It is almost dusk,

Kakashi and his team have made it to the next village in record time using their tree jumping technique. Even panther Hana was able to partake in this, in fact her skills were far more refined than anyone else's on the team. Her claws make for good traction, and with her nimbleness as a cat she could scale anything faster than any ninja around. She would only go so far ahead, keeping a good distance with Kakashi, following him in closer quarters making sure no one else could. Occasionally snapping at the others if they got too close. This was an issue, a very dangerous issue. If only she could understand him, it would make things so much easier.

Now his team sits around a table sharing dinner and talking amongst each other while Kakashi takes the opportunity to give Hana a bath. Finally washing their enemy off her velvet fur.

"Would you stop squirming and get in! This is exactly what Hana used to do!" Kakashi complains.

He stands soaked from head to toe, fully clothed, trying with all his might to pull her into the bath. This tub is round, inset into the floor, and big enough for ten people. The perfect size for her, yet she refuses to go in.

At first he had waved his hand simply motioning her to step into the bath, once he had finished filling it. She stood fixated on the water, her oversized paws curled over the edge exactly how Hana was positioned when he first brought her to the spring to teach her how to swim. He now knows where she gains her fear of water and it is directly from her cohort. After several minutes of this struggle, with her not budging, he decides to give her a little push.

Well that one push turned into a few pushes and a few more, and more, each growing with more frustration until finally Kakashi picks her up—although not without some difficulty due to her size—and attempts to throw her in.

But that attempt had failed too. Somehow she had managed to slip from his grasp, rear her head, dropping one shoulder at the same time and flip him right into the middle of the steaming water. He stood for quite some time watching her snicker at him through her sharp teeth. It never occurred to him that panthers had the ability to snicker, but it was very obvious they did. That only sparked more determination to get her in the damn bath.

Which brings him to this exact moment. His arms hooked around her in a headlock trying to drag her in while she uses her claws to cling to the wood floor resisting him entirely.

"Damnit...arrrgh....would....you...just...ahh...get...in!" He says, tugging at her, with each word he pulls harder and harder.

Her tail flicks this way and that, occasionally slapping his face if it comes close enough. Until he can't take it anymore. At his limit, he grabs the tail just before it slaps his cheek and pulls on it hard, earning a loud roar from her. He then rears her around to her backside and drags her in by the tail. She had no time to react, and maybe he will get eaten for this, but goddamn it she is getting in this fucking bath no matter what the cost.

She plunges into the water ass first, flailing her claws in all directions. He thanks his combat skills and reflexes for this part, as he is able to dodge and parry any thrashing limb that comes his way. Finally after five minutes of growling and throwing herself around in the water she calms down. She plunks her ass down into the middle of the tub, and begins to sulk.

Kakashi sighs in relief and sweeps the water from his face with one hand praising the gods for settling her.

"You are a bad kitty!" He scolds, shaking a finger at her.

She grumbles at him, scrunching her nose and shaking her head.

"Now...it is bath time. You are covered in blood and guts! I am going to wash you and brush you and you're going to like it damn it!"

She fixes her golden eyes on him, watching every move he makes. Grabbing the shampoo and brush from the side of the tub, he returns to her holding them up for her to see.

She looks between the two and grumbles, lowering her head. Her ears flattening out in submission.

"That's a good girl." He pulls down his mask with one finger, still hanging onto the brush. He rips the top off the shampoo bottle with his teeth and spits it to the side then pours the contents over her head and body.

She huffs at him, groaning and complaining, that is until he begins to brush out her fur. Those groans quickly turn into purrs and appreciative licks here and there. Making Kakashi chuckle.

"I knew you'd like it. We could have done without the fight you know..."

The more he brushes out her fur the more tinged red the water becomes. With each stroke Kakashi is reminded of a body bursting, or a limb being torn from its socket. All of which he can barely fathom. But that wasn't what bothers him the most. What bothers him now, is how he has to care for the very thing that took her away from him. A large part of him wants to hold this beast underwater until she stops moving. But that would only result in both their deaths, so he pushes that thought out of his mind and ponders over a solution instead.

