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Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me. This chapter contains official dialog mixed with my own.

Who believes the ObiDanzo theory? I don't

Big thanks to Reidluver for beta reading the first 5 pages.

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Following the Life of the Copy Ninja

By: Rika24

Chapter 8: The Meaning of Friendship

Right after Team 7 watched Kakashi disappear with the injured dog, Loki sent them again into the future. This time Kakashi, Obito, and Rin were all twelve. It was Christmas Eve and Team Minato had just finished training. They followed Kakashi home that night and in the morning they followed him again to the training grounds where Team Minato exchanged gifts. Obito’s gift to Kakashi turned out to be the reason the three finally became close friends. Afterwards Loki again sent them into the future, where the students of the future Fourth Hokage were thirteen.

“How come we aren’t staying anywhere for very long anymore?” Sakura asked Loki. The gray wolf turned to her.

“Our master’s powers are weakening, so we need to get moving if you are to see everything.”

“Your master, you mean that woman from earlier?” When Loki nodded Sakura continued, “Who is she anyway?” but the wolf didn’t answer her.

“Hey!” Naruto shouted as he pointed at Kaida, “How come she’s here all the time? We’d like to talk to someone other than each other you know.”

“We don’t want—” Kaida started but Naruto interrupted her.

“To mess up the future, yeah, yeah we get it, all right?!” Naruto shouted, throwing his hands up in frustration.

“Our master is weak now because she had to erase everyone’s memories of you three, so from now on, there will be no interactions,” Kaida answered.

“So where are we?” Sakura asked.

“Grass Country,” Loki answered, “we should be seeing them right about . . . now.” Just as Loki predicted, an Iwa nin appeared and shortly after, Kakashi came flying towards him, Chidori chirping with energy in his hand.

Kakashi destroyed the shadow clone and charged at another and another, until he finally moved in to attack the real one. Kakashi wasn’t able to see the counter, but luckily Minato did, saving Kakashi just in time.

As soon as Minato put Kakashi down he disappeared and reappeared behind the Iwa ninja stupid enough to try and kill one of THE Yellow Flash’s students.

“No, no way, you can’t be,” the Iwa ninja stuttered. “Yo-you’re Konoha’s Yellow Flash?!” Minato’s response was an even stronger killing intent that had the Iwa ninja trembling. “In Iwa, we were told to run the moment we saw you. Now I know why.” With one swift movement, Minato sliced the Iwa ninja’s neck. He immediately returned to his students.

Rin was currently healing Kakashi when he approached them. “Kakashi’s wound is deep; we’ll retreat for now.”

Kakashi immediately protested “I’m fine!” the boy said stubbornly.

“What’s so fine about it?!” Obito shouted, using anger to hide his concern for his friend. “It’s your fault for ignoring Minato-sensei and acting recklessly!”

Kakashi turned to the goggle-wearing Uchiha, “I told you not to talk to me like that, you’re just a crybaby and a wimp.”

Obito’s eyes began to water, which he quickly covered up with an excuse, “I got dust in my eye!”

Kakashi just shook his head, “Do you know the 25th rule? A shinobi must never show emotions.” Rin tried to stop the upcoming fight but her two friends wouldn’t listen.

“That’s enough,” Minato said sternly, quickly gaining the attention of his three startled students. Minato rarely used that kind of voice with them.

“Kakashi, rules are important. But they aren’t everything,” Minato said. Obito quickly jumped in, “See!”

“Obito! Dust can’t make your eyes water if your goggles are on. It’s fine to talk about self control, but you also have to be strong at heart, not just in words.”

“And Kakashi—that new Jutsu of yours, Chidori; you shouldn’t use it anymore. From what I saw it’s a thrust based attack. It has speed and destructive power, but it makes you move too fast to see your opponent’s counterattack. It isn’t yet complete.”

“Before we go I want to say one more thing. For shinobi, the most important thing is teamwork.”

After Minato’s lecture, the four shinobi traveled in silence until night fell. Two of the three young shinobi were asleep while Minato stood guard. Obito lay in his sleeping bag with his hands behind his head as he stared up at the stars. He looked over at the peacefully sleeping Kakashi and gave a heavy sigh. He then got up to speak to Minato.

“Sensei?” Obito called after climbing the boulder that the blonde shinobi was sitting on. He took a seat next to him before speaking. “I know that teamwork is important, but Kakashi makes things so hard. I mean, I’m an Uchiha, but I’m a loser.” Obito stared at his feet as he continued, “I know Kakashi is a great person and we’ve become friends finally, but his attitude like on this mission—I don’t understand why he acts this way.”

“Kakashi’s father, Sakumo, was a great and powerful, genius shinobi known all over the world as Konoha’s White Fang,” Minato explained. “Back in his time, the Sannin – the three great shinobi of legend – paled beside him. Growing up with someone like him, along with being close to the Sannin, it isn’t a surprise that Kakashi’s standards for those around him is unnaturally high.”

“The White Fang, I’ve heard about him from my mother, she said he was a hero who got killed in action,” Obito’s face scrunched up in thought, “but, Kyo told me something else. He said that the White Fang was a traitor, who then killed himself afterwards… When I told my mother that I hated the White Fang she got mad at me and told me he died saving the village.” Obito looked up, confusion clear on his face. “Which was true though sensei?”

Minato was silent for a few minutes before answering, his eyes downcast, “He was a great man, highly respected by everyone, especially Kakashi. That is, until the incident.”

Obito stared at Minato, “What incident?”

“I know this isn’t right for me to be telling you this, but Kakashi would never tell you and I think you should know since you are his teammate.” Minato’s deep blue eyes locked on Obito’s onyx ones, “Kakashi’s father was disgraced, and in the end, he committed seppuku,” Obito’s eyes widened in shock.

“It was years ago, when Kakashi was five years old. Sakumo led his former teammates from his Genin days, Kyo and Raiden, behind enemy lines. On that mission Raiden was badly wounded and Kyo was taken hostage. That was when he was forced to make a hard choice, complete the mission and abandon his friends to die, or save his teammates lives and suffer the consequences of the failed mission.” Minato sighed. “As you know, never abandoning a mission is one of the top rules of Konoha, but he still chose to save his teammates’ lives.” Minato looked away as he continued.

“Unfortunately, Konoha suffered huge losses. As a result, everyone in the village blamed him for everything. That hurt Sakumo enough, but what really destroyed him, was that the very teammates he sacrificed everything to save turned on him. The guilt he carried for a year afterwards slowly ate away at his body, soul, and mind.” Minato looked back at Obito, “In the end, Sakumo killed himself, right in front of Kakashi.”

“After Sakumo’s death, it just got worse for Kakashi. The entire village, save for a few, treated Kakashi even worse, taking their hatred for Sakumo out on him. The reason they took things out on Kakashi was probably because he looked exactly like him. Everyone compared Kakashi to Sakumo and one day Kakashi just had enough. He burned every picture of Sakumo, Raiden, Kyo, and himself. Then he began to wear the mask to hide his physical similarity to Sakumo.”

“So that’s why Kakashi wears that mask…” Obito realized.

Minato nodded. “You remember Kakashi’s two goals?”

“How can I, he never said what they were.”

“One was restoring the Hatake name, and the other was to prove to everyone that he is not a failure like his father. All this time, Kakashi has worked very hard to gain the trust and respect of our village, and he has earned the respect of quite a few people. But this mission, everything is riding on its success. If Kakashi, as team leader, completes this mission successfully, it will lead to the end of the war and save countless shinobi lives. But, if it’s a failure, the war will continue and many more lives will be lost.”

“Damn…” Naruto whispered in shock. Sakura looked angry though, “Isn’t that a lot of pressure for a thirteen year old?” Naruto quickly agreed.

As if he had heard her, Obito asked, “Isn’t that a lot of pressure though?” Minato sighed and nodded.

“That’s exactly the reason; the elders want to see for themselves if Kakashi is different from his father. I argued that it was too much, but in the end it was hopeless.” Minato watched as Obito glanced down sadly at Kakashi’s sleeping form. “Obito, please understand, Kakashi means well.”

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That morning the four shinobi got ready quickly. “It’s healing but if you aren’t careful, it’ll open,” Rin said as she wrapped fresh bandages around Kakashi’s wound. Once they were ready they left.

As the three students followed their sensei, Obito kept looking over at Kakashi, how can he be so strong after all that’s happened to him, he thought. Obito was about to speak when Minato came to a stop.

“We’ll split up here, good luck. And remember, the enemy from yesterday was just a lone scout, from now on it’ll be teams you’ll be up against. So stay together and be on guard at all times.”

Obito looked at Kakashi, “Then let’s go, leader.” Obito’s words stunned his teammates. With all of their eyes on him, Obito turned away with a blush.

