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Insomnia	By : MisatosPenPen Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Kakashi/Sasuke Views: 6380 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or its characters. I make no profit from this story.

Chapter List
- 4
- 5
- 6
I’m very sorry this update is so many years late. I had the beginning and ending planned, not the middle. I don’t write in chronological order; I write what interests me the most and whatever inspiration I get. I put my nose to the grindstone on this chapter since Sukea is finished. This is a bridging chapter and the next one is half written, so you won’t have to wait years for that one.
I’m breaking canon a bit because I realized the Chunin Exams take place in July, the month of Sasuke’s birthday, so they wouldn’t be having the Exams just after his birthday. So, we’re moving the Chunin Exams and with that freedom, I’m changing whatever I feel like. Yeah, I’m adding a lot to begin with, but I was going to adhere to the canon’s timeline and such. But there’s a fact for you: the Chunin Exams start on 1 July. Also, I have to decide which canon to follow when it comes to things like dialog. The manga and anime are very different. Kakashi is a lot darker when meeting his team at the beginning of the Chunin Exams in the anime. I’m weaving them together. It might also be the particular translation of the manga I’m going off of too, but the manga dialog is a little worse.
These chapters surrounding the Chunin Exams does have a lack of Sasuke’s point of view since we get his point of view in the manga/anime. I’m also glossing over a lot in this chapter and the next since you’ve all seen and read this arc more than once. If you haven’t, why are you here? I will be sharing Kakashi’s POV on these events.
-----------------------
After resisting getting together with his peers for so many years, Kakashi started hanging out with them a few months ago. Four of them had teams now. It was only three of them today, Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai.
“The Chunin Exams are coming up,” Asuma said.
That made Kakashi’s eyebrows raise. “Already?”
“Yep.”
Naruto was always complaining that he wanted a challenge. Sakura didn’t quite seem to grasp what this life was like, and she needed confidence. Sasuke also needed a reality check when it came to his skills. He was skilled, but he needed to understand that he wasn’t the best. Not yet. One day.
Kakashi smiled, his eyes carried the expression.
“I don’t like that look,” Kurenai said.
“I’m going to enter my team. Throw them in the ocean and see if they can swim.”
Asuma laughed. “I want to put them in too.”
“I’m thinking about it,” Kurenai admitted.
“Gai is, I’m sure,” Kakashi said. “This should be an interesting exam.”
“Suna is co-sponsoring the Exams,” Asuma said.
“Suna?” Kakashi paused. “At least it’s not Iwa. Very interesting. So, the Kazakage will be attending the tournament?”
“Most likely.”
“He has children who are genin age, doesn’t he?”
“Suna’s pretty secretive,” Asuma said. “I really don’t know.”
Kakashi’s eyes darkened. He might have let slip something only ANBU had known. “This will be very interesting.”
-----
Kakashi came to Sasuke’s apartment that night.
Sasuke smirked at him with more than just amusement in his eyes. He allowed Kakashi in and then locked the door. The young man was already dressed for bed.
“I thought you were sending Shiba tonight.”
“If you prefer . . .”
“No,” Sasuke said a little too quickly.
Kakashi smiled. “You should be trying to sleep alone. I can’t spend every night here, nor can Shiba.”
“Yeah, I know.” He went over to sit on the bed.
Kakashi dropped his pack containing his uniform near the door and started to strip off the street clothes he rarely wore. Once down to his undershirt and boxers, he joined Sasuke in bed.
There was nothing sexual between them as Sasuke curled into his side while Kakashi lay on his back.
“Goodnight, brat.”
“Hn.”
The apartment being so high up and their conduct tonight being innocent, they left the balcony doors and curtains open. Kakashi stared out at the sky propped up by the many pillows Sasuke owned.
He loved this apartment, larger than his own with this lovely balcony and view. Sasuke had used his clan’s money to buy what comfort that could be bought. A nice bed, heavy, warm comforter, and large fluffy pillows. Kakashi’s body sank into the mattress. He loved this bed.
Contentment was flooded out as his eyes welled up with tears. Happiness was just so close, but just out of reach.
Just a few years. In three years, Sasuke would be sixteen and they wouldn’t have to hide. Sasuke would be an adult and they could do whatever they wanted. He could move in with Sasuke.
Sasuke curled around his arm as if it were a pillow or teddy bear.
