Note: The extra chapter is meant to fill in the gaps during time skips and reveal additional aspects of the story.
5 Years Ago
Kakashi had recently been discharged from the hospital and was finally allowed to return home. He was anxious and constantly remembered that moment in the hospital when he noticed the message on his palm. Kakashi was given three extra days of rest from missions. He had just returned home at sunset after talking with his teammates.
Kakashi wasn't hungry since he had already eaten with his friends. He landed on his soft futon and began to rest. Suddenly, he stood up and shouted in frustration: I will find out who you are! I can't imagine there's another me! - He grabbed a pen and wrote the words: Who are you?
Kakashi: I hope you answer my question, he thought to himself as he tried to sleep. However, he couldn't, as he was too worried and anxious, eagerly awaiting the next day to see the response.
The Next Morning
Kakashi opened his eyes and quickly looked at his palm. Seeing no answer, he felt disappointed, put away the futon, brushed his teeth, and had breakfast.
Kakashi: I need to visit Orochimaru-sama. Gathering the necessary items, he left his house and headed to the Hokage's residence, where Orochimaru was waiting for him. As he walked through the streets at a leisurely pace, he sensed someone following him. Without looking back, Kakashi continued on his way and soon saw his friends: Guy, Ebisu, Genma, Asuma, Kurenai, Anko, and Ibiki. They were sitting at a sweet shop, enjoying delicious desserts, especially Anko. Seeing their happy faces, Kakashi was relieved that Guy had recovered from all his injuries.
Suddenly, someone placed a hand on his shoulder and said in a raspy voice: Kakashi Hatake, follow me! Or your secret will be revealed to the entire village, and you'll die like your father.
Without turning around, Kakashi asked: Who are you? - His voice was quiet, but when he finally turned, the stranger saw Kakashi's face and felt confused. Kakashi's face was irritated, which was not what the stranger had expected.
Kakashi: ANBU? He thought to himself, seeing a person dressed in a black cloak with a bear-faced mask on his head.
Suddenly, Guy called out: Kakashi! Come join us! - He waved to his friend, holding a dessert in his hand.
ANBU: You got lucky, kid. - Saying this, he disappeared using the body flicker technique.
Kakashi approached his friends and waved, saying: Yo-o - as he relaxed in their circle.
Guy: Dig in, Kakashi, there are a few pieces of dango left. Guy pointed to a plate with three sticks of dango.
Kakashi: Thanks. He said, but didn't take any.
Kurenai: Kakashi, who was that with you? She asked sweetly.
Kakashi: No need to worry. I'm in a hurry, so see you later. He said and prepared to leave.
Asuma: Don't you have something to tell us, Kakashi? Asuma said in a gruff tone.
Kakashi slowly turned his head, standing with his back to them: No... - he replied. No one could decipher his true feelings from his voice.
Kakashi left and continued on his way to the Hokage's residence. Along the way, he put his hands in his pockets and began to be more observant of the people around him, paying attention to anyone who might be following him.
After a few minutes of walking, Kakashi finally reached the residence. Inside, he saw Orochimaru descending the stairs, talking to a ninja with light eyes. Orochimaru turned and saw Kakashi, smiling.
Orochimaru: Hello, Kakashi, - Orochimaru smiled, with curiosity in his eyes. - I can't wait to delve into your mind.
Kakashi: I'm curious too, - Kakashi replied calmly.
Orochimaru, Kakashi, and the first assistant left the Hokage's residence. The three of them headed into the forest, and suddenly Kakashi asked: Why are we going to the forest?
Orochimaru: In the forest, you'll cause less harm to anyone, - Orochimaru smirked.
Kakashi: What will you be studying today, Orochimaru-sama? - he asked, and the Sannin's assistant pulled out a notebook. Adjusting his glasses, he said: Today, we'll attempt to accomplish 2 out of 10 tasks.
Assistant: The first task is to invade your consciousness and establish direct contact with your second consciousness. The second task is to derive some benefit from your second consciousness.
Assistant: Right now, your consciousness is dominant, while the second consciousness is more recessive because it's suppressed by you.
Assistant: This means its main goals could include taking your dominance or suppressing you entirely, which is very dangerous. That's what we're trying to find out.
Kakashi: I see, thank you, uh... um...
Assistant: Call me Stein, and I'm from the Yamanaka clan.
Kakashi: Alright, - Kakashi replied. After some time, they reached a deep part of the forest.
Kakashi sat on a fallen tree, and Stein approached him, placing his hands on Kakashi's head. A blue light glowed from his hands as Stein invaded Kakashi's consciousness.
Stein's consciousness encountered darkness, and he heard someone breathing. He couldn't see in the abyss but felt eyes watching him.
Darkness: How did he invade my mind?
Stein: Where are you?
Darkness: You're reading my thoughts? Who are you?
Stein: I won't say who I am, but I know who you are!
Darkness: Then who am I?
Stein: You are Kakashi's second consciousness!
Darkness: I see. The fact that you can read my thoughts without me speaking is impressive. You must be from the Yamanaka clan.
Stein: How did you know? - he asked, surprised.
Darkness: I know everything… I'm always watching… I know what you need, - he said in a different tone, causing Stein to become nervous.
In the Real World
Orochimaru watched as his assistant's muscles tensed, then he suddenly fell to the ground in horror. Orochimaru briefly saw an electric charge.
