana. Just like him and his teammates, they were dressed in simple traveling clothes, not showing any affiliation to the Hidden Leaf. Instantly, Naruto pushed off from the railing and ran toward her. Yet her pale complexion and sunken eyes kept him from wrapping his arms around her. 

"Answer me," demanded Sasuke, halting at Naruto's side. "What are you doing here? You should be resting."

"Katana is joining us on our mission," answered Kakashi in her stead. "We don't have much time, so let's get going."

"Whoa, hold on a second!" exclaimed Naruto. "What do you mean, she's joining us? Look at her! She's sick and can barely stand on her feet!"

"I'm fine, Naruto," said Katana, her voice far too feeble to convince him of her words. 

"Don't lie to us," snapped Sasuke. "You were crushed and nearly drowned yesterday, so you can't be fine."

"I am. Can we please go now?"

"No, no way. Naruto's right, you can barely stand. You'll be a liability on any mission in this state."

At the mention of his name, Naruto pushed forward. "Katana, please listen to us. Sasuke and I both know you're tough and can handle a lot, but you really don't look well at all. Just go back to the okiya, so you can —"

"I said I'm fine!"

Her outburst silenced him at once. Naruto exchanged a worried glance with Sasuke. His teammate seemed to think the same as him. Something was terribly wrong. Why did she insist on joining them when she was clearly not okay? 

"If you're all ready, let's head out," said Kakashi. "We're on a deadline and can't afford to waste anymore time."

"You're not seriously letting her come along, are you?" Sasuke looked up at their sensei in bewilderment. "You're her teacher! Why are you allowing this?"

The Jōnin shot him down with a single glare of his uncovered eye. "Let's get one thing straight. I'm not allowing anything. We all have a task and duty to perform tonight, and we all have our orders. If you have a problem with that, Sasuke, you can head back to the Academy so you can be reminded of those lessons. Do I make myself clear?"

The teen defiantly faced his team leader. Naruto anxiously witnessed their silent battle, with Sakura fretting just behind him. The sudden ferocity radiating from Kakashi was short of petrifying. He was amazed Sasuke actually stood his ground for as long as he did, but couldn't help at feeling relieved when his teammate finally stepped back to fall in line with him and Sakura.
Without another word, Kakashi turned on the path out of the village, beckoning Katana with a brief nod. She followed demurely, both hands clutching the strap of her shoulder bag across her chest. Naruto was certain he alone saw tears she refused to cry. 

***

They arrived at a little inn just after sunset. Three rooms had already been prepared for them, thanks to the Leaf Council's prompt actions. Katana took in her surroundings. There were two futons on the ground, a little vanity and wardrobe, a small bathroom, and one window overlooking the cliffs and lake. Had she been here any other time, for any other reason, she might've appreciated the spectacular view and the soft glistening of the water surface. As it was... she despised it. And the person she was stuck with.
Katana set her bag on the futon closest to the window, without offering a choice to the other girl in the room. She heard Sakura heave a sigh behind her, but didn't pay her any attention. She could barely stomach the girl as it was, and now she was forced to share sleeping arrangements with Sakura, her hatred seemed to have intensified.

"Katana, can we talk?" asked Sakura after dropping her own bag as well.

"No," replied Katana. "I'm going to take a quick look around. Freshen up and join us in Kakashi's room in ten minutes."

"Hey, wait a minute! Why are you acting like this? I get you're upset with Naruto and Sasuke for what they said before, but I've done nothing to you. We're on this mission together, and if we get in trouble because of you —"

"Me?" Katana rounded on her, furious at the implication. "Oh, you're one to talk. Always belittling and punching Naruto 'cause you think he's a nuisance. Always clinging to Sasuke, drooling all over him to get his attention. You're too stupid to realize Naruto is head over heels with you and too pathetic to get Sasuke isn't even remotely interested! You're of no value to Team 7 whatsoever, so if anyone is putting them in danger, it's you!"

Sakura stared back, aghast at Katana's words. Tears brimmed in her green eyes, threatening to spill at any moment. Suddenly, her eyes widened, and she gasped. Katana turned around, finding her friends on the open threshold. Their expressions — one of panic and disbelief, the other of grim concern — were enough for her to understand they'd heard everything. Just great.

