Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Kakashi and Raye ❯ Chapter 4

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does.

 

A/N Whoops, I was wrong, this is it until I start writing it again. I apologise if it's lame, I wrote it specifically to my friends taste (mainly in Kakashi lol)

 

 

Neither Team 7 nor Kakashi knew that Raye was to follow them herself. Only Tsunade was aware of what Raye was doing, and only because she had told her what do to. After the basics, Tsunade didn't feel inclined to ask, Raye's methods were her own, and sharing them was not something she did. Improvisation was one of her closest friends, and even knowing didn't mean that it would happen.

It did not matter if the four ninja didn't know she was there, but if Kakashi was worrying about Raye it could make both of their jobs more difficult. The first condition of Raye's mission was to work alone, swiftly and quietly. The second was to prevent anyone from getting near Sasuke and Naruto.

Sasuke's curse mark had been ignited in pain a lot recently, and it was too dangerous to risk Orochimaru striking. Many would also take advantage of his weakened state to fight with him whilst off his guard. Naruto, on the other hand, was to be protected from all. The Akatsuki was probably still looking for him, and many people around the royal household knew of his father, Minato, and that he carried the Nine-Tailed Fox Demon. Her mission was not to be handled lightly, and it was lucky for her that Kakashi was also tailing the group, for as fast as she was, Raye could only engage in battle with so many ninja at a time while keeping their interests off Sasuke and Naruto. Likeliness was that more than one powerful ninja wanted to take a shot at the incredible young boys. In such a case, Kakashi was Raye's back-up, whether he knew it or not.

 

At the base where the Cloud ninja guarding Raye had been killed, the group who had captured her held their noses.

`Hey captain, I guess it really is a good thing that we were sent off for important duties in the village. Wouldn't have wanted to end up like these silly buggers, you know, dead and all.' A short man yelled. He was fairly pudgy, and his leader had taken quite a disliking to his obvious statements. The captain grimaced. He knew that what the man said was true, at least they weren't lying in the dirt with half rotten flesh in pools of dried blood. Still, the woman who had been captured so easily, tortured so brutally and been brave so stubbornly just escaped without a second glance. She waited for ten long years, and it seemed more logical that she would be less inclined to try to escape, or less capable, however, her first attempt at escape had been successful. With food and water sufficient only to live painfully, and injuries so severe from not spilling her guts about her village, it was a miracle for her that she was still alive. Now it was their job to once again capture her and bring her back. They would tie her up, hold her for a week to give her an opportunity to talk willingly, and then kill her, and steal from her body her power and secrets.

`Alright boys, the only place she will have gone is back to her village. But we have to get in there so we can see her technique. We got her without so much as a fight last time, so we have no idea what we'll be up against, and from what I've heard she never fights a single battle like the one before. There should still at least be a faint trail of blood from her trek back home. If we tell the guards that we saw the blood and wanted to make sure that everything was okay, they might let us in the gates for our troubles, whether we were of use to them or not. We'll take a dog with us and follow the path left. If we can't see it, the dog should be able to smell it; we still have pieces of blood soaked clothing for it to search for.' The captain grinned at his men. They looked pleased with his plan. The only concern was if the guards at the gate believed their story and had the compassion to let them in or not.

 

`So, Kakashi, where are you taking me?' Raye was letting Kakashi lead her away from the village. He had her hand firmly, and was gently pulling her behind him.

`Well, I have to leave for this mission with Team 7 tomorrow, and I'm not sure how long it will take. The king didn't specify how long the princess needed to be guarded for.' That was another crucial reason that Kakashi needed to go. Depending on the length of time the ninja were put to use would determine the fee. The young squad had no idea how to calculate the amount of money required for their services, and once they were done Kakashi would just casually stroll in, charge the king, and leave as smoothly as he came.

`That still isn't telling me where we're going though.'

`I'll tell you if you promise to close your eyes and don't look.' Kakashi sounded like this was his final piece to say, and Raye decided that she might let him have his fun and surprise her. She liked surprises, but that didn't mean she was just going to close her eyes without an argument.

