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Recherche	By : Eggburtshamslice Category: Naruto > Yaoi - Male/Male > Kakashi/Iruka Views: 4188 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto nor do I make any profit from this work of fanfiction.

Chapter List
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Dawn ... three days before the event of the season.
No sooner than the master of the manor retired to his chambers, the summons, not unexpected, went forth. Disconcertment frustrates every movement as he adjusts his clothing, it punctuates every footfall when he hurriedly leaves his quarters. The east wing from whence he came slowly brightens as the sun begins her ascent; crossing the span above the foyer, hesitantly does he stand on the border of darkness that is the west wing.
No, he thought, couldn’t be that. I had Master’s permission, returned before the set time and left nothing behind.
Down the hall and to the right he sees the door to Lord Sakumo’s bedchamber slightly ajar.
“You wished to see me Master Jiraiya?” he called peering around the room.
“In the library,” responded a pleasant baritone voice. “Come through.”
Three steps inside, he paused to slick down his hair; the heels of his hands smoothing down his clothing once more. To his left, the door leading to the library was cracked open a mite; a deep breath did nothing to calm him as he passed through to the other room. Lambent illumination of fifty candles bathes this massive space in yellow orange light, and there, standing before a floor to ceiling bookcase the broad back of the fabled albino wolf presents itself. Spiky waist length hair gathered in a low tail sweeps around the man as he turns. Dark grey eyes smile as he speaks; the red fang-like marks etched into the skin under them, had grown in length since Maito saw him last.
“You’re looking well. Please,” he gestured broadly to the lone chair in the center of the room, “have a seat.”
Maito kept his eyes on the tall, huskily built, fair skinned man as he carefully replaced the book he’d been thumbing through.
“My, my ... how old are you now son?”
Knowing this might be a trick question, he considered for long moments before answering.   “I am nigh unto three hundred and twenty years Lord Jiraiya.”
The other man chuckled softly, “Still a pup then. And when was the last time you paid respects to the Hatake ancestors?”
Hands on his knees, Maito leaned forward saying, “I am shamed my lord. Often time, other duties prevent me from joining the master as he kowtows to them. For the last fifty years, master has attended upon this duty alone.” He sensed the scowl on Jiraiya's lips as he bowed lower. “I see," he heard him say. "That explains everything. Maito, look at me."
Expecting a well-deserved slap across the face, the seated man lifted himself slowly to see Jiraiya still standing by the bookcase.
"When lord Kakashi became head of clan Hatake, his duties and responsibilities increased fivefold. Why haven’t yours?”
The weight of Jiraiya’s critical eye left him fumbling for an answer suitable. “I … I do not understand the question--”
"After speaking with our Lord yesterday afternoon, I came here, to the fore father's place of rest. Tell me young one,” he said slowly walking to the place Maito sat, “what are your first considerations as a bond servant?”
He promised himself not to flinch or cry out if buffeted. “My first considerations are the health and well-being of my Master.”
“When you were servant to the heir,” he said stepping to Maito’s left side, “that would have been the correct response.” Walking behind the wary man, Jiraiya continued, “But now are you the right hand to the current lord Hatake. More than just catering to his whims or carrying out his orders, you are to protect your master from all who wish him harm. You’ve done well in that respect, till now.” A meaty hand alighted on a quivering shoulder. “However, if I’m correct in my thinking, you’ve failed to keep safe your master from an enemy most dangerous … one closer than the skin which covers him.”
“A foe who can defy my senses of sight and smell … my Lord, how can I be expected to defend against something like that?”
“Do you fear our Master, Maito?”
“I would be a fool not to.”
“This fear … it binds you too close to see and makes you too weak to speak. Come with me.”
He rose and followed Jiraiya a few steps away to the bookcase, knowing full well what lay behind it; a latch hidden under one of the shelves loudly engaged, a secret passageway opened revealing an alcove where rows of carved ivory ossuaries sat.
“From the moment your master was born,” Jiraiya said, “his father feared for his life. I assume you know of the ritual?”
“Yes sir, I do.”