He finishes her bath by cleaning her teeth. Ridding them of old flesh still stuck in its crevices. It is probably the most disgusting thing he has ever done and Hana better thank him dearly when she gets back.

The panther seems very pleased with her grooming. Her eyes are closed, mouth wide open letting him do whatever he needs to do to clean her up. After this it will be dinner for both of them. He had purchased a lamb from a local. A whole lamb in fact, which wasn't cheap, and will serve it to her outside while eating his own dinner. There is one plus to this, and that is this death cat's devotion to him. There is no way she would leave his side, so taking off into the woods at night is not something he has to worry about.

He rinses the last bit of soap from her head and pats it gently.

"There...all done..." He says.

She looks up at him with those golden eyes. Black slits nearly cutting them in half. He searches those eyes for quite some time, looking for any part of Hana left in them. But finds nothing...

He's not sure why he keeps checking for glimpses of her. It is useless and he is only torturing himself. Yet he can't help it...

"Let's go get some food, huh?" He says sadly.

She groans at him again and nuzzles into his stomach. He pats her head once more before leaving her to go dry off. He trudges out of the tub, stepping up onto the soaking wood floor with her slinking behind him.

———————————

"Hey! She looks and smells a lot better." Shikamaru says as Kakashi and his beast enter the room.

Laughter follows them once his team sets their eyes on his soggy clothes and dripping strands of hair.

"Wow, looks like it was a struggle." Sakura giggles.

Kakashi points a finger at her.

"You shush. I need to get these clothes dried before we leave tomorrow. Anyone got any spares?...I gave mine to Hana...and well..." He shrugs, barely able to finish that sentence. And a quiet moment of sadness circles the room.

"I got another pair of pants you can borrow." Shirou suggests.

"Thanks brother." Kakashi looks around the room settling on the table of empty plates. "Anything left for me?"

Sakura immediately springs to her feet.

"Of course! I saved you two plates." She hurries over to the kitchenette where two plates sit covered in towels.

"Thanks, Sakura."

"I'll get you set up, go put some dry clothes on."

He nods and makes his way over to Shirou who hands him his pants. His panther, at his heels the entire time.

Shirou watches the big feline approach, noticing her curious gaze fixated on their exchange. She has come quite close to him, which seems a little unusual. Maybe she is gaining trust? She inches forward sniffing the pants as Kakashi takes them up in his hands.

...interesting...

Shirou takes a chance at her curiosity and very cautiously reaches a hand out to her. With his palm faced down and hovers it infront of her nose just to see what she will do. Her fierce eyes flick up to him then back down to his hand. She sniffs it, comparing the scents to the pants in Kakashi's hands, then looks up at Kakashi for something.

Kakashi crouches down beside her and takes Shirou's hand. Then something clicks with her, she reaches her snout towards them and bumps her nose against Shirou's hand. The first time she has gotten close to anyone else but Kakashi...

Kakashi looks up at Shirou.

"She's establishing trust. We should work on this. If she can witness trust between all of us she might accept more people into her pride so to speak."

"A pride?...kind of like wolves in a pack?" Sakura asks.

"Yes, but for felines of her size it is called a pride. Although panthers are more solitary beasts, we may be able to establish some kind of trust..." kakashi replies.

"Well, that's promising. It will make things easier for us once we get back to hidden leaf." Shikamaru states.

"I think we should keep our distance. We don't want this animal getting used to body snatching and feeling comfortable here. We should make it feel like it isn't wanted and maybe she will realize her worth and give us Hana back." Konohamaru says, crossing his arms and scowling at the big feline.

Kakashi considers that theory, however it is far too risky. With her ability to completely destroy a swarm of elite jonin, chewing on their remains, it is in hidden leafs best interest to keep her happy and satisfied. Whatever that may look like.

