The Celestial Copy - Chapter 24

The trip back to the village felt like the inverse of our departure.

When we left, Shisui kept things light, constantly joking and teasing Itachi, trying to get a rise out of him. Now, there was nothing except for the rush of wind and the occasional thud when one of the Uchiha duo landed a bit too hard on a branch.

As the village walls came into view, Shisui moved into step beside me. “Kakashi-senpai. There’s… there’s something we need to discuss with you.”

I slowed a little. “What is it?”

“It’s about the Uchiha clan,” he said solemnly. “There’s a growing sense of dissatisfaction among the clansmen.”

“All shinobi of the clan, even Genin, are required to attend a monthly clan meeting,” Itachi added. “The discussions are becoming more volatile. Some are calling for a show of force to reclaim our clan’s honor.”

“It wasn’t always like this,” Shisui continued. “The meetings started just under five years ago. At first, it was just about the frustration over the decision to relocate our compound to the edge of the village. But recently, we learned that we’re under constant ANBU watch. It feels like the village is holding us at arm’s length. Like we’re not trusted.”

Despite my surprise, I showed no reaction. This was a conversation I had been expecting, but not this soon. I thought it would happen months down the line, sometime after Itachi joined Team Ro and I had earned his trust after numerous missions together. For them to confide in me now was a massive leap of faith.

But it’s also an opportunity. I’m not an outsider looking in anymore.

“I understand,” I said quietly. “Thank you for telling me this. For trusting me with this.” I let my eye curve into a reassuring smile. “It sounds like we have time. Let’s go and meet with the Hokage. We’ll find a solution to this mess.”

They had identified the starting points for their clan’s discontent, but they were missing a key variable. Danzo was actively adding fuel to the fire. He had started this whole mess by relocating the clan, and then added constant surveillance to foster paranoia and resentment. Once the Uchiha acted out, he would be able to justify the extreme measures he went for in canon under the banner of protecting the village, a convenient cover for his own power grab.

Of course, Hiruzen shared some of the blame. His passive attitude toward Danzo had only given him more room to make things worse. But he wasn’t the same old man who’d always look the other way. He had shown a new willingness to move against his old rival, such as his intervention to help me get Tenzo out of ROOT and his backing of my plan with the Cloud. 

I was confident he’d listen now.

We signed in at the main gate and made our way to the administration building in silence. Once inside, I led them straight to the Hokage’s office, none of the guards stopping me.

Hiruzen looked up from his paperwork. “Kakashi. I trust your mission was a success. I wasn’t expecting you here today. And with guests.”

“The mission is complete, Lord Hokage,” I said. “And my apologies for the intrusion, but Itachi and Shisui have brought a delicate situation to my attention. I believed it warranted bringing directly to you.”

Hiruzen set his pipe down and gestured for me to continue.

“The discontent within the Uchiha clan has reached a critical point,” I began. “This is fueled by feelings of being distrusted and isolated by the village. And hearing their side, I believe their grievances aren’t unfounded.”

The Hokage’s shoulders sagged slightly. “So it has come to this. I hoped that time would mend those wounds. It seems I was mistaken.”

“Those wounds can’t heal when we’re the ones keeping them open,” I countered. “Treating the Uchiha clan like a threat only confirms their assumptions. We need to be the ones to extend our hand. We can start by removing the constant surveillance around their compound. It would be a tangible sign of trust.”

“That surveillance was put in place for a reason, Kakashi,” he replied. “It was deemed a necessary precaution. To remove it without a clear alternative would invite severe criticism from others on the Council.”

“They’re already aware of the surveillance, so we’re not learning anything worthwhile from it. The fact that we didn’t know they’re having secret meetings proves that. But we do have an alternative, and a superior one at that. Itachi and Shisui.”

“Yes… I see. Their willingness to bring their concerns to you proves where their loyalty lies,” Hiruzen said, stroking his beard as he appraised the two young Uchiha standing silently behind me. “The direct insight from the clan leader’s son and their finest Jōnin will always be more reliable than what our spies could learn from the shadows.” He focused his attention on them. “Shisui Uchiha. Itachi Uchiha. What Kakashi proposes places a great burden upon the two of you. Are you prepared to accept this responsibility?”

““Yes, Lord Hokage,”” they answered in unison.

“Then there is no problem,” Hiruzen declared. “This is a gesture of trust we can, and should, make.”

“I have another proposal, Lord Hokage,” I added. “One that will further demonstrate our sincerity.”