Orochimaru: Interesting, - Orochimaru said. Kakashi opened his eyes and asked: What did you find out?
Stein: Nothing new, except for a few bits of information, - he swallowed nervously.
Stein: I managed to talk to him, but I didn't see his face. It was like talking to an abyss, and he's mentally very strong. I've encountered people who wouldn't let me take control of their mind by scrambling their chakra, allowing them to escape. But this guy suppressed my technique with sheer willpower.
Orochimaru: I see. I think he doesn't want to contact us. Let's end for today, but I'll tell you one last thing. Don't tell anyone about yourself, lie if you must, because no one should know about this. We've warned everyone who knows about you.
Kakashi: Alright, - he replied.
Kakashi bowed, gathered his things, and started to head home. After a few minutes of walking, he emerged into a small field covered with grass. The wind was blowing, and Kakashi felt great until he saw his friends.
They were sitting and talking, with some, like Guy and Asuma, engaged in light sparring. Suddenly, Kurenai, who was talking to Anko, noticed Kakashi's figure: Kakashi? - Guy and Asuma then turned their attention to him.
Ebisu: What the hell brings him here? - he said, adjusting his glasses.
Kakashi heard everything, including Kurenai's response to Ebisu: Don't talk like that, Ebisu! - Kurenai defended him softly.
Kurenai: Kakashi must have his reasons for doing this, - she said.
Kakashi stood quietly, watching the crowd. Asuma growled and said: Answer something, Kakashi! - he snarled angrily, but Guy, who smiled a little, stopped him.
Guy: It was just a light spar! Next time, I'll win! - he said, smiling and giving a thumbs up. Despite the smile, Kakashi saw disappointment and sadness.
Kakashi: Do you want to know my answer? - he said seriously, and everyone held their breath.
Kakashi: I was just testing myself. Does that answer satisfy you, Asuma? What will you do after my words? - he said, giving a thumbs down.
Asuma: Kakashi, apologize to Guy, he's your friend! - he shouted, pointing at Guy.
Nonetheless, Kakashi showed that nothing special had happened and started to leave. Asuma, why are you getting involved in this? It doesn't concern you at all, - he said calmly.
Might Guy laughed, continuing to talk and laugh as usual, making Kakashi admire him because he saw his willpower. Kakashi knew his motives for training.
Kakashi walked through the streets, feeling down. He wandered the streets, paying no attention to anyone. He reached his house without incident. Right after dinner, he went to the backyard.
Kakashi had managed to improve the backyard a bit since no one else would take care of it. Looking at his backyard, he said tiredly: I need to become stronger.
Kakashi practiced kenjutsu, taijutsu, and ninjutsu, feeling that the day would soon come when he would have to choose between his comrades and the mission.
Kakashi clenched his fist, determined to prove to his father that he would be alive if he chose the mission.
Three Hours Later
Kakashi was exhausted and went straight to the shower. Again, he left a message on his palm, writing: What should I do? - with a pen.
Kakashi: He won't answer, so why am I trying to talk to him? - Kakashi muttered and fell asleep on the futon.
Morning
Kakashi opened his eyes and realized there was still no answer. Angrily, he punched the floor, shouting: Damn it! - He sat on the floor, feeling sad.
Kakashi: Why did I hope for advice from a disease? - Kakashi calmed down again and went to the kitchen.
Kakashi felt that his training had suddenly given him more strength than usual in recent days.
When Kakashi left the house, he saw Might Guy waiting for him, sitting on the ground.
Kakashi: What are you doing here? - he asked calmly.
Guy: To mend our friendship and have a sparring match, - he said firmly.
Kakashi sighed heavily but smiled a little inside: Alright, follow me, - he said, leading him to his backyard.
Seeing the state of disrepair, Guy was a bit shocked, then looked at Kakashi, clenched his fist, and took a stance. Guy stared at Kakashi's back as he slowly turned, forming the tiger seal as a sign of respect. Guy mirrored Kakashi's action, also forming the tiger seal.
Kakashi: By defeating you, I'll prove my words right. Once I've won, I won't lose again, - he said, taking a stance.
Guy: The power of youth will show you how wrong you are, for I have surpassed my level! - he shouted, charging at Kakashi.
Kakashi: I know how hard you've trained, how much pain you've endured from training. We are bound by the same goal... to become stronger!
Kakashi: I'll prove that "Talent" is stronger than hard work, - he said calmly, watching Guy approach.
Guy: I'll prove that "Hard work" is stronger than talent! - Guy shouted, his punch missing Kakashi, who dodged and surprised him.
Kakashi attacked with rapid movements, but Guy suddenly grabbed his arm.
Guy: I learned this move from you, - he said quietly. Guy pulled Kakashi close and threw him over his shoulder to the ground.
Kakashi pushed off the ground with his hands, landing on his feet. Kakashi was very surprised, as he remembered this move being done by his second consciousness.
The sparring match continued for a long time, with them exchanging blows. Kakashi couldn't dodge Guy's attacks, who anticipated his movements. In the end, Kakashi emerged as the winner.
Kakashi understood the difference between them. Might Guy fell to the ground, realizing he had been defeated once again, but instead of showing a grim expression, - he smiled and said.
Might Guy: Next time... I'll win...
Kakashi: Hmph, see you soon! - Kakashi turned, waving his hand as he walked away, hands in his pockets.