Adult-FanFiction.org : Naruto

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
- 32
- 33
- 34
Four hours remain until the soiree officially kicks off.
With the guests attended to and the house set in order, Kinoe flops down on the bench at the foot of the Master's upper bedchamber. Down below, inside the quiet vaults, Maito assembles the potions for the constables and readies the altar. And while lord Hatake seemingly lies in repose, a heated skirmish rages inside his body. Kama's power surging through his veins, hatred burns holes into the pit of his being, even as emotions foreign find new life inside a darkened corner of his heart.
Recherché
"… emissaries from the house of Tanaguchi. Prithee ask your master turn aside for a time of rest and replenishment."
As soon as Fugaku heard these words, the tanto slips back into its secret compartment. If we tarry long, he thinks, I risk needless worry for Mikoto. And if I refuse hospitality from the Tanaguchi, it would mark me a social pariah; Mikoto might not ever get over it and I can't have that. Upon his say so are they escorted to the manor and treated as royalty. Water and provender for the horses was supplied upon arrival and after a sumptuous meal and good wine, Fugaku and his men are sent on their way with baskets overflowing with gifts for their loved ones.
Recherché
His body relaxed, the mental fog lifting after a second cup of tea, Iruka is still hitting a brick wall with his stubborn friend. "All I'm saying is, why waste time ambushing the man, when we can--?"
"I know what I'm doing m'kay Ruka? All you hafta do is act embarrassed and keep your trap shut."
"I am embarrassed … for you. Tell him the truth and be done with--"
At the sound of three sharp thumps, they look up from their tea.
"For the second time today," Kotetsu said as he stood, "I'm asking ya to trust me, can you do that?"
"Fine, but he's obviously got his hands full; can you at least be nice until he gets inside and drops his bags?"
"That's crazy talk. If I'm too nice, he'll know something is up."
With a sigh and a roll of the eyes, Iruka watched his friend stalk toward the door. "If I live a thousand years, I'll never understand how your mind works."
Kotetsu turns back for a moment, a devious grin in place and his eyes agleam. "Watch and learn, buddy, this is how me and Zumo have fun. Oi, Soup for brains, told ya we didn't need nothing else from the market… and you call me hard headed?" Swinging the door open with a playful scowl, he barked,
"Who the hell are you?"
On the other side of the threshold stands a tall, clean scrubbed young man, dressed in a utilitarian long sleeved black shirt and hakama pants. Eighteen years old, if he was a day, his eyes innocent, the color of molten pitch; his features keen, and skin, paper white. Not necessarily a threat, just weird lookin,' Kotetsu thinks as he assumes a defensive posture. "What you need, kid?"
The young man graciously bowed before him. "Good afternoon. I was hoping to speak with," he paused, glancing down at the paper in his hand, "Dr. Umino Iruka?"
"Say what now?"
"Who is it, Tetsu?"
"Hell if I know … some kid," he called over his shoulder, "probably got lost in the woods, looking for a handout or directions. Yeah, but, how did this character know his name? Is he another one of Hatake's minions? When he heard Iruka rise from the table, he moved to shield this person from view. "Alright, state your business and make it snappy."
Iruka comes closer, trying to peer around him; his voice hopeful when he asked, "Sai … is that you?"
At the mention of his name, the young man brightened. "Yes sir?"
"It's okay, let him in Tetsu."
"What!? Have you lost your damn mind?" Puffing himself up, Kotetsu continues blocking the entrance with his body. "What if somebody followed him here?"
"I seriously doubt that, stop being ridicu-"
"Your friend is correct, Dr. Umino … I am being followed. By my reckoning, this man is about fifteen seconds behind me; I believe he's also a friend of yours-?"
"And how would you know who's what?" Kotetsu reached out, poking this Sai person in the chest, "you been spying on us or somethin'?"
"Yes and no," he politely responded, "you see-"
"I've heard enough, beat it punk!