Minato smiled knowingly before raising his right arm, “ready?” he asked. The three shinobi nodded. “Scatter!” with that the three young shinobi took off through the trees.

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“Where—“ Naruto started to ask, but stopped immediately at the site before him, Team Minato were in the middle of a battle with a team of Iwa Ninja. “Fire style, Fireball Jutsu!” Obito shouted as a large fireball came shooting out of his mouth, burning up the enemy’s Jutsu.

Rin stood to the side, watching her teammates closely, ready to rush in and heal them if needed. What the? Rin thought when she felt a sudden presence behind her.

Kakashi was fighting the other Iwa ninja one on one in the trees while Obito waited for an opening to use another fireball Jutsu when they heard Rin scream. The two immediately turned to find Rin unconscious and in the arms of the enemy.

“She belongs to us now,” the large ninja said smugly. Before the two Konoha ninja could do anything, the Iwa ninja disappeared.

Obito yelled in frustration, quickly heading in the direction he believed the enemy took Rin. “Obito stop! Don’t follow them,” Kakashi shouted, causing the Uchiha to whip around in shock.

“What?” Obito demanded, he couldn’t understand why Kakashi would stop him, “Do you have any idea what you just said?!”

“Yes,” Kakashi answered. “From here on, the two of us will continue with the mission.”

Obito couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “What about Rin?” Obito shouted in disbelief.

“We’ll go after her later; the mission is what matters now. Besides, the enemy will want to know what we’re planning, so they won’t kill her yet. Also, since she’s a powerful medic ninja they’ll most likely treat her well as long as she agrees to heal their wounded.”

“The most important thing is to make sure they don’t figure out our mission. If they do, they’ll heavily guard our target and we’ll have failed our mission.

Obito gritted his teeth, “You’re only guessing, you don’t know if they’ll think like that,” the Uchiha growled out. “Right now the most important thing for us to do is to rescue Rin, the mission will have to wait!”

Kakashi sighed; he expected this reaction from Obito but needed to make him understand. “As shinobi, we have to finish our mission even if it costs the lives of our teammates, that’s the law. If we fail, the war will continue… resulting in the loss of countless more lives. The life of one saved does not equal a hundred lost.”

Obito fisted his hands and shouted, he had to get through to his friend, “Again that’s only a guess, we risk our lives together Kakashi! Are you willing to abandon her for a guess?!”

Kakashi subtly clenched his fist, he wasn’t guessing, he knew the price of that kind of choice, he suffered because of that choice. But he said nothing, and let his angry friend continue.

“Every time we were wounded, Rin saved us with her medical Ninjutsu, without her we would have died a long time ago!”

“It was her job,” was Kakashi’s simple reply. Obito had had enough and hit Kakashi as hard as he could, sending the young Jounin flying back.

“I hate you!!” Obito shouted with more hatred in his voice than ever before.

Kakashi masked the hurt at Obito’s words, looks like I’ve lost yet another friend Kakashi thought to himself. But regardless, he was going to make sure Obito understood. “Hate me if you want, but I’m the leader, whatever I say goes. There’s a reason for team leaders, to keep those in the team together and keep soft hearted people like you under control. Rules are there for a reason. You let your emotions control you, that’s why I’m team leader, I know how to bury mine.”

Obito grabbed Kakashi by the gray strap on his shoulder, shaking in desperation as he shouted, “Then lead! If you have the power to rescue her, why don’t you?!”

“If you give into your emotions and fail an important mission, you’ll regret it later. That’s why the rules say we must suppress our emotions.”

Obito shook, trying to suppress his tears that wanted to come. “Rin, she cared about your safety, that’s why she gave you the medkit as your promotion gift. She even stitched in a protection talisman!”

“Medkits and medical Ninjutsu where devised to up the mission success rate, but like I said before, better nothing than a useless burden. A shinobi needs tools that fit the mission, emotions are just a useless burden.”

Obito’s eyes widened in disbelief, “Do, do you really… mean that? Do you honestly believe that?” A rare flash of sadness flashed in Kakashi’s eyes, but Obito figured he imagined it. Kakashi lowered his gaze as memories of Sakumo flashed in his mind, the return from the mission, the way the guilt ate away at him, weakening till he killed himself, unable to face his choice anymore, deciding to take the coward’s way out. Kakashi’s eyes hardened at the thought, no, that’ll never be me, I refuse to be the traitor, the COWARD that he was. Kakashi looked Obito strait in the eye, “Yes, I do.”

Obito glared at him, “Fine. You and I have been like oil and water from the beginning, do whatever you want, but I’m going to save Rin.” With that Obito tried to push past Kakashi, but the Jounin stepped in front of him.

“You don’t understand, do you know what happens to people that break the rules? They-“

“I do know, and that’s why I believe that the White Fang was a true hero.” Kakashi’s eyes widened and he froze in shock. Obito took that moment to walk past him before he continued. “It’s true, those who break the rules are garbage, but those who abandon their friends are worse than garbage. If breaking the rules makes me a bad shinobi, then I’ll crush that idea of the shinobi!” With that said, Obito rushed off in the direction of the enemy and Rin.

Naruto and Sakura watched in stunned silence as the two teammates went their separate ways. Naruto was the first to move, walking in the direction Obito took. “Let’s go,” he said in an unusually somber tone, shocking both of them.

“What’s the matter with you dobe?” Sasuke asked, a little unnerved by his old friend’s unusual attitude.

“Let’s just go Sasuke,” Naruto repeated. Sakura just looked between the two before walking over to Naruto.

“Shouldn’t we be following Kakashi?” Sasuke asked. Naruto ignored the question and took off in a run towards where Obito went. Sakura looked at Sasuke with a sad look on her face. She gave a small shake of her head before she took off after Naruto, leaving the Uchiha alone. With a sigh, Sasuke ran after them.

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“I wonder when Loki will send us farther into the future,” Sakura mused, trying to break the awkward silence as the three continued at their fast pace.

“Who cares,” Naruto snapped.

“What’s the matter Naruto?” Sakura asked, but guessed it was the same thing that was going through her own head. Naruto came to a sudden stop on a branch, so suddenly Sakura nearly collided with him.

“It’s not fair, what just happened,” Naruto whispered, clenching his fists, “are these really the rules we follow? I, I never really thought about it before. I mean, I always knew about that rule but never really thought about it.”

Sakura looked at her feet, “I know,” she whispered. Suddenly Naruto spun around to face her, making her jump.

“It’s not fair Sakura-chan, why would anyone have to make that kind of decision?! I understand Kakashi’s reasons, but I also understand Obito’s. They’re only 13 and they have to make these kinds of choices?”

“It’s war dobe,” came Sasuke’s simple answer.

“So what! No one should have to make a choice like that!” He shouted.

“And yet they had to,” Sasuke said. Sakura stepped between them before turning to Naruto, “What would you have done Naruto?” she asked softly.

“I, I don’t know,” Naruto stuttered as he ran his hand through his messy blonde hair in confused frustration. “I love Konoha, if my choice could lead to countless suffering… but on the other hand, you guys are what keep me going. You were the first few that ever accepted me; I couldn’t abandon either of you.”

A sudden thought came to Sakura’s mind, in the voice of her sensei. “Guys, that speech Obito said back there,” Sakura started, gaining the attention of her two friends. “It’s the same one Kakashi-sensei used after we passed the bell test.”

Sakura’s realization was met with silence.

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Kakashi continued speeding through the trees towards the bridge. He knew once he destroyed that bridge his family name would have its honor restored and he would no longer have to deal with the hatred the remaining villagers still had for his father and himself.

A sudden pain in his shoulder made him stop immediately. Clutching at his shoulder, Kakashi’s thoughts went to what Rin had said. He hated having to abandon her but he needed to complete the mission, no matter what. But then Minato and Obito’s words echoed in his mind. They were right.

Rin, Minato-sensei, Obito… they’re my family now. They accepted me, the only few that did. Is being accepted by the entire village more important than those that already accepted me? What if Obito gets killed trying to save Rin? What would sensei think?

Those thoughts made him think of his father. I think I finally understand why he did what he did. Kakashi sighed; I guess it’s true, like father like son. With that thought Kakashi turned around, and for some reason the pain in his shoulder oddly became less painful.

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It hadn’t taken long for Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke to catch up to Obito. Obito was now crouched in a tree near a cave, they could feel the fear radiating off of him. Gotta calm down, I can do this, Obito thought to himself as he slapped his cheeks in an effort to calm his fear. I can’t afford to chicken out now.

“Ok, let’s go.” Obito whispered to himself as he readied to jump.

“Where are we going?” the Iwa ninja replied. Obito’s eyes widened as he turned towards the enemy. Seconds before the attack a bright white chakra slammed into the enemy, leaving a large slash in the Iwa ninja’s chest, knocking him back into another tree.