"That's too much of a risk, Kono. We need to keep her happy until we can figure out how to get Hana back."

Konohamaru snorts, shaking his head in disgust.

"She's a fucking monster....don't expect me to treat her with any dignity. She deserves a slow and painful death..."

Kakashi sighs and pats the panthers head.

"If she dies, so does Hana."

Konohamaru doesn't respond, he only shakes his head cursing every part of this animal. Despite Kakashi and Hana's relationship, he will do anything to get her back to this reality. Just to see her beautiful face once more, even if he can't have her the way he wants.

"Go get dressed, Kakashi. Your dinner is getting cold." Shirou says. "I'll keep an eye on her." He places a gentle hand on the side of the feline's cheek. Reluctant at first, the cat finally sinks into his hand letting him scratch behind her ears.

Kakashi watches them for a moment to make sure she isn't going to pounce on him. Then slips away while she is distracted to get some dry clothes on.

—————————————————

He had barely gotten to eat dinner the night before, as panther Hana decided to test his theory of dependence and go on her own hunting trip. Apparently one whole sheep is not enough for a cat her size. She had taken off into the forest to find a pack of wolves which she had devoured seven of before he had reached her.

Her speed was something to remember. If not for his body flicker he would have lost her and would be forced to wait for her return. Who knows what could happen if she is let loose to roam the forest unattended.

Once he had caught up to her, her primal instinct was in full force. He took caution approaching the wild animal as she feasted on canine bodies. Hands held out as usual, stepping forward slowly with no sudden movements. She paused, flicking her ears towards him watching him with golden eyes. A low growl erupting from her throat which he could barely hear through the pounding in his chest. To his surprise, despite her taste for blood, she stood and picked up a body in her jowls, dragging it over to him. She lay it down infront of him as an offer to her mate.

He shook his head and replied with a solid no. But this feline was not about to let him go without eating something. She growled at him and nudged the body closer using her nose. To please her, he knelt before the half eaten carcass and pretended to eat. All the while thinking.

This is going to be a problem....

Upon their return, he had forced her into the bath again. This time stripping down as much as possible first. Thankfully she complied to his encouragement and he didn't have to fight with her too much. After that it was bedtime, and he couldn't have been more happy to lay his head against a pillow. It was exhausting taking care of a wild beast and once his head rested against the soft cotton he fell asleep. However, he was abruptly woken by Hana pouncing onto the bed, claiming three quarters of it her own. She nestled into his side, just as Hana used to do, and draped her claw ridden paws over his chest and leg. Too tired to shove her off, he accepted it for what it was.

Cuddling with a death panther....

And fell asleep.

Morning came quickly. Kakashi and his team were on the move bright and early thanks to Konohamaru and his eagerness to get home. They had spent the majority of the day traveling along the beaten path. Familiarizing themselves with the scenery they had passed through days ago...

By now they have reached the hot spring resort they had stayed at on the journey to the land of frost. He was advised by Sakura and Shikamaru not to stay the night there as the employees were their enemy. But Kakashi knew trouble would not follow them there and besides he couldn't wait to see the look on the ladies faces when he walked through the double doors with a man-eating panther beside him.

As he enters the doors to the front desk, every girl at the counter stops to stare at the group of weathered ninja approaching. Kakashi immediately fixates on the girl who had tipped them off days ago. Her face goes pale as his stormy eyes set on hers and she drops an entire basket of towels onto the floor. He grins with satisfaction over her frightened expression and fumble. Just another confirmation of what he already knows.

"Good evening." He says confidently.

The girls share worried looks then focus in on the black velvet predator slinking in, baring its fangs. It was as if his pet knew what had happened to Hana during their stay and it would make sense. She was attacked in her sleep, in her subconscious mind, just where the panther lay dormant waiting for the opportunity to take control.

"You...you can't bring p-pets...in here...s-sir..." The girl stutters.

Konohamaru begins to tear her a new strip.

