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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
- 36
- 37
- 38
Recherché
With one strike of a match, greedy flames open wide their mouths, flickering tongues run smooth over jagged teeth, as they rip into and devour ancient tapestries. A shower of splinters and the crackling sizzle of wooden furnishings link arms to escort him down the stairs; the rising stench of burning flesh rushes to greet him, the sickeningly sweet smell does his stomach turn. Soot and ashes adorn his clothing, as from north, south, east and west, a wall of flames converge; he emerges from them, an unscorched silhouette. Upstairs and down, open windows which hungrily sucked in oxygen and fed the flames now doth collapse their frames, shattering their panes. Across the foyer, tall and proud he strides, and at the front door, at last does Itachi turn; watching for a moment, as a lifetime of memories do shrivel and burn. To the stable he briskly walks, stopping only to acknowledge the tall white-haired man who stands there.
"To the Master have I sent the others along," says the mysterious stranger. "Only the finest one remains, a steed swift and strong, to your final destination shall he carry you along; at the house by the sea, fate awaits thee."
And into the night rides the last Uchiha.
Recherché
With necessity compelling them forward and fear of the unknown binding them to their seats, the interior of the metal and leather conveyance is hushed as each man makes peace with the role fate thrust him into. With every click of the horse's hooves drawing them nearer the place appointed and tensions building to fever pitch, there comes a conclusion inevitable.
Izumo turned to his seat mate with a pained look on his face. "Tetsu, what the hell have you been eating?"
Iruka pinched at his nose, "My eyes … they're burning … think my lashes are singed-"
"Oh, like you guys never cut one before. I'm sorry, okay… it's pent up energy, that's all."
"More like a cry for help," Izumo laughed.
By the time the Governor's hired carriage rolls to a halt at the front of the line, each man is fighting for breath, their faces red with laughter; it was with relief they watched the inner door handle's downward snap. With a tiny creak was it flung open and the rush of outside air … a mercy granted. At once are they assailed with the aromas of fragrant night blossoms and burning wood, bright lights, muddled conversation, the click of silken fans opening and the crunch of loose sand under politely impatient feet. They find themselves more at ease surrounded by dapper men in dark suits and women swathed in explosions of colorful silk kimono. Izumo is first to exit, ironing down the creases of his black suit with the palms of his hands; in like manner does Kotetsu with his suit of grey. Last to exit the vehicle is Dr. Umino Iruka, cutting a handsome figure in a suit of dark navy, a matching brocade waistcoat, and white shirt. No sooner than the soles of his black leather shoes touch down on the packed gravel and sand driveway does the amulet in his breast pocket grow warm. It is but imagination, he thinks, still he cannot shake the feeling that all eyes, natural and supernatural, are upon him. Nevertheless, he stands enraptured by that which his own eyes perceive.
From a distance, it was as Izumo said, impressive, but up close, it was an architectural marvel; more than a manor, this was a compound combining elements of ancient castles, grand temples and military fortresses.
"Hip and gable rooves, shingles not tiles," he mumbles, "extended eaves covering the front steps … seamless integration of Cryptomeria and imported stone-"
Tugging at his elbow, Izumo said,"Come along Ruka ... you're drooling."
"Am not," he claimed, absently wiping at his mouth for good measure. "It's amazing … simply amazing."
Only after they join the quick moving queue does Iruka take note of everything else. On either side of the broad stairs is a seemingly endless line of servants; thanking guests for their continued patience, each group of people is welcomed in their own language with warm smiles and cool drinks. To the left of the entryway, standards of the Five Nations and countries abroad flutter in soft breezes, and on the right side of the entrance, is a static, grim faced blue line of constables standing at parade rest. The muted sounds of an orchestra wraps round them, sweeping them up the stairs and into the house before they realize it. Suddenly, a familiar face and voice impedes their progress.
"Good evening gentlemen," Kinoe said as he bowed, "and welcome to house Hatake. Right this way sirs."
Recherché
"Psst, that last bunch," whispered a patrolman, "weren't that Umino and his friends?"
"They match the description," his fellow responded. "What about it?"
"Well, what are we standin' here for? Let's pinch 'em before they get too far--"
"Eh? You just come back from a piss break or somethin'? That order was rescinded … we're to leave 'em be."
"But, this morning … the Inspector was frothing at the mouth about--"
"That was then; twenty minutes ago, mounted patrol rode through and told us the Inspector changed his mind. Aint nobody paying us to think ... we do as we're told."