Obito was shocked to see who stood in front of him. “Ka, Kakashi… why?” Obito stuttered, it was the last person he’d expect to come to his rescue now.

Still clutching his father’s prized tanto in his hand, Kakashi answered, “Look, I can’t leave this up to a crybaby ninja like you, now can I?”

The enemy shinobi got back up, staring in disbelief at the small ninja in front of him, “silver hair, white chakra blade, it can’t be. Konoha’s White Fang!?”

“This is a memento from my father.” Was Kakashi’s only reply as he raised the tanto.

The enemy smirked, “I see, you’re just the White Fang’s brat, there’s nothing to fear then.” He flew through some hand signs and disappeared.

Kakashi sniffed the air but couldn’t locate the enemy’s scent, “Even his smell is gone. We’ll have to locate him by sound.”

“Where…?” Obito asked aloud as his eyes darted all around for the enemy.

The sound of a footstep alerted Kakashi, “Obito behind you!” he shouted as he jumped behind Obito in an effort to block the attack, but he wasn’t fast enough to protect himself. The enemy’s blade sliced into Kakashi’s face, cutting from his eyebrow to his check. “My eye!” Kakashi shouted as he fell back, clutching his left eye.

“Kakashi!” Obito shouted as tears appeared in his eyes. Obito rushed to his friend’s side, “Kakashi! Kakashi! Are you ok?!” he yelled in fear.

“Yeah,” Kakashi replied softly, “He’s pretty good. He threw away the kunai with my blood on it immediately.” Obito couldn’t believe what Kakashi had just done. Kakashi quickly noticed the Uchiha’s tears. “Got some of that dust in your eyes again? A shinobi shouldn’t cry, I’m not dead yet.” But there was no malice in Kakashi’s voice this time, only a hint of amusement.

Obito quickly wiped away his tears as he remembered what Minato had told him. I’m all talk, always a burden. Just a big-mouthed washout, but still… Obito thought.

“Keep your guard up!” Kakashi ordered. Obito spun around and blood went flying, shocking Kakashi as there was no one standing there. But soon the Iwa Ninja reappeared as Obito withdrew his kunai.

“How, you can’t possibly see me…” the Iwa nin gasped out, until he saw the Uchiha’s eyes. “Your eyes…” were the last words he spoke before he fell to the ground.

“This time, I’M protecting my friend!” Obito said angrily.

“Obito, your eyes…”

“Yeah, the Sharingan,” Obito replied as he stared at his hands. “I can see Chakra!” Kakashi tried to open his left eye only to gasp in pain, earning Obito’s attention. “Kakashi!” Obito exclaimed as he put his hand on Kakashi’s shoulder.

Kakashi’s body shook as he spoke, “My eye is gone Obito…” Kakashi turned to his friend with the med kit from Rin in his hand, “But never mind that. I can use the med kit from Rin. We have to save her!”

Obito’s eyes widened with shock for a moment before nodding, “Ok!”

Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke watched as Obito helped Kakashi fix his wound. “So that’s where the scar comes from…” Sakura said. Naruto just smiled, knowing that Kakashi hadn’t abandoned his teammates.

Is that the key to activating the Sharingan, saving you’re best friend’s life? Sasuke thought as he glanced at Naruto. Obito got it protecting Kakashi, while I got it protecting Naruto… But if that’s true, then why is the Mangekyo Sharingan the direct opposite? Why is the more powerful Sharingan activated by killing your best friend? Sasuke’s thoughts were broken when Obito and Kakashi jumped down from the tree.

As soon as the two entered they saw the other Iwa nin with Rin in the corner. Rin looked bad. “You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you?” The Iwa nin said as he fisted Rin’s brown hair in his hand. Rin refused to look at the man, instead looking at the ground. Obito’s foot hit the ground hard, intentionally trying to catch the Iwa nin’s attention.

Upon seeing the two Konoha ninja, the Iwa nin groaned, “They’re all so pathetic.”

Obito looked at Rin, using his new Sharingan to see her condition. Unlike the smooth flow of their chakra, Rin’s was flowing faster and rougher. “Rin’s chakra is disturbed; its flowing patterns are different than ours.”

Kakashi nodded in understanding, “She’s under a Genjutsu. They tried to force her to talk.” Kakashi reached for his tanto and glanced at Obito, “We fought him earlier, he’s quick. We gotta be careful.”

“Got it!” Obito replied.

The Iwa nin wasted no time as he revealed a blade from underneath his Jounin uniform’s one sleeve. Obito and Kakashi were just as quick. His blade narrowly missed Obito’s head as Obito leaned back as far as he could. Kakashi moved in fast.

Catching the path of the enemy’s blade that was in Kakashi’s new blind spot, Obito quickly used his legs to hold back the Iwa nin’s arms. The ninja’s eyes widened as Kakashi sliced his shoulder.

With the enemy temporarily down, Kakashi and Obito rushed to Rin’s side. “Kai!” Kakashi used a hand sign to free Rin of the Genjutsu.

“Kakashi, Obito,” she said in surprise.

“We’ve come to save you Rin! You’re safe,” Obito said between pants.

“Let’s get out of here,” Kakashi said, Rin smiled and nodded.

“That was a pretty good combo,” the Iwa nin remarked, surprising the three. “But you’re still kids in the end. Remember, you’re standing in the palm of your enemy now.”

“Earth style: Rock Breaker Jutsu!” the ground began to shake as the walls of the cave began to crumble.

“This is bad!” Obito shouted the obvious.

“Guys, the exit!” Kakashi shouted as he led the others towards the cave opening. Suddenly a rock hit Kakashi on the side of his head, knocking him to the ground, My new blind spot, Kakashi thought.

“Kakashi!” Obito and Rin yelled.

“Forget about me, I’ll catch up. Just get out of here!” Kakashi shouted as best he could as he tried to get up. Obito was about to listen and head out when he saw a large boulder from the ceiling fall right for the unknowing Kakashi. Without thinking, Obito reacted, pushing Kakashi out of the way.

When the dust settled, Obito’s shaky voice filled what was left of the cave, “Kakashi, Rin, are you ok?”

Kakashi and Rin looked in the direction the voice was coming from and froze. “Obito!” Kakashi shouted as he rushed to Obito’s side. Obito’s entire right side had been crushed by the boulder.

Sakura covered her mouth with her hands in shock, as Naruto and Sasuke watched the scene with wide eyes.

Kakashi tried to lift the boulder off Obito. Knowing he wasn’t strong enough to lift the boulder, Kakashi started going through the hand signs for Chidori.

“Stop, don’t waste your chakra Kakashi. It’s Ok.” Obito’s strained voice ordered. Kakashi stopped and looked at his friend. “I… don’t think I can make it,” he gasped out. “My… my right side is pretty much gone… I don’t… I don’t even feel anything.”

“No… not like this…” Not like them, Rin thought as tears formed in her brown eyes. “Why?” She whispered. Her vision blurred and she though she saw another in Obito’s place.

Obito’s sudden coughing as well as the blood he was coughing up snapped her back to reality. “Obito!” Rin screamed in panic as she rushed to his side.

“This can’t happen!” Kakashi shouted as he pounded the ground with his clenched fists. “If only I’d come, if only I’d come with you from the start, like you told me to…” Kakashi shook, struggling to keep his tears inside, “This never would have happened if I had listened to you!”

“Kakashi’s pained outburst caught Obito’s attention. “So what if I’m team leader, so what if I’m a Jounin…”

“Kakashi,” Obito interrupted, “I’d completely forgotten… I was the only one, who didn’t give you a gift. I didn’t know what would be a good gift… but I do now. Don’t worry, it won’t be useless. I’m giving you my Sharingan.”

Kakashi shook his head, “No Obito, the Sharingan is yours, it’s…”

“Please Kakashi. No matter what the village might say, you’re a great Jounin. I want you to know that. Please accept it.” Obito looked over at Rin, “Rin, use your medical Ninjutsu and transplant my entire left eye into Kakashi’s to replace the damaged one.”

Rin wiped away her tears and looked at Kakashi with hardened, determined eyes, “Kakashi, come here. I’ll do it now!”

Kakashi still wasn’t sure, but Obito spoke again, “I’m already going to die Kakashi, but as long as you have the Sharingan, I’ll always be fighting right by your side, like a best friend should. I’ll become your eye, and we’ll see the future together.” Kakashi’s eye hardened in determination, and he moved towards Rin.

Outside the Iwa nin was unaware that there were survivors until part of the rubble exploded, with the young silver-haired Jounin standing tall. The enemy ninja’s attention went to the teen’s closed left eye.

