Naruto: Kakashi, the Ultimate Shinobi

"Alright, Lord Ninja, you must be exhausted after traveling all day. Come back to where I reside first. We'll depart early tomorrow morning."

Ryugasaki Yamaichi drained the last sip of sake, stood up smoothly, and gestured for Kakashi to follow.

Kakashi nodded without resistance. Though his stomach growled faintly from hunger, his mission always came first.

Trailing behind Ryugasaki Yamaichi through the bustling streets of Songcheng, Kakashi's instincts soon tingled with unease. Ryugasaki Yamaichi wasn't just a merchant—he was a shinobi.

Even though his chakra was well-concealed, the subtle control of his steps and the way he balanced his weight didn't escape Kakashi's observation. The man moved like someone highly trained.

A shinobi of jōnin caliber, perhaps.

Yet Kakashi didn't react openly. There was no law barring a shinobi from hiring another to escort goods. Even if Ryugasaki Yamaichi used to be a ninja, it didn't necessarily mean anything nefarious.

Better to stay silent and observe—for now.

They walked a while longer until a modest inn came into view. It seemed Ryugasaki had bought it out entirely for their group. Two guards stood watch at the entrance, bearing subtle markings that hinted at personal loyalty rather than commercial employment.

"Welcome back, Master Ryugasaki."

The guards immediately straightened when they saw him, bowing with practiced respect.

"Thank you. This is the shinobi from Konoha who'll be accompanying us tomorrow."

He motioned to Kakashi, who stood quietly beside him.

The guards eyed Kakashi curiously, their gazes lingering.

"Master Ryugasaki, he looks quite young. Will he be reliable?"

"Don't worry," Ryugasaki replied with a confident smile. "Any ninja dispatched by Konoha is more than capable."

That confidence struck Kakashi as strange. Did Ryugasaki know who he really was?

Regardless, the guards didn't question further. They bowed respectfully.

"Welcome, Lord Ninja."

Kakashi offered a polite nod in return. These men are well-trained. Not ordinary civilians, that's for sure.

"Please, come inside."

"Alright."

Despite Ryugasaki's warm hospitality, Kakashi kept his guard up.

Inside the inn, the two sat across from each other in a private room. The flicker of candlelight danced between them.

"Mr. Ryugasaki," Kakashi began, "I've read through the mission scroll, but I still have a few questions."

"Please, go ahead."

"This assignment is to escort your caravan to Sand City in the Land of Wind, correct?"

"Yes."

"That kind of mission typically falls under a B-rank classification. Why did you submit it as A-rank? Did you anticipate an encounter with enemy shinobi?"

As Kakashi spoke, the visible eye beneath his hitai-ate glinted with a sharp intensity.

Ryugasaki chuckled softly, seemingly unbothered. "What do you think, Lord Ninja?"

"If you knew there would be shinobi interference, you should have disclosed it. Otherwise, this becomes problematic for the Village."

Kakashi's voice lowered slightly, carrying a quiet but heavy pressure.

Ryugasaki sighed and leaned back. "As expected of Kakashi Hatake. Your observation skills are outstanding."

Kakashi's brow furrowed. His muscles subtly tensed. "You know who I am?"

"Of course. Silver hair, a forehead protector worn slanted over one eye, and your age. Konoha has only one such jōnin—Kakashi, son of the White Fang."

Ryugasaki spoke as if stating a well-known fact.

"So you are a shinobi."

"Oh? You saw through me that quickly?"

Ryugasaki looked mildly surprised. "Not many can detect my chakra suppression."

"Then stop dodging the question. Why the A-rank request?"

Ryugasaki's expression grew somber. "To be honest, my only goal is to deliver rare metals to Sand City. While I was once a shinobi, I retired long ago. Unfortunately, these goods have attracted attention—particularly from a rogue shinobi village."

"Golden Shinobi Village?"

Ryugasaki blinked, surprised. "Yes. I see you're well-informed."

"I've dealt with their operatives before."

Ryugasaki nodded gravely. "Some time ago, I gave shelter to a wounded ninja from Golden Shinobi Village. Instead of gratitude, he betrayed me—spreading word about my cargo. I killed him before he could escape, but the damage was done. They're coming."

Kakashi didn't reply immediately. His mind sifted through the man's tone, his choice of words, and his aura. He didn't sense deceit, but he couldn't lower his guard either.

"I understand," Kakashi finally said. "Your request makes more sense now. A band of missing-nin or even a small rogue village like Golden Shinobi can pose a real threat."

"I appreciate your understanding. With the possibility of being ambushed by well-trained shinobi, I thought it best to request help from Konoha."

Kakashi gave a slow nod. "Very well. I'll do my best to ensure the safety of your cargo."

"Thank you, Lord Kakashi."

Ryugasaki gave a genuine smile this time.

"Well then, if there's nothing else, I'll turn in. Please have someone inform me when we depart."

"Certainly. Allow me to show you to your room."

"Much appreciated."

Kakashi followed one of Ryugasaki's attendants to a prepared guest room. After briefly inspecting the space for hidden seals or traps, he made his way out to find food. His stomach had been growling since sunset.

After a quiet meal from a nearby stall, he returned.

Back in the inn, Ryugasaki sat alone in his quarters. He poured himself another drink but didn't sip it. Instead, he gazed at the flickering flame of the lantern.

"So... Konoha sent the Sharingan no Kakashi."

His voice was quiet, almost lost in thought. "Still just a boy... but the son of Sakumo Hatake cannot be underestimated."

He rose, walked over to the window, and slid it open. The night wind rushed in, carrying the scent of rain and sand from the west.

"Golden Shinobi Village... It's been years since we crossed paths. The grudge between us will end this time."

His expression tightened, a mix of nostalgic sorrow and simmering hate.

Meanwhile, Kakashi sat on the edge of his bed, removing his flak vest and weapons. He didn't train that night. Tomorrow's journey demanded full focus and stamina.

Training-induced fatigue could compromise judgment—and in this line of work, that could mean death. A mistake like that, Kakashi wouldn't forgive even in himself.

Mission completion wasn't just about the money. It was about experience—battle-hardened insight that couldn't be taught.

Real growth came at the edge of life and death. A shinobi walked a razor's edge, and one misstep could mean a fall that left no second chances.