THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW

"Kakashi, there's something I want to talk about."

"Well I'd hope so considering you dragged me out of the hospital for this." Obito and Kakashi were standing on top of the Hokage Monument, speaking in the veil of night that hung over the village. The two stood facing each other, their onyx eyes locked.

"I'm sorry about Mina. I know how hard it is hitting you. You aren't alone..." Kakashi glanced down, his heart broken over the sickly state of his wife of nearly twenty years. It's been three weeks and she has yet to open her eyes.

"I needed to tell someone this before I did anything...but I, along with Itachi and Sasuke, believe there was foul play here on part of the Land of Samurai. I think they are planning something...something big. While I was on the road during that 'gray period'...before Mina took me back into the village, I studied a lot and traveled constantly. Now the Land of Samurai does not include all of the samurai in the Land of Iron, but it does have powerful clans that reside there...one being the Miyamoto clan."

"That's the clan that rules the Land of Samurai." Kakashi stated.

"Correct." Obito continued.

"They are masters at iron works and smiting...not only that but they are one of the few samurai that can preform cursed jutsu."

"So you think they somehow could have cursed Minako?" Kakashi growled. He didn't like this...not only was his wife in the hospital but his daughter was in the hands of these people. If what Obito said was true...then there is a possibility that the Land of Samurai didn't want peace after all.

"Yes...now was there anything that samurai have given Mina that could have placed this curse? Perhaps a kunai, medal...jewelry? Anything?" Kakashi's ears perked up at jewelry and immediately remembered the gift Takeda brought in.

"A ring. He gave Minako a ring! So if we take the ring off then it should be fine!" Obito shook his head and crossed his arms.

"Not exactly. I think this curse will have a protection against just taking it off. It might kill her or us if we did so." Kakashi growled before clenching his fists.

"So what do you think we should do?" Kakashi looked up at Obito. Obito had a small smirk on his face.

"I believe we may have to face a war soon Kakashi. If this group is going so far as to cursing Minako then they clearly are planning something. You and I will team up but we'll have to be in separate places. Your name and appearance is highly recognized across the world so you won't be able to leave the village and prepare. I can act as your shadow, doing the dirty work that no one will know about. I'll use my kamui to travel and gather information on this curse while collecting warriors to fight with us. The Land of Samurai is not to be taken lightly...this could be a bloody war and I'd rather the Konoha ninjas not become involved."

"Who are you going to collect? Despite being friendly with most of the Great Nations, that still means we would be declaring war on the Land of Samurai without any true or solid proof that they are the ones doing this to Minako. Who can we turn to?" Kakashi pointed out. Obito smirked, thanking his past self for a moment.

"Before I walked this path, I helped create a group of mercenaries that reside in the Hidden Rain Village. Their Leader owes me a great debt and I'm sure that now I will make them repay it." Kakashi accepted that answer despite being wary about it.

"Are you sure that will be enough?" Obito laughed.

"You would be surprised. They would give even the jinchuriki a run for their money, that's for sure." The two old friends were quiet for a moment, watching a shooting star dance across the sky.

"Shinasui always loved shooting stars..." Kakashi whispered, his heart clenching at the thought of his only daughter. He loved her more than anything in the world...more than his father...more than the village...more than Minako...she was his little silver starlet and he wanted her home. Especially now that she was in dangerous enemy territory.

"What are we going to do about Shinasui?" Kakashi asked. Obito nodded to Kakashi.

"This is where you come in. I need two talented but unrecognizable friends of Shinasui to infiltrate the Land of Samurai. Which means no Sasuke and no Naruto. They are too famous. They need to keep an eye on Shinasui to make sure she is healthy and safe. I don't want strangers watching her...I want friends that are loyal to her that are willing to risk their lives for her. You should choose those two shinobi quickly, the faster the better. They need to stop that wedding." Kakashi agreed.

"I see...so you want Konoha to cover it's ass in case the Land of Samurai tries to blame us for the issues. That way they can't go to the other Great Nations and ask for help. Clever Obito. Usually I'm the one that had to plan how the missions went." Obito put his hand out for Kakashi to shake before giving him a smile.

"Just like old times...working together...although normally Minako would end up saving our butts. You and I together are saving her's this time." Kakashi felt a bit of relief that he knew at least what was going on with his wife. Fixing it will be the hard part.