“Ha, you ARE just a kid. Shinobi don’t cry. Come on crybaby, I’ll finish you off here and now.”

Kakashi opened his eyes and the Iwa ninja hesitated as he looked at the red eye. This kid, he’s different from before… he thought.

“Kakashi, look after Rin for me,” Obito called from below.

“Don’t worry,” Kakashi said with a nod. With that Kakashi charged towards the enemy with his tanto held high.

However, the Iwa nin’s blade sliced right through the tanto. Kakashi glared before settling into a crouch as his hand flew through the signs of his jutsu. And before the broken blade of his family’s prized tanto hit the ground, the sound of a thousand birds filled the air.

The Iwa nin’s eyes widened at the white chakra that engulfed the boy’s right hand. His blades were never fast enough.

Rin, still by Obito’s side, heard the chirping sound created by Kakashi’s Chidori, a sudden yell and then silence. The Iwa nin’s head appeared in the entrance, startling her.

“Don’t… panic… Rin,” Obito struggled to say as a weak grin appeared on his bloody face. The Iwa nin’s body was pushed out of the way by a panting Kakashi.

“Kakashi, take Rin… and run… reinforcements… coming…” Obito gasped out. Kakashi knew he didn’t have much time left.

“Obito…” Rin said softly.

Obito slapped her hand away, “It’s ok! Just go.”

“Rin,” Kakashi called as he held his hand out to her to grab onto. Suddenly a group of Iwa ninja appeared behind him.

“Earthquake Slam Jutsu!” they shouted as the ground began to shake.

Kakashi’s eyes widened as he saw the ground behind him break apart, “Rin! Take my hand now!” he shouted in desperation, he needed to get her out of there before the attack hit them.

“Rin!’ Obito shouted, trying to get her to move. With fresh tears in her eyes, she grabbed Kakashi’s hand, just as the Iwa nin’s Jutsu caused the rubble to collapse.

“Obito!” Rin screamed as they watched Obito get buried.

I could finally bond with Kakashi, Obito thought, but in the end I couldn’t tell Rin how I felt about her. I wish all of us could have been together a little longer…

Obito! Kakashi thought after he pulled Rin safely into a tree. When the earth settled after the Jutsu, the two found themselves surrounded by the group of Iwa Jounin.

Kakashi shook and panted with exhaustion, but he knew what he had to do. Obito, you helped me perfect my Jutsu, thank you. Kakashi thought as his hands went through the seals for Chidori. Rin’s eyes widened at the loud chirping of the white chakra.

“He’s still willing to fight. No wonder he could sneak so deep into enemy territory…” one of the Iwa Jounin commented in amazement. “He’s got nerve, that one.

“Rin” Kakashi said as he clenched the special kunai Minato had given him in his left hand, “I’ll hold them off, go now!”

“But…” Rin tried to protest but Kakashi stopped her.

“I promised Obito that I would protect you with my life! He loved you. He gave his life to protect you.”

Rin shook and she swallowed hard before replying, “Then Kakashi, you should know how I feel about you…”

“I deserted you, I’m nothing but garbage.” Kakashi said softly.

The enemy moved in to attack and Kakashi got in front of her, “Rin go!” he shouted, and then everything went black.

Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke watched as Rin refused to leave his side, instead picking up the kunai and throwing it at the nearest Iwa Nin. In a flash of yellow light, four of the six Iwa nin were dead.

The two ninja farthest away shook in fear of the blond Konoha Jounin that had suddenly appeared. He looked at the sliver-haired Jounin unconscious beside him, then looked back at the surviving Iwa ninja and his normally calm blue eyes shown darkly of hatred. The two Iwa ninja tried to escape, but Minato would not allow them to get far.

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With all the enemy ninja dead, Minato turned to his two students. Kneeling by Kakashi he felt for a pulse. Finding one and breathing a sigh of relief, he turned to Rin, “Are you ok?” Rin answered him with a tight hug as she cried.

“It’s ok now Rin, and Kakashi’ll be ok, he’s just exhausted,” Minato said with a reassuring smile. He looked around for the loudest member of the team and the smile quickly faded, “Where’s Obito?”

The Kunoichi that had calmed down stiffened in his arms. Minato gently pulled her arms off him and looked at her teary eyed face. “Rin…” He knew just by looking at her face.

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Am I dead? Kakashi thought as his eyes slowly opened. Where am I?

“You’re awake,” said a familiar voice. Kakashi turned to see his sensei sitting right next to him.

“Minato-sensei! But how?”

Minato twirled the special kunai around his finger, “the jutsu formula in this kunai knife sets a mark, allowing me to quickly hop around with my transportation jutsu.”

“And the enemy?” Kakashi asked.

“I took care of all of them.”

A sudden thought came to Kakashi and his eyes widened, “What about Rin?!” he demanded desperately, “Where is she?!” Slightly shocked by Kakashi’s reaction, Minato only pointed.

Kakashi calmed down as he saw Rin standing a small distance away from them with her hands behind her back as she stared up at the stars.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it in time Kakashi. Rin told me everything that happened.”

“It’s not your fault sensei,” Kakashi said softly, “It’s mine. If only I hadn’t been so blinded by the rules… I failed you, Obito, Rin, Sandaime-sama, the village… even my father…”

“Kakashi, it isn’t your fault…”

“It’s mine.” Rin interrupted, earning her the attention of her two remaining teammates.

“No it isn’t Rin, I was the one who…” Kakashi started.

“It IS my fault Kakashi!” Rin shouted with tears streaming down her face, “If I had been a better Kunoichi I never would have been taken and you and Obito would never have had to come save me!”

“But Rin…”

“It’s my fault just like it was my fault back then!” Rin shouted before her eyes widened. She covered her mouth and turned away from them.

“What do you mean ‘back then’?” Kakashi asked.

Rin swallowed hard and tried to wipe her tears away, “My family and I were in Suna because they needed my mom’s help to train Suna’s medic ninja.” Rin paused to wipe away more tears, “I was told to stay in the village one day when teams of Suna ninja and a few Konoha teams were sent out. I overheard that the Iwa ninja had gotten into the sand country and they needed to stop them before they reached the village.”

“Like an idiot I followed my parents and brother without them knowing. Not long after catching up to them I saw a bunch of bodies, and then I saw my family. My mom was healing the wounded as best as she could, but she was exhausted. My dad and 15 year old brother, a Chuunin, were also tiring.”

“Mom was running low on chakra so two other medic ninja told her to leave and try to get more help. It was then that she saw me and screamed my name.” Rin stopped to hold in a sob, “At that moment when dad and Hitori were distracted by me the Iwa ninja used the exact same Jutsu to cause a rock slide that crushed both of them!” Rin sobbed.

“Mom grabbed me and ran. The Iwa ninja didn’t seem interested in us so they let us escape. It wasn’t until we got back to Konoha that we found out that the Daimyo of Sand Country was assassinated by the Iwa Ninja.”

“We also found out that much of the massacre of Konoha and Suna ninja could have been stopped had the backup from Konoha gotten there. Raiden Isamu, Kyo Uchiha, and… Sakumo Hatake…”

“I’m sorry,” Kakashi started but Rin shook her head.

“I don’t blame your father for what happened. Neither did my mom. What he did was make a lose-lose decision, either one would have been a painful one. My mom said that what he did was similar to what she had done. She left the battle to save me. And thinking about it now, in that position I’d have done the same thing.”

“Speaking of missions,” Minato broke in, “we still have one to complete.”

“But, I thought the mission was a failure…” Kakashi replied. Minato shook his head.

“We have until morning to complete it.”

“Then let’s go,” Rin said.

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As the three made their way to the bridge, Kakashi looked at Rin, “Are you ok?” he asked. Rin smiled sadly and nodded. “It wasn’t your fault Rin.”

“It wasn’t anyone’s fault, sometimes things happen that you can’t control. What you do afterwards is what makes the difference,” Minato stated.

With an understanding nod from both teens, they continued silently.

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By the time they reached the bridge the sky was changing colors, a sign that the sun was starting to rise, and they knew they had to move quickly. Each of them set an explosive on the bridge and detonated them.

“It’s stronger than I thought…” Minato said as he saw that one part of the bridge remained. He was about to set another when Kakashi stopped him.

“Let me and Obito do it,” Kakashi’s choice of words stunned Minato, but made Rin smile, knowing what he meant by that. Kakashi made the hand signs for Chidori and destroyed what remained of the bridge.

Kakashi stood on the rubble of Kannabi Bridge and softly spoke, “Good-bye Obito, I’ll make sure you’re Will of Fire continues in me,” he looked up at Minato and Rin who were watching him from the other side of the bridge, “and everyone we care about.”

Description
Disclaimer: Naruto does not belong to me. This chapter contains official dialog mixed with my own.