`I don't want to close my eyes; I want to know where we're going.' Kakashi grinned at her. She cocked her head to the side and gave him a sideways glance. He did his usual sigh before explaining in a highly provocative way.

`Raye, I know that part of your self-imposed law is not closing your eyes when you're unprepared, and I know that it's very important to you.' Raye nodded cautiously, trying not to give a definite answer.

`But please, even if its only once, shut-up and do it. Please.' Raye nearly burst out laughing. Kakashi gave her a scowl, and then smiled.

`Okay, but I'm counting on you not to let me die. Or kill me. Killing me yourself would be a bad idea, I don't recommend it.' Now Kakashi laughed.

`Killing you is the last thing I would, or let anyone else, do before I died myself.' He stated in a matter-of-fact kind of way. He chuckled as Raye nudged him, although it was the most serious thing he had said to her all day. Raye smiled and shut her eyes. He gripped her hand tighter, and pulled her in front of him. She could feel the warmth of his body and breathe as he walked just inches away from her back. He placed a gentle hand over her eyes, and her eyelashes fluttered in an effort to stay closed. He smiled beneath his mask.

Raye still didn't quite understand why Kakashi was doing this, but she didn't see any reason to argue. Besides, she knew all that she needed to about where they were going simply from listening and paying attention to what her feet were stepping on. As far as she could tell from her knowledge of the village and its surrounding areas, Kakashi was taking her to the top of a cliff. If she was correct, the cliff was a large, grassy mound overlooking an amazing waterfall. No-one knew of it, for what would be presumed to be roaring waters fell gracefully, and ended up landing silently in a deep pool of crystal clear water. The bottom was pure and undisturbed, and small trinkets which had been lost could be seen quite perfectly when the sun rested on the large body of water. The waterfall crashed down elegantly not too far away from it's final destination, and many intricate creeks wove their way from a splashing puddle of waves about one meter round in a circle into the near cavernous lake. It was art in the most natural way possible, and if you knew where to go, you could find a hollow in the rocks, and a small paradise within it.

Kakashi and Raye used to meet here when they were younger, Raye constantly having to avoid detection from her worrisome fathers gaze. This was also the place where Raye had come to cry when he had died. Kakashi's father also had a watchful eye, and didn't want his only son to fall for a young woman who would grow up to one day use her power and heritage to get what she wanted, and then dump whatever scraps were leftover from her meal. Kakashi had thought differently about Raye, and after Raye had saved the village, whether the village in its whole knew it or not, Kakashi's father had accepted the courtship of his son and the young daughter of the Hokage. Raye smiled as she remembered the sarcastic comments her father used to make when she came home from this place. She could always get so mad at him, and all he could do was try to stop laughing so hard. She tried to keep the happy trail of thought going as she pictured him crying from laughing so hard, and her punching his arm as hard as she could. She couldn't tell if she had hurt him or amused him, it was always too difficult to choose between the two. She snapped out of her memories and paid attention to Kakashi. He was still walking, one hand still clasping hers, pressed against the small of her back, the other hand at the base of her neck, as if for support. They were going downhill, and it sounded like they were getting closer to the waterfall.

`I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but this place is nothing like what you remember. As you know, its rocky on the way down here, and your eyes are closed, so just hold on for a minute.' He lifted her is one fluid movement, and she held his neck loosely; she trusted in his strength, and highly doubted that he would drop her onto sharp rocks that walled such an immense lake. She could hardly even feel it when he took steps downwards or sideways.

 

Am I really going to do this!? I can't possibly be thinking straight, but this was what I was planning on before the war, even though we were still so young. But now we're older. Ten years older, and I don't know if I can stand the thought of losing her again without doing this first. Alright, I'm committing myself to it, and I won't turn back. I love Raye, and everything else is just going to have to fall into place, nothing will stop me from asking her this time.

 

`Alright, Raye, we're here. I'm going to put you down, but I want you to keep your eyes closed, just for a little while longer.' He lowered an arm, and supported her back as she leapt off steadily. Her eyes were still squeezed together tightly. This paradise had grown for many years, in what appeared to be a hollow tree trunk, but the tree itself on the outside was inconspicuous. It was presumed to be hidden somewhere behind the wide rushing curtain that was the waterfall.

