Kakashi's Disappearing Acts (Kakashi Hatake)

Chapter 19-The Conclusions

"Naruto, where are you.." you thought to yourself. 

You observed a conversation between your teammates, about how Kakashi was right...

"That's it. I'm taking him out," Sasuke declared. "Who is he fooling, with that mask?"  Sakura popped up behind him. "You're so cool, Sasuke!" 

You saw the masked boy and Zabuza talking to each other. You wanted to listen, to get closer. Before you could, the boy twirled out of nowhere at a sensational speed, like a tornado.

Sasuke leaped forward, striking his kunai against the boy's weapon (a needle, but thicker.)

"Sakura, cover Tazuna." Kakashi held his arm out as if to hold them back. "Sasuke can handle this." It was true, he could. But was it a good idea? Their battle continued on regardless, and their movements matched each other. It's like this match was meant to be. Still, you didn't want to just watch.

"We want the bridge builder, not you, so back down and we won't have to kill you." The boy said. "Save it," Sasuke said, "And just fight me." Then the boy, Haku, went on about his advantages. That was true, no question. He was surrounded by water, and Sasuke had only one hand to defend himself. Wait...You jumped forward as Haku started making hand signs with a single hand. "1,000 needles of death!" He cried out, and the water began to lift from the river. A large number of needles flew towards him. A puff of smoke...

And he had dodged it! Sasuke had dodged it! He disappeared once more and reappeared behind Haku. "You're not as fast as you think!" Sasuke put a kunai against his throat and smiled. One kick and Haku flew back towards Zabuza. Yes! He had done it. Now Sasuke was at an advantage! He always was.

"You were wrong to insult our ninja," Kakashi said. "Sasuke is the best young fighter of the Hidden Leaf Village. Sakura has a very sharp mind. Naruto is our number hyperactive knucklehead ninja. And Miteri here has got the best Jutsu in the entire village. And very good at planning, at that." You beamed. You loved receiving compliments. You turned around to Kakashi. "Hey, you're not so bad yourself." Kakashi did his eye smile.

"Get on with it," Zabuza pushed Haku in front. Haku turned around and a blue smoky thing filled the area behind him. "I'm sorry it came to this," Haku muttered. "Secret Jutsu! Crystal Ice Mirrors!"  What the hell was that? A crazy amount of mirrors made of ice formed around Sasuke. You couldn't see well...the mirrors completely surrounded him. Kakashi jumped forward, and Zabuza stepped in front.  Who were you to help? Where was Naruto? Was Sakura taking care of Tazuna? You stood in a defensive position, turning your head from side to side.

You heard Sasuke's painful screams. Behind you, Sakura told Tazuna she had to go, and he dismissed her. Maybe your priority now was to make sure Tazuna was safe. Sakura leaped up and threw a kunai directly at Haku. Was that supposed to work? She sure was dense. You picked up Tazuna and whispered to him, "We're getting out of here. Once you're in a safe spot, I'll come back here." He nodded his head and you jumped up.

As you were escaping, you saw a kunai hit Haku. Naruto. He was here! Surely now everything would be okay. You wanted to do more, but everything would be solved once you got back.

* * *

You sat on a tree, peering down at your teammates. No real fight had occurred yet. It's like they were waiting for you. Now that their main target was gone, that was what really mattered. If Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke could take on Haku, you and Kakashi could take on Zabuza. But you had a serious advantage now that you were hidden.

You jumped down and called out a Jutsu. The Path of Rays. If you could get Zabuza from behind, immobilize him, then Kakashi could finish him off. Naruto seemed to be inside the dome, just like Sasuke. It was a dumb decision but it seemed as if they were still alive. Still okay.