Ascension (Sequel to Ruination)

Omake I: Breath of Spring

Kakashi Hatake was assigned a rather unusual mission for someone of his rank and skill. An ANBU Black Ops becoming a delegate from the Leaf to the Mist Village. Although, in a sense, it was logical. The Mist were still enemies of the Leaf, and there was a chance that any normal delegate would get ambushed and not be able to defend themselves.

This way, if the team were to get ambushed, then they wouldn't have to worry about any civilian, just themselves. Maybe the Hokage wanted him to experience other jobs, in light of the events of his past. Obito, then Rin. There was no telling which one of his close friends might lose their life next. Minato just wanted the best for Kakashi, and that was understandable. But to Kakashi, the only job for him was being Shinobi, and losing people was part of the job.

He had learned to cope with the loss by now and he would be okay from now on. Kakashi sighed as one of his teammates nudged his shoulder, urging him to put his questionable reading material away since they had arrived at the Village Hidden in the Mist. It was a week ahead of schedule, and the event held by the Mizukage would not be starting until the next week. This meant he had to stay for a little bit longer than a month.

"Let's get this over with," Kakashi let out a weary sigh, putting his guard up as they approached the group of people standing at the gates to the village. He put his questionable reading material in the pouch on his hip, stopping before the welcoming party. The Mizukage and several special jōnin stood waiting for them.

"Welcome to the Hidden Mist. While it isn't as bright and sunny as the Hidden Leaf, we do hope that you enjoy your stay." Greeted the Mizukage.

"Thank you for inviting us," Kakashi bowed respectfully in response, the rest of his party following suit. They followed the escorts into the village, keeping their guards up as they ventured through the rather busy streets. The villagers turned to the group of Leaf ninja, breaking out into secretive whispers as they eyed the silver headed young man leading them.

Kakashi Hatake of the Sharingan. He was rather infamous in villages other than his own, he had a kill count that not even he could keep track of. And he was only eighteen. The Mizukage took the group of diplomats to an inn near the center of the village, next to the Mizukage's tower.

It was rather convenient, since the summit would be held there. Unlike a normal summit, where the five Kage would attend, this was going to be more like a meeting between other small villages, nations, and clans. An opportunity to make allies. The Teruo clan had suggested this summit as a result of their treaty with the Land of Snow. After one thousand years it was still going strong. So, they came up with the idea of a summit so that more treaties could be made.

Although, Kakashi knew the Teruo clan wouldn't be interested in associating with the Leaf, especially after the battle they had in the beginning of the Third Shinobi War. Not to mention their ongoing feud with the Uchiha clan. Minato still wanted the Copy Ninja to at least try to negotiate a treaty with them. Even if it ended up being fruitless. They were a powerful clan and the Namikaze thought they would be perfect allies for the village.

~

After settling in for a few days, Kakashi decided to go out and buy some groceries to save money on eating out. He was walking through the shopping district when he heard the stern voice of a young woman just ahead of him. Curiously, he watched on as a dark haired woman slammed her hands down on a table, the legs trembling from the impact.

"Listen here, I know for a fact that these apples are not worth 10,000 ryo. What are you trying to do here?! Scam people?! I will give you 5,000 ryo. That's it. Otherwise, I'm letting everyone here know about how you cheated on your wife!" The woman hissed, her eyes narrowed at the man before her.