“When the blood of the sacrifice drips from the lips of his parents, the skin of the babe is supposed to take on a different hue. The deeper that coloring is, denotes the level of power granted by the spirits of the family. That didn’t happen with lord Kakashi ... instead, his frail body went still, becoming the same color as the marble altar upon which he lay. Sakumo knew he'd defied the rules for the sake of the woman he loved by bringing forth offspring that had human blood nourishing it from the moment of conception. Love for this human bent him prostrate; with great weeping and gnashing of teeth, that proud man begged the spirits to spare his son for the sake of its mother.   His plea, they heard, his request, they did grant … with a condition. If the child did not show an increase in power by the end of his first year, the life they graciously permitted would be extinguished without question. Seeking counsel from the shaman in the woods, Sakumo broke the seal on Hatake Kama's remains. With every month that came, he faithfully sprinkled tiny portions of those bones on his child's tongue to mix with his feedings of blood. He and I both hoped Kama's strength would be imparted to the child."
“And it was so. My Lord’s power knows no equal.”
“True … but in addition to his strength, Kama’s wrath and insatiable thirst for revenge were gifts unexpected.” Jiraiya smiled weakly as he ran a hand over each box. “These were the ones who helped established the foundations of this land, they paved the road to progress with their riches and unearthly powers. Mighty beings of vision they were; scorned, betrayed, weakened by talismans and now, reduced to bone dust. This one, Hatake Masaki,” he whispered, “done in by the machinations of clan Shimura; accused of witchcraft, he was drawn and quartered in the town square. Hatake Enoki and Botan, the twins, killed by the Uchiha. This one here, Hatake Kuwa; met his end after a coup by rebel yokai. Lastly, Hatake Kama, the most powerful and bloodthirsty of them all. He crushed the rebellion which took the life of his brother, sired countless seed born of witches, breeding fealty to clan Hatake into those who were cursed as yokai. Took the combined effort of the Hyuga, Shimura and Kokucho clans to bring him down.”
Maito dropped to one knee when Jiraiya paused before the last container. “And here are the treasured remains of Kama’s only son; my lord and friend ... Hatake Sakumo. I will not let you repeat the same mistakes I made.”
“Mistakes sir?
“The love Sakumo had for a human drove him from the path …as his friend, I reveled in his happiness and took part in his schemes to safeguard his child. As his servant, I stood by his side, speaking reason when it was too late to be heard. I valued his friendship above all else, and I let it overshadow the duty to my lord as his counselor. Listen well, young one, you will incur the master’s wrath as you seek to protect him from his own desires ...yet you must buck up against that fear, for the enemy within poses the greatest threat."
"I swear on my life to do as you’ve said, my Lord."
"Good." Bending down beside Maito, he pointed to a chest at the base of the shrine inlaid with gold and precious gems. “These are the remains of Hatake Mari; wife of Sakumo, mother of Kakashi. Both of their remains have been disturbed.”
Carefully studying each shelf, he tilts his head to the side asking, “How can you tell sir?”
“Well for one thing, their positioning has changed. Apart from Kama, each of these chests also had four seals, one at each corner. I was present when Sakumo sealed lady Mari’s, watched him apply them with my own eyes. As for Sakumo, I applied the four seals; they’re all missing now.”
“I can't imagine who would do such a thing, sir. This wing of the manor has been closed off since our return; none of the servants would dare enter these halls, much less this room. Only the Master, you and I know of this place.” Maito raised his eyes to Jiraiya, shocked by the implication his words carried, he sadly shook his head saying, “You don't think Master--?”
“I learned too late of his intention to conquer and rule over the humans and gaki of the Five Great Nations … it was the same foolish desire Hatake Kama held. As the last Hatake of his time and with his family name on the brink of extinction, Kama dreamed of revenge; unfortunately, revenge required a form of sorcery unheard of during his time. I’ve reason to believe Kama’s folly has found its home inside Lord Kakashi.”
“In this I hope you are wrong sir.”
“I hope so too," he sighed. "The death of his mother deeply affected your Master. He drew close to his father after she passed into eternity; I suspect he’s looking for their comfort and guidance by taking in their remains.”
“You think he’s ingesting them sir?”
“The evidence before us confirms your words and my fears,” Jiraiya said as he stood. Running his index finger over the crease in his chin he mumbled. “Unwittingly, I've fed into the young Lord’s plan to pursue Kama’s goal. Had I but known it yesterday, I never would have gifted him the second ingredient."
"Long ago, Master spoke to me about the research begun by his father and Professor Yamada. I do not remember much of that conversation, but I think Master did say three elements were lacking to complete their work."