 

He placed his hands on Raye's waist and directed her towards a grassy patch in the flowery haven. There were trickling pools of sparkling water everywhere, and hundreds of flowers had sewn themselves around them and blossomed most beautifully. Kakashi turned Raye to face him

`Okay, you can open your eyes now.' Raye looked up cautiously, her eyes meeting those of Kakashi. He smiled at her, and then looked behind her. She turned her head to see what he was staring at, and just stood there, body twisted and eyes glued. She couldn't believe what was in front of her. Kakashi was right; this place was nothing like what Raye remembered.

`It's so beautiful! It isn't as if it wasn't last time we came together, but now…' her voice trailed off. Her neck prickled and she noticed that Kakashi wasn't listening to her. His eyes were fixated on her face, not blinking, not wavering, and not changing. His breathing was getting heavy, and he kept gulping. Nothing could penetrate his concentration on her face.

 

This is it. She looks so gorgeous; it's almost as if she's glowing right now. What's wrong with me!? I feel so light-headed, and my heart is racing. Am I really so nervous that I can't even take my eyes off her? What if she says no! Then what will I do? Maybe this isn't such a good idea, but I desperately want to. Oh, what the heck. It's once and once only. If I don't do this now, I won't ever be able to look her in the eye again. Here goes nothing, but somehow everything.

 

Raye completely turned herself around to take in the view. Just as she was about to go and have a look at the intricate patterns that had woven themselves over time, Kakashi caught her hand. He still looked like he was in a completely different world, and his breathing had become quite labored. Raye looked at him, concerned.

`Kakashi, are you alright? You look kind of, pale, and you're starting to sweat. Is there something wrong?' Raye watched intently as he tried to swallow the lump in his throat. He shook his head quietly, and tried to speak. It came out raspy and hoarse.

`I just, just wanted to ask you something.' Raye couldn't decide what was wrong with him.

`Of course, Kakashi, you can ask me anything. What is it?' He cleared his throat, trying frantically to digest the butterflies that were attempting to block his mouth. He looked deeper into her eyes, but all he could find was love and compassion.

 

She's so wonderful. Now she thinks that something is wrong! I need to do this fast and just put it out there. Who knows, she might even say yes.

 

`Kakashi?' Raye's voice had become very soft and profound. Kakashi only just noticed that her velvety hands had removed his mask and headband. She had very soothingly begun to caress his cheek with one hand, the other playing with the front of his jacket. Kakashi held Raye's left hand in both of his own. He filled his lungs deeply with air, and then spoke as calmly as possible.

`When I first saw you, I was afraid to meet you; when I first met you, I was afraid to hold you; when I first held you, I was afraid to kiss you; when I first kissed you, I was afraid to love you; and now that I love you, I'm afraid to lose you. Raye.' He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small silver ring, attached to a plump diamond. He blushed slightly and looked away. Raye was speechless. She was staring at the ring, and her mouth was gaping. She wanted to speak, but couldn't find the words.

`Kakashi, I…I…' Raye suddenly jerked backwards and shut her eyes, as if trying to block out something that she didn't want to see. Images of her father flooded her memory, and all she could do was run. Kakashi didn't try to stop her, and she was gone within seconds.

 

It didn't work. She's gone now, and the only thing I can do is hope that she comes back.

 

He placed his mask and headband back on glumly, and headed home.

 

Raye continued to flee. She ran as far away from the village as she could. Eventually she couldn't keep going, and collapsed beneath an endless tower of green. She swiftly leapt through the branches and settled on the highest and sturdiest branch that she could find. She cried helplessly, wishing the painful thoughts to leave her.

 

`Raye, as much I hate to say this, I'm your father. And you're my daughter. Problem is, you're the most beautiful 15 year old girl in the world. I want you to promise me something.' Raye looked at her father curiously.

`What is it? Don't just sit there getting old, out with it already!' Minato laughed at his child's impatience, she never had learned to sit still and wait. At least, not how to be patient in a civilized situation.

`Raye, give your father a chance to speak, I'm sure this will be something worth knowing, won'tit, Minato?' He grinned innocently, before focusing once more on the stunning teenager before him.

