Shattered |Kakashi x OC|

Chapter 32: The Creeping Dark

This chapter runs parallel to the events of episodes 355 and 356 of Naruto Shippuden. So if you want to see the events that are referenced go watch those episodes!

The Foundation Headquarters always had a darkness that threatened to swallow people whole. Not just in the physical sense that the enormous walls of the underground fortress felt like you were falling through the esophagus of a great beast, but in the somber aura of the place.

Kinoe knew this. But somehow, this dark and dismal place was also the only home he had ever known. Except perhaps for that short time that he was known as Tenzo.

Now, kneeling on the wooden cross-bridge of the fortress in full Anbu gear, that name seemed like a distant memory he kept close to his heart.

"The Sharingan is a disposable power," Lord Danzo spoke from where he stood in front of Kinoe and another Root member who knelt beside him. Behind them, another pair of Anbu were on one knee as well. "The Uchiha clan is well aware of this. The more they use that power, the greater the loss to their eyesight until they go blind."

The light from a lone candle on a pole flickered, making the shadows cast by it dance on the five people assembled.

Danzo continued, his iron gaze somehow being formidable, even when coming from only one eye. "Furthermore there is even a Forbidden Jutsu that is invoked at the cost of losing the Sharingan."

Kinoe looked up at that, finding the lord pulling up the bands of cloth that covered the right side of his face. A scarlet red eye stared back, menacing and imposing.

"The two of you will get me a replacement for this right eye of mine." he said, addressing the pair at the front.

The Foundation member at Kinoe's left suddenly spoke. "My lord, if we were to attack a member of the Uchiha, careful preparation is necessary."

Danzo stepped forward. "There is one who is not an Uchiha," he began, "who has neither parents nor teachers.... who has killed his comrade."

Kinoe spoke up for the first time, "Kakashi... Hatake."

Danzo looked at him from beneath his brow, raising his chin. "Then we don't need to worry about any future trouble." He then turned to the pair in the back. "There is another matter. Someone has alluded me for quite a while and it's become bothersome. I am counting on you to neutralize her. Bring me Ahsoka Aoyama."

Kinoe kept the surprise off his face out of habit despite the lack of need for it with the mask. Both of the people that had once shown him mercy were being hunted down by the very organization he was a part of.

But did that simply mean they deserved it? Had he read them wrong on that mission almost three years ago? Had they fooled him?

"She is on a mission near the Kirigakure border, staking out the manor of a small local lord." Danzo continued, "Make sure instead of returning to the Hokage, she returns here. Alive."

He looked out at the assembled group, his eyes raking over every one of them like he could see into their very soul.

"Dismissed" He gave the order and they were gone.

Kinoe didn't have the time or authority to question his orders. He trusted Lord Danzo. But a traitorous part of him couldn't help but wonder...

Kakashi Hatake didn't seem like the terrifying and fearful figure all the rumors made him out to be. Not as he stood in front of a white headstone, slouching slightly with his hands in the pockets of his causal Anbu uniform.

But Kinoe had seen him in action a little over two years ago when Orochimaru's treason was discovered.

Birds chirped from the trees surrounding the cemetery, enjoying the clear blue skies that graced Konoha that morning. It truly was a beautiful day. But Kakashi simply continued staring at the headstone in silence.