He would have to do something special for Sasuke’s sixteenth birthday. He had no doubt that they would still be a team by then. He was certain none of them would make chunin on their first try, but Sasuke would likely become a chunin by sixteen, yet since he was intended to be a check against the Kyuubi in Naruto, Sasuke would not be leaving the team. He would have to put a great deal of thought into a gift for him. Three years. He had time. He had time.
-----
After their next mission, Kakashi was summoned to the Hokage’s receiving room. It was strange mix of jounin and academy chunin which gave him a clue to what this meeting was for.
“You’ve been assembled for only one reason,” the Hokage said. “It should be obvious by the members here.”
“So soon?” Kakashi muttered. He thought they’d have a few more weeks.
“I take it all the other lands have been notified about the coming event,” Asuma said. “I noticed some of their genin have already arrived in the village.”
“When do we start?” Kurenai asked.
“We will begin in one week,” the Hokage announced.
“That’s pretty short notice.”
“Take heed: exactly seven days from today, the genin will be gathered and tested. Only the very best will be selected as chunin.”
“First, we’ll hear from those who are watching over the rookie genin. Kakashi, Kurenai, and Asuma. Well? Are there any genin who you would like to enter into this chunin selection exam? I don’t have to tell you, but after a genin has properly completed at least eight missions, they may take the exam if nominated by their sensei. Of course, completing more missions than that is the norm. Now, starting with Kakashi.”
“I lead squad seven: Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, and Haruno Sakura. I, Hatake Kakashi, nominate them to take the chunin selection exam.”
“What?!” Iruka gasped.
“My squad is number eight: Hyuuga Hinata, Inuzuka Kuba, Aburame Shino. Under the name of Yuuhi Kurenai, the same as to my left.”
“I lead team ten: Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru, Akimichi Choji. Under the name of Saratobi Asmua, the same as to my left.”
The Hokage considered. “Hmm . . . All of them . . . how rare . . .”
“Hold on a second!”
“What is it Iruka?”
“Hokage-sama, please let me have a word! I may be speaking out of place, but all of these nine were students of mine at the academy. Of course, they are all very talented, but it’s too early for them to take the exam. They need more experience. If they try now, they’re sure to fail. I can’t understand the jounins’ reasoning.”
Kakashi turned to address Iruka. “I became a chunin when I was six years younger than Naruto.”
“Naruto is different from you! Are you trying to crush these kids? The Chunin Exam is—”
“Well, they’re always complaining about not being challenged enough. Maybe wiping out on the exams will teach them a lesson. Experiencing some pain may be good for them. Cushing them could be fun.”
“What?!”
“Well, that was a joke, Iruka-sensei. I can understand your feelings, it must upset you, but . . .”
“Kakashi, back off; you’ve said enough,” Kurenai warned.
“Stay out of this. They are no longer your students; right now, they are my soldiers.”
“I can’t go along with this. They may be under your care now, Kakashi, but I know these kids; they were my students; I trained them. I don’t know what you’re trying to prove, but—”
“You know, Iruka may be right, Kakashi,” Gai said. “You’re putting a lot of pressure on them. Why so impatient? I held my team back for a year so they could hone their skills and mature. Let them enjoy their youth a little longer.”
Kakashi scoffed. “Your concern is touching. You sure it’s not just because you know your guys don’t stand a chance against mine?”
“That’s enough,” the Hokage interrupted. “If the jounin in charge of the genin believe they are ready, or whatever their reasons, I will allow them to enter. If they are too young or too inexperienced, they will wash out during the first round, I’m sure.
“Now, we will nominate the non-rookie genin.”
Iruka never stopped glowering at Kakashi.
-----
That night was one of the ones when Kakashi insisted Sasuke try to sleep alone.
The next morning, he got a little lost thinking in front of the memorial stone. He was remembering the Chunin Exam. He remembered Rin cheering him on and the look on Obito’s face. That forlorn look when Rin was focused on Kakashi. He remembered Obito chocking on candy while fighting Gai. He remembered. He was very late meeting his team.
As he arrived, he noticed how annoyed Sasuke was. He wasn’t sure if that was from lack of sleep or just at the yelling Sakura and Naruto were doing.
He landed on the torii. “Morning people! Today, I’m afraid I got lost on the path of life.”
“You lair!” Naruto and Sakura yelled.
