Silence (kakanaru)

Chapter 3

Sarutobi Hiruzen had plans for Konoha. For the future of the village.

The story of Kioshi-Uzumaki Hisato's world was a depressing tale. He had contemplated every deeply-woven event like it held the secrets to the most evil corners of the world. In a way, it did. If nothing was changed, the future would be as dark as it had been in Hisato's timeline. But by the redhead's presence alone, things have already begun to shift. Soon, the future would no longer be predictable, and the destiny of every life would not be set in stone.

If Hiruzen would soon be walking into the next day and hour almost blind, then he might as well prepare for it beforehand. So he did. He spent many long days confined to his office, muffled by thoughts. Each thought turned into something more, and therefore, his plans came to being.

One plan, one move, would ensure the safety of the village and other nations. He had subconsciously decided on it when he first heard the long tale of Hisato. But there were a few things he had to achieve first, in order to set the plan in motion.

He wrote a brief outline for a mission. A difficult mission, but a necessary task to complete. It would be the beginning of the plan, and he hoped that this wouldn't be a mistake. He tied it to the leg of a hawk and watched it fly out of the open window.

Once again, somewhere in the depths of his mind, he knew it would take harrying, painful tries before this mission was a success.

.................

Hisato leapt into the air, slicing at invisible enemies with a blade of solid chakra. He placed one foot down, using the other to pivot around and strike again. He covered any openings in his form, and looked out for his blind side by moving to different positions in rapid success. He cast a barrage of blows, cutting at all four sides quickly.

His blade dispersed and he fought with his fists. Imagining enemies, he punched at the ground, using chakra to enhance the hit. The earth ruptured, and the enemies would be sent flying or off-balance.

A few more hours he trained. He mock fought for it all without break, barely panting.

When the secluded training ground was hastily repaired, Hisato made for the village. He fixed up his clothes on the way as best he could, and redid his mussed up hair. He pulled the complete braid out of his face and glanced at the ground.

People gave him weird looks, drawn by his strange appearance. He tried his best to avoid eye contact with anyone. It made him uncomfortable and nervous, wondering what kind of emotions would be in their eyes when he looked into them.

His scarf became disordered at the evening breeze. He caught it before his scars could be made visible, returning it to place just as Kakashi appeared in a swirl of leaves at his side.

Hisato greeted the man with a nod and quick glance. The jounin looked the same as always.

"Have you eaten?" At a shake of his head, Kakashi continued, "I don't think we've been to the barbeque place together yet." He changed course, taking a left into an empty street. This area of the village was desolate, bordering on the red light district. Hisato hid a wince at the thought of the villainous place.

A quiet walk later, and they were once again in the lively part of the village. He followed Kakashi into the restaurant, for once not busy. They sat opposite each other in a booth, and went through what they always did; point at a dish, let Kakashi do the ordering.

As he ate, Hisato mulled over the mission he received this morning. Kakashi had told him of his own assignment. It was the same as Hisato's. Once his friend found out it was a joint task, he only frowned, knowing how it would probably go.