Recherché
Several dignitaries had already gathered in bunches on the right side of the vestibule, a haze of blue cigar smoke hovering above them as they talked politics and bemoaned fluctuating currency rates. After leading them through the foyer, Kinoe begs them stand before the grand staircase. Though the aroma of hot food and the clink of fine stemware diverts their attention elsewhere, each man in turn executes a formal bow, acknowledging regards to the portraits of Hatake ancestors. Afterwards, Kinoe cheerfully escorts them to the entry of the grand ballroom.
"Presenting Doctor Umino Iruka of London England and Konoha,
Mr. Kamizuki Izumo of London England and Konoha
and Mr. Hagane Kotetsu of London and Woolwich England."
He turned to them with a smile saying, "Now, we've attended the formalities; please avail yourselves of my lord's hospitality. Feel free to join the other guests here or you may stroll about the east wing at your leisure. Either way, enjoy yourselves."
"That guy," Kotetsu sniped, as Kinoe disappeared into the milling crowd, "all smiley and uppity … he puts rocks in my jaw."
"You just don't like anybody, do you Tetsu?"
"It's true. Only tolerate you cause I hafta. So, this is how the other half lives, huh? Which now that I think of it Zumo, how do you suppose he knew where I was from?"
“Do you honestly believe Hatake would allow us into his home without first checking into our backgrounds?”
"The first rule of any conflict is to know one's enemy."
"Iruka, don't encourage him. This isn't a conflict, Tetsu, it's a party. And since it is," Izumo said while guiding them deeper into the room, "I want you both to plaster smiles on your faces, spread out and have some fun damn it!"
"Ooh ... food's over there and aint no line ...that's all I care about. See ya!"
"Ah," Iruka chuckled as they watched Kotetsu saunter off, "the bliss of an uncomplicated mind. You do realize, there’s gonna be a conflict if you don't catch him up and explain."
"Reckon I should, Tetsu can be downright ornery when he's hollow. I'm on it."
"Thanks. Think I’m gonna step out on the balcony for a bit; suddenly caught a headache, kinda queasy too--"
"Stop it Iruka, all you’re doing is working your nerves down to the white meat. Take these," he shoved a handful of ginger lozenges into a sweaty palm, “"oughta help. Listen to me , there’s a gaggle of highfalutin folks packed in this place, it'll be a wonder if you even see Hatake ... a bonafide miracle if he has time to speak to you at all."
"Yeah, you're probably right, I'm the least of his concerns."
Recherché
"And this piece here belonged to Hatake Kama," Master said as he twirled an aquamarine ascot pin between his fingers. "While not exactly to my taste, it does make clear my supposed intentions."
"That of a jaded bachelor in search of his mate?"
"I must hush the mouths of these bothersome humans somehow. Finding a wife," he sighed, "that is the purpose of tonight's gathering. But what need has a soul like mine of love when only power can satisfy? In due time will I broadcast seed in vessels of my choosing … what ... what ails you now Maito?"
"Forgive me for staring master, it's just … Lord Sakumo-"
"Ah, you sense his presence as well," the master asks as he turns to look out the window above the main entrance, "or does imagination make us both fools?"
"No, my Lord. You look and sound so much like him right now, it gave me pause."
Pale slender hands trail over the ivory brocade vest, "This ring and this suit … Mother had them made for him a week before she died. Afterwards, Father couldn't bring himself to look at, much less wear them. The loss of vitality ... a tragic reward for loving a mortal."
"Yes, but the unrivaled joy lord Sakumo found in Lady Mari ... do you not deserve as much Master?"
"Mark my words … what I deserve and what I will have, shan't be found in a human. Speaking of those pitiable creatures, Umino has finally arrived. I take it we're ready to receive him properly?"
"Of course my Lord."
Recherché
"I don't understand. They set up this ridiculously large buffet, shove us into a room with good smellin' food and then, they refuse to serve anybody. It's some kinda test, isn't it?"
Steering him away from the serving line, Izumo calmly explains that, "In polite society, it would be a serious breach of etiquette to eat anything before our host arrives. I have an idea, why not feast your eyes on something else instead? All about us is a cornucopia of beautiful women and--"
"There's corn? Where?"