"When will you be leaving to arrange that meeting with the mercenaries and figure out the curse?" Obito looked at the moon high in the sky; it must have been midnight.

"In the morning. I want to be in contact with the group you are sending as well. It'll make it easier for me to appear there to save Shina if I know where exactly she is. Also, they might be able to do more research on the curse considering they'll be on site." Kakashi sighed, placing a hand on Obito's shoulder before looking over at the village they grew up in together. They were always opposites and rivals, Kakashi easily beating Obito every time while Mina swooned and Rin tried to play the middle man. If only they knew how easy they had it then...If only the Kakashi then knew that the Obito now was the key to saving his wife and child from a terrible fate.

"Thank you...Obito."

~~

The morning had come and Kakashi finally came to a decision to which two ninjas he would send. They had to know Shinasui well. They had to be able to pick her out from a crowd and know it was her with a single glance. They also had to be exceptional ninjas capable of doing this mission without being recognized. Kakashi knew that he had to pick her two closest friends. He ventured out into the village, knocking on a door while his clone walked to another. A young brunette male stood at both door ways, tired from it being early morning.

"Kakashi, what can I do for you?" One ninja asked.

"I have an S-rank mission for you. It is top secret and you will be undercover for it. " The men narrowed their eyes a bit.

"What is the mission?"

"You will go to the Land of Samurai with a partner and keep an eye on Shinasui...do whatever you can to postpone the wedding until further orders are given. I think she's in grave danger. Do you understand?" Their eyes widened before a determined look was worn on their faces.

"Yes sir."

"Pack up and meet me at the Konoha gates in a half hour."

The time had passed and Kakashi was waiting with Obito at the gate. Within a minute, Neji Hyuga had arrived, a cleanly packed bag and his jonin vest being worn proudly.

"Kakashi." Neji nodded at the silver haired man. He turned to the Uchiha with a hand extended.

"You must be Lady Shinasui's sensei, Obito Uchiha right?" The Uchiha nodded and shook his hand.

"You must be Neji Hyuga...the strongest warrior from the Hyuga clan." Neji gave a small smile.

"Thanks."

"We're waiting on one more...I wonder where he is." Kakashi stated.

"It's a bit ironic how we both were here first, eh Kakashi?" Obito joked. After all, Kakashi and Obito were both known to be late. Neji looked behind him to see a boy running with a piece of bread in his mouth and his worn in bag flailing behind him. Neji narrowed his eyes, knowing exactly who this boy was. To be on a long mission with him was not going to be fun.

"Sorry I'm late!" He huffed. Kakashi chuckled a bit at the boy who looked excited. He was happy to have a chance to bring Shinasui back home...back to Konoha.

"Konohamaru it's about time you showed up." Kakashi stated. Konohamaru scratched the back of his head in embarrassment before finishing eating the toast in his mouth.

"Sorry I needed to eat something. I was so hungry."

"Where's your jonin vest? We are on a professional mission Konohamaru." Neji commented. He never got along with Konohamaru. He was always grabbing Shinasui's attention by doing something daring or stupid...just like Naruto. Neji didn't want Shinasui to fall behind and become sloppy...he wanted her to be successful. But Konohamaru was her teammate and cared a lot for her...there wasn't much Neji could do about it. Konohamaru wore regular traveler's clothing, appearing to be nothing more than a civilian.

"Didn't you hear him say undercover Neji? I'm playing my role." Obito smirked slightly. He liked Konohamaru a lot. He was quick witted and talented...a little sloppy but all the best ninjas were rough around the edges.

"Konohamaru is right Neji. Being undercover and staying that way will mean life or death. If the samurai know you are there for Shinasui, they will kill you. Don't reveal yourself to anyone...even Shinasui, until the time is right. I wrote a few things down for you guys and I need you to burn it as soon as you have it memorized. I don't want any of this information to get out. Do you understand?" Obito said. Both boys nodded, Neji narrowing his eyes that Konohamaru was right about being lazy with attire. Obito handed a scroll to Neji who eagerly took it.

"Let's just get this over with." Neji stated as he took off his flak jacket. Obito smiled at the two boys along with Kakashi. It gave them hope that Shinasui would be home soon.