"Oh really?! Well this feline doesn't take no for an answer." He waves his hand over the panther who hisses and bears her teeth.

All girls back up into the wall of hanging keys and spa products whimpering to themselves.

"And...I thought I would return this to you..." Konohamaru continues, he pulls something from his pocket then throws it onto the counter revealing the rune carved necklace their enemy leader had worn. The same rune that was found on the crystal under Hana's bed. She stares at it, her hand instinctively covering her mouth.

Kakashi steps forward.

"From the look on your face, you know exactly what that is. You also weren't expecting to see us again we're you?"

"I...I don't know..." She begins.

And Kakashi pretends to lose it, knowing that she will fall apart the minute he raises his voice.

"BULLSHIT!...you know exactly what that is!!"

The anger in his tone sparks a fire in his panther and she leaps up onto the counter roaring loudly.

And just like that, she comes undone.

"Please!!...I'm sorry...I was just doing as I was told....please don't eat me!" She shrieks.

Kakashi approaches the counter and places a gentle hand on Hana. She settles down from his touch but doesn't lower her defense. At a moment's notice she could devour her if he gave her the go ahead. He takes note of that, it would seem she is waiting for that command. Maybe he has more control than he thought.... 

"What was the purpose of the rune under my teammate's bed?...and don't give me that I don't know what you're talking about bullshit , or I'll have my new pet here, take over the conversation..."

Tears begin to stream down her face as she stares at Hana's fangs dripping with saliva. Kakashi can tell right away how hungry she is and is surprised by her own control right now.

"It was to mark her...." She replies barely audible.

Kakashi holds a hand up to his ear.

"I'm sorry, what was that? Speak up!"

She blows out a shaky breath and sucks one back in then replies much louder.

"It was a mark."

"I see..." Kakashi turns to his fellow nin. "That's why the necklace was glowing whenever he got close to Hana."

The girl nods.

"Yes...I'm sorry...if I didn't mark her they would have...killed me! I had to do it!"

Kakashi turns his attention back to the frightened girls. He points at the two beside his target and flicks his hand.

"You two, go find us rooms to stay in."

Both girls eagerly comply and hustle out of the room. Kakashi leans an elbow over the counter establishing a comfortable demeanor. He looks her straight in the eyes.

"Lies will not spare your life..."

At that moment Hana lets out a terrifying growl, one that rumbles through your chest giving you shivers down your spine.

The girl whimpers and tries to back up further, but only knocks over everything on shelves behind her.

"Please don't hurt me...."

"I won't..." He replies and she sighs in a slight relief.

"But I can't guarantee my pet won't have you for dinner."

Her terrified eyes flick between the two of them and Kakashi smiles.

"Here's how I see it. You were hired to track us by the land of water...am I correct?"

Her eyes widen in shock.

"Ahhh see? You can lie through your teeth but your eyes tell it all. No need to explain any further."

"Please! I'm so sorry..." She sobs, her cheeks glistening from her tears.

Kakashi hasn't always been merciful and he knows it. In fact there was a time in his life where he would have killed the girl and everyone else in this resort without a single thought of it. But times have changed for him, and killing her wont benefit them. She can be useful if he is smart about it.

Before he can say anything else, Sakura places a hand on his wrist. He looks down at her and she shakes her head begging for mercy here.

"Don't worry Sakura, we are not going to kill her...."

"Thank you, Kakashi." Sakura says and the girl relaxes.

"We are going to use her. People like you can be easily manipulated into almost anything." Kakashi smiles and throws out a playful wink in a sadistic way.

"Whatever you want I'll do it!...just keep that thing away from me!" She begs.

"You're going to go back to the land of water and tell them their plan has been executed. That the Sunaneko is dead alongside her brother." Kakashi says.

"But the other girls here know..." Shikamaru begins to say.

Kakashi holds up a hand.

"That doesn't matter. You will do this or I will find you and feed you to my pet."