"Tetsu, catch hold of yourself! Sai, come on in, it's alright, this one's bark is worse than his bite."
"True, but mine isn't," Izumo said as he stepped closer to their visitor. "I'm with Tetsu on this one. I'd like to know how he found us before we just let him waltz in here. You workin' with or for Hatake young man?"
"I have no idea what a Hatake is sir," he said turning slightly, "but I did have my friends keep watch over you these last days--'
"That's it!" This time Kotetsu used the heel of his hand, forcibly pushing the young man backwards, while reaching around him to yank Izumo inside. Another push sent the would-be intruder sprawling. After poking his head outside and scanning the immediate area, he considered the young man's expressionless face. "Friends, eh? I don't see nobody but you-"
"Tetsu, stop it! Help him up."
"Not a chance … are you really that gullible? I mean, he could be anybody!"
Iruka finally succeeded at pulling him from the door frame and with a huff, he extends his hand, pulling Sai to his feet. "See here, I appreciate caution, but would you give us a chance to explain, please?"
Backing away from an angry Iruka, Izumo and Kotetsu exchange chary glances as their visitor steps over the threshold.
"This is my ace in the hole, the one I've been waiting for? My third cousin twice removed? Ring any bells, no? Then allow me present, Shimizu Sai."
Kotetsu sucked at his teeth as he gave the young man the once over. "Seriously? This character is your guy Ruka? Pfft … lot of help he's gonna be in a fight."
Once again, Sai bowed before answering. "I'm no fighter, Mr. Tetsu-"
"Yeah, I see that. Hell, it's a wonder you can even stand on your own, what with a gigantic scroll strapped to your back; damn thing probably weighs more than you do."
"And how is it," wondered Izumo, "nobody noticed him walking around town with that thing? That would have been a juicy bit of gossip … and I didn't hear anything about it while I was in the washerwomen's shop."
"That's because I never went into the town, sirs … well, not directly." He took a few steps forward as the others backed away. "When I arrived here almost a week ago, it was on the inside of a shipping crate, which was eventually offloaded in a barn near the silk mills. I slept there at night and spent my days scoping out vantage points in the forests near the-"
"So that's why you're so pale and scrawny. I bet he aint had a good meal since he got here. Fine, never let it be said that I aint got a heart. I don't mind feedin' ya, but you and your imaginary friends aint stayin' here, got it?"
"Tetsu!"
"What? Like we need a malnourished noncombatant to worry about--"
"Please sirs, I will not inconvenience you. And for the record, Mr. Tetsu, this is my normal appearance; my diet consisted of berries and fish from the streams-"
"Okay kid … you're resourceful, I'll give ya that. Still think you're a strange little fella."
"Let me handle this," Izumo chided, as he laid the package in his arms on the chair by the door. "Now then Sai, do tell how you found us."
"With pleasure, but I think comprehension will come quicker if you allow me to introduce my friends," he said, releasing the large scroll from his waist. "Gentlemen, would you mind standing over there, by the table?"
Izumo and Iruka struggle to pull a glaring Kotetsu away as Sai begins unfurling the scroll. Even before he stood erect, his fingers were flying through intricate signs, mouthing the words of what they assumed was a powerful incantation.
His hands stilled, the movement of his lips ceased, his eyes fluttered and then … nothing.
A few moments pass and still ... nothing.
Just as Kotetsu folded his arms across his chest and opened his mouth, they hear the noise of skittering against the cabin walls; quiet at first, it grows louder as the seconds tick past. Suddenly, a swarm of black mice begins squeezing themselves under the door, through the windows and in the middle of slats in the walls. Between one breath and the next, a writhing, squeaking blanket of rodents are blocking the only exit. Obediently do they line up before the scroll, their eyes fixed on their summoner. Sai bows his head and with a snap of his fingers, the vermin cannibalize one another until only a dozen large sewer rat looking things are left. These in turn waddle onto the blank paper; lying flat in five rows, they transform from animated creatures into matte, two dimensional drawings. And as the stunned trio lets out a collective breath, Sai claps his hands over the scroll and the drawings become neatly printed Kanji.
