Kakashi's / Naruto's POV (Entryway of Kage Box of Iron Arena - Land of Iron)
Kakashi was a man who was very familiar with failure. He had failed Obito and Rin, Minato, and now even Naruto. Kakashi had pretended to be chosen randomly, but truthfully, Kushina and he had decided to have him referee the finals months ago. A subtle but effective way to ensure Naruto and his other students turned out okay. A bit against the spirit of the rules, but such was the life of a shinobi.
The task seemed simple on paper: watch two people fight, declare a winner, and announce the next fight. It was a simple and incredibly hard-to-mess-up formula. At least on paper, Genin, as skilled and powerful as Chunin or even Jounin, murderous jinchuriki, and destructive young adults, had complicated the job considerably.
Kakashi wouldn't say he regretted it. Doubtless, it had been nice to be right there. Assure his students wouldn't suffer needlessly, or anyone for that matter. It should've been simple for a former Anbu captain.
Yet Kakashi had failed; barrier ninjutsu, while rare and powerful, was not against the exam rules. In a moment, Kakashi decided not to be captured in such a way. Recognizing he was to interfere when required. Though he had tested it, first with kunai, fuijutsu, ninjutsu, the works. But he had not been able to pierce it, as everyone else. Kakashi had been forced to watch Naruto struggle against a force, even if he would've been pressed to overcome it. But unlike the others, Kakashi was meant to be the one to stop it…
Kakashi felt the iron control slip into place, calming his turbulent emotions. One did not become part of Root and the Anbu not to learn self-control, despite the moody and ashamed mindstate he had. Outwardly, he was pouting childishly about not getting his way, causing both Naruto and Neji to smile in ways they thought were subtle.
Kakashi was familiar with failure, and as such, he knew better than most how to keep going. One simply had to move on to the next task. Forget about the failure; it had no bearing on the future.
The fast pace of the group of shinobi led them to the doorway of the Kage Box within mere minutes. The doors were guarded by a milling group of relaxed shinobi and samurai. Kakashi used his infamous nature to nod at the shinobi and even some of the samurai as they drew closer. Subtly assuring them of his position and lack of evil intent. However, the two samurai guarding the doors correctly seemed less enthused to see them attempting to enter.
They stopped as they drew close to not encourage a dramatic response. One samurai marched forward, the other remaining by the large door.
"Stop, shinobi; the Five Kage and General meeting is before you.
"Whatever your business is must wait." He ordered dutifully. He was a bald young man who seemed to radiate pride. Likely a brown noser of sort, time to turn on the old Kakashi ch-
Suddenly, Naruto, exhausted but determined, marched forward. Naruto was obviously in pain, but Kakashi could also tell the Blonde was utterly determined to do this right now. The samurai flinched slightly, obviously slightly startled by Naruto blatantly ignoring his orders. The man attempted to draw his blade, but Naruto clutched a hand around his drawing arm. The man grunted as he tried to rip his arm free and draw his sword. However, Naruto's powerful grip did not waver; instead, Naruto glared at the man.
"Out of my way," Naruto replied gruffly before he shoved the man with one arm, as opposed to the typical result of a shove. Likely leading to a stumble or even fall, the man went flying into the large doors with a violent bang of metal being hit. The doors slightly caved in from the force.
"Naruto!" Kakashi admonished in shock! Was the fool finally going to get them killed? Kakashi was about to launch into action; trying to save this from becoming violent was best! However, a blur raced past him before he could intercept the angry charge of the second samurai.
The second samurai froze in shock. Naruto did as well.
"Naruto, you gotta be persuasive!" Kushina informed as she reared back her fist. "Got the hell outta our way!" Kushina roared. In an instant, she punched the fearful man, the power of which launched the man into the doors, making the heavy iron doors collapse inward. "All in the legs, son!" Kushina cheered as she marched forward. Naruto nodded, seemingly impressed, as he followed.
Kakashi felt dread but followed as well. Neji echoed such but seemed content to see the chaos through. Kushina usually got away with this sorta thing anyway.