Who believes the ObiDanzo theory? I don't

Big thanks to Reidluver for beta reading the first 5 pages.

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Following the Life of the Copy Ninja

By: Rika24

Chapter 8: The Meaning of Friendship

Right after Team 7 watched Kakashi disappear with the injured dog, Loki sent them again into the future. This time Kakashi, Obito, and Rin were all twelve. It was Christmas Eve and Team Minato had just finished training. They followed Kakashi home that night and in the morning they followed him again to the training grounds where Team Minato exchanged gifts. Obito’s gift to Kakashi turned out to be the reason the three finally became close friends. Afterwards Loki again sent them into the future, where the students of the future Fourth Hokage were thirteen.

“How come we aren’t staying anywhere for very long anymore?” Sakura asked Loki. The gray wolf turned to her.

“Our master’s powers are weakening, so we need to get moving if you are to see everything.”

“Your master, you mean that woman from earlier?” When Loki nodded Sakura continued, “Who is she anyway?” but the wolf didn’t answer her.

“Hey!” Naruto shouted as he pointed at Kaida, “How come she’s here all the time? We’d like to talk to someone other than each other you know.”

“We don’t want—” Kaida started but Naruto interrupted her.

“To mess up the future, yeah, yeah we get it, all right?!” Naruto shouted, throwing his hands up in frustration.

“Our master is weak now because she had to erase everyone’s memories of you three, so from now on, there will be no interactions,” Kaida answered.

“So where are we?” Sakura asked.

“Grass Country,” Loki answered, “we should be seeing them right about . . . now.” Just as Loki predicted, an Iwa nin appeared and shortly after, Kakashi came flying towards him, Chidori chirping with energy in his hand.

Kakashi destroyed the shadow clone and charged at another and another, until he finally moved in to attack the real one. Kakashi wasn’t able to see the counter, but luckily Minato did, saving Kakashi just in time.

As soon as Minato put Kakashi down he disappeared and reappeared behind the Iwa ninja stupid enough to try and kill one of THE Yellow Flash’s students.

“No, no way, you can’t be,” the Iwa ninja stuttered. “Yo-you’re Konoha’s Yellow Flash?!” Minato’s response was an even stronger killing intent that had the Iwa ninja trembling. “In Iwa, we were told to run the moment we saw you. Now I know why.” With one swift movement, Minato sliced the Iwa ninja’s neck. He immediately returned to his students.

Rin was currently healing Kakashi when he approached them. “Kakashi’s wound is deep; we’ll retreat for now.”

Kakashi immediately protested “I’m fine!” the boy said stubbornly.

“What’s so fine about it?!” Obito shouted, using anger to hide his concern for his friend. “It’s your fault for ignoring Minato-sensei and acting recklessly!”

Kakashi turned to the goggle-wearing Uchiha, “I told you not to talk to me like that, you’re just a crybaby and a wimp.”

Obito’s eyes began to water, which he quickly covered up with an excuse, “I got dust in my eye!”

Kakashi just shook his head, “Do you know the 25th rule? A shinobi must never show emotions.” Rin tried to stop the upcoming fight but her two friends wouldn’t listen.

“That’s enough,” Minato said sternly, quickly gaining the attention of his three startled students. Minato rarely used that kind of voice with them.

“Kakashi, rules are important. But they aren’t everything,” Minato said. Obito quickly jumped in, “See!”

“Obito! Dust can’t make your eyes water if your goggles are on. It’s fine to talk about self control, but you also have to be strong at heart, not just in words.”

“And Kakashi—that new Jutsu of yours, Chidori; you shouldn’t use it anymore. From what I saw it’s a thrust based attack. It has speed and destructive power, but it makes you move too fast to see your opponent’s counterattack. It isn’t yet complete.”

“Before we go I want to say one more thing. For shinobi, the most important thing is teamwork.”

After Minato’s lecture, the four shinobi traveled in silence until night fell. Two of the three young shinobi were asleep while Minato stood guard. Obito lay in his sleeping bag with his hands behind his head as he stared up at the stars. He looked over at the peacefully sleeping Kakashi and gave a heavy sigh. He then got up to speak to Minato.

“Sensei?” Obito called after climbing the boulder that the blonde shinobi was sitting on. He took a seat next to him before speaking. “I know that teamwork is important, but Kakashi makes things so hard. I mean, I’m an Uchiha, but I’m a loser.” Obito stared at his feet as he continued, “I know Kakashi is a great person and we’ve become friends finally, but his attitude like on this mission—I don’t understand why he acts this way.”

“Kakashi’s father, Sakumo, was a great and powerful, genius shinobi known all over the world as Konoha’s White Fang,” Minato explained. “Back in his time, the Sannin – the three great shinobi of legend – paled beside him. Growing up with someone like him, along with being close to the Sannin, it isn’t a surprise that Kakashi’s standards for those around him is unnaturally high.”

“The White Fang, I’ve heard about him from my mother, she said he was a hero who got killed in action,” Obito’s face scrunched up in thought, “but, Kyo told me something else. He said that the White Fang was a traitor, who then killed himself afterwards… When I told my mother that I hated the White Fang she got mad at me and told me he died saving the village.” Obito looked up, confusion clear on his face. “Which was true though sensei?”

Minato was silent for a few minutes before answering, his eyes downcast, “He was a great man, highly respected by everyone, especially Kakashi. That is, until the incident.”

Obito stared at Minato, “What incident?”

“I know this isn’t right for me to be telling you this, but Kakashi would never tell you and I think you should know since you are his teammate.” Minato’s deep blue eyes locked on Obito’s onyx ones, “Kakashi’s father was disgraced, and in the end, he committed seppuku,” Obito’s eyes widened in shock.

“It was years ago, when Kakashi was five years old. Sakumo led his former teammates from his Genin days, Kyo and Raiden, behind enemy lines. On that mission Raiden was badly wounded and Kyo was taken hostage. That was when he was forced to make a hard choice, complete the mission and abandon his friends to die, or save his teammates lives and suffer the consequences of the failed mission.” Minato sighed. “As you know, never abandoning a mission is one of the top rules of Konoha, but he still chose to save his teammates’ lives.” Minato looked away as he continued.

“Unfortunately, Konoha suffered huge losses. As a result, everyone in the village blamed him for everything. That hurt Sakumo enough, but what really destroyed him, was that the very teammates he sacrificed everything to save turned on him. The guilt he carried for a year afterwards slowly ate away at his body, soul, and mind.” Minato looked back at Obito, “In the end, Sakumo killed himself, right in front of Kakashi.”

“After Sakumo’s death, it just got worse for Kakashi. The entire village, save for a few, treated Kakashi even worse, taking their hatred for Sakumo out on him. The reason they took things out on Kakashi was probably because he looked exactly like him. Everyone compared Kakashi to Sakumo and one day Kakashi just had enough. He burned every picture of Sakumo, Raiden, Kyo, and himself. Then he began to wear the mask to hide his physical similarity to Sakumo.”

“So that’s why Kakashi wears that mask…” Obito realized.

Minato nodded. “You remember Kakashi’s two goals?”

“How can I, he never said what they were.”

“One was restoring the Hatake name, and the other was to prove to everyone that he is not a failure like his father. All this time, Kakashi has worked very hard to gain the trust and respect of our village, and he has earned the respect of quite a few people. But this mission, everything is riding on its success. If Kakashi, as team leader, completes this mission successfully, it will lead to the end of the war and save countless shinobi lives. But, if it’s a failure, the war will continue and many more lives will be lost.”

“Damn…” Naruto whispered in shock. Sakura looked angry though, “Isn’t that a lot of pressure for a thirteen year old?” Naruto quickly agreed.

As if he had heard her, Obito asked, “Isn’t that a lot of pressure though?” Minato sighed and nodded.

“That’s exactly the reason; the elders want to see for themselves if Kakashi is different from his father. I argued that it was too much, but in the end it was hopeless.” Minato watched as Obito glanced down sadly at Kakashi’s sleeping form. “Obito, please understand, Kakashi means well.”

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That morning the four shinobi got ready quickly. “It’s healing but if you aren’t careful, it’ll open,” Rin said as she wrapped fresh bandages around Kakashi’s wound. Once they were ready they left.

As the three students followed their sensei, Obito kept looking over at Kakashi, how can he be so strong after all that’s happened to him, he thought. Obito was about to speak when Minato came to a stop.

“We’ll split up here, good luck. And remember, the enemy from yesterday was just a lone scout, from now on it’ll be teams you’ll be up against. So stay together and be on guard at all times.”

Obito looked at Kakashi, “Then let’s go, leader.” Obito’s words stunned his teammates. With all of their eyes on him, Obito turned away with a blush.