Kakashi jumped down. “I know this is a bit sudden, but I’ve nominated you guys for the chunin selection exam.”
“Huh?” All three were stunned.
“What did you say?!” Sakura demanded.
“Here are your applications.”
Naruto jumped him. “Kakashi-sensei! I love you!”
Sasuke just shut his eyes in a near grimace from the shouting.
“Hey, stop, let go of me. This is just a nomination. Whether to take the exam is up to each of you. Those who wish to take it should sign those papers and turn them in at room 301 by 4PM tomorrow. That is all today.” Kakashi poofed away.
He knew there was no doubt Naruto and Sasuke would enter, but Sakura might not. How unlike Rin. Rin was the leader of the three of them. She was the one trying to make peace between them. The diplomat. She was the one who grabbed their hands and pulled them in her wake. She was glue of the team. She would have made a fine captain. A fine jounin instructor. He suddenly felt like he was standing in a place meant for her. He could feel her absence. She hadn’t really succeeded with Kakashi and Obito, but maybe she could have with these boys. If only Sakura had her strength of character. If only Kakashi had her strength.
-----
Sasuke was waiting for Kakashi that night. Kakashi arrived on his balcony rather than coming up through the building. The door was already open to let in the breeze.
Kakashi lifted the take out bags to announce he brought food, but Sasuke interrupted. “You think any of use are ready to be chunin?”
“Let’s just say I think you three need to take the exams.”
Sasuke smirked. “Any tips?”
“None. I want you to get along on your own merits. They switch up the tests so I probably can’t give any insight. Just do your best and remember everything I’ve taught you.”
Sasuke’s eyes drifted away as he thought.
“Sasuke,” Kakashi drew Sasuke’s eye back to him. “No matter what, I’m proud of you. These exams can be cruel. If you don’t even pass the first round, I won’t think less of you.”
“But didn’t you say you became a chunin at a young age?”
“Six. But war was brewing. It was a difficult time.”
“But you had the talent.”
“I did. But I needed more life experience.” Kakashi got lost in thought for moment. “I brought take out,” Kakashi lifted the bag in his hand again and gave his student a totally fake rainbow eyed smile.
Sasuke felt a bit of superiority since they didn’t have to eat on the floor like they did in Kakashi’s apartment; they sat next to each other at Sasuke’s breakfast bar. The other side of the bar had cabinets under it rather than an open space for stools, so they had to sit next to each other.
“I guess you passed the Chunin Exams first try,” Sasuke said as they ate.
“Actually, I was promoted without the exam. Like I said, war was brewing. I was promoted a little prematurely. I had the skill, I was mature, but I wasn’t ready. I was taken off the normal roster when my class graduated the academy and put on a genin team. I took the Chunin Exams with them and passed the first time, but I’d already received the rank. It wasn’t long after that I was promoted to jounin.”
“I wish I could get promoted that quickly.”
“No, you don’t. You’re still young, enjoy it. I grew up too fast. So have you, but you have time.”
“I want to become stronger so I can find and defeat my brother.”
“You will. You’re exceptional for your age, but so was your brother. I will help you get stronger, but it’s going to take time.”
“As long as I get strong enough to kill my brother.”
Kakashi was silent for a for a minute. “I will help you.”
After dinner, Sasuke offered to clean up their meal while Kakashi prepared for bed in the bathroom. Sasuke took his turn afterward.
Sasuke came out to find Kakashi standing at the balcony door enjoying the breeze in just boxers. It was a warm night, but up here the wind was cool even in the daytime, or at least cooler.
“Shut the drapes,” Sasuke said as he approached the bed.
Kakashi looked at him, knowing what Sasuke was really asking for. He hesitated before pulling the drapes. He didn’t close the door, wanting to keep the breeze. He sat on the bed and Sasuke came over to him. The drapes waved gently behind him.
Sasuke wished he was taller; Kakashi had to sit to put them near the same level. Kakashi put his hands on Sasuke’s waist and pulled him a little closer to kiss him. Sasuke had to admit he really liked being kissed. Kakashi’s hands rubbed up and down his sides, then down his hips to push down his boxers. Sasuke let them fall to the floor.
Sasuke was becoming more comfortable with their interactions. He put his hands on Kakashi’s shoulders. It helped him relax. He opened his mouth and met his sensei’s tongue.