As the four emerged into the room, they faced the Five Kage and their bodyguard, who glared at the interruption. Rasa faced the crowd separately, standing before a bound and chakra sealed off Gaara. The rest of the Kage faced the two, obviously questioning them heavily. The bodyguards moved first, quickly moving to surround them, splitting off into two groups to surround their flanks and limit their movements. However, with a snap of Hiruzen's fingers, Tsunade and Jiraiya headed off both groups. They suddenly move, leading to a standstill.
Onoki seemed the first to gather his thoughts, sighing as he gazed at the group. "First, we have Rasa leading unstable weapons to the friendly exams, and now Hiruzen's foolish men misbehaving as usual," he complained. "In my day, we knew our place."
"Your day has long passed, old man," Yagura smiled. "Though I must admit, were they my own, I would take them to ask myself."
"Though they are not," Rasa interjected. "Besides, at least two have relevance in this case."
"They may be involved." Hiruzen allowed. "But they have no bearing on your crimes."
"To call them crimes is a gross exaggeration." Rasa countered with a scowl. "I mistook my son's behavior and mental soundness. Not attempted some sort of evil crime."
"I disagree most vehemently!" Mifune snapped. "I understand your shinobi work in "shadows" as you put it. But we samurai operate under a complex and honest honor system. To disrespect the rules of a host as a guest is a grave offense, to attempt to spill blood in my land despite my warnings not to is a grave offense, and to hide your son's delicate mental state is plain irresponsible!"
"Then allow me to compensate for the Land of Iron. I would offer favorable trade deals, financial boosts, and perhaps discounted service to amend this "dishonor,"" Rasa offered.
"Do not mock my land's customs, you arrogant fool!" Mifune snapped.
"Now now," Hiruzen chimed in. "We have several guests here. Perhaps we should look into this before continuing where we left off?" He offered calmly. "Once we know why they are here, we can determine if they should. To send them off now would be foolish; hearing them out first is best."
"I do grow weary of listening to you all argue." A agreed. "Let them speak; perhaps they'll offer something new."
Kakashi took it all in with practiced ease. Reading the open body language of the Kage, it seemed obvious where they were. A, Yagura, and Onoki seemed more exasperated and cautious. They likely recognized the situation had intense ramifications and were keeping clear to plot away based on the result.
Hiruzen was easiest for Kakashi to read, him being his own leader. And it was best to say Hiruzen was conflicted. His allyship with Rasa likely put him in a difficult position. Rasa is risking his asset, but the Leaf may be weakened or included if things go pear-shaped. Was it better to side with the Iron against the Sand. Or is it better to support their ally and attempt to make things smooth? Kakashi was glad it was not his choice.
Mifune was incensed in a way Kakashi could not say he had seen before. It was clear the man was aiming for blood. It's not that Kakashi could blame him; he would not mind burying a lightning cutter in Gaara's chest himself.
Kushina nodded to Naruto, showing her support as Kakashi started from them.
"We are here to inquire upon the fate of Gaara of the Sand," Kakashi answered with a bow. Kushina and Neji followed suit, but Naruto seemed locked into a stare with Gaara.
"I wish we could say we have an answer…" Hiruzen admitted.
"We do. This is simplistic in nature, a honor debt demands payment from the guilty party." Mifune called out.
"I have already offered you com-" Rasa began.
"I said guilty party; the debt must be paid by your son." Mifune countered.
"I will not entertain the demands of a hu- of a person like yourself," Gaara answered.
"Having a Genin be punished severely is a little absurd." Kakashi attempted.
"Ah, horeshit!" A roared. "They are soldiers all the same, punish the little shit and be done with it."
"I agree, unloyal dogs must be punished." Yagura concurred with a dark grin. "Even heroes are not above order."
"He may choose to give his own life or face me in a duel. I care little for the option but must insist-" Mifune started but was interrupted by Naruto.
"Why?" the blonde asked simply. The room was shocked by the Genin's speaking out and his odd question. Mifune's head whipped around as he focused on Naruto. The other Kage, including Rasa, followed suit. And soon, all eyes were on Naruto Uzumaki.
'Sometimes I wish he inherited your patience, Sensei…' Kakashi thought worriedly.