The Akatsuki

                                    

                                          
A/N: This story will occasionally switch to another POV, third person. I will list the character's name when this happens. I will say nothing when I return to Katsumi's POV because the first person should be a giveaway. Let me know if it gets too confusing and I'll figure something else out.
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"Where are you now?
Are you lost?
Will I find you again?
Are you alone?
Are you afraid?
Are you searching for me?
Why did you go?
I had to stay
Now I'm reaching for you
Will you wait?
Will you wait?
Will I see you again?"
- "Hymn for the Missing" by Red
Chapter 12: The Akatsuki
Kakashi
Kakashi did not find it unusual when Katsumi did not meet him the morning following her birthday. She had a late night and probably wanted to sleep in. Besides, Gaara was still in town, and she often spent most of her time with him when he was around. It was only when he came across the Sand siblings midday in the middle of the village that he grew concerned.
"Katsumi?" Gaara said when Kakashi stopped to ask him if he had seen her. "We thought she was with you."
"Maybe she's with another friend," Kankuro suggested.
"It is unusual we haven't come across her," Temari said.
"We should look for her," said Gaara.
"Thank you," said Kakashi. "I know it's probably nothing, but you can't be too sure when it comes to Katsumi."
"Katsumi's missing?"
The Sand siblings left, and Kakashi turned to face Sakura. Something was off about her. She bit her lip and looked at him nervously. "Do you know anything about this, Sakura?"
"No, of course not! Have you tried her house?" She gave him a weak smile. She definitely knew something, but there was no use calling her out on it.
"Come with me." Kakashi led the way to Katsumi's house, the trip silent save for the sound of their footsteps. Kotaro answered the door when he knocked. The older man appeared surprised to see Kakashi, but then his face returned to its usual scowl. "Excuse me, is Katsumi home?"
"Not that I'm aware of," said Kotaro.
"We haven't seen her all day," Sakura said. "We're worried. Can we check her room?"
Kotaro grunted. "Fine." He held the door open for them to walk in. Then he pointed to the stairs. "Find it on your own."
"Thank you." Once he was out of earshot, Sakura whispered, "Someone's a grouch."
"It's not his fault," Kakashi said. "I'm afraid he doesn't like me very much." Katsumi's grandfather had been close to Obito. After the boy died, Kotaro tried to reach out to Kakashi for mutual comfort, but Kakashi had rejected him, choosing to isolate himself instead. If he could go back, he would have done everything very differently.
Sakura cast him a sympathetic look. She stopped at a door and took a deep breath. "Well, here we are." She opened the door, and they both entered. Kakashi's eyes immediately fell to the bed. Instead of Katsumi, a small, white cat lay curled within the sheets. "Huh?"
"It's one of Katsumi's cats." Kakashi approached the animal and gently shook her. "It's time to wake up."
The cat let out a long yawn before blinking at him with sleepy eyes. "Good morning."