Learning from Kakashi’s actions, he let his fingers dip down the firm chest, hesitating at the ragged scar under Kakashi’s left collarbone. He didn’t let that stop his venture. The pads of his fingers brushed Kakashi’s nipples, and the man shuddered. He continued to rub and tweak them, receiving no rebuke, just a pleased moan.
Sasuke gave him a little shove and Kakashi obligingly fell back and lifted his hips to slip off his boxers. Sasuke felt down Kakashi’s abdomen finding a larger scar, even more ragged and likely much deeper. He couldn’t stop his fingers from examining the difference between the smooth scar and the normally textured skin. The scar felt colder than the real skin, but the skin was warm.
Sasuke planted his knee between Kakashi’s thighs and leaned in to lick at the nipples he had been teasing, just as Kakashi would do for him. Kakashi mused his ebony hair.
When Kakashi started to grab his ass, pulling him further up his body, Sasuke held out a tube of lubricant.
“Did you get that out of my vest?” Kakashi asked.
“Of course.”
Kakashi hummed with amusement. He wet his fingers and started fingering Sasuke’s hole. Sasuke lowered himself to help Kakashi access him. Doing so made his erection drag over Kakashi’s. It was enough to make Sasuke moan. Kakashi was larger and hotter than himself.
Sasuke kissed Kakashi while the older man eased him open. He loved the feel of Kakashi’s calloused fingers. As good as it all felt, it made him happy how pleased Kakashi was with his actions.
“Enough,” Sasuke whispered.
Kakashi pushed him to straddling him then dumped him onto the bed, Sasuke’s head on the pillow. Kakashi turned on him and pushed Sasuke’s legs out of the way and entered him.
Sasuke sighed. He enjoyed sex more each time they had it. It didn’t hurt at all now and his prostate wasn’t as painfully sensitive. More than anything else, he loved being with Kakashi. Maybe he was in love with Kakashi. He wasn’t sure. He did enjoy the sex, but he relished being with him.
But the sex was amazing. Kakashi was hitting just the right spot. The feeling of his hard, hot cock inside him was a pleasant heat despite the summer night. His mind melted. He couldn’t think, not even about how good it felt. He didn’t care how embarrassingly he was moaning. His eyes were shut and so all the world and all his pride were gone, just Kakashi’s warmth within and around him.
The orgasm hit him hard, almost making his muscles cramp as his body was pulled tighter than a bow string. Kakashi’s orgasm passed by unnoticed by Sasuke, he was only aware of it by coming back to himself to find Kakashi panting and using all his remaining strength to keep from laying on and crushing Sasuke.
Sasuke pulled him down. Kakashi was careful not to aggravate his nearly healed ribs. Covered by Kakashi’s warmth and filled with endorphins, Sasuke fell into a peaceful sleep.
-----
The next day, Kakashi spied on his students as they arrived one by one at the academy. Sasuke arrived first. He was dour as usual. Sakura arrived next. She looked uncertain. He expected that of Sakura. She lacked confidence. That was her biggest problem. She was all book smarts and chakra control; she didn’t have the sheer power and strength the boys did.
Naruto was the last, running up to them calling out to Sakura. He remembered Obito running up like that and calling out to Rin. He had no idea the Chunin Exams would bring back so many memories.
Kakashi then waited outside room 301 to see if they would make it past the little obstacle Izumo and Kotetsu had set up. Well, he hid himself so that all the others who came through wouldn’t see him.
They were taking a lot of time. What could be keeping them? Did they reconsider? Did that foolish little test thwart them but not all these others? No way.
Finally, the three approached.
“Oh, so, Sakura came too,” he greeted. “Now, you can properly take the exam.”
“What do you mean?” Sakura asked.
“Only groups of three can take the exam.”
“Huh? But you said taking the test was an induvial choice. You lied to us?”
“It is an individual decision, but it affects all of you. If I told you the truth, Naruto or Sasuke would have pressured you to take the exam. Even if you didn’t want to, if Sasuke asked you, you would have entered even if it wasn’t in your heart. For the sake of Sasuke . . . and well Naruto too.”
“So, if only Sasuke-kun and Naruto had shown up?”
“The exam would have ended here. They would not go any further. But you came of your own free will. I’m proud of you. I couldn’t ask for a better team. Now, go!”
