The air in Konoha was tense.

Only a few hours before the team would leave to find Tsunade, an ominous pressure crept into the village. Kakashi, standing atop a rooftop near the market district with Anko and Kurenai, narrowed his eyes.

"They're here," Kakashi said quietly.

"Tch. Just when things were settling down." Anko, already twitchy, cracked her knuckles.

"That's not normal chakra… it feels… heavy."Kurenai, her red eyes sharp, focused her chakra carefully.

Down below, two figures moved casually through the streets. Kisame Hoshigaki, his massive Samehada sword slung over his shoulder, smirked at the nervous civilians. Beside him, Uchiha Itachi walked with a blank expression, his Sharingan hidden behind lowered eyelids.

"They're not here to make a mess," Kakashi said, observing their pace. He knew that Itachi was here to warn Danzo after Hiruzen's death. Letting Danzo know that he is still alive. And the mission to look for Naruto was only secondary to him.

Still, Kakashi moved, appearing in front of them in a blur. Anko and Kurenai stayed on the rooftops, ready to assist but trusting Kakashi to handle it. Civilians quickly evacuated the area, sensing the incoming battle.

"Itachi Uchiha. And Kisame of the Hidden Mist." Kakashi's face was calm, even friendly.

"Yo, Kakashi of the Sharingan… well, not anymore, I hear?" Kisame grinned, tilting Samehada slightly.

"You heard right, I'm better without it." Kakashi smiled.

Itachi's eyes lifted slightly. A flicker of emotion almost invisible passed through them.

Then, before Kakashi could blink, Itachi's Sharingan flared his Mangekyō Sharingan.

Tsukuyomi.

The world twisted.

Kakashi found himself in a world of red and black. Time felt infinite here… but Kakashi didn't resist.

He allowed himself to be trapped in this Genjutsu.

Itachi stood across from him, silent. The illusion space felt heavy with unsaid words.

Kakashi, standing calmly in the crimson void, spoke first.

"You know, I heard the truth of what you did."

Itachi's expression didn't change, but something in the air shifted.

"I know why you did it," Kakashi continued. His voice was calm, without judgment. "The Uchiha. The coup. You saved Konoha, even if no one else understood."

Itachi's Mangekyō spun slightly faster. Tsukuyomi trembled faintly.

He's struggling, Kakashi realized. Not because of me… but because of his own emotions.

"I know about your pain, Itachi," Kakashi said softly. "And I'm grateful you spared Sasuke from it."

There. A tiny, almost invisible relaxation in Itachi's stance.

Kakashi smiled behind his half-lidded eyes. Slowly, he called upon his own Mangekyo his left eye glowed faintly, even without the Sharingan sealed within it. Chakra swirled in the illusion space, subtle and controlled.

Rather than shatter Tsukuyomi violently, Kakashi gently unraveled it, layer by layer. No backlash, no harm to Itachi.

The red and black world faded like a dying candle.

Back in the real world, Itachi closed his eyes for a moment, feeling the residual strain but unharmed. Kisame shifted slightly, sensing something had changed but not knowing what.

"…You are strong, Hatake Kakashi." For the first time in years, Itachi spoke freely.

"You're kinder than you let others believe." Kakashi smiled faintly, tilting his head.

Itachi gave the barest nod almost imperceptible.

There were things he could not say. About his gratitude. About the burden he carried. About how much he appreciated Kakashi protecting the village and Sasuke.

But Kakashi understood.

Still, Itachi had his mission. He wasn't here for a sentimental reunion.

Wordlessly, Itachi and Kisame turned away, fading into the alleyways. Their real target or rather Itachi's target, Danzo, would soon feel their presence as a silent threat, a reminder that he was still alive, and still watching.

Kakashi watched them go, his face unreadable.

Anko and Kurenai dropped down beside him.

"What happened?" Kurenai asked sharply, worried about Kakashi.

"They won't attack," Kakashi said, still watching the spot where Itachi disappeared. "He just came to deliver a message."

"Could've used a messenger bird instead of freaking everyone out," Anko grunted.

Kakashi chuckled lightly but didn't explain further. Some things were better left unsaid.

He turned back toward the Hokage Tower. Preparations needed to continue. They still had to leave tomorrow to find Tsunade and knowing Jiraiya, he was probably already drunk or peeping somewhere.

Kakashi's mind briefly flickered to Tsunade. He smiled softly. Soon, he thought. Soon, we'll bring her home.

And he would be there, by her side.

…..

The morning sun barely crested over the mountains when Kakashi gathered the team.

In the quiet courtyard behind the Hokage Tower, Naruto, Sasuke, and Jiraiya waited. Anko and Kurenai were nearby, keeping a watchful eye on the village while the others prepared to leave. Kakashi stood calmly before his students, a light breeze ruffling his silver hair.

"Finally! We're gonna find that grandma named Tsunade!" Naruto bounced excitedly on the balls of his feet.

Jiraiya grunted, shaking his head. "You'd better show her some respect, brat. You'll be lucky if she doesn't punch you through a wall."

Sasuke, standing silently to the side, watched Kakashi closely. Something was off. He could feel it. Kakashi had been slightly quieter since yesterday, and Sasuke knew him well enough to know it wasn't anything.

Kakashi's eyes curved slightly into a smile. "Before we leave… Sasuke. A word."

Naruto made a noise of protest, but Jiraiya grabbed him by the back of his jacket. "Let them talk, kid. You and I need to discuss some ground rules anyway."

Grumbling, Naruto allowed himself to be pulled away. Sasuke followed Kakashi to the far end of the courtyard, where they could talk privately.