"Hmm," he said, "I see you've traveled a great deal since arriving in Konoha; the wharf, an inn, the constabulary, Administrative complex, the Fire Temple--"
"Good god! He's a witch!"
"Oh no, Mr. Tetsu, female workers of magic are witches, men are warlocks; I am simply an artist with special abilities. And to answer your question Mr. Zumo, I took the letter Dr. Umino sent and fed pieces of it to the mice while I was in the barn. The style of his writing and the pressure exerted by his palm on the paper … that's what led my friends to your location."
"Neat trick for finding living, breathing humans kid," snapped Kotetsu, "but what we're looking for is a demon. How do you and your little 'friends' propose to do that smart ass?"
"Tetsu!"
"I don't know what the hell he's talking about--"
"Perhaps if you let me finish this time, sir, you won't be as confused."
"Why you little-"
"Hush now," Iruka said, "go on Sai."
He inclined his head and continued, "Every being leaves behind traces of their aura wherever they go, and every aura is unique. With me so far, Mr. Tetsu?"
"Quit callin' me that, kid … name's Kotetsu."
"Alright, and you may call me Sai."
"You're itchin' for a rap in the mouth, aren't ya punk?"
"Calm down slugger."
"Thank you, Mr. Zumo … as I was saying, everything has an aura, even gaki. They leave behind slime deposits, indiscernible to humans, but my mice are trained to see and track them. Spirits are trickier since they aren't much more than vapor, however, all vapor dissipates into the atmosphere and eventually settles on the flora and fauna. When the mice eat the leaves, blades of grass or flower stems, they digest that information and can distinguish for me what type of spirit has frequented the area."
"So what? Hatake aint gonna be afraid of no mice."
"Right, but chances are, he won't be suspicious of them either," Izumo said. "All we need do is match the floor plans we already have with the information the mice provide to Sai and then bingo bango … the location of Hatake's lair is at our fingertips."
"I don't know. This kid is a shaman or somethin,' what if Hatake figures out his mice are magic things too? What's stopping him from tracing the mice back to this weird guy and turning him against us?"
"Absolutely nothing. But like the three of you, I also possess powerful talismans. I assure you, no demon or Hatakes will come near me."
"Bully for you, kid."
"Yes … bully. In my treks through the forests, I discovered a massive buildup of spiritual energy centered in the north, near the cemetery. The past few days it's been flowing like a river through the town, but just last night it started raging like a flood, which leads me to believe the demon you're hunting is enthroned nearby."
"The full moon is supposed to be closer to earth tonight," Iruka confirmed, "makes sense."
"I'd already planned to set up camp in the forests beyond the cemetery, so I can keep an eye on activity in that area. If you’d like, Dr. Umino, I can send updates to you via messenger-"
"Can't you draw anything aside from creepy mice?"
"I'll be happy to draw birds or butterflies, or are you fearful of them as well, Mr. Tetsu?"
"Look ya little jackass-"
"Idle your engine," Izumo said as he physically held his friend in check. "Sai is gonna make things easier for us, least you could do 'Mr. Tetsu,' is be gracious."
Recherché
Day of the event, 5:00pm: Governor Senju's private residence.
Turning her toward the vanity, the hairdresser held her breath as Lady Tsunade evaluates the image in the mirror. "Looks good," she said at last. "I should be back by half past seven. Until then ladies, she's all yours to pluck, powder and primp as you please. There now, Shizune, don't look so frightened-"
"I appreciate all you've done ma'am, but this is so-"
"Hush. You deserve a little pampering; relax and enjoy yourself … that's an order."