“Yeah!! Let’s go!!” Naruto exclaimed and led the way into the exam room. The door shut soundly.
Kakashi was proud.
As confident as Kakashi seemed to be, he worried that his genin were shaking in their boots right now walking into the room with fifty other shinobi, many from other nations, mostly older than them.
Then he heard Naruto’s voice.
“My name is Uzumaki Naruto!!! I won’t lose to you bastards!!! You got that?!!!”
Kakashi leaned back against the wall and laughed. No, they would be fine. Naruto was foolhardy but brave and determined. Sasuke was proud to a fault. And Sakura was as sharp as an ANBU’s kunai. No, they would be fine.
He went to the lounge where Asuma and Kurenai were waiting.
Kakashi took a sip of coffee and put it aside. “Well, it sure is boring without my team. The missions will have to wait.”
“Don’t worry,” Asuma said, “you’ll be busy again soon.”
“Why is that?”
“I hear that examiner for the first test is Morino Ibiki.”
Kakashi felt the blood drain from his head. What did he just dump his students into? “Not that sadist.”
“Sadist?” Kurenai asked.
“Kurenai, you’re a new jounin so you probably don’t know,” Asuma said.
“Who is he?”
“A specialist,” Kakashi said.
“Of what?”
“Torture and interrogation,” Asuma said.
“Huh?”
“Head of the ANBU torture and interrogation. Special jounin Morino Ibiki. Well, there may not be physical torture while taking a test, but they must be experiencing mental suffering brought on by his interrogation skills. He knows the human mind completely. That’s what makes him scary. By attacking their mind, he can gain control over their spirit. The person’s weaknesses all float to the surface. You can’t escape his interrogation.”
Kakashi had no doubts about Sasuke’s mental fortitude. His panic attack while Kakashi faced Zabuza was more a result from his heightened senses, feeling their killing intent far stronger than Naruto or Sakura. Sasuke was strong. Sakura was smart enough to either see through it or a way around any obstacle. Naruto was foolish enough to brute force his way through. They would be fine. If not, he was sure he could build them back up again if they failed.
Izumo and Kotetsu sauntered in. “Well, look at all the rookie genin babysitters lazing about,” Kotetsu said.
Asuma and Kakashi glared at them as they sat down.
“We have news,” Izumo said. “The first exam has concluded.” They leaned back casually.
“And?” Kurenai prompted.
“A few rookie genin might have made it,” Kotetsu said.
“Spill,” Asuma ordered.
“All three of your teams passed,” Izumo said.
Kakashi felt relief blossom in him. Then again, it would only get harder for them.
“Who’s the second proctor?” Kakashi asked.
“Anko.”
Kakashi groaned.
“It’s the Forest of Death. The old ‘reach the center’ thing.”
Shit, Kakashi thought. It was an ‘eat each other’ challenge. It wasn’t his team’s abilities he was worried about; it was the ruthlessness of the other teams that concerned him.
“Three days?” Kakashi asked.
“Yep.”
Three days.
-----
Sleep was elusive. At least he didn’t have a mission today. He was so tired the next morning. Kakashi came to the fence surrounding The Forest of Death rather than the memorial stone or the cemetery.
He could see his own ghost and Rin’s standing near the gate. Obito was late. As always. So like Naruto in attitude and in his unrequited crush on his teammate. He sorely missed his friend. Looking at his team now, Sasuke was very much like himself. Was their future destined to be like his team’s? He had to try harder.
-----
Being summoned while his team was still in the Forest of Death was not a good sign.
Kakashi tried to exude nothing but apathy when he appeared before the Hokage. Anko being there didn’t help his heartrate.
“We have a problem,” the Hokage said.
“A big one,” Anko said. “Orochimaru has infiltrated the exams.”
“What?” That definitely set off his heartbeat. The last he saw of the snake was way back when the man escaped from the village about a decade ago. Orochimaru was one of the few men Kakashi actually feared. “For what purpose?”
“Sasuke, it appears,” the Hokage said.
“Sasuke?!”
“He put a curse mark on the boy,” Anko said.
Kakashi’s eyes darted to her own curse mark. “His Sharingan. Orochimaru was always obsessed with jutsu and kekkei genkai.”
“It sounded like he wanted to recruit him, yes. And he mentioned him becoming his successor.”
“That can’t be good.”