"Tetsu ... focus. It's the last soiree of the 'mating season,' meaning it's the last opportunity these lovely ladies have, to dance and make merry with handsome fellas like us. It is our privilege as gentlemen to mingle and be charming--"
"Too hungry to be charming, aint interested in mingling and I sure as hell don't wanna marry nobody… I just want somethin' to eat."
Recherché
When Ibiki and Mayonaka approach from the other end of the driveway, the patrolmen snapped to attention. "Don't you look a sight, Inspector," said one. "Err, uh ... in a good way, of course, sir--"
"Save it," Ibiki growled. "Sakai, report!"
With a snappy salute, the constable stepped forward and said, "Only one incident thus far sir; medical emergency. I believe it was Lord Orochimaru who took ill; one of the officers rushed him to the hospital--"
"Hmm … Umino here yet?"
"Went in about ten minutes ago, sir."
That he might remain calm, Ibiki wrapped his hands around the saddle's horn as he cocked his head toward the officer. "Sakai," he breathed, "were my orders in any way unclear this morning? Umino and friends were to be detained until I arrived … that is what I said, wasn't it?"
"Yes, sir, but a mounted patrol officer came through saying the order was rescinded--"
"By whose authority?"
"I … I assumed it was yours, sir."
In the blink of an eye, Ibiki dismounted and was standing nose to nose with the shaken officer. "If it don't come outta my mouth directly, Never. Assume. Nothing! Now goddamn it ... where's Ryota?"
"Aint here yet, "Sakai stammered, " Aoba's inside and--"
His words bounced off Inspector's back as Ibiki stormed away.
Recherché
Faster than he could decipher them did the reports roll in from Sai's field agents; each one more perplexing than the last. "Concentrated activity in the southeast; a river of blood, the perpetrator, reportedly human," he writes. "Unusual noises and frenetic energy radiate underground in the cemetery. One powerful gaki oversees a feeding frenzy further to the east. At the epicenter of activity, a battle between two numina waxes and wanes. Several bakemono carry the power of one of those numen as they scatter throughout a house on the hill ringed with lights; their purposes unknown."
Recherché
"Thank goodness," the young officer huffed as he ran into the station house, "you haven't left yet."
"Brilliant observation,"quipped Ryota as he turned toward the out of breath officer. "What are you doing here? Shifts don't rotate for another hour-"
"Yes sir, but ... two stiffs in a carriage; I dropped 'em at the morgue just now."
"You left a crime scene to come stand here and flap your gums--?"
"No sir, the carriage is the crime scene ... I think. Weren't no obvious wounds or bloody clothes. Coroner suspected poison right away cause their faces were purple; then again … could've been strangled, you know … robbery gone wonky. Once Genma gets 'em on the tables--"
"And these stiffs … they got names?"
"The chunky one is an Akimichi… knew that afore Genma said it," he laughed. "Didn't recognize the other fella--"
"Then come back when you know of a certainty--"
"Oh, it's certain, sir ... Coroner positive identified them," he said with a glance to a slip of paper in his hand, "an Akimichi Yori and a Nara Hitoshi."
Ryota fixed the man with a steely gaze as the pencil slipped from his fingers. "The Advisory Council members? Where'd they die?"
"Don't know, they were ridin' under Kokucho banners when they rolled up dead at house Hatake. Reckon an officer will bring in a statement from that coach driver directly."
"Shit! I gotta get to Ibiki … now! Notify the families; and you," he pointed to a desk clerk, "send some officers up Lord Orochimaru's way; we're gonna need a statement from him too."
"Good job the washerwoman brought your uniform over with the Inspector's eh? Might as well change into them fancy duds and head out," the night commander said. "I can handle paperwork for this, I promise."
"Then have a mount readied," Ryota called over his shoulder while stepping away from the desk area, "and don't forget to update the Governor's blotter."
Knowing the washroom beside which the uniform hung was too cramped for a job this big, Ryota heads toward the Inspector's office, fumbling for the spare key as he nipped down the long hall.
That's odd. Never known him to leave this door unlocked, much less standing wide open.
Musta been in a real state when he left.
Braces flopping about on either hip, still he was presentably dressed in a flash and about to turn to lock the door behind him, when he noticed a large manila envelope laying in the center of a clutter free desk. Why don't I remember seeing this before? He approached cautiously, turning the package about with care. Unopened … and from London?