Minato smiled knowingly before raising his right arm, “ready?” he asked. The three shinobi nodded. “Scatter!” with that the three young shinobi took off through the trees.

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“Where—“ Naruto started to ask, but stopped immediately at the site before him, Team Minato were in the middle of a battle with a team of Iwa Ninja. “Fire style, Fireball Jutsu!” Obito shouted as a large fireball came shooting out of his mouth, burning up the enemy’s Jutsu.

Rin stood to the side, watching her teammates closely, ready to rush in and heal them if needed. What the? Rin thought when she felt a sudden presence behind her.

Kakashi was fighting the other Iwa ninja one on one in the trees while Obito waited for an opening to use another fireball Jutsu when they heard Rin scream. The two immediately turned to find Rin unconscious and in the arms of the enemy.

“She belongs to us now,” the large ninja said smugly. Before the two Konoha ninja could do anything, the Iwa ninja disappeared.

Obito yelled in frustration, quickly heading in the direction he believed the enemy took Rin. “Obito stop! Don’t follow them,” Kakashi shouted, causing the Uchiha to whip around in shock.

“What?” Obito demanded, he couldn’t understand why Kakashi would stop him, “Do you have any idea what you just said?!”

“Yes,” Kakashi answered. “From here on, the two of us will continue with the mission.”

Obito couldn’t believe what he was hearing, “What about Rin?” Obito shouted in disbelief.

“We’ll go after her later; the mission is what matters now. Besides, the enemy will want to know what we’re planning, so they won’t kill her yet. Also, since she’s a powerful medic ninja they’ll most likely treat her well as long as she agrees to heal their wounded.”

“The most important thing is to make sure they don’t figure out our mission. If they do, they’ll heavily guard our target and we’ll have failed our mission.

Obito gritted his teeth, “You’re only guessing, you don’t know if they’ll think like that,” the Uchiha growled out. “Right now the most important thing for us to do is to rescue Rin, the mission will have to wait!”

Kakashi sighed; he expected this reaction from Obito but needed to make him understand. “As shinobi, we have to finish our mission even if it costs the lives of our teammates, that’s the law. If we fail, the war will continue… resulting in the loss of countless more lives. The life of one saved does not equal a hundred lost.”

Obito fisted his hands and shouted, he had to get through to his friend, “Again that’s only a guess, we risk our lives together Kakashi! Are you willing to abandon her for a guess?!”

Kakashi subtly clenched his fist, he wasn’t guessing, he knew the price of that kind of choice, he suffered because of that choice. But he said nothing, and let his angry friend continue.

“Every time we were wounded, Rin saved us with her medical Ninjutsu, without her we would have died a long time ago!”

“It was her job,” was Kakashi’s simple reply. Obito had had enough and hit Kakashi as hard as he could, sending the young Jounin flying back.

“I hate you!!” Obito shouted with more hatred in his voice than ever before.

Kakashi masked the hurt at Obito’s words, looks like I’ve lost yet another friend Kakashi thought to himself. But regardless, he was going to make sure Obito understood. “Hate me if you want, but I’m the leader, whatever I say goes. There’s a reason for team leaders, to keep those in the team together and keep soft hearted people like you under control. Rules are there for a reason. You let your emotions control you, that’s why I’m team leader, I know how to bury mine.”

Obito grabbed Kakashi by the gray strap on his shoulder, shaking in desperation as he shouted, “Then lead! If you have the power to rescue her, why don’t you?!”

“If you give into your emotions and fail an important mission, you’ll regret it later. That’s why the rules say we must suppress our emotions.”

Obito shook, trying to suppress his tears that wanted to come. “Rin, she cared about your safety, that’s why she gave you the medkit as your promotion gift. She even stitched in a protection talisman!”

“Medkits and medical Ninjutsu where devised to up the mission success rate, but like I said before, better nothing than a useless burden. A shinobi needs tools that fit the mission, emotions are just a useless burden.”

Obito’s eyes widened in disbelief, “Do, do you really… mean that? Do you honestly believe that?” A rare flash of sadness flashed in Kakashi’s eyes, but Obito figured he imagined it. Kakashi lowered his gaze as memories of Sakumo flashed in his mind, the return from the mission, the way the guilt ate away at him, weakening till he killed himself, unable to face his choice anymore, deciding to take the coward’s way out. Kakashi’s eyes hardened at the thought, no, that’ll never be me, I refuse to be the traitor, the COWARD that he was. Kakashi looked Obito strait in the eye, “Yes, I do.”

Obito glared at him, “Fine. You and I have been like oil and water from the beginning, do whatever you want, but I’m going to save Rin.” With that Obito tried to push past Kakashi, but the Jounin stepped in front of him.

“You don’t understand, do you know what happens to people that break the rules? They-“

“I do know, and that’s why I believe that the White Fang was a true hero.” Kakashi’s eyes widened and he froze in shock. Obito took that moment to walk past him before he continued. “It’s true, those who break the rules are garbage, but those who abandon their friends are worse than garbage. If breaking the rules makes me a bad shinobi, then I’ll crush that idea of the shinobi!” With that said, Obito rushed off in the direction of the enemy and Rin.

Naruto and Sakura watched in stunned silence as the two teammates went their separate ways. Naruto was the first to move, walking in the direction Obito took. “Let’s go,” he said in an unusually somber tone, shocking both of them.

“What’s the matter with you dobe?” Sasuke asked, a little unnerved by his old friend’s unusual attitude.

“Let’s just go Sasuke,” Naruto repeated. Sakura just looked between the two before walking over to Naruto.

“Shouldn’t we be following Kakashi?” Sasuke asked. Naruto ignored the question and took off in a run towards where Obito went. Sakura looked at Sasuke with a sad look on her face. She gave a small shake of her head before she took off after Naruto, leaving the Uchiha alone. With a sigh, Sasuke ran after them.

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“I wonder when Loki will send us farther into the future,” Sakura mused, trying to break the awkward silence as the three continued at their fast pace.

“Who cares,” Naruto snapped.

“What’s the matter Naruto?” Sakura asked, but guessed it was the same thing that was going through her own head. Naruto came to a sudden stop on a branch, so suddenly Sakura nearly collided with him.

“It’s not fair, what just happened,” Naruto whispered, clenching his fists, “are these really the rules we follow? I, I never really thought about it before. I mean, I always knew about that rule but never really thought about it.”

Sakura looked at her feet, “I know,” she whispered. Suddenly Naruto spun around to face her, making her jump.

“It’s not fair Sakura-chan, why would anyone have to make that kind of decision?! I understand Kakashi’s reasons, but I also understand Obito’s. They’re only 13 and they have to make these kinds of choices?”

“It’s war dobe,” came Sasuke’s simple answer.

“So what! No one should have to make a choice like that!” He shouted.

“And yet they had to,” Sasuke said. Sakura stepped between them before turning to Naruto, “What would you have done Naruto?” she asked softly.

“I, I don’t know,” Naruto stuttered as he ran his hand through his messy blonde hair in confused frustration. “I love Konoha, if my choice could lead to countless suffering… but on the other hand, you guys are what keep me going. You were the first few that ever accepted me; I couldn’t abandon either of you.”

A sudden thought came to Sakura’s mind, in the voice of her sensei. “Guys, that speech Obito said back there,” Sakura started, gaining the attention of her two friends. “It’s the same one Kakashi-sensei used after we passed the bell test.”

Sakura’s realization was met with silence.

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Kakashi continued speeding through the trees towards the bridge. He knew once he destroyed that bridge his family name would have its honor restored and he would no longer have to deal with the hatred the remaining villagers still had for his father and himself.

A sudden pain in his shoulder made him stop immediately. Clutching at his shoulder, Kakashi’s thoughts went to what Rin had said. He hated having to abandon her but he needed to complete the mission, no matter what. But then Minato and Obito’s words echoed in his mind. They were right.

Rin, Minato-sensei, Obito… they’re my family now. They accepted me, the only few that did. Is being accepted by the entire village more important than those that already accepted me? What if Obito gets killed trying to save Rin? What would sensei think?

Those thoughts made him think of his father. I think I finally understand why he did what he did. Kakashi sighed; I guess it’s true, like father like son. With that thought Kakashi turned around, and for some reason the pain in his shoulder oddly became less painful.

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It hadn’t taken long for Sakura, Naruto, and Sasuke to catch up to Obito. Obito was now crouched in a tree near a cave, they could feel the fear radiating off of him. Gotta calm down, I can do this, Obito thought to himself as he slapped his cheeks in an effort to calm his fear. I can’t afford to chicken out now.

“Ok, let’s go.” Obito whispered to himself as he readied to jump.