"What's everyone standing around for?" Katana bit at them. "Come on, Kakashi's waiting."

She pushed past the teenage boys, feeling the fleeting brush and heat of their bodies against her own. Her heart begged her to forsake her mission and run away with them now that they had the chance. But she couldn't. Mameha had been clear about what the consequences would be if she did anything other than see her task through to the end. So, for their sake, Katana hardened her heart and buried her desires, painfully aware that after tonight, everything would change. 

***

"All right, now that everyone is here, we can start with the briefing."

Kakashi let his eye rove over his students, looking for any signs of apprehension, excitement, or even boredom. But all he found were four blank faces. Sasuke leaned beside the door, Katana sat underneath the window in tailor pose, and Naruto and Sakura settled on the single futon in front of him. None of the four teens seemed at all interested in the mission and carefully avoided each other's gaze. 

This is going to be a nightmare. 

"During the attack on our village yesterday," continued Kakashi, "a precious and powerful tool was stolen from an underground vault close to the Hokage Tower. The tool appears like a rough-cut diamond and doesn't look like much, but if it's pressed against your naked skin, it sucks all your chakra out. We believe the thief is in league with Orochimaru, so Team 7's objective is to retrieve the item, while Katana's mission is to... dispose of this accomplice. We've tracked down the target to a nobleman's property just outside this village. There's a party tonight to celebrate the birth of the nobleman's twin daughters, which is our only shot at getting into the usually heavily fortified residence."

"What's the plan?" asked Sasuke, ever serious and to-the-point. "Divide and conquer?"

Kakashi nodded. "You and I will track the chakra already stored in the device with our Sharingan from the outside. When we find it, we relay the location to Sakura to retrieve it, as she holds the best chakra control among us and can spot a genjutsu fastest."

"Hey, what about me?" Naruto raised a hand. "What am I supposed to do?"

"I need you to make enough Shadow Clones to surround the property and keep the guards distracted long enough for the rest of us to make our move, while the real you goes in with Katana as her twin sister."

The blond teen tilted his head in confusion. "Huh, what? Pretend I'm her twin sister? Kakashi-sensei, I don't know if you noticed, but I'm a boy."

"The invitation to the party is for female twins and their relatives only, so Katana can't get close unless she goes in with a double. And as I understand, Naruto, you have a special technique that will help in your task."

"I do?" Naruto furrowed his brow before exclaiming, "Oh! But... I've never kept Sexy Jutsu up for longer than a few minutes. And the transformation is usually into an older girl."

"You developed the Jutsu, Naruto. There's no reason to assume you can't adapt it to suit your needs."

"This is ridiculous," Sasuke grumbled. "I look more like Katana than Naruto does. Not to mention that we've been training together since we were four years old. We know each other's moves better than anyone."

"I already told you I need you with me. And I need Sakura elsewhere as well, in case that was going to be your next suggestion."

"Do you really wanna take the chance that this loser won't fumble up a simple transformation? His scores in class were lower than Kiba's dog! I should go!"

"This isn't a debate, Sasuke," reacted Kakashi strongly, raising a hand to Naruto before he could defend himself. "Naruto is the same size as Katana, holds a similar body physique, and also has blue eyes. If we didn't have him, my choice would certainly fall on you, but as it is, the variables are in his favor. And that's final."

A pregnant tension descended in the room. All eyes were on Sasuke. He could barely keep his fists from trembling. Then he opened the door and left, slamming it back shut behind him. Sakura meant to go after him, but Katana stopped her.

"Leave him," she said. "He'll be fine after blowing off some steam. We don't have time for this nonsense, anyway. Let's go, Naruto. I need to get you ready."

She gracefully rose to her feet and waited for Naruto to follow her. Sakura's expression fell further, and she left in the opposite direction.
Finally alone to gather his thoughts, Kakashi flopped down on the futon with a melancholic sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose. He'd been afraid this would happen. It couldn't go on like this. When they were back in the village, he had to take action. Damn the Council and Mameha, he wouldn't break his promise. He wouldn't fail the last mission the Fourth Hokage entrusted him with.