Of course, his mount wasn't even saddled up when he reached the stables and Ryota grumbled through a good ten minutes doing it himself. No sooner than he got one foot in a stirrup, another officer comes barreling out of the station house. "Ryota, come quick!"
What now?
Recherché
His clothing mottled with blood, the hem of his kimono, crusty with loam, his hair disheveled and the odor of kerosene wafting about him, a dazed Uchiha Itachi stands before the watch commander's podium. Without a second thought, Ryota eased the young man into a chair beside the desk, commandeering his own seat from the night commander. "What's happened sir?"
In a voice barely above a whisper, its tone flat, the Uchiha heir tells them plainly;
"The manor is aflame … my entire family is dead. I killed them."
An eerie hush fell upon the station house, each man looking to his fellow, frantic to make sense of what they'd just heard.
"Sir," Ryota said at last, "you've suffered a terrible fright ... you don't know what you're saying--"
"My faculties are intact officer," he replied, "and it is with no regret I say again ... my entire family is dead. I killed them."
Realizing this was a man in shock, Ryota instructs the night commander to take Itachi's statement; fearing the territory was under attack or that their spree killer has gone off on a tangent, he dispatched one officer to alert the fire brigade and a group of three patrolmen to conduct searches of the manor homes in the north. He then ran to Ibiki's office, the key left swinging in the lock as he rummaged through the stash of hard liquors for an unopened bottle and a clean shot glass.
A scant seven minutes have passed since he left the Uchiha's side.
By the time he rounds the corner and races to the desk, the night commander stands frozen in place, bug eyed and slack jawed, lines of horror engraved into his brow. Itachi remained upright in his seat, his eyes losing their light. Ryota already knew; the grim confirmation came when he held the shot glass just outside Itachi's reach. The young man made no move to take it. Woefully, his eyes traveled down the Uchiha's body, coming to rest on the ivory hilt of a tanto sticking out from his belly. A trickle of blood seeped from the corner of the young man's mouth and the shot glass shattered against the floor when at last, Uchiha Itachi slumped into Ryota's waiting arms.
"Fetch the Coroner," he said to the quiet room.
Recherché
The death toll now stands at thirty.
Notes:
Numina: plural of numen. A numen is a divine power or spirit; especially one presiding locally or believed to inhabit an object.
Obake and Bakemono: class of are a class of yōkai, preternatural creatures in Japanese folklore. Literally, the terms mean a thing that changes, referring to a state of transformation or shape shifting. A bakemono's true form may be an animal or an inanimate object which may possess a soul in Shinto and other animistic traditions. A bakemono usually either disguises itself as a human or appears in a strange or terrifying form. In common usage, any bizarre apparition can be referred to as a bakemono or an obake whether it is believed to have some other form, making the terms roughly synonymous with yōkai.
Assail: of an unpleasant feeling or physical sensation come upon someone suddenly and strongly.
Braces: British for what we commonly refer to as suspenders. Braces differ from suspenders in that they use leather straps to attach to buttons sewn on the inside of the trouser waist. Suspenders typically are fastened with metal clips.
Parade rest (military command): a stationary drill movement. From the position of "Attention", the left foot is moved about ten inches from the right foot; the hands rest at the small of the back, fingers extended and joined, interlocking the thumbs so that the palm of the right hand faces outward. No talking or other movement is allowed.
Yori: "servant to the public."
Hitoshi: "even tempered; level."
Hip and gable roof: In Eastern Asian architecture, the hip-and-gable roof comprise a hip roof that slopes down on all four sides and integrates a gable (a triangular portion of a wall between the edges of intersecting roof pitches) on two opposing sides; usually constructed with two large sloping roof sections in the front and back respectively, while each of the two sides is usually constructed with a smaller roof section. This style arrived in Japan from China in the 6th century. The style was originally used in the main and lecture halls of a Buddhist temple compound but started to be used also for the main halls at shrines later, during the Japan's Middle Ages. Its gable is usually right above the core of a building, while the hip covers a veranda-like aisle surrounding the core on one or more sides. It is still in wide use in Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines in Japan, but also in palaces, castles, and folk dwellings.
Lest we forget, Iruka Umino holds doctorates in anthropology and archeology (which is the study of human activity through recovery and analysis of material culture). The archeological record consists of artifacts, architecture and cultural landscapes. In Europe, archeology was/is viewed either as a discipline or a sub-field of other disciplines; in North America, it is strictly considered a sub-field of anthropology.
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