“Where are we going?” the Iwa ninja replied. Obito’s eyes widened as he turned towards the enemy. Seconds before the attack a bright white chakra slammed into the enemy, leaving a large slash in the Iwa ninja’s chest, knocking him back into another tree.

Obito was shocked to see who stood in front of him. “Ka, Kakashi… why?” Obito stuttered, it was the last person he’d expect to come to his rescue now.

Still clutching his father’s prized tanto in his hand, Kakashi answered, “Look, I can’t leave this up to a crybaby ninja like you, now can I?”

The enemy shinobi got back up, staring in disbelief at the small ninja in front of him, “silver hair, white chakra blade, it can’t be. Konoha’s White Fang!?”

“This is a memento from my father.” Was Kakashi’s only reply as he raised the tanto.

The enemy smirked, “I see, you’re just the White Fang’s brat, there’s nothing to fear then.” He flew through some hand signs and disappeared.

Kakashi sniffed the air but couldn’t locate the enemy’s scent, “Even his smell is gone. We’ll have to locate him by sound.”

“Where…?” Obito asked aloud as his eyes darted all around for the enemy.

The sound of a footstep alerted Kakashi, “Obito behind you!” he shouted as he jumped behind Obito in an effort to block the attack, but he wasn’t fast enough to protect himself. The enemy’s blade sliced into Kakashi’s face, cutting from his eyebrow to his check. “My eye!” Kakashi shouted as he fell back, clutching his left eye.

“Kakashi!” Obito shouted as tears appeared in his eyes. Obito rushed to his friend’s side, “Kakashi! Kakashi! Are you ok?!” he yelled in fear.

“Yeah,” Kakashi replied softly, “He’s pretty good. He threw away the kunai with my blood on it immediately.” Obito couldn’t believe what Kakashi had just done. Kakashi quickly noticed the Uchiha’s tears. “Got some of that dust in your eyes again? A shinobi shouldn’t cry, I’m not dead yet.” But there was no malice in Kakashi’s voice this time, only a hint of amusement.

Obito quickly wiped away his tears as he remembered what Minato had told him. I’m all talk, always a burden. Just a big-mouthed washout, but still… Obito thought.

“Keep your guard up!” Kakashi ordered. Obito spun around and blood went flying, shocking Kakashi as there was no one standing there. But soon the Iwa Ninja reappeared as Obito withdrew his kunai.

“How, you can’t possibly see me…” the Iwa nin gasped out, until he saw the Uchiha’s eyes. “Your eyes…” were the last words he spoke before he fell to the ground.

“This time, I’M protecting my friend!” Obito said angrily.

“Obito, your eyes…”

“Yeah, the Sharingan,” Obito replied as he stared at his hands. “I can see Chakra!” Kakashi tried to open his left eye only to gasp in pain, earning Obito’s attention. “Kakashi!” Obito exclaimed as he put his hand on Kakashi’s shoulder.

Kakashi’s body shook as he spoke, “My eye is gone Obito…” Kakashi turned to his friend with the med kit from Rin in his hand, “But never mind that. I can use the med kit from Rin. We have to save her!”

Obito’s eyes widened with shock for a moment before nodding, “Ok!”

Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke watched as Obito helped Kakashi fix his wound. “So that’s where the scar comes from…” Sakura said. Naruto just smiled, knowing that Kakashi hadn’t abandoned his teammates.

Is that the key to activating the Sharingan, saving you’re best friend’s life? Sasuke thought as he glanced at Naruto. Obito got it protecting Kakashi, while I got it protecting Naruto… But if that’s true, then why is the Mangekyo Sharingan the direct opposite? Why is the more powerful Sharingan activated by killing your best friend? Sasuke’s thoughts were broken when Obito and Kakashi jumped down from the tree.

As soon as the two entered they saw the other Iwa nin with Rin in the corner. Rin looked bad. “You’re a stubborn one, aren’t you?” The Iwa nin said as he fisted Rin’s brown hair in his hand. Rin refused to look at the man, instead looking at the ground. Obito’s foot hit the ground hard, intentionally trying to catch the Iwa nin’s attention.

Upon seeing the two Konoha ninja, the Iwa nin groaned, “They’re all so pathetic.”

Obito looked at Rin, using his new Sharingan to see her condition. Unlike the smooth flow of their chakra, Rin’s was flowing faster and rougher. “Rin’s chakra is disturbed; its flowing patterns are different than ours.”

Kakashi nodded in understanding, “She’s under a Genjutsu. They tried to force her to talk.” Kakashi reached for his tanto and glanced at Obito, “We fought him earlier, he’s quick. We gotta be careful.”

“Got it!” Obito replied.

The Iwa nin wasted no time as he revealed a blade from underneath his Jounin uniform’s one sleeve. Obito and Kakashi were just as quick. His blade narrowly missed Obito’s head as Obito leaned back as far as he could. Kakashi moved in fast.

Catching the path of the enemy’s blade that was in Kakashi’s new blind spot, Obito quickly used his legs to hold back the Iwa nin’s arms. The ninja’s eyes widened as Kakashi sliced his shoulder.

With the enemy temporarily down, Kakashi and Obito rushed to Rin’s side. “Kai!” Kakashi used a hand sign to free Rin of the Genjutsu.

“Kakashi, Obito,” she said in surprise.

“We’ve come to save you Rin! You’re safe,” Obito said between pants.

“Let’s get out of here,” Kakashi said, Rin smiled and nodded.

“That was a pretty good combo,” the Iwa nin remarked, surprising the three. “But you’re still kids in the end. Remember, you’re standing in the palm of your enemy now.”

“Earth style: Rock Breaker Jutsu!” the ground began to shake as the walls of the cave began to crumble.

“This is bad!” Obito shouted the obvious.

“Guys, the exit!” Kakashi shouted as he led the others towards the cave opening. Suddenly a rock hit Kakashi on the side of his head, knocking him to the ground, My new blind spot, Kakashi thought.

“Kakashi!” Obito and Rin yelled.

“Forget about me, I’ll catch up. Just get out of here!” Kakashi shouted as best he could as he tried to get up. Obito was about to listen and head out when he saw a large boulder from the ceiling fall right for the unknowing Kakashi. Without thinking, Obito reacted, pushing Kakashi out of the way.

When the dust settled, Obito’s shaky voice filled what was left of the cave, “Kakashi, Rin, are you ok?”

Kakashi and Rin looked in the direction the voice was coming from and froze. “Obito!” Kakashi shouted as he rushed to Obito’s side. Obito’s entire right side had been crushed by the boulder.

Sakura covered her mouth with her hands in shock, as Naruto and Sasuke watched the scene with wide eyes.

Kakashi tried to lift the boulder off Obito. Knowing he wasn’t strong enough to lift the boulder, Kakashi started going through the hand signs for Chidori.

“Stop, don’t waste your chakra Kakashi. It’s Ok.” Obito’s strained voice ordered. Kakashi stopped and looked at his friend. “I… don’t think I can make it,” he gasped out. “My… my right side is pretty much gone… I don’t… I don’t even feel anything.”

“No… not like this…” Not like them, Rin thought as tears formed in her brown eyes. “Why?” She whispered. Her vision blurred and she though she saw another in Obito’s place.

Obito’s sudden coughing as well as the blood he was coughing up snapped her back to reality. “Obito!” Rin screamed in panic as she rushed to his side.

“This can’t happen!” Kakashi shouted as he pounded the ground with his clenched fists. “If only I’d come, if only I’d come with you from the start, like you told me to…” Kakashi shook, struggling to keep his tears inside, “This never would have happened if I had listened to you!”

“Kakashi’s pained outburst caught Obito’s attention. “So what if I’m team leader, so what if I’m a Jounin…”

“Kakashi,” Obito interrupted, “I’d completely forgotten… I was the only one, who didn’t give you a gift. I didn’t know what would be a good gift… but I do now. Don’t worry, it won’t be useless. I’m giving you my Sharingan.”

Kakashi shook his head, “No Obito, the Sharingan is yours, it’s…”

“Please Kakashi. No matter what the village might say, you’re a great Jounin. I want you to know that. Please accept it.” Obito looked over at Rin, “Rin, use your medical Ninjutsu and transplant my entire left eye into Kakashi’s to replace the damaged one.”

Rin wiped away her tears and looked at Kakashi with hardened, determined eyes, “Kakashi, come here. I’ll do it now!”

Kakashi still wasn’t sure, but Obito spoke again, “I’m already going to die Kakashi, but as long as you have the Sharingan, I’ll always be fighting right by your side, like a best friend should. I’ll become your eye, and we’ll see the future together.” Kakashi’s eye hardened in determination, and he moved towards Rin.

Outside the Iwa nin was unaware that there were survivors until part of the rubble exploded, with the young silver-haired Jounin standing tall. The enemy ninja’s attention went to the teen’s closed left eye.