Recherché
Day of the event, 5:15pm: Inside the constabulary
A crisply pressed dress uniform hangs on the coat rack near the door, silently does it mock and judge him. A too many times folded arrest warrant lies in the center of his desk, beside an impossibly pristine invitation; one shaming, the other emboldening. He'd raced here hoping to find sanctuary in controlled chaos, alas all was quiet and calm; no pressing paperwork requiring his attention or signature and no interruptions to derail his train of thought.
Time running out; I gotta little bit of everything … and a whole lot of nothing.
He leaned to the side, his arm swinging limply as he fumbled about for the release lever on the bottom desk drawer. Relieved when at last his fingertips bump against cool glass, a shaky hand grabs hold the prize. Been years since our lips met. Didn't think I'd need you again this soon. A half empty bottle of whiskey settles with a thump and welcome slosh between the warrant and the invite. His mouth twitches into a grin as the cork slides loose, its aroma biting at his nose. Shit … hafta remain clear headed, but I sure as hell don't want to. With an exhalation of regret is the bottle returned to its hiding place and in one fell swoop, the two pieces of paper find their way into a breast pocket. He rises with resolve renewed, forcing one foot in front of the other until he can snatch the uniform from its hook and head down the quiet hallway.
"Ah, I was just thinking to send someone after you; it's gettin' late," Ryota said when Ibiki paused before his desk. "Been a helluva day, we had fifty civilian volunteers sign up. Already deputized 'em ... figured they could help patrol the docks and monitor the taverns tonight. What say you, Inspector?"
"Huh? Umm, yeah that's fine. Frees up more officers."
"Same thing I thought. I've tasked the mounted patrol to increase surveillance around the manor homes, Aoba and his men are already in place and that detachment should be near house Hatake by now."
"You buckin' for a promotion or somethin'?"
"Nope, just doing my job, making sure you have less to worry about this evening. But if you insist on authorizing a bonus for me, who am I to argue? Pretty sure the forms are somewhere in all this clutter-"
"I don't really want to do this, Ryota."
"So that's the way of it huh, don't think I deserve--?"
"Relax old man, I’m talking about this … party thing."
"Then think of tonight as an investigation," he said, while rummaging through one of his desk drawers. "You’re going there to gather information, that’s all. Some of your best men are gonna be there to assist and I'll catch you up later." As the authorization found its way toward Ibiki's hand, he added, "Sign this first. I gotta get these new figures to the Comptroller before six thirty, elsewise these chits won't be worth the paper they're written on."
Ibiki chuckled as the pen was pressed into his hand. "Because you've left me no other reason to hang around here and wrangled a bonus outta me, I best leave now, before I’m tricked into something else. Reckon I oughta head to the barber, make myself presentable--"
"Heya Ryota … Inspector," says Genma as he sidles up to the Watch Commander's desk. "Couldn't help overhearing; you know, I could shave ya myself Inspector … no charge."
Ibiki didn't bother looking up to wisecrack, "I'm not that cheap. Nothing personal Genma, but shaving is one activity I like being vertical for."
"Got it," he chuckled, "meanwhile, you gents still taking volunteers?"
"We're all full up," Ryota said, "sorry."
“I see, well, if you need somebody to, you know … fetch dinner, file paperwork, empty the bins or somethin' ... I'm available."
"Ryota, leave a note to that effect for the night commander."
"I don’t care what anybody says about you Inspector, you're okay in my book. Right then, I’m off. Reckon I'll see ya round."
They watch in silence as the dejected man shuffles out the door.
"Talk about off? Can't remember the last time I saw him so depressed, you Ibiki?"
"Nah, but between you, me and the lamppost, I hope he has reason to stay like that for a few days."
Recherché
Day of the event, 5:37 pm: Inuzuka compound
Soon would the sun set, as if it mattered to the ranch hands and farmers standing in the line which extended from the barn door to the front gate.
"Damn it man," Tsume fussed as she strode toward him, "thought you asked the Governor to send-?
"Quit your griping woman!" The crowded barn fell silent as Idate rose from his seat. "These people need our help and by god … we're gonna do what we can, with what we have, understand? Now, get back to work!"