`When you have a boyfriend, don't forget to tell your father, alright. And I don't count Kakashi, you two are too young, you say that you're in love, but your only 15. He's only 17, and you're both incredibly smart and talented, but this isn't just a story. It's your life; but I just want to be kept in the loop.'

`Minato! Saying such a thing to her, she and Kakashi are sweet together, so what if they aren't as old as you and I, we weren't that much younger than them when we first met, you know! And besides, he's her first boyfriend, as you said yourself, she's only 15.' Minato spun in his chair and gave his wife a near glare. She laughed at him, and if he hadn't loved her so much he would have hit her. Even Raye knew that. She giggled at her parents, and watched as her mother stumbled, heavily-pregnant, and landed in her fathers lap. He pretended to complain, but gave up as Kushina cuddled up to him. There was no arguing with a pregnant woman who had constant cramps.

`Lord Hokage, when will mother give birth?' This was a question that he could answer, and did so with pride.

`Well, Raye, your mother should be giving birth any day now, that's why I'm at home all the time, and so are you.'

`But I thought that I was at home because you don't need me for any missions, and the ANBU are handling themselves, with the captains taking them all out on missions.' Her father sneered at her mockingly.

`Over-achiever!'

`Under-believer!' Her mother snorted in an attempt to hold back her laughter, but simply couldn't. She tried her hardest to keep breathing, and between bolts of laughter managed to make a sentence.

`She got you, Minato! You just got done in by your fifteen-year old daughter, how dumb are you!?'

`Well, I'm dumb enough to be Hokage, aren't I?' She nodded, considering the possibility of her husband's achievements before laughing again. Her smile was infectious, and he too began laughing, shaking her now large body across his knees, trying to hold her to him.

 

 

`Just breathe, Kushina. It's going to be okay, just relax, and push.' He was trying not to smile, but her face was just too priceless. Raye was in the corner, and no-one was paying any attention to her. She was commanding ANBU units through a hospital safe walkie-talkie, and directing various missions at the same time.

`MINATO! DON'T TELL ME WHAT THE HELL TO DO! This is annoying enough as it is!' He grimaced in pain as she tried to amputate his hand with her fingers, and just did as he was told.

`Yes, dear, whatever you say.' She slapped him hard, and he made a mental note not to mock women who are currently giving birth.

 

4 HOURS LATER

 

`Look, Kushina, he's awake. See and you slapped me just because I helped you to have this child!' Kushina slapped him again and Raye peered at her baby brother.

`What's his name, mother?' Minato opened his mouth to answer, but instead found it full of his own dirty clothing, courtesy of his wife.

`His name is Naruto, Raye.'

`Can I hold him?' Kushina smiled at her daughter.

`Of course, my darling.' Minato tried to protest his unfair treatment, but he was still trying to eat the rest of his clothes.

 

Everyone was so happy that day. They didn't know what was going to happen next.

 

 

`Run, Kushina, it's too dangerous here!'

`But Minato, what about you and Naruto? What are you going to do!?' Raye was yelling orders outside and her parents didn't have time to discuss these sorts of things now.

`Just go, Kushina, I have a plan.' She looked at her husband, and ran to him for a final, passionate kiss.

`I love you, Minato. Please be safe, and come out of this alive for me.'

`Of course, my Kushina. But you need to go, Raye has a lot of work to do, but I need her inside, and you still aren't in any condition to fight. I love you, now go.' She nodded, and with a final look at her family, disappeared into the mist of dying bodies forever. That was the last day that Raye ever saw her mother.

`Raye! Quickly, I need you to do a very important job for me. It's crucial that you aren't killed, and try to save as many lives while doing this as possible, but I need you to lure the demon that's out there to our house.'

`Father, what are you going to do!?'

`Raye, we don't have time for this, just do it! I promise everything will be alright.'

`Okay, I'll do it.'

`Good girl.' Raye ran off to do as she was told.

 

 

`Father! No, please, you can't, you just can't, and the village is alright now. You saved us, Naruto saved us! Please!'

`Raye, my darling, I can't help this. It's beyond my power.'

`NO! You can't die!'