“Ha, you ARE just a kid. Shinobi don’t cry. Come on crybaby, I’ll finish you off here and now.”

Kakashi opened his eyes and the Iwa ninja hesitated as he looked at the red eye. This kid, he’s different from before… he thought.

“Kakashi, look after Rin for me,” Obito called from below.

“Don’t worry,” Kakashi said with a nod. With that Kakashi charged towards the enemy with his tanto held high.

However, the Iwa nin’s blade sliced right through the tanto. Kakashi glared before settling into a crouch as his hand flew through the signs of his jutsu. And before the broken blade of his family’s prized tanto hit the ground, the sound of a thousand birds filled the air.

The Iwa nin’s eyes widened at the white chakra that engulfed the boy’s right hand. His blades were never fast enough.

Rin, still by Obito’s side, heard the chirping sound created by Kakashi’s Chidori, a sudden yell and then silence. The Iwa nin’s head appeared in the entrance, startling her.

“Don’t… panic… Rin,” Obito struggled to say as a weak grin appeared on his bloody face. The Iwa nin’s body was pushed out of the way by a panting Kakashi.

“Kakashi, take Rin… and run… reinforcements… coming…” Obito gasped out. Kakashi knew he didn’t have much time left.

“Obito…” Rin said softly.

Obito slapped her hand away, “It’s ok! Just go.”

“Rin,” Kakashi called as he held his hand out to her to grab onto. Suddenly a group of Iwa ninja appeared behind him.

“Earthquake Slam Jutsu!” they shouted as the ground began to shake.

Kakashi’s eyes widened as he saw the ground behind him break apart, “Rin! Take my hand now!” he shouted in desperation, he needed to get her out of there before the attack hit them.

“Rin!’ Obito shouted, trying to get her to move. With fresh tears in her eyes, she grabbed Kakashi’s hand, just as the Iwa nin’s Jutsu caused the rubble to collapse.

“Obito!” Rin screamed as they watched Obito get buried.

I could finally bond with Kakashi, Obito thought, but in the end I couldn’t tell Rin how I felt about her. I wish all of us could have been together a little longer…

Obito! Kakashi thought after he pulled Rin safely into a tree. When the earth settled after the Jutsu, the two found themselves surrounded by the group of Iwa Jounin.

Kakashi shook and panted with exhaustion, but he knew what he had to do. Obito, you helped me perfect my Jutsu, thank you. Kakashi thought as his hands went through the seals for Chidori. Rin’s eyes widened at the loud chirping of the white chakra.

“He’s still willing to fight. No wonder he could sneak so deep into enemy territory…” one of the Iwa Jounin commented in amazement. “He’s got nerve, that one.

“Rin” Kakashi said as he clenched the special kunai Minato had given him in his left hand, “I’ll hold them off, go now!”

“But…” Rin tried to protest but Kakashi stopped her.

“I promised Obito that I would protect you with my life! He loved you. He gave his life to protect you.”

Rin shook and she swallowed hard before replying, “Then Kakashi, you should know how I feel about you…”

“I deserted you, I’m nothing but garbage.” Kakashi said softly.

The enemy moved in to attack and Kakashi got in front of her, “Rin go!” he shouted, and then everything went black.

Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke watched as Rin refused to leave his side, instead picking up the kunai and throwing it at the nearest Iwa Nin. In a flash of yellow light, four of the six Iwa nin were dead.

The two ninja farthest away shook in fear of the blond Konoha Jounin that had suddenly appeared. He looked at the sliver-haired Jounin unconscious beside him, then looked back at the surviving Iwa ninja and his normally calm blue eyes shown darkly of hatred. The two Iwa ninja tried to escape, but Minato would not allow them to get far.

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With all the enemy ninja dead, Minato turned to his two students. Kneeling by Kakashi he felt for a pulse. Finding one and breathing a sigh of relief, he turned to Rin, “Are you ok?” Rin answered him with a tight hug as she cried.

“It’s ok now Rin, and Kakashi’ll be ok, he’s just exhausted,” Minato said with a reassuring smile. He looked around for the loudest member of the team and the smile quickly faded, “Where’s Obito?”

The Kunoichi that had calmed down stiffened in his arms. Minato gently pulled her arms off him and looked at her teary eyed face. “Rin…” He knew just by looking at her face.

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Am I dead? Kakashi thought as his eyes slowly opened. Where am I?

“You’re awake,” said a familiar voice. Kakashi turned to see his sensei sitting right next to him.

“Minato-sensei! But how?”

Minato twirled the special kunai around his finger, “the jutsu formula in this kunai knife sets a mark, allowing me to quickly hop around with my transportation jutsu.”

“And the enemy?” Kakashi asked.

“I took care of all of them.”

A sudden thought came to Kakashi and his eyes widened, “What about Rin?!” he demanded desperately, “Where is she?!” Slightly shocked by Kakashi’s reaction, Minato only pointed.

Kakashi calmed down as he saw Rin standing a small distance away from them with her hands behind her back as she stared up at the stars.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it in time Kakashi. Rin told me everything that happened.”

“It’s not your fault sensei,” Kakashi said softly, “It’s mine. If only I hadn’t been so blinded by the rules… I failed you, Obito, Rin, Sandaime-sama, the village… even my father…”

“Kakashi, it isn’t your fault…”

“It’s mine.” Rin interrupted, earning her the attention of her two remaining teammates.

“No it isn’t Rin, I was the one who…” Kakashi started.

“It IS my fault Kakashi!” Rin shouted with tears streaming down her face, “If I had been a better Kunoichi I never would have been taken and you and Obito would never have had to come save me!”

“But Rin…”

“It’s my fault just like it was my fault back then!” Rin shouted before her eyes widened. She covered her mouth and turned away from them.

“What do you mean ‘back then’?” Kakashi asked.

Rin swallowed hard and tried to wipe her tears away, “My family and I were in Suna because they needed my mom’s help to train Suna’s medic ninja.” Rin paused to wipe away more tears, “I was told to stay in the village one day when teams of Suna ninja and a few Konoha teams were sent out. I overheard that the Iwa ninja had gotten into the sand country and they needed to stop them before they reached the village.”

“Like an idiot I followed my parents and brother without them knowing. Not long after catching up to them I saw a bunch of bodies, and then I saw my family. My mom was healing the wounded as best as she could, but she was exhausted. My dad and 15 year old brother, a Chuunin, were also tiring.”

“Mom was running low on chakra so two other medic ninja told her to leave and try to get more help. It was then that she saw me and screamed my name.” Rin stopped to hold in a sob, “At that moment when dad and Hitori were distracted by me the Iwa ninja used the exact same Jutsu to cause a rock slide that crushed both of them!” Rin sobbed.

“Mom grabbed me and ran. The Iwa ninja didn’t seem interested in us so they let us escape. It wasn’t until we got back to Konoha that we found out that the Daimyo of Sand Country was assassinated by the Iwa Ninja.”

“We also found out that much of the massacre of Konoha and Suna ninja could have been stopped had the backup from Konoha gotten there. Raiden Isamu, Kyo Uchiha, and… Sakumo Hatake…”

“I’m sorry,” Kakashi started but Rin shook her head.

“I don’t blame your father for what happened. Neither did my mom. What he did was make a lose-lose decision, either one would have been a painful one. My mom said that what he did was similar to what she had done. She left the battle to save me. And thinking about it now, in that position I’d have done the same thing.”

“Speaking of missions,” Minato broke in, “we still have one to complete.”

“But, I thought the mission was a failure…” Kakashi replied. Minato shook his head.

“We have until morning to complete it.”

“Then let’s go,” Rin said.

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As the three made their way to the bridge, Kakashi looked at Rin, “Are you ok?” he asked. Rin smiled sadly and nodded. “It wasn’t your fault Rin.”

“It wasn’t anyone’s fault, sometimes things happen that you can’t control. What you do afterwards is what makes the difference,” Minato stated.

With an understanding nod from both teens, they continued silently.

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By the time they reached the bridge the sky was changing colors, a sign that the sun was starting to rise, and they knew they had to move quickly. Each of them set an explosive on the bridge and detonated them.

“It’s stronger than I thought…” Minato said as he saw that one part of the bridge remained. He was about to set another when Kakashi stopped him.

“Let me and Obito do it,” Kakashi’s choice of words stunned Minato, but made Rin smile, knowing what he meant by that. Kakashi made the hand signs for Chidori and destroyed what remained of the bridge.

Kakashi stood on the rubble of Kannabi Bridge and softly spoke, “Good-bye Obito, I’ll make sure you’re Will of Fire continues in me,” he looked up at Minato and Rin who were watching him from the other side of the bridge, “and everyone we care about.”