“Indeed,” the Hokage said. “He threatened the village if we were to interrupt the exams.”
“So, did you pull my team from the exam at least? How is Sasuke?”
“We left them in. We have no eyes on him yet. I’ve sent ANBU to look for him to make sure he’s alive. If he is in great distress or danger, they will pull him. I do not want to do anything to interfere. I’d rather not provoke Orochimaru into doing anything. I will let things run their course.”
“I understand,” Kakashi said, suppressing all his emotions. “What about Naruto and Sakura?”
“We don’t know what happened to them.”
“Understood.” He had to trust in Sasuke’s strength.
Of course, he did not sleep at all that night.
-----
All the jounin captains whose teams hadn’t already been disqualified met together in the tower at the center of the Forest of Death to see whose teams would make it in time. At least he’d been informed that Sasuke seemed to be alright. At the very least, all three of his students were alive. They were seen not far from the tower. The only question was if they made it with both scrolls in time.
A chunin came in and listed names. Kakashi’s was one of them. He took a deep breath. His team had made it. The jounin captains flowed into the arena.
Kakashi’s heart hammered to see Sasuke.
“Your team isn’t too bad,” Gai said next to him. “But as long as my team is around, getting any farther is impossible. Since from now it’s all about real ability. Well, with youth there are sweet times and there are sour times, eh, Kakashi?”
“Huh? You say something?”
Kakashi was giving Gai less than half his attention. He was looking at his students. They were badly beaten, even Sasuke. But what stood out the most was Sakura’s long hair was crudely cut short.
As the Hokage spoke, Kakashi ran a critical eye over all the young shinobi. From what he could see, he could take most of them down, one on one or one against three. It was the Suna and Oto shinobi he wasn’t sure of. He even wondered what it would be like to truly fight against Sasuke and his native Sharingan.
Kabuto’s decision to leave broke him out of his thoughts. As Kabuto walked away, Sasuke was hit by a bolt of pain. Sakura, and even Naruto, were arguing with Sasuke, trying to convince him to quit. Of course, Sasuke would never quit. The pain was severe, however.
“I thought so,” the Hokage said.
“What should we do?” Ibiki asked.
“We should remove him from the exam,” Anko insisted. “And have the ANBU watching over and protecting him.”
“He’s the type that wouldn’t easily agree to that,” Kakashi cut in. “You’re forgetting he’s of the Uchiha clan.”
“Don’t be foolish! We will force him to quit! By just releasing chakra, the curse becomes active and forcibly pulls out chakra. It’s a forbidden jutsu which eats at the user’s body. It’s amazing that this child is still standing. He should be dead.”
The Hokage sighed.
“Hokage-sama?!”
“What Orochimaru said is on my mind. Let’s allow Sasuke to continue and watch over the situation.”
“Ho—Hokage-sama!!”
“But if the curse begins opening and releasing power, then jump in and stop him.”
“Yes,” Ibiki agreed.
Kakashi agreed with the Hokage. Anyway, it would be unseemly to drag the Uchiha kicking and screaming from the arena.
Of course, the first match was Sasuke’s. They were directed to stand on the upper lever. Naruto jumped up and waved for Kakashi to join he and Sakura.
As Kakashi passed Sasuke, he warned him, “Sasuke, don’t use the Sharingan.”
“So, you know.”
“If that curse on your neck becomes active, you might lose your life.”
“Probably.”
“Well, if that happens, I’ll jump in and stop the match, got that?”
Sasuke was alarmed.
Kakashi stood with Naruto and Sakura and looked down of the boy he loved facing off with a fellow Konoha shinobi who Kakashi did not recognize. Be careful, Sasuke.
The bout began. The pain in the curse mark distracted Sasuke and his opponent’s attacks were sapping away his strength. Yoroi grabbed Sasuke’s head, holding him down. Kakashi tensed.
Sasuke was able to kick him away. Naruto called out to him, and Sasuke looked up. There was a spark of inspiration in Sasuke’s eyes. As Yoroi attacked, Sasuke shifted and kicked the man up in the chin when he was close enough. He then jumped up after him. Kakashi recognized that move. So did Lee and Gai.
Then the curse seal started to spread. Kakashi gripped the railing. He was preparing to jump in. He watched the moments of struggle in Sasuke’s face. But the seal receded. Kakashi was shocked at first, but then his chest blossomed with pride.
