Entangled

Precipice - Chapter Six

Precipice — Chapter Six

Hinata sat on the restless grass, enjoying the pull on her hamstrings as she pushed herself into a stretch. Kakashi stood against one of the trees that surrounded her home, 'finishing the chapter.' Hinata had humphed at his excuse, guessing the pages were all well ingrained into his memory by now.

The sun continued its descent into night, passing it's peak hours ago. The air still hung heavy, the wind pointlessly blowing the thick air about.

Kakashi begrudgingly pocketed his book. He glanced to the cloudless sky before studying Hinata.

"Do you have any questions?"

Hinata looked up with scrunched brows.

"About last night, morning. Anything?" He clarified, staring off at Hinata's tiny home.

Hinata crossed her legs, her hands playing with the peeling fabric of her shoes. "Inoichi-sama couldn't find anything?"

Kakashi's gaze lilted. He shook his head.

"Is... Is that bad?"

Kakashi exhaled through the fabric of his mask. Turning his complete attention to Hinata, he explained, "The person who you encountered was highly skilled in genjutsu—at a different level. They were able to place blocks in your mind to prevent you from remembering last night and anyone else from viewing those memories. The Hokage wants me to work with you to try and receive these memories so we can have a better understanding of the attackers."

"Oh," Hinata said with furrowed brows. Her eyes sparked as a thought passed her mind, "Pakkun? Was he...?"

"He got me. He's fine."

Hinata's entire body slumped in relief, her hands slapping the ground.

Amused, Kakashi smiled. With a few handsigns he summoned his trusted ninken.

The miniature pug looked up. "What do you want?"

Kakashi's eyebrow twitched. He jerked his head towards Hinata.

Ears perked and brown eyes glimmered. Throwing a warning look at an entertained Kakashi, Pakkun waltzed up to the beaming girl.

Hinata reached forward, scratching the top of his head. "Thank you for getting help yesterday."

"All in a day's work," he drawled. He pattered closer, sitting next to Hinata's leg.

"I'm starting to think you like her more than me," Kakashi teased.

"I thought I was making it more obvious."

There was that same twitch of his eyebrow. Kakashi's eye rolled as he mumbled something under his breath.

Hinata giggled, moving her hand to scratch at his favourite place behind his ear. "You didn't see their faces?" She asked Pakkun.

He craned his neck, "No. I sensed two Jōnin level near you. Following Kakashi's orders I went to get him." The flabby skin of Pakkun's face scrunched as he attempted a reprimanding glare, "You were concealing your chakra and your scent was weak, you're lucky I found you so quickly."

Hinata's eyes flashed with something unknown as she processed the information. "I'm sorry, Pakkun." Her expression wilted.

"It's fine."

Kakashi held back a laugh. Now it was his cheeks twitching from the strain. "Any other questions?"

Hinata stared at the ground, contemplating if she should voice her deduction. Her lips pursed slightly, swishing to the side. She trusted Kakashi. "You know who they were..."