`Raye, when you get married, think of me; and smile.' Raye wiped tears from her face and held her father tighter, shaking her head in despair.

`Don't! Please, I love you! You can't go.'

`Raye, remember, your daddy will always love you. Protect Naruto for me.' His eyes went dull, and his body fell limp. Raye began screaming, and soon the whole village was surrounding the girl, silent as she wailed through the night, telling the world of her sorrow.

`NO!'

 

 

Raye rocked back and forth. She hadn't slept nor ate in a week, and was still sitting in a small haven behind a magnificent waterfall. Tears were leaking out of her eyes, and her cheeks were stained from crying. Her eyes were bloodshot from not sleeping, and she couldn't bear to look at anyone. Fortunately, no-one knew of this place, only her and Kakashi.

 

What about Naruto? I'm only 15; I can't look after my little brother all alone! And the entire village blames him, so I'm going to have to protect him from that as well. Alright, we're going to show this village why the Fourth Hokage was our father, and why I'm head of the ANBU-black ops. Naruto, you're young now, but one day you'll be strong. I promise, and then it'll be up to you to look after the village, not some teenage girl who the Third Hogake and the village elders think is right for the job.

 

Raye's thoughts were interrupted. She could faintly feel someone leaping across the rocks outside. She sat up, and waited for the person to show themselves.

`Raye! Raye are you in here?' It was Kakashi. When she saw him all she could do was cry more. He hugged her, and she could've stayed there, collapsed in a pile, crying into Kakashi's warmth for months, but knew that she never could.

 

 

`Don't worry, Naruto. I'll be back; I just have to take care of some thugs out here. This war won't see the end of your big sister, I promise.' The infant looked at her with a goofy smile, and laughed as she equipped herself with a kunai. It was a special kunai, belonging to her father. It had been passed down through her family for generations, since before even the Village Hidden in the Leaves was built. The handle was wrapped in crimson red, and was to be Naruto's weapon. Raye had pledged to relinquish ownership to Naruto only once he knew his heritage and was able to understand what was required in order to carry on his father's legacy.

After that, Naruto never saw his older sister again, and forgot about her completely.

 

Raye tried her hardest to push the flashbacks of her time with Naruto and her father away, but they refused to be exorcised.

 

It isn't that I don't want to marry Kakashi; it's all I've ever wanted! But, my father wanted me to smile at my wedding. He wanted me to think of him. Getting married should be a happy time, shouldn't it? Thinking of him would only make me sad. That is why I can't answer Kakashi, not until I sort through my mind, and come to an answer that would make my father proud.

 

She continued to weep silently, and fell asleep, many small birds nesting around her.

 

I can't believe that I made Raye leave; no-one has seen her since yesterday after we went to the waterfall. I hope she's alright.

 

`Come on, you three, you have to leave now. Make sure you've said good-bye to your mother, Sakura. We don't know how long this is going to take you.' Sakura snorted loudly.

`Why are you asking me, sensei?' She was completely ignorant. Sasuke looked dreary as usual, and answered her in a monotonous way.

`Because Naruto and I don't have anyone to say good-bye to. Unless you think that I'm going to track Itachi to tell him that I'm going to protect some snotty nosed princess.' Sakura looked almost embarrassed.

`Oh, I'm sorry. I forgot about that, Sasuke. And I guess I didn't think about the fact that Naruto's an orphan with no other family.'

`Geez, thanks so much for putting it lightly, Sakura.' Sakura blushed and covered her mouth. It was almost as if she had forgotten that Naruto was still standing next to her.

`Oh, Naruto! I'm so sorry, I, I…'

`Hahaha! You should've seen the look on your face, Sakura! You must've thought that I cared or something, but that look was the best!' Sakura went a deep scarlet, but so did Naruto's cheek.

`Sakura was that really necessary?'

`YES!'

Kakashi never bothered to interfere anymore. It always ended in the same way. Naruto got hurt. Sakura got embarrassed. Sasuke got bored. Raye watched closely from the shadows. She had already begun to scheme different scenarios of attacks, and how she could possibly keep these kids oblivious and safe at the same time. She also needed to keep Kakashi out of the loop, which would be even more of a challenge.