Kakashi: Godless Ascension

"Relax, Kurenai," Anko said lazily, rolling her eyes and taking another bite of her dango. She perched on the table nearby, watching Kurenai grip her tea.

"Your little lover will be just fine. This is Kakashi we're talking about."

Kurenai's cheeks warmed. "Hmph, I know he'll be fine," she muttered, her gaze slipping back to the door as if expecting him any second.

Anko laughed. "Look at you. You're staring at the door like a puppy waiting for its owner."

Kurenai shot her a glare but said nothing. Then, a sudden poof! As smoke filled the room.

Both jumped to their feet as white smoke drifted across the living room floor. As it cleared, Kakashi stood in the middle of the room, dusty but unharmed.

"Kakashi!" Kurenai gasped, rushing forward and wrapping him in a tight embrace.

"You're okay…" she whispered, relief flooding her voice.

"Yeah, I'm back," Kakashi replied, holding her gently.

Anko stepped forward, curiosity shining. "So? Did you get the snake contract?"

Kakashi reached beneath his wrist and retrieved the large scroll he'd acquired from Garaga earlier. He unrolled it between the two women.

"Garaga?! The violent giant red snake?" Anko's dango nearly fell from her hand at the surprise.

Kakashi nodded once. "He accepted."

Anko frowned, impressed. "That snake hates humans. Even Orochimaru couldn't tame him, Garaga nearly bit his face off." She stared at the scroll. "And still, he took you on?"

Kurenai placed a hand on Kakashi's arm. "That's incredible." Pride softened her tone.

Kakashi smiled gently. "He probably sensed Orochimaru's evil. Even without doing anything, he looks like an evil spirit. With me… he saw something else." He exchanged a look with Kurenai.

Anko raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

"I walked in the dark too," Kakashi said. "But I didn't lose myself."

Anko leaned back against the wall. "Still… taming that bad-tempered snake? Impressive."

Kakashi shook his head. "We're partners, not master-servant. It'll take time to build trust."

Kurenai slipped her hand into his. "I'm glad you're safe."

"Thanks," he said, squeezing her hand lightly.

Anko rolled her eyes. "You two are too much. I need another dango to handle this." She turned to the counter and grabbed another.

Kakashi chuckled and turned to Kurenai. "Sign your name on the scroll, too."

"Eh? Can I?" Kurenai replied in surprise.

"Of course," Kakashi smiled.

Kurenai leaned in and kissed him once before applying the tip of her thumb to the parchment, leaving a small droplet of blood. Her name glowed briefly before darkening.

"That's glowing…" Kurenai whispered, stepping back. She blinked at the scroll. "I'm part of this now?"

Kakashi nodded. "With this contract, you can summon Garaga's underlings, and even some of his red lineage. Use them carefully."

Anko watched, mildly envious. "The red lineage is his descendants? Even without his permission?"

Kurenai smiled. "Yes," she replied softly. Pride and excitement danced in her eyes. She hugged Kakshi even tighter.

Anko folded her arms. "Just don't show your affection here."

Kurenai smiled and glared playfully. "What are you jealous of? Single dog." She poked Anko teasingly.

Anko sputtered. "Single dog?! Me?"

Kakashi moved between them, putting an arm around Kurenai. "Settle down," he said with a grin.

Anko glared back. "I'm going to need another dango after this."

Kakashi gently squeezed Kurenai's hand. "We'll head home now. Thank you for everything, Anko."

"Bye… single dog," Kurenai teased as they slipped out the door.

Anko sighed, arms crossed. "Hmph."

…

Later, inside Anko's quiet living room, Kurenai sat on the couch, clutching a warm cup of tea. Anko leaned on the table sipping her newly purchased dango. The day had taken unexpected turns, but the comforting aroma of tea and the quiet comfort of friendship kept tension low.

"I can't believe he found such a powerful snake as a summon," Kurenai murmured, still in awe.

Anko shrugged. "Kakashi always finds a way."

Kurenai set her mug down. "What about me? Can I really summon red snakes?"

"You already signed," Anko reminded. "You're in."

Kurenai inhaled deeply. "I'll need training… and time."

Anko grinned. "That's fine. You've got a powerful partner now."

Kurenai leaned back, sipping slowly. "Thank you, Anko."

Anko leaned forward. "Just don't make me tea jealous."

They laughed quietly, the afternoon sunlight drifting across the room as they enjoyed a mellow moment of companionship.

…

Later, Kakashi returned to his training yard alone, the scroll tucked beneath his sleeve. It bore three names: Garaga's first, Kakashi's second, and Kurenai's third. The parchment hummed with faint chakra.

Kakashi knelt in the grass, brush in hand, staring at the scroll.

"This is real," he whispered. He mapped chakra pathways in his mind, merging memories of Anko's curse seal and wanting to find a way to Garaga's red lineage enzymes.

He remembered Anko's trust, the way she offered her curse-bearing neck. The bold quiet agreement between him and Garaga.

He stood and stared at the sky.

"Let's test this," he said softly. Not just for Anko, maybe his students, or for Kurenai.

If he could replicate Garaga's enzymes, isolate them he could replicate Anko's curse seal…

If he could replicate it, it would be worth every risk.

…

Kakashi left his yard and walked through the village toward the Hokage Tower. Walking among villagers, some shopkeepers who knew him bowed to him as he passed.

Kurenai and Anko appeared at the corner, watching. Kurenai waved. Kakashi gave her a small nod. Anko smiled faintly, not mocking now, just glad.

Kakashi didn't smile. But inside, he carried the promise of new power and heavyweight responsibility.

At the Hokage Tower, Kakashi handed in mission requests for the future of his team.

The receptionist nodded politely. "Understood, Hatake-san."

Kakashi nodded before leaving. Kurenai and Anko followed behind, their footsteps light.

Outside, Kurenai slipped her hand into his. He turned and gave her a smile.

He squeezed her hand gently. "Ready?"

Her eyes shone. "Always."

Anko behind them rolled her eyes, though her grin betrayed her good mood.

…

Later that night, Kurenai sat in their shared training yard under the soft glow of the moon. Fireflies drifted across the grass.

Kakashi knelt beside her, adjusting his scroll.

They sat quietly together for a long time.

She rested her head on his shoulder. "Your idea… it could protect both of us."

He slid an arm around her. "That's the goal."

She looked up at the sky. "Then I'll train. With you."

He nodded, pulling her closer.

The night was calm. Their breathing aligned. The contract scroll glowed softly beneath their arms.