Naruto: Kakashi of the spider sage

Kakashi returned with Shisui to Ichiraku Ramen, where Naruto was already halfway through his second bowl. As soon as he saw Kakashi, he swallowed his food hurriedly and asked, "Kakashi-sensei! What was that about?" His bright blue eyes looked up expectantly.

Kakashi sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "It's a mission," he said simply. "And one that's going to take a while."

Naruto's face fell. "How long?"

"A month or two."

"TWO MONTHS?!" Naruto almost choked on his ramen. "But who's gonna take care of me while you're gone?!"

Kakashi leaned forward slightly, resting an elbow on the counter. "I was thinking... maybe you could stay with the Uchihas. I heard they have a little brother about your age. You might get along well."

Naruto's eyes widened at the idea, and he immediately turned to Itachi, who was sitting next to Shisui, quietly finishing his own bowl. "Really?! Itachi, can I stay with you?!"

Itachi hesitated. "I would say yes, but... I have to ask my father first."

Kakashi nodded. "I'll go talk to him."

Later that evening, Kakashi arrived at the Uchiha residence. Fugaku was waiting for him in his study, arms crossed as he listened to Kakashi's request.

"You're asking me to let Naruto stay here for two months?" Fugaku's voice was measured, but there was a hint of hesitation.

"Yes," Kakashi replied. "I understand it may put the Uchiha clan in an awkward position, especially considering that Naruto is a Jinchūriki."

Fugaku remained silent for a moment before speaking. "That's an understatement. If word spreads that we are sheltering the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, many within and outside the clan will raise questions."

Kakashi sighed. "If anyone asks, tell them it was my request. I think they'll understand. Besides, Kushina-nee and your wife were best friends, weren't they? I'm sure she's been wanting to interact with Naruto for a long time."

Fugaku considered this, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. After a moment, he finally exhaled. "Very well. He can stay. But I expect him to behave himself."

Kakashi smiled under his mask. "He'll be on his best behavior."

The next morning, Kakashi and Shisui stood at the village gates, making their final preparations. They double-checked their supplies: food, money, weapons. Everything was in order.

"Ready?" Kakashi asked.

"Ready," Shisui confirmed.

They set off, moving swiftly through the forests. Hours passed, and as night fell, they decided to set up camp. Though they planned to rest, they remained on guard, their senses alert.

It wasn't long before Kakashi sensed movement. Bandits. They were trying to be quiet, but against two elite shinobi, their attempts were laughable.

In an instant, Kakashi and Shisui intercepted them, subduing them with ease. The bandits, tied up and panicked, stammered as Kakashi crouched in front of them.

"Who sent you?" Kakashi asked, voice calm but carrying an unmistakable edge.

"N-No one!" one of them blurted. "We're just trying to make a living!"

Kakashi sighed, shaking his head. "I was already annoyed about getting a mission right after returning to the village. Now this?"

Shisui stepped forward, crouching next to Kakashi. "You know, there are easier ways to make a living than ambushing shinobi."

One of the bandits gulped. "We—we didn't know it was you guys! If we did, we never would have—"

Kakashi cut him off. "Exactly. Next time, think before you act."

Another bandit hesitated before speaking. "Please... just let us go. We swear we won't do this again."

Shisui glanced at Kakashi, who nodded. "Fine," Kakashi said, "but if I ever see you trying this again... well, you won't get off so easily."

The bandits scrambled away into the darkness.

As they settled back down, Shisui suddenly spoke. "Kakashi-senpai, can I ask you something?"

Kakashi opened one eye and glanced at him. "Ask away."

Shisui hesitated before finally saying, "Why did you do what you did to Danzo? Was it revenge?"

Kakashi stared at the night sky for a moment before replying. "Revenge, huh? I don't believe in going after revenge. I believe that what goes around comes around. If revenge is meant to come to me, it will. If not, so be it. Going out of your way for vengeance is a waste of life."

Shisui frowned. "Then why?"

Kakashi closed his eyes. "Danzo was evil. Whether he was a necessary evil depends on who you ask. At first, I didn't care what happened to him, even after my father's... accident. But when I learned what he had done, he crossed a moral line that I couldn't ignore. If he had continued, more harm would have been done. Someone had to stop him."

Shisui processed Kakashi's words before speaking again. "So you're saying it's better to inflict harm to stop harm than to inflict it out of vengeance?"

Kakashi smirked slightly. "Well, this time, it was both stopping and avenging. So let's call it a win."

Shisui chuckled. "I guess you're right. It is a win."

By the next day, they arrived at the capital. Upon entering the grand city, they were met by Asuma Sarutobi, who was clad in the robes of the Twelve Guardian Ninja.

"Kakashi, Shisui," Asuma greeted, nodding. "You're here for the mission, right? The Daimyō has been expecting you."

"Lead the way," Kakashi said.

As they entered the palace, the Daimyō greeted them with enthusiasm. "Hatake Kakashi of the Sharingan and Uchiha Shisui of the Body Flicker! What an honor!" he said with a dramatic flourish. "I insist that you both join me for dinner."

Kakashi sighed internally. "Here we go again..." he muttered under his breath.

Shisui grinned. "Well, at least the food will be good."

The Daimyō clapped his hands. "Yes! You must try our special cuisine! A meal fit for warriors of your caliber. And while we eat, I'd love to hear tales of your exploits."

Kakashi and Shisui exchanged glances. This mission was already feeling like a long one.