His eyes twinkled. “At this point, Kakashi, when you say you have a plan, I’ve learned to listen. Please, continue.”

“The upcoming Chūnin Exams in the Hidden Cloud. I have no doubt Itachi will reach the finals. I suggest you extend an invitation to Fugaku Uchiha and his family to accompany you as honored guests, so they can watch their son compete.”

A smile slowly spread across Hiruzen’s face. “You continue to surprise me each and every day, Kakashi. That will provide the perfect opportunity to speak with Fugaku amicably, away from the pressures and politics of the council.” 

He looked at Itachi and Shisui. “You two have chosen a difficult path for the sake of peace. That is the very definition of the Will of Fire. The village is in your debt.” Then his eyes met mine, filled with a sense of pride. “And in you, Kakashi, the Hidden Leaf Village has found a champion for that will. We are truly blessed to have you.”

[FEAT ACHIEVED: GAIN SHISUI AND ITACHI UCHIHA’S COMPLETE TRUST]

[50 CP GRANTED - 200 TOTAL]

‘Complete trust’ is a strong way to describe it, but I have no plans of letting them down.

[YOU NOW HAVE SUFFICIENT CP TO OBTAIN CURRENT LOCKED PERK.]

[-200 CP, PURCHASED FANTASTIC MINDS. 0 CP REMAINING]

What an interesting feeling this is. Like a fog in my head has just been lifted.

Previously, I was working with vague recollections of events, not that they were unreliable. With them, I was able to do many things, it was just that the minute details were missing. Now, it was as if I could recall every piece of information with perfect clarity.

That was especially useful for the current situation. I now remembered that Danzo was the one who originally pushed for Itachi’s ANBU promotion. He wanted a tool he could isolate and coerce into doing his dirty work for him. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case this time. By making me Itachi’s temporary sensei, Hiruzen had placed him under my protection, and then him making the choice to trust me meant it was unlikely Danzo could so easily manipulate him.

But Danzo wasn’t the only one taking advantage of the situation. 

The next realization came from the Itachi light novels, a source I didn’t recall until now because it wasn’t as memorable as the anime. In them, Obito was funneling information to Fugaku’s assistant, Yashiro, who was one of the loudest voices pushing for drastic options. Through him, Obito was guaranteeing the clan would move toward open rebellion.

This new perk is truly incredible.

I inclined my head. “Thank you for the kind words, Lord Third.” I turned, gesturing for Shisui and Itachi to follow me out of the office.

“Hold on,” Hiruzen said, stopping us at the door. “There’s one more thing.”

We turned back to face him.

“Jiraiya’s intelligence network has confirmed the location of the creature you were looking for. It has taken residence deep within the Three Wolves Mountain. Go whenever you feel it’s best, Kakashi.”

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[Kakashi’s Shadow Clone]

“Shadow Clone Jutsu.”

I popped into existence in a puff of smoke, instantly possessing all the memories of the Original up to the second I was formed.

The last few days had been spent putting the final polish on Itachi. It wasn’t really necessary. The kid was more than good enough to win the Chūnin Exams without putting much effort into it, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to show the other villages just how much better we are than them.

My mornings, as always, were dedicated to Team Ro, though things there had also gotten interesting. Yugao had been eager to fill any of my spare time with earnest requests for additional training, which had started to cut into my evening taijutsu sessions with Guy. But when you were faced with the choice between vigorous exercise with a big, sweaty man or a cute girl looking for guidance from her senpai… well, that was a no-brainer.

It did make me realize something, though. What is it with me and purple-haired girls? There’s no doubt about it, both Anko and Yugao are into me. And they were certainly charming. One was an unpredictable storm, the other earnest and dedicated.

What should I do? I don’t want to remain forever alone! But I don’t want to hurt either of their feelings when I have to inevitably pick one…

Ah, whatever. That was a problem for the Original to deal with. Wait. By then, I’d be part of the Original, so it would be our problem. I was sure we’d handle it just fine. Still, a not-so-small part of me was hoping we could have both!

Anyway, all that would have to wait. Today was the day of the Chūnin Exams, and we were about a kilometer from the host village. My job was to take Itachi to the Hidden Cloud and keep an eye on things. Meanwhile, the Original would be heading to the Three Wolves Mountain, all the way over in the Land of Iron, to finally find Gintoki.

I gave the Original a nod, which he returned, then turned and vanished in a flicker, leaving me with Itachi.

“Is it okay to send a clone into another Hidden Village for an event of this importance?” Itachi asked.