Eyes wide and mouth agape, a stunned Tsume takes two steps forward and one step back while Idate reclaims the overturned chair. Terrified workers peel their backs from the barn's walls, scurrying hither and yon to complete their assigned duties. Only Hana dares approach him from behind, her arms falling around his neck as she plants a kiss on his cheek.
"I like it when you're so forceful, dearest," she whispers.
"I know," he said with a smile, "and we both know there's gonna be hell to pay around the dinner table this evening."
With a blush rising in her cheeks, Hana further lowered her voice, "No doubt, but I promise to make it all better … tonight."
Recherché
Day of the event, 6:00pm: Outside the Administrative complex
Amulets stuffed into every available pocket and shoved inside their socks, three nattily dressed young men await transportation.
"A soak and a massage," Izumo said, "why didn't I think of that?"
"Cause I'm an unsung genius," Kotetsu boasted. "How many times do I hafta tell ya?"
Izumo left off an answer as a stately vehicle pulled round the corner. "Moment of truth gents," he whispered, "ready?"
"Me, I was born ready-"
"Okay, just remember Tetsu, we're supposed to gather information and show ourselves friendly; don't start nothin,' we clear?"
"You suck the "f" outta fun, you know that Zumo?"
Recherché
Day of the event, 6:15pm: Kokucho manor
"Your guests have safely arrived, my Lord and are enjoying refreshments in the salon."
His Master absently runs his fingers over the strings of a cherished violin, never turning about to face his servant. “What a tragic headline … three members of the Advisory Council taking a twenty-minute ride to the Hatake gala ... all dead on arrival," he sighed. "Still, I’ll put on a brave face, my heart heavy as I muddle through tonight’s festivities. What think you, Kabuto? In such a small amount of time, can I possibly muster sufficient shock and dismay at their passing?"
"I have no doubt … no one could do it better than you, Lord Orochimaru. Now, you will excuse me, I've left a completely stocked sweets table at the mercy of an Akimichi." As Kabuto turned about, the smug grin melted from his lips when he saw the door handle's slow downward turn.
"Aha," said Danzou as he entered the conservatory, "knew you'd be hiding in here."
"Naturally, we are but creatures of habit, old friend. You know well a bit of music calms me before large gatherings and I know, listening to me play calms you as well. Go now Kabuto, attend the comfort of my other dear friends…. we'll be along directly."”
"As you wish, my Lord."
Orochimaru waits until the door clicks closed before turning himself about. "This night will be filled with merriment and dancing, yet at this very moment, my soul cries out for something melancholy. You think that strange Lord Danzou?"
"Not in the least, for that would have been my request had you not spoken it first."
"Come then … take a seat at my right hand."
Solemnly does Orochimaru position the instrument atop his shoulder, his eyes slipping closed as bow skids over strings. Music mournful, reverberates inside the room, and as the final notes hang in the air, Danzou draws in a breath.
"Splendid! You know," he said reaching inside the sleeve of his kimono, "I've been meaning to give these to you for ages. Another gift for your collection."
Orochimaru reverently lays aside the violin, taking hold the proffered package with both hands. Unwrapping the silken pouch with care, his fingers gingerly run the length of the prize contained therein. "My word," he breathed, "a shakuhachi … fingering chart and notations? I didn't think these still existed."
"Well they were hard to come by, yet I searched high and low for a special gift to celebrate our friendship. Do they not please you?"
"It is your generosity that leaves me humbled … and speechless. These shall have places of honor among my growing Danzouana," he replied, heading toward a glass encased cabinet on the other side of the room.
Danzou rose, following close behind him. "There's something else I must share. I've given our last conversation a great deal of thought and as usual … you're right. Once we force that Senju woman from office, only one of us is fit to become the next Governor of the territory."
"Is that so? What a relief to know you've finally come to your senses," Orochimaru said while covertly palming one of the ornamental daggers from the cabinet.