"Of course! Whatever you want." She replies.

"Good. I want you to return the necklace to the land of water as well. Tell them Kakashi sends his regards..."

"Kakashi?" Her eyes widen at his name.

"Yes...."

At that, the two girls return, drawing everyone's attention except for Kakashi's who remains fixated on his target.

"Excuse me, your rooms are ready."

Kakashi flicks his hand again flexing his authority.

"Good. Give my team their keys."

Both girls bow and hurry over to the mess of keys littered across the counter behind the terrified girl. She turns to face them to help find the keys but Kakshi stops her immediately.

"Hold on!"

Every girl freezes in place.

"I didn't ask you to move, did i?"

She cringes at her stupidity and turns back around to meet him and his panther.

"I'm sorry."

"I'm not done with you yet. Stay put. And you two get those damn keys!" At this point Kakashi is just flexing his control, letting his ego get away with him and Sakura doesn't hesitate to call him out for it.

"Ok, Kakashi. I think they understand the circumstances here. It is obvious they are not ninjas like us. Just girls who were taken advantage of."

Kakashi rolls his eyes and the girls hastily agree with Sakura.

"Fine. You're lucky Sakura is so nice. I'll take my key now..." All girls begin to frantically look for his key, even bumping heads with each other in the process which earns a chuckle from Kakashi.

"Got it!" One girl says and holds it up as if it were the holy grail. She carefully skirts by Hana and hands it over to Kakashi avoiding eye contact. Just as he takes it he reminds them all of who they are and what they are capable of.

"Just so you know...that group of assassins who were pursuing us...were no match for us." Kakashi smiles kindly. "So no more surprises ok?"

"Of course. Mr, Kakashi..sir..."

Kakashi whistles at his panther to come down off the counter and takes his key heading towards the entrance to the room corridors. His team gathers their bags and takes their keys following him closely.

As they enter the hallway leading to their rooms Shikamaru begins to voice his concerns.

"I'm not sure if it is safe to stay here. What if they try to assassinate us in our sleep?"

Kakashi and Shirou laugh loudly.

"Are you kidding? With Hana around?" Shirou asks.

"Shikamaru is right tho...I mean. Kakashi is safe, but what about the rest of us?" Sakura agrees.

Kakashi shakes his head.

"I have a plan for this. We are all staying in the same room to keep an eye on each other. The other rooms will be left vacant. We can move mattresses into the main room so everyone is comfortable. No need to be sleeping on the floor in a luxury resort."

And for the first time ever, no one disagrees with that.

"I see what you did there. They will have to figure out which room we are staying in." Shikamaru replies.

"Exactly. But I highly doubt they will make a move." Kakashi states. "Ahhh, here's my room."

He swipes the card over the panel and waits for it to flash green then he pushes the door open. Inside is a large room with a lounge area and kitchen. There is more than enough space to fit everyone once the furniture is moved around. It also comes with two Queen sized beds.

"That's a nice room." Shirou says, peeking his head in.

"It's big enough for all of us. I'll sleep on the floor with Hana." Kakashi says and walks in.

Shirou pats him on the back.

"That's mighty nice of you, brother. I'll take a queen sized bed as I'm still recovering. "

Sakura giggles.

"Riiight."

Shirou glances her way smiling slyly.

"I don't mind sharing either, little lady."

She blushes and shakes her head ignoring his comment.

"She's a married woman, Shirou!" Konohamaru snaps.

"I know, I know, I'm just playin! I'm sure she gets hit on all the time...she can handle herself, Kono." Shirou lashes back.

"I can handle myself. Thank you for the offer Shirou, although I will take the other bed as I am the lady in the group." Sakura replies and pushes her way through.

"I guess Shikamaru and Kono, are on the floor with me. Let's get the bed situation settled then order room service. I'm sure everyone here is starving." Kakashi says and throws down his pack onto the floor by the kitchen.

Everyone agrees to that and gets to work on settling down for the evening.