That’s just rude. I literally don’t even have to do anything. Just drop by and greet the Raikage, and then watch you do your thing.

“I assume he is leaving for the creature Lord Hokage mentioned. If that is true, couldn’t you handle it on your way back from the Chūnin Exams?” he elaborated.

“Sure, I could’ve,” I replied with a shrug. “That thing is just really important to me. But there’s no need to worry. I have enough chakra in me to last a week. Besides, even if I pop, the memories get transferred and the Original will get here right away. You know, I’m really fast. Like, really really fast. One of the fastest in the Hidden Leaf, probably the fastest actually. I could make it from the Three Wolves Mountain to the Hidden Cloud in an hour, and that's a lowball.”

Or could I?

The distance from the Three Wolves Mountain Range to the Hidden Cloud was about three thousand kilometers. But I could take a shortcut and water-walk across the sea instead of passing through the Land of Frost. That would reduce the travel to... two thousand kilometers.

Eh, details. I can just use Lightning Chakra Mode. It’s not like that technique actually gets to see any action, so this gives it a purpose.

I started walking up the path, clapping my hands together once. “Anyway, enough of that! We have a Chūnin Exam to get to!”

Itachi followed me, but I could feel him staring at my back like I’d suddenly grown a second head.

Huh, maybe the freedom is getting to me. 

Whenever I created clones, it was for quick or basic tasks like combat or training. This time around, I was expected to have a degree of autonomy, a necessity for a long-term task in another village.

The real me was in for a surprise when our memories merged. It wasn’t really something to be concerned about, since I didn’t have any rebellious thoughts. After all, my name wasn’t Danzo Shimura! That self-sabotage lifestyle wasn’t my thing. I was going to become the real me in a few days anyway.

I hummed as we walked. “You know I’m a captain of an ANBU team, right? You saw my squad during your mission escorting the Daimyo. After training you for the past month, I believe you’d be a good fit. What do you think?”

“It would be an honor, Sensei,” he responded.

“Great. It won’t be immediate, of course. After the exams, all the nobles will want the Uchiha prodigy running some missions for them. Do that over the next few months, then once the popularity dies down, I’ll bring you into my team.”

“Understood, Sensei. I look forward to it.”

“So, all this important business aside,” I said, speaking with a casual tone, “you’ve got a little brother, Sasuke, right? What’s the plan for him? Following in his big brother’s footsteps?”

His expression softened slightly. “Yes. He will be enrolling in the Academy when the next set of classes start.”

“What do you think about me taking him on when he graduates?” I offered, pretending as if that wasn’t something I had already decided on.

“Can a clone make that kind of promise?”

No problem at all! Getting Naruto and Sasuke as students was always part of the plan, hell the Original should even thank me for being forward instead of that weird passive thing he does. Like when he messed up with Anko…

“Well, I was planning on taking a standard Genin team in a few years anyway. Besides, I consider you a comrade too,” I said, hitting him with my signature eye smile. “It’d be my honor to teach your brother as well.”

Itachi’s lips curved in a faint smile. “Based on my own progress under your guidance, I can think of no better mentor for him. Thank you, Sensei.”

We went around a final, rocky bend in the mountain path, and the Hidden Cloud Village came into view. A massive yellow wall stretching across a chasm served as its main gate.

As we approached, two guards stepped forward to block our path. I recognized one of them. The one who was wearing his forehead protector bandana-style and had thick black eyebrows. He was quite muscular and a good foot taller than me.

Tajiki, my perfect memory supplied. The guy who would get killed by a reanimated Gari in one punch during the Fourth Shinobi War.

Wow. What a useless piece of trivia to have in your head. I honestly couldn't care less about background character 742.

I handed over the scroll containing our official invitation to the Chūnin Exams.

Tajiki unrolled it, his eyes scanning the text before he let out a loud, mocking laugh. “See this?” he said to his partner. “Looks like the Hidden Leaf finally decided to show up, but they only sent one Genin! Ha! Guess you needed to bring a kid along as an excuse for when you lose this year.”

I didn’t bother with a verbal reply, simply letting a sliver of Absolute Power radiate outwards. 

Oh my god, they’re sweating. This ability is just too convenient for aura farming.

The other gate guard, fortunately unnamed so I didn’t have to remember another useless fact from Fantastic Minds, widened his eyes in terror. “T-Tajiki, you dumbass! Th-that’s the Copy Ninja! Kakashi Hatake!”