"Yes, and that one man ... is me, old friend."
He turned slowly, wanting to look his friend in the eyes for the last time. A soundless scream freezes on his face as lancinating pain spreads through his midsection; there's a look of shock and betrayal in his eyes as the knife twists and turns, tearing through the greater omentum, puncturing intestines and lacerating his stomach. Danzou's grin stretches wider as he maneuvers the knife forward and backward, slicing up the liver of his closet friend.
"And so, it ends," Orochimaru manages as the knife retracts, only to plunge itself deep into the side of his neck. "I'll see you in hell!"
No sooner does he crumple to the floor the clock chimes the half hour and Danzou falls to his knees beside him. And now for the rest, he thinks as the bloody tanto slips back inside his sleeve.
Unbeknownst to him, Kabuto was standing in the center of the room; the tea set and heavy silver platter crashing to the floor as he ran to his Master's aid.
"My god! What happened?"
“Stupid argument," Danzou splutters as he attempts to stand, "he pulled a knife … tried to take it from him; quickly now, fetch a doctor!"
Having seen the blood soaking into the rug, the stunned servant took off running for the exit. Danzou stayed where he was, looking down into the unseeing eyes of the man he shared half his life with. Suddenly he hears the footfalls of an enraged Kabuto running full tilt toward him. He can't move fast enough to evade the long blade before it runs through the space between his shoulder blades. A final breath catches in his throat as he hears Kabuto say, "That's for my Master, and this," he shouts as the blade forces itself through the pericardium of a still beating heart, "this one's for me."
In the stillness of the room, it takes a moment before reality becomes clear.
Kabuto kneels, checking the Master's pulse, finding none, he gentles closes Orochimaru's lifeless eyes. Using the hem of Danzou's kimono, he wipes clean the bloodied blade. His breathing settles to normal as he stands; a single tear streaking down his cheek. The katana, which he didn't remember from whence it came nor how it found its way into his hand, falls free of his grasp, landing atop the rug without a sound. Carefully does he check his clothing for traces of blood before slowly walking away. Arriving in the salon, he's the epitome of a polished liar as he tells the other guests, "I'm afraid Lords Orochimaru and Danzou have been unavoidably detained. Nonetheless, my Master prays you avail yourselves of the carriage." He forced a smile as he stood in the open front door, a cheery wave he gives as the Akimichi and the Nara are sent off into the darkness of their last night on earth. Ascending the quiet staircase to the Master's bedchamber, his thoughts turn to his own security and safety. Leaving the manor for the final time, his heart as heavy as the valise stuffed with cash and gold coins, Kabuto makes his way from the kitchen entrance to the stables. Saddling up one of the Master's prized mares, he vanishes into the woods.
Recherché
6:47 pm: The master of the manor, Lord Hatake, rises from slumber as the moon begins its ascent.
The death toll stands at two … for now.
Notes:
Primp: to dress or groom with meticulous or excessive attention to detail.
Lancinating: characterized by a piercing or stabbing sensation.
Shakuhachi: An end blown flute originally introduced from China into Japan during the 6th century; traditionally made of bamboo. It was primarily used by the monks of the Fuke sect of Zen Buddhism. Their songs, paced according to the players' breathing, were considered meditation as much as music. Beginning in 1868, the playing of the shakuhachi was officially forbidden for a few years, however, when the Meiji government did permit the playing of shakuhachi again, it was only as an accompanying instrument to certain stringed instruments.
-ana: a suffix that forms collective nouns denoting an assembly of items, as household objects, art, books, or maps, or a description of such items, as a bibliography, all of which are representative of or associated with the place, person, or period named by the stem.
Greater omentum: a large, apron like fold of the peritoneum (a serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity; it covers the organs and serves as a passageway for blood and lymphatic vessels and nerves), it extends from the greater curve of the stomach, passes in front of the small intestines and doubles back to ascend to the transverse colon before it reaches back to the posterior abdominal wall.
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