The night was still young when Kakashi set off from Gato's estate, his mind now set on an even greater mission. Gato's estate was only one of many bases the corrupt businessman had scattered across the Wave Country, each one serving as a foothold for his illegal dealings, and each one full of money, weapons, and secrets. Kakashi had only scratched the surface. There was more to collect, and the more he took, the more powerful he would become.
With the sack of cash sealed in a scroll and tucked into his cloak, Kakashi moved quietly through the shadows, blending into the night. His Sharingan eyes were ever-watchful, his senses on high alert as he made his way from one base to the next.
The first stop was a small warehouse on the outskirts of the village, nestled between two crumbling buildings. It was guarded by a handful of thugs, clearly underestimating the level of skill a shinobi like Kakashi possessed. Kakashi paused, observing from the shadows. He could hear their drunken voices filtering out from behind the rusted metal doors. They were careless, slacking in their duties, too confident that no one would dare infiltrate their territory.
Kakashi's lips twisted into a faint, knowing smirk beneath his mask.
He closed his eyes for a moment, focusing his chakra and preparing himself. He made his move, darting forward with the fluidity of a shadow. The guards never had a chance. A quick slash of his kunai, a muffled cry, and they were unconscious before they even realized what had happened. Kakashi moved through the warehouse like a ghost, taking advantage of his stealth. His target was a small office at the back, where Gato had hidden a portion of his wealth and illicit documents.
Inside, it was even more lavish than Kakashi had expected—dark mahogany furniture, shelves filled with files, and a massive safe against the far wall. Kakashi wasted no time. His fingers moved with precision, swiftly unlocking the safe using a combination of ninja tools, chakra-infused locks, and pure skill. Within moments, the door creaked open, revealing stacks of cash, stacks that seemed to never end. Kakashi didn't hesitate. He took a few moments to fill another sealing scroll with the money, making sure it was neatly packed and secure.
He couldn't help but feel a small thrill. Gato's greed had made this possible, and Kakashi was taking full advantage of it. This will be enough for now, he thought, rolling the sealing scroll up and slipping it into his cloak. He cast a final glance around the room, ensuring he hadn't missed anything valuable, before he slipped back into the shadows and made his way to the next target.
The next base was a warehouse deeper in the heart of the Wave Country. It was a more secure location, heavily guarded by trained mercenaries hired by Gato. Kakashi had no doubt that the warehouse would be better protected, but this only made it more exciting for him. His mind raced as he approached the perimeter, silently analyzing the guards' positions and their routines.
The warehouse was surrounded by tall stone walls, with only a single entrance. Kakashi watched for a while, observing the patterns of the guards. There were four men stationed outside, all seemingly alert but not prepared for a ninja's speed and stealth.
He grinned beneath his mask, his fingers brushing his kunai holster. Kakashi wasn't the type to rush in recklessly, so he would take his time. This was a game of patience, and he was well practiced.
As the guards shifted positions, Kakashi leapt into the air, landing silently behind one of the men. His kunai flashed, and the guard was down before he could make a sound. One by one, the others fell, expertly incapacitated in moments. By the time the last guard even realized what was happening, Kakashi was already in the warehouse.
Inside, the scene was familiar. Just like before, the safe was tucked away in the back of the room, surrounded by stacks of merchandise and crates. Kakashi made his way to it, quickly bypassing the security systems with ease, and opened the safe. More money. More records of Gato's shady dealings. Everything Kakashi needed to continue his collection was right there.
He didn't bother to linger this time. The process was becoming almost routine, and Kakashi's hunger for power only grew with each successful heist. He filled another scroll and made his exit, this time leaving no trace behind. There was no need to draw attention. No need to deal with anyone who wasn't necessary. He was there to get what he wanted, and that's exactly what he was doing.
Over the next few days, Kakashi continued his silent assault on Gato's bases, moving from one to the next, collecting more money, more assets, and more leverage. Each mission was cleaner than the last. Each base was quieter. No one seemed to notice the sudden disappearance of Gato's resources, but Kakashi was aware of the larger implications. Gato's empire would crumble under the weight of its own greed, and Kakashi would be there to claim the pieces.
By the time he had finished his rounds, Kakashi had amassed enough wealth to fund his plans for years to come. He had more money than he had ever imagined, and with it, he could create something greater—something that would give him the control and influence he sought. But as he stood over the final base, having completed the last of his "collecting," he couldn't help but feel something stir within him. Something darker. Something that told him this was only the beginning.
I have the resources. Now I need the people.
He walked away from the last warehouse, his mind already moving to the next phase. His thoughts were cold, calculating, and focused entirely on the future. The mission was still ongoing, but he had set the pieces in motion for something far larger than anything the original Kakashi could have conceived.
And as the stars twinkled above, Kakashi couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Everything is falling into place.