"When the time comes, our Lord will bring all things to your remembrance."
"Master's recall is meticulous and impressive."
"Lord Kakashi is indeed his father's son; that's why I shut myself up in here, scouring this library for hours on end. Lord Sakumo was a keen observer, given to recording copious notes; in light of the tragedies this family endured, he was also inclined to cautiousness. I used to tease him about that penchant of his," he laughed, "anticipating and preparing for events which might never occur was how he passed his time. How I wish he'd addressed this present situation."
“We needn’t fear, for not only is my Lord wise, he is well acquainted and brutally honest about his temperament. He will take no action without careful consideration and if the spirits guide him, I’ve no doubt he will …”
The slap he’d earlier prepared for came without warning.
“Do you not yet understand? If Lord Kakashi is doing what I think he is, this unslakable thirst to rule will have cataclysmic results for all of us. The spirits may well lend him their strength, but his mother’s remains will affect him in ways disastrous. Up, stand to your feet, let us quit this place. I know of a shaman in the Land of Earth who might have the answers I seek. I should return in time for the soiree.”
“Lord Jiraiya,” he said wiping blood from the corner of his mouth, “What do you wish me to do in your absence?”
“Pay close attention to the Master's behavior and speech. Should he begin acting strangely, do not hesitate or fail to confront him.”
“Yes sir,” he said lifting his eyes to the man who now towered over him.
"As Kama was long ago, your Master is the only Hatake left," he said helping Maito stand. "We must do all we can to ensure he is not the last Hatake this world will ever know."
As they left the alcove, as the secret passageway was once more hidden, Jiraiya turned himself about saying, “There is an odor most foul in the mansion. The longer I’m exposed to it, the more desperate I become to eradicate it at the source.”
“That would be Kinoe, sir. Master prizes his skills and intelligence … he won’t allow me to destroy him.”
“I have no such restrictions, yet I will respect our Lord’s will. What’s this? You’re not concerned this Kinoe will usurp your position, are you?”
Maito dropped his eyes to the carpet. “In matters of human business, he is more proficient than I. And if Master walks with the mortals … what need will he have of me?”
Laughing heartily, Jiraiya grabbed him by the shoulder. “I slapped the foolishness out of you ... will I now have to slap sense into you?"
"No, sir," he said rubbing at the sting in his cheek.
“Ah youth ... tis wasted on the young. For a moment, it looked as if you were pouting, Maito. You and your master are bound for all eternity; nothing or no one can change that. Come along now, we have no time for petty jealousies. I’m certain he will find other uses for your talents and your belly will never suffer want. One favor I ask; while I reside in the manor, do your best to keep that Kinoe thing far from me.”
“Understood, sir.”
Recherché
Izumo sat on the side of his bed, reasoning within himself. Maybe I overdid it; made him eat and drink too much. I should go to him, he thinks sliding his feet into the nearby slippers. Wait, the moans are softer now, doesn’t sound as if he’s in pain. Good heavens! What was I thinking? If he’s enjoying a private moment and I burst in there … might be awkward. He kicked off the slippers and blew out the candle on the bedside table. No, best leave him release tension his own way.
Recherché
“There are two others?” the young man asked the creatures gathered round him. “And the constables have them under surveillance, I see. Fresh human blood and shards of bone lay in the woods as well … this might complicate things. I think you’re right; travel under the cover of darkness is the best option, though it will push my arrival back a day or so.”
Notes:
Disconcertment: the emotional state of being made self-consciously uncomfortable.
Lambent: softly bright or radiant.
Kowtow: the act of deep respect shown by prostration; kneeling and bowing so low one’s head touches the ground. The highest sign of worship used to show reverence to one’s elders or superiors.
Alcove: a recess or small room adjacent to or opening out of a room.
Ossuary: a chest or box for the final resting place of human skeletal remains.
Enoki (“a nettle tree”), Botan (“peony”), Kuwa (‘hoe”) and Kama (“scythe”), were the names Masashi Kishimoto considered for the character who eventually became known as Kakashi (“scarecrow”). The addition of the name Masaki was mine.
In modern times when a body is cremated, what remains are bone fragments. These fragments are then pulverized to powder with a grinding machine and placed in an urn. In the days of Japan’s past, the bones were left whole after cremation, (or as whole as was possible), and deposited into an urn which was either buried or set up in a household shrine.
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