Chapter 97: The First Step is Breathing
The meeting with Hatake Sakumo concluded more smoothly than Kagenori had anticipated. The White Fang's approval of the master-disciple relationship was a significant advantage, granting them immediate legitimacy and operational freedom.
"Kagenori," Sakumo began, his tone shifting to that of a commander, "may I ask your purpose in coming to the Land of Grass? The front here has been stagnant. If you sought combat, the conflict with Sunagakure in the Land of Rivers is far more active."
Kagenori's reply was carefully measured. "My primary objective is not combat, Lord Sakumo, but a personal matter of investigation. For my missions, I would request reconnaissance assignments that allow for a degree of autonomous action."
Sakumo's brow furrowed slightly. An investigation? He assumed it was a matter for the Hokage's eyes only and did not press. "How much autonomy do you require?"
"Once I have located an Iwagakure patrol and assessed their numbers, I would like the authority to engage at my discretion. It will serve as live-fire training for Kakashi."
Sakumo considered this for a moment before nodding. "Granted. But heed this warning: do not be overconfident. If you encounter a team of more than four, you are to disengage immediately. Keep any engagement brief to prevent them from calling reinforcements."
He leaned forward, his expression grave. "The Iwa-nin here are not brash. They are cunning and cautious. They avoid unfavorable odds and will retreat from a powerful opponent, only to regroup with nearby units and swarm you. It is this methodical patience that has made their position here so impregnable. They have numbers. You must be careful."
"You have my word, Lord Sakumo," Kagenori replied with a respectful bow. "I will not recklessly endanger myself or my student."
"Good. Then your long-term mission is as follows: Iwagakure has established numerous hidden outposts throughout this country. These positions allow them to reinforce their lines faster than we can. You and Kakashi are to locate these outposts and report their positions directly to me. You may depart at your own discretion."
"Understood. Thank you, Lord Sakumo."
Once they were outside, Kakashi's discipline momentarily broke under a wave of youthful eagerness. "Sensei! You said you would teach me the Full Concentration Breathing when we arrived."
A faint, almost imperceptible smile touched Kagenori's lips. "I did. Tell me, Kakashi… is that mask of yours breathable?"
The question was so odd it gave Kakashi pause. "It… it is, sensei."
...
Half an hour later, Kakashi's composure had utterly shattered.
"Sensei… I can't… breathe!"
Kagenori had methodically stuffed several layers of thick cloth inside Kakashi's mask, severely restricting his airflow. Each breath was now a laborious struggle, a desperate gasp against a phantom hand tightening around his throat.
Kagenori's smile was a sharp, merciless thing. "It's difficult? Then prepare for suffering. You will wear this at all times. You may not remove it without my explicit permission."
"Even… when I sleep?" Kakashi wheezed, his single visible eye wide with disbelief.
"Of course," Kagenori stated, his tone didactic. "As I explained, the breathing method forces your blood to absorb a massive amount of oxygen to enhance your physical capabilities. Your cardiopulmonary system is currently too weak to achieve this. So, we strengthen it first. But you will have breaks…"
A flicker of hope ignited in Kakashi's eye.
"…while you are eating and drinking," Kagenori finished.
The hope died. "That's not a break!" Kakashi protested, his voice a strained whisper.
Kagenori ruffled the boy's silver hair, a gesture that was almost affectionate were it not for the context. "Consider today an adjustment period. We begin our reconnaissance mission tomorrow. And do not think of removing the mask when I am not watching. The consequences will be… unpleasant."
A cold shiver, unrelated to his oxygen deprivation, ran down Kakashi's spine. "I won't, sensei! I promise!"
"Good. Then attend to your preparations."
As Kagenori turned to leave, a base-ninja approached to show him to his quarters. Once there, Kagenori made a request. "Do you have a map of the Land of Grass?"
"Right here," the ninja said, pulling a scrolled map from his pouch to show him.
"My thanks," Kagenori said, taking the scroll from the man's hand before he could react. He then stepped into his room and closed the door, leaving the ninja standing in the hallway, mouth agape in silent protest. The man sighed in resignation and trudged away to find a replacement. Arguing with one of Orochimaru's disciples over a map seemed like a very poor career move.
Inside, Kagenori unfurled the map. His true mission began now. According to his deductions, Karin's mother was not yet affiliated with Kusagakure but was living somewhere within this country's borders. The Land of Grass was small, but finding one specific person was still a monumental task.
He began to systematically eliminate areas. Kusagakure Village itself was the first to be crossed out. Next, he marked the known territories and patrol routes of Konoha and Iwagakure. The viable search area shrank considerably, but it was still a vast expanse of wilderness and remote villages. He had no idea if the woman was a hermit or living in a community. The work ahead would be tedious and slow.
...
The next morning, Kagenori opened his door to begin the mission and froze.
Kakashi was lying prone on the ground just outside, his forehead beaded with cold sweat, his skin pale and clammy. His chest heaved with shallow, frantic breaths.
"Sensei…" he rasped, his voice weak and thready. "I'm… dizzy. No strength. Can't… breathe. Please… can we take it off? Just for a while?"
Kagenori knelt, his face coming level with Kakashi's pained eye. His voice was quiet, but the words were carved from ice. "No. You must overcome this state. You will not let it overcome you. That is not a request. We are departing on our mission. Get up. Follow me."
A wave of sheer despair washed over Kakashi. As he forced his trembling limbs to push his body off the ground, one thought echoed in his oxygen-starved mind with perfect, miserable clarity.
My sensei is a demon.