Tajiki’s hand trembled as he hastily rolled the scroll back up and handed it back to me. “Our apologies, you may enter! The first part of the Chūnin Exams is at the Academy in an hour.”

“No problem,” I said casually, taking the scroll back. “But shouldn’t you escort us to where we’ll be staying? I can’t imagine the Raikage wants foreign shinobi wandering his village unsupervised.”

The unnamed guard quickly led us through the village to a designated inn for the visiting teams, got us a room, and then practically fled.

Once we were alone, I glanced at Itachi. “Sorry we took so long getting here that you won’t have time to rest.”

“It’s fine,” he replied. “I’m assuming the first part will be some kind of written test.”

“Hm, probably. There’s likely a hidden rule, but I don’t think you need a reminder from me. You know what’s at stake here.” I let my eye curve into a knowing smile. “If you make it to the finals, Sasuke will be there to watch you.”

He nodded, his already perfect posture somehow straightening even further, but I didn’t miss his hand clenching into a fist.

What a brocon.

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[Yugito Nii]

Her foot slammed into the valley floor as she created yet another smoking crater. This was her private training ground, the place where she could go all out without having any other shinobi hold her back. 

Except for Killer B. Every once in a while, he would invite her to Unraikyo, the Valley of Clouds and Lightning, where he trained. But today she was training alone.

Still trying to burn away your frustration? Matatabi’s amused voice purred from deep within her mind. That Leaf shinobi left quite an impact on your pride.

You lost too, Yugito shot back, narrowing her eyes. I gave you full control, and you couldn’t even land a scratch on him.

Yup, he’s so strong! You should make kittens with him.

The hell?! If only the villagers knew you were more of a perverted cat instead of the monster cat.

Suddenly, a crackle of lightning appeared in the air before her, condensing into a scroll. Mabui’s Ethereal Transmission. The very reason the Raikage had made her former teammate his personal secretary.

Yugito opened the scroll and read the brief message: Lord Raikage has summoned you to his office.

Receiving the message from Mabui instead of another shinobi telling her in person meant it was urgent. She immediately started going up the winding path at top speed, veering off to a secret entrance in the mountainside under the village. She’d long since learned that going through the main gate was a waste of time. Regardless of who the gate guards were for the day, they always tried to get back at the Two-Tails in the pettiest of ways.

Moments later, she exited from an inconspicuous building not too far from the Raikage’s tower.

She briefly considered going in through one of the massive windows. Lord Raikage wouldn’t mind, he was always breaking them when he exited, but she’d rather not cause problems for Mabui and decided to enter the normal way. Her pace slowed as she entered the tower, seeing a familiar blonde-haired figure step out from the massive doors of the Raikage’s office.

“You’re here too, Samui?” Yugito asked.

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Samui replied in her usual calm tone. “You’re the one who’s always away from the village on some mission.”

“It’s just the nature of the job.” Yugito paused, trying to remember the last time she hung out with her team. Just a few years ago, they trained together every day, yet after they became Chūnin, they went their separate ways. “Do you want to watch the Chūnin Exams? We can get Mabui, too.”

Samui shook her head. “Can’t. Lord Raikage assigned me a secret mission.”

“…I see.” Yugito tried not to let the disappointment show. “I heard your little brother’s participating in the exams. Is he ready for it?”

Samui’s expression softened just slightly. “Atsui’s all fired up, as usual. He’s convinced he’s going to make a name for himself.”

“I’m sure he will,” Yugito said. “To be chosen after only one year as a Genin is impressive.”

“It’s cool that he gets the chance,” Samui conceded. “But the Hidden Leaf sent someone even younger.”

“It’ll be a good test for Atsui, then.”

“Seems like it,” Samui agreed, turning to leave. “Anyway, watch yourself in there. Lord Raikage isn’t in a cool mood.”

Yugito nodded and pushed the doors open. The Raikage’s office was spacious, with curved windows offering a breathtaking view of mountain peaks piercing the clouds that hid their village. The man himself was resting on a red sofa in the center of the room, his massive frame making the furniture look small as he performed one-armed curls with a heavy barbell.

He finished his set, dropping the weight onto the floor, denting the blue carpet.

“He’s here,” Ay growled. “In my village.”

“Who, Lord Raikage?” Yugito asked.

“KAKASHI HATAKE!” he roared, rising to his feet.

The memory of her defeat flashed through her once again. The blinding speed of a copied Lightning Chakra Mode, the overwhelming force of a water-style jutsu that was able to extinguish even Matatabi’s blue flames.

