Kakashi stepped out of the lab, the metal door sliding shut behind him. He walked down the private underground hallway that connected his research wing to his home.
The walls were quiet. His chakra was calm now. The glow of his Mangekyō Sharingan had faded, but a soft red light still lingered in his eyes.
He reached the hidden entrance into the mansion, pressed his palm against the chakra lock, and stepped inside.
The house was dim. Soft light came from the kitchen down the hall. He heard gentle movement, nothing loud, just a spoon tapping a cup.
When he entered the kitchen, he found Mei leaning on the counter in one of his oversized shirts, eating yogurt straight from the container. She looked up slowly, not surprised.
He didn't say anything. He walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist.
Mei tensed for just a second, then relaxed into him.
Kakashi leaned in and kissed the side of her neck. She let out a soft breath.
"You didn't warn me," she murmured.
"I missed you," he answered simply.
"You're lucky I like surprises." She smiled and placed her hand over his.
He didn't say it out loud, but last night, he had teleported to Kirigakure just to bring her back.
…
They sat in the kitchen for a while, quiet. No rush. The moon was still up, but morning would come soon.
"The Akatsuki gathered again." Kakashi finally spoke.
Mei raised an eyebrow but didn't look alarmed.
"They've lost too many members," he continued. "But they're still moving, and their next target is Gaara."
"My village's Jinchūriki have scattered. Even if Akatsuki came, I doubt they'd bother." Mei said as she stirred her yogurt lazily.
He nodded. "I'm heading to Sunagakure. Deidara and Sasori were assigned to capture the One-Tail."
"Want backup?" Mei set her cup down.
Then she grinned.
"Never mind. My man is overpowered now."
Kakashi leaned in and kissed her lips softly, then vanished with a flicker of silver light.
…
Outside the Anbu headquarters, a burst of chakra marked Kakashi's arrival. The guards at the gate nodded respectfully and stepped aside.
Inside, the halls were active. Shinobi moved around. He walked steadily through the corridors until he reached a heavy door with a small sign: Captain Uchiha Sasuke, Anbu Division.
Kakashi stood quietly in the doorway.
Inside, Sasuke was giving orders to a small team of masked Anbu. He spoke clearly, efficiently. Like an experienced ANBU.
In the corner, Naruto stood with his arms crossed, frowning deeply.
Kakashi smirked as he looked at the two.
"Still salty?" Sasuke asked.
"No, you got lucky," Naruto said but didn't look up.
"No," Sasuke said without turning around. "I followed instructions."
Kakashi knocked lightly on the open door.
The two boys turned to him.
. . .
In the meeting room, Kakashi explained everything in clear words.
"Gaara's the target. They're coming for him soon."
"Then we leave now." Sasuke nodded immediately.
"But… Gaara's my friend. If he gets taken…" Naruto looked unsure.
Kakashi stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"You're not alone this time," he said gently. "We'll keep him safe."
"Okay." Naruto slowly nodded.
"I'll be away for a high-level mission. Kanna is in command until I return." Sasuke turned to his Anbu unit.
His team saluted him without hesitation.
—
They walked through the busy village streets toward the hospital. Kakashi led them through the side entrance, nodding to the medic at the desk.
Inside the main ward, Sakura was organizing a pile of patient charts. Her hair was tied up, her sleeves rolled, and her focus sharp. Across the room, Shizune helped an elderly woman into a bed with practiced ease.
Sasuke paused when he saw Shizune. Just for a moment. No words, no gesture, just a still glance.
Things had been hard between them for a while. His bond with Shizune had been a difficult thing to explain. Sakura had cried. She had even yelled. But she despite him making things clear she still stays around.
"The Mission I told you earlier. Gaara. We leave soon." Kakashi stepped forward first.
"You think they'll get to him?" Sakura looked up, frowning.
"They'll try," Kakashi replied. "We'll stop them."
She nodded and immediately turned to prepare her supplies.
Shizune walked over and gave Sasuke a soft smile.
"You'll protect them, right?"
"I always do," he said.
"Then come back in one piece." She reached out and touched his hand briefly.
He didn't smile, but his eyes softened.
…
Outside the hospital, the team regrouped.
Naruto stretched his arms up high, trying to mask his nervousness. "Gaara's tough. He'll be fine."
Kakashi looked up at the drifting clouds. The wind was steady. The light was strong.
"We move fast," he said. "They won't expect us to arrive early."
Sakura stepped out of the hospital wearing her travel gear. Her medical pouch was already filled and strapped to her thigh. She adjusted her gloves and gave a short nod.
"I'm ready."
Sasuke turned once toward the village, just a second. He didn't say anything. Then he faced forward again.
"Let's move."
Kakashi nodded.
He activated his flying thunder god seal.
In a bright flash of silver light, the team vanished, already on their way to protect the future.