"Good

~~

Shinasui stood in shock as she walked around the main village of Tenzin, observing the people around her. There were children starving, women being abused by their husbands, thieves, gangs and more. Shinasui never witnessed something so horrible in her life. She saw a woman try to buy food but was a few ryo short. The merchant smacked her for not paying in full and just as he was about to hit her again, I flickered there to catch his hand.

"You wouldn't want to hit the Prince's betrothed now would you?" The dirty man was wide eyed as he quickly bowed in my presence.

"My lady, please accept my humblest apologies." He said with fear in his voice. I wonder what the samurai do to their criminals here.

"Ma'am please grab whatever you need for your family. No matter the cost I will cover it." The woman with a bruising handprint on her face was so stunned that she froze in place for a bit. I offered her a smile that seemed to defrost her enough to grab several more items and place them in her basket. I paid for the items for her and turned to the merchant.

"If I hear about you hitting a woman again, I'll see to it that you lose those hands myself. If someone is stealing, you report it to the proper authorities." He looked sunken in when I said that. I went to walk the woman home and she told me all about herself and her family. Her husband was a fisherman that traveled south during the spring and summer to send fish to the village. He was preparing for a trip soon, after the royal wedding between Takeda and I. I opened her door for her and saw her bumrushed by her two children. They were excited their mother was home and it reminded me of Hima and Boruto. I missed my little ones so much...I wonder if they understand what is happening to me.

"Please my Lady, I'll never be able to repay you for what you did. You are an angel sent my the Fox Moon Spirit...I just know it." I smiled at her and placed my hand on her bruised cheek, my chakra healing her.

"It's my job to help the villagers when they need me. That's what a leader does. And you don't need to repay me. I'm just happy your family can eat well this week." Her eyes brimmed with tears and she bowed to me.

"Thank you so much..."

"My Lady the Prince wishes to speak to you." I saw a guard standing in front of the woman's house, causing me to quickly leave with a wave goodbye. I found Takeda looking annoyed back at the mansion, his arms crossed as if he was insinuating I was in trouble.

"My love, you cannot just interfere with the villagers when you see fit." I gave him a cold look.

"How could you say that?! When I see someone in trouble I help them, especially if we are the leadership here! We have to set the example!"

"You will not stoop to their level Shinasui! You are a princess and you will not mingle with peasants! Are we clear?!" I glared hard at Takeda, fuming. I wanted to yell but I remembered my position here affects Konoha...so I have to play by Takeda's rules.

"Fine." Takeda softened his gaze and came towards me, wrapping his large arms around me and placing a kiss on my forehead.

"I wish only for your safety my love." I sighed and pulled away when he did.

"I'll be in my room." I spoke softly as I left.

~~

I sat in my bedroom, letting one of the servants brush through my hair. She was my favorite, a young woman of twenty by the name of Hani. She had brown hair in a bun on her head and heavy bangs. Her eyes were a warm chocolate color that seemed to be very calming and relaxing. She was my personal servant that Takeda hired for me and I gotta say he did make a great choice. One thing has been on my mind all day and that was what the woman from earlier said.

"Hani, you grew up here right?"

"Yes I did m'lady."

"Well can you tell me what the Fox Moon Spirit is?" She laughed quietly.

"There was a story that I heard growing up. It is legend here that once a powerful Fox Spirit roamed the village at night, drawing energy from the moon. It was a beautiful woman draped in Ivory silk with a blue glow to her. She would protect the weak and feeble in the village, them praying for her in return. It's a fairly popular story here, many people believe the Fox Moon Spirit lives on. Others believed she left here when the Miyamoto clan took power." I smiled softly. Protect the village I see... I turned to look at the iron ring Takeda hand made for me that sat on the nightstand. I refused to put it on just yet...not until the wedding comes closer.

"Hani, you can go now. Thank you for everything." She bowed to me.

"Of course Princess-"

"Please call me Shina, my friends call me Shina." She smiled brilliantly at me.

"Goodnight Shina." I waved her goodbye and the second she closed the door, I rushed into the closet. I opened up one of the bags I brought with me from home and searched for the item I was looking for. I finally got to it at the bottom of the bag, Naruto's Anbu mask. He gave it to me as a going away present...something very important to him as a milestone in his life. When he was seventeen, he and Sasuke were both admitted into Konoha's Anbu unit until they both had children. Naruto's face mask resembled a fox, making me smile mischievously.

Perhaps if Takeda didn't want me to help the villagers, then the Fox Moon Spirit would.