Naruto: Kakashi of the spider sage

Kakashi let out a small sigh, his exhaustion evident as he glanced at the Spider of Senses perched on his shoulder. Its eight legs twitched impatiently as if urging him to move.

"Guide me back," he said, his voice low but steady.

The small spider chirped, its beady eyes glinting as it hopped off Kakashi's shoulder. It scurried ahead, leaving a thin trail of silk to guide him through the dark, winding tunnels. Kakashi followed silently, his footsteps echoing faintly against the cold, damp walls.

As they continued, the oppressive darkness gradually gave way to a faint, flickering light. Kakashi's eyes adjusted to the change, and he felt the weight of the cave's suffocating atmosphere begin to lift. Soon, the mouth of the cavern came into view, and with it, a familiar figure lounging on a massive web spun across the rock walls.

The Spider Sage grinned at the sight of him, his arms folded casually behind his head. "Welcome back," he called out, his tone dripping with mockery. "Wasn't easy on you, huh?"

Kakashi met his gaze with a blank expression, his exhaustion overriding any inclination to humor the sage's teasing. Without stopping, he brushed past him and said flatly, "I've contacted enough creatures. I'm canceling the reverse summon."

The sage tilted his head, feigning hurt. "Leaving so soon? And so coldly, too." He placed a hand over his heart as if wounded. "It's like you don't appreciate me at all after all these years."

Kakashi didn't respond, instead forming the Ram sign in preparation for the release.

"Fine, just go," the sage continued with a dramatic sigh. "I won't miss you, you heartless student."

Kakashi paused for a moment, turning to look at him. His expression softened, if only slightly. "Thank you for everything," he said quietly before activating the release.

In an instant, Kakashi vanished in a flash of light, leaving the Spider Sage alone in the cavern.

The sage stared at the empty space where Kakashi had stood, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "Still shy as ever," he murmured to himself.

Stretching his arms lazily, he yawned and glanced around the now-empty chamber. "Well, whatever. I'm bored. I wonder what Enkidu has been up to these past few years. I hope he's not still sulking after my winning streak in Go." His grin turned mischievous as he leaped down from the web. "Guess I'll go beat him again."

Hokage Tower, Konoha

In the Hokage's office, the tension was palpable. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at the head of the table, his three advisors—Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Danzo Shimura—seated around him. Shikaku Nara stood to the side, his arms crossed as he observed the discussion with a calculated calmness.

"The tensions between us and Kumogakure are escalating," Hiruzen began, his tone measured but firm. "Signing a peace treaty with them should be our top priority."

Homura nodded, his brows furrowed. "We've yet to fully recover from the Nine-Tails' rampage. Another conflict, especially with a village as powerful as Kumo, would be disastrous."

Koharu added, "It's crucial to secure peace now, even if it means swallowing some pride."

Danzo, however, scoffed, his one visible eye narrowing. "Hiruzen, a peace treaty will only make us appear weak. Konoha should not be the one to extend an olive branch. Let Kumo initiate the talks if they truly want peace."

Hiruzen's calm demeanor began to crack, frustration creeping into his voice. "Danzo, we don't have the luxury of pride right now. Our position is vulnerable, and prolonging hostilities could lead to unnecessary bloodshed."

Danzo leaned forward, his voice low and insistent. "That's why I'm telling you—give me the fox brat. In a few years, he'll become a weapon powerful enough to deter any village from even considering an attack on us."

The room fell silent. Hiruzen's eyes hardened, and his hands clenched into fists. "Danzo," he said, his voice dangerously quiet, "you are out of line. Naruto is Minato's son—a hero of this village. I've tolerated your treatment of him thus far, but I will not allow you to lay a single hand on him."

Danzo didn't back down, his tone icy. "You'll regret this decision, Hiruzen. Mark my words."

Hiruzen stood abruptly, slamming his hand on the table with a resounding thud. "I am the Hokage," he said, his voice firm and commanding. "My orders are final."

Shikaku, who had been silently observing the exchange, let out a weary sigh. This was becoming a familiar routine, the tension between Hiruzen and Danzo boiling over almost weekly.

The heavy atmosphere was interrupted by the sudden appearance of an ANBU operative. The masked figure knelt before the Hokage, his voice calm and steady. "Hokage-sama, Hatake Kakashi has been seen leaving his house."

Hiruzen's stern expression softened slightly, a glimmer of relief in his eyes. "Kakashi," he murmured. "It seems he's finally returned."

Shikaku arched an eyebrow. "Do you think he'll report in?"

Hiruzen chuckled lightly. "Knowing him? He'll probably avoid me for a few days, then show up with some excuse that doesn't quite add up."

Shikaku smirked faintly, his sharp eyes glinting with amusement. "Sounds about right."

The room relaxed slightly, but the tension lingered. The looming threat of Kumogakure and the village's precarious position weighed heavily on everyone present.

Kakashi's Return

Kakashi stepped out of his house, the sunlight momentarily blinding after his prolonged stay in the Spider Sage's domain. He shielded his eyes with his hand, taking a deep breath of fresh air.

The familiar sights and sounds of Konoha greeted him—a stark contrast to the oppressive darkness of the spider-filled caverns. Children laughed as they played in the streets, and shopkeepers called out to passersby, their voices carrying a sense of normalcy that felt almost foreign to him.

Despite the lively atmosphere, Kakashi couldn't shake the lingering weight of his journey. His mind was a whirlwind of thoughts—new allies, new abilities, and the constant reminder of the responsibilities that came with them.

As he made his way through the village, he noticed the curious gazes of those around him. Whispers followed in his wake, but Kakashi paid them no mind. He had long since grown accustomed to the attention, both good and bad.

Reaching a secluded training ground, Kakashi stopped and looked around. The familiar sight of the forested area brought a sense of comfort, and he allowed himself a moment of peace.

"This is only the beginning," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible.

Somewhere in the distance, he could hear the faint rustling of leaves—a reminder that the world around him continued to move forward, regardless of his internal struggles.

Kakashi clenched his fists, determination flickering in his eyes. "No regrets," he said quietly, the words a promise to himself.