Struck: A Kakashi Hatake Fanfiction

Chapter Seven: A Plan

I wrapped myself in a towel and checked my face in the fogged mirror. The water seemed to have washed away the numbness that had intruded upon my body and I felt better, a little more like myself again. Thankfully. Because I'll be damned if I have another episode in front of Kakashi Hatake. I let out a deep breath and stepped into the hallway. I spied him lying on the couch in the front room, so I quickly went into the small bedroom to change.

Once I was dressed, I headed back into the front room.

"Shower's free," I said as I tapped Hatake's shoulder. A dark eye popped open and stared up at me.

"Is there any hot water left?" he asked as he stretched.

I rolled my eyes. "Yes," I said with a smile. "Now scoot, my turn for a nap."

He eyed me as he stood. "Towels are on the shelf in the bathroom," I said as I flopped onto the couch taking up his previous position and closing my eyes.

"Wake up, sleeping beauty," said a familiar deep voice and dread fell over me as my eyes flashed open. My kunai was already at his neck before I realized it wasn't Hideshi, but Akihito.

"Feisty as ever I see," he said with a chuckle. I dropped my hand as my heart rate slowly normalized.

"You should know better than to do that by now, Hito," I chastised as I stretched up on my toes to give him a hug. They were identical twins, both with long jet black hair, strong jaws, and piercing blue eyes. Both are tall and lean, but only Hito has a small birthmark at the base of his throat.

"I'm so sorry, Emi," he said as he hugged me back.

I pulled away and met his eyes. "Thanks," I answered with a small smile.

"Mom's got dinner ready, let's go," he said as he headed towards the door.

"You look like you've seen a ghost," Kakashi said softly as he came up beside me.

"He just surprised me is all," I said waving it off.

XXXXX

Dinner had been delicious and filling, and the conversation around the table was lighter this time.

"Akihito, I'd like to ask you a few questions," I said to the man across from me.

"I figured you might," he said taking a drink. "Let's head to the guest house and I'll answer anything I can."

I thanked the Fukudas for dinner and followed Akihito outside, Emiko close behind us. Back inside, we sat in the front room on the couch and chair.

"What do you know, Hito?" Emi asked quietly.

He sighed as he pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to Emi. As she scanned the note, her brow furrowed. She handed it to me when she had finished.

Emi,

It's no longer my place to seek revenge for you. The man that killed your family lives in the first small village just to the south of the Hidden Stone. He goes by the name of Konton. He doesn't care to hide, you'll find him with ease. Be safe.

-Deshi

We both looked to Akihito as he spoke. "I found this in his apartment. The place had been cleaned out. It was just a few days after he'd found them...I haven't seen him since. I've looked, but... I have no idea where he went."

Emi turned to me. "So we go to this village and find Konton."

I shook my head. "I think we need to find Hideshi first—we don't even know if this information is accurate."

"He wouldn't give me a name unless he knew for sure, Kakashi," she said, her voice straining to remain neutral.

"Then he can tell us himself how he knows," I said curtly. "We're going to the Hidden Stone first, we find Hideshi, and then see what he has to say."

"This place is on the way to the Hidden Stone, why don't we—" but I cut her off.

"No. We're not going in there with zero information, Emiko."

She huffed in frustration. "We don't even know where Hideshi is! But we know exactly—"

"We'll do as I said, Emi," I snapped. "I know you're anxious but we can't be rash."

She met my eyes with a glare and set her jaw. "We leave at first light then," she spat as she stood up.

"Goodnight, Hito. And thank you," she said before leaving down the hall towards the bedrooms.

I sighed and Akihito chuckled as he clapped a hand on my shoulder after he stood as well. "Better you than me, Hatake. Just...keep her safe," he said. I nodded before he headed out the front door.

The Fukudas had said it was about a three day journey to the Hidden Stone from here. Maybe that'll be enough time for her to cool off.