A barrage of kicks and swipes with his arms, some were blocked, but in the end, Sasuke overwhelmed Yoroi and kicked him hard into the ground. Sasuke was knocked back by the force of his own blow. Hayate checked Yoroi and Sasuke sat up as he did. Sasuke had won.
Just as Sasuke was falling backward, Kakashi appeared behind him and supported him with a leg. He’d pulled out his book and looked as calm and disinterested as ever. “Well, good job.”
“Pft.”
“You used the Sharingan to copy Gai’s taijutsu from Lee.”
The medical team came to take Yoroi away and one turned to Sasuke. “Let the medical team treat your injuries now.”
“You guys aren’t needed,” Kakashi said. “I’ll take care of him.” He crouched behind Sasuke. “We have to seal that curse mark.”
“Wait until after the prelims. I want to watch the other matches.”
“No!” Kakashi snapped in a slight panic. “If we don’t take care of it now, it will be too late. I won’t listen to your selfishness anymore.”
Sasuke stood and allowed Kakashi to guide him out.
Once they were alone, Kakashi stopped him.
“Take off your shirt,” he ordered.
Sasuke compiled.
“Sit in the center here.” Kakashi threw several kunai so that they landed in a precise pattern around Sasuke. He stabbed the center of his hand and began writing the seal with his own blood on the floor, the columns, and Sasuke’s body. Sasuke shivered as he touched him.
“All right,” Kakashi said as he finished writing the seal. “Hang in there just a little longer.”
Kakashi made the hand signs then slapped Sasuke shoulder where the curse mark was. All the symbols he painted crawled up Sasuke’s body. The young man cried out and groaned in pain. All the writing condensed to a circle around the curse mark, wrapping it in a seal.
It had sapped the last of Sasuke’s strength. He was panting and on the verge of collapse.
“The next time that curse tries to become active, this new seal should contain the power. But, Sasuke, this seal relies on the strength of your will. If you lose belief in yourself and your will weakens, the curse will become wild again.”
Sasuke passed out.
“He’s totally drained,” Kakashi said to himself. “Time to rest.”
“So, you can even use sealing jutsu now.”
That voice made Kakashi freeze.
“You’ve grown, Kakashi-kun.”
Kakashi turned his head slowly. “You.”
“Long time no see.”
“Orochimaru.”
“I’m sorry. I’m not here to see you, Kakashi-kun. I’m here for the boy behind you.”
“Why are you after Sasuke?”
“Heh. You’re lucky. You already gotten your hands on it.”
Kakashi paused.
“That Sharingan in your left eye. I also want it, the Uchiha blood.”
“What is your game?”
“The newly created Oto village, that’s my village. You understand already, don’t you?”
“Foolish ambition.”
“To play the game, as you put it, I need various pieces who will obey my every whim.”
“So, Sasuke is just one of those pawns.”
“No, Sasuke-kun is a very important piece. But the ones taking the exam right now . . . Well, you know how it is in the game of chess: pieces must be sacrificed.”
Orochimaru took a step.
“Stop! Don’t come any closer.” Kakashi took a defensive posture and activated his Chidori. “I don’t care if you are one of the Sanin; I swear, take one more step toward Sasuke and one of us will die here.”
Orochimaru began to laugh.
“What’s so funny?”
“Poor Kakashi all your noble efforts, all in vain.”
“What?”
“Do you really believe the seal will hold? Do you think you can keep him? From what he truly desires? You know I’m right. A heart like his, that hungers for only one thing, will not be denied, no matter what obstacles you put in his path. He’s an avenger, isn’t he?”
“You think you can take advantage of that. Not Sasuke.”
“You cannot stop it. At some point he will come to me in search of power.” He turned and started to walk away. “Unless, of course, you carry out your threat to kill me. Take it, if you dare.”
Orochimaru hesitated with his back turned, giving Kakashi the opportunity. Kakashi could see a vision of his own head flying off through the air. Orochimaru vanished.
Ugh. Compete with him? Am I an idiot? One of the few men he ever feared.
After shaking off his distress, Kakashi picked up Sasuke and took him to the hospital. ANBU joined him on the way. He told them to guard the boy and left them in their care.
He returned to the arena to assure Naruto and Sakura and to watch the rest of the fights to learn in Sasuke’s stead.
- 4
- 5
- 6
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