“He claims he’s here as a Jōnin-sensei for one genin,” Ay continued, beginning to pace around the room like a caged tiger. “ONE! A man of his caliber does not play babysitter for a single child without a damn good reason. It’s obvious! He’s not here for the Chūnin Exams. The kid is a sacrifice, and while we’re distracted with him, Hatake will be probing our defenses to figure out the Leaf’s next move.”

“Samui will be his official escort. He’ll be watching her, expecting her to be my eyes. He won’t be looking for the real surveillance.” He stopped and pointed a thick finger at her. “That’ll be you, Yugito.”

“I understand.”

“Good, because I want to know everything. Where he goes, who he talks to, what he eats, and even when he takes a damn piss! He will not leave your sights for even a minute! You will observe and then report everything directly to me.”

She gave a firm nod, because one of the village’s jinchuriki bowing to another shinobi, even their Kage, was an action he wouldn’t tolerate. “Understood, Lord Raikage. I won’t fail.”

“I know you won’t. You are the Hidden Cloud’s secret weapon,” Ay grunted, waving a dismissive hand. “Now go. The first part of the Chūnin Exams has started as we speak. You’ll find him at the Academy.”

Yugito left the tower and moved through the streets, heading straight for the Academy. Just outside the entrance, she spotted Samui escorting a silver-haired man. Kakashi Hatake, undoubtedly. And with them, a small, dark-haired boy who had to be the Leaf’s sole Genin candidate.

A crowd of Genin, mostly teenagers between fourteen and nineteen, started to file into the Academy building. Kakashi said a few words to the boy, who gave a single nod before following the other candidates. Samui then turned and led Kakashi toward a side entrance.

Yugito tailed them, stopping at a darkened corner of a hallway that offered a clear view through an open doorway. 

Peering through it, she found that they had entered a staff room where the other Jōnin-senseis were gathered, though there were only about ten of them there. Clearly not every team even had one. 

Samui was speaking with Kakashi, and her entire demeanor had shifted. The usual cool, almost aloof professionalism was nowhere to be found. She was leaning in slightly closer than necessary, with an almost inviting smile on her face as she spoke far more animatedly than Yugito had ever seen from her.

So, that’s the Raikage’s plan.

It was crude, but it might just be effective. Samui was considered the most attractive kunoichi in their graduating class.

Gyuki is approaching.

What? Why is B here? He isn’t the Jōnin-sensei for any of our teams. 

No… don’t tell me he’s here for…

Her fears were confirmed as the doorway was blocked by a massive frame pointing a single finger toward the ceiling.

“Yo! The exam’s about to pop, a contest to the top! All you senseis are here to see which ninjas will drop! YEEAAAHH!”

Killer B scanned the room, his head stopping in Kakashi’s direction.

“Hold up, you on that chair with the silver hair! You’re the one who fought my sis and put her in despair!” he rapped, striding confidently into the room. “The famous Copy Ninja, a real big shot! Let’s see if you can copy the power I’ve got!”

Kakashi paused from his conversation with Samui, glancing at the man who just approached him. He took a moment to think of an appropriate response, and she didn’t blame him. Seeing the way one of the strongest men in the world acted had to be such an absurd sight for him. 

“That kind of power can’t be copied, it’s true,” he replied, humoring the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki. “But in my village, I know someone who will be even better than you.”

Killer B held up a fist. “Yo! I heard you were a boring guy, but that was a lie! You got some flow in that one eye! Put your fist up, let’s meet ‘em in the sky!”

Kakashi met his gaze, then bumped his fist against B’s.

Satisfied, Killer B let out a booming laugh and draped an arm around Kakashi’s shoulders, sitting next to him. “Heh. Just a piece of the man,” he said, not as loud as before. “But your heart’s the real deal. No stress, my friend, my lips are sealed.”

Kakashi’s eye widened for an instant before curving upward into what Yugito could tell was a smile.

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Author’s Note: 

So, I gave Kakashi’s shadow clone a much more distinct and casual personality. I just thought it would be a fun experiment since I was already doing a clone POV (Originally he was going to be the exact same as Kakashi, which there’s nothing wrong with.) That said, this is a one-off thing, so don’t worry if you didn’t like it.

Also, as I was doing my final revisions, I discovered that Atsui (Samui’s brother) is canonically supposed to be two years younger than Itachi. To be honest, he’s not very important beyond his role of becoming Itachi’s punching bag (opponent) I decided it wasn’t worth going back to fix a